Wise County Messenger Obituaries
2004
Last Names 
R-Z

The following obituaries are in alphabetical order by last name.
  (use the "searcher" on page https://www.wisecountytexas.info/ to find names, 
or Control+F to find names in the text below.)

Rains, Melissa ‘Missy’ Ann
1987-2004

Funeral for Melissa “Missy” Ann Rains, 17, of Boyd will be Monday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Christian-Hawkins Chapel in Boyd.
Rains died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in Azle.
Born Jan. 21, 1987, in Fort Worth, she was a senior at Boyd High School and a student at Tarrant County College.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Katlyn Christin Hanna.
She is survived by her father Chad Hanna and step-mother, Penny, of Boyd; mother, Diane Gilchrest and step-father, Harry, of China Spring; five sisters, Megan Butcher of White Settlement and Nikki, Lacey and Amber Gilchrest, and Ali Rawls, all of China Spring; grandparents, Royce and Linda Hanna of Cottondale, Barbara Rains of Fort Worth, and Richard and Norma Westphal of North Richland Hills; great-grandmother, Evelyn Hardin of Grafford; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and a boyfriend and best friend, Kevin Irelan of Azle.
Pallbearers will be Chad Hanna, Jared Simonoski, Benjamin Williams, Mark Rains and Joey Gilchrest.
Published Sunday, August 22, 2004

Ralls, Bobby Odell
1936-2004

Funeral for Bobby Odell Ralls, 68, of Bridgeport was Nov. 12 at Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Dr. Bill Higgins officiated. Burial followed at Salona Cemetery in Bowie.
Ralls died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 16, 1936, in Jefferson County, Okla., to Frank and Sadie (Rainwater) Ralls, he was the retired owner of Bridgeport Super Save. He was a member of the Bible Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in Korea and Vietnam.
He was preceded in death by four sisters Shirley, Juanita, Christina and Vernice and a brother, Marvin Ralls.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jimmie Ralls of Bridgeport; a daughter, LaTrecia Hamilton and husband, Alan; a son, Bobby Ralls Jr. and wife, Cathy; three grandchildren, Chasity Coleman and husband, Rusty, Holly Hayes and husband, Ryan, and Jordan Ralls; great-grandchildren, Corbin and Emerson Coleman and Casen Hayes; two brothers, Earl Ralls and Cletus Ralls and a sister, Genevia Frances.
Pallbearers were Jackie Ralls, Charlie Ralls, Sam Combs, Steven Combs, Stanley Combs, Johnny Holcomb, Billy Sheehan and John Riley.
Published Sunday, November 14, 2004

Randolph, L.B.
1925-2004

Graveside service for L.B. Randolph 79, of Rhome was Oct. 8 at Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. Ken Cates officiated.
Randolph died Oct. 6, 2004.
Born Feb. 12, 1925, in Rhome, he owned Randolph Landscape Company. He joined the U.S. Army in 1944 and served in France, Germany and Belguim under generals Patton and Eisenhower. He signed on for an additional year of service once World War II was over and served in the occupation forces with the duty of taking American officers to the Nuremberg trials in Germany. He earned a bronze star in 1946. He worked for Convair for 10 years building B-36 and B-58 bombers before opening his own business. He joined St. Marks Methodist Church in Fort Worth in 1954 and was a member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Longhorn Council.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rhonda Randolph; four sisters, Florence, Bessie, Mary and Pauline Randolph, and three brothers, Bob, Albert and William Randolph.
He is survived by his son, Layne Blake Randolph and wife, Latrica; a sister, Johnnie Corrine McCray of Sacramento, Calif., and a granddaughter, Karen Randolph, of Dallas.
Published Sunday, October 10, 2004

Rankin, James A., Jr.
1934-2004
Funeral for James A. Rankin, Jr., 69, of Weatherford was Thursday, Jan. 15 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Barney Hudson officiated. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Rankin died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 18, 1934, in Maringovin, La., to James A. Rankin and Cleo (White) Rankin, he married Ann Griffith on Feb. 12, 1974, in Durant, Okla. He was the owner of a retail furniture business and had lived in the Metroplex for more than 20 years. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Frankston.
He was preceded in death by his father and a son, J.C. Rankin.
He is survived by his wife; mother; two sons, Danny Rankin and wife, Rosa, and Dan Kemp and wife, Karen; three daughters, Cheryl Ballinger and husband, Rodger, Donna Lee and husband, Jacky, and Dana Roop and husband, Christian; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Dianna Terry and other relatives.
Pallbearers were Jimmy Rankin, Randy Rankin, Michael Rankin, Cody Holt, Travis Blanton and Daniel Lee.
Published Sunday, January 18, 2004

Rasor, Odetta
1924-2004
Service for Odetta Rasor, 79, of Bridgeport was Thursday, Jan. 8, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Kearn Choate officiated. Burial was private.
Rasor died Jan. 6, 2004, in Dallas.
She was born April 22, 1924, in Bridgeport and married Troy W. Rasor on Feb. 21, 1943, in Weatherford. She was a homemaker and a member of the Sheperd’s House in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her husband; four sisters, Opal Pike, Viola Campbell, Alta Boring and Marie Boyd and a brother, W.L. Lawrence.
She is survived by a grandson, Randy Dale Rasor, and many nieces and nephews.
Published Sunday, January 11, 2004

Rawle, Nancy
1937-2004

Funeral for Nancy Rawle, 67, of Decatur, was to be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, at Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport. W.A. Higgins was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Rawle died Wednesday, July 28, 2004, in Decatur.
Born April 23, 1937, in Teague, she married Randle Rawle July 21, 1956, in Azle. She was retired from the Fort Worth Independent School District accounts payable office and a member of Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
She is survived by her husband; a son, Leslie Rawle and wife, Susie, of Orlando, Fla.; two daughters, Linda Hall and husband, John, of Brazos and Lisa Brinson and husband, Ken, of Paradise; four brothers, Bill Foster of Saraland, Ala., Jack Foster of Gulfport, Miss., John Foster of Fort Worth, and Steve Foster of Georgia; and 10 grandchildren, Mandy, Melanie, Miriam and Will Rawle and Jennifer, Ryan and Sam Hall and Rachel, Lauren and Emily Brinson.
Published Sunday, August 1, 2004

Reasor, Gay Ann Nobles
1952-2004
Graveside service for Gay Ann Nobles Reasor, 51, of Abilene, formerly of Alvord, will be Thursday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at Aurora Cemetery.
Reasor died Monday, April 26, 2004, in Abilene.
Born Aug. 29, 1952, in Decatur, to Oma Jo and Richard Nobles, she was an employee of McMurry University in Abilene. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her mother, Oma, and step-father, Wayne Johnson, of Bayfield, Colo.; three sisters, Brenda Jo Sims of Southlake, Katherine Lynn Nobles of Grapevine and Sally Ruth Ezell of Alvord; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Bill and Clay Sims, Neil, Taylor and Scott Strange and David Wilson.
Published Thursday, April 29, 2004

Reed, Christopher Justin ‘Trigger’
1975-2004

Service for Christopher Justin “Trigger” Reed, 28, of Chico was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Doc Rogers was to officiate.
Reed died Tuesday, April 6, 2004, in Haralson County, Georgia.
He was born May 6, 1975, in Bridgeport. He was a plumber and a member of the United Brothers Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed hunting.
He is survived by his father, Bill Reed and wife, Debbie, of Chico; mother, Christine Johnston and husband, John, of Paradise; brother, C.J. Reed; grandparents, Rosemary Reed and Harris and Joyce Moore and many aunts and uncles.
Published Sunday, April 11, 2004

Reed, Earl Douglas
1951-2004
Graveside service for Earl Douglas Reed, 53, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Bill Hughes was to officiate.
Reed died Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, in Decatur.
Born June 4, 1951, in Decatur, he was a retired plumber.
He was preceded in death by his father, Travis Leon Reed and a brother, Al Reed.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Reed of Boyd; a son, Sammy Reed and wife, Amy, of Boyd; mother, Lola Reed of Decatur; a brother, Bob Reed of Mansfield; three sisters, Jerre Davenport of Rowland Heights, Calif., Nadine Dendy of Breckenridge and Janice Bisidas of Decatur; three grandchildren, Michael Lee, Jeremy Stevens and Ashley Sharp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Published Thursday, September 2, 2004

Reed, Vera Jewel
1904-2004

Funeral for Vera Jewel Reed, 100, of Decatur, was Thursday, Nov. 18, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Drs. Van Gardner and Thomas Brumett officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Reed died Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 1, 1904, in Decatur, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Eugene Reed.
She is survived by her son, Gene Reed and wife, Fay, of Decatur; a sister, Mozell Thomas of Springtown; two grandchildren, Scott Reed and Monty Reed and wife, Penny; and three great-grandchildren, Garet, Cody and Carlee.
Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

Renshaw, Helen Nabors
1912-2004

Service for Helen Nabors Renshaw, 91, of Decatur will be Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Dr. Thomas O. Brumett will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Coker Funeral Home.
Renshaw died Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born Aug. 21, 1912, in Eddy to Edgar and Mary Powell Nabors. Renshaw graduated from Trinity University and was a school teacher in Decatur for 30 years before retiring. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Renshaw.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Scott Payne, Jay Davidson, Steve Wood, Kenneth Hunt, Melton Cude and Brock Smith.
Published Thursday, February 19, 2004

Rexroat, J.C.
1927-2004
Graveside service for J.C. Rexroat, 75, of Justin was Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Aurora Cemetery. The Revs. Wendall Splawn and Joel Watson officiated.
Rexroat died Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, in Justin.
He was born Aug. 30, 1927, in Wise County. Rexroat was a retired service station attendant, an avid domino and 42 player, a Baptist and a member of the Rhome Senior Citizens Group.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Eldridge of Rhome, many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Published Thursday, February 12, 2004

Richardson, Joshua Randell
1982-2004
Graveside service for Joshua Randell Richardson, 22, of Boonsville will be at 11 a.m. on Sept. 30 at Stringfellow Moore Cemetery in Coppell. The Rev. Gary Sessions will officiate.
Richardson died Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004, in Boonsville.
Born Jan. 20, 1982, in Wylie, he was a student.
He is survived by his father, William R. Richardson and wife, Tanya, and mother Gail L. Miller; three sisters, Catrina Richardson, Catherine Richardson and Jessica Richardson; grandparents Lynn and Mary Richardson, Henry Clifford Kimbrough and Opal Palmer; two stepbrothers, Shawn and Patrick Ledford and two stepsisters, Kim and Jennifer Ledford.
Published Thursday, September 30, 2004

Ritchie, Velma
1918-2004
Service for Velma Ritchie, 86, of Stinnett will be Monday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. at Stinnett United Methodist Church,The Revs. Brian Adams, pastor of Stinnett United Methodist Church, Landrum Medlock, Darius McKay will officiate. Burial will be in Stinnett Cemetery.
Ritchie died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, in Amarillo.
Born Dec. 11, 1918, in Wise County, she was a housewife and a member of Stinnett United Methodist Church. She was an Eastern Star member for 50 years and was a past worthy matron. She married James Hoyt Ritchie on Aug. 6, 1937, in Wichita Falls.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994.
She is survived by a son, Dr. Jack Ritchie of Austin; and several nieces and nephews, including Dr. Mary Merrit of Edmond, Okla.
Visitation will be at Brown’s Memorial Chapel at Stinnett from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Published Sunday, December 26, 2004

Roberson, Jackie Ray
1938-2004
Funeral for Jackie Ray Roberson, 66, of Bedford, was Oct. 7 at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Roberson died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, in Hurst.
Born Aug. 4, 1938, in Boyd to Lon and Ardella Roberson, he was an honored veteran of the U.S. Army and a certified marksman. He worked at Bell Helicopter for 45 years as a materials inventory clerk. He was a member of Local UAW 218 and worked as a trainer on inventory handling equipment.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Lon, Billy, James and Sam Roberson.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Roberson; a daughter, Kim Fonville and husband, Mark, of North Little Rock, Ark.; a son, Kevin Roberson and wife, Alice, of The Woodlands; four grandchildren, Tyler and Tate Fonville of North Little Rock, and Morgan and Baker Roberson of The Woodlands; four sisters, LaVell Mann and husband, Billy Joe, Bobbie Ashton and husband, Tom, Beatrice Arrington and Marcine Rebstock, all of Decatur.
Published Thursday, October 14, 2004

Roberts, Cleo Thomas
1915-2004
Service for Cleo Thomas Roberts, 88, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Bridgeport, was Monday, Aug. 2. Ford McElroy officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Roberts died July 28, 2004, in Phoenix.
She was born Nov. 20, 1915, in Bridgeport to Sam and Bertie (Thompson) Thomas.
She was a homemaker.
Her husband, Roy Arnold Roberts, preceded her in death in 1983.
She is survived by her son, Eddie Roberts and his wife, Cindy; four granddaughters, Mindy Roberts, Kelli Tinsley and her husband, David, Kim Glass and her husband, Chris, and Kristi Humerstand and her husband, Darien; great-grandchildren, Chris, Jordan, Kreagen and Lauren; a brother, Truit Thomas and his wife, Ila and a sister, Vaudean Templeton.
Published Thursday, August 5, 2004

Roberts, Shelba Bisidas
1944-2004

Funeral for Shelba Bisidas Roberts, 60, of Decatur was Nov. 16 at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. Dr. Van Gardner and Bill Hughes officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Roberts died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004, in Dallas.
Born Sept. 2, 1944, in Cullman, Ala., to Toney J. and Ruth Bisidas, she was a licensed vocational nurse. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star and was a past president of the Decatur chapter of the American Cancer Society.
She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Eddie Bisidas.
She is survived by her husband, Benny R. Roberts; two sons, Charles “Buddy” Harris Jr. of Lander, Wyo., and Larry Anthony Harris of Decatur; a step-son, Jason Roberts and wife, Kristy, of Decatur; two daughters, Stacci Harris Key and husband, Joey, of Fort Worth, and Cristy Harris Franke and husband, Robert, of Decatur; a step-daughter, Tammy Barley and husband, Dale, of Bridgeport; her mother of Decatur; a brother, Larry Bisidas and wife, Janice, of Decatur; two sisters, Bonnie Kemp and husband, Stanley, and Reba Whitehead and husband, J.C., all of Decatur; 14 grandchildren, Chris and Candice Appleton of Fort Worth, Ashley and Cody Harris of Arlington, Colton Martin of Decatur, Miranda Goertz of Bastrop, Brittney Bement and Hayden Barkley of Bridgeport, Jacob and Ryan Roberts of Chico, Jason and Kassey Key of Fort Worth, and David and Dylan Franke of Decatur.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Davis, Toney Kemp, Robbie Franke, Joey Key, Joe Leake and Jessie Massey.
Published Thursday, November 18, 2004

Robinson, Alan Randall ‘Randy’
1949-2004

Funeral for Alan Randall (Randy) Robinson, 54, of Chico, was Thursday, July 22, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport. The Revs. Kenneth Wood and Jerry Carter was officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Robinson died Sunday, July 18, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 1, 1949, in Bridgeport, he was the owner and operator of Robinson Oil and Gas. He was a 1968 graduate of Chico High School and a member of the Crafton Baptist Church. He also enjoyed farming and ranching.
He is survived by two sons, Will Robinson and Asa Robinson; a daughter, Ashley Robinson Dunlap and husband, Philip; his mother, Betty Robinson and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers were Tim Boone, Rick Boone, Ernie Cox, Eddie Cox, Kim Valliant, Bill Steward, Bob Stapp, Diego Chavira. Honorary pallbearers were Elmer Cox, Doyle Gilliam, Johnny Dan Lowrance, Fred Thompkins, J.D. Coffman, P.D. Curtner, Harold Gene Pankey and Miles Moore.
Published Sunday, July 25, 2004

Robinson, Asa Royce
1982-2004

Funeral for Asa Royce Robinson, 22, of Chico was to be Friday, Dec. 24, at Hawkins Funeral Home. The Revs. B.J. Womack and Kenneth Wood were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Robinson died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born July 29, 1982, he was a waiter and a member of the Grace Outreach Church in Chico.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Randall Robinson; and his grandfather, Alton Robinson.
He is survived by his mother, Sherri Gilbreth and husband, Richard, of Boyd; a sister, Ashley Dunlap and husband, Philip, of Panama City, Fla.; a brother, Will Robinson of Fort Worth; and grandparents, the Rev. B.J. and Norma Womack and Betty Robinson, all of Chico.
Pallbearers were Milton Dunlap, Dustin Dunlap, John Mabry, Trey Hawkins, Wendell Boner, Craig Mason, Nathan McConaghie and Alvin Boner.
Published Sunday, December 26, 2004

Robinson, Dora Alice Ogle
1922-2004

Memorial for Dora Alice Ogle Robinson, 82, of Euless will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Craig Erb will officiate.
Robinson died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004, in Bedford.
Born June 28, 1922, in Jacksboro to James and Alice Ogle, she owned and operated beauty salons in Fairbanks, Alaska., and Anaheim, Calif. She liked to travel and fly fish. She married Dale “Red” Robinson April 4, 1980, in Las Vegas.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Odis Cottrell; a sister, Ollie Mae Blackburn and a brother Jim Wilson.
She is survived by her husband; a son, Vic Cottrell of Bridgeport; a grandson, Shon Cottrell of Phoenix, Ariz.; two brothers, Robert Ogle of Richardson and Johnny Ogle of Hurst; and three sisters, Millie Foreman and Betty Scott, both of California, and Martha Moore of Fort Worth.
Published Thursday, November 4, 2004

Robinson, Jimmy Dewayne
1963-2004
Graveside service for Jimmy Dewayne Robinson, 41, of Newark was Nov. 12 at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Jessie Ferguson officiated.
Robinson died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born March 25, 1963, in Fort Worth to Ervin and Mary Lee Robinson, he was a welder and a member of the Word of Life Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Robinson.
He is survived by his mother; three brothers, Ervin Jr., Danny and Lowell Robinson; three sisters, Joyce Tedrow, Shelia Waldrop and Dee Ann Waldrop; and a grandmother, Vera Barrow.
Published Sunday, November 14, 2004

Robinson, Mary Frances
1924-2004

Memorial for Mary Frances Robinson, 80, of Bridgeport will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Pleasant View Baptist Church. The Rev. Gary Demmitt will officiate.
Robinson died Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, in Decatur.
Born April 26, 1924, in Archer City to Earl and Annie (White) Phillips, she was a bookkeeper. She was active in the Bridgeport senior citizens group.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Phillips; a sister, Rosa Anderson and a half-brother, John Douglas.
She is survived by two daughters, Robin Garrett and husband, Ricky Jack and Linda Oliver; a son, Mike Robinson; six grandchildren, Jerrod, Justin, Todd and Lauren Mowery, Mirah Bradford and Roy D. Oliver; three great-grandchildren, Marshal Sproul, and Lauren and Nikki Mowery; a sister, Sue Gary; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family requests memorials be made to the Bridgeport Public Library, 2159 10th St., Bridgeport, Texas 76426.
Published Sunday, December 19, 2004

Rogers, William Marvin ‘Bill’, Sr.
1912-2004

Funeral for William Marvin “Bill” Rogers Sr., 91, of Decatur was Jan. 16, 2004, at Mount Olivet Chapel with burial at St. Paul Cemetery in Midlothian.
Born Dec. 7, 1912, in Venus, he died Jan. 14, 2004.
He received numerous safe driving awards as a long-haul truck driver.
He is survived by a son, W.M. Rogers Jr. of Andrews; daughters, Barbara Harwell of Dallas, Sandra Hukill of Springtown and Rita LeMond of Decatur; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, January 18, 2004

Rose, Jesse James
2004
Memorial for Jesse James Rose, the two-day-old son of Josh and Bobbi Rose of Decatur, will be Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel.
Born Feb. 3, 2004, in Decatur, he died Feb. 5, 2004, in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Bowen Tyler (his twin) and Thomas Alexander; his grandparents, Rick and Lisa Rose, Patricia Andrews and Gayelynn Franzel and great-grandparents, Thomas Rose and Sue Franzel.
Published Sunday, February 8, 2004

Ross, Roy ‘Jack’, Jr.
1923-2004
Graveside service for Roy “Jack” Ross Jr., 80, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Jerry Miller was to officiate.
Ross died Monday, March 15, 2004, in Decatur.
He was born March 18, 1923, in Decatur. He was a Navy veteran, a salvage retailer and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Frances Elizabeth and Cynthian Ann Ross.
He is survived by two sons, Charles Ross and wife, Anita, of Decatur, and Jerry Wayne Ross of East Burwick, Maine; one brother, Ezell Singleton Sr. of Decatur; three sisters, Franchell Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Randle and Louida Willis, all of Decatur; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Honorary pallbearers were to be Jimmy Neff Johnson, Eddie Berg, Ruben Pinkerton, Tommy Bell, Charles Johnathan Ross Jr. and Eric Devon Ross.
A final tribute with military honors was to be presented by the Wise County Veterans Group.
Published Thursday, March 18, 2004

Russell, Estie Leta ‘Doodle’
1922-2004
Funeral for Estie Leta “Doodle” Russell, 82, of Sunset was to be Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Sunset. Gerald Cleveland officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Russell died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, in Sunset.
Born Jan. 7, 1922, in Burleson to David and Edna Selman Sells, she worked at General Dynamics as an inspector and married Kenneth Russell in 1947. She lived in Newark where she and her mother ran a laundry. The family moved to Sunset in 1964 and owned and operated fabric shops in Sunset, Newark and Bowie. She served in the women’s auxiliary, raising funds for the Newark and Sunset fire departments. She was a member of the Newark and Sunset Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband; two sons, Danny Russell and wife, Doris, of Sunset, and Billy Russell of Galveston; two grandsons, Bryan and Kevin Russell; three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Cole and McKenna; and one brother, Robert H. Sells of Tyler.
Pallbearers were her grandsons, Bryan and Kevin Russell; and great-nephews, Logan Smith, Len Conant, Mark Conant and Todd Sells.
The family requests memorials be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in care of Jo McDonald, 1401 Matthews, Bowie, Texas 76230 or the Sells Cemetery, 219 Spur 511, Sunset, Texas 76270.
Published Thursday, September 2, 2004

Ryan, Linda Faye
1946-2004

Funeral for Linda Faye Ryan, 57, of Denton, formerly of Bridgeport, will be Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jim Brown Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery. Visitation was to be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel.
Ryan died Monday, June 21, 2004, in Denton.
Born Sept. 2, 1946, in Alvord, she was a 1965 graduate of Bridgeport High School and a retired operations manager for KWCS radio station in Bridgeport. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport where she played piano for a time.
She is survived by a son, Robbie Ryan; a daughter, Sharon McGuire; mother, Sylvia Oleta New; a brother, Tommy New and wife, Lynn; three sisters, Reba Brown and husband, Jimmie, Trish New and Margie Lemme; and four grandchildren, Aleesa, Natalie, Austin and McKenzie.
Pallbearers will be Rick Morales, Ricky Connally, Robbie Ryan, Jason New, Jeff Brown and John Brown.
Published Thursday, June 24, 2004

Sachse, Drew Alexander
1967-2004

Funeral for Drew Alexander Sachse, 37, of Decatur was Sept. 25, at Coker Funeral Home. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Sachse died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, in Decatur.
Born May 17, 1967, in Lubbock to Jerry Mac and Linda Sachse, he was a paint technician at Peterbilt in Denton.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie Michelle Miller Sachse of Decatur; a daughter, Fallon Sachse of Decatur; his parents; a brother, Dirk Sachse of Fort Worth; a grandfather, Walter De Armond of Childress; a grandmother, Geraldine Sachse of Fort Worth and parents-in-law Carl and Joyce Miller of Paradise.
Pallbearers were Corky Roberts, Garry Jameson, Steve Perkins, Dave Wiley, Frank Madre and Jay Higgs.
Published Thursday, September 30, 2004

Sanders, John Thomas
1934-2004

Funeral for John Thomas Sanders, 69, of Runaway Bay was Feb. 27, 2004, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Decatur. The Rev. Gilbert Pansza officiated. Graveside service followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Born July 20, 1934, in Addington, Okla., he died Feb. 24, 2004, at his home in Runaway Bay.
A retired aircraft inspector for Stroflex and Dyna Corp, he served in the U.S. Army and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Shriners. He married Mauvene Robertson July 15, 1983, in Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Udry Sanders, and mother, Clara Sanders.
He is survived by his wife, Mauvene; father, Emery Sanders; daughter, Helen Quinn and husband, Garry; son, Vernon Sanders and wife, Carol; step-sons, Wayne Wilson and James Wilson and wife, Dee; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a sister, Alliece Williams.
Pallbearers were Gary Peck, Mark Peck, Barry Peck, Joe Rawdon, Brooks Lobingier and Michael Moore.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.
Published Thursday, March 4, 2004

Sands, Cathryn
1914-2004

Funeral for Cathryn Sands, 89, of Alvord was Tuesday, May 4, 2004. Burial was at Alvord Cemetery. Bob Wilson officiated.
Sands died April 30, 2004, in Decatur. She was born Nov. 14, 1914, in Alvord to Hal M. and Nell Dillingham Sands.
She graduated from Texas Woman’s College in Denton and was a school teacher in Wichita Falls for many years. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and an active member of Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hal Sands Jr., and Lloyd Sands and a sister, Heneryetta Sands.
She is survived by nephews Hal Sands of Mississippi and David Sands of Fort Worth; nieces Susan Sands and Lisa Wolf, both of Fort Worth; and a sister, Margaret Sands of Alvord.
Published Thursday, May 6, 2004

Scaff, Ruby L.
1913-2003

Funeral for Ruby L. Scaff, 90, of Decatur was Friday at Calvary Baptist Church in Decatur. Burial followed at Sweetwater Cemetery in Wise County. The Rev. Tim Staub officiated. The Rev. Ken May assisted.
Scaff died Dec. 31, 2003, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 21, 1913, in Gray, Okla., to Roy and Bertha Teurman, she married Loyd Franklin Scaff on Dec. 14, 1932, in Decatur. She was a nurse assistant at Denton State School and a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, James Kenneth Scaff.
She is survived by a son, Loyd Ray Scaff of Decatur; two daughters, Willadene Mosley and husband, Harold, and Joyce Ogle and husband, Don, all of Decatur; three grandchildren, Mark Mosley and wife, Jean Carrol, of Coppell, Kerrie Thornton and husband, James, and Jeff Ogle, all of Decatur; and three great-grandchildren, Claire and Meredith Mosley and Emily Ogle.
Pallbearers were Jim Hodges, Gilbert Horton, Edwin Haney, Loyd Jackson, Jerry Mara, Wayne Alexander, Dean Hlad and Billy W. Adams.
Published Sunday, January 4, 2004

Schooling, Bobby E.
1947-2004
Service for Bobby E. Schooling, 56, of Decatur was Tuesday, March 30, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Randy Adams officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Schooling died Sunday, March 28, 2004, in Decatur.
He was born Dec. 9, 1947, in Decatur. He attended Decatur High School and North Texas State University, and he was a farmer and rancher. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur, where he was the organist for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Alana; sister, Barbara Boone of Waco; six nieces and one nephew.
Pallbearers were Martin Woodruff, Curtis Aydelotte, Jerry Mara, John Winder, Bert Little and Dr. Chuck Jones. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Ray and Garry Perkins.
Published Thursday, April 1, 2004

Seals, Gordon A.
1921-2004

Funeral for Gordon A. Seals, 83, of Runaway Bay was Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Larry Cox and Mason Raymond Cox officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery with the Dyess AFB Honor Guard presenting the flag and graveside honors.
Seals died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 4, 1921, in Palestine, he was a retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. serving in World War II and Korea. He married Rene Kirkland on June 2, 1945, in Comanche. He was a member of the Runaway Bay Community Church and was a 32nd degree Mason with the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Taylor; a grandson, James Seals and a sister, Haileen Roberts.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Jim Seals and wife, Vicki, of Runaway Bay; five grandchildren, Jason Seals, Lisa Podhaisky, Valeria O’Brien, Robert Taylor and Colby Miller; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Patsy Caraway of Copperas Cove and Peggy Pendergrass of Austin and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Chris Howard, Mark Rousek, Richard Kirkland, Butch Laxson, Bill Parker and Ken Kilpatrick. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Rouse, Ernest Lowdermilk and James Holland.
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004

Seelye, Ozella
1914-2004

Graveside service for Ozella Seelye, 89, of Chico was April 27, at Chico Cemetery. The Rev. Ken Hedstrom officiated.
Seelye died Saturday, April 24, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born Dec. 24, 1914, in Stephenville to U.E. and Minnie (Phelps) Talley, she was a retired mini-storage manager. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico and was a member of the Rebekahs. She married LeRoy Seelye on Jan. 6, 1935.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999; a great-grandson, Dustin Seelye; a sister, Jewel Murry; and four brothers, Carl, Raymond, Irvin and Harold Talley.
She is survived by a son, Bob Seelye and wife, Vernice, of Chico; two grandsons, Ronny Seelye and Roy Seelye and wife, Rena; and three great-grandchildren, Bobby, Ashley and Cody.
Published Thursday, April 29, 2004

Seifert, Robert Charles ‘Coonie’
1940-2004
Graveside service for Robert Charles “Coonie” Seifert, 64, of Bridgeport, was to be at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 24, at the East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Gary Sessions was to officiate.
Seifert died Tuesday, April 20, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born April 20, 1940, in Iowa to Floyd and Elizabeth (Jensen) Seifert, he was a retired employee of the city of Bridgeport and the city of Runaway Bay.
He was preceded in death by; his wife, Rita; two sisters, Betty and Mildred; and a brother, Jack Seifert.
He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Morgan and husband, Jack; two granddaughters Heather and Ariel; a brother, Alvin Seifert and two sisters, Judy Broussard and Dorothy Baker.
Pallbearers were to be Ruben Broussard, Rodney Broussard, Jerry Haddox, Billy Cox, Jeff Plumlee and David Washburn. Honorary pallbearer was to be Bill Cox.
Published Sunday, April 25, 2004

Shaver, Lottie Leona
1929-2004
Graveside service for Lottie Leona Shaver, 75, of Rhome was Friday, Aug. 6, at DFW National Cemetery. Clarence Huffman officiated.
Shaver died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, in Decatur.
Born July 15, 1929, in San Jon, N.M., she was a homemaker and member of the North Fort Worth Baptist Church. She married William Hugh Shaver in February of 1947 in Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
She is survived by two sons, William Shaver II of Hendersonville, N.C., and Keith Shaver of Roanoke; two daughters, Dena Cooper of Hurst, and Rhonda Anderson of Euless; a brother, Bobby Bertram of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister, Iona Hutchins of Clovis, N.M., and two grandchildren, Natalie VandeVuss of Denver, Colo., and Jason VandeVuss of Prairieville, La.
Published Sunday, August 8, 2004

Shaw, Joyce Marie
1940-2004
Funeral for Joyce Marie Shaw, 64, of Bowie, was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Lighthouse Assembly of God church in Bowie. The Revs. Greg Newton and Dave Maher were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Shaw died Monday, June 28, 2004, in Bowie.
Born Feb. 28, 1940, in Decatur to Lester and Louise Garrett Neighbors, she married Darrel Shaw on June 25, 1959, in Alvord. She worked for Shaw’s Plumbing of Bowie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Dale Dwayne Shaw.
She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Shelly Richey and husband, David, of Bowie; two sons, Mike Shaw and wife, Jeannette, Gregg Shaw and wife, Candy, all of Bowie; a brother, Melton Neighbors and wife, Cookie, of Alvord; two sisters, Loyce Garrett and husband, Pat, and Helen Yale and husband, Marion, all of Alvord; and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Keith Richey, Skye Richey, Chase Richey, Jordon Shaw, Brent Shaw and Eli Shaw.
Published Thursday, July 1, 2004

Shearer, George H., Jr.
1934-2004

George H. Shearer, Jr., 69, of College Station died April 6, 2004, at his home.
He was born Nov. 6, 1934, in Okmulgee, Okla. to George and Lenora Shearer. He was a retired electronic engineering technician from Texas A & M Univeristy. He was a member of Edge Church of Christ, Civil War Roundtable, Wellborn Masonic Lodge and an astronomers club.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Shearer.
He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Shearer; son, George and wife Christine Shearer of Bryan; stepsons, Kelly Catalena and Billy and wife, Courtney Catalena; daughters Melissa and husband, Darrel Flippin of Decatur and Sharon and husband Danny Tarver of Wheelock; brother Gerry and wife Mary Shearer of Edge; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Shearer; and 15 grandchildren.
Charity donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley or the Cancer Research and Treatment Center in San Antonio.
Published Sunday, April 25, 2004

Sheffield, Alva Elizabeth Queen
1908-2004
Service for Alva Elizabeth Queen Sheffield, 95, of Cleburne was Monday, April 5. B.B. Stevens officiated. Burial was at Green Acres Memorial Park.
Sheffield died March 30, 2004.
She was born Oct. 28, 1908, in Nemo to Robert Newton and Arthur Mae Moore Queen. She married Willie Thomas (Bill) Sheffield on Aug. 14, 1925. Sheffield was an Avon representative for 44 years, a lifelong member of Central Church of Christ and was active in her church and community.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Joe Sheffield and Herbert Sheffield and daughter-in-law Mary Sheffield.
She is survived by her son, Charles Sheffield and wife, Peggy, of Greenville; three daughters, Willidean (Deanie) Cooper and husband, Doug, of Decatur, Edith Sims and husband, J.O., and Madine Burt and husband, Melvin, all of Cleburne; one brother, Gene Queen; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Robert Sheffield, Craig Sheffield, Chris Sheffield, Kris Cooper, Scott Cooper and Kenneth Miller. Honorary pallbearers were Greg Hart, Jimmy Bruton, Shawn Lindsey and Ricky Cryer Jr.
Memorials may be made to the Central Church of Christ, 200 N. Wilhite, Cleburne, Texas, 76031, or a charity of choice.
Published Sunday, April 11, 2004

Shepard, Ollie V.
1916-2004

Funeral for Ollie V. Shepard, 88, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery. Visitation was to be from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Coker Funeral Home.
Shepard died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 3, 1916, in Loving, he was a plumber, a member of the Church of Christ and an Army veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Dona Shepard of Decatur; a son, Bobby Shepard of The Woodlands; a daughter, Callie Slagle of Decatur; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, October 17, 2004

Shepherd, W.J. ‘Jack’
1923-2004
Funeral for W.J. “Jack” Shepherd, 81, of Boyd, was Nov. 5, at the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. The Rev. Mark Autrey and the Rev. Steve Richardson officiated. Burial followed at Loving Cemetery in Loving.
Shepherd died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, in Decatur.
Born June 18, 1923, in Graham to Cas and Elizabeth Shepherd, he was a dairy farmer. He served in the Army as a sergeant during World War II. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Boyd, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Dairy Shrine.
He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Allen Shepherd, and two brothers, Don and Kenneth Shepherd.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lela Shepherd; two sons, Wayne Shepherd and wife, Priscilla Lou, and Kenny Shepherd and wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Leann Pierce and husband, Rusty; five grandsons, John, Clint, Kenneth and Justin Shepherd and Brant Houk; two brothers, A.G. Shepherd and Billy Joe Shepherd; a sister, Hazel Rhodes and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Mickey Shepherd, Kirk Shepherd, Clifford Buchanan, Minor Hopkins, Kenny Shaw, Richard Coan and Dennis Hudson. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Markham, Don Patterson, Pat Goodger and J.D. Niblett.
Published Sunday, November 7, 2004

Sheppard, Frances Ann
1914-2004
Graveside service for Frances Ann Sheppard, 89, of Austin and formerly of Decatur was Friday, Feb. 27, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Sheppard died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, in Austin.
She was born Sept. 8, 1914, in Childress to Frank and Martha Sanderlin. She graduated from Electra High School and took her first job as a sales clerk/bookkeeper in a department store at the age of 16. After she married William Presley Sheppard, she worked with her husband in the lumber business as a bookkeeper and manager of the paint and hardware departments. Her last years in the lumber business were in Decatur. She also spent five years as a part-time real estate agent in her husband’s office. She was active in the Methodist churches where she belonged and participated in numerous civic groups. Following her retirement, she worked regularly as a volunteer for the Decatur Library. In 1991, she moved to Austin to be near her son.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
She is survived by a son, William Presley Sheppard Jr.; brothers Ralph, Bill, Pub, Fred and Mickey Sandlin; four grandchildren, Mike Sheppard, Gary Sheppard, Lee Ann Landfair and Carol Lessenger; 10 great-grandchildren, Chris, Alex and Spenser Sheppard, Sarah, Matthew and Kristen Sheppard, Kelsey and Hutch Landfair, Kendall and Carter Schmitz and several nieces and nephews.
Published Sunday, March 1, 2004

Shetter, David
1954-2004

Service for David Shetter, 49, of Cottondale was Friday, March 26, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Revs. Melvin Strong and Jack Skidmore officiated. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery.
Shetter died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in Cottondale.
He was born Aug. 26, 1954, in Fort Worth. He was a retired exterminator. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and was former chief of the Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Cheryl, of Cottondale; four sons, Jerry Maxwell and wife, Sandy, of Brock, Chris Maxwell and wife, Tracy, of Cottondale, David Shetter and wife, Amanda, of Cottondale and Joe Maxwell and wife, Valerie, of Decatur; daughter, Deana Shetter of Burleson; 14 grandchildren; two sisters, Ann Duke and husband, Clyde, of Lake Whitney and Brenda Rankin and husband, Jim, of Fort Worth and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Steve Venable, Tony Rogers, Jerry Mazac, Bobby Boatner, Dale Brown and Chan Horne Jr.
Published Sunday, March 28, 2004

Shields, Joyce
1934-2004
Graveside service for Joyce Shields, 69, of Bridgeport will be Friday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Gentry Castleman will officiate.
Shields died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004, in Bridgeport.
She was born Nov. 14, 1934, in Ballinger. Shields was a retired dietition and a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Shields, on Nov. 15, 1989.
She is survived by her son, Ronny Shields; daughter, Sharon Gail Massey; five grandchildren, Tony, Ronnica and Cheyenne Shields and Amanda and James Massey; three great-grandchildren, Johnathan, Justin and Brian Massey; two sisters, Maybell Thomas and Arlette Cook; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Whitworth and Opal Whitworth and extended family members, Pam, Leesha, Mickey and Lacey Smart and Nik, Jeremiah and Cody.
Pallbearers will be Tony Shields, James Massey, Jamey Branscum, Bubba Garner, Jeremiah Gonzales and Nik Dillinder.
Memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Decatur, the Texas Cancer Center of Fort Worth of a favorite charity.
Published Thursday, February 26, 2004

Sides, Melvin E.
1920-2004

Funeral for Melvin E. Sides, 83, of Chico, was July 12, in Bridgeport. The Rev. Kenneth Wood officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery. A flag presentation and 21-gun salute was made by the Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard.
Sides died Friday, July 9, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 9, 1920, in Rockdale to Willie and Stella (McCoy) Sides, he was a 28-year veteran of the United States Armed Forces serving in the Navy and retiring from the Air Force. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
He married Lawana June Prater on Dec. 7, 1946 in Oak Hill, W. Va., and was a member of the First Christian Church, a former Chico city councilman and a longtime member of the VFW.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, Jack and Austin Sides and by a sister, Erlene Higginbothan.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Dale Sides of Avery, Ralph Sides of Granbury and Jay Sides and wife, Cathy, of Chico; a daughter, Colleen Self and husband, Buel, of Chico; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Bynum of Dallas and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were his grandsons: Ralph Sides II, Michael Eudy, Bryant Eudy, Matt Sides, Dusty Sides and Toby Sides.
Published Thursday, July 15, 2004

Sikes, Hazel
1918-2004
Funeral for Hazel Sikes, 86, of Paradise will be scheduled for a later date.
Sikes died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born May 2, 1918, in Goldthwaite to Richard and Josephine (Hunt) Burton, she was a beautician.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gaylord and a daughter, Jo Sikes.
She is survived by a daughter, Neva Hetfield; two grandchildren, Angela Quintana and Stacy Kline; three great-grandchildren, Andrea, Sarah and Alex Kline; and three sisters, Vera Hale, Miriam Whipple and Mary Alice Scroggins.
Published Thursday, December 23, 2004

Sipes, Charles L.
1942-2004

Funeral for Charles L. Sipes, 61, of Boyd was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004, at the First Baptist Church of Boyd. The Revs. Mark Autry and Raymond Henson were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Sipes died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004, in Boyd.
Born Dec. 27, 1942, in Weatherford to C.D. and Mary Sipes, he was a retired tubing specialist for Lockheed Martin and a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Naomi (McSpadden) Sipes; a son, Timothy L. Sipes and wife, Lauri, of Boyd; two daughters, Tammy D. Beltram of Boyd and Laina L. Furlong and husband, Jamie, of Boyd; his parents of Paradise; two brothers, Michael Sipes of Graham and Richard Sipes of Paradise; a sister, Nelda Tackett of Paradise; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Nolan Warner, Jason Nelson, Darrin Tackett, Chris Tackett, Cliff Swafford and Jay McSpadden. Honorary pallbearers were to be friends from Lockheed Martin.
Published Sunday, November 14, 2004

Slimp, Bobby Eugene
1930-2004
Funeral for Bobby Eugene Slimp, 73, of Aurora was June 22, 2004, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial was in Aurora Cemetery.
Slimp died Saturday, June 19, 2004, in Aurora.
Born Sept. 5, 1930, to Kemp Low and Corda Slimp in Aurora, he was a retired machinist. He married Verda Teske Jan. 8, 1955, in Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Olive Marie Slimp, and a brother, K.L. Slimp Jr.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Danny Slimp of Alvord and Randy Slimp of Decatur; two brothers, Alvin L. Slimp of Cleburne and Edwin Slimp of Denton; three sisters, Opal Evelyn Turner of Denton, Shirley Rochford of Fort Worth and Joan Lavern Buskirk of Midland; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, June 24, 2004

Slimp, Eula J. ‘Hokie’
1929-2004

Funeral for Eula J. “Hokie” Slimp, 74, of Boyd was to be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at White’s Funeral Home Chapel in Springtown. Burial was to follow at Cottondale Cemetery.
Slimp died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 10, 1929, in Granbury to John and Jannie Read, she grew up in Boyd, where she attended school. Slimp was fond of writing, sewing and cooking. She married K.L. Slimp Jr., on June 30, 1950, and they worked together on their farm until his death in 1991.
She is preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, David Daniel Read and Billy Joyce Read.
She is survived by four daughters, Pamela Kirby Peeper and husband, Wade, of Springtown, Deborah Leigh Slimp and husband, Timothy Virgo of Golden, Colo., Karen Rae Slimp and husband, Jeff Holland of Portland, Ore., and Shirlynn Read Slimp of Austin; five grandchildren, Eric Lee Kirby, Aaron Mitchell Kirby, Nicholas Graham Slimp- Holland, Ian Paul Slimp- Holland and Mytila Jamie Marie Slimp; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Kirby-Hall and Byron Jarred Kirby and three sisters, Jessie Taylor, Letha Wilson and Thelma Wilson.
Published Sunday, February 8, 2004

Slocomb, Beverly Jeane
1939-2004

Funeral for Beverly Jeane Slocomb, 65, of Runaway Bay will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 22, at the Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport. Roger Rhodes, Ray Wells and John Featherstone will officiate. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Slocomb died Sunday, April 18, 2004, in San Antonio.
Born Jan. 6, 1939, in Fort Worth, she married Vernon Slocomb on March 6, 1959, in Fort Worth. She graduated from Poly High School in 1957 and was a member of the Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport. She was the owner and operator of The Package Store and Memories by Jeane in Bridgeport.
She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi club for more than 30 years, past president of the Bridgeport Civic Club and the Bridgeport Area Desk and Derrick Club. She and her husband were members of the Flutterwheels Square Dance Club and charter members of the Runaway Bay Golf and Country Club.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Vernon, of Runaway Bay; two daughters, Sandra Ford and husband, Keith, and Nancy Eaton and husband, Billy Joe, all of Runaway Bay; four grandchildren, Billy Joe Eaton III and Lacy Eaton of Crowley and Kaitlyn and Parker Eaton of Runaway Bay; a brother, Marvin Balch and wife, Janey, of Bedford; two sisters, Beth Tanner and husband, Chuck, of Runaway Bay and Sharon Rich and husband, Jim, of Cleburne; a sister-in-law, Kay White and husband, Joe, of Clovis, N.M.; a brother-in-law, Steve Slocomb and wife, Kathy, of Euless and numerous other family members.
Pallbearers will be Leon Farmer, Don Erwin, Frank Trail, Jack Eison, Dan Ticer and Charles Todd.
Published Thursday, April 22, 2004

Smith, Elenor June
1933-2004
Service for Elenor June Smith, 71, of Slidell was Friday at Slidell Baptist Church. The Rev. Mark Mohler officated and David Bradshaw assisted. Burial followed at Slidell Cemetery.
Smith died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, in Decatur.
Born June 11, 1933, in Midland, Mich., she was a homemker.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Smith; three daughters, Alice Haddon of Denton, Laurie Marshall of Runaway Bay and Brenda Fox of Palmer, Ala.; two brothers, Harold Wyman of Mt. Pleasant, Mich. and Lyle Wyman of Midland, Mich.; a sister, Beverly McDonald of Durant, Mich.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, October 3, 2004

Smith, Helen Ermajean
1925-2004
Graveside service for Helen Ermajean Smith, 78, of Anna was to be Saturday, July 10, 2004, at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport. The Rev. Clay Flesher was to officiate.
Smith died Wednesday, July 7, 2004.
Born July 14, 1925, to Marvin Murray and Emma Rutland, she married T.W. “Woody” Smith in 1954 in Graham.
She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son, Kenny Yandle.
She is survived by a daughter, Tina Yandle of Anna; two sons, Paul Yandle of North Richland Hills and Robert Yandle of Cedar Hill; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Tim Murray of Wyoming; and a step-daughter, Yvonne Vaughn of Mineral Wells.
Published Sunday, July 12, 2004

Smith, James Ross
1949-2004
Graveside service for James Ross Smith, 54, of Boyd was Friday at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Weeks officiated.
Smith died Wednesday, April 21, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 19, 1949, in Boyd to Jack and Minnie Smith, he was a self-employed welder and a member of the the Boyd Church of Christ. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Jackie Howard.
He is survived by his wife, Joy; a son Jimmy Smith and wife, Alicia; a brother, David L. Smith; and two grandchildren, Walter and Carlen.
Honorary pallbearers were Clinton Sanderson, Don Johnston, Larry McBride, Randy Smith, Bob Smith and Mark Smith.
Published Sunday, April 25, 2004

Smith, John Martin, Jr.
1949-2004

Service for John Martin Smith Jr., 54, of Rhome will be Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. at Aurora Baptist Church. Jimmy Withers will officiate. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Smith died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, in Fort Worth.
He was born May 21, 1949, in Ranger to John and Rubye Smith. He was a Baptist minister and a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married Donna K. Knight on June 17, 1994, in Hurst. He was a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and Aurora Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife; seven daughters, Jenny Read of Chico, Billy Jenkins of Bedford, Crystal Wheeler of Azle, Deborah Smith of Rhome, Calandra Smith of Rhome, Michelle House of Arizona and Denise Walker Paschal of Brideport and sister, Betty Daniels, of Olden.
Published Thursday, February 5, 2004

Snow, Delois
1950-2004
Funeral for Delois Snow, 54, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. at Coker Chapel. Jimmy Williams was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Snow died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in Boyd.
Born July 28, 1950, in Lufkin, she was a journeyman electrician.
She is survived by her mother, Billie Shook of De Leon; a son, Michael Gage of Boyd; two daughters, Sheila Perry of Runaway Bay and Cindy Perkins of Paradise; two brothers, Terry Nunn of Bowie and Marty Nunn of Hartfield, Mo.; two sisters, Claudia Covert of Athens and Linda Jo Hawkins of Gorman; a dear friend, Glenn Gage of Paradise, and nine grandchildren.
Published Thursday, September 23, 2004

Snow, Fletcher Milton
1917-2004
Funeral for Fletcher Milton Snow, 87, of Fort Worth will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Charles Taylor will officiate. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Snow died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004.
Born July 23, 1917, he was retired from the city of Fort Worth.
He is survived by two sons, James M. Snow of Tamarac, Fla. and Jay E. Snow of Fort Worth; a daughter, Vada Snow-Penn of Fort Worth; two brothers, Joe Snow of Alvarado and Bill Snow of Chandler; a sister, Lorene Eiland; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, December 12, 2004

Sorrells, Georgia May
1944-2004

Graveside service for Georgia May Sorrells, 59, of Bridgeport will be Thursday, June 24 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kan.
Sorrells died Monday, June 21, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born Oct. 18, 1944, in Axtel, Kan., she was an elementary teacher. She earned a double masters degree in education and was a reading specialist. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Silver City, N.M.
She is survived by a daughter, Angela May and husband, Erik, of Bridgeport; an adopted daughter, LeeAnn Shelton of Slocomb, Ala.; an adopted son, Kevin Sorrells of Slocomb; her mother, Vera Adcock of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; two brothers, David Derby of Riverside, Calif. and Farris Derby of Kansas and three grandchildren, Sadie, Kota and Remi.
Published Thursday, June 24, 2004

Sparks, T.A.
1925-2004

Graveside service for T.A. Sparks, 79, of Boyd, was Oct. 29, at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Ken Cates officiated.
Sparks died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, in Boyd.
Born Jan. 10, 1925, in Waxahachie, he retired as a mechanic from Lockheed Martin. He was the former owner and operator of the Sparks Texaco station in Fort Worth, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Boyd and the Boyd Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Davenport.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Sparks of Boyd; three sons, Eddie Sparks of Fort Worth, Dwight Hoyt of Graham and Arlon Sparks and wife, Kathleen, of Boyd; two daughters, Judy Parson and husband, Ace, of Weatherford, and Donna Yarborough of Boyd; a brother, Charles Sparks of Grapevine; three sisters, Wanda Price of Borger, Pearlie Mae Rodgers of Euless and Naomi Davis of Quanah; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Winford Cash, J.R. Badger, W.B. Arrington, Jack Seely, Roland Walker and Hugo Brandt.
Published Sunday, October 31, 2004

Spurgeon, Lewis ‘Sonny’
1933-2004
Funeral for Lewis “Sonny” Spurgeon, 71, of Sunset will be Thursday, Dec. 9, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Tim Neely will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Visitation was to be from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Spurgeon died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Wichita Falls.
Born Nov. 11, 1933, in Commerce, he was a supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service. He married Shirley Harrison Sept. 5, 1953, in Commerce.
He is survived by his wife of Sunset; a son, Andy Spurgeon of Fort Worth; three daughters, Vicki Watson of Sunset, Dusty Ann Dyer of Arlington and Cynthia Spurgeon; mother-in-law, Marie Nichols of Arlington; six grandchildren, Philip, A.J., Dustin, April, Amber and Taryn; and two great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, December 9, 2004

Starnes, Eddie Ray
1930-2004

Funeral for Eddie Ray Starnes, 74, of Bridgeport, was to be Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Gary Sessions, the Rev. Charles Stephens and Stephen Starnes were to officiate. Burial was to follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Starnes died Monday, July 12, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born May 7, 1930, in Fort Worth to Cecil and Mary Pugh Starnes, he married Ruth Young on April 1, 1954 in Oklahoma City, Okla. He retired from Gifford-Hill as a diesel mechanic. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was also a member of the VFW.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilburn and Bobby Lee Starnes and three sisters, Lela Mosley, Frances Nail and Maggie Renbarger.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Eddie Starnes and wife, Linda, and Bobby Ray Starnes and fiancé, Bambi Kirk; three daughters, Linda Ince and husband, Billy, Mary May and fiancé, Steven Fischer, and Sherrie Lynn Dale and husband, Wayne; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, L.C. Starnes and wife, Ruby, and Billy Gene Starnes and wife, Darlene; and one sister, Jeraldene Richardson.
Pallbearers were to be Mark Clark, Benny Johnson, Cody Jobe, Chason Jobe, Stephen Starnes and Billy Young.
Published Thursday, July 15, 2004

Starnes, Maude Stanley
1915-2004

Funeral for Maude Stanley Starnes, 88, of Fort Worth and a former Decatur resident, was to be Saturday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. at Laurel Land of Burleson Memorial Chapel. Burial was to follow at Burleson Memorial Park.
Starnes died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Aug. 19, 1915, in Decatur, she retired as a self-employed seamstress.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy D. Starnes, in 1998.
She is survived by two sons, Jimmy D. Starnes and Bobby G. Starnes; a daughter, Helen R. Conditt; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, August 22, 2004

Stephens, Myrtle Lorena
1904-2004
Funeral for Myrtle Lorena Stephens, 99, of Decatur, was Oct. 25 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Robert Isham officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Stephens died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 16, 1904, in West Plains, Mo., she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ, the Decatur Quilting Club and the Oakgrove Home Demonstration Club.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Jackie O. Stephens and Coy Norman Stephens; a great-great-grandson, James Conner Williams; three brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Mary Stephens Greer of Decatur; five grandchildren, Coy Ann Stephens, Bobby Guy Stephens, Stephanie Stephens Capt, Kyle Edward Stephens and Russell Hayes Stephens; 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Coy Lyn Gregory, James Michael Gregory, Emmett Capt IV, Kyle Stephens Jr., Ross Mueller and Carl Greer.
Published Thursday, October 28, 2004

Stewart, Hollis Peltier
1922-2004

Graveside service for Hollis Peltier Stewart, 81, of Decatur was to be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Dr. Thomas O. Brumett was to officiate, with assistance from W.B. Woodruff.
Born March 5, 1922, in Dallas, he died Feb. 8, 2004, in Fort Worth.
During World War II he served in the China, Burma and India theaters and was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon retiring from the military, Stewart returned to the Sycamore community to raise cattle. An accomplished woodworker, he and his wife of 62 years, Ora Lee, owned and operated a picture frame shop in Decatur for several years.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, James Hollis Stewart and wife, Barbara, of Plano and Michael Ramsey Stewart and wife, Carol, of Centerville, Va.; a daughter, Veanna Kaye Crawford and husband, Jim, of New Braunfels, Texas; three grandchildren, Patrick and Christopher Stewart and Danny Scott Hartsell; and two great-grandchildren, Emily and Shelby Hartsell.
Pallbearers were to be Patrick Stewart, Christopher Stewart, Scott Hartsell, Fred Holt, Jake Murphey and James Crawford.
The family requests memorials be made to a charity of choice.
Published Thursday, February 12, 2004

Stokes, J.T.
1914-2004
Funeral for J.T. Stokes, 89, of Rhome was to be Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Aurora Baptist Church. The Rev. Leroy Jackson was to officiate and The Rev. Jimmy Withers was to assist. Burial was to follow at the Aurora Cemetery.
Stokes died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 28, 1914, in Rhome, he married Martyne Mize on March 3, 1967 in Rhome. He was a retired Wise County employee. He was a WWII Army veteran and a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife in July 2003.
He is survived by three sons, Tim Taylor of Boyd, Don Taylor of Boyd and Ronnie Stokes of Palestine; a daughter, Karen Tedrow of Rhome; two brothers, “Chick” Stokes of Rhome and Bill Stokes of Johnson City; a sister, Mattie Faye Baker of Rhome; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Rodney Tedrow, Jack Taylor, Chad Taylor, Kris Taylor, Stephen Stokes, Richard Simmons and Michael Splawn.
Published Sunday, August 22, 2004

Sugg, Wanda Faye
1922-2004

Funeral for Wanda Faye Sugg, 81, of Chico, was to be at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2004, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Billy Rhone was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Sugg died Wednesday, July 7, 2004.
Born Nov. 20, 1922, in Moran, she married Hershel Ray Sugg Jan. 21, 1947, in Cisco. She was a homemaker and a member of the Chico Spring Chicken Spinners.
She was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers and a sister.
She is survived by a son, Frankie Sugg and wife, Christine, of Springtown; four daughters, Raye Nell Moss and husband, Mike, Maryalin Bridges and husband, Butch, and Marsha Teague and husband, Jerry, all of Chico and Jeanene Richardson and husband, Bennie, of The Colony; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Wyatt of San Angelo and Treva Simpson of Mesquite as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Frank Sugg, Scottie Sugg, Derek Sugg, Craig Moss, Rusty Bridges, Trent Teague, Brandon Richardson and Casey Richardson.
Published Sunday, July 12, 2004

Summers, Cecil Cohn
1923-2004
Funeral with military honors for Cecil Cohn Summers, 81, of Paris was Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. The Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiated.
Summers died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in Bonham.
Born June 10, 1923, in Allen, to Luther Clarence and Vertie Alice Holley Summers, he graduated from high school and served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941–1945. He then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict. Summers retired as a Sergeant in 1967 and was a member of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association. He worked for over 20 years for the Houston Post before and after his military retirement.
He weas preceded in death by four brothers, L.C., Nelse, Ray and C.V. Summers and one sister, Juanita Dyer.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruby; two daughters, Sandra Schmidt and husband, Dr. Dennis Schmidt of Paris and Sherri Herron and Jim Page of Powderly; two sons, Steve Summers and wife, Stuart, of Decatur and Bruce Summers and Freda Blizzard of Houston; six grandchildren, Terri Hansford and husband, Kerry, of Paris, Stephanie Hughes and husband, Jason, of Round Rock, Stephen Summers and wife, Jill, of Lewisville, Susan Summers of Decatur, Denise Hacker and husband, Aaron, of Pottsboro and Leighandra Herron of Powderly; four great-grandchildren, Whitney Palmer and Nathan Palmer, both of Paris, Lee Hacker of Pottsboro and Caleb Hughes of Round Rock and two sisters, Mary Alyce Smith of Houston and Ethel Reynolds of McKinney.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7610 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75247.
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004

Swafford, Glenn Dale
1941-2004
Funeral for Glenn Dale Swafford, 62, of Park Springs was Sept. 30 at Victory Baptist Church. The Rev. Buddy Ward officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Swafford died Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, in Wichita Falls.
Born Dec. 2, 1941, in Bonita to John and Martha Swafford Sr., he married Maxine Jones June 16, 1972 in Park Springs. He served in the National Guard and was a truck driver for Rumco Inc.
He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Swafford Sr.; brother, Willey W. Swafford and sisters, Mary Romine and Martha Ann Swafford.
He is survived by his wife; children, John D. Swafford and wife, Maria, of Aspermont, Martha Ann Swafford of Bowie, Crystal Swafford of Park Springs, Glenn D. Swafford Jr. of Huntsville and Anitta Lee Swafford of Bowie; his mother, Martha West of Hamilton; brothers, Charles E. Swafford and wife, Anna, of Bowie, and John W. Swafford Jr. and wife, Cathy, of Hamilton; a sister, Ginger Cape and husband, Ronnie, of Hamilton; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Bobby Scheller, Scott Scheller, Michael Scheller, Terry Scheller, Scott Thomas and Justin Meza.
Published Sunday, October 3, 2004

Swindell, Edith
1909-2004
Graveside service for Edith Swindell, 94, of Boyd, was to be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, at Friendship Cemetery in Boyd. Elder George Walker was to officiate.
Swindell died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born May 14, 1909, in Atoka Okla., she was a retired licensed vocational nurse and a member of the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Ada, Okla.
She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Nadine Swindell of Boyd; a grandson, Jerry Swindell and wife, Carolyn, of Paradise; three granddaughters, Cathy Hendricks of Hardin, Patricia Almonrode of Hurst and Cynthia Foster and husband, Donny, of Denton; a brother Valden Jones of Seattle, Wash.; nine great-grandchildren, Kimberly, Gary, Kodi, Stacy, Lacy, Jessica, Christopher, Jerrod and Jamie and two great-great-grandchildren, Thomas and Lea.
Published Sunday, April 18, 2004

Swinney, Tom
1904-2004
Funeral for Tom Swinney, 99, of Boyd was Thursday, April 22, 2004. Burial was at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Sonny Smith officiated.
Swinney died Tuesday, April 20 in Decatur.
He was born Dec. 3, 1904 in Whitt. He was a farmer and drove a school bus for Boyd ISD for 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Swinney; two brothers, Lewis and Buck Swinney; and three sisters, Essie, Bernice and Pearl.
He is survived by his daughters, Edith Hueber and husband, Kenneth, Barbara Luster and husband Johnny and Tommie Gillespie and husband Herald; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Audie Phillips, William Lambert, Glenn Jennings, Shawn Burkett, Wayne Jennings and Joe Wayne Gillespie and honorary pallbearers Floyd Huddleston and Don Hampton.
Published Sunday, April 25, 2004

Taggart, Gertrude Leona
1916-2004
Funeral for Gertrude Leona Taggart, 98, of Decatur was to be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004, at Coker Funeral Home. The Rev. Ken May was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Lonestar Cemetery.
Preceded in death by her husband, Freeman Taggart, she is survived by her daughter, Nelda Cooper of Southlake, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were to be Mike Collins, Bernie Bowden, Homer Prestwood, Pat Garrett, Ronald Collins, Fred Snipes, Donald Neighbors and Melton Neighbors.
Published Sunday, September 26, 2004

Tallmon, Ruth Magee
1904-2004

A private family service will be held in Forestburg for Ruth Magee Tallmon, 100, of North Richland Hills.
Tallmon died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004, in North Richland Hills.
Born Feb. 25, 1904 in Forestburg to John and Elizabeth (Gibson) Magee, she became a teacher and married Albert Tallmon in 1924. She was a national flower show judge and was known among local garden clubs for her knowledge of flowers.
She is survived by her daughters, Muriel Hart, Priscilla Peers and Marlene Withers; a son, Malcolm Tallmon; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, November 18, 2004

Tamplen, Lee Manley, Jr.
1925-2004
Private services will be held for Lee Manley Tamplen, Jr., 78, of Boyd. Burial was at Long Branch Cemetery in Montague County.
He died April 17, 2004, in Decatur.
He was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Oklahoma to Ethel (Kitchens) and Lee M. Tamplen. He was a truck driver and a Baptist. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He married Billie Taylor Sept. 4, 1946 in Reno, Nev. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughters, Ann Storm of Idaho, Sue Jackson of Pelican Bay and Melissa Young of Boyd; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, April 22, 2004

Tanner, Joe
1919-2004
Funeral for Joe Tanner, 84, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, July 20, at the First Baptist Church of Joplin. The Rev. Billy Earl Rhone officiated. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin.
Tanner died Friday, July 16, 2004, in Dallas.
Born Sept. 25, 1919, in Weatherford to Joseph and Mamie (Thedford) Tanner, he married Gracie Erwin on Dec. 7, 1936, in Jacksboro. He was a retired truck driver and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Joplin.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Tanner, and two sisters, Lottie Flowers and Mary Elmore.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Gary Tanner and wife, Renee, Bill Tanner and Mike Tanner and wife, Donna; four daughters, Joann Bishop and husband, Bob, Carol Allin, Mickey Johnson and husband, Orvel, and Judy Kotrlik and husband, Joe; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a sister-in-law, Yvonne Tanner.
Pallbearers were Jim Lama, Doug Pounds, Billy Mabray, Jerry Riddle, Mark Blubaugh and Dan Thornton.
Published Thursday, July 22, 2004

Tannery, Elizabeth Sims
1930-2004
Graveside service for Elizabeth Sims Tannery, 73, of Boyd was to be Saturday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Boyd Cemetery. Steve Richardson was to officiate.
Tannery died Tuesday, March 30, 2004, in Bedford.
Born June 2, 1930, in Slaton to Odis and Iona Sims, she was a retired secretary at Texas Tech University and LaForge Corporation. She was a Methodist and a member of the VFW Post 2137.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Tannery, and a son, Odis Tannery.
She is survived by two sons, Sammy Tannery and wife, Edith, of Bridgeport and Jackie Tannery of Lubbock; a daughter, Sharon Burk and husband, Bob, of Boyd; a brother, Odis Sims and wife, Edith, of Plainview; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, April 4, 2004

Taylor, Belva Bridges
1911-2004

Funeral for Belva Bridges Taylor, 93, of Rhome was Monday, July 5, 2004. Steve Weeks officiated. Burial was at Boyd Cemetery.
She died July 3, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born June 10, 1911, in Keeter.
She was the owner of Read-Bridges Super Save and a member of the Boyd Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lonzo Bridges; her second husband, Joe Taylor; a brother Marvin Wilson; and three sisters, Vera Schafer, Pauline White and Thelma Locke.
She is survived by her daughters, Janice Reed and her husband, Jackie and Sue Harvey and her husband, Ronnie; brother, William T. Wilson; sister, Lavelle White; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jackie Loyd Read, Ronnie White, Rick Ruth, Lee Nelson, Rocky Bransom and Dylan Bransom.
Published Thursday, July 8, 2004

Taylor, Earnestene
1929-2004

Service for Earnestene Taylor, 74, of Boyd was to be Saturday, March 13, 2004, at Aurora Baptist Church. The Rev. Wayne McCoy was to officate with the Rev. Mike Stephenson assisting. Burial was to be at Boyd Cemetery.
Taylor died Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Boyd.
She was born Dec. 11, 1929, in Newark to Glen and Velma Splawn Gargis.
She retired from Continental State Bank after 42 years and was a member of the Rhome Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ricky Taylor.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lawrence Taylor; daughter-in-law Terry Williams and husband, Johnny; grandchildren Lawrence Taylor, Teenie Taylor, Kyle Erwin and Jessica Taylor; great-grandchildren Andrew and Hayden; sister Katherine Johnston and sister-in-law Joyce Saunders.
Pallbearers were to be Kenny Byers, Royse Ruddick, Richard Young, Robert Miles, Steve Barrons, Rip Butler and Bobby Miles.
Published Sunday, March 14, 2004

Taylor, Eula Mae
1915-2004
Service for Eula Mae Taylor, 89, of Decatur was Tuesday, April 6, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ken May officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Taylor died Saturday, April 3, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born Feb. 20, 1915, in Jones County and married Henry Lee Taylor on Dec. 6, 1931, in Rule. She was a retired caregiver at the Denton State School and a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Melvin Taylor.
She is survived by two daughters, Pat Mara and Sue Harris, both of Decatur; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and special children Vic Esparanza, Eddie and Jennifer Romo, all of Decatur.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Ricky Mara, Drew Mara, Todd Mara, Nathan Mara, Caleb Burk and Vic Romo.
Published Thursday, April 8, 2004

Taylor, Gordon W.
1934-2004
Memorial for Gordon W. Taylor, 70, of Aztec, N.M., was Nov. 8 at the First United Methodist Church of Aztec.
Taylor died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, in Aztec.
Born Sept. 10, 1934, in Freer to George Ray and Agnes Mae Taylor, he grew up in Decatur. He worked overseas as an oilfield consultant and traveled during that time. During his retirement, he worked for the Senior Companion Program through San Juan College in Farmington, N.M.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca, and a grandson, Matthew.
He is survived by a sister, Pat Wallace, of Carthage; two sons, Paul Reid Taylor of Abilene and G. Scott Taylor and wife, Becki, of Loma, Colo.; a daughter, Tracie Grace and husband, Ryan, of Aztec; six grandchildren, Glenda Lucero and husband, Eugene, Cody, Kristin, James and Tyler Taylor and Lauren Simpson and husband, Jason; and five great-grandchildren, Aaron and Ethan Simpson and Cassandra, Bryson and Brooklyn Lucero.
The family requests memorials be made to the Senior Companion Program.
Published Thursday, November 11, 2004

Taylor, Tommy Lee
1941-2004
Graveside service for Tommy Lee Taylor, 63, of Fort Worth will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 in Chico. The Rev. Bill Cleveland will officiate. Visitation was to be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home.
Taylor died Dec. 5, 2004 in Fort Worth.
He was born Jan. 21, 1941 in Hereford.
He was a senior maintenance technician for Haliburton in Carrollton and had served in the Navy.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Friona, the Summerfield Masonic Lodge, the Haltom City Moose Lodge and the Haltom City VFW.
He was preceded in death by his son, James W. Taylor and sister, Margaret Taylor.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Saundra Taylor of Fort Worth; son, Shawn Lee Taylor of Fort Worth; grandsons, James Taylor Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., and Cody Lee and Colton Shawn Taylor of Fort Worth; mother, Alma Ione Taylor of Ennis; and three brothers, James D. Taylor of Haltom City, Ron Taylor of Alvord and John Taylor of Garland.
Pallbearers will be Okie Stockton, Kenny Ludwick, John Irving, Ken Hancock, Ray Shipley and Mike Watts.
Published Thursday, December 9, 2004

Taylor, Wanda May
1944-2004
Graveside service for Wanda May Taylor, 59, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1 in Wise County. Kenny Cates was to officiate.
Taylor died Thursday, March 4, 2004, in Bridgeport.
She was born April 4, 1944, in Taylor County and married Eddie Taylor in 1961 in Abilene. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
She is survived by her husband; mother, Lillian Louise McDonald; son, Eddie Taylor Jr. of Bridgeport; daughter, Ronda Scheller of Bridgeport; four brothers, Melvin McDonald of San Marcos and Joe, William and James McDonald, all of Poteet; three sisters, Judy Hartsfield of San Antonio, Louise Stinnett of Poteet and Helen Woodard of Fort Worth; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, March 7, 2004

Taylor, William Lee
1917-2004
Funeral for William Lee Taylor, 87, of Bridgeport was Monday at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Gary Sessions officiated.
Taylor died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born July 9, 1917, in Greenwood, he retired as a farmer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. He married Hazel Gregory June 5, 1989 at Lake Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Taylor; a grandson, Allen Motley; four brothers, Henry, Carl, Johnny and Claude; and two sisters, Inez Lively and Lola May Foster.
He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Linda Motley and husband, Richard, and Virginia Storm and husband, Alvin; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence Taylor and Walter Ray Taylor and a sister, Lillie Taylor Sherman.
Pallbearers were Glen Geron, Vernon Worley, Edward Taylor, Dwayne Taylor, Ronnie Taylor and David Taylor.
Published Thursday, September 2, 2004

Templeton, William Lester ‘Billy’
1962-2004

Memorial for William Lester “Billy” Templeton, 42, of Chico was Nov. 1 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel.
Templeton died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Chico.
Born Oct. 19, 1962, in Willits, Calif., he was a construction worker. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and while he was stationed in Germany, he witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall.
He is survived by a sister, Jayne Hall and husband, Robert, of Weatherford; three brothers, John Templeton of Willits, Allen Templeton of Elkland, Mo., and Michael Templeton of Jonesboro, Ark.
Published Thursday, November 4, 2004

Terrell, Greg
1967-2004
Service for Greg Terrell, 36, of Decatur was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jerry Miller was to officiate with burial at Paradise Cemetery.
Born Aug. 16, 1967, in Bridgeport, he died Feb. 1, 2004, in Kerrville.
A graduate of Decatur High School and member of the First Baptist Church, he worked in retail sales.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Julia Cook and B.J. and Norma Terrell.
He is survived by his mother, Vickie Holmes and husband, Coley, of Decatur; his father, Jerry Terrell and wife, Rachel, of Tulsa; one daughter, Laci Terrell of Bridgeport; a sister, Robin Kendrick of Tulsa; and four brothers, Chris and Jason Holmes of Decatur, Sam Holmes of Carrollton and Jeff Harrison of Decatur.
Pallbearers were to be Robert Cook, Rusty Terrell, Steven Terrell, Sam Holmes, Jared Hornback and Josh Hornback. Honorary pallbearers were to be Chris Holmes, Jason Holmes and Jeff Harrison.
Published Thursday, February 5, 2004

Terrell, Madge Scott
1904-2004
Graveside service for Madge Scott Terrell, 99, of Decatur was April 26. The Rev. Thomas O. Brumett officiated.
Terrell died Saturday, April 24, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 8, 1904 in Rhome, she was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur. She married Tom L. Terrell Sr. Nov. 15, 1929, in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Tom L. Terrell Jr.; a brother, O.V. Scott, and a twin sister, Blanche Scott Ferguson.
She is survived by neices and nephews Ann Williams of Decatur, Dorothy and John Estill of Fort Worth, O.V. and Fran Scott of Austin, Mike and Pat Scott of Rockport and James and Sue Deakins of Tyler.
Pallbearers were her nephews and great-nephews.
The family requests memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Decatur.
Published Thursday, April 29, 2004

Thieme, Roy Allen, Jr.
1990-2004

Funeral for Roy Allen Thieme Jr., 13, of Paradise, was to be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Burial was to follow at Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.
Thieme died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in Montague County.
Born Dec. 22, 1990, in Fort Worth to Roy and Carol Thieme, he was a member of the award-winning Bridgeport Middle School team that competed in the Texas Math and Science Competition.
He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Tyler and Brandon Thieme; and grandparents Sally Roberson and Roy and Binnie Thieme.
The family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, youth ministry, 1204 12th St., Bridgeport, Texas 76426.
Published Thursday, August 12, 2004

Thomas, Alfred Nicholas
1917-2004
Graveside service for Alfred Nicholas Thomas, 86, of Boyd was Feb. 3, 2004, at Isham Cemetery on John T. White Road.
Born Oct. 4, 1917, in Fort Worth, he died Jan. 31, 2004, in Boyd.
Thomas was a retired construction contractor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Tidwell) Thomas, and a sister, Louise Wooten.
He is survived by his son, Bobby Thomas and wife Brenda; daughter, Beverly King and husband, Jim; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, February 5, 2004

Thomas, Lucile Montford
1912-2004

Funeral for Lucile Montford Thomas, 91, of Bridgeport was to be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Duane R. Bidwell was to officiate. Burial was to follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation on Saturday was to be from 10 a.m. to noon.
Thomas died June 30, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born July 25, 1912, in Bridgeport to John and Emma Jeter Montford, she married Homer Thomas in 1932. She was a retired bookkeeper for Alvin Holt Plumbing and secretary for Bridgeport Plumbing and Supply. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport where she served as an elder for several years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years in 1979.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Drain and husband, Berl, of Fort Worth and Sondra Craig and husband, Max, of Granbury; five grandchildren, Gary Drain and wife, Leslie, of Burleson, Karen Drain Albritton of Bedford, Scott Drain and wife, Karen, of Plano, Jon Davis of Watauga and Lori Drain Herbert and husband, Ty; six great-grandchildren, Adrianne and Clinton Drain, Tylor and Tori Herbert and Connor Drain; a sister, Mary Jan Hartsell of Bridgeport; a brother-in-law, Truitt Thomas and wife, Ila; sisters-in-law, Jewelle Montford, Cleo Roberts, Vaudeen Gilliland, Mozelle Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Gary Drain, Clinton Drain, Tommy J. Roberts, Matt Roberts, David Montford and Ty Herbert.
Published Sunday, July 4, 2004

Thompson, Ethel R.
1939-2004

Service for Ethel R. Thompson, 107, of Alvord was to be Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Union Hill Baptist Church in Alvord. Curtis Eason was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Thompson died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born July 28, 1896, in Toccoa, Ga., and married J.C. Thompson on Jan. 27, 1923, in Olney. She was a homemaker and a member of Union Hill Baptist Church in Alvord since 1940.
She is survived by her son, Odell Thompson of Azle; daughter, Ida Erline Pierce of Alvord; sister, Verna Beatty of Washington; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were to be Kenneth and Garry Pierce, Raymond Barnett, Jerry Hutto, DeWayne Sherwood and Rex Frye. Honorary pallbearers were to be Damon Pennington, Roger Jones, David Goodwin and Danny Meyer.
Published Sunday, March 14, 2004

Thornton, Betty J.
1927-2004

Memorial for Betty J. Thornton, 77, of Boyd was Nov. 10 at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth.
Thornton died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004.
Born Jan. 24, 1927, in Whitewright, she worked as a seamstress for 50 years, retiring in 1995. She was an avid bowler and a former member of the Fort Worth and Dallas Association of the Deaf.
She is survived by her husband of 29 years, LV Thornton; three daughters, Debbie White, Marcie Watson and Cathy Thornton; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, James and C. B. Ashley; and a sister, Ann Kelley.
Published Thursday, November 11, 2004

Thornton, LaVana Marcelle
1922-2003
Service for LaVana Marcelle Thornton, 81, of Westlake was to be Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. at Morris Memorial Methodist Church in Chico. the Rev. Elaine Bussey was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Thornton died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Fort Worth.
She was born March 14, 1922, in Chico to Melvin and Ruth Robinson. Thornton attended Chico High School and Texas Christian University. She helped to renovate the historic Bass Grocery building in Chico that will be used as a private museum. She was also involved in the development of the Marcus Robinson Park in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Hines.
She is survived by one son, Stephen Thornton of Westlake; daughter, Janet Tracy of Nacogdoches; seven brothers, Gerald Robinson of Newark, Melvin Jr. and Don Robinson of Chico, David and Paul Robinson of Fort Worth, Richard Robinson of Cresson and Stanley Robinson of Arlington; three sisters, LaVelle Massie, Rita Strong both of Chico and Carolyn Thompson of Mineral Wells; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jeremy Pratt, Joel Pratt, Jeffrey Thornton, Thomas Tracy, Gregory Graham and Lee Graham.
Memorials may be made to the Bass Grocery Museum of Chico, P.O. Box 542, Chico, Texas, 76431 or Marcus Robinson Park of Chico, 200 Lee College St., Chico, Texas, 76431.
Published Thursday, January 1, 2004

Throneberry, Robert Edward
1951-2004
A memorial service will be held at a later date for Robert Edward Throneberry, 52, of Euless.
Throneberry died Aug. 13, 2004, in Euless.
Born Dec. 19, 1951, in Wichita Falls, he was a truck driver and a Christian.
He is survived by his father J.B. and step-mother Mary Throneberry; two brothers, Steve Throneberry of Missouri and Tom Throneberry of Duncanville; and an aunt, Karen Rattan of Decatur.
Published Thursday, August 19, 2004

Tiller, Omar Lee
1925-2004

Funeral for Omar Lee Tiller, 78, of Chico was April 27, at the First Baptist Church of Chico. The Rev. Ken Hedstrom officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Tiller died Saturday, April 24, 2004, in Chico.
Born April 30, 1925, in Calvin, Okla., to Obid and Myrtle Tiller, he was a retired truck driver. He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy and married Alice Keeter on Nov. 6, 1952, in Durant, Okla.
He was preceded in death by five brothers and a sister.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Raymond Tiller and wife, Dianna, and Bruce Tiller; five daughters, Diana Parker and husband, Bobby, Carol Renner, Vickie Scheller, Myrtle Moody and husband, Shorty and Rita Waldrep and husband, Tony; a brother, Delbert Tiller; three sisters, Peggy Moon, Lometa Forbis and Mary Nashworthy; 25 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were William Renner Jr., Travis Renner, Joshua Lee Tiller, Jeremy Wayne Tiller, Joseph Daniel Scheller, Chris Tiller, Jody Tiller and Tanner Waldrep.
Honorary pallbearers were Blake Waldrep, Dillon Waldrep, John Johnson, Jeffery Scheller and Dakota Williams.
Published Thursday, April 29, 2004

Todd, Dorothy Jo
1927-2004

Funeral for Dorothy Jo Todd, 77, of Boyd will be Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Springtown. Dr. Hal Kinkeade will officiate. Burial will be at Garvin Cemetery.
Todd died Nov. 18, 2004, in Weatherford.
She was born July 6, 1927, in Boyd to Earl and Audra (Crownover) Read.
She was a homemaker and antique dealer. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Springtown and the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patty Davis; and brothers, Foy “J.W.” Read and James P. Read.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Monte Todd; sons, Lynn Todd and wife, Charlotte, Jesse Pierrard, James Davis and Terry Davis and wife, Christy; daughter, Janice Woodyard and husband, Mike; three grandchildren; and a brother, Jack Read and wife, Virginia.
Pallbeaers will be Rusty Johnstone, Larry Johnstone, Craig Harrison, John Read, Monte Jackson, Johnnie Joe Jackson and Darrel Neely.
Published Sunday, November 21, 2004

Tolliver, Danny Lee
1955-2004
Funeral for Danny Lee Tolliver, 48, of Decatur was Thursday, July 1, 2004. Kenneth Wells officiated. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Tolliver died Monday, June 28, 2004, in Ponder.
He was born Dec. 29, 1955 in Dallas. He was a truck driver and a Baptist.
He is survived by his mother, Ramona Ivy of Lewisville; father, Charles Tolliver of Boyd; wife, Lacreta Franke Tolliver of Decatur; sons, William Chance Tolliver of Dallas, Danny Lee Tolliver Jr. of Chico and David and Dylan Franke, both of Decatur; four brothers, Charles David Tolliver of Dallas, Darrell Ray Ivy of Flower Mound, Billy Joe Tolliver of Louisiana and Bobby Lee Tolliver of Boyd; and three sisters, Janice Lynn McCain of Chico, LaDona Jean Tucker of Paradise and Deirore Ann Staton of Keller.
Pallbearers were Mark Tolliver, Teddy St. John, Les McCain, Danny Grant, Jack Evans and Scott Reed.
Published Thursday, July 8, 2004

Torrence, Dixie
1935-2004
Service for Dixie Torrence, 68, of Azle was to be Saturday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Azle. Burial was to follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Torrence died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, in Fort Worth.
She was born Sept. 28, 1935, in Waco to Dick and Bess Owens Torrence. She graduated from Boyd High School, and her family owned Boyd Telephone Company. She was a longtime resident of Azle and avidly used her PC and the Internet.
She was preceded in death by a sister.
She is survived by her son, Dan Lockhart and wife, Kathy, of Azle; sister, Glenda Goodrich and husband, Vernon, of Azle; brother, Cliff Torrence and wife, Claudell, of Plano; three grandchildren, Dana, April and D.J. and a great grandchild, Avarie.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Azle Building Fund, 1016 Boyd Road, Azle, Texas, 76020.
Published Sunday, February 1, 2004

Torres, Salvador ‘Chito’
1928-2004

Service for Chito Torres, 75, of Bridgeport was Monday, Jan. 19, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Norman Retherford officiated. Burial was at Lone Star Cemetery in Rocky, Okla.
Torres died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004.
He was born Sept. 15, 1928, on the LaCopita Ranch in Starr County to Jesus and Maria Inez (Salinas) Torres. After receiving an education in Starr County, Torres began working in the oil field for Halliburton in the 1940s. From 1951 to 1954, he lived in Tennessee as a farmer until he was hired by Havana Materials in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1956, Torres moved to Cordell, Okla., and married LaNita Jane Nichols on Sept. 6, 1959. They then moved to the Texas Panhandle and lived in Amarillo, Dalhart, Brownfield and Lubbock while he helped build U.S. 287. They moved to Bridgeport in August 1961. From 1971 to 1981, Torres worked for York Trucking. While working for Wayne Andreason as a diesel mechanic, he built more than three trucks from the ground up as well as maintaining a fleet of more than 28 trucks. In 1988, Torres retired from Anderson Water Well Service for medical reasons. He was a member of the General Assembly Church of the First Born.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, DeWayne Torres of Oklahoma City and Brian Torres and wife, Dixie, of Cleveland, Okla.; one daughter, Teresa Richey of Lewisville; three brothers, Tony Torres and wife, Alicia, of Mission, Leo Torres and wife, Lupita, of Weslaco and Luis Torres and wife, Virginia, of Mission; four sisters, Rebecca Marrero of Seattle, Manuela Nino of San Antonio, Lydia Garza and husband, Jose Angel, of Chicago, Bertha Gonzalez and husband, Antonio, of Edcouch; two grandchildren, Katie Torres of Tulsa, Okla., and Derek Richey of Lewisville; mother-in-law Lottie Nichols; sister-in-law Verna Foust and husband, Scott; daughter-in-law Tami Torres of Oklahoma City and many nieces and nephews.
Published Thursday, January 22, 2004

Trussell, Oleta Joyce
1934-2004

Memorial for Oleta Joyce Trussell, 70, of Rhome was on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the First Baptist Church of Aurora. Burial followed at Masonic Cemetery of Seymour.
She died Nov. 16, 2004, in Rhome.
She was born July 31, 1934, in Seymour to Clinton and Mae Wright. She married Joseph Trussell in 1951. They lived in Rhome for more than 30 years. She loved to travel and visit relatives. She treasured her doll collection and was an avid reader.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Worthington Belknap, an infant son, Phillip Trussell, two sisters and a brother.
She is survived by her husband; son and daughter-in-law, Dusty and Cindy Trussell of Sanger; daughter and son-in-law, Twilia and Thom Spencer of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Jackie Gleghorn of Seymour; grandchildren, Misti and Larry Skidmore, Jessica and Matt Ramey, Lana and Mike Youngblood, Josh and Wendy Worthington, Brad Trussell, Jill Spencer, Elizabeth and Danny Hernandez and Adam Spencer; and great-grandchildren, Derek Robinson, Randi Driggers, Colleen Worthington, Dexter Robinson, Nathan Skidmore, Collin Ramey, Jacob Worthington, Michael Worthington, Nicholas Ramey, Shon Youngblood, Isabella Skidmore and Kyliegh Hernandez.
Pallbearers were Jim Terrier, Chuck Terrier, Joey Gleghorn, Glenn Gleghorn, Monty Stevens, Jeff Wright and Relda Hutchins.
Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

Turner, Billie Burchfield
1932-2004

Service for Billie Burchfield Turner, 71, of Fort Worth was Friday, Jan. 30, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. David Wilson officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Turner died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, in Fort Worth.
She was born July 4, 1932, in Harrold to Charlie and Winnie Burchfield. Turner was a retired worker at Colonial Cafeteria in Fort Worth and was a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Adams.
She is survived by two sons, Scott Turner and wife, Marian, of Saginaw and Kevin Charles Turner and wife, Faith, of Morgan, Utah; four grandchildren, Jessica, Kristen, Piper and Peyton; two brothers, Wayne Burchfield and wife, Faye, and Glenn Burchfield and wife, Juanita, and sister, Murline Tarrant.
Pallbearers were Billy Jennings, Gary Mosley, Wayne Burchfield Jr., Sammy Turner, Ricky Turner and David Hill.
Published Sunday, February 1, 2004

Underwood, Willie ‘Billie’ Maud
1921-2004
Service for Willie “Billie” Maud Underwood, 82, of Sanger was to be Wednesday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at Bolivar Baptist Church. The Rev. Dickie Amyx and Dr. E.L. McNeal were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Bolivar Cemetery.
Underwood died Monday, April 5, 2004.
She was born May 18, 1921, in Decatur to William Stanley and Minnie Ola (Holliman) Lambert. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Florence Hardy and Lorene Dickerson and four brothers, Sam, Dick, Floyd and Otis Lambert.
She is survived by her husband, Olin Travis Underwood of Sanger; daughter, Sharon Woolard and husband, George, of Sanger; son, Bill Geron and wife, Marti, of Hurst; two sisters, Betty Caraway of Midland and Ruby Smith of Denton; six grandchildren and nine grat-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jeff Johnson, Scott Geron, Lance Edgar, Kyle Geron, Frank Bradey and Ken Carmona.
Published Thursday, April 8, 2004

Upton, Rae Jeanine
1937-2004

Funeral for Rae Jeanine Upton, 66, of Decatur will be Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Wayne Allen, Ken May and Barry Jameson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation was to be Saturday, Jan. 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home.
Upton died Friday, Jan. 9, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born March 18, 1937, in Denton to A.E. and Beatrice Morin, she was a retired school teacher for Decatur ISD. She taught 4th and 5th grades for 26 years. Upton graduated from Celina High School and Texas Woman’s University in Denton. She married Ken Upton on Dec. 27, 1959, in Odessa.
She is survived by her husband; three daughters, Terri Moore and Susie Jameson, both of Little Elm, and Judy Mashburn of Decatur; a brother, Dwayne Morin of Dallas and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Todd Scroggins, Brad Harrison, Chip McFerrin, John Barnes, Chris Gage, Drew Gage, Micah Renfro, Greg Walker, Zach Renfro and Denado Lopez.
Published Sunday, January 11, 2004

Valentine, Michael Joseph, Jr.
1975-2004
Service for Michael Joseph Valentine Jr., 29, of Decatur was to be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Blue Bonnet Hills Chapel in Colleyville with Raymond Johns officiating. Burial was in Blue Bonnet Hills.
Valentine died Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in Wise County.
Born March 3, 1975, at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, he was a firefighter and paramedic for Denton Fire Station No. 3. He was an Air Force veteran and a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Valentine of Decatur; three sons, Tanner, Ty and Trey Valentine of Decatur; his parents, Mike Valentine of Grapevine and Gwen Valentine of Keller; two sisters, Hilary Duncan of Keller and Shara Copeland of Hurst; grandparents, P.D. and Sara Jeffcoat and J.W. Valentine, all of Grapevine; and four nieces.
Memorials may be made to the Denton Firefighter Memorial Fund for Michael Valentine at any Denton Area Teachers Credit Union.
Published Sunday, June 6, 2004

Vandiver, Jimmy Stuart
1944-2004
Graveside service for Jimmy Stuart Vandiver, 60, of Decatur was Sept. 13, at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Vandiver died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Aug. 6, 1944, in Decatur, he was a salesman and served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Hailey and husband, Brian, of Phoenix, Ariz. and four grandchildren, Amanda, Blake, Brandon and Alexis Hailey.
Published Thursday, September 16, 2004

Vess, Ronny
1946-2004

Funeral for Ronny Vess, 58, of Rhome, was Dec. 6 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Roy Deaver officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 2.
Vess died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, in Rhome.
Born Sept. 10, 1946, to Clarence and Della Vess in Boyd, he was a farmer and a member of the Rhome Church of Christ. He coached pee-wee football in Boyd for 25 years. He was also past president of Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 2 Association and Republican Precinct No. 27 chairman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Laura Sue Vess; and a son, Collin Daniel Vess.
He is survived by his wife, Deyon Vess; four sons, Zach Vess, Danny Vess and wife, Stacey, David Vess, and Donny Vess and wife, Terry; a daughter, Alex Vess; a brother, Herman Wolfe; six sisters, Louise Parkey, Doris Jolly, Barbara Hightower, Joyce Inman, Margie Inman and Susanne Lowe; and five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Dustin, Donovan, DyJon and Dawnyel.
Pallbearers were Sam Connally, Gary Davidson, Mark Lyon, Junior Smith, Tommy Wallace and Mike Willbanks. Honorary pallbearers were Terry Dennis, Don Patterson, Gary Pegues and Gary Rasbury.
The family requests memorials be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 2 Association.
Published Thursday, December 9, 2004

Vidal, Aleigha LaChelle
2001-2004
Funeral for Aleigha LaChelle Vidal, 2, of Newark was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at the Hurst Assembly of God Church. Burial was to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Vidal died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004.
She was born July 19, 2001, in Fort Worth to Evan and Jessica Rose Vidal.
She is survived by her parents; grandparents, Eric Vidal and Robert and Deborah Rose; great-grandparents, Bart and Irene Vidal, Ruth Brown, Marie Rose and Shirley and Ken Coppedge; one aunt, Kendall Vidal, and three uncles, Addison Vidal, Jacob Rose and Brent Rose.
Published Thursday, March 4, 2004

Vidal, Xander Vincent
2004

Funeral for Xander Vincent Vidal, six-month-old son of Evan and Jessica Vidal of Newark, was Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, at Hurst Assembly of God. Burial was at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery. Born April 15, 2004, in Fort Worth, he died Oct. 27, 2004, in Dallas.
He is survived by his parents and grandparents, Robert and Debbie Rose of Decatur and Eric Vidal of Dallas.
Published Thursday, November 4, 2004

Vincent, Mac W.
1928-2004
Funeral for Mac W. Vincent, 75, of Krum was March 23 in Denton. Burial followed in the Jackson Cemetery in Krum.
Vincent died Saturday, March 20, 2004, in Arlington.
Born April 10, 1928, in Graford to Walter C. and Lula Elizabeth Edgin Vincent, he married Oreta Carter Aug. 4, 1950, in Mineral Wells. He earned a master’s degree from North Texas State University and was a member of the Church of Christ, Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge. He was a superintendent of Chico ISD from 1978 to 1986 and Krum ISD from 1962 to 1978.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 2000 and a sister, Joan Hinshaw, of Decatur.
He is survived by a daughter, Sharla Boles of Denton; three sons, Mac Vincent Jr. and wife, Lou, of Krum, Brian Vincent and wife, Martha, of Krum and Kevin Vincent and wife, Rena, of Krum; two brothers, W.C. Vincent of Gainesville and Walton “Buddy” Vincent and six grandchildren, Chris, Nick, Melissa, Laura, Meagan and Samantha Vincent.
Pallbearers were Eric Vincent of Decatur, Cullen Vincent of Denton, Kenneth Dodd of Krum, Kevin Marshall of Krum, Gan Grundy of Era and Michael Zangoei of Era.
Published Thursday, March 25, 2004

Von Heuvel, James E.
1927-2004

Service for James E. Von Heuvel, 76, of Paradise was Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Paradise. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery.
Von Heuvel died Jan. 30, 2004, in Bridgeport.
He was born Dec. 8, 1927, in Robstown to Herman and Jennie (Pair) Von Heuvel. He married Patsy Plymell on Aug. 14, 1948, in Paradise. He was a retired truck driver and a lifetime resident of Paradise. Von Heuvel was a member of the First Baptist Church of Paradise, the Odd Fellows and a life member of the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry and Herman Von Heuvel.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years; one son, David Von Heuvel and wife, Brenda; three daughters, Gloria Brewer and husband, Tom, Mary Holt and husband, Ronny, and Martha Upshaw and husband, Mark; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Billy Waldock and sister, Mary Shawn.
Pallbearers were Ronny Holt, Dale Holt, Gary Holt, Brandon Buffington, Mark Upshaw and Tom Brewer. Honorary pallbearer was Curtis Massey.
Published Thursday, February 5, 2004

Waggoner, Alta Bess
1922-2004
Funeral for Alta Bess Waggoner, 82, of North Richland Hills was Monday in Hurst. Burial followed at Blue Bonnet Hills Memorial Park.
Waggoner died Saturday, July 3, 2004, in North Richland Hills.
Born June 22, 1922, in Bolivar, she was known as “Mammy” by her grandchildren and great-grandsons.
She is survived by four sons, Charles Skinner of Rhome, George Waggoner Jr. of Fort Worth, Bobby Waggoner of Colleyville and Billy Waggoner of Rhome and three daughters, Eva Collins of Mount Vernon, Betty Waggoner of Sulphur Springs and Mary Burton of Bedford.
Published Thursday, July 8, 2004

Waldrop, Fannye O’Delivia
1912-2004
Funeral for Fannye O’Delivia Waldrop, 92, of Arlington was Nov. 30 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Melvin Splawn officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Waldrop died Sunday Nov. 28, 2004, in Arlington.
Born May 17, 1912, in Loving, she was retired from Denton State School. She married Samuel Otis Waldrop Feb. 26, 1941.
She is survived by a son, Samuel Glenn Waldrop of Crowley; four daughters, Margaret Gill of Arlington, Olivia Grisham of Rio Vista, Ollie Ruth Swisher of Argyle and Wanda Rountree of Kennedale; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Mark Grisham, Andy Grisham, Russell Grisham, Ronnie Bradford, Randy Crabtree, Tony Ridley, James Swisher, Marvin Grisham and Barry Waldrop.
Published Thursday, December 2, 2004

Walker, George ‘G.A.’
1920-2004
Funeral for George “G.A.” Walker, 84, of Chico was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport. Roger Rhodes was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Sycamore Cemetery.
Walker died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born March 15, 1920, in Decatur, he was a retired custodian for Brewer High School and a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Yevon (Martindale) Walker.
He is survived by two sons, G.A. Walker Jr. and wife, Diann, of Burleson and Harold Ray Walker and wife, Lynn, of Azle; two step-daughters, Barbara Price of Fort Worth and Jerry Dean Tucker of Chico; two sisters, Euphama Stout of Beltsville, Md., and Juilanna Carlisle of Crafton; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, November 14, 2004

Walker, Merrell Francelle Garrett McGregory
1921-2004
Graveside service for Merrell Francelle Garrett McGregory Walker, 83, of Bowie, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 1:30 p.m. at Brushy Cemetery in Bowie. Marsha Engle-Middleton and Howard Walker were to officiate. Visitation was to be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Bowie.
Walker died Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, in Bowie.
Born Jan. 29, 1921, in Hickory, Okla., to Roy and Teenie Garrett, she retired as a musician and a bookkeeper. She graduated from Hollis High School in Hollis, Okla., and attended Oklahoma College for Women and Midwestern University. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bowie.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Leon F. McGregory and the Rev. Jerry G. Walker.
She is survived by a son, Ronald L. McGregory of Newark and a granddaughter, Kristen Francelle McGregory of Euless.
The family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s of Greater Wichita Falls Chapter, 801 Burnet St., Wichita Falls, Texas 76301 or First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Nelson St., Bowie, Texas 76230.
Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

Wallace, Frank E., Jr.
1927-2004

Funeral for Frank E. Wallace Jr., 77, of Justin was to be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Alliance Church of Christ with burial at Justin Cemetery. He died Monday, Aug. 9.
Wallace, a rancher and businessman, owned Justin Discount Boots in Justin and was a member and past master of Justin Masonic Lodge No. 963, and a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He was a member of the Justin Chamber of Commerce and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and former member of the Justin Volunteer Fire Department. He was a veteran of World War II and a deacon of Alliance Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edna Williams Wallace; daughter, Nancy Hollingsworth and husband, Steve; son, Mark Wallace and wife, Lesa, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bernice DeHass and her husband John.
Pallbearers were to be Barry Burk, Weldon Burgoon, Kelly Box, James Dietzman, Jack Brown, Frank Johnson, Dick Sherill and R. D. Martin.
Memorials may be made to the Justin Volunteer Fire Department or the St. Paul Transplant Foundation of Dallas or to the charity of choice.
Published Thursday, August 12, 2004

Wallace, Mary Bell
1918-2004

Funeral for Mary Bell Wallace, 85, of Chico was to be Saturday, March 20, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Wallace died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 14, 1918, in Denton County to William R. and Hattie (Ellis) Boswell, she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Wallace, and a grandson.
She is survived by a son, Clarence Wallace and wife, Helen; two daughters, Glennda Eckelbarger and Betty Young; a sister, Nona Moody; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Roy Boswell, William McDaniel, Leon Moody, Mike Wallace, Bill Young and Rob Gaylor.
Published Sunday, March 21, 2004

Walls, Gladys Cleo
1922-2004

Graveside service for Gladys Cleo Walls, 82, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at Alvord Cemetery. The Rev. Ken May was to officiate.
Walls died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, in Decatur.
Born June 1, 1922, in Haskell, she was a retired nurse’s aide.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Walter Walls of Alvord; a son, Richard A. Walls of Alvord; a daughter, Marie Morris of Alvord; a brother, Johnny Tatum; four sisters, Dorothy Winters, Joyce Hibbon, Judy Rushing and Nancy Tatum; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jerry Bethurum, Frank Maxwell, A.C. Griffin, Jim Stowe, Billy J. Snider and Chris Jones.
Published Sunday, December 5, 2004

Walls, Glenna Belle
1936-2004
Funeral for Glenna Belle Walls, 68, of Sherman was to be Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Clarence Jones was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Walls died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, in Sherman.
Born July 14, 1936, in Foss, Okla., she was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Walls; a son, Brian Brown of Fort Worth; two daughters, Shelia Poland of Arlington and Angela Cobb of Gordonville; two grandchildren, Jill Brown of Garland and Caden Cobb of Gordonville; and three sisters, Marie Rosson, Shelia McCrary and Tammy McCrary, all of Decatur.
Pallbearers were Cody McCrary, Robbie McCrary, Steve McCrary, David Rosson, Ryan Cunnius and Dewayne McCrary.
Published Thursday, December 23, 2004

Walters, Buck Loren
1939-2004
Visitation for the family of Buck Loren Walters, 64, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Walters died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004, in Dallas.
He was born Sept. 12, 1939, and married Linda Gail Turner on Dec. 11, 1980, in Hobbs, N.M. Walters served in the U.S. Army and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979 after having served in Vietnam where he was awarded several medals.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Randy Walters and wife, Renee, Bill Walters and wife, Tammy, and Steven Appleton and wife, Tina; two daughters, Tina Palmer and husband, Michael, and Teresa Lutz and husband, Todd; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, February 26, 2004

Waters, Pauline H.
1937-2004
Service for Pauline H. Waters, 67, of Watauga was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel with burial in Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Jimmy Withers was to officiate.
Waters died Saturday, June 5, 2004, in Watauga.
She was born Feb. 2, 1937, in Kentucky.
A retired cook, she was a member of Boyd Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Waters; brothers, Frank and Clifford Hager; and sisters, Mellie Reed and Rose Zettie Hager.
She is survived by her son, Jimmy Waters; daughters, Lynn Case, Venita Rhoudes, Patricia Henson and Brenda Splawn; brothers, Irving Hager; sisters, Margie Baker, Delores Henderson and Magalene Thompson; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Gary Brown, James Hufhines, Tommy Ellis, Randy Eakman, Tim Whitehead and Billy Jack Rhoudes.
Published Thursday, June 10, 2004

Watkins, Agel
1914-2004

Funeral for Agel Watkins, 90, of Decatur was Dec. 6, at Sycamore Baptist Church. Kevin Moore officiated. Burial followed at Sycamore Cemetery.
Watkins died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 18, 1914, in Carter County, Okla., he was a retired heavy equipment operator. He served in the Army during World War II and was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lillian Watkins.
He is survived by a son, Robert Watkins of Decatur; three daughters, Carolyn Truesdale and husband, Bill, of Fort Worth, Thelma Urlage and husband, Jon, of Poolville, and Gail Griffin and husband, Bert, of Slidell; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Charles Pitts, Robert Watkins, Vertis Watkins, Bill Truesdale, Steve Garland and Don Ward.
Published Thursday, December 9, 2004

Watson, Letha
1901-2004

Service for Letha Watson, 102, of Decatur will be Monday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Doyle Slimp will officiate. Burial will follow at Wizard Wells Cemetery.
Watson died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born Oct. 27, 1901, in Paris, Texas, and married Wyett Stant Watson on Sept. 14, 1924, in Wizard Wells. She was a lifetime resident of Wise County, a homemaker and a member of the Bell Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Joyce Hollis, six sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by four daughters, Lourenda Hendershot of Rives Junction, Mich., Faye Newton and husband, Carmie, of Decatur, Cue Ray and husband, Carl, of Enon, Ohio, and Jessie Perkey of Winter Springs, Fla.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be DeWayne Garcia, Stoney Scott, Brad Newton, Rodney Hollis, Pete Hartsell and Bob Ray.
Published Sunday, February 15, 2004

Watts, Penny Sue
1963-2004
The family of Penny Sue Watts, 41, of Arlington will have a visitation Oct. 16 at the family farm in Alvord from 1 to 3 p.m. before traveling to the Nocona Cemetery to place her marker.
Watts died Oct. 9, 2004, in Arlington.
Born Jan. 11, 1963, in Nocona, she was a 1981 graduate of Alvord High School.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Kay Purdue.
She is survived by her father, Mike Watts and wife, Naomi, of Alvord; three children, Teanna, David and Daniel; two brothers, Dwayne Watts and wife, Debbie, of Swint, Okla., and Danny Watts and wife, Shemane, of Bridgeport; a sister, Callie Watts of Alvord; and a grandmother, Irene Watts, of Alvord.
Published Thursday, October 14, 2004

Webb, Janie
1947-2004
Funeral for Janie Webb, 57, of Mesquite and formerly of Paradise, was Nov. 30 in Seagoville. Burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
She died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, in Mesquite.
Born April 27, 1947, in Dallas, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband Buddy Webb; two brothers, Tommy Ray White and Donny Eugene White; and a sister, Rita Ann White.
She is survived by her parents, Robert and Thelma Newland; two daughters, Tresea Kruz and Shelia Webb; four brothers Jerry Wayne Newland, Mike Newland, Wilber White and P.D. White; a sister, Gwen McVay; and two grandchildren, Nickey Kruz and Cheyenne Kruz.
Published Sunday, December 5, 2004

Wells, J.M. ‘Bob’
1931-2004

J.M. ‘Bob’ Wells, 73, of Decatur, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 4, 1931, in Decatur, Miss., to Archie Lee and Willie (Tullos) Wells, he was a real estate broker.
He is survived by his wife, Cherry Wells; a son, Doyle and wife, Denise; step-children, Tammy and Jimmy Nevins, Constance Young and Mike Young; and 10 grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be made to Vista Care Hospice Foundation, 625 Dallas Drive, Suite 100, Denton, Texas 76205.
Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

Wendler, Bertrand August
1911-2004

Funeral for Bertrand August Wendler, 92, of Boyd was to be held in St. Petersburg, Fla..
Wendler died Thursday, March 18, 2004 in Decatur.
He was born Sept. 20. 1911 in Mt. Clenens, Mich. He was a retired steel worker, served in the U.S. Navy SeaBees during World War II in both the Pacific and Atlantic.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Iva Marie Wendler.
He is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Mansmann of Boyd and Lanie Weaver of St. Petersburg; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Published Sunday, March 21, 2004

West, Elsie
1918-2004

Service for Elsie West, 87, of Bridgeport was Friday, April 2, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Bill Hobbs officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery.
West died Tuesday, March 30, 2004, in Bridgeport.
She was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Alba. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James West.
She is survived by four sons, E.J. Skiles and wife, Millie, of Weatherford, Billy Skiles and wife, Vada, of Runaway Bay, James Mack West and wife, Janee, of Jacksboro and Limmea West and wife, Diane, of Bridgeport; three daughters, Pat Jordan and husband, Tommy, of New Castle, Allie Parr and husband, Allen, of Bridgeport and Pansy Green and husband, Earl, of Bridgeport; 22 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and brother, Billie Harvey of Alba.
Pallbearers were J.P. Carpenter, Sonny Whitsitt, David Shawn, Wayne Taylor, Bill Rosenburg and Buddy Blalock.
Published Sunday, April 4, 2004

Wetsel, Media
1913-2004
Funeral for Media Wetsel, 91, of Cisco was Monday, Aug. 23, 2004. Larry Fitzgerald officiated. Burial was at Wingate Cemetery.
Wetsel died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in Eastland.
She was born Jan. 18, 1913, in Comanche County and moved to Runnels County in 1921. She married Albert Wetsel Nov. 21, 1931, in Wingate and lived there until 1996 when she moved to Cisco.
She was a homemaker and worked for Dry Manufacturing for eight years. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Allen and husband in 1991, she is survived by two sons, Albert Darrell Wetsel of Decatur and Charles Wetsel of Cisco; a sister, Winnie Hatley of Wingate; a brother, Fred Helm of Acton; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Whatley, Eva Pearl Sampler
1934-2004
Graveside service for Eva Pearl Sampler Whatley, 70, of Decatur was Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Sycamore Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Taylor officiated.
Whatley died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, in Decatur.
Born May 8, 1934, in Decatur, she was a homemaker and a Baptist.
She is survived by her husband, Carl Oliver Whatley; two sons, Wesley Dale Wilson of Denver, Colo. and Ronnie Wilson of Gainesville and one grandchild.
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004

Whatley, L.A. ‘Gus’
1915-2004

Funeral for the Rev. L.A. “Gus” Whatley, 89, of Decatur will be Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Whatley died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 9, 1915, in Bridgeport, he married Lorene Reed, April 10, 1971, in Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances, in 1970; and a son, Larry Wayne in 1948.
He is survived by his wife, Lorene Whatley of Decatur; daughters, Helen Odom and husband, Bruce, of Eunice, N.M. and Marsha Corrigan and husband, Tom, of Denton; a son, Richard Reed of Denton; grandchildren, Shelly Robinson and husband, Matt, of Carlsbad, N.M., Blake Odom of Lyman, Wyo., Kasi Cobb of Denton, Coby Cobb of Justin, Eric Reed of Smithfield, N.C., and John Reed of San Diego, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Keith Robinson; and sisters, Dorothy Teague of Bridgeport and Myrtle Parsons of Brownwood.
Published Sunday, November 21, 2004

Whatley, Mary Louise
1945-2004
Memorial for Mary Louise Whatley, 58, of Fort Worth was Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at Cumby Park Cemetery in Park Springs.
She died April 21, 2004, in Fort Worth.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Burk of Van Alstyne and Jimmy Lee Whatley and wife Ruby of Fort Worth; daughters, Leona Alegria and husband Tito of Blue Mound and Leigh Ann Whatley and Toni Jean Pitts, of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Rex Burk, Brittany Burk, Jessica Ochoa, Frank Baiza, Tito Alegria, Kristy Morales, Mikey Davila, Cora Whatley, Jonathan Pitts, Jennifer Pitts and Joshua Pitts.
Published Sunday, May 2, 2004

Whatley, Wanda ‘Lou’
1926-2004
Graveside service for Wanda “Lou” Whatley, 78, of Oklaunion, mother of Shirley Ross of Decatur, was Aug. 13 at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon. Jan Hanley officiated.
Whatley died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, in Wichita Falls.
Born April 1, 1926, in Harrold to J.W. and Drusilla Spurlock Baggett, she married Grady Olin Whatley on Nov. 2, 1941, in Vernon. She was a member of Wilbarger Street Church of Christ and was a retired cashier from Vernon State Hospital.
She was preceded in death by eight brothers.
She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Shirley Ross and husband, H.L., of Decatur and Diane Latimer and husband, Larry, of Oklaunion; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or the American Cancer Society.
Published Sunday, August 15, 2004

Wheeler, Geneva ‘Grace’
1931-2004

Service for Geneva “Grace” Wheeler, 72, of Decatur was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church No. 1 in Wise County. Gene Flucker was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Wheeler died Sunday, March 28, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born May 14, 1931, in Wise County to Dewey and Jennie Belle Utley. She worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for many years in Houston and Humble. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Hemphill and later to Wise County. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing card games. She attended Pleasant Grove Church No. 1 in Wise County.
She was preceded in death by a son, Gary.
She is survived by her husband, William (Bill); daughter, Leslie Marr and husband, Steve, of Humble; brother, Jerry Utley and wife, Judith, of Decatur; two sisters, Verna Jewel Burk of Covington and Dorris Dickey and husband, Tony, of Rhome; grandchildren, Scott Childress and wife, Christina, of Houston and Lisa Katz of Houston; two nieces; five nephews; many cousins and aunts; one uncle and extended family Bobbie Woodard, Julie, Bruce, Ashley and Amanda Fendley of Spring and Janet and Jeff Cowart of Humble.
Pallbearers were to be Bailey, Mark and Larry Burk, Stanley Kemp, Gene Read, Bruce Fendley, Craig Utley and Rick Howell.
Published Thursday, April 1, 2004

Wheelis, James ‘Grandpa Shorty’
1932-2004
Funeral for James Wheelis, 71, of Alvord was April 12. The Revs. Bill Cleveland and Bill Taplin officiated. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Wheelis died Thursday, April 8, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born July 16, 1932, in Alvord to Jim and Ruie Wheelis, he was a retired control operator for Gifford Hill in Chico and a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by a son, James Louis Wheelis; a daughter, Janet Yourlene Freeman and husband, Mack; a grandson, Christopher Lee Wheelis; four brothers and five sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Wanda Lea (Summers) Wheelis of Alvord; a son, Gaylynn Wheelis and wife, Penny, of Alvord; two granddaughters, Megan Nichols of Alvord and Angela Nichols-O’Neil of San Antonio; three brothers, Ira Whittaker and wife, Wanda, of Sterling, Okla., Bryant Whittaker and wife, Carla, of Bowie and Troy Whittaker of Alexandria, La. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were Frank Anderson, Eddy Garrett, Marvin Porter, David Greenwood, Paul Ray Baird, Dale Romines Carey Simmons and Ricky Davis.
Honorary pallbearers were Brad Myers, David Winn, Jerry King, Larry Talley, Damon Pennington, Hal Buie, Jim Baird, Johnny Griffeth, Pat Garrett, Donny Burdine, Larry Burdine and Leonard Denney.
Published Thursday, April 15, 2004

Whitaker, Weldon Lee
1924-2004

Funeral for Weldon Lee Whitaker, 79, of Denton was to be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton. The Rev. Cliff Feeler was to officiate. Burial was to be at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Born July 22, 1924, in Alvord to W.M. “Bill” Whitaker and Myrtle Magers Whitaker, he died Jan. 14, 2004, in Denton.
Whitaker married Melba Hartsell on June 17, 1946, in Fort Worth. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Denton. He was a technician for the Colonial Pipeline in Atlanta, Ga. He was a graduate of Alvord High School and served in the South Pacific with the U. S. Navy during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Whitaker, of Denton; two daughters, Joyce Aldridge of Kernersville, N.C., and Vickie Middleton of Denton; one son, Ronald L. Whitaker of Tulsa, Okla.; and seven grandchildren.
Published Sunday, January 18, 2004

White, King Durwood, Sr.
1921-2004
Service for King Durwood White Sr., 82, of Decatur will be Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at Central Fellowship Church in Decatur. Burial will be Monday, Feb. 16, at noon at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
White died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
He was born July 19, 1921, in Wichita Falls. He was an insurance agent.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Faye White.
He is survived by two daughters, Sheryl Gaskie of Colorado Springs and Dana Rector of Abilene and two sons, King D. White Jr. of Spring and Brian Layne White of Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Brian White, King White, Greg Gaskie, Ryan Gaskie, Aaron Rector and Brady Rector.
Published Thursday, February 12, 2004

Wiggins, Bob
1939-2004
Graveside service for Bob Wiggins, 64, of Decatur was Tuesday, April 13, at DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie.
Wiggins died Saturday, April 10, 2004, in Decatur.
Born June 3, 1939, in Detroit, he was a retired Army veteran who spent 27 years in the military and retired as a warrant officer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Wiggins of Decatur; a son, Gary Robert Wiggins of Boise, Idaho; a daughter, Heidi Marlene Grace of Paradise; a brother, Donald Wiggins and a sister, Wendy Brzezinski, both of Michigan and four grandchildren, Joshua and Ryan Grace of Paradise and Matthew and Alexis Wiggins of Boise.
Published Thursday, April 15, 2004

Wigley, Madge
1920-2004
Graveside service for Madge Wigley, 84, of Cottondale was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at Cottondale Cemetery. Ray Cook Jr. was to officiate.
Wigley died Tuesday, June 29, 2004, in Bridgeport.
She was born March 9, 1920 in Cottondale to Oscar and Dorothy (Coffman) Morehead.
She was a homemaker and a member of Eastern Star and First Christian Church of Paradise.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hoyt Wood; her second husband, Ted Wigley; one son, Jim Wood; and brothers, Foy and Scott Morehead.
She is survived by a son, Bill Wood and his wife, Carla; daughters, Betsy Locke and Linda Hughes and her husband, Glenn; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law Edna Wood.
Published Thursday, July 1, 2004

Wilbanks, James W.
1924-2004

Service for James W. Wilbanks, 79, of Greenville will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 29, at Johnson Street Church of Christ in Greenville. Lesley Carey and Matt Richardson will officiate. Burial will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park.
Wilbanks died Thursday, March 25, 2004, in Greenville.
He was born Oct. 26, 1924, in Hawkins to Fred and Pearl Katherine Edwards Wilbanks. He married Bulah Russell on June 2, 1951, in Abilene. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a retired Church of Christ minister.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Belinda Wilbanks of Decatur; brother, Dave Wilbanks of Melissa; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Pallbearers will be Bob Anderson, Hal Garner, Jim Hodo, Farrell Nalls, Gene Peacock, Brent Sandlin, Mark Wilhelm and Brian Woodring.
Memorials may be made to the Johnson Street Church of Christ Missionary Fund.
Published Sunday, March 28, 2004

Wilds, Jarvis Sherwood ‘Gary’
1914-2004
Funeral for Jarvis Sherwood “Gary” Wilds, 90, of Bridgeport was Oct. 24 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Craig Erb officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1 in Decatur.
Wilds died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born Feb. 10, 1914, in Shepardsville, Ind., he married Mary Pauline Bridges May 21, 1962, in Winnemucca, Nev. He was a retired electrician for Union 611 in Albuquerque, N.M., a veteran of the U.S. Army and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years; a step-son, Jerry Ransom and wife, Linda; a step-daughter, Dorothy Etter; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, October 28, 2004

Wiley, O.B.
1930-2004

Funeral for O.B. Wiley, 74, of Crafton was Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Kenneth Wood officiated. Burial followed at Crafton Cemetery.
Wiley died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2004, in Decatur.
Born May 22, 1930, in Big Spring, he was a retired mechanic and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Crafton Baptist Church and the Chico VFW. Wiley married Freda Sullivan Sept. 13, 1952.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy C. Wiley.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Billy Ray Wiley and wife, Vicki, of Chico; two daughters, Nancy Wiley of Fort Worth and Karen Jo Wiley of Crafton; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, L.E. Jones of Bowie; a sister, Jo Ann Manning of Chico and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Audie Morris, Calvin Buckner, G.A. Buckner, Kenny Robertson, Gary Mason and Gene Brown.
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004

Wilhite, Charles R.
1915-2004

Charles R. Wilhite, the man honored by many as “Mr. Wise County,” died at his home in Decatur Saturday. He was 89.
Wilhite spent 27 years in county government serving as county judge, tax assessor-collector and county auditor. For more than 13 years before and after World War II he was a route salesman for Tom’s Toasted Peanuts. After retiring as county judge Wilhite landed what, for him, was a perfect job and for the next 18 years he was the marketing director and official “goodwill ambassador” for the First National Bank in Decatur.
“There’s no doubt that he put the friendly in the Friendly First,” said Wilhite’s grandson Stacy Silvers in the eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral Monday.
Wilhite’s knowledge of Wise County was legendary. The Rev. Johnny Irish, associate pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, said at the funeral that it didn’t take him long to find that out.
“When I came to Wise County in 1993 as pastor of the Bridgeport Methodist Church, I went to then County Judge L. B. McDonald, who was a member of my church, and asked him to tell me about Wise County. He did for a few minutes and then told me, ‘You need to meet Charles Wilhite because he is Mr. Wise County.’”
Decatur Mayor Joe Lambert said that Wilhite set an exemplary example. “Charles Wilhite was the epitome of what every citizen should be. He loved his family, his work, his hometown and the country in which he lived. He was a community leader for many worthy projects that benefited this community. His spirit of volunteerism was a role model for many.”
Wilhite was a veteran of World War II. “He was proud to be a veteran of World War II, 1st Cavalry, and wore the insignia on his cap and car bumper,” Lambert said. “He came home a hero after serving his country and began serving his community. He was a great salesman as he convinced everyone with a retail business to put in a display of peanuts and crackers. I know he sold my father and me on the idea in 1946 when I first met him. He had a twinkle in his eye and that infectious smile that displayed his confidence and positive attitude.”
Wilhite was a member of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church for 85 years and the editor of the church newsletter for more than two decades. He was also active in the North Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church.
Wilhite had many loves, among them gospel singing. For many years he was a member of the “Five Man Quartet” that entertained at church and civic events throughout the county. He was the host to the “District Singing Convention” that met in Decatur for years.
His grandson said Monday, however, that although Charles loved to sing, staying on key was sometimes a problem. “God bless the people who sat next to him at those singing conventions,” Silvers said.
“He is a man who made a tremendous difference in Wise County,” Rev. Irish said. “This is a better place to live because Charles lived and worked here.”
Wilhite was one of 10 children born to Charles and Lula Wilhite. When he was four, the family moved to the Greenwood area where the family farmed and became active in the Oak Grove Church.
Wilhite said the small church north of Decatur, not far from the Brumbalow community where he was born, has had much to do with the man he is today. For many years he served as the church lay leader and was instrumental in keeping the church alive despite a waning membership.
But typically he took no credit for a recent resurgence in membership at the church and the construction of a new fellowship hall. He credits the arrival of the Rev. Gene Chamness, who served as part-time pastor of the Oak Grove church until his retirement this year.
Wilhite’s love of gospel singing paid off big time in 1946. He met Launa Shiflett, who would become his wife for more than a half-century and the mother of their two children, Charles Lee Wilhite and Dena Silvers.
Another of Wilhite’s loves was the annual Wise County Youth Fair. He worked alongside other civic leaders such as O. Ray Brown and Charles D. Branson to bring the Youth Fair to life in 1955.
He was a long-time officer and director of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse, sponsor of the Youth Fair. He worked to raise money to build the facilities at the Posse Grounds on FM 51 South in Decatur.
He was particularly interested in the Women’s Building, site of many community events and – his beloved singing convention meetings.
Wilhite loved the weather and in 1973 became one of legendary weatherman Harold Taft’s first Weather Watchers, a job he held for 30 years. He remained the official observer for the National Weather Service until this year.
For many long-time citizens of Wise County, Wilhite will be remembered for his love and devotion to Tom’s Toasted Peanuts. His Tom’s route took him all over Wise County and into Denton, Montague, Cooke and parts of Tarrant and Grayson counties.
“He called on as many as 250 customers in a week,” said the Rev. Darrell Coats, another of the ministers at Wilhite’s funeral Monday. “That would wear out every preacher here.”
The time he took with his customers to inquire about their families and ailments was as much appreciated as the quality Tom’s products that he left stacked in large glass containers on the store counters or displayed in the metal and glass cases with “Tom’s” stamped on the side. He said his 13 years on the Tom’s route “set me up for a political career.”
He began his 27-year career in the Wise County Courthouse on January 1, 1955, when he became the county tax assessor-collector. From the first day he entered the pink granite structure until his retirement, he worked for one reason and one reason only: to serve the people.
His son Charles Lee remembered his dad’s amazing memory of numbers.
“In those days the tax office sold new license plates every year and we’d be driving along and he could read a license plate and tell you who was driving the car,” he said.
His daughter Dena said the family never needed a telephone book.
“He always knew the phone numbers while we would be looking them up,” she said.
In an interview two years ago with Messenger reporter Denny Deady, Wilhite said the courthouse was a place of service.
“You go in with the idea you’re going to serve the people,” Wilhite said. “That’s my philosophy – what you can do for the people of the county.”
Many public officials today are not as dedicated to serving the public as they should be, Wilhite told Deady. Some are more concerned with doing what is politically advantageous for them, rather than what is best for the people.
“I always told ‘em, do your job and the politics will take care of itself,” he said.
After three years as tax assessor-collector, Wilhite was approached by the late District Judge W. A. Hughes who asked him to become county auditor. He accepted the appointment. His objective was to get the county in good financial shape and help manage the county finances.
After 16 years as county auditor, Wilhite won a hard-fought election for county judge.
“It takes a lot of patience to be a good county judge … you must be able to get along, to be a good negotiator,” he said.
Mayor Lambert said Wilhite’s generous spirit will be missed.
“Decatur will miss its greatest champion,” he said. “His tireless efforts were always appreciated whether he was serving us poignant reminders of her heritage in a letter to the editor or beaming with satisfaction at having placed a marker at the site of a forgotten, rural schoolhouse. He was a hero and we will miss him. I salute the legacy of ‘Mr. Decatur.’ ”
Wilhite is survived by his wife of 57 years, Launa, and two children, Dena Silvers of Decatur and Charles Lee Wilhite of McKinney, and two grandchildren, Stacy Silvers of Dallas and Lauren Silvers of Denton.
He is also survived by two sister, Lois Coursey of Fort Worth and Francis Benson of Cleburne.
Pallbearers were Randy and Bennie King, Larry and Ken Pounds, Phillip and James Wilhite, Charles Quick, Kent Benson and Bob Lipscomb.
Honorary pallbearers were Mike Wilhite, Mitchell Curry, Bill Barrow and Joe Wallace.
Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
The Wise County Messenger’s Denny Deady contributed to this story.
Published Thursday, July 29, 2004

Willbanks, Imogene
1927-2004

Funeral for Imogene Willbanks, 76, of Boyd was Monday, June 7, at Aurora Baptist Church. The Rev. Jimmy Withers officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Willbanks died Friday, June 4, 2004, in Boyd.
Born Oct. 23, 1927, in Boyd to Elgin and Mae (Swinney) Smith, she was a housewife and a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Pete” Willbanks; a great-granddaughter, Kelly Haynes; a sister, Bernice Cagle, and a brother, Charles Smith.
She is survived by three daughters, Andrea Benthall and husband, Lester, of Aurora, Carol Oldham of Boyd and Vickie Hughes and husband, Jimmy, of Boyd; four brothers, E.L., Billy, Jack and Ronny Smith; two sisters, Onavell Horn and Jaunell Lane; seven grandchildren, Denisea, Robert, Margett, Chris, Matthew, Jonathan and James; 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Greg Lane, Terry Cagle, Jerry Cagle, Bud Smith, Rusty Smith, Walter Jones and E.L. Smith.
Published Thursday, June 10, 2004

Williams, Harry F.
1922-2004
Service for Harry F. Williams, 81, of Decatur will be Sunday, Feb. 29, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Dr. Thomas Brumett and John Taylor will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Williams died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, in Decatur.
He was born Oct. 31, 1922, in Austin. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a graduate of the University of Texas. He was a geologist and rancher. He married Ann Ferguson Williams on May 28, 1955, in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Herb Williams and wife, Susan, of Decatur and Mack Williams and wife, Joye, of Sanger and five grandchildren, Amanda, Bert and Jake Williams, Lara Williams and Chris Wesley.
Pallbearers will be Chris Wesley, Forest Cook, Scott Deakins, Bert Williams, Jake Williams, Gene Blagg, Fred Patterson, Arnold Hull, Todd Ryan and Roy Galvan.
Published Sunday, March 1, 2004

Williams, Taylon James
2004
Graveside service for Taylon James Williams, the infant son of Kendall and Heather Williams of Decatur, was to be Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1. Chuck Sickles was to officiate.
Williams died Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Angela and Scott Pollard of Decatur and Larry and Sondra Williams of Colorado City and great-grandparents, Ronald and Carla Womack of Decatur, Emma Hopper of Colorado City and Hope Revier of Tow.
Published Sunday, June 6, 2004

Williams, Wanda Jean
1929-2004

Funeral for Wanda Jean Williams, 74, of Springtown was to be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. David Mahan was to officiate. Burial was to be at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Born Oct. 24, 1929, in Eskoto, to Harry and Emma Grantham Jackson, she died Jan. 6, 2004, at her home in Springtown.
She married Eddy Williams in November 1973 and was a member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband and daughter, Karen York, and great-grandchild, Bailee.
She is survived by her daughter, Rae Jene Freeman and husband, Bill; grandchildren Holley Walhood, Dannie Farris, Sean Ortez and Aaron Ortez; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were John Ortez, Sean and Aaron Ortez, Don Schisler, Scott Farris and Bill Proctor.
Published Sunday, January 11, 2004

Williamson, Tommye
1925-2004

Service for Tommye Williamson, 78, of Decatur was Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. George Gray and Bob Mullin officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Williamson died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born Nov. 29, 1925, in Comanche County to Thomas and Hallie (Henry) Lane. She attended Western Union College in Springfield, Mo., in 1943. On May 19, 1946, she married Wayne Williamson in Hamilton. She was a homemaker and a member of the Westworth Church of Christ in Fort Worth. After her children started college, she worked for her husband as a stylist and bookkeeper for 12 years.
She is survived by her husband; son, Gary Williamson and wife, Anne, of Athens; daughter, Lisa Williamson Hubbard of Decatur; four grandchildren, Sarah Rebecca Chirakadze, Jacob Andrew Williamson, Forrest Benjamin Williamson and Brooke Elizabeth Blaylock; and six great-grandchildren, Madison Blaylock, Dylan Blaylock, Charlotte Elizabeth Chirakadze, Alexander Maximus Chirakadze, Abigail Rane Williamson and Coby Williamson.
Pallbearers were Monte Shaw, Jess Williamson, Lester Doggett, Wayne Kreger, Bob Steach and Randall Hoyl. Honorary pallbearers were Kelley Tibbels, Jake Williamson, Forrest Benjamin Williamson, Jack Mabry, C.B. Hoyl and Bill Griggs.
Published Thursday, February 19, 2004

Wilson, Bertye Lue
1916-2004
Graveside service for Bertye Lue Wilson, 88, of Rhome was Nov. 22 at Fairview Cemetery. Gerre Joiner officiated.
Wilson died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 16, 1916, in Corsicana, she was a retired teacher of Northwest High School.
She is survived by a son, Joe Max Wilson and wife, Charlotte, of Rhome; and two grandchildren, Joe Ryan and Valarie Wilson of Rhome.
Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

Wilson, Sarah Angeline Hudson
1919-2004
Funeral for Sarah Angeline Hudson Wilson, 85, will be Thursday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at Newark Church of Christ. Bob Harrison will officiate. Burial will follow at Dido Cemetery. Visitation was to be Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Wilson, 85, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in Justin.
She was born Feb. 8, 1919, in Newark. She was a homemaker, a member of Newark Church of Christ and a volunteer at the Rhome Library for several years. She was an avid bowler and loved to fish. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack W. Wilson; daughter, Rosemary Harrison and sisters, Nell Huddleston and Vesta Laster.
Survivors include her son, John P. “Johnny” Wilson; sister, Roberta Drinkard; grandchildren, Tiffany Howe, Angie Harrison, Michelle Krogsgaard and Rachel Wilson and great-grandchildren, Nicholas Howe, Cole Krogsgaard, Kelsey Krogs-gaard, Kilah Krogsgaard and Chelsea Wilson.
Palbearers were to be Max “Speedy” Lindsey, Wayne Knox, Tony Dickey, Tommy Bennett, Luke Perry and Ceburn Lovett. Honorary pallbearers were to be Wendle Huddleston and M. Dan King.
Published Thursday, March 4, 2004

Winfrey, O.B.
1927-2004
Graveside service for O.B. Winfrey, 77, of Rhome was Nov. 19 at Haslet Cemetery. Gerre Joiner officiated.
Winfrey died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, in Rhome.
Born Aug. 20, 1927, in Bastrop, La., he retired as a machinist.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Winfrey; a son, Dan Olen Winfrey of Pasa; two daughters, Donna Griffin of Pasa and Karen Gaynor of Rhome; and a sister, Geraldine Fox of Bastrop, La.
Published Sunday, November 21, 2004

Womack, Thurman ‘Son’
1919-2004
Funeral for Thurman “Son” Womack, 84, of Boonsville was to be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Balsora Baptist Church. The Revs. Billy Womack and Glen Connell were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Boonsville Cemetery.
Womack died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in Boonsville.
Born April 6, 1919, in Boonsville to J.C. and Betty Womack, he was a lifelong resident of Boonsville who owned and operated Womack Trucking Co. and Womack Ranch.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; a son, James Gary; a grandson, Gary Wayne and nine brothers and sisters.
He is survived by a son, Sam Womack and wife, Kelly; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Shepherd and husband, B.J.; a granddaughter, Kelli Ross and husband, Terry; a grandson, Sean Womack and wife, Christa; four great-grandchildren, Amanda Ross, Samantha and Skylor Womack and Taylor Province and a great-great-grandson, Hunter Ross.
Pallbearers were to be Wesley Cooper, Melvin Smith, Joe Ball, Orville Stone, Bobby Deaton and Daryl Hampton. Honorary pallbearers were to be Richard Cooper, Brandon Cooper, Bill Winn and Sid Brantly.
Published Sunday, January 18, 2004

Wood, Joe M.
1953-2004

Memorial for Joe M. Wood, 51, of Decatur was Dec. 21 at the First Baptist Church in Boyd. The Rev. Donald Ellsworth Jr. officiated.
Wood died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, in Dallas.
Born Sept. 12, 1953, in Temple to William Oran and Velma (Pate) Wood, he was a tool pusher for Felderhoff Brothers Drilling. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Nelda Turner and Kathy Carre.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Wood; two sons, Corey Wood and wife, Michelle, and Shane Wood and wife, Oleta; a daughter, Heather Petterson and husband, Tom; nine grandchildren, Blaise, Alexis, Matthew, Luke, Joshua, Sarah, Cheyenne, Shealynn and Shelby; and two brothers, Don Wood and wife, Barbara, and Robert Wood and wife, Marilu.
Published Thursday, December 23, 2004

Wood, LaVerne
1919-2004
Funeral for LaVerne Wood, 85, of Chico was Dec. 10 at First Baptist Church in Chico. The Rev. Melvin Clay officiated. Burial followed at Glover Cemetery in Crockett.
Wood died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, in Decatur.
Born March 30, 1919, in Augusta, she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Yeager; a son, Jerry Yeager; four brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her husband, Clayton Wood; a daughter, Peggy Yeager Winter and husband, James; stepchildren, Mike Wood and wife, DeeAnn, David Wood and Peggy Hylton and husband, Floyd; a brother, Omar McAnally; four grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren and three nieces.
Pallbearers were Mike Wood, David Wood, Daniel Wood, Hunter Wood, Jess Wilkens and Lynn Mowery.
Published Sunday, December 12, 2004

Woodruff, Lera Mae
1904-2004

Service for Lera Mae Woodruff, 99, of Decatur was to be Saturday, March 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Tommy Brumett was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Woodruff died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Decatur.
She was born April 21, 1904, in Turnersville to Ira and Izola (Casselberry) Stryker. She grew up in Seymour where she married Willard B. Woodruff on March 14, 1924. She then moved to Decatur where she was an active member of the First Methodist Church, the Eastern Star and Garden Club and was a pianist for the Senior Citizens Band.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1961; son, Jack Lynn Woodruff; a half-sister and many half-brothers.
She is survived by her son, W.B. Woodruff Jr. and wife of Decatur; daughter, Doris Woodruff and husband of Austin; daughter-in-law Natalie Woodruff of Houston; half-sister, Sally Houston of San Antonio; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons.
Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, a hospice service or a charity of your choice.
Published Sunday, March 21, 2004

Woodward, Edna Louise
1923-2004

Funeral for Edna Louise Woodward, 80, of Decatur was to be Saturday, July 10, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Ken May was to officiate, to be assisted by the Rev. Gene Smith. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Woodward died Wednesday, July 7, 2004, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 16, 1923, in Calera, Okla., she was a homemaker.
She is survived by two sons, Tom Woodward of Decatur and Vernon Lynn of Round Rock; three sisters, Jessie Bates of Amarillo, Wilma Strange of Prescott, Ariz. and Patsy Golden of Bowie; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jimmy Cunnius, Calvin Buchanan, Jim Keen, Carl Flippin, Richard Flynt and Denny Ewing.
Published Sunday, July 12, 2004

Ybarra, Yessenia Isabel
2004
Graveside service for Yessenia Isabel Ybarra, infant daughter of Jessica Maese and Ommero Ybarra of Paradise, was Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at the Mexican Cemetery in Bridgeport. Father Gilbert Panza officiated.
Yessenia is survived by her parents; grandparents Pablo and Maria Ybarra and Jesus and Delia Maese; and great-grandparents Gonzalo and Rosa Mendez, Carlota Ybarra and Cirlo and Elvira Flores.
Published Thursday, May 6, 2004

Young, Audie Mae
1921-2004
Service for Audie Mae Young, 82, of Rhome will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 21, at Rhome Assembly of God with the Rev. Richard Cheghorn and the Rev. Michael Stephenson officiating. Burial will be in Aurora Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Young died Thursday, June 17, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Nov. 18, 1921, in Bellevue, she was a homemaker and minister. She was a charter member of the Rhome Assembly of God.
She married Oney Floyd Young on March 21, 1937.
She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers, William, Jack and Bill McBroom.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Miles and husband Robert of Rhome; a son, Richard Young and wife Beki of Rhome; two sisters, Retta Cook of Galena Park and Helen Down of Wichita Falls; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Rick Young, Phillip Miles, Priestly Ledger, Randy Lee, Chris Word, Steve Barrons and Kevin Drake.
Published Sunday, June 20, 2004

Young, Carl James
1942-2004

Funeral for Carl James Young, 62, of Saginaw was Dec. 16 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Gary Sessions officiated. Burial followed in West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Young died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 4, 1942, in Decatur, he was a heavy equipment operator. He married Bonnie Recer Feb. 18, 1959, in Bridgeport. He was a member of the Bible Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Billy Young.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Alan Young and wife, Angie, Lynn Young and Curtis Young and wife, Nikia; four daughters, Connie Donahue and husband, Jeff, Leslie Castellanos and husband, Jose, Lori Juarez and husband, Jesse, and Carolyn Donahue and husband, Tim; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his father, Curtis (Buck) Young; his mother, Marie New; two brothers, Curtis Young Jr. and Dusty Young; and four sisters Sheila Moss, Linda Higgins, Terry and Kelly.
Pallbearers were Alan Young, Lynn Young, Curtis Young, Jeff Donahue, Tim Donahue and Jose Castellanos.
Published Sunday, December 19, 2004

Young, James Oliver
1936-2004
Funeral for James Oliver Young, 67, of Bridgeport was to be Jan. 28 in Bowie. Graveside service will be Saturday, Jan. 31, at noon at Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo.
Young died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born June 13, 1936, in Detroit, Mich., to John and Mabel Schlenkert Young, he married Phyllis Anne Girard in Cadillac, Mich., on Dec. 3, 1959. He was a graduate of Cadillac High School and an electrician who worked in maintenance for the Bridgeport Independent School District.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Mark Young and wife, Lindy, of Bridgeport; two daughters, Sally Owens and husband, Ronnie, of Amarillo and Terri Allen and husband, Dennis, of Denison; two brothers, George Young of Detroit and Raymond Young and wife, Carolyn, of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Mabel Perski and husband, John, of Ocala, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Published Thursday, January 29, 2004

Young, Jesse Nole
1918-2004
Funeral for Jesse Nole Young, 85, of Newark was Friday, May 28, 2004, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dan Hunt officiated and Kenny Cates assisted. Burial was in Aurora Cemetery.
He died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, in Newark.
Born Sept. 11, 1918, in Hillsboro, he was an assembly line worker for Bell Helicopter.
He is survived by his wife, Eura Young; five daughters, Betty Jean Pocket of Arkansas, Nell Cowan of Newark and Betty Jane Fudge, Jonah Jones and Kathy Olmstead, all of Fort Worth; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Bob Chance and Sandy Boldwin.
Published Sunday, May 30, 2004

Younger, Christine O.
1917-2004
Funeral for Christine O. Younger, 86, of Bridgeport was Monday, Oct. 4, at Fry Funeral Home in Bowie. The Rev. Darius McKay officiated. Burial followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Younger died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, in Bridgeport.
Born Dec. 26, 1917, in Troup, she was a homemaker. She married P.C. Younger June 1, 1939, in Rusk. Living most of her life in the Park Springs area, she was a member of Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico and worked for the Haggar Slacks Factory in Bowie, Browder Oil gas station and Johnson Grocery in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, John Younger; a brother, J.W. Ledford and a sister, Barbara McCay.
She is survived by two sons, Doug Younger and wife, Dianne, of Bridgeport and Don Younger and wife, Pat, of Park Springs; nine grandchildren, Donald Meekins of Bridgeport, Mitzi Meekins of Ardmore, Okla., Bryan Younger of Bryson, Leann Younger of McKinney, Holly Morgan of Wichita Falls, Eric Younger of Crafton and Preston Younger, Shawn Younger and Jason Younger, all of Park Springs, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Donald Meekins, Bryan Younger, Shawn Younger, Sean Morgan, Jason Younger and Preston Younger.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico.
Published Thursday, October 7, 2004

Zaidle, Edward Dale
1945-2004
Edward Dale Zaidle, 58, of Weatherford, father of Sherri Earp of Chico, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in Weatherford.
He was born Nov. 4, 1945 in Dallas, to Edward E. and Mary Ervin Zaidle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Terri Dale Zaidle; and a brother, Darrell Zaidle.
He is survived by his children, Sherri Earp and husband, Jason, and Teresa Zaidle; a sister, Donna Chesney and husband, Lonnie; a brother, Donald Zaidle and wife, Barbara; two granddaughters, Jacee Earp and Misty Nicholson; and two grandsons, Chance Earp and Nikolas Nicholson.
Published Sunday, August 15, 2004