2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Obituaries 01.04.06
January 4, 2006
Lester Coleman "Red" Maker
Abilene aviation pioneer, well-known entrepreneur and businessman Lester Coleman "Red" Maker
died Monday evening, January 2, 2006. A service celebrating his life will be held at the First
United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 5. Visitation will be at the Hamil
Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road from 4-6 on Wednesday, January 4.
Red was born on November 24, 1920 on a farm near Butler, Oklahoma to Jay and Effie Maker. He
graduated Clinton High School in 1939 and earned his flight instructor rating at age 21 becoming
the youngest flight instructor in Oklahoma. Red served the Army Air Force as flight instructor
from 1942 until 1945 instructing primarily in PT-19's at Ballinger's Bruce Field before coming to
Abilene in partnership with his older brother, Roscoe, as owners and operators of Maker Airport.
The 84-acre airport later became the site of Westgate Shopping Center. "We had a gull-wing
Stinson, A Culver Cadet and a Stearman. You got an hour of dual for $6 or you could fly solo for
$4", Red said in a past interview with aviation feature writer Nancy Robinson. "My favorite
airplane for instructing was a J-3 Cub - a tailwheel airplane is the only way to learn how to land."
In addition to owning and operating the airport, Maker logged more than 8,000 flying hours,
including flying aerobatics over Abilene "to drum up business at the airport" and instructing
students. He was a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic who was particularly admired by
his peers for his skills analyzing a mechanical problem and then determining the best way to fix
it. "If Red fixed it, you flew it. There was no question it was fixed right, " according to longtime
friend and fellow aviator Bill Masters. " He was one of the most talented, most knowledgeable,
and hardest-working men I ever knew."
Red and Coral Leslie "Corky" Clark were married in 1949. Their honeymoon "get-away" to
California was in Red's plane. After selling the airport in 1950, he and Corky built the Century
Lodge Motel in 1951 and the Lamplighter Motor Inn in 1968, though he continued to be actively
involved in flying, including building a hangar and runway on the family farm. His daughters
vividly recall a time when they were unable to take off at the farm because the runway was not
long enough for the airplane on that day's weather conditions. Red parked the airplane, got on his
bulldozer and lengthened the runway, then continued on with the flight.
Working with his hands was Red's greatest joy. His favorite tool was the vice-grip and he was
never without one or two of them in his overalls. Although heart problems grounded him in 1988,
he continued an interest in aviation and worked every day maintaining various properties. Once
Red even tried to persuade Corky to let him stop at the Century Lodge so he could repair an ice
machine on the way to the hospital for treatment.
The Makers enjoyed traveling and in 1992 purchased the Abilene RV Park where Red worked daily
until a few weeks prior to his death. He was an active participant with Corky in activities of the
Harvesters Sunday School class at the First United Methodist Church, even though he never
missed work to attend church.
Red is survived by Corky, daughter Kitty Villa and husband Joel Morgan of Austin and grandsons
Mario and Marco Villa; daughter Terry Maker and husband Chris Rogers of Boulder, Colorado, and
brother Roscoe of Iredale, Texas. He is also survived by a host of friends and admirers. File used
to tell his daughters that he could "fix anything but a broken heart." He leaves many broken
hearts to mourn his passing, but they are comforted knowing that he is now happily at work with
his hands without the interference of pain and illness and his vice grips are always nearby.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Pallbearers will be Bill Billingley, Dennis Clark, John Stash, Roy Knowles, Bruce Hergenrader, and
Jimmie Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Harvesters Sunday School
class.
Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1318 South 2nd, Abilene,
Texas 79602 or Homeplace Hangar Aviation Pioneer Memorial, P.O. Box 2280, Abilene, Texas
79604 or to the charity of your choice.
Alton Clyde Newton
Alton Clyde Newton, 79, died Monday, January 2, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories,
542 Hickory, with Gayle Potter officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. The
family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
A native of Tye, Texas, he was the son of Elizabeth A. (Teaff) and William Clyde Newton. Alton
was a U. S. Army veteran and served in the Army National Guard. He retired after a career as an
inspector with the City of Abilene Engineering Department.
Mr. Newton was a member of Baker Heights Church of Christ for 43 years.
A son, Galen Dele Newton, his parents, a sister, and two brothers preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty Willis Newton of Abilene; daughters, Rebecca
Bradshaw and husband, Tim, and Doris Coggin, of Abilene, and Sherron Chick and husband,
Steve, of Greenville, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Newton of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; and
19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Kermit Newton and wife, Gay, of Abilene; Louise Beaird and husband, Charlie, of Abilene; sisters-in- law, Edrien Newton, Kay Newton,
and Mrs. Nollie Marie Brown all of Abilene, and Mrs. Lula Mae Miller and husband, Thomas, Jr., of
Arkansas; an aunt, Gladys Newton of Abilene: and a host of nieces and nephews.
Alton loved his grandchildren and daughters, who adored him.
Junior Meek
Services for Junior Meek, 69, of Godley, will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5,
2006 at the First Baptist Church of Godley. Rev. Kenneth Coleman will officiate, assisted by Mr.
Charlie Throckmorton, Mr. Dan Willis, Mr. Benny Johnson and Sheriff Bob Alford. Burial will be in
the Godley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Rizer, Bud Johnson, Wayne Carnish, George Doak,
Dr. Robert Shaw, Craig Knight, Tracy Renfro and Bernie Jay Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be
the Texas Youth Bullriders Association and Future Pro Bullriders Association.
Mr. Meek passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2006 in Ft. Worth. He was born April 4, 1936 in
Cleburne to Sanford and Margaret McMurry Meek. He married Ann Mack on February 11, 1975 in
Granbury.
Mr. Meek was a professional bull fighter, contestant, and rodeo clown for the PRCA for over 20
years. He was of the Baptist faith.
Junior Meek is survived by his wife Ann Meek of Godley; grandson, Jasper Wood of Godley; two
sons, Loyd Meek and wife Sherade of Anson and Robert Wood and wife Tammy of Godley; two
daughters, Mandy Ellis and husband Larry of Abilene and Missie Hall and husband Larry of
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Abilene; five granddaughters, Lauren Rowland, Jordan Ellis, Christian Hall, Savannah Meek and
Cheyanne Wood; four grandsons, Stetson Meek, Jet Ellis, Haskell and Harrison Hall; one sister,
Sandy Evans and husband Harry of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Tom Scott and wife Jana of
Cleburne and Homer Scott and wife Verner of Vernal, Utah; two sisters-in-law, Jimi Vasser and
husband Phil of Natchez, Mississippi and Pat Engler and husband Dr. Robert Engler of Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home.
You may email a condolence, view obituary and see photo at www.cpcleburne.com.
CROSIER-PEARSON FUNERAL HOME / CLEBURNE, TEXAS
Wayne Pearson Thompson
Wayne Pearson Thompson, 76, passed away January 3, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be
at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at Wylie Baptist Church, with Rev. Rick Grant
officiating, assisted by Rev. Roland Williams. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial
will be in the Potosi Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson was born May 21, 1929 in Troy, Texas to L.B. and Lois Gibson Thompson. He
married Joyce Manske in 1951 in Ballinger, Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to
1956 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1957 he went to work for the F.F.A. as an
electronic technician installing communication equipment at airports in eleven southern states. In
1982 he went to work at Abilene Municipal Airport as an electronic technician maintaining
instrument landing systems. He retired in 1989. Mr. Thompson owned and operated Thompson's
Trolling Motor Repair. He was a member of Wylie Baptist Church, Abilene Model A Club and Big
Country Ford V-8 Club.
Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Barton and Vernon Thompson,
both of Temple, Texas; and a sister, Evelyn Thompson Martin, of Troy, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Manske Thompson; a daughter, Melanie Thompson of Austin;
two sons, Kevin Thompson of Abilene and Neal Thompson of California City, California; four
grandchildren, Erik and Katelyn Thompson of California City, California, and Blaine and Kyle
Thompson of Abilene; two brothers, Dale Thompson and his wife Leni, of San Angelo, and J.Q.
Thompson and his wife Peggy of Temple, Texas; one sister Vivian Allen and her husband James,
of Brownwood, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army, 1726 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas 79602 or
Abilene Adult Day Care, 3518 South 7th Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Dee Penn Lynch
BROWNWOOD -- Funeral services for Dee Penn Lynch, age 86, of Brownwood, will be at 1:00 PM,
Thursday, January 5, 2006 in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the
Baggett Creek Cemetery in Comanche County. Visitation will be held tonight at the funeral home
from 6:00 until 7:00.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Mrs. Lynch passed away on Monday, January 2, 2006 in a local nursing facility. She was born on
September 15, 1919 in Milburn, Texas to O.V. and Minnie Dillard Pointer. She was a longtime
resident of Brownwood and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Brownwood. Dee worked
for Sears, Roebuck, and Company as a store manager and credit manager.
Dee is survived by her husband, John D. Lynch of Brownwood, two daughters, Pat Cadenhead and
husband Jack of Rotan and Nancy Belair and husband Gary of Frisco; two grandsons, five greatgranddaughters, and a great-great grandson; a sister, Ruth DeWitt of Pennsylvania and a
brother, George Pointer of Early, two nieces, Judy Pointer and Kay Donahoo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and a brother.
For those desiring to make memorials, the family suggests the American Heart Association, P.O.
Box 15186, Austin, Texas, 78761.
DAVIS-MORRIS FUNERAL HOME / BROWNWOOD, TEXAS
Lois Wood
Lois Wood, 76, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, at an Abilene medical center. Funeral services will
be 11 a.m. Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with
Rev. Tim Temple officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The daughter of the late Meta (Bahlman) and Riley Hall, Lois was born on July 2, 1929, in Runnels
County, Texas, and moved from Wingate to Abilene in 1948. She married Edgar L. "Ed" Wood on
March 3, 1951 in Abilene. From 1960 to 1990, Lois and her husband, Ed, owned and operated
Custom Draperies out of their home, fabricating and installing custom draperies and window
treatments. The couple also owned and managed rental property, which they continued after
retirement in 1990. Lois was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include her husband, Ed Wood of Abilene; sons, Barry Wood and wife, Marlene, of
Dallas, Pennsylvania, and Larry Wood and wife, Marianne, of Abilene; and grandchildren, Peter
Wood, Laurie Wood, Jonathan Wood, and Zhenya Wood.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Robert M. "Bob" Beckett
Robert M. "Bob" Beckett, 67, of Midland, died on Monday, January 2, 2006, at a Midland hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 5, 2006, at the First Baptist Church
in Cisco. Interment will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
He was born on August 31, 1938, in Del Rio, Texas and married Dawn Mills on October 30, 1970
in Odessa, Texas. Bob was a proud member of the fightin’ Aggie Class of 61’. Soon after
graduating from Texas A&M he went to work for Shell Oil Company as a landman. During his
tenure as a landman, he was the Division Landman (and later Regional Land Manager) for North
American Royalties, Land Manager for Kenai Oil and Gas, and in his later years an independent
landman until his retirement. He served as a Project manager for a large Italian construction
company (Coger-Impresit) building a multi-story prison in Miami, Florida and as a Project
Manager for a the State of Texas building a Texas prison in Abilene, Texas and also a prison in
Gatesville, Texas. Mr. Beckett was a member of First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas and
formerly a member of First Baptist Church of Cisco, Texas. He was a member of the American
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Association of Petroleum Landman, Permian Basin Association of Landman, and the Texas A& M
Association of Former Students.
Survivors include wife, Dawn Mills Beckett of Midland, Texas; two sons & daughter-in-laws, Brent
& Stacy Hilliard of Midland, Texas and Hoot & Janecka Beckett of Little Rock, Arkansas; one
daughter & son-in-law, Natalie & Glenn Johnson of Childress, Texas; one sister, Linda McQuilkin
of Eastland, Texas; mother-in-law, Leona Moffitt of Midland, Texas; father-in- law, Louis Mills of
Mesa, Arizona; five grandchildren, Tara Holder, Sterling Hilliard, Bradley Hilliard, Spencer Hilliard,
and Sam Beckett . He was preceded in death by one daughter Lela Raye Beckett and his parents.
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland, Texas.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
NALLEY-PICKLE & WELCH FUNERAL HOME / MIDLAND, TEXAS
Vong Ton
HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM -- Mr. Vong Ton, age 80, of South Vietnam passed from this life on
Saturday, December 24, 2005 in Nguyen Trai Hospital, Saigon, Vietnam.
Mr. Ton was born November 15, 1925 at Vinh City, Nghe An Province (also the birthplace of
former leader Ho Chi Minh.) Mr. Vong Ton's family was originally from Hue, Vietnam and the Ton's
family is also a member of the royal dynasty during that era. King Nguyen appointed Mr. Vong
Ton's grandfather Governor of Nghe An Province. Mr. Vong Ton was educated in Ha-Noi, Vietnam
and married his wife there in 1948. In 1950, he was sent by the French Government to Paris to
train as a railroad engineer. Mr. Vong Ton returned to a divided Vietnam in 1954 and moved his
family to South Vietnam.
Although most professional men were sent to "reeducation camps" in 1975, he was spared
because of his ability to serve as a translator between Vietnamese, French, and English. He
continued working for the railroad until his retirement in 1985.
In April 2002, the US Government granted him a Visa to visit his daughter and her family in
Abilene. While in Abilene, Mr. Vong Ton received a cornea transplant to improve his vision and
also gained a Texas driver's license at the age of 76. He returned to Vietnam in October 2002 and
remained there until his death.
Mr. Vong Ton is survived by his daughter Chi-Mai Nguyen, son-in-law Minh Nguyen, four
grandchildren, five great- grandchildren of Abilene and his son Tuan-Ton of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
He was preceded in death by his wife and one son.
A memorial service will be held in Ho Chi Minh, (Saigon) Vietnam.
We are praying that he has eternal life as soon as his soul goes to the Nirvana.
Ethel Irene Chambers Hall
BUFFALO GAP – Ethel Irene Hall, 93, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, in Senior Care at Lake Pointe
in Rowlett. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, in Buffalo Gap
Cemetery, with Reverend Paul Blankenship officiating, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in
Tuscola.
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Ethel was born December 28, 1912, to George Walter and Ella Vaughn Chambers in Minnie Ola,
Arkansas. The family relocated to the Oklahoma territory during her early years, later moving to
Texas in a covered wagon. She married Graden Henry Hall December 28, 1929, in the Baleybur
community near Muleshoe. She and her husband lived in the West Texas town of Watson prior to
moving to Chama, New Mexico, in 1930. The couple returned to West Texas in 1942 and moved
to Grady, New Mexico in 1945. They moved to Bovina, Texas, in 1953 and to the Buffalo Gap area
in the late 1970’s, where Edith remained until she became a resident of Senior Care at Lake
Pointe in Rowlett in 1997.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband in 1984; one brother, Elmer Chambers;
and one sister, Agnes Mayhew Winn.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Ridsdale and husband Lynn of Rowlett, Verna Lee
Burnett and husband Lenard of Merced, California; two sons, Delbert Hall and wife Sherry of
Tuscola, and Jack Hall and wife Linda of Amarillo; two sisters, Letta Long Harvey of Portales, New
Mexico and Winnie Mills of Muleshoe; eight grandchildren; and twelve great- grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to ECCA VFD, 349 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562 or Elm Valley
Community Church, 142 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562.
FRY-BARTLETT FUNERAL HOME / TUSCOLA, TEXAS
Margaret Schaefer Higgins
Margaret Schaefer Higgins, 100, died December 19, 2005, after a brief illness, at Sears Methodist
Center, Abilene, Texas.
Margaret was born March 8, 1905 to Henry Schaefer and Caroline (Dippel) Schaefer in Carlstadt,
New Jersey. She worked for over 50 years as a legal secretary on Wall Street before retiring to
Warner, NH. In August 2000, Margaret moved to Abilene where she continued her love of travel,
adventure, and community.
A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Abilene. Interment will be in Waterloo Cemetery, Warner, NH under the direction of
Chadwick Funeral Home of New London.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank P. Higgins; a brother,
George Henry Schaefer; and a sister, Irene Schaefer Chilton. She is survived by a son, Major
General Francis J. Higgins, numerous cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or charity of
choice.
William Agatha Nance
William Agatha Nance, age 90 of Desdemona, passed away Monday, January 2, 2006 at Harris
Methodist Hospital in Stephenville.
Services will be 10:00 A. M. Thursday at the Old Methodist Church (First Baptist Annex) in
Desdemona with Rev. Victor Pena officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Desdemona
Cemetery. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
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Mrs. Nance was born November 24, 1915 in Desdemona to the late Charles H. Genoway and
Fannie (Cook) Genoway. She married Morris E. Nance November 29, 1938 in Desdemona. He
preceded her in death on September 5, 1995. She was a devoted wife and mother and loving
caregiver to her family. She was a member of the Gorman Methodist Church.
Survivors include, daughter, Agatha Nance Henriksen and husband, John A. of Wilmington, NC;
two sons, Donald Nance and wife, Susan of Stephenville and Rev. Stephen Nance and wife Tana
of Breckenridge; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
a son, Charles Morris Nance, a special niece, Billye Richards, two brothers and six sisters.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. at the funeral
home.
HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL HOME / GORMAN, TEXAS
Modesta Loya Pecina
Modesta Loya Pecina, 71, passed away Monday, January 2, 2006, at her residence. A 24 hour
vigil will begin at 9:00 a.m. today at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1333 Westmoreland, with a
Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Bethel United
Methodist Church with Reverend Bernabe Munoz-Del Sol officiating. Burial will follow in the
I.O.O.F section of the Abilene Municipal Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pecina was born February 2, 1934, in Bastrop, Texas to Henry and Juanita Loya. She married
Fausto Pecina on May 2, 1985, in Abilene and was employed at Hendrick Health System, in
housekeeping, for over 20 years. Modesta was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Fausto Pecina of Abilene; three sons, Danny Flores, Rene Flores
and Manuel Vasquez, all of Abilene; four brothers, Joe Loya, Abraham Loya and Cruz Loya, all of
Abilene and Raymond Loya of Grand Prairie; two sisters, Christina Dunn and Janie Culver, both of
Abilene; and 10 grandchildren.
Mrs. Pecina was preceded in death by a daughter, Lilly Flores and four brothers, Enrique Loya,
David Loya, Ruben Loya and Manuel Loya.
Online condolences and register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
Trilena Jerical Dortch
Trilena Jerical Dortch, 31 years old departed this life on Sunday, January 1, 2006 at Hendrick
Medical Center. She was born on March 5, 1974 in Bay Minette, Alabama to Helen Marshall and
Arthur Dortch. During the first seven years of her life, she resided in Little River, Alabama with
her family and later moved to Abilene, Texas in 1982.
Trilena is a 1992 graduate of Cooper High School. She is also a 1996 alumni of Hardin-Simmons
University. In 2004, Trilena returned to Hardin-Simmons to pursue a Master degree in Counseling
and Human Resources and was scheduled to graduate in the spring. For six years, she was
employed as a Customer Service Representative II at Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Trilena’s family and friends will forever cherish those precious moments she shared with them as
she journeyed through life. She is survived by her deeply devoted mother, Helen Marshall, sister,
Nakia Thompson, brother, Tone’ Castillo, father, Arthur Dortch and stepmother, Doris, stepsister
and brothers, Tamaka Rich, Reginal Rich, Tyrone Carter and Keith White, all of Mobile, Alabama.
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Trilena will be greatly missed by her dearly beloved grandmother, Elizabeth H. Marshall, Little
River, Alabama, uncles and aunts, Russell (Jackie) Cannon, Betty (Eddie) Ballard, Katherine
(Roosevelt) Valree, James (Emma) Marshall, John (Carolyn) Marshall, Albert (Deloris) Marshall,
Robert (Monica) Marshall, Calvin Marshall and Emma Marshall. Trilena also leaves to mourn her
passing many highly devoted cousins and friends whom she loved from the depths of her heart.
Funeral services will be held at the Tate Creek Baptist Church in Little River, Alabama on Friday at
2:00 p.m. Visiting hour for family and friends will take place on Thursday at 6:00 pm. at the
Baldwin Community Chapel in Bay Minette, Alabama. Local arrangements are being made by
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory, in Abilene, Texas.
Any memorial donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street,
Suite 1100, N.Y. 10016.
Rhea Nell Landers
Nell was born in Abilene, Texas on July 31, 1926. She was the third of five children born to
Loulabelle and Wylie Mason. Nell met and married Charles Landers in 1946. Nell gave birth to one
daughter, Judy, in 1949. She had one beloved grandchild, Tiffanie, and son-in-law Steve, whom
she called "son". She spent many years as a secretary in her husband's architectural office. She
also volunteered her time in Veterans' Organizations, including the Veterans' Hospital near
Abilene. Charles died at an early age in 1987. Nell continued to live in Abilene until 2000, when
she moved to Colorado after a catastrophic illness. She became a positive influence in several
assisted living facilities and a nursing home. She passed away December 27, 2005, at Shalom
Park after an extended illness at the age of 79 years and 149 days. She is survived by daughter
Judy Bederman, granddaughter Tiffanie Bederman, son-in-law Steve Bederman, brother Bobby
Mason, sister-in-law Shirley Mason, brother-in-law Ray Landers, nieces Mary Lopez, Jeanie
Hunsaker, Becky Day, Missy Mason, nephews Robbie Mason, Harry Mason, Bradley Mason, Sam
Landers, John Landers and many other loved ones.
Death Notices 01.01.06
January 1, 2006
Clara Allen –ODESSA
Clara Allen, 85, formerly of Snyder, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Funeral services are 11 a.m.
Tuesday at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Snyder Cemetery.
Mary Elizabeth Anderson
PLAINVIEW - Mary Elizabeth Anderson, 84, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Funeral services will be 2
p.m. Tuesday at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, Big Spring. Burial will be in Trinity
Memorial Park, Big Spring.
Douglass Beaty
ABILENE - Douglass Beaty, 67, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services will be 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday at Southwest Park Baptist Church. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Evelyn 'Penny' Collinsworth
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MORAN - Evelyn ''Penny'' Collinsworth, 81, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Graveside services are 2
p.m. Monday in Johnson Cemetery in Moran under the direction of Godfrey-Neese Funeral Home.
Irene Ima Hardy -SNYDER - Irene Ima Hardy, 86, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Graveside services
are 11 a.m. Monday in Hillside Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Bell-CypertSeale Funeral Home.
Otis Marvin Kincheloe SNYDER - Otis Marvin Kincheloe, 74, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005.
Services are 4 p.m. Monday at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel of Snyder. Burial will be in
Hillside Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Alva Brown Lauderdale
JAYTON - Alva Brown Lauderdale, 99, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Monday in Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home, Rotan.
Leadrian Moore
BROWNWOOD - Leadrian Moore, 87, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Monday in Jenkins Springs Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Bryan Newton
TEMPLE - Bryan Newton, 33, formerly of Bangs, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Services are 11 a.m.
Monday at First Baptist Church of Brownwood. Burial will be in Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation is 4
to 6 p.m. today at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Georgie Fae Stacy
GORMAN - Georgie Fae Stacy, 88, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Services are 2:30 p.m. today at
Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman with burial at Oakland Cemetery.
Obituaries 01.02.06
January 2, 2006
Billy Mac Cook
Billy Mac Cook, 59, of Lake Fort Phantom, died at his residence Thursday, December 29, 2005.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with
Greg Kennedy and Ronnie Newton officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in Hawley
Cemetery, under the direction of North's Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6
to 7:30 p.m. at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St.
Mr. Cook was born June 12, 1946 in Abilene to Bentley and Ola Cook. He was Salutatorian of the
class of 1964 of Hawley High School. He served in the United States Army and the Texas National
Guard. He married Patricia "Patty" Brown December 20, 1975 in Abilene. Mr. Cook owned and
operated the B.J. Cook Coin Laundries and Car Washes in Abilene, Anson, Hawley, and Merkel for
over 50 years. He was an avid hunter and sportsman for many years and a member of the
National Rifle Association, Ft. Phantom Association, and the Hawley Methodist Church.
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He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
Survivors include his wife, Patty of the home; a daughter, Lacey Anne Cook of the home; his
mother, Ola Pruitt of Abilene; his father and mother-in-law, Ed and Joy Brown of Wichita, Kansas;
a brother-in-law and his wife, Barry and Valerie Brown of Wichita, Kansas; two sisters-in-laws and
their spouses, Debbie and Phillip Bonadonna of Stafford, VA., and Angela and Dan Withers of
Wichita, Kansas. Several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jessie Leona Rudeseal
Jessie Leona Rudeseal, 103, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2005, at her home in
Brownwood surrounded by her family and caregiver. Graveside services will be Wednesday,
January 4, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at Eastlawn Cemetery in Early. Visitation will be Tuesday evening,
January 3, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Avenue in
Brownwood.
Mrs. Rudeseal was born on August 28, 1902, in Prescott, Arkansas. She was married to John L.
Rudeseal, Sr. on January 4, 1922, and they moved to Ackerly, Texas. While a resident there, she
raised a family and was the Assistant Postmaster until they retired to Brownwood in 1971. They
joined Calvary Baptist Church and were active while their health permitted.
Her husband, John; a son, Pat Rudeseal; and two grand- children, Patty Ann Rudeseal and Roger
Craig Rudeseal, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sister, Josephine Hogue of Sacramento, CA; her daughter, Leona Myles
and husband, Tom of Frederick, MD; son, John L. Rudeseal, Jr. and his wife, Wilma of Carrollton;
son, Keith Rudeseal of Austin; daughter-in-law, Iris Rudeseal of Brownwood; her five
grandchildren: Stanley Myles and wife, Marianne of Laytonsville, MD; Lee Rudeseal and wife, Ellen
Blanton of Palm Desert, CA; Mark Rudeseal and wife, Lou Ann of Arlington; Micah Rudeseal and
wife, Ronda of Carrollton; and Steve Rudeseal of Lubbock; her five great grand children, Kevin
Rudeseal of Arlington, Eric Rudeseal of Arlington, Sarah Hackleman and husband, Tom of Boerne;
Lee-Ellen Myles of Laytonsville, MD; and Ryan Rudeseal of Carrollton; numerous nieces and
nephews; and her loving caregiver of the last eight years, Betty Webb.
She will be remembered for her great love for Christ, for her family and her friends. Memorials
may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, 5005 LBJ Freeway, #410, Dallas,
TX 75244.
DAVIS — MORRIS FUNERAL HOME
BROWNWOOD, TEXAS
Eugene Lang Jr.
Eugene Lang Jr., 82, life long resident of Abilene, died Thursday, December 29, 2005. His funeral
service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277
South. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Viewing and visitation will be at the funeral home from 6 to 7 PM on Monday with a Prayer Service
beginning at 7 PM. The family will receive friends at 2213 Bridge.
Mr. Lang was born on August 12, 1923 in Hawley, was a graduate of Abilene High and served in
the United States Navy during WWII. He was a hard worker and had worked in Chemical Sales
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
and operated his own Janitorial service. He enjoyed recycling and spending time with his
grandkids who lovingly called him "Eto".
Survivors include his wife Victoria of Abilene; five sons, Allen Lang of Tyler, Bobby Gene Lang of
Odessa, Dale Eugene Lang of Abilene, Freddie Merek Lang of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Eric
Eugene Lang of Abilene, Tony Montez of Rochester, New York, Orlando, Robert, and Vincent
Montez all of Abilene; seven daughters, Diane Pangburn, Mary Ellen Bryan, Gina Lang and
Angelina Couch (Lloyd) all of Abilene, Mary Collins (Greg) of Sweetwater, Jessica Schliefert
(Roger) of Wichita, Kansas, and Valentina Miller (Steve) of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister, Fern
Price of Ft. Worth; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Coach Douglass Beaty
Coach Douglass Beaty, 67, of Abi- lene, died Saturday, December 31, 2005, at an Abilene medical
center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Southwest Park Baptist Church with Rev.
Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott- Hamil Garden of Memories directed by ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at
the fu- neral 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 gradu- ated
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 Douglass 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 Abi- lene; a brother, Bobby Beaty of Arkansas; fifteen 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, TX
79605, or West Texas Reha- bilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
Evelyn Mauldin
Mrs. Oran B. (Evelyn) Mauldin, a long-time resident of Abilene, passed away on December 30,
2005. Mrs. Mauldin was born in Ballinger on Sep- tember 23, 1915. She was preceded in death by
her parents, John Ellis and Elena Tindall, sisters, Hazel Mauldin, Lucille Ford, a brother, Herman
(Hal) Tindall and a grandson, Dan Mauldin.
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Mrs. Mauldin was married to Oran B. Mauldin, March 25, 1938. The couple lived in Abilene from
1948 un- til 2002, when they moved to Eden Home Retirement Center in New Braunfels. They
have four children, Mr. and Mrs. Jim (Barbara) Chapo of Fayetteville, Georgia, Mr. and Mrs. Larry
B. (Jane) Mauldin of New Braunfels, John Bruce Mauldin of Hous- ton, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe
(Beverly) Beck of San Antonio; grand- children, Gary (Susan) Chapo, Lisa Quint, and Jamie (Rob)
Hammond all of the Atlanta, GA area, Trine Santa of Austin, Karin Mauldin of Houston, John (Lori)
Beck of San Antonio, Justin Beck of New York City, and Amberliegh Beck of Temple; and greatgrandchildren, Samuel and Kelly Chapo and Taylor, Cameron and Lillie Hammond all of the
Atlanta, GA area, and Camden and Kesteren Beck of San Antonio.
Mrs. Mauldin was a charter member of Hendrick Hospital's Pink Ladies' volunteer organization,
inspiring her to later become employed in Hendrick Medical Center's Central Supply for over 17
years. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association, Ora Negra Chapter for
many years, and was named the chapter's Woman of the Year in 2002. She was in leadership for
Woman's Missionary Union of North Park Bap- tist Church and Abilene's Baptist Association. She
was a Sun- day School teacher and choir member, and served as a volun- teer worship leader at
Northern Oaks Nursing Home in the Abilene Baptist Association Social Ministries.
Family visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory Street, in
Abilene, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at North Park Bap- tist
Church, 1525 Anson Avenue, followed by burial in Elmwood Memorial Park. Officiating ministers
will be Rev. Louis Johnson, Rev. Clayton Pennington, Rev. Charles Love and Rev. Allan Cartrite.
Pallbearers will be North Park Baptist deacons. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Mauldin, nephews
and grandsons.
Memorial donations may be made to North Park Baptist Church, 1525 Anson Avenue, Abilene, TX
79601, or Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 241 Pine St., #1 C, Abilene, TX
79601.
Evelyn "Penny" Collinsworth
MORAN — Evelyn "Penny" Collinsworth, age 81, of Moran, Texas passed away on Friday,
December 30, 2005 in an Abi- lene hospital.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Mon- day, January 2, 2006 at the
Johnson Cemetery in Moran, Texas with the Reverend Kay Reed officiating. Services are 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 is survived by: her husband, John R. Collinsworth of Mo- ran, Texas; three nieces; and five
nephews.
She war preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Beth Collin- sworth and two brothers, Joe David
Moren and J. W. Moren and also by two sisters, Maycel Owens and Joy Nell Conner.
GODFREY — NEESE FUNERAL HOME
MORAN, TEXAS
James Richard Ratliff II
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
James Richard "Jim" Ratliff II, died Saturday, December 31, 2005 in a Lubbock hospital. A funeral
service, with Reverends Jimmy Griffith, Burtis Williams, and Ward Hayes officiating, will be at
2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 3, 2006 in the First Baptist Church of Buffalo Gap, Texas. Burial will
follow in the Buffalo Gap Cemetery under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Monday,
January 2 from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M.
Jim was born August 14, 1961 in Rotan, Texas to James Richard and Dianne Coggins Ratliff. He
attended school in Rotan before graduating from Hobbs High School. He married Traci Thompson
in Abilene on August 13, 1988. Jim began working for Godsey Equipment Company and worked in
the industry for 22 years before his health caused him to retire. Jim had suffered a spinal cord
injury during his high school years, but that injury never dampened his loving and very humorous
spirit. An amazing man, devoted and loving father, son, brother and husband, Jim participated in
wheelchair sports, coached youth football and baseball, as well as working with young people who
had recently experienced the same type of injury that he had struggled to overcome.
Survivors include: his wife, Traci, of Merkel; three sons, James III "Tres", David Lee and Aaron
Taylor Ratliff all of the home; his parents, James and Dianne Ratliff of the Snyder area; two
sisters, Kim and husband Tracey Knipe of Snyder, and Teressa and husband Jarod Standlee of
Lubbock, Texas; his mother and father-in-law, Veda and Lee Thompson of Buffalo Gap, Texas;
two sisters-in-law, Caryn Thompson and husband David of Hill Top Lakes, Texas and Melissa
Thompson of Nugent, Texas as well as nieces and nephews.
Josemaria Martinez (Joe) De La Cruz
Josemaria Martinez (Joe) De La Cruz, 68, died Thursday, December 29, 2005, at his residence in
Abilene. Funeral mass will be 2 p.m. Monday at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church officiated by
Rev. Terry Brenon, and directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Burial will
be in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. The family will be at 1351 Westview Drive.
Born in Stamford, Texas, on September 23, 1937, Joe was the son of Alexandra (Martinez) and
Faustino De La Cruz. He was a warehouse supervisor for Honeywell.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Amador "Shorty" De La Cruz.
Survivors include his son, Tommy De La Cruz of Fort Worth; his former wife, Virginia E. Arfman of
Fort Worth; stepsons, Morris Lee Ochoa, Gene Ochoa, and Johnny Ochoa all of Fort Worth;
brothers, Manuel De La Cruz, Sr. and Paul De La Cruz both of Abilene; and a sister, Mary "Nena"
De La Cruz Hill of Wichita, Kansas.
Laura Faye Green
HASKELL- Laura Faye Green, 52, of Haskell, formerly of Stamford, died January 1, 2006 at her
residence. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at Bethel
Cemetery, Funston under the direction of Kinney-Under- wood Funeral Home in Stamford.
Laura was born November 30, 1953 in Amarillo the daughter of Faye Bullock Green and the late
Grady Gonzilas. She moved from Stamford to Haskell in 2005. She was a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was a home- maker.
Laura is survived by her mother, Faye Green, of Stamford; 5 daughters, Lisa and Tracy Hickson of
Richland Hills, Penny Sanders of Oklahoma, Claudia and Keith Ward of Haltom City, April and
Asyah Green of Richland Hills; 8 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Bud Lowery of Breckenridge, Mark
Green of Anson; and 1 sister, Deloris Jones of Oklahoma.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Visitation will be held 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, January 2, 2006 at the funeral home.
Peggy Murff
ROBY– Peggy Murff, 90, died Sunday, January 1, 2006 in Sweetwater, Texas. Services will be
11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Roby under the
direction of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Peggy was born August 23, 1915 in east Texas to the late John T. and Lula Riggins. She moved to
Roby as a child and lived there the rest of her life. Peggy married Carl Eugene Murff September
15, 1929. She loved her family and enjoyed traveling in their RV. She was a homemaker and a
member of the Methodist Church. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, parents, one
brother and one sister.
Peggy is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Melton and Evelyn Murff of Hico; two daughters
and a son-in-law, Judye and Terry Mauldin of Roby and Joyce Etheredge of Roscoe; a brother,
John T. Riggins of Dallas; a sister, Doris Tacker of Luling; 8 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; and 5 great- great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Martha J. Bishop Collett
Graveside services for Martha J. Bishop Collett age, 85, of Abilene, Texas and formally of Cumby,
Texas will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2005 at the Cumby City Cemetery with
Rev. Rueben Trussell officiating.
Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Monday January 2, 2005 at West Oaks Funeral
Home in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Mrs.Collett died on Friday Decem- ber 30, 2005 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. She was born
in Cumby, Texas on August 29, 1920 to George Luna Bishop and Mary Warren Bishop. She
married John R. Collett on October 24, 1956 in Lovington, New Mexico and he survives.
Mrs.Collett was a homemaker for many years. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star
Chapter 30, and Social Order of the Beauceant Lodge.
Mrs. Collett was a member of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her husband John R. Collett one son James G. Collett and wife Wanda of
Breckenridge, Texas. One sister Letha Mae Bishop Lambert of Hobbs, New Mexico. Two
grandchildren Jamie Sue Collett and Eric W. Collett, four Great- grandchildren Shaelin Castro,
Dayton Castro, Tanner Keith, and Cabe River Collett. Mrs. Collett is preceded in death by both her
parents and two brothers.
www.mem.com
WEST OAKS FUNERAL HOME
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS
Patricia "Pat" Ann Ford
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Patricia "Pat" Ann Ford, 64 of Abilene, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2005. Her graveside
service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at the Bell Plains Cemetery with
Travis Brown officiating under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home.
Viewing and visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Monday at the funeral home, 5750 HWY 277
South.
Pat was born on April 23, 1941 in San Antonio the daughter of Carey and Gertrude Alderson. She
married Jimmie D. Ford on October 25, 1958 in Abilene. She retired from the Abilene Public
Library after 19 years of service and was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. She enjoyed
bowling for many years.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Jimmie D. Ford of Abilene; two sons, Kenny Weaver of
Abilene and Victor Weaver of Cross Plains; her daughter, Lisa Bryan of Joshua; one brother, Blair
Alderson of Merkel; 5 granddaughters and 7 great grandchildren with another expected.
Her parents, a brother, Hugh, and an infant sister, preceded her in death.
Pat will be missed dearly by her family and friends.
Royce King
1933 — 2005
Royce King, 72 of Amarillo, died Saturday, December 31, 2005.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at Memory Gardens Cemetery
with Sabin Bailey and Reverend Jim Fox, Vistacare Hospice Chaplain officiating. Arrangements are
by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount, Amarillo, TX.
Mr. King was born August 3, 1933 in Crews, Texas to William & Gladys Madison King. He graduated from Winters High School in Abilene in 1950 and attended McMurray College.
He was a commodity broker with Anderson Clayton in Abilene and American Brokerage in
Amarillo.
Mr. King married Bobbie Ann Sabin on August 5, 1952 in Abilene, TX. He was a member of First
Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of the home; son, Sabin & wife Janie King of Amarillo; daughter, Amy &
husband David Harrison of Lubbock; sister, Lavoy McNeil of Wingate; grandchildren, Allison &
husband Jon Bray, Emily King, Neal Harrison, Eric Harrison & Haley Harrison; great grandchildren,
Taylor & Landrie Bray.
The family suggests memorial to Vistacare Hospice, 7116 W I 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106 or
Alzheimer's Panhandle Chapter, 2200 West 7th, Amarillo, TX 79106.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
BOXWELL BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME
AMARILLO, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.02.06
January 2, 2006
Lottie Crittenden
BIG SPRING - Lottie Crittenden, 84, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are pending with NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Trilena Jerical Dortch
Trilena Jerical Dortch, 31, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Arrangements are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Lillian Gould
BIG SPRING - Lillian Gould, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at
Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Brown Ranch Cemetery in Coleman.
Viewing is at Myers & Smith Funeral Home, Big Spring, until 1 p.m. today.
Reymund M. Jaques
BALLINGER - Reymund M. Jaques, 50, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Graveside services are 4 p.m.
today in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Lange Funeral Home.
Edwin Knipstein
STEPHENVILLE - Edwin Knipstein, 84, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at
First Presbyterian Church of Stephenville. Burial will be in West End Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8
p.m. today at Lacy Funeral Home.
Wanda McGee
BIG SPRING - Wanda McGee, 62, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are pending with NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Natalie Newsom Roberts
BIG SPRING - Natalie Newsom Roberts, 65, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Graveside services will
be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
today at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Ben Sparks
BIG SPRING - Ben Sparks, 66, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services are pending with NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Georgia Olene Spill
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
CLIFTON - Georgia Olene Spill, 89, formerly of Winters, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Graveside
services are 11 a.m. today in Lakeview Cemetery in Winters, directed by Winters Funeral Home.
Bobby Joy Trumbull
BROWNWOOD - Bobby Joy Trumbull, 63, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Elkins Cemetery.
Paul Matthews Wheelis
BROWNWOOD - Paul Matthews Wheelis, 92, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Memorial services will be
held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Brownwood. Visitation is 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. today at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Marjorie Sears Yowell
BRENHAM - Marjorie Sears Yowell, 81, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services are 10 a.m.
Tuesday at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Perrin Memorial Cemetery, Perrin.
Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville.
Obituaries 01.03.06
January 3, 2006
Amon Aldridge
GOLDSBORO – Amon Aldridge, 85, died January 1, 2006, in an Abilene nursing home. Graveside
services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006, in Counts Cemetery in the Content
Community with Elder Travis Brown officiating, directed by Fry- Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola.
Amon was born January 16, 1920, in Content in Runnels County, to Douglas David and Sarah
Cathilee McMillon Aldridge. He was a U. S. veteran of WWII. After the war he married Juarie
Walden July 6, 1946, in Dallas. He and his twin brother, Amos, farmed and ranched in the
Content community for many years. Included in the operation was the original Aldridge farm that
has been in the family since 1905. He was a member of the first Jim Ned School Board after
consolidation with other South Taylor County school districts. He was a member of Lebanon
Primitive Baptist Church in Lawn.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Juarie in 1990; four brothers; and five sisters.
Survivors include one son, David Aldridge and wife Karen of Novice; one daughter, Amy Allyn of
Goldsboro; one brother, Amos Aldridge and wife Dorothy of Goldsboro; one sister, Marjorie
Wright and husband C. T. of Abilene; two grandsons, Eddy Allyn and Chace Aldridge; four
granddaughters, Kaylee Cortinez, Lyndee Allyn, Kassidy Hill, and Danielle Aldridge; four greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,
TN 38105-1942.
FRY-BARTLETT FUNERAL HOME
TUSCOLA, TEXAS
Betty Barker Newhart
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
WINTERS — Betty Barker Newhart, 78, formerly of Winters, Abilene, and San Angelo died
Monday, January 2, 2006 in Red Oak Health and Rehab Nursing Home in Red Oak, Texas. She
was born November 21, 1927 in Wilmeth and graduated from Winters High School. She married
Joseph Newhart in 1963 in Abilene and they lived there and the San Angelo area. She was a
homemaker and a Methodist.
She is survived by: her husband, Joseph A. Newhart of Clyde; three daughters, Paula Easter of
Duncanville, Dana Rich of Euless, and Patty Esposito of Abilene; one brother, Bill Barker of
Winters; seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006 in the Wilmeth Cemetery with
Rev. Jan Baldwin officiating, directed by Winters Funeral Home.
WINTERS FUNERAL HOME
WINTERS, TEXAS
Edwin D. Renfro
MERKEL – Edwin D. Renfro, 84, lifetime resident of Merkel passed from this life Sunday, January
1, 2006 in a local hospital. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Merkel First Baptist Church
with Jimmy Doan and Reverend Jimmy Griffith officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery
directed by Starbuck Funeral Home.
Edwin was born February 8, 1921 in Merkel to L. J. and Maggie Jones Renfro. He worked with his
father for many years in the dry cleaning business. In 1968, he went to work for the Texas
Department of Transportation, retiring in 1986. Edwin loved to play dominoes and was an avid
sports fan, his favorite sport being baseball. He was a life long member of the First Baptist
Church.
Survivors include two sisters, Joyce Norris and husband Troy of Bedford, Gwen Tiede of Spokane,
WA; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gerald Renfro.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME
MERKEL, TEXAS
Ethel Irene Chambers Hall
BUFFALO GAP – Ethel Irene Hall, 93, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, in Senior Care at Lake Pointe
in Rowlett. Graveside services will be Wednesday, January 4, 2006, in Buffalo Gap Cemetery, with
Reverend Paul Blankenship officiating, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola. Visitation
will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Ethel was born December 28, 1912, to George Walter and Ella Vaughn Chambers in Minnie Ola,
Arkansas. The family relocated to the Oklahoma territory during her early years, later moving to
Texas in a covered wagon. She married Graden Henry Hall December 28, 1929, in the Baleybur
community near Muleshoe. She and her husband lived in the West Texas town of Watson prior to
moving to Chama, New Mexico, in 1930. The couple returned to West Texas in 1942 and moved
to Grady, New Mexico in 1945. They moved to Bovina, Texas, in 1953 and to the Buffalo Gap area
in the late 1970’s, where Edith remained until she became a resident of Senior Care at Lake
Pointe in Rowlett in 1997.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband in 1984; one brother, Elmer Chambers;
and one sister, Agnes Mayhew Winn.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Ridsdale and husband Lynn of Rowlett, Verna Lee
Burnett and husband Lenard of Merced, California; two sons, Delbert Hall and wife Sherry of
Tuscola, and Jack Hall and wife Linda of Amarillo; two sisters, Letta Long Harvey of Portales, New
Mexico and Winnie Mills of Muleshoe; eight grandchildren; and twelve great- grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to ECCA VFD, 349 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562 or Elm Valley
Community Church, 142 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562.
FRY-BARTLETT FUNERAL HOME
TUSCOLA, TEXAS
Gola Ernestine Harrison
Gola Ernestine Harrison, 83, of Abilene passed away Monday, January 2, 2006. Graveside services
will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Elmwood Memorial Park with Stan Alcorn officiating, under
the direction of North's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harrison was born February 22, 1922, in Springfield, Missouri, to Emmit and Eva Vaughn.
She married Earl Harrison on May 14, 1950, in Clovis, New Mexico. They moved to Abilene in
March of 1957. She was a member of First Baptist Church. She worked as a realtor for a number
of years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother.
She is survived by her husband, Earl; two daughters: Cindy Wier and husband David of Abilene
and Gail Dillard and husband Jim of Georgetown; one grandson, John Wier; one granddaughter,
Jordan Wier; and three great-grandchildren.
Jessie Mae Postier
Jessie Mae Postier, 93, of Garber, Oklahoma was the daughter of Leslie Lawrence and Mary Ellen
(Burke) Whaylen.
She was born January 13, 1912 in Iowa and died Sunday, January 1, 2006 at the Methodist
Nursing Home in Enid, Oklahoma.
Jessie and Harold A. Postier were married on August 21, 1935 in Garber, Oklahoma and they
enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his death on March 27, 1999.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with
her family. She was a loving care giver who always lovingly gave care to her family and friends.
She was homemaker and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Garber.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2006 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in
Garber, Oklahoma. Rev. Joseph Myers will officiate. Interment will be in the Garber Cemetery at
Garber, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Dugger Funeral Home of Garber,
Oklahoma.
Memorials may be made to the Endowment Fund of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Care of Dugger
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Garber, Oklahoma 73738.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Survivors are two daughters, Delores Moore and her husband, Curtis, of Abilene, Texas, and
Emma Lee Cerny of Enid, Oklahoma; two sons, Bud Postier and his wife, Susie, of Garber,
Oklahoma and Richard Postier and his wife, Sharon, of Skiatook, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren, 24
great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Harold, Jessie was preceded in death by one son, Billy Postier; one
grandson, David Cerny, one great grandson, Casey Postier; her parents, Leslie and Mary Ellen
Whaylen; two brothers and four sisters.
Condolences may be sent to the family using our online guest book at
www.duggerfuneralhome.com.
Joe M. Tucker
EASTLAND — Joe M. Tucker, 41, of Eastland, passed away Monday January 2, 2006, at an Abilene
hospital. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in
Eastland with John M. Beckling, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in the Eastland City Cemetery
under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home
Tuesday evening, 5-7 P.M.
Joe was born on December 15, 1964 in Mineral Wells to M.C. "Pete" and Beulah (Pelser) Tucker.
He grew up in Perrin, where he played football. He attended Weatherford College for a year
before graduating from Tarleton State University. He worked for a time for Mitchell Oil in Mineral
Wells before moving to Eastland 15 years ago when he began working for C.P.S. He then started
working for the Probation Department where he worked for the last 13 years. He married Jennifer
Sanders on May 17, 1999 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He enjoyed shooting, trading, gun shows and
working around the house where he never left a task undone.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Tucker of Eastland; a daughter, Laura Kate Tucker of
Eastland; his parents, M.C. "Pete" & Beulah Tucker of Perrin; a sister, Kay Cline and her husband
Gary of Liberty Hill; a nephew, Brian Lones; and by several cousins.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME
EASTLAND, TEXAS
Lillie Faye Douglas Anderson
ARCADIA, CA — Mrs. Lillie Faye Douglas Anderson passed away December 30, 2005 at her home
in Arcadia, California. Mrs. Anderson, a resident of Arcadia for 25 years, was born March 8, 2005
in Dublin, Texas to Willis Carl Douglas and Hattie Baugh Douglas.
Mrs. Anderson graduated from Dublin High School. She married Mr. Willard Prockley Anderson, Jr.
(son of Willard "Slim" P. Anderson and Viola "Bidy" Mae Powell Anderson) of Stephenville, Texas
on May 7, 1938 in Glen Rose, Texas.
Lillie Faye's husband, Mr. Willard Anderson, was employed as Construction Manager for over forty
years by Bechtel Construction Company, specializing in Nuclear and Petrochemical Power Plants.
In the pursuit of their career, the Anderson traveled to and lived in countries throughout the
world. As they traveled, Mrs. Anderson was his essential help-mate, business manager and
homemaker. She had a reputation for excellent hostess skills when entertaining dignitaries and
Bechtel administration. Mrs. Anderson was an active member of the First Baptist Church and
raised her children to embrace Christianity. Her faith was evident in her love and compassion for
her family and many friends. Her cheerful personality literally lit up a room when she entered.
She was a beautiful lady on the inside and in outward appearance.
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Survivors include: one son, Ron Anderson of Kerrville, Texas; one daughter, Melinda Susan
Brogan of Arcadia, California; three brothers, Earl Eugene Richey of Monrovia, California, Vestal
Lee Richey of Abilene, Texas, and Elvis Wayne Richey of Portona, California; seven grandchildren,
and four great- grandchildren.
Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by: her husband, Willard Prockley Anderson, Jr., on May
28, 2001; her mother, Hattie Baugh Bolton Douglas Richey; her father, Willis Carl Douglas; three
brothers, Ray Douglas, Glen Richey, and Dean Richey; four sisters, Winnie Richey, Marie Richey
Stark, Linnie Richie Ethridge, and Verna Richey Larsen.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lillie Fay Douglas Anderson will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in
Dublin, Texas on Friday, January 6, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Carlton Cemetery in
Carlton, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Harrell Funeral Home (254-4453311) in Dublin, Texas. HARRELL FUNERAL HOME
DUBLIN, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.03.06
January 3, 2006
Barbara Billman
LAKE BROWNWOOD - Barbara Billman, 60, died Sunday, Jan. 1. 2006. Memorial services are 11
a.m. Thursday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.
John M. Chalker
BRECKENRIDGE - John M. Chalker, 95, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Services are pending with
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Lottie Crittenden
BIG SPRING - Lottie Crittenden, 84, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are pending with NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.
Trilena Jerical Dortch
Trilena Jerical Dortch, 31, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Visitation in Abilene is 6 to 7:30 p.m. today
at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Tate Creek Baptist
Church in Bay Minette, Ala. Burial will follow in Tate Creek Cemetery. Visitation in Bay Minette will
be 6 p.m. Thursday at Baldwin Community Chapel.
Linda Olivia Ganzer
CLYDE - Linda Olivia Ganzer, 58, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2005. No services are planned.
Arrangements are by North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange, Abilene.
Wanda Mize McGee
BIG SPRING - Wanda Mize McGee, 62, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Graveside services are 1 p.m.
Wednesday in Mt. Olive Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Nalley-Pickle & Welch
Funeral Home & Crematory.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Barbara Lee Rainwater
DUBLIN - Barbara Lee Rainwater, 69, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services are 10 a.m.
Wednesday at Harrell Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in Lower Greens Creek
Cemetery.
Ben Sparks
BIG SPRING - Ben Sparks, 66, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at
St. Thomas Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Mt Olive Memorial Park. Prayer vigil is 7 p.m.
Wednesday at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.
Lois Wood
Lois Wood, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with burial to follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Obituaries 01.04.06
January 4, 2006
Lester Coleman "Red" Maker
Abilene aviation pioneer, well-known entrepreneur and businessman Lester Coleman "Red" Maker
died Monday evening, January 2, 2006. A service celebrating his life will be held at the First
United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 5. Visitation will be at the Hamil
Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road from 4-6 on Wednesday, January 4.
Red was born on November 24, 1920 on a farm near Butler, Oklahoma to Jay and Effie Maker. He
graduated Clinton High School in 1939 and earned his flight instructor rating at age 21 becoming
the youngest flight instructor in Oklahoma. Red served the Army Air Force as flight instructor
from 1942 until 1945 instructing primarily in PT-19's at Ballinger's Bruce Field before coming to
Abilene in partnership with his older brother, Roscoe, as owners and operators of Maker Airport.
The 84-acre airport later became the site of Westgate Shopping Center. "We had a gull-wing
Stinson, A Culver Cadet and a Stearman. You got an hour of dual for $6 or you could fly solo for
$4", Red said in a past interview with aviation feature writer Nancy Robinson. "My favorite
airplane for instructing was a J-3 Cub - a tailwheel airplane is the only way to learn how to land."
In addition to owning and operating the airport, Maker logged more than 8,000 flying hours,
including flying aerobatics over Abilene "to drum up business at the airport" and instructing
students. He was a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic who was particularly admired by
his peers for his skills analyzing a mechanical problem and then determining the best way to fix
it. "If Red fixed it, you flew it. There was no question it was fixed right, " according to longtime
friend and fellow aviator Bill Masters. " He was one of the most talented, most knowledgeable,
and hardest-working men I ever knew."
Red and Coral Leslie "Corky" Clark were married in 1949. Their honeymoon "get-away" to
California was in Red's plane. After selling the airport in 1950, he and Corky built the Century
Lodge Motel in 1951 and the Lamplighter Motor Inn in 1968, though he continued to be actively
involved in flying, including building a hangar and runway on the family farm. His daughters
vividly recall a time when they were unable to take off at the farm because the runway was not
long enough for the airplane on that day's weather conditions. Red parked the airplane, got on his
bulldozer and lengthened the runway, then continued on with the flight.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Working with his hands was Red's greatest joy. His favorite tool was the vice-grip and he was
never without one or two of them in his overalls. Although heart problems grounded him in 1988,
he continued an interest in aviation and worked every day maintaining various properties. Once
Red even tried to persuade Corky to let him stop at the Century Lodge so he could repair an ice
machine on the way to the hospital for treatment.
The Makers enjoyed traveling and in 1992 purchased the Abilene RV Park where Red worked daily
until a few weeks prior to his death. He was an active participant with Corky in activities of the
Harvesters Sunday School class at the First United Methodist Church, even though he never
missed work to attend church.
Red is survived by Corky, daughter Kitty Villa and husband Joel Morgan of Austin and grandsons
Mario and Marco Villa; daughter Terry Maker and husband Chris Rogers of Boulder, Colorado, and
brother Roscoe of Iredale, Texas. He is also survived by a host of friends and admirers. File used
to tell his daughters that he could "fix anything but a broken heart." He leaves many broken
hearts to mourn his passing, but they are comforted knowing that he is now happily at work with
his hands without the interference of pain and illness and his vice grips are always nearby.
Pallbearers will be Bill Billingley, Dennis Clark, John Stash, Roy Knowles, Bruce Hergenrader, and
Jimmie Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Harvesters Sunday School
class.
Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1318 South 2nd, Abilene,
Texas 79602 or Homeplace Hangar Aviation Pioneer Memorial, P.O. Box 2280, Abilene, Texas
79604 or to the charity of your choice.
Alton Clyde Newton
Alton Clyde Newton, 79, died Monday, January 2, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories,
542 Hickory, with Gayle Potter officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. The
family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
A native of Tye, Texas, he was the son of Elizabeth A. (Teaff) and William Clyde Newton. Alton
was a U. S. Army veteran and served in the Army National Guard. He retired after a career as an
inspector with the City of Abilene Engineering Department.
Mr. Newton was a member of Baker Heights Church of Christ for 43 years.
A son, Galen Dele Newton, his parents, a sister, and two brothers preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty Willis Newton of Abilene; daughters, Rebecca
Bradshaw and husband, Tim, and Doris Coggin, of Abilene, and Sherron Chick and husband,
Steve, of Greenville, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Newton of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; and
19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Kermit Newton and wife, Gay, of Abilene; Louise Beaird and husband, Charlie, of Abilene; sisters-in- law, Edrien Newton, Kay Newton,
and Mrs. Nollie Marie Brown all of Abilene, and Mrs. Lula Mae Miller and husband, Thomas, Jr., of
Arkansas; an aunt, Gladys Newton of Abilene: and a host of nieces and nephews.
Alton loved his grandchildren and daughters, who adored him.
Junior Meek
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Services for Junior Meek, 69, of Godley, will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5,
2006 at the First Baptist Church of Godley. Rev. Kenneth Coleman will officiate, assisted by Mr.
Charlie Throckmorton, Mr. Dan Willis, Mr. Benny Johnson and Sheriff Bob Alford. Burial will be in
the Godley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Rizer, Bud Johnson, Wayne Carnish, George Doak,
Dr. Robert Shaw, Craig Knight, Tracy Renfro and Bernie Jay Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be
the Texas Youth Bullriders Association and Future Pro Bullriders Association.
Mr. Meek passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2006 in Ft. Worth. He was born April 4, 1936 in
Cleburne to Sanford and Margaret McMurry Meek. He married Ann Mack on February 11, 1975 in
Granbury.
Mr. Meek was a professional bull fighter, contestant, and rodeo clown for the PRCA for over 20
years. He was of the Baptist faith.
Junior Meek is survived by his wife Ann Meek of Godley; grandson, Jasper Wood of Godley; two
sons, Loyd Meek and wife Sherade of Anson and Robert Wood and wife Tammy of Godley; two
daughters, Mandy Ellis and husband Larry of Abilene and Missie Hall and husband Larry of
Abilene; five granddaughters, Lauren Rowland, Jordan Ellis, Christian Hall, Savannah Meek and
Cheyanne Wood; four grandsons, Stetson Meek, Jet Ellis, Haskell and Harrison Hall; one sister,
Sandy Evans and husband Harry of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Tom Scott and wife Jana of
Cleburne and Homer Scott and wife Verner of Vernal, Utah; two sisters-in-law, Jimi Vasser and
husband Phil of Natchez, Mississippi and Pat Engler and husband Dr. Robert Engler of Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home.
You may email a condolence, view obituary and see photo at www.cpcleburne.com.
CROSIER-PEARSON FUNERAL HOME / CLEBURNE, TEXAS
Wayne Pearson Thompson
Wayne Pearson Thompson, 76, passed away January 3, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be
at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at Wylie Baptist Church, with Rev. Rick Grant
officiating, assisted by Rev. Roland Williams. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial
will be in the Potosi Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson was born May 21, 1929 in Troy, Texas to L.B. and Lois Gibson Thompson. He
married Joyce Manske in 1951 in Ballinger, Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to
1956 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1957 he went to work for the F.F.A. as an
electronic technician installing communication equipment at airports in eleven southern states. In
1982 he went to work at Abilene Municipal Airport as an electronic technician maintaining
instrument landing systems. He retired in 1989. Mr. Thompson owned and operated Thompson's
Trolling Motor Repair. He was a member of Wylie Baptist Church, Abilene Model A Club and Big
Country Ford V-8 Club.
Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Barton and Vernon Thompson,
both of Temple, Texas; and a sister, Evelyn Thompson Martin, of Troy, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Manske Thompson; a daughter, Melanie Thompson of Austin;
two sons, Kevin Thompson of Abilene and Neal Thompson of California City, California; four
grandchildren, Erik and Katelyn Thompson of California City, California, and Blaine and Kyle
Thompson of Abilene; two brothers, Dale Thompson and his wife Leni, of San Angelo, and J.Q.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Thompson and his wife Peggy of Temple, Texas; one sister Vivian Allen and her husband James,
of Brownwood, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army, 1726 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas 79602 or
Abilene Adult Day Care, 3518 South 7th Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Dee Penn Lynch
BROWNWOOD -- Funeral services for Dee Penn Lynch, age 86, of Brownwood, will be at 1:00 PM,
Thursday, January 5, 2006 in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the
Baggett Creek Cemetery in Comanche County. Visitation will be held tonight at the funeral home
from 6:00 until 7:00.
Mrs. Lynch passed away on Monday, January 2, 2006 in a local nursing facility. She was born on
September 15, 1919 in Milburn, Texas to O.V. and Minnie Dillard Pointer. She was a longtime
resident of Brownwood and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Brownwood. Dee worked
for Sears, Roebuck, and Company as a store manager and credit manager.
Dee is survived by her husband, John D. Lynch of Brownwood, two daughters, Pat Cadenhead and
husband Jack of Rotan and Nancy Belair and husband Gary of Frisco; two grandsons, five greatgranddaughters, and a great-great grandson; a sister, Ruth DeWitt of Pennsylvania and a
brother, George Pointer of Early, two nieces, Judy Pointer and Kay Donahoo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and a brother.
For those desiring to make memorials, the family suggests the American Heart Association, P.O.
Box 15186, Austin, Texas, 78761.
DAVIS-MORRIS FUNERAL HOME / BROWNWOOD, TEXAS
Lois Wood
Lois Wood, 76, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, at an Abilene medical center. Funeral services will
be 11 a.m. Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with
Rev. Tim Temple officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The daughter of the late Meta (Bahlman) and Riley Hall, Lois was born on July 2, 1929, in Runnels
County, Texas, and moved from Wingate to Abilene in 1948. She married Edgar L. "Ed" Wood on
March 3, 1951 in Abilene. From 1960 to 1990, Lois and her husband, Ed, owned and operated
Custom Draperies out of their home, fabricating and installing custom draperies and window
treatments. The couple also owned and managed rental property, which they continued after
retirement in 1990. Lois was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include her husband, Ed Wood of Abilene; sons, Barry Wood and wife, Marlene, of
Dallas, Pennsylvania, and Larry Wood and wife, Marianne, of Abilene; and grandchildren, Peter
Wood, Laurie Wood, Jonathan Wood, and Zhenya Wood.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Robert M. "Bob" Beckett
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Robert M. "Bob" Beckett, 67, of Midland, died on Monday, January 2, 2006, at a Midland hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 5, 2006, at the First Baptist Church
in Cisco. Interment will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
He was born on August 31, 1938, in Del Rio, Texas and married Dawn Mills on October 30, 1970
in Odessa, Texas. Bob was a proud member of the fightin’ Aggie Class of 61’. Soon after
graduating from Texas A&M he went to work for Shell Oil Company as a landman. During his
tenure as a landman, he was the Division Landman (and later Regional Land Manager) for North
American Royalties, Land Manager for Kenai Oil and Gas, and in his later years an independent
landman until his retirement. He served as a Project manager for a large Italian construction
company (Coger-Impresit) building a multi-story prison in Miami, Florida and as a Project
Manager for a the State of Texas building a Texas prison in Abilene, Texas and also a prison in
Gatesville, Texas. Mr. Beckett was a member of First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas and
formerly a member of First Baptist Church of Cisco, Texas. He was a member of the American
Association of Petroleum Landman, Permian Basin Association of Landman, and the Texas A& M
Association of Former Students.
Survivors include wife, Dawn Mills Beckett of Midland, Texas; two sons & daughter-in-laws, Brent
& Stacy Hilliard of Midland, Texas and Hoot & Janecka Beckett of Little Rock, Arkansas; one
daughter & son-in-law, Natalie & Glenn Johnson of Childress, Texas; one sister, Linda McQuilkin
of Eastland, Texas; mother-in-law, Leona Moffitt of Midland, Texas; father-in- law, Louis Mills of
Mesa, Arizona; five grandchildren, Tara Holder, Sterling Hilliard, Bradley Hilliard, Spencer Hilliard,
and Sam Beckett . He was preceded in death by one daughter Lela Raye Beckett and his parents.
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland, Texas.
Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
NALLEY-PICKLE & WELCH FUNERAL HOME / MIDLAND, TEXAS
Vong Ton
HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM -- Mr. Vong Ton, age 80, of South Vietnam passed from this life on
Saturday, December 24, 2005 in Nguyen Trai Hospital, Saigon, Vietnam.
Mr. Ton was born November 15, 1925 at Vinh City, Nghe An Province (also the birthplace of
former leader Ho Chi Minh.) Mr. Vong Ton's family was originally from Hue, Vietnam and the Ton's
family is also a member of the royal dynasty during that era. King Nguyen appointed Mr. Vong
Ton's grandfather Governor of Nghe An Province. Mr. Vong Ton was educated in Ha-Noi, Vietnam
and married his wife there in 1948. In 1950, he was sent by the French Government to Paris to
train as a railroad engineer. Mr. Vong Ton returned to a divided Vietnam in 1954 and moved his
family to South Vietnam.
Although most professional men were sent to "reeducation camps" in 1975, he was spared
because of his ability to serve as a translator between Vietnamese, French, and English. He
continued working for the railroad until his retirement in 1985.
In April 2002, the US Government granted him a Visa to visit his daughter and her family in
Abilene. While in Abilene, Mr. Vong Ton received a cornea transplant to improve his vision and
also gained a Texas driver's license at the age of 76. He returned to Vietnam in October 2002 and
remained there until his death.
Mr. Vong Ton is survived by his daughter Chi-Mai Nguyen, son-in-law Minh Nguyen, four
grandchildren, five great- grandchildren of Abilene and his son Tuan-Ton of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
He was preceded in death by his wife and one son.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
A memorial service will be held in Ho Chi Minh, (Saigon) Vietnam.
We are praying that he has eternal life as soon as his soul goes to the Nirvana.
Ethel Irene Chambers Hall
BUFFALO GAP – Ethel Irene Hall, 93, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, in Senior Care at Lake Pointe
in Rowlett. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, in Buffalo Gap
Cemetery, with Reverend Paul Blankenship officiating, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in
Tuscola.
Ethel was born December 28, 1912, to George Walter and Ella Vaughn Chambers in Minnie Ola,
Arkansas. The family relocated to the Oklahoma territory during her early years, later moving to
Texas in a covered wagon. She married Graden Henry Hall December 28, 1929, in the Baleybur
community near Muleshoe. She and her husband lived in the West Texas town of Watson prior to
moving to Chama, New Mexico, in 1930. The couple returned to West Texas in 1942 and moved
to Grady, New Mexico in 1945. They moved to Bovina, Texas, in 1953 and to the Buffalo Gap area
in the late 1970’s, where Edith remained until she became a resident of Senior Care at Lake
Pointe in Rowlett in 1997.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband in 1984; one brother, Elmer Chambers;
and one sister, Agnes Mayhew Winn.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Ridsdale and husband Lynn of Rowlett, Verna Lee
Burnett and husband Lenard of Merced, California; two sons, Delbert Hall and wife Sherry of
Tuscola, and Jack Hall and wife Linda of Amarillo; two sisters, Letta Long Harvey of Portales, New
Mexico and Winnie Mills of Muleshoe; eight grandchildren; and twelve great- grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to ECCA VFD, 349 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562 or Elm Valley
Community Church, 142 CR 675, Tuscola, Texas 79562.
FRY-BARTLETT FUNERAL HOME / TUSCOLA, TEXAS
Margaret Schaefer Higgins
Margaret Schaefer Higgins, 100, died December 19, 2005, after a brief illness, at Sears Methodist
Center, Abilene, Texas.
Margaret was born March 8, 1905 to Henry Schaefer and Caroline (Dippel) Schaefer in Carlstadt,
New Jersey. She worked for over 50 years as a legal secretary on Wall Street before retiring to
Warner, NH. In August 2000, Margaret moved to Abilene where she continued her love of travel,
adventure, and community.
A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Abilene. Interment will be in Waterloo Cemetery, Warner, NH under the direction of
Chadwick Funeral Home of New London.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank P. Higgins; a brother,
George Henry Schaefer; and a sister, Irene Schaefer Chilton. She is survived by a son, Major
General Francis J. Higgins, numerous cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or charity of
choice.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
William Agatha Nance
William Agatha Nance, age 90 of Desdemona, passed away Monday, January 2, 2006 at Harris
Methodist Hospital in Stephenville.
Services will be 10:00 A. M. Thursday at the Old Methodist Church (First Baptist Annex) in
Desdemona with Rev. Victor Pena officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Desdemona
Cemetery. Services under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Mrs. Nance was born November 24, 1915 in Desdemona to the late Charles H. Genoway and
Fannie (Cook) Genoway. She married Morris E. Nance November 29, 1938 in Desdemona. He
preceded her in death on September 5, 1995. She was a devoted wife and mother and loving
caregiver to her family. She was a member of the Gorman Methodist Church.
Survivors include, daughter, Agatha Nance Henriksen and husband, John A. of Wilmington, NC;
two sons, Donald Nance and wife, Susan of Stephenville and Rev. Stephen Nance and wife Tana
of Breckenridge; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
a son, Charles Morris Nance, a special niece, Billye Richards, two brothers and six sisters.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. at the funeral
home.
HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL HOME / GORMAN, TEXAS
Modesta Loya Pecina
Modesta Loya Pecina, 71, passed away Monday, January 2, 2006, at her residence. A 24 hour
vigil will begin at 9:00 a.m. today at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1333 Westmoreland, with a
Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Bethel United
Methodist Church with Reverend Bernabe Munoz-Del Sol officiating. Burial will follow in the
I.O.O.F section of the Abilene Municipal Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pecina was born February 2, 1934, in Bastrop, Texas to Henry and Juanita Loya. She married
Fausto Pecina on May 2, 1985, in Abilene and was employed at Hendrick Health System, in
housekeeping, for over 20 years. Modesta was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Fausto Pecina of Abilene; three sons, Danny Flores, Rene Flores
and Manuel Vasquez, all of Abilene; four brothers, Joe Loya, Abraham Loya and Cruz Loya, all of
Abilene and Raymond Loya of Grand Prairie; two sisters, Christina Dunn and Janie Culver, both of
Abilene; and 10 grandchildren.
Mrs. Pecina was preceded in death by a daughter, Lilly Flores and four brothers, Enrique Loya,
David Loya, Ruben Loya and Manuel Loya.
Online condolences and register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
Trilena Jerical Dortch
Trilena Jerical Dortch, 31 years old departed this life on Sunday, January 1, 2006 at Hendrick
Medical Center. She was born on March 5, 1974 in Bay Minette, Alabama to Helen Marshall and
Arthur Dortch. During the first seven years of her life, she resided in Little River, Alabama with
her family and later moved to Abilene, Texas in 1982.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Trilena is a 1992 graduate of Cooper High School. She is also a 1996 alumni of Hardin-Simmons
University. In 2004, Trilena returned to Hardin-Simmons to pursue a Master degree in Counseling
and Human Resources and was scheduled to graduate in the spring. For six years, she was
employed as a Customer Service Representative II at Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Trilena’s family and friends will forever cherish those precious moments she shared with them as
she journeyed through life. She is survived by her deeply devoted mother, Helen Marshall, sister,
Nakia Thompson, brother, Tone’ Castillo, father, Arthur Dortch and stepmother, Doris, stepsister
and brothers, Tamaka Rich, Reginal Rich, Tyrone Carter and Keith White, all of Mobile, Alabama.
Trilena will be greatly missed by her dearly beloved grandmother, Elizabeth H. Marshall, Little
River, Alabama, uncles and aunts, Russell (Jackie) Cannon, Betty (Eddie) Ballard, Katherine
(Roosevelt) Valree, James (Emma) Marshall, John (Carolyn) Marshall, Albert (Deloris) Marshall,
Robert (Monica) Marshall, Calvin Marshall and Emma Marshall. Trilena also leaves to mourn her
passing many highly devoted cousins and friends whom she loved from the depths of her heart.
Funeral services will be held at the Tate Creek Baptist Church in Little River, Alabama on Friday at
2:00 p.m. Visiting hour for family and friends will take place on Thursday at 6:00 pm. at the
Baldwin Community Chapel in Bay Minette, Alabama. Local arrangements are being made by
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory, in Abilene, Texas.
Any memorial donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street,
Suite 1100, N.Y. 10016.
Rhea Nell Landers
Nell was born in Abilene, Texas on July 31, 1926. She was the third of five children born to
Loulabelle and Wylie Mason. Nell met and married Charles Landers in 1946. Nell gave birth to one
daughter, Judy, in 1949. She had one beloved grandchild, Tiffanie, and son-in-law Steve, whom
she called "son". She spent many years as a secretary in her husband's architectural office. She
also volunteered her time in Veterans' Organizations, including the Veterans' Hospital near
Abilene. Charles died at an early age in 1987. Nell continued to live in Abilene until 2000, when
she moved to Colorado after a catastrophic illness. She became a positive influence in several
assisted living facilities and a nursing home. She passed away December 27, 2005, at Shalom
Park after an extended illness at the age of 79 years and 149 days. She is survived by daughter
Judy Bederman, granddaughter Tiffanie Bederman, son-in-law Steve Bederman, brother Bobby
Mason, sister-in-law Shirley Mason, brother-in-law Ray Landers, nieces Mary Lopez, Jeanie
Hunsaker, Becky Day, Missy Mason, nephews Robbie Mason, Harry Mason, Bradley Mason, Sam
Landers, John Landers and many other loved ones.
Death Notices 01.04.06
January 4, 2006
Rosa Reyna Botello
Rosa Reyna Botello, 89, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Services are pending with
Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home in Rotan.
John M. Chalker
BRECKENRIDGE - John M. Chalker, 95, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Thursday at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Lottie Crittenden
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BIG SPRING - Lottie Crittenden, 84, of Lubbock, formerly of Ackerly, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Thursday at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park, directed by
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.
Robert P. Estes
BAIRD - Robert P. Estes, 85, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday in
Belle Plaine Cemetery, directed by Parker Funeral Home.
Una T. Hawkins
MIDDLETOWN, OH - Una T. Hawkins, 100, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005. Services were 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with burial in the Woodside
Cemetery.
Loretta (Beasley) Hewitt
O'BRIEN - Loretta (Beasley) Hewitt, 72, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at
O'Brien Baptist Church, with burial to follow in O'Brien Cemetery under the direction of MansellSmith Funeral Home, Knox City. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Lela May Peaytt
BRECKENRIDGE - Lela May Peaytt, 85, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m.
Thursday in the Breckenridge Cemetery, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Maria T. Salazar
BROWNWOOD - Maria T. Salazar, 72, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday
at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Greenleaf Cemetery, directed by Netherton
Funeral Home. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Lonnie Edwin Scott
SNYDER - Lonnie Edwin Scott, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
today in Dunn Cemetery in Dunn, directed by Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.
William Oliver Wesley
RANGER - William Oliver Wesley, 96, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Thursday in Necessity Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation is from
5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Obituaries 01.05.06
January 5, 2006
Bob Estes
A fifth generation Texan and rodeo star, Bob Estes has won practically every major rodeo in the
United States, and had 13 consecutive winning seasons at New York City's Madison Square
Garden, the big finale for the rodeo circuit in 1943, he began producing rodeos as well as riding in
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the major ones. His Lone Star Ranch Rodeo was billed as the "Worlds Most Traveled Rodeo". He
has produced rodeos in 19 states, Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
Fifty one years ago Bob married the daughter of a Texas cattle rancher, Marianne. Marianne was
a performer for three years in Madison Square Garden as a ranch glamour girl and in Gene
Autry's "Flying A. Ranch Rodeo". In 1991 Bob was in- ducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame, a part
of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Bobby was born December 18, 1920 in Baird in the same house he lived in all of his life until his
passing on Monday, January 2, 2005.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bertha Estes, one brother, Fred Estes, Jr., and
his beloved wife, Marianne.
He is survived by: his sister, Bettye Jane Hatchett; B. G. Hatchett his brother-in-law; two
nephews, Ron and Stan; two nieces, Jerry Lou and Michelle; and several great nieces and great
nephews, and a great grand niece.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2005 at Belle Plaine Cemetery
with Bob Sweeten officiating directed by Parker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:OO p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2005 at Parker Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be: Bill Jay, Jack Watson, G. K. Lewallen, Guy Weeks, Fayette Yates, Art Reed and
Steve Murrin.
Honorary pallbearers will be all of the old cowboys who rode with him in his Lone Star Rodeo.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Bobby Estes, Wild West showman, dies at 85
By Ken Ellsworth / Reporter-News Staff Writer
January 5, 2006
Bob ''Bobby'' Estes may have been the top Western show entertainer to come out of West Texas,
and one of the best bull riders.
He died at age 85 in his hometown of Baird.
Estes was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City three times - twice for bull
riding and once for being a Wild West producer, according to his sister Bettye Estes Hatchett.
As a Wild West showman, Estes produced shows in Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and
19 states.
He married Marrianne Rich in 1941 in New York City, where he was performing as a bull rider.
Marrianne was a star with the Gene Autry show. According to legend, Roy Rogers had his eye on
Marrianne, but Estes won the battle for the ''Rodeo Queen.''
Rogers was generous in his disappointment. He paid for the wedding and the reception and some
say he even sang during the service.
Marrianne died in 2000. Estes did not marry again.
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''I never saw a man who was more devoted to his wife,'' said Dr. Rod Harle, a Baird veterinarian.
The highlight of Estes' career may have been the Wild West show he staged in Paris. He brought
pens, cattle, buffalo, American Indians, cowboys, horses, steers and a stagecoach, which was
robbed during the show nightly.
The producers insisted that Estes demonstrate that the fences and pens could contain the buffalo.
Sure enough, the largest of the herd broke straight through the gates, freeing the other buffalo
and creating a mad scene of rounding them up.
The producers threatened to fire Estes.
He kept his job, said Steve Murrin of Fort Worth, an old sidekick.
The Paris show ran for more than a month. It was the first time Parisians had seen a Wild West
show since Buffalo Bill's show 50 years earlier.
Tom Ivey and Estes were rival bidders in 1974 for the coliseum in the old Fort Worth Stock Yards.
Estes outbid Ivey. As they walked out the doors, Estes asked Ivey what his intentions were for
the coliseum. Ivey said he wanted to produce Wild West shows.
Estes said that's exactly what he had in mind.
''Before we left the parking lot, we shook and agreed to be partners,'' Ivey said.
Until nearly the end of his life, Estes talked about another world tour, Ivey said.
''That's all he talked about,'' he said. ''Bobby was always thinking on a worldwide basis. But he
was always fun to be around. He was a great entertainer.''
Estes was small enough to be a jockey and the famed Vanderbilt family, noticing Estes' riding
skills, offered him a job.
Estes turned them down, his sister Bettye Hatchett said.
''You don't have any bulls,'' Estes explained. All he wanted to do was ride bulls, Hatchett said.
Estes was stubborn in his desire to join rodeos. He ran away from home at age 12 to do just that.
He was quickly found and returned. But two years later, he was a rodeo cowboy.
''He definitely had a stubborn streak,'' Hatchett said. ''But I never heard of anybody who didn't
like him and love him. Can you imagine doing something all your life that you loved every
moment of?''
Folks around Baird loved for Estes to stop by their stores and chat.
''He was a wonderful storyteller,'' Hatchett said.
Veterinarian Harle enjoyed those stories and counted it a pleasure to treat Estes' animals.
''Nobody ever took better care of their animals than Bobby,'' Harle said. ''And it was a bonus to
hear those stories.''
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Harle said he had immense respect for Estes.
''It was a pleasure to know him, but it was an even greater pleasure for him to call you 'friend,'''
Harle said.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Parker Funeral Home, 141 E. 3rd St. in Baird.
Graveside services begin at 2 p.m. Friday in the historic Belle Plain Cemetery. The service will
have a Western theme, with Estes' coffin pulled to the gravesite by a team of horses and an oldfashioned hearse. The cemetery is about 12 miles south of Baird on U.S. 283.
Buster Donham
ROTAN – Buster Donham, 85, died Tuesday January 3, 2006 in Fisher County Hospital. Services
will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 7, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Rotan. Burial will be in
the Hamlin Cemetery directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Born September 11, 1920 in Gorman, Buster was a son of the late Samuel Taylor and Eunice
(Williams) Donham. He moved to Hamlin as a child and served in the United States Air Force as a
young man during WWII. Buster married Winnie Mae Meeks in Hamlin August 18, 1940. They
moved to north Roby after he returned from the service and worked at the Sweetwater Cotton Oil
Mill for 31 years until his retirement. They later moved north of Rotan and remained in the Rotan
area. He loved God and adored his wife, five daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Buster was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rotan.
He is preceded in death by his wife (2002), parents, one grandson (Larry Don Whitley), five
brothers (J.C., S.T., Dewey, Emmett and Jack Donham) and four sisters (Nettie Mahaffey, Pearl
Warren, Billie Ruth Overturf and Minnie Lou Messick).
Survivors include five loving daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Tommy Davis of Clyde, Carol
and Gavaun Hedden of Rotan, Mary and Charles Parker of Abilene, Brenda and Gerald Whitley of
Clyde and Debra and Rick Stanford of Coleman; one sister, Lillian Bollinger of Pima, AZ; 13
grandchildren, Terry Davis, Tracy Deel, Tammy Waters, Melissa Daniels, Crystal DeBusk, Jody
Hedden, Randy Parker, Tina Walker, Travis Whitley, Eric Whitley, Ricky Stanford, Amber LeFevre
and Brandi Roberson; and 31 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Weathersbee- Ray Funeral Home.
Jo Magee
WINTERS -- Jo Magee, age 77, of Winters, Texas died Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at a local nursing
home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2006 at the Winters Funeral
Home Chapel with the Reverend Donny Harbers officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview
Cemetery under the direction of the Winters Funeral Home.
Jo was born on December 6, 1928 in Wilbarger County, Texas and grew up in the Vernon/ Wichita
Falls area. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School. She married John D. Magee on June 25,
1947 in Wichita Falls and moved to Tomball. They moved to the Wingate area in 1956 and then in
to Winters in 1983. She was a homemaker.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Se is survived by: her husband, John D. Magee of Winters; two sons and one daughter, Mike
Magee of Austin, Don Magee and wife, Cindy of Goldsmith and Diana Ferguson and husband,
Sammy of Hamlin; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
WINTERS FUNERAL HOME / WINTERS, TEXAS
Julia A. Covey
Julia A. Covey, 86, died January 4, 2006, in Sweetwater, Texas.
The daughter of Hattie Pearl (Blake) and Ernest Melton Lyde, Julia was born on November 25,
1919, in Carey, Texas, and graduated from high school in Dodsonville, Texas. She married Avril
Winford Covey on November 27, 1937 in Hollis, Oklahoma. Mrs. Covey was a school secretary
and librarian, having worked for 15 years in the Irving Independent School District. In 1998, she
moved to Sweetwater.
Mrs. Covey was a homemaker and a wonderful cook, devoted to her parents and family. She
loved her family and enjoyed sewing for her girls, dressing them as twins. During her retirement
years, she enjoyed crocheting and loved traveling in their motor home. She enjoyed playing with
her grandchildren, taking them to Six Flags, beaches, and many other places. Entertaining was
one of her many pleasures. She was a avid 42 domino player.
She was faithful to attend her church, Fourth and Elm Church of Christ, to the extent that her
friends said she was such an inspiration. She was in attendance despite her aches and pains and
her handicap.
Mrs. Covey was predeceased by her parents, Hattie P. and Ernest M. Lyde of Petersburg; two
brothers, Noble Lyde of Lubbock and Blake Lyde of Petersburg; and a sister, Jewel Trantham of
Richardson.
Survivors include her husband, Avril Winford Covey of Sweetwater; daughters, Theresa Henry and
husband, Marvin, of Archer City, and Gwenda Riggs and husband, Jerry, of Sweetwater; six
grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Betty McGaugh
of Lubbock; brother, Billy Ray "Bill" Lyde of Dallas and sister-in-law, Ruth Lyde, of Petersburg.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater.
The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Fourth and Elm Church of Christ in Sweetwater with
Minister Joe Bagby and Wendell Whittenburg officiating. Interment will follow a graveside service
at 4 p.m. in Plainview Memorial Park in Plainview, Texas.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 41, Abilene, TX 79604.
O.K. SUN O'DELL
O.K. Sun O'Dell, 62, died Tuesday at an Abilene hospital. Her funeral service with the Reverend
Myung Kyo Lee officiating will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2005 at the Elmwood Funeral
Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Viewing and visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Mrs. O'Dell was born on December 5, 1943 in Korea where she met U.S. Airmen Leonard O'Dell
and they were married on May 23, 1972. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and
was an active member of the Abilene Korean Church.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Survivors include two sons, Woody O'Dell of Abilene and Dale O'Dell of Colorado City; four
daughters, MiYong Brown of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Tanya DeLuna of Lubbock, Tammy O'Dell of
Austin and Julie Lowe of Dallas; three brothers in Korea; one sister in Korea and one sister, OK
Pun Green of Abilene; 14 grandchildren.
Her husband preceded her in death in 2003.
Lorreta (Beasley) Hewitt
O'BRIEN -- Lorreta (Beasley) Hewitt, age 72, of O Brien, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2006,
at Haskell Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday at the O'Brien Baptist Church. Burial will follow
at the O'Brien Cemetery under the direction of Mansell - Smith Funeral Home, of Knox City.
Loretta was born January 9, 1933 to Leroy and Edna Beasley in Jud. She married Coy Hewitt on
March 29, 1954 in Jud. They owned and operated the O'Brien Food Store for 25 years. She was a
wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
During her younger years she enjoyed doing yard work and cooking. After her health began to fail
she did what she enjoyed most, spending time with her family. Everyone who knew her will miss
her mischievous sense of humor. We will always love and miss you, Mama.
She is survived by three daughters: Rhonda and husband, Allen Moeller of Haskell, Vickie and
husband, Richard Daniel of Abilene, and Toni and husband, Tony Neal of Wichita Falls; Seven
grandchildren, Kelli Moeller Dixon, Casey Moeller, Reece Daniel, Jerod Daniel, Ashton Neal,
Andrea Neal, and Aubrey Neal; and one sister, Patsy Covey of Snyder.
She was prededed in death by her husband and parents.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2006 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in Loretta's name to the American Heart Association or the donor's
favorite charity.
MANSELL - SMITH FUNERAL HOME / KNOX CITY, TEXAS
Margaret Schaefer Higgins
Margaret Schaefer Higgins, 100, died December 19, 2005, after a brief illness, at Sears Methodist
Center, Abilene, Texas.
Margaret was born March 8, 1905 to Henry Schaefer and Caroline (Dippel) Schaefer in Carlstadt,
New Jersey. She worked for over 50 years as a legal secretary on Wall Street before retiring to
Warner, NH. In August 2000, Margaret moved to Abilene where she continued her love of travel,
adventure, and community.
A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Abilene. Interment will be in Waterloo Cemetery, Warner, NH under the direction of
Chadwick Funeral Home of New London.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank P. Higgins; a brother,
George Henry Schaefer; and a sister, Irene Schaefer Chilton. She is survived by a son, Major
General Francis J. Higgins, numerous cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or charity of
choice.
Rosa Reyna Botello
LUBBOCK – Rosa Reyna Botello, 89, died in Abilene in the loving arms of her daughter, Mollie and
her granddaughter, Becky Luna. Services will be held Friday January 6, 2006 at 10:30 am at
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Rotan with Father Tim Schwertner officiating. Burial will be in
Belvieu Cemetery directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Mama has gone to heaven.
Esta en los brazos de Nuestro Dios y Salvador Jesus Cristo. Que Dios la bendiga. Amen
Rosa lived a rich and rewarding life doing what she loved best.... taking care of and being around
her precious family.
Mrs. Botello was born August 30, 1916 to the late Eusebio and Virginia Cisneros in or around the
area of Red Rock, Texas. She married Antonio Luna in Ralls in 1931. Mrs. Botello lived her early
years moving around with her uncle and sister, then on to Hale Center and Ralls with her first
husband, where they raised their children. She then settled in Rotan, where she met and married
her second husband (Cruz G. Botello) on November 20, 1948 in Rotan. She raised her family and
grandchildren and enjoyed life to its fullest. Mr. Botello died February 19, 1987.
Later she moved to Abilene for a brief stay, then on to Peoria, AZ for many years to help raise
more grandchildren before moving to Lubbock for her final nine years of life.
Rosa is preceded in death by both husbands, two daughters (Rebecca Luna Reyna of Robstown
and Sara Luna Vizcaino of Rotan); four brothers (Julian, Refugio, Evardo and Manual Reyna); and
two sisters (Severa and Catarina). Mama has gone to see Papi Cruz, Sara and Rebecca, her
brothers and sisters and her daddy, Don Chevito. Dios la bendiga.
Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Frank and Zenaida Luna of Abilene, Bill
and Pauline Luna of Merkel and Danny Rodriguez of Lubbock; two daughters and sons-in- law,
Soledad (Chole) and Frank Ortega of Palm Desert, CA and Mollie and Armando Garcia of Lubbock;
forty-one loving and devoted grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.
A Rosary will take place Thursday January 5, 2006 at 7:00 pm at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home
Chapel.
Heartfelt contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country who were so kind and
wonderful during her last two months.
Alejandro (Jano) Lopez
Fue a encontrarse con el senor el 1 de Enero 2006.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Fallecio a consequencia de un accidente automovilistico. Jano nacio un 30 de Augosto de 1985. Lo
sobreviven sus Padres Alvaro y Carmen Lopez, Su Hermano Alvaro Lopez y Familia y Su Hermana
Victoria, inumerables Tios, Primos, Abuelos y Amigos.
Jano era un machacho alegre y bromista, le gustaban los deportes y bailar Alejandro sera
sepultado el 2 de Enero en la tierra que a el mas le gustaba visitar
Death Notices 01.05.06
January 5, 2006
Leroy Aldridge
BIG SPRING - Leroy Aldridge, 77, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Funeral services are 11 a.m.
Saturday at Myers & Smith Chapel with burial in Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Wade Boyd
WOODSON - Wade Boyd, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are pending with MeltonKitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge.
Reva M. Deisher
Reva M. Deisher, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Arrangements are pending with The Hamil
Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Bill England
BANGS - Bill England, 68, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday in
Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Maria Y. Garcia
BIG SPRING - Maria Y. Garcia, 88, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Funeral services are 10 a.m.
Friday at Myers & Smith Chapel with burial in Mt. Olive Memorial Park. Vigil services are 7 p.m.
today at Myers & Smith Chapel.
Melva Hodnett
BIG SPRING - Melva Hodnett, 79, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are pending at Myers &
Smith Funeral Home.
Peter J. Kasimirs
Peter J. Kasimirs, 93, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Arrangements are pending with The Hamil
Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Nancy Orelia Spencer Menges
SANTA ANNA - Nancy Orelia Spencer Menges, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are
pending with Stevens Funeral Home.
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Ruby Lee Morris
DE LEON - Ruby Lee Morris, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at St.
Joe Baptist Church. Burial will be in Oliver Springs Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at
Nowlin Funeral Home.
Donald Lee Owings
ANSON - Donald Lee Owings, 71, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are pending with
Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Dois M. Ray
BIG SPRING - Dois M. Ray, 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Park, Big
Spring. Visitation is 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Billy C. Williams
SAN SABA - Billy C. Williams, 79, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at
Doran Funeral Home in San Saba. Visitation is 9 a.m. until service time Saturday.
Lila Mae Tucker
Lila Mae Tucker, 90, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at North's
Memorial Chapel. Visitation with Rosary is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at North's Funeral Home, 242
Orange St.
Obituaries 01.06.06
January 6, 2006
Douglass Wayne Beaty
Douglass Wayne Beaty, 67, of Abilene died Saturday, December 31, 2005. Funeral services were
held on January 3, 2006, at Southwest Park Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Woodard officiating.
Doug was born March 11, 1938, in Bakersfield, California to Jack and Ruby Beaty. The Beatys
moved to Goree, Texas in 1939, where Doug graduated from high school. He graduated from
Hardin-Simmons University in 1961. He enjoyed a long career of teaching and coaching in Bovina,
Breckenridge, Sherman, Bangs, Hawley, Miles and San Angelo.
Survivors include one daughter, Darla Beaty Ward of Breckenridge and two sons, Douglas "Tad"
Beaty Jr. of Breckenridge and Shawn E. Beaty of Granbury; one brother, Bobby Beaty of Ft.
Smith, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Will and Sara Ward, Douglas L., Yvonne and Shalynn
Beaty, Lauren and Lindsey Beaty; one great-grandson, Douglas M. Beaty, and a nephew, Bryan
Beaty.
Fred Hamilton
Fred Hamilton, 68, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be
held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 7, 2006 at Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. James McCurley
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
officiating, assisted by Rev. Jeff Hatcher. Burial will follow at the Potosi Cemetery. Arrangements
are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Mr. Hamilton was born March 16, 1937 in Plainview, Texas to D.C. Hamilton and Lula (Umphres)
Hamilton. He married Sarah Ann Hollingshead in June of 1956. Mr. Hamilton was Principal and
head basketball coach in Loop, Texas before moving in Abilene in 1972. He was a graduate of
McMurry University. Fred owned and operated Hamilton Supply Company located at 1364 East
Highway 80 in Abilene, Texas with his son, David. He was a member of Potosi Baptist Church.
Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann
Hamilton of Potosi, one son, David Hamilton and his wife Carman, of Abilene, one daughter,
Jayme Schmalzried and her husband Ernie, of Plano, five grand- sons, Dustin, Jaden and Michael
Schmalzried, and Andrew and Austin Hamilton.
Joseph Vasek, Greg Hollingshead and Mr. Hamilton's grand- sons will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Potosi Cemetery Association, 109 Bynum Lane, Abilene, TX,
79602.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Jesus Flores Jimenez
CIUDAD ACUNA, MEXICO — Jesus Flores Jimenez, 57, passed away December 29, 2005 in Del
Rio, Texas.
Funeral services were already held in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico on December 31, 2005, with
immediate family and friends.
Mr. Flores was a hard worker all his life and had a love for music as a young man. His talents
included everything from playing the saxophone to mending leaky roofs.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters, and twelve grandchildren, plus his
immediate family in Mexico. Louis O. Pelton
GRANBURY — Louis O. Pelton, 68, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006, in Fort Worth. Funeral:
10 AM Saturday at the Holly Hills Mausoleum Chapel in Granbury. Burial: Holly Hills Memorial
Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 PM Friday at Wiley Funeral Home.
Mr. Pelton was born Aug. 19, 1937, in Anson, Texas, to George and Reba Burleson Pelton. He
married Louise McCain, Aug. 23, 1971, in Snyder, Texas. He retired from Abbott Laboratories in
1995 and moved to Granbury. His hobby was working crossword puzzles. Preceding him in death
were his parents and two brothers, Gilbert Pelton and Wayne Pelton.
Survivors: Wife, Louise Pelton of Granbury; sons, Steve Echols of Abilene, Willard Jones of Fort
Worth and Michael L. Jones of Bastrop; two granddaughters, Lela Tipton of Blum and Lauren
Jones of Denton; and a great grandson, Andy Jones of Blum.
WILEY FUNERAL HOME GRANBURY, TEXAS (817) 573-3000
Rosa Reyna Botello
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
LUBBOCK – Rosa Reyna Botello, 89, died in Abilene in the loving arms of her daughter, Mollie and
her grand- daughter, Becky Luna. Services will be held Friday January 6, 2006 at 10:30 am at
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Rotan with Father Tim Schwertner officiating. Burial will be in
Belvieu Cemetery directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Mama has gone to heaven.
Esta en los brazos de Nuestro Dios y Salvador Jesus Cristo. Que Dios la bendiga. Amen
Rosa lived a rich and rewarding life doing what she loved best — taking care of and being around
her precious family.
Mrs. Botello was born August 30, 1916 to the late Eusebio and Virginia Cisneros in or around the
area of Red Rock, Texas. She married Antonio Luna in Ralls in 1931. Mrs. Botello lived her early
years moving around with her uncle and sister, then on to Hale Center and Ralls with her first
husband, where they raised their children. She then settled in Rotan, where she met and married
her second husband (Cruz G. Botello) on November 20, 1948 in Rotan. She raised her family and
grandchildren and enjoyed life to its fullest. Mr. Botello died February 19, 1987.
Later she moved to Abilene for a brief stay, then on to Peoria, AZ for many years to help raise
more grandchildren before moving to Lubbock for her final nine years of life.
Rosa is preceded in death by both husbands, two daughters (Rebecca Luna Reyna of Robstown
and Sara Luna Vizcaino of Rotan); four brothers (Julian, Refugio, Evardo and Manual Reyna); and
two sisters (Severa and Catarina). Mama has gone to see Papi Cruz, Sara and Rebecca, her
brothers and sisters and her daddy, Don Chevito. Dios la bendiga.
Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Frank and Zenaida Luna of Abilene, Bill
and Pauline Luna of Merkel and Danny Rodriguez of Lubbock; two daughters and sons-in- law,
Soledad (Chole) and Frank Ortega of Palm Desert, CA and Mollie and Armando Garcia of Lubbock;
forty-one loving and devoted grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great- greatgrandchildren.
A Rosary will take place Thursday January 5, 2006 at 7:00 pm at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home
Chapel.
Heartfelt contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country who were so kind and
wonderful during her last two months.
Loretta (Beasley) Hewitt
O'BRIEN — Loretta (Beasley) Hewitt, age 72, of O'Brien, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2006,
at Haskell Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday at the O'Brien
Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the O'Brien Ceme- tery under the direction of Mansell — Smith
Funeral Home, of Knox City.
Loretta was born January 9, 1933 to Leroy and Edna Beasley in Jud. She married Coy Hewitt on
March 29, 1954 in Jud. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2000. They owned and
operated the O'Brien Food Store for 25 years. Loretta was a member of the O'Brien Baptist
Church and was also a homemaker. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
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During her younger years she enjoyed doing yard work and cooking. After her health began to fail
she did what she enjoyed most , spending time with her family. Everyone who knew her will miss
her mischievous sense of humor.
We will always love and miss you, Mama.
She is survived by three daughters: Rhonda and husband Allen Moeller of Haskell, Vicki and
husband Richard Daniel of Abilene, and Toni and husband Tony Neal of Wichita Falls; Seven
grandchildren, Kelli Moeller Dixon, Casey Moeller, Reece Daniel, Jerod Daniel, Ashton Neal,
Andrea Neal, and Aubrey Neal; One sister, Patsy Covey of Snyder.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Hewitt, her father Leroy Beasley, mother Edna
Davis and step-father Burt Davis.
Memorials may be made in Loretta's name to the American Heart Assn. or the donor's favorite
charity.
Lila Mae Tucker
Lila Mae Tucker, 90, of Abilene passed away January 3, 2006. Services will be Saturday at 10:30
a.m. at North's Memorial Chapel with Deacon Arturo Casarez officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood
Cemetery under the direction of North's Funeral Home. Visitation will be at North's Funeral Home,
242 Orange, on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with rosary to follow.
Lila Tucker was born July 10, 1915, in Clyde to Huey Ben and Ida Mae Vestal. She moved to Trent
and then to Abilene where she married Andrew Tucker October 27, 1931. They were married for
over sixty years before his death. She was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic
Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, and two brothers.
She is survived by seven daughters: Patsy Luper of Abilene, Marieta Henry and husband Dick of
Abilene, Lorna Harrison and husband Charles of Abilene, Carolyn Harvey of Houston, Glenda Keys
and husband John of Grand Prairie, Brenda Goodwin of Abilene, Becky Franklin and husband Larry
of Abilene; two sons: Keith Tucker and wife Shirley of Potosi, and Drew Tucker and wife Maureen
of Norman, Oklahoma; one sister Geraldine Ziebarth and husband Jim of San Diego, California;
twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
William Oliver Wesley
RANGER- William Oliver Wesley, 96, of Ranger, Stephens County passed away on Tuesday
January 3, 2006 at his home. Graveside services will be Thursday January 5, 2006 at 2 PM in
Necessity Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial will be in Necessity Cemetery in
Stephens County under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas. The family will
receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday January 4, 2006 from 5 to 7 P.M.
Mr. Wesley was born on January 5, 1909 in Bandera County, Texas Herbert H. and Lena L. Counts
Wesley. Oliver was a graduate of Caddo High School. He married Thelma Evelyn Jackson on
February 16, 1935 in Ranger, Texas. He worked as a rancher all of his life.
Oliver was preceded in death by three sons Mack in 1979, Earl and Jim in 1998 and a
granddaughter Susan Yvonne Wesley in 1962.
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Oliver is survived by his wife of 70 years Thelma Wesley of Ranger, sons Dave Wesley of Ranger,
Jack Wesley of Granbury, and Joe Wesley of Ranger, a daughter Mary "Sis" Mathis of Ranger. 11
Grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. One brothers Alden Wesley of Breckenridge, Tx.
Several nieces and nephews.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME / RANGER, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.06.06
January 6, 2006
Wade Boyd
WOODSON - Wade Boyd, 90, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Woodson Cemetery, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge.
Elnora Frances Buchanan
Elnora Frances Buchanan, 91, formerly of Odessa and Midland, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006.
Services were held. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, directed by Ellis Funeral
Home.
Debra Louise Gardner
BROWNWOOD - Debra Louise Gardner, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Graveside services are 9 a.m.
Friday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger, directed by Lange Funeral Home of Ballinger.
Kenneth Lowell Hardegree
Kenneth Lowell Hardegree, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at
Woodlawn Church of Christ. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at North's Funeral Home,
242 Orange Street.
Melva Hodnett
BIG SPRING - Melva Hodnett, 79, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday
at Myers & Smith Chapel, with burial at Trinity Memorial Park.
Monte Eugene Leverett
Monte Eugene Leverett, 95, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Arrangements are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Homes.
Lilly L. McCartney
BRADY - Lilly L. McCartney, 75, formerly of Brownwood, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2005. Services
are 2 p.m. Saturday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Eastlawn
Memorial Park.
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Nancy Orelia Spencer Menges
SANTA ANNA - Nancy Orelia Spencer Menges, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Graveside
services are 3 p.m. Saturday at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion, under the direction of Stevens
Funeral Home of Coleman. Visitation will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Elsie Osmundsen
BROWNWOOD - Elsie Osmundsen, 78, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services are pending with
Netherton Funeral Home.
Donald Lee Owings
ANSON - Donald Lee Owings, 71, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services will be 5 p.m. Friday at
Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home Chapel, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Leland E. Sherwood
Leland E. Sherwood, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2005. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m.
Saturday in Houston at the Woodedge Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Local arrangements are being made by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Slater Lee Simmons
SWEETWATER - Slater Lee Simmons, 25, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services are pending with
McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.
Wilma Tarlton
BROWNWOOD - Wilma Tarlton, 85, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services are 11 a.m., Saturday
at the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be at Cross Cut Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Viola Thomas
EASTLAND - Viola Thomas, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Graveside services will be at 11
a.m. Friday at the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Obituaries 01.07.06
January 7, 2006
Kenneth Lowell Hardegree
Kenneth Lowell Hardegree, 81, of Abilene passed away January 5, 2006. Services will be Monday
at 1:00 P.M. at Woodlawn Church of Christ with Minister Sonny Guild officiating and tributes by
Gary Mabry, Mark Hardegree and Evan Hardegree. Burial
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will follow at Colorado City Cemetery under the direction of North's Funeral Home.
Visitation will be 2 - 4 P.M. Sunday at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.
Mr. Hardegree was born January 1, 1925, in Winters to Herbert Talton and Nora Jimmie
Hardegree. He was in the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1943 to 1945, serving in Italy as a B-17
armament specialist. He married Ruth Woodell on October 19, 1947, in Colorado City; they
enjoyed 51 years of marriage before her death. For thirty-five years he worked for American
National Insurance. He was a member of Woodlawn Church of Christ and was a loving and
passionate Papaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by two sons: Eric Lowell Hardegree and wife Robbin, and Mark Kenneth Hardegree;
one brother, Jimmy Hardegree and wife Rita of Colorado City; and four grandchildren: Emily,
Mary, Katie, and Evan and wife Kimberly, all of Abilene.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center,
6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene, Texas 79606.
Leon Shedd
W. Leon Shedd, 86, of Clyde passed away January 5, 2006. Services will be Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
at North's Memorial Chapel with Loren Gardino officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at
Shep Cemetery under the direction of North's Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange.
Mr. Shedd was born December 25, 1919, to Arthur and Laura Shedd in Fisher County. He married
Altha Grisham who passed away in 1963. In 1965, he married Jerry Snively (Bergman) in
Winters. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII and was a POW for six months in a German
Stalag camp. After the war, he was a stock farmer in Taylor County for over fifty years. He was a
member of the Clyde Church of Christ, was a Rehab rancher, loved to play games, and received
an outstanding conservationist honor. His main focus was his family and church, but he enjoyed
traveling extensively with Sojourners after his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Altha, one son Ronnie Lee, three sisters, and
two brothers.
He is survived by his wife Jerry, one daughter Kay Hambright and husband Ben of Bronte, one
son Paul Snively and wife Peggy of Clyde, two grandsons--Mark Hambright of Bronte and James
Hambright and wife Courtney of San Antonio, one grand daughter Leah Bailey of Clyde, one
great-granddaughter Paige Hambright, three great-grandsons--Dillon South, Bret South, and
Justin Bailey all of Clyde, one brother Mardell Shedd of Abilene, nieces and nephews, and a host
of wonderful friends.
Condolences may be emailed to North'[email protected].
Slater Lee Simmons
NOLAN -- Slater Lee Simmons, age 25, of Nolan, Texas passed away on Thursday, January 5,
2006 in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 8, 2006 at the Nolan United Methodist
Church with the Reverend Richard Petree and Reverend Tom Thomson officiating. Burial will be in
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
the Slater's Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home, Inc.
of Sweetwater.
The family will be receiving visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday evening, January 7,
2006 at McCoy Funeral Home, Inc., in Sweetwater.
Slater was born on August 29, 1980 in Sweetwater, Texas. He made mission trips to Guyana,
South America; served two years for Youth With A Mission; he did mission work in Lindell, Texas,
some east coast states, Guyana South America, and Mexico; He was a member of the Nolan
United Methodist Church. He proudly served his country as a Combat Engineer in the U. S. Army
serving in Iraq and was stationed in Germany. He attended school in both Sweetwater and
Blackwell and graduated in 1999 from Blackwell High School. He lived in Nolan, Texas all of his
life. He worked for U. S. Gypsum Company in Sweetwater.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Grady Lee Tyler in 1997.
Survivors include: a son, Graycen Lee Daniel Wacker of Savoy, Illinois; his parents, Stanley and
Gail Simmons of Nolan, Texas; a sister, Amanda Chance and husband, Alan of Crowley, Texas;
paternal grandparents, Elbert and Opal Simmons of Nolan, Texas; maternal grandmother, Delene
Tyler of Quitaque, Texas; and a nephew, Carter Chance of Crowley, Texas;
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Gunn, Joe Bob Ussery, Josh Yarbrough, Bill McMaster, Ronald Chance
Jr., Gerral Waldon, Mike Hazard, and Mike Brown.
Memorials may be made to the Butman Methodist Camp at 158 CR 674, Merkel, Texas 79536.
McCOY FUNERAL HOME, INC. / SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.07.06
January 7, 2006
Brad Bufe
ZEPHYR - Brad Bufe, 21, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services are pending with Stacy-Wilkins
Funeral Home of Goldthwaite.
Lois Reed Ferguson
BIG SPRING - Lois Reed Ferguson, 88, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Graveside services will be 2
p.m. Saturday at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park, Big Spring, under the direction of
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory, Big Spring.
James G. Gracy
James G. Gracy, 58, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Arrangements are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Shirley Ann Hafer
BROWNWOOD - Shirley Ann Hafer, 67, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2005. Services are pending with
Netherton Funeral Home.
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Wordene Hawthorne
GORMAN - Wordene Hawthorne, 81, of Dallas, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Sunday at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Gorman. Burial will be in Simpson Cemetery.
Freddie Linn Hoagland
Freddie Linn Hoagland, 90, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Ronald Holmans
EASTLAND - Ronald Holmans, 56, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Services are pending with SummersBakker Funeral Home.
Peter J. Kasimirs
Peter Kasimirs, 93, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday at
the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Monte Eugene 'Gene' Leverett
Monte Eugene ''Gene'' Leverett, 95, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday
at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Burial will be in Elmwood
Memorial Park.
Josephine Lozano Luna
WINTERS - Josephine Lozano Luna, 81, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Mass is 11 a.m. today at the
Catholic church in Rankin. Burial will follow in Rankin Cemetery, directed by Winters Funeral
Home.
Johnny Millington
Johnny Millington, 61, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Monday at The
Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will be at Dallas Fort Worth National
Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Elsie 'Ozzie' Osmundsen
EARLY - Elsie ''Ozzie'' Osmundsen, 78, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Netherton Funeral Home of
Brownwood handled arrangements.
Cathy Ann Stanley
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
RANGER - Cathy Ann Stanley, 51, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Services are
pending with Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Obituaries 01.08.06
January 8, 2006
Jonny Millington
Jonny Millington, 61, passed away Friday, January 6, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be at
10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap
Road. Officiating will be Rev. Rudy Fambrough, Rev. Eddie Castaneda and Leroy Mason. A
visitation is scheduled from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at the funeral home.
Burial will be at DFW National Cemetery at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
Jonny was born on July 8, 1944 in Colorado City, TX to Hugh Lionel Millington and Bessie
Matthews Millington. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University. Jonny served in the
United States Army from August 30, 1968 to June 1, 1970, and then again from January 13, 1976
to April 20, 1979. He was also a postal worker for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1988, Jonny moved
to Abilene from Colorado City. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Both of Jonny's parents preceded him in death.
He is survived by one brother, Jerry Hugh Millington and his wife Jeannine, of Cypress, TX.; one
niece, Michelle Hackett of Carey, North Carolina; two nephews, Matthew Fuller Millington and
Richard Millington, both of Houston; Jonny is also survived by great nieces, nephews, and several
cousins.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 1241 Cypress St., Abilene, TX 79601,
"Rescue the Smiles" or the donor's favorite charity.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Linda Janet (Dodie) Hughes
BAIRD -- Linda Janet (Dodie) Hughes, 62, passed away January 7, 2006 at Methodist Hospital in
San Antonio,TX.
Linda was born November 7, 1943 in Baird, Texas to Mike and the late Stella Hughes.
She is survived by Sisters Jean Taylor and Mickey (Mrs. Donald Ivey of Carbon, Tx., and brother
James (Rusty) Hughes of San Antonio, TX. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She attended school in Rankin,Texas. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Putnam,
TX and Putnam Womens Study Club. For the past several years Linda had resided at San Pedro
Manor and Northgate Health and Rehab in San Antonio, TX, where she was an avid Bingo Player.
Linda was very involved in Bible Studies and had served as President of the Resident Council.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at San Pedro Manor, Northgate
Health & Rehab and the wonderful MICU Staff at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.
Services will be held Monday, January 9,2006 at 2:00 p.m., at Parker Funeral Home Chapel in
Baird, TX. Reverend Sandra Keith will officiate with burial to follow in the Moran Cemetery.
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PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Mary D. Renfro
Mary D. Renfro, 81, died January 6, 2006 at a local medical center.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Interment will be in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Mary was born March 10, 1924 in Borden County, Texas to James Thomas Renfro and Maude
Altha O’Neil Renfro. She grew up in Cross Plains, Texas and lived in Abilene, Texas for the last
many years of her life. Mary was cared for by Joyce and John Cummins and family. She enjoyed
attending Rose Park Senior Citizens Center and had many friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Rufus Renfro, Gene Renfro, Pete Renfro, and Louis
Gary; and her sisters, Alma Gillit, Madge Stacy, Flawney Wooten, and Joyce Edwards.
Mary had many loving family members including sister-in- laws, Paula Gary and Edith Gary, both
of Kansas, Dorothy Graham of Texas; nieces, Roselyn Smith, Linda Cochran, Margaret Stockman,
Betty Jean Rooney, and Marie Arp; a nephew, Sammy Renfro; and a number of other nieces,
nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
MSGT John D. Bowles
MSGT John D. Bowles, USAF Retired, 54, of Tucson passed away January 2, 2006. Graveside
services will be Wednesday, January 11, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home and
Memorial Park with Rev. Wayne Oglesby officiating. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the
funeral home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Bowles was preceded in death by both of his parents, John & Evelyn Bowles. He is survived by
his wife and high school sweetheart of 35 years, Dalene; his children, Jeri Ann and Jason Bowles
of Tucson; his brother Carl Bowles of Austin, and sister Charlotte Hayes of Hawley; and several
nieces and nephews.
John served his country in the USAF for 24 years. After an extended illness, John rehabilitated
and worked hard to become a valuable employee at the VA Hospital in Tucson. He was named
Employee of the Quarter shortly before his untimely passing. We will always love you!
Peter J. Kasimirs
Peter Kasimirs, 93, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2006 in Abilene. Visitation will be from
2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo
Gap Road. A memorial service will be held in honor of Mr. Kasimirs at 2:00 p.m. on Monday,
January 9, 2006 at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, with Rev. Rosemary Thomas and
Rev. Scott Mayer officiating.
Mr. Kasimirs was born on November 14, 1912 in East Beuthen, Germany to Peter Kasimirs and
Gertrude Lajef Kasimirs. He was the oldest of six children. He fled Germany to Canada where he
was awarded his citizenship. He then moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he established a
hotel. Peter married Pat Wilson on October 2, 1974 in Birmingham, Alabama. The couple moved
to Abilene in 1974, where they established the Royal Inn and Steakhouse. They owned and
operated the landmark hotel until they retired in 1986.
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Mr. Kasimirs was preceded in death by both of his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Kasimirs of Abilene, his son, David Kasimirs of Abilene, two
nephews, Ted Banisch of Grinsby, Ontario, and Werner Banisch of Rimpar, Germany, and two
sisters, Maria Boehm of Chiemesse, Germany and Trautle Ley of Gelnhousen, Germany.
Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander, Abilene, TX
79605, or the Abilene State School Volunteer Service Council, 2501 Maple Street, Abilene, TX
79602.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Monte Eugene (Gene) Leverett
Monte Eugene (Gene) Leverett, 95, died Thursday, January 5, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory,
with Les McGalliard officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home.
Gene was born September 16, 1910 to Mary Alice (Vaughn) and William Eugene Leverett in Ft.
Worth, Texas. He later moved to Baird, Texas, then Abilene. Gene graduated from Abilene High
School. He married Ruby Z. Wilson of Abilene on December 2, 1934. Gene was employed by the
Abilene-Reporter News prior to serving in the United States Army during World War II. He worked
for the Coca Cola Bottling Company for several years and was pitcher for their baseball team,
fondly referred to by teammates as "Square Pants". Gene owned and operated a Gulf Service
Station on the corner of Pine and Ambler. In 1952, the family moved to San Diego, California
where he was employed by Vanier Graphics until his retirement in 1975. He was a member and
elder at the Clairemont Church of Church for 34 years. The family returned to Abilene in 1993.
Gene was a member of Woodlawn Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ruby Wilson Leverett, and his son, George
Wesley Leverett.
Survivors include three daughters, Jean Ridaught, of Hawthorne, Florida, Jodie Leverett and
Nancy Shelver, both of Abilene; three granddaughters, Elaine Cardenas and Trish Miller, both of
Palatka, Florida, Janice Carpenter of Pearson, Georgia; two grandsons, Wesley Clark and Jeff
Shelver, both of Abilene; four great-granddaughters; and six great-grandsons.
E.N. "Mitch" Mitchell
E.N. "Mitch" Mitchell, 102, of Abilene passed away Friday January 6, 2006. Graveside services
with Dr. Cliff Stewart officiating will be held on Monday January 9, 2006 at 2:00 P.M in Elmwood
Memorial Park 5750 Hwy 277 South under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home. The family will
receive visitors at the home on Sunday, January 8, 2006 from 4-6 p.m.
Mr. Mitchell was born to the late E.N. and Sally Mitchell in Childress on the same day the Wright
Brothers soared above Kitty Hawk. As a child growing up in Childress, he always had a desire to
tinker. He built his own spark set radio, and through high school and college, he worked at a
railway shop learning machinist and drafting skills. He received his education in Electrical
Engineering from Texas A&M University graduating in 1927, and in 1925, while working as a lab
assistant for Texas A&M, he built the first radio tower in the area. He married Minnie Hayden in
1936 in Wichita Falls. He worked for West Texas Utilities where he became an executive and
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
ended his career as personnel manager of the company. Later in life, in part because of the
extensive travels required through his job, he learned to fly an airplane, the very invention that
had been born the same day that he was. After his retirement, he enjoyed adventurous travels
with his wife and with friends and experiencing everything that a long, healthy life has to offer.
He never stopped learning, even after being declared legally blind; he listened to books on tape,
learning about the history of the world.
Survivors include his wife, Minnie of Abilene; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers,
Naomi Head, Lisa Johnson, Lonnie Fitzpatrick, Carla Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, PO Box
893, Abilene, Texas 79604; Medical Care Mission, 302 Medical Dr, Abilene, Texas 79601; or
donor's favorite charity.
Brad Eugene Bufe
ZEPHYR, TX -- Brad Eugene Bufe, 21, was a special son and brother. His family feels as if he was
their angel. Brad went home to the Lord on Thursday, January 5, 2006 from John Peter's Smith
Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at the Early First Baptist
Church in Early, Texas with Pastor Don Kingman officiating assisted by Steve Baker. Burial will be
in the Zion Cemetery in Priddy, Texas under the direction of Stacy - Wilkins Funeral Home of
Goldthwaite, Texas.
Brad was born on October 14, 1984 in Brownwood, Texas to the parents Gary and Karen King
Bufe. He lived most of his live in Zephyr and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. He was
a student.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Elton "Shorty" Bufe and Floyd Pete King; and a
cousin, Kynda Bufe.
Survivors include: his parents, Gary and Karen Bufe of Zephyr, Texas; sister Derric and husband,
Adam King of Brownwood, Texas; a very special niece, Kennedy King of Brownwood, Texas;
grandmothers, Adaline Bufe of Priddy, Texas and Betty King Moore of Zephyr; as well at
numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to any Mills County State Bank
Branch for a scholarship fund.
STACY - WILKINS FUNERAL HOME / GOLDTHWAITE, TEXAS
James (Jim) G. Gracy
James (Jim) G. Gracy, 58, died Friday, January 6, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 9, 2006, in the Admiral Cemetery in Callahan
County at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Reverend
Jon Simms of St. Paul United Methodist Church will officiate.
James was born July 22, 1947 to Garnet and Ernestine Gracy in Abilene, Texas. He attended
Bowie Elementary, Madison Jr. High, and graduated from Cooper High School in 1965. James
joined the United States Navy, serving on the USS Piedmont during the Vietnam War. He worked
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at General Dynamics and later Lockheed in Ft. Worth. James returned to Abilene with Lockheed
and worked there until it closed. He also worked for Waugh’s Cleaners for a number of years.
James married Paula Golleher and together they man- aged Abilene R. V. Park. He enjoyed
hunting, fishing, sports, and country western dancing.
James was preceded in death by his father, Garnet Gracy.
Survivors include his wife, Paula, of Abilene; his mother, Ernestine Gracy, of Abilene; a sister,
Glenda and husband, Glen, of Valentine, Texas; two step-children; a niece and a nephew.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 149 North Willis, Suite 10, Abilene,
Texas 79603.
Death Notices 01.08.06
January 8, 2006
Dan Davis
Dan Davis, 55, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Memorial services are pending with Community
Memorial Funeral Home.
Sherman Driggers
TRENT - Sherman Driggers, 94, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are pending with Starbuck
Funeral Home of Merkel.
Ronald Holmans
EASTLAND - Ronald Holmans, 56, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Monday in
Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Ruth Whitaker Livingston
WACO - Ruth Whitaker Livingston, 96, formerly of Coleman, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services
are 11 a.m. Monday at Elm Street Church of Christ. Burial will be in Coleman City Cemetery under
the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
Jessie C. McCulley
EASTLAND - Jessie C. McCulley, 85, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are pending with
Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Bernice Olivia Perry
STEPHENVILLE - Bernice Olivia Perry, 90, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Services are 1 p.m. Monday
at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
James Allison Reid
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PROCTOR - James Allison Reid, 62, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday in Comanche County Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Hall & Sons
Funeral Home of Comanche.
Mary Tom 'Tony' Watson
TRICKHAM - Mary Tom ''Tony'' Watson, 86, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are pending
with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.
William D. 'Bill' Williams
William D. ''Bill'' Williams, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Graveside services are 3 p.m. Monday
in Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Memories. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. today at Elmwood
Funeral Home.
Obituaries 01.09.06
January 9, 2006
Annie Earlene Beaty
Annie Earlene Beaty, 81, a lifelong resident of Comanche County, passed away in Abilene
Saturday, January 7, 2006.
Annie was born February 5, 1924 in DeLeon, Texas, the daughter of the late Earl Nelson and
Marie James Nelson. She was united in marriage to Alton Beaty on November 20, 1941 in
Comanche County. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include five sons, Dan Beaty and wife, Sue, of Arlington; Joe Beaty and wife, Nancy, of
Comanche; Wayne Beaty and wife, Gloria, of Stephenville; Paul Beaty and Pat Copeland of
Dublin; Ron Beaty and wife, Patti, of Cleburne; two daughters, Wanda Hall and husband, Weldon,
of Comanche; and Lana Grand and husband, Dennis, of MerkeL; sixteen grand- children and
twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Alton, in 2004; one
daughter, Lou Ann Basham in 1986 and one brother, George Nelson in 1994.
Funeral services for Annie Beaty will be held at Hall & Sons Funeral Home Chapel at 3:30 PM on
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 with interment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Comanche. Services
are under the direction of Hall & Sons Funeral Home.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in her memory to Comanche Community
Healthcare Hospice, 108 W. Oak, Comanche, TX 76442 or American Heart Association, c/o Nancy
and Truman Hazelrigg, 1304 Haven Dr. Comanche, TX 76442.
HALL & SONS FUNERAL HOME / COMANCHE, TEXAS
Beatrice Herrera
ROTAN – Beatrice Herrera, 97, died Friday January 6, 2006 in a Fort Worth hospital. Services will
be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday January 10, 2006, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Tim
Schwertner officiating. Burial will take place at the Aspermont Cemetery directed by
Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
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Born July 25, 1908 in Rotan (before it was a formal town) Beatrice was a daughter to the late
Juan and Paulina P. (Morales) Ybarra. Beatrice was a native Texan whose parents were also born
in Texas. Her grandfather was born in Tejas and was captured by Indians. He escaped and joined
the Union Army. Beatrice married Antonio Herrera in Stonewall Co. on July 24, 1925. She was a
lifelong resident of Fisher and Stonewall counties. Beatrice loved her family and her land she was
very proud of both, she continued to ranch even after the death of her husband. She also liked to
crochet and quilt. Beatrice was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Rotan.
She is preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Theresa H. and Nati Escobedo of Pflugerville, TX;
two granddaughters and their husbands, Toni Escobedo and Robert Gore and Gloria Escobedo and
David Davidson; four great-grandchildren Natalie Escobedo Gore, Jonathan Escobedo Gore,
Danielle Escobedo Davidson and Joshua Escobedo Davidson.
Rosary will be Monday January 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home Chapel.
Rex McCloskey
Rex McCloskey, lifelong resident of Wilson County, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 7,
2006, at his residence in Floresville, at the age of 91.
Rex was born on April 13, 1914 to Barney McCloskey and Jonie Shew McCloskey in Wilson
County, and was a farmer and a rancher. Rex married Amy Rathburn on April 13, 1941, in
Floresville. Rex was a lifelong member of the Floresville Church of Christ.
Rex is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Amy McCloskey of Floresville; sons, R. B.
McCloskey and wife June of Floresville, and Tim McCloskey and wife Colette of Abilene; foster
daughter, Margaret Sterner and husband James of San Antonio; grandchildren, Matt McCloskey of
Floresville, Melissa Barfield and husband Anthony of Floresville, William McCloskey of Abilene, and
Clint Metting of Corpus Christi; 5 great grand- children; and son-in-law, Carl Metting of
Floresville.
Mr. McCloskey was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Metting; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 — 7:00 P.M. Monday, Janu- ary 9, 2006, in the Vinyard Funeral
Home Chapel, Floresville, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2006, in the Floresville Church
of Christ, Floresville, fol- lowed by interment in the Harper Cemetery, Wilson County, Texas.
Vinyard Funeral Home Floresville, Texas 1-866-393-2588
MSGT John D. Bowles
MSGT John D. Bowles, USAF Retired, 54, of Tucson passed away January 2, 2006. Graveside
services will be Wednesday, January 11, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home and
Memorial Park with Rev. Wayne Oglesby officiating. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the
funeral home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Bowles was preceded in death by both of his parents, John & Evelyn Bowles. He is survived by
his wife and high school sweetheart of 35 years, Dalene; his children, Jeri Ann and Jason Bowles
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
of Tucson; his brother Carl Bowles of Austin, and sister Charlotte Hayes of Hawley; and several
nieces and nephews.
John served his country in the USAF for 24 years. After an extended illness, John rehabilitated
and worked hard to become a valuable employee at the VA Hospital in Tucson. He was named
Employee of the Quarter shortly before his untimely passing. We will always love you!
James {Jim} Garnet Gracy
James {Jim} Garnet Gracy, 58, died Friday, January 6, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 9, 2006, in the Ad- miral Cemetery in Callahan
County at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Reverend
Jon Simms of St. Paul United Methodist Church will offi- ciate.
James was born July 22, 1947 to Garnet and Ernestine Gracy in Abilene, Texas. He attended
Bowie Elementary, Madison Jr. High, and graduated from Cooper High School in 1965. James
joined the United States Navy, serving on the USS Piedmont during the Vietnam War. He worked
at General Dynamics and later Lockheed in Ft. Worth. James returned to Abilene with Lockheed
and worked there until it closed. He also worked for Waugh’s Cleaners for a number of years.
James married Paula Golleher and together they managed Abilene R. V. Park. He en- joyed
hunting, fishing, sports, and country western dancing.
James was preceded in death by his father, Garnet Gracy.
Survivors include his wife, Paula, of Abilene; his mother, Ernestine Gracy, of Abilene; a sister,
Glenda and husband, Glen, of Valentine, Texas; two step-children; a niece and a nephew.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 149 North Willis, Suite 10, Abilene,
Texas 79603.
Jessie Calvin McCulley
EASTLAND — Jessie Calvin McCulley, 85, of Eastland passed away on Saturday January 7, 2006
at a local hospital.
Services will be 11 AM, Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland, with Dr. T. Shawn
Brewer officiating. Burial will be in Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral
Home in Eastland, Texas. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 5 PM to
6:30.
Mr. McCulley was born on May 21, 1920 in Gorman, Texas to Clayborn "Clay" and Ida L. Capers
McCulley. He met and married Lorene Hodges on December 29, 1941 in Comanche, Texas. Mr.
McCulley served in the United States Army in the infantry as a tech sergeant during WWII. After
his discharge they moved to Goldsmith Tx and Odessa where he played semi-pro baseball and
later worked for El Paso Natural Gas starting in the yard and progressed thru the ranks and
retired in 1982 as a shift foreman. They moved to Eastland in 1980. He was a member of the
Odessa Temple Baptist Church in Odessa and currently a member of First Baptist in Eastland. He
was involved in his son's sports activities including coaching Little League Baseball, a Boy Scout
Leader and he enjoyed woodworking and fishing and was a mentor to many children and young
adults.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Mr. McCulley is survived by his wife of 64 years Lorene McCulley of Eastland, sons Timothy
McCulley of Cordell OK. and Jessie D. McCulley of La Porte TX. 4 Grandchildren and 8 Great
Grandchildren. Sisters Bonnie Overstreet of Petersburg, TX, Elizabeth Bingham of Gorman, TX
and Fay Perrin of Sundown, TX.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME / EASTLAND, TEXAS
Marilyn Bartlett Rector
KNOX CITY — Marilyn Bartlett Rector, 86, of O’Brien, passed away January 7, 2006 at the Knox
County Hospital. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the
Rotan Cemetery with Gene McCarty officiating under the direction of Mansell — Smith Funeral
Home in Knox City.
Mrs. Rector was born September 1, 1919 in Comanche County the daughter of E. M. Bartlett and
Lillie Gleaton Bartlett. On January 8, 1943 she married J. A. Rector in Sweetwater. He preceded
her in death April 17, 1991. She was a Baptist, a past member of the Pink Ladies and past Post
Master at Longworth, TX. Marilyn was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers Horace Bartlett of
Sweetwater and Jack Bartlett of Ferris.
Marilyn is survived by son John Rector and wife Barbara of Knox City, granddaughter Lila Jo Keck
and husband Staley of Nocona, brother Russell Bartlett of Tuscola, sisters Delores Barnes of
Rockport and Zenita Hunt of Mill Creek, WA.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00pm, Monday, January 9, 2006 at the funeral home.
Nola Van Mierop
RISING STAR — Nola Van Mierop, 77, of Rising Star, Texas died Saturday, January 7, 2006 in
Rising Star, Texas.
Nola was born on January 13, 1928 in Callahan County, Texas to Jefferson Franklin and Mary
Annie Vandivere-Botts.
Nola is survived by three sons, Gary Dunn, Donnie Dunn, Johnny Dunn all of San Angelo, Texas;
one brother, Aldon Botts of Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at Higginbotham Funeral
Home Chapel with Mark Searcy officiating. Burial will be in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising
Star, Texas with Higginbotham Funeral Home of Rising Star in charge.
The family has set a visitation time on Monday, January 9, 2006 from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m., at the
Higginbotham Funeral Home, 803 North Main Street, Rising Star, Texas.
HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL HOME / RISING STAR, TEXAS
E.N. "Mitch" Mitchell
E.N. "Mitch" Mitchell, 102, of Abilene passed away Friday January 6, 2006. Graveside services
with Dr. Cliff Stewart officiating will be held on Monday January 9, 2006 at 2:00 P.M in Elmwood
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Memorial Park 5750 Hwy 277 South under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home. The family will
receive visitors at the home on Sunday, January 8, 2006 from 4-6 p.m.
Mr. Mitchell was born to the late E.N. and Sally Mitchell in Childress on the same day the Wright
Brothers soared above Kitty Hawk. As a child growing up in Childress, he always had a desire to
tinker. He built his own spark set radio, and through high school and college, he worked at a
railway shop learning machinist and drafting skills. He received his education in Electrical
Engineering from Texas A&M University graduating in 1927, and in 1925, while working as a lab
assistant for Texas A&M, he built the first radio tower in the area. He married Minnie Hayden in
1936 in Wichita Falls. He worked for West Texas Utilities where he became an executive and
ended his career as personnel manager of the company. Later in life, in part because of the
extensive travels required through his job, he learned to fly an airplane, the very invention that
had been born the same day that he was. After his retirement, he enjoyed adventurous travels
with his wife and with friends and experiencing everything that a long, healthy life has to offer.
He never stopped learning, even after being declared legally blind; he listened to books on tape,
learning about the history of the world.
Survivors include his wife, Minnie of Abilene; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers,
Naomi Head, Lisa Johnson, Lonnie Fitzpatrick, Carla Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, PO Box
893, Abilene, Texas 79604; Medical Care Mission, 302 Medical Dr, Abilene, Texas 79601; or
donor's favorite charity.
William Delta "Bill" Williams
William Delta "Bill" Williams, 80, passed away January 7, 2006 at his home in Abilene.
Graveside services with Brother Jack Riddlehoover officiating will be held at 3:00 PM on
Monday in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750
HWY 277 South.
Mr. Williams was born on April 28, 1925 in San Benita, Texas the son of Hayden Williams and
Carrie Cochran Williams. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and graduated from the
University of Texas College of Pharmacy in 1952. Bill was a Pharmacist for over 50 years working
as Chief Pharmacist at Dyess AFB and relief Pharmacist for other area pharmacies. He married his
high school sweetheart, Ann Beaird on March 8, 1946 and has been a member of Pioneer Drive
Baptist Church for over 30 years.
Bill will be greatly missed by his wife with whom he enjoyed 59 years of marriage; two daughters,
Sheryl and husband Mike of Austin, and Rhonda and husband Terry of Caldwell; 8 grandchildren
and 3 great-grandchildren.
His parents and one brother preceded him in death.
Bill loved fishing, camping, traveling and was an excellent mentor by example. He was the Rock
of the family and friend to all.
Death Notices 01.09.06
January 9, 2006
Ravelda Ruth Rainey Coutorie
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WHITNEY - Ravelda Ruth Rainey Coutorie, 70, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel, De Leon. Burial will be in Desdemona Cemetery.
Lela Naomi Dawson
COLEMAN - Lela Naomi Dawson, 92, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Funeral services are pending with
Stevens Funeral Home.
Sherman A. Driggers
TRENT - Sherman A. Driggers, 94, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at
Trent First Baptist Church. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Starbuck Funeral Home of
Merkel.
Randall Wayne King
MORAN - Randall Wayne King, 48, formerly of Abilene and Sweetwater, died Saturday, Jan. 7,
2006. Services are pending with McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.
Lacey C. Low
BIG SPRING - Lacey C. Low, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. today
in Trinity Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home.
Esther Jane McCoy
CROSS PLAINS - Esther Jane McCoy, 57, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are pending with
Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Shirley Ann Baze McElroy
FLINT, TX - Shirley Ann Baze McElroy, 61, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday
at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel, Stephenville. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory
Cemetery, Erath County. Visitation is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Evelyn Marie Mebane
SNYDER - Evelyn Marie Mebane, 81, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Snyder Cemetery under the direction of BellCypert-Seale Funeral Home.
Mabel Monroe
STEPHENVILLE - Mabel Monroe, 83, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at
Lacy Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m.
today at Lacy Funeral Home.
Josephine E. Tinney
SAN ANGELO - Josephine E. Tinney, 96, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Graveside services are 2:30
p.m. Tuesday at Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. today at Johnson's
Funeral Home.
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Dorothy Waldrop
WINTERS - Dorothy Waldrop, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services are pending with Winters
Funeral Home.
Robert Wilkins
BROWNWOOD - Robert Wilkins, 51, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are pending with
Netherton Funeral Home.
Willie Jean Alberta Dupree Woods
BROWNWOOD - Willie Jean Alberta Dupree Woods, 90, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Graveside
services are 3 p.m. today in Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral
Home.
Obituaries 1.10.06
January 10, 2006
Annie Earlene Beaty
Annie Earlene Beaty, 81, a lifelong resident of Comanche County, passed away in Abilene
Saturday, January 7, 2006.
Annie was born February 5, 1924 in DeLeon, Texas, the daughter of the late Earl Nelson and
Marie James Nelson. She was united in marriage to Alton Beaty on November 20, 1941 in
Comanche County. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include five sons, Dan Beaty and wife, Sue, of Arlington; Joe Beaty and wife, Nancy, of
Comanche; Wayne Beaty and wife, Gloria, of Stephenville; Paul Beaty and Pat Copeland of
Dublin; Ron Beaty and wife, Patti, of Cleburne; two daughters, Wanda Hall and husband, Weldon,
of Comanche; and Lana Grand and husband, Dennis, of MerkeL; sixteen grandchildren and twelve
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Alton, in 2004; one daughter, Lou
Ann Basham in 1986 and one brother, George Nelson in 1994.
Funeral services for Annie Beaty will be held at Hall & Sons Funeral Home Chapel at 3:30 PM on
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 with interment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Comanche. Services
are under the direction of Hall & Sons Funeral Home.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in her memory to Comanche Community
Healthcare Hospice, 108 W. Oak, Comanche, TX 76442 or American Heart Association, c/o Nancy
and Truman Hazelrigg, 1304 Haven Dr. Comanche, TX 76442.
HALL & SONS FUNERAL HOME / COMANCHE, TEXAS
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Billie Ruth Rowell
Billie Rowell, 77, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2006 at a local nursing center. Visitation will be
from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at the
funeral home. David Cason will officiate. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.
Billie was born June 27, 1928 in Ovalo, Texas to W.W. White and Mabel Earl Lee White. She grew
up in Ovalo and graduated from Ovalo High School. After high school she attended business
school. She was a member of the "Ovalo Ex's". She married D.C. Rowell in Breckenridge, Texas
on November 22, 1986. He preceded her in death on June 22, 2005. Billie was a native of the Big
Country and a member of Broadview Baptist Church.
She is survived by two sons, Robert L "Bob" Faulkner of Abilene, John Faulkner and his wife Terry
of Abilene; one daughter, Kay Harris and her husband Beaver, of Abilene; one step son, Randy
Rowell and his wife Audra of Abilene; two brothers, Roy E. White and his wife Bonnie, of Abilene,
Alfred P. White and his wife Pat, of Irving; and seven grandchildren, Brandye, Ginna, Rusty, Abby,
J.W., Kortni and Kelci. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605, or
Broadview Baptist Building Fund, 2500 South 7th, Abilene, TX 79605. Online condolences may be
sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Vernie Nell (Rushing) Coan
ROTAN – Vernie Nell (Rushing) Coan, 74, died Sunday January 8, 2006 in Fisher County Hospital.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 11, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Rotan
with Brother Werth Mayes, Brother Corkey Wells and Youth Minister Jacob West officiating. Burial
will be in Belvieu Cemetery directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
Born August 30, 1931 in Royston, TX., Vernie was a daughter to the late Bert Elmer and Bert
Irene (Stephens) Rushing. Vernie was a lifelong resident of Fisher County. Vernie and Grier
Dueaine Coan were married October 30, 1948 and enjoyed forty-four years of marriage before his
death on March 28, 1993. Vernie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rotan and worked
for H.L. Davis and Company and Callan Clinic/Clearfork Clinic for many years. She is preceded in
death by her parents, husband, one sister (Geraldine "Jim" Brumfield) and three brothers (Bobby
Jay, W.D. "Dub", and Bert Elmer Rushing, Jr.).
Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Rhonda and Doyle Walker of Burnet,
Karen Coan of Burleson and Teresa and Brian Harrison of Rotan; one sister, Ulaverne "Bill"
Thorton of Midland; one sister-in-law Lois Curry Rushing of Houston; six grandchildren, Stephen
Dooley, D’Lane Leonard, Mikeal Harrison, Jessica Flores, David Walker and Paige Walker; six
great-grandchildren, Alex and Elizabeth Dooley, Aspin and Sydnee Leonard and Zoe and Zac
Flores.
Heartfelt contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Rotan (new sign fund) or Hospice
of the Big Country.
William F. "Bill" Goetz
BALLINGER — William F "Bill" Goetz passed away in the Ballinger Memorial Hospital on Sunday,
January 8, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Chamness
officiating. Burial will be at Old Runnels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lange Funeral Home.
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2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Bill Goetz is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Bobbie, of Ballinger; a daughter, Deborah Evans of
Abilene; and a son, Michael Goetz of Ballinger; four wonderful grandchildren, Jason Goetz of San
Angelo, Shauna Yeager of Ozona, Bridget Goetz of Ballinger, and Brandon Goetz of Abilene; his
brother, Clarence Goetz of Rowena; and numerous nieces, nephews, and the many, many friends
that he made during his lifetime.
Bill was preceded in death by: son, Gary Lynn Goetz, in 1993; and two brothers, Herbert and
Herman Goetz.
LANGE FUNERAL HOME / BALLINGER, TEXAS
William Thel Isbell
Funeral services for William Thel Isbell, age 89, of Dodd City, will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday,
Jan. 11, 2006 in Wise Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Sally Watson and Rev. Roy Burpo will officiate.
Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery near Leonard. Mr. Isbell passed away Sunday, Jan. 8,
2006 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison.
Mr. Isbell was born August 9, 1916 in Shackelford County, Texas, the son of Arthur James Isbell
and Lillie Mae George Isbell. He graduated from Albany High School in 1934 and at- tended
business college in Fort Worth. He married Kathleen Smith, December 26, 1939 and she preceded
him in death August 31, 1994 after 54 years of devoted marriage. He served in the US Army Air
Corps from 1942 to 1946 and was dis- charged in San Antonio with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Mr. Isbell began working for Dunigan Tool and Supply Company in Breckenridge, TX in April 1937
as a mail clerk and retired from the company in Abilene after 44 years of service as Vice President
of Purchasing. After retiring the Isbells moved to their stock farm near Dodd City. Mr. Isbell was a
charter member of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Abilene and was currently a member of First
Presbyterian Church in Bonham.
He is survived by: brother, Arthur James Isbell, Jr. and wife Vera of Buda TX; numerous nieces
and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday night.
Online guest register at www.wisefuneralhome.com
WISE FUNERAL HOME / BONHAM, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.10.06
January 10, 2006
Martha Kay Braziel
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SNYDER - Martha Kay Braziel, 48, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006. Services are 10 a.m.
Wednesday at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Hillside
Memorial Gardens.
Milton Leon Broughton
DUBLIN - Milton Leon Broughton, 85, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday
at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Purvis Liveoak Cemetery.
Gary Burlison
DE LEON - Gary Burlison, 59, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. today at St. Joe
Baptist Church, with burial to follow in De Leon Cemetery, directed by Nowlin Funeral Home.
Calvin B. 'Bill' Campbell
Calvin B. ''Bill'' Campbell, 82, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m.
Thursday in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 542 Hickory.
Bill Carter
COLEMAN - Bill Carter, 77, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at Stevens
Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of
Stevens Funeral Home.
Ravelda Ruth Rainey Coutourie
DE LEON - Ravelda Ruth Rainey Coutourie, 70, of Whitney, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services
are 2 p.m. today at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Desdemona Cemetery.
Cleo Croft
COLEMAN - Cleo Croft, 75, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are pending with Stevens Funeral
Home.
Ethel Cummings
Ethel Cummings, 60, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Abilene Funeral
Home.
Dan Austin Davis
Dan Austin Davis, 55, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Abilene
Funeral Home.
Geralene M. Dunlap
Geralene M. Dunlap, 76, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are pending with Community
Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
John Edgar Grisham
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DE LEON - John Edgar Grisham, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at
First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in De Leon Cemetery, directed by Nowlin Funeral Home.
Randall Wayne King
MORAN - Randall Wayne King, 48, formerly of Abilene and Sweetwater, died Saturday, Jan. 7,
2006. Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in
Sweetwater, with burial to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sweetwater. Visitation is 6
to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Esther Jane McCoy
CROSS PLAINS - Esther Jane McCoy, 58, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Graveside services are 2
p.m. Wednesday in Cross Plains Cemetery, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Norman McMahan
COLORADO CITY - Norman McMahan, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 3 p.m.
Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Westbrook, with burial to follow in Colorado City Cemetery,
directed by Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Joan Nelson
Joan Nelson, 76, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2005. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Elmwood Funeral
Home Chapel, 5750 Highway 277 South.
Susie Ethel Powers
CLYDE - Susie Ethel Powers, 80, formerly of Winters, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are
pending with Bailey Funeral Home.
Dorothy Jo Waldrop
WINTERS - Dorothy Jo Waldrop, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Graveside services are 10:30
a.m. Wednesday in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation is 7 p.m. today at Winters Funeral Home.
Mary Tom 'Tony' Watson
SANTA ANNA - Mary Tom 'Tony' Watson, 86, of Trickham, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Services
are 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Shields Cemetery under the
direction of Henderson Funeral Home.
Willie White
COLORADO CITY - Mrs. Willie White, 86, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Graveside services are 10
a.m. Wednesday in Colorado City Cemetery, directed by Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Robert Wilkins
BROWNWOOD - Robert Wilkins, 51, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Thursday in Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Netherton Funeral
Home.
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Obituaries 01.11.06
January 11, 2006
Calvin B. "Bill" Campbell
Calvin B. "Bill" Campbell, 82, died Sunday, January 8, 2006, at an Abilene medical center. A
graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Cedar Hill Cemetery with Chaplain Sam Gregory
officiating, directed by Elliott- Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Visitation will be 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday at the funeral home.
Born in Thorndale, Texas, on October 16, 1923, he was the son of Bernice (Barker) and Everett
Campbell, and attended public schools in Ballinger, Texas. He received a bachelor of business
administration from Hardin-Simmons University in 1949, and a master’s degree in 1965. Mr.
Campbell was employed by school districts in Bronte, Big Lake, Tye and Groom as a
teacher/school administrator for 25 years before his retirement in 1978. In 1984, he returned to
Abilene, where he was a former credit manager.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in New Guinea, Sea Battle, and the
Philippines. Mr. Campbell was a Baptist, and a lifetime member of both the Martin A. Denson
Chapter #6873 of V.F.W. and Texas State Teachers Association. He was also a member of Rose
Park Senior Citizens, Western Dance Club of San Angelo, and the Wall Polka Dance Club of Wall,
Texas.
Bill married Lois Irene McKee on November 16, 1942, in Ovalo, Texas.
He was predeceased by a son, Bradford Campbell (d.1985); a daughter, Annette Campbell
(d.2000); a grandson, Brad Campbell (d.1984); his parents; two sisters, Faye Jamerson and Fern
Tiner (d.1996); a brother, John (Eudale) Campbell; and a daughter-in-law, Marsha Campbell
Perritt (d.2003).
Survivors include his wife, Lois McKee Campbell of Abilene; two grandchildren, Katy Annette Seals
and husband, Cameron, of North Carolina, and Christopher Bryan Campbell of College Station;
and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dan Austin Davis
Dan Austin Davis, 55, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2006, with family and close friends by
his side. A memorial service will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006, at Willow Creek
Chapel, 4351 South Treadaway. Cremation and service arrangements are under direction of
Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Davis was born March 8, 1950, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He attended Abilene public schools
and Cisco Junior College. At age 19, Dan married Gwen Lewis on March 5, 1972. Dan served in
the U.S. Army Infantry from 1967 to 1970. At the time of his discharge, he was a drill instructor
at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was a member of the VFW and a previous member of the Masonic
Lodge. Dan spent most of his life in sales. For the past 14 years he worked for GTech
Corporation, who flew their flags, statewide, at half-staff on Monday in his honor.
Survivors include his loving wife, Gwen Lewis Davis of Abilene; his devoted daughter, T.
Cheyenne Davis of Farmers Branch; and the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Kyndal Stone; his
future son-in-law Roger Stone; nieces, Shelley Sparks, Kelley Karnes, Lisa Ehrke; nephew, Gary
Dan Little; cousin, Clay Ragland; several great nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
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Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Waynette Davis; his sister, Susan
Munden; his brother-in-law, George Munden; his mother-in-law, Anna Fay Lewis; his great niece,
Hope Munden Ehrke; many aunts; uncles; and his best friend, Ricky Gilliam.
The family suggest memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene,
Texas 79605.
Online condolences and register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
Frances Joyce "Judy" Via
ANSON — Frances Joyce "Judy" Via, 88, died Monday, January 9, 2006, in Anson. She will be
cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being directed by
Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Born July 8, 1917, in Fannin County, Judy was the daughter of the late M.T. and Dora (Tucker)
Via. She moved to Jones County as a young girl and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1934.
After graduation she began her insurance career in Hamlin, working for Arlie Cassle Insurance.
Judy later worked in Seymour for Bunkley and Jones Insurance Company and in Breckenridge for
Blake Johnson Insurance. She became the first woman from Breckenridge to be elected to Desk &
Derrick. In 1970 she moved from Breckenridge to Abilene where she joined Ham Middlebrooks
Insurance Agency. Judy retired from the Middlebrooks Agency in 1988. During her career, Miss
Via was a member of Desk & Derrick, Abilene Insurance Women, and was an active and longtime
member of the Federation of Insurance Women of Texas. After retirement Judy spent many years
volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Abilene and Abilene Regional Hospital. She was a member of
the Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, Pete, Hubert, Bill and Hoyle, and one sister, Blanche
Culbertson.
Survivors include a twin brother, Howard Royce Via of Baytown; numerous nieces, nephews,
great nieces, and great nephews.
John A. O’Donnell Jr.
MERKEL — John A. O’Donnell Jr., 70, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006, in a local nursing center.
Graveside services with military honors will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Rose Hill Cemetery with
Reverend Larry Thomas officiating, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home.
John was born July 10, 1935, in Bexar County to John Andrew and Addie Mae Rossoen O’Donnell.
He married Monnie Faye Thomas. John was a longtime resident of Merkel. He was a U.S. Army
veteran and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
John had also been a barber for several years.
Survivors include his wife, Monnie Faye West O’Donnell of Abilene.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
Joan Nelson
Joan Nelson, 76, lifelong resident of Abilene, passed away Monday, January 9, 2006, at her home.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel,
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5750 HWY 277 South with the Reverend Wayne Oglesby officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood
Memorial Park.
Mrs. Nelson was born on March 3, 1929 in Carrizo Springs, Texas the daughter of Clarence Allen
and Mabel Hawkins. She was a member of the Gideon's Auxiliary and the Calvary Baptist Church
where she taught Sunday School and was involved with the Prison Ministry. She was the widow of
Ewing Nelson Jr. and in the words of her own children was "the greatest Mom in the world."
Survivors include her children, Deborah Patterson and husband Bobby and Weston Davis and wife
Cheryl all of Abilene; four grandchildren, Luke and DeDe Patterson, Sara and Garrett Davis; four
sisters, Verline Kelly, Mildred Garrett, Wanda Watkins, and Jane Adams.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Calvary Baptist Church, 1165 Minter LN,
Abilene, Texas 79603 or donor's favorite charity.
Geraldine Roberts
Geraldine Roberts, 89, of Anson and formerly of Stamford, passed away on Tuesday morning,
January 10, 2006 at an Anson nursing home. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday
morning at the Highland Memorial Cemetery in Stamford with Rev. John Erwin officiating and
under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford.
Geraldine was born November 27, 1916, in Camp County, Texas to Clarence and Stella Baxter.
She was raised in Camp County and graduated high school in Pittsburgh, Texas in 1937, married
Eddie Roberts on May 24, 1937 and moved to Fort Worth and then to Stamford in June of 1950.
She was a member of the St. John's United Methodist Church in Stamford, and the Eastern Star
Lodge # 269. She worked as a nurse's aide at Stamford Memorial Hospital for 12 years.
She is survived by 1 daughter and son in law, Natoma and Don Doty of Anson, 1 sister Joyce
Keith of Pittsburgh, TX, 4 grand daughters, Sara Stewart and husband Joe of Ozona, TX, Lucretia
Jordan and husband Fred of Albany, Whitney Lloyd and husband Russell of Meridian, Idaho, and
Maria Vestal of Dear Park, New York, 1 grandson, Billy Henning and wife Keisha of Fort Knox,
Kentucky, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 1 daughter, Keteva Henning, 2 brothers,
C. M. Baxter and Charles Baxter, and 1 sister, Boyce Harris.
Pallbearers will be Joe Stewart, Fred Jordan, Lance Jordan, Evert Jordan, Joey Wilson, and Chris
Peek.
The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 6 until 8 p.m.
Garland Preston
HAMLIN — Garland Preston, 84, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, January 9, 2006, in
Lubbock following a brief illness. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2006, at Adams
Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Donny Harbers and Cub Orcutt officiating. Burial will be in Hamlin
Memorial Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral Home.
Born September 13, 1921, in Fisher County, Garland was the son of the late E.A. and Leona
(Chandler) Preston. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1940 and was a veteran of the
United States Army Air Corps serving in WWII as a B-17 Ball Turret gunner. Garland married
Mignon Waggoner September 23, 1943, in Dallas. Following his service in the Army Air Corps,
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Garland and Mignon lived in Hamlin, where he worked for the Hamlin Cotton Oil Mill. They moved
to Lubbock in 1967 and Garland worked as a salesman and manager for Gulf Coast Bag and
Bagging Company until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
One sister (Lataine Rutherford) preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Mignon Preston of Lubbock; one son, Kenneth Preston of Lubbock; one
daughter and son-in-law, Denice and Robert Brown of Houston; one sister, Lamoine Helm of
Abilene; and one granddaughter, Alexandra Brown of Houston.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
Juan "Johnny" Chavez Sr.
FORT WORTH — Juan "Johnny" Chavez Sr., 51, a roofer, died Saturday, January 8, 2005 in Fort
Worth.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvario Funeral Chapel. Burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday with 7 p.m. prayer service at Calvario Funeral Chapel.
He was preceded in death by his father; Felix Chavez, Sr., Mother; Gregoria Fernandez, &
Brother; Joe Louis Chavez, and a niece; Angie Chavez Cantu.
Survivors: Sons; John Eric and wife Olivia, Jacob, Johnny, Joseph Michael Chavez, & Paul
Gonzales. Daughter; Halina Gonzales. Grandchildren; Savannah, Cassandra, Jacob, Alexis,
Grascon, Deavon, Andrew, Olivia & JoLyssa. Sisters; Lydia Chavez & Anita Sanchez. Brothers;
Rito, Rudy, Felix & Mickey Chavez and several loving nieces,nephews & cousins.
Calvario Funeral Chapel / 111 W. Northside Drive, Fort Worth / (817) 624-2191
Lillian Hulsey
HAMLIN — Lillian Hulsey, 90, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006, in Abilene. Services will be 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 12, 2006, at Sylvester Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Fee and David Husley
officiating. Burial will be in Sylvester Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral Home.
Born February 15, 1915, in Comanche County, Lillian was the daughter of the late William R. and
Cora E. (Brown) Green. She married Robert S. Hulsey on October 22, 1933. He preceded her in
death October 18, 1976. Lillian was a homemaker and a member of the McCaulley Baptist
Church.
Six sisters and three brothers preceded her in death.
Survivors include one sister, Viola Auvenshine of Comanche; and fourteen nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at the funeral home.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
R.O. Towery
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R.O. Towery, 84, wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on
Monday, January 9, 2006, in Abilene. His graveside service with the Reverend David Cason
officiating will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday in the Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of
Gethsemane under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home.
Viewing and visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, 5750 HWY 277
South.
Mr. Towery was born on September 18, 1921 in Kentucky and served in the U.S. Army during
WWII. He came to Abilene in 1946 and was a production foreman at Mrs. Baird's Bakery for over
40 years, retiring in 1987. He married Delores Ann Simpkins on December 27, 1983 in Baird. He
loved to fish, bowl, hunt, watch football and he loved to have company. He touched many lives
and will be missed by all.
Survivors include his wife, Delores of Abilene; two daughters, Darla Goetz and husband Steven of
Potosi, Jaime Sansom and husband Jonathon of Abilene; one son, Wayne Towery of Clyde; four
grandchildren, Randy Towery, Crystal Valentine, Ryan Goetz, and Ronnie Loza; three greatgrandchildren, Balin, Brylee and Kyler; three siblings, Mary Hunt, Gladis Orr and Gerald Towery
all of Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford
Ave, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Sherman A. Driggers Sr.
TRENT — Sherman A. Driggers Sr., 94, died Saturday, January 7, 2006 in a local hospital.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Trent First Baptist Church with the Reverends Ronnie
Freeman and Gene Jorgenson officiating. Burial will be in the Trent Cemetery, directed by
Starbuck Funeral Home of Merkel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday night at the
funeral home. Sherman was born September 1, 1911, at Eskota in Nolan County to Albert Byron
and Minnie Compton Driggers. He married Doris Lynch on January 23, 1935 at Sweetwater. She
preceded him in death on March 31, 2002. Sherman was raised in the Nolan County and Trent
area. He graduated from White Flat School. He was a member of Trent First Baptist Church and
active in Baptist Men and International Crusades. In 1963, he began international evangelistic
crusades all over the world. He served as a lay evangelist and interim pastor at various churches.
Sherman was a stock farmer and a former Trent School Board member.
Survivors include a son, Marcus Driggers and wife Ruth Anna of Abilene; a daughter-in-law, Joyce
Driggers of Trent; a sister, Willie Huffman of Brady; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and
many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris and a son, Sherman Driggers Jr.
Memorials may be made to Trent First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 85, Trent Cemetery Association,
c/o Billy Hamner, P. O. Box 72, Trent, TX 79561 or to charity of choice.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.11.06
January 11, 2006
Lucilla Bell
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CLYDE - Lucilla Bell, 77, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Bailey Funeral
Chapel, with burial to follow in Clyde Cemetery.
Vera Collier
STEPHENVILLE - Vera Collier, 97, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Goldthwaite, with burial to
follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mills County, directed by Stacy-Wilkins Funeral
Home in Goldthwaite.
Cleo 'Buddy' Croft
COLEMAN - Cleo ''Buddy'' Croft, 75, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at
Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction
of Stevens Funeral Home. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Geralene M. Dunlap
Geralene M. Dunlap, 76, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Broadview
Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Pleasant Hills Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday at Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
Stephnie Frances Hambrick
SWEETWATER - Stephnie Frances Hambrick, 38, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are
pending with McCoy Funeral Home.
Richard Harris
HAMLIN - Richard Harris, 56, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are pending with Adams
Funeral Home.
Walter N. Jones
BROWNWOOD - Walter N. Jones, 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at
Austin Avenue Church of Christ, with burial to follow in Cowboy Cemetery in McCullough County.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Frances Pope Kemp
HAMLIN - Frances Pope Kemp, 93, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are pending with Adams
Funeral Home.
William Kirby
EASTLAND - William Kirby died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday in
Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.
Timothy James Moody
Timothy James Moody, 54, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Arrangements are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Homes.
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Robert Darrell Neeley
Robert Darrell Neeley, 49, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Arrangements are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Susie Ethel Powers
CLYDE - Susie Ethel Powers, 80, formerly of Winters, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 11
a.m. Thursday at Bailey Funeral Chapel. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Thursday in Lakeview
Cemetery in Winters.
Charlie Samuels
OLDEN - Charlie Samuels died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are pending with Edwards
Funeral Home in Eastland.
Martha Jane Stephens
COMANCHE - Martha Jane Stephens, 67, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 4 p.m.
Thursday at Comanche Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Baggett Creek Cemetery in
Comanche County.
Johnnie Raymond Taylor
Johnnie Raymond Taylor, 65, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the
funeral home.
Erma Trent
BROWNWOOD - Erma Trent, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are pending with Stevens
Funeral Home.
Murlene Tice
MORGAN MILL - Murlene Tice, 67, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at
Morgan Mill Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Morgan Mill Cemetery. Visitation is 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. today at Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville.
Bill Williams
SANTA ANNA - Bill Williams, 94, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m.
Thursday in Cleveland Cemetery. Visitation is 5:30 to 6:30 today at Henderson Funeral Home.
Kent Womack
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COLORADO CITY - Kent Womack, 71, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are 10
a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Colorado
City Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today at Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Obituaries 01.12.06
January 12, 2006
Dan Austin Davis
Dan Austin Davis, 55, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2006, with family and close friends by
his side. A memorial service will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006, at Willow Creek
Chapel, 4351 South Treadaway. Cremation and service arrangements are under direction of
Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Davis was born March 8, 1950, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He attended Abilene public schools
and Cisco, Jr. College. At age 21, Dan married Gwen Lewis on March 5, 1972. Dan served in the
US Army Infantry from 1967 to 1970. At the time of his discharge he was a Drill Instructor at Fort
Polk, Louisiana. He was a member of the VFW and a previous member of the Masonic Lodge. Dan
spent most of his life in sales. For the past 14 years he worked for GTech Corporation, who flew
their flags, statewide, at half-staff on Monday in his honor.
Survivors include his loving wife, Gwen Lewis Davis of Abilene; his devoted daughter, T.
Cheyenne Davis of Farmers Branch; and the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Kyndal Stone; his
future son-in-law Roger Stone; nieces, Shelley Sparks, Kelley Karnes, Lisa Ehrke; nephew, Gary
Dan Little; cousin, Clay Ragland; several great nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Waynette Davis; his sister, Susan
Munden; his brother-in-law, George Munden; his mother-in-law, Anna Fay Lewis; his great niece,
Hope Munden Ehrke; many aunts; uncles; and his best friend, Ricky Gilliam.
The family suggest memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene,
Texas 79605.
Online condolences and register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
Ethel Cummings
Ethel Cummings, 60, passed away Monday, January 9, 2006. Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday at
Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope, 3349 N. 12th Street. Burial will follow in the Masonic
section of the Abilene Municipal Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cummings was born February 27, 1945, in Valliant, Oklahoma to Curtis Elmo and Willie Mae
Hubbard. She moved to Abilene from Slaton, Texas in 1996, and had been employed by Allsups
Convenience Stores for the past eight years.
Survivors include two sons, Joe DeBusk and Marvin DeBusk, both of Abilene; three daughters,
Wanda Gayle Riddle of Houston, Nelda Bryant of Eastland and Ashley Hood of Abilene; a brother,
Bill Hubbard of Slaton; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Online condolences and guest book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
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Freddie Linn Hoagland
Freddie Linn Hoagland, 89, died Friday, January 6, 2006, at her home. Funeral services will be
held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, January 13th, at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, with Norm McVey officiating. The family will receive friends just prior to the
service at 12 noon at the funeral home.
Mrs. Hoagland was born January 6, 1917, in the Nolan Divide Community. She was the daughter
of the late C. B. Linn and Edna Martin Linn. She graduated from Divide High School and went on
to earn a degree from North Texas Teachers College. She was a teacher for thirty years in
Oakland, California, before moving to the Abilene area in 1976. She was the widow of Glenn
Arnold Hoagland, whom she married in Oakland, California. She was a member of Elm Valley
Community Church.
Besides her parents and her husband, Freddie was preceded in death by Uvalda Smith, Muriel
Noll, John Linn, Roberta DeVere, Victor Linn, and David Donald Healow.
Survivors include two daughters, Jan Healow and Glenda Thomas, both of Abilene; a brother,
David Linn; two sisters, Ivy Belle Coleman and Joy Linn Dugan; and two grandchildren.
Robert Darrell Neeley
Robert Darrell Neeley, age 49, of Clyde, Texas passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. He
was born on January 24, 1956 to Archie Joe Neeley, and Frances Carol Nowlin, he was born in
Rotan, Texas.
Graveside services are at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2006 at the Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan,
Texas.
Robert was retired from Pender Office Supplies and had served in the United States Army for 4
years.
Survivors include his wife, Betty McCoy Neeley of 9 years; and one sister, and brother-in-law
Barbara and Roger Jones of Lueders, Texas; and one son, Nick Neeley of Tishomingo, Oklahoma;
Aunt and Uncle, Jim Nowlin and Auntee Mopp; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws; and a
very best friend Dexter Elrod.
He was preceded in death by his father, mothers, all his grandparents, one brother, and his
daughter.
He was loved by all the McCoy's.
Donations can be made to the Hendricks Hospice House.
The family will meet at 5325 Twylight Trail in Abilene before going to the services in Rotan.
Vickie Scott
Vickie Scott, 100, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2006, in a local medical center. Funeral
services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with
Dr. Gary McCaleb officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m.
Thursday at the funeral home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.
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Mrs. Scott was born in Carbon, Texas, on September 10, 1905. She attended West Texas A & M,
Texas A & I, and McMurry and was a teacher for many years. She was a longtime member of
University Church of Christ and very involved in ACU Baseball, Women of ACU, and Abilene
Garden Club. She and her husband, A. C., were inducted into the ACU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Vickie loved ACU, loved the Lord, and loved her family.
Mrs. Scott was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Terri; her parents; her husband, A. C.
Scott; daughter-in-law, Dottie Scott; brother, Overton Stone; and three sisters, Leah Rylander,
Elizabeth Fraser, and Stella Haney.
Survivors include her son, Al Scott of Abilene; grandson, Michael Scott & wife, Stephanie and
great-granddaughter, Abby of Plainview; granddaughters, Sherri Scott of Dallas, and Susan Scott
of Dallas.
Memorials may be made to A. Crutcher Scott Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, ACU Box
29132, Abilene, TX 79699-9132.
Johnnie Raymond Taylor
Johnnie Raymond Taylor, 65, died Monday, January 9, 2006, at an Arlington, Texas hospital.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Born October 2, 1940 in Abilene, Johnnie was the son of Johnnie Reed Taylor and Blanche Carr
Taylor. He enjoyed going to school and furthering his education. He received a Bachelor’s degree
from Hardin-Simmons University, a Master’s from McMurry University, and had also attended
A.C.C.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marcia Burnett and Mona Sue
Taylor.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Taylor and Joel Montford, both of Dallas; two daughters, Kim
McAllister of West Haven, Utah, and Kelly Taylor of Dallas; three brothers, Charles R. Taylor and
Jackie Taylor, both of Abilene, and Rev. Larry Taylor of Brussels, Belgium; one sister, Evelyn
Keith of Abilene; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and
nephews and other relatives.
Geralene Dunlap
On Monday morning, January 9, 2005, Geralene Dunlap awoke to her new home that had been
perfectly prepared for her.
Geralene was a loving mother to two children, Peggy Maddox and Ken Dunlap. Known as
"Mamaw" by her four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, she loved their visits, laughter
and smiles.
From Eastland County, as a middle child she left behind two older sisters and a younger brother,
while her younger sister preceded her in death, as well as both her mother and father. Known by
her family as Gene, and as Jerry by many of her friends and co-workers, she loved serving and
helping others. While living in Abilene, she worked hard at several jobs including factory work at
Timex, Masters Corp and U.S. Brass. More recently she served as a foster grandparent at local
elementary schools and Abilene State School until she was no longer able.
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Gene leaves behind many very close nieces and nephews, along with many other dear family
members and friends that will greatly miss her. She was a member of the Baptist faith and
longtime member of Broadview Baptist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 13th at Broadview Baptist Church
with Rev. David Cason officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction
of Community Memorial Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 12th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home at
1443 N. 2nd St.
Death Notices 01.12.06
January 12, 2006
Charles Ray Beakley
ROCHELLE - Charles Ray Beakley, 76, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m.,
Saturday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cox Cemetery in McCulloch
County. Visitation is 8:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Vera Collier
STEPHENVILLE - Vera Collier, 87, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at
the First United Methodist Church in Goldthwaite. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mills
County, under the direction of Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home of Goldthwaite.
Edgar E. Duncan
HAMLIN - Edgar E. Duncan, 91, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are
pending with Adams Funeral Home.
Melba Hackfeld
LORAINE - Melba Hackfeld, 76, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at
the Kiker-Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Loraine Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to
8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home in Colorado City.
Stephanie Francis Hambrick
SWEETWATER - Stephanie Francis Hambrick, 38, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Friday at the Trinity Baptist Church in Sweetwater, directed by McCoy Funeral Home. Burial
will be in Fairview Cemetery in Tuxedo.
Johnny Harrell
COLORADO CITY - Johnny Harrell, 53, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Graveside services are 2
p.m. Thursday in the Mitchell County Cemetery, under the direction of the Kiker-Seale Funeral
Home. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the cemetery.
Nelda Irene Keith
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BAIRD - Nelda Irene Keith, 50, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. A memorial service will be held at 10
a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Baird, under the direction of Parker Funeral
Home.
G.W. Lefevre
SAGERTON - G.W. Lefevre, 93, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m.
Saturday at the Sagerton Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery at
Sagerton, under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford. Visitation is 6:30 to 8
p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
W.G. Miller
W.G. Miller, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Graveside services are 1 p.m. Saturday in
Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday at the funeral home, 5701 Hwy. 277 South.
Granvel L. Pierce
DALLAS - Granvel L. Pierce, 85, of Dallas died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 3 p.m.,
Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Baird, under the direction of Parker Funeral
Home of Baird.
Charlie Glenn Samuels
OLDEN - Charlie Glenn Samuels died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Funeral services will be held at
10:30 a.m. Thursday at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery
in Fort Worth at 3:30 p.m.
Mark Leif Sanders
GORMAN - Mark Leif Sanders, 22, of Abilene, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Graveside services are
2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Gorman Cemetery, under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home
in Gorman.
Merl Slough
Merl Slough, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Marian Nell Thompson
PASADENA - Marian Nell Thompson, 67, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are pending with
McCoy Funeral Home Inc. of Sweetwater.
Erma Trent
CROSS PLAINS - Erma Trent, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday in
Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Burkett Family Cemetery under the
direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8p.m.
Thursday at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
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Obituaries 01.13.06
January 13, 2006
Edgar E. Duncan
HAMLIN -- Edgar E. Duncan, 91, died Wednesday, January 11, 2006, in Fort Worth. Services will
be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006, at the First Baptist Church with Revs. Donny Harbers
and Paul Duncan officiating. Burial will be in Hamlin Memorial Cemetery, directed by Adams
Funeral Home.
Born April 11, 1914, in Guymon, OK , Edgar was the son of the late John William and Mary
(Bartels) Duncan. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII. Edgar married
Mabel Moore December 25, 1937, in Floydada. Edgar owned and operated Piggly Wiggly grocery
store in Hamlin for 27 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, and the First
Baptist Church.
One sister (Mary Duncan) preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Mabel Duncan of Hamlin; two sons and daughters-in-laws, Jerry and
Deenie of Fort Worth, and Joey and Naomi Duncan of Bridgeport; one daughter, Connie Jo
Duncan of Granbury; one sister, Helen Matter of Edmond, OK; five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, at the First Baptist Church in the
Fellowship Hall.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
G.W. "Dub" Lefevre
SAGERTON, TX -- G W Lefevre, 93, of Sagerton, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2006
at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday at the Sagerton Methodist Church with Terry O'Rear
officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery at Sagerton under the direction of
Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford.
G W was born November 28, 1912 in Walnut Springs, Texas to Ira Phelix and Elizabeth Lefevre.
He came to the Sagerton area in 1921 in a covered wagon with his parents. He attended the
Sagerton schools and after that he farmed with his family until he went to California and worked
in construction.
He returned to Sagerton during W.W. II and moved to Houston and worked building war ships. He
moved to Knox City in 1940 and owned and operated a grocery and service station until 1948
when he returned to Sagerton. He married Frances Inez Hudson on July 5, 1931 at Frances
mothers' farm in Sagerton. She preceded him in death on February 6, 1985.
He later married Ophelia Leach Gibson on January 1, 1986 in Rule. GW was a farmer and rancher
and retired in 1983. He was a member of the Sagerton Methodist Church and a former member of
the Stamford Masonic Lodge. His favorite thing to do was playing 84 every Sunday night with
friends and relatives.
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He is survived by his wife, Ophelia Lefevre of Sagerton; 1 daughter and son-in-law, Elyzabell and
Boyd Young of Abilene; 1 daughter-in-law, Bonnie Lefevre Davis of Stamford; 2 step sons and
step daughters-in-law, Charles and Dolores Gibson of Round Rock, Texas and Larry and Jean
Gibson of Springtown, Texas; 1 brother, Melvin Lefevre of Pearland, Texas; 5 grandsons, Steve
Lefevre, David Lefevre and wife Donna, Darrell Apple and Wife Alyce, Gary Apple and wife
Shonda, and Dwayne Apple; 2 grand daughters, Deborah Oliver and husband Buddy, and Diana
Smith and husband Matt; 3 step grandchildren, 19 great grand- children; 6 step great
grandchildren; and 12 great great grand- children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; 1 son, Dan W. Lefevre of Stamford; 1
daughter, Gretchen Lefevre; 1 grandson, Douglas Lefevre; 4 brothers, Earl Lefevre, Tince Lefevre,
Buddy Lefevre, Jerrell Lefevre; 2 sisters, Beatrice Pouncey and Margaret Lefevre.
Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Delbert and Joyce Lefevre, Alvin
Ulmer, Charles Clark, and Mary Neinast.
The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
Memorials may be sent to the Sagerton Methodist Church c/o Jack Tabor, 177 Madison, Sagerton,
Texas 79548.
Merl Slough
Merl Slough, 84, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2006 in Abilene. Visitation will be from
5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 13, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo
Gap Road. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at the First Baptist
Church of Eula, with Rev. Larry Adams officiating. Burial will follow at the Eula Cemetery.
Merl was born September 8, 1921 in Oplin, Texas to Nathan Slough and Nora Pentecost Slough.
He graduated from Eola High School and attended Draughn's Business College. He served in the
United States Army during World War II. Merl married Helen Brock on December 23, 1951. He
was employed by Harry Campbell Road Construction until joining his wife in the family owned
business, Slough Printing Company, which relocated to Mockingbird Lane in the mid-1960s. In
1982, Merl and Helen sold the printing business and retired. Mr. Slough was a member of the
First Baptist Church of Eula, Texas.
Mr. Slough was preceded in death by both of his parents, and his brother, Jerry Slough.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Slough; one son, Larry Slough and his wife Kim; one daughter,
Merlene Flournoy and her husband Ted, all of Abilene; two brothers, Presley Slough of Seattle,
Washington and Eddie Slough of San Angelo, Texas; one sister, Dreda Jacoby of Eola, Texas; five
grandchildren, Brandon and Bryan Flournoy, Stefani Burkholder, Katy and Amy Slough; and one
great granddaughter, Kayleigh Flournoy.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Granvel Leo Pierce
BAIRD -- Granvel Leo Pierce died January 11, 2006 at 10:40 a.m. at Presbyterian Hospital Dallas after a short illness.
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Granvel was born August 8, 1920 in the community of Cross Plains, Callahan County, TX. His
parents were Joe Pierce and Addie Westerman Pierce. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nola
Van Gibson Pierce and daughter, Jan Pierce, both of Dallas. He is survived by siblings, Doke
Pierce (Big Spring), Adell Blakely (Clyde) and Frances Galloway (Abilene) and numerous nieces
and nephews. Also, special friends Fred and Terry McMinn of Odessa and their son Tom McMinn.
His brothers J. C. Pierce and Stanley Pierce preceeded him in death.
Granvel attended Plainview and Cross Plains public schools where he was active in sports at Cross
Plains as an outstanding quarterback. He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1939.
Granvel served with the 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group during WWII and was stationed at
Mendlesham Air Force Base in England and was there on "D" Day. Upon his return to Texas he
entered Hardin-Simmons University and graduated with a BBA in August, 1949. He received his
job at Humble Oil the day he graduated, spending 34 years with Exxon (now ExxonMobil). He
retired October 1, 1983.
Granvel participated in the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and helped organize the West Abilene
Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the SFOA and officiated high school football games for 13
years in the Big Country.
He was active in Methodist Churches in Abilene. He was an active member of the North Texas
Exxon Annuitants Club. He organized the Cross Plains '39ers. His high school classmates
celebrated reunions from 1972 to the present.
He and his wife upgraded and maintained a second home in Baird, TX until 2004. He and Nola
Van pursued genealogy as their hobby.
Services will be held Saturday, January 14 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Baird,
TX with burial following in the Ross Cemetery under the direction of Parker Funeral Home.
Chaplain (Lt. Colonel, retired) Wallace J. Bennett and the Rev. Sandra Keith will officiate.
Visitation will be at the church from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 14.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cross Plains, Texas Volunteer Fire Dept (P. O.
Box 185, Cross Plains, TX 76443) or the Baird, Texas Volunteer Fire Dept (328 Market Street,
Baird, TX 79504), or to the charity of your choice.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Stephanie Francis Hambrick
SWEETWATER -- Stephanie Francis Hambrick, age 38, of Possum Kingdom, Texas passed away on
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 in Dallas, Texas.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2006 at the Trinity Baptist Church
in Sweetwater with the Reverend Ward Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in
Tuxedo, Texas. Arrangements have been entrusted to McCoy Funeral Home, Inc., of Sweetwater.
Stephanie was born on July 4, 1967 in Fisher County, Texas. She married Paul Hambrick on
August 14, 1999 in Sweetwater, Texas. She was a homemaker. Attended School at Rotan, Roby
and McCaulley. She had lived at Possum Kingdom for the past 3 years and in Roby before that.
She had a long fight with lung complications. Ten years ago she contracted COPD and on
February 10, 2005 she received a double lung transplant. We last were able to enjoy her beautiful
smile 11 months before God took her home.
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She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Kenneth Ross Culpepper in 1971, and her step
father, Carl Oliver in 2004.
Survivors include: her husband, Paul hambrick of Possum Kingdom, Texas; mother, Peggy
Culpepper Kimbrell and husband, Ted of Sweetwater; father, Jerry Stevenson of Stamford, Texas;
three sons, Cody Polk and Chelsie Thane of Abilene, Michael Polk and Becky of Possum Kingdom,
and Tyler Polk of Leonard, Texas; two daughters, Myia and DeShay Hambrick of Possum
Kingdom; brother, Nicky Stevenson; sister, Stacy Stevenson; step brother, Marc Kimbrell; step
sister, Tracy Antonucci; maternal grandmother, Twila Culpepper of Sweetwater; and mother &
father-in-law, Patsy & John Hambrick of Sweetwater.
Pallbearers will be Chad Davis, Jeremy McArthur, Terry Daniel, Mitch Whitefield, Cody Clapper and
Shaylor Flow.
McCOY FUNERAL HOME, INC. / SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Mary Frances (Peach) Malone Eastus
Mary Frances Eastus, 89, went to be with our Lord on Friday, January 6, 2006. A memorial
service was held Tuesday, January 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of St. Stephen Presbyterian
Church in Ft. Worth. A graveside service will be at Elmwood Gardens in Abilene, Texas, on
Saturday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of North's Funeral Home.
Mary was born July 27, 1916, in Corsicana, Texas, and raised in San Angelo. She was a beloved
mother, wife, homemaker and member of the Methodist church. For many years, she was a
resident of Abilene; but for the past sixteen years, she resided in Ft. Worth.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Neal (Bob) Eastus, Jr.
She is survived by her daughters: Janet Eastus Flatt of Ft. Worth and Jane Eastus Long of
Houston, her son Robert Neal Eastus, III of Haltom City, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous other relatives.
W. G. Miller
Wilbur Gus Miller, 84, wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed
away on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, in Abilene.
He was born on November 19, 1921 in Florine, Louisiana to Cora Emiline and Charlie Miller.
Visitation will be at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. A
graveside service will be officiated by James Teal in Elmwood Memorial Park on Saturday, January
14 at 1 p.m.
Mr. Miller served in the U.S.Army during WWII. He fought in four major battles, including the
Battle of the Bulge. He met and married Georgette Renard in Hue, Belgium in 1945. He retired
from Bridwell Oil Co. in 1970.
He is survived by one son & daughter-in-law, George and Jessica Miller of Granbury; one
daughter and son-in-law, Patricia & Tommy Steward of Tullahoma, Tennessee; grandchildren,
Michael & Kimberly Miller, Charles & Tonya Reffner, Mindy Cheek, and Todd Steward; 2 stepgrandchildren; 5 great- grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
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He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgette, his parents, and six brothers and sisters.
Nora Maxwell Leonard
Services for Nora Maxwell Leonard, 95, of Abilene, will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 14th in
the Elliott- Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Burial will follow in the Cedar
Hill Section of the city cemetery. Nora died Wednesday, January 11, 2006.
Mrs. Leonard was born October 7, 1910 in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, the youngest child of
George W. and Margaret Weddell Maxwell. Her father, a deputy U. S. Marshal, was shot and killed
in May 1911 during an ambush by a notorious gang of outlaws who ter- rorized a large area of NE
Oklahoma.
She married Robert E. Leonard February 20, 1931, in Weatherford, Texas. He died in 1973. Nora
was a homemaker and Camp Fire Girls leader. She was a hairdresser and was bookkeeper for her
and her husband’s businesses.
Mrs. Leonard was a longtime resident of Fort Worth and of Wichita Falls. She moved from Ada,
OK to Abilene in 1959 and was a member of University Church of Christ. She had made her home
in the Christian Village of Abilene from 1997 to Feb. 2005, when she went to live at Windcrest
Alzheimer’s Care Center.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and Ray C. Janeway of Lubbock, and
Melyndie and Jim Brunick of Ft. Worth; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the many kindnesses extended to Nora during
her 46+ years in Abilene. She often said lovingly, "These are the best people in the world." Of
Windcrest, she said with gratitude, "They’re so friendly here," and "I really do like it here."
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Christian Village of Abilene, 633 E.N. 19th,
Abilene, TX 79601; or Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center, 6050 Hospital Dr., Abilene, TX 79606;
or Sears Hospice.
Robert Howard Komma
SNYDER -- Funeral services for Mr. Robert Howard Komma, age 81, of Abilene and formerly of
Snyder will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday at the Bell - Cypert - Seale Funeral Home Chapel with
the Reverend Russell Johnson, family pastor at the First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will
follow in the Hillside Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Bell - Cypert - Seale
Funeral Home.
Mr. Komma passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at the Sears Nursing Home in Abilene,
Texas after a lengthy illness.
Mr. Komma was born on April 5, 1924 in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was married to Laurajean
Martin on April 30, 1947 in Morganville, Kentucky. She died on July 6, 1976. He later married
Grace Ram on February 14, 1986 in Abilene. He was a Baptist.
Mr. Komma was employed by Texaco for 39 years as a Gas Plant Operator. He worked in Illinois
and Texas. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II. He was a member of the
Snyder Chapter of the VFW. He was also a member of the Road Riders Motorcycle Club in Abilene.
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Survivors include: his wife, Grace Komma of Abilene, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Karen
and Michael Kenner of Hillsboro, Ohio; one granddaughter and her husband, Jennifer Lynn and
Wade West of Hillsboro, Ohio; one step daughter, Barbara Leal of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one aunt, Ella
Mae Dennis of Claremore, Oklahoma; five step sons, Joe Leal of Mesquite, Texas, Frank and
Carlos Leal, both of Abilene, Texas, Greg Leal of Weatherford, Texas and Jesse Leal of Austin,
Texas; six step grand- children and two step great grandchildren.
BELL - CYPERT - SEALED FUNERAL HOME / SNYDER, TEXAS
Lucilla Bell
CLYDE - Lucilla Bell, 77 of Clyde, died Monday at her home.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 13th, at the Bailey Funeral Chapel with Bro. Billy
Sellers officiating. Burial will follow in the Clyde Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral
Home.
Mrs. Bell was born October 1, 1928 in Throckmorton, Texas to Ether Witt and Margaret Ann
Jackson. She grew up and attended school in Throckmorton. She married Marvin James Bell on
July 21, 1947 in Haskell. They moved to Clyde from Abilene in 1986. She was a homemaker and
a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Marvin of Clyde; one daughter Glenda Gillett of Abilene; one son,
James Bell of Tow; six grandchildren, Jimmy Turnbow, Cathy Gillett, Robert Gillett, Debra Lingo,
Phillip Bell and Michael Bell; seventeen great-grand- children, Angelique, Donovan and Ethan
Gillett; Sarah, Emily, Katie, Mary, Grace and Allison Turnbow; Ashley and Amy Brown and Shawn
and Clayton Lingo; two great-great-grandchildren, Austin and Breanna Brown and several nieces
and nephews.
BAILEY FUNERAL HOME / CLYDE, TEXAS
Nelda Irene Keith
BAIRD -- Nelda Irene Keith, age 50, of Baird, Texas died on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at her
home.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church
under the direction of Parker Funeral Home. The Reverend Sandra Keith will officiate.
Nelda was born on September 17, 1955 in Baird, Texas. She had lived in Baird all of her life. She
was a licensed vocational nurse and a homemaker. Nelda married Earnest Keith in Baird, Texas
on March 21, 1978.
She is survived by: her husband, Earnest Keith of Baird, Texas; three daughters, Melissa Lund
and husband, R. J. of Abilene, Texas, Jennifer Keith of Abilene, Texas and Sara Keith of Baird,
Texas; her mother, Jane Robbins of Clyde, Texas; two brothers, Robert Wheeler of Mulberry
Canyon, Texas and Royce (Buzz) Wheeler of Baird, Texas; one sister, Jody Rogers of Denton
Valley, Texas; one granddaughter, Shelby Haile of Clyde, Texas; and several nieces and one
nephew.
She was preceded in death by one twin sister, Eva Maxine Wheeler.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
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Death Notices 01.13.06
January 13, 2006
Maxine Anderson
BIG SPRING - Maxine Anderson, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are pending at Myers
& Smith Funeral Home.
Vera (Marsh) Berry
HASKELL - Vera (Marsh) Berry, of Abilene, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Graveside services
are 2 p.m. today at Willow Cemetery in Haskell. Visitation is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. today at
Holden McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
George Campbell
NEILLSVILLE, WI - George Campbell, 85, of Abilene, formerly of Neillsville, Wis., died Monday,
Jan. 9, 2006. Graveside services are 1 p.m. Saturday at the Neillsville City Cemetery, with
military rites. Local arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home
Neoma 'Sally' Dawson
COLEMAN - Neoma ''Sally'' Dawson, 92, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Services are 2:30 p.m.
Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial follows in the Rough Creek Cemetery. Visitation
is from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.
Joe Diaz
SANTA ANNA - Joe Diaz, 70, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Cordero Baptist Church. Interment follows at the Santa Anna
Cemetery, under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Visitation
is from 5 to 6 tonight at the funeral home.
Grace Gilreath
Grace Gilreath, 96, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Monday at
Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock. Arrangements were made by North's Funeral Home, 242
Orange, Abilene.
Floyd Jefferson Griffith
ODESSA - Floyd Jefferson Griffith, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Peace Chapel in Trinity Memorial Park, Big Spring. Burial follows in Trinity
Memorial Park, under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home Inc., of Sweetwater.
Janet Griffith
Janet Griffith, 68, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, in a local medical center. Services are pending
with Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Pete Johnson
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SAN ANGELO - Pete Johnson, 99, formerly of Big Spring died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. Services are
pending at Myers & Smith Funeral Home of Big Spring.
Inez Kennedy
DE LEON - Inez Kennedy, 91, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at the
Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial follows in De Leon Cemetery.
Marian Kennedy
Marian Kennedy, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Abilene
Funeral Home.
Virginia M. Limon
BIG SPRING - Virginia M. Limon, 74, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are pending at
Myers & Smith Funeral Home.
Welna Jean Rose
SWEETWATER - Welna Jean Rose, 72, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 2 pm.
Saturday at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Burial follows in the Garden of
Memories Cemetery.
Chad Edward Sobley
RANGER - Chad Edward Sobley, 29, died Dec. 8, 2005. Memorial services are 3 p.m. Sunday at
Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Cathy Ann Stanley
RANGER - Cathy Ann Stanley, 51, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Memorial services are 3 p.m.
Sunday at Summers-Bakker Funeral Home in Eastland.
Obituaries 01.14.06
January 14, 2006
Dr. Robert "Bob" Johnson
Dr. Robert Lee Johnson, 86, formerly of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, died January 9, 2006 at the
Meadows Living Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Born June 21, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan, he was
the son of Delbert M. Johnson of Buckhorn, Kentucky and Loretta Walker Johnson of London,
Kentucky. He most recently made his home in Nashville, Tennessee near his daughter. Dr.
Johnson and his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Sowell Johnson were long time residents of Siloam
Springs, Arkansas. He received his PhD. from New York University in Philosophy of Religion. He
chaired the Department of Theology and taught at John Brown University for 9 years until his
retirement in 1984. Other Universities he was associated with are Malone College in Ohio, Friends
University in Wichita, Kansas, and Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Some courses he
taught were Philosophy of Religion and Living World Religions, as well as Bible Classes. Dr.
Johnson served as pulpit minister in Churches of Christ, including Westville Church of Christ in
Oklahoma, Northwest Church of Christ in Detroit, Michigan, Malverne Church of Christ on Long
Island, New York, Baker Heights Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, and from time to time locally
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at the Eastgate congregation. Dr. Johnson also authored two books, Humanism and Beyond and A
Commentary on the Book of Galatians first published by the Sweet Publishing Company and
reprinted by Leafwood Publishing Company of Siloam Springs.
He was a Captain in WWII, stationed at Molesworth Air Force Base, England. Dr. Johnson was an
active member of the 303rd Bomb Group Association, having presided at the Protestant Services
at their annual reunions for over 8 years. Locally, he was a member of Eastgate Church of Christ,
involved in the Rock Club of Benton County, the Farmers Co-op, and the Dogwood Literacy
Council.
Survivors include one son, Thom Johnson and wife Nancy of Enid Oklahoma; one daughter, Mary
Hemminger and husband Bob of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Iris Hurst of East Petersburg,
Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, 2006 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and also on
Monday, January 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Wasson Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 17 at Eastgate Church of Christ,
Siloam Springs with Mr. Charles Cash officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Christian Scholars' Conference to fund
minority scholarships for individuals seeking to attend the conference. Please mail checks in
Robert Johnson's name to David Fleer, Christian Scholars' Conference, 800 W. Avon Rd.,
Rochester Hills, MI 48307.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
Edgar E. Duncan
HAMLIN -- Edgar E. Duncan, 91, died Wednesday, January 11, 2006, in Fort Worth. Services will
be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006, at the First Baptist Church with Revs. Donny Harbers,
Calvin Bailey, and Paul Duncan officiating. Burial will be in Hamlin Memorial Cemetery, directed by
Adams Funeral Home.
Born April 11, 1914, in Guymon, OK , Edgar was the son of the late John William and Amelia
(Bartels) Duncan. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII. Edgar married
Mabel Moore December 25, 1937, in Floydada. Edgar owned and operated Piggly Wiggly grocery
store in Hamlin for 27 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, President of the Lions Club,
and Deacon of the First Baptist Church.
One sister (Mary Duncan) preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Mabel Duncan of Hamlin; two sons and daughters-in-laws, Jerry and
Deenie Duncan of Fort Worth, and Joey and Naomi Duncan of Bridgeport; one daughter, Connie
Jo Duncan of Granbury; one sister, Helen Matter of Edmond, OK; five grandchildren and two great
grandchildren.
Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, at the First Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund, P.O. Box 8, Hamlin, Texas
79520.
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ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
Marian Kennedy
Marian Kennedy, 73, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2006, at a local hospital. Services will
be 1:00 p.m. Monday at Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope, 3349 N. 12th Street, with Pastor
Steve Ham officiating.
Mrs. Kennedy was born September 27, 1932, in Geneva, Ohio to Joseph and Zella Ida Pugliese.
She moved to Abilene in 1978 from Brookpark, Ohio and was a member of New Haven
Community Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Diana L. Dennis and Anna Kennedy Hulse, both of Abilene; two
grandchildren, Jennifer Simmons of Abilene and Robert Simmons and wife Lee of Colorado
Springs, Colorado; two great grandchildren, Ridge Simmons of Abilene and Phyllis Simmons of
Colorado Springs, Colorado; several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Visitations will be Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Abilene Funeral Home.
Online register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com Verne Baker
LUBBOCK -- Verne Baker, 100, of Lubbock passed away on Friday, January 6, 2006. Services
were held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the Sanders Funeral Home Chapel with Rick
Cunningham officiating. Burial followed in the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of
Sanders Funeral Home.
Verne was born on March 8, 1905 in Delta County, Texas. She married Charles Vinson Baker on
October 20, 1923. He preceded her in death on July 1, 1980. She lived in Clyde, Texas for 37
years before moving to Lubbock in 2005. She has been a member of the Church of Christ for the
past 80 years.
She is survived by: three sons, Hershal Baker of Lubbock, Charles A. Baker, and George M.
"Chuggy" Baker of Roundrock; two daughters, Helen F. Perrin of Riverview, Florida and JoAnn
Sepp of Redlands, California; a sister, Arbena Weakley of Dallas; 12 grandchildren; 19 great
grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.
Mrs. Baker was also preceded in death by a daughter, Miriam Baker.
Nora Maxwell Leonard
Services for Nora Maxwell Leonard, 95, of Abilene, will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 14th in
the Elliott- Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Burial will follow in the Cedar
Hill Section of the city cemetery. Nora died Wednesday, January 11, 2006.
Mrs. Leonard was born October 7, 1910 in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, the youngest child of
George W. and Margaret Weddell Maxwell. Her father, a deputy U. S. Marshal, was shot and killed
in May 1911 during an ambush by a notorious gang of outlaws who terrorized a large area of NE
Oklahoma.
She married Robert E. Leonard February 20, 1931, in Weatherford, Texas. He died in 1973. Nora
was a homemaker and Camp Fire Girls leader. She was a hairdresser and was bookkeeper for her
and her husband’s businesses.
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Mrs. Leonard was a longtime resident of Fort Worth and of Wichita Falls. She moved from Ada,
OK to Abilene in 1959 and was a member of University Church of Christ. She had made her home
in the Christian Village of Abilene from 1997 to Feb. 2005, when she went to live at Windcrest
Alzheimer’s Care Center.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and Ray C. Janeway of Lubbock, and
Melyndie and Jim Brunick of Ft. Worth; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the many kindnesses extended to Nora during
her 46+ years in Abilene. She often said lovingly, "These are the best people in the world." Of
Windcrest, she said with gratitude, "They’re so friendly here," and "I really do like it here."
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Christian Village of Abilene, 633 E.N. 19th,
Abilene, TX 79601; or Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center, 6050 Hospital Dr., Abilene, TX 79606;
or Sears Hospice.
Rena Jones
NOVICE -- Rena Jones, age 93, of Novice, died Thursday, January 12, 2006 at Coleman County
Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 15 at Novice Baptist
Church with Brother Larry Adams officiating. Burial will follow in the Rough Creek Cemetery under
the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.
She was born Rena Sheffield on February 7, 1912, in Talpa, Texas, a daughter of James Thomas
Sheffield and Fannie Elizabeth Conner Sheffield. She grew up in Concho County and attended
school at Concho. On December 23, 1928 she married Lee Jones in San Antonio and he preceded
her in death in 1978. She moved to Novice in November 1930 and was the oldest member of the
Novice Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Fannie Nixon of Duncanville, Texas and Kathy Rose and husband
Larry of Coleman; two granddaughters, Debbie Lee and husband Tim of Garland and Tommie
Irwin and husband Gene of Ovilla; one grandson, Joe Lee Rose and wife Sandra of Coleman; five
great granddaughters, 2 great grandsons; four great great grandsons; one brother, David
Sheffield and wife Marjorie of Grosvenor; two sisters-in-law, Avis Sheffield of Brownwood and
Lucille Sheffield of Paint Rock; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends; one special
soul-mate, her puppy, the last 11 years, Fifie.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Barbara Ellen in 1959; one grandson,
Thomas Nixon in 1956; four brothers, Irvin, Clyde, Ed & Elma Sheffield; two sisters, Clara Conley
and Lela Thompson.
Memorials may be made to Novice Baptist Church, c/o Elaine Moore, P. O. Box 43, Novice, Texas
79538.
Family visitation will be held on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral
Home.
Death Notices 01.14.06
January 13, 2006
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Maxine Anderson
BIG SPRING - Maxine Anderson, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m.
Monday at Myers & Smith Chapel with burial in Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Rodney Lee Barnes
HOUSTON - Rodney Lee Barnes, 56, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at
Comanche Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Pendergrass Cemetery, Comanche County.
Zora 'Peaches' Blackburn
GOLDTHWAITE - Zora ''Peaches'' Blackburn, 87, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 10
a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery,
directed by Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home.
Bill Burnett
BIG SPRING - Bill Burnett, 62, of Coahoma, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Funeral services will be
at 10 a.m. Monday at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow in Trinity
Memorial Park, Big Spring. Visitation is 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Donnie Cowen
BRECKENRIDGE - Donnie Cowen, 93, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are pending with
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Jerry Lee Gordon
MIDLAND - Jerry Lee Gordon, 53, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
today in Hobbs Cemetery, directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.
A'Varie Jihn Gossett
BROWNWOOD - A'Varie Jihn Gossett, 5 months, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Graveside services
are 2:30 p.m. today in Bangs Cemetery, Bangs. Visitation is 11 a.m. to noon today at DavisMorris Funeral Home.
Janet Ann Griffeth
Janet Ann Griffeth, 68, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South. Burial will be in Elmwood
Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Hubert G. Johnson
Hubert G. Johnson, 86, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil Garden of
Memories. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Pete Johnson
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BIG SPRING - Pete Johnson, 99, of San Angelo and formerly of Big Spring, died Monday, Jan. 9,
2006. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Myers and Smith Chapel with burial in Mt.
Olive Memorial Park.
Juanita Jordan
BIG SPRING - Juanita Jordan, 80, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are pending at Myers &
Smith Funeral Home.
Virginia M. Limon
BIG SPRING - Virginia M. Limon, 74, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Vigil services will be at 7
p.m. Sunday at Myers & Smith Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church with burial in Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Walter E. Littlefield
SNYDER - Walter E. Littlefield, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. today at
Victory Baptist Church. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in May at 4 p.m. today.
George Franklin Myers Jr.
GOLDTHWAITE - George Franklin Myers Jr., 51, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Memorial services
will be held at a later date. Arrangements were by Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Evalyn Reid
TOMBALL - Evalyn Reid died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are pending with Stacy-Wilkins
Funeral Home in Goldthwaite.
Buna Edwards Rickner
Buna Edwards Rickner, 89, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Burial will be in Hancock Cemetery in
Lamesa, following a 3 p.m. graveside service. Visitation will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the
funeral home.
Maurice Springate
BAIRD - Maurice Springate, 87, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at First
United Methodist Church, directed by Parker Funeral Home of Baird.
Helga Tischler Stegemoller
PRIDDY - Helga Tischler Stegemoller, 86, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church in Priddy with burial to follow in Priddy Cemetery. Visitation is 6
to 8 p.m. today at Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home, Goldthwaite.
Cynthia Katharine Sutton
BIG SPRING - Cynthia Katharine Sutton, 79, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Funeral services will
be 2 p.m. today at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Burial will be Sunday in Marfa Cemetery, Marfa.
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Visitation is 10 to 11 a.m. today at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big
Spring.
Marian Nell Thompson
PASADENA - Marian Nell Thompson, 67, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Services were 10 a.m.
Friday at Pasadena Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in Champion Cemetery,
under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.
Gladis Pearl (Johnson) Washburn
ABILENE - Gladis Pearl (Johnson) Washburn, 80, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services will be 2
p.m. Tuesday at Wynrock Baptist Church in Abilene. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in
Anson, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home of Anson.
Allene Wheatley
HASKELL - Allene Wheatley, 94, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are pending with Holden
McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
Obituaries 01.15.06
January 15, 2006
Gladis Pearl (Johnson) Washburn
Gladis Pearl (Johnson) Washburn, age 80, went to receive her reward in heaven on Friday,
January 13, 2006. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2006, at Wyndrock Baptist
Church with Ernie Kight, P. B. Middlebrook, and her son, Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Mount
Hope Cemetery in Anson, directed by Lawrence - Adams Funeral Home of Anson.
Grannie was born June 21, 1925 at Temple, Texas to the late T. P. and Caroline (Whitlock)
Johnson. She lived in Merkel, Noodle, Anson, Oklahoma, California, and Abilene during her
wonderful life. She married Jimmie Lee Washburn on October 28, 1942 and he preceded her in
death in 1985. Gladis was a member of the Wyndrock Baptist Church and loved to go to church
and be with her Christian friends. Gladis retired from Abilene State School and lived in Abilene
until her death. She loved the Lord and her children and family and will be missed so much.
She was preceded in death by her son, Henry Lee Washburn in 1984, a brother (A Z Johnson),
and a sister (Cora Blount).
Survivors include three children and their families, William Preston Washburn of Abilene, Lewis
Dewayne and Glenda Ruth Washburn of Hawley, and Nancy Carolyn and Chester Clarence
Calhoun of Abilene; nine grandchildren, Dennis Wayne and Seana Calhoun, Cynthia Caye and
Scott Nault, Brenda Gaye and Weldon Thomas, Aaron Lee Calhoun, Kelly Don and Tonya Harbin,
Patrick Wayne Harbin, Lloyd Lee Washburn, Katrina Lynn Washburn and Robert Dickerson; seven
great grandchildren, Hunter, Tye, Cody, Devyn, Kaylee, Kaitlyn, and Taylor. The family wishes to
thank Dr. Amelia Yeh, Dr. David Randall, Dr. Ralph Heaven and Hendricks Hospice for the loving
and wonderful care that was given to her during her last weeks.
Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Wyndrock Baptist Church,
Marty Fryar, and Milton Williams.
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Heartfelt contributions may be made to Wyndrock Baptist Church, 4340 Edgemont, Abilene, TX
79606 or to Hendrick Hospic, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601.
Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2006 at LawrenceAdams Funeral Home, 732 Ave I in Anson. The family will be at 2049 Potosi Road in Potosi.
Daisy "Sassy" Dell (Hardin) Roberson
ROTAN -- Daisy "Sassy" Dell (Hardin) Roberson, 90, died Saturday January 14, 2006, in
Gainesville. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday January 16, 2006, at the First Baptist Church of
Rotan. Burial will take place in Cottonwood Cemetery directed by Weathersbee-Ray Funeral
Home.
Born November 30, 1915 in Scurry County (Cottonwood Community), Texas, Daisy was a
daughter of the late William Green and Mabel (McCombs) Hardin. Daisy was a lifelong resident of
Fisher and Scurry Counties. She attended a one room school house at Cottonwood near
Roughcreek and graduated from Rotan High School.
Daisy married Roy Roberson on November 25, 1936 in Snyder. She worked inside the home
raising her family and was known to be the "best cook in the world". She volunteered at the Pink
Ladies and enjoyed collecting antique bottles, ceramics and loved to dance and sew. Daisy was a
member of the First Baptist Church of Rotan. She is preceded in death by her parents, four
brothers (Lester, Willie, Tom and Jessie Hardin) and two sisters (Clara Bell Cline and Lucille
Puryear).
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Ron Long of Gainesville, TX; two
grandsons and their wives, Monte and Patti Morrow and Mike and Kristi Morrow; four greatgrandchildren, Stacy Morrow, Rode Morrow, Morgan Morrow and Mason Morrow.
Visitation will be Sunday January 15, 2006 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral
Home.
Winona Kennedy
IRVING -- Winona Kennedy, age 71, of Irving, Texas, formerly of Sweetwater, died Thursday,
January 12, 2006 at an Irving hospital. Born July 3, 1934 in Sweetwater to George and Cora Reed
Critz.
Preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Bobby Gene Kennedy; her parents and
her son, Russell Kennedy.
Survivors include daughter, Laurie Krupala; son Ryan Kennedy both of Irving; and 6
grandchildren.
Visitation 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home. Service 9:00 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16,
2006 at Oak View Baptist Church in Irving.
Graveside service 3:00 p.m., Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery in Anson, Texas. Memorials may
be made to the Oak View Baptist Church Nursery, 1004 S. Story Rd, Irving, TX 75060.
DONNELLY'S COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME / IRVING, TEXAS
Forest Lee Hancock
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Forest Lee Hancock, 75, died Tuesday,January 10, 2006 at his home. Lee's body will be cremated.
The family will receive friends at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road on
Monday, January 16 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.
Lee was born in Iowa Park, Texas on February 15, 1930 to James E. and Mary Groves Hancock.
He graduated from Valley View High School and attended North Texas University. After serving in
the U.S. Air Force, he owned and operated an excavating company in Wichita County during the
late 50's and early 60's. He later worked in the oil industry and as a Deputy Sheriff and Bailiff in
the district court in Taylor County until retirement.
Survivors include: a brother and sister-in-law, Max and Joyce Hancock of Fort Worth; a sister,
Mary Kathryn Millsap of Houston, and 2 nieces and 2 nephews.
Frances (Pope) Kemp
ROBY -- Frances (Pope) Kemp, 93, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006, in Abilene. Services will be
2:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Roby with Rev.
Kiefer Cauble and Rev. Elizabeth Billingsley officiating. Burial will be in Roby Cemetery, directed
by Adams Funeral Home.
Born December 25, 1912, in Conway, MS, Frances was the daughter of the late J.W. Pope and
Amanda S. (Treadwell) Pope. A longtime Registered Nurse, Frances received her R.N.’s degree
from the School of Nursing in Jackson, MS. She moved to Fisher County in 1938 and married Guy
S. Kemp April 19, 1948, in Sylvester. He preceded her in death September 16, 1998. Frances was
a member of the First United Methodist Church in Roby.
Three brothers (J.B. Pope, Bill Pope, and Tobin Pope) and three sisters (Serena Martin, Maggie
Wilder, and Mary Maddox) preceded her in death.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews, including Jimmy Pope of Sylvester, Judy Davis of
Sweetwater, and Ann Harrell of Roby; and several great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15, 2006, at Adams Funeral Home.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
Augustine "Jene" Wallace
On January 14, 2006 God called his Angel home.
Augustine "Gagga Jene" Wallace, 73, was born September 24, 1932 in Stanton, Texas to Tom and
Irene Ball. She married the love of her life, R.B. Wallace in Ranger, Texas on July 31, 1948. He
preceded her in death in 1999. Jene was a retired hairdresser, previous owner of Starlight Beauty
Salon and a homemaker.
She is survived by 2 sons, Breland "Dusty" Wallace and wife, Elaine of North Richland Hills, Texas
and Roland "Sandy" Wallace and wife, Vicki of Abilene, Texas; 1 daughter, Lerena Wiggins and
husband, Gereld of Checotah, Oklahoma; 6 grandsons, Brad Wallace of Arlington, Brandon
Wallace and wife, Michelle of Abilene, Brent Wallace of Abilene, Casey Loper of Tahlequah,
Oklahoma, Jared Wallace of North Richland Hills, and Derek Wallace of North Richland Hills; 1
granddaughter, Misty Loper of Stigler, Oklahoma, 2 great-grandchildren, Roland "Drake" and
Camri Wallace of Abilene. She is also survived by 3 brothers, Odis Ball, Jerry Ball and C.L. Ball all
of Houston and her best friend and only sister, Lavern Warren of Trinidad, Texas; 2 very special
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nephews, Melvin Patterson of Chandler, Texas and Wayne Patterson of Trinidad, Texas along with
numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2006 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger with Bob
Cheatheam officiating.
Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Sunday at North's Funeral Home in Abilene on N. 3rd and
Orange.
Gagga will be honored by having her 6 grandsons serve as pallbearers.
Gagga had a light of her own that will be irreplaceable and cherished in all our memories.
Maurice Springate
BAIRD -- Maurice Springate, age 87, of Baird, Texas died Thursday, January 12, 2006 in an
Abilene hospital after a prolonged illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:OO p.m., Monday, January, 16, 2006 at First United Methodist
Church. Reverend Sandra Keith will officiate and burial will follow in the Ross Cemetery directed
by Parker Funeral Home.
Maurice was born in Mayo, Kentucky on July 6, 1918 to Coleman Springate and Alva Lyons
Springate. He had lived in Baird for nine years, moving here from Indiana. He was a retired
Independent truck driver and a former member of the Teamsters Union. He served in the U. S.
Army from 1941 to 1945. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was the
President of United Methodist Men and a member of the Administrative Board and served in other
capacities at the church. He married Beulah Watts in Franklin, Indiana on November 26, 1944.
Survivors include: wife, Beulah Springate of Baird, Texas; one daughter, Pat Fomby of
Clyde,Texas; one son: Jim Springate and wife, In Suk of Anaheim, California; two sisters,
Geraldine Hawthorne of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and Betty Morris of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; four
Grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three younger brothers.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donors favorite charity.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Hubert G. Johnson
Hubert G. Johnson, 86, died Friday, January 13, 2006, at an Abilene medical center. The funeral
service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277
South, officiated by Rev. David Cason. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Hubert was born on October 20, 1919, in Eastland County, Texas, and moved from Cisco to
Abilene in 1947. He served in the U. S. Army and the National Guard, and worked for the Federal
Civil Service all totaling 35 years. He retired in 1979 as a chief war- rant officer.
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On December 16, 1988, Mr. Johnson married Anna Carrigan in Abilene. He was a member of
Immanuel Baptist Church and Cobb Park Senior Citizens. He was also a volunteer for Meals on
Wheels for fourteen years and a member of Rose Park Ten- nis Center for many years.
Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Burton; brothers, Macon Adams, Dalton
Adams, O. B. Johnson, M. L. Johnson, and Benny Johnson; and sisters, Zilla Agnew, Winnie
Pimm, and Zennie Lauderdale.
Survivors include his wife, Anna Johnson of Abilene; daughters, Carolyn Johnson and Nita Smith
both of Abilene and Sherryl Johnson of Lake Forest, California; a sister, Estelle Tomlinson of
Tucson, Arizona, fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc., PO Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.
Buna Edwards Rickner
Buna Edwards Rickner, 89, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2006, in her room at Wesley
Court. A memorial service honoring her life will be held on Monday, January 16, at 10 a.m. at
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Graveside services will be held that
same day at 3 p.m. in the Hancock Cemetery northeast of Lamesa, Texas. Visitation will be from
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening, January 15, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rickner was born October 20, 1916, on the Edwards ranch northeast of Gail, Texas. She
graduated from Big Spring High School and took her B.S. and M.A. degrees from A.C.C., now
Abilene Christian University. She taught school five years in Big Spring and finished 32 years of
public school work in Abilene before retiring. She was on the first faculty of Taylor Elementary in
Abilene and an active member of the University Church of Christ.
Mrs. Rickner was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Roy R. Rickner, a World War II casualty
over Germany in 1945; one son, Eric E. Rickner; her parents, Thomas O. Edwards and Mary Jane
Hancock Edwards; one brother, Thomas Aaron Edwards; two sisters, Lavada Brownrigg and
Margaret McCoy, as well as one niece, Alyene Cullers Adams.
Survivors include two nieces, June Music and Lafon Tate, one nephew, L.D. McCoy, as well as
numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to her good friends, Shirley Baber and
Cathy Young, to Dr. Sandy Hazelip, the staff at Sears Methodist Retirement Center, the staff at
Wesley Court Nursing Home, and Sears Methodist Hospice, all of whom loved Mrs. Rickner as if
she were part of their family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Zambia Mission Fund (for Eric's House), 658 E.N.
21st Street, Abilene, Texas 79601; the Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite, Abilene, Texas
79601; or a favorite charity.
Richard Lynn Brasher
SOUTHLAKE -- Richard Lynn Brasher, 59, a retired C.P.A. Senior Tax Manager, went home to be
with the Lord on Friday, January 13th, 2006, at his home in Southlake after a courageous battle
with melanoma cancer.
Memorial service: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at First Baptist Church-Hurst, 1801 N. Norwood, Hurst,
with Pastors Jeff Burnett, Jack Terry and Tommy Nelson officiating. Burial: Private. Richard will be
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buried at the Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, January 16th, at Forest
Ridge Funeral Home, 705 Airport Freeway, Hurst from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Richard was born September 12, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. He earned a Bachelor’s of Art degree
from Hardin - Simmons University in 1969 and was commissioned into the Unites States Army as
a 2nd Lieutenant.
Richard served as an officer in the Unites States Army. He proudly served our country during the
Vietnam War from 1970 - 1971. He earned his C.P.A. in 1976.
He was with Bass Enterprises in Fort Worth, Texas for 24 years. Richard retired from Bass
Enterprises in September 2004. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his family and
traveling with his wife Joyce. Richard was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend and was
loved by all who knew him. Richard was the "rock" of the family and we will miss him greatly.
Richard was a Christian and attended Denton Bible Church in Denton, Texas.
Survivors: Wife, Joyce Brasher, Southlake, Tx, Daughters, Jamie Baker & husband Jeff Baker,
Roanoke, Tx, Karie Hagy & husband Mitchell Hagy & son Nathanael Hagy, Roanoke, Tx, Parents,
J. E. Brasher & Delma "Dude" Brasher, Abilene, Tx, Brother, Steve Brasher & wife Linda Brasher,
Abilene, Tx. ; Brother-in-law, Duane Greer & wife Shirley Greer, Houston, Tx, Sister-in-law, Patsie
Callaway & husband Danny Callaway, Sherman, Tx. Other survivors include two nieces, four
nephews, one great niece, one great nephew, and many other family members.
FOREST RIDGE FUNERAL HOME / HURST, TEXAS / (817) 285-7777
Janet Ann Griffeth
Janet Ann Griffeth, 68, died Thursday, January 12, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Born in London, England on May 29, 1937, Janet was the daughter of Maude Edith (Laskey) and
Bertrom Sidney Blyth. After working 20 years, she retired from Abilene State School as a
Specialist I. Prior to that time, she was employed for nine years at Timex. Mrs. Griffeth was a
passionate supporter for animal rights.
Her husband, Charles Griffeth, and her parents preceded her in death.
Survivors include her son, Felton Blackburn, a granddaughter, Shannon Black, and a greatgrandson, Magic JayDen Bailey, all of Dallas.
The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, officiated by Pastor Houston McLendon. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Douglas Sims, Kerry Sims, Reyes Guajardo, Sr., Ernest Guajardo, Sr., Lynn
Daniels, Sid Boatler, and Alamu Bailey.
Memorials may be sent to Taylor-Jones Humane Society, 3811 N. 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603.
Grace Gilreath
Grace Gilreath, 96, of Abilene passed away January 12, 2006. Graveside services will be Monday
at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock, Texas. Arrangements were made by North's
Funeral Home, 242 Orange, Abilene.
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Mrs. Gilreath was born December 5, 1909 in Gadsden, Alabama. She married L. H. Gilreath May
23, 1931 in Hollis, Oklahoma. In 1947, she moved from Memphis to Lubbock where she was a
homemaker and member of First United Methodist Church. As a rose gardener, her favorite was
the peace rose.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters and three brothers.
She is survived by her son Jack Gilreath and wife Lynda of Abilene; two grandchildren: Scott and
Kathryn Gilreath of Abilene, and Sheri and Keith Mann of Lubbock; one great-grandchild Alan
Mann of Lubbock; one sister Margaret Simmons of Oklahoma City; and one brother Paul Crowder
of Medford, Oregon.
Death Notices 01.15.06
January 15, 2006
Jack Alexander
WOODSON - Jack Alexander, 77, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Memorial services will be announced
at a later date by Merriman-Archer Funeral Home of Throckmorton.
Clyde J. Arendall
Clyde J. Arendall, 65, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are pending with Community Memorial
Funeral Home, 1443 North 2nd St.
Loretta F. Burleson
Loretta F. Burleson, 65, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are pending with Community
Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 North 2nd St.
Barbara Jo Carey
BRECKENRIDGE - Barbara Jo Carey, 57, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Memorial services are 1
p.m. Monday at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Georgie 'Tennie' Carter
STEPHENVILLE - Georgie ''Tennie'' Carter, 85, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Graveside services
are 10 a.m. Monday in Lingleville East End Cemetery in Lingleville. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today
at Stephenville Funeral Home.
William David Coates
DUBLIN - William David Coates, 80, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at
Harrell Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Lower Greens Creek Cemetery. Visitation
is 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Horace E. 'Hob' Elliott
BAIRD - Horace E. ''Hob'' Elliott, 91, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are pending with
Parker Funeral Home.
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Clinton H. 'Red' Harrison
BIG SPRING - Clinton H. ''Red'' Harrison, 85, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Funeral services are 2
p.m. Monday at First Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Park.
Visitation is 4:30 to 6 p.m. today at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big
Spring.
Lacey Lynn Nichols
EASTLAND - Lacey Lynn Nichols, infant daughter of Gary and Jennifer Nichols, died Friday, Jan.
13, 2006. Services are pending at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Betty McElyea Patterson
LAKE BROWNWOOD - Betty McElyea Patterson, 76, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Memorial services
are 2 p.m. Saturday at North Lake Community Church in Harbor Point, Lake Brownwood.
Heartland Funeral Home in Early handled arrangements.
Mozell Pruitt
DE LEON - Mozell Pruitt, 79, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at Nowlin
Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Comanche County.
Evalyn Reid
GOLDTHWAITE - Evalyn Reid, 86, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at
the Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Ebony Cemetery, Mills County. Visitation
is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Frank Rubio
BIG SPRING - Frank Rubio, 68, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are pending at Myers &
Smith Funeral Home.
Ricardo Espinosa Sosa
MUNDAY - Ricardo Espinosa Sosa, 43, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are pending with
Mansell-Smith Funeral Home of Knox City.
Veda Stephens
DE LEON - Veda Stephens, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are 3 p.m. Monday at the
First Baptist Church in De Leon. Burial will be in De Leon Cemetery, under the direction of Nowlin
Funeral Home.
John Watson Jr.
HASKELL - John Watson Jr., 79, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. today
in Willow Cemetery in Haskell. Arrangements are being handled by Holden McCauley Funeral
Home of Haskell.
Allene Wheatley
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HASKELL - Allene Wheatley, 94, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at First
Baptist Church in Haskell. Burial will follow in Willow Cemetery in Haskell. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday at Holden McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
Obituaries 01.16.06
January 16, 2006
Allene Wheatley
HASKELL — Allene Wheatley, age 94, of Haskell died Friday, January 13, 2006 at Haskell
Memorial Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at the First Baptist Church
with Rev. Troy Culpepper and Rev. Greg Gasaway officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Cemetery
under the direction of Holden — McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
Mrs. Wheatley was born September 16, 1911 in Haskell, Texas the daughter of the late Jim Free
and Eula Powell Free. She married Carl Wheatley on October 17, 1932 in Haskell. He preceded
her in death on August 6, 1984.
Allene was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star, where she held many offices and at one time
was a Worthy Matron. She also was co-creater and owner of the Double A Drive-In for several
years. Mrs. Wheatley was a Homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, 2 sisters Mary Jo Roberts
and Ruth Davis.
Allene is survived by sons: Keith Wheatley and wife, Meredith of Tuscaloosa, AL,
Jerry Wheatley and wife, Mary Ann of Cleburne, TX, Bobby Wheatley and wife, Linda
of Picuyne, MS; 3 sisters Connie Liles of Haskell, Jimmie Adkins of Haskell, Nancy Henshaw of Ft.
Worth; 8 grandchildren; 3 step grand- children; 14 great grandchildren; and 1 great- great
grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2006 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 301 N Ave E, Haskell, TX 79521 or to the
American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368.
Horace E (Hob) Elliott
BAIRD — Horace E (Hob) Elliott, age 91 of Baird, Texas died Saturday, January 14, 2006 in an
Abilene hospital.
Funeral services will be at 2:OO p.m., Tuesday, January 17th, 2006 at Parker Funeral Home
Chapel. Jon Hardwick will officiate and burial will follow in the Ross Cemetery Annex, with military
honors.
Horace was born November 26, 1914 in Baird,Texas to Rob- ert Lee Elliott and Ella Fikes Elliott.
He had lived in Baird all of his life. He worked at the Premier Refinery for many years where he
was injured in a fall, and had severe injuries. Later he worked for the City of Baird Municipal
Power and light plant. He served in the U. S. Navy for four years during WW II. He was a
Presbyterian.
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He was an avid bridge player and golfer and was considered the best and wisest bridge player in
the bridge club.
Survived by one Daughter, Shirley Latham and husband, Rich- ard of Abilene, Texas; one Son:
Ronnie Elliott of Brownwood, Texas; 8 Grandchildren; and 11 Great Grandchildren; 2 nieces and 2
nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 2 brothers and 2 grandchildren Kathy and Robert
Elliott.
There will be a family visitation from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME
BAIRD, TEXAS
Lacey Lynn Nichols
EASTLAND — Lacey Lynn Nichols infant daughter to Gary and Jennifer Nichols passed away on
Thursday, January 12, 2006 at a Fort Worth hospital.
Services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday in the Nazarene Church in Cisco with Rev. Bob Ferguson
officiating. Burial will be in Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home
in Eastland, Texas.
Lacey was born on October 18, 2004 in Eastland Texas and her parents are Gary and Jennifer
Hayes Nichols.
She is survived by her parents Gary and Jennifer Nichols of Eastland, Paternal grandfather Ben
Nichols of Cisco, Maternal grandfather Dale Hayes of Dallas, sisters Lynnsey, Jaynie and Leeanne
Nichols, aunts and uncles; Angela Yoes, Bennie & Liz Nichols, Fred and Ann Nichols, cousins
Jennifer Burke and Julie Nichols.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME
EASTLAND, TEXAS
Loretta F. Burleson
Loretta F. Burleson, 65, of Abilene, died Friday, January 13, 2006 at her home.
Mrs. Burleson was born in Coleman, Texas on August 1, 1940 to parents Oscar and Allie Mae
Keeny Tate. She lived in Abilene for many years and was retired from Outreach Health Services
were she had touched many lives and made many friends.
She is survived by a son, David Glenn Burleson, of Abilene and was preceded in death by her
parents.
No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Community
Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
Richard Lynn Brasher
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SOUTHLAKE — Richard Lynn Brasher, 59, a retired C.P.A. Senior Tax Manager, went home to be
with the Lord on Friday, January 13th, 2006, at his home in Southlake after a courageous battle
with melanoma cancer.
Memorial service: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at First Baptist Church-Hurst, 1801 N. Norwood, Hurst,
with Pastors Jeff Burnett, Jack Terry and Tommy Nelson officiating. Burial: Private. Richard will be
buried at the Dallas — Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, January 16th, at Forest
Ridge Funeral Home, 705 Airport Freeway, Hurst from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
Richard was born September 12, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. He earned a Bachelor’s of Art degree
from Hardin — Simmons University in 1969 and was commissioned into the Unites States Army as
a 2nd Lieutenant.
Richard served as an officer in the Unites States Army. He proudly served our country during the
Vietnam War from 1970 — 1971. He earned his C.P.A. in 1976.
He was with Bass Enterprises in Fort Worth, Texas for 24 years. Richard retired from Bass
Enterprises in September 2004. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his family and
traveling with his wife Joyce. Richard was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend and was
loved by all who knew him. Richard was the "rock" of the family and we will miss him greatly.
Richard was a Christian and attended Denton Bible Church in Denton, Texas.
Survivors: Wife, Joyce Brasher, Southlake, Tx, Daughters, Jamie Baker & husband Jeff Baker,
Roanoke, Tx, Karie Hagy & husband Mitchell Hagy & son Nathanael Hagy, Roanoke, Tx, Parents,
J. E. Brasher & Delma "Dude" Brasher, Abilene, Tx, Brother, Steve Brasher & wife Linda Brasher,
Abilene, Tx. ; Brother-in-law, Duane Greer & wife Shirley Greer, Houston, Tx, Sister-in-law, Patsie
Callaway & husband Danny Callaway, Sherman, Tx. Other survivors include two nieces, four
nephews, one great niece, one great nephew, and many other family members.
FOREST RIDGE FUNERAL HOME
HURST, TEXAS (817) 285-7777
Death Notices 01.16.05
January 16, 2006
William A. 'Bill' Ballard
William A. ''Bill'' Ballard, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil
Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Mary Louise Chambers
GLEN ROSE - Mary Louise Chambers, 73, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today
at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star.
Doyle Clinton
CARBON - Doyle Clinton, 89, formerly of Alberta, Canada, and Stanton, died Saturday, Jan. 14,
2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Evergreen Cemetery Chapel in Stanton. Visitation
is 5 to 7 p.m. today at Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton.
Roy Higgins
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BAIRD - Roy Higgins, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at First
Baptist Church in Baird. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Parker Funeral Home.
Juanita T. Jordan
BIG SPRING - Juanita T. Jordan, 80, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Vigil services are 7:30 p.m. today
at Myers & Smith Chapel. Mass is 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial in
Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Thaba Benbenek McMillan
SNYDER - Thaba Benbenek McMillan, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday at Bell Cypert Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Hermleigh Cemetery in
Hermleigh. Visitation is 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Mary B. Obenhaus
ABILENE - Mary B. Obenhaus died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are pending with Ellis Funeral
Home in Muleshoe.
May Elizabeth Park
LUBBOCK - May Elizabeth Park, 85, formerly of Sweetwater, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006.
Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Sweetwater Cemetery. Visitation is 5:30 to 7:30
p.m. today at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.
Jerri A. Watson
STAMFORD - Jerri A. Watson, 60, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are pending with
Tankersley Funeral Home.
William ''Bill'' Whittington
OLDEN - William ''Bill'' Whittington, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Graveside services are 3
p.m. today in Merriman Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Mildred Young
HASKELL - Mildred Young, 89, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Graveside services are 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday in Rochester Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. today at Holden McCauley Funeral Home
of Haskell.
Obituaries 01.17.06
January 17, 2006
Billie Webb
MERKEL – Billie Webb, 57, died Sunday, January 15, 2006 at her home. A memorial service will
be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jimmy Griffith
officiating.
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Billie was born November 18, 1948 in Elk City, OK to Morris and Charlcie Thompson
Cantrell. She married Wayne Webb on November 12, 1974 in Wheeler. Billie was a
bookkeeper for Handy Food Store, Carson’s Supermarket and Hicks Auto Supply. She was also a
homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Wayne Webb of Merkel; 2 sons, Billy Webb and wife Tara of Ft.
Campbell, KY, Dennis Webb and wife Twila of Cuba, NM; a daughter, Lisa Webb of Merkel; her
mother, Charlcie Cantrell of Elk City, OK; 3 sisters, Linda Harper and husband Don of Elk City,
OK, Donna Cobb and husband Ricky of Merkel, Sherry Williams of Elk City, OK; a brother, Gene
Cantrell of Elk City, OK; and 9 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Connie Sue Cantrell and her father.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME
MERKEL, TEXAS
Lois Faith Blackwood Bellew
Lois Faith Bellew, 85, joined her husband, Cecil Bellew in heavenly rest on Sunday, January 15,
2006. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of
Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with Rev. Derrell Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood
Memorial Park.
The daughter of Allie (Nason) and Roy Earnest Blackwood, Faith was born on December 25, 1920,
in Tuscola, Texas, where she was reared and graduated from high school before attending
McMurry College. She met Cecil Earl Bellew at Camp Barkeley during World War II. The couple
was married on March 16, 1945, in Manson, Washington, and moved from Fort Worth to Abilene
in 1952. In 1983, Mrs. Bellew retired from First National Bank — Abilene after a 33-year career,
first as a bookkeeper (19 years) and later as collection teller (14 years).
Mrs. Bellew was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Homebuilders Sunday
School Class at the church. She was also a member of Hendrick Medical Center Auxiliary, Gideon
Auxiliary, and Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Bellew,on De- cember 28, 1999; her parents; sisters,
Maggie Mae Christy and La Trelle Riddle; and a brother, Len Blackwood.
Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Kay Duke and husband, Dennis, of Abilene; a son, Roy Earl
"Butch" Bellew and wife, Louise, of Grapevine; and two nieces, Karen Simonini and Bonnie
Richey, whom she helped rear. She also had twelve grandchildren and their spouses, Tiffany and
Travis Atwood, Tarin and Chad Kimball, Jacy Bellew, Jeff Elam, Lisa and Don Sawyers, Randa
McLaughlin, Rebekah and Cole Sisco, Wes Benson, Debbie Altman, Douglass McLaughlin, Jamie
Duke and Jennifer Duke, and twelve great-grandchildren, Tyler Williams, Keirsten Benson, Casey
Benson, Hailey Sawyers, Ryder Sawyers, Makael Altman, Marissa Altman and Lane Atwood, and
Summer, Zachery, Brennan and Drake.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, PO Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
Reverend William Arles "Bill" Ballard
Reverend William A. "Bill" Ballard, 73, of Abilene, went home to meet his Lord on Sunday,
January 15, 2006 at 12:40 A.M. A funeral service, with Reverend Louis Brewer officiating, will be
at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will
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follow in the Hawley Cemetery under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road.
Bill was born in Brookston, Texas on October 24, 1932. He is the son of the late William Erice and
Eula Mae Murrah Ballard. The family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1937. At age 15, he quit
school and went to work at Crestview Memorial Cemetery to help support his mother after his
father's death. He later went to work as a route man for Martin Linen Supply Company of Wichita
Falls, Texas. In 1953, he served his country in Germany for 2 years during the Korean conflict.
Upon returning to the States, he went back to Martin Linen Supply and was transferred to the
Abilene branch in 1964, where he completed 25 years of service with the Company. In 1975, he
began a new career with Mrs. Baird's Bakery as a route man and supervisor until his retirement in
1995.
Bill was ordained on November 6, 2005 as a minister of the gospel and became pastor of
Community Baptist Church in Abilene.
Survivors include: his wife, Ada Bea Jackson Ballard, of Abilene; two daughters, Robin Kirkland of
Wichita Falls, Texas and Louann Schmidt of Tyler, Texas; one son, William A. Ballard, Jr. of San
Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss their Papa
dearly.
There's a new star shining brighter in the heaven's skies tonight and forever.
Mary B. Obenhaus
Mary B. Obenhaus, 86, passed away on January 15, 2005. Funeral services will be held at the
Ellis Funeral Home in Muleshoe, Texas at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Stacy Conner officiating. Burial will
be in the Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Obenhaus was born December 28, 1919 in Abilene, TX. She was the daughter of the late
John E. Moore, Sr. and Caroline Ellis Moore. She graduated from Sudan High and went on to earn
a teaching degree at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. After several years of
teaching she returned to West Texas State and received a Masters in Education.
On May 24, 1942 she married Jack Obenhaus in Circle Back, Texas, where she taught in the
elementary grades for 39 years. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of
Muleshoe, where she taught a Sunday School class for many years. She was a member of Delta
Kappa Gamma Society International for 51 years. She belonged to Epsilon Delta Chapter where
she served as president for two terms and was honored as a Charter Member on March 3, 1997.
Mrs. Obenhaus moved to Abilene in 1996 to be closer to family. She then became a member of
Wylie Baptist Church and a ladies Sunday School class.
She had been a resident at Mesa Springs Health Care Center since November of 2003.
Mrs. Obenhaus was preceded in death by: her mother, father, and her step-mother, Minnie
Moore; her husband, Jack; and her sister, Wanda Faye Moore.
Survivors include: her two brothers, John E. Moore and wife Imogene of Abilene, and Jackson
Moore and wife JoAnn of Alvarado; two sisters, Virginia Anderson of Abilene, and Christine
Bradshaw and husband Bill of Abilene; and many nieces and nephews.
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ELLIS FUNERAL HOME
MULESHOE, TEXAS
Virginia Page Cook
Virginia Page Cook, 85, died Monday, January 16, 2006, at an Abilene nursing center.
Born on July 19, 1920, in Rowlett, Texas, she was the daughter of James Albert Page and Hattie
Proctor Page. She attended schools in Sweetwater and Clyde, graduating from Clyde High School
in 1937, and later attending Gail Business College. Virginia moved from Clyde to Abilene in 1942,
and married W. P. (Pete) Cook on August 20, 1952.
Mrs. Cook retired in January, 1988, having worked at Hendrick Medical Center for twelve years.
She was a longtime member of the Love Sunday School Class at University Baptist Church in
Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Cook, on October 9, 1978; her parents; and her
brother, James Page, in 1987.
Survivors include her five children, Melba Hart of Evergreen, Colorado, Donald Cook of Garland,
Texas, Terry Cook of Abilene, Gerald Cook of Grand Prairie, and Larry Cook of Abilene. She is also
survived by 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott- Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of
Memories, 542 Hickory, with Dr. Ron L. Cook officiating, assisted by Rev. H. B. Terry, Jr. Burial
will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at
the funeral home.
Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to University Baptist Church, 2141 Grape St., Abilene, TX 79601, or a
charity of choice.
Robert Melroy (Roy) Higgins
Robert Melroy (Roy) Higgins of Baird went home to be with his Lord on January 15, 2006 at
Hendricks Medical Center. Roy was 93 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at the First Baptist Church
of Baird with Rev. Truman Johnson and Rev. Ollie Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Ross
Cemetery Annex under the direction of Parker Funeral Home.
Roy was born May 27, 1912 in Admiral, Texas. He was the son of Joseph Henry Ward Higgins and
Dulcie Robinson Higgins. He married Lela Mae Chatham on January 20, 1934 in Baird. He is
preceded in death by his wife, Lela Mae, son Johnny Varnell Higgins, one grandchild, Robyn
Michelle Skinner, and one great-grandchild, Jim Tucker Fleming.
Roy was a lifetime farmer, rancher, and dairyman in Callahan County. Roy had a great love for
this community. He served for many years on the Baird School Board and also as a deacon at the
Admiral Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Baird. Roy was a loving and devoted
husband, father, and friend to those that knew him. He was the "Patriarch" of our family and will
be greatly missed.
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Roy is survived by: his daughter, Barbara Ruth Sheffield; two sons, Jimmy Roy Higgins and
Tommy Joe Higgins; seven grand-children, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgrandchild.
Pallbearers will be Jack King, Bob McKelvey, Boxer Sims, Chris West, Tony Ash, Eddie
Brumbaugh, Wayne Knowles, and Frankie Fleming. Honorary pallbearers will be Dee Tollett,
Carroll Taylor, Rabbit Jones, LeRoy Arms, Fred Goble, Leo Dixon, Doug Ford, Buster Gary, Vivian
Cauthen, Wayne Towery, and Frank Windham, Jr.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME
BAIRD, TEXAS
Mildred Young
HASKELL — Mildred Young, age 89, of Haskell, died Sunday, January 15, 2006, at Haskell
Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at
Willow Cemetery in Haskell with Pastor Daniel Echols officiating. Burial will be under the direction
of Holden-McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.
Mrs. Young was born February 23, 1916, in New Hope, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Alec
and Lonie Carson. She married Dennis Young on October 16, 1937, in Nashvillle, Arkansas.
Mildred was a Christian Homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church. She devoted her
life to her husband, children and grandchildren. After the retirement of her husband, they spent
many happy years traveling.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jerry Young, 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
Mildred is survived by: her husband Dennis Young of Haskell; a daughter, Shirley Sloan and
husband Dickie of Rochester; 6 grandchildren, Ron Young of Lubbock, Tacy Graham of Canton,
Ohio, Scott Sloan of Shallowater, Lance Sloan of Rochester, Kurt Sloan of Conroe, and J.J. Young
of Ruidoso NM; and six great-grandchildren.
Death Notices 01.17.06
January 17, 2006
Donnie Coven
BRECKENRIDGE - Donnie Coven, 93, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Wednesday at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Dale Royce Davis
Dale Royce Davis, 72, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Graveside services are 1:30 p.m. Thursday at
Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral
Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
Terry Shane 'Connar' Green
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STEPHENVILLE - Terry Shane ''Connar'' Green, infant, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Wednesday, at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Johnson Cemetery.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 tonight at Lacy Funeral Home.
Ed Helstrom
BRECKENRIDGE - Ed Helstrom, 94, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Elzie Cleo Hull
COLEMAN - Elzie Cleo Hull, 80, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at
Walker Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Trickham Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 7
tonight at the funeral home.
Bobby J. Logan
DUBLIN - Bobby J. Logan, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday
at Harrell Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Visitation is 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Stetson Spur James Pacheco
GORMAN - Stetson Spur James Pacheco, infant, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. today at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Gorman Cemetery.
Willie T. Phillips
CROSS PLAINS - Willie T. Phillips, 95, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m.
today at the Smith Cemetery in Brown County, directed by Higginbotham Funeral Home.
Richard H. Smith
Richard H. Smith, 83, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Graveside services are 11:30 a.m. today in
Cottonwood Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Jerri Ann Watson
STAMFORD - Jerri Ann Watson, 60, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday
at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Rosemont
Cemetery in Wichita Falls.
Violet Mae Watson
DESDEMONA - Violet Mae Watson, 95, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
Desdemona Church of Christ, with burial to follow in Alameda Cemetery, directed by Nowlin
Funeral Home.
Albert G. Wigley
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BROWNWOOD - Albert G. Wigley, 96, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 1
p.m. Wednesday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in
Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.
Obituaries 01.18.06
January 18, 2006
Douglas Austin Giesler
SWEETWATER — Douglas Austin Giesler, 72, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in Abilene.
Graveside funeral services will be held in the Garden of Memories Cemetery at 2 p.m. on
Thursday, January 19, 2006, officiated by Reverend Keith Clower and directed by McCoy Funeral
Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Giesler was born on July 31, 1933 in Sweetwater. He graduated Newman High School in
1953. He was a 12 year veteran of the U.S. Army, as well as a 10 year veteran of the National
Guard. He had lived in Sweetwater since 1975 and prior to that lived in Montana. After his service
in the Army, he worked as an operator for USG. On December 3, 1976, he married LaRue Smith
in Sweetwater. Mr. Giesler was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by: a brother, Harold Giesler, and a sister, Vada Giesler Ashley.
Mr. Giesler is survived by: his wife, LaRue Smith Giesler of Sweetwater; son, Paul Landers of
Austin; two daughters, Linda Landers McKensie of Sweetwater and Laura Landers Greer of
Lubbock; brother, Dan Giesler of Loraine; sister, Lily Giesler Rhoton of Sweetwater, eight
grandchildren, and one great- grandson.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Nolan County Library in Sweetwater, or to
Hendrick Hospice Care.
McCOY FUNERAL HOME
SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Gaylon M. Hicks
AZLE — Gaylon M. Hicks, 70, a retired right-of-way agent, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, in Azle.
Funeral: 1 p.m. Friday at Ash Creek Baptist Church. Burial: Ash Creek Cemetery in Azle.
Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Biggers Funeral Home.
Memorials: Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County, in care of Green Oaks School, 5508
Chaperito Trail, Arlington, Texas 76016.
Mr. Hicks was born Nov. 15, 1935, in Hamby near Abilene. He graduated from high school in
Abilene in 1954 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1959. He was married to Betty Jean
Beall on Nov. 15, 1958, in Hamby. He earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from
UTA in 1971 and an associate's degree in business management from Weatherford College in
1973 He retired from TU Electric in 1992 after 31 years of service.
Mr. Hicks was a member of First Baptist Church of Graham and was currently active with Ash
Creek Baptist Church in Azle. In his retirement, he considered himself to be a "gentleman
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rancher" and Mr. and Mrs. Hicks excelled in grandparenting. He was preceded in death by his
father, Talmadge I. Hicks, and brothers, James and Harold Hicks.
He was a loving husband, father and friend who will continue his steady walk with his Savior,
Jesus Christ, through his belief and faith in God. "It is well with my soul."
Survivors: Wife, Betty Beall Hicks of Azle; son, Kevin Wayne Hicks and his wife, Kristin, of
Weatherford; daughter, Kim Gay Laverty and her husband, Steve, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; his
mother, who celebrated her 100th birthday in December, Willie Greenway Hicks of Abilene;
siblings, Victor Hicks and Freda Litton of Abilene, Sol Hicks of Bakersfield, Calif., Eulaine Haile of
Rockwall and Theresa Collum of Bedford; and grandchildren, Zachary and Reagan Hicks, Travis,
Wesley, Will, Katie, Keaton, Carson and Amelia Laverty.
Biggers Funeral Home
6100 Azle Ave.
Ft. Worth, TX
(817) 237-3341
Reverend William Arles "Bill" Ballard
Reverend William A. "Bill" Ballard, 73, of Abilene, went home to meet his Lord on Sunday,
January 15, 2006 at 12:40 A.M. A funeral service, with Reverend Louis Brewer officiating, will be
at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will
follow in the Hawley Cemetery under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road.
Bill was born in Brookston, Texas on October 24, 1932. He is the son of the late William Erice and
Eula Mae Murrah Ballard. The family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1937. At age 15, he quit
school and went to work at Crestview Memorial Cemetery to help support his mother after his
father's death. He later went to work as a route man for Martin Linen Supply Company of Wichita
Falls, Texas. In 1953, he served his country in Germany for 2 years during the Korean conflict.
Upon returning to the States, he went back to Martin Linen Supply and was transferred to the
Abilene branch in 1964, where he completed 25 years of service with the Company. In 1975, he
began a new career with Mrs. Baird's Bakery as a route man and supervisor until his retirement in
1995.
Bill was ordained on November 6, 2005 as a minister of the gospel and became pastor of
Community Baptist Church in Abilene.
Survivors include: his wife, Ada Bea Jackson Ballard, of Abilene; two daughters, Robin Kirkland of
Wichita Falls, Texas and Louann Schmidt of Tyler, Texas; one son, William A. Ballard, Jr. of
Killeen, Texas; one sister Mildred Williams of San Antonio, Texas, five grandchildren and eight
great- grandchildren, all of whom will miss their Papa dearly.
There's a new star shining brighter in the heaven's skies tonight and forever.
Dale Royce Davis
Dale Royce Davis, 72, of Abilene, passed away at a local hospital on Monday, January 16, 2006.
Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19th at Elliott-Hamil Garden of
Memories Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Jones officiating under the direction of Community Memorial
Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St. in Abilene.
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Dale was born in Dallas, TX on April 5, 1933. He moved to Abilene from Albany about 45 years
ago and was a Baptist. He retired from Matco as a terminal manager. He loved his computer and
never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Lamar) Davis of Abilene; two sons, Henry Wills and wife,
Susan of Abilene and Donald Ray Wills of Arizona; three daughters, Charla Jean Davis of Abilene,
Donna Lynn O'Dell and husband, Terry, of Archer City, and Priscilla Wills of Abilene; one brother,
Don Davis of Fort Worth; one sister, Lois Davis of Indiana; 17 grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ruth (Haslett) Davis; a son, Michael Lee Davis
in 1984, and a grandson, Chase Jimenez.
Ricardo Espinosa Sosa
KNOX CITY — Mr. Ricardo Espinosa Sosa, 43 of Munday passed away on January 14, 2006 in
Lubbock. Rosary will be read at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rhineland.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father
Leo Schlomer officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson Cemetery, Munday, under the direction of
Mansell Smith Funeral Home.
Mr. Sosa was born on July 4, 1962 in Knox City. He married Eloisa Castillo on May 30, 1981. He
had graduated from Munday High School in 1980 and has attended West Texas State University.
He had been an insurance representative for American National Insurance Co. for 21 years and
was representing Woodmen of the World at present. He was also working for Bandera Drilling
Company.
Mr. Sosa was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rhineland.
Survivors include: his parents, Salvador and Erminia Sosa of Munday; his wife, Eloisa, of the
home; two sons, Marcus Sosa of Vernon, and Phillip Sosa, of the home; two daughters, Amanda
Sosa of Abilene, and Jennifer Sosa of Vernon; three brothers, Freddie Sosa, Sr., of Munday,
Salvador Sosa, Jr., of Grand Prairie, and Jimmy Sosa of Grand Prairie; and three grandchildren,
Micaela Arrieta of Abilene, Braxton Hatfield of Vernon, and Brayden Sosa of Vernon.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Cabrera, in 1998.
Death Notices 01.18.06
January 18, 2006
Clyde J. Arendall
Clyde J. Arendall, 65, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. today at Abilene
City Cemetery, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St.
Elease Marie Bryan
Elease Marie Bryan, 75, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are pending with Starbuck Funeral
Home in Merkel.
Nelda Rose Grant
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CROSSETT, Ark. - Nelda Rose Grant, 72, formerly of Big Spring, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006.
Graveside funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Mount Olive Memorial Park in Big Spring.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 tonight at Myers & Smith Funeral Home, Big Spring.
Alfred Griffin
McCAULLEY - Alfred Griffin, 79, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are pending with Adams
Funeral Home in Hamlin.
Harlan Huey
STEPHENVILLE - Harlan Huey, 83, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at
Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in West End Cemetery. Visitation is from
6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.
Alfon L. Jansa
NORTON - Alfon L. Jansa, 84, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Rosary service is 7 tonight
at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at St.
Mary's Catholic Church in Ballinger, with burial to follow in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in
Rowena.
Eddie Loehman
ODESSA - Eddie Loehman, 79, died Monday Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 3 p.m. Thursday at the
Chapel at Sunset Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mitelia Garay Lopez
GUSTINE - Mitelia Garay Lopez, 46, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday
at Comanche Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
David Mendez
ROWENA - David Mendez, 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are pending with Lange
Funeral Home of Ballinger.
Doris Reed
McCAULLEY - Doris Reed, 81, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday at the First
Baptist Church in Hamlin, with burial to follow in McCaulley Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral
Home. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Maxine J. Rice
Maxine J. Rice, 87, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Burial is in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
at the funeral home.
E. Wayne Rogers
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E. Wayne Rogers, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are pending with Elmwood Funeral
Home, 5750 Highway 277 South.
Francisco 'Chico' Rubio
BIG SPRING - Francisco ''Chico'' Rubio, 68, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Funeral Mass is 11 a.m.
today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial at Mount Olive Memorial Park, directed by
Myers & Smith Funeral Home.
Jimmie Dean Shannon
BALLINGER - Jimmie Dean Shannon, 69, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Friday
at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Marie Smyrl
BRECKENRIDGE - Marie Smyrl died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Arrangements are pending with
Morehart Mortuary.
Sam L. Vranes
Sam L. Vranes, 95, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Services are 4 p.m. Thursday at Parker Funeral
Home Chapel in Baird.
Willie B. Walton
HAMLIN - Willie B. Walton, 92, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006. Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday
in Hamlin Memorial Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral Home.
Jinjer Wolf
ROBY - Jinjer Wolf, 41, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Street
Church of Christ, directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge.
Nelene Ashley Wright
BIG SPRING - Nelene Ashley Wright, 80, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Services are 2:30 p.m.
today at Myers & Smith Chapel, with burial to follow in Trinity Memorial Park, directed by Myers &
Smith Funeral Home.
Obituaries 01.19.06
January 19, 2006
Dewitt Christopher "D. C." Cox
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Dewitt Christopher "D. C." Cox, 96, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at an
Abilene medical center.
The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at University Church of Christ with
Dr. Eddie Sharp officiating. Interment will follow a 4 p.m. graveside service in Oak Hill Cemetery
in Lampasas directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends
from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The son of Martha Susan (Chance) and William Edmiston Cox, he was born on December 9, 1909,
in Briggs, Texas, and graduated from Texas A & M University in 1932. D. C. served in the U. S.
Army during World War II. In 1964, he moved from Baird to Abilene. Mr. Cox was a manager for
the U. S. Department of Agriculture for 25 years, during which time he also farmed and ranched,
continuing up until his passing. He was a member of University Church of Christ.
D. C. married Bethel Winters in Ralls, Texas in August 28, 1935. Mrs. Cox preceded him in death
in 1998. He was also predeceased by their daughter, Sylvia Ann Cox; his parents; and two
sisters, Gladys Darnell and Dorothy Martin.
Survivors include nephews, Charles Darnell of Lampasas, Edward Martin of Austin, and Frank
Martin of Abilene; a niece, Marie Witcher of Burnet; and sisters-in-law, Alva Brookshire of
Carrollton, and Evon Wrinkle of El Paso.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Doris Reed
McCAULLEY -- Doris Reed, 81, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006, in Abilene. Services will be 2:00
p.m., Friday, January 20, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Hamlin with Revs. Donny Harbers
and James Brigham officiating. Burial will be in McCaulley Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral
Home.
Born April 17, 1924, in Royston, Doris was the daughter of the late W.D. "Bill" and Daisy (Ford)
Carriker. She graduated from Roby High School and married John Ed Reed on August 26, 1942, in
Roby. Doris worked as a secretary for the Celotex Corp. and in various offices for Fisher County
until her retirement in the 1980’s. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in McCaulley.
One brother (Doug Carriker) preceded her in death.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Marion and Shelia Reed of Hamlin; one daughter
and son-in-law, Priscilla and Buddy Hamilton of Snyder; five grandchildren, Cody Smith (and wife,
Kristi) of Sweetwater, Tim Bob Smith (and wife, Alicia) of Hamlin, Johnny Smith (and fiancГ©,
Kollin Thornton) of McCaulley, Brad Reed (and wife, Tisha) of Houston, and Stephanie Stewart of
Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Lacy, Logan, Kaegan, Stran, Katy, and Callen.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2006, at the funeral home.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
Robert S. Schnitman
Robert Schnitman went to be with his Lord on January 15, 2006 after a brief illness. Even though
his illness was painful and frightening, he leaves his family with fond memories of laughter and
love during his final two weeks.
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Robert was born in Buffalo, New York on October 9, 1928, and graduated with a degree in Biology
from the University of Buffalo. Robert served three years in the United States Marine Corps, and
pursued a 30 year career with Equitable Life Assurance Society. He married Sally Snodgrass in
1951, and faithfully provided for his wife and children.
Robert is survived by his wife Sally, after 54 years of marriage. Also surviving him are their six
children and spouses: daughter Lynn Terrazas and husband Richard; daughter Sandy Mason and
husband Carl; son Nathan and wife Nena; son Paul and wife Donna; daughter Kim Zuck and
husband Ken; and daughter Michelle and husband Rick. He is survived by 17 grandchildren, 1
great grandchild, and is expecting two more great grandchildren in 2006.
Robert’s body was cremated. His family will have a private service Thursday, January 19, 2006,
and will then spread his ashes at the DeShazo Ranch.
Elease Marie Bryan
Elease Marie Bryan, 75, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at her home. Services will be 2:00 p.m.
Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 N. 12th, with Bishop Cavin Hill
officiating. Viewing will be from noon Friday until 1:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Cedar
Gap Cemetery, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home of Merkel.
Elease was born April 23, 1930 in Big Spring to Evans and Dera Garrett Roberts. She married
Glenn Bryan on January 17, 1945 in Taylor County. He preceded her in death on February 2,
2001 after 56 years of marriage.
Survivors include 5 daughters, Vera Winkler, Vickie West and husband, John, Vivian Wilkes and
husband, Ronnie, Virginia Barron, Cynthia Harris and husband, Gregg; 2 sons, Douglas Bryan and
wife, Charlotte, Ronny Bryan and wife, Carolyn; 3 sisters, Ruby Brumley, Brenda Bowen and
husband Clifford, Cora Maldonado and husband, Johnny; 22 grandchildren; 49 greatgrandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; 3 brothers, Clayton, Chester and Junior
Roberts; and 2 sisters, Coreen Mayhall and Patricia Bryan.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
Irven J. Brooker
ALBANY -- Irven J. Brooker, age 83, of Albany, Texas passed away on Wednesday, January 18,
2006 in an Albany Nursing Home.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, January 20, 2006 at the Albany
Cemetery with the Reverend Douglas Stenberg officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Godfrey
- Neese Funeral Home of Albany.
He was born on March 26, 1922 in Runnels County, Texas. He married Vida Hollis who preceded
him in death in 1976. He was a farmer and a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Gail and Kathy Brooker of Albany, Texas and one
son, Sammy Brooker of Glenrose, Texas; four granddaughters: Tina Bernstein, Jessica Brooker,
Kristi Brooker and Mindy Brooker, all of Albany, Texas; two grandsons: Brent Brooker of Lipan,
Texas and Ashley Brooker of Granbury, Texas; three sisters, Fay Smith and Neoma Nozark of
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Carbon, Texas and Velma Holly of Clyde, Texas; two brothers, Leroy Brooker of Baird, Texas and
S. C. Brooker of Abilene, Texas; and a number of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
GODFREY - NEESE FUNERAL HOME / ALBANY, TEXAS
Ivon Sterling Odom, Jr.
CROSS PLAINS -- Ivon Sterling Odom, Jr., age 56, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at the
Hendrick Health Center in Abilene after a brief illness. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m.,
Thursday, January 19, 2006, at the Higginbotham Chapel with Ronnie White officiating; burial will
follow in the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born January 4, 1950, in Baird, Texas, to Ivon Sterling, Sr. and Joyce Fay (Tabor) Odom.
He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1968. He served in the Army National Guard for
six years. He was employed at Western Trailer Equipment in Abilene and was a member of
Pioneer Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Odom of the Rowden community; sisters, Virginia Ann Trevey
and husband Ralph of Snyder; Nancy Jane Palmer and husband Charlie of Clyde; nephews, David,
and Scott Trevey, and Michael Palmer and a niece Jennifer Stewart; as well as three aunts and
numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1989.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cross Plains Fire Dept, PO Box 185, Cross Plains,
TX 76443 or the Cross Plains Fire Relief Fund, c/o Texas Heritage Bank, PO Box 699, Cross Plains,
TX 76443.
HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL HOME / CROSS PLAINS, TEXAS
Janie Stewart
BRECKENRIDGE -- Janie Stewart, age 98 of Breckenridge, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at
Villa Haven Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, January 20th at Morehart
Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Charles Kuhn officiating. Burial will follow in the Breckenridge
Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be Thursday evening, January
19th, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Janie Irene Meeks was born on December 3, 1907 in Garner, TX to parents Larkin Columbus
Meeks and Virginia Susan Morris. She moved with her family to Breckenridge in 1922. Janie
married Raymond Arthur Stewart on August 6, 1930 in Breckenridge. She worked as the evening
chief operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 30 years. Janie was a member of the
Stephens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Telephone Pioneers and American Cancer Society.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers and 7 sisters.
Janie is survived by her daughter, Dolores Squyres of Breckenridge; brother, Al Meeks also of
Breckenridge; and a granddaughter, Jana Deakins of Temple.
Memorials may be made to the SMH Auxiliary, American Cancer Society or the organization of the
donor’s choice. Memorials may be left at Morehart Mortuary and condolences may be sent online
at www.morehartmortuary.net.
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Sam L. Vranes
BAIRD -- Sam L. Vranes, age 95, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in Abilene, Texas.
He was born on July 10, 1910, in Gilbert, Minnesota to Milos Vranes and Angela Loncar Vranes.
Sam's family settled in Benoit, Wisconsin in 1914. He was a veteran of WW II serving with field
artillery, in the U. S. Army in the Pacific Campaign.
He married Irene Ellis in Susanville, California on October 17, 1947. She preceded him in death
on March 30, 1996. He lived in California for 54 years working in the lumber and logging industry.
In 1990 he and his wife moved to Abilene, Texas.
Survivors include: one daughter, Elaine Stephenson and husband, Ben of Baird, Texas; two
sisters, Nita Turner of Schenectady, New York and Mary Phares and her husband, Ernie of Mesa,
Arizona; two grandchildren, Matt and Alicia Stephenson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Ellis Vranes, a sister, Mildred Simon, brothers, Mike,
Nick, Albert, Dan, George and Peter: and an infant brother and sister.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 19, 2006 in Parker Fuenral Home
Chapel. Reverend Sandra Keith will officiate. Burial will be in the Ross Cemetery Annex.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Vaughn E. Brooks
KNOX CITY -- Vaughn E. Brooks, 87, of Knox City passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at
a local hospital.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday January 20, 2006 at First Baptist Church in
Knox City with Rev. Gayle Baucum and Rev. Paul Chambers officiating. Burial will follow at
O'Brien Cemetery, under the direction of Mansell - Smith Funeral Home in Knox City.
Mr. Brooks was born on March 23, 1918 in Comanche County to Ervin and Sarah Brooks. He was
a farmer and a sixty year member of the Masonic Lodge where he held many offices. He was a
member of the First Baptist Church in Knox City.
He is survived by: a son, Irvin and wife Martha Brooks of Aspermont; three daughters, Eva and
husband L.A. Covey of O'Brien, Barbara Weston of Macon, GA and Vonnie Ivey of Knox City;
thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; three sisters: Lois Spec, Leota Covey and Merle
Bishop; two step- sisters and two step- brothers.
Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at the Funeral Home.
The family will be at the Merizer Community Center, 203 SW 4th St. in Knox City
on Friday.
Death Notices 01.19.06
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January 19, 2006
Avery Grace Arrington
EASTLAND - Avery Grace Arrington, stillborn child of Bradley and Leigh Jarrell Arrington, died
Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.
Burial will be in Eastland Cemetery. Visitation is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Joshua Boothe
BRECKENRIDGE - Joshua Boothe, 17, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006. Services are pending
with Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
James Andrew Burchfield
SNYDER - James Andrew Burchfield, 78, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside services are
2 p.m. Friday at the Snyder Cemetery, under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.
Roy Key
COLORADO CITY - Roy Key, 87, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Thursday in the Colorado City Cemetery, under the direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
David Gene Kohout
STAMFORD - David Gene Kohout, 74, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel. Military graveside rites will follow at the
Highland Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Mary Lena Moore Mitchell Ray
Mary Lena Moore Mitchell Ray, 90, of Alpine and former Coleman resident, died Wednesday,
January 18, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will
follow in the Coleman City Cemetery
Aline Reinbach
KILGORE - Aline Reinbach, 91, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside services are 1:30 p.m.
Friday at the Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna. Local arrangements with Henderson Funeral
Home of Santa Anna. Visitation is 6 to 7:30 Thursday at Rader Funeral Home.
Maxine J. Rice
Maxine J. Rice, 87, formerly of Abilene, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside service will be
10 a.m. Saturday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Burial will be in Cedar Hill
Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
E. Wayne Rogers
E. Wayne Rogers, 83, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Saturday
at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday at Elmwood Funeral
Home, 5750 Hwy. 277 South.
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Mozelle Scarborough
Mozelle Scarborough, 89, of Abilene died Wednesday, January 18, 2006. A memorial service will
be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Arrangements made by
North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.
Marie Smyrl
BRECKENRIDGE - Marie Smyrl, 89 of Allen, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.,
Saturday at Morehart Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery. Visitation
will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Wayne Wages
LAKE BROWNWOOD - Wayne Wages, 68, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Memorial services are
2 p.m. Friday at Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood. Cremation under the direction of
Netherton Funeral Home.
Aleene Wood
STEPHENVILLE - Aleene Wood, 86, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Services are 11 a.m.
Thursday at the Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Garden of Memory Cemetery.
Obituaries 01.20.06
January 20, 2006
Alfred Ray Griffin
McCAULLEY -- Alfred Ray Griffin, 79, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006, at Covenant Medical Center
in Lubbock. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2006, at the McCaulley United
Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Sedberry officiating. Burial will be in the McCaulley Cemetery,
directed by Adams Funeral Home.
Born September 4, 1926, in Fisher County, Alfred was the son of the late Lawrence and Elva
(McCain) Griffin. He married Audrey Merl Elizabeth "Merline" Bramlett July 17, 1947, in
McCaulley. She preceded him in death February 7, 2001. Alfred worked as a Roustabout in the oil
field and at the Celotex Corp in Hamlin for over 35 years. He also was a longtime farmer in Fisher
County and was a Methodist.
One grandson (Christopher Ryan Richardson) and one son-in-law (Michael Rimes) preceded him
in death.
Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, James and Cindy Griffin of Sweetwater; five
daughters, Barbara Collins of Hamlin, Carol Young (and companion, John Sisson) of Sweetwater,
Charlotte Godlove (and husband, Bill) of Lubbock, Vicky Rimes of Stamford, and Beverly Larsen
(and husband, Jack) of Hamlin; one brother and sister-in-law, Buford and Winnie Griffin of
Hamlin; and four sisters, Doris Brown (and husband, Cyriel) of Silsbee, Maxine Kluting of Abilene,
Della Lawlis (and husband, John) of Roby, and Pat Pyron (and husband, Don) of Hamlin;
seventeen grandchildren; and twenty six great-grandchildren.
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Memorials may be made to the McCaulley United Methodist Church, McCaulley Cemetery or one’s
favorite choice.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2006, at the funeral home.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
David "Punk" Kohout
STAMFORD -- David "Punk" Kohout, 74, of Stamford, passed away on Wednesday, January 18,
2006 at an Abilene hospital. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Tankersley
Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Brigham officiating. Military graveside rites will follow at
the Highland Memorial Cemetery.
David was born on December 20, 1931 in Haskell County to Thomas John and Marie Kohout. He
was raised in the area and graduated from Paint Creek High School in 1951. Upon graduation he
worked in the oil fields as a roughneck and drove a truck for Kimbell Grocery Wholesale in
Stamford. In April 1952 he joined the Air Force. After basic training he served 3 years in Germany
at the time of the U.S. occupation of Germany. His career field was survival equipment, leather
and fabric. On a dare by his colonel, he rode on a 3 man bobsled, thus becoming a member of the
U.S. Air Force bobsled team in Europe in 1953- 54.
Upon his return to the U.S. in July of 1955, he married Addline Mathis and they moved to Fort
Bliss in El Paso. In February 1956 he decided to leave the Air Force but after irrigating for a
farmer in Amherst, TX, he decided that the Air Force was to be his life. He re-enlisted in April
1956 for 4 years and was sent to San Marcos to Gary Air Force Base. Upon arrival there was no
slot in his career field, so he went to school and was certified as a parachute rigger. Later that
year he was sent to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio where he managed the survival
equipment shop. In September 1959 he received orders to go to France, where he remained for 3
years. While there, he and a team built a mock airplane and then transported it to Paris where it
was placed in a museum. In 1962 he returned to the U.S. with an assignment to McDill Air Force
Base, Tampa, Florida. While there he became the parachute rigger for several sky diving clubs,
but to the knowledge of his wife, he never made a jump.
He loved deep sea fishing and surf fishing, supplying the neighborhood with fish as well as taking
his 2 sons surf fishing. In 1970 - 71 he served in South East Asia in survival equipment and
missions in Laos searching for pilots returning from Vietnam. In 1971 - 74 he was stationed at
Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene and retired in April 1974. Moving back to Stamford he started his
own welding business. David was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Stamford, and
served as a scout master in Tye and Stamford. David loved to hunt and had a vast knowledge of
guns and hunting which he passed on to his sons.
He is survived by: his wife, Addline Kohout of Stamford; 2 sons, Steven Kohout of Irving, and
David Kohout and wife, Rene'e of Red Oak; 2 daughters, Lee Kohout and Stephanie Kohout, both
of Stamford; 2 brothers, Robert (Bob) Kohout and wife, Fefa of Poughkeepsie, New York and
Raymond (Butch) Kohout and wife, Cheri of Stamford; 2 sisters-in-law, Maxi Kohout of Stamford
and Norma Kohout of Graham; 2 grandchildren, Jessi Kohout and Colin Locke; and 3 greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Howard Kohout and Ted Kohout.
The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m.
Timothy James Moody
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Timothy James Moody, 54, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006, at a Fort Worth hospital. A memorial
service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 21, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of
Memories, 542 Hickory, with Rev. Mike Jones officiating.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on March 12, 1951, he was the son of Sue (Cooper) and O. L.
Moody. He had been a resident of Abilene for 35 years. He was a bricklayer, and later became a
respiratory therapist. He also worked at the V.A. in Temple.
Survivors include a son, Timothy Wendell Moody of Temple; daughters, Amy Sullivan and
husband, John, of Houston, and Tiffany Manch and husband, Larry, of Killeen; a brother, Gregory
Moody of California; a stepbrother, Tommy Dikes of Mineral Wells; and four grandchildren,
Brendan Manch, Emily Manch, Diana Moody, and Christian Moody.
Mozelle Graham Scarborough
Mozelle Graham Scarborough, 89, of Abilene, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006. A memorial
service will be held Saturday, January 21, at 10 A.M. at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly
Rest with the Rev. Scott Mayer and the Rt. Rev. Jim Folts officiating. Arrangements were made by
North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.
Mozelle grew up in Abilene, graduated from Abilene High School in 1933, and attended Abilene
Christian College. She was active in many civic and charitable organizations. She was a member
of GN Chapter of the PEO. She was a charter member of the Junior League of Abilene, the League
of Women Voters, and the Abilene Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an association of female pilots.
She is a past president of the YWCA and served on the Abilene Parks and Recreation Board, the
Hendrick Hospital Board, and the Abilene Tuberculosis Society Board. She worked for years with
United Way and was honored with the Volunteer Service Award by the United Way in 1996. She
was given the Golden Deeds Award by the Abilene Exchange Club in 1977.
Mozelle was a long time member of the Episcopal Church in Abilene. She was the first female on
the vestry and served as President of the Church Women's Association of the diocese. She served
on many committees at the church, including co-chairing a committee with the late Elbert Hall
which raised the funds for the Bell Tower at the Church.
She married Davis Scarborough in 1936, who predeceased her. She is survived by her two sons:
Frank Scarborough, and Charles Scarborough and wife Candy; five granddaughters: Marion
Newton, Julia Lunquist, Louise Kujala, Heather Gibson, and Hayley Gibson; and four greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Davida Word of Conroe, Texas, and nieces:
Barbara Fisher of Austin, Texas; Betsy Drapela of Kerrville, Texas; and Cynthia Banner of Chevy
Chase, Maryland.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest or the
charity of choice.
Garth Jones
Garth Jones, retired Associated Press bureau chief who covered Texas politics, news, and NASA
space missions for 40 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2006, at the age of 88.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Weed - Corley - Fish Funeral
Home, 3125 N. Lamar in Austin.
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Jones is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Tiffany and Bill Hayes, and Bronwyn and Mark
Turner; grandchildren Garth and Lindsay Hayes, Zachary and Marykate Turner and Manda Turner
Harris; great-grandson, James Drake Harris; sister Marjorie Parmelly; brother and sister-in-law
Kenneth and Virginia Jones; nieces and nephews Connie Petree, Sandra Wurst, the late William
Parmelly, Mary Jones, Bernice Donnellan, David Jones and Carol Jones.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Philips Jones, who caught his eye while they both
worked at the Abilene Reporter-News just before World War II. He worked the night shift, and
would leave notes in the witty brunette reporter's typewriter to find as she started her day shift
on the lifestyle desk. They continued their courtship by mail throughout the war and married in
1947. She was an amusements editor at the Austin American-Statesman during the war.
Jones was born July 2, 1917, to the late Rev. Arthur and Cozette Jones in Tuscola, Texas. He was
editor of his school paper at Vernon High School, and also at McMurry College. He signed on as a
reporter with the Abilene Reporter News in 1938, while still a college student.
Jones served with the 112th Texas National Guard Calvary when it was called up in October,
1940. He was stationed on Guadalcanal, and then in the Philippines, and finally in Japan with the
occupation.
After the war, Jones started work for the Associated Press in Dallas, covering the 1947 Texas
legislature. He was assigned to the Austin bureau in 1956, and became bureau chief in 1961,
covering Texas governors from Beauford Jester and Allan Shivers to Bill Clements. He reported on
the late President Lyndon B. Johnson and a score of major news events in Texas from the Charles
Whitman tower shootings to the Kennedy assassination.
Asked what he would count as the top story he had ever covered, Jones named a NASA space
mission. "The biggest (story) to me was when man landed on the moon," he said in a Headliners
Club newsletter. "I was only a very small part of it, part of a crew of about 50 people that AP had
at the Space Center covering it, but to me, that's the biggest story I ever had a part in."
Jones was noted for his wry sense of humor. During the 1985 legislature, he was asked to give
the invocation. "Dear Lord, we thank You for being here today," he said, according to the Senate
Journal. "We hope we will be able to say that at the end of the day, too. Amen."
A Texas Senate Resolution in 1985 commended Jones on "his many years of excellent service to
the State of Texas," and noted "his significant contributions in recording the history of this
state.... He has been a reliable source of political news for the people of Texas; he has maintained
a tradition of providing readers with the most vital information in a responsible and accurate
manner."
Jones was president of the Austin Headliners Club in 1967 and served on the board of trustees.
He was awarded the second Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the Headliners Foundation
of Texas in 1987.
He was a dedicated Texas Longhorn fan, helping cover games for the Associated Press along with
his best friend, the late Ted Powers, AP photographer. Both men were longtime members of the
Old Fitz Club at the Headliners, meeting Fridays at noon to discuss politics and football and toast
one another.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made ( in memory of Garth Jones) to a college journalism
scholarship administered by the Headliners Foundation, PO Box 97, Austin, Texas 78767.
Obituary and guestbook online at www.wcfish.com
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Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 - (512) 4528811
Julius M. Kubena
Julius Kubena, 87, passed away January 18, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at
11:00 am Saturday, January 21, 2006 at Highland Church of Christ with David Mickey and Bob
Branch officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements are under
the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Mr. Kubena was born on June 18, 1918 in Moulton, Texas to Willie and Rosie (Horsak) Kubena. As
a young boy Julius and his family moved to Hermleigh, Texas. He graduated from Hermleigh High
School in 1937. While in high school he was Senior Class President and Captain and Recruiter for
the football team. Julius attended Draughon's Business College in Abilene and was working
toward a CPA certificate when he was drafted on February 13, 1941. He was sent to Camp Bowie
in Brownwood, Texas where he served his four years and nine months in Medical Administrative.
In December 1945 he was discharged as a Master Sgt.
On February 15, 1945, Julius married Lucile Davison, of Sweetwater. In 1946 he went to work in
the local office of West Texas Utilities. He retired as District Auditor of District A and B after
thirty-seven years of employment.
Julius also served in the National Guard from 1947 until retiring as a Major in 1972. While in the
National Guard, he served as Commanding Officer of Headquarters Battery, First Rocket-Howitzer
Btn. 131st Field Artillery. Mr. Kubena served as Director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce,
President of the Key City Kiwanis Club, and as a Deacon at Highland Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Lucile; one daughter, Kim Harrell and her husband Steve of Abilene;
one grandson, Tyler Harrell; one granddaughter Holly Harrell; one sister Annie Cochran of
Colleyville; one brother, Rudy Kubena of Hermleigh and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill Kubena of McKinney, Terry Kubena of Snyder, Don and Randy Kubena of Hermleigh, Jerry
Cochran of Colleyville and Quest Daniel of San Antonio will serve as pallbearers. Honorary
pallbearers will be Dr. L.G. Hardwicke, Dr. Bill Haynes and R.C. Franke.
The family suggests memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, PO Box 1922, Abilene, Texas,
79604, Highland Church of Christ Christian Ministries, 425 Highland, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the
donor's favorite charity.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Maxine J. Rice
Maxine J. Rice, 87, formerly of Abilene, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006, in Florida. A graveside
service will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Abilene directed by Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral
home.
Born on September 10, 1918, in Drumright, Oklahoma, Maxine was the daughter of Florence
(Hazen) and George I. Jones. She married Marion Rice on June 14, 1938, in Abilene. She received
a Bachelor of Science degree from McMurry University, and worked in Abilene for West Texas
Utilities as an executive secretary. Mrs. Rice was a resident of Abilene from 1938 until 1992,
when she moved to Florida to be close to her family.
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While in Abilene, Maxine was a member of Highland Church of Christ.
Her husband, Marion, preceded her in death.
Survivors include a son, George D. Rice and wife, Kathy, of Richardson, Texas; a daughter, Jo
Angeline Pope and husband, Dennis, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; three grandchildren, Davis Pope of
Melbourne, Florida, and Symantha Cloud and husband, Larry, and Shannon Rice all of Fort Worth;
and a great-grandchild, Casey McAchran.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
Velma Simmons Decker
Velma Simmons Decker, of Abilene -- left this earth on Tues- day, January 17, 2006 to be with
old friends and family. She was born in Childress, Texas and was 88 years young. She was the
daughter of Bessie and Mark Simmons in Wichita Falls, Texas. She married John R Decker, Jr. on
February 15, 1936 and moved to Abilene with 4 children in 1950. She had 4 more children while
living in Abilene and they loved her dearly. She worked at Abilene State School for 15 years
before retiring to enjoy her grandchildren.
While in Abilene she helped establish the Unity Church of Christianity. She was a very positive
uplifting person who made her friends and family laugh.
Survivors include 4 sons John Decker and wife Lynda of Deer Park, Texas, Bill Decker and wife
Hope of Abilene, Derrell Decker and wife Aletha of Napa, California and Jerry Decker of Dallas. 4
daughters Betty Ross and husband Jerry of Scurry, Texas, Debby Decker of Raleigh, North
Carolina, Vicky Rister and husband David of Abilene, Texas and Candy Vasquez and husband
Danny of Fort Worth, Texas. She had 16 grandchildren and 15 great grand children. Two sistersin-law Margaret Simmons and Vera Boatwright and 1 brother-in-law Bill Decker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 2 grandchildren, 1 sister and 3
brothers.
There will be a Memorial Service at the Unity Church of Christianity 2842 Barrow on Sunday
January 22, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.
She was cremated and her ashes will be mixed with her husband and taken to Sedona, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Unity Church of Abilene.
Elmer Wayne Rogers 1922 - 2006
Elmer Wayne Rogers, 83, of Abilene, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Graveside services are
10:00 AM. Saturday at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. David Cason officiating.
Wayne was born on February 28, 1922, in Cleburne, to Mamie Ethel and Elmer Nolan Rogers.
During WWII, he spent 2 years working in Naval Communications and as a court reporter. He
then spent 18 years in the US Army, where he retired as Provost Marshal. He spent several years
working at Sears and Roebuck and King's Cleaners.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, of 27 years, Myrtle Rogers, three brothers,
Charles, Weldon, and Wendon Rogers, and a sister, Margie M. Bernard.
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He is survived by: a son, Matt Rogers, of Florida, a daughter, Charlene Seay, of Maryland, a
sister, Betty Dennis, of Abilene, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Friday at the Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South.
Vaughn E. Brooks
KNOX CITY -- Vaughn E. Brooks, 87, of Knox City passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2006
at a local hospital. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2006 at First
Baptist Church in Knox City with Rev. Gayle Baucum and Rev. Paul Chambers officiating. Burial
will follow at O'Brien Cemetery, under the direction of Mansell - Smith Funeral Home in Knox City.
Mr. Brooks was born on March 23, 1918 in Comanche County to Ervin and Sarah Brooks. He was
a farmer and a sixty year member of the Masonic Lodge where he held many offices. He was a
member of the First Baptist Church in Knox City.
He is survived by a son, Irvin and wife Martha Brooks of Aspermont. Three daughters, Eva and
husband L.A. Covey of O'Brien, Barbara Weston of Macon, GA and Vonnie Ivie of Knox City.
Thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; 2 nephews and 1 niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Lois Speck, Leota Covey and Merle
Bishop, two step- sisters and two stepbrothers.
The family will be at the Meinzer Community Center, 203 SW 4th St. in Knox City on Friday.
William Robert "Billy Bob" Garner
JACKSBORO, TX -- William Robert "Billy Bob" Garner, age 71, of Jacksboro, Texas passed away
on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He was a retired Postal Service employee and Electrician.
Survivors include: his wife, Mary Sue Garner; two daughters, Cindy Richmond, and Holly
Willoughby; two sons, Monte and Kelly Garner; four sisters; three brothers; and nine
grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the First Baptist Church of
Jacksboro under the direction of Coker Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.
There will be a time of family visitation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2006 at the
funeral home.
COKER FUNERAL HOME / JACKSBORO, TEXAS / 940-567-3778
Death Notices 01.20.06
January 20, 2006
Jack Alexander
WOODSON - Jack Alexander, 77, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Memorial services are 2 p.m. today
at the Merriman-Archer Funeral Home Chapel.
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Martha Bowen
Martha Bowen, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are pending with Elmwood Funeral
Home, but visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Edward 'Ed' Bright Sr.
BURKBURNETT - Edward ''Ed'' Bright Sr., 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Central Church of Christ in Burkburnett, under the direction of Owens &
Brumley Funeral Home. Burial is in Burkburnett.
Ivy F. Daniel
Ivy F. Daniel, 103, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
today at Cedar Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N.
2nd St.
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs, 67, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Arrangements are pending with
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Nancy Feuerpfeil
Nancy Feuerpfeil, 67, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are pending with McCoy Funeral
Home of Aspermont.
Cliffie Mae Henderson
COLEMAN - Cliffie Mae Henderson, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are pending with
Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.
Alvis Eloise Jaschke
BROWNWOOD - Alvis Eloise Jaschke, 92, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 1 p.m.
Saturday in the Central United Methodist Church. Interment follows in Wallace Creek Cemetery in
San Saba County, under the direction of the Netherton Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5 to 6:30
tonight at the funeral home.
Costella King
DUBLIN - Costella King, 89, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Graveside services are 1 p.m. today at
the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Erath County, under the direction of Stephenville Funeral
Home.
Raye McGregor
COLORADO CITY - Raye McGregor, 90, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Funeral services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel in Big Spring. Interment follows at Trinity
Memorial Park. Visitation is from 6 to 7 tonight at the funeral home.
Lucille Rhoton Minzenmayer
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Lucille Rhoton Minzenmayer, 80, formerly of Sweetwater, died
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home
Chapel of Sweetwater. Burial is in Sweetwater Cemetery.
W. T. 'Bill' Morris
BIG SPRING - W. T. ''Bill'' Morris, 80, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Funeral services are 10 a.m.
Saturday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment follows at Trinity Memorial
Park in Big Spring. Visitation is from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.
Estelle Seller Parker
Estelle Seller Parker, 85, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory. Burial is in Clyde Cemetery. Visitation is
from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mildred 'Millie' Rambo
BANGS - Mildred ''Millie'' Rambo, 82, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are pending with
Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Evelyn Roberts
GOLDTHWAITE - Evelyn Roberts, 88, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday
at the Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial is in Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery.
Clara Mae Salmon
SNYDER - Clara Mae Salmon, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday
at the Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Burial is in Hillside Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Wayne Wages
LAKE BROWNWOOD - Wayne Wages, 68, formerly of Lubbock, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. today at Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Obituaries 01.21.06
January 21, 2006
Edith Dodson
SWEETWATER — Edith Dodson, age 97, of Sweetwater, Texas passed away on
Thursday, January 19, 2006 in Lubbock, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00
p.m., on Sunday, January 22, 2006 at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of
Memories.
Reverend Roger Mobley will officiate the ceremony. Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Cemetery
under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home, Inc. of Sweetwater.
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Edith was born on April 24, 1908 in Fisher County, Texas. She was a member of the Highland
Heights Methodist Church and was the oldest living charter member. She had lived in Sweetwater
all of her life. She was a homemaker and worked as a Nurse's Aid.
She was preceded in death by three husbands, W. O. Walker, Robert Barnwell, and Olin Dodson;
by one brother and four sisters.
She is survived by: two daughters, Linda Duncan and husband, Bob of Sweetwater, Texas and
Joyce Fields and husband, Dan of Lubbock, Texas; five grandchildren, Danna Dewlen, Debby
James, David Fields, Tim Reaves and Reece Duncan; ten great grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons; David Fields, Reece Duncan, Julian Neel, Jacob Fields, Mike
Dewlen, Chris Dewlen and Colin Gilmore.
There will be a family visitation held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 21,
2006 at McCoy Funeral Home, Inc.
McCOY FUNERAL HOME, INC. / SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Estelle Sellers Parker
Estelle Sellers Parker, 85, died Thursday, January 19, 2006, at an Abilene nursing home.
The daughter of Mary Emma (Davis) and C. R. Sellers, Estelle was born on December 31, 1920, in
Alba, Texas, and had been a resident of Abilene since 1941. A homemaker, she also had worked
at the nursery at Abilene State School. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Estelle was predeceased by her husband, John E. Parker, Jr., whom she married on July 2, 1938.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ada Lemond and Avie Bailey; four brothers, Ozil
Sellers, Floyd Sellers, Travis Sellers, and Seburne Sellers; a great-grandson, Cody Cheairs; and a
great-great-grandson, "Little G" Erin Garcia, Jr.
Survivors include sons, Cecil Parker and wife, Barbara, of Streetman, Texas, and Leon Parker of
Austin; daughters, Mildred Peters and husband, Dick "Bear", of Cedar Creek, Texas, Bonnie Bupp
and husband, Jim, of Goddard, Kansas, Lucy Cheairs and husband, Dale, of Combine, Texas,
Shirley Davis and husband, Eddie, of Abilene, and Johnnie Gwin and husband, Robert, of Joshua,
Texas; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542
Hickory. Burial will be in Clyde Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Bolen, Daniel Bolen, Zachery Bolen, Jeff Stohr, Larry Stohr, Eric
Garcia, and David Bupp.
Harry Howard Hayes
CORPUS CHRISTI — Harry Howard Hayes, 96, of Corpus Christi passed away January 18, 2006.
Harry was born in Henrietta, Clay County, Texas, November 23, 1909, to the late Herbert Barton
Hayes and Rachael Louisa Hayes.
The family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, soon after he was born.
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Harry graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1927. He received three degrees- B.A., B.S.
and M.A.-from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. He was very proud of his lifelong
association with the famous Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band.
While attending Hardin-Simmons he met his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Johanne Fletcher of
Abilene. They were married on August 29, 1934. The family moved to Corpus Christi in 1951,
after living in Abilene, Los Angeles California, and Scarsdale, New York. Elizabeth preceded him in
death on August 14, 2003.
In WWII he served as a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy.
After several successful careers, he founded Hayes Insurance Agency in 1962, retiring from there
in May 2000.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, Texas.
He was preceded in death by sisters Mary Syble Hendrick, Anna Lucille Palmer and brothers
William Myers Hayes, Herbert Leon Hayes and Eddie Ray Hayes.
He is survived by his only child, H. Darrel Hayes and wife Margot, of Bedford, Texas;
granddaughter Suzanne Humann and husband, Walt, of Dallas, Texas and great-grandchildren:
Walter John, Katherine Marie, Hailey Hayes, and Jennifer Elizabeth Humann and granddaughter,
Charlotte Malone and husband John, of Powder Springs, Georgia; sisters Madelyn Kyser of Tulsa,
Oklahoma and Juanita Hamilton of Salt Lake City, Utah, and several nieces and nephews and
brother-in-law, Wilson Douglas Fletcher of Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
The Family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Ann Lockhart for her devotion to and
friendship with Harry and Elizabeth. She was very special to them.
Visitation for Harry Howard Hayes will be held on Thursday January 19, 2006 from 11:00 A.M. to
1:30 P.M. at Seaside Funeral Home. Graveside services for Harry Howard Hayes will be held on
Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at Seaside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band Foundation,
HSU, Box 15220, Abilene, Tex- as, 79698.
Irene Cross
MERKEL – Irene Cross, 71, died Thursday, January 19, 2006 in a local nursing home. Graveside
services will be 11:00 a.m. today at Rose Hill Cemetery with Kirk Castleman officiating, directed
by Starbuck Funeral Home.
Irene was born September 28, 1934 in Jones County to Ira D. and Nellie Ima Smith Cross. She
attended Merkel Schools and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include 2 brothers, Earl Cross of Abilene, Melton Cross and wife Ann of Wichita Falls; a
sister, Winnie Pratt of Detroit, TX.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
Julius M. Kubena Julius Kubena, 87, passed away January 18, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services
will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 21, 2006 at Highland Church of Christ with David
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Mickey and Bob Branch officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Funeral
arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Mr. Kubena was born on June 18, 1918 in Moulton, Texas to Willie and Rosie (Horsak) Kubena. As
a young boy Julius and his family moved to Hermleigh, Texas. He graduated from Hermleigh High
School in 1937. While in high school he was Senior Class President and Captain and Recruiter for
the football team. Julius attended Draughon's Business College in Abilene and was working
toward a CPA certificate when he was drafted on February 13, 1941. He was sent to Camp Bowie
in Brownwood, Texas where he served his four years and nine months in Medical Administrative.
In December 1945 he was discharged as a Master Sgt.
On February 15, 1945, Julius married Lucile Davison, of Sweetwater. In 1946 he went to work in
the local office of West Texas Utilities. He retired as District Auditor of District A and B after
thirty-seven years of employment.
Julius also served in the National Guard from 1947 until retiring as a Major in 1972. While in the
National Guard, he served as Commanding Officer of Headquarters Battery, First Rocket-Howitzer
Btn. 131st Field Artillery. Mr. Kubena served as Director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce,
President of the Key City Kiwanis Club, and as a Deacon at Highland Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Lucile; one daughter, Kim Harrell and her husband Steve of Abilene;
one grandson, Tyler Harrell; one granddaughter Holly Harrell; one sister Annie Cochran of
Colleyville; one brother, Rudy Kubena of Hermleigh and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill Kubena of McKinney, Terry Kubena of Snyder, Don and Randy Kubena of Hermleigh, Jerry
Cochran of Colleyville and Quest Daniel of San Antonio will serve as pallbearers. Honorary
pallbearers will be Dr. L.G. Hardwicke, Dr. Bill Haynes and R.C. Franke.
The family suggests memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, PO Box 1922, Abilene, Texas,
79604, Highland Church of Christ Christian Ministries, 425 Highland, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the
donor's favorite charity.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Mary Mitchell Ray
ALPINE — Mary Mitchell Ray, age 90, of Alpine, Texas died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at
Alpine Valley Care Center. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21 in
Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with her son, Dr. Jerry Mitchell, officiating. Burial will follow in the
Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
She was born Mary Lena Moore on April 2, 1915 in Grosvenor, Texas, the daughter of Urias
Pleasant Moore and Mary Elizabeth Green Moore. She grew up in the Coleman area and graduated
from Coleman High School. She was married to Wilbur Mitchell and he preceded her in death in
1960. She later married O. F. Hamilton and lived in Granbury, Texas; he preceded her in death.
She was married to Richard Ray and lived in Andrews; he preceded her in death. Mrs. Ray moved
to Alpine 11 years ago. While living in Coleman she worked as a secretary for an insurance
agency. In Andrews she owned and operated an insurance agency. She was a Baptist.
Survivors include two sons, Robert Mitchell of Abilene, Texas and Dr. Jerry Mitchell of Alpine,
Texas; one daughter, Maurine White; five grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Willis Moore, in 2005.
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Nancy Marr Feuerpfeil
Nancy Marr Feuerpfeil, age 67, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at an
Abilene hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 22, 2006 in the
Aspermont Church of Christ officiated by Mr. Bob Marcho with burial to follow in the Aspermont
Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Mrs. Feuerpfeil was born to the late Raymond & Odee Marx. She graduated Salutatorian from
Aspermont High School. She attended Mary Hardin, Baylor, ACU and The University of Texas,
where she met and married Karl Feuerpfeil in 1961. She and Karl moved to Virginia and worked
and lived there until 1998 when she returned to Abilene. She was a member of the Church of
Christ.
Survivors include: her husband, Karl Feuerpfeil of Abilene; sisters: Dorothy Sue Horn and
husband, Kenneth of Sweetwater, Sherry Hill and Husband, Billy of Aspermont, Texas, and sisterin-Law, Betty Malmsten and husband, Phil of Wisconsin; Brother-in-law, Bob Pekel of Arkansas;
numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister-in-law, Virginia Pekel.
In Lieu of Flowers the Family requests that memorials be made to Rescue the Animals, 4620
North First Street, Abilene, Texas 79603.
Maxine J. Rice
Maxine J. Rice, 87, formerly of Abilene, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006, in Florida. A graveside
service will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Abilene directed by Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Born on September 10, 1918, in Drumright, Oklahoma, Maxine was the daughter of Florence
(Hazen) and George I. Jones. She married Marion Rice on June 14, 1938, in Abilene. She received
a Bachelor of Science degree from McMurry University, and worked in Abilene for West Texas
Utilities as an executive secretary. Mrs. Rice was a resident of Abilene from 1938 until 1992,
when she moved to Florida to be close to her family.
While in Abilene, Maxine was a member of Highland Church of Christ.
Her husband, Marion, preceded her in death.
Survivors include a son, George D. Rice and wife, Kathy, of Richardson, Texas; a daughter, Jo
Angeline Pope and husband, Dennis, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; three grandchildren, David Pope of
Melbourne, Florida, and Symantha Cloud and husband, Larry, and Shannon Rice all of Fort Worth;
and a great-grandchild, Casey McAchran.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
Mildred "Millie" Rambo
BANGS, TX — Mildred "Millie" Rambo, age 82, of Bangs, Texas passed away on Thursday, January
19, 2006.
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Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2006 at the First United
Methodist Church in Bangs with Wayne Lewis and Ken Green officiating. Interment will be in
Bangs Cemetery.
Millie was born on April 9, 1923 in Bangs, she was a lifelong resident. She married Roy Lee
Rambo on September 26, 1939 in Bangs. She was a Bookkeeper and a Housewife. She was a
member of the First United Methodist Church of Bangs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward & Essie Odessa Brown Wagner; sister,
Daphna Bostwick, and a brother, Jim Wagner.
Survivors include: a son, Howard Lee Rambo and wife, Sharon of Bangs; granddaughters, Laura
Lee Hutchins of Dublin, Texas and Leslie Ann McCleery and husband, Cody of Weatherford, Texas;
great grandchildren, Harrison Lee & Hannah Elizabeth Hutchins of Dublin, Texas, William Casey &
Roy Glenn McCleery of Weatherford, Texas.
DAVIS — MORRIS FUNERAL HOME / BROWNWOOD, TEXAS
Velma Simmons Decker
Velma Simmons Decker, of Abilene — left this earth on Tues- day, January 17, 2006 to be with
old friends and family. She was born in Childress, Texas and was 88 years young. She was the
daughter of Bessie and Mark Simmons in Wichita Falls, Texas. She married John R Decker, Jr. on
February 15, 1936 and moved to Abilene with 4 children in 1950. She had 4 more children while
living in Abilene and they loved her dearly. She worked at Abilene State School for 15 years
before retiring to enjoy her grandchildren.
While in Abilene she helped establish the Unity Church of Christianity. She was a very positive
uplifting person who made her friends and family laugh.
Survivors include 4 sons John Decker and wife Lynda of Deer Park, Texas, Bill Decker and wife
Hope of Abilene, Derrell Decker and wife Aletha of Napa, California and Jerry Decker of Dallas. 4
daughters Betty Ross and husband Jerry of Scurry, Texas, Debby Decker of Raleigh, North
Carolina, Vicky Rister and husband David of Abilene, Texas and Candy Vasquez and husband
Danny of Fort Worth, Texas. She had 16 grandchildren and 15 great grand children. Two sistersin-law Margaret Simmons and Vera Boatwright and 1 brother-in-law Bill Decker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 2 grandchildren, 1 sister and 3
brothers.
There will be a Memorial Service at the Unity Church of Christianity 2842 Barrow on Sunday
January 22, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.
She was cremated and her ashes will be mixed with her husband and taken to Sedona, Arizona.
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In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Unity
Church of Abilene.
Death Notices 01.21.06
January 21, 2006
Robert Balderas
Robert Balderas, 56, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Family
Catholic Church. Prayer service is 7 p.m. Monday at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Highway 277
South. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Joshua Calloway Boothe
BRECKENRIDGE - Joshua Calloway Boothe, 17, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Sunday at Bethany Baptist Church in Breckenridge. Visitation is 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Martha Alice 'MeMe' Bowen
Martha Alice ''MeMe'' Bowen, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Monday at
Potosi Baptist Church. Entombment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 2 to 5 p.m.
today at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Highway 277 South.
LaNell Brusenhan
ROCKWOOD - LaNell Brusenhan, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are pending with
Henderson Funeral Home in Santa Anna.
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs, 67, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Monday at
Oakridge Church of Christ. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m.
Sunday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Clemmie Duke
COMANCHE - Clemmie Duke, 87, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at
Comanche Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Mary Lee Hobbs
BIG SPRING - Mary Lee Hobbs, 82, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are pending with NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Henry L. Howard
MERKEL - Henry L. Howard, 86, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are pending with Starbuck
Funeral Home of Merkel.
Alma King
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CROSS PLAINS - Alma King, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Cross Plains Cemetery.
Norris Epworth Lineweaver
Norris Epworth Lineweaver, 89, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Memorial services are 1:30 p.m.
Monday at St. Paul United Methodist Church under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home,
542 Hickory.
Gerald Eldon 'Red' Naul
DUFFAU - Gerald Eldon ''Red'' Naul, 68, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at
Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Eddie 'Red' Seivert
Eddie ''Red'' Seivert, 75, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Elmwood
Funeral Home, 5750 Highway 277 South.
Lynn L. Thorne
EASTLAND - Lynn L. Thorne, 58, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel in Breckenridge.
Obituaries 01.22.06
January 22, 2006
Robert Y. Balderas
Robert Y. Balderas, 56, of Abilene passed away Friday, January 20, 2006. Funeral Mass will be
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Fred
Newarskas officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Viewing and visitation will be Monday 6 to 7 P.M. with a prayer service beginning at 7 in the
Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South.
Robert was born in Victoria, Texas on September 24, 1949 and attended Victoria High School
before moving to Anson, where he continued his education at Anson High School. He served in
the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a self- employed truck driver for over forty years. Robert
loved to play the guitar, sing along with others, and was a talented carpenter. Hunting and fishing
were two of his greatest past times.
Surviving relatives include wife, Glenda; sons, Robert Daniel Balderas and wife Shelly, Steven Lee
Balderas, daughter, Rebecca Ann Balderas all of Abilene; six grand children; Robert E. Balderas,
Matthew Best, Daniel Y. Balderas, Gabrielle Wright, Timothy "Tic" Ray Balderas and Steven
"Tadpole" Austin Balderas; siblings are Juan Balderas Jr. & Helen Balderas of Victoria, Rudy
Balderas and Alice Balderas of Abilene, Joe Balderas of Victoria, Rosa Rincon of Phoenix, AZ. Julia
Paulino, Lydia Palash and Leon Palash, John Flores Jr. and Sandy Flores, all of Abilene; numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Balderas Sr. and Basilisa Balderas Ronquillo;
sister, Emma Balderas and brother, Joe Angel Moveno.
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Estelle Sellers Parker
Estelle Sellers Parker, 85, died Thursday, January 19, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
The daughter of Mary Emma (Davis) and C. R. Sellers, Estelle was born on December 31, 1920, in
Alba, Texas, and had been a resident of Abilene since 1941. A homemaker, she also had worked
at the nursery at Abilene State School. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Estelle was predeceased by her husband, John E. Parker, Jr., whom she married on July 2, 1938.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ada Lemond and Avie Bailey; four brothers, Ozil
Sellers, Floyd Sellers, Travis Sellers, and Seburne Sellers; a great grandson, Cody Cheairs; and a
great-great-grandson, "Little G" Erin Garcia, Jr.
Survivors include sons, Cecil Parker and wife, Barbara, of Streetman, Texas, and Leon Parker of
Austin; daughters, Mildred Peters and husband, Dick "Bear", of Cedar Creek, Texas, Bonnie Bupp
and husband, Jim, of Goddard, Kansas, Lucy Cheairs and husband, Dale, of Combine, Texas,
Shirley Davis and husband, Eddie, of Abilene, and Johnnie Gwin and husband, Robert, of Joshua,
Texas; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542
Hickory. Burial will be in Clyde Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Bolen, Daniel Bolen, Zachery Bolen, Jeff Stohr, Larry Stohr, Eric
Garcia, David Bupp, and Cecil Parker, Jr.
Cliffie Mae Henderson
Cliffie Mae Henderson age 84 of Coleman, Texas went to be with the Lord and her beloved
husband Jack Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 1:10 p.m. at the Care, Inc. in Brownwood, Texas.
Services will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Coleman with Rev. Gary Boyd and
Rev. Charlie Fortenberry officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery directed
by Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 till
5:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home.
Mae was born in Linden County, Texas on April 13, 1921 to the late George Washington and Lillie
Lea Brock Harris. She was raised in Lamesa attending the Lamesa Schools. On December 23,
1942 Mae married Jackson Thomas Henderson in Brownfield, Texas and they celebrated fiftyeight years of marriage. Jack preceded her in death in 2001. Mae has been a resident of Coleman
since 1982 moving here from Lovington, New Mexico. She was a member of the First Baptist
Church and Esther Sunday School Class and she was a Homemaker.
Survivors include: two daughters, Gloria & husband, Bill Terry of Moulton, Alabama and Lillie &
husband, Jim Walters of Lake Brownwood, Texas; two sons, Thomas and wife, Ann Henderson of
Byers, Colorado and Pat & wife, Tricia Henderson of Coleman, Texas; twin Sister – Faye
Washburn of Bentonville, Arkansas; two Brothers – John Harris of Lamesa, Texas and Gerald
Harris of Lubbock, Texas; nine Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren.
HENDERSON FUNERAL HOMES / COLEMAN, TEXAS / 325-625-2121
J. C. Childers
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CROSS PLAINS — J. C. Childers, age 95 passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Cross
Country Health Care in Brownwood. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m, Monday, January 23,
2006 at the Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with Jim Senkel officiating; burial will follow in
the Cross Plains Cemetery.
He was born July 25, 1910 to Harry and Myrtle Mae (Hill) Childers in Eastland County, Texas. J. C.
married Wessie B. McDonald on December 25, 1933 in Callahan County. He worked as a cable
tool driller. He was a Methodist.
He is survived by his son, Kenneth Childers of Cross Plains; daughters, Dorothy Davis and
husband, Bill of Cross Plains; Betty Thomas and husband, Ronnie of Cross Plains; brothers, John
Waggoner of Midland; Bill Childers of Midessa; 8 grandchildren, 28 great- grandchildren and 6
great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be: Gary Taylor, Robert Phillips, Tommy Phillips, Gerald Barker, Freddie Childers
and Bill Davis.
HIGGINBOTHAM FUNERAL HOME / CROSS PLAINS, TEXAS
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs
M. Joyce Roberts Dobbs, 67, died Thursday, January 19, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Oakridge Church of Christ with Ken Crow and Mark Young
officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542
Hickory. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Joyce was born to Lottie {Hardison} and Samuel Roberts on April 3, 1938 in Hawley, Texas. She
was raised in Abilene, Texas. Joyce moved to Irving, Texas in 1962, returning to Abilene in 1986.
She married Derrell W. Dobbs on December 23, 1989 in Abilene, Texas. Joyce was a homemaker
and a member of Oakridge Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Aline Heath; and a brother, Raymond
Roberts.
Survivors include her husband, Derrell W. Dobbs of Abilene; a son, Ronald Wayne Grissom of
Abilene; two step-sons, Thomas Lee Dobbs of Abilene and Jimmy Derrell Dobbs of Hawley; three
step-daughters, Patricia Dobbs and Kathy Perry, both of Abilene, and Misty Rister of Clyde; three
brothers, Kenneth E. Roberts of Clyde, Mervin Roberts of Hobbs, New Mexico, and Jerry Roberts
of Abilene; one grandchild, Lorie Grissom Martinez; one great-grandchild, Joey Martinez; twelve
step-grandchildren; and twenty-seven step-great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 41, Abilene, Texas 79604.
Joshua Calloway Boothe
BRECKENRIDGE — Joshua Calloway Boothe, 17, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in an auto
accident on Highway 180 in Breckenridge. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday,
January 22, 2006 at the Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Don Bearden and Rev. Byron Sellers
officiating. Burial will be in the Hart Cemetery directed by Melton — Kitchens Funeral Home.
Josh was born on February 7, 1988 in Abilene to William and Margaret Boothe. He was a Junior at
Breckenridge High School. He played the baritone sax in the Buckaroo Band and played on the
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varsity football team as a lineman. Josh was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and the youth
group of Bethany Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret, and his father, Bill Boothe both of Breckenridge; his sister
and her husband, Amanda Chapin Chesser and John of Clyde; his brother, Private Bradley Chapin
of Ft. Riley, Kansas, his girlfriend: Samantha Henson of Lake Worth; his grandmother, Virginia
Hinchey of Abilene; Josh's girlfriend Raven Walton of Bridgeport, and many aunts, uncles, cousins
and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Homer Boothe and his paw paw, Roy Chapin.
MELTON — KITCHENS FUNERAL HOME / BRECKENRIDGE, TEXAS
Jesse Floyd Chase
Jesse Floyd Chase, 96, died Friday, January 20, 2006, at a local medical center.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Tye Baptist Church in Tye, Texas. Interment will follow in
Tye City Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive
friends at a visitation 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Jesse was born March 29, 1909 to Lula Belle {Strutton} and David Chase in Clarksville, Texas. He
moved with his family to Taylor County in 1924. Jesse grew up in Tye, Texas and attended school
there. He married Laura King in Abilene, Texas on April 4, 1931. They were married for 74 years
at the time of his death. Jesse built their house; was a farmer; and retired as a carpenter. He was
a member of Tye Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; a brother; and three sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Chase of Abilene; a son, Jesse Carroll Chase of New Orleans,
Louisiana; two daughters, Peggy Bode of Houston, Texas and Linda Kirk of Tye, Texas; two
brothers, David Chase of Odessa, Texas and William Chase of Roseland, New Jersey; four sisters,
Ladell Rister of Tye, Ollie Belle Byers of Graham, Texas, Delores Leeson of Abilene, and Ruth
Clark of Merkel; three grandchildren; and eleven great- grandchildren.
Memorials in honor of Mr. Chase may be sent to Tye Baptist Church, 207 Morgan, Tye, Texas
79563.
Martha Alice "MeMe" Bowen
Martha Alice "MeMe" Bowen, 81, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2006 in Abilene. Her funeral
service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at the Potosi Baptist Church with the Reverend Jim
McCurley officiating. Entombment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of
Elmwood Funeral Home.
Viewing and visitation will be from 2-5 PM on Saturday at the funeral home, 5750 HWY 277
South.
Mrs. Bowen was born on January 31, 1924 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the first female
elevator operator at the age of 18 and worked as a Riveter at Tinker Air Force Base during WWII.
She was in Civil Service most of her life working in San Antonio, Japan and finally at Dyess. After
her retirement from those duties, she worked many years as an executive secretary for the Social
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Security Administration. She enjoyed shopping, dancing, working jig saw puzzles and playing the
violin. She adored her dogs especially her pride and joy, Pricilla.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Don Bowen of Abilene; six daughters and sons-in-law,
Peggy Anne and King David of Coronado, California, Deene Beauchamp of Flagstaff, Arizona,
Donna Lee and Sam Dye of Abilene, Kim Vickers and Mark Kelley of Abilene, Beverly Ann and
Mark Callender of Wichita Falls, Bonnie and Rickey Cowley of Potosi; one son and daughter-inlaw, Terry James and Janet Booth of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Charlotte Bowyer of
Chanute, Kansas; her "grandbabies", Michael David, Andy David, Terry J. Booth Jr., Stephanie
Booth, Misty Travis and husband Jeremy, Taylor Dye, Candice Sterling, Connie Oliphant and
husband Ryan, Codie Hollowell and husband Kendall, Stephanie Carter, Heidi Carter, Jennifer
Gilmore, Whitney Gilmore, and Shy Cowley along with 14 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Haglin and staff for the special friendship and care, Dr. Victor
Hirsch for his moral support, and Abilene Regional ICU nurses Cindy, Lacy, and Candy for the
caring way they cared for their mother.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Rescue the Animals, 4620 N. 1st ST,
Abilene, Texas 79603.
Norris E. Lineweaver
Norris E. Lineweaver, 89, died Thursday, January 19, 2006, at a local nursing center.
A memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2006, at St. Paul United Methodist
Church with Dr. Jarrel Sharp and Dr. Greg Kennedy officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 542 Hickory. Born in Methodist Episcopal Parsonage, Rootstown, Ohio on March 28, 1916,
Norris was the son of Emma Bottomley Lineweaver of Epworth County, Lincolnshire, England and
Reverend Norris Athen Lineweaver. He was baptized as an infant and joined Garrett Park
Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore, Maryland in 1926. Norris was reared and educated in
Maryland and Virginia — high school, Marion, Virginia in 1935 and Marion, Virginia Lutheran
Junior College in 1937. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1941 from William and Mary College and
was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Social Fraternity. Norris received a Master of Education with a
major in Group Work and Community Organization from Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA College
in 1956.
Norris served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve 1939 to 1941; the U. S. Marine Corps
1941 to 1948 where he was in the South Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1944; on sea duty aboard the
USS Helena CV-50 during Soloman Islands Campaign followed by duty with the First Marine
Parachute Regiment in New Caledonia and Guadalcanal; North China Duty with Fleet Marine
Force, Western Pacific 1945 to 1947; the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve 1948 to 1950; the U. S.
Army Reserve 1950 to 1969; and one year active reserve duty during the Berlin-Cuban Crisis
1961 to 1962.
While awaiting U. S. Marine seagoing assignment at San Diego in 1942, Norris met a young
Abilene lady, Edith Loleta Akin, an employee of Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft, building B-24’s and
PBY’s. In 1944, he proposed and married Edith at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene
on May 14, 1944. Edith and the boys as they came along followed him during stateside and China
duty and YMCA duty in Texas until they finally settled in Abilene in 1955.
Norris was involved in many volunteer activities – Methodist Church 1916 to present; U. S.
Military 1939 to 1969; YMCA 1936 to present; Red Cross and Hendrick blood donor 1935 to 1986;
Optimist Club 1950 to 1969; Lion’s Club 1969 to present; American Heart Association circa 1957
to 1970; American Cancer Society 1970 to present; life member Veteran’s of Foreign Wars;
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American Legion; Reserve Officers Association; the Retired Officers Association; AARP; Military
Retiree Activities Council Dyess Air Force Base circa 1985 to present; Board of Abilene Adult Day
Care Center 1989 to 1993; Taylor County Local Emergency Planning Committee; RSVP; Meals on
Wheels deliveryman, AARP 55 Alive Mature Driving Instructor and still didn’t get it.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his loving and patient wife of 61 years, Edith Lineweaver of the home; three
sons, Norris David Lineweaver and wife, MaLes of Jerusalem, Stephen Kent Lineweaver and wife,
Melinda of Bedford, Texas, and John Charles Lineweaver and wife, Jan of Abilene; five
grandchildren, Stephanie, Aaron, Ryan, Lindsey, and Mary Katherine; one brother, John Rogers
Lineweaver and wife, Sally, of Northport, New York; and five great-grandchildren.
Norris had good intentions, piles of notes, a cluttered desk, a cluttered garage, and forgetful mind
right up to his expected death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P. O. Box 893, Abilene,
Texas 79604.
Gladys Henderson Pritchard
HAMLIN — Gladys Henderson Pritchard, 94, died Saturday, January 21, 2006, at a Hamlin nursing
home. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2006, at the First Baptist Church with Rev.
Donny Harbors officiating. Burial will be in Hamlin Memorial Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral
Home.
Born December 12, 1911 in Hamlin, Gladys was a daughter of the late Mac "M.W." and Winnie
(Taylor) Blackwell. She graduated from Hamlin High School and married Glen Henderson in 1934.
He preceded her in death in 1963. Gladys later married Tom Pritchard. She was a member of the
First Baptist Church and the Hamlin Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by four brothers.
Survivors include her husband, Tom Pritchard of Hamlin; one son, Billy Henderson and wife, Annie
Laurie of Rotan; one daughter, Barbara Jeffrey and husband, Johnny of Hamlin; two step sons,
Earl Pritchard and wife, Dorothy and Coy Pritchard and wife, Glenda, all of Hamlin; one step
daughter, Joye Helms and husband, Dell Ray of Rotan; four grandchildren, Mark Henderson (and
wife, Amy), Joe Jeffrey (and wife, Kelly), Julie Moore (and husband, David), and Lynda Nelson
(and husband, Guy); 16 step grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and numerous step great
grandchildren.
Visitation for the Pritchard family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Adams Funeral
Home in Hamlin.
ADAMS FUNERAL HOME / HAMLIN, TEXAS
Eddie Levi "Red" Seivert
Eddie Levi "Red" Seivert, 75, died Friday, January 20, 2006 in Abilene. A memorial service will be
held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2006 in Freedom, Oklahoma. Floral tributes may be
ordered through Dorothy's Flowers in Alva, Oklahoma (580) 327-2114. Local arrangements are
being handled through Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
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Mr. Seivert was born on May 16, 1930 in Freedom, Oklahoma. He retired from the U.S. Air Force
and was the owner of Red's Automotive for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and race
cars and was a member of the Belmont Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Nona of Abilene; three sons, Bob Seivert of Houston, Charlie Seivert of
Florida, and Coty Seivert of Ft. Worth; one daughter, Rhonda Dieke of Waco; three step-children,
Don, Steve and Hope; one sister, Lillian Hodgson of Oklahoma; four grandchildren and numerous
nieces and nephews.
His wife Grace, one son, Dean Seivert and one stepson, Ricky Burleson preceded him in death.
Death Notices 01.22.06
January 22, 2006
Eugenia Barrera
SWEETWATER - Eugenia Barrera, 90, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Monday at
the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sweetwater
Cemetery, under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home Inc. of Sweetwater. Rosary is
7 p.m. Sunday at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.
LaNell Brusenhan
ROCKWOOD - LaNell Brusenhan, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 3 p.m. Tuesday
at the Rockwood Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery, directed by
Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at the funeral
home.
Minnie Huddleston Buchanan
SNYDER - Minnie Huddleston Buchanan, 73, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Monday at the 37th Street Church of Christ. Burial follows in the Hillside Memorial Gardens
Cemetery.
Lee Roy Cockerell
Stamford - Lee Roy Cockerell, 59, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are pending with
Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home of Stamford.
Michael Lynn Dean
COLEMAN - Michael Lynn Dean, 51, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are pending with Stevens
Funeral Home.
Mary Lee Hobbs
BIG SPRING - Mary Lee Hobbs, 82, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at
the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park in Big
Spring, Texas.
Lillian Hollingshead
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Lillian Hollingshead, 99, formerly of Abilene, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are pending
with Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Evans C. Hood
EASTLAND - Evans C. Hood, 76, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are pending with Edwards
Funeral Home.
Lummie Jarrett
Lummie Jarrett, 66, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Dorothy Liles
FRESNO, Calif. - Dorothy Liles, 82 former Coleman resident, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services
are pending with Stevens Funeral Home.
Mabel ''Sissy'' Ratliff Merritt
COLORADO CITY - Mabel ''Sissy'' Ratliff Merritt, 88, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 10
a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Colorado City Cemetery, under
the direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Christy Nichols Odom
ROWENA - Christy Nichols Odom, 27, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are pending with Lange
Funeral Home of Ballinger.
Lois Rexroat Pitman
Louisiana - Lois Rexroat Pitman, 90, of Louisiana and formerly of Gordon, died Saturday, Jan. 21,
2006. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Santo. Burial will follow in New
Gordon Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn. Visitation is from 6 to
8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The Rev. Sam Houston Randolph
COMANCHE - The Rev. Sam Houston Randolph, 71, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Comanche. Visitation is 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Hall & Sons
Funeral Home of Comanche.
Donald R. Zimmerman
Donald R. Zimmerman, 65, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are pending with ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Obituaries 01.23.06
January 23, 2006
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Lummie B. "Butch" Jarrett, Jr.
Lummie Jarrett, 66, of Odessa, died Friday, January 20, 2006 in an Abilene hospital. A graveside
service, with Reverend Rodney Watson officiating, will be at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 24,
2006 in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road.
Lummie was born May 22, 1939 in Lamesa, Texas to Lummie and Minnie Parker Jarrett. He
attended school in Lamesa and then began a lifelong career working in the oilfields of West Texas,
becoming a crew chief in Odessa. He served several years in the National Guard. Lummie had a
great sense of humor and loved fishing and other outdoor activities.
Survivors include: two sons, Bobby and his wife Free of Dubai, UAE, and Lonnie and his wife Kim
of Lubbock; a daughter, Sabrina Munns of Abilene; his mother, Minnie Davis of Odessa; two
sisters, Alleene Hocker of Gardendale, TX and JoAnn Gibson of Odessa; nine grandchildren as well
as many nieces and nephews.
Don Zimmerman
Don Zimmerman, 65, left this world peacefully on Saturday,
21, 2006, at his residence in Hawley, Tex- as.
January
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in Hawley Cemetery with Geoffrey Richter
officiating, di- rected by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends
at a visitation 6 – 8 p.m. Mon- day at the funeral home.
Don was born to Blanche {Dresher} and William Ellsworth Zimmerman on July 20, 1940 in Ringtown, Pennsylvania. He served his country in the Army. Don married Arvella Goodman in El Paso,
Texas while they were both serving in the Army. They moved around to a lot of differ- ent places
before moving to Hawley from Ft. Worth, Texas in 1969. Don worked for many auto dealers in
Abilene, including Abilene Imports, as an auto mechanic. He loved to hunt, fish, grow vegetables
in his garden, cook, and spend time with his grandson hunting. Don attended Hawley Church of
Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Arvella Zimmerman of Hawley; two sons, Donald R.
Zimmerman of Madrid, Spain and Thomas Boyd Zimmerman of Tye, Texas; two daughters, Gail
Johnson of Tye and Deborah Henry of Abilene; three brothers, William S. Zimmerman and wife,
Ruth, Robert G. Zimmerman and wife, Dorothy, and Thomas and wife, Ingrid; two sisters, Virginia
Nieswender of Ringtown, Pennsylvania and Frances Zimmerman of North Wales, Pennsylvania;
ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and lots of nieces and nephews.
Eddie Levi "Red" Seivert
Eddie Levi "Red" Seivert, 75, died Friday, January 20, 2006 in Abilene. A memorial service will be
held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2006 in Freedom, Oklahoma. Floral tributes may be
ordered through Dorothy's Flowers in Alva, Oklahoma (580) 327-2114. Local arrangements are
being handled through Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Seivert was born on May 16, 1930 in Freedom, Oklahoma. He retired from the U.S. Air Force
and was the owner of Red's Automotive for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and race
cars and was a member of the Belmont Baptist Church.
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Survivors include his wife, Nona of Abilene; three sons, Bob Seivert of Houston, Charlie Seivert of
Florida, and Coty Seivert of Ft. Worth; one daughter, Rhonda Dieke of Waco; three step-children,
Don and Grace McDougal, Steve Burleson and Angela Haynes all of Fort Worth; one sister, Lillian
Hodgson of Oklahoma; four grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and nu- merous nieces and
nephews.
His wife Grace, one son, Dean Seivert and one step-son, Ricky Burleson preceded him in death.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc., 717 N. 10th Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
Evans C. Hood
EASTLAND — Evans C. Hood, 76, of Eastland, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2006 at an
Abilene hospital. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday at the Edwards Funeral Chapel with
Rev. Jim Wright officiating. Burial will be in the Eastland City Cemetery under the direction of
Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Dwight Daniel, Duane Daniel, David Warren,
Christopher Hood, and Adrian Mitchell.
Mr. Hood was born on March 10, 1929 in Sweetwater to John Marvin and Mary Elizabeth (Gentry)
Hood. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1946 to 1948. He married Bettie Horn on July 21, 1950
in Fort Worth. He received his Master's Degree from Hardin Simmons University and received his
Ph.D, in Educational Administration, from East Texas State University. He was a teacher at Olden,
the Personnel Director for the Odessa ISD, and Superintendent for the Palestine ISD. He taught at
Odessa Jr. College, Henderson County Jr. College, East Texas State University in Commerce and
was Director for the East-End Special Education Co-op in Gorman. Mr. Hood devoted 50 years to
education.
Mr. Hood worked on his farm and enjoyed spending time in his workshop, welding and working
with his hands. He loved to go to flea markets and was a member of the First Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Marvin Hood and a sister, Patty Daniel.
Survivors include his wife, Bettie Hood of Eastland; a son & daughter-in-law, Marc Carrol and
Sandy Hood of Lake Leon; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathryne Mitchell and Gary Thomas of
Palestine; 3 grandchildren, Christopher Carrol Hood of Eastland, Adrian Marvin Mitchell and
Allyson Ann Mitchell both of Palestine; 3 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Hood of Eastland,
Mason Robert Mitchell and Brody Tucker Mitchell both of Palestine; a nephew, Jerry Lon Horn of
Grand Prairie and a constant caregiver, Diane Eisenbach.
Donations may be made to the First Financial Bank in Eastland for an educational scholarship that
will be created in his name.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME / EASTLAND, TEXAS
Mabel Alene Morgan
ASPERMONT — Mabel Alene Morgan, 89, went to be with her Lord Sunday at a local hospital.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Peacock Baptist Church officiated by Rev.
Brian Burgess with burial to follow in the Aspermont Cemetery under the direction of McCoy
Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Mrs. Morgan was born in Atoka Oklahoma September 25, 1916. She married Travis Morgan
September 9, 1933 in Peacock Texas. Mrs. Morgan was a homemaker and a longtime member of
the Peacock Baptist Church.
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Survivors include son: Wendell Morgan & wife Dianna of Swenson; sisters: Dixie Tarrance of
Abilene and Anna Belle Rose of Bakersfield, California; 6 grandchildren and 10 great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Travis Morgan; son Travis Gale Morgan; grandson
Randall Morgan; sisters Blanche Morgan, Loise Russell & Hallie Darst.
Henry L. Howard
MERKEL – Henry L. Howard, 82, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away Friday, January 20, 2006, at
his home. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Merkel First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy
Griffith officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home.
Visitation will be at the funeral home tonight from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Henry was born August 18, 1919, at Mt. Ida, Arkansas, to the late Samuel J. and Lillie Standridge
Howard. Following graduation from Moyers High School, Moyers, Oklahoma, in 1938, he worked
on his father’s 70-acre farm until January 23, 1941, when he was inducted into the Army at Fort
Sill, Oklahoma. Following induction he was stationed briefly at Camp Barkeley near Abilene,
during which time he met his future wife, Edna Nadine Clack of Merkel. He married Nadine,
daughter of the late Elbert and Bessie Clack, on April 16, 1943, at Blackstone, Virginia.
Henry was proud of his military service in the Army’s 45th Division, Company A, 120th Medical
Battalion, also known as the famed Thunderbirds. He served for over four years, which included
two years in Sicily, France, Italy and Germany. He was among the troops to liberate the prisoners
of Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945. He was discharged September 28, 1945.
He and Nadine were faithful members of Merkel First Baptist Church for over fifty years. They
celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1993 at Merkel.
He retired from Taylor Electric Cooperative in Merkel on March 1, 1985, completing forty years of
service as Purchasing Agent. In October, 1998 Henry and Nadine relocated from Merkel to Tampa,
Florida, to live near their daughter, Suzanne Brooks. Nadine passed away in Brandon, Florida,
May 12, 2001, at which time Henry lived with his daughter, Suzanne. In June 2004 Henry
relocated to Branan Lodge at Blairsville, Georgia, continuing to live near his daughter’s family who
had relocated to nearby Murphy, North Carolina.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Jerry Brooks of Murphy, North
Carolina; son and daughter-in- law, the Rev. Larry and Mary Howard of San Angelo;
grandchildren, Lance Brooks of Big Coppitt Key, Florida, Lisa Brooks of Tampa, Florida, Melody
Howard Verm and husband, Steve, of San Antonio, Robin Howard of Austin; and one greatgrandchild, Taran Verm. Other survivors include Morris and Louise Clack, formerly of Abilene,
brother and sister-in-law of Nadine Clack Howard.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine, four brothers and two sisters.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
J. C. O’Neal
BRECKENRIDGE — J. C. O’Neal, age 82, of Breckenridge died Saturday, January 21, 2006 at
Stephens Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 24th at
Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Jim Cox officiating. Burial will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery
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under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be Monday evening, January 23rd, from 7
to 8:30 p.m.
J. C. O’Neal was born September 11, 1923 in Chillicothe, Texas to parents Charlie Davis O’Neal
and Jettie Pearl Pogue. He attended Breckenridge High School, graduating on the G. I. Bill, and
served in the U. S. Army during WW II, from 1943 to 1946. J. C. married Billie Walker on May 28,
1947 in Eliasville. He was a member of Elliott Street church of Christ; as well as the American
Legion, Cracker Town Sams RV Club, Stephens County Genealogical Society and the VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Eugene "Buck" O’Neal.
J. C. is survived by his wife, Billie O’Neal, of Breckenridge; daughter, Sherry & husband, Charlie
Bailey, of Haslet; sons: William Davis "Bill" O’Neal & wife, Carolyn, and Robert Jay O’Neal and
wife, Debbie, all of Breckenridge; sisters: Pauline Malloy of Wichita Falls and Betty Jean Hudson of
Graham; brother, William Delbert O’Neal and wife, Joyce, of Brenham; and 5 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Stephens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Meals On Wheels or the
organization of the donor’s choice. Memorials may be left at Morehart Mortuary and condolences
may be sent online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
Wanda Marie Gay
Wanda Gay, 77, of Abilene, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2006 at a local hospital.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at Rose Hill Cemetery, with
Brother Don Woods officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral
Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Wanda was born on September 29, 1928 in Sweetwater, Texas to Leonard Gay and Alice (Potter)
Gay. She was a lifelong resident of Abilene. Wanda was a Baptist.
Wanda was preceded in death by both of her parents.
She is survived by one brother, David Gay and his wife Vickey of Abilene; one sister, Sandra Gay
Asmus; one niece, Kelly Trumble and her husband Clay, and two nephews Kris Gay and his wife
Amanda, and Kody Gay.
Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Lois Rexroat Pitman
LOUISIANA — Lois Rexroat Pitman, 90, of Louisiana and formerly of Gordon passed away on
Friday, January 20, 2006 in Louisiana. Services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2006 in the
First Baptist Church in Santo, Texas with burial to follow in New Gordon Cemetery under the
direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday January 23, 2006 from 6 to 8 p.m.
and request in lieu of flowers donations be made to your favorite charity.
Lois was born on August 18, 1915 in Palo Pinto County, Texas to Cleveland and Maude McQueary
Rexroat. She attended school at Mt. Zion School and she grew up in Gordon and Blue Flat
Communities. Lois married Harvel Pitman on December 12, 1931 in Gordon, Texas and Harvel
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preceded her in death on September 2, 1999. Lois was a housewife and had worked for Crain's
Grocery Store in Gordon. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Santo,
Texas. Pallbearers will be grandsons and close friends.
She is survived by a daughter Joan VanVeckhoven and husband Charles of Dubach, LA, sons Earl
Pitman and wife Jean of Alpine, TX., and Bob Pitman and wife Helga of Vancouver, WA. A sisterin-law Camilla Turner of Garland, TX. Eight grand- children, sixteen great- grandchildren and
eight great- great- grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME / STRAWN, TEXAS
Robert Y. Balderas
Robert Y. Balderas, 56, of Abilene passed away Friday, January 20, 2006. Funeral Mass will be
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Fred
Newarskas officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Viewing and visitation will be Monday 6 to 7 P.M. with a prayer service beginning at 7 in the
Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South.
Robert was born in Victoria, Texas on September 24, 1949 and attended Victoria High School
before moving to Anson, where he continued his education at Anson High School. He served in
the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a self- employed truck driver for over forty years. Robert
loved to play the guitar, sing along with others, and was a talented carpenter. Hunting and fishing
were two of his greatest past times.
Surviving relatives include wife, Glenda; sons, Robert Daniel Balderas and wife Shelly, Steven Lee
Balderas, daughter, Rebecca Ann Balderas all of Abilene; six grand children; Robert E. Balderas,
Matthew Best, Daniel Y. Balderas, Gabrielle Wright, Timothy "Tic" Ray Balderas and Steven
"Tadpole" Austin Balderas; siblings are Juan Balderas Jr. & Helen Balderas of Victoria, Rudy
Balderas and Alice Balderas of Abilene, Joe Balderas of Victoria, Rosa Rincon of Phoenix, AZ. Julia
Paulino, Lydia Palash and Leon Palash, John Flores Jr. and Sandy Flores, all of Abilene; numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Balderas Sr. and Basilisa Balderas Ronquillo;
sister, Emma Balderas and brother, Joe Angel Moveno.
Riley Gene Falkner
Riley Falkner, 77, of Abilene, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2006 at a local hospital.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, January 23, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral
Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24,
2006 at the Potosi Cemetery.
Mr. Falkner was born on June 4, 1928 in San Angelo, Texas to Henry Valentine Falkner and Macy
Laura (Rowan) Falkner. He attended school in Long Branch and served in the United States Army.
On December 4, 1953, Riley married Doris Erlene Conder in Haskell, Texas. He was employed by
Dowell Service as a mechanic for 28 years. Mr. Falkner was a member of the American Legion,
VFW, and the "Burger King Coffee Club". He was a Baptist.
Riley was preceded in death by both of his parents, four brothers, William Carrol, Vernon, Daniel
and John Falkner; and one sister, Shirley Falkner Johnson.
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He is survived by his wife, Erlene of Potosi; three sons, Ronald G. Falkner of Potosi, Terry M.
Falkner of Abilene, and Ricky L. Falkner and his wife Kelli of Rule; one daughter, Sharon D.
Falkner of Potosi; two brothers, Henry Elmer Falkner and his wife Florene, of San Angelo, Robert
H. Falkner and his wife Judy, of Diane, Texas; one sister, Macy Louise Boyles and her husband
John, of Brady, Texas; four grandchildren, Kyle Pate, Arron Patrick, Joanna Ellen and Taylor
Dayne Falkner, and several nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be sent to www.HamilFamilyFuner
Death Notices 01.23.06
January 23, 2006
Stanley L. Acuna
HAMLIN - Stanley L. Acuna, 70, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Graveside services are 4 p.m. today
in Hamlin Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Adams Funeral Home.
Ruth Bush
Ruth Bush, 83, of Abilene, formerly of Stamford, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. No services are
planned. Local arrangements were by Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.
Lee Roy Cockerell Jr.
STAMFORD - Lee Roy Cockerell Jr., 59, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Funeral services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday at Paint Creek Baptist Church with burial to follow in Howard Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to
7 p.m. today at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home.
Michael Lynn Dean
COLEMAN - Michael Lynn Dean, 51, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Funeral services are 11
a.m. Tuesday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Coleman City
Cemetery.
William 'Jack' Farris
BRECKENRIDGE - Jack Farris, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday
at Morehart Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in Breckenridge Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday at the funeral home.
J.L. Middleton Sr.
POTOSI - J.L. Middleton Sr., 85, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Funeral arrangements are pending
with Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Christy Odom
ROWENA - Christy Odom, 26, of Ballinger and Rowena, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Tuesday at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger with burial following in Evergreen
Cemetery in Rowena. Prayer service and visitation are 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.
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The Rev. Sam Houston Randolph
COMANCHE - The Rev. Sam Houston Randolph, 71, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Services are 2
p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Comanche County Gardens of Memory
Cemetery. Visitation is 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at Hall & Sons Funeral Home.
Jessie Lee House Rippetoe
DUBLIN - Jessie Lee House Rippetoe, 105, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday at Highland Baptist Church. Burial will be in Roundgrove Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8
p.m. today at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel.
Ora Mae Barrons Simcox
RANGER - Ora Mae Barrons Simcox, 77, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Graveside services are 2
p.m. Tuesday in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home in
Ranger.
Blanche N. Strong
Blanche N. Strong, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Arrangements are pending with
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Obituaries 01.24.06
January 24, 2006
Blondell Gatlin
Blondell Gatlin, 87, died Monday, January 23, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
The funeral service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories,
542 Hickory, with Rev. Eddie Alshaire officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The daughter of Margaret Ann (Crunk) and Pierson Hollingsworth, Blondell was born in
Greenwood (Wise County), Texas, where she attended public schools. In 1943, she moved from
Brownfield, Texas, to Abilene, where she married T. Hardy Gatlin on August 14, 1943. Mrs Gatlin
worked as an upholsterer in Gatlin Upholstery, a family owned business, for 30 years before
retirement. She also worked for five years for Wilson and Company.
She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Abilene and a volunteer at Rose Park Senior
Citizens. She loved playing cards, especially Skip-Bo, and visiting with her many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, T. Hardy, on February 27, 1992; her parents; and a
brother, Alton Hollingsworth.
Survivors include her son, Paul T. Gatlin and wife, Ruby, of Abilene; a grandson, James Paul
Gatlin of Tampa, Florida, a great-grandson, Parker James Gatlin of Tampa; three step- grandsons,
Gary Hadley, Terry Hadley, and Jimmy Hadley; and several step-great-grandchildren, nieces and
nephews. She is also survived by brothers, Cecil Hollingsworth of Abilene and Alvin Hollingsworth,
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and sisters, Opal Morris and Daisy Childers both of Abilene, Eulevene King, Dorothy Hart and
Pearl Kemp both of Andrews, Joyce Reneau of Seagraves, Molly Cantwell of Norman, OK, and
Luenell Miller of Johnson City TN.
Joe Lee "J.L." Middleton, Sr.
J.L. Middleton, 85, of Potosi, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2006 at his home. Funeral
services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home,
6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Rev. Charles Dunnam will officiate. Burial will follow at the Potosi
Cemetery.
Mr. Middleton was born on January 10, 1921 in Killeen, Texas to Albert Tip Middleton and Ida
Louis (Brown) Middleton. He grew up in Lampasas, Texas before moving to Abilene in 1947. He
served in the United States Army during World War II. On July 5, 1946 J.L. married Eva Marie
Taylor in Burnett, Texas. He was an assistant superintendent for K.A. Sparks. He also worked for
Lee Cullens Cement Company. He was a member of the American Legion, past president of
Abilene Cement Masons and a member of Potosi Methodist Church.
J.L. was preceded in death by both of his parents, one brother, Milton Jones and one sister, Helen
Badaliti. He is survived by his wife, Eva Marie Middleton of Potosi; one son, Joe Lee Middleton, Jr.
and his wife Donna of Potosi; one daughter, Patricia Ann Hackett and her husband Kenneth of
Waco; nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and
several nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Pauline Winona Stuckey
SNYDER — Pauline Winona Stuckey, 91, died Monday, January 23, 2006. Services are 11 a.m.
Wednesday at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday in
Bronte Cemetery, directed by Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Stuckey was born September 6, 1914 in Port Aransas, TX. As a child, her family moved from
Port Aransas to the Bronte/ Robert Lee area where she went to school. On July 28, 1940, she
married L.R. Stuckey. He preceded her in death on September 28, 1999. Mrs. Stuckey had lived
in Snyder since 1993. She was a homemaker and had lived in several places as her husband was
a Baptist preacher. Mrs. Stuckey also worked for 10 years at the Abilene State School. She was a
member of First Baptist Church in Snyder.
Survivors include: one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn & Dale (Stuckey) Hamby of Snyder; one
son and daughter-in-law, David & Katherine Stuckey of Merkel; daughter-in-law, Susan Stuckey
of Abilene; one granddaughter, Laura & husband Bobby Griffith of Snyder; and one grandson,
Joshua Stuckey of Abilene.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Stuckey was preceded in death by: an infant son; her twin
sister, Alleen Conner; five other sisters, and two brothers.
Friends are contributing to Odyssey Hospice, 1003 E. FM 700, Big Spring, TX 79720, or their
favorite charity.
Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home / Snyder, Texas
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William Steven Whitley
William Steven Whitley, 62, died January 19, 2006, at his home in Abilene. A memorial service is
pending.
He was born December 13, 1943, in Abilene. Graduating from the Abilene Police Academy, he
served as a policeman in Abilene from 1967-1971. He ended his career as Sheriff of Brewster
County in 2000. He was a member of the University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. He
married Janet Berry in Littleton, Colorado on June 7, 1968.
Survivors include: wife, Janet Whitley of Abilene, Texas; two sons, Bill Whitley of Tampa, Florida
and Shane Whitley of Cody, Wyoming; four grandchildren; and his parents, Jack and Christine
Whitley of Abilene.
Theresa Yettive Fletcher
CLYDE — Theresa Yettive Fletcher, 83 of Bandera and formerly of Clyde, died Sunday in a San
Antonio hospital.
Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Carrol Hines
officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Valera Cemetery in Coleman County
under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fletcher was born January 18, 1923 in Coleman to Walter Benjamin and Olletha Saloma
(Farrar) Corum. She grew up in Valera, where she graduated from high school. She was the
widow of Charles Fletcher, whom she married on March 23, 1941 in Coleman. They moved to
Clyde from McCamey in 1987. She moved to Bandera in 1998 from Clyde. She was a homemaker
and a member of the First Baptist Church in Clyde.
She is survived by three sons, Robert Dalton Fletcher of Seguin, Granville Bruce Fletcher of San
Angelo and Rupert Charles Fletcher of Clyde; two daughters, Mary Denson of Bandera and
Tommie Jean Finley of Douglasville; one brother, Dr. H.K. Corum of Del Rio; 17 grandchildren, 41
great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by 4 grandchildren, 1 brother, and 1 sister.
Visitation will be from 6 — 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
BAILEY FUNERAL HOME / CLYDE, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.24.06
January 24, 2006
Joshua Andrew Berger
ANSON - Joshua Andrew Berger, infant, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Graveside services are 10
a.m. Wednesday in Anderson Chapel Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Mary 'Barbara' Fox
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SANTA ANNA - Mary 'Barbara' Fox, 63, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Services were
4:30 p.m. Monday at Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion, with burial in Santa Anna
Cemetery, directed by Henderson Funeral Home.
Thomas Glenn Frazier
COMANCHE - Thomas Glenn Frazier, 94, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday at Hall & Sons Funeral Home Chapel.
Lillyan Hollingshead
HOUSTON - Lillyan Hollingshead, 99, formerly of Abilene, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Graveside
services are 11 a.m. Thursday in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Clara 'Pete' Holland-Jones
Clara ''Pete'' Holland-Jones, 81, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with burial to follow in
Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Dorothy Liles
COLEMAN - Dorothy Liles, 82, former Coleman resident, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006. Graveside
services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Burkett Cemetery Pavilion, under the direction of Stevens Funeral
Home.
Robert E. Madding
Robert E. Madding, 50, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at the Abilene
State School Chapel, with burial to follow in Abilene State School Cemetery, directed by ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Mildred McGee
Mildred McGee, 85, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Services are pending with Elmwood Funeral
Home. Visitation is 6 to 8 Wednesday at the funeral home.
Lawrence L. Pruett
EARLY - Lawrence L Pruett, 88, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Wednesday in Staley Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Davis-Morris Funeral Home of
Brownwood.
Parnell Robertson
SNYDER - Parnell Robertson, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at
Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Snyder Cemetery.
Rhonda Lynn Robinson
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JACKSBORO - Rhonda Lynn Robinson, 45, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. Graveside services were
2 p.m. Thursday in Barton County Cemetery, directed by Coker Funeral Home.
Blanche N. Strong
Blanche N. Strong, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Graveside service is 2:30 p.m. Thursday in
Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701
Highway 277 South.
Allene Bell Warren
BIG SPRING - Allene Bell Warren, 93, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are pending with
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.
Obituaries 01.25.06
January 25, 2006
Barbara D. Earnest
Barbara D. Earnest, 66, of Ovalo, who gave her heart and soul to everyone that was blessed to
know her, died Tuesday morning in a local hospital. Her gentle spirit and unconditional love for
others always took priority over her own needs. Barbara’s courageous and positive attitude for life
changed the lives of family, friends and all those who came in contact with her. She will be
greatly missed on earth and greatly received in Heaven.
A native of Ovalo, Texas, and a lifetime resident of Taylor County, Barbara was born on May 22,
1939, the daughter of G. C. and Dorothy Boulter. She was a member of Tuscola United Methodist
Church.
Survivors include her sons, Darrell Earnest and wife, Pat, of Lawn, Gary Earnest and wife, Sharon,
of Abilene, and Randy Earnest and wife, Jeanie, of Tuscola, and grandchildren, Amy Earnest,
Adam Earnest, Slade Earnest, Kyler Earnest, Levi Harris, Ashley Harris, and Leif Harris. She is
also survived by her parents, Gordon and Dorothy Boulter of Ovalo; brothers, Butch Boulter and
wife, Betty, of Tuscola, and Stanley Boulter and wife, Linda, of Ovalo; and numerous nieces,
nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, with Rev. Price Mathieson officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial
Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Central Texas Chapter, 4086
Sandshell Dr., Fort Worth, TX, 76137.
Lillyan Hollingshead
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2006, in Elmwood Memorial
Park for Lillyan Miller Hollingshead, who, after living a full life for 99 years, left a
Houston hospital on Saturday, January 21, and went to live with her Lord Jesus
Christ and her husband, Truitt.
Lillyan was born in Rowden, Texas, on October 20, 1906, to George Washington
Miller and Josaphene Jordan Miller. She married Truitt Hollingshead on March 24,
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1928, and resided in Abilene until moving to Houston in 1997 to live with her son, Tom, and his
wife, Debra. She was active in the University Baptist Church of Abilene, where Truitt was a
Deacon from 1942 until his death in 1995.
Lillyan is survived by her only son, Tom, and his wife, Debra, of Houston and their son, Mark Hart
and his wife, Dawn, also of Houston, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Wilburn Johnson
ELBERT -- Wilburn Johnson, 85, died Monday, January 23, 2006 at Lake Granbury Medical Center
in Granbury. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Elbert with Rev. Marty Light
and Rev. Edgar Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Elbert Cemetery, directed by MerrimanArcher Funeral Home in Throckmorton. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Johnson was born September 20, 1928 in Elbert to Cy and Dollie (Holmes) Johnson. He
graduated from Throckmorton High School. Wilburn and Edmee Rae Varner were married on May
22, 1941 in Elbert. He farmed until entering the Army in 1944. When he returned from the
service, he farmed and did carpenter work during the drought of the 50's. He was the music
director for the Elbert Baptist Church for 50 years. He moved to Granbury in 1991 due to his
health.
Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by: his parents; two brothers, and one sister.
Survivors include: his wife, Edmee Johnson of Granbury; a daughter, Ricky L. Curtis of Tucson,
Arizona; two sons, Rhett H. Johnson and wife Sharon of Granbury, and Vannie Cy Johnson and
wife Margie of Granbury; four grandchildren, Heath Rae Carnes, M. Michelle Francis, Kimberley D.
Wooley, and Stephen Kosta; and eight great grandchildren.
MERRIMAN-ARCHER FUNERAL HOME / THROCKMORTON, TEXAS
Woodford Coy Holcomb
Woodford "Woody" Coy Holcomb passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in Manteca,
California. He was 87. Mr. Holcomb was a 14- year resident of Escalon, California before moving
to Manteca.
Mr. Holcomb was born on November 6, 1918, to Selman Holcomb and Bessie Ratliff Holcomb in
Iago, Texas.
In 1943, he married Dorothy Denos in Reno, Nevada. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He resided in Fisher County for several years before moving his family to California.
Mr. Holcomb married Betty Jaskulke in California in 1973.
Mr. Holcomb was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, the late Betty Holcomb; 2 brothers,
Floyd Truman Holcomb and D. A. (Jack) Holcomb; a grandson, Wendell Bussey; and a stepgranddaughter, Melody Martinez.
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Mr. Holcomb is survived by his children Pat Bussey, Abilene, Texas; Thelma Reaves, of Manteca,
California; Truman Allen Holcomb, of San Bernadino, California; Ron Holcomb, of Marble Falls,
Texas; Theola Fields, of Jones, Oklahoma; Larry Holcomb, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Kathy Gillikgen,
of Peck, Idaho; Jeff Holcomb, of Abilene, Texas; and Mary Ann Nickels, of Abilene, Texas. As well
as 2 step-children, Terry Partney and Steven Jaskulke of California; 25 grandchildren; 9 stepgrandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren; 3 step- great- grandchildren, and 1 great- greatgrandchild; 2 sisters, Wanda Kiker, of Roby, Texas; Wilma Miles, of Folsom, California; 3
brothers, Gene Holcomb, of Roby, Texas, Wayne Holcomb, of Midland, Texas; Sam Holcomb, of
Waco, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the
United Methodist Church in Roby, Texas, with Rev. Jeff Sedberry officiating.
< ?Sam? Samuel>
DUBLIN -- James Samuel "Sam" Cowan, 94, died January 15, 2006 in Dublin. The funeral service
was January 17 at First Baptist Church with Dean Bradley and Rev. Ridge Adams officiating. Burial
was in Dublin Live Oak Cemetery under the direction of Harrell Funeral Home.
Mr. Cowan was born August 24, 1911 in Alexander, Texas, the son of Wade and Bessie Stephens
Cowan. He married Ina Vaye Hodges on December 8, 1933. She passed away October 15, 2003,
two months before they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Cowan
owned and operated Cowan Electric and Zero Locker and Ice Plant before his 32 year career as a
Dublin rural mail carrier.
Between 1914 and 1928, Mr. Cowan's family lived in Tahoka, Colorado City, and Abilene,
operating businesses in each location. Today Mr. Cowan has extended family across West Texas
and a granddaughter and her husband, Susan and Tom Martin in Abilene.
He is survived by his daughter and husband, Mary and Dick Yantis of Dublin; and by his son and
wife, Dr. James and Gaye Cowan of Houston (formerly of Big Spring).
Other survivors are three grandsons and wives, Mike and
Melissa Yantis of Arlington, Dan and Tami Yantis of Hurst, and Jim Cowan of Houston; three other
granddaughters and husbands, Kathy and David Garrets of Oklahoma City, Cindy and Don Knight
of Houston, Debbie and David Ward of the Woodlands. Additionally, eight great-grandchildren
survive.
Memorials may be made to Dublin First Baptist Church or Dublin Historical Society.
HARRELL FUNERAL HOME / DUBLIN, TEXAS
Blanche N. Strong
Blanche N. Strong, 93, a sweet, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Sunday, January 22,
2006, at an Abilene nursing center.
Born in Benjamin County, Texas, on August 30, 1912, Blanche was the daughter of Mattie Lee
(Bailey) and Tom Newsome, and lived most of her life in the Abilene area. She retired after
working in retail sales, having worked for Latham’s Department Store in Lubbock for 10 years and
Grissom’s Department Store in Abilene for two years.
Mrs. Strong was a member of Fairmont United Methodist Church in Abilene.
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Her husbands, Max Williams, Jimmie Allen, and R. D. Strong; a grandson, Zachary Goza; a sister,
Thelma Hunnicutt, and a brother, Dub Newsome preceded her in death.
Survivors include a son, Fred Williams and wife, Sara, of Orlando, Florida; a daughter, Connie
Goza and husband, Larry, of Abilene; a sister, Maxine Boyd of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three
grandchildren, Eric Williams and Gary Williams both of Orlando, Florida, and Jeff Goza of Abilene;
and a great-grandchild, Savannah Goza.
A graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. Norman
Patton officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. The family will
receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Fairmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Palm St., Abilene, TX 79602.
Clara "Pete" Holland-Jones
Clara "Pete" Holland-Jones, 81, died Monday, January 23, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Born in Quitaque, Texas on May 5, 1924, she was the daughter of Callie Doris (Winston) and
Walter William Ferguson. In 1942, she graduated from high school in Turkey, Texas, where she
married Olen Holland on May 9, 1942. She loved people and worked with her husband, Olen, in
many different places as they established churches. Known as "Pete" by everyone who met her
and as "Nanna" by her grandchildren, she was devoted to her God, her husband and her family.
Pete enjoyed cooking, visiting the sick, and filling the needs of others.
In 1989, she moved from Tyler to Abilene, where she was a member of Northwest Church of
Christ. After the death of her husband of 58 years, Olen Holland, Pete married Harold Jones. Her
parents, two brothers and one sister also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband, Harold Jones of Abilene; a son, Benny Holland and wife, Brenda,
of Katy, Texas; a daughter, Elaine Gosnell and husband, Phil, of Eastland; two sisters, Mildred
Chandler of Plainview, and Leona Degan of Flomont; five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, officiated by a special family friend, Jacky Wallace. Burial will follow in Elmwood
Memorial Park.
Lee Roy Cockerell, Jr.
STAMFORD - Lee Roy Cockerell, Jr., 59, died Saturday, January 21, 2006 in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at Paint Creek Baptist Church
with the Rev. James Horton officiating. Burial followed in Howard Cemetery under the direction of
KinneyUnderwood Funeral Home.
Lee Roy was born November 9, 1946 in Abilene, the son of Myrtle Lois Barnes Blancet and the
late Lee Roy Cockerell, Sr. He married Rita Wood on August 20, 1965 in Paint Creek, Texas. Lee
Roy was known as an avid outdoorsman with a special love for fishing and hunting. He was a
member of Paint Creek Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Roy Cockerell, Sr.
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Surviving Lee Roy are his wife, Rita, of Haskell; his mother and stepfather, Lois and Roy Blancet
of Stamford; a daughter, Melissa Deakle of Jones, Oklahoma; 2 sons, Chris Cockerell of Lubbock,
Wesley and Cecelia Cockerell of Odessa; 4 grandchildren, Cheyenne Deakle of Jones, Oklahoma,
Hannah and Hunter Cockerell of Lubbock, James Cockerell of Odessa; 2 brothers, Larry Cockerell
of The Colony, Phillip Cockerell of Abilene; 1 sister, Luann Akin of Abilene; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
The family requests memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 8008 Slide
Road, Suite 12-A, Lubbock, Texas, 79424.
Louise "Lou" Dawkins Morton
Mrs. Louise "Lou" Dawkins Morton, age 73 of Glen Cove, passed away at 11:45 pm January 22,
2006 at the Brownwood Regional Hospital. Daughter of the late Richard and Stella Hickson Brown,
she was born June 23, 1932 in Knox County, where she also was raised and attended school. On
December 15, 1995 she married Curtis Morton in Tom Green County and moved to Glen Cove.
Lou was a member of the 2nd Baptist Church of Winters.
She is survived by her husband Curtis of Glen Cove; three daughters, Betty Dawkins of Carlsbad,
TX, Amanda Kay Dawkins of Hilsboro, and Melissa Dawkins of the home; one step-daughter
Patricia Darlene Balta of Wingate; four step-sons, Wayne and Sherman Morton of Glen Cove, and
Farion and David Morton of Brady; two sisters; Jo Ann Hickson of Jefferson and Fae Clevinger of
Clinton, MO; and two brothers, Don and Clarence Brown of Odessa. Also surviving are 23
grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Margaret Harkness, preceded her in
death in 2001.
Funeral services will be Thursday January 26th at 2:30 pm at the 2nd Baptist Church in Winters
with the Rev.’s Jeff Gore and Farris Akins officiating. Burial will follow at the Glen Cove Cemetery
under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman. The family will receive friends from 6-7
pm Wednesday January 25th at the funeral home.
WALKER FUNERAL HOME / COLEMAN, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.25.06
January 25, 2006
Mae Allen
LEADAY - Mae Allen, 93, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Services are pending with Stevens Funeral
Home in Coleman.
Mae Dee Atkins
SWEETWATER - Mae Dee Atkins, 82, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday
at Mt. Rose Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Sweetwater Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7:30
p.m. today at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.
Teddy 'PaPa' Covington
BIG SPRING - Teddy ''PaPa'' Covington, 65, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are pending
with Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.
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Roberta Penrod Flanagan
VIENNA, Va. - Roberta Penrod Flanagan, 84, formerly of Abilene, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, with burial to
follow in Arlington National Cemetery, directed by Advent Funeral Home of Falls Church, Va.
Alma Lois Cox Frazier
SWEETWATER - Alma Lois Cox Frazier, of Windsor, Colo., and formerly of Sweetwater, died
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Thursday in Sweetwater Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.
Marcella Greathouse
Marcella Greathouse died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Family
Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Florene 'Susie' Gurley
BALLINGER - Florene ''Susie'' Gurley, 90, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Thursday at Seventh Street Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation
is 6 to 7 p.m. today at Lange Funeral Home.
Treasure Evon McCullough Harrell
HASKELL - Treasure Evon McCullough Harrell, infant daughter of Ebony McCullough and Thomas
Harrell, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Thursday in Willow Cemetery
under the direction of Holden McCauley Funeral Home.
Robert Hawkins
EASTLAND - Robert Hawkins, 35, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are pending with
Summers-Bakker Funeral Home.
Mildred McGee
Mildred McGee, 85, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Friday in
Restland Cemetery in Dallas. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elmwood Funeral Home.
Alina Nevaeh Murillo
Alina Nevaeh Murillo, 4 months, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday
in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. Prayer service is 7 p.m. Thursday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Arnold Rainer Nelson
HASKELL - Arnold Rainer Nelson, 78, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
today in Willow Cemetery, directed by Holden-McCauley Funeral Home.
Guadalupe Prieto
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SNYDER - Guadalupe Prieto, 83, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Rosary is 7 p.m. today at BellCypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Mass is 2 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic
Church, with burial to follow in Snyder Cemetery.
Mary Villalpando
BROWNWOOD - Mary Villalpando, 65, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Services are pending with
Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Allene Bell Warren
BIG SPRING - Allene Bell Warren, 93, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. today at
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, with burial to follow in Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Obituaries 01.26.06
January 26, 2006
Samuel Lee "Sam" Ward
Samuel Lee "Sam" Ward, 60, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2006 in Abilene. His graveside
service with Reverend Curtis Bentley officiating will be held at 2:00 PM today, Thursday, January
26, 2006 in Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Ten Commandments under the direction of
Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.
Mr. Ward was born on May 6, 1945 in Magnolia, Arkansas the son of T.G. Ward Sr. and Cecil
Atkinson Ward. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam coming to Abilene in 1984 where
he was a Respiratory Therapist at both Hendrick Medical Center and Abilene Regional. He had a
great sense of humor and loved hunting, fishing, country music and being with people.
Survivors include two sons, Samuel Lee Ward Jr., William Travis Ward and wife Shonna all of
Abilene; one daughter, Traci Lynn Belosic of Dallas; one brother, Ted G. Ward Jr. of Monahans;
two sisters, Louise Lewis of West Columbia, Texas and Shirley Forrest of Odessa; three
grandchildren, Garreth, Michael and Brianna; special friend, Vinita Shuffield along with numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his precious pets, Jewel and Blue.
Marcella Greathouse
Marcella Greathouse, of Abilene, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at her home. Services will be
10 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Rev. Msgr. Frederick Nawarskas officiating.
Interment will be in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy
277 South. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Marcella, the daughter of Alex and Teresa Schubach, was born in San Antonio and moved to
Abilene in 1965. That same year she married Myrle Greathouse, who preceded her in 2000. Mrs.
Greathouse was a past board member of Harmony Family Services and the Noah Project, and
currently on the board of the Medical Mission and the Greathouse Foundation. She was a member
of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Besides her husband, Myrle, and her parents, Marcella was preceded in death by four sisters.
Survivors include her son, Micah J. Greathouse and his wife, Erin of Rockwood, TX; daughter,
Sharon McDonald and her husband, Mike; two sisters, Diana Dail and Krys Shiroski; one brother,
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A. J. Schubach and his wife, Sandy; three grandchildren, Kobyn Greathouse, Kelly Taylor, and
Chris McDonald; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas
79605; or Medical Care Mission, 302 Medical Drive, Abilene, Texas 79601.
Karen Leah Anders
Karen Leah Anders, 26, of Abilene passed away January 25, 2006. Services will be Friday at
10:00 a.m. at Buffalo Gap Cemetery with Laverne Janson officiating under the direction of North's
Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange.
Karen Anders was born May 12, 1979 in Abilene to Ellis and Lynda Anders. She was raised in
Abilene and worked as a waitress for several years at Denny's Restaurant. She attended Our
Saviour Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Ellis and Audrey Anders.
She is survived by her mother and step-father Lynda and Shannon Dunlap of Abilene; her father
Ellis Anders, III of Abilene; her husband Carlos Benevides of Abilene; two sisters: Melissa Dieken
of Abilene and Stephanie Dieken and Scott Morris of Hamby; one brother Ben Anders and wife
Laura of Hamby; one son Florentino Benevides; one daughter Audrey Benevides; maternal
grandparents Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Atkins; husband's parents Florentino Vasquez and Gloria
Benevides; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Abilene.
Lillyan Hollingshead
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2006, in Elmwood Memorial
Park for Lillyan Miller Hollingshead, who, after living a full life for 99 years, left a Houston hospital
on Saturday, January 21, and went to live with her Lord Jesus Christ and her husband, Truitt.
Lillyan was born in Rowden, Texas, on October 20, 1906, to George Washington Miller and
Josaphene Jordan Miller. She married Truitt Hollingshead on March 24, 1928, and resided in
Abilene until moving to Houston in 1997 to live with her son, Tom, and his wife, Debra. She was
active in the University Baptist Church of Abilene, where Truitt was a Deacon from 1942 until his
death in 1995.
Lillyan is survived by her only son, Tom, and his wife, Debra, of Houston and their son, Mark Hart
and his wife, Dawn, also of Houston, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Lois "Bobbie" Adcock
ANSON - Lois "Bobbie" Adcock, 79, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at Valley View Nursing
Home in Anson. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2006, in Mount Hope
Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Born July 30, 1926 in Brownfield, Bobbie was a daughter of the late John T. and Nannie Lou
(Pearson) Edwards. She graduated from Anson High School in 1942 and married Jesse Adcock
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February 10, 1951 in Anson. He preceded her in death February 24, 1995. Bobbie worked as an
activity director for a nursing home in Anson for many years and was a member of the Anson
Church of Christ.
Survivors include her daughter in son-in-law, Becky and Bobby King of Anson; one grandson,
Darwin King of Anson; three great grandchildren, Brandon, Slade and Christafer King, all of
Anson; and one sister, Punk Bural of Spur.
Pallbearers will be Charles Baucum, Joel Spraberry, Bill Cromeens, K. A. Goza, Marty Lucke, Leon
Blankenship and Robert Mayfield.
Family visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2006 at LawrenceAdams Funeral Home in Anson.
Alina Nevaeh Murillo
Alina Nevaeh Murillo, 4 months old, died Monday, January 23, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories directed by ElliottHamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at
the funeral home.
Alina was born August 29, 2005, in Abilene, the daughter of Sandra Rodriguez. She is survived by
her mother; a brother, Adrian Guerra; and two sisters, Deanna Rodriguez and Kristi Rodriguez.
Duane Edmond "Scotty" Gosh
WINTERS -- Duane Edmond "Scotty" Gosh, age 75, of Winters died Monday, January 23, 2006 at
his residence. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at St.
John's Lutheran Church.
He was born on September 21, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up there and attended
Marquette University. He joined the Navy in 1949 and served four years in Korea as a medic. He
married Joyce Elaine Spill on July 27, 1956 in Winters at St. John's Lutheran Church. They lived in
McAllen, Milwaukee and owned the Red Barn Nurseries in Austin and Houston.
After retirement they moved to Las Vegas and formed the Family Traditions Foundations, Inc. to
teach children life skills in an entertaining way. He was also a writer. He moved to Winters on
December 27, 2004 and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Survivors include: his wife, Joyce Gosh of Winters; two sons, Guy Gosh and wife, Becky of
Rockwall and Philip Gosh and wife, Julie of Austin; four grandchildren, Matt Gosh of Temple,
Jessica Gosh of Rockwall, Brady and Dawson Gosh of Austin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. John's Lutheran Church; Family Traditions
Foundations, Inc., or to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation for Cancer Research.
WINTERS FUNERAL HOME / WINTERS, TEXAS
Mae Allen
LEADAY -- Mae Allen, age 93 of Leaday, Texas, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at her
home in southern Coleman County. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2006
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at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Smith officiating, assisted by Rev. Mark Smith.
Burial will be in the Leaday Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
Mae was born June 19, 1912 in Shep, Texas, in Taylor County. She was the youngest of twelve
children born to David Smith Self and Julia Ann Hawkins Self. She met Ralph Allen in 1930 when
he was in the area tending to a herd of sheep his family was pasturing in Nolan County. Ralph
loved to tell about seeing Mae and her sister sitting on a bridge near her home, waving to
passers-by. He said she was the prettiest girls he had ever seen. Mae married Ralph on March 29,
1931 in Shep. They were constant companions—from the early days in sheep shearing camps to
managing their ranching interests in southern Coleman County. They were married 72 years
before his death on January 19, 2003. And, he never changed his mind about MaMae. In the late
1980’s, Mae learned that the coming of Lake Ivie would destroy the historic Day Ranch
Headquarters. So she and Ralph took on the task of moving the structure. They had it moved to
their property, and it became their home in 1993.
Mae is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Diane Allen of Mozelle; a daughter and
son-in-law, Joan and William Earl Jones of Voss; six grandchildren, Kevin Allen and wife, Ronda of
Mozelle, James Allen of Mozelle, Danny Allen and wife, Kim of Santa Anna, Donny Allen and wife,
Gloria of Bronte, Juliann Page of Coleman and Jeanene Pricer and husband Johnny of Fisk; 10
great-grandchildren, Keva, Kenna and Gus Allen; Jett Allen; Boone and Alyssa Allen; Matthew and
Lauren Allen; Vanessa Page and Allen Pricer. Also surviving Mae is a sister, Nell Walker of Bronte,
a special niece, Cleo Corcoran of Greenville and a dear friend, Yetta Masters.
She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Warren Allen in 1968 and her husband Ralph in
2003.
Memorials may be made to the Leaday Cemetery Fund, c/o Shirley Rankin, 615 West 3rd,
Coleman, Texas 76834 or the Leaday Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons, Kevin Allen, James Allen, Danny Allen,
Donny Allen, Matthew Allen and Johnny Pricer.
Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Death Notices 01.26.06
January 26, 2006
Maria Isabel Carrillo
GORMAN - Maria Isabel Carrillo, 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services pending with
Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman.
Shirley Carillo
BROOKESMITH - Shirley Carillo, 61, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services pending with
Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Teddy ''PaPa'' Covington
BIG SPRING - Teddy ''PaPa'' Covington, 65, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Memorial service 2 p.m.
Saturday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.
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Raymond 'Red' Cupps
SANTA ANNA - Raymond 'Red' Cupps, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Graveside service
10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cleveland Cemetery, under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home
of Santa Anna. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Wilma Southall Mahan
DE LEON - Wilma Southall Mahan, 89, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services 2 p.m. Friday at
Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Round Grove Cemetery.
Leslie McMullen
BIG SPRING - Leslie McMullen, 51, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Service 4 p.m. Friday at
Myers & Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5
to 7 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Bettejoe R. Pendleton
BRECKENRIDGE - Bettejoe R. Pendleton, 69, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services pending
with Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Avis L. Powell
BIG SPRING - Avis L. Powell, 85, formerly of Bolckow, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Service
10 a.m. Friday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Additional service 10 a.m. Tuesday
at the Barr-Merrick Funeral Home in Burlington Junction, Mo. Interment will be Tuesday at Ohio
Cemetery in Burlington Junction. Visitation is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Nalley-Pickle &
Welch Funeral Home.
Clarice Sherman
Clarice Sherman, 72, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services pending with Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 542 Hickory.
Jearld Smith
SNYDER - Jearld Smith, 87, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Graveside service 11 a.m. Thursday at
Hillside memorial Gardens, under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.
Faye Alene Swearengin
TUSCOLA - Faye Alene Swearengin, 90, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Graveside service 1 p.m.
Thursday at the Pendergrass Cemetery in Sidney, under the direction of North's Funeral Home,
242 Orange Street, Abilene.
D.J. Vaughn
D.J. Vaughn, 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services pending with Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 5701 Hwy. 277 South.
Mary L. Villalpando
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BROWNWOOD - Mary L Villalpando, 65, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Service 2 p.m. Friday at the
First Baptist Church of Brownwood. Burial will be in Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation is from 7 to 9
p.m. Thursday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Obituaries 01.27.06
January 27, 2006
Annie Mae Whitt
ALBANY -- Annie Mae Whitt, 86, died Thursday, January 26, 2006 in an Albany nursing home.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2006 at First Christian Church, with Rev. Colby
Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Albany Cemetery, under the direction of Godfrey-Neese
Funeral Home.
Annie was born June 19, 1919 in Sedwick, Texas. in 1938 she married John Hayes Whitt; he
preceded her in death in 1996. She was employed by the Bluebonnet Nursing Home for 15 years.
She was a homemaker, loving Mother and grandmother. Annie was a member of First Christian
Church.
In addition to her husband, Annie was preceded in death by: two sisters, Elizabeth Gillian and
Lucille Rutherford; three brothers, Charlie James Midkiff, W.H. "Dub" Midkiff, and Floyd A. Midkiff;
and two grandchildren, Jennifer Christene Whitt and Heidi Lee Whitt.
Survivors include: three sons, W.J. and wife LaDonna Whitt of Albany, Jackie and wife Regina
Whitt of Brookesmith, and Robert and wife Kathy Whitt of Albany; five grandchildren, Jay and
wife Judy Whitt of Eastland, Teddy and wife Nancy Whitt of Albany, Rebecca and husband Jessie
Merbaum of Breckenridge, Lacy and husband Sean West of Abilene, and Cody Whitt of Albany;
eleven great-grandchildren, two great-greatgrandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
GODFREY-NEESE FUNERAL HOME / ALBANY, TEXAS
Bettejoe R. Pendleton
CADDO -- Bettejoe R. Pendleton, age 69, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at her residence.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the St. Paul United
Methodist Church in Breckenridge with Rev. Harrell Braddock, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in the
Caddo cemetery directed by Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Bettejoe was born January 6, 1937 in Caddo to Joe and
Bernice Peters Rogers. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist church and she held a
Masters Degree in Health Education and Recreation from Texas Women's University. She was a
rancher.
She is survived by her husband: Donald T. Pendleton of Caddo. A niece: Leslie McCaffrey of
Kansas City, Missouri and a nephew: Joey Rogers of Madison, Alabama. A great niece: Makinley
McCaffrey of Kansas City, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Bernice
Rogers and a brother: Sammy Rogers.
Family visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 27, 2006 at MeltonKitchens Funeral Home.
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MELTON-KITCHENS FUNERAL HOME / BRECKENRIDGE, TEXAS
Billy Don Jackson
Billy Don Jackson, age 55, of Eastland, Texas, formerly of Seymour, passed away Wednesday,
January 25, 2006, after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. Funeral services will be held at
10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 28, 2006, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland, Texas, with
Rev. Jim Andrews, pastor, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Saturday, at
the IOOF Cemetery in Seymour, Texas, under the direction of Seymour Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Jackson was born April 21, 1950, in Seymour, Texas, to G.B. and Zonelle Perkins Jackson. On
March 21, 1969, he married the love of his life, Vickie Miller of Seymour, Texas, and together
they had two children, Toby Don and Jamie Dawn. He began working for Lone Star Gas, now
Atmos Energy, in 1974, in Seymour, Texas, and retired after 31 years. They had lived in
Seymour, Wellington and Memphis before moving to Eastland. He was a member of the Bethel
Baptist Church in Eastland, and was a member of the Lion's Club. He had been a member of the
Chamber of Commerce in Memphis, and served as a volunteer fireman in Wellington and
Memphis.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie of Eastland, Texas; by a son, Toby Don Jackson of Royse City,
Texas; by a daughter and her husband, Jamie Dawn and Michael Benko of Corinth, Texas; by two
grandchildren, Lauren Lee Jackson of Childress, Texas, and Hunter Don Jackson of Wylie, Texas;
by three sisters,
Peggy Bohanon and her husband, Wayne, of Crowley, Texas, Debbie Sosolik and her husband,
Rudy, of Vernon, Texas, and Cathy Williams and her husband, John of Arlington, Texas; and by a
brother, Mike Jackson of Truscott, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by an older brother, George "Buzzy" Jackson.
Visitation will be held from 6-7 P.M. Friday evening at the Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
SEYMOUR MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME / SEYMOUR, TEXAS
D. J. Vaughn
D. J. Vaughn, 85, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006 in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 2
p.m. Saturday in the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with Rev.
Kevin Kennedy officiating. Entombment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Although the
service is at the Hwy 277 location, the family will receive friends at the downtown location, 542
Hickory, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
D. J. was born August 30, 1920, in Cumby, Texas. He married Billie Mae O’Neal on November 15,
1941, in Hunt County, TX. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and moved to Abilene in
1947 from Campbell, Texas. A master plumber, D. J. owned and operated Vaughn Plumbing, Inc.
He was a Scout Master, a member of Good Sam’s Travel Club, and Trinity Baptist Church, where
he was very active. He loved hunting, fishing, camping with his family, and traveling.
Mr. Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Vaughn in 2002, parents, Ollie Edward
Vaughn and Georgia Annie (Brown) Vaughn; three brothers, Ralph, Dean, and Nolan Vaughn, and
sisters, Aletrice Aven and Mae Speed.
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Survivors include his son, Larry Vaughn and his wife, Shirley of Abilene; daughter, Virginia Bell of
Sedalia, Colorado; two brothers, James Vaughn of Greenville, TX and Gerald Vaughn of Magnolia,
TX; two sisters, Allean Taylor of Granbury, TX and Sue Smith of Campbell, TX; four
grandchildren, Stacey Martin, Christie Koch, Coby Keith Bell, and Cameron Boyle; and three
great-grandchildren (and one on the way).
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
Marjorie L. Johns
On January 13, 2006 at age 91, I was called to join my husband Richard B. Johns, M.D.
A teacher, wife, Mother, friend, and mentor to all, I had a full and very meaningful life. It was
very full of accomplishments and achievements. Regrets, I have none, expectations, I have done.
I have left behind a daughter and two sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in abundance.
To all who are left to continue on life's journey, have no remorse and sadness for me. Instead,
celebrate life and embrace joy and happiness in all of your journeys to come.
I leave with great memories of my years with the Texas State Medical Auxiliary and Abilene
Harmony House. I enjoyed my work with the Central Presbyterian Church of Abilene and First
Presbyterian Church of Weslaco.
Myself and the family express our sincere "Thanks" to Elva Gonzalez, caregiver and Dr. Gabriel
Gonzalez, both of Weslaco for their devoted years of care. We wish to "Thank" all of our friends
and staff at John Knox Village for their support over all the past years.
Please remember our Presbyterian Medical Care Mission at 302 Medical Drive, Abilene, TX 79601,
in lieu of flowers.
As ever, Marge
P.S. The family invites all friends to a Celebration Coffee at 10 a.m. Friday, February 3rd at John
Knox Med-Center.
Manuel Jose Villarreal, Sr.
Manuel Jose Villarreal, Sr., born on August 27, 1919, went in peace to our Lord on Tuesday, the
24th of January 2006 after a long and valiantly fought illness. He leaves in mourning his devoted
and beloved wife of 66 years, Maria Jimenez Villarreal.
He is lovingly survived by his children Manuel Jose Villarreal, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Sunrise
Beach, Missouri, Gloria Villarreal Cortez and her husband William of Atlanta, Georgia, Diana Maria
Francis and her husband Philip of Georgetown, Texas, Cynthia Griselda Villarreal and her husband
Frederick Mullin of Dickinson, Texas, Ercilia "Butch" Wichern and her husband Robert of Perryville,
Missouri and Veronica "Vivi" Villarreal McCollum of Abilene, Texas and David Gerard Villarreal of
Manhattan, New York.
He will be greatly missed by his 15 adoring grandchildren and his loving legacy will remain with
his 18 greatgrandchildren. He leaves behind one beloved sister, Olivia Machado of Laredo, Texas and
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numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two
sisters.
Manuel Jose Villarreal was born and raised in Laredo, Texas where he lived until he moved to
Georgetown, Texas in 2003. He was a veteran of World War II where he served in the United
States Navy from April 20, 1944 until his honorable discharge on December 1, 1945. He worked
for the United States Postal Service in Laredo, Texas for 37 years and retired as the Assistant
Postmaster in 1980. He later served as a District Election Judge in Laredo, Texas. He belonged to
the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas and served the church through his membership in
the Legion of Mary, the Cursillos and as the Director of Bible Study. He was an avid sports fan,
outdoor enthusiast and jogger for 25 years beginning in 1977 after he survived a serious heart
attack. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his energy and his kind, warm and
generous spirit.
The family will receive friends at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 27, 2006 at
6:00P.M., Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00pm, Saturday, January
28, 2006 at St. Helen Catholic Church in Georgetown, with Father Louis Pavlicek as Celebrant.
Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Manuel J. Villarreal, Jr., David G. Villarreal, William R. Cortez, Philip H. Francis,
Frederick W. Mullin, III, Robert C. Wichern, Manuel J. Villarreal, III and Edward P. Francis.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Mark C. Villarreal, Samuel J. Villarreal, P. Scott Francis, Kenneth
J. Francis, Frederick William Mullin, IV, Jorge Vasquez, III, Christopher R. Wichern, Scott A. Null,
Jimmy Dale McCollum, Dr. Roberto L. Villarreal, and George A. Jimenez.
Family Requests In lieu of flowers - memorials are suggested to: Vista Care Hospice Foundation,
7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Ste. 130 West, Austin, Texas 78757; St. Helen Catholic Church, 2700 E.
University Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626, or St. Vincent School Endowment Fund, 1010 Rosati
Ct., Perryville, MO 63775.
The Gabriels Funeral Chapel / P.O. Box 1727, 393 N. I-H 35 / Georgetown, Texas 78627 / (512)
869-8888
Edith Thompson
Edith Thompson, 93, of Girard, died Thursday, January 26, 2006 in Jayton. Graveside services will
be 2PM, Saturday, January 28, 2006 at Girard Cemetery with Rev. Bob Wright officiating.
Services are under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home in Spur.
Mrs. Thompson was born November 13, 1912 in Stevens County, Texas to Harris and Georgia
Smoot Harwell. She lived most of her life in Kent County and was a graduate of Girard High
School. She married Buck Thompson on December 24, 1933 in Girard. He preceded her in death
in 1972. She was a member of Home Demonstration Club and Girard Quilters for many years.
She also worked for the boll weevil program for several years.
Mrs. Thompson was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, one grandson, four brothers
and two sisters.
She is survived by two daughters, Veda Howell and husband Joe of Spur and Reva Gannon and
husband Don also of Spur; four grandchildren, Donna Tippen of Krum, Renae Gannon of Denton,
Roper Joe Howell of Spur and Ginger Woods of Spur; eight great-grandchildren, Cory, Brady,
Natalie, Tra, Tenley, Justin, Brody and Peyton; and one great-great-grandchild, Keaton.
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The family suggests memorials to Kent County EMS, P.O. Box 41, Jayton, TX 79528; or your
favorite charity.
CAMPBELL FUNERAL HOME / SPUR, TEXAS
Oliver Jennings
Mr. Oliver Jennings, age 86 of Valera, Texas died at Cogdell Memorial Hospital in Snyder, Texas
on January 24,2006. Oliver was born in Voss, Texas on November 24, 1919 to Oliver J. and
Maggie Ford Jennings, one of 12 children; he was educated in Valera Schools. He was in the
Civilian Conservation Corps in Laramie, Wyoming, then enlisted in the Army at Ft. Bliss in 1942.
He served at Pine Camp, New York as a sergeant. He married Elizabeth Allen at Watertown, New
York on January 16, 1943. He transferred to Delaware Ordnance Depot in Pennsgrove, New
Jersey for ordnance training in July of 1943, then on to Hawaii in January, 1944. He served at the
Schofield Barracks for one year, then on year on Canton Island in the Pacific in charge of the
ammo depot until the end of the war. Oliver returned to Watertown where he operated a barber
shop until 1954 when the family moved to El Cajon, California, where he built a strip mall and
operated a barber shop until 1974, when the family moved to South Coleman County.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Elizabeth; two sons, Richard and wife Paula of Voss, David and
wife Kathy of Bedford; three grandchildren, Chris Jennings of Coleman, Elizabeth Jennings of
Voss, and Jessica Jennings of Bedford; a sister, Viola Williams of Brownfield, and a nephew, Don
and wife Mary Allen of San Diego, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Linda Mary Basse of San Antonio,
who was killed in a tragic accident on December 27, 2001.
Rosary will be Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church. Interment will follow in the Voss Cemetery.
WALKER FUNERAL HOME / COLEMAN, TEXAS
Opal Jo Blair
Mrs. Opal Jo Blair, 82, of Colorado City died Wednesday evening at an Abilene Hospital. Funeral
Services will be 3:00 PM, Saturday in the Loraine First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the
Loraine Cemetery under the direction of KikerSeale Funeral Home.
Mrs. Blair was born to Hayden and Mary Rowland Williams on October 14, 1923 in Fisher County.
She married Dual Oren Blair in Snyder on May 22, 1942, he preceded her in death on November
27, 2003 after 61 years of marriage. She and Dual worked together in Tulsa, Oklahoma riveting
airplane cockpits during World War Il. When her sons were in the military she sent them each a
letter everyday to let them know how much she loved them. She loved to fish and her family and
farm were the center of her life. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by two sons: Larry and wife Fielda Blair of Colorado City and Ronnie and wife
Debbie Blair of Loraine; Five grandchildren: Christi and husband Randy White of Weatherford;
Tammie and husband Darren Waters of Greenwood; Carrie and husband Charlie Ortiz of Colorado
City; Amber and husband Casey Peaslee of Colorado City and Rusty Blair of Raymondville; 13
Great grandchildren Brayden and Brett White of Weatherford, Sarah Hancock of Ovala, Courtney
and Bryce Waters of Greenwood, Briana, Whitney Shelby and Chris Ortiz of Colorado City, Hayden
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and Carter Peaslee of Colorado City, and Taylor and Cason Blair of Raymondville; a brother
Maurice "Jiggs" Hayden Williams of Ft. Worth.
The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home.
KIKER-SEALE FUNERAL HOME / COLORADO CITY, TEXAS
Waneta Clark
Waneta Clark, 79, of Tye, died Thursday, January 26, 2006 at a local hospital.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, at Tye Cemetery with Rev.
Jimmy Hatcher officiating, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N.
2nd St.
Mrs. Clark was born in Tye, TX on November 2, 1926 to the late Luther and Minnie Kincaid Askins.
She worked for many years with the Briarstone Manor and Wyatts Cafeteria. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by husband, Kenneth Clark; a brother-in-law, Walter Webb of Tye and several
nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded by her parents and a sister, Inez Webb.
Death Notices 01.27.06
January 27, 2006
Weldon Armstrong
EASTLAND - Weldon Armstrong died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are pending with Edwards
Funeral Home.
Gordon E. Brown
WICHITA FALLS - Gordon E. Brown, 76, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Saturday at First Baptist Church. Visitation is from 6-7 p.m. today at Lunn's Colonial Funeral
Home.
Mary Isabel Carillo
GORMAN - Mary Isabel Carillo, 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services are 11
a.m. Saturday at the Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in
Gorman Cemetery.
Clara Ferguson
BIG SPRING - Clara Ferguson, 69, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2005. Services are pending at Myers
& Smith Funeral Home.
Ray Flowers
Ray Flowers, 70, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are pending with Elliott-Hamil Funeral
Home, 5701 Hwy 277 S.
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Nancy Gibson
BAIRD - Nancy Gibson, 60, of Cross Plains, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 10:30
a.m. Saturday at Parker Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral
home.
Willie 'Billie' Heptinstall
BROWNWOOD - Willie ''Billie'' Heptinstall, 82, of Bangs, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services
are 10 a.m. Saturday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Eastlawn
Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Owen Edward King
CISCO - Owen Edward King, 79, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at
the First United Methodist Church, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery, directed by Kimbrough
Funeral Home. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.
Barbra Moore
COLEMAN - Barbra (Mrs. Jack) Moore died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday
at the First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the Valera Cemetery, under the direction of
Stevens Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Robert Andrew Nelson
SWEETWATER - Robert Andrew Nelson, 29, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are pending
with McCoy Funeral Home.
Murl Wagner
BROWNWOOD - Murl Wagner, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Saturday in Greenleaf Cemetery, directed by Davis-Morris Funeral Home. Visitation is from 6 to 8
p.m. today at the funeral home.
Estelle Cook Walton
STEPHENVILLE - Estelle Cook Walton, 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in the Oak Dale
Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 - 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
William ''Bill'' Winters
BIG SPRING - William ''Bill'' Winters, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 4 p.m.
Saturday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, with burial to follow in Trinity Memorial
Park.
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Obituaries 01.28.06
January 28, 2006
Eddie Mae Robison
Eddie Mae Robison, 87, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at an Abilene nursing home.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Crescent Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Mike
Chancellor and Rev. Butch Pesch officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park
directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
The daughter of Mollie (Harris) and Chester A. Robertson, she was born on June 24, 1918, in
Munday, Texas, and in 1955 moved from Haskell to Abilene, where she married Otis O. Robison in
January, 1956. Eddie completed LVN nursing school, and was a nurse at Hendrick Medical Center
for over 20 years. She was a member of Crescent Heights Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis; her parents; a son, John W. Patton; two sisters
and five brothers.
Survivors include daughters, Frankie Linda Wilson of Plant City, Florida, and Mollie Smith and
husband, Dewayne, of Spring, TX; a son, Mike Patton and wife, Sharon, of Arlington; a brother,
Chester Robertson of Joshua, TX; two sisters, Doris Darnell of Haskell, and Eva Lee Cooper of
Abilene; eight grandchildren, Jill Wilson, Heather Watkins, Wendy Marquardt, James Patton, Todd
Smith, John Robison Patton, Lane Patton, and John David Patton; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Gordon E. Brown
Gordon E. Brown, 76, of Wichita Falls was greeted by his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January
25, 2006. A celebration of his life will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with Dr.
Robert Jeffress and the Rev. Howard Chapman officiating.
Gordon was born on August 22, 1929 in Cleburne, TX to James Samuel and Myrtle Ellis Brown. He
graduated from Cleburne High School in 1946 where he was an outstanding running back. Gordon
continued to play football for Baylor and Hillsboro Junior College. He married his angel and love of
his life, Winnie Mae Leonard, on June 3, 1949.
Gordon began his career as a State Farm Agent in 1964 in Abilene, TX and then became Agency
Manager in Wichita Falls in 1967. He was a Legion of Honor Manager 13 times, Bronze Tablet 8
times and Silver Scroll 3 times. Gordon was traveling millionaire manager 10 times allowing him
to travel around the world and to the national conventions. In 1974, Gordon earned his CLU
degree from The American College of Life Underwriters. He was a charter member of the local
chapter of The National Association of Health Underwriters.
Gordon was an active member of the community serving as past president of the Wichita Falls
High School Coyote Booster Club, the Wichita Falls Association of Life Underwriters, the local CLU
chapter and was currently serving as President of the Board of Directors of Work Services Corp.
He was inducted into the Wichita Falls Life Underwriters Hall of Fame and was a past member of
the Kiwanis Club.
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Gordon’s faith was an important part of his life and was evident to everyone who knew him. He
served as a deacon at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene and First Baptist Church in Wichita
Falls. He loved greeting members and guests as they arrived to worship. Through his years,
Gordon taught in preschool and children’s ministries, single and young married adults in his
church. Gordon coached the First Baptist Church co-ed softball team to a city championship.
As a lifelong athlete, Gordon was a strong advocate for his children and grandchildren’s academic,
athletic and music programs. He became a surrogate parent and grandparent to many. Golf
became a part of his retirement years and he could be found at the golf course any day ending in
a "Y".
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Winnie Mae Brown; son, Gordy Brown and wife Cindy of
Austin, TX; two daughters, Marcia Bernhardt and husband Mike of Wichita Falls and Ginger Shirley
and husband Randy of Lakeside City, TX; six grandchildren, Whitney and Jordan Brown of Austin,
TX, Chris Bernhardt of Ogden, Utah, Kristen Bernhardt Howes and husband Glenn of Bossier City,
LA, and Sarah and Sam Shirley of Lakeside City, TX; one great-grandchild, Alexis Howes of
Bossier City, LA; a sister, Jimmie Tanner of Cleburne, TX as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church building fund, or Coyote, Holliday or Westwood
Booster Clubs.
Tributes may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.
LUNN'S COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME / WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
Mary Mathis Davis
Mary Mathis Davis of Ballinger, passed away Friday morning, January 27, 2006 in Angelo
Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Family visitation will be 7 to 8 PM, Saturday, January 28th at Lange Funeral Home. Services will
be held at 2:00 PM Sunday January 29, 2006, at the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger
with Rev. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Mary was born on July 27,1943, in San Antonio, Texas to Tom and Opal Mathis. She married
Gene Davis on January 8, 1966. She was a homemaker and a member of the Seventh Street
Baptist Church in Ballinger.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Theresa Ketchum and brother, Dale Mathis.
She is survived by husband Gene Davis of Ballinger, a daughter, Gena Carter and husband Jeff of
Elgin, Texas and son Terry and wife Deborah also of Elgin, Texas. A brother Harold Mathis and
wife Jimmie Ann of San Angelo, a sister Glenda Bell and husband, George of Bryan.
Grandchildren, Kayla Carter, Krista Carter, Kody Carter, Aubrie Davis, Madison Davis, Katelyn
Davis. Brothers-in-law, Wilburn Davis and wife Myrtis of San Angelo, and Jerry Davis and wife
Carolyn of Abilene, sister-in-law Bernadine Mathis of Austin and numerous nieces, nephews, and
friends.
LANGE FUNERAL HOME / BALLINGER, TEXAS
Nancy Beatrice Gibson
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Nancy Beatrice Gibson, age 60, of Cross Plains, Texas, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, in an
Abilene hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2006 in the
Parker Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Dan Chapman will
officiate. Burial will be at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at Fredonia Cemetery in Mason County, Texas.
Nancy was born April 20,1945 in Brady, Texas. She has lived in Cross Plains since 1997 moving
here from Lovington, N.M. She was the owner of Analytical Labs in Cross Plains. She was a
Methodist.
Survived by: Husband, Bale Buckholtz of Cross Plains, Texas; 1 Daughter, Diana Lynn Sampson
of May, Texas; 1 Son, Johnnie Gibson, Jr., of Clovis, N.M.; 2 Sisters, Kathy Dye of Breckenridge,
Texas, and Helen Smith of San Antonio, Texas; 7 Grandchildren, Nichole Sanchez, Lindsey
Buzbee, Casey Simpson, Hailey M. Gibson, Brittany Guthrie, Austin Au, Allison Au.; 2 great
grandchildren, Jarron and Jevvyn Sanchez; and a number of nieces and nephews.
PARKER FUNERAL HOME / BAIRD, TEXAS
Weldon Armstrong
EASTLAND - Weldon Armstrong, 86, of Eastland, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2006 at the
Eastland Memorial Hospital. Services will be 10:30 AM Monday in the First Baptist Church with Dr.
Shawn Brewer officiating. Entombment will be 3:30 PM at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita
Falls, Texas with Dr. Robert Jeffress officiating under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Mr. Armstrong was born on June 4, 1919 in Gorman, Texas to John Hardy and Lela Frances
Clement Armstrong. He married Marvelene Moore on October 7, 1939 in Carbon, Texas. Weldon
worked for Mobile Oil also known as Magnolia Petroleum as a pumper from 1951 to 1984. He was
a member of the First Baptist Church in Eastland, Texas.
Survivors include: his wife of 66 years Marvelene Armstrong of Eastland, daughter Carole Knight
of Wichita Falls, Texas and son Larry Armstrong and wife Vicki of Eastland, Texas. Grandchildren; Kim Pitman of Wichita Falls and Randy Knight and wife Elaine of Wichita Falls. Kelly
Armstrong of Eastland and Steve Armstrong of Austin. Great grandchildren; Amber and Tawny
Broomfield, Kendye Hodges, Abby, Emily, and Zackary Knight.
EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME / EASTLAND, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.28.06
January 28, 2006
Virginia Jean Biersdorfer
EARLY - Virginia Jean Biersdorfer, 55, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m.
today at Netherton Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood.
Tiodoro 'Ted' Cardenas
Tiodoro ''Ted'' Cardenas, 61, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 1 p.m. Monday at St.
Francis Catholic Church, with burial in Wingate Cemetery. A prayer service will be 7 p.m. today
and Sunday at Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope.
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Shirley (Alldredge) Carrillo
BROOKESMITH - Shirley (Alldredge) Carrillo died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Graveside services
are 2 p.m. today in Regency Cemetery in Mills County, directed by Netherton Funeral Home in
Brownwood.
Norman D. Cox
BROWNWOOD - Norman D. Cox, 69, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are pending with DavisMorris Funeral Home.
Clara Ferguson
BIG SPRING - Clara Ferguson, 69, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Monday
at Myers & Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Ray Flowers
Ray Flowers, 70, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil Garden of
Memories Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
John Grohman
WINTERS - John Grohman, 75, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 3:30 p.m. Sunday in
Winters Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation is 6 p.m. today at
the funeral home.
Wanda 'Blondie' Hamilton
LORAINE - Wanda ''Blondie'' Hamilton, 81, of McKinney and formerly of Loraine, died Wednesday,
Jan. 25, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m. today in Loraine Cemetery, directed by Kiker-Seale
Funeral Home in Colorado City.
Wilma Huffman
EULESS - Wilma Huffman, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at
Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Lingleville East End Cemetery.
Melba McElreath
Melba McElreath, 74, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Robert Andrew Nelson
SWEETWATER - Robert Andrew Nelson, 29, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Memorial services are 2
p.m. today at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.
Velma Odom
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BALLINGER - Velma Odom, 93, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Graveside services are 3 p.m.
Sunday in Peoria Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. today at Land Funeral Home, and from 2 to 3
Sunday at Peoria Baptist Church, Peoria.
Elizabeth C. Patton
Elizabeth C. Patton of Abilene, formerly of Rotan, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Funeral services are
pending with The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Obituaries 01.29.06
January 29, 2006
Carl Howk
MERKEL – Carl Howk, 70, died Saturday, January 28, 2006 in a local hospital. Services will be
2:00 p.m. Monday at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jimmy Griffith officiating.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors.
Carl was born January 4, 1936 in Mt. Vernon, TX to Percy and Bertha Mae Wells Howk and spent
most of his childhood in Colorado City. He married Addie Klas on March 25, 1956 in Colorado City.
Carl was a Baptist. He served 8 years in the U. S. Navy and 16 years in the Air Force, retiring in
1977. He was a trucker for 18 years. Carl worked for General Dynamics for several years and
attended school for his machinist technology. His hobby was carpentry and plumbing. He was
proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved his cats, fishing and golf.
Survivors include his wife, Addie Howk of Merkel; 3 sons, Nathan Howk and wife Ann of Merkel,
Theodore Howk and wife Becky of North Pole, AK, Henry Howk and wife Jeana of Payson, UT; a
brother, Lyle Wayne Howk of Mt. Vernon; 2 sisters, Frances Truax of Cedar Hill, Peggy Joann
Cannon of Mt. Vernon; 10 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and friends.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Luther Howk and a brother, Carvel
Emmett Howk.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604 or Merkel
Cemetery Association, 201 Edwards, Merkel, TX 79536.
STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME / MERKEL, TEXAS
Clarice Sherman
Clarice Sherman, 72, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006, in Abilene, Texas. The funeral service
will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Abilene State School Chapel officiated by Chaplain Bill
Spencer. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories under the direction of Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.
The daughter of Ruby (Cubit) and Marshall Sherman, Clarice was born on November 29, 1932, in
De Kalb, Texas, and had been a resident of Abilene State School for 31 years.
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She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Hazel and Dorothy Sherman; a brother,
Albert Sherman; and a brotherin-law, Clement Betts.
Survivors include brothers, Almanzo Sherman of Topeka, Kansas, and Ernest James Sherman of
Dover, New Hampshire; sisters, Emma Betts of De Kalb, Texas, and Avenella Long of Shreveport, Louisiana; seven nieces
and six nephews.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Abilene State School, P. O. Box 451,
Abilene, TX 79604.
Raymond Howard Barnett
BELTON -- Raymond Howard Barnett went in peace to our Lord on Friday, January 27, 2006, at
the age of 94. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2006 at the
Heartfield Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2006, at the Heartfield Funeral Home.
Preceded in death by his mother and father, Rebecca Ann Throgmorton Barnett and Andrew
Jackson Barnett; his wives, Agnes Marie Chrisner Barnett and Lois Richardson Barnett: four
sisters, Minnie Moore, Stella Wells, Nellie Woods, and Hazyl Broadway; and one brother, Melvin
Barnett; and a great-granddaughter Ashley Scoggins.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Troy Scoggins of Abilene; grandchildren,
Suzanne and Larry Bailey of Abilene, Tony and Karla Scoggins of Longview, Troy Jr. and Dene'
Scoggins of San Diego, Misty and Mark Szatkowski of Allen, and eleven great grandchildren. Also
survived by his stepchildren Mike and Carolyn Richardson and family of Belton and Donna
Thompson and family of Rogers; and many, many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was a member of the Heidenheimer Church of Christ in Belton and the Oakland Drive Church
of Christ in Abilene. He loved sports, especially track and football. He loved to sing and tell jokes.
He was a devoted Christian, a good husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a
staunch Republican. He will be sincerely missed.
HEARTFIELD FUNERAL HOME / BELTON, TEXAS
Tiodoro "Ted" Cardenas
Tiodoro "Ted" Cardenas, 61, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2006, at a local hospital. A wake
service will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope, Mass will be 1:00 p.m.
Monday at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Robert Bush officiating. Burial will be in
Wingate Cemetery, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Mr. Cardenas was born November 21, 1944, in Nixon, Texas to Guadalupe and Longina Cardenas.
He lived most of his life in Abilene. Ted and Linda Burks were married May 7, 1973, in Altus,
Oklahoma. He was a truck driver.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Cardenas of Abilene; two sons, Jason Cardenas and wife Karen of
Cary, North Carolina and Jeremy Cardenas and wife Monica of Abilene; a brother, Lupe Cardenas
of Abilene; three sisters, Gloria Esparza, Maria Garza and Betty Portillo, all of Abilene; five
grandchildren, Dylan, Braden, Kaitlyn, Kylie and Kadence Cardenas; and numerous aunts, uncles
and cousins.
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Online guest book of condolences may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.
Ray Flowers
Ray Flowers, 70, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
The son of Birdie (Windham) and William Clifton Flowers, Ray was born on September 19, 1935,
in Longview, Texas, but lived in Taylor County most of his life. He worked for various steel
companies, and was a member of Steelworkers Local Union 263 for over 35 years. He worked in
the oilfield before going into the iron working career. After retiring from iron working, Mr. Flowers
volunteered for the V.A. driving patients to Big Spring.
He married Wanda Irene Roberts on December 29, 1978, in Abilene. Ray loved his family, good
friends, and fishing. He was a member of Community Baptist Church and a U. S. Army veteran.
His parents; brothers, James, Wendell and Deon Flowers; and a sister, Redith McMahon preceded
him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Irene Roberts Flowers of Lawn; a son, Ray "Buba" Flowers, Jr. of Azle;
daughters, Suzette Simons and husband, Tommy, and Dorthy Ramirez and husband, Joe, all of
Abilene, Regina McFall of Tye, and Melissia Rashell McClanahan and husband, Joe, of Lubbock; a
stepson, Gerald Roberts of Clyde; stepdaughters, Susan Johnson and husband, Dennis, of Taos,
N.M., and Sandra Hungerford of Victoria; 14 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 3 greatgrandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Marshall Flowers
of Abilene, and Tommy Flowers of Pembroke, N.H.; sisters, Patricia Roberts and Marie Bryan both
of Abilene; two special nephews, William Roberts and Cliff Roberts; as well as numerous other
nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, with Jack Staples and Rufus Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil
Garden of Memories. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Timothy Rhodes, Cody Rhodes, Ben Ramirez, Justin Ramirez, Tanner Flowers,
and Michael Flowers.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
Judson Henry Lloyd
BIG SPRING -- Judson Henry Lloyd, 87, of Big Spring, died on Friday, January 27, 2006, in a local
hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 30, 2006 at the Nalley Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rick Cunningham, minister of the 14th and Main Church of
Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
He was born on April 28, 1918, in Comanche, Texas and married Velta Childers on June 16, 1949
in Lamesa, Texas.
He moved to the Knott Community in the early 1930's and to Big Spring in 1946. He served over
seas in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Lloyd worked as a mechanic and retired
in 1987. He loved gardening and tending to his pecan trees. He was the last surviving sibling in
his family and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
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Survivors include his wife, Velta Lloyd of Big Spring; two daughters & sons-in-law, Lynda and Dee
Elrod of Big Spring and Kathy and Phil Laurence of Abilene; one son & daughter-in-law, Robert
and J'Nevelyn Lloyd of McAllen; three granddaughters, Laura Elrod of San Antonio, Leslie Elrod of
Big Spring and Stephanie Lloyd of Belton; two grandsons, Alan Lloyd of McAllen and John
Laurence of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.
The family suggests memorials to the Big Spring Living Tree Memorial, % Shirley Cross at the
City of Big Spring, 432-264-2501 or the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 15186, Austin,
Texas 78761.
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big
Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
NALLEY - PICKLE & WELCH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY / BIG SPRING, TEXAS
Joe Elison Pruet
ARLINGTON -- Joe Elison Pruet, 69, passed away Friday morning, January 27, 2006 at his home.
He will be forever at peace, after courageously battling years of illness.
Funeral: Services will be held Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W.
Pioneer Parkway, Arlington with Rev. Ed Michael officiating. Burial: 3:00 p.m., DFW National
Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wade
Family Funeral Home.
Joe was born on November 23, 1936 to Arnold and Kathleen Pruet in Port Neches. He graduated
from Abilene High School prior to receiving his B.B.A. at West Texas State University where he
was a member of Kappa Alpha. Joe was a veteran of the US Airforce. He was a private pilot,
aviation mechanic, and flight instructor. Joe retired from the US Treasury Department after
twenty years of service in Arlington. He was a life member of the Confederate Air Force. He is
preceded in death by his parents. Joe will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors: Wife, Nancy Pruet of Arlington; daughters, Kelli Hundt of Keller, Darletta Michael and
husband, Kirk of North Richland Hills, and Jana Jo Pruet of Dallas; brothers, Floyd Pruet of
Fayetteville, Ar. and Glen Pruet of Richardson, Tx.; sister, Barbara Hodges of Putnam, Tx.;
grandchildren, Joshua, Dalton, Kelsie, Jarod, Kamron, Jeremy, and Morgan; numerous nieces,
nephews, and a host of friends.
Wade Family Funeral Home / Arlington, Texas / (817) 274-9233
Florida Phillips
Florida Phillips, 93, of Abilene, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2006. Visitation will be on
Sunday, January 29, 2006 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo
Gap Road. Graveside services will be at 3:00 pm on Monday, January 30, 2006, at the Clyde
Cemetery with Brother David Cason and Brother H.B. Terry officiating.
Florida was born on February 4, 1912 in Santa Anna, Texas to W.H. Phillips and Mary (Cooper)
Phillips. She graduated from Denton Valley High School in 1931. Ms. Phillips was employed by the
U.S. Times and T.S. Lankford and Son. She was also a seamstress for Rita Barber. She was a
member of Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene.
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Ms. Phillips was preceded in death by both of her parents, two brothers, Littleton Phillips in 1990
and Hugh Phillips in 2005, and one sister Florence Phillips. She is survived by her cousin Gayla
Corley and her husband Charles of Abilene, one sister-in-law Madie Phillips of Abilene, two stepnephews, Dr. Ernest Harmon and his wife Cindy of Kingman, Arizona, and Tom Harmon and his
wife Shirley of Windom, Texas; one step-niece, Judy Underwood and her husband Dale of Odessa,
Texas; her church family and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to Broadview Baptist Church, 2500 South 27th Street, Abilene, Texas
79605.
Mrs. Bud (Jo) Taylor
AUSTIN -- Mrs. Bud (Jo) Taylor, age 76, of Austin passed away on Friday, January 27, 2006 in the
loving arms of her daughter, Linda.
Mrs. Taylor was a member of Bannockburn Baptist Church. She was a sales associate for
Montgomery Ward and Weiners Department Store.
She was preceded in death by her husband, R. G. "Bud" Taylor who passed away in l987; brother,
James Seay and sister Sybil Richards and parents.
Survivors are her son: Jerry Taylor, Nashville, TN; daughter, Linda Andrews and husband Bill of
Austin; sisters, Ray Nell Rudisil of Bryan and Margie Ritchie of Madisonville; three grandchildren,
Chase Cameron of Waterbury, Conn., Tiffany Andrews and Michael Andrews both of Austin; two
great-grandchildren, Justin and Mia Andrews of Austin and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Glenna
Hamilton of Abilene and Mrs. John Taylor of N. Richland Hills.
Thanks to Helen Moore, Services for the Elderly; the Hospice Austin Agency and Kathleen Floyd,
RN and Marta Cox, Aide, both of Hospice Austin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin or Christopher House,
4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste.100, Austin, Texas 78759.
A private family graveside service will be held at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas.
Harrell Funeral Home / 4435 Frontier Trail / Austin, Texas 78745 / (512) 443-1366
Melba McElreath
Melba McElreath, 74, died Friday, January 27, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Born in Grant, Oklahoma, on July 29, 1931, she was the daughter of Lorene E. (Max) and Wesley
D. Davidson. Melba married Jimmie McElreath on August 20, 1952, in Paris, Texas, and moved
from Wichita Falls to Abilene in 1966. For a number of years she worked at Timex, but most
recently worked at Abilene State School for six years.
A best friend to many, Melba was a homemaker and a member of Elmcrest Baptist Church in
Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie, on December 16, 1998; a daughter, Vicki
Wallis; her father; and a brother, Jamie Davidson.
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Survivors include sons, Jimmy McElreath and wife, Billie, and David McElreath all of Abilene, and
Ricky McElreath and wife, Della, of Merkel; grandsons, Steven Wallis, Justin Wallis, and Jeffrey
Wallis all of Abilene, and Rode McElreath of Merkel; and a granddaughter, Stacy McElreath of
Merkel. She is also survived by her mother, Lorene Davidson of Petrolia, Texas, and brothers, Joe
Davidson and Odie Davidson of Delphos, Kansas, Maxie Davidson of Petrolia, and Tommy
Davidson of Wichita Falls.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, with Rev. Jimmy Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605,
or Taylor-Jones Humane Society, 3811 N. 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603.
Lora Biddy
WEATHERFORD -- Lora Biddy, 54, a retired school teacher, died Friday, January 27, 2006.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, at the First United Methodist Church
in Weatherford. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 Sunday evening at White's Funeral Home in
Weatherford.
Memorials may be made in Lora's name to First United Methodist Church in Weatherford, 301
South Main, Weatherford, Texas 76086.
Lora Louise Dykes was born December 6, 1951, in Fredrick, Oklahoma. She graduated from
McMurry University, Summa Cum Laude. Lora was a retired school teacher, teaching at Cooper
High School in Abilene.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gerry Biddy; children, Jonathan Biddy and wife,
Penny, Christi Biddy, and Sherry Biddy; parents, John and Mary Dykes; brother, John and wife,
Debra Dykes; grandmother, Ada Dykes; mother-in-law, Mildred Biddy; numerous nieces,
nephews and friends.
White's Funeral Home / 130 Houston Avenue / Weatherford, Texas 76086 / 817-596-4811
Mary Mathis Davis
Mary Mathis Davis of Ballinger passed away Friday morning, January 27, 2006, in Angelo
Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Family visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 28th at Lange Funeral Home. Services will
be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2006, at the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger
with the Rev. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Mary was born on July 27, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Tom and Opal Mathis. She married
Gene Davis on January 8, 1966. She was a homemaker and a member of the Seventh Street
Baptist Church in Ballinger.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Theresa Ketchum, and brother, Dale Mathis.
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She is survived by husband Gene Davis of Ballinger, a daughter, Gena Carter and husband Jeff of
Elgin, Texas, and son Terry and wife Deborah also of Elgin, Texas. A brother Harold Mathis and
wife Jimmie Ann of San Angelo, a sister Glenda Bell and husband, George of Bryan.
Grandchildren, Kayla Carter, Krista Carter, Kody Carter, Aubrie Davis, Madison Davis, Katelyn
Davis. Brothers-in-law, Wilburn Davis and wife Myrtis of San Angelo, and Jerry Davis and wife
Carolyn of Abilene, sister-in-law Bernadine Mathis of Austin and numerous nieces, nephews, and
friends.
LANGE FUNERAL HOME / BALLINGER, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.29.06
January 29, 2006
Miguel Hernandez 'Mike' Alvarado
STAMFORD - Miguel Hernandez ''Mike'' Alvarado, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Funeral Mass
will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Ann's Catholic Church, with burial in Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Rosary is 7 p.m. today at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Chapel in Stamford.
Olin Franklin Bunch
SNYDER - Olin Franklin Bunch, 82, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Services are 4 p.m. today at the
First Baptist Church in Snyder. Burial will be in Hillside Memorial Gardens in Snyder directed by
Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.
Beatrice Carson
GUSTINE - Beatrice Carson, 78, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at
Hall & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Comanche. Burial will follow in Energy Cemetery near
Gustine. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Norman D. Cox
BROWNWOOD - Norman D. Cox, 69, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Graveside services are 10 a.m.
Monday at Cowboy Cemetery in Mercury. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. today at Davis-Morris Funeral
Home Chapel.
J.D. Killian
MIDLAND - J.D. Killian, 65, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006. Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 4, at the Church of Christ in Van. A second memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 11, at the Baird Activity Center, 228 Walnut St., Baird.
Ina Faye Kuhlman
BIG SPRING - Ina Faye Kuhlman, 80, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are 3 p.m. Monday at
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Park, Big
Spring.
Teresita LaGuardia
Teresita LaGuardia, 62, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
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Judson Henry Lloyd
BIG SPRING - Judson Henry Lloyd, 87, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are 10 a.m. Monday
at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Park, Big
Spring.
Elvira Nunez
BIG SPRING - Elvira Nunez, 78, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m.
Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Memorial Park. Vigil services
are 7 p.m. today at Myers & Smith Chapel.
Eunice Irene Page
BIG SPRING - Eunice Irene Page, 96, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are pending with
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Elizabeth C. Patton
Elizabeth C. Patton of Abilene, formerly of Rotan, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Funeral Mass will be
1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Graveside service will follow at 4:30 p.m.
in Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan. Visitation is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with prayer service at 5:30
p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Francis A. 'Rocky' Rockwell
Francis A. ''Rocky'' Rockwell, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. No services are planned. Local
arrangements are being made by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Sharon Elizabeth Sisk
SWEETWATER - Sharon Elizabeth Sisk, 62, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are pending
with McCoy Funeral Home. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Alma Spencer
Alma Spencer, 58, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Homes.
Herbert Alden Welsey
BRECKENRIDGE - Herbert Alden Welsey, 92, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are pending
with Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
C.V. Williamson
FORT STOCKTON - C.V. Williamson, 89, formerly of Ranger, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006.
Graveside services are pending at Edwards
Obituaries 01.30.06
January 30, 2006
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Elizabeth Patton
Elizabeth Patton, 91 of Abilene, formerly of Rotan, died on January 27, 2006 in Abilene. Visitation
is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, conducted by Deacon Michael Kenny. The funeral Mass
will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. The celebrant will be Monsignor
Fred Nawarskas assisted by Deacon Mitchell Abdallah. Graveside services will be at 4:30 p.m. in
Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan conducted by Father Timothy Schwertner and Deacon Mitchell
Abdallah.
Elizabeth Grove was born February 22, 1914, in Mineral Wells, Texas to Myrtle and Joel Cranford.
She graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1929 and graduated cum laude with a degree in
Music Education from The College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Women's University). She taught
public school music in the Hull-Daisetta and Mineral Wells school systems.
She married Edward Nash Patton on November 5, 1938, and moved to Rotan. She was a member
of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rotan. Ed preceded her in death on June 16, 1971. She was
active in community affairs as a room mother, a Cub Scout den mother, a Little League mom, a
member of several bridge clubs, and a Fisher County Hospital Pink Lady. She also played the
organ at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Her hobbies included traveling, needlework, and collecting
Hummel figurines. In 2000 she moved to the Royal Estates in Abilene.
Elizabeth is survived by her four children: Elizabeth Grove (Betty) Patton Abdallah and husband,
Deacon Mitchell of Miami, Florida; Edward Nash Patton, Jr. and wife, Sue of Abilene; Thomas
David Patton and wife, Patricia of Garland, Texas; and Robert Michael Patton and wife, Sue of
Abilene.
Elizabeth had eleven grandchildren: Monica Andrews and husband, Steve of Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Michelle Hidalgo and husband, Orlando of Plantation, Florida; Elena Abdallah and
husband, John Herr of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Mary Elizabeth Patton of Fort Worth, Texas;
Mark Joseph and Edward Nash Patton III who both preceded her in death; Major David Patton, Jr.
and wife, Karen of Harker Heights, Texas; Chris Patton and wife, Debbie of Richmond, Texas;
John Patton and wife, Tiffane of Webster, Texas; Stephen Patton and wife, Tracy of Humble,
Texas; and Brent Freeman of Jacksonville, Florida.
Elizabeth had 14 great grandchildren: Matthew and Jack Andrews; Elizabella Hidalgo; Hazel and
Pema Herr; Katie, Missy, DJ, and Janie Patton; Christopher and Michael Patton; Jessica and John
Patton; and Nash Patton.
Pallbearers are Chris Patton, John Patton, Stephen Patton, Brent Freeman, Steve Andrews, Bill
Day, and Tim Murray.
Honorary pallbearers are Maj. David Patton and Joe Martinez.
Memorials can be made to the Ed Patton Memorial Park Capital Improvement Fund c/o First
National Bank of Rotan, PO Drawer D, Rotan, Texas 79546.
Ray Flowers
Ray Flowers, 70, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at an Abilene medi- cal center.
The son of Birdie (Windham) and William Clifton Flowers, Ray was born on September 19, 1935,
in Longview, Texas, but lived in Taylor County most of his life. He worked for various steel
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companies, and was a member of Steel- workers Local Union 263 for over 35 years. He worked in
the oilfield before going into the iron working career. After retiring from iron working, Mr. Flowers
volunteered for the V.A. driving patients to Big Spring.
He married Wanda Irene Roberts on December 29, 1978, in Abilene. Ray loved his family, good
friends, and fishing. He was a member of Community Baptist Church and a U. S. Army veteran.
His parents; brothers, James, Wendell and Deon Flowers; and a sister, Redith McMahon preceded
him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Irene Roberts Flowers of Lawn; a son, Ray "Buba" Flowers, Jr. and
wife, Dana, of Azle; daughters, Suzette Simons and husband, Tommy, and Dorthy Ramirez and
husband, Joe, all of Abilene, Regina McFall of Tye, and Melissia Rashell McClanahan and husband,
Joe, of Lubbock; a stepson, Gerald Roberts of Clyde; stepdaughters, Susan Johnson and husband, Dennis, of Taos, N.M., and Sandra Hungerford of Victoria; 14 grandchildren; 7 stepgrandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by
brothers, Marshall Flowers of Abilene, and Tommy Flowers of Pembroke, N.H.; sis- ters, Patricia
Roberts and Marie Bryan both of Abilene; two spe- cial nephews, William Roberts and Cliff
Roberts; as well as numer- ous other nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott-Hamil Funer- al Home Chapel of Faith, 5701
Hwy 277 South, with Jack Staples and Rufus Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Elliott-Hamil
Garden of Memories.
Pallbearers will be Timothy Rhodes, Cody Rhodes, Ben Ramirez, Justin Ramirez, Tanner Flowers,
and Michael Flowers.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
Mrs. Gladys S. Connelley
COLEMAN — Mrs. Gladys S. Connelley, 91 years of age passed away on Saturday night January
28, 2006 in Coleman.
Mrs. Connelley was born on September 30, 1914 in Santa Anna, Texas and was the daughter of
the late Mr. and Mrs. James V. & Nellie Emma Strickland. She was a resident of Coleman up to
1955 and moved back to Coleman in 1987. She was a nurse.
She is survived by: one daughter, Lee Konkle of Coleman, two grandchildren, Susan McKnight of
Kentucky and Marla Honaker of Florida; two great grandchildren, Candic Docker of Rockwood, and
Josh Daniels of Santa Anna.
She is preceded in death by one son and her parents.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday with Mr. D. G. Allen officiating at the
Walker Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Coleman Public Library.
TOM G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME, INC. COLEMAN, TEXAS
Alma Ruth Roberts Spencer
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Alma Ruth Roberts Spencer, 58, died Saturday, January 28, 2006, at an Abilene medical center. A
grave- side service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Elmwood Memorial Park with Charles Dunham
officiating, directed by Elliott- Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends
from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
A native of Abilene, Texas, Alma was born on January 13, 1948, the daughter of Patricia Ruth
Flowers Roberts and Jack O. Roberts. A lifelong resident of Abilene, she attended Draughn’s
Business College, and worked as a home caregiver and a medical transcriptionist. She was a
member of College View Baptist Church.
A son, Jayton Lee Spencer, and her father, Jack O. Roberts, preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughters, Breanna Spencer and Adrianna Spencer, both of Abilene; her former
husband, Lloyd L. Spencer of Abilene; and grandchildren, Ayah L. Spencer, Quai O. Hinkle and
Justin Pinner. Alma is also survived by her mother, Patricia Roberts of Abilene; brothers, Clifton L.
Roberts of Abilene, and William W. Roberts of Anchorage, Alaska; and numerous nieces, nephews
and extended family members.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604, or
American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis, Abilene, TX 79603.
Eunice Irene Page
BIG SPRING — Eunice Irene Page, 96, passed away at her daughter's home in Brown County on
January 28, 2006. She was born in Brown County on April 5, 1909 to Luther and Zula Mae Cobb.
Eunice married Alph Wesley Page on April 21, 1926 in Snyder, Texas. He preceded her in death
on July 18, 1992.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alphene and Chuck Gressett of Brownwood;
three grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; a beloved
brother-in-law, Ellis Porter of San Angelo and a sister-in-law, Mildred Cobb of New Jersey; and
several nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and two brothers.
Eunice was a life long servant of God, working in her church, Baptist Temple. She was a loving
wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Graveside funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at the Peace
Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park with Rev. Don Snipes, Pastor of Baptist Temple, officiating.
The family suggests memorials to Baptist Temple Church, 400 E. 11th Place, Big Spring, Texas
79720, HRA Village, 905 Highway 3 North, Texas City, Texas 77591 or Vista Care Hospice, 402 N.
Bryant Blvd., San Angelo, Texas 76903.
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley — Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big
Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com
NALLEY — PICKLE & WELCH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
BIG SPRING, TEXAS
Death Notices 01.30.06
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January 30, 2006
Marian Lee Knight Allen
Marian Lee Knight Allen, 85, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Tuesday
in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home,
5701 Highway 277 South.
Doris Collom
ASPERMONT - Doris Collom, of Granbury and formerly of Aspermont, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006.
Services are pending with McCoy Funeral Home.
Velma C. Creekmore
BROWNWOOD - Velma C. Creekmore, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are 10 a.m.
Tuesday at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Bangs Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7
p.m. today at the funeral home.
Frances Jewel Isbell
DE LEON - Frances Jewel Isbell, 82, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday in De Leon Cemetery under the direction of Nowlin Funeral Home.
Laverne Kimzey
MIDLAND - Laverne Kimzey, 79, formerly of Big Spring, died Saturday, Jan.
28, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Myers & Smith Chapel with burial in
Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Doug Riley
SNYDER - Doug Riley, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at BellCypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Dermott Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 8 p.m.
today at the funeral home.
Clydene Robinson
Clydene Robinson, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Margaret Rutledge
Margaret Rutledge, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Arrangements are pending with Elliott-Hamil
Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Charlie Samples Jr.
SWEETWATER - Charlie Samples Jr., 58, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are pending with
McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.
Bill Shack Jr.
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ALBANY - Bill Shack Jr. died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2005. Arrangements will be announced later by
Morehart Mortuary of Albany.
Sharon Elizabeth Sisk
SWEETWATER - Sharon Elizabeth Sisk, 62, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are 2 p.m.
Tuesday at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral
home.
Bill Wallace
Bill Wallace, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil Family Funeral
Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Herbert Alden 'Shine' Wesley
BRECKENRIDGE - Herbert Alden ''Shine'' Wesley, 92, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Graveside
services are 2 p.m. Tuesday in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
C.V. Williamson
FORT STOCKTON - C.V. Williamson, 89, of Fort Stockton and formerly of Ranger, died Saturday,
Jan. 28, 2006. Graveside services are 3 p.m. Tuesday in Mt. Zion Cemetery, under the direction
of Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.
Amy Ellen Wright
Amy Ellen Wright, 95, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Tuesday in
Dawson Cemetery in Lamesa, under
Obituaries 01.31.06
January 31, 2006
Billy Shack, Jr.
Bill Shack Jr., age 48, of Albany, died Sunday, January 29, 2006. Funeral services will be at 2
p.m., Tuesday, January 31st, at the First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Bruce Stovall
officiating and Rev. Don Clevenger assisting. Burial will follow in the Albany Cemetery under the
direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Billy Jack Shack Jr. was born July 3, 1957 in Breckenridge to parents Billy Jack Shack Sr. and
Rena Mae Booth. He grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 1976. He was a
member of Friendship Baptist Church. Bill Jr. was Vice President of Shack Well Service, Inc. where
he worked with his father for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Letha Shack and W.J. Booth Jr., brother,
John Robert Shack and a daughter, Chelsey Shack.
Bill Jr. is survived by his children: Tiffany & husband, Stephen Campbell, Jacob Shack & wife,
Erin, Laken Shack and Jacey Shack, all of Albany; parents, Rena Mae & Bill Shack Sr. of Moran;
sister, Sherry & husband, Robert Skinner, of Willow Park; granddaughter, Emma Shack of Albany;
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the mother of his children, Diedre Cauble of Moran; grandmother, Ola Mae Funderburk of
Breckenridge; nephew, Randall Williams of Moran; and a niece, Amy Rippy of Las Vegas, Nev.; as
well as, a very close cousin Wayne Shack & wife, Wendy, and their children Clint & McKenzie
Shack, all of Albany. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and
many great friends.
Memorials may be made to the Rob Shack Fighting Heart Award and may be left at Morehart
Mortuary. Condolences may be sent online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
Clydene Robinson
Clydene Robinson of Abilene died Sunday, January 29, 2006 at the age of 73. Clydene was born
September 4, 1932 in Oklahoma City. Her parents were Essie Hammack Rush and Clyde Rush.
She was reared in Oklahoma City and graduated from Oklahoma City Central High School in
1950. Following business college, she was employed as a secretary.
She was very active in Trinity Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, where she sang in the choir, was
the lead soprano in a young women's ensemble, and was in demand as a soloist for many church
functions. She met Charles Robinson in church in 1953. They were married in 1954. She
continued to work and helped put her husband through college at Hardin-Simmons University.
They moved to Austin in 1959 so Charles could continue his education at the graduate level. Later
she and Charles lived in Tempe, Arizona and Oxford, Mississippi before returning to Abilene in
1968.
While living in Arizona, she took painting lessons from a noted artist in Scottsdale that led to a
lifetime of painting and drawing. She did additional study in art at the University of Mississippi
and at Hardin-Simmons University. In Abilene, Clydene was president of the Athenian Study Club,
an officer in the Federation of Women's Clubs, a member of the "Dirty Drawers," and a Sunday
School teacher.
Clydene enjoyed traveling and loved to paint and read while on the many trips that she and
Charles took together. After 51 years of marriage, they remained inseparable, loving partners and
best friends.
Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Charles, of Abilene; motherin-law, Marguriete Morriss of Alamo, Texas; sister, Kathleen Taylor and her husband, Joseph, of
Wilmington, Delaware, and their three sons; dear aunt, Estella Radant of Manitowish Waters,
Wisconsin; and many loving friends including Sue Barr of Abilene with whom she shared nearly 40
years of friendship and life-long closest friend, Orvetta Scott, of San Rafael, California.
Services are under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory Street. Visitation will
be in the funeral home from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 31. A graveside service will be
at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories followed by a memorial service at
10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Memorials may be made to Hardin-Simmons University, P.O. Box 16100, Abilene, TX 796986100, or to the donor's charity of choice.
Delma Matthews
Delma Matthews, age 77, of Coleman, died Sunday, January 29, 2006 at Anson General Hospital
in Anson. Graveside services will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at the Gouldbusk
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Cemetery Pavilion. A Memorial Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home
Chapel with Rodney Martin officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
She was born Delma Lee Martin on September 2, 1928 in Gouldbusk, the daughter of Barney
Martin and Mae Pearl Martin. She grew up in Gouldbusk and attended school at Mozelle. She
married Carl P. Matthews on March 16, 1946 in Fort Worth. He preceded her in death on
December 9, 2005. She was a housewife and a member of the First Baptist Church.
She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Sherry Matthews and David Dismukes of Waco;
one son and daughter- in-law, Ted Matthews and Betsy King of Anson; one grandson, Matthew
King of Anson and numerous nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband three brothers and one sister: Dewey Martin,
Ray Martin, Bill Martin and Zelma Martin.
Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be the Martin nieces, Lazelle, Brenda, Terry, Tammy, Shelly, and Celia.
Memorials may be made to the Donor’s favorite charity.
Doris Collom
Doris Collom, 81, of Granbury, formerly of Aspermont, passed away Sunday morning. Funeral
services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday in the First Baptist Church of Aspermont, officiated by
Rev. Dan Collom, with burial to follow in the Aspermont Cemetery under the direction of McCoy
Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Mrs. Collom was born in Stonewall County to Paul Gardner & Nancy Hahn Gardner. She married
Bascom Collom June 3, 1941 in Jayton, Texas; he preceded her in death September 11, 1994.
Mrs. Collom was a member of First Baptist Church in Godley, Texas.
Survivors include: her son, Bobby Lee Collom of Godley; two granddaughters, Kim Willenborg of
Hillsboro, and Kerri McKitrick of Godley; four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Elizabeth Patton
Elizabeth Patton, 91 of Abilene, formerly of Rotan, died on January 27, 2006 in Abilene. Visitation
is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, conducted by Deacon Michael Kenny. The funeral Mass
will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. The celebrant will be Monsignor
Fred Nawarskas assisted by Deacon Mitchell Abdallah. Graveside services will be at 4:30 p.m. in
Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan conducted by Father Timothy Schwertner and Deacon Mitchell
Abdallah.
Elizabeth Grove was born February 22, 1914, in Mineral Wells, Texas to Myrtle and Joel Cranford.
She graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1929 and graduated cum laude with a degree in
Music Education from The College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Women's University). She taught
public school music in the Hull-Daisetta and Mineral Wells school systems.
She married Edward Nash Patton on November 5, 1938, and moved to Rotan. She was a member
of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rotan. Ed preceded her in death on June 16, 1971. She was
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active in community affairs as a room mother, a Cub Scout den mother, a Little League mom, a
member of several bridge clubs, and a Fisher County Hospital Pink Lady. She also played the
organ at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Her hobbies included traveling, needlework, and collecting
Hummel figurines. In 2000 she moved to the Royal Estates in Abilene.
Elizabeth is survived by her four children: Elizabeth Grove (Betty) Patton Abdallah and husband,
Deacon Mitchell of Miami, Florida; Edward Nash Patton, Jr. and wife, Sue of Abilene; Thomas
David Patton and wife, Patricia of Garland, Texas; and Robert Michael Patton and wife, Sue of
Abilene.
Elizabeth had eleven grandchildren: Monica Andrews and husband, Steve of Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Michelle Hidalgo and husband, Orlando of Plantation, Florida; Elena Abdallah and
husband, John Herr of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Mary Elizabeth Patton of Fort Worth, Texas;
Mark Joseph and Edward Nash Patton III who both preceded her in death; Major David Patton, Jr.
and wife, Karen of Harker Heights, Texas; Chris Patton and wife, Debbie of Richmond, Texas;
John Patton and wife, Tiffane of Webster, Texas; Stephen Patton and wife, Tracy of Humble,
Texas; and Brent Freeman of Jacksonville, Florida.
Elizabeth had 14 great grandchildren: Matthew and Jack Andrews; Elizabella Hidalgo; Hazel and
Pema Herr; Katie, Missy, DJ, and Janie Patton; Christopher and Michael Patton; Jessica and John
Patton; and Nash Patton.
Pallbearers are Chris Patton, John Patton, Stephen Patton, Brent Freeman, Steve Andrews, Bill
Day, and Tim Murray.
Honorary pallbearers are Maj. David Patton and Joe Martinez.
Memorials can be made to the Ed Patton Memorial Park Capital Improvement Fund c/o First
National Bank of Rotan, PO Drawer D, Rotan, Texas 79546.
Teresita LaGuardia
Teresita LaGuardia, 62, died Saturday, January 28, 2006 at a local hospital. A prayer service will
be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449
Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church with Father Robert Bush officiating.
Teresita was born on September 19, 1944 in the Philippines to Isidro Gontang and Chelerina
(Gilbuena) Gontang. On December 30, 1964, she married Russell Patrick LaGuardia in San Diego,
California. Mrs. LaGuardia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Teresita was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, Russell Patrick
LaGuardia of Abilene; her mother, Chelerina Gontang of South Lake Tahoe, California; her son
Paul LaGuardia of Abilene; three daughters, Linda Bolduc of Germany, Frances Chapman and
Bonny Blaylock both of Abilene; two brothers, Roy Gontang of South Lake Tahoe, California, and
David Gontang of Dayton, Nevada; six sisters, Josie Mokhtari of Spokane, Washington, Cecelia
LaRock of Beaverton, Oregon, Mary Ann Rounds of South Lake Tahoe, California, Betty Gontang
of South Lake Tahoe, California, Mary Albernaz of Coventry, Rhode Island, and Virginia Garrigan
of Green Cove Springs, Florida; her mother-in-law, Frances LaGuardia and sister-in-law, Carol
Blake LaGuardia both of Hackensack, New Jersey; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces,
nephews and other relatives.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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Margaret Smith Rutledge
August 27, 1919 — January 29,2006
A memorial service for Margaret Smith Rutledge, 86, longtime resident of Abilene, will be held
Wednesday, February 1,2006, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul United Methodist Church, following a
private interment service directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The memorial
service will be led by Rev. Greg Kennedy and Rev. Christi Conway, granddaughter of the
deceased. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home at
542 Hickory.
A native of Colorado City, she was born to Bird Blandford Smith and Royall G. Smith, Sr. on
August 27, 1919. She graduated from San Angelo High School in San Angelo, Texas, in 1936, and
received a B.A. degree with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1940. Mrs. Rutledge
married William K. Rutledge on May 30, 1941 in Austin, Texas. In 1949, she moved to Abilene
from Vicksburg, Mississippi, where she had lived with her husband after he was released from the
Army following World War II.
Mrs. Rutledge taught at Cooper High School until resigning in 1968 to serve on the Abilene
Independent School District Board of Trustees. She was elected to membership in Delta Kappa
Gamma, an honor society for women educators, and in 1972 was recognized by Abilene Public
School faculty as Citizen of the Year. Following her service on the school board, she was
employed by the Region 14 Education Service Center from 1974 until her retirement in 1981.
For over 50 years she was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she was
a member of the Friendship Class. A community volunteer, she was an active and then sustaining
member of the Junior League of Abilene until her death, had served as a docent for the Grace
Museum, and had volunteered at Call for Help. She was honored as a 50 year member of Kappa
Alpha Theta fraternity, having pledged the Alpha Theta Chapter while a student at UT.
Mrs. Rutledge was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Royall G. Smith, Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, and children, William K. Rutledge, Jr., of Seattle, WA,
Evans S. Rutledge and his wife, Jackie, of Abilene, TX, and daughter, Kate Rutledge Ehlo and her
husband, Mark, of Ardmore, OK; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two nephews
and one niece.
Amy Ellen Wright
Amy Ellen Wright, 95, of Abilene, passed away January 29, 2006. Graveside service is scheduled
for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Lamesa Memorial Park.
Amy was born on February 25, 1910 in Rule, TX to Anna and Alfred Gregory. She graduated from
Dimmitt High School in 1928, where she played basketball. She married Hez H. Wright on
September 8, 1929. She lived in Lamesa for fifty years, where she was very active in The Church
of Christ. She was an active homemaker, excellent seamstress. After rearing her daughters, she
worked at Lamesa Printing and Collins Dept. Store. After her husband's death on March 11, 1977,
she lived in Ft. Worth for ten years, then she moved to Abilene in 1992.
She was preceded in death by, her husband of 47 years, her parents, her brother, Jack Gregory,
her son-in-law, Les Wheeler, and her nephew, Don Gregory.
186
1-30-06
2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
She is survived by, two daughters, June Wheeler, of Abilene, Bobbie Marshall and husband Larry,
of Knott, her grandchildren, Terry Weaver and husband, Carl, of Sonora, Barry Wheeler and wife,
Betty, of Jacksonville, FL, Amy Parker and husband Steve, of Knott, Dr. Scott Marshall and wife,
Jo Anna, of San Angelo, Great-grandchildren, Cari Green, Lesli Ewing and husband, Jonathan,
Amy Green, Betsy Green, Mason and Landon Parker, Bailey and Abby Marshall, Great-greatgrandchildren, Luke Ewing, Noah and Averi Green, two nephews Dr. Carroll Gregory, and Bill
Gregory.
Marian Lee Knight Allen
Marian Lee Knight Allen, 85, died January 29, 2006, at her residence in Abilene. A graveside
service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories, officiated by Rev. David Cason
and directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.
The daughter of Emma Leona (Martin) and William Zacharia Lee, Marian was born on June 28,
1920, in Eutaw, Alabama, and moved from Birmingham, Alabama, to Abilene in 1948. She was a
homemaker. Mrs. Allen loved painting and was a member of an informal group of lady artists.
She was preceded in death by her first husband; her second husband, Woodrow W. Allen; her
parents; a twin brother; one sister; and six half brothers and sisters.
Survivors include a son, Greg Knight of Hawley; a daughter, Silvia Renfro and husband, Eldon, of
Abilene; five grandchildren, Jeff Renfro and wife, Mary, of Abilene, Dana Hunt and husband, Zach,
of Mansfield, Carla Riley and husband, Shay, of Abilene, Leigh Knight of Roundrock, and Jill Estes
and husband, Aric, of Abilene; six great-grandchildren, Eric, Kristopher, Shy Ann, Emily, Colton,
and Tori; several nieces and nephews and one brother-in-law.
Memorial may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Death Notices 01.31.06
January 31, 2006
Alfred Joe Bailey
DE LEON - Alfred Joe Bailey, 64, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Nowlin
Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in De Leon Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday at the funeral home.
Willie Dee King
ASPERMONT - Willie Dee King, 93, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Services are pending with
McCoy Funeral Home.
Juanita Hernandez Lomas
ROSCOE - Juanita Hernandez Lomas, 66, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Services are 10 a.m.
Wednesday at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel in Sweetwater, with burial to follow in
Sweetwater Cemetery.
Phyllis A. Milne
Phyllis A. Milne, 67, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006. Services are pending with The Hamil Family
Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
187
1-30-06
2006 Abilene Reporter-News Obituaries
Edith Yancy Piscacek
BROWNWOOD - Edith Yancy Piscacek died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Graveside services are 2 p.m.
Wednesday in Greenleaf Cemetery, directed by Netherton Funeral Home. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
today at the funeral home.
Bernice 'Becie' Robbins
STAMFORD - Bernice ''Becie'' Robbins, 81, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006. Services are 10 a.m.
Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery,
directed by Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home.
Charlie Samples Jr.
SWEETWATER - Charlie Samples Jr., 58, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006. Services are 10 a.m.
Thursday at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in Sweetwater Cemetery.
Ralph Tucker
BLANKET - Ralph Tucker, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at
Blanket United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Blanket Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7
p.m. Wednesday at Heartland Funeral Home of Early.
Davey Lee Wheeler
CISCO - Davey Lee Wheeler, 56, of Stephenville, formerly of Cisco, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at
Kimbrough Funeral Home.
188
1-30-06

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