'Wise
County Messenger' Obituaries |
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.)
Hale, Bobby Wayne | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Bobby Wayne Hale
Bobby Wayne Hale, 69, of Decatur, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Bethel Cemetery near Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Bobby was born Aug. 22, 1944, in Decatur to Lee Roy and Meda (Hodges) Hale. He
married Patsy McQuinn Nov. 14, 1962, in Decatur. Bobby retired from Imperial
Fabrication as a Quality Control Operator after 28 years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat Hale; daughter Aundrea Hale
Shillingburg and husband, Mark, of Bowie; son Monty Hale and wife, Shelia, of
Lake Bridgeport; father Lee Roy Hale of Alvord; grandchildren Shelby
Shillingburg and Trey and Traci Hale; sister Debbie Seabolt and husband, Rusty,
of Eagle Mountain Lake; brother Leslie Hale and wife, Judy, of Alvord; and
numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Hall, C.W. ‘Hoot’ | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
C.W. ‘Hoot’ Hall
C.W. “Hoot” Hall, 80, of Decatur, a retired truck driver for Bell
Helicopter, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church
in Chico with the Rev. Rick Davis officiating. Graveside service will follow at
2:30 p.m. at Westover Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Hoot was born July 21, 1932, in Westover to Joe and Carrie (Bean) Hall. He
married Bonnie Welch Sept. 8, 1951, in Altus, Okla. He was a member of Morris
Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Hall of Decatur; daughter Carla
Price and husband, Rodney, of Decatur; sons Bobby Wayne Hall and wife, Laurel,
of White Settlement and Ronald Dale Hall and wife, Emilee, of Weatherford; seven
grandsons; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Lewis Hall and wife, Deloris, of
Azle; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Johnnie B. Brock.
Hall, Sally Hurley |
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 31, 2013
Sally Hurley Hall
Sally Hurley Hall of Aurora died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013.
Service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth. Interment
will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at
Greenwood Funeral Home.
Sally was born in Ada, Okla., to the late Alexander Hurley and Emma Pearson
Hurley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Hall Sr.; son Belvin Hall and
grandson Robert Gregory.
Survivors include her daughters, Sylvia Gregory, Brenda Graves and husband,
Bobby, and Leane Hall; son Herbert Hall Jr. and wife, Tiara; 19 grandchildren;
23 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Hall, Tom | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tom Hall
Tom Hall, 59, a longtime North Texas golf course superintendent, died Friday,
May 17, 2013, at the Dallas V.A. Hospital after a hard-fought battle with
cancer.
Memorial service is 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at the Runaway Bay Community
Church in Runaway Bay. Following the service, Tom’s ashes will be scattered on
the 13th hole at the The Club at Runaway Bay.
The Rev. Olin Collins will officiate.
Tom was born Nov. 26, 1953, in Fremont, Neb., to James and Elaine (Diekman)
Hall. He married Tammie Hathaway Oct. 7, 2012, in Tyler. Tom proudly served his
country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
He most recently worked as golf course superintendent for The Club at Runaway
Bay. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and
friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James B. Hall.
Survivors include his wife, Tammie Hall of Runaway Bay; mother Elaine V. Hall of
Plattsmouth, Neb.; daughters Sara Hall of Fairfield, Calif., and Karen Hall of
Plano; brother Robert J. (Mel) Hall of Omaha, Neb.; sisters Jana Paczkowski of
Wamego, Kan., and Tina McKee of Pineville, Ark.; nieces and nephews Ben Hall and
Larissa of Fort Worth, Matt Hall and Terra of Omaha, Neb., CeCe Rietan of
Pineville, Kyla, and David and Nick Paczkowski of Wamego; other family members
and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Tom Hall Memorial Fund at First State Bank account
No. 911.
Hamblin, William ‘Bill’
Senter, Jr. | 1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 15, 2013
William ‘Bill’ Senter Hamblin Jr.
William ‘Bill’ Senter Hamblin Jr., 65, of Bridgeport died Wednesday, June
12, 2013, at his home in Bridgeport. Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at
Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Emilio Rodriguez Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are James Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, James Hamblin Jr., Nicholas
Scarpinato, Bill Gasperson and Donovan Bradley. Honorary pallbearers are Bob
Gasperson, Joe Simecek and Robert John Ward.
Bill was born Jan. 2, 1948, in Wichita Falls to W.S. Hamblin Sr. and Dorothy
Jean (Jones) Hamblin. The family moved to Bridgeport where Bill graduated from
high school. He spent a year at UT Arlington and also served his country in the
Marines for 18 months – 16 of which were spent in Vietnam. He earned several
military honors.
He was a rural mail carrier, a member of the Rural Carrier Association and past
president of the Local Unit. His hobbies included reading, fishing, beekeeping
and spending time with family and friends. He also earned an award for being the
greatest grandpa.
Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carmen (Escajeda) Hamblin; daughter
Patricia Bridwell and husband, Jay; sons William ‘Will’ Hamblin III and
wife, Danielle (Bunge), and Paul S. Hamblin; brothers Robert, James, Terry,
Larry and Mike Hamblin; sister Barbara (Hamblin) Scarpinato; and grandchildren
Joshua Bridwell and Aiden and Dylan Hamblin, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Sebero and Aurora Escajeda, and
beloved nephew Sam Rodriguez.
Hamm, Jimmy Ray | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 9, 2013
Jimmy Ray Hamm, 70, a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather
and great-grandfather, died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at his home in Azle,
surrounded by those who loved him.
Visitation was held Nov. 8 at Alexander’s Midway Funeral Home in Springtown.
Jimmy was born June 19, 1943, in Fort Worth to Robert and Bertha Harrington
Hamm.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; son Billy Hamm; daughters Reva Cotton and
husband, Sam, and JoDanna Hall and husband, Eric; brothers Robert and Richard
Hamm; grandchildren Michael Cotton and wife, Stephanie, Susan Cotton, Taylor
Bouchillon and Clinton Hamm; and great-grandchildren Hailey, Sam and Jase.
Hardee, Khristi E. | 1972-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 26, 2013
Khristi E. Hardee
Khristi E. Hardee, 40, of Bridgeport, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 at home.
Funeral will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral
Home in Bridgeport. Joey Vick will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8
p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Khristi was born April 11, 1972 to Kathy Mills and Francis Gallagher. She was a
medical assistant. She lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. The
loves of her life were her daughters and granddaughter.
She is survived by daughters Katie Mullen, Destinee Hardee, and Reagan Hardee;
granddaughter Corsi Jorhea Nabors; her mother; her dad and stepmother Jack and
Marsha Neuner; her half-sisters Charity Ware and Judith Gallagher; and many
friends and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Hardin, Jim | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013
Jim Hardin
Jim Hardin, 71, of Chico died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in Bowie.
Funeral was Dec. 27 at the First Baptist Church in Chico with Bro. Ed Edington
officiating. Burial was at Newport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Donald Maddux, Jimmy Hopkins, Terry Hardin, Mark Romine, Ronnie
Hale and David Carlton.
Jim was born Jan. 29, 1942, in Madera, Calif., to Mancil and Blanche (Faulk)
Hardin. He married Elizabeth Ogle Sept. 7, 1962.
He enjoyed fishing, gardening and RV camping. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughters Tracy Martin and son-in-law
Brad and Kelly Roth and son-in-law Bryan; and grandchildren Kevin, Cody and
Connor Martin and Emily, Grant and Cade Roth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert and Clifford Hardin;
sisters Mary Utley and Dorothy Keeny; and grandson Kyle James Martin.
Harrington, Richard LeRoy |
1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Richard LeRoy Harrington
Richard LeRoy Harrington, 72, of Alvarado, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at home.
Graveside service was Feb. 12 at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur with Dr. Jimmy L.
Horner officiating. Pallbearers are Jake Moody, Larry Moody, Johnny McDaniel,
Michael McDaniel, Dustin Consatte, Glenn French, Jim Addington and Wesley
Westbrook.
Richard was born March 29, 1940, in Anadarko, Okla., to Myrtle (Griggs) and Earl
Harrington. He worked in the oilfields for many years. He also owned paint and
body shops and auto repair shops and worked at Watson Truck and Supply in Hobbs,
N.M. He worked at B&G Transportation until Dec. 21, 2012, where he really
enjoyed working with Aaron Whitehead who was like a son to him. Many thanks to
Mike and Molly Whitehead, who were great to work for. Richard enjoyed dirt car
racing at Eunice, N.M., where he had many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara Ann Hudson Harrington; children
Vicky Westbrook and husband, James, of Alvarado, Janice Willyard and husband,
James, of Lovington, N.M, Donna Shoecraft and husband, David, of Sunrise Beach,
Mo., Sherry Caldwell and husband, Glenn, of Chico, and Richard Harrington Jr. of
Nixa, Mo.; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brothers John and
Donald Pruitt, both of Hobbs; sisters Dorothy Williams, Carolyn Sudduth, Linda
Pietz and Sandra Freeman, all of Hobbs; numerous nieces and nephews; and special
persons Glenn French and wife, Michelle, of Fort Worth, and Jason Thompson and
wife, Stacy,, and James Terry and wife, Janice, all of Hobbs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Verdon Harrington, Bob
Harrington, Jack Harrington and Freddy Pruitt; and sisters Mary Lee Martin and
Sharon Schwartz.
The family wishes to thank Community Hospice of Texas in Cleburne and the
doctors and nurses at Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth.
Harris, Roy | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Roy “PopaTop” Harris
Roy “PopaTop” Harris, 59, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, in
Dallas.
A memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Roy was born May 5, 1954, in Orange County, Calif., to Violet (Wingate) and Jack
Harris. He lived in Wise County for most of his adult life and served his
country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He is survived by his son, Roy Hardin of Boyd; sisters Carol Diffenderfer and
husband, John, of Paradise, Claudette Williams and husband, Lee, of Cresson,
Violet Shepard of Bridgeport, and Alice Bond of Waco; brothers Elvin Fox of
Paradise, Jack Harris and wife, Afton, of Utah, and Richard Fox of Durant,
Okla.; one grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ricky Harris; and an infant
daughter.
Memorials may be made to the Baylor Health Care System Foundation, 3600 Gaston
Ave., Barnett Tower, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75246.
Harvey, Richard Lynn | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Richard Lynn Harvey
Richard Lynn Harvey, 60, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, in Corinth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at First Baptist Church of Decatur with
the Rev. Ken May, Stephen Wren, Kyle Story and Glen Vrba officiating. Burial
will follow at Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers are Kyle Story, Glen Vrba, Francisco
Escobar, Chris Jones, Chris Carter and Jack Reeves.
Honorary pallbearers are Ray Mosley, Juan Aldape, Gary Skaggs, Phil Reicheneker,
Matt Reicheneker and David Reicheneker.
Richard was born July 25, 1953, in Salem, Ore., to J.B. and Dorothy Arlene
(Gibson) Harvey. He married Jean Marie (Jordan) Sept. 5, 1970, in Seymour.
Richard was director of Decatur ISD’s athletic field maintenance for 15 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Harvey of Decatur; son Tracy Harvey and wife,
Ami, of Sunset; daughter Mistie Splawn and husband, Gary, of Boyd; seven
grandchildren; two sisters; and many friends.
Hatcher, Helen Jo | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 20, 2013
Helen Jo Hatcher
Helen Jo Hatcher, 78, a homemaker, died Friday, April 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, April 22, at the Cottondale Baptist Church with the
Rev. Charles Pugh officiating. Burial will follow in Cottondale Cemetery.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers include Jerry Shields, Bill Polster, Shane Caruthers, Justin
Caruthers, David Wooten, Clint Cox and Seth Rosbrugh.
Helen was born July 29, 1934, in Penelope to Charlie and Evelyn (Mandel) Lucko.
She married Billy Ray Hatcher on Jan. 13, 1951, in Fort Worth. Helen was a
member of the Cottondale Baptist Church.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Bill
Hatcher of Paradise; daughters Paula Rosbrugh of Runaway Bay, and Pam Caruthers
and husband, Terry, of Cottondale; grandsons Seth Rosbrugh and wife, Jaclyn, in
the Air Force in Germany, Shane Caruthers and wife, April, of Haltom City,
Justin Caruthers and wife, Laura, of Argyle; granddaughter Brittney Cox and
husband, Clint, of McKinney; brothers Jack Lucko and wife, Jerri, of Haltom
City, and Jim Lucko and wife, Peggy, of Granbury; sister Bobbie Wooten of Fort
Worth; eight great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 866-AFA-8484.
Hawkins, Beverly | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Beverly Hawkins
Beverly Hawkins, 76, of Bowie, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Greenwood Garden Chapel in Fort Worth with
entombment to follow in Greenwood Mausoleum. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday
at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Beverly was born March 25, 1936, to the late Richard A. and Edna Mae Mason
Ellis. She was a homemaker, an animal lover, loved to garden, crochet and read.
Beverly was a long-standing, active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post
No. 2438 in Bay City.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Hawkins; son Wayne Hawkins Sr.;
daughter Denise Diane Hawkins; five brothers and one sister.
Survivors include her sons, Harold R. E. Hawkins and Kenneth Hawkins and wife,
Claudette; daughters Gail Barber, Catherine Smith and husband, Jim, and Beverly
Siebert and husband, David; adopted granddaughter Crystal Hutchinson and
husband, Zonn; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Healey, Donna Jo | 1955-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013
Donna Jo Healey
Donna Jo Healey, 57, a manager in food service, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in
Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Oaklawn Cemetery with Rev.
Gerre Joiner officiating.
Donna Jo was born Nov. 18, 1955, in Pampa to Hugh Donald and Betty Jo (Rollins)
Riley. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Riley of Decatur; daughter Jacquetta Roones
of Denton; two brothers, Hugh Riley of Graham and Paul Riley of Azle; and three
grandchildren, Anastatcia, Elizabeth and Phoenix Roones.
Heithecker, Nancy Karlene |
1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Nancy Karlene Heithecker, 75, a retired receptionist, died Sunday, May 12, 2013,
in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No.
1 in Decatur.
The Rev. Gary Wayne Post will officiate.
Nancy was born July 26, 1937, to Louis and Thelma (Bradley) Martin in Wichita,
Kan. She married Gary Heithecker in 1955 in Kansas.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister; and a
brother.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kara Pannell and
husband, Greg, of Decatur; grandchildren Chelsea Pannell, Nicolas Pannell and
Natalie Pannell; and a host of friends.
Henderson, James Stewart |
1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013
James “Jimmy” Stewart Henderson
James “Jimmy” Stewart Henderson, 72, a retired truck driver, died Wednesday,
Oct. 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with the Rev.
Phillip A. Weitner officiating.
Jimmy was born Dec. 5, 1940, in San Angelo to Stewart and Virginia (Renshaw)
Henderson. He married Betty Irby Nov. 17, 2012, in Marietta, Okla.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Henderson of Decatur; daughters Sandra Croteau
and husband, Ray, of Sherman, Yvonne DeLarosa and husband, Richard, of Arizona
and Lori Hill and husband, Kenneth, of Carlsbad, N.M.; son James “Buster”
Henderson and wife, Linda, of Decatur; stepson James Mayfield of Lake Tawakoni;
10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Hendrix, Debbie | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Debbie Hendrix
Debbie Hendrix, 54, of Rhome, died Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Decatur.
Debbie was born Feb. 3, 1959, in Aberdeen County, Maryland.
A memorial service is 11 a.m., Saturday, May 11, at Aurora Baptist Church with
Brother Jimmy Withers officiating.
Survivors include her son, Shawn Hendrix and wife, Resa, of Rhome; grandchildren
Ashley and Preston Hendrix; mother Helen Kaffer of Burleson; father Silas
Carrell and wife, Sherri, of Azle; and brother Steven Carrell of Burleson.
Alexander Midway Funeral Home in Springtown handled the arrangements.
Hightower, Jasil Marie |
1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013
Jasil Marie Hightower
Jasil Marie Hightower, 91, of Boyd, died Tuesday, June 4, 2013.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown
with burial to follow at Markley Cemetery.
Jasil was born Aug. 22, 1921, in Markley, the sixth of seven children. In 1936
she married the love of her life, Carl Hightower, and they were blessed by three
sons and a marriage lasting almost 70 years.
Jasil was a wonderful homemaker, PTA president, Garden Club president, Sunday
School teacher and an active member of Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Keller for
nearly 60 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and
great-great-grandmother, devoted to her large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hightower; parents; and numerous
family members.
Survivors include her sons, Tracy Hightower and wife, Joyce, of Haltom City,
Timothy Hightower and wife, Eleanor, of Boyd, and Chockie Hightower of
Springtown; sister Sewilla Sheehan of Fort Worth; brother Leonard Ledbetter of
Albuquerque, N.M.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and
nephews.
Hilbers, Larry Robert | 1970-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Larry Robert Hilbers
Larry Robert Hilbers, 43, a loader operator, died Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, in Park
Springs.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Melvin Castleberry officiating. Burial will be at Buffalo Springs
Cemetery in Bellevue.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Matt Jenkins, Bret Munn, Mike “Tank” Leal, Chris
“Cowboy” Harrison, Eddie Meeves and Clifford “Skeet” Caruthers.
Larry was born Feb. 8, 1970, in Gorman to Richard and Sue (Lewallen) Sanders. He
married Mary Kinsey Jan. 23, 1998, in Decatur. Larry was a loader operator for
TXI.
He was preceded in death by Tina Malloy; his grandmother, Stell Sanders; and
grandparents Clyde and Mary Glover.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Mary Hilbers of Bellevue; daughters
Jewelene and partner, Sunni, of Buffalo Springs and Wanda Hilbers of Buffalo
Springs; son Larry Hilbers of Buffalo Springs; his parents, Richard and Sue
Sanders of Jacksboro; sister Sonia Sanders of Jacksboro; brother Charlie Sanders
of Jacksboro; grandfather Charlie William Sanders of Jacksboro; and other family
members and friends.
Hill, Alice Irene | 1920-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Alice Irene Hill
Alice Irene Hill, 92, a homemaker, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at the First United Methodist Church in
Alvord with the Rev. Carolyn Allbritton officiating. Burial will be in Alvord
Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers include Nathan Dahl, Richard Dupuy, Philip Hill, Robert Mitchell,
James Rawls and Marcus Smith.
Ms. Hill was born March 6, 1920, in Seneca Falls, N.Y., to Leonard and Ethel
Rhinehart. She married Daniel Cornelius Hill April 5, 1942, in Coolidge. Ms.
Hill was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Alvord.
She is survived by her son, Philip Hill of Alvord; daughters Danelle Hill of
Alvord and Lisa Hill of Austin; sister Lucy Rhinehart of New Baden, Ill.; three
grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Hill, Martha Jane | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Martha Jane Hill
Martha Jane Hill, 88, a retired postmistress, died Saturday, March 30, 2013, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, Ill.,
with burial in Whiteside Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the
funeral home.
The Rev. Pete Vinson will officiate, and pallbearers include Dr. David Ray,
Jerry Offerman, Charley Lanfear, Tim Whiteside, Josh Hill and Tyler Duhon.
Jane was born July 21, 1924, in Ozark, Ill., to Dewey and Lola (Stone) Parker.
She retired from the United States Postal Service as postmistress.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sherman Whiteside; her second
husband, Robert C. Hill; and her son, John F. Whiteside.
Survivors include her daughter, Sue Ray and husband, Dr. David Ray, of
Bridgeport; sons Jerry Whiteside and wife, Katrina, of Indianapolis, and Robert
Allen Hill and wife, Mary Ann, of Lockport, Ill.; stepdaughters Greta Chitwood
and husband, Ed, of St. Louis, Mo., and Gloria Baker and husband, Homer, of
Vienna; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Icy Taylor of Peoria,
Ill., Ethel Odun and husband, Wayne, of Vienna; daughter-in-law Mary Jane
Whiteside; other family members and a host of friends.
Hill, Viness Monroe ‘Coach’,
Jr. | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Viness Monroe “Coach” Hill Jr.
Viness Monroe “Coach” Hill Jr., 84, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, Sept. 1,
2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pastor Joey Vick will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Cyril Gloria, Bill Johnson, Ray Freeman, Bobby Steph, Eddie
Huckabee and Doug Spillers.
It was Coach Hill’s wish that all the athletes who had played for him be
considered his honorary pallbearers.
A final tribute with military honors will be presented by the Wise County
Veterans Group Honor Guard.
Coach Hill was born at home July 15, 1929, seven miles south of Stratford,
Okla., to Myrtle (Johnson) and Monroe Hill. He received both his bachelor’s
and master’s degrees from East Central University in Ada, Okla. He married
Loretta Mae Owens Dec. 23, 1953, in Ada.
He began teaching in 1955 and served as a teacher and coach in the Eureka
Schools in Baker, Okla., then in Alvord and Bridgeport. Together, he and his
wife devoted 88 years of service to educating young people. He retired in May
1988 but continued to teach shop in Bridgeport on a half-time basis until 1993.
He was a member of the Bridgeport First Baptist Church and served in the Marine
Corps during the Korean Conflict. He operated a woodworking shop “Hilbilt”
until a stroke in July 1994 left him unable to walk. He still managed to garden
and mow using a riding lawnmower and tractor.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Hill of Bridgeport; son Randy Hill and wife,
Cindy, of Devine; daughter Vinessa Archer and husband, Dwight, of Bridgeport;
granddaughters Lacy Barrett of Bridgeport, Stony Liles of Glen Rose and her
children Killian and Macy, Dallas Taylor and husband, Matt, of Bridgeport and
their children Mayson and Micah, Carlie Archer of Lamesa and Lorenda Archer of
Tulsa, Okla.; grandson Cory Hill of Alpine and his daughter Amelia; brother
Cletius Hill and wife, Joy, of Oklahoma City; sister Gladys Mercer of Moore,
Okla.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Hix, James Clyde | 1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 2, 2013
James Clyde Hix
James Clyde Hix, 64, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Arlington.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at South Center Baptist Church in
Arlington. Graveside service is 2:30 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Jim was born June 25, 1948, in Decatur to James and Rudean Hix. He worked as a
forklift technician for almost 40 years and was currently employed at Darr
Equipment. He was a member of South Center Baptist Church in Arlington.
Hix was preceded in death by his father, James Hix.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Hix of Arlington; mother and stepfather Dean
and Don Spain of Decatur; sons Jerry Hix and wife, Lauri, of River Oaks, Brad
Hix and wife, Amy, of Boerne, and Michael Hix; grandson James Hix and
granddaughter Abigail Hix; sister Terri Cramer and husband, Jerry, of Fontana,
Calif.; stepbrother Cliff Spain and wife, Rayna, of Granbury; stepsisters Cheryl
Mosley and husband, David, of Decatur and Gayle Spain; other family members and
a host of friends.
Hobbs, R.H. ‘Bob’ | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 2, 2013
R.H. ‘Bob’ Hobbs
R.H. “Bob” Hobbs, 76, of Newark, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013.
Friends and family will gather for a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday,
March 2, at the home of his daughter, Kathy Diffie, in Azle.
Bob was born Dec. 4, 1936, in Palmer to Robert and Vernice Hobbs. He was the
town barber in Newark from 1973 to 1998, and he loved to catfish, hunt, tell
jokes and play pool.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Linda Hobbs; daughters Kathy Diffie,
Connie Smith, Dianna Snider and Rene Turner; son Raymond Collins; brother Daniel
Hobbs; sister Patsy Godbey; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation.
Hodges, Lenard Wayne | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Monday, July 8, 2013
Lenard Wayne Hodges, 51, of Alvord, died Tuesday, July 2, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service was July 5 at Alvord Cemetery with Quint Burks and Bill
Cleveland officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home.
Lenard was born Dec. 24, 1961, in Bridgeport to Ronald and Jan (McGee) Hodges.
He is survived by his mother, Jan Hodges of Alvord; daughter Adrienne Hodges of
Schulenburg; son David Hodges of Austin; sisters Janet Beard of Traskwood, Ark.,
and Rhonda Pollard and husband, Mark, of Alvord; numerous nieces, nephews and a
host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Holland, Bonnie Meador |
1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 12, 2013
Bonnie Meador Holland
Bonnie Meador Holland, 72, a homemaker, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in
Gainesville.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will be at Sweetwater Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Bill Adams, Don Singleton, David Meador, Craig Jackson, Curtis
Anderson and Jim Gage.
Bonnie was born Dec. 10, 1940, in Decatur to Floyd D. and Margaret Elizabeth
(Caraway) Meador. She married Steve Holland Feb. 21, 1960, at the Fundamental
Baptist Church in Decatur. She was a 1959 graduate of Decatur High School and
loved to travel with friends and family. She also enjoyed attending Meador
family gatherings.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steve Holland, son Kirk Holland,
and daughter Dawn Downe and husband, Mark, all of Decatur; granddaughters Staci
Downe and Alexis Downe of Decatur and Crystal Rodriguez of Bridgeport; and three
great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by sisters Dorothy Lambert of Boyd and Joyce Rich and
husband, Curtis, of Paradise; brothers James Meador and wife, Evelyn, Wiley
Meador and wife, Suzette, Donald Meador and wife, Barbara, and Roy Meador and
wife, Linda, all of Decatur; mother-in-law Juanita Holland and sister-in-law Pam
Holland, both of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Vera Moore and
Bobbie Stone, both of Decatur.
Memorials may be made to the Wise County Historical Society, P.O. Box 427,
Decatur, TX 76234.
Holland, Kirk Steven | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Kirk Steven Holland
Kirk Steven Holland, 52, of Decatur died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with
the Rev. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Sweetwater Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jason Jones, David Sims, Russell King, Tim McGar, Dale Romine,
Frank Anderson, Chris Welch and Gary Handshumaker.
Kirk was born March 15, 1961, in San Diego to Steve Gordon and Bonnie Lou
(Meador) Holland. He was a utility man with Wise Electric Co-op for 30 years and
was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Rodriguez of Bridgeport; grandchildren
Brittany, Isaiah and Jayden Rodriguez; father Steve Holland; sister Dawn Downe
and husband, Mark; grandmother Juanita Holland; and nieces Staci and Alexis
Downe, all of Decatur; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Kirk was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Lou Holland on Oct. 10, 2013;
grandfather Ivan Holland; grandparents Floyd and Margaret Meador; and numerous
aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Holley, Marlan | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Marlan Holley
Marlan Holley, 80, a retired plant manager, died Friday, June 7, 2013, in
Bridgeport.
Graveside service was June 9 at Cottondale Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Sessions
officiating.
Marlan was born Jan. 1, 1933, in Wise County to Sign and Ruby (Lawrence) Holley.
He married Sue Paschall Jan. 7, 1956, in Decatur. Marlan retired from
Gifford-Hill as plant manager, and he proudly served his country in the United
States Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sue Holley; and his brother,
Lawrence Holley.
Survivors include his daughters, Susan Krenek of Wharton, Tracey Holley of
Stephenville and Jamey Krebs of North Richland Hills; son Wesley Maynard of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Betty, Holly and Conor; great-grandchildren Jude and
James; sisters Joyce Nall of Paradise and Ruby Lunday of Fritch; other family
members and a host of friends.
Hollis, James C. | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
James C. Hollis
James C. Hollis, 75, of Baird, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Hendrick Medical
Center in Abilene.
Graveside service was Jan. 20 at Tye Cemetery, under the direction of Parker
Funeral Home of Baird.
James was born March 20, 1937, in Decatur to William Richard Cornelius Hollis
and Mary Thelma Hollis. He had been a truck driver for Mrs. Baird’s Bread for
30 years. He moved to Baird four years ago and had lived in the Abilene area
since 1970. James attended the Brushy Creek Cowboy Church in Putnam.
Survivors include his daughter, Angela Kaye Cantrell and husband, Don, of Clyde;
son Charles William Hollis and wife, Paula, of Danville, Va.; daughter-in-law
Bonnie Hollis of Abilene; son-in-law Gary Robling of Idaho; brother Walter C.
Hollis and wife, Sandy, of Chico; sister Daisy Marsh of Dangerfield; 14
grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a number of step-grandchildren; and
several nieces and nephews, along with two special friends, Robin and Sharon.
James was preceded in death by a son, James E. Hollis; and a daughter, Lynna
Robling.
Holloway, Cecilia Joi | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Cecilia Joi Holloway, 86, died Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Wednesday, July 3 at Espuela Cemetery in Spur, with
Reverend Terry Ellison officiating.
Cecilia was born Dec. 22, 1926, in Spur to Cecil Leonard and Verna Lester
(Roberts) Fox. She married Calvin Holloway Feb. 3, 1945, at Fort Hood. Cecilia
and Calvin were business owners in Abilene and Winters for many years.
She is survived by two sons, Mike Holloway and wife, Sylvia of San Angelo and
Bill Holloway and wife Dinah of Alvord; eight grandchildren, Michael and Lucy
Holloway, Jull Ellison, John Black, Teri Bellamy, Tracy Holloway, Lance Holloway
and Justin Silk; five great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Max and Neil
Holloway; and two sisters-in-law, Jane Colburn and Billy Jean Holloway.
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur was in charge of arrangements.
Holloway, Rena Elizabeth |
1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Rena Elizabeth Holloway
Rena Elizabeth Holloway, 95, formerly of Abilene, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013,
in a nursing facility in Decatur.
Funeral was Feb. 5 at First Baptist Church in Abilene, with Palmer McCown
officiating. Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, directed by
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home in Abilene. Serving as pallbearers were Rodney
Holloway, Ryan Benter, J.L. Cole, Roy Jones II, Ken Brown and David Stovall.
Rena was born Feb. 11, 1917, in Cooper to Jesse O. Harris and Ollie Little
Harris. She graduated from Iatan High School in 1934 in Mitchell County, and in
1936, she moved from Iatan to Abilene to attend Draughon’s Business College.
She married Ralph P. Holloway Jr. Aug. 20, 1938, in Abilene. Rena was a
homemaker; worked for Royce Brooks Garage as a bookkeeper; was a dispatcher for
D&W Furniture and Appliance and later for B&J Furniture Co. as a
bookkeeper; and was an executive secretary for the Abilene Board of Realtors,
retiring in about 1980. She was an active member of First Baptist Church; a
member of Bible Study Fellowship and AARP; a volunteer with Hospice of Abilene
since 1984; and a member of RSVP and LLL Club (at church) and Majestic Sounds
(senior adult choir at church).
Rena along with her husband, Ralph, was named “Volunteer of the Year” in
1995 by Hospice of Abilene. In January 2010, she moved to Decatur to be near her
son.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Holloway Jr. on
June 28, 2002; brothers Loyce Harris, Olen Harris, L.L. “Mike” Harris and
Paul Harris; and sisters Blanche Adams, Melba Curtis and Ann Harris.
Survivors include her son, Ralph P. Holloway III and wife, Jane Ann, of Decatur;
grandchildren Rodney Philip Holloway and wife, Julie, of Potosi and Renee’
Holloway Garrett of Lewisville; and great-grandson Zachary Garrett.
Memorials may be sent to Hendrick Home for Children, P.O. Box 5195, Abilene, TX,
79608 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, 2nd Floor, Abilene, TX,
79605.
To view and sign the guestbook, go to www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.
Hood, Micheal Dee | 1969-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013
Micheal Dee Hood
Micheal Dee Hood, 44, of Alvord died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Steve Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Jim Ned Cemetery. Visitation
is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Jody Hood, Jason Hood, Sidney Hood, Chuck Hood, Billy Hood and
Monty Forbus.
Micheal was born April 17, 1969, in Bridgeport to Helen (Poland) and Windell Joe
Hood. He was a welder in the oilfield who loved to work on his hot rods.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa; sons Colton Schwartz, Jason Schwartz,
Bryson Holland and Triston Holland; daughters Micheala Hood and Kristina
Tinsley; his mother, Helen and stepfather Don Taylor; brothers Jody, Sidney,
Chuck and Jason Hood; sisters Lisa and Neva Hood; and grandchildren Carly Hood,
Leathel Dawn, Jessica Lynn, Dakoda Blaze and Jimmy Zane.
He was preceded in death by his father; granddaughter Addison Elaine Hood
Weatherly; and grandfather Eston Poland.
Hopson, Ralph Bernard | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 20, 2013
Ralph Bernard “Hop” Hopson Sr., 88, died March 26 in Deatsville, Ala.
He was born March 7, 1925, in Decatur.
Funeral was March 28 at Mitts Chapel in Deatsville and was officiated by Glenn
Goggins. Burial was April 6 at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston and was
officiated by Dalton Currie.
Hop was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, an avid golfer and an honorary
First Class Boy Scout with Troup 185.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Wanna Hopson Elliott.
Hop is survived by his wife, Margie Todd-Hopson; children Butch and wife,
Sheryl, Wayne, and Linda; stepchildren Sharon Yarbrough and husband, Doug,
Richard Todd and wife, Sally, and Sheila Yarbrough and husband, Don; sister
Bobbie Hopson Wilhite; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Horn, Billie Marie | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 30, 2013
Billie Marie Horn
Billie Marie Horn, 77, of Runaway Bay, died Friday, March 29, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, April 1, at the First United Methodist Church in
Bridgeport with the Rev. David Rucker officiating. Burial will follow at Eternal
Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay.
Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at Jones Family Funeral Home
in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are Corey Horn, Johnathan Angell, J.R. Moody, Alan
Green, Jeremy Widon and Chris Tackel.
Billie was born April 28, 1935, in Amarillo to William Adam and Vestal Marie
(Pierson) Goetz. She married Kenneth Earl Horn Dec. 28, 1956, in Clovis, N.M.
The couple moved to Wise County in 1968.
Billie was a real estate broker for 42 years, many of those years in the
Bridgeport area. She was a member of the National, Texas and Greater Fort Worth
Association of Realtors. She was also a member of the First United Methodist
Church of Bridgeport.
She is survived by sons David Horn of Runaway Bay and Ronny Horn and wife,
Debbie, of Wizard Wells; daughters Tish Tackel and husband, Chris, of
Bridgeport, Rena Parris and husband, Odie, of Jackson, Calif., and Cindy Horn of
Runaway Bay; sister Dolores Jones of Euless; grandson Ricky Baumgarte of Elk
Grove, Calif., Corey Horn of Runaway Bay and Johnathan Angell of Fort Worth;
granddaughters Shelly Moody of Bridgeport, Kristy Green of Runaway Bay, Joy
Widon of Arlington, Erica Angell of Dallas and Shayla Doyle of Elk Grove; and 19
great-grandchildren.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Randy Gordon Horn
and grandson Colby Lynn Horn.
Hubbard, Cilmon Jean | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013
Cilmon Jean “C.J.” Hubbard, 79, a retired truck driver, died Thursday, Sept.
26, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Michael Feese officiating. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Kevin Hubbard, Patrick Hubbard, Stephen Brock, Christopher
Brock, Clay Stephens, Matt Enochs, Luc Enochs and Jason Hubbard.
C.J. was born April 12, 1934, in Olney to Aaron Cilmon and Mamie Louvenia
(Rogers) Hubbard. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Mt. Zion
Baptist Church.
He is survived by his sons, Harvey E. Hubbard of Paradise and Clayton C. Hubbard
and wife, Roberta, of Alvord; daughter Sarah J. Enochs and husband, Jim, of
Alvord; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Arvel Hubbard and
wife, Mary Helen, and Ronald Hubbard and wife, Linda, both of Decatur; and
numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
C.J. was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Mary Jeanette Jenkins; and
sister Mammie Hubbard.
Hubbard, Mammie Joyce | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 27, 2013
Mammie Joyce Hubbard
Mammie Joyce Hubbard, 71, died Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Friday, July 26 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Davy
Smith officiating. Interment was at Alvord Cemetery under the direction of
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were James Hubbard, Jr., Harvey Hubbard, Randy Hubbard, Clayton
Hubbard, Stephen Brock and Jack Blankenship.
Mammie was born Dec. 22, 1941, in Olney to Aaron Cilmon and Mamie Louvenia
(Rogers) Hubbard. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Hardin
Baylor University and retired from the Army Air Force Exchange as an accountant.
Mammie was a member of the New Life Holiness Tabernacle in Bowie.
She is survived by three brothers, Cilmon Jean Hubbard of Alvord, Arvel Hubbard
and wife Mary Helen of Decatur, and Ronald Hubbard and wife Linda, also of
Decatur; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Hull, James Bruce | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 14, 2013
James Bruce Hull
James Bruce Hull, 76, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at the First United Methodist Church of
Alvord with the Rev. Carolyn Allbritton officiating. Graveside service is 11
a.m. Tuesday at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8
p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be James’ children: Randy Hull, Mark Hull, Dan Walker, Monica
Odom, Ronna Walker and Donna Durham.
James was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Arkansas City, Kan., to Earl John and Reba Van
Dora (Southwood) Hull. He married Wanda Randolph June 25, 1966, in Carrollton.
James and Wanda moved to Alvord in 2001.
James was a talented musician who played bass guitar, harmonica, banjo, fiddle,
trombone and ukulele. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in
Alvord.
James served in the United States Air Force and worked for Braniff Airlines,
Piedmont Airlines and U.S. Airways as an aircraft mechanic and avionics
specialist. He retired after 40 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Hull of Alvord; sons Charles Hull and wife,
Kim, of Aurora, James Hull and wife, Pat, of Arlington and Dan Walker of
Oklahoma; daughters Monica Odom and husband, Bob, of Kingsville, Ronna Walker of
Roanoake and Donna Durham of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren;
sister Pat Hall of Whitesboro; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4100 Alfa Road, Ste.
100, Dallas, TX 75244 or to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 127,
Alvord, TX 76225.
Hunnicutt, James Scott |
1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
James Scott Hunnicutt
James Scott Hunnicutt, 71, of Lewisville, died Friday, April 19, 2013, in
Denton.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Lakeland Baptist Church
in Lewisville.
Scott was born Jan. 24, 1942, in San Benito to James and Norma Jean Hunnicutt.
He married Sandy Margenau on Aug. 24, 1963, in Brownsville.
He attended Texas A&M, retired from Delta Airlines after 25 years and was a
member of Lakeland Baptist Church. He loved his wife, kids and grandkids and was
a Christian with a strong work ethic. Hunnicutt was a people person, never
meeting a stranger and loved pulling your leg. He loved the Texas Rangers and
the Dallas Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Hunnicutt is survived by Sandy, his wife of almost 50 years; sons Scott
Hunnicutt and wife, Sonny, of Tuscon, Ariz., and Randy Hunnicutt of Flower
Mound; daughter Carrie Adkins and husband, Ray, of Argyle; grandchildren Andrew,
Amanda, Hannah and Grady; great-grandchildren Andrea and Londyn; sisters Linda
Blaskowsky and Donna Crawford; and many nieces and nephews.
Hutton, Timothy Jack | 1949-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Timothy Jack Hutton
Timothy Jack Hutton, 64, an area resident for 31 years, died Friday, Aug. 23,
2013, at his home after a short battle with cancer.
Service was Aug. 27 at Biggers Funeral Home in Lake Worth. Pastor Joseph
Canfield of A Neighborhood Church officiated.
Tim was born April 11, 1949, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Jack and Evelyn Hutton. When
he was six months old, his family moved to Abilene, making him a true Texan. Tim
graduated from Turkey High School in 1967 and married the love of his life,
Gloria Aston, on Jan. 18, 1969, in Dexter, N.M.
Tim was an ordained minister and was dedicated to showing God’s love. He
devoted his life to serving people and loved to encourage and bring the best out
of people, serving as a mentor to many of his friends and acquaintances.
Tim founded Hutton Financial Advisors in 1990 with his son and partner, Paul. He
developed lasting friendships with his clients.
He established the Hutton Foundation to empower others in need. He deeply
enjoyed his family, and his grandchildren were the highlight of his life.
Tim is survived by his wife, Gloria Aston Hutton; sons James Hutton and wife,
Amy, Paul Hutton and wife, Vanessa, and Will Scarlett; daughters Olivia Booth
and husband, Daniel, Glenna Knox and husband, Shannon, and Monica Scarlett;
mother Evelyn Emfinger; sister Marilyn Harrelson and husband, Phillip; brother
David Hutton and wife, Glenna; grandchildren Ella and Timothy Hutton, Kylie,
Alisha, Gabriel and Owen Knox, Mathew and Ashley Booth, and Cordell Scarlett;
and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Hutton Foundation, 569 CR 3581, Paradise, TX 76073.
Jackson, Mable | 1919-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013
Mable Jackson
Mable Jackson, 93, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Aug. 8 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Revs. Ken
May and Ray Cobb officiating. Burial was at Bethel Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Calvin Jackson, Craig Jackson, Chuck Greever, Michael Fogle,
Cooper Jackson, Andrew Greever, Tannor Jackson, Phillip Fortenberry, Andy
Taylor, Barry Taylor and Scott Jackson.
Mable was born Aug. 27, 1919, in Greenwood to Bert Andrew and Birdie Mae (Hall)
Rosenburg. She married Loyd Jackson Sr. Feb. 19, 1936, in Decatur. Mable was a
member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Decatur.
She is survived by sons Loyd Jackson Jr. and wife, Donna, of Decatur and Dave
Jackson and wife, Elaine, of Greenwood; grandchildren Carrie Greever and
husband, Chuck, Toni Hutchins and husband, Greg, Craig Jackson and wife, Diana,
Calvin Jackson and wife, Tiffany, Stephanie Jackson, Amy Fogle and husband,
Michael, Andy Taylor and wife, Kim, and Barry Taylor and wife, Meghan; 15
great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews
and a host of family and friends.
Mable was preceded in death by her parents; husband Loyd Jackson Sr.; son Teddy
Jackson; one sister and two brothers.
Memorials may be made to Greenwood Baptist Church, P.O. Box 518, Greenwood, TX
76426 or First Baptist Church, Children’s Building Fund, 1200 Preskitt Rd.,
Decatur, TX 76234.
Jackson, Martha Sue | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 12, 2013
Martha Sue Jackson
Martha Sue Jackson, 74, of Alvord died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in Bridgeport.
A celebration of life service is 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Zion Valley
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Chico. Randy Hardisty and Barney Hudson will
officiate.
Martha Sue was born Sept. 30, 1939, in Coleman to Walter and Minnie Averett.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Jackson; her parents; sons Steve Sanders
and Kelly Sanders; daughter Deryl Newby; grandchildren Kelli Smith, Kristi
Hicks, Scott Newby, Lane Newby, Nathan Sanders and Beth Sanders; and
great-grandchildren Bailey Smith and Ezekiel Newby.
Jackson, Susan Malinda |
1964-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Susan Malinda Jackson, 48, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, in Denton.
Funeral was Dec. 31 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Clyde
Sharpell officiating. Private burial was in West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Susan was born June 23, 1964, to Perry and Dorothy (Miller) Robbins in Wichita,
Kansas. She was disabled.
She was preceded in death by her father, Perry Robbins.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her sons, Brandon Jackson and fianc
e, Regina, and Christopher Jackson, all of Denton; her mother, Dorothy Robbins
of Denton; her sisters, Debbie Saddler and Ann Switser; her brothers, Perry,
Johnny and Randy Robbins; grandchildren Brice and Alice Jackson; numerous
nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
James, Cindy Joy | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Cindy Joy James
Cindy Joy James, 56, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013.
Memorial service was Oct. 8 at Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise with family
visitation afterward.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Cindy to Relay for Life, American
Cancer Society.
Cindy was born July 29, 1957, in Belvidere, Ill. She grew up in various towns in
Michigan and attended Spring Arbor College, earning her teaching degree in
music. She married Jeff James in Houston Dec. 21, 1986, and had a
33-year career in education, including 25 years as a music teacher and the
remaining as a guidance counselor. She retired from Bridgeport ISD in 2012.
Cindy fought breast cancer for five years.
She is remembered for her infectious laugh, her love for her family and her
generous nature.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Wyla Skene.
She is survived by her husband, Jeff; daughter Mary; son Austin; sister Marcia
Brockway of Florida; brother Duane Skene of Michigan; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
James, Esteen Elizabeth |
1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Esteen Elizabeth James
Esteen Elizabeth James, 91, a homemaker, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in
Arlington.
Funeral was Jan. 21 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial in East
Bridgeport Cemetery. Dr. David Burrows of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport
officiated, and Gary Franklin, Darrell Franklin, Daryl Bates, Rodney Franklin,
David Franklin and Gary Peden served as pallbearers.
Esteen was born March 5, 1921, in Earlsboro, Okla., to George and Nora (Taylor)
Richards and married Bud James Sept. 30, 1939, in Macomb, Okla. She was a member
of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. She loved spending time with her
family, especially going out to dinner. In 1997, Esteen moved to Arlington to be
closer to her family and loved ones. She was a truly devoted wife, mother and
grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 54 years, Bud
James; her infant daughter, Lawanda Faye; and brothers Noel, Lester, Wayne and
Verle Richards.
She is survived by her son, Buddy James and wife, Diane, of Arlington;
grandchildren Scott James and wife, Judy, of Arlington, Breanna Holman of
Arlington, Brooke Langan and husband, Adam, of Arlington; great-grandchildren
Blake and William, other family members and a host of friends.
Jennings, Addiele | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Addiele Jennings, 84, a retired legal secretary, died Thursday, June 20, 2013,
in Decatur.
Funeral was June 23 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with private
burial. Speakers were Bud Smith, Mark Culpepper, David Hill and Jane Hill.
Pallbearers were Bud Smith, Rusty Smith, Jeremy Hill, Dewey Hill, Cliff Tinney
and Allen Tinney. Honorary pallbearer was Frank Tinney.
Addiele was born April 27, 1929, to A.L. and Lillie (Denham) Tinney in
Forestburg. She graduated from Forestburg High School in 1946, received a
bachelor of business administration degree from North Texas State University in
1949 and received an Emergency Teaching Certificate in 1952. She married Garland
E. Jennings Sept. 25, 1951, in Rockwall.
Addiele was a legal secretary for Johnson & Gibbs law firm in Dallas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Garland Jennings; son Max
Jennings; brothers Arthur, Clifford and Charles Tinney; and sisters Wilma and
Julia Tinney, Harriet Crenshaw Rankin and Christine Willingham.
Survivors include her son, Carol Wade Jennings of Muncie, Ind.; daughter-in-law
Carol Ann Jennings; grandchildren Mark, Phillip, Heather, John and Jason;
sisters Catherine Davenport of Grand Prairie, Jackie Waggoner and husband, Ted,
of Boyd, and Pat Smith of Boyd; sister-in-law Margaret Tinney of Paradise;
numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
Jennings, Eula Frances |
1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Eula Frances Jennings
Eula Frances Jennings, 84, a retired secretary, died Saturday, June 22, 2013, in
Decatur.
Funeral was June 25 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial in East
Bridgeport Cemetery.
Frances was born Sept. 9, 1928, in Paradise to Joseph and Maude (Clark) Nall.
She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with her teaching degree in 1950.
She married Marvin Jennings Jan. 14, 1950, in Dallas.
Frances worked as a secretary for B&D Mills in Grapevine.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Marvin.
She is survived by her sons, Don Jennings of Paradise and Roger Jennings and
wife, Susan, of Grapevine; granddaughter Amy Jennings of Grapevine; sisters Jo
Evelyn Husson of Illinois, Peggy Merle Harringer of Paradise and Doris Ann
Bateman of Grapevine; other family members and a host of friends.
Jinkens, Daisy Maxine | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 22, 2013
Daisy Maxine Jinkens, 91, a homemaker, died Tuesday, June 18, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was June 21 at Oaklawn Cemetery with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Pallbearers were Jeff Jinkens, Chris Jinkens, Charles Bright and Stephen Brock.
Daisy was born Feb. 3, 1922, in Kahoka, Mo., to Marion Vincent Walker. She was a
member of the Four Square Church in Los Angeles.
She is survived by son Fred Jinkens of Decatur; sister Arvilla O’Banion of
Washington; and seven grandchildren.
Johnson, Jesse Everette, Jr. |
1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Jesse Everette Johnson Jr.
Jesse Everette Johnson Jr., 77, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, June 30, 2013, in
Decatur.
Graveside service was July 2 in East Bridgeport Cemetery with Melvin Castleberry
officiating.
Jesse was born June 9, 1936, in Fort Worth to Ola Maude (Greer) and Jesse
Everette Johnson Sr. He was a quality controller who retired from Hanson
Aggregates.
He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and married Patsy Palmer Aug. 9,
1969, in Houston. He was an avid football fan, especially of Texas A&M.
Jesse is survived by his wife of 43 years; son Tommy Johnson and wife, Denae, of
Bridgeport; daughter Trisha Johnson of Fort Worth; brothers Jerry Johnson and
wife, Martha, of Bryan and Kenneth Johnson and wife, Ellen, of Franklin;
grandchildren Cheyenne Crisp and husband, Ethan, and Joliet Johnson; and
great-grandchildren Chevelle and Creed Crisp.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tommy Johnson.
Donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, 1300 W.
Lancaster Ave., Suite 227, Fort Worth, TX 76102; 817-390-2970.
Johnson, Martha Novell |
1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 16, 2013
Martha Novell Johnson
Martha Novell Johnson, 78, of Justin, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013.
She was born Feb. 13, 1934, in Haskell to Johnny Lawson and Vera Stone Lawson.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Alvord and was a retired Nursing
Aide.
Funeral was Feb. 15 at Sage Meadow Christian Fellowship in Justin, and burial
was at Justin Cemetery.
Martha is survived by daughters Loretta Johnson, Karen Hill and husband, Jimmy,
and Pam Johnson and husband, Joel; sons Floyd Johnson and wife, Diana, Ronny
Johnson and wife, Pam, James Johnson, and Tony Johnson and wife, Lynda; sisters
Lucille McCash, Wanda Hill, Dean Shermer and Corrine Reynolds; brothers Charles
and Clarence Lawson; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and former
husband, Ervin Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Rebecca Johnson; and grandson
Franklin Johnson.
Johnson, Merton A., Jr. |
1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013
Merton A. “Jitterbug” Johnson Jr., 67, a truck driver, died Thursday, Sept.
26, 2013, at his home in Boyd.
A private service is planned.
Merton was born Feb. 15, 1946, in Bridgeport to Merton and Ruby (Fredrick)
Johnson. He married Renee Ann Walters Jan. 4, 1980, in Durant, Okla. Merton was
a veteran of the United States Army.
He was preceded in death by his mother and Buck McAdams, the only dad he ever
knew.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Renee Johnson of Boyd; son Toby Johnson
and wife, Michele, of Mansfield; daughter Ellen Maxey and husband, Allison, of
Mansfield; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister Nora Fite and
husband, Buddy, of Boyd; and several nieces, nephews, other family members and
friends.
Jones, Bobbie Jean | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Bobbie Jean Jones
Bobbie Jean Jones, 81, of Decatur died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Oct. 15 at Bennett Cemetery in Apple Springs.
Pallbearers were Rick Ross, Cecil Hutson, David Bizaillion, Josh Ross, Jonathan
Ross and Hutt Hutson.
Bobbie was born June 5, 1932, in Possum Walk to John Louis and Zona B.
(Cockrell) Hall. She married Billie Jones Jr. Dec. 11, 1949, in Groveton. She
was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister Phyllis Batson;
and granddaughter Jenny Bizaillion.
Survivors include her daughters, Beverly Ross and husband, Rick, of Decatur, and
Barbie Hutson and husband, Cecil, of Mesquite; grandchildren David Bizaillion,
Joshua Ross and wife, Kayci, Jonathan Ross and wife, Jennifer, Tiffany Hutson,
Hutt Hutson and wife, Erin, and Tabitha Hutson; five great-grandchildren;
brother Robert Hall of Lufkin; and nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to Wise County Christian Counseling, 2200 S. FM 51, Suite
500, Decatur, TX 76234 or to Casa Sonrisa, P.O. Box 2189, Round Rock, TX 78680.
Jones, Carl Ray | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Carl Ray Jones
Carl Ray Jones, 82, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at home.
Funeral was Oct. 22 at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport with
Brother David Rucker officiating. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery
under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Eric Hartsell, Nathan Robinson, Josh Johnston, Bouie Stewart,
Colin Jones and Grady Cowling. Honorary pallbearers were Royce Raven, Bob
Gridley, Craig Barrett, Edgar Judd and Jerry Haddox.
Carl Ray was born July 27, 1931, in Bridgeport to Willie (Bill) Lavet (McEntire)
and Ernest William Jones. He graduated Bridgeport High School and attended
Decatur Baptist College, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.
He married Nevesta Grantham in Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1951. He served his country in
the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict and earned a
National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
He was a technician for Natural Gas Pipeline Co. Carl Ray was a member of the
First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge No. 587, Scottish Rite and Shriners
International. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed woodworking, farming and
ranching, flying and collecting antique toys and airplanes.
Carl Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years; sons S. Mike Jones and Kevin R.
Jones, both of Bridgeport; grandchildren Stephanie Hartsell of Bridgeport,
Lesley Johnston of Norman, Okla., Hillary Robinson of Granbury, Emile Stewart of
Denton, Colin Jones of Aledo and Bailey Jones of Lubbock; and
great-grandchildren Pryor Robinson and Ande Stewart.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport.
Jones, Debra Ann | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Debra Ann Jones
Debra Ann Jones, 54, of Chico died Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Shepherd House in Chico.
Debra was born Jan. 26, 1959, in Clay County, Kan., to Samuel C. and Doris
(Russell) Osborn. She married Marion Kert “Smokey” Jones April 13, 2009, in
Alvord, and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2013. Debra was also preceded
in death by her parents and sister Sandy Stevenson.
She is survived by her brother, Samuel “Buster” Osborn of Haltom City;
sister Donna Tice of Haltom City; daughter Tiffany Matthews of Chico; sons
Robert Harsh of Rhome and Ronnie Harsh and wife, Amanda, of South Carolina;
grandchildren Emily and Zach Harsh, Bradyn Gachuzo, Kayleigh Harsh and Rylie
Koger; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Jones, Gerald Ray | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Gerald Ray Jones
Gerald Ray ‘Satch’ Jones, 75, of Granbury, a longtime resident of
Bridgeport, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in Granbury.
Funeral was April 5 at Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport with the Rev.
Kenneth Jones officiating. Burial followed in West Bridgeport Cemetery. Members
of the Masonic Lodge served as pallbearers.
Gerald was born Dec. 16, 1937, in Bridgeport to Marion Frank and Ruby Fay
(Gibbs) Jones. He spent most of his years here and was proud to call Bridgeport
his home. He was self-employed until his retirement as a diesel mechanic.
He was an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge and was also an
ordained deacon of Cates Street Baptist. His hobbies included dominoes and
playing cards.
He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Shook of Granbury and Jamie Erwin and
husband, Scott, of Bridgeport; former wife, Sue Wright and husband, Walter, of
Bridgeport; sisters Pat Lambert and husband, Cliff, Lucy Meadows and husband,
Dean, and Betty Shurbet, all of Paradise; grandchildren Jason Jones and wife,
Stephanie, of Granbury, Ryan Shook of Granbury, and Alicia and Lacey Erwin of
Bridgeport; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; longtime companion Hazel Maxine Prince;
and sisters Ollie Fay and Dollie May Jones, Janice Marie and Coylene Jones; and
brother-in-law Jessie Shurbet.
Jones, Jenner | 1945-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013
Jenner Jones
Jenner Jones, 67, a retired construction superintendent, died Saturday, Dec. 29,
2012, in Boyd.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jenner was born Nov. 1, 1945, to Jenner Richard and Betty (Warner) Jones in New
York City. He married Shirley Edelen Jan. 5, 1982, in Fort Worth. He was a proud
veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
Jenner was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brian Peters.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Jones of Boyd; five sons; four daughters;
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers; nieces, nephews
and a host of friends.
Jones, Joy | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Joy Jones, wife of Royal Jones of Denton and Slidell, died Wednesday, Aug. 7,
2013, in Corinth.
Funeral was Aug. 13 in Cole Chapel at the First United Methodist Church in
Denton, with Jon Lendzie officiating. A graveside service was held at Bolivar
Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Joy’s life at Jones Farm in Sanger.
Joy was born March 16, 1944, in North Kansas City, Mo. On Nov. 25, 2010, she
married Royal Jones in Houston. Joy was a retired music teacher, having taught
in Washington, D.C., California and San Antonio. She was a noted musician in San
Antonio and Denton.
She obtained a bachelor’s degree and was a member of the Ariel Club of Denton,
a Bluebird Volunteer at Methodist Hospital, a member of the Tuesday Musical
Club, Salvation Army Auxiliary volunteer and a volunteer at the Madison
Retirement Home – all in San Antonio.
Joy was a member of the University Methodist Church in San Antonio where she was
a pianist for the Silver Buckets singing group and a member of the University
Women’s Auxiliary. She and Royal are members of the First United Methodist
Church, and she was in the New Horizon Sunday School class.
Joy is survived by her husband; sister Phyllis (Mylar) Palmer and husband,
Eugene, of Springfield, Mo.; brother Louis Mylar and wife, Carol, of Colorado
Springs, Colo.; stepdaughters Suzan, Rachel and Nanette; stepsons Royal Jr.,
Jason, Lester and Travis; and a cousin, Cathy Salazar and husband, Bob, of Buena
Park, Calif.
Coker Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.cokerfuneralhome.com.
Jones, Marion Kert | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Marion Kert Jones
Marion Kert Jones, 56, a disposal operator, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, in
Chico.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Marion was born Sept. 13, 1956, in Oklahoma City. He married Debra Osborn on
April 13, 2009, in Alvord. He was preceded in death by his father, brothers
David and Tommy Jones, and first wife, Cassie Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Jones of Chico; sons Lee Jones and wife,
Bonnie, of Ardmore, Okla., Ray Jones and wife, Jill, of Bowie, and Chris Jones
of Abilene; daughters Tammy and Lisa Jones of Bowie; grandchildren; his mother,
Louise Vowman; stepchildren Robert Harsh of Rhome, Ronnie Harsh of South
Carolina and Tiffany Matthews of Chico; and three sisters.
Jones, Raymond ‘Bill’ |
1949-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Raymond “Bill” Jones
Raymond “Bill” Jones, 64, of Bowie, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in
Lewisville, and burial will follow at Flower Mound Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to
8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home. Bill was born Jan. 13, 1949, in
Dallas to Richard and Martha Jones. He was a fun-loving, God-fearing man who
loved to laugh and have fun with his children, grandchildren, nieces and
nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Joy Christian-Jones of Bowie; daughter
Ladonna Saalfrank of Argyle; son Chris Porras and wife, Tina, of Denton; sisters
Sandra Guerrero and Irene Jones of Lewisville; five grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, A.J.; and his stepmother,
Leola Mae Jones.
Memorial donations are requested to assist Bill’s family with his funeral
expenses. Donations can be made through Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 S.
Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, TX 75067.
Jordan, Geraldine ‘Jerrie’
Brewer | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Geraldine ‘Jerrie’ Brewer Jordan
Geraldine “Jerrie” Brewer Jordan, 67, a food service manager for Boyd ISD,
died Monday, May 27, 2013, in Boyd.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Boyd with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Bro. John Sanders will officiate, and James
Lunsford, Jefferson C. Lunsford, Robert Anthony Jordan, Randy G. Dennis, Mathew
D. Lunsford and John Thomas Lunsford will serve as pallbearers. Honorary
pallbearers are Baily Lunsford and Gabriel Lunsford.
Jerrie was born Jan. 13, 1946, to a preacher and his wife, Melborne and Hattie
(Leachman) Brewer in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. She was the youngest
of 15 children. She married James R. Jordan Feb. 14, 1975, in El Paso.
A member of the Eastern Star, Jerrie was known for her candid spirit, blunt
attitude and love for family and friends. She led a fruitful, community-driven
life, giving almost two decades of work to the Boyd Independent School District.
Jerrie was an avid bowler and fondly referred to as “Mom” due to her
leadership, nurturing characteristics, family orientation and the ability to
guide whoever would listen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; and 10 brothers and
sisters.
Survivors include her sons, James Lunsford and wife, Susan, Jefferson Lunsford
and wife, Michele, and Randy G. Dennis, all of Boyd, and Robert A. Jordan of
Wichita Falls; daughter Karen Libcap of Dayton, Ohio; six grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren; two brothers; two sisters; other family members and a host
of friends.
Josserand, Hattie Smith |
1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Hattie Smith Josserand
Hattie Smith Josserand, 78, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Westwind Church in Keller. Entombment
will follow at Garden of Memories Mausoleum in Fort Worth under the direction of
Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Hattie was born April 2, 1935, to Hugh and Leta Mae Smith, and she attended
Carter Riverside High School.
She met Josh Josserand and married him six weeks later in December 1958. They
would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this year.
Hattie was a realtor/broker her entire business career. She enjoyed her business
life because she was always meeting new people.
She was a member of Westwind Church in Keller and one of her favorite things was
hosting the women’s Bible study in her home every Wednesday.
Her greatest joy in her life was her family. She was an incredible woman and
will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Josh Josserand in October
of this year, and sons, William Josserand in 2009 and Mark Josserand, an infant;
brother L.D. Smith; and sister Wanda Smith Queen.
Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Wallace and husband, David; grandchildren
Jared Josserand, Jordan Wallace, Casey Mayfield and husband, Barrett, and Hanna
Josserand; great-grandson Will Mayfield; and brother Frank Smith.
Josserand, Josh | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Josh Josserand
Josh Josserand, 77, of Keller, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.
Funeral was Oct. 22 at WestWind Church in Keller, and entombment was in the
Garden of Memories Mausoleum under the direction of Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Josh was born Oct. 9, 1936, in Corsicana to R.E. and Evelynn Josserand. He was a
graduate of Carter-Riverside High School, where he participated in the ROTC
program. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War.
After his military service, he returned to Fort Worth where he married Hattie
Smith. He was very much a family man and enjoyed everyone’s birthdays and
celebrations. His latest interest was his great-grandson.
Josh’s only hobby was his work, which he continued until his death. He was a
member of WestWind Church.
Josh was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, William Josserand in
2009 and Mark Josserand, an infant.
Survivors include his wife, Hattie Josserand; daughter Cindy Wallace and
husband, David; grandchildren Jared Josserand, Jordan Wallace, Casey Mayfield
and husband, Barrett, and Hanna Josserand; great-grandson Will Mayfield; and
brother Bill Josserand.
Joyce, Helen June | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Helen June Joyce
Helen June Joyce, 90, died Friday, July 5, 2013, in Irving.
Funeral was July 9 at First Baptist Church of Alvord with the Revs. Bill
Cleveland and Wayne Wood officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in
Montague County, under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Morgan Craft, Cody Joyce, Sean Johnson, Jonathan Joyce, Patrick
Joyce and Chris Pierson.
Helen was born Feb. 26, 1923, in Weatherford to Frank and Willie Pearl (Woolsey)
Mathers. She married John Wayne Joyce Oct. 29, 1939, in Fort Worth, and they
were married 62 years at his death in 2001. Helen was also preceded in death by
her grandson, Christopher Joyce; great-granddaughter Caley Joyce; one brother;
and one sister.
She is survived by her sons, Randy Joyce and wife, Donna, and Ricky Joyce and
wife, Debra, both of Irving; grandchildren Debra Cunningham and husband, Bob, of
Irving, Cheryl Johnson and husband, Joe, of Fort Worth, Mandy Joyce of
Arlington, Jonathan Joyce and wife, Jennifer, of Sunset, Patrick Joyce and wife,
Aundra, of Justin; and Rebekah Joyce of Hickory Creek; 16 great-grandchildren;
six great-great-grandchildren; two nephews; and a host of friends.
Karm, Cal | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Cal Karm
Cal Karm, 53, who worked in shipping and receiving at Clark Industries, died
Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, in Paradise.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev.
Doug Acklie will officiate.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Cal was born Aug. 7, 1960, in LaMesa, Calif., to Fred and Mary (Buie) Karm. He
served his country in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his sister, Billie LeCompte and husband, Bill, of Lubbock;
brother Adam Karm and wife, Tracey, of Paradise; and numerous nieces, nephews,
aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Keith, Clarence L. ‘Sonny’ |
1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 23, 2013
Clarence L. “Sonny” Keith
Clarence L. “Sonny” Keith, 80, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013,
in Decatur.
Funeral was Nov. 22 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur with Pastor Ron Fox
officiating. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dr. Dan Selz, Glenn Rhine, Sonny Tackel, Foy Mitchell, Robert
Grantham and Dan Rhine. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Hale, Bud Brandon and Clay
Brandon.
Sonny was born April 12, 1933, in Breckenridge to Dorothy (Dillard) and Clarence
C. Keith. He married LaDarla Walker in 1952 and together they raised their
family in Bridgeport and Dallas. He was a “Chevy man” who worked for several
Chevrolet dealerships in Texas.
He was also a service-oriented civic leader who was charter president of the
Bridgeport Bullies Football Booster Club and a member of the Jaycees, as well as
many other organizations. Sonny was an avid sports fan who loved the outdoors,
hunting and fishing. He was also a worldwide traveler and loved spending time
with his grandchildren and family.
Survivors are his wife of 61 years, LaDarla; daughters Mickie Gilmore, Karen
Judd, Lisa Keith and Kimberley Yardley and their families; sister Marion
Johnston; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Darrell Keith; sister Carolyn
Nunn; and sister-in-law Glenda St. John.
Kennedy, Marie Slagle | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Marie Slagle Kennedy
Marie Slagle Kennedy, 90, a homemaker, died Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Dr. David Burrows will officiate. Pallbearers are David Clark, Kevin Lopez,
Kelly Kennedy, Brandon Kennedy, Dwayne Garrett, Jason Kennedy, Dylan Kennedy and
Casey Kleam.
Marie was born July 15, 1922, in Springtown to Marshall and Rachel (Bradley)
Slagle. She married Bedford Kennedy July 26, 1941, in Bridgeport. Marie was
co-owner of BK Trucking in Bridgeport and was a member of the First Baptist
Church in Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bedford Kennedy; brothers
Claude, Bill and Virgil Slagle; and her sister, Hattie Coffee.
She is survived by sons Dawayne Kennedy and wife, Kathy, of Bridgeport, and
Gaylord Kennedy and wife, Brenda, of Bridgeport; daughters Carla Provence and
husband, Travis, of Bridgeport, and Darla Kleam and husband, Randy, of
Bridgeport; sister-in-law Joyce Bailey; nine grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Kenyon, Sterling Ray, Jr. |
1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Sterling Ray Kenyon Jr.
Sterling Ray Kenyon Jr., 49, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at
home.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Glen Walden and Shay Giddens officiating.
Ray was born April 14, 1964, in Castro Valley, Calif., to Vera Esther
“Rocky” Bennett and Sterling Ray Kenyon Sr. He was a media (music and
photography) technician who retired from Smiley’s Photography in Fort Worth.
He had a great love and knowledge of music and sports. Baseball was a passion,
and he made a hobby of traveling with his mother (his best friend) all over the
United States on his birthday each year so he could eventually see all the
ballparks. He attended over 150 music concerts where he met many admirable
people. He enjoyed life to the fullest.
John Wayne was his idol, and he was an honorable man like “The Duke.” He
frequently said he was born in California but got to Texas as quickly as he
could. His No. 1 love was family.
Ray is survived by his parents, Rocky and Glenn Lee; sister Stacey Giddens; and
nephews Justin Bush, Shay Giddens and Dahlton Giddens.
He was preceded in death by his father; sister Tammy Bush; brother Eddie Lee;
nephew Kris Giddens; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Kenyon and Mary White.
Kerns, Transie Marie | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 16, 2013
Transie Marie Kerns, 53, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Transie was born May 16, 1959, in Creole, La., to Ivan Lloyd and Mary Lou
(Allday) Campbell. She married Douglas Wayne Kerns Nov. 10, 1990, in Grand
Prairie. Transie worked in the restaurant business for more than 20 years as a
waitress and manager. She was a member of the Pentecostal church.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Douglas Wayne Kerns of
Haslet; sons Douglas Wayne Kerns II of Haslet and Charles Albert Evans Jr. of
Ranger; daughter Amanda Mae Katherine Evans of Midland; brother Dock Allan
Campbell of Breckenridge; sister Cynthia Ann Campbell of Breckenridge; and six
grandchildren.
King, Judy Elaine | 1966-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013
Judy Elaine King
A graveside service for Judy Elaine King, 47, of Bridgeport will be held at 10
a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at West Bridgeport Cemetery, officiated by Joey Vick,
pastor of Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Judy was born July 24, 1966, to Charles and Mary (Phillips) Gatewood in Dallas.
She was a certified nursing assistant, who enjoyed watching movies and hanging
out with grandkids.
She is survived by sons Edward King of Bridgeport and John King and Jennifer
Cerda of Rhome; daughters Courtney King and fianc , Bjay, and Lena King and
fianc , Francisco Esparza, all of Bridgeport; father Charles Gatewood of
Elkhart; brother Rodney Gatewood and wife, Heather, of Elkhart; sisters Donna
Logan and husband, Terry, of Elkhart, Janet Fowler and husband, James, of
Decatur, Tara King and husband, Wayne, of Whitney and Sharon Gatewood of Dallas;
grandchildren Keirah King, Korbin Fox, Kaliah Walker, Eli Esparza and Branson
Walker, all of Bridgeport, and Desi Cerda of Rhome.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Phillips of Bridgeport, and
father-in-law John Edward King, also of Bridgeport.
King, Lindy | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013
Lindy King
Services for Lindy G. King, 65, of Bridgeport will be held 11 a.m. Saturday,
Sept. 21 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Lindy died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, in Dallas.
David Kelly, pastor of First Baptist Church of Paradise, will officiate. Burial
will follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bart King, Blake King,
Billy Jack Martin, Beaumont Brown, David Shawn and Charlie McDaniel. Honorary
pallbearer is Gerb Tackett.
Lindy was born Nov. 30, 1947, in Bridgeport to J.D. and Inez (Niblett) King. He
was saved at the age of 12 and was a member of the First Baptist Church in
Paradise.
He married Delyn Harris Oct. 23, 1967, in Bridgeport. His life was his children,
and he loved spending time with his family. Because of a generous, life-saving
heart transplant, Lindy was allowed extra time to spend with family, and he was
very thankful for that gift.
He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Delyn King; sons Kevin King, Clint King
and wife, Amber, and Casey King; grandchildren Blake King, Hannah King, Charlie
King, Jessica King, Ashley King and ZZ King; and great-grandchild Gage King.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Eddie King.
Lambert, Nelda Faye Giles |
1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013
Nelda Faye Giles Lambert
Nelda Faye Giles Lambert, 74, of Pottsboro died Tuesday, July 16, 2013.
Funeral was July 19 at Parkside Baptist Church with Dr. Chet Haney, the Rev.
Thomas Beall and the Rev. Jerry Coffman officiating. Burial was at Thomas
Cemetery in Bridgeport under the direction of Bratcher Funeral Home in Denison.
Pallbearers were her grandsons.
Nelda was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Halfway to J.E. and Alma Faye Giles. She was
valedictorian of her graduating class at Bridgeport High School and graduated
from Decatur Baptist College (now Dallas Baptist University).
She married the love of her life, Floyd (Stack) W. Lambert Aug. 10, 1956, at
Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. They had their first daughter,
Denise, and shortly thereafter moved to McKinney where their second daughter,
Michelle, was born.
Nelda retired from Austin College in 1998 after 32 years. She was awarded the
Homer P. Rainey award for Outstanding Achievement and Service to Austin College,
one of the first non-faculty recipients. Upon her retirement, a scholarship fund
was established in her name.
Nelda and Stack were devoted to their faith, serving at Parkside Baptist Church.
They organized and led 17 mission trips in the construction of churches
throughout the United States. She was also a dedicated Sunday school teacher.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Sue Rowe, one
brother-in-law, Jimmie Hefner; and nephew-in-law David Redmerski.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years; daughters Denise Vree and husband,
Paul, of Odessa and Michelle Robbins and husband, Britton, of McKinney;
grandchildren John and Krista Robbins, Michael and Erica Robbins, Aaron and
Amanda Vree, Andrew Vree, Adam Vree, Alex Vree and Abby Vree.
She recently welcomed three great-granddaughters, Kate and Annelise Robbins and
Holly Robbins. She is also survived by two sisters, Jean Fowler and husband,
Johnny, and Jo Linda Garrett and husband, Robert, as well as 11 nieces and
nephews.
Memorials may be sent to Parkside Baptist Church, Recreation Outreach Center.
Online condolences may be made at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com.
Landeros, Jose Jesus | 1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Jose Jesus Landeros
Funeral for Jose Jesus Landeros, 50, of Chico was July 29 at Hawkins Funeral
Home in Bridgeport with burial at Chico Cemetery.
Speakers were Trent Chambers, Michael Collins and Chito Landeros.
Landeros died Wednesday, July 24, in Bridgeport.
Born Feb. 17, 1963, in Robstown to Reymundo and Julia (Ramos) Landeros, he
married Patricia De Los Santos July 25, 1996, in Fort Worth.
Jose was a mechanic for Bridgeport Tank Truck.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Justine Landeros.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years, Patricia Landeros of
Chico; daughters Alicia De Los Santos of Chico and Jessica Landeros of Robstown;
sons Chito Landeros of Decatur and Giovanni Landeros of Chico; grandson Jordon
Silva; sisters Laura Young and husband, Kevin, and Ruby Yuarra and husband, EZ,
all of Robstown; brothers Fernando Landeros and wife, Marina, and Ray Landeros
and wife, Michelle, of Robstown; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers were Chito Landeros, Luis Adames, Ray Landeros, Kevin Young,
Giovanni Landeros and Fernando Landeros.
Lee, Sylvia Odessa | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Sylvia Odessa Lee
Sylvia Odessa Lee, 80, a stock broker and entrepreneur, died Saturday, Nov. 9,
2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Chris Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove No. 3
Cemetery in Chico.
Pallbearers include Donny Tull, Kevin Spivey, Jason Aubel, Joshua Tull, Scott
Forehand and Nick Lee.
Sylvia, known as “Brownie” was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Bridgeport to Thomas
and Ada (Denny) Lumsden. At age 18 she married Air Force 2nd Lt. Donald Lee,
with whom she enjoyed 60 years.
A fashion model and entrepreneur, Sylvia founded several successful businesses
in Fort Worth, including a modeling agency and retail beauty supply before
joining the financial world, where she became the second female licensed stock
broker in the state of Texas and later headed her own brokerage firm.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Don Lee;
siblings Truis Lumsden, Emogene George, Martha Western, Lum Lumsden and Geneva
North; and her beloved dog, Sassye.
Sylvia is survived by her son, Stephen Lee and wife, Jeannine; daughter Sheri
Tull and husband, Donny; grandchildren Donny Tull III and wife, Michelle,
Stefanie Spivey and husband, Kevin, Hollie Barris, Christie Aubel and husband,
Jason, Megan Hoover and husband, Joey, Nick Lee, Joshua Tull and Amie Forehand
and husband, Scott.
She is also survived by great-grandchildren Donny Tull IV, Alaina Spivey, Ashley
Tull and Darren Tull; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
LeMond, Nathan Henry | 1979-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Nathan Henry LeMond
Nathan Henry LeMond died Monday, Jan. 14, at his home in Arlington after a
courageous battle with cancer. He was 33 years old.
Funeral is 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth, with burial at
Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood
Funeral Home.
Nathan was a loving husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend. He
will be remembered for his passion for life, his devotion to family, and his
strong will to never give up. Nathan’s passions included camping, watching
football (Dallas Cowboys) and baseball (Texas Rangers), his many trips to Disney
World and spending time with family and friends.
He valued his time as an East Wise volunteer firefighter, but his proudest
achievements were being a husband to Jennifer and a daddy to Lesly.
Nathan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jack LeMond and Chester Smith;
and his step-dad, Jerry Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Jennifer; their daughter, Lesly; parents, Melody
Rivers of Bedford and Cecil and Rita LeMond of Decatur; sister, Christi (Ryan)
Hibbetts of Corpus Christi; step-brother, Jeff (Carolyn) Reimert of Houston;
many nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and grandparents.
Lester, Dona Marie | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Dona M. Lester, 59, a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister and
grandmother, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at her home in Boyd.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Hilltop Assembly
of God in Boyd.
She is survived by her husband, John Gibbs; mother Joyce; children Paul,
Katherine, John, Glen, Bryan and Tony; brother Jeremy; and grandchildren Megan,
Julie, Jennifer, Michelle and Matt.
Lester, Pauline | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 7, 2013
Pauline Lester
Pauline Lester, 87, formerly of Wise County died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in
Burleson.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Pauline was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Bolivar. She attended school through high
school in Decatur and attended college in Decatur. She was a loving daughter,
sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly
missed.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Frances Crowe; and husband
Gary O. Lester.
She is survived by a son, Gary M. Lester and wife, Linda, of Crowley;
grandchildren Gary D. Lester, Dustin H. Lester, Jayme Lester Taylor, Nathan
Tallmon and Leslie Haskins; and great-grandchildren Carter Haskins, Madyson
Taylor and Bryson Taylor.
Lewis, Thomas Howard | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Thomas Howard Lewis, 80, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at his
home.
Graveside service was Feb. 18 at East Bridgeport Cemetery, with Brother Ernie
Patterson officiating. Pallbearers were Michael Lewis, Alicia Griffin, Colton
McCormick, Keith Pittman and Barry Whitehead. Honorary pallbearer was Justin
Pope.
Thomas was born May 12, 1932, in Burleson County to Emma Lou (Lawerance) and
Ruben Lewis. He was a truck driver for the City of Decatur for 20 years and was
a member of the Voice of Triumph Assembly of God Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lela Jenkins Lewis; son Michael Lewis of Wichita
Falls; sister Margaret Vuicich of Seagraves; sister-in-law Atza Manuel of
Bridgeport; daughter-in-law Alicia Griffin of Wichita Falls; nieces Pat Swindle
of Paradise and Anita Golaz of San Antonio; and nephews Larry and Roger Lewis of
Paradise.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ray, Leonard, Milroy and Homer
Lewis; and sisters Lillian Wilson and Ethel Neagle.
Lingle, Ernest Lee | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 19, 2013
Ernest Lee Lingle
Ernest Lee Lingle, 91, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Jan. 18 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial in
Poolville Cemetery. The Rev. Doug Harris officiated. Pallbearers were Darrell
Lingle, Danny Lingle, Michael Lingle, Bubba Lingle, Kenneth Bobbitt and John
Lingle.
Ernest was born Jan. 24, 1921, in Texline to Emory and Minnie (Martin) Lingle.
He married Lydia, who preceded him in death in 1999, and he served his country
in the Coast Guard. Ernest was a retired assembly line worker for General
Dynamics.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers William Farris
Lingle and Wayne Lingle; and sisters Tella Ruth Bettis and Lucille Faye Gilland.
Survivors include his sisters, Betty Almon of Fort Worth, Imo Gene Hutsell of
Fort Worth and Annie Mae Reynolds of Fort Worth; brothers Bill Lingle of
Connelly Springs, N.C., and Martin Dale Lingle of Florine, La.; other family
members and a host of friends.
Lingle, Ruth | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Ruth Lingle
Ruth Lingle, 77, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, died Saturday, Nov. 9,
2013, at an area hospital.
Funeral was Nov. 12 at White’s Springtown Chapel with burial at Springtown
Cemetery.
Ruth Neomi Gilliland was born April 27, 1936, in Valdese, N.C., to Nelson Milroy
and Fannie Stamey Gilliland. She met and married William Farris Lingle Nov. 12,
1949.
Ruth lived life to the fullest and never took anything for granted. She leaves
behind a legacy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Farris Lingle in February of
1984; and her parents.
Survivors include her children, David Lingle and Danny Lingle, both of
Springtown, Richard Lingle of Oklahoma, Wilma Melendez and husband, Efrain, of
Chico, Barbara Moorhead, Zenita Matlock, Darrell Lingle and wife, Darla, and
Frankie Lingle, all of Springtown; 26 granchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; six
great-great-grandchildren; and many loving family members and friends.
Livengood, Marvin Wayne |
1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Marvin Wayne Livengood
Marvin Wayne Livengood, 69, of Cottondale, died Friday, June 14, 2013, at home.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at Cottondale Cemetery. Mark
Noles will officiate. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family
Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Marvin was born Nov. 10, 1943, in Decatur to Velma (Kelley) and Albert
Livengood. He was a farmer and rancher. He married Betty Moody Livengood June
21, 1963, in Paradise, and they were married 49 years, 11 months and three weeks
at the time of his death. He was a member of the Cottondale Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife Betty; daughters Vanessa Kay Jones and husband,
Barry, of Bonham and Trisha Jean Simmons and husband, Benny, of Jacksboro;
sister Violet Marie Haney of Wichita Falls; grandchildren Lee Wayne Jones and
wife, Haley, Amy Lynn Wiechman and husband, Sean, Brittany Kay Jones, Benna Jean
Simmons and Shalin Ciara Simmons; three step-grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; and four step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Tillie Leona Boren; and brother
A.J. Livengood.
Locke, Colan Jan | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Colan Jan Locke, 70, a dairyman and retired truck driver, died Saturday, March
9, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Graveside service was March 11 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1 with the Rev.
Gerre Joiner officiating.
Mr. Locke was born Feb. 24, 1943, in Pilot Point to Curtis and Estell (Bettis)
Locke.
He is survived by sons Chris and Paul Locke, both of Paradise; daughter Kay
Barham and husband, Dusty, of Plano; sister Barbara Dougherty; grandchildren
Cullen Locke, Ava Barham and Ella Barham; other family members; and a host of
friends.
Long, George W. ‘Bill’, Jr. |
1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 25, 2013
George W. “Bill” Long Jr.
George W. “Bill” Long Jr., 91, a retired computer engineer, died Friday,
Dec. 20, 2013, in Chico.
Funeral was Dec. 23 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Nolan
Rawle officiating. Burial followed at Cumby Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Stephen Whatley, Leland Whatley, Danny Cary, Coit Harris and
Danny Price.
Bill was born July 3, 1922, in Danville, Ill., to George W. Jr. and Martha
(Seward) Long. He married Anita Whatley April 21, 1973, in Houston. Bill was a
computer engineer for Logicon Inc. and proudly served his country in the United
States Army during World War II.
Bill’s hobbies included gardening and working in his yard, restoring
furniture, metal and machine work and spending time with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jeremy Long; and his brother, David
Long.
Survivors include his wife, Anita Whatley Long of Chico; sons George W.
“Bill” Long III and wife, Glenda, of North Richland Hills, Brett B. Long and
wife, Yvonne, of Rifle, Colo., and Blake W. Long and wife, Kathy, of Morrison,
Colo.; grandchildren Melanie Retana and husband, Tony, Heather Long, Katy Long
and MacKenzie Long; great-grandchildren Julian and Aubriella Retana; brother
Seward Long and wife, Jodi, of Decatur, Ill.; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes
Foundation, American Cancer Society or the Chico Volunteer Fire Department.
Lopez, William Bernard
‘Bernie’ | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
William Bernard ‘Bernie’ Lopez
William Bernard “Bernie” Lopez, 56, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at his home
in Paradise.
A memorial service is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Greenwood Funeral Home in
Fort Worth.
Bernie was born Feb. 9, 1956, in Fort Worth. He retired from General Motors
after 31 years of dedicated service.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Lopez; father- in-law Herman
Glen McDonald; mother-in-law Rowena McDonald; and sister-in-law Glenda McDonald.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Mary Lopez of Paradise; sons
Kevin Glen Lopez and wife, Erin, of Bridgeport and Nathan Bernard Lopez of
Paradise; father Theodore Lopez of Hurst; grandchildren Vanessa Marie Lopez and
Kellen Glen Lopez, both of Bridgeport; sisters Vicki Harvey and husband, John,
of Paradise and Teresa Lopez of Addison; brother Clemente Lopez and partner,
Richard Norman, of Dallas; sister-in-law Audrey McDonald of Fort Worth; nephew
Shands; nieces Kaitlin, Morgan and Skyler; great-niece Amelia Bernice; and all
of Bernie’s four-legged children.
The family offered special thanks to Dr. Mary Milam and her staff for six years
of loving care and to hospice nurse, Jesse, for outstanding care for Bernie and
his family during their time of need.
Lord, Mary Meadows | 1965-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Mary Meadows Lord
Mary Meadows Lord, 47, a testing administrator supervisor for the University of
North Texas-Health Science Center, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Rhome.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the United Methodist Church
in Rhome.
Mary was born Nov. 6, 1965, to Clifford and Peggy (Finley) Meadows in Fort
Worth. She married Kirby Lord Jan. 31, 1999, in Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Hoover.
Survivors include her husband, Kirby Lord of Rhome; son J.R. Hoover and wife,
Liz, of Richardson; parents Clifford and Peggy Meadows of Rhome; sisters Tammy
Quade and husband, Billy, and Gail Meadows, all of Las Vegas; brother Alan
Meadows and wife, Amanda, of Enid, Okla.; nephews Tyler Meadows of College
Station and Zachary Meadows of Enid; niece Kathrine Meadows of Enid; other
family members; and a host of friends.
Lovejoy, Louis Wayne | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Louis Wayne Lovejoy
Louis Wayne Lovejoy, 68, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, in Denton.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Jerry Koltes officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood
Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Tim Fletcher, Larry Smith, Mark Petty, Ken O’Dell, Kirk
Simmons and Leslie Fortenberry.
Wayne was born Oct. 28, 1944, in Fort Worth to John and Lillian (Pinkerton)
Lovejoy. He married Maurine Howard June 1, 1968, in Greenwood. Wayne served his
country in the U.S. Army and worked for Peterbilt for 27 years as an engineer
technician.
Wayne was a Christian and was an active member of the Greenwood Cemetery
Association. He enjoyed spending free time with his family and friends. His
family meant more to him than anything else.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Wayman Earl Lovejoy; and brothers
Benny, James, and John Lovejoy.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Maurine Lovejoy of Argyle; son Weldon
Lovejoy of Argyle; daughter Dana Kilburn of Corinth; grandson Tyler Kilburn of
Norfolk, Va., currently serving in the U.S. Navy; sisters Kay Oates of Decatur
and Alice Solis of Evergreen, Colo.; brother Charles “Rusty” Lovejoy of
Crafton; cousin Kyle “Tooter” and Mayme Fletcher of Slidell, who raised him;
other family members and a host of friends.
Lowe, Gerald Wesley | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Gerald Wesley Lowe
Gerald Wesley Lowe, 72, an oilfield tool pusher, died Friday, June 14, 2013, in
Decatur.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Gerald was born Sept. 28, 1940, in McCamey to Northern and Geraldine (Jenkins)
Lowe. He married Nancy Hawkins Sept. 28, 2009, in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Nelson Lowe.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Lowe of Bridgeport; daughters Jaclyn Xan
Townzen and husband, Benjamin, of Baird, Geraldine Klingenberg and husband,
J.D., of San Marcos and Natalie Lowe of Sweetwater; grandchildren Sydney, Bryson
and Bristol; sisters Tommye Stultz of Dallas and Sandy Schnedler of Moore,
Okla.; brother Larry Lowe and Kristi of Abilene; other family members and a host
of friends.
Lujan, Frank E., Jr. | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 16, 2013
Frank E. Lujan Jr., 53, of Decatur died peacefully Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, in a
Fort Worth hospital.
Frank was born July 16, 1960, in Albuquerque, N.M., to Frank and Della Lujan.
Services will be held in Rio Rancho, N.M., at a later date. A Cremation of
Dallas is handling arrangements.
Frank was extremely bright and a talented mechanic, with a passion for stock car
racing. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr. He also had many other
talents and interests, but the loves of his life were his children, Robert and
Roberta, and his grandchildren, Sativa, Trinity, Analicia and Arabelle.
In recent years, he was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. He made
many good friends there and loved driving the bus for the church kids.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Della Lujan.
He is survived by his father, Frank Lujan Sr. of Albuquerque; and brothers,
sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Luna, Maria Benedicta | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Maria Benedicta Luna
Maria Benedicta Luna, 62, a retired custodian, died Sunday, March 10, 2013, in
Decatur.
Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church with Father Jacob Alvares officiating.
Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jose L. Luna, Carlos Luna, David Luna, Roberto Luna, Jose
Martinez and Leticia Luna.
Ms. Luna was born May 8, 1950, in Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico to Gregorio
and Flora (Torres) Alvarado. She married Jose Luis Luna Feb. 28, 1973, in
Monterrey, Mexico.
She is survived by her husband, Jose L. Luna of Decatur; daughters Gabriela
Moore and Blanca Luna, both of Denton, and Benedicta and Leticia Luna, both of
Decatur; sons Luis M. Luna and Mexico, Alberto Luna and wife, Myriam, all of
Monterrey, Mexico, and David, Carlos, Roberto and Ricardo Luna, all of Decatur;
10 brothers and sisters; seven grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a
host of friends.
Lutz, Laurie Helen | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Laurie Helen Lutz
Laurie Helen Lutz, 55, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in New Fairview.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with
the Rev. Timothy Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Pallbearers are Dale Revercomb, Jim Floyd, Mick Burson, Bryan Sympson, Mike
Bindel and Jeremiah Hale.
Laurie was born Dec. 28, 1957, in Margaretville, N.Y., to Leo Simon and Nedra
(Dumond) Mestyanek. She married Thomas Jay Lutz Dec. 28, 1977. Laurie was a
senior commercial title examiner for Fidelity National Financial and was in the
mortgage industry more than 20 years.
Survivors include her husband, Thomas Jay Lutz; sons Ian and Aaron Lutz;
daughter Sarah Lutz; grandchildren Aiden, Barry (Noah) and Lyric Lutz; sisters
Sheryl Cudmore and Sandy Walker; four nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents and son Matthew Thomas Lutz.
Maddux, Donnie | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Donnie Maddux
Donnie Maddux, 59, of Justin, died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at his home.
Donnie was born Aug. 11, 1953, in Rockford, Ill., to Lee Roy Maddux and Lenoria
Brinker.
He is survived by daughters Jaime Holcomb of Rhome and Melinda Poppel of Justin;
sons Tommie Maddux and Joey Maddux, both of Rockford, Ill.; his mother; two
sisters; a brother; and five grandchildren.
Memorial service is 6 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Westlake Park in Hickory Creek.
Call 469-645-9100 for directions to Westlake Park.
Malone, Dan Franklin | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Dan Franklin Malone
Dan Franklin Malone, 85, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died
Saturday, April 27, 2013.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at First Baptist Church of Newark with
burial at Aurora Cemetery. Mount Olivet Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Dan was born June 5, 1927, in Ponder to Noel and Grace Malone. He was lovingly
known as “Papaw” by his grandchildren and “Opa” by his
great-grandchildren.
Dan was an active member of First Baptist Church of Newark and had retired from
TXU.
Survivors include his children, Donna Lynch and husband, Harold, and Bill Malone
and wife, Carol, all of Newark, and Raleigh Malone and wife, Tina, of Fort
Worth; grandchildren Christa Davis, Franklin Malone, Cecil Malone, Maria Amaro
and Melissa Malone; great-grandchildren Jennifer Davis, Madalyn Malone, Aaron
Malone, Kassandra Escalante, Linsey Chancellor, Julissa Amaro, Hannah
Chancellor, Chase Malone, Dillon Malone and Elijah Malone; sister-in-law Gusti
Teufl of Austria; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Manning, Betty Jane | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Betty Jane Manning
Betty Jane Manning, 78, a retired jailer, died Friday, March 22, 2013, in Boyd.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Boyd. The Rev. Mark Autry will officiate.
Betty was born July 5, 1934, to Loyd and Pauline (Lyons) Nichols in Dallas. She
married G.W. Manning Jr. Sept. 23, 1950, in Wheatland. Betty retired from the
Wise County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer and from TI Mostech as an electronic
technician.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, G.W. Manning
Jr.; brother Junior; and sisters Alene and Shirley.
She is survived by her sons, Mike Manning and wife, Josee, and Ronnie Manning
and wife, Sherri, all of Boyd; daughters Valerie D. Brown of Tyler and Jacki A.
Browning and husband, Nathan, of Seagoville; grandchildren Nicole Brown, Tony
Manning, Ryan Manning, Michelle Browning, Junior Browning and Tonya Browning;
great-grandchildren Skylar Brown, Lucas Manning, Peyton Manning, Brooke Manning,
Zane Wood, Brylee Ramsey and Jake Ramsey; sisters Mickey McKanna of Dallas and
Norma Patrick of Seagoville; other family members; and a host of friends.
Manning, Michael Wayne |
1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013
Michael Wayne Manning, 61, of Fort Worth, formerly of Bridgeport, died Monday,
Oct. 14, 2013, in Lake Worth.
Funeral was Oct. 17 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport, officiated by
Pastor Jack Skidmore. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers
were Bob Kenyon, Elvy Ken- yon, Lesley Hail, Billy Joe Patterson, Randy Manning
and Erick Manning.
Mike was born April 17, 1952, to Norma Gene Manning and Dorothy Jean (Humes) in
Ada, Okla. In his earlier years, Mike worked as a roustabout in the oilfield.
His hobbies included fishing and bowling.
He is survived by a son, Anthony Manning of Oregon; daughter Serena Manning of
LaMirada, Calif.; mother Dorothy Jean Greene of Arlington; brother Randy Manning
of Decatur; sisters Emma Chaffee of Bridgeport, Melinda Dickerson of Arlington
and Melanie D’Souza of Enterprise, Ala.; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Manuel, Atza Lottie | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Atza Lottie Manuel
Atza Lottie Manuel, 73, of Bridgeport died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at her home.
Funeral was Oct. 8 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastors
Earnest Patterson and Jerry Pittman officiating. Burial followed at East
Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Gerald Geer, William Gaines, Barry Whitehead, Glenn Davis,
Michael Lewis and Alicia Griffin.
Atza was born Jan. 15, 1940, in Bridgeport to Mary Allen (Pittman) and Wesley
Orse Jenkins. She was an LVN who enjoyed needlepoint, working in her yard and
gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the
Sunset Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by her son, Charles Anthony Manuel and wife, Lisa, of Bedford;
daughter Sheila Davis and husband, Glenn, of Runaway Bay; sister Lela Lewis of
Bridgeport; and grandchildren Colton Lane McCormick of Paradise, Brandon Chase
McCormick of Runaway Bay and Justin Pope of Runaway Bay.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wesley Manuel; her parents; and
her brother, Clifton Tipper Cotton.
Mara, Mary Ann | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013
Mary Ann Mara
Mary Ann Mara, 77, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at Abilene Regional Medical
Center in Abilene.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home in
Abilene with Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery
in Ranger.
Mary Ann was born Dec. 22, 1935, in Valley Mills to Josie (Clemons) and J.W.
Elder Sr. She graduated from Ranger High School in 1954 and married Chico native
Bob Mara Nov. 28, 1953, in Ranger. She was a homemaker and member of Southwest
Park Baptist Church in Abilene.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, John William
Elder, Billy Ray Elder, James Edwin Elder, Sammy Lee Elder and Dean Elder.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Mara of Abilene; daughters Twanna Cooksey
and husband, Larry, of Grand Junction, Colo., and Talena Mara of Garden Grove,
Calif.; grandchildren Amberlee Cordeiro and husband, Guy, of Grand Junction,
Colo., and Arlenda Newsom and husband, Brad, of Frederick, Colo.; and four
great-grandchildren, Kyle Lemley, Cade Cordeiro, Kinley Newsom and Kaitlyn
Newsom.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the gifted staff of IntegraCare
Hospice for the outstanding care they provided.
Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Martin, Bill Earl | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Bill E. Martin
Bill E. Martin, 80, former publisher of the Longview News-Journal and the
Lufkin Daily News, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, in Tyler of congestive
heart failure.
Martin was born in Bryan in 1932 to Madama and Frank Martin and spent his
childhood in Montague and Decatur. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1950
and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism education from the University of
North Texas in 1953 before serving two years in the U.S. Army.
His newspaper career took him to four cities in Texas, two in Georgia and one in
Ohio. Martin, described by associates as the quintessential newspaperman, often
said he was happiest when he heard the press rumble and could feel the building
floor begin to vibrate.
Martin signed on at the San Angelo Standard-Times as a reporter in 1955
and served as city editor, managing editor, editor and finally as assistant to
the publisher.
While at the Standard-Times, Martin also was an adjunct faculty member at
Angelo State University for 10 years. He taught journalism courses.
Martin was highly respected in the news business, and in 1976, his peers elected
him president of Texas Associated Press Managing Editor’s Association.
In 1977, he married Reta Sue Boster, and the newlyweds immediately moved to
Georgia, where he was publisher of the Walton Tribune in Monroe. In 1980,
Harte-Hanks Newspapers named him president of its Georgia Newspaper Group in
Carrollton.
Martin returned to Texas in 1985 as publisher of the Greenville Herald-Banner.
He moved to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1988 as publisher of the Journal-News
then came home to Texas again in 1989 as publisher of the Lufkin Daily News.
“Bill Martin was the ultimate community newspaper publisher,” said Caroline
John, former vice president of community newspapers for Cox. “He cared deeply
about excellent journalism, his readers and the bottom line. He was
exceptionally smart, witty and had little use for fools. But even those who fell
into that category were treated with kindness.”
Martin moved to Longview in 1993 when he was named publisher of the News-Journal.
He served on the board of the Longview Partnership, Longview Economic
Development Corp., Greater Longview United Way, Action Longview, the
President’s Advisory Council of LeTourneau University and the citizens
advisory committee of Texas Eastman.
He was a member of the Longview City Council task force that recommended that
the University of Texas establish a campus in Longview.
Martin retired in 1997, moving to Tyler several years later.
He is survived by his wife, Reta; son Patrick Martin and Susan Garrett of
Dallas; daughter Shanna Russell and husband, Rodger, of Lubbock; sister Janice
Cates and husband, Burton, of Fort Worth; granddaughter Shea Perry of San
Angelo; great-grandchildren Hayden and Haylie Perry of San Angelo;
brothers-in-law Royce Ballinger of Marana, Ariz., and Mart Ballinger and wife,
Judith, of Durango, Colo.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Martin, Houston | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Houston Martin
Houston Martin, 81, a retired employee for the city of White Settlement, died
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in Lake Worth.
Funeral was Dec. 23 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Stan
Cox officiating. Burial was private.
Pallbearers were Joel Wayne, Martin Joe Duque, Joel Duque, Calvin Horton, Rodney
Lynn Martin and Jimmy Lee Martin.
Houston was born Oct. 31, 1932, in Klondike to Willie and Jettie Bee (Green)
Martin. He was a member of the Westside Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James, Willie Joe, Kerry
and Jerry Martin.
He is survived by his son, Calvin Horton and wife, Belinda, of Springtown;
sisters Jewel Salgado, Dorothy Garcia and Shirley Duque and husband, Joe, all of
Fort Worth; grandchildren Chaystin and Jezlyn; and other family members and
friends.
Martin, Jo Ellen | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 17, 2013
Jo Ellen Martin of Cheyenne, Wyo. died Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at Cheyenne
Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne. She was 73.
Funeral was Aug. 14 at Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home in Gordon, Neb., and burial
was at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Jo Ellen was born Sept. 6, 1939, to Chester and Orel Garrett in Decatur.
She was a majorette at Boyd High School and graduated in 1958. She moved to Las
Vegas, Nev., where she met Boyd Egli. They were married on Jan. 17, 1964, and
divorced in the mid 1980s. She married Dale Martin of Mitchell, S.D., in the
late 1980s, and they divorced several years later.
Jo Ellen was a medical transcriptionist who worked at Gordon Memorial Hospital,
Chadron Community Hospital and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, S.D.
After her retirement from Avera, she moved back to Gordon. Since November 2010
she had been living with her daughter and son-in-law in Cheyenne. Jo Ellen’s
close friends and family knew her as “Jodie”.
She enjoyed knitting and loved to dance. She also liked anything with a
butterfly motif and hummingbirds.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her sister, Henry Jeanne Wolfe (Charles) of Boyd; daughter
Cori Hastings (Larry) of Cheyenne; daughter Glenna Smith (Lyle Sherfey) of
Lisco, Neb., granddaughters Jessica Osterloo and Aevyn Smith; and grandson Eli
Smith.
A memorial has been established with the American Lung Association. Donations
may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, P.O. Box 366, Gordon, Neb. 69343.
Martin, Sam F. | 1951-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Sam F. Martin
Sam F. Martin, 62, a plumber, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at his home in Newark.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Rhome Assembly of God Church with Jeanne
Evans officiating. Burial is at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Sam was born March 16, 1951, to Frank C. and Norma (Bryce) Martin in Lubbock. He
married Debra Sue Kiser Jan. 23, 1980, in Hurst. Sam was a proud veteran of the
United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was a loving husband,
father and grandfather and will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathy Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debbie S. Martin of Newark; sons James
F. Martin of Newark and Jeremy W. Martin of Granbury; daughter Sabrina J. Martin
of Fort Worth; grandchildren Sammy G. Martin of Fort Worth and T.J.; sister
Linda Richard of Round Rock; and other family members and friends.
Mason, Opal Lene Shipley |
1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Opal Lene Shipley Mason
Opal Lene Shipley Mason, 87, died Saturday, March 30, 2013.
Graveside service was held at Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park with burial under
the direction of Arlington Funeral Home.
Opal was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Bridgeport to Birdie (Davidson) and Otto
Shipley. She was a member of the Handley Church of Christ for more than 50 years
and taught Bible class. She loved traveling, fishing, spiritual music and
Christmas Eve.
Survivors include her husband, Vernon; daughters Verna McMains of Georgetown,
Beverly Kuoppala of North Richland Hills and Jerri Hill of Frisco; six
grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Mason, Walter Alvin | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
Walter Alvin Mason
Walter Alvin Mason, 88, of Azle, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013.
A memorial service will be held for friends and family at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.
16, at the Shady Grove Park Pavilion in Azle. Pastor Lee Sipe of First Baptist
Church Azle and Chaplain Ron Ebert of Covenant Hospice will conduct the service.
Walter was born Feb. 11, 1924, in Burkburnett to Wilber and Rosie Lorentz Mason.
He married Marcella Price Feb. 5, 1966, in Decatur. The Masons have been Azle
residents since Sept. 1, 1966.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Marcella, children Gary Mason and wife, Marsha,
Steve Mason and wife, Marci, Tye Bell and wife, Jolynn, Melinda Richey and
husband, John, and Rebecca Bethel and husband, Bill, all of whom live in the
Metroplex; brother Vernon Mason and wife, Opal, of Fort Worth; sister Wanda Jean
St. John of Chico; 12 grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Maxey, David | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 7, 2013
David Maxey
David Maxey, 80, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Aug. 6 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur with Brother Monty
Martin, Dr. Cecil Rice Maxey, Dr. Clyde Spain Jr. and Ron Fox officiating.
Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were David Paul Addington, Kasey Ray Swan I, Colby Addington, Kagen
Elenburg, Merrick Addington, Kane Elenburg and Jeff Lewis.
David was born May 1, 1933, in Boyd to Jack William Maxey and Irene Agnes
(Wallis) Maxey-Nuchols. He married Alma Lea Spain March 30, 1956, in Decatur and
was married 51 years at her death on April 21, 2007.
David was owner of Wise County Equipment, formerly Maxey Implement, for more
than 30 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a
member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, David was also preceded in death by his brother, Billy
Maxey and sister Mary Maxey.
He is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Elenburg and husband, Brad, and Becky
Swan and husband, Ken, both of Jacksboro, and Joy Howell and husband, Mark, of
Decatur; brothers Jackie Maxey of Decatur, Cecil Maxey of Huntington Beach,
Calif., and Benny Maxey of Midland.
He is also survived by sister Betty Black of Cleburne; grandchildren David Paul
Addington and wife, Casey, Colby and Merrick Addington, Kasey Ray Swan I, and
wife, Stephanie, Kori Lewis and husband, Jeff, and Kagen, Keili and Henry Kane
Elenburg; great-grandchildren Davy and Maddy Addington, Kasey Ray Swan II and
Kyler Swan, Radford Benton Lewis and Maxey Lea Lewis; special nephew, Ricky
Maxey of Decatur; and special caregiver, Robin Griffeth of Decatur.
Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, P.O. Box 166, Decatur, TX
76234.
Maxwell, Billy Jack | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 23, 2013
Billy Jack Maxwell
Billy Jack Maxwell, 79, a devoted family man, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at his
home in Greenwood.
Funeral was Feb. 22 at the First Baptist Church Slidell, with burial at the
Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington.
Bill was born Sept. 26, 1933, in Greenwood to Newton and Oleta (McDaniel)
Maxwell. He married Miriam Kay Smith in Fort Worth Jan, 28, 1958.
Bill served in the U.S. Army from May 1955 to May 1957 and was a Korean War
Veteran. After his military career, he furthered his education and taught shop
for Dallas ISD, ultimately receiving his master’s degree in education from
North Texas State University in Denton. He moved his family to Austin when he
acquired a job with the Texas Education Agency, where he worked for several
years. The family then moved to Carrollton where Bill worked in a management
position with Braniff Education Systems, an aircraft maintenance vocational
school. He moved on to establish vocational schools for other private groups.
Upon retiring, he and his wife, Kay, came back to Greenwood where he started his
Boer goat ranch and became actively involved in the church community. He rose
early every morning with coffee, Bible study and prayer prior to moving on to
his passion – his animals and building and maintaining his ranch before
proceeding to the Greenwood firehouse for dominos at 1 p.m.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Slidell where he worked
with the youth, driving the children’s bus, working in Vacation Bible School,
participating in steering committees and serving as a deacon. He was also active
with the Greenwood Homecoming Committee, Greenwood Cemetery Committee and was an
honorary member of the Greenwood EE Club. His pride and joy were his children,
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his goats.
He is survived by his sister, Marijon Rutherford and husband, Bennie, of
Greenwood; brother-in-law Travis Smith and wife, Doris, of Kerrville; daughter
Dema McNew of Lake Dallas; son Dwane Maxwell and wife, Karla, of Greenwood;
grandson Brandon McNew and wife, Danielle, of Aubrey; granddaughter Diana Fields
and husband, Ryan, of Corinth; granddaughters Annie and Lydia Maxwell of
Greenwood; great-granddaughters Maci, Olivia and Paityn McNew of Aubrey; as well
as nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 43 years.
McAfee, Betty Hale | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013
Betty Hale McAfee
Betty Hale McAfee, 82, of Dallas, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Mansfield.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Oak Crest Baptist Church in Midlothian
with Pastor Blain Craig officiating. Burial is at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Andrew McAfee, Brandon Lowe, Justin Lowe, Stephen Graham,
Jonathan Womack and Larry Womack.
Betty was born April 20, 1931, in Russett, Okla., to Benjamin Early and Kathleen
Belle (Stoddard) Hale. She married John C. McAfee Jan. 20, 1961, in Dallas.
Betty was a retired legal secretary.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, John C. McAfee; six
siblings: Nora Marie, Oscar Lewis, Ouida Ann, Jesse Durward, Aubrey Dean and Ken
Maynard.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ford and husband, Jay, of Fort Worth;
sons L. Christopher Beck of Dallas and Kyle McAfee and wife, Renay, of
Midlothian; grandchildren Andrew, Brandon, Justin and Kyleigh;
great-grandchildren Chasady, Cayden and Jaxson; sister Jeanie Harvey and
husband, Fred, of Waxahachie; and other family members and friends.
McClelland, Charlott | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 21, 2013
Charlott McClelland, 60, who grew up in Decatur, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at
her home in Harleton.
Graveside service was Dec. 19 at Lemons Family Cemetery in Harleton under the
direction of Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home in Diana.
Charlott was born March 21, 1953, in Fort Worth to M.C. and Alta Jean Lemons.
She was a homemaker and member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Charlott is survived by her husband, Thomas McClelland; her parents, M.C. and
Alta Lemons; son Chris McClelland; daughters Tia Hickman and Cheyanne Scudday;
sister Belinda Moran; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Rusel Lemons.
McConnell, Clay | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Clay McConnell
Clay McConnell, 52, of Boyd died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd
with the Rev. Terry Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers include Mike McConnell, Joey McConnell, Jordon McConnell, Ryder
McConnell, Michael King, Kyle Worley, Johnathan Worley and Allen Stevenson.
Honorary pallbearer is Blake Howard.
Clay was born June 24, 1960, in Fort Worth to Walter and Nancy (Stout)
McConnell. He married Shirley Hufhines Nov. 18, 1983, in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Teddy McConnell.
Clay is survived by his wife of 29 years, Shirley McConnell of Boyd; sons Justin
McConnell and wife, Casey, of Aubrey and Jake McConnell of Cottondale; daughter
Amy McConnell of San Marcos; grandchildren Ashley, Madison, Wyatt and Abby;
parents Walter and Nancy McConnell of Paradise; sister Peggy Jill Saulter and
husband, Wade, of Rotonda West, Fla.; brother Leslie McConnell of Paradise;
other family members and a host of friends.
McConnell, Walter L. | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Walter L. McConnell
Walter L. McConnell, 76, died Saturday, Dec, 14, 2013, surrounded by his family
at his home in Cottondale.
Funeral is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth,
and burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Johnny Luckie will play
bagpipes, and grandsons Justin, Jake, Joey, Jordan and Ryder McConnell, and
Blake Howard will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers are granddaughters Amy and Amber McConnell and Charles
Nowell, David Polson and Hank Feighner.
Walter was born Aug. 14, 1937, in Mansfield, La., to Walter F. and Roberta
(Nealy) McConnell. He moved to Fort Worth in 1951 and was a graduate of Amon
Carter High School.
Walter worked at General Dynamics prior to joining the Fort Worth Fire
Department in 1965. He retired from the Fort Worth Fire Department in 1996.
Walter proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for six
years. During all those years he had a construction business with his sons.
Walter enjoyed hunting and fishing,
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.F. and Roberta McConnell; brother
Gordon McConnell; and sons Ted and Clay McConnell.
Walter is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; son Leslie McConnell of
Cottondale; daughter Jill Saulter and husband, Wade, of Keller; sister Sarah
Luckie of Haltom City; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
To visit an online memorial, go to www.waltermcconnell.last-memories.com.
McCurdy, Elton Mal | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Elton Mal McCurdy
Elton Mal McCurdy, 86, a farmer and rancher, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at First United Methodist Church in Decatur
with the Rev. Zach Landis officiating. Burial is at Fairview Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Yates McCurdy, Cole McCurdy, Tommy Blessing, Bubba Blessing,
Rocky Holland and Jarrett Blessing.
Elton was born July 7, 1927, in the Blewett community in Wise County to Rufus
Cal and Ava Elizabeth (Chambers) McCurdy. He married Wanda Grace Cox Dec. 31,
1952, in LaGrange, Ga.
Elton was a charter member of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse; a member of
Decatur ISD school board for 15 years; and a member of the Farm Service Agency
Committee from 1990-2003. He earned his FFA Lone Star degree and was a past
state FFA officer. Elton served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda McCurdy of Decatur; sons Bill McCurdy and
wife, Karen, of Aurora and Pat McCurdy and wife, Beth, of Decatur; brother Floyd
McCurdy and wife, Peggy, of Rhome; grandchildren Yates, Lauren, Cole and Andrea
McCurdy; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Elton was preceded in death by his brother, Allan McCurdy; and sisters Beatrice
Moore, Calva Holland and Dorothy Blessing.
McElhaney, Billy | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Bill McElhaney
Service for Wise County Judge Bill McElhaney, 67, of Bridgeport will be 10:30 am
Thursday at the Decatur Civic Center.
Burial will be private. Pallbearers will be Wise County Sheriff’s Honor Guard.
McElhaney died Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 after collapsing during a commissioners
court meeting in Decatur. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Bill was serving
his second term as county judge, and was active in several regional boards and
associations.
Billy McElhaney was born in Decatur June 17, 1946, to Joseph and Atrel (Hunn)
McElhaney. He was a 1964 graduate of Bridgeport High School and served in the
U.S. Army from 1965-1967. He was a 1977 graduate of the University of North
Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, with a minor in real
estate, and additional postgraduate courses.
Between 1985 and 2006 he had more than 200 accredited classroom hours from the
Texas Education Agency and Texas Association of School Boards. Beginning in
1970, he had also taken numerous management and safety courses with industry,
community and government themes at the local, state and federal levels.
In the past six years, Judge McElhaney took more than 100 hours of judicial
educational courses for county judges from the Texas Association of Counties
(TAC), more than 50 hours of advanced continuing education from the V.G. Young
Institute of County Government (affiliate of Texas A&M), various National
Incident Management System (NIMS) emergency management training classes, and
other county government training courses from TAC.
Bill began work at TXI Operations, LP in Chico in 1968 and worked for the
company for 39 years. From 1969 to 1977 he was in various supervisory and
management positions at two of their stone plants. In 1978 he became manager of
the Bridgeport stone facility and in 1982 he also took on the role of area stone
manager for the Wise and Jack County production operations, holding both
positions through 1996.
In 1997 he moved into Corporate reserves and aggregate business development for
Texas and Oklahoma, and 2001 he went into the company’s real estate division
when he was named corporate mineral land manager for Texas and Oklahoma – a
position he held until he was elected county judge in 2006.
Bill served on the Bridgeport City Council from 1978 to 1980, and he served a
total of 21 years at various times on the Bridgeport ISD board of trustees. He
also served on the Wise County School District Board, and in 1994 was Tax Board
President.
He was chairman of the Bridgeport Economic Development Board in 1988-1989, and
was currently vice president of the executive board of the North Central Texas
Council of Governments. He gave over 26 years of his life to government and
public service.
He was a member in the Fellows of the Texas County Judges Judicial Academy. He
was also a member of the V.G. Young Commissioners Court Academy, as well as an
active member of Nor-Tex County Judges Association.
Billy leaves behind his wife Kim (Smith) McElhaney; children Billy Jr., Blaine
and wife Melissa, Stacie Anderson and husband Kyle, Katie Smith and husband
Josh; sisters Nadine Green and husband Billy Carroll, and Rita Boles; and 10
grandchildren: Billy Jr.’s sons Christian and Nicolas McElhaney; Blaine and
Melissa’s children Beau, Brody, Trinity and Colton Teter; Stacie and Kyle’s
son Lane Anderson; and Katie and Josh’s children Hendrix, Harper and Haddie
Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any Wise County charity of choice.
McElroy, Idalena Vondelle |
1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 4, 2013
Idalena Vondelle McElroy
Idalena Vondelle McElroy, 64, died April 18, 2013, in a Decatur hospital.
Service was April 22 at Mountain Valley Funeral Home in Alvarado, and burial was
in Alvarado’s Bethany Cemetery.
Idalena was born April 20, 1948, in Fort Worth. She enjoyed fishing, gardening,
taking vacations and traveling. Idalena was a homemaker, and she was always
surrounded by her grandchildren, who she loved.
She is survived by her husband, R.L. McElroy of Azle; sons Rickey McElroy of
Midlothian and Richard McElroy of Azle; daughters Beverly Birmingham-Allan and
Celeste Cruz, both of Azle; nine grandchildren; and extended family and friends.
McGauley, Shawn Patrick |
1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Shawn Patrick McGauley
Shawn Patrick McGauley, 49, of Decatur, died Friday, April 26, 2013, in Fort
Worth.
He was born Dec. 19, 1963, in Crosby, N.D., to Irene Carol and Terrance Andrew
McGauley.
He is survived by his parents, Irene and Terrance McGauley; son Edgar McGauley;
daughter Lorena McGauley; twin brother Shannon Paul McGauley; sisters Cristina
Garcia and Sue De La Rosa; grandparents Chris and Nanny Davis; and grandchildren
Mia Jasmin McGauley, Haley Nova McGauley and Yanahi Del Pilar Lopez.
McGauley’s body was donated for medical research. A memorial service will be
held at a later date.
McKeever, Lee Roy | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 26, 2013
Lee Roy McKeever
Lee Roy McKeever, 73, a plant operator, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct 27, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in
Chico with the Rev. Rick Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove
No. 3 Cemetery in Alvord. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral
Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers are Patrick McKeever, Curtis Buckner, Logan McKeever, Johnny
McKeever, Jeff McKeever, Randy Lowrey, Michael Lowrey and Eddie Pecina.
Lee Roy was born Oct. 24, 1940, to Elmer and Evelena (Boner) McKeever in Alvord.
He married Jean Lowrey June 1, 1960, in Wichita Falls.
In 2005, Lee Roy retired from TXI as plant manager after 34 years. He was a
member of Morris Memorial United Methodist Church of Chico.
Lee Roy was a member of the Chico School Board for 11 years and also served as a
volunteer fireman and former fire chief for the Chico Volunteer Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Lee Roy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Lowrey McKeever of Chico; sons
Tony McKeever and wife, Mary, of Bridgeport and Rick McKeever and wife,
Michelle, of Chico; daughter Delinda Buckner and husband, Randel, of Bridgeport;
grandchildren Patrick McKeever and wife, Mallory, Elizabeth Pecina and husband,
Eddie, Stephanie Buckner, Curtis Buckner and wife, Whitney, Shelby Robinson,
Logan McKeever, Kaylen Kott and Kindal Kott; five great-grandchildren; brothers
Raymond McKeever and wife, Reba, of Paradise and Jerry McKeever and wife, Mary,
of Chico; brother-in-law John Robert Lowrey and wife, Vicki, of Grapevine;
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
McKinley, Barbara Alice |
1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013
Barbara Alice McKinley
Barbara Alice McKinley, 77, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
Graveside service was Dec. 27 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville.
Barbara was born March 31, 1936, in Taylor, the daughter of K.N. McBride and
Alice Woods McBride. She married the love of her life, Travis McKinley, Jan. 31,
1958, in Brownfield.
Barbara and Travis moved their family to Fort Worth in 1960, and after their
children left home, they moved to Decatur and lived the country life. She began
working for the University of North Texas and retired in 1996.
Barbara was an 18-year liver transplant survivor who loved her family. She was a
loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her daughter, Debra and husband, Bob Dryzgula; sons Travis and
wife, Brenda McKinley, and Gamble and wife Patsy McCarty; brother Randall and
wife, Jo McBride; sister Pat and husband, Bill Garner; seven grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to Life Gift Organ Donation or the American Heart
Association.
McKnight, Joe | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
Joe McKnight
Joe McKnight, 58, of Bridgeport, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Jan. 11 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Joe was born Nov. 14, 1954, in Grapevine to Louise Cotton Scroggins. He was a
salesman in the oil and gas industry who enjoyed hunting, golf and playing with
his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Toni Jenkins and husband, Matt, of Paradise,
Mandy Clark and husband, Nathan, of Lake Bridgeport, Kelly McClung of Bridgeport
and Kay McKnight; grandchildren Kelan, Kutler and Kolson Jenkins, Kortni Garner,
Ellie Clark and Makayla McBride; many other relatives; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother; grandmother Odessa Cotton; brother Bobby
Ross; and sister Mitzi Garrison.
Meador, James Floyd | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013
James Floyd Meador
James Floyd Meador, 70, of Decatur died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove
Cemetery No. 1.
Pallbearers are Tommy Shults, Michael White, Larry Gage, Chris Forbis, Chad
Short and Clifton North.
Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Berg, Kenneth Peel, Morris Vess and Ronnie
Saunders.
James was born Oct. 1, 1943, in Decatur to Floyd D. and Margaret Elizabeth
(Caraway) Meador. He married Evelyn Darlene Hardee Jan. 5, 1962, in Decatur.
James worked for Cocanougher Feed Mill Co. for 13 years. He then went to Roche
Vitamins and Fine Chemicals in Fort Worth as supervisor and retired after 29
years of service.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Evelyn Meador; daughter Cathy Meador
Brown and husband, Jonathan (Bubba), of Alvord; sons Ricky Meador and wife,
Debra, of Alvord, Jeff Meador and wife, Stormie, of Decatur and Tony Meador and
wife, Brandi, of Hewitt; granddaughters Britney Meador Hurmence and husband,
Anthony, of Aubrey, Taylor Meador of Alvord, Maci Meador of Hewitt and Scotlan
Meador of Decatur; grandsons Jeremy Meador and wife, Jessica, and Justin Meador
and wife, Naudia, all of Alvord, Chance Meador of Hewitt and Braiden Meador and
Alec Meador, both of Decatur.
He is also survived by great-granddaughters Jaidyn and Tensley Meador, both of
Alvord; step-granddaughters Shawnda Brown Harrell of Whitesboro and Andi and
Molly Brown of Celina; step-grandson Blake Crawford of Tennessee; brothers Wiley
Meador and wife, Suzette, Donald Meador and wife, Barbara, and Roy Meador and
wife, Linda, all of Decatur; sisters Dorothy Lambert of Boyd and Joyce Rich and
husband, Curtis, of Paradise; father-in-law Ed Hardee of Decatur; brother-in-law
Steve Holland of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents; son Randy Meador of Denton; and
sisters Vera Moore, Bobbie Stone and Bonnie Holland, all of Decatur.
Memorials may be made to Wise Regional Dialysis Center, 2150 South FM 51,
Decatur, TX 76234.
Megason, Helen Joyce | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 16, 2013
Helen Joyce Megason, 87, a loving mother, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, at Alexander’s
Midway Funeral Home in Springtown.
“Mimi” was born April 20, 1926. She was preceded in death by her parents;
husband of 57 years, George A. Megason in 2002; grandson Jason Lynn Megason and
one sister, Bobbie Dillard.
Survivors include her son, George Lynn Megason and wife, Debbie; daughter Pamela
Scoggins; son Sam Megason and fiance Kelly; two grandchildren; four
great-granchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two nieces and two nephews;
and extended family and friends.
Meyer, Bill | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Bill Meyer
Bill Meyer, 76, of Archer City died Friday, March 1, 2013, in Hospice of Wichita
Falls.
Funeral was March 3 at the First Baptist Church of Archer City with Pastor Roger
Deerinwater officiating. Burial was in the Archer City Cemetery under the
direction of Aulds Funeral Home.
Bill was born Oct. 23, 1936, in Forestburg to Theodore Roy Meyer and Anna
Rebecca Barclay Meyer.
He married Bobbie Nivens May 19, 1956, in Forestburg. They moved to Archer City
in March of 1957 where he lived for the rest of his life.
Bill was a mechanic for Burns, Perry Pittman Ford, and Murphy Chevrolet before
opening B&B Garage with Buck Chamberlain. He later owned and operated his
own business until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Bobbie, of Archer City; sons Robert Meyer of Wichita
Falls and Doyle Meyer and partner, George Feazel, of West Monroe, La.; daughters
Beverly Southard and husband, Chester, of Archer City, Brenda Goforth and fianc
, Charlie McMurtry, of Archer City, and Rhonda Russell and husband, Arthur, of
Lexington, S.C.; sister Wilma Richardson of Forestburg; grandchildren Kari
Goforth of Wichita Falls, Erica Goforth of Frisco, Christopher, Khristal, Ashley
and Cameron Southard of Archer City, LeShe’ Russell Mansor and husband, Jack,
of Charleston, S.C., and Austin Russell of Lexington, S.C.; and great-grandson
Brayson Southard of Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Geneva, and his twin sister, Betty; his
brother, Roy; and his son-in-law, Vincent Goforth.
Roy Allen, Mark Hilbers, Burk Morris, Sam Nivens, Jack Whitsitt and Ronnie
Williams served as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Archer County Library, P.O. Box 957, Archer City,
TX 76351 or to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX
76310.
Miller, Donna | 1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 16, 2013
Donna Miller, 49, of Colorado City, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at her
residence.
Memorial service was Nov. 13 at the First Christian Church in Colorado City with
the Rev. Monte Wike officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of
Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Donna was born June 21, 1964, in Cheboygan, Mich., to Kenneth and Merle Cox
Schellenberg. She married William Miller Jan. 26, 1988, in Fort Worth, and they
lived in Bridgeport before moving to Colorado City. She was a homemaker and a
member of the First Christian Church.
She is survived by her husband, William Miller; son Warren Miller; daughter
Kimberly Miller; grandson Benjamin Miller; father and mother-in-law, Warren and
Linda Miller, all of Colorado City; brothers Scott Schellenberg of Florida and
Davis Schellenberg of Fort Worth; twin sister Karen Prisoner of Michigan, and
sisters Susan Payne of Michigan and Jannet Wetoskey of Tennessee.
Miller, Esther Lee | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 2, 2013
Esther Lee Miller
Esther Lee Miller, 82, a bank manager, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Crossroads Church in Decatur with
Darren Embree officiating.
Esther was born June 9, 1931, in Elliott, Miss., to Amos Bertram and Annie
Marietta (Ayers) Brown. She married Walter Charles Miller April 5, 1952, in Fort
Campbell, Ky., and they were married 56 years at his death Jan. 7, 2010.
Esther loved all sports and was inducted in the Hall of Fame for Bowling in
1995. She also loved crafts of any kind and loved being with family and friends.
Esther was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Melody Richardson and husband, Gary, of
Decatur; sons Carman Miller and wife, Marley, of Brooksville, Fla., and Bill
Miller and wife, Beckie, of Grand Forks, N.D.; 12 grandchildren; 19
great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Ann Nations of El Paso and Carol Bishop of
Vicksburg, Miss.; and brothers Mickey Brown of Hazelhurst, Miss., Orlander Brown
of Jacksonville, Fla., and Warner Brown of Pascagula, Miss.
Minyard, Shelley Lynne |
1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Shelley Lynne Minyard
Shelley Lynne Minyard, 49, of Mineral Wells, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at
home.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Ford McElroy officiating. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery. Visitation
is 1 to 2 p.m. before the funeral.
Shelley was born April 11, 1964, at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth to
Carolyn Sue (Robinson) and Lealon (Scooter) Martin Graham Sr. She loved her
children and precious granddaughter, baking lots of goodies, and playing with
her dog, Pickachu.
She is survived by her son, Brandon Minyard of Bremerton, Wash.; daughters
Courtney Roth of Charleston, S.C., and Jackie Minyard of Saginaw; mother Carolyn
Thompson of Mineral Wells; father Lealon Graham Sr. of Hockley; sisters Debbie
Youngblood and Kathie Brewer of Mineral Wells; brothers Lealon Graham Jr. of
Mineral Wells and Greg Graham of Weatherford; stepsister Kaye O’Donnell of
Fort Worth; and stepbrother Mark Thompson of Washington State; granddaughter
Kristin Roth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mitchell, Jason Timothy Allen |
1992-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Jason Timothy Allen Mitchell
Funeral for Jason Timothy Allen Mitchell, 21, of Bridgeport was April 5 at First
United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, under the direction of the Rev. David
Rucker and the Rev. Johnny Irish.
Jason died Monday April 1, outside Bremond, near College Station.
He was born Jan. 29, 1992, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Darren and Sheri (Griswold)
Mitchell. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
After high school, Jason joined the military where he served with D Company
1-143IN in Afghanistan. It was there that he earned an Afghanistan campaign
medal with campaign star. He was a member of HNC 3-1444thIN Scout Platoon and
the Army National Guard. His hobbies included basketball and shooting guns.
Jason is survived by his parents, Billy and Sheri Webb of Bridgeport; brother
Mac Whitcomb of Pennsylvania; sisters Jordan Griswold of St. Joseph and Billie
Webb of Bridgeport; grandparents Pam Webb Nelda Webb of Bridgeport, and Richard
Griswold and Vickie Griswold, of St. Joseph; niece Chloe Allen; godson Abel
Whitcomb; aunts and uncles Shannon Webb, Tony and Angie Griswold, Richard and
Marsha Griswold of St. Joseph, Shawn and Stacey Webb of Springtown, Hayley and
Derrick Smith of San Antonio; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Billy Webb of Bridgeport.
Money, Donald ‘Chief’ |
1982-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Donald ‘Chief’ Money
Donald “Chief” Money, 31, a farmer, died Thursday, May 30, 2013, in
Bridgeport after a long battle with chronic kidney disease.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Pleasant View Baptist Church with
burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home
in Bridgeport.
The Rev. Gary Dimmitt will officiate. Pallbearers include Allan Green, Derrick
Bailey, Jason Shawn, Ryan Murphy, Chan Horne, Colby Shawn, Shawn Mann and Scott
Mann.
Donald was born March 26, 1982, to James and Judy (Montford) Money in
Bridgeport. He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church, Kidney
Foundation, Bridgeport FFA and Bridgeport 4-H.
Donald had a love for agriculture and was well-versed in livestock and plants,
especially cattle. He loved his cows and dogs and would share his trials with
them as he battled chronic kidney disease throughout his life.
He faced chronic pain and fatigue every day but always had a smile that could
light up a room. He never felt sorry for himself and always tried to help others
with a word of encouragement through Facebook, emails or a phone call. Once
Donald became someone’s friend, he was there to the end. He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his aunt, Donna Sue Bird, and grandmother Mary Lou
Money.
Survivors include his parents, James and Judy Money of Bridgeport; sister Jodi
Money of Bridgeport; grandparents Donald and Verda Montford of Bridgeport;
grandfather Kenneth Money of Monahans; aunts and uncles extended, David and Beth
Montford, Carol Money, and Donny and Dawn Money; four-legged friends Ciara,
Brody and Izzi; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, The Kuntry Kidney Team
at www.kidney.org/support
or 800-622-9010.
Moody, Dene | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 13, 2013
Dene Moody, 78, of Newcastle, died in Tyler Tuesday, July 9, 2013.
Service is 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport. Wayne Trice will officiate, and burial will follow at Jim Ned
Cemetery in Runaway Bay.
Dene was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Alvord to E.A. and Eunice (Flannery) Cearley.
She was always on the go and loved to help everyone. In addition, she loved
gardening and quilting.
Dene leaves behind daughters Kay Wallis of Mabank and Sherrian Rhoades of Olney;
brother Bobby Cearley of Azle; sisters Nell Brown of Sunset, Janey Saulter of
Boyd and Billie Horton of Springtown; six grandchildren;and numerous
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by sons Harold Mannin and James Mannin.
Moody-Rasco, Melody Delyn |
1968-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Melody Delyn Moody-Rasco
Services for Melody Delyn Moody-Rasco, 44, of Springtown were held Jan. 14 at
the First Baptist Church of Cottondale.
Melody was born Nov. 13, 1968 to Ray Gene “Buddy” Moody, Sr., and Lois
(Permenter) in Irving. She died Jan. 10, 2013 in Decatur.
She graduated from Haltom Senior High School and obtained two associate degrees
from Weatherford College. While attending classes, she co-founded a club that
raised money to help the disabled. During this time she also had one of her many
poems Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' and was listed in “Who’s
Who.”
She was a member of, and enjoyed fellowship with, the First Baptist Church of
Cottondale. She spent her life dedicated to God. She loved arts and crafts,
including wood crafts, and collecting porcelain dolls.
Pastors Charles Pugh of First Baptist Church of Cottondale, and Terry Terry of
Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd officiated the service. Burial was at
Cottondale Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gary Forsythe, Daniel Meeks, Sr., Chad
Blair, Anthony Hicks, Bruce Rasco, and Billy Thompson.
Melody is survived by her husband, Mark Rasco of Springtown; parents Buddy and
Lois Moody of Decatur; sister Annette Forsythe and husband Gary of Dickinson,
and sister Terri Meeks and husband Dan of Paradise; brother Ray “Corky”
Moody and wife Lisa of Paradise; mother-in-law Alice Rasco of Springtown; and
many loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
She was preceded in death by grandparents Bill and Maudie Moody, and Lesley and
Emma Permenter; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Morris, Patricia Lynnett Jennings
| 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Graveside service for Patricia Lynnett Jennings Morris, 74, is 9 a.m. Thursday,
Aug. 15, at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, Calif.
Morris died Tuesday, Aug. 6, at her home in Turlock, Calif. She was born March
8, 1939, in Bridgeport.
Patty is survived by son Patrick Morris of Turlock; daughters Marci Gilkison of
Turlock and Andrea Martin of Pleasanton, Calif.; grandchildren Kelsee and Kayla
Gilkison of Turlock and Ashlie Martin of Pleasanton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Houston Lowell Morris; her parents,
Addie Lynnett Marshall and Alvin Thomas (Pat) Jennings; and a brother, John
Lowery Smith.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Morrow, Amy Lynne | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Amy Lynne Morrow
Funeral for Amy Lynne Morrow, 55, of Rhome is 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, at Lucas
Funeral Home in Justin. Family visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the
funeral home.
Morrow died Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Denton.
Born April 19, 1958, in Havre, Mont., to Eugene and Emma Pengilly, she worked as
a surgical nurse at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton.
She was preceded in death by her father and her son, Josh Christiansen.
She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Dusty Morrow; sons Joel
Christiansen, David Wolven and fianc e, Amber, and Daniel Morrow; daughter
Chrystal Wolven; grandson Caleb Wolven; her mother; brother Ed Pengilly and
wife, Erica; sister Naomi Streifel and husband, Calvin; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Morrow, Timothy Allen | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Timothy Allen “Tim” Morrow
Timothy Allen “Tim” Morrow, 52, a press operator, died Wednesday, Sept. 25,
2013, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Pastor John Redfearn officiating. Visitation is 1 p.m. Wednesday
at the funeral home.
Tim was born July 31, 1961, in Lansing, Mich., to Cecil and Marjorie (Robinson)
Morrow. He married Shelena Kay Osborne April 20, 1990, in Caribou, Maine. Tim
was a press operator for the Fort Worth Bureau of Engraving & Printing and
proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of
the Community Church of Decatur.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Shelena Morrow of Bridgeport; sons
Ethan, Christian and Terrance Morrow of Bridgeport; brother Brad Morrow and
wife, Vanessa, of Mason, Mich.; father- and mother-in-law, Gary and Melissa
Osborne of Runaway Bay; grandmother-in-law Mamaw Fleming of Lake Bridgeport;
brother-in-law Nathan Osborne and wife, Chrissie, of Casa Grande, Ariz.;
sisters-in-law Angela McNally and husband, Chris, of Beaufort, N.C. and Danyell
Miller of Fort Worth; two special friends, Kevin Moore and J.J. Frojd; other
family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Community Church of Decatur, 2840 U.S. 380,
Decatur, TX 76234.
Mosier, Emma Ree | 1916-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Emma Ree Mosier
Emma Ree Mosier, 97, formerly of Alvord, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, in Bedford.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Alvord Cemetery with Gerald
Ball officiating.
Emma Ree was born March 20, 1916, to Allen and Allice (Billington) Pinkerton.
She married Elbert Mosier March 1, 1931, in Decatur, and they were married 50
years at his death in 1981. Emma Ree and Elbert were owners of Mosier’s
Grocery in Alvord from 1938 to 1958.
Survivors include her son, Weldon Mosier and wife, Evelyn, of Euless; daughter
Erma Faye Holmes and husband, Billy, of Garland; and numerous grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, siblings and other family
members.
Mosley, Alma Lee | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
Alma Lee Mosley, 91, a homemaker, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Ms. Mosley was born Aug. 9, 1921, in Alvord to George Andrew and Edna Florence
(Wiley) Thomas. She married James Ralph Mosley Jan. 2, 1941, in Decatur. She was
a member of Grace Baptist Church.
She is survived by Harold Mosley and wife, Wildadean, of Decatur; Ray Mosley and
wife, Rita, of Decatur; David Mosley and wife, Cheryl, of Decatur; niece
Charlotte Horner and husband, Mike, of Decatur; nephew Mike Brown and wife,
Jerry, of Decatur, and a host of friends.
Motley, Stella | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 16, 2013
Stella Motley
Stella Motley, 87, a retired secretary, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Decatur.
A memorial service is 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, at the Church of Christ, 379
Cemetery Rd., in Boyd.
Stella was born in 1925 in Bend to William and Mable (Horton) Byrd. She was
married to Ervie Motley until his death in September 1994. Stella was also
preceded in death by her sisters, Mavis, Eva Nell and Louise.
She is survived by her children, Jerry Motley, Sharon Eaves and Carolyn Smith;
grandchildren Ayla Eaves, Kristin Motley, Levi Smith and Matthew Motley; brother
Bucky Byrd; other family members and a host of friends.
Muns, Luke Richard | 1989-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 2, 2013
Luke Richard Muns
Luke Richard Muns, 24, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013.
Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Barbara Orthodox Church in Fort Worth.
Interment will be 11 a.m. Monday in Garden of Memories Cemetery in El Campo. The
family received friends Friday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel in Fort
Worth, with Panikhida at 7 p.m.
Luke was born in Fort Worth to William and Lucie Muns on July 25, 1989. He was a
member of the United States Marine Corps from 2008-2013. During this time he
received several awards including Navy Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Sea
Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve
Medal with M device, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal,
Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and Commander’s Letter of
Appreciation.
He also worked as a fleet manager for Mukoque Construction LDA in Mozambique,
Africa.
Luke was a loving father, son, brother and friend, and will be greatly missed by
all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Arlene and Everett
Dutton; and maternal grandmother, Nina Boldyreff Gogin.
Survivors include his paternal grandparents, Nelda and Bill Muns of El Campo;
father Randy Muns of Chico; mother Lucie Muns of Chico; son Jackson Muns of
Ovilla; significant other, Molly Barton of Ovilla; brothers Matthew Muns of
Southlake and John Muns of Chico; sisters Anne Muns Hartfield of Grand Prairie
and Amanda Muns of Dallas; nieces Genevieve Hartfiled and Elizabeth Muns;
nephews Julian Hartfield and Theodore Muns; and many other family members and
friends.
Murphy, Flo | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 13, 2013
Flo Murphy
Flo Murphy, 90, a retired nurse’s aide, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in
Newark.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, at Boyd Cemetery with the Rev.
Jerri Lynn officiating. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Christian-Hawkins
Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers are John Jackson, Duane Bailey, Jerry Hall and Ryan Harrison.
Flo was born Aug. 12, 1922, in Centerville, Penn., to Earnest and Rosa
(Bellhoulse) Price.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Bobby Dale Phillips and
her stepdaughter, Kathy Castleman.
Survivors include her daughter, Bonnie Bailey and husband, Duane, of Fort Worth;
sons Andy Krebs and Raymund Robert, both vof New York; stepsons Alvie Phillips
of Rowlett and Tommy Phillips of Houston; stepdaughters Nancy Cone of Georgia
and Edna Van Vleet of East Texas; granddaughter Kelly Jackson and husband, John;
grandson David Lummus; great-grandchildren Ashley and Jeremy; special friend
Geno Chadwick; other family members and a host of friends.
Nabors, Randy Carroll | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 24, 2013
A memorial service for Randy Carroll Nabors, 69, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Sunday,
Aug. 25, 2013, at the Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Randy died Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, in Bridgeport.
He was born Dec. 31, 1943, in Bridgeport to R.J. and Lois Juanita (Knox) Nabors.
He was a retired owner of T&R Trucking in Bridgeport.
He also served his country in the U.S. Army as part of the 1st Infantry – the
“Big Red One” – during the Vietnam War. In the summer of 1965, the Big Red
One was the first division called to fight in Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Nabors; sons Bryan Nabors, Randall Berry and
stepson Tommy Hartsell; daughter LaLisa Chaney and husband, Robbie; sister
Sandra Whitt; grandchildren Jonathan Nabors, Eric and Josh Hartsell, Chris Webb,
Stephanie Wahl and Dustin Berry; great-granddaughter Corsi Nabors; and numerous
extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert Nabors and grandmother
‘Granny’ Nabors.
Nantz, Leon | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 30, 2013
Leon Nantz
Funeral services for Leon Nantz, 66, of Mt. Vernon will be held 2 p.m. Monday,
April 1 at the Harvey Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Bryan Tema
officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Leon was born on Aug. 31, 1946 in Jacksboro, the son of Elihew and Lola May Fain
Nantz. He married Jewel Marie Butler in Oklahoma on April 17, 1963 and she
preceded him in death on May 9, 2011.
He served in the U.S. Army and worked in trucking and ranching industry.
He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Sherry and Craig Johnson of
Quitman, and Kim and Bodie Read of Aubrey; four granddaughters: Paige Stout and
husband, Taylor; Maci Read, Neiman Johnson, and Cloye Johnson; and a sister, Sue
Fussell of Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, E.J. Nantz, and two
sisters, Lavera Baudat and Betty Pearson.
The family requests donations be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University
Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.
Neighbors, Carolyn Joy |
1949-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Carolyn Joy Neighbors
Carolyn Joy Neighbors, 64, a banker, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Dallas.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor
Gerald Peterman officiating.
Pallbearers are Zack Gosler, Jim Remmele, Mark Moody, Steve Schkade, Jarrett
Blessing, Derek Boyd and Bennie Schkade. Honorary pallbearers are Merlin
Remmele, Marvin Schkade, Jack Moody and Sammie Erwin.
Carolyn was born April 1, 1949, in Bridgeport to Elbert and Alice (Schkade)
Remmele. She married William Anthony Neighbors Sept. 7, 1969, in Decatur.
Carolyn was very active in the community, especially with the Wise County
Veterans Memorial Park and Relay For Life. She was a member of the Trinity
Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W.A. “Tony” Neighbors and her son,
Jonnathan Neighbors.
Survivors include her daughter, Cynnara Bivin and husband, Jay, of Keller;
grandchildren Remelee, Jayden and Jonnathan Dallas Bivin, all of Keller; mother
Alice Remmele of Paradise; sisters Glenda Blessing of Paradise and Sharon Boyd
of Paradise; and other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to Wise County Veterans Memorial Park, Attn: WC Veterans
Group, P.O. Box 574, Decatur, TX 76234.
Nelms, Ella Joe Cone | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 16, 2013
Ella Joe Cone Nelms
Ella Joe Cone Nelms, 86, a retired bookkeeper, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in
Bridgeport.
Graveside service is noon Saturday, Feb. 16, at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco.
Pastor Zach Tunnell will officiate.
Joe was born Jan. 27, 1927, in Cisco to Robert and Ora (Tipton) Nelms. She
married Lillard Jordon Nelms March 15, 1946, in Cisco. Joe was a bookkeeper at
First National Bank of Bridgeport before retiring. She was a member of the First
Baptist Church in Bridgeport and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Joe was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Dimple Cotton and Dot Rosser;
and her brother, Robert Cone.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, L.J. Nelms of Bridgeport; sons
Robert Nelms and wife, Shirley, of Carrollton, Steven Nelms and wife, Elizabeth,
of Carrollton, Phillip Nelms and wife, Jana, of Katy, and Joe Wayne and wife,
Paige, of Decatur; grandchildren Amanda, Jenni, Natalie, Lauren, Josh, Kendall,
Kainen, Leslie, Devin and Kristin; 10 great-grandchildren; sister Emma Morris of
Cisco; other family members; and a host of friends.
Nelson, Marion | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013
Marion Nelson
Marion Nelson, 87, died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013.
Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, in The Drawing Room of Thompson’s
Harveson and Cole Funeral Home in Fort Worth. Burial will follow at Laurel Land
Cemetery.
Marion was born May 15, 1926, in Kaufman County to Marion M. Sr. and Edna Opal
Pyle Nelson. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World
War II. Following his military service, he came to Fort Worth to work for
General Dynamics. In 1947, he met the beautiful Maxine Gee who was the ticket
lady at the Isis Theatre on the north side. After attending many shows, he
finally asked her if he could drive her home. He was so glad she accepted, and
they married Dec. 18, 1948.
Marion retired after 45 years with what is now Lockheed as manager of the flight
line final assembly. Most notably, he managed the final production of the F-16,
working 12-hour days, seven days a week for many years.
The Nelsons were longtime members of Carter Park United Methodist Church, and he
was also a Mason. Marion lost Maxine on July 5, 2000, after caring for her for
years as she battled cancer. He then moved to Parkhurst Farm, owned by his
daughter, Theresa, and her husband, John. He spent the rest of his years very
happily building a home and their barn, tending horses, scooping poop, throwing
hay and mending fences.
He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Burdett and husband, John, of Boyd;
grandsons Evan Scott and Aaron Burdett; brother Dale Nelson; extended family
members; and his beloved dog, King, and favorite horse, Pops.
Memorials may be made to the Doberman Rescue of North Texas, 2021 Rock Creek
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 76050.
Ness, Roger | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Roger Ness, 51, formerly of Decatur, died Monday, March 24, 2013.
His request was to be cremated and his ashes spread over his grandfather’s
grave in Arizona.
Born Nov. 7, 1961, in Phoenix, Ariz., he graduated from Decatur High School in
1980. He will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, horsemanship, love of
football and his smile.
Roger is survived by his son, Connor Ness of Dallas; daughters Kendra Ness
Carnley and husband, Alan, of Dothan, Ala., and Keely Ness of Decatur; father
Buford Ness and wife, Lana, of Branson, Mo.; mother Cleo Ness of Surprise,
Ariz.; brother Scott Ness of Decatur; niece Jacee; and nephews Blake, Jonathon
and Kyle Ness.
Nichols, Richard ‘Bill’ |
1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013
Richard (Bill) Nichols
Richard (Bill) Nichols, 81, of Slidell, La., died Thursday, Oct. 17, in Slidell.
Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport. A private burial will follow.
Bill was born May 21, 1932, in Texas to E.E. and Lottie Manilla Nichols. He was
one of 11 children, which included four brothers: Jack, Bert, John and Doug; and
six sisters: Eddie, Freddie, Winda, Wanda, Katherine and Melba.
Bill grew up on farms in East and West Texas. After graduating high school, he
spent four years serving his country in the United States Coast Guard and more
than 30 years hauling aggregate from the Bridgeport area throughout North Texas.
In 2000, he parked his truck for good and enjoyed his retirement.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons Jay Strawn and wife, Kristen, of San
Antonio and Blaine Strawn and wife, Mimi, of Carriere, Miss.; brothers Doug and
wife, Lulabell, of Josephine and John Nichols; sisters Winda Bounds and husband,
George, of Mexia, Katherine and husband, Huey, of East Texas, and Wanda Beaver
of Georgetown; grandchildren Ally, Kenny Wade and Savannah; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Nobles, Robert W. ‘Bob’ |
1932-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Robert W. ‘Bob’ Nobles
Robert W. “Bob” Nobles, 80, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Dan Bellar officiating. Burial is in Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation
is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Matt Badger, Wesley Badger, Curtis Badger, Nick Stupka,
Patrick Nobles, Rowdy Lisby and Gary Caraway.
Bob was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Decatur to Arthur Ray “Sage” and Annie
(Rhine) Nobles. He was united in marriage to Sandra K. Montgomery July 20, 1972,
in Marietta, Okla. Bob retired from the Texas Highway Department after 32 years
of service. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra Nobles; three daughters,
Michele Fennell and husband, Bill, Dede Badger and husband, Kyle, and Teri
Houchin and husband, Tom; son Charles Mark Montgomery and wife, Catherine, all
of Decatur; brother, Billy Ray Nobles and wife, Billie Faye, of Henrietta; 11
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Norris, Sylvia Ann | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 13, 2013
Sylvia Ann Norris
Sylvia Ann Norris, 70, a self-employed rancher, died Saturday, April 6, 2013, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with
Doug Riggs officiating.
Sylvia was born April 21, 1942, in Dallas to L. Clyde and Mildred (West)
Williams. She married Edwin Earl Norris Aug. 8, 1988, in Grapevine. Sylvia was
preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her brother, Phillip
Williams.
She is survived by her daughter, Angelique Smith and husband, Stephen, of
Burleson; son Loren Gray of Mesquite; and grandchildren Connor and Cassidy Smith
of Burleson.
North, Pat | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Pat North
Pat North, 76, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Decatur.
A graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Boyd Cemetery with Dr. Tad
Billmire officiating. Pallbearers are Paul Perkins, Kevin Darrah, Steve White,
Cliff Greer, Larry Avant, Allen Bingham, Brent Wilson, Toney Meador, Jerrod
Niblett, Jackie Don Miller, Webb Bryan and Michael White.
Pat was born July 1, 1936, in East Gulf, W. Va. She married Donald North June
18, 1962, in Pearisburg, Va. She retired from GTE as a telephone operator after
17 years of service and from Wal-Mart after 10 years of service.
Pat is survived by her husband, Don North; daughter Donna Miller; sons Clifton
and Kent North, both of Decatur; grandchildren Sandra Mitchum, Michael DoByns
and wife, Ashly, Misty Bradish, Tiffany Dunlap and husband, Matt, Summer Miller,
Greyson North, Christopher Hughes, Stetson North, Spencer North and Colin,
Chance and Austin Wyatt; great-grandchildren Talon, Caysen, Colton and Teagan
Hill, Dillon and Collin DoByns, and Brilee and Luke Dunlap.
Pat was preceded in death by her two daughters, Lois North and Tammi Bradish;
and granddaughter Pam Bradish.
Northcutt, Betty Mae Huddleston |
1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 29, 2013
Betty Mae Huddleston Northcutt
Betty Mae Huddleston Northcutt, 85, died Wednesday, June 26, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in
Sunset, under the direction of White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Betty was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Sardis, Okla., to Ben and Gladys (Ayers)
Huddleston. She and Weldon Leroy Northcutt were married Sept. 6, 1947, in Bowie.
Betty was a homemaker and a member of the First Assembly of God Church in
Sunset.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Gladys Huddleston; husband
Weldon Northcutt; brother Dennis Huddleston; and sisters Audy Lewis and Ida
Venable.
Betty is survived by her sons, Ron Northcutt and wife, Pam, of Keller and Bruce
Northcutt and wife, Gail, of Sunset; four grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren;
brothers Don, Dale and Doug Huddleston; and sister Lois Haynes, all of Oklahoma.
Nunez, Blanca Irma | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Blanca Irma Nunez
Blanca Irma Nunez, 75, of Decatur, died Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Decatur.
Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church with Father Sojan George officiating. Burial
will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Coker-Hawkins
Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Francisco Amador, Jason Vickers, Phillip Flusche, Umberto A.
Leal, John Price and Severo Valdez.
Blanca was born April 4, 1938, in Monterrey, Mexico, to Matias and Rosa
(Martinez) Gonzalez. She married Mateo Nunez on May 25, 1958, and they were
married 54 years at his death on Aug. 4, 2012.
Blanca retired from Poco Graphite after 20 years of service. She had been a
member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic church since 1958.
She is survived by daughters, Leticia Nunez Piazza and husband, Leonard, of
Southlake, Grace Nivens and husband, Ben, of Grapevine, and Elsa Nunez of
Grapevine; grandchildren Brock Matthew Nivens and Jaqueline Piazza; four
sisters; one brother; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
O'Dell, Buddy Wayne | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Buddy Wayne O’Dell, 57, of Bridgeport died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Thomas Cemetery in
Bridgeport with the Rev. Phillip A. Weitner officiating.
Buddy was born Aug. 14, 1956, in Bridgeport to Betty Jo (George) and Billy Ray
O’Dell Sr. He graduated from Bridgeport High School.
He is survived by his daughter, Morgan Elaine Hamilton of Seattle; aunts Margie
Wilson and husband, Tom, of Boyd, Ruth Fellers and husband, James, of Decatur,
Faye Guthrie of Sun City West, Ariz., and Virginia Laird of Glendale, Ariz.;
uncle Bobby O’Dell and wife, Linda, of Bridgeport; niece Carlie Woodard of
Bridgeport; and nephew Casey O’Dell of Gene Autry, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia O’Dell; his parents; brother
Billy Ray O’Dell Jr.; and nephew Jess Lee O’Dell.
O'Dell, Karla Dean | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Karla Dean O’Dell
Karla Dean O’Dell, 66, a homemaker, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013, in Dallas.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at East Bridgeport Cemetery with
the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating.
Mike Richardson, Don Reynolds, Pam Hay, Shelly Pearcy and Bill Hallum will serve
as pallbearers.
Karla was born March 31, 1947, in Plainview to L.D. and Ruby (Bevins) Greene.
She married Charles O’Dell Oct. 10, 1962, in Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lela Jo Hallum and Shirley Ann
Reynolds; aunt Peggy Jo Greene; and uncle Herbert Carlton.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Charles O’Dell of Bridgeport; son
Charles Eric O’Dell of Bridgeport; brother Jimmy Dale Greene of Tawakoni;
numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny
Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-822-6344.
Osborn, Randal Keith | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 20, 2013
Randal Keith Osborn
Randal Keith Osborn, 61, of Decatur died Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
Graveside service was April 19 in Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.
Randal was born Jan. 27, 1952, in Evansville, Ind. He was preceeded in death by
his wife, Mary Ruth Osborn; and mother Betty Osborn.
Survivors include his daughter, Rebekah Potter and husband, Richard, and their
three children; son Ryan Osborn; father Merlin Keith Osborn and wife, Barbara;
sister Lori Shewbirt; brother David Osborn; and two nieces.
He was dearly loved by all his family and friends.
Palmer, Clayton Jayden | 2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Clayton Jayden Palmer
Clayton Jayden Palmer, an infant, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Dec. 7 at U-Turn World Ministries in Chico, and burial is Saturday,
Dec. 14, at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay. The Rev. Kevin Alexander
officiated, and Ponch Ford, Lance Ford, Mat McDaniel, Dillion Underwood and
James Stubblefield served as pallbearers.
Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport handled arrangements.
Clayton was born Dec. 3, 2013, to Hunter and Emily (Ford) Palmer in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his parents, Emily and Hunter Palmer of Runaway Bay; sisters
Cheyenne and Chloe Palmer of Runaway Bay; grandparents Richard and Teresa Ford
of Runaway Bay, Diana Theilan of Runaway Bay and Phillip Palmer of Boyd; aunts
Clover Alexander of Bridgeport and Christal Whailing of Oklahoma; uncles Lance
Ford of Oklahoma and Ponch Ford of Oklahoma; and other family members and
friends.
Parker, James Floyd | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 24, 2013
James Floyd Parker
James Floyd Parker, 72, died Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 23 at the First Baptist Church in Alvord with Bill Cleveland
officiating. Burial was at Alvord Cemetery under the direction of the White
Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
James was born March 26, 1941, to Floyd and Helen (Putman) Parker in Potosi. He
graduated from Monahans High School in 1959 and served his country in the United
States Navy during the Vietnam War.
James managed Texas Lease Works in Monahans for several years and later was a
truck driver for numerous companies. He was an avid horseman and enjoyed raising
Quarter and Paint horses for racing and showing.
James was also a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Alvord. He is
remembered with love and appreciation for his devoted years of life as a
husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Helen Parker; sisters Shirley
Simpson and Nell Berry; and grandson Brogan Hamilton.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Parker of Alvord; children Guy Parker and
wife, Charity, of Commerce, Ga., Latonne Batchelor and husband, Kenny, of Bosier
City, La., Laura Davila and husband, Robert, of Alvord, and Randy Hamilton and
wife, Kaysi, of Alvord; grandchildren Austin Parker, Seth Parker and Noah Parker
of Commerce, Ga., Naudia Meador and husband, Justin, Scotty Batchelor, Harley
Davila, Riley Davila, Tawni Hamilton, Blaine, Bailey and Cutter Hamilton, all of
Alvord; great-granddaughter Tensley Meador; brother Tom Parker and wife, Billie,
of Decatur; sister Nancy Crider and husband, Bobby, of Crane; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Parker, Tom | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tom Parker, 71, of Decatur died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial graveside service was Dec. 3 at Poe Prairie Cemetery in Parker County,
near Millsap. Michael Hinson officiated.
Tom was born June 24, 1942, in Abilene to Floyd Elbert and Helen Maurine
(Putman) Parker. He married Billie Thatcher Feb. 13, 1993, in Montague, and he
was a truck driver for AAA Cooper Transport for 22 years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Billie Thatcher Parker; sons Jeffery Thatcher and
Jason Thatcher and wife, Buffie, all of Decatur; grandchildren Kirby Proffitt
and wife, Gayanna, of Benbrook, Randi Leyea and husband, Victor, of Fort Worth,
Kelsey Proffitt of Ireland, Jadn Thatcher of Decatur, Anna Thatcher of Richmond,
Savannah Thatcher of Antlers, Okla., Elizabeth Kelley of Bonham and Colten and
Savannah Whitten of Decatur; great-granddaughters Ashten and Katlen Proffitt of
Benbrook; sister Nancy Crider and husband, Bobby, of Crane; sister-in-law
Phyllis Parker of Alvord; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Jami Proffitt; sisters Shirley
Simpson and Nell Berry; and brother James Parker.
Parkman, James William |
1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 13, 2013
James William Parkman
Funeral for James William Parkman, 88, of Emory, is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13,
2013, at Lake Fork Baptist Church in Emory.
Burial will follow at Elm Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral
Home.
Mr. Parkman died Thursday, April 11, 2013 in Sulphur Springs at Hopkins County
Memorial Hospital.
He was born July 8, 1924, in Floydada to Hubert Henry and Viola Victoria
Luttrell Parkman.
J.W. and Eva Cate were married Aug. 29, 1947, in Grapevine. He retired from Lone
Star Gas Co. in Dallas where he worked as a service supervisor.
He is survived by his wife, Eva Parkman of Emory; son James Parkman of Van
Alsytne; daughters Linda Adams and husband, Ron, of Coppell, Vicki Lannom and
husband, Billy, of Chico, and Betty Martin of Seagoville; grandchildren Wayne
Parkman, Dusty Parkman, Austin Adams, Andrew Adams, Aspen Adams, Neil Sears,
Chasity Martin and Justin Martin; great-grandchildren Sheldon, Shelby, Ty,
Ainsley, Landon and two more due in October; and numerous other loving family
and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and son-in-law Jimmy
Martin.
Paul, Joe | 1937-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013
Joe Paul
Joe Paul, 75, a retired technician for LTV, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 in
Decatur.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd,
with a private burial in Oak Grove Memorial Park in Irving. Rev. Andy Gentry
will officiate.
Joe was born May 14, 1937 to Joseph and Josephine (Whitmarsh) Paul in Mathis. He
was a proud veteran of the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty; and his son, David
Gray.
He is survived by daughters Pamela Crist and husband, Daniel of Saginaw, Barbara
Jo and husband, Alan of Kenly, N.C., Debra Cunningham and husband, Gene of
Wortham, and Anissa Satterfield of Springtown; nine grandchildren; seven
great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Cooper of Florida; other relatives and a
host of friends.
Pedersen, Maria Anna | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 19, 2013
Maria Anna Pedersen
Maria Anna Pedersen, 85, a retired jewelry salesperson, of Alvord died Tuesday,
Jan. 8, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints with Bishop Harrison officiating.
Ms. Pedersen was born July 3, 1927, in Bad-Kohlgrub, Germany, to Sebastian and
Antonie (Hafenmayer) Buchl. She married Alfred Pedersen Dec. 18, 1954, in
Munich, Germany. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints in Decatur.
She is survived by a daughter, Marianne Pedersen of Alvord; sons Lars and Arthur
Pedersen, both of Utah; granddaughters Adrienne Reed and Elizabeth Downs, both
of Alvord; five great-grandchildren; sisters Elizabeth Weber and Karola Dittman;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Pedersen was preceded in death by her husband, her brother and four sisters.
Peebles, Danny Eugene | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Danny Eugene Peebles
Danny Eugene Peebles, 69, of Springtown, died Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Fort
Worth, surrounded by those who love him.
Graveside service was May 31 at Hog Branch Cemetery in Boyd. Burial followed
under the direction of Alexander’s Midway Funeral Home.
Danny was born June 12, 1943, to Marvin and Bernice Brazeal Peebles. He was a
loving father, brother and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his children, Ursula Riddle and husband, James, Bubba Peebles
and wife, Amy, Andrea Loman and husband, David, and D.J. Peebles; siblings Jack,
Jeanne and H.B.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Pegues, Sally Hastings |
1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Monday, July 8, 2013
Sally Hastings Pegues, 83, died peacefully at her home Thursday, July 4, 2013.
A celebration of life is 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, in the G.C. Rann Auditorium
at the Wise County Heritage Museum. Refreshments will be provided.
Burial will be Saturday, July 20, at Dido Cemetery.
Sally was born Aug. 26, 1929, in West Reading, Pa., to Dr. Joseph E. Smadel and
Evelyn Wenrich Smadel. Evelyn later married H. Charles Hastings who became
Sally’s stepfather.
Sally graduated early from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, in 1946, and
studied art at Texas Woman’s University. Sally’s stepfather, Charles, was
Commanding Officer of Meacham Field during World War II.
Sally was active and involved throughout her life, with a particular interest in
history. She held the office of recording secretary for the Wise County
Historical Society for more than 30 years. She also held several offices in the
John B. Denton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, including
regent, and she was proud of her many ancestors who fought and supported the
revolution.
She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal church and was a member of the Altar
Guild. She loved books and was an avid reader. She also contributed broadly to
social, political and environmental issues.
Sally worked with her husband, Hugh, for more than 35 years at their ranch, Calm
Leas Farm, raising prize-winning Herefords. They were members of the Texas and
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and upon Hugh’s death, Sally
continued their award-winning operation as business manager with the help of her
family.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband; and a son, Alan.
Survivors include her son, Guy and wife, Irene, of Plano; daughter-in-law Linda
Gilbert of Austin; daughters Sara Gibson and husband, Mark, of Maryland, Cecily
Pegues and husband, John Sharpe, of Decatur, and Amy Walrath of Decatur;
grandchildren Starla, Andrew, Matthew and Amanda; plus a host of loving nieces,
nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to the John B. Denton Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution or to the Wise County Historical Society.
Peterson, Tish | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 12, 2013
Tish Peterson
Tish Peterson, 72, wife, mother and homemaker, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at
her home in Rhome.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Aurora Baptist Church with the
Rev. Jimmy Withers officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at
Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Tish was born April 8, 1941, in Fort Worth to Thomas and Gladys (McKinney)
Boyer. She was a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
Tish was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Thelma
Peterson.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Tom Peterson of Rhome; daughter Stacy
Boyer and husband, Eric, of Keller; son Doniell Peterson of North Richland
Hills; grandsons Zach, Axel, Drey and Blayne; granddaughter Hannah; sisters
Deanna Morris of Houston and Sherry Ann Wood of Bedford; brothers John Peterson
of Boyd and Joe Don Peterson of Fort Worth; and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Mission Funds at the Aurora Baptist Church or the
Bethesda Church in honor of Tish.
Peyton, Brian Sean | 1983-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Brian Sean Peyton
Brian Sean Peyton, 29, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in Denton of a rare brain
tumor.
Brian was born Sept. 15, 1983, to Matthew Peyton and Denise May-Locke. He
received his bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of North Texas
in August 2008.
At the time of diagnosis, he was studying to become a dentist. He loved Texas
Rangers baseball, beer and rock and roll.
He was to be married to Nicole Newland, his partner of eight years, on Sept. 14.
He is survived by many family members and friends, including his two brothers,
Brandon and Stuart Peyton.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Denton Funeral
Home. A reception will follow at Oak Street DraftHouse.
Memorials may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society at BrainTumor.org.
Phillips, Clarence ‘Danny’ |
1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Danny Phillips
Danny Phillips, 69, a beloved husband, dad, grandfather, friend and educator
died Sunday, July 21, 2013.
Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26 at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home in
Burleson.
Danny was born Oct. 18, 1943, in Decatur. He was a longtime teacher, coach and
principal.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann Barclay Phillips; daughters Rhonda
Phillips and Cheryl Phillips Bryant; son Sam Phillips; son-in-law Ken Valliant;
granddaughters Krisha Miller and husband David, Sierra Bryan and husband Chris;
grandson Kaleb Bryant; great-grandchildren Karly and Cooper Bryan; brother Jerry
Phillips; nieces Dana and Julie; great-niece Izzy; brother-in-law Michael
Barclay; sisters-in-law, Kay Barclay and Betty Jean Slovacek; numerous cousins,
nieces, nephews, good friends and great golf buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Dee Phillips and Merle
Phillips of Chico.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cleburne or to a
children’s charity of your choice.
Phillips, Rossilyn C. | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Rossilyn C. Phillips
Rossilyn C. “Rossie” Phillips, 73, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday,
Jan. 13 surrounded by love at her Bowie home.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bowie.
Rossie was born Dec. 21, 1939 to John Cecil and Alloise Migon (Kavanaugh)
Bellah. She was devoted to her God, Jehovah and in her worship as one of
Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rossie was never a stranger to anyone and when she met
someone new, they became an instant friend. She loved her family, and she was
there for her family when they needed her.
Rossie married Rayford Jerome Phillips Sept. 8, 1959 in Hazelhurst, Ga. and was
married 53 years at his death on Aug. 24, 2012. She was also preceded in death
by her parents and her sister, Norma Hoyt.
She is survived by her daughter, Leanna Ivey and husband, Tom, of Bowie; two
sons, Robert Phillips and wife, Ruth, of Wichita Falls and Roger Phillips and
wife, Kathy of Sunset; seven grandchildren, Ray Ivey and wife, Anetta, stationed
at Wahiawa, Hawaii, Reah Ruffu and husband, Caleb of Forth Worth, Jeremy
Phillips of Dabach, La., Ryan and Kelli Phillips, both of Duncan, Okla.; Julia
White and husband, Cory of Bowie, and Lydea Ivey of Bowie; five
great-grandchildren, Journey Neice, Cade Phillips, Breana Ivey, Amaya Ivey and
Rylen White.
The family expresses their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Bowie
Memorial Hospital, Bowie Home Health, Solaris Hospice and Texas Oncology in
Wichita Falls for the wonderful care they provided Rossi during her long
illness, and to Bowie Hospice Thrift for their words of encouragement and their
thoughts and prayers.
Phinney, Robert J. ‘Bob’ |
1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Robert J. “Bob” Phinney
Robert J. “Bob” Phinney, 80, a retired road construction superintendent,
died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at his home in Aurora.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Aurora Cemetery with Father
Reehan Antony officiating.
Bob was born April 20, 1933, in Black River, N.Y., to Monty and Jennie (Gracey)
Phinney, and he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He married Donna
Sabourin July 4, 1957, in Clayton, N.Y. He was a member of the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Church.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Francis, George and
Joe Phinney.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Phinney of Aurora; sons Robert J.
Phinney Jr. of Aurora and Daniel Phinney and wife, Gail, of Rochester, N.Y.;
granddaughters Jennifer Rasbury, Sabrina Spurrier, Katrina Phinney and Jennifer
Pittsley; grandson John Allred; great-grandsons Corey and Jared; brother Richard
Phinney and wife, Hope, of Burlington, N.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews and
friends.
Pierce, Phillip | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Phillip Pierce
Phillip Pierce, 68, longtime owner of P&H Muffler and Supply, died Saturday,
Dec. 7, 2013, at his home in Bridgeport.
Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in
Bridgeport with Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery
under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers are Randy Kleam, Travis Provence, Butch Garrett, Gaylord Kennedy,
Travis VanHoose, Donnie Burgin, Charlie Deaton and Pat McGraw.
Phillip was born Nov. 16, 1945, in Harlingen to Wallace and Marie Pierce. He
attended Bridgeport High School and was a member of the National Guard.
He married Kathy Pemberton June 11, 1966, at Pleasant View Baptist Church.
His hobbies included motorcycles, racing and his grandkids. Phillip was also a
founding member and the original “Biker Santa” for the Wise County Toy Run.
Phillip is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy Pierce of Bridgeport; sons
Richard Pierce and wife, Deidra, and Jeremy Pierce; brothers James Pierce and
wife, Karen, and Stewart Pierce and wife, Denise; sister Janette Arthur and
husband, Lyman; sister-in-law Betty VanHoose and husband, Travis; mother-in-law
Betty Pemberton; and grandchildren Payton Pierce, Chance Pierce and Konner
Pierce.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Marie Pierce of Bridgeport;
father-in-law R.M. “Jiggs” Pemberton of Bridgeport; and brother Ricky Pierce
of Munday.
Pigg, Ricky | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Ricky Pigg, 51, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in Bowie.
Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Prairie Branch Country Church with
Jay Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Tage Cemetery in Bowie.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the White Family Funeral Home in
Bowie.
Ricky was born Nov. 14, 1961, in Bridgeport and graduated from Bowie High
School. He was a journeyman electrician for 30 years. He married Clara Cowan
Jan. 15, 1998, in Bowie and was a member of IBEW Union. Ricky enjoyed being
outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Pigg.
Ricky is survived by his wife, Clara Trahern Pigg of Bowie; mother Margaret Hunt
and husband, Elmer, of Bowie; children Felicia Pigg of Decatur, Frankie Pigg of
Bowie, Grant Trahern and wife, Kim, of Wichita Falls, Sam Trahern of Bowie,
Clinton Ray Trahern and wife, Ashley, of Bowie, and Brent Trahern of Wichita
Falls; grandchildren Zaydie Pigg, Raiden and Hazel Trahern, Siah Reed and Ashton
Davis; stepmother Carolyn Pigg; brothers Terry Harris and wife, Pam, of Alvord,
Monnie Hunt and wife, Margaret, of Bowie, and John Hunt and wife, Kristi, of
Bowie; sisters Missy Duncan and husband, Scotty, of Chico and Stacey Masten and
husband, John, of Alvord; numerous nieces and nephews.
Pinkerton, Edna Belle | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 14, 2013
Edna Belle Pinkerton
Edna Belle Pinkerton, 92, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Visitation is 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport. Graveside service is 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at Oaklawn Cemetery
in Decatur.
Son-in-law Bill Hughes will officiate, and pallbearers will be Bobby Hughes,
Ronnie Hughes, Eric Vincent, Dennis Lee, James Haisler and Tim Fletcher.
Edna was born March 24, 1921, in rural Wise County to Ernest A. and Ruby M.
(Sandlin) Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Wise County, living mostly in
Decatur, and she married the late J.W. Pinkerton June 15, 1940, in Tarrant
County.
She worked in her family’s grocery business, E.A. Lee Grocery, for many years
and retired as an Avon representative in 1990, after 13 years of award-winning
service.
Edna enjoyed travel, her family and was an expert at any craft she attempted.
She was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ for 72 years.
She is survived by daughters Jackie Hughes and husband, Bill, of Decatur and
Janice Urbec of Issaquah, Wash.; grandchildren Bobby Hughes and wife, KaSondra,
Ronnie Hughes and wife, Frances, of Decatur and Christie Lay and husband, Mike,
of Issaquah; and great-grandchildren Courtney Lue and husband, Kenneth, of
Austin, Chelsea Hughes of San Antonio, Kendall Lay of Issaquah and Cody Hughes
of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband on April 6, 2008; and brother Vernon A.
Lee.
Memorials may be made to the charity or church of your choice.
Pittman, Elgin Ray | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Elgin Ray Pittman, 71, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Corinth.
He was born July 24, 1941, in Bowie to Jim and Donnie Case Pittman.
Elgin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Pittman.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ruth Pittman; daughters Sharon Cooke of
Bridgeport, Beverly Trice of Baton Rouge, La., and Terrie Cooke of Bridgeport;
sons Elgin Ray Pittman Jr. of Trophy Club and James Pittman of Decatur; 16
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sisters Carol Shaft of Canton,
Donna Nix of Fort Worth and Rebecca Ducher of Gainesville.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at The New Covenant Family
Church with Pastor Kevin Mayfield and Bro. Billie Fitch officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by, Shaw’s Funeral Home of Bowie.
Plowman, Carlie Everett |
1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Carlie Everett Plowman
Carlie Everett Plowman, 87, of Decatur died Monday, March 11, 2013, in
Bridgeport.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home
with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Carlie was born May 23, 1925, in Lawton, Okla., to John Miller and Mary Esther
(Hobbs) Plowman. He married Bertha O’Dell in 1963 in Bridgeport. They were
married 49 years at her passing in December 2012.
Carlie was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a retired
field operator and was a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge No. 587.
He is survived by his daughter, Ella Darlene Plowman of Decatur; sons Jack
Plowman and wife, Traci, of Mineral Wells, and Jim Ford and wife, Barbara, of
Springtown; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren; sisters Mildred Thomas and Stella Leatherwood; and
numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughters Vicki Pierce of
Jacksboro and Judy Purser of California; and a granddaughter, Sally Longoria.
Plucker, Ambrose B. | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Ambrose B. Plucker
Ambrose B. Plucker, 91, formerly of Neenah, Wis., a salesman, died Thursday, May
9, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Oakhill Cemetery in Neenah.
Visitation there is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Westgor Funeral Home.
The Rev. Mark Gafaller will officiate at Hawkins Funeral Home, and the Rev.
Richard Frost will officiate in Wisconsin.
Ambrose was born Sept. 21, 1921, to Richard and Matilda (Sell) Plucker in
Neenah. He served his country as a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps as a pilot
in World War II.
He married Eunice Hopkins April 1, 1944, in Sakeston, Mo., and they just
celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Ambrose was a salesman for Kimberly-Clark and retired after 30 years. He was a
member of the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church at Grace in Neenah and Immanuel
Lutheran Church in North Richland Hills. Ambrose enjoyed bowling and golfing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Dwight, Dalton and
Richard Plucker.
He is survived by his wife, Eunice Plucker of Bridgeport; son Wayne Plucker and
wife, Rexene, of San Antonio; daughter Barbara Green and husband, Leroy, of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Terry, Dale and Laura; six great-grandchildren; other
family members and a host of friends.
Poland, Eston O. | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Eston O. Poland
Service for Eston O. Poland, 92, of Fort Worth, was Oct. 15 at Southwood Baptist
Church in Fort Worth.
Mr. Poland, the father of Helen Taylor of Chico, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013.
Bro. Les Doyle officiated at the service, and burial was in DFW National
Cemetery in Dallas under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home of
Bridgeport.
Eston was born Sept. 5, 1921, in Knoxville, Tenn., to William Columbus and
Lillian Ethel (Talley) Poland. Upon completion of high school, he attended
Draughon Business College. He also served his country in World War II as a
master sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Eston was a Mason and also worked 20 years in commissioned sales for J.C.
Penney.
After retirement, he could often be found at local establishments drinking
coffee with his friends. One restaurant was referred to as the “Romeo Club”
because the group of men who sat together, which included Eston, were senior
widows or singles.
In his younger years, he played the violin. He liked music, enjoyed singing and
was a member of Southwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
He is survived by sons Dee Poland of Amarillo, Fred Poland of Graham and Sid
Poland of Arlington; daughter Helen Taylor of Chico; stepson Gary Standfield of
Ames, Iowa; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob and J.B.; sister Mary;
grandson Eston Denver; great-granddaughter Heather; and
great-great-granddaughter Addison.
Pollock, Jimmie | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 14, 2013
Jimmie Pollock
Jimmie Pollock, 76, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, in Bridgeport.
A memorial service was Sept. 13 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Brother Mike Wiltcher officiated.
Jimmie was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Tribbey, Okla., to Ambrose Lee and Ethel
Lucille (Jacobs) Pollock. He was a hardworking father who enjoyed fishing.
Jimmie is survived by son Shaun Pollock and wife, Brandi Carlson; daughters
Jessica Pollock and Darla Mann; brothers Gary Pollock and Darrell Pollock;
grandchildren Nathan Pollock and Addison Pollock; and multiple nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Claudean Pollock, and sisters Glenda and
Thelma.
Pope, Mary Margaret | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 2, 2013
Mary Margaret Pope
A celebration of life for Mary Margaret Pope, 90, of Bridgeport will be Sunday,
Nov. 3.
Visitation is 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport,
followed by a graveside service at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay at 3:30,
officiated by James Mason.
Mary died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Bridgeport.
The oldest of seven children, Mary was born Jan. 13, 1923, in Haslet to Jesse
and Minnie (Holloway) Halbert. She was a member of the Met Church in Keller.
She is survived by daughter Crystal Dawn Mason and her husband, Jerry, of
Runaway Bay; sisters Billie Shaw, Doris Boatman, Geraldine Johnston and Charlene
Solintario; and grandchildren William Mason Hannie III, Marilea Pham, Candice
Bentley, Amanda Shook, Keri Armstrong, Richard Armstrong II and Melanie Theis.
Mary was preceded in death by daughter Linda Armstrong Pinkston and son Richard
E. Armstrong.
Potter, Jackie Dewey | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Jackie Dewey Potter
Jackie Dewey Potter, 74 of Decatur, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
He was born Feb. 12, 1939, in Wise County to H.M. “Doog” Potter and Nellie
Pitts Potter. He married Patricia Berry in Marietta, Okla., Nov. 29, 1957, and
served in the Army National Guard.
Visitation is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, with the service beginning
at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton. The Rev. Kim
Broadstreet will officiate, and burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Wise
County.
Honorary pallbearers will include Buddy Bowles, Billy Tony, Don Gay, Darrell
McMorris, Larry Lay, Jack Holloway and Dennis Bryson.
Jackie is survived by his wife, Patricia; son Michael Potter; daughter Brenda
Wenninger; sisters Nita Brown and Betty Brooks; three grandchildren; and six
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James Lee Potter and Marvin
Potter; and sister Mary Stephans.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.deberryfuneraldirectors.com.
Potter, Marvin | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 25, 2013
Marvin Potter
Marvin Potter, 85, a rancher, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Fairview Cemetery with Charles
Hughes officiating. Burial is under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Marvin was born March 29, 1928, in Decatur to Hosea Marvin and Nellie (Pitts)
Potter. He married Sarah Rodriguez Nov. 30, 1979, in Reno, Nev.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Potter of Decatur; son Marvin Potter Jr. of
Castro Valley, Calif.; brother Jackie Potter; sisters Venita Brown and Betty
Brooks; and nephew Pete Potter, all of Decatur.
Powell, Ivory Lee | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Ivory Lee Powell
Ivory Lee Powell, 72, a retired chef, died Monday, June 3, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at 604 FM 1658 in Bridgeport.
Ivory was born May 24, 1941, in Slayton to Ira and Katherine (Johnson) Powell.
He married Susan Brookshire Nov. 12, 1985, in Austin. Ivory served in the U.S.
Army during Vietnam.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Freddie and Steve Powell.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Powell of Bridgeport; daughter Michelle Powell
of Fort Worth; grandson Eddie Story of Fort Worth; four sisters; numerous
nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Priddy, Dorothy Ruth | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013
Dorothy Ruth Priddy
Dorothy Ruth Priddy, 86, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in
Weatherford with burial at Poe Prairie Cemetery in Millsap.
Dorothy was born Nov. 16, 1927, in Millsap to John Thomas and Sarah Henderson,
the youngest of five children. She grew up in the Millsap area and married
Dewitt Priddy in 1959.
Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and 42. She loved shopping at J.C. Penney and
spending time with her family. She was a member of the Church of Christ and
spent many years working as a secretary for Acme Brick and Barrier Corp.
Dorothy leaves behind daughter Stevie Johnson and husband, Donald; granddaughter
Lacee Rachelle Akridge; nieces Bettie Gresham and husband, Morris, Joyce Hutson
and husband, Cecil, Barbara Licausi and husband, Vito, Drinda Reynolds, Lynn
Walden and husband, Tommie, Jane Shulson and husband, Ted, Jackie Woltman and
Charla Henderson; nephews Ray Nevil and wife, Jessica, and Eddie Thomas and
wife, Debbie; brother-in-law Bill Priddy and his children, Mark and Melissa
Priddy.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dewitt Priddy; sisters
Wyvaun Mitchum, Oleta Fern Nevil and Flogene Thomas; brother J.C. Henderson; and
nephew Jerry Mitchum.
Pryor, Leona Victoria | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Leona Victoria “Vickie” Pryor
Leona Victoria “Vickie” Pryor, 76, died Friday, June 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was June 11 at Bethel Cemetery with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Vickie, a retired nurse, was born July 10, 1936, in Sulphur Springs to Ruben
Lonnie and Earle Esther (Collins) Blacksher. She married Charlie Merl Pryor in
1954 in Dallas.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Beach and husband, Tommy, of Hamlin,
Vickie Charline Croft and husband, Rusty, of Canton, Ga., and Jeanie Ruffner and
husband, Robert, of Little Elm; sons Merl Pryor and wife, Terrie, of Decatur,
Allen Pryor and wife, Debra, of Bowie and James Pryor and wife, Jackie, of North
Richland Hills; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five sisters and two
brothers.
Puchalski, Doris Green |
1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 16, 2013
Doris Green Puchalski
Doris Green Puchalski, 84, a retired postmaster, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, in
Decatur.
Visitation is 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Doris was born Aug. 10, 1928, in Rensselaer, Ind., to Paul and Viola (Beaver)
Green. She married Edward Puchalski Sept. 28, 1957, at North Judson, Ind.
Doris retired from the U.S. Post Office in Denham, Ind. She was a member of the
Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and
the League of Postmasters.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Edward Puchalski of Decatur;
daughters Brenda McHenry of Corinth, Belinda Puchalski and Briget Puchalski,
both of Decatur; son Brian Puchalski of Leakey; granddaughter Cassaundra
McHenry; grandsons Royce McHenry and Luke Puchalski; sisters Elsie Faye Summers
and Dixie Green, both of Rensselaer; brothers Richard Green of Connecticut and
Mike Green of California.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Wanda Duggins and Margene
Ogle; and brother Marvin Green.
Puckett, David | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 15, 2013
David Puckett
David Puckett, 56, of Alvarado, formerly of Bridgeport, died Monday, May 13,
2013, at home.
Service is 2 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
David Bennett will officiate, and burial will be in Jim Ned Cemetery.
Pallbearers are C.J. Johnson, Delbert Beall, Tommy Rose, Roy Robinson, James
Smith, Danny Long and Rick England. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the
funeral home.
David was born Feb. 18, 1957, in Bridgeport to Myrtle Marie (Maddux) and Richard
Frances Puckett. He was a truck driver and a member of Teamsters local No. 745.
He married Margaret Campion Oct. 27, 2001. David enjoyed golf, fishing,
attending classic car shows and watching movies.
He is survived by his wife; sons Charles Landon Puckett of Lompoc, Calif.,
Howard Smith of Lufkin, Timothy Smith of Ennis and Robert Chapman of Alvarado;
daughters Ashley St. John of Bridgeport and Melissa Wright of Alvarado; brothers
Dewayne Puckett of Chico and Doug Puckett of Pittsburg; sister Donna Puckett of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Christa, Nathan, Tyler, Autumn, Cody, Jasmine, Hallie,
William, Bryon, Daniel, Hannah, John Jr., Amy and Aiden; and great-granddaughter
Farrah.
David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Darrell and Danny Lee
Puckett; and grandson Dylan Chapman.
Puckett, Richard F. | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 4, 2013
Richard F. Puckett
Richard F. Puckett, 81, of Pittsburg, died Friday, May 3, 2013 in Denton.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Monday, May 6 in the chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport. Burial will follow in Jim Ned Cemetery. Brother Vern Choate will
officiate. Pallbearers are Matthew Puckett, Brian Puckett, Kyle Parson, Jerry
Saylor, Jr., Robert Chapman, and Keith Jones. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 5 at the funeral home.
Richard was born March 17, 1932, in Jasper, Alabama. He married Myrtle Marie
Maddux on June 2, 1956 in Decatur. He was a loader operator for Southwest Stone
in Chico for 40 years. He was a member of The Shepherd House in Chico.
Richard is survived by his sons, David Puckett of Alvarado, Dewayne Puckett of
Chico, and Douglas Puckett of Pittsburg; daughter Donna Puckett of Chico; one
brother; two sisters; 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his wife, and sons Darrell and Danny Puckett.
Pylant, Nellie Collins |
1925-2013
Published Saturday, August 17, 2013
Nellie Collins Pylant
Nellie Collins Pylant, 88, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, in Benbrook.
Funeral was Aug. 12 at the First Baptist Church in Alvord with the Revs. Bill
Cleveland and Doyle Slimp officiating. Burial was in Jonestown Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Neal Holloway, Mitch Terrell, Kent Terrell, Ronnie Corbell, Ben
Holly, Todd Hodges and James Parker. Honorary pallbearers were Dan Green, David
Goodwin, Kay Swain and Charlie Brewton.
Nellie was born Jan. 22, 1925, in the Jonestown Community to Bill and Minnie
(Upton) Collins. She married Bill North Aug. 14, 1942, and he was killed in
World II during the invasion of Normandy. She married W.C. Pylant Jan. 28, 1945,
and they were married 60 years until his passing in 2006.
She is survived by a daughter, Leah Bounds of Benbrook; grandchildren Autum,
Colin, Kyle and wife, Heather, and Caitlin; great-grandchildren Summer, Jenyka
and Brady; sister Dorris Terrell of Chico; sister-in-law Oleta Deutloff of
Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill North; husband W.C.
Pylant; son Ricky Steven Pylant in 2000; sisters Polly Collins and Lena
Reasoner; and brother Andy Collins.
Qualls, Ted Steven | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 12, 2013
Ted Steven Qualls, 62, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, in Denton.
Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur. A private burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg, Ill.
Ted was born July 7, 1950, in Galesburg to Ted Rodney and Dorothy (Carrel)
Qualls. He married Janice Jackson Oct. 2, 1976. Ted was a clerk for Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railroad for more than 30 years. He was an avid pilot and
fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Qualls of Decatur; daughter Stacy Peterson
and husband, Jessie, of Aubrey; son Ted Richard Qualls of Lexington, Ky.;
grandchildren London and Boston Peterson; sister Kathy Qualls of Galesburg,
Ill.; brother Richard Qualls of California; numerous nieces, nephews and a host
of friends.