'Wise County Messenger' Obituaries
2013
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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.)

Abel, Laddy Frank | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Laddy Frank Abel
Laddy Frank Abel, 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Dec. 27 at Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd with the Rev. Andrew Vandergriff officiating. Burial was in Boyd Cemetery under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers were James F. Cornstubble, Eddy Calicott, Anthony Holman, Lee Waldrop, Bailey Vandenbrande, Shane Abel, Joe Bob Unger and Jody Jack. Laddy was born Oct. 5, 1934, to Helen Miller Abel and Carl Rhine in Decatur. He graduated from Boyd High School in 1953 and proudly served in the Texas National Guard and as a lighthouse keeper in the United States Coast Guard.
He owned and operated Abel Automotive and Boyd NAPA for many years before going to work as a mechanic for Brazos Gas, where he retired.
Laddy was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Frank Abel; his father, Carl Rhine; son Alan Abel; and sister Rosalyn Norville.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Adarose Abel of Boyd; daughters Brenda Calicott and husband, Eddy, of Boyd, Cheryl Cornstubble of Boyd, Annette Abel of Decatur and Lesa Cantrell of Boyd; daughter-in-law Sheri Abel of North Richland Hills; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Agin, Lance R. | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Lance R. Agin, 52, of New Port Richey, Fla., died Friday, March 22, 2013. He was a former resident of Paradise.
Lance was born July 22, 1960, in Zanesville, Ohio, and grew up in Wintersville, Ohio, where he was a wrestler, boxer, baseball and football player, and Boy Scout. He had lived in Florida for the past 15 years with his family.
Lance served in the Navy on the USS Kitty Hawk and was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and more. His most cherished treasures in life were his wife, Kathy, and son Chris.
He was an accomplished musician who could take over the room with a guitar and a true friend who always had your back.
Services were held March 27 in New Port Richey with minister Rex Agin officiating.
Lance is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son Christopher; parents Joyce and Larry Agin; brothers Reid and Larry Allen; sisters Theresa and Deitra, and a host of friends.

Albritton, Billy Gene | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Billy Gene Albritton
Billy Gene Albritton died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. Funeral was Oct. 3 at Hurst Assembly of God with burial at DFW National Cemetery.
Billy was born Dec. 13, 1926, in Bridgeport to Ben and Belle Albritton. He had recently returned to the Fort Worth area after living in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He owned an insurance agency for many years and also evangelized and pastored in both states.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Addie Warner, Doris Galloway and Ima Lee Anderson; and infant brother James Albritton Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Dortha Hughart Albritton; daughter Barbie Harris and husband, Ken; grandchildren Patrick and Zachary Harris; brother Ted Albritton and wife, Geneva; sister Betty Joy VanHoose and husband, Cecil; and precious sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Allen, James ‘Jim’ | 1926-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013
James “Jim” Allen, 86, a retired bookkeeper for H&N Machine, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. Rev. Dale Noska will officiate, and there will be a private burial at Hog Branch Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
James was born Dec. 1, 1926, to Edward and Sonora (Miller) Allen in Fort Worth. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy during WWII. He graduated from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth with a bachelor’s degree. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Eloise Sewell and Viva Swearingin; and one brother, Dan Allen.
Survivors include his son, Timothy Doyle Allen of Lake Worth, Fla.; nieces and nephews Joan Gotcher of Fort Worth, Jim Kemp of North Richland Hills, Phillip Swearingin of Salem, Ore., Gena Pla of Madras, Ore., Debbie Purcell of Jonesboro, Ark. and John Allen of Salem; many great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Allen, Jerry Wayne | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Jerry Wayne Allen, 67, a retired carpenter, died Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Decatur.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jerry was born May 4, 1945, in Levelland to Woodrow Wilson and Josephine (Tillman) Allen. His parents preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son, Jason Allen of Newark; granddaughter Ashton Daniel of Jacksboro; and grandson Jakob Allen of Newark.

Anderson, Austin James | 1980-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Austin James Anderson
Austin James Anderson
Austin James Anderson, 32, died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, in Wizard Wells.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, in Wizard Wells Cemetery.
Austin was born June 3, 1980, in Commerce to Barbara (Ware) and Andy Anderson. He worked in the oilfield and enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and spending time with his family and cooking on the grill.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbi Higgins; brothers Chad Tankersley and Cecil Burnett; and sisters Morgan Hobbs, Alyssa Burnett, Brandy Jones and Melanie Gates.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Burnett Hall, and nephew Jacob Jones.

Anderson, Clay Houston | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Clay Houston Anderson
Clay Houston Anderson
Clay Houston Anderson, 51, of Decatur died Saturday, March 9, 2013, in Dallas.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Ascension and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport. Father Ryan Reed will officiate.
Clay was born April 27, 1961, in Fort Worth to Ann (Arnette) and Gene Anderson. He married Betty Patton Feb. 11, 1984, in Stephenville. He received a master’s degree in agricultural education from Tarleton State University and was a teacher with Chico ISD who loved calf roping, farming and ranching, riding horses and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife; son Kyle Anderson and wife, Shayla (Taylor), of Decatur; daughter Katy Anderson and husband, Scott McKamie, of Ponder; father Gene Anderson of Decatur; brothers Steve Anderson and wife, Mary, of Fort Worth, and Blake Anderson and wife, Robynne, of Bakersfield, Calif.,; and sister Janan Anderson of Alvord.
He was preceded in death by his mother; grandparents Jackie and Glenn Arnette of Fort Worth and Opal Bailey of Fort Worth; and mother-in-law Doris Patton.

Anderson, Ima Lee | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 18, 2013
Ima Lee Anderson
Ima Lee Anderson
Ima Lee Anderson, 81, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Ima was born April 23, 1932, in Bridgeport to Benjamin Franklin and Sarah Belle (Pearce) Albritton.
She married Charley Fred Anderson April 26, 1957, in Bridgeport and was married 28 years at his death in January 1985.
Ima was also preceded in death by her brother, James Albritton Jr., sisters Addie Warner and Doris Galloway; and great-granddaughter Kyndall Gentry.
Survivors include her sons, Larry Moore and wife, Lydia, of Perrin, Robert Anderson and Paul Anderson and wife, LaDawn, all of Decatur; daughters Shella Ford and husband, Tommy, of Azle, Sherry Gentry and husband, Gary, of Decatur, and Lisa Anderson and husband, Tony Jackson, of Decatur; brothers Billy Albritton of Fort Smith, Ark., and Ted Albritton of Rosharon; sister Betty VanHoose of Plains; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Anderson, Mildred Decima Gray | 1914-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Mildred Decima Gray Anderson
Mildred Decima Gray Anderson, 99, of Chico, died quietly Sunday evening, Nov. 3, 2013, at her home.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with Jimmy Swetnam officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Jacksboro. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Deborah Anderson, J.D. Anderson Jr., Tim Sanders, Jeremy Anderson, John Anderson, Marty Anderson, Tommy Anderson and David Anderson.
Mildred was the daughter of the late John Elbert Gray and Janie Hensley Gray of Jacksboro. She married the love of her life, James Leroy “Dear” Anderson, Nov. 1, 1934, in Waurika, Okla. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Dear died in November 1998.
Mildred and James lived in Paradise, where the first three of their seven children, Shirley Lee, James Donald and Kenneth Roy, were born. A daughter and son, Mildred Jane and Stanley Gray, were born in Little Rock, Ark., where Dear worked for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad. Two more sons, Stuart Neal and Tommy Wayne, were born after the Andersons returned to Texas.
In 1947, they bought the old McGinnis farm on County Road 1810, where they raised corn, cotton, peanuts, chickens, pigs and cows over the next 50 years. In addition, Dear worked for Gifford-Hill.
Mildred was a gifted homemaker. She sewed clothing, reupholstered furniture, quilted and produced delicate counted-cross-stitch items. Several of her original paintings, including one of the old farmhouse and the railroad, hang in her home.
She was an active member of Chico First Baptist Church until her later years in life.
Growing up near Wizard Wells, she attended schools at Peach Orchard and Vineyard. Mildred was one of eight sisters and four brothers. Only one sister survives her, Izella Gray Boyd of Bowie. Preceding her in death were Thelma, Dock, Beatrice, J.E., Dena, Iris, Virginia, Jess, Ted, and Wilma Jean. Sister Thelma died in Kentucky in 2012 at age 105.
In addition to her husband, Mildred was preceded in death by her first daughter, Shug, in 2005 and middle son, Stanley of Brownwood in September.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Freman Hollingsworth of Carrollton; sons and daughters-in-laws, James D. and Marjorie Anderson of Joplin, Kenneth R. and Sally Anderson of Mesquite, Stuart N. and Tammy Anderson of Commerce and T. Wayne and Nancy Anderson of Arlington; daughter-in-law May Anderson of Fort Worth; 23 grandchildren; dozens of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; caregivers Kathy Turner and Lynn Coyle; other family members and friends.

Anderson, Stanley Gray | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Stanley Anderson
Stanley Anderson, 69, of Brownwood, died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at his home in Brownwood.
Stanley was born Sept. 29, 1944, in Little Rock, Ark., to James L. Anderson and Mildred Gray Anderson and grew up in Chico. He retired from the city of Arlington in 2005 and was an avid motorcycle rider with a tremendous love for the great outdoors.
A memorial service will be held at a later date under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home and Cremations in Brownwood.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, May Anderson; children Cheryl Evans of Fort Worth, Cyndi Haapapuro of Eustis, Fla., Marty Anderson of Burleson and Steven Anderson of North Port, Fla.; grandchildren Davin, Brittani, Clay, Mitchell, Shannon, Gray, Riley and Aydan; and great-grandchildren Chloe, Peyton, Conner and Carson.
He is also survived by his mother, Mildred Anderson of Chico, and siblings Andy Anderson of Jacksboro, Kenneth Anderson of Mesquite, Jane Hollingsworth of Carrollton, Stuart Anderson of Commerce and Wayne Anderson of Arlington.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Anderson and a sister, Shirley Anderson Sanders.
Friends and family members are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.nethertonfuneralhome.com.

Andress, Elaine Slimp | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Elaine (Slimp) Andress
Elaine (Slimp) Andress
Elaine (Slimp) Andress, 68, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in Boyd.
Funeral was held Jan. 21 at Aurora Baptist Church, where she was a member. Pastor Jimmy Withers officiated. Interment was in Aurora Cemetery. Pallbearers included Bud Smith, Derek Brown, Sean Andress, Bobby Davis, Matt Naugle and Jesse Bulpitt. Honorary pallbearer was Brian Hunt.
Elaine was born Sept. 21, 1944, in Rhome to Shade and Dovie (Lambert) Slimp. She married Milton Andress on Feb. 25, 1965.
Left behind to cherish her memories are her husband of 48 years; daughters Cindy Smith and husband, Bud, of Boyd and Angie Brown and husband, Derek, of Saginaw; 12 grandchildren, Brian, Jennifer, Sherri, Brittany, Rene, Sean, Justin, Jessica, Brandon, Joshua, Courtney and Brooklyn; eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; two brothers, Clyde and Doyle Slimp; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Elaine was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Andress; daughter Kimberly Andress; and two brothers, Jim and Wayne Slimp.

Applegate, Roger Dale | 1966-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Roger Dale Applegate, 46, died Saturday, May 18, 2013, in Bowie.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Newport Cemetery with Kenneth Wood officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Roger was born Dec. 10, 1966, to Theo “Snooke” and Daisy Applegate in Bowie. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1986. He married Janice Wood Nov. 14, 1992, in Crafton and was baptized at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie. He was a devoted son, husband and father who loved hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Theo Applegate; sister Frances Marie Zittle; and brothers Charles Zittle and James Ernest Zittle.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Applegate of Bowie; children Wesley, Alee, Jacob and Jackson of Bowie; mother Daisy Applegate of Bowie; brothers Eddie Zittle of Bertram, Bobby Zittle and wife, Ava, of Yuma, Ariz., and Thorbit Applegate and wife, Johnnie, of Burnet; sisters Evelyn Ward and husband, Leroy, of Bertram, Sue Baker and husband, Charles, of Lometa, and Lawanda Knechtel and husband, Brian, of Athol, Mass.; father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Jane Wood of Crafton; brother-in-law and wife, Darrell and Traci Davidson of Crafton; sister-in-law and husband, Kendra and Manuel Leal of Crafton; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, family and co-workers.

Arwine, William Isaac, Jr. | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 26, 2013
William Isaac Arwine Jr. 81, died Sunday, June 23, 2013, in Weatherford.
He was born July 2, 1931, in Bridgeport to W.I. and Myrtle Brown Arwine. He resided in Parker County and was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Weatherford. William retired from Murdock/Lockheed Martin where he worked as a machinist.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Harris and husband, Terry, of Burleson; stepdaughter Ren Callahan and husband, Bob, of Myrtle Beach, N.C.; son Waylen Scott Arwine and wife, Jackie, of Kennett, Mo.; stepson Devery Powers and wife, Lisa, of Nashville, Tenn., and former step-son-in-law, Michael McFadden; grandchildren: Kyle Harris and fianc e, Meredith Brown, Michelle Anderson and husband, Trey, Brandi Herring and husband, Dennis, R.J. Arwine and wife, Jes, and Amanda Roecker and husband, Christopher; three great-grandchildren; sister Jane Dethloff of Lawrence, Kan.; brother O’Dell Kimble of Portland, Tenn.; and special friend Bess Bode of Springtown.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home in Weatherford. Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at the funeral home with the Rev. Danny Grisso and Kyle Harris officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens.

Ashmore, Marie | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Marie Ashmore
Marie Ashmore, 86, a beautician, died Thursday, July 11, 2013, in Albuquerque, N.M.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd, and burial will follow at 3 p.m. at IOOF Cemetery in Hamilton. The Rev. Mark Autry will officiate.
Pallbearers are Robert Ashmore, George Ashmore III, Jeffrey Ashmore, J.D. Nesbitt, John Wolfe, Bo Ashmore, Paul Ashmore and Chuck Drain.
Marie was born Sept. 21, 1926, in Hamilton to Claude and Nellie (Harris) Harvey. She married George William Ashmore II Jan. 4, 1947, in Hamilton. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newark.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George, and her sister, Ogle Dolloff.
Survivors include her daughter, Arlene Wolfe of Newark; sons Robert Ashmore and wife, Rebecca, of Fort Worth, George Ashmore III and wife, Jennifer, of Decatur; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Askey, Jerry Wayne | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 18, 2013
Jerry Wayne Askey
Jerry Wayne Askey
Jerry Wayne Askey, 74, a rancher, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Harold Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Eaton Cemetery, located on the Askey Ranch.
Pallbearers include Jim White, Michael White, Scott White, Tony White, Danny Guinn, Anthony Lee, Todd Hodges and Chance Davis. Honorary pallbearers include Marty Kramer, Steve Hillard, Rick Bowling, Terry North, Bill Askey and Terry Baker.
Jerry was born Oct. 22, 1938, in Decatur to Thomas Vernon and Beatrice Lou (Jobe) Askey. He married Ina Elizabeth White Dec. 27, 1957, in Ardmore, Okla. Jerry was a member of the Chisholm Trail Antique Tractor Club and the Wise County Rock and Mineral Society. He was a member of the Corinth Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ina Askey; daughter Kathy Askey; son Jerry Askey Jr. and wife, Terri, all of Decatur; granddaughters Stephanie Guinn, Amber and Halie Askey, all of Decatur; grandson Chance Davis and wife, Traci, of Allen; great-grandchildren Kelsey Guinn of Decatur and Kaegen and Ansley Davis of Allen; one brother; and one sister.

Bailey, Eddie Earl, Sr. | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Edward (Eddie) Earl Bailey Sr.,
Edward (Eddie) Earl Bailey Sr., 76, a retired welder, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Doug Acklie officiating. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Eddie was born Jan. 20, 1937, to D.B. and Vivian (Martin) Bailey in Fort Worth. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He married Millie Marie Gifford Sept. 12, 1959, in Weatherford.
Eddie was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Millie Marie Bailey on Feb. 10, 2011, and son-in-law Marlin Garrett.
He is survived by daughters Marlene Rachuig and husband, David, of Blue Mound and Rena Garrett of Aurora; sons Edward Bailey Jr. and wife, Kim, of Arlington and Edwin Bailey of Blue Mound; grandchildren Jayson, Brandi, Malinda, James, Chris, Edward (Eddie) III, David and Daniel; great-grandchildren Cade, Shane and Shyanne; brother-in-law Ray Gifford; sister-in-law Anita Bailey; and other family members and friends.

Bailey, John | 1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 1, 2013
John Bailey
John Bailey
John Bailey, 64, of Bridgeport died at his home Saturday, April 27, 2013.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with pastor Matt Edwards of Faith Community Church in Paradise officiating.
John was born June 5, 1948, in Jacksboro to Clyde and Margie (Reeves) Bailey. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where, in addition to a Navy Unit Commendation and National Defense Service Medal, he also received a Vietnam Service Medal with two stars and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
He was retired from Peterbilt in Denton. He loved riding his motorcycle, touring Lake Bridgeport in his boat and spending time with family on the weekends. He was always up for having a good time and listening to some good music.
He is survived by his son, Raymond Bailey and wife, Teresa; sisters Barbara Mullins and husband, Kelly, and Terry Warner and husband, Norman; stepbrothers Roy and Travis Provence; grandchildren Casey and Kyle Riggs; aunt Jodie Reeves; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Wise County Veterans Service Office in Decatur at 940-627-2470.

Baker, Barbara Ann | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Barbara Ann Baker
Barbara Ann Baker, 69, a retired public school teacher, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the First Baptist Church in Decatur with burial in Perrin Memorial Gardens in Perrin. Dr. Ken May will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Bethurum, Frank Maxwell, A.C. Griffin, Harold Mosley, Vic Morton and Wayne Alexander. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Barbara was born Oct. 3, 1943, to Ward and Ruby (Shipley) Luna in Jacksboro. She graduated from Graham High School in 1962 and from the University of North Texas in 1966 with a bachelor of science degree.
Barbara married Dale Baker June 22, 1963, in Denton. She taught elementary students at Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, Graham ISD, Jacksboro ISD and Bridgeport ISD before retiring to Runaway Bay in 1998.
Barbara’s hobbies included reading, scrapbooking, camping, art and teaching, but being with family and friends was still her greatest joy and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Winnie Luna.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Dale Baker of Runaway Bay; son Brannan Kyle Baker and wife, Connie, of Colorado City; granddaughter Elizabeth Sikes of Colorado City; great-grandchildren Joe and Zoey; sisters Jolene Smith, Wilma York and husband, Jerry, both of Temple; brothers Wilburn Luna and wife, Audrey, of Vernal, Utah, and Dwain Luna of Garland; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Barbara will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Baker, Etoie Almeda | 1955-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Etoie Baker
Etoie Baker, 57, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Bowie.
She was born Dec. 17, 1955, in Bowie to Raymond Baker and Tula Chisom. Etoie was sometimes better known as “Tinker Toy” the clown. A lively woman, she will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Susan Kelly; and grandparents Mildred and Charles Pruitt.
She is survived by her stepfather, James Holland of Bowie; brothers Jimmy Baker of Bowie and Tommy Baker of Idaho; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Shaw’s Funeral Home in Bowie is in charge of arrangements. A service will be held at a later date.

Baker, Toby Joe | 1974-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Toby Joe Baker
Toby Joe Baker
Toby Joe Baker, 39, a roustabout with Richey Oil Co., died Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Visitation is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.
The Rev. Mark Autry will officiate. Pallbearers include Jason Adams, Scotty Cordell, Tony Fields, Randy Adams, Shaun Martin and Justin Hardie. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Elkins, Pete Adams, David Noonkester and all co-workers.
Toby was born Jan. 4, 1974, in Ranger to Jay and Linda (Hill) Baker.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
He is survived by his father, Jay Baker and wife, Patsy, Baker of Celina; mother Linda Noonkester of Granbury; daughter Mahayla D. Baker of Boyd; former wife and mother of his daughter, Tamara Baker of Boyd; sisters Debrah Lynn Noonkester and husband, David, of Lipan, Roxanne Baunita Elkins and husband, Mike, of Granbury, and Suzie Little and husband, Kerdace, of Granbury; nieces Michele Williams, Benita Elkins, Jami Hardie and Autumn Noonkester; nephews Justin Hardie and Kevin Noonkester; other family members and a host of friends.

Ballard, Modena Inez | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Modena Inez Ballard, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Gibtown Cemetery. Burial is under the direction of White’s Funeral Home in Weatherford.
Modena Inez Anderson was born March 5, 1935, to M.H. and Cleo Phillips Anderson. She graduated from Poolville High School and met and married Virgle Ballard Dec. 22, 1951, in Poolville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters Janie Lee Sneed and Mozelle Anderson.
Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years, Virgle Ballard of Poolville; daughter Carlene Ivester and husband, Dan, of Springtown; granddaughter Tiffany Harrison and Rod Sharp of Runaway Bay; grandson Matthew Harrison and Briar of Denton; great-grandchildren Sydney Sharp and Jason Sanford; brothers Johnny Anderson of Weatherford and Daniel Anderson of Mineral Wells; sisters Yvonne Shepard and Mildred Katrycz, both of Weatherford; several nieces and nephews; and many family members and friends.

Banister, Wanda E. | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wanda E. Banister
Wanda E. Banister
Wanda E. Banister, 77, of Wise County, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
A memorial service was Jan. 25 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Decatur, with Nathan Shaffer and Jeff Meredith officiating. Burial will be in Clovis, N.M.
Wanda was born Oct. 5, 1935, in Borger, to John and Hollie Johnson. She was a wife and mother and a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Elvin Banister, and sons Johnny Dale Banister and Ronnie Lee Banister.
Survivors include daughter Vonna Shaffer and husband, Kenneth, of Sunset; brothers Cecil Johnson of California and Bobby Johnson of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren Mandy Allen and husband, Brett, and Nathan Shaffer and wife, Amber; and great-grandchildren Landon, Micah and Hailey Allen and Tristan Shaffer.

Barbour, Erlene | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 27, 2013

Erlene Barbour
Erlene Barbour, 87, died Thursday, July 25, 2013, in Lubbock.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 29 in the First Baptist Church of Tulia with Rev. Jason Stone and Rev. Charles Davenport officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.
A visitation will be Sunday, July 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Erlene was born Sept. 19, 1925, to Loren and Lora Brooks in Santa Ana, the second oldest of seven children. She grew up and attended schools in Santa Ana and moved to Tulia in 1945. On Dec. 28, 1946, she married Van Barbour in Plainview. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Tulia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two daughters, Jimmie Sue Estes and Dorothy Timmons.
Survivors include two daughters, Jean Richards and husband Jim of Decatur and Kathy Lust of Lubbock; two sons, Ed Barbour and wife Donna of Sunray and Steve Barbour of Cleburne; brothers Gerald Brooks of Fort Davis and Glean Brooks of Granbury; 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 101 N. Crosby, Tulia, Texas 79088 or to the American Heart Association, 2514 82nd St., Lubbock, Texas 79423 or to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.

Barnes, J.B. | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 26, 2013
J.B. Barnes
J.B. Barnes
J.B. Barnes, 79, a master plumber, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Jan. 24 at Sunset Assembly of God Church with burial in Alvord Cemetery under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home of Bridgeport. The Rev. Ernie Patterson officiated, and pallbearers were Wendell Berry, John Horton, Gary Bussell, Ray Patterson, Ronald Patterson and Ronald Gose.
J.B. was born April 28, 1933, in Alvord to John and Mary (Henderson) Barnes. He married Norma Jean Boyd Nov. 29, 1952, in Port Lavaca. J.B. served his country in the U.S. Army and was the owner of J.B. Barnes Plumbing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandchild Aisha; brothers Johnnie Barnes and Billy Barnes; sisters Bertha Barnes, Helen Barnes, Dorothy Barnes and Leona Milburger.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Norma Jean Barnes of Alvord; daughter Sheryl Zwahr and husband, Steve, of Alvord; son Avery Barnes of Alvord; grandchildren Shonda, Steven, Whitney, Layla and Hannah; great-grandchildren Ava, Dayssi, Cecyl, Ila, Emery, Lily and Adelyn; sister Francis Patterson of Alvord; other family members and a host of friends.

Barnett, Mildred Marie | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Mildred Marie Barnett
Mildred Marie Barnett
Mildred Marie Barnett, 95, a retired nutritionist, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Burial was April 5 at Springtown Cemetery.
Mildred was born March 21, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Matthew and Anna (Smith) Burkhart. She married Jim Barnett. Before retiring, she worked as a nutritionist in Sioux City. She enjoyed crafting, gardening and baking.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter; and her granddaughter, Kimberly Pack.
Survivors include her granddaughters, Cristy Caraway of Paradise, Theresa Weeks of Boyd, Nancy Brandon of Paradise, and Sharon Mansall of Poolville; her great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.

Baze, Virginia Sue | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 2, 2013
Virginia Sue Baze
Virginia Sue Baze
Virginia Sue Baze, 65, a retired graphic designer for Lewis Labels, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service was March 1 at Friendship Cemetery in Boyd with the Rev. Mark Autry officiating.
Virginia was born March 12, 1947, in Axtell, Kan., to Clair and Madge (Still) Matson. She married Bobby Lain Baze April 20, 1973, in Ardmore, Okla., and was a former resident of Boyd.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Bobby, in 2003.
Survivors include her daughter, Joy Hervey of Mineral Wells; grandchildren Sterling, Taylor, Dillon and Dakota; brother William Matson of Waterville, Kan.; other relatives and a host of friends.

Beavers, Doyle Edward | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013

Doyle Edward Beavers
Doyle Edward Beavers, 70, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, in Bowie.
Funeral is 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Montague County Cowboy Church with Joe Caballero officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Doyle was born June 30, 1943, in Hugoton, Kan., to Claude and Pauline (Horner) Beavers. He attended high school in Hugoton and worked for his family’s machine shop. Doyle moved to Montague County in 1963 where he was co-owner of Beaver’s Construction until 1985.
He continued to work in construction and heavy machinery from 1985 to 2006. Doyle, co-owner of Beaver’s Dozer Service, was an entrepreneur in the heavy machinery and construction businesses, and he was co-owner of Beaver’s Dozer Service at the time of his death.
He enjoyed metal works, oil painting, sketching and flying.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Pauline Beavers; brother Kenneth Beavers; and two sisters, Claudine Oder and Louise Trahern Smith.
Doyle is survived by his wife, Rita Beavers, of Bowie; sons Shane Beavers and wife, Gayonne, of Decatur and Spencer Beavers and wife, Kim, of Bowie; stepchildren Randy Polk and wife, Ramonna, of Bowie, Larry Archer and wife, Michelle, of Mineral Wells, Gary Archer and wife, Charlotte, of Arlington, Shannon Edwards and husband, Troy, of Haslet, Cherissa McConnell and husband, Michael Harrijgers, of Crafton, Courtney Matthews of Bowie, and Sandra Mitchell and husband, Odes, of Arlington.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Seth and Shaina Beavers, Bailey and Teague Beavers, Emily and Tage Cunningham, Bailey Polk, T.J. Edwards and wife, Sarah, Hunter Edwards, Casey Stark, Mason, Leah and Meagan Mitchell, Latisha Grant and husband, Phillip, Natasha Burgess and husband, Daniel, Gary Wayne Archer and wife, Jessica, Stephanie Sullivan and husband, Cory, and Cory Archer; and seven great-grandchildren.

Belknap, Ima Wave | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Ima Wave Belknap, 91, a retired Registered Nurse, died Saturday, June 29, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Sycamore Baptist Church with the Rev. Casey Lewis officiating. Burial will be at Sycamore Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Randy Hardee, Cecil Hardee, Lenny Hardee, Jerry Duke, Shaun Belknap, Kirstie Caruthers, Angela Duke, Niki Belknap, Shawn Belknap and Ashley Belknap.
Ima was born June 7, 1922, in Leo to Raymond and Maggie (Eason) Mathis. She married Austin Wilson Belknap in Gainesville. She was a member of the Sycamore Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Ann Hardee and husband, Larry, of Alvord and Mary Loo Duke and husband, Cecil, of Ringgold; son Henry E. Belknap and wife, Linda, of Alvord; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; three sisters; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Ima was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Joyce Gayle Belknap; brother Jack Forest Mathis; and grandson Bryan Joseph Ledet.

Bell, Ulysses ‘Shorty’ | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Ulysses 'Shorty' Bell
Ulysses ‘Shorty’ Bell
Ulysses “Shorty” Bell, of Boyd, died Thursday, May 30, 2013, at his home with his family around him.
Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home in Irving, where he formerly lived. Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, at the funeral home chapel.
Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving.
Born Dec. 4, 1917, in Moody to Jess and Ida Mae Bell, Shorty married his high school sweetheart, Grace Stephens, Oct. 16, 1937, in Moody. They were married 55 years before her death.
Shorty was also preceded in death by all three of his children: a stillborn son; son Daniel Bell; and daughter Donna Bell.
He was a faithful man of God, serving as a Sunday School teacher and deacon in the Baptist church all of his adult life. He served his country for 30 years, first in the Army in World War II and then in the Air Force Reserves. He retired from the service in 1977.
Shorty is survived by his granddaughter, Kimberlee Stokes and husband, Bobby, both of whom were his caregivers for the last 11 years; great-grandchildren Ryan, Colt and Kelsi; daughter-in-law Gwen Bell; sister Thelma Hatte of Temple; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Best, Penny Ann | 1955-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013

Penny Ann Best
Penny Ann Best, 58, of Kingston, Okla., died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore, Okla.
Service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Multipurpose Building in Kingston, Okla., under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Chris Webb will officiate.
Penny was born June 1, 1955, in Bridgeport to the late Earl Hardy Rutherford and Wanna Veanett Inman Rutherford. She was raised in Rhome and graduated in 1973 from Northwest High School.
In 1978, she moved to the Kingston area where she worked for INCA. She went to work for the Kingston Public Schools in 1997 and was still employed there. She also worked at the Bar B Q Shack for the past eight years.
Penny married James R. Best Oct. 24, 1980, in Madill, Okla. He preceded her in death on June 23, 2012. Penny was a member of the Baptist Church and was baptized Saturday in the hospital. She loved her grandkids and her horses.
She is survived by her children, John R. Best and wife, Kendra, of Panama City, Fla., and Sherry Best of Kingston, Okla.; grandchildren Tory Best of Waco, Karie Best of Panama City, Fla., Declan Best and Rae-Ann Best, both of Kingston, Okla.; and sisters Shawnda Faust and Karen Long, both of Boyd.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.

Bewley, Inez White | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Inez White Bewley
Inez White Bewley
Inez White Bewley, 88, a homemaker, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery near Weatherford.
Pallbearers are Steven White, Chris White, Doug White, Chad White, Billy Bob White, Jason White and Justin White.
Ms. Bewley was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Bethel to Ralph and Edith Jane Dozier. She married the Rev. Wesley J. White in Bennett April 3, 1943, and they were married 44 years until his death March 11, 1987.
Ms. Bewley was united in marriage to the Rev. Willard Bewley in Southlake Oct. 10, 1988, and they had been married 11 years at his death in March of 1999. She is also preceded in death by her son, David L. White.
Ms. Bewley enjoyed quilting and gardening, and she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her sons, James White and wife, Karen, of Paradise, Ronnie White and wife, Charla, of Cross Plains, and Jerry White and wife, Cindy, of Fort Worth; daughter-in-law Dianna White of Bridgeport; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Bias, William Rudolph | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013

William Rudolph Bias
William Rudolph Bias, 56, of Archer City, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at his home.
Services will be Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at New Vision Ministries in Alvord, with Apostle Quint Burks officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Aria Funeral Home of Irving.
William was born Oct. 30, 1957 in Houston. He attended high school in Wellington and worked as a blade hand in construction throughout his life. He also was an EMT and had served on the East Wise, Boyd and Hawley volunteer fire departments. He was a member of the Lake Kickapoo Volunteer Fire Department at the time of his death.
In his younger days he loved to ride motorcycles and compete in motorcross events.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elemer Bias, grandparents Frank and Lorena Boyles, and sisters Sharon Bias and Kittie Yander.
Survivors include his mother, Pauline Bias of Wellington; sons Christopher Bias and wife Kristen of Decatur, and Lance Bias of Houston; daughters Felicia Scott and husband Grady Scott Jr. of Decatur, and Amber Reardon of Decatur; sisters Nancy Bias Grotzinger and Carol Sue Bias, both of Blue Spring, Mo., Karrie Caruthers of Bronaugh, Mo., Natia Bias of Tampa, Fla., Betty Wilson of San Clemente, Calif. and Beverly Lambert of Norco, Calif.; and grandchildren Marissia Bias, Noah Reardon, Nickolas Scott and Zephanie Bias.

Biggs, Ala Pluma | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 2, 2013

Ala Pluma Biggs
Ala Pluma Biggs, 88, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in a Fort Worth care center.
A memorial Mass will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills.
Ala was born Jan. 9, 1925, in Snyder to John Thomas and Stella Borden Griffin. She was a former resident of Dallas, Hamilton and Paradise and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bridgeport.
Ala retired from Rockwell Industries after more than 25 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 10 siblings; son Edward Bart; and grandson James Edward Bent.
Survivors include her daughters, Stella Hlad and husband, Richard, and Patricia Bent; grandchildren James Ramsey Jr, Scott Ramsey and Rebecca Sheffield; great-grandchildren Lauren Reed, Garret Ramsey, Jaycee Sheffield and Braden Sheffield; great-great-grandchild Ryder Reed; and sister Edna Hayworth.

Biles, Wayne Claude | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wayne Claude Biles
Wayne Claude Biles
Wayne Claude Biles, 59, a retired supervisor, died Saturday, March 9, 2013, in Decatur.
Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bridgeport with Christian burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Father Gonzo Morales will officiate.
Pallbearers are Rhannen Way, Kip Graham, John Biles III, Darrell Biles, Derrick Biles and Lee Biles.
Wayne was born Sept. 6, 1953, in Houston to Claude and Mary Ellen (Morrow) Douglas. He served his country in the U.S. Marines and married Barbara Sister June 5, 1976, in Sugarland. He was retired from American Airlines after 22 years as a technical crew chief. Wayne was also a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Douglas; and a brother, Rodney Biles.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bobbie Biles of Paradise; daughter Janell Way and husband, Rhannen, of Paradise; sister Jeanette Biles of Denton; brothers Glenn Biles and wife, Carolyn, of Austin, and John Biles III of Temple; his parents, John Jr. and Mary Ellen Biles of Temple; other family members and a host of friends.

Bingham, Margaret Lee Bogy | 1919-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Margaret Lee Bogy Bingham
Margaret Lee Bogy Bingham died Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at the age of 94.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport under the direction of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin.
Margaret was born June 27, 1919, in Newcastle to Ivy and Asilee Bogy, the sixth of seven children. After graduating from Fairview High School, she moved with her family to Bridgeport where she met her husband of 54 years, Justin M. Bingham. She was an Austin resident for the last 50 years.
Known as Margaret Lee to her family, she was a sweet lady with a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Justin; granddaughter Laura Kay Youmans; son-in-law Randy Burch; and all her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Melinda Burch of Houston; son and caregiver Rex Bingham of Austin; grandchildren David and Becky Youmans of Austin; sister-in-law Frances Bogy of San Antonio; son R.L. Bingham; former son-in-law Bob Youmans; and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special thanks to caregiver Learsia Townsend for her help and kindness these last four years.
A memorial guestbook is available online at www.wcfish.com.

Blevins, Ernie | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Ernie Blevins
Decatur lost a true cowboy when Ernie Blevins died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at the age of 71.
Ernie was born Dec. 2, 1942, and was on his own as a young teen. He graduated from Trinity High School in 1962 and joined the U.S. Navy immediately after. He was a boiler tender on the USS Trathen and the USS Fechteler, both destroyer-class ships recommissioned during the Vietnam conflict. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1966.
Ernie worked at Decatur Lumber Co. for many years. He welded gates, cattle guards and strung fencing all over Wise County. He also built docks on Lake Bridgeport and was practically a store fixture at Allsup’s. He loved his family, friends, music, and appreciated a warm rain as much as a cold beer.
He was truly a “good ol’ boy” who pulled over and tipped his hat when a funeral procession passed, stopped for anyone on the side of the road and brought them home if he couldn’t fix their car. He never judged a person by their clothes, skin or anything other than character.
After a previous marriage that resulted in three wonderful children, he married Anne on New Year’s Eve 1980.
He is survived by his wife, Anne; son Brian Blevins of Duncan, Okla.; daughters Tammy Drennan of Lindsay, Okla., Leigh Ann Reece of Ennis and Shalyn Champagne of Lake Worth; sister Joy Romine; grandchildren Brandon Drennan, Bryce Drennan, Jayce Blevins, Paycen Blevins, Chloe Blevins, Calin Reece, James Reece and Ashton Champagne.
A private memorial service will be held at Black Creek. Arrangements are being handled by Jim’s Funeral Home of Hurst.

Boaldin, Christine | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Christine Boaldin
Christine Boaldin, 84, died Monday, June 17, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at Newark Church of Christ with Mike and Bobby Boaldin officiating. Burial will follow in Dido Cemetery in Fort Worth. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Boaldin, Sammy Wager, Sean Boaldin, Nathan Boaldin, Grant Jones, Daniel Perkins and Trenton Boaldin.
Christine was born May 4, 1929, in Wills Point to James Oliver and Lillie Mae (Gammon) Massey. She married Emory Everett Boaldin Jr. Dec. 24, 1949, in Fort Worth and was married 62 years at his death Oct. 26, 2012. Christine was also preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers. She was a member of Newark Church of Christ for 54 years.
She is survived by sons James Russell Boaldin and wife, Debbie, of Denton, Michael Wayne Boaldin and wife, Janice, of Newark, and Bobby Brent Boaldin and wife, Michelle, of North Little Rock, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Boerner, Tommy Lee | 1980-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013

Tommy Lee Boerner
Tommy Lee Boerner, 33, of Midland, died Aug. 2, 2013.
Funeral was Aug. 6 in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton.
Tommy was born Feb. 5, 1980, in Denton County to Gerald Boerner and Barbara McFarlane. He attended Slidell High School, where he was involved in track, basketball and FFA, winning several first-place ribbons for showmanship of livestock. He graduated as salutatorian and went on to earn his associates degree from Midland College.
He enjoyed coed softball, hunting, outfitting and charity hunts for children. He married Vanessa Cody Oct. 6, 2007.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Vanessa Boerner of Midland; parents Gerald and Debbie Boerner of Pilot Point, and Tom and Barbara McFarlane of Decatur; sisters Christy Boerner and Halee Boerner of Pilot Point, Ashley Norton of Dallas, Amber Samples of Coppell and April Norton of Pilot Point; brothers Joey Boerner and wife, Jessica, of Krugerville, Thor McFarlane and wife, Ashley, of Hurst, Shawn McFarlane of Decatur and Douglas Gammill of Denton; grandparents Polly Boerner, Jerry and MaryAnn Pels, Sharon and Gary McFarlane and Helen Taylor; great-grandmother Pearl Cox; parents-in-law Tony and Gloria Cody; brother-in-law Nathan Cody and wife, Lety; three nephews; six nieces; and other extended family members.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Bolin, Leita Maye | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 20, 2013
Leita Maye Bolin
Leita Maye Bolin
Leita Maye Bolin, 76, a homemaker, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Weatherford.
Funeral was April 19 at Aurora Baptist Church with burial in Aurora Cemetery under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home of Boyd.
The Rev. Jimmy Withers officiated, and Steven Bolin, Dustin Bolin, Blake Bolin, Scott Bolin, Calder Austin and Hunter Garcia served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Elam, Harlond Dennis and Marvin Winslanger.
Leita was born Oct. 30, 1936, in Linn to James and Hazel (Bradley) Chafin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil Bolin in 2011 and her twin sister, Reita Smith.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Lee Austin and husband, Clyde, of Aurora; sons Gary Joe Bolin and wife, Sherrie, of Weatherford, Larry Lynn Bolin and wife, Frankie, of Aurora and Carroll Craig Bolin and wife, Kathalinia, of Aurora; grandchildren Shelly Dorsey and husband, Darin, Steven Bolin and wife, Nicole, Blake Bolin and wife, Jennifer, Ashley Gresham and fianc , Josh Parsons, Scott Bolin and wife, Ashley, Caty Roberts and husband, Brandon, Calder Austin, Keesha Bolin, Dustin Bolin and wife, Kristin, Bobby Reed and Billy Reed; 15 great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Bolton, Esther Thelma | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 16, 2013
Esther Thelma Bolton, 95, died Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was March 10 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with burial in Rock Prairie Cemetery. The Rev. Ken May and Gerre Joiner officiated.
Esther was born June 19, 1917, in Madison County to James and Nancy (Brewster) Akin. She married Otis Bolton in 1939 in Madison County. Esther retired from Texas A&M University where she worked as the Student Services supervisor. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Bolton.
She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Ford of Decatur; son Doug Bolton of Decatur; grandsons Rusty Ford and wife, Johna, of Paradise and Chad Bolton of College Station; granddaughter Chrystal Hulson and husband, Ron, of Post; five great-grandchildren; sister Bess Maddox of Bryan; several nieces; and a host of friends.

Boner, Milton | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Milton Boner, 60, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Bellevue.
Graveside service was Jan. 7 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 near Chico, with arrangements under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Milton was born Sept. 8, 1952, to Alvis and Lillie (Monk) Boner in Decatur. He graduated from Chico High School in 1971 and served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. Milton was employed at General Dynamics for 10 years and later moved to the country of Holland where he worked on F16s for three years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvis and Lillie Boner.
Milton is survived by his daughter, Kelly Kay Boner Reed and husband, Justin, of Granbury; grandchildren Brittany Samson of Benbrook and Aaron Gore of Bowling Green, Ky.; brother Alvin Boner and wife, Toni, of Bellevue; nephews Brad Boner and wife, Trisha, of Chico and Wendell Boner and wife, Heather, of Shiner.

Borrows, Lucille Olene | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Lucille Olene Burrows
Lucille Olene Burrows, 87, of Bowie, formerly of Decatur, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, in Bowie.
Graveside services is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Oakland Cemetery in Gorman. Chaplain Doyle Wade will officiate, and burial will be under the direction of White’s Funeral Home in Bowie.
Lucille was born Nov. 9, 1925, in Gorman to Ollie Mae (Davenport) and Douglas McClure Gaines. She was a telephone operator for more than 50 years who enjoyed crocheting and crafting. She attended the Cowboy Church of Sunset.
Lucille is survived by her sons, Gary Burrows and wife, Donna, of Chico and Steven Burrows of Bowie; daughters Dianne Adams of Haltom City and Sherry Barfield and husband, Dean, of Kansas, Okla.; sisters Polly Davis of Fort Worth and Mary Dale Williams and husband, Jimmy, of San Antonio; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son David Burrows; granddaughter Amanda Burrows; four brothers; and two sisters.

Bottge, T.J. 'Thomas John' | 1981-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 3, 2013

T.J. (Thomas John) Bottge
T.J. (Thomas John) Bottge, 32, of Springtown died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Reno. Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Cottondale Baptist Church with Charles Pugh officiating.
Bottge was born March 21, 1981, in Englewood, N.J., to Carolyn and Ed Kent. He was employed at McWhorter Construction and enjoyed spending time with his family. He played video games, refinished furniture and maintained an aquarium. He also had an interest in motorcycles and liked to go jet skiing.
Bottge is survived by his wife, Janet; stepson Trinton Barfield of Aurora; stepdaugthers Isabella Miraha Leija of Springtown and Alexis Barfield of Aurora; parents Carolyn and Ed Kent of Virginia Beach, Va.; mother-in-law Patricia Rose of Springtown; fathers-in-law Randy Irby of Springtown and Jerry Fincannon Sr. of Pottsboro; brothers-in-law Jerry Fincannon II and Dan Irby, both of Springtown, Billy Tadlock of Bridgeport and Johnny Irby of Graham; sisters-in-law Jennifer Fincannon of Springtown; and his grandparents of Virginia Beach.
He is also survived by nephews Chance Rose and Marcus Carroll of Springtown, Christian Fincannon of Pueblo, Colo., and William Tadlock of Bridgeport; nieces Jaclynne Rose of Springtown and Jessica Carroll of Hallsville; best friends James and Kim McWhorter and family; and his Texas parents, Carol and Pat of Azle.
Memorials may be made to the Bank of Azle in his name to help cover medical expenses.

Boulware, Marie Ethelyn | 1920-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 9, 2013
Marie Ethelyn Boulware, 93, formerly of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at her home in Haltom City.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at East Bridgeport Cemetery with Chaplain David Garcia officiating. Visitation is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday before the service at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Marie was born Sept. 23, 1920, in Bridgeport to Susan Sarah (Waddill) and Thomas Green. She spent her adult life as a wife and mother caring for her family. She enjoyed gardening and reading the Bible.
Marie is survived by her son, John Thomas Hartsell of Sherman; daughter Virginia Boulware Smith of Fort Worth; grandchildren Tommy Allen Hartsell of Sherman, Leighann Skipworth and Christy Hartsell, both of Whitesboro, and Jacqueline Reid of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren Eric, Josh, Jacob, Adie, Noah, Libby, Reagan, Ashley and Jonathan; and great-great-grandchild Chandler.

Bounds, Damon | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Damon Bounds
Damon Bounds, 73, a retired machinist, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at his home in Springtown, surrounded by his loved ones while his favorite song, “Waltz Across Texas,” finished playing.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in DFW National Cemetery at a later date.
Damon was born May 5, 1940, in Eldorado to Raymond and Mary (Fowler) Bounds. He married Murtie Patterson March 20, 1992, in Decatur. Damon loved his cigars, family gatherings and looked forward to the Fourth of July celebration he and Murtie held at their home every year. He was a proud veteran and Morse code specialist for the United States Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jordan.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Murtie Bounds of Springtown; daughters Christi Wilson of Houston, Penny York and husband, Chuck, of Pearland, Jenny Calles and husband, Johnny, of Pearland, and Shami Long and husband, Nathan, of Justin; stepson Kenny Grant II of Boyd; grandchildren Lauren, Brittany, Austin, Halie, Cailan, Madison and Bella; great-grandchild Brendie; sisters Karen Roberts and Evanna Hagler; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, 1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org/givehope.

Bower, Richard Allen | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Richard Allen Bower, 72, died Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Keller.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church with the Rev. Larry Knobloch officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Richard was born March 27, 1941, in Gladewater to Raymond and Vera Adelia (House) Bower. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, and he owned and operated Heavy Hoof Wagon and Carriage Co.
Richard married Joanne March 26, 1987, in Crowley and was well-known as the North Texas Santa Claus. He enjoyed caring for his draft horses and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vera Adelia Bower and two sisters.
Richard is survived by his wife, Joanne Bower of Alvord; children, Sherry Smith and husband, Donald, of Terrell, Dovie Frasier of Irving, Bill Bower of Alvord, and Joe Bower of Dallas; stepchildren Deborah Rupp of West Lafayette, Ind., Robert Rupp of Chicago; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bowers, Billie E. Linden | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Billie E. Linden Bowers, 81, a homemaker, died Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, in Plano.
Memorial service was Nov. 16 at the New Life Family Worship Center in Grapevine with Ed Chesser officiating.
Billie was born Aug. 29, 1932, in Gadsden, Ala., to Billy and Lois (Cloud) McClain. She married John Bowers 39 years ago and although they were divorced, he never stopped loving her. Through the help of his daughter, he found her nine months ago, and they were married again on July 6, 2013, in Lillian.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, John Bowers of Plano; sons Stanford Hicks of Aurora, Danny Hicks and wife, Donna, of Woodloch, Rocky Hicks of Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Kelly Hicks of Wilmington, Ohio; stepdaughters Marsie Canada and husband, Gary, of Plano, and Debra Miller and husband, Terry, of Wichita Falls; stepsons Don Bowers and wife, Pam, of O’Fallon, Ill., and Matthew Bowers of Euless; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters Jacquelin McGinnes and husband, Harland, and Rosie Gail Floyd and husband, Johnny, all of Hokes Bluff, Ala.; brother Billy McClain and wife, Sandra, of Hokes Bluff; and other family members and friends.

Bradford, Charles David | 1955-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Charles David Bradford
Charles David Bradford
Charles David Bradford, 57, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Bethel Cemetery with Dr. Bill Hughes officiating.
Charles was born Oct. 29, 1955, in Decatur to Charles William and Betty Jean (Tadlock) Bradford. He worked for Bisidas Water Well Service for 15 years and was a member of the Baptist church.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Bradford of Decatur; sisters Brenda Garvin and husband, Bill of Bowie, Cyndee Bradford of Decatur and Dana Fowler of Boyd; and grandmother Arlie Weaver of Nocona.

Bramlet, Pat | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Pat Bramlet, 76, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in North Richland Hills.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at First Baptist Church in Boyd, with the Rev. Mark Autry officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Pat was born July 15, 1936, to Henry and Ella (Blue) Bramlet in Mingus. He married Ruth Darlene York Aug. 9, 1958, in Graham. Pat joined the U.S. Navy after high school where he attained the rank of Radioman 3rd class. His favorite duty assignment was time spent in Japan.
After he left the Navy, he went to work for American Airlines where he held several jobs over the next 42 years, including baggage handling, ticket agent, wheel shop and maintenance production control. He moved his family from Texas to Chicago, then to Tulsa and back to Texas. Pat loved working for American Airlines, where he created lifelong friendships.
Pat was a Southern Baptist and a member of the First Baptist Church in Boyd. During the 1980′s Pat was a deacon in the church and loved working with the youth group.
He also loved baseball. During his time in Chicago, he was a pitcher on a fast-pitch softball team and continued playing until late in life. He loved the Texas Rangers and supported them through the highs and lows. He was thrilled when the Rangers went to the World Series.
Another love was technology. He loved working on the computer, scanning pictures and organizing them. Pat spent many hours in retirement documenting his family’s life.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Darlene Bramlet; daughters Debra Lasher and husband, Michael, Tanya Neill and husband, Ronald, Renee Wolfe and husband, Chris, and Melissa Pickett and husband, Normal; grandchildren Elizabeth Neill, Codee and Rhiannon Pickett, Dylan Pickett, Benjamin Wolfe and Marissa Wolfe; other family members and a host of friends.
The family has requested memorials be made to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.

Branson, Wynona Jewel | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 16, 2013

Wynona Jewel Branson
Wynona Jewel Branson, 90, a homemaker, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in Brenham.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Zack Landis officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Wynona was born May 2, 1923, to Jewel and Emma (Stotts) Williams in Stephens County, Okla. She graduated from Megargel High School in Megargel. Wynona married Charles D. Branson May 26, 1945, in Olney.
She served as chairman of the Decatur Hospital Board as it transitioned into Wise County Regional Medical Center. Wynona was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Charles D. Branson; and sisters Dema Nachtigal and Scott Bottarini.
Survivors include her son, Jerrel Branson of Brenham; grandsons Ash Branson of Waco, Cpl. Coleman Branson, USMC of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and Price Branson and Reese Branson, both of Brenham; brother-in-law Bill Gilmore and wife, Ann, of Decatur; niece Cherryl Gilmore of Brenham; and other family members and friends.

Brewer, Clemey Alexander | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013

Clemey Alexander Brewer
Clemey Alexander Brewer, 94, of Chico, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at J.E. Foust Funeral Home in Grapevine with burial in Grapevine Cemetery.
Clemey was born May 21, 1918, at home to J.D. and Clem Alexander. She married Johnnie Brewer May 24, 1938, in Dallas, and he preceded her in death in 2002. She was a homemaker and gardener.
She is survived by daughters Martha Huff and husband, Jerry, of Chico, Debra Foster and husband, Greg, of Missouri; grandchildren Sandra, James, Brad, Shellie and B.J.; great-grandchildren Kay, Sarah, Mickayla, Brianna, Amber, Rheason and Bandi; great-great-grandson Cole; and last living sibling, her brother, Milton E. Alexander and wife, Virginia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bridgeman, Flora Mae 'Flossie' | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Flora Mae (Flossie) Bridgeman
Flora Mae (Flossie) Bridgeman
Flora Mae (Flossie) Bridgeman, 87, of Sunset died Saturday, June 1, 2013, in Bowie.
Graveside service was June 4 in Sunset Cemetery with Doyle Wade officiating. Burial was under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home.
Flossie was born Feb. 13, 1926, in Holbert, Okla., to Flora (Cooper) and Jessie Welch. She graduated high school in Olton in 1943 and attended beauty school in Lubbock. She married Ed Bridgeman April 18, 1947.
She was a homemaker who loved gardening and listening to music.
She is survived by her sons, Bill Bridgeman and wife, Becky, of Sunset, Bobby Bridgeman and wife, Donna, of Ferris and Ronnie Bridgeman and wife, Erin, of Paradise; daughter Connie Allison and husband, Gary, of Fort Worth; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband.

Bridges, Benny Coleman | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013
Benny Coleman Bridges, 83, beloved father, grandfather and brother died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in Springtown.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown. Burial will follow in the Cottondale Cemetery.
Benny was born Sept. 18, 1930, in Boyd to the late Wright and Beatrice Bridges. On April 21, 1951, he married the love of his life, Mollie June Evans. Benny retired from the United States Navy and returned to the Springtown area to be close to family and friends.
Benny was preceded in death by his wife, Mollie Bridges; son Farley Bridges; brother Billy Bridges; and sister Peggy Arwine.
Survivors include his son, Floyd Bridges; daughters Neva Bridges, Tina Morrow and husband, Jay, and Nita Banks and husband, Landon; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters Emilie Tackel and Pat Conn; brothers Jimmy Dunlap and Dale Bridges; and many family members and friends.

Briscoe, Eunice ‘Arlene’ Lietner | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Eunice “Arlene” Lietner Briscoe
Eunice “Arlene” Lietner Briscoe, 82, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013.
Service is 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Mims Baptist Church in Conroe with Pastor Gene Kendrick officiating. A lunch will be served at the church at noon. Burial is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Alvord Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis.
Arlene was born Feb. 18, 1931, in Electra to John and Lucille Lietner. Her father worked for the Magnolia Oil Co., and they lived all over Texas. Her parents operated a dairy and farm in Alvord where she could tell tales about raising tomatoes and watermelons.
Arlene has a sister, Belva Garrett, of Alvord and a brother, Larry Lietner, of Elm Mott.
Arlene met her future husband, Ralph Wallace Briscoe, while she was riding in the school bus after he returned from World War II service in Guam with the Seabees. They married May 8, 1948. Ralph worked in an aircraft factory in Saginaw, and Arlene was a beautician in Alvord and later in Wichita Falls and Archer City. She was a teacher’s assistant in the Wichita Falls Independent School District.
Ralph and Arlene traveled extensively in their later years. They had been married 53 years when Ralph died in 2002.
Ralph and Arlene had two sons, Arnold W. and Daylon R. Briscoe. Daylon preceded his mother in death, leaving a widow, Barbara Briscoe; two daughters, Tricia and Laura; and her son, James; and daughter McKenzie. Arnold and his wife, Elaine, have one son, Adam, and grandson Connor.
Arlene’s greatest joy was being a member of Mims Baptist Church. Often, even though she knew the church might not open until 6 p.m., she would be there at 5, just in case. Knowing several weeks in advance of her surgery, she started making out cards for members of her Sunday School class and others through November just in case she might not be able to write them after getting out of the hospital.
Arlene never met a stranger and wanted to take each one of them to heaven with her when she went.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left on the website www.shmfh.com.

Briscoe, Patsy R. | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013

Patsy R. Briscoe
Patsy R. Briscoe, 80, a real estate agent, died Wednesday, July 17, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, July 22, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Patsy was born Dec. 9, 1932, to Benjamin and Carrie (Davis) Steed in Iowa Park. She married Rodney Briscoe March 30, 1998, in Trophy Club. Patsy was a member of the Runaway Bay Womens Bridge Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.
Survivors include her husband of 15 years, Rodney Briscoe of Runaway Bay; son Bud Singleton and wife, Debbie, of Houston; daughter Debbie Singleton; stepson Shawn Briscoe of Dallas; stepdaughter Sharoyn Briscoe of Plano; three grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Brixey, T.R. ‘Bud’ | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 27, 2013
T.R. 'Bud' Brixey
T.R. ‘Bud’ Brixey
T.R. “Bud” Brixey, 82, of Iowa Park, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Kamay Baptist Church in Kamay with the Rev. Jack Jordan officiating and the Rev. Mark Mitchell of Denison assisting. Burial will be in the Bluegrove Cemetery in Bluegrove under the direction of Davis Funeral Home in Henrietta.
T.R. was born June 6, 1930, in Clay County to Ralph Lee and Addie (Watts) Brixey. He married Louise (Marchvanks) Tennant Jan. 21, 2012, in Kamay. He retired after 30 years of service to Longhorn Truck and Trailer as the truck parts manager, and he was a member of the Kamay Baptist Church where he served as deacon.
T.R. was preceded in death by his parents, wife Annella and sister Alta Lee Eastlake.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Brixey of Kamay; daughter Lee Ann Beall and husband, Charles, of Ada, Okla.; sons John Brixey and wife, Cathy, of Fredrick, S.D., James Brixey and wife, Debbie, of Kamay and Jeryl Brixey and wife, Kristi, of Lewisville; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters Betty Jo Berrett of Salt Lake City and Gay Wofford of Lockney; brother-in-law Jerry Dunaway and wife, Gail, of Farmers Branch; stepdaughter Jan Horton and husband, Bennie, of Bella Vista, Ark.; step-grandchildren Cody Horton and Shaun Horton and wife, Tracy; and step-great-grandchildren Cowan Horton and Larry Tennant.
Memorials may be made to American Hospice, 4210 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76309.
The family will be at Davis Funeral Home 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Brooks, J.M. | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 7, 2013

J.M. Brooks
J.M. Brooks, 77, of Decatur died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at First Baptist Church of Decatur with Dr. Wm. Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Carl Fennell, Johnathan Fennell, Matt Bush, Cory Brooks Rendon, Gary Green and Keven Herndon. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Williams, Bud Buck, Alton Smith, Boy Smith and James Hodges.
J.M. was born April 21, 1936, in Decatur to John and Margaret (Hawkins) Brooks. He married Barbara Mitchell May 28, 1976, in Montague County. J.M. served his country in the United States Navy, and he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. J.M. and was a mechanic at Brooks Truck Specialty.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Barbara Mitchell.
He is survived by his daughters, Deneise Walker and husband, Clay, of Bridgeport and Julie Brooks of Fort Worth; son Ray Brooks of South Texas; grandchildren Ashley Bush and husband, Matt, Cory Brooks Rendon, Maegan Flavin and Kaetlyn Flavin; great-grandchild Taylor Bush; other family members; and a host of friends.

Brooks, Ronnie | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Ronnie Brooks
Ronnie Brooks, 70, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, in Bowie with numerous loving family members and friends around him.
Funeral was Aug. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bowie with Mike Henson officiating. Burial was at Sunset Cemetery under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Memorials may be made to the Rathgaber Hospitality House, 1615 12th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 or the Bowie First Baptist Church Building Fund.
Ronnie was born May 14, 1943, in Ryan, Okla., while his mother was visiting family, but he lived in Bowie. He married Paula Allen Jan. 8, 1960, and graduated from Bowie High School in 1961.
Ronnie was a member and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Bowie. When he turned 21, he applied to game warden school and graduated June 25, 1965. Ronnie moved to Matador for his first duty station in Floyd and Motley counties.
On Aug. 26, 1966, he transferred to Decatur where he worked for Wise County until 1981. After 1981, Ronnie transferred to Throckmorton, and in 1986, he transferred to Bowie where he retired as a game warden on Aug. 30, 2003.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Nora Brooks.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Paula Brooks of Bowie; children Ted Brooks and wife, Sandra, of Bedford, Trina Brooks of Bowie and Lance Brooks of Cary, N.C.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister Glenda Davis and husband, Phil.

Brown, David L. | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
David L. Brown, 75, of Sunset, died Monday, April 8, 2013, at his home.
A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at St. Jerome ‘s Catholic Church in Bowie with Father Richard Collins officiating. David’s body has been donated to science at the University North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth.
David was born April 9, 1938, in Coleman to Elmer Vernon “Bo” Brown and Letha Givens. He graduated from Coleman High School and Texas Tech University in Lubbock and retired as an independent salesman for Byron Jackson Pumps. He worked as a volunteer for Bass Hall in Fort Worth for eight years and was a Bedford Knight of Columbus. He loved traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Abbey-Brown; his parents; son Bo David Brown of Hickory Creek; stepdaughters Lisa Jones of Wichita, Kan., Lynette Anderson of Odessa and Lana Doherty of McKinney; sister Mary Jane Strole of Runaway Bay; and 12 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (www.cfcausa.org) or Hockey for Hope (www.hockey4hope.com).

Brown, Donald Henry | 1914-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 26, 2013

Donald Henry Brown
Don Brown was 4 years old when he celebrated the first Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1918, at the end of World War I.
He almost made it to the 95th.
Donald Henry Brown, 99, a retired engineer with Lone Star Gas and a decorated veteran of World War II, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Brown served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant under Gen. George Patton. He landed at Utah Beach in Normandy the day after D-Day, on June 7, 1944, and liberated Pont L’Abbe with the Army’s 90th Division.
He was wounded and forced to return to England for medical treatment. By the time he returned to his unit, only a few of the original 200 men were still alive.
He was wounded again, this time by an artillery shell fragment. He displayed that original bullet along with his two Purple Hearts on the wall of his residence at Governor’s Ridge in Decatur.
Don was a member of the Wise County Veterans Group and a mainstay of the coffee group that meets most mornings at the Decatur Chamber of Commerce office.
Funeral was Oct. 25 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Bob Johnson, Eddie Green, Ray Nellis, Joe Goodwin, Dick Chase and Rodney Wooley. Honorary pallbearers were C.B. Hoyl, W.B. Woodruff, Billy Bramlett, J.E. Hayes, J.E. Carson and Sam Renshaw.
Donald was born July 17, 1914, in Decatur to William Weaver and Birdie (Harlan) Brown. He was a graduate of Decatur High School and Decatur Baptist College and received his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M. He married Ruth Duncan in Dallas in 1945, and she preceded him in death in 1964. Several years later, he married Ruth Goodson in 1970 in Dallas, and she preceded him in death in 1996. Donald was also preceded in death by his brother, Harlan Brown.
He is survived by daughters, Linda Cowell and husband, Jim, of Decatur, Carolyn DeGeorge and husband, Gary, of Grapevine and Marilyn Williams of Nashville, Tenn.; granddaughters Vanessa Acker, Susana Acker, Meredith Schneider and Ashley Poling; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Brown, Gene Paul | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013

Gene Paul Brown
Gene Paul Brown, 81, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013.
Memorial service is 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 at Countryside Fellowship Church with Mark Webb and Jeff Tackett officiating.
Gene was born March 31, 1932, in Bridgeport, Ohio, to Paul Thomas and Edna (Reece) Brown. He married Venita Potter Jan. 31, 1953, in Decatur.
Gene was retired as a custodian from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district. He served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Countryside Fellowship Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Venita Potter Brown of Decatur; son Robert Brown and wife, Ramona, of Decatur; two daughters, Deborah Wieske and husband, Jim, of North Richland Hills and Sharon Hart and husband, Lyle, of Decatur; grandchildren, Sonny Brown and wife, Michelle, Chris Brown and wife, Michele, Angela Cartagena and husband, Rickey, Kimberly Brown-Cross and husband, Bobby, Sylvia Hart, Kelly Brown and Katy Brown; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and host of friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry Brown.

Brown, Leon | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 16, 2013

Leon Brown
Leon Brown, 75, a maintenance worker, died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, in Cleburne.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Cottondale Cemetery. No visitation is scheduled.
Leon was born Nov. 13, 1938, to Henry and Virginia (Adams) Brown in Paradise. He was a maintenance worker for Huguley Hospital. Leon served his country in the U.S. Army, and he married Frances Davis Jan. 28, 1961, in River Oaks.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby Joe Brown.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Fran Brown of Cleburne; sons Cary Lee Brown and Curtis Brown, both of Cleburne; grandchildren Cassi, Candra, Chaz and Chance; great-grandchildren Carson and Kaydance; and other family members.

Brown, Richard J. ‘Rick’ | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Richard J. 'Rick' Brown
Richard J. ‘Rick’ Brown
Richard J. “Rick” Brown, 79, of Bridgeport, died Monday, April 29, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Jim Taylor will officiate.
Rick was born March 28, 1934, in Bridgeport to Francis (Jennings) and William Brown. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He loved to golf and was an avid sports fan. He also enjoyed gambling.
Rick is survived by his brother, Guy Brown Jr.; daughter-in-law Sheryl Brown; grandchildren Ashley Brown Cook and husband, Cody, Taylor Guy Brown and Kelsie Lynn Brown; and great-granddaughter Kailyn Cook.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Richard G. Brown.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans groups.

Brown, William Guy, Jr. | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013

William Guy Brown, Jr.
William Guy Brown, Jr., a longtime Bridgeport resident and newspaper distributor, died peacefully in his home in Fort Worth on June 4, 2013 at the age of 85.
A memorial service was Friday, June 7 in the chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport, officiated by Jim Taylor.
Guy’s passing took place after a disappointing loss by his favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers – not to say that was the cause of death, but a 17-5 defeat by the Boston Red Sox does leave one feeling a bit off.
Born April 3, 1928 in Bridgeport, Guy was an avid fan of baseball and had been a true red-and-blue Rangers fan since their season debut in 1972.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1947 and claims that Japan surrendered the day his ship hit their waters. He continued his service in the newly-formed U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1957, where he apparently spent several strenuous years on tropical islands with only his skivvies and a beer to keep him warm (based on service photos). The Air Force then saw that the warm tropical beaches were too taxing on his delicate skin so they shipped him to Alaska where he promptly resigned and returned to his beloved home of Texas.
Upon his return he began work for the natural gas plant and assisted his father with the farmland he owned. One tragic evening a military plane crashed on the farm and as the citizens of Bridgeport gathered to see the scene a young 20-year-old woman spotted Guy and staked her claim. After a six-week whirlwind courtship he married Patsy Stickler on Aug. 28, 1958 and they remained together for almost 48 years until Patsy passed in 2006.
They raised two daughters, Rickanna Brown Lambert and Penny Brown, both of Fort Worth.
Guy was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Guy Sr., his wife Patsy and his bother Richard. He is survived by his two daughters, Rickanna and Penny; his grandson and his wife William and Marcie Wright of Bowie; three great-granddaughters, Rachel, Taya and Shauna of Bowie; and two great-grandsons, Zachary of Bowie and Jordan of Bridgeport.

Browning, Bryce | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Bryce Browning
Bryce Browning
Bryce Browning, 66, a retired Southwestern Bell employee, died Monday, May 27, 2013, in Boyd.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 3, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Visitation is 10 to 10:30 a.m. Monday before the service.
Bryce was born June 10, 1946, in Rotan to Johnny and Evelyn (Elkins) Browning. He served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Bryce was preceded in death by his parents; brother Roy J. Browning; sister Dorrene Acker; and stepfather Sam Hamm.
He is survived by daughter Jessica Browning of Bridgeport; brother Mark Browning and wife, Corrine, of San Angelo; sister Daphene Campbell of Austin; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

Buckel, Walter | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013

Walter Buckel
Funeral for Walter Buckel, 92, former Lamesa newspaper publisher, is 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the Lamesa Church of Christ with Mark Hackett officiating. Burial will follow at Lamesa Memorial Park. Visitation is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa.
Buckel died Wednesday, Nov. 27, at his home in Lubbock. He’s the father of Messenger Editorial Director Bob Buckel.
Walter was born Nov. 22, 1921, in the Imperial Valley of Southern California, the son of Fred and Irene (Huth) Buckel.
Leaving school during his senior year at Holtville, Calif., he began playing minor league baseball in California, Kansas and Nebraska. He came to Lamesa in 1941 and signed a contract to play for the Lamesa Lobos of the West Texas/New Mexico League.
Buckel served as a radio operator with the U.S. Army Air Corps in North Africa during World War II.
After the war, he resumed playing baseball and married Rubye Neile Mitchell March 3, 1947, in Montgomery, Ala. They decided to make Lamesa their permanent home after he returned to play baseball there in 1947.
He served as business manager of the Lamesa Baseball Club and then as cafeteria and transportation director for the Lamesa Independent School District. He was elected Dawson County Clerk and served four-and-a-half years before resigning in 1957 to enter the insurance business.
In 1960, he was named manager of KPET radio station and held that position until 1967, when he purchased the Dawson County Free Press, a weekly newspaper in Lamesa. The following year he joined with James Roberts of Andrews to purchase the Lamesa Reporter and merged the two publications to form the Lamesa Press-Reporter. He served as publisher of the Press-Reporter until 1991 and as president of the newspaper and of his sister company, South Plains Printing, until 1993. He remained on the boards of the two companies until earlier this year and held the title of publisher emeritus.
Buckel was a part owner and board member of about a dozen other newspapers across Texas. He served as president of the West Texas Press Association (WTPA) in 1982-83 and as president of the Texas Press Association (TPA) in 1985-86. He was the first recipient of the prestigious Harold Hudson Award from WTPA and was inducted into the Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2008.
Buckel served in numerous leadership roles in Lamesa. He was the founder of the Lamesa Little League and a past president of the Lamesa Kiwanis Club, Lamesa Area Chamber of Commerce, Lamesa Industrial Foundation, Dawson County United Way and Dawson County Museum Board. He also was a former member of the Lamesa school board.
He helped raise well over a million dollars for local causes by heading fundraising efforts for the Lamesa campus of Howard College, creation of the Dal Paso Museum, establishment of the state prison in Lamesa and relocation of the Senior Citizens Center.
Buckel was a longtime member of the Lamesa Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for 26 years.
A scholarship established in 1999 in honor of Walter and Rubye Buckel is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Lamesa High School.
The Buckels moved to Lubbock in 2010.
Buckel is survived by his wife, Rubye Buckel of Lubbock; children Barbara Buckel of Lubbock and Bob Buckel and wife, Krisan, of Azle; grandchildren Kara Rodriguez and husband, Bryan, of Fort Worth, Katie Buckel of Fort Worth, Alex Buckel of Abilene and Moses Lukeri of Edmond, Okla.; and niece Eileen Buckel of Green Valley, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Raymond and Fred Jr.; and sister Dorothy.
Memorials may be made to Dal Paso Museum 125 N. Main St., Lamesa, TX, 79331, Rubye and Walter Buckel Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 790, Lamesa, TX, 79331, Children’s Home of Lubbock, P.O. Box 2824, Lubbock, TX, 79408, or Sunset International Bible Institute, 3723 34th St., Lubbock, TX, 79410.
To send condolences online, visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

Burchard, Regina Cecilia | 1969-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Regina Cecilia Burchard, 43, an optician, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cottonwood Cemetery with the Rev. Tracy Epting officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Regina was born Nov. 7, 1969, in Lafayette, Ind., to Tom and Bonnie (Cundiff) McCord. She married Christopher Michael Burchard Aug. 23, 2001, in Crawfordville, Ind.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Burchard of Decatur; sons Thomas Denham and Nolan Burchard, both of Decatur; daughter Michaella Denham of Florida; parents Tom and Bonnie McCord of Tennessee; sisters Tammy Merkel, Beth Hicks and Karen Schedin; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Burns, James Richard | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013

James Richard Burns
James Richard Burns, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at White’s Funeral Chapel in Springtown. Interment will be in Cottondale Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
James was born March 4, 1935, to Earl and Clara Burns. He was proud to have grown up on a small family farm in Cottondale where he spent many cherished days working alongside his father. On Jan. 12, 1958, he married Shirley Ann Hartman, and together they had three beautiful daughters.
James was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Springtown. He enjoyed time spent serving and working with the youth. James was also an active member of his community, serving as a city councilman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Clara Burns, and his brother, Earl Estes Burns Jr.
James is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Shirley Burns; daughters Susan Ingram and husband, Mike, Debbie Burns and Tammie Bates and husband, Les; grandchildren Ashley Johnston and husband, Jessey, and Lindsey Fletcher and husband, Cody; great-grandchildren Mia, Cash and Crosby Fletcher, and Emersyn Johnston; sisters Doris Smith and husband, Travis, Barbara Renz and husband, Rick; many cherished nieces and nephews and a host of lifelong friends.

Burr, Jo Anne | 1955-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Jo Anne Burr, 58, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in Bowie.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Bowie under the direction of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Jerome Catholic Church.
Jo Anne was born Feb. 15, 1955, to Raymond and Betty (Belleu) Burr. She graduated from Bowie High School in 1974.
Jo Anne worked for Motion Industries in Dallas and Alabama for more than 20 years. After her retirement, she moved back to Bowie where she enjoyed spending her free time painting birdhouses. She is remembered with love and appreciation for her devoted years of life as a mother, sister and aunt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Betty Burr and a brother, Mike Burr.

Bush, Jean Kelley | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 9, 2013

Jean Kelley Bush
Jean Kelley Bush, 88, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at The Father’s House, on U.S. 380 between Bridgeport and Decatur, with Pastor Kevin Casey officiating.
Burial will be at East Bridgeport Cemetery under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are Bill Brimmer, Mike Baker, Colter Henderson, David Bush, Henry Patton, Jake Baker and Adam Broughton.
Jean was born Jan. 1, 1925, in Kelleyville, Okla., to John Henry and Dicey Bethana (Hammond) Kelley. She was a self-employed bookkeeper and income tax preparer.
She married Melvin Bush of Chickasha, Okla., in New Orleans, La., Oct. 19, 1946, and had lived in the Bridgeport area since 1947. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport before becoming a member of The Father’s House.
She served on the Bridgeport Woman’s Club, Lake Bridgeport City Council and the Tarrant County Water Board.
She is survived by sons Bill Bush and wife, Erlynne, of St. Louis, and Johnny Bush and wife, Susan, of Fort Worth; daughter Melva Henderson and husband, Carl, of Bridgeport; grandchildren Colter Henderson of Lubbock, David Bush of St. Louis, Lauren and Pat King of St. Louis, Carly and Henry Patton of Grand Prairie, Casey and Jake Baker of Chesapeake, Va., and Kelley and Adam Broughton of Fort Worth; and great-grandchildren Xander King, Trevor and Berkley Patton, and Elia Broughton.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers Irvin Kelley of Jackson, Miss., and Floyd Kelley and Earl Kelley, both of California; sisters Maurine Meredith of West Monroe, La., and Marian Klepzig of Lake Charles, La.

Caldwell, Kevin Clay ‘Casey’ | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013

Kevin Clay “Casey” Caldwell
Kevin Clay “Casey” Caldwell, 50, of Haskell, died Thursday, July 11, 2013, at his home.
Graveside service was July 15, at Slidell Cemetery with the Rev. Bobby Cates officiating. Burial was under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home.
Casey was born July 26, 1962, in Dallas to Kenneth and Monisa (Rinker) Caldwell. He married Marva Denise (Holmes) Bird May 8, 2002, in Haskell. She preceded him in death June 8, 2005.
Casey was a caring, compassionate soul dedicated to helping those in need. He was loved and respected and will truly be missed as a dedicated paramedic for Haskell and Haskell County.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Gary Caldwell.
He is survived by his son, Coleton Caldwell of Seymour; his parents, Kenneth and Monisa Caldwell of Decatur; brother Curtis Caldwell and wife, Brenda, of Corinth; sister Sherrie Caldwell of Gainesville; and three nephews, Marshall, Ty and Will Caldwell.
Donations can be made in Casey’s name to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; or to the National Kidney Foundation, 5429 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Ste. 250, Dallas, TX 75240.
Online condolences can be shared with Casey’s family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.

Calhoun, Betty Evelyn | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Betty Evelyn Calhoun
Betty Evelyn Calhoun
Betty Evelyn Calhoun, 91, a homemaker, died Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Greenwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Tracy Epting and the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Raymond Hamm, Danny Pruett, Roger Weber, Tim Fletcher, Preston Pruett, Clint Sullivan, Hector Villa and Mike Lane.
Betty was born March 5, 1922, in Terrell to John Arter and Flora Wells (West) Bryant. She married Weldon Benjiman “Ben” Calhoun Nov. 22, 1950, in Valley View, and he preceded her in death Feb. 10, 2010.
Betty was also preceded in death by her daughter, Katie Stevens, on Feb. 3, 2013, and by a brother, Douglas Bryant and a sister, Laura Bryant.
Betty was a member of the Women’s Missionary Union, Greenwood Extension Education Club and Greenwood Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, James Calhoun and friend, Debra Lester, of Krum; granddaughters Kristi Stevens of Frisco and Courtney Stevens of Decatur; son-in-law Charles Stevens of Decatur; sister Dorothy Hughes of Fort Worth; and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Capps, Melissa Jean | 1977-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Melissa Jean Capps
Melissa Jean Capps, 36, of Chico, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Aug. 27 at First Baptist Church of Chico with Pastor Edward Edington officiating. Pallbearers were Larry Caldwell, Glynn Caldwell, Johnnie Capps, Rudy Engleke, Larry Mader and Larry Flowers, and honorary pallbearers were Steve Misner and Ben Remmele.
Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 east of Chico under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Melissa was born Aug. 11, 1977, in Fort Worth to Helen (Caldwell) and James Capps. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico. She was a greeter at the church, and her occupation was “hugging.” She enjoyed baking, singing, travel, “being bossy,” spending time with family and going to church. She was a Special Olympian.
She is survived by her parents; sister Mello-Dee Capps of Wichita Falls; and grandparents June and James Caldwell of Chico.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Lillie and Melton Capps Sr.

Caraway, Dennis Wayne Gradey | 1999-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013

Dennis Wayne Gradey Caraway
Dennis Wayne Gradey Caraway, 14, a student at Chico Middle School, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Nov. 27 at the U-Turn World Ministries Church in Chico with Robert VanFleet officiating. Burial followed at Jim Ned Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers were Daniel Moody, Bodie Brassfield, Bradley Verner, Nathan Rice, Michael Holland and Matt Gray.
Dennis was born Sept. 9, 1999, in Henrietta to Phillip Wayne and Wendi DeeAnn (DoByns) Caraway. He loved to hunt and fish, and he loved all of his pets that he found, including spiders and bugs.
He is survived by his parents, Phillip and Wendi Caraway of Chico; brothers Cody Caraway of Chico, Justen Caraway of Weatherford and Hunter Garcia of Chico; sister Victoria “Punky” Earp and husband, Chance, of Chico; grandparents Leon and Teresa Moody of Chico and Diane DoByns of Azle; great-grandmother Ruth Miller of Bowie; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Carpenter, Gary Don | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Gary Don Carpenter, 63, died Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, in Park Springs.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Victory Baptist Church in Park Springs with burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Gary was born March 31, 1950, in Decatur to E.W. and Wanda (Burchard) Carpenter. He graduated from Chico High School and continued to work for his family’s dairy farm.
Later, Gary received his commercial driver’s license and started driving trucks. He worked for Chico Crushed Stone as a loader for many years.
Gary married Jimmie Ruth Woods July 13, 1982, in Decatur. He enjoyed farming on his family’s home place and loved his dogs. He will be remembered with love and appreciation as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, E.W. and Wanda Carpenter; granddaughter Ashley Lee; and his grandparents.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jimmie Ruth Carpenter of Park Springs; children Kathy Gail Dominguez of Sunset, Karen Diane Ybarra and Danny of Sunset, Dewey Ray Carpenter and wife, Melissa, of Sunset, Gary West Carpenter and wife, Keisha, of Bowie and Chassidy Shawntelle Lee and husband, Clifton, of Millsap; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother Wayne Carpenter and wife, Georgia, of Alvord.

Carr, Deborah Earlene | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Deborah Earlene Carr
Deborah Earlene Carr, 52, a caregiver, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, in Azle.
Memorial service was Dec. 27 at New Hope Baptist Church near Boyd with Brother Jim Edwards officiating.
Deborah was born Jan. 24, 1961, in Arcola, Miss., to Obed Obrey and Helen Juanita (Carpenter) Smith. She was employed at a nursing facility.
Survivors include her sons, Alan Carr and wife, Gina, of Decatur and Dustin Carr and wife, Alair, of Liverpool, N.Y.; daughter Jessica Carr of Decatur; brothers Obrey, Jerry and Butch Smith, all of Azle; and granddaughters Katherine and Kylie Carr.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Mickey and Bobby Smith.

Carter, James Ray | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 18, 2013
James Ray Carter, 70, of Wister, Okla., died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013.
Graveside service was Dec. 17 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur, and burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
James was born Sept. 22, 1943, in Decatur to John James and Wilma Jean (Reed) Carter. He was a retired licensed electrician.
He is survived by his son, Jeff England of Arlington; sister Vickie Turlington of Decatur; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Carter, Larry Ronald ‘Ron’ | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 2, 2013
Larry Ronald 'Ron' Carter
Larry Ronald ‘Ron’ Carter
Larry Ronald “Ron” Carter, 69, of Shelton, Wash., died while undergoing hospital care in Shelton on Sunday Jan. 27, 2013, from continuing complications of heart disease.
Ron was born Dec. 26, 1943, in Douglas, Ariz. Although he spent his earliest years in Arizona, he lived almost all of his life in the southern Puget Sound area, mainly in Shelton.
He was a graduate of Clover Park High School in Lakewood, Wash., and briefly served in the U.S. Navy before returning to Shelton, where he lived more than 50 years.
Ron worked as a tree harvester for many years and later as a dishwasher until his retirement. His interests included model railroading, clock tinkering and home entertainment. He had been actively involved with the Exceptional Foresters organization since its inception.
Ron is survived by his mother, Rebecca Bowers of Decatur; and brothers John S. Schreiber of Olympia, Wash., and Donald A. Schreiber of Warren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Edward Carter of Loma Linda, Calif.

Cash, Bernice | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013
Bernice Cash, 87, of Bridgeport, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013 in Azle.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8 in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Burial will follow in Paradise Cemetery.
Brother Glenn Connell will officiate.
Bernice was born Oct. 2, 1925 in Balsora to Muriel (Castleberry) and Dewey Womack. After high school, she attended beauty school and worked as a beautician for many years. She married Freeman Cash on April 10, 1965, and together they enjoyed attending Bluegrass festivals, sharing Bernice’s good cooking with family and friends, and working on the farm. Freeman passed away Nov. 23, 1998.
Bernice is survived by her sister-in-law, Jessie Womack, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and brothers Weldon and Oscar Womack.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boonsville/Balsora Fire Department and the Paradise Cemetery Association.

Cash, Bobbie June | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Bobbie June Cash
Bobbie June Cash
Bobbie June Cash, 81, a homemaker, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was April 4 at Cottonwood Cemetery near Decatur with Bro. Jerry Miller officiating.
Bobbie was born July 11, 1931, in New Harp to Clyde and Sula (Jones) Chrestman. She married Harold Cash May 5, 1963, in Oklahoma.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Cash of Decatur; daughter Elisa McGowen of Duncan, Okla.; son Randy Chambers and wife, Kim, of Decatur; grandchildren Heath Chambers and wife, Britney, of Decatur, Brandi Johnson and husband, Tyler, of Prosper, Kristi Lewis and husband, Charlie, of Alaska, Sula Hilton and husband, Will, of Nocona; and Amber and Harley Wallace of Nocona.

Cash, Harold Ray | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Harold Ray Cash
Harold Ray Cash, 75, died Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Cottonwood Cemetery with the Rev. Don Spain officiating.
Harold was born Oct. 1, 1937, in Cottondale to C.M. and Mary (Barnett) Cash Sr. He retired from Upham Oil and Gas as a gas plant supervisor.
He married Bobbie June Cash May 5, 1963, in Oklahoma, and they were married 49 years until her death April 2, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, C.M. Cash Jr.
He is survived by his daughter, Ellisa McGowen of Duncan, Okla.; son Randy Chambers and wife, Kim, of Decatur; grandchildren Heath Chambers and wife, Britney, of Decatur, Brandi Johnson and husband, Tyler, of Prosper, Kristi Lewis of Alaska, Sula Hilton and husband, Will, of Nocona, and Amber and Harley Wallace, both of Nocona; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters Matilda Newton and Lucille Coursey, both of Brideport, and Cleola Green of Dallas; and brother Thomas Cash of Grandview.

Cason, Frances Jane Scott | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 7, 2013
Frances Cason, 77, died Wednesday, Sept 4, 2013.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. Arrangements are under the direction of Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville.
Frances was born Sept. 8, 1935, in Clarke County, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Charles W. Cason of Decatur; children Suzanne Wulff of Cedar Hill, Victor Cason of Bedford and Monte Cason of Southlake; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Methodist Missions Fund.

Castleberry, Nita Ruth | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 26, 2013
Nita Ruth Castleberry, 87, a retired teacher, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Decatur.
A private family burial was Jan. 22 at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Ms. Castleberry was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Decatur to Claude W. and Beluah F. (Holt) Reeves. She married Billy Ray Castleberry Jan. 15, 1952, in Arlington. Ms. Castleberry was a graduate of Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Survivors include her son, Stephen Castleberry and grandson Justin Castleberry, both of Lexington, S.C.; sister Annie Lee Wood of Decatur; niece Sylvia Hornback of Decatur; nephew Cecil R. Wood Jr. of Waelder; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Chabert, Joseph | 1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Joseph Chabert
Joseph Chabert, a 49-year-old diesel mechanic from Justin, died Aug. 22, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Aug. 26 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Bryan Barrett officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Cemetery in Denton.
Pallbearers were James Berry, Jesse Berry, Jason Carter, Doug Rudy, Dalane Bible and MacArthur Wallace. Honorary pallbearers were John Watson, John Avant, Matt Watson and Harold Watson.
Joseph was born Oct. 30, 1963, in Houston to Carol Charles Chabert and Carole (Watson) Avant.
He is survived by daughters, Tiffany Mote of Saginaw, Corey Chabert of Decatur and Amanda Pack of Austin; son Joshua Chabert of Decatur; five grandchildren; his mother, Carole Avant and husband, Arthur; stepbrother Kerry Avant; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Chambers, Mary Lois | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Mary Lois Chambers
Mary Lois Chambers, 95, a homemaker, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Laurel Land Cemetery in Dallas. Nadine Throgmorton, Andrea Jensen, and Michaela Dotson will officiate.
Mary was born July 29, 1918, to Benjamin and Katie (Bosher) Orr in Dallas. She married Joe Chambers Nov. 4, 1939, in Dallas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe.
Survivors include her daughter, Christine Hartley and husband, Wayne, of Decatur; grandchildren John Hartley and wife, Candy, of Fort Hood, Sheila Smith and husband, Shawn, of Krum, and Shonna Cole and husband, Adam, of Frisco; great-grandchildren Brayden Hartley, Charlee Rose Hartley, Clayton Smith, Cheyenne Smith, Conway Smith and Ryan Cole; and other family members and friends.

Clark, Bennie T. | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 21, 2013

Bennie T. Clark
Bennie T. Clark, 80, a retired salesman for O.B. Macaroni, died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, in Bedford.
Funeral was Dec. 20 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Joseph L. Troutman officiating. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Steve Tackett, Raymond Clark, Donald Wilson, Gary Grubbs, J.D. Chitty, John Chitty, Rick Harris and Darrell Sittig.
Bennie was born June 3, 1933, to Tullus E. and Ada Bell (Crosby) Clark in Edinburg, Miss. He married Lizzie Annett Smith June 3, 1955, in White Settlement and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a Dallas Cowboy fan, if they were winning. Bennie and Lizzie loved to travel and wanted to make one more trip to Mississippi to see friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Lizzie Smith of Bedford; daughter Kathy Chitty and husband, John, of Hurst; grandchildren Kristen, Melissa, J.B., Deborah and Abigail; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Clark, Mary Frances | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 18, 2013
Mary Frances Clark
Mary Frances Clark
Mary Frances Clark, 72, a realtor, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Pastor Jeff Coulter will officiate, and speaker will be Ricky Clark. Pallbearers are David Clark, Ricky Clark, Randall Clark, Brian Dosser and Don Dosser.
Mary was born Oct. 13, 1940, to Tony and Pauline (Tucker) Hubig in Dallas. She married Howell Clark on Dec. 13, 1958, in Grandfield, Okla., at Walter Clark’s house. Mary was a member of the Living Savior Church in Justin.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Howell Clark of Rhome; sons David Clark of Rhome and Ricky Clark and wife, Dianna, of Flower Mound; grandson Randall Clark of Flower Mound; sisters Pauline Hubig of Joshua and Toni Dosser of Creve Coeur, Mo.; other family members and a host of friends.

Cleveland, Gerald | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 23, 2013

Gerald Cleveland
Gerald Cleveland, 78, of Paradise died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Danny Russell, Sam Starr and Robert Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Cottondale Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jim Garrett, Paul Knight, Jay Foster, Todd Meadows, Davis Martin, Mark Neeley, Seth Foster, Coy Cleveland and Melvin Meadows. Honorary pallbearers are Raymond Meadows, Marvin Crawford and Ed Culverhouse.
Gerald was born March 13, 1935, in Cottondale to Omar and Zula (Crawford) Cleveland. Gerald graduated from Paradise High School in 1953, and he received a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian College and a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. He married Carolyn Kay Hollaway March 29, 1959, in Baytown.
Gerald served as the second mayor of Paradise, principal at Santa Fe ISD and was a minister at the Cottondale Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Grover Cleveland.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Cleveland of Paradise; daughters Patti Tax and husband, Joe, of Paradise and Lori Kay Rhodes and husband, David, of Grand Prairie; son Jerry Don Cleveland and wife, Lidia, of Santa Fe; grandchildren James, Eric, Jacob, Miranda, Ashley, Victoria, Jonathan and Katie; sister Georgia Ruth Morris and husband, Roy Hulen, of Paradise; sister-in-law Edith Cleveland of Paradise; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Clifton, Barbara Ann | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013

Barbara Ann Clifton
Barbara Ann Clifton, 74, of Chico, died Sunday, June 2, 2013, in Fort Worth.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Barbara was born Sept. 1, 1938, in Tom’s River, N.J., to Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth (Huley) Przewoznik. She married Donald Clifton Nov. 8, 1984, in Bridgeport and was a homemaker.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald Clifton; son Dan’l Gray; daughter JoAnn Gray; and brother Joseph Przewoznik.
She is survived by her sons, Roy Gray and wife, Norma, of Austin, James Gray and wife, Linda, of Justin, and Randy Gray and wife, Belinda, of Springtown; brothers Ray Przewoznik and wife, Carol, of Lakewood, N.J., and James Przewoznik of Tom’s River; sister Arlene Przewoznik of Gladewater; four grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Collie, Steven | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 13, 2013

Steven Collie
Steven Collie, 59, of Paradise died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Monday, July 15, at Rubottom Cemetery in Marietta, Okla., with Floyd Cabler officiating. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers will be Jay Valerius, Jason Rushing, Chad Rushing, Michael Cate, Cliff Moore and J.R. Hamlett.
Steve was born July 22, 1953, in Amarillo to Travis and Llawana (Shannon) Collie. He was an electrician all his adult life. He was also an avid NRA member and gun collector and enjoyed classic cars and attending swap meets.
He leaves behind his parents, Travis and Llawana Collie of Plainview; sons Aaron Collie and Nicholas Collie of Paradise; daughters Keisha Harrison and husband, Preston, of Big Spring, and Staci Collie of Paradise; brother Gary Collie of Cleburne; sisters Sharon Richardson and Karen Lawrence, both of Plainview; and grandchildren Hannah Collie, Aiden Hernandez, Dakota Harrison, Keiston Harrison and Phinly Zion Harrison.
Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Debbie Collie, and brothers Ricky and Randy Collie.

Conditt, Jennie Lynn Garrett | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Jennie Lynn (Garrett) Conditt
Jennie Lynn (Garrett) Conditt, 53, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, at her home.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Skyvue Funeral Home in Mansfield. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at West Bridgeport Cemetery on Farm Road 920.
Jennie was born Oct. 11, 1960, at Bridgeport Hospital to Carlton and Linda Garrett, their first and only daughter. She went through all 12 years of school in Bridgeport ISD. Jennie married Lyndon Cearley in 1978, and they had a daughter, Shannon.
In 1985, Jennie started a career in the insurance industry, working her way up the corporate ladder. By 2010, she was an assistant vice president at IMA/Towerstone Insurance in Dallas.
In 1989, Jennie married Terry Conditt, and they had a son, Cy Conditt.
Jennie was proud to be a member of the “TT’s” – a group of six girls from her 1979 graduating class who have remained close and often took trips and met for various occasions.
Jennie was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer on Oct 31, 2012. She handled this final chapter in her life with grace and courage, thinking of other people and never once thinking of giving up. She had hope up to the very last days of her life and thanked everyone who sent a text or email, called or came to visit. There were many people who did things that gave her a reason to fight, and she appreciated them all.
She will be missed.
Survivors include her husband, Terry Conditt; daughter Shannon and husband, Michael Flowers; son Cy Conditt; mother Linda Garrett; brothers Dwayne Garrett and wife, Caprice, and Tim Garrett and wife, Carla; grandsons Garrett and Paxton Flowers; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; her son-in-law’s mother, Diana (Mau) Flowers; Lindsey Butler, the woman in Cy’s life and in his heart; and sister-in-law Cathye Bullitt and husband, Michael.
Jennie was preceded in death by her father, Carlton, in 1987 at age 48; and by her grandparents, Jim and Ollie Kelley and Luke and Gertrude Garrett.
The family suggests flowers or remembrances be sent to Skyvue Funeral Home in Mansfield or Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Per Jennie’s request, a foundation will be set up to help people with cancer.

Condon, Dorothy Jane Wilder | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Dorothy Jane Wilder Condon
Dorothy Jane Wilder Condon, 80, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Fort Worth.
A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of Crowley, followed by a private internment at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Dorothy was born Jan. 18, 1933, in Holton, Kan., to George and Claribel “Sally” Wilder. After her family moved to Texas, Dorothy attended Paschal High School in Fort Worth. She earned a degree in elementary education from Texas Christian University in 1954.
Dorothy married Robert “Bob” Condon in 1953. Together they raised three children and hosted two foreign exchange students. Dorothy and Bob would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in December.
Dorothy taught kindergarten and first grade for the Fort Worth ISD for 20 years. She was a Girl Scout Troop leader and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa.
Dorothy enjoyed singing, playing the piano, reading, crossword puzzles, traveling and everything to do with the outdoors. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; sister Virginia Cain; brother Leon Wilder; and son-in-law Donald C. Clifton.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Condon; children Brian Condon of Lakewood Village, Lynne Clifton of Chico, Carol Riley of Arlington, Sergio Savytzky of Brazil and Kaija Laasko of Finland; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Her beautiful smile, love, and joy of life will be missed by all.

Copestick, Robert Charles | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 26, 2013
Robert Charles Copestick, 69, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, in Decatur.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Robert was born March 10, 1944, in Philadelphia. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Hutchins in April of 2000. Robert served in the United States Army.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lovell of Decatur and daughter Loue Snyder of Boyd.

Cordova, Monica J. | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Monica J. Cordova
Monica J. Cordova, 83, of Bridgeport, previously of Albuquerque, N.M., died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at Cottondale Cemetery with the Rev. James E. Flowers Jr. officiating.
Monica was born Dec. 10, 1929, in Nampa, Alberta, Canada to Rose Laura and Angus Bell. She was a devout Roman Catholic who served as a lay Eucharistic Minister.
Monica loved life, and she especially loved and supported her family in all things. She liked to have fun and pull pranks on her grandsons. Her hobbies included dancing, all kinds of games, especially bingo, gardening, cooking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, traveling and watching pro wrestling.
She is survived by daughters, Denise Flowers and husband, Jaime, of Shreveport, La., and Diane Huff and husband, Charlie, of Paradise; brother Duncan Bell of Nampa, Alberta, Canada; and grandsons Byron Eppler of San Francisco, Evan Huff and wife, Courtney, of Lewisville, and Ryan Huff of Paradise.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Rod and Gus; and sister Shirley, all of Alberta, Canada.

Courtright, Sharon M. | 1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Sharon M. Courtright
Sharon M. Courtright, 64, of Arlington, died Monday, July 1, 2013.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Moore Memorial Gardens.
Sharon was born July 19, 1948, in Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School in 1966. She attended Texas Wesleyan University and married Cary Courtright in 1968. Sharon had a career in the wholesale food business for 43 years.
She was preceded in death by her father, Hoyt Tally; and husband Cary Courtright.
Survivors include her son, Christopher Courtright of Mansfield; mother Margaret Tally Williamson of Decatur; brothers Rick Tally and wife, Carol, of Fort Worth and John Tally and wife, Cathy, of Decatur; and cherished nieces and nephews.

Covington, Ray William | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 18, 2013
Ray William Covington
Ray William Covington
Dr. Ray William “Red” Covington of Waco died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at Hillcrest Hospital after a brief illness.
Memorial service is 1 p.m., Monday, May 20, at First Baptist Church of Waco with Dr. Matt Snowden officiating. Visitation is 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.
Ray William Covington was born Feb. 25, 1938, in Alvord to William and Mary Elizabeth Covington. He was bright, funny, loving, wise and incredibly loyal. Red spent a lifetime serving others and making everything and everyone around him better.
Red earned a bachelor of arts degree from Baylor University in 1959 and a medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in 1963. He received post-graduate general surgery training at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston. While in Houston, Red met a hospital volunteer named Sandra Cartlidge. He often called her “the very first cartlidge he ever took out.” They were married June 28, 1963.
Red and Sandra spent two years in Abilene, where Red practiced general surgery at Dyess Air Force Base. He then continued advanced training in orthopedic surgery as part of a three-year residency at the Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals.
After Dr. Covington’s orthopedic training, he and his family moved to Waco in 1969. Red joined the Waco Bone and Joint Clinic where he served the Waco community for almost four decades.
In 1972, when Grant Teaff took over the football program at Baylor University, Red was asked to serve as team physician for the fledgling sports medicine program at Baylor. It was a perfect fit, as Dr. Covington not only had a passion for athletics, but also a burning desire to help student athletes reach their personal goals.
Red was extremely popular among the players because he cared so deeply about them and took such exceptional care of them. Under his leadership and that of Dr. James Bowden, Baylor developed one of the top sports medicine programs in college football.
“Red’s leadership on the medical side played an integral role in the building of a winning football program at Baylor University,” Coach Teaff said. “He was an invaluable part of my team and one of my closest friends.”
As an orthopedic surgeon, Red took pride in treating a broad range of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions and helped countless patients. After 39 years, Dr. Covington “retired” only to serve again for the last few years as the on-call doctor for Baylor Health Services.
Dr. Covington was president of the medical staff at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in 1982, was a member of the Baylor Development Council and a 1992 Recipient of the W.R. White Service Award from the Baylor Alumni Association. Red served on the Baylor University Board of Regents from 1989 until 1998.
He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and an Honorary Member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and Southwest Athletic Trainers Association.
Red and Sandra – who also graduated from Baylor University in 1958 – are longtime members of First Baptist Church of Waco where Red served as chairman of the board of deacons and taught Sunday School to young adults for more than 20 years.
Red Covington was first and foremost a family man. His wife, daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters were the light of his life. He loved Baylor University and held a very deep devotion to his Lady Bears.
Red was a man of deep personal faith who loved to enjoy God’s creation. He enjoyed working on his farm, riding his tractor and taking care of Lake Covington. Whatever Red touched, he made it better.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters Julie Covington of Waco and Jill Underwood and husband, Paul, of Brownwood; granddaughters Sarah and Meredith Underwood; brother James O. (Spud) Covington and wife, Sammie, of Decatur; niece Mary Jane Covington; and sister-in-law Linda Clark and husband, Floyd.

Cox, John Q. | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013

John Q. Cox Jr.
John Q. Cox Jr., 90, a barber, died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was June 18 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial in Chico Cemetery. The Rev. Adam Hughes officiated and was assisted by Marcella Watson. Pallbearers were Brian Cox, Steve Leaf, Larry Hardin, Jeff Berres, Robert Cox and Brad Leaf.
John was born Sept. 21, 1922, in Chico to John Sr. and Lena (Belew) Cox. He married Donilla Cheves May 5, 1956, in Fort Worth and served his country in the U.S. Marines. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chico and the Modern Woodsmen of the World.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack and Bill Cox; sister Betsy Cox; granddaughter Leslie Denison; and grandson Dean Leaf.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Donilla Cox of Chico; daughter Connie Leaf and husband, Steve, of Elmer, Okla.; son Kent Cox and wife, Marcie, of Chico; grandchildren Brian Cox, Brad Leaf and wife, Shelly, Hayli Hardin and husband, Larry, Jeff Berres, and Jamie Berres and fianc , Andrew Knochelmann; brother Jimmy B. Cox and wife, Gladys, of Alvord; other family members and a host of friends.

Cox, Oscar, Jr. | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Oscar Cox Jr.
Oscar Cox Jr.
Oscar Cox Jr., 94, of Fairview, formerly of Bridgeport, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, in Allen.
Funeral is noon Thursday, Feb. 14, at Hawkins Funeral Home with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Siegel Glover will officiate. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour before the service Thursday.
Pallbearers include Clay Stark, Brandon Stark, Colin Stark, Stephen White, Walton Cox Gasaway, Bob Simmons and Patrick Simmons.
Oscar was born April 27, 1918, to Oscar Sr. and Earline (Wood) Cox in Chico and 10 days after his birth, the family moved to Bridgeport. He was the second son. Oscar worked in his father’s grocery business and as a boy, delivered groceries in a donkey-drawn buggy.
In 1938, he married Ruth Tally of Decatur. They spent two years on the Gulf Coast when Oscar was buying oil leases for Gulf Oil, and then he served three-and-a-half years in the Navy Air Corps as a flight engineer. They returned to Bridgeport, where he worked in the grocery business and built multiple homes and commercial properties, including the Bridgeport Motel and Restaurant, the first motel ever built in Bridgeport.
During this time they had two children, Johnye and Cheryl. At the motel he met George and Johnny Mitchell of Houston, and Ellison Miles and John A. Jackson of Dallas. Oscar joined them in developing more than 4,000 oil and gas wells in Wise County. He was also instrumental in locating and negotiating the purchase for the Mitchell oil and natural gas processing plant, one of the largest in Texas.
He and his family moved to Decatur where he operated several businesses and built the Wiseman Motel and Restaurant. During this time, he and his family enjoyed many ski trips and other travels. They resided in Decatur until he retired and moved to Dallas. He continued building homes and owned half interest in a realty partnership. He also built homes in Rowlett on Lake Ray Hubbard and participated in other investments. In 1985, he married Bonnie Simmons. They enjoyed spending time at South Padre Island where they bought and sold several condominiums. Oscar served as president of their condominium association board for many years. He also built several homes in Plano. Oscar and Bonnie traveled extensively before moving to Heritage Ranch in Fairview, an active adult resort community. Oscar and Bonnie enjoyed attending the Oaks Baptist Church in McKinney. He will always be remembered as a delightful man with a wonderful smile.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Johnye; sister Mona Lee Gasaway; and his first wife, Ruth Cox.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years, Bonnie Cox; his daughter, Cheryl Stark and husband, Ron; grandchildren Kimberly White and husband, Stephen, Clay Stark and wife, Allison, Brandon Stark and Colin Stark; great grandchildren Michael White, Savannah Stark and Hunter Stark; nephew Walt Gasaway; nieces Rae Vorwald and Gae Pond; great-niece Lisa Crawford; Bonnie’s children, Jennifer Kuzbary and Robert Simmons; Bonnie’s grandchildren, Miriam Kuzbary and Patrick Simmons; Bonnie’s sister, Elaine Snow; Bonnie’s brothers, Joe, Merlin, Paul and Steve Reneau; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to a charity.

Crawford, Frances |
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Frances Crawford
Frances Crawford
Frances Crawford, of Albuquerque, N.M., died December 25, 2012, and will be buried at Wilson Prairie Cemetery 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4.
Frances was the widow of Charles “Don” Crawford, son of Charlie and Ruby Crawford, originally of Wise County. Don preceded her in death in 1978.
She is survived by Carole Crawford and Ron DeArman of Richardson; Pat and Penny Crawford of Sugarland; and Mike and Kate Crawford of Albuquerque; four grandsons; one granddaughter; and two great-granddaughters.
Mrs. Crawford was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Crow, Johnny L. | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Monday, July 8, 2013
Johnny L. Crow, 85, of Azle, died Wednesday, July 3, 2013.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst with Charlie Carroll officiating. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Crow, Ben Wright, Mike Watson, Drew Curry, Jason Palmer and Brian Dunks.
J.L. was born Nov. 20, 1927, in Atlanta. He was a farmer and a Methodist.
Survivors include daughters Sandra Kidd of Azle and Linda Hipps of Boyd; sisters Mary Watson of Watauga and Jackie Sue Palmer of Bedford; grandchildren DeAna Muehlen, Randy Kidd, Tammy Kidd-Coward and Dusty Hipps; and great-grandchildren Bailee Kidd, Taylor Coward, Memphis Muehlen, Crosby Muehlen, Shaylie Hipps, Kenna Hipps and Saige Hipps.

Crumpler, Linda Anne | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013
Linda Anne Crumpler, 68, a retired assembly worker, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, in Boyd.
No service is scheduled.
Linda was born Oct. 23, 1944, in Charleston, W. Va., to Chancey and Linna Faye (Magness) Rexford. She retired from Standard Motors.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Carter of Boyd; son Daniel Wesley Uglow of Bedford; brother Ronald Williams of California; sister Rexie Adkins of California; granddaughter Lindsey Ford; grandsons Wesley Uglow, Dain Uglow and Cody Uglow; great-granddaughter Alaina Figueiredo; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements were handled by Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Dart, Helen | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013

Helen Dart
Helen Dart, 85, died Sunday, June 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 10, at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Rev. John Miller officiating. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Helen was born June 2, 1928, in Massena, N.Y., to Laszlo and Barbara (Gabri) Kormanyos. She married William Allen Dart Jr. Sept. 29, 1951, and they were married 59 years until his death July 28, 2011. She was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Julie Glover and husband, Ron, of Paradise; sons Donald Dart and wife, Laura, and David A. Dart and wife, Jenny, all of Melissa; grandchildren Collin, Aaron, Rachel, Amanda, Devlin, Joshua, James and John; brother John Kormanyos of Massena, N.Y.; sister Margaret Bocskor of Waddington, N.Y.; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 68 Court St., Canton, NY 13617 or Solaris Hospice, 2250 S. FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234.

Daves, Sharon Gail Deaton | 1949-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013

Sharon Gail Deaton Daves
Sharon Gail Deaton Daves, 64, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at her home.
Funeral was Aug. 9 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor Joey Vick officiating. Burial was at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Wesley Bo Hall, Paul Simpson, Dusty Wilson, Jimmy Wade McDaniel Jr., Jimmy Wade McDaniel III and Brandon Deaton.
Sharon was born May 31, 1949, in Bridgeport to Lotella (Sparks) and Johnny C. Deaton. She married Harry Daves in 1980 in Decatur, and she was a homemaker.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 33 years; son Jimmy Wade McDaniel Jr. and wife, Renee; daughter Kathie Simpson and husband, Paul; grandchildren Kandi Breger, Dusty Wilson, Johnathon Smith, Sally Smith, Jessie Smith, Madison McDaniel, Jimmy Wade McDaniel III, and Bailey Escobedo; and great-grandchildren Johnathon, Makenzleigh, Jude, Tatum, and James.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Johnny Wayne and Bobby Eugene Deaton; and daughter-in-law Mary McDaniel.

Davidson, Roy Lee | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Roy Lee Davidson
Roy Lee Davidson, 83, of Bridgeport died Monday, June 10, 2013, at home.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport with burial to follow at Thomas Cemetery. Brother Scott Strothers will officiate.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Roy was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Bridgeport to Vergie Cora (Reno) and John Anderson Davidson. He served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953.
He married Jewel Mae London Nov. 14, 1954, in Decatur and retired as an electrician from Lockheed Martin after 50 years of service. He was a member of the Cates Street Church of Christ. Roy loved horse racing and loved to fish when he was younger.
He is survived by sisters Eula Mae Green of Fort Worth, Anna Lois Hicks of Lubbock and Johnnie Ruth Glassie of Fort Worth; daughter Sandra Lynn Davidson of Denton; stepson James Gordon Bradford of Decatur; granddaughters Cindy Ann Smith of Bridgeport, Jasmine Jaramillo-Morris of Valley View, Julie Bradford of Bryan and Penny Hedgepath of Alvord; and grandson Chris Bradford of Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his wife and son Terry Lee Davidson.

Davis, George E. | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013
George E. Davis, 70, died Friday, June 14, 2013, at his home in Rhome, surrounded by those who loved him.
Memorial service is 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, at Alexander’s Midway Funeral Home on East Highway 199 in Springtown.
Survivors include his wife, Dee Davis; sons Darin Davis and wife, Anna, Daryl Davis and wife, LeAnn, and Jerry Davis and wife, Tara; brother Russell Davis and wife, Phyllis; sister Betty Morgan and husband, Carlton; and seven grandchildren.

Davis, Gerald Lee ‘Jerry’ | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Gerald Lee “Jerry” Davis
Gerald Lee “Jerry” Davis died Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, in Corinth, surrounded by his loved ones.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Geo. J. Carroll and Son Funeral Home in Gainesville with the Rev. Mark Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Slidell Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home.
Jerry’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Jerry Davis was born April 13, 1942, in Oklahoma City to James L. and Lola Davis. He was an avid rodeo fan and was constantly watching and keeping up with Professional Bull Riding. Among other hobbies, he enjoyed sports of all kinds but specifically the Dallas Cowboys and Texas A&M Aggies. Jerry was also an avid deer hunter.
He had a special place in his heart for cattle, and he has spent many hours prepping them for the show ring. However, above all these interests he loved his children and grandchildren more than life itself and bragged about their accomplishments daily.
In his later years, Jerry enjoyed spending his days with his companion of seven years, Bella. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
He is survived by his love of 27 years, Linda Milam-Davis of Gainesville; sons Bryan Davis and wife, Mary Kay, of Stephenville, Shawn Davis of Glen Rose and Michael Newton of Healdton, Okla.; daughter Tina Davis and husband, Rorry, of Gainesville; brothers James Davis and wife, Kay, of Decatur and Bill Davis and wife, Tanya, of Slidell; and longtime best friend, Lee Ship of Stephenville.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.
Memorials may be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund or a charity of choice.

Davis, James G. | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 17, 2013

James G. Davis
James G. Davis, 73, a retired concrete cutter, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Pleasant Grove Cowboy Church in Decatur with Pastor Rowland Hodge officiating. Burial will be at Azleland Cemetery in Azle. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Brian Wiggins, Timothy Wiggins, Robert Thornhill, Roland Thornhill, Ryne Thornhill, Jamie Thornhill and Kolton Davis.
James was born May 23, 1940, in Bristow, Okla., to Shorty and Rachel (Stovall) Davis. He married Shirley Thompson June 19, 1988, in Roanoke.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Davis of Decatur; sons Jeff Davis of Chandler, Dennis Davis of Plano, Glen Davis and wife, Konnie, of Arlington, Ray Davis of Azle, Dale Thornhill of Decatur and Richard Thornhill and wife, Judi, of Southlake; daughter Terri Wiggins and husband, Phil, of Fort Worth; grandchildren Ashley Pitmon, Katie Davis, Katie Dennis, Kandie Martinez, Kolton Davis, Brian and Timothy Wiggins, Robert, Roland, Paytyne, Ryne, Jamie, Callie and Sydney Thornhill, and Lindsey and Lauren Davis; great-grandchildren Kaden Dennis and Logan and Ellie Wiggins; brother Ray Davis and wife, Carolyn, of Richardson.
James was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Shari Alvey; brothers Gene and Jerry Davis; and sister Shirley Patrick.

Davis, Jerry E. | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Jerry E. Davis
Jerry E. Davis
Jerry E. Davis, 80, a retired diesel mechanic, died Monday, April 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Alvord with the Rev. Willie Joe Haak officiating. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery in Alvord. Pallbearers will be Rusty Hand, Michael McKinney, Willie Haak, Ricky Davis, Tyler Burns and Keith Johnson.
Jerry was born March 5, 1933, in Alvord to Dewey and Ivy Lee (Hogue) Davis. He married Barbara Sue White Dec. 5, 1959, in Decatur. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church for 80 years.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Sue Davis of Alvord; daughters Gaile Hand and husband, Rusty, of Park Springs, Starla Haak and husband, Willie, and Traci McKinney and husband, Michael, all of Alvord; sons Bart Davis and wife, Rhonda, of Watauga, and Justin Davis of Alvord; grandchildren Amy Johnson, Will Turlington, Ashton Burns, Asa Hand, Shane McKinney and Rhyle McKinney; great-grandson Nick Turlington; brothers Max Davis of Haslet, Doug Davis of Alvord and Donny Davis of Decatur; sister Carol Lumsden of Sulphur Springs; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Davis of Alvord.

Davis, Jim A. | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013

Jim A. Davis
Jim A. Davis, 78, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013.
Funeral is 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Jim was born March 31, 1935, in Tarrant County to James A. and Nellie Mae Davis. He was a 33rd Degree Master Mason in the Knights Templar and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a hard-working, honest man who retired in 1999 from Bell Helicopter.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his sister, Jodie Chadwick; a nephew, Donald Freeman; great-niece Crystal Freeman; and best friend, Russell Blanton.

Davis, Jo | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Jo Davis
Jo Davis, 53, a cafeteria manager, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Steve Simmons, Seth Simmons, John Lamb, Danny Price, David Walker, Eric Brown, Jason Carpenter and Ricky Schwartz.
Jo was born April 1, 1960, in Bridgeport to J.T and Quanna (Simmons) Price. She married Kent Davis June 23, 1978, in Bridgeport. He preceded her in death in 2005. Jo was a cafeteria manager at Bridgeport Middle School.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, J.T “Babe” and Quanna Price.
She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Vick and husband, Willie, of Bridgeport; grandchildren Gage and Keenan; sisters Nita Zapata and husband, Richard, of Nacogdoches and Debbie Curda of Denton; and other family members and friends.

Deaton, Bobby Eugene | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Bobby Eugene Deaton
Bobby Eugene Deaton
Bobby Eugene Deaton, 66, of Paradise, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Paradise.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Burial will follow in Willow Point Cemetery with Pastor Joey Vick officiating. Jerry Clyde Stinnett, Charlie Gamble, Darrell Johnson, Kelly Mullins, Scotty Cantrell, Ronnie Barnes and Sam Womack will serve as pallbearers. Danny Neighbors is an honorary pallbearer.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Bobby was born Feb. 10, 1947, in Bridgeport to Lotella (Sparks) and Johnny Deaton. He enjoyed roping, fishing, hunting and playing basketball with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons, Cody Deaton and wife, Renda, and Brandon Deaton and wife, Kati; daughters Tenna Stark and husband, Rodney, and Katy Deaton; sister Sharon Daves and husband, Harry; grandchildren James Lynn, Alexis Mask, Aliyah Read, Kylan Deaton, Ty Deaton, Harli Deaton and Kylie Deaton; and great-granddaughter Bailee Lynn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Johnny.

DeLuna, Guadalupe | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Guadalupe DeLuna
Mass of Christian burial for Guadalupe DeLuna, 63, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Deacon Lauro Huerta officiating. Burial will follow at Boonsville Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jaime DeLuna, Raymond DeLuna, Sesar Vargas, Jorge DeLuna, Armando Martinez and Jose Zuniga.
Guadalupe died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, in Decatur.
She was born April 23, 1950, in Allende, Coahuila, Mexico to Francisco and Maria de la Luz (Escobedo) Zuniga. On Aug. 14, 1968, she married Jose Maria DeLuna and had lived in Bridgeport since 1969. She was a homemaker and a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bridgeport.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jose DeLuna; sons Jaime DeLuna of Bridgeport and Raymond DeLuna of Bellevue; daughter Cristina Vargas DeLuna of Decatur; and grandchildren Marcos DeLuna, Adrian Vargas, Cristian Vargas, Jocelyn Vargas and Trystynn DeLuna.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son Jose Alberto DeLuna.

Denney, Harold | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Harold Denney
Harold Denney
Harold Denney, 71, of Chico, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at home. Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at U-Turn World Ministries in Chico with the Revs. Barney Hudson and Doug Moreland officiating. Burial is at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 in Chico.
Harold was born Aug. 12, 1941, in Chico to Ruth (Redwine) and Hurston Denney. He loved to fish and hunt, and he had more than 20 years of combined service with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the Bridgeport Police Department and as Wise County Constable, Precinct 4.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Debbie Slimp Denney; sons Rickey Denney and wife, Michelle, Stan Denney, Chris Tidwell and wife, Michelle, and Randy Tidwell; daughters Kim Covarubius and husband, Randy, and Kelly Martin and husband, Parris; brother Leonard Denney and wife, Angie; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents.

Denninger, Erich Waldemar Emanuel | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Erich Waldemar Emanuel Denninger
Memorial service for Erich Waldemar Emanuel Denninger, 56, of Lewisville was July 27 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Pastor D. Ross officiated.
Denninger died Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at home.
Born Sept. 16, 1956, in Den Haag, Holland, to Gesina Bernadetta Maria (Feldbrugge) and Ernst Emanuel Denninger, he married Deborah Gale Luster Aug. 25, 1978, in Dallas.
Most of his career was spent as an electronic equipment engineer. He loved oil painting, fishing, swimming, diving and all sports. Spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite thing to do.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Theodoor Archibald Ernst Denninger; and granddaughter Harlee Angel Rose Matthews.
Erich is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters Ericha Matthews and husband, Chris, of Kyle and Samantha Furguson and husband, Jim, of Lewisville; sister Tirza Friesenhahn of Terrell; grandchildren Brick, Cable and Gates Matthews; niece Audrey Shatto of Keller; and brother Jochiam Denninger of the Netherlands.

Devoll, Marcia Roberts | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Marcia Roberts Devoll
Marcia Roberts Devoll
Marcia Roberts Devoll, 50, a nurse, died Friday, March 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was March 25 at Hawkins Funeral Home with the Rev. Mark Autry officiating. Burial was at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Luis Martinez, Mike Hutto, Tim Smith, Chuck Smith, Cory Sims and Coy Devoll.
Marcia was born Oct. 8, 1962, to Donald and Glenda (Sims) Roberts in Bridgeport. She married Larry Devoll Aug. 29, 1982, in Bridgeport. He preceded her in death, as did her daughter, Anna, and her father, Donald Roberts.
Survivors include her children, Caytlyn Devoll and Hunter Devoll, both of Bridgeport; mother Kay Roberts of Bridgeport; brother Monty Roberts and wife, Darby, of Bridgeport; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

Deweber, Dale | 1949-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Dale Deweber, 63, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, in Denton County.
Funeral was Jan. 22 at the First Baptist Church of Alvord with Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie under the direction of White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Dale was born Nov. 18, 1949, to William and Clara (Lawyer) Deweber in Nocona. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1968 where he excelled in football. Dale enjoyed playing sports, such as tennis, softball, golf and bowling. He married Sue on July 19, 1997, at the Bible Baptist Church in Bowie. Dale was a family man and enjoyed taking short trips on his motorcycle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Deweber; brother David Deweber; and nephew Sean Deweber.
Dale is survived by his wife, Sue Deweber, of Alvord; children Nicole Smith and husband, Ronnie, of Krum, Stacy Deweber and husband, Eric Ballenger, of Arlington, Randy Christenson and wife, Angela, of Arlington, Joshua Christensen and wife, Tori, of Alvord and Makayla Dell Deweber of Alvord; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother Danny Deweber and wife, Pam, of Decatur; and sister-in-law Patsy Deweber of Bowie.

Dick, Roy Dennis | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Roy Dennis Dick
Roy Dennis Dick
Roy Dennis Dick, 83, a retired professor, died Friday, March 15, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was March 18 at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport with a second service March 19 at Bethel Mennonite Church in Hydro, Okla. Burial followed at Bethel Cemetery. The Rev. David Rucker and Derek Blackman officiated the Bridgeport service, and the Rev. Bob Springer officiated the second service.
Pallbearers for the first service were David Porter, Dylan Porter, Michael Porter, Don Porter, Steven Porter and George Jasper. Pallbearers at the second service were Chase Hawkins, Dennis Dick, Everett Baker, John Dick, Keith Kimble, Mark Randol, Jason Baker, Dick Hampton and Tom Byram.
Roy was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Weatherford, Okla., to John and Helena (Thiessen) Dick. He served his country in the U.S. Army and married Virginia Porter on March 25, 1967, in Stillwater, Okla. He was a retired professor and then worked as a nursing home administrator.
Roy was a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church and an associate member of the United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. He was also a member of the Education Foundation in Bridgeport.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Art, Elmer, John and Carl Dick; and his sister, Gertrude Dick.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Virginia Dick of Runaway Bay; son Jeff Chandler and wife, Julie, of Noble, Okla.; daughter Denise Caviness and husband, Coy, of Runaway Bay; grandchildren Jessica Chandler, Randee Hawkins and husband, Chase, Leighton Kennec, and Cole Caviness; sisters Opal H. Crall and husband, Lamar, of Hinton, Okla., and Frieda Randol of Custer City, Okla.; other family members and a host of friends.
Donations in Roy’s name may be made to the Education Foundation, 2107 15th St., Bridgeport, TX 76426 or the United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 237, Bridgeport, TX 76426.

Dietzman, Charles ‘Buddy’ | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Charles “Buddy” Dietzman
Charles “Buddy” Dietzman, 76, of Justin died Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, in Dallas.
Buddy was born June 25, 1937, in Justin to Henry and Elvie Splawn Dietzmann. He attended Northwest High School and married Janet Ingram Jan. 26, 1957, in Denton. Buddy worked for Henderson Oil in Justin for several years and then as a machinist for MeadWestvaco in Dallas until his retirement in 2001.
He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association, and he volunteered for the Justin Volunteer Fire Department. Buddy loved to be with family and friends. He lived outside of Justin until his marriage and then in Justin where he and his wife have lived in the same house for 57 years come January. He loved to sit on the front porch and play his harmonica and drink his famous coffee.
He rode his horse, Ginger, and enjoyed hunting and fishing on Denton creek. Buddy also spent many hours with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a contagious smile and a joke to tell everyone. He loved to work in the yard and garden and could fix about everything. He will be dearly missed by all.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Janet Dietzman; brother James and Barbara Dietzmann of Justin; sister Viola and Carl Gierish of Roanoke; brother-in-law Raymond Dickey of Rhome; and daughter Vicky Jo “Jody” Dietzman of Lohn.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mandy Buckingham and husband, Brett, Wade Dietzman and wife, Candice, Rob McCarty and wife, Carla, and Ryan Kyla Branaman and her husband, Wes; in-laws Lynda and Willis Hall and David and Betty Sue Ingram; great-grandchildren Taylor, Rhealynn, Danielle and Torry Buckingham, Kason and Korra Dietzman and Asa and Eli McCarty; and nieces and nephews.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elvie Dietzmann; son Ryan Dietzman; sister Teenie Dickey; and sister-in-law Connie Decker.
Memorial service was Dec. 2 at the First Baptist Church of Justin with Carl E. “Scooter” Gierisch Jr. officiating.
Memorials may be made to the UT Southwestern Oncology Department at UT Southwestern Medical Center Office of Development, Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, P.0. Box 910888 Dallas, TX 75391.

Dixon, Johnny Wayne | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 13, 2013
Johnny Wayne Dixon, 60, of Newark died Saturday, March 23, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Johnny Wayne was born in Houston to Josephine and Chancy Dixon. He was a truck driver for 35 years and loved his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine North, stepfather E.L. North, father Chancy Dixon, and brother T.J. Eilers.
Johnny is survived by son Allen Wayne Dixon; brothers Jerry Dixon, A.C. Ebarb, Logan Ebarb, Carl Ebarb, Bobby Ebarb and James Ebarb; and sisters Kathy Wilson, Sherry Carpenter, Margie Calvert and Maurine Bannister.
Johnny will be remembered and missed by all whom he touched in his life.

Dixson, Donald Durwood | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013

Donald Durwood Dixson
Donald Durwood Dixson, 79, a retired welder, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 in Decatur.
Memorial service is 5 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2013 at Renewal Fellowship Church, 112 E. Rock Island Ave. in Boyd.
Donald was born July 7, 1933 to Thomas and Lillian (Davis) Dixon in Fort Worth. He married Ruby Jo Robertson June 6, 1969 in Fort Worth. A proud veteran of the United States Navy and the Korean War, he was of the Assemblies of God faith.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; daughters Debbie Lancaster and Patsy Ann Dixson; grandson Derik Lancaster; brothers Jack and Weldon Dixson, and sister Billie Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruby Dixson of Avondale; sons Donald Dixson of Keller and Leonard Dixson of Fort Worth; daughters Gloria Grant of Benbrook and Barbara Dixson of Aurora; his grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers Harry Dixson of Haltom City and Larry Dixson of Keller; other family members and a host of friends.

Duffy, James Patrick ‘Jim’ | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013

James Patrick “Jim” Duffy
James Patrick “Jim” Duffy, 76, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, after a long and valiant fight with recurrent lymphoma.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home in Austin, with recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with the Rev. Patrick Coakley, MSC, celebrant. Rite of Committal will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at Oak lawn Cemetery in Decatur with the Rev. Thomas D’Souza, SAC, parochial administrator with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur.
Jim was born Aug. 4, 1937, in Philadelphia to James Joseph and Kathryn Nolan Duffy. He spent his early years in Hartford and Bloomfield, Conn. In 1952, his family moved to Houston.
Jim graduated from St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas and earned a master’s degree in economics from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
He met Joanne Flusche of Decatur while they were both students at UST, and they married following her graduation. In 1962, Jim began a 32-year career with Allstate Insurance Co. Promotions resulted in moves from Houston to San Antonio, Beaumont, Dallas and then to Libertyville, Ill., when Jim became a member of Allstate Corporate Security, based in the home office in Northbrook, Ill.
In 1995, he retired from Allstate as territorial manager, corporate security, and he and Joanne moved to Austin to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He served in leadership for Little League, Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement and various parent/school and parent/team groups. He loved attending his children’s and then his grandchildren’s activities and was proud of their accomplishments.
During his retirement years, Jim and Joanne traveled in pursuit of their shared hobby of family genealogy. Jim also took great pleasure in woodworking, creating Christmas decorations for his children and special gifts for each of his grandchildren.
Jim valued giving back to his community and was a man of integrity and great faith, working diligently in both parish ministries and civic projects. He spent untold hours volunteering for charities and was a Knight of Columbus in Council 8156, as well as a 4th Degree Knight in Assembly 1099.
Jim was preceded in death by infant daughters Josephine Anne and Christine Louise; his parents, James Joseph and Kathryn Nolan Duffy; and his father- and mother-in-law, Lawrence William and Anna Mae Bernauer Flusche of Decatur.
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joanne; sons Michael Thomas and wife, Julie, and James (Jim) Lawrence and wife, Mary; daughter Annette Louise and husband, Gerard Tafallo; grandchildren Jessica, Patrick and Megan; sister Anne Duffy Weber and husband, Ronald; sister-in-law Mariana Flusche Simeroth and husband, Joe Perry; aunt Alice Duffy; 10 nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
The family is grateful to the wonderful doctors and staff of Texas Oncology, the caring nursing staff of 7 North at Seton Main and the compassionate nurses and staff of West Oaks RHC for their care and support throughout Jim’s illness.
Memorials may be made in memory of Jim to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church’s Grateful and Growing in His Spirit Campaign or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com.

Dumire, Freddie Mac | 1944-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Freddie Mac Dumire, 68, of Rhome, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Dallas.
Graveside service is 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas with full military honors. Lucas Funeral Home in Justin is handling arrangements.
Freddie was born Nov. 7, 1944, in Wellington to Arnold and Juanita Dumire. During the Vietnam War, he served four tours with the U.S. Navy, spanning 10 years. He was highly decorated, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six Bronze Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
He was a truck driver who enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. Freddie was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
Preceded in death by his parents, Freddie is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sharon; sons John Roberts, William Stone, Joshua Roberts and Tony Brammer; daughters Regina Marshall, Rhonda Krekeler, Mary Stone, Jennifer Roberts and Tammi Gambrell; brothers Joe Bob Dumire and Ximmie Dumire; sister-in-law Helene McDaniel, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Eason, B.W. ‘Rock’ | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013
B.W. “Rock” Eason, 83, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Azle.
Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 21, at Biggers Funeral Home in Lake Worth. He will be interred with Masonic graveside rites under the auspices of Boyd Lodge 479 A.F.& A.M. in New Hope Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Eason was employed at General Motors Parts Division for just over 34 years. He was a member of U.A.W. Local 816, Boyd Masonic Lodge 479 A.F. & A.M., and Walnut Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Edna M. Eason; son Barton W. Eason; brothers Billy C. Eason and Bobby D. Eason; stepsons Larry Bilbrey and Jason Rodgers; a large extended family and many friends.

Edwards, Hayward J. | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 23, 2013
Hayward J. Edwards, 80, of Sunset, Texas died Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Carrolton.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Hayward was born Feb. 28, 1933, in Forestburg, to Mandy (Romines) and Charles C. Edwards. He loved to garden and hunt.
He is survived by his wife, Golda Pockrus Edwards; sons Darrell and wife, Marsha, Michael and wife, Dana, Thomas and wife, Diane, and Billy and wife, Lannie; two stepdaughters; brother Troy Edwards; sister Hazel Evans; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents one sister and one brother.
Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling the arrangements.

Edwards, Paula L. Ball Mullins | 1920-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Paula L. Ball Mullins Edwards
Paula L. Ball Mullins Edwards, 92, food service worker, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Jan. 8 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Randy James officiating. A private burial was in West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Paula was born Sept. 27, 1920, to Richard and Maggie Ora (Cherry) Ball in Loveland, Okla. She married Fred Edwards April 3, 1983, in Bridgeport. Paula worked in food service at Golden Years Retreat and was a member of Cates Street Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, James R. Mullins; her second husband, Fredrick W. Edwards; daughter Jayme Mullins; brother Billy Dan Ball; and great-grandson Nathan Marsh.
Survivors include her daughter, Jerry Mullins of Bridgeport; grandchildren Robyn Barnett, Greg Little, Shannon Canova and Heather Canova Villegas; great-grandchildren Brook and Bailey Barnett, Nicholas O’Neal, Noah Marsh and Cooper Little; sister-in-law Wanda Amin; other family members and a host of friends.

Elliot, Lena Pearl | 1919-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013

Lena Pearl Elliott
Lena Pearl Elliott, 94, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Issaquah, Wash.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating.
Lena was born July 10, 1919, to Claude and Laura (Reed) Elliott in Bridgeport. She was raised in Bridgeport. Beloved by all, she lived her later years with her nephew, Don McQuinn in Seattle.
Lena was the last of six siblings and will be laid to rest at East Bridgeport Cemetery with the rest of her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister Lela Ruth; and her other siblings.
Survivors include her nephews, Ron McQuinn and Don McQuinn; other family members; and many friends.

Elsom, Claud Porter, Jr. | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Claud Porter Elsom Jr.
Claud Porter Elsom Jr., 80, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at First Baptist Church of Decatur with Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Tom Elsom, Mark Lambert, Michael Lambert, Mason Nicks, Joe Stockton and Tom Tumelty.
Claud was born Jan. 21, 1933, in Decatur to Claud Porter and Nora Lee (Morris) Elsom Sr. He married Alma Rae Edwards Feb. 23, 1952. Claud retired from the Texas Department of Transportation as an engineering tech. He was a 50-year member and a Master Mason at Decatur Lodge No. 447 and was a member of the Scottish Rite.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alma Elsom of Decatur; daughter Linda Lambert and husband, Neal O’Bannion, of Carrollton; son Claud “Buz” Elsom and wife, Jan, of Denton; grandchildren Chanci Nicks, Mark Lambert, Michael Lambert and Tom Elsom; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Reagan, Evelyn, Lucy, Annette and Amelia; sister Beth Stockton and husband, Wayne, of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1200 Preskitt Road, Decatur, TX 76234 or to the Wise County Historical Society, P.O. Box 427, Decatur, TX 76234.

England, Wilema | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Wilema England
Wilema England, 95, a homemaker, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Oct. 15 at Greenwood Church of Christ with Bob Ross and Joe Slater officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Joel England, Wesley England, Todd Wells, James Haynes, Hal Ray Robinson and Chucky Howard.
Wilema was born Sept. 11, 1918, to Joe and Chloe (Korner) Howard in Greenwood. She marrie Joseph Robert England Dec. 24, 1942, in Greenwood. Wilema was a member of the Greenwood Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph.
Survivors include her sons, Terry England and wife, Pat, of Ponder, and Robert England and wife, Janie, of Denton; brothers J.B. Howard of Quinlan and Charles Howard of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren Wes England, Joel England and Paige Wells; great-grandchildren Randall, Taylor, Tate and Ryder; other family members; and a host of friends.

Ervin, Lee | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Lee Ervin, 76, a truck driver, died July 14, 2013, in Wichita Falls.
A memorial service is planned later in Bastrop, where his mother is buried. Fall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lee was born June 21, 1937, in Bastrop. He was a truck driver who covered 48 states during his career. He moved to Wichita Falls in 1988 and married Shirley Carroll on July 21, 1989. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughters Bridy Cantrell and husband Todd of Bridgeport, Natalee Funderburg and husband Billy of Bastrop, Sissy Carroll of Montague; son Terry Carroll of Wichita Falls; numerous sisters and brothers-in-law; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Eustice, Timothy William | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Timothy William Eustice
Timothy William Eustice, 53, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Eastgate Funeral Home, 1910 Eastgate Dr., in Garland.
Tim was born May 7, 1959, to Lawrence J. Eustice and Patricia Leary Eustice in Tulsa, Okla. He graduated in 1977 from Skyline High School in Dallas and worked for several manufacturing and distribution logistics companies over his career. For the last 11 years, he was employed by Mylan Specialty in Allen.
Tim enjoyed and loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, loved to hunt ducks and had a passion for hunting deer. Most of all, he enjoyed sharing his outdoor experiences and the fellowship with many friends, both young and old.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Eustice.
He is survived by his domestic partner, Joan Wallace and her sons, Jay Vileta and Ryan Rheudasil; brothers Joe Eustice, Richard Eustice, Robert Eustice and his wife, Karen, and Patrick Eustice; sisters Kathy Kirk and Clarita Mcburnett and her husband, Cliff; nephews Michael Eustice, Kevin Eustice, John Kirk, Cody Eustice and Larry Mcburnett; and niece Patty Kirk.
Tim will be missed for his kind heart, his smile and his unforgettable laugh.

Evans, Gary Ray | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Gary Ray Evans
Gary Ray Evans, 58, of Hico died Saturday, Jan. 12 at his home.
Gary was born June 16, 1954 in Midland to Kenneth Ray and Shirley Ann Smith Evans. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
Gary earned a bachelor of science degree from Tarleton and spent his life a commercial pilot. He enjoyed skydiving and being a pilot for skydivers, as well as woodworking and building his own log house.
Funeral was Jan. 15 at the Church of Christ in Hico, with minister Joe Dale Wilson officiating. Burial was in Duffau Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Ronda Nell Cook Evans; parents Kenneth Ray and Shirley Ann Smith Evans; father-in-law Tom Cook and wife Nell; son Taylor Scott Evans; daughter Stephanie Leigh Evans Koopman and husband Joshua; brothers Dusty Wayne Evans and Lee Douglas Evans and wife Stephanie; and granddaughter Paisley Rae Koopman.

Evans, Teresa Ann | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013

Teresa Ann Evans
Teresa Ann Evans, 50, a warehouse operator, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, in Rhome.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Teresa was born Dec. 30, 1962, in Maryland to Van and Betty (Stein) Johnson. She married John Allen Evans April 17, 1980, in Riverview, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her father; son Jonathan Evans; and grandson Andrew Evans.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Evans; son Chris Evans and wife, Jessica, of Canton; daughter Sharley Evans and fianc , Marcus Pendergraft, of Decatur; mother Betty Stein of Oldtown, Fla.; sisters Juanita Matthews of Oldtown, Fla., Margaret Clark of Jacksonville, Fla., and Amy English of Chiefland, Fla.; grandchildren Ashten Evans and Makayla Ann Pendergraft; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Faris, Mark Edward | 1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 18, 2013
Mark Edward Faris
Mark Edward Faris
Mark Edward Faris, 48, of Bridgeport died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at his home after a long battle with colon cancer.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Hawkins Funeral Home with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Gerre Joiner will officiate.
Pallbearers include Scott Phillips, Chris Faris, Bryce King, Leonard Kostyak, Trey Hawkins and Jerold Mitchell.
Mark was born Oct. 14, 1964, in West Palm Beach, Fla., to William “Bill” and Catherine Lee (Storey) Faris. He married Deborah Shawn Ronk Sept. 10, 1994, in Fort Worth. Mark was on the board of directors for the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce from 1998-99.
He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Juris Doctorate May 11, 2013. Mark was also a recipient of the MacLean Boulware Award for exemplary moral and ethical character. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always made time for his family.
He was preceded in death by his father and aunt, Shelly.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Faris of Bridgeport; son Chris Faris of Austin; daughters Jennifer Hawkins and husband, Trey, of Decatur, and India Faris of Austin; grandchildren Camryn Evans, Hollyn Hawkins and Carter Hawkins; mother Catherine Lee of Boyton Beach, Fla; sister Lisa DeLeon of California; aunt Bonnie Scripps of Montana, and a host of friends.
Memorials can be made to the Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Mark Faris Scholarship Fund, c/o Casey Dyer, 1515 Commerce St., Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Farrell, Billy Ray, II | 1989-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Billy Ray Farrell II
Graveside service for Billy Ray Farrell II, 24, of Sunset is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 in Chico. Kevin Alexander, pastor of U-Turn World Ministries in Chico, will officiate.
Farrell died Thursday, July 25, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Born April 11, 1989, in Grapevine to Raymond and Sandra (Jessup) Farrell, he was a 2007 Chico graduate who enjoyed science and reading. He loved music and played many musical instruments.
He is survived by his parents of Sunset; brother Bradley Farrell; sisters Kimberly Spraberry and Christie Adcox and husband, Ollie; grandparents Linda Farrell and husband, Jesse Rubio, and Bob Argo and Frances King; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Farrington, Joseph L. | 1966-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 17, 2013

Joseph L. Farrington
Joseph L. Farrington, 47, retired military, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, in Gary City.
Funeral was Aug. 15 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Dawson Cemetery in Chico. Bishop Richard Gillespie officiated, and pallbearers were George Addington, Charlie Addington, James Waters, Cody Addington and Ty Addington.
Joseph was born Aug. 6, 1966, in Columbus, Ga., to Kenneth Jr. and Andrea (Batcho) Farrington. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and studied electricity and electronics/meteorological equipment.
He married Darlena Dawson March 1, 1997, in Chico. She preceded him in death in 2000.
He was also preceded in death by his father.
He is survived by his mother, Andrea Strickland, and husband, Pat, of Chico; brothers James Waters and wife, Angie, of Cottageville, S.C., Jonathan Strickland of Chico, Charlie Addington and wife, Lori, of Harrah, Okla., and George Addington and wife, Leewanda, of Harrah, Okla.; sisters Patricia Strickland of Chico and Kim Addington of Harrah, Okla.; uncle Bill Crunk; aunts Mary Gunter, Sue Crunk and Nancy Ennis; other family members and friends.

Faulkner, Patsy Cobb | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Patsy Cobb Faulkner
Patsy Cobb Faulkner, 77, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth. A reception with family and friends will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or a charity of your choice.
Patsy was born Feb. 21, 1936, in Boyd to the late Virginia Agnes and Elmer Lee Cobb. She graduated from Northwest High School and was a longtime resident of Fort Worth and Waco, where she assisted in the law practice of her late husband, John B. Faulkner.
Patsy was also a successful entrepreneur, dealing in real estate and other investments. She appreciated the accomplishments of others and encouraged her children to achieve their dreams for success.
Patsy was a passionate and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She enjoyed traveling but was happiest spending time in the country, where she and John raised cattle, fished and entertained friends.
The family would like to extend utmost appreciation to Odyssey Hospice and many caregivers, especially Birdie Hancock and Ruby Caldera.
Survivors include her brother, Edwin Lee Cobb of Decatur; children Joe Cates Jr. and wife, Marianne, Patti Montague and husband, Jene, and Michael Cates and Melanie Cates-Clapp; John’s children, Carol Gischia and Andrew Faulkner; grandchildren Jordan and Jason Montague, Lauren and Max Cates, Trey Cates, Madison Clapp, Greg Geisha, Jordan Brown Faulkner and Mac Faulkner; great-grandson Dylen Montague; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Fennell, David Drew | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
David Drew Fennell
David Drew Fennell
David Drew Fennell, 82, a retired cabinet builder, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Sweetwater Cemetery with Brother Charles Taylor officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Mr. Fennell was born May 13, 1930, in Decatur to John Henry and Minnie Bertha (Hicks) Fennell. He married Eva Sue Bryan April 17, 1954, in Fort Worth. Mr. Fennell served in the United States Army and was a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Fennell of Decatur; sons Jim Fennell and wife, Jeannie, of Canyon Lake and Bill Fennell and wife, Michele, of Decatur; daughter Deb Jones and husband, Norman, of Weatherford; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Fennell, Pat | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Pat Fennell
Pat Fennell
Pat Fennell, 72, died Friday, April 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 22 at Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Van Gardner and the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial was in Sweetwater Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Randy Cross, Rex Cross, David Cross, Carl Fennell, Bill Fennell and Brent Cross.
Pat was born April 29, 1940, in Decatur to Hoyt Parker “Bill” and Eva Lou (Boydston) Cross. She married Jeff D. Fennell June 14, 1958, and they were married 39 years until his death in July 1997. Pat retired from the Decatur school district after more than 31 years of service. Her last position was as a custodial supervisor at Carson Elementary. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Sandra Boyd and husband, Junior, of Slidell and Shelley Fennell of Decatur; sister LouAnn Cate of Decatur; granddaughter Kasi Kelly and husband, Glenn, of Boyd; great-granddaughter Brynli Kelly of Boyd; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Bob, Bud and Sonny Cross.

Fine, Clifford F. | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Clifford F. Fine
Clifford F. Fine, 81, retired owner of Fine Construction, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Oct. 29 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with Chris Wann officiating. Pallbearers were Maurice Caicedo, Ralph May, Bill Pitts, Stanley Pitts, Greg Mullenix and Cory Wilson.
Clifford was born July 25, 1932, in Sudan to Calvin and Ruth (Wilson) Fine. He married Wanda Fern Travis Dec. 24, 1948, in Amarillo. They were married 59 years until her death in 2007.
He is survived by a son, Thomas Fine and wife, Deborah, of Decatur; six grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Calvin D. Fine; and his wife.

Fleming, Mary Jon | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Mary Jon Fleming, 84, died Friday, May 10, 2013, in Ellsworth, Kan.
She was born Feb. 13, 1929, in Krum, to William and Mary Ann Cates. She was a homemaker, a member of the Kanopolis United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.
On Aug. 9, 1949, she married Marvin Don White. He preceded her in death July 7, 1989. Also preceding her was her daughter, Lee Ann Beagley, on May 15, 2008.
She married William H. Fleming July 21, 2005, in Salina, Kan. He survives her along with her son, Billy White (Barb), of Wichita, Kan.; stepson Billy Fleming (Barb) of Kanopolis, Kan.; stepdaughters Diane Mangles of Parker, Colo., and Barbara Holm (Jeff) of Ellsworth, Kan.; four grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral was May 13 at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, and burial was Tuesday at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Kanopolis United Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home, Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

Fletcher, Kyle ‘Tooter’ | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Kyle “Tooter” Fletcher
Kyle “Tooter” Fletcher, 90, of Slidell, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Slidell.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the First Baptist Church in Slidell with the Rev. Bobby Cates and Gerre Joiner officiating, along with his grandson Eric Fletcher. Burial will be in Slidell Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be David Wilson, Jack Sandford, Wes Fowler, Glen Cassidy, Johnny Zuniga, Strike Franklin, Danny Taylor and Bodie Cole. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Montgomery, Steve Balthrop, Ronnie Hickerson, Reggie Hickerson, Bert Pruett, Bill Davis, Bill Taylor and Steve Pruett.
Tooter was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Slidell to James Hugh and Myrtle Mae (Amyx) Fletcher. He married Mayme Lou Lasater June 26, 1943, in Fort Worth.
Tooter enlisted in the U.S. Army, 7th Army 3rd Division in 1944. He was trained at Fort Hood and was deployed overseas to Germany and France where he entered into combat during World War II. Tooter received the Campaign Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, Bronze Star 3rd Infantry Division, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, Victory Ribbon and three overseas service bars, Combat Infantry Man badge, Army Presidential outstanding unit citation with two Bronze Clusters, the French Four Ragere, along with others.
Upon his return home, Tooter went into the feed and trucking business. He was owner of Fletcher Feed Mill and Trucking for 63 years.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mayme Lou Fletcher; son Tim Fletcher and wife, Darlene; grandsons Eric Fletcher and wife, Brandy, and Chris Fletcher and wife, Courtney; granddaughters Camille Franklin and Bridget Knight and husband, David, all of Slidell; great-grandsons Halen, Jaxsyn, Zhakry and Bralyn Fletcher; great-granddaughters Camryn and Carley Franklin, Mylee and Macklyn Fletcher and Kynslee Knight; sister Bobbie Ruth Cantrell of Gainesville; foster son’s wife, Maurine Lovejoy and children, Weldon Lovejoy and Dana Kilburn and her son, Tyler.
Tooter was preceded in death by his parents; brothers G.H., Hugh D. and Jack Fletcher; sisters Hazel Fletcher, Juanell Schertz and Wanda Wood; and foster son Wayne Lovejoy.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or to the charity of choice.

Flores, Christa Diana | 1982-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013

Christa Diana Flores
Memorial service for Christa Diana Flores, 31, of Mesquite is 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church on Greenwood Road.
Shelley McNew will officiate, and burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Sunnyvale.
Christa died Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Mesquite.
She was born July 18, 1982, in Mesquite.
Christa is survived by her parents, Barbara and C.J. Harris of Decatur and Chris Flores of Mesquite; son Cash Christopher Flores; daughter Heaven Elise Davis; brother Christopher Harris of Stephenville; sisters Amber Palacios of Mesquite and Megan Harris of Jackboro; grandparents Robert and Lucie Parks of Alabama, Elise and Steve Ledbetter of Mesquite, and Pete and Lily Flores of Mesquite; great-grandfather Ed Harris; and great-grandmother Mickey Rivera.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Sue Harris; grandparents Red and Joanne Shaw of Decatur; grandmother, Elisabeth Parks; aunts and uncles Stephen Parks of Decatur, James Parks of Mesquite and Melissa and Doug Stewart of Frisco.

Fluker, Etta Mae | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013
Etta Mae Fluker, 85, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with the Rev. Ken May officiating. Pallbearers include Brian Dooling, Brent Payton, Randy Slimp, Timothy Slimp, Louis Dooling and Kendell Payton.
Interment will be in Cottonwood Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur.
Etta was born Sept. 6, 1928, in Corsicana to Tarrant and Myrtle Mae (King) Gilliam. She married Finis Eugene Fluker March 11, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Corsicana. She received her master’s in education at Western State in Gunnison, Colo.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Gene Fluker of Decatur; daughter, Margaret Dooling and husband, Louis, of Decatur; grandchildren, Georgetta Slimp and husband, Randy of Decatur; Katie Payton and husband, Brent, of San Antonio, and Brian Dooling and wife, Tina, of Victoria; great-grandchildren Amelia, Timothy, Courtney, Kendell, Ashlee, Kohltin and Tristin; great-great-granddaughter, Emma Alexis; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Etta was preceded in death by a son, Tarrant Eugene Fluker, and one brother.

Foley, Jackson Alexander | 2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Jackson Alexander Foley, newborn son of Hailey Marie Meadows and Ethan Andrew Foley of Bridgeport, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Chico Cemetery with Dr. Bill Hughes officiating. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
Jackson was born May 14 in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his twin, Halen Ray Foley; his parents; brother Andrew James Foley of Bridgeport; sister Addyson Leia Meadows of Bridgeport; grandparents Terry and Arleen Hankins of Paradise and Donna Foley of Bridgeport; great-grandparents Jackie Hankins of Amarillo, Gisela and Jerome Abruscato of Delaware and Udella Tucker of Bridgeport.
Jackson was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ules Foley; great-grandfathers Kenneth Hankins and Bud Tucker; uncle Kristerfer Ray Giddens; and cousin Donald Raymond Tucker.

Forman, Eugenia Floe | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Eugenia Floe Forman, 94, formerly of Decatur, died Friday, June 14, 2013, in Denton.
Graveside service was June 18 at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Rev. Ken May officiating. Eugenia was born Dec. 12, 1918, in Decatur to Ray Hugh and Eula Custuous (Daughetee) Forman. She was a graduate of Decatur High School and a retired nurse.
Survivors include her brother, Clint Forman of Waco; nephews Jody Forman and wife, Rhonda, of Corinth, Elbert Forman and wife, Cheri, of Aubrey, Scooter Forman and wife, Rhonda, of Houston, Ray Cook and wife, Caroline, of The Woodlands and Donnie Cook of Erlanger, Ky.; nieces LaDonna Wren and husband, Stephen, of Decatur, and Ann Swingler and husband, Jack, of Austin; and sister-in-law Kathleen Forman of Denton.
Eugenia was preceded in death by her son, Tinney Sloan; brothers Joe and Ray Forman; and sister Harriet Cook.

Forson, Judith Annine | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Judith Annine Forson
Judith Annine Forson
Judith Annine Forson, 69, of Poolville, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Bridgeport. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Turlock, Calif.
Judith was born Aug. 6, 1943, in Jackson Parish, La., to Jennie (Lacy) and C.C. Smith. She was a college graduate who had several occupations: dairy farmer, realtor and corrections officer. She had a strong Christian faith and believed and loved the Lord. She was also an avid reader who loved sewing and knitting, the outdoors and raising many types of animals.
Judith is survived by sons Roddy Carl Sanderson and wife, Susan, Rocky Craig Sanderson and wife, Colleen, all of Turlock, and Randy C. Sanderson of Amarillo; grandchildren Casey and Molly Sanderson of Ceres, Calif., and Jessica, Sara and Sabrina Sanderson of Turlock; and great-granddaughter Jamie Copenhaver Sanderson of Turlock.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Forson, in 2007; her parents; her first husband, Rex C. Sanderson, in 1989; and her son, Rex C. Sanderson Jr. in 2005.

Foster, Robert ‘Chip’ | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 7, 2013

Robert “Chip” Foster
Memorial service for Robert “Chip” Foster, 66, of Cottondale is 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale.
Chip died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved dogs. His memorial will be attended by the North Texas Honor Guard, Patriot Guard Riders, Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department, Paradise Volunteer Fire Department and Dave Thiesing on bagpipes.
Chip was born Dec. 3, 1946, in Harlingen. He was a retired cabinet maker.
He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, including service in Vietnam in 1968-1969. He was a member of the Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years.
He was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders for 10 years, and he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, guns and all of God’s creatures. He was always ready to help anyone and anything when in need.
He is survived by his wife, Sherron ‘Red’ Foster; daughter Brooke Hall; son-in-law and best friend Scott Hall; adopted son Mike Bombonati and wife, Donna; daughter-in-law Leigh Angela Foster; grandsons Coleman James Foster and Mason Scott Hall; sister-in-law Joyce Cole and husband, Marvin Cole; niece Melissa Cole; grandniece Taylan Joyce Cole; nephew Phillip Cole and wife, Casey; grandnephew Cannon James Cole; and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and son Kirk Foster.
Memorials may be made to Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department, cancer research or your local humane society.

Foster, Sherron Ann Rycroft | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Sherron Ann Rycroft Foster, 66, of Cottondale, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at home. Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Cottondale Baptist Church. Sherri was born March 19, 1947, in Sweetwater to Sarah (Daniels) and James Rycroft. She graduated from Sweetwater Newman High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation she met Robert “Chip” Foster, who was an airman stationed at Avenger Field. It was love at first sight, which lasted almost 50 years.
Sherri was diagnosed with colon cancer in October 2012. She began “killing beasties” with a vengeance. Together she and Chip vowed to fight and never give up. Each doctor’s visit was full of good news that the cancer was shrinking.
In July 2013, Chip was unexpectedly diagnosed with terminal lung and brain cancer, turning the tide and Sherri having to become his strength and caregiver. She selflessly gave up her chemo treatment so that their time left together would be quality time. In seven short weeks, on Sept. 4, 2013, Chip was gone.
Although the family had supported Sherri’s decision to stop her treatment, the cancer was not as forgiving and spread rapidly throughout her body. She soon left this earth to be united with him once again.
She was a wonderful mother to Kirk and Brooke Foster and all her four-legged babies she rescued throughout her life. She and Chip ran a family cabinet/carpentry business in Cottondale, together with their daughter Brooke and son-in-law Scott Hall. Her last four years were filled with extra sunshine and happiness by the gift of a beautiful grandson, Mason. She was his “TuTu,” and he was her “Miracle Child.” She also treasured her grandson Coleman.
Sherri is survived by her daughter Brooke Hall and husband, Scott, of Cottondale; grandson Mason Hall of Cottondale; grandson Coleman Foster and his mother Leigh Angela Foster of Kansas; her “little sis” Joyce Cole and husband, Marvin; niece Melissa Cole and daughter, Taylan; nephew Phillip Cole, wife Casey and son Cannon; special cousins Sandra and Sherman Cox, Leonard and Frankie Womack and the California bunch.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life Chip; her parents; son Kirk Foster; and cousin Vickie Lacey.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Hall Family, P.O. Box 395, Boyd, TX 76023.
Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

Fowler, Jane ‘Janie’ Ann | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Jane “Janie” Ann Fowler
Jane “Janie” Ann Fowler, 65, a retired police officer and investigator, died Thursday, July 18, 2013, in Jacksboro.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Janie was born on June 13, 1947, to Edna Mae Bird in Brownfield. She married Robert Michael Fowler Feb. 27, 1993, in Parker County. Janie was a retired investigator for the Parker County Sheriff’s Office and a police officer for Runaway Bay.
She was preceded in death by her mother and her brother, Bill Anderson.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Fowler; daughter Erica Da Silva and husband Carlos of Stephenville; son Rodney Fowler of Weatherford; three grandchildren, Kristin, Kaj, and Landon; sister Sue Lasiter of Corinth; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

Franks, Levon Curtis | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
Levon Curtis Franks, 87, of Avinger, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at his home.
Funeral was Jan. 8 at the Macedonia Baptist Church with Bro. Shawn Thrapp officiating and assisted by Bro. Joe Owens. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home Inc. of Magnolia.
Levon was born Sept. 24, 1925, in Macedonia, Ark., to the late Dewey and Maybelle Etta (Foreman) Franks and was a retired supervisor for Occidental Petroleum Corp. He was a former member of the Macedonia Baptist Church in the community where he was raised and a member of the Lake O’the Pines Baptist Church in Avinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Alene (Massey) Franks.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Dorothy Childs Franks of Avinger; daughter Karen Franks Hardee and husband,Vernon, of Avinger; son Curtis Franks and wife, Teri, of Kilgore; stepdaughter Phyllis Bice and husband, Robert, of Maybank; stepson Mike R. Childs and wife, Teri, of Edmond, Okla.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers Leo Franks and Bo Franks, both of Macedonia, Ark.; sister Wilma Pearce of Magnolia; several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Frantom, Billy Thomas, Jr. | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Billy Thomas Frantom Jr., 58, beloved husband and father, died Thursday, May 30, 2013, in Azle.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Tommy was born Oct. 29, 1954, in West Monroe, La., to Billy Frantom Sr. and the late Gay Hibbard Frantom.
He served five years in the United States Marine Corps, was a graduate of the University of Houston and owned and operated the Hot Skillet Restaurant in Alvord from 2002 to 2008 and Shinola’s Texas Cafe in Springtown since 2008. On Feb. 6, 2005, he married Robin in a ceremony at the Hot Skillet.
Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Gay Hibbard Frantom; brother “Sonny” Frantom and his Little Bella.
Survivors include his wife, Robin; daughters Olivia, Cassie and Lisa; sons Kyle, Bryan, and Neil; eight grandchildren; father Billy T. Frantom; brother Joe Frantom; sister Renee Love and husband, David; numerous nieces and nephews, and his Shinola’s family.

Freeman-Delong, Dottie | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Dottie Freeman-Delong
Dottie Freeman-Delong, 88, formerly of Decatur, died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, in Navasota.
Dottie was born June 25, 1925, in Snohomish, Wash., to Albert Andrew and Hulda Margarita Dorothea (Martens) Butler. She married Hickey Erceldean Freeman Feb. 3, 1943, in Houston, and they were married 49 years until his death March 6, 1992.
Dottie was currently a member of Grimes County Cowboy Church in Navasota, but prior to her moving to Navasota, she had been a longtime member of Greenwood Baptist Church.
She is survived by daughters Sharon Rossiter and husband, Steve, of Lewiston, Idaho, Linda Mooney and husband, Mart, of Decatur, and Molly Hurst and husband, Tommy, of Navasota; grandchildren Orus M. Mooney Jr. and wife, Missy, Shanda DeWitt and husband, Derek, Amy Alicia Buchanan, Clifton Robert Buchanan and wife, Jana, and Darrell and Mary Lynn Hurst; great-grandchildren Bethany and Jadon DeWitt, Wyatt Mooney, Jade Leigh and Case Michael Buchanan, Brad and Ryan Hennigan, Cheyenne and Chelsea Butler, and Paden and Ramsie Hurst; and great-great-granddaughter Carsyn Lynn Busse.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Wise County Unit, P.O. Box 428, Decatur, TX 76234; Grimes County Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 1442, Navasota, TX 77868 or Sycamore Baptist Church, 133 CR 2425, Decatur, TX 76234.

Frisby, Janice Marie | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Janice Marie Frisby
Janice Marie Frisby
Janice Marie Frisby, 58, a former resident of Chico, died Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Riverside, Calif.
A celebration of life will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary in Riverside.
Janice was born July 7, 1954, in Artesia, Calif. She lived in Chico from 1989 until 2010. She loved her family and cared for animals of all kinds. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Janice is survived by her daughter, Michelle Frisby; sisters Theda DeWitt of Yerington, Nev., and Diane Myrick; brother-in-law Gary Myrick of Riverside; her dog, Tink; and many nieces and nephews.

Fuller, Tony | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 21, 2013

Tony Fuller
Tony Fuller, 55, a forklift operator, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in Paradise.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Tony was born March 15, 1958, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to Robert and Elaine (Dallman) Fuller. He married Bonnie Nix Nov. 17, 1996, in Wise County. Tony was a forklift operator for Genco ATC.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tony is survived by his wife, Bonnie Fuller of Paradise; daughters Carey Ann Norton of Granbury and Holle Christina Murillo and husband, Larry, of Decatur; son Matthew Richard Foster of Decatur; grandchildren Colton, Colby, Haleigh, Bradyn and Gage; sisters Shelly Phfalzgrat and husband, Steve, of Wisconsin and Robbie Dysh and husband, Jerome, of Wisconsin; brothers Greg Fuller and wife, Abbie, of San Antonio, Ric Fuller of Wisconsin and Mark Fuller and wife, Kelly, of Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Fussell, J.B. | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013

J.B. Fussell
J.B. Fussell, 88, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at his home in Boyd.
Funeral was Sept. 24 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with Ronnie Oxford officiating. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jay Bryan Fussell, Hayden Perdue, Scott Joplin, Mark Reeves, Bill Allen and Bruce Martin.
J.B. was born Jan. 10, 1925, to Ben and Louella (Parker) Fussell in Nacogdoches. He married Virginia Lee Adams July 18, 1946, in Lufkin. J.B. was a proud veteran of the United States Army Air Force.
He was a service tool and dye maker for General Dynamics and retired in 1981 after 31 years of dedicated service. He was also a member of the Masons for more than 50 years.
J.B was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Fussell of Boyd; son Bruce Fussell of Boyd; granddaughter Sherry Perdue and husband, Hayden, of Mansfield; grandson Jay Bryan Fussell and wife, Malorie, of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren Avery and Chase; brother Clyde Fussell of Alvarado; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Galttana, Curtis Ray, Sr. | 1951-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 13, 2013
Curtis Ray Galttana Sr.
Curtis Ray Galttana Sr.
Curtis Ray Galttana Sr., 61, of Huntsville, Ark., died Sunday, April 7, 2013, at the Northwest Medical Center in Springdale.
He was born June 6, 1951, in Bridgeport to Willie Curtis and Mary Lilly Barber Galttana. He was a construction worker and of the Pentecostal faith.
Graveside service was April 10 at Aurora Cemetery with Brother Shane Thomas officiating. Burial was under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home in Huntsville. Pallbearers were Jamey Thompson, Keith Thompson, Trenton Harris, Cody Marshall, Joshua Marshall, Cameron Montgomery, Caleb Montgomery, Tanner Galttana, Willie Galttana, Cyrus Crow and Wyatt Crow.
Survivors include his wife, Sherry Thompson Galttana; son and daughter-in-law Curtis Jr. and Kim Galttana of Huntsville; daughters Alicia Harris, Toni Johnson and Melissa Montgomery and husband, Kevin, all of Huntsville; stepson Jason Crow of Huntsville; mother Mary Lilly Galttana of Azle; brothers Billy Galttana and wife, Donna, of Boyd and James Galttana of Azle; sisters Edith Rothrock and husband, William, and Jenny Melton and husband, Wayne, all of Boyd, and Kathryn Ferguson and husband, Arthur, and Liz Prentice and husband, Ralph, all of Azle; 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gann, Raymond Lee | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013

Raymond Lee Gann
Raymond Lee Gann, 83, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Sept. 17 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ken May and Doug Vaughn officiating. Pallbearers were Austin Gann, Kyle Curry, Jacky Carter, Jeff Curry, Mitch Arrington and Ron Mosley.
Interment was at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur.
Raymond was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Ivan to Smith Monroe and Zelma Mae (Martin) Gann. He married JoAnn Quisenberry April 3, 1954, in Fort Worth.
A U.S. Army veteran, Raymond retired from Wise Electric Co-op as a line superintendent in 1990 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Bell Baptist Church for 50 years before joining the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Gann of Decatur; son Joel Gann and wife, Cathy, of Tomball; daughter Amy Curry and husband, Jeff, of Coppell; two brothers, James M. Gann of Everett, Wash., and Floyd Gann of Donna; sister Ruby Joyce Smith of Lakeside; and grandchildren Kyle Curry and Austin, Allyson and Tyler Gann.
Raymond was preceded in death by his two sisters, Anna and Rosa Mae Gann, and two brothers, Vernon and David Gann.

Garcia, Christina Carol | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 15, 2013

Christina Carol Garcia
Christina Carol Garcia, 55, a housewife, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Millsap.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Christina was born July 19, 1959, to Andy and Irene (Davis) McGauley in Fort Worth. She married Johnny Garcia in 1985 in Breckenridge and was a member of the First Christian Church in Mineral Wells.
She was preceded in death by her mother and her brother, Shawn McGauley.
Christina is survived by her husband of 28 years, Johnny Garcia of Millsap; sons Johnathan Garcia and wife, Laura, and Joseph Garcia, all of Mineral Wells; five grandchildren; brother Shannon McGauley of Boyd; sister Sue Sandefur of Carrollton; her dad, Andy McGauley of Fort Worth; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Garcia, Edward T. | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Edward T. Garcia
Edward T. Garcia, 73, a retired veteran, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, in Bridgeport.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Edward was born Nov. 9, 1940, in New York City to Thomas and Laura (Tubens) Garcia. He married Marisa Emerson April 21, 1982, in El Paso.
Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, the American Hunting Association and the American Veterans Association.
Garcia was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Marisa Garcia of Bridgeport; sisters Gloria Lancaster of Florida, Hilda Cobo of North Carolina and Frances Lazaration of Florida; brother Thomas Garcia and wife, Pat, of Sunset; nephew Thomas E. Garcia of California; sisters-in-law Leala Davis and husband, Tom, of Yuma, Ariz., and Rachael Gasperson and husband, Bob, of Bridgeport; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gayler, Tony Wayne | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 3, 2013

Tony Wayne Gayler
Tony Wayne Gayler, 57, of Decatur died Monday, July 29, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Aug. 2 at the Church of Christ in Alvord with Chester Collum officiating. Burial followed at Perryman Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ronnie Willett, Paul Blackwell, Kevin King, Larry Piltingsrud, Ibrahim Calderon and Richard Clegg. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Ledford and David Bishop.
Tony was born April 28, 1956, in Bowie to Jerry Wayne and Peggy Annette (Covington) Gayler. Tony had been employed by Josten’s in Denton for more than 25 years as a maintenance tech, and he was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Tony was preceded in death by his mother.
He is survived his daughter, Heather Gayler-Jack and husband, Justin, of Decatur; son Jason Starr Gayler and wife, Jamie, of Alvord; grandchildren Seth, Brittany, Lacie, Breigh and Malachi; father Jerry Wayne Gayler of Alvord; sister Sherri Gayler Hartfield of Alvord; three nephews and a host of friends.

Gettys, Janice Meredith Mann | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Janice Meredith Mann Gettys
Janice Meredith Mann Gettys
Janice Meredith Mann Gettys, 89, of Decatur, died Friday, May 24, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with the Rev. Ken May and Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Martin Woodruff, Tim Woodruff, Mason Woodruff, Melton Cude, Chance Overton, Gavin Cole and John Tomme. Honorary pallbearers are Sammy Renshaw, J.E. Carson, Dr. W.M. Lewis, Franklin Meador, Manshadow Waylett and Murray Cude.
Janice was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Artesia, N.M., to Charles Edgar and Hattie Daisy (Boyd) Mann. She married Charles Thomas Gettys June 14, 1947, in Artesia. They made their home in Decatur and celebrated 60 years together before his passing in 2007.
Janice graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Baylor University and first worked as a laboratory technician for Baylor Hospital in Dallas. She took time off from work to raise her children and then began teaching school in Bridgeport. After 19 years in education, she retired from Decatur ISD. She was an active member and served as president of Decatur Women’s Club. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, was a devout Sunday school teacher there and helped organize the church’s daycare program.
She is survived by her son, Ronald Thomas Gettys of Decatur; daughters Charlotte Meador and husband, Franklin, and Leisa Waylett and husband, Manshadow, all of Decatur; granddaughters Shauna Tomme, Eryn Gettys, Sterling Cole, LeaAnn Meador and Kara Overton; grandson Chance Overton; great-grandchildren Triston Minihan, Matthew Tomme, Owen Cole, Nathan Cole and Gracen Cole; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; and her husband.
Donations can be made to the Decatur Public Library.

Gilbert, Janet O. | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Janet O. Gilbert
Janet O. Gilbert, 68, of Bridgeport died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Dallas from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Janet was born June 8, 1945, in Goldthwaite to Annie Marie (Casbeer) and Ernest Shelton. She moved to Midland, where she met her husband of 47 years, Durand Gilbert. She worked as an electronic assembler, vineyard manager and a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband; daughter Susanne Fulton of Poolville; granddaughters Kelsey and Kara Fulton of Poolville; sister Virginia Ezell of Midland; brother Ernest W. Shelton of Granbury; and nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy/ALS Association.

Gilbert, Pat | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Pat Gilbert, 81, of Weatherford, died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, at home with her family by her side.
Funeral was Sept. 10 at North Main Church of God with burial at Zion Hill Cemetery under the direction of Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel.
She was born Nov. 7, 1931, in Fort Worth to Lula and James Henry. Pat was a member of the North Main Church of God for more than 43 years and worked as an accountant and administrative assistant. Her favorite pastime was researching family genealogy.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lula Henry; brothers Thornton and Truett Henry; sisters Christine and Betty; mother-in-law Clairsey (Granny) Gilbert; grandson Jesse Kell; and great-grandson Kain Payson.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Louis Gilbert; children Danny Gilbert and wife, Anne, Vicky Kell and Darrell Gilbert and wife, Sandy; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother and sister, Clinton and Mary.

Gillespie, Herald D. | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Herald D. Gillespie
Herald D. Gillespie, 87, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. F.C. Lasater officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Forest Cartwright, Trevor Gillespie, Bryan Gillespie, William Shelby, Tim Gaither, Jason Rogers, Gary Powell, Neil Powell, George Hatfield and Ray Gilbert.
Herald was born June 10, 1926, to William and Lydia (Ewing) Gillespie in Peacock. He married Tommie Swinney Jan. 27, 1948, in Decatur.
Herald was a farmer, owner of Gillespie Real Estate and a member of the Texas Board of Realtors. He was a staff sergeant in the United States Army during World War II and served under General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. Harold was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Soretha Kay Gillespie; brother William Joseph Gillespie II; sisters Eveleen Brown, Estlene Gaither, Clarice Bimbo and Edna Prescott.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Tommie Gillespie of Boyd; sons Herald Wayne Gillespie and wife, Linda, of Boyd and Marshall David Gillespie and wife, Marietta, of Lehi, Utah; grandchildren William, Bryan, Forest, Trevor, Tori, Gary, Neil and Andy; 16 great-grandchildren; brother Joe Wayne Gillespie and wife, Sharon, of Springtown; other family members and many friends.

Gillin, Toni L. | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 22, 2013

Toni L. Gillin
Toni L. Gillin, 68, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, June 18, in Decatur.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June, 22, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Toni was born Jan. 9, 1945, in Livingston, Mont., to Erma (Collava) and Charles B. Bennett. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Gillin; sons Bennett Gregg and wife, Leeanne, of Bridgeport and Troy Gregg and wife, D’Layna, of Rhome; daughters Jayme Padilla and husband, Tony, of Bridgeport and Rebecca Shook of Houston; sister Miki Bennett Lockwood of San Diego; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Goldman, Opal | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Opal Goldman
Opal Goldman
Opal Goldman, 78, died Sunday, March 10, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Funeral is 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Boyd Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Opal was born Oct. 17, 1934, in Boyd to Georgia and William Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Goldman; son Marlind Goldman; a sister and brother-in-law, Bernice Lisby and Hershell; and brother-in-law Bill Simpson.
Survivors include her daughters, Norma Phillips (Leon) and Judy Williams (Doug); son Edward Goldman (Sherryl); nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Alice Simpson and Sharon Chapman; brother George Smith (Roseanne); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Gonzalez, Mireya | 1995-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Mireya Gonzalez
Mireya Gonzalez packed a lot of life into her short 17 years.
As family members and friends mourn the loss of the former Wise County resident, who was killed in a car accident in Dallas early Sunday morning, they take comfort in the memories full of laughter, her loud voice and her energetic demeanor.
“She was the life of the party,” Gonzalez’s mother, Petra Lopez said. “She had her moments, but she definitely liked to have a good time.”
And according to other family members, she liked to make sure everyone else was happy, too.
“If I wasn’t having a good day and she knew, she tried everything to make me laugh because she hated to be around people that were down,” said Teresita Fraga of Decatur, Gonzalez’s cousin. “It was late at night when we went to the gas station, and she knew I was a little down so she got out while I was pumping gas and she turned on the music really loud and she started dancing ’til the guys at the gas station turned off the lights.
“I will never forget that night.”
The two said Gonzalez loved all kinds of music but especially corridos (Mexican ballads) and going dancing. In fact, she had been at a popular Mexican dance club in Dallas the night of the accident.
Although it is still under investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Lopez said friends that were with her daughter tell her the group that included her, her boyfriend and two other friends had left the club and gone to eat and were on the way home when the accident occurred in a construction zone near the intersection of Walton Walker Boulevard and Northwest Highway just before 5 a.m.
According to information from the DCSO and Lopez, Gonzalez was ejected from the car after it hit a construction barrier. She sustained traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding and multiple broken bones and was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where she later died about 6:45 a.m.
Gonzalez was not wearing a seat belt.
The teen was listed as a resident of Irving but she grew up in Decatur and last year had lived in Chico with her grandmother and attended Chico schools.
The last pictures in Gonzalez’s phone, taken the night of the accident, provide consolation for her grieving family members.
“She looks really, really, really happy,” her mother said. “She’s hugging her boyfriend tight and has a big ol’ smile. She and her boyfriend, both of them have the biggest, whitest smiles. She looks so happy.”
She admits she and her daughter hit plenty of bumps – those that come “with her age and her process of maturing.” But more than anything, she says the two of them were like best friends.
“I had her when I was 15 so I raised her like a little sister,” Lopez said. “I grew up with her. She went through so much stuff with me at her young age, at my young age. Like they say in Spanish, ‘Es la due a de mi coraz n.’ – She is the keeper of my heart.”
She and the many people that knew Gonzalez will remember the artsy young lady’s many talents.
Lopez enjoyed cooking – pasta and food with rich flavors were her favorite, her mother said – and baking – desserts were her specialty. She was also “really into heels, fashion and makeup, especially Mac makeup.”
“She was a diva,” her mother said with a laugh. “She always had different hair styles, a different hair color. She was definitely not a bland person. She was always showing me tutorials she found on YouTube, and she could follow the tutorials perfectly and get the exact same look. She was so good at it.”
Although she changed her plans frequently, Lopez said Gonzalez’s major interest was cosmetology.
“At first she wanted to be a chef, but I think she was made to do cosmetology,” Lopez said of her daughter. “She would do my makeup and my hair. That was our bonding moment. That’s when I felt her so close to me. When she would do my makeup, she would touch my face, fix my hair. Those are my best memories of her.”
And it’s through treasured memories like that that her loved ones will remember their beloved “Mireyita La Tremendita” – Mischevious Mireya.
“Let’s just say what didn’t she do,” Fraga said with a laugh. “She really didn’t care what people thought of her … She lived her life fast with no regrets.
“It hurts because I know I won’t see her around anymore, but I know she will always live in my heart.”
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.

Gott, Gladys Irene Cadenhead | 1915-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013
Gladys Irene Cadenhead Gott, died Thursday, July 18, 2013, in Mineola.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, July 22, at the funeral home with the Rev. Van Christian officiating.
Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Paradise Cemetery in Wise County.
Gladys was born Aug. 29, 1915, in Proctor, the youngest child of Rosa Dallas and James Clanton Cadenhead. She grew up in the country with two brothers and three sisters.
She married Charlie Gott Nov. 26, 1932, in Erick, Okla., and remained his bride for 63 years.
Gladys was a happy homemaker, who enjoyed cooking and sewing for her husband, three children and her only granddaughter. She worked for Hemphill-Wells in the gift wrapping department and did testing for the Cotton Co-op in Lubbock.
She was a dedicated Christian and kept her children in church and taught them by example to love and serve the Lord.
Charlie and Gladys moved to Paradise in 1978 to be close to their son and his family. Charlie died May 26, 1996, and Gladys moved to Mineola in October 1997, spending the last years of her life at Wood Memorial Nursing Home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, a son-in-law and a granddaughter-in-law.
She is survived by her children, Betty Leming, Earlene and Gary Brown and Butch and Sue Gott, all of Mineola; five grandsons; one granddaughter; three great-granddaughters; four great-grandsons; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

Graham, Kenneth John | 1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Monday, July 8, 2013
Graham, Kenneth
Kenneth John Graham, 48, an automobile mechanic, died Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Corinth.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Hinson officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home of Boyd.
Kenneth was born Oct. 29, 1964, in Wichita Falls. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Kathy Bishop.
Survivors include his sons, Justin Graham and wife, Kolbi, Brandon Graham and Wesley Young; daughter Amanda Graham; granddaughters Trinity and Emily Deaver; the mother of his children, Margie Brown; nephew Donald Mangum Jr. and niece Kathy Mangum, all of whom are from Boyd. He is also survived by other family members and friends.

Graham, Robert Alan | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 26, 2013

Robert Alan Graham
Robert Alan Graham, 59, of Paradise died Friday morning, Oct. 11, 2013, at his home in New Mexico.
Robert was born Dec. 17, 1953, in Fort Worth and grew up in Paradise. He was an engineer for Maverick Technologies.
He was a loving father, husband and grandfather and an avid outdoorsman who traveled the world and made many friends.
A memorial get-together is tentatively planned for Nov. 9 in Paradise.
Rob is survived by his wife, Wendy Graham; children Rhiannon Graham, Leah Mervyn and Matthew Graham; father Charles Nelon; granddaughters Marcelyn and Amelia Mervyn; sister Chase Bell; and countless friends.

Grantham, Billy Leon | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 2, 2013
Billy Leon Grantham
Billy Leon Grantham
Billy Leon Grantham, 59, a retired farmer, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Denton.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Balsora Baptist Church with burial in Boonsville Cemetery. The Rev. Glen Connell will officiate, and pallbearers will be Ronnie Holt, Phil Wolf, Brandon Richardson, Jamie Marlett, Bruce Church and Tony Jackson.
Billy was born Aug. 6, 1953, to Jessie Ray and Mae Bell (Wood) Grantham in Bridgeport. He married Brenda Stark Sept. 19, 1980, in Anadarko, Okla. Billy was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Connor.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda Grantham of Boonsville; son Brad Alan Grantham of San Francisco; daughters Shealynn Gomez of Bridgeport, Shawna Leon (Grantham) Marlett and husband, Jamie, of Boonsville; grandchildren Tanner, Taylor, Trace, Caleb and Ashley; brothers Robert Grantham of Boonsville, Travis Grantham and wife, Rose, of Boonsville; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and a host of friends.

Graves, Robbie Gene | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013
Robbie Gene Graves, 81, died Thursday, July 18, 2013, in Wichita Falls.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Aurora Baptist Church with Randy Slimp and Jimmy Withers officiating.
Graveside service will follow at 4 p.m. at Kerens Cemetery in Kerens with burial under the direction of White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Robbie was born March 3, 1932, to Floyd and Zella (Coleman) Graves in Kerens. He graduated from Kerens High School and later from Texas Tech University with a master’s degree in range nutrition.
Robbie served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. He was a lifelong rancher in Rhome and Bowie, and he also worked for the Bureau of Land Management for five years in Colorado. He enjoyed flying his plane and raising cattle.
He will be remembered with love and appreciation for his devotion as a husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Zella Graves; son Kent Graves; brothers Virgil Lee Graves and Billy Bob Graves; and sister Lamarlys Gilson.
Robbie is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Graves of Wichita Falls; sons Keith Graves and wife, Rebecca, of Bowie and Kurt Graves and wife, Thelma, of Rhome; grandchildren Lyndsie Smith and husband, Joe, of Trophy Club, Robyn Peterson and husband, Robbie, of Ardmore, Okla., Kelsie Jones and husband, Jason, of Trophy Club, Kyle Graves of Austin, Kody Graves of Ames, Iowa, and Ethan and Emma Graves of Rhome; great-grandchildren Dominic and Birkleigh Graves; brother-in-law Robert Gilson of Arlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Green, Paul Martin | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 24, 2013

Dr. Paul Martin Green
Dr. Paul Martin Green died at the age of 91 on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in Bolivar, Tenn.
Graveside service is noon Saturday, Aug. 24, at Oaklawn Cemetery with a reception after the service at the Decatur Civic Center.
Dr. Green was born in Decatur Jan. 16, 1922, and graduated with the Class of 1939 at Decatur High School.
He married Frances Allene “Bo” Slaton of Electra in 1941 and received his professional degree from the College of Dentistry, Baylor University in 1945.
Paul served in the United States Army Air Corps before establishing his dental practice in Electra in 1946.
Bo and Paul raised three children in Electra and San Antonio: Celia Green Carroll (Larry), Joe Alan Green (Judy), and Paula Green Wallace (Robert). Bo was librarian at Pat Neff Middle School for 27 years, retiring in 1987.
After she died in 2005, Paul moved to Hickory Valley to live with daughter Paula and her husband, Bob.
Paul is also survived by his sister, Sister Lucy Marie Green, a nun at Our Lady of the Lake Convent in San Antonio; grandchildren Joe Paul Green of Kyle, JoAnna Frazar of Bellevue, Wash., Bryan Wallace of Oakland, Michael Wallace of Collierville, and Leslie Carroll of San Francisco.
Paul’s great-grandchildren are Grant, Luke and Grace Wallace of Collierville and Brett and Courtney Green of Kyle.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Jones (J.B.) of Irving in 2005.
Although Paul loved his Texas origins, he found joy in the Tennessee countryside with his neighbors and church friends in Bolivar and Hickory Valley.

Green, Peter Leroy | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Peter Leroy Green, 73, died Monday, May 27, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Peter was born Oct. 18, 1939, in Prosser, Wash., to Walter Peter and Mildred Lenore (Brooks) Green. He married Judith Rae Hamilton Aug. 3, 1963.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Peter began his work career in 1964 with Boeing Aircraft Company in Renton, Wash. In 1971, he began working for GTE Telephone Co. and retired in 1991 as executive vice president for GTE Yellow Pages. He was owner of Rovi Tooling and Plastics in Fort Worth from 1993 to 1998 and was an employee of the Montague County Sheriff’s Department from 2005 to 2007.
Peter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judi Green of Sunset; son Chris L. Green of Houston; daughter-in-law Michelle Morgan-Doggett of Springtown; brother Jerry Green and wife, Susan, of Marysville, Wash.; and nephews Matthew and Michael Green of Marysville.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Northside 4-H Club, Parker County Extension Office, 604 N. Main, Weatherford, TX 76087 or Springtown High School FFA, P.O. Box 654, Springtown, TX 76082.

Greer, Geoffrey Thomas | 1988-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Geoffrey Thomas Greer
Geoffrey Thomas Greer
Geoffrey Thomas Greer, 24, of San Francisco died Saturday, April 13, 2013.
He is the son of 1973 Bridgeport High School graduate Gerry Greer and the grandson of former Bridgeport ISD Superintendent Alfred Greer.
Funeral was held April 20 at Wilson and Kratzer Chapel of San Ramon Valley in Danville, Calif., followed by a celebration of life at the Danville Town Meeting Hall. Another memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church in Irving.
Geoffrey was born Oct 5, 1988, in Irving. He was a graduate of Monte Vista High School in Danville and Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where he earned a bachelor’s in business administration, cum laude, in 2011. He worked as a senior media planner for MEC San Francisco.
Geoffrey is survived by his father, Gerry; mother Peggy; brother Garrett; grandparents Alfred and Elaine; uncles and aunts Cheryl, Sandra, Mark and Trinity, Tommy and Debbie; a host of extended “family” and extraordinary friends.
Memorials may be made to the “Geoffrey Greer Scholarship Fund,” c/o MEC, 825 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019.

Griffith, Karen Ona Shelton | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Karen Ona Shelton Griffith
Karen Ona Shelton Griffith
Karen Ona Shelton Griffith, 69, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, in McKinney.
Funeral was March 5 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lynda Godowic, Mark Jordan, Peter Franco, Brian Knox, Andrew May and Pierre Moua.
Karen was born Feb. 6, 1944, in Detroit, Mich., to Clark and Donna Vivian (Rush) Shelton. She was preceded in death by brothers Robert, Sydney and Joseph Shelton.
Karen was a member of the Pitman Creek Church of Christ in Plano.
She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Griffith of Plano; son Todd A. Griffith and wife, Kim, of Decatur; and granddaughter Megan Griffith of Decatur.

Grottie, Reba | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Reba Grottie, 88, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Oct. 29 at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie with arrangements by White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Reba was born Nov. 27, 1924, in Illinois Bend to Francis and Beulah (Jones) Frazier. She married Delbert Grottie Oct. 15, 1943, in Vernon.
Reba was a homemaker and enjoyed canning, sewing and cooking for family gatherings. She also provided an ironing service for the public of Bowie. Reba will be remembered with love and appreciation for her devoted years of life as a mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Beulah Frazier; husband Delbert Grottie; son Trennis Grottie; grandson Philip Couch; great-granddaughter Amarissa Grottie; three brothers; and two sisters.
Reba is survived by her children, Eddie Grottie and wife, Debbie, of Sunset and Alicia Couch and husband, Rodger, of Decatur; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Huddleston of Bowie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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