'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.)
Ragan, Jimmy Lee
1953-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Jimmy Lee Ragan, 61, longtime maintenance supervisor at Governor’s Ridge, died
Sunday, July 20, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Green Valley Cemetery with
Gerre Joiner officiating.
A memorial service for Governor’s Ridge residents will be held 2 p.m.
Wednesday in the Terrace Dining Room.
Jimmy was born March 16, 1953, in Dallas to Dexter LeeRoy Ragan and Emma Edna
Hampton. He married Rebecca Sue James Sept. 26, 1971, in Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Johnny Lee Ragan; sisters Ellen
Williams and Sandy Glasscock; and niece Jamie Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rebecca James Ragan of Decatur; son
Jason Brice Ragan of Bedford; daughter Katherine Ann Ragan of Mansfield;
grandchildren Faith, Raylee, Justin, Kaycee and Kody; and many friends.
Ramsey, Billy Jack
1942-2014
Published Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Billy Jack Ramsey, 71, a retired deputy with Wise County Sheriff’s Department,
died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, in Saginaw.
Graveside service was Feb. 11 in Paradise Cemetery with Curtis Calvin Johnson
officiating.
Billy was born Oct. 17, 1942, in Paradise to Herman and Vera (Franks) Ramsey. He
married Paulette Perkins April 3, 1976, in Boyd.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paulette Ramsey of Saginaw; sister Betty
Lou Holt of Azle; nieces Vicki and Fonda; great-nieces Kassi and Jenna; and
other family members and friends.
Read, Ethan Michael
2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Ethan Michael Read, infant son of Brian and Alison Read, was born and died
Thursday, June 12, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the First Baptist Church in
Paradise with burial at Cottondale Cemetery. Pastor David Kelly will officiate.
Ethan was born at 12:31 p.m. to Brian and Alison (Gardner) Read. He weighed 7
lbs., 1 oz. and was 14 inches long. He died at 1:43 p.m.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ann Gardner of Chico.
Survivors include his parents, Brian and Alison Read of Cottondale; sisters
Mavis and Sadie Read of Cottondale; grandparents Joe Gardner and wife, Cathy, of
Chico, and Rick and Leda Read of Paradise; great-grandmothers Millie Gardner of
Bridgeport, Mary Lou Landers of Decatur and Cora Beth Read of Paradise.
Read, Mildred Emma McCarroll
1918-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Mildred Emma McCarroll Read, 95, a retired school teacher, died Saturday, July
19, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service was July 21 at Paradise Cemetery with Gerre Joiner
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Mildred was born Sept. 15, 1918, in Slidell to Joseph and Frances (Potter)
McCarroll. She married Thomas Read Jr. July 19, 1942, in Slidell and retired
from teaching after more than 35 years in the classroom. She was a member of the
First Baptist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Thomas Read Jr.; and brothers
Manuel McCarroll and Taylor McCarroll.
She is survived by her daughters, Dixie Hawkins of Gainesville and Emma Moore of
Fort Worth; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Decatur Library.
Redman, Eva Mae
1924-2014
Published Saturday, December 27, 2014
Eva Mae Redman, 90, of Decatur died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home. Burial will
follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Eva was born April 14, 1924, in Sunset to Edgar and Vida (Willett) Stephenson.
She married Billy Harold Redman. Eva retired after 50 years of service as a
barber. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by daughters Ruth Carnes of McKinney, Helen Nixon of Rockwall
and Debbie Neville of Decatur; sons James Moore of Dallas and George Moore of
Decatur; brothers Don Stephenson of Bowie, Jimmy Stephenson of Nebraska and
Charles Stephenson of Bowie; sisters Peggy Butler of Bowie, Ruth Mayfield of
Oklahoma and Lilly Rosesutton of Bellevue; 16 grandchildren; and numerous
great-grandchildren.
Reed, Ila Sue
1923-2014
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Ila Sue Reed, 90, of Decatur, died Monday, June 2, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Cornerstone Baptist Church with burial
at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Wayne Boydston, Kip Boydston, Bobby Washburn, Randy Washburn,
Blake Sandford and Shawn Burton.
Sue was born Aug. 23, 1923, in Slidell to Edgar Willard and Violet (Moser)
Burton. She graduated business school in Fort Worth, which is where she met her
husband, Gaylon E. Reed. They were married Jan. 22, 1946, in Fort Worth, and he
preceded her in death in 2011 after their 65th wedding anniversary.
Sue enjoyed playing golf with the ladies at Decatur Country Club. She loved her
children, her church, and always laughed easily.
Survivors include her daughters, Merlene Walker and husband, Steve Gold, of
Arlington, Sharon Manfred and husband, Bob, of Grand Junction, Colo., and
Rayelynn Dady and husband, Glenn, of Dallas; son Craig Reed and wife, Rose, of
Decatur; grandchildren Amanda, Nathan, Rachel, Andrea, Wendy, Chris, Brent and
Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister Billie
Borgman of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers; and a sister.
Memorials can be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur and the American
Heart Association.
Reeves, Larry Dean
1947-2014
Published Saturday, December 13, 2014
Larry Dean Reeves, 67, a loving husband, dad and Pops, died Thursday, Dec. 11,
2014.
Service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at White’s Funeral Home in Azle with
burial at Azleland Memorial Park.
Larry was born April 14, 1947, in Brady to Beuford and Eunice Moore Reeves. He
was a graduate of Brewer High School and received his bachelor’s degree at
Texas Wesleyan University.
Larry owned Reeves Azle Hardware Store for many years and was a member of the
Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Traunsa Reeves of Reno; son Kyle Reeves and wife,
Shelly, of Runaway Bay; daughter Vicki Reeves of Azle; grandsons Will Reeves,
Wyatt Reeves and Jake Moreno; granddaughter Maddi Moreno; mother-in-law Abbie
Rauls of Reno; and many friends.
Reid, Joe Wendell
1937-2014
Published Saturday, March 15, 2014
Joe Wendell Reid, 76, of Aurora, died Friday, March 14, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with burial at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral
home.
Pallbearers will be Mickey Reid, Travis Reid, Mark Keeton, Andy Keeton, Bailey
Kemp and Tyler Kemp.
Wendell was born March 31, 1937, in Decatur to Ovid Burch and Etta Mae (Harwell)
Reid. He married Darlene Forsyth Feb. 9, 1957, in Fort Worth. He was a retired
toolmaker for Lockheed-Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene Reid of Aurora; daughters Karen
Keeton and husband, Mark, of Haslet, and Pam Kemp of Boyd; son Mickey Reid and
wife, Judy, of Rhome; grandchildren Travis Reid and wife, Sarah, Amy Moreland
and husband, Michael, Lindsay Kemp, Jessica Keeton, Andrew Keeton and Tyler
Kemp; great-grandchildren Dashal Reid and Collins Reid; brother Perry Reid and
wife, Debbie; nephew Coby Reid and wife, Cherri; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rench, Garry Paul
1956-2014
Published Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Garry Paul Rench, an independent truck driver, died Saturday, March 22, 2014, in
Sunset. He was 57.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Chaplain Joel Watson officiating. Visitation is one hour prior
to the service.
Garry was born June 22, 1956, in Fort Worth to John and Ruth (Wallace) Rench.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Rench.
Survivors include his daughters, Tina Coy of Glen Rose, Natalie Vara of Sunset
and Ashley Rench of Texas City; sons Paul Rench of Granbury, Garry Paul Rench
Jr. of Cleburne, Robert Rench and Samantha Boldt of Benbrook, David Vaughn and
wife, Jenee, of Stephenville, John Jones and wife, Elizabeth, of Fort Worth; 18
grandchildren; brothers Johnny Rench and Larry Rench; sisters Debbie Koon and
Cindi Foster; his dear friend, Kenny Vaughn; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Rench, Garry Paul
1956-2014
Published Saturday, March 29, 2014
Garry Paul Rench, 57, an independent truck driver, died Saturday, March 22,
2014, in Sunset.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Garry was born June 22, 1956, in Fort Worth to John and Ruth (Wallace) Rench.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert Rench.
Survivors include his daughters, Tina Coy of Glen Rose, Natalie Vara of Sunset
and Ashley Rench of Texas City; sons Paul Rench of Granbury, Garry Paul Rench
Jr. of Cleburne, Robert Rench and Samantha Boldt of Benbrook, David Vaughn and
wife, Jenee, of Benbrook, and John Jones and wife, Elizabeth, of Fort Worth; 18
grandchildren; brothers Johnny Rench and Larry Rench; sisters Debbie Koon and
Cindi Foster; very dear friend Kenny Vaughn; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Renshaw, Charles Lucius, Dr.
1935-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Charles Lucius Renshaw, 78, of Decatur, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 14, 2014,
at a Fort Worth hospital, surrounded by family and friends after suffering a
stroke.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Christ Chapel Bible Church in
Fort Worth.
Dr. Renshaw was born April 2, 1935, in Fort Worth to Horace Stephen and Carol
Jim Roberts Renshaw. He attended Fort Worth schools, graduating from Paschal
High School in 1953. He studied chemistry and pre-med at Texas Christian
University and was the first president of the TCU chapter of Kappa Sigma
fraternity. He graduated in 1957.
He studied medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore and trained in
orthopedic surgery at the Brigham and Women’s, Children’s, and Mass General
hospitals in Boston. Initially, Dr. Renshaw practiced orthopedic surgery with
his father, Dr. H.S. Renshaw, in Fort Worth and later with Dr. James Swink. He
served as an Army surgeon in Fort Ord, Calif., for two years. He was chief of
staff at All Saints’ Hospital. Before he retired from his medical practice, he
graduated from TCU’s Ranch Management program. In 1990, he moved to the family
ranch in Decatur and began a full-time calf-cow operation.
He loved the land and was a farmer at heart and a physician by trade who cared
for his patients. He deeply loved his family and friends and his down-to-earth
style, wisdom and loyalty welcomed a broad spectrum of friends. He lived a life
that exhibited one of his favorite quotes from “Hamlet” by Shakespeare:
“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
Dr. Renshaw is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally Marie Tull Renshaw; their
children, Vance Renshaw with his wife, Rebecca, and their children, Kalah, Sean
and Chelsea; Lisa Patenaude and her husband, Mark, and their children, Lucius,
Adrian and Andy; Scott Renshaw and his daughter, Olivia; and Julie Weber and her
husband, Stephen, and their children, Charles and Olivia. In all, he had nine
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rhine, Eva Sue
1949-2014
Published Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Eva Sue Rhine, 65, of Decatur died Friday, April 18, 2014, in Dallas.
Funeral was April 22 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev.
Jerry Miller officiating. Burial followed at Preskitt Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Donny Vess, Donovan Vess, Dustin Vess, Phil Haynes, Kevin Burns
and Dan Harvey.
Sue was born on Feb. 12, 1949, to Wayne Marshall and Eva Lois (Burns) Rhine. She
was a health care administrator.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sue is survived by her son, Danny Vess and wife, Stacey, of Plano; stepson Donny
Vess and wife, Terry, of Lake Worth; brother Thomas Rhine of Decatur; sister
Helen Rhine of St. Paul; grandchildren Kaitlyn Vess, Dawnyel Vess, DyJon Vess,
Donvan Vess, Dustin Vess and Anna Bella Vess; great-grandson Bentlee Vess; and
other family members and friends.
Rhine, Ronny
1942-2014
Published Saturday, March 1, 2014
Ronny Rhine, 71, of Paradise, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Feb. 28 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor Jorge
Vazquez of Eagle Drive Baptist Church officiating.
Ronny was born Nov. 15, 1942, in Decatur to A.C. and Frankie (Miller) Rhine. He
married Robbie Thompson Dec. 21, 1977, in Bridgeport, and he was a retired
pumper for Mitchell Energy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 30 years, Robbie Rhine; son
Michael Rhine; sister Claudia Marion; and brothers Art Rhine and Charles Rhine.
Survivors include his daughter, Ronda Minor of Corinth; son Bret Rhine and wife,
Christie, of Decatur; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Joy
Cogburn of Amarillo; brother Jerry Rhine of Justin; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Rhodes, Roger Daniel
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Roger Daniel Rhodes, 71, of Bridgeport, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Nov. 29 at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport with Sam
Gafford and Scott Strother officiating. Burial was Nov. 30 at Pleasant Hill
Cemetery in Plain Dealing, La., under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home
in Bridgeport. Pallbearers were Jerry Myers, Wayne East, Eugene Compton, Tom
Cook, Beaumont Brown and Richard Stothers.
Roger was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Fort Worth to Anna Merle (Fielder) and Thurman
Price Rhodes. He was a retired minister. He attended Fort Worth Christian
College and Brown Trail School of Preaching. Roger married Barbara Gleason June
20, 1992, in Cleburne. He was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ, and he
enjoyed watching football games, especially TCU.
Roger served as a student missionary in Nigeria in 1964-1965 and supported
mission work his entire life. He served as a minister in Cottondale, Lufkin,
Dallas, Alvarado, Cleburne and Itasca, as well as in Montgomery, La. He served
12 years as the minister for the Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport and
was currently serving as one of the ministers for the Greenwood Church of
Christ. Roger will be remembered for his dedicated, consistent and personal walk
with the Lord. He was a committed and loving husband, compassionate and kind; he
endeared all who knew him with his transparent friendliness and cheerful
disposition. He was devoted to meeting the needs of the members of his
congregation as long as he was physically able. His goal in life was to “go to
heaven and to take as many people as he could with him.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna (Smith) Rhodes; daughter
Carol Jean Rhodes; brothers Royce Rhodes Sr. and Ronald Glenn Rhodes Jr.; and
brother-in-law David Smith. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Barbara
Rhodes of Bridgeport; son Ricky Douglas Rhodes and wife, Denise, of Bridgeport;
sisters-in-law Charlotte Stewart of El Reno, Okla., and Debbie Tappan of Katy;
grandchildren Ryder Rhodes, Zion Rhodes and Skyler Rhodes; and numerous nephews,
nieces and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the mission program at the Decatur Church of Christ,
P.O. Box 328, Decatur, TX 76234.
Richard, Patricia Ann Bishop
1939-2014
Published Saturday, February 15, 2014
Patricia Ann Bishop Richard, 74, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at her home in
Paradise.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Pastor Mike Haley officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Patricia was born May 12, 1939, in Detroit to Mary (Parsons) and Charles Bolivar
Bishop. She married Bernard Allen Richard Jr. Aug. 15, 1959, in Garden City,
Mich. She was a housewife and a member of Aurora Baptist Church who enjoyed
singing at church, both solo and in the choir.
She is survived by her husband, Bernard Allen (Al) Richard Jr.; daughters
Victoria Lynn Richard and Bonnie Louise Gilbert and husband, Ron; sons Mark
Allen Richard and wife, Paula, and Thomas Charles Richard and wife, Iris;
granddaughters Nicole Ray, Amanda Smith, Ashley Ray, Kaylei Ray, Patricia
Gilbert, Kristina Richard, Olivia Bean, Tamara Cleek, Teresa Yandell and Jill
Richard; grandsons R.J. Gilbert II, Mark Richard Jr., Brandon Richard, Zachary
Richard, Keith Bean and Curtis Bean Jr.; great-grandchildren Londyn Smith,
Danielle Drummond, Dillon Drummond, Caeson Baker, Maelee Cleek and Laiton Bean;
sisters Elizabeth Ballard, Barbara Watson and Charlene Dicer; and brother
Charles Bishop II.
She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother Margaret Bishop Wetzel.
Richardson, Frances Elizabeth Lamb
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Frances Elizabeth Lamb Richardson, of Paradise, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 after
a gallant battle with brain cancer. She was 62.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Faith Community Church in
Paradise. A service will also be observed at Beallwood Baptist Church in
Columbus, Ga., the following Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
Frances was born May 13, 1952, in Norton, Va., to Robert E. and Frances Blevins
Lamb. She lived in Norton, Pikeville, Ky., Richmond, Va., Clarksburg, W.Va., and
Columbus, Ga., with her parents and her brother, Robert E. Lamb Jr. She
graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, W.Va., and earned a
bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman College in Tennessee. She received a
master’s degree in education from Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga.
Frances married James L. (Jimmy) Richardson Jr. Feb. 22, 1975, in Columbus, Ga.
She spent her life in service to her Lord, her family, her church and her
community. She was a committed Christian, a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife,
mother and grandmother. As a faithful pastor’s wife, she worked with youth and
senior adults. She taught elementary and special education in Tennessee, Georgia
and Texas. Frances also worked as a hospital auxiliary volunteer in Decatur and
Bridgeport and served as president of the Rotary Club of Decatur. She was a
former board member for Wise Choices Pregnancy Resource Center. Frances also
owned and operated Ray of Sunshine Sitting Service of Wise and Northwest Tarrant
Counties.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Richardson; children Laura Elizabeth
Richardson Hutson and husband, Paul, Nathan Davis Richardson and wife, Missi,
and Ellen Lamb Richardson Davis and husband, Brian; grandchildren Matthew
Hutson, Jackson Hutson, Grey Richardson, Chandler Richardson, Gage Richardson
and Montgomery Davis; brother Robert E. Lamb Jr. and wife, Patty; mother-in-law
Sarah Richardson; sisters-in-law Sally Toddy and husband, Dale, and Amy Benson
and husband, Mike; nieces Genny Toddy and Betsy Lamb; and nephews Andrew Benson
and Griffin Lamb. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, and a son who
would have been James Robert Richardson.
Memorials may be made to the Gideons International.
Rivera, Jaime Camargo
1988-2014
Published Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Jaime Camargo Rivera, 25, of Paradise, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Dallas.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at East Bridgeport Cemetery with
Father Thomas Dsouza officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones
Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
Pallbearers are Cris Rangel, Jose C. Sanchez, Luis A. Rivera, Adrian A. Rivera,
Tracy Romines and George Cruz.
Jaime was born Aug. 30, 1988, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, to Amalia
Aydee (Sanchez) and Jaime R. Rivera. He was a rig operator for Sun Well Service
in North Dakota. He was a 2006 graduate of Bridgeport High School and enjoyed
playing football and baseball, fixing up his car and playing video games.
He is survived by his parents; son Aidan Rivera; brother Rolando H. Rivera;
sister Aydee C. Rivera; and grandfather Ramiro Sanchez.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Olivia and Luis Rivera; and
grandmother Guadalupe Medina.
Robbins, Annie
1921-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Annie Robbins, 92, of Perrin, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church of Perrin with minister Mark Sims
officiating. Burial was at Perrin Memorial Gardens under the direction of Coker
Funeral Home of Jacksboro.
Pallbearers were Cody Robbins, Floyd Boatright, Ty Harris, Chase Weddle, Dustin
Edwards, Chris Brock, Kenny Salazar and Junior Salazar.
Annie was born Aug. 30, 1921, in Wise County to Eliga Andrew Jackson and Sarah
Jane (Rose) Ballard. She and Troy Robbins were married in Jack County Sept. 2,
1939. She was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church of Perrin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include sons Timothy L. Robbins and wife, Lucy, Bill Robbins and wife,
Pam, and Jerry Robbins and wife, Shirley; daughter Margaret Edwards and husband,
Danny; brothers Virgil Ballard and Raymond Ballard; 12 grandchildren; and many
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Roberts, Teresa D. ‘Mimi’
1957-2014
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Teresa D. “Mimi” Roberts, 56, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend,
died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in an Azle hospital with her family by her side.
Service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at White’s Azle Chapel. Burial is 2 p.m.
Thursday at Levelland Cemetery in Levelland.
Teresa was born Oct. 12, 1957, in Littlefield to Thomas and Peggy Ruth Lively.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jan Cherry for her unwavering
care and generosity.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Roberts; sons David Roberts and wife,
Halsey, Cisco Roberts and wife, Heather, and Dakota Roberts and wife, Misty;
grandchildren Courtney, Tynleigh, Natalie, Rylinn, Londyn and Tegan; father
Thomas Lively; brothers Terry Lively, Todd Lively and Ty Lively; and numerous
nieces, nephews and friends.
Roberts, Treva M.
1924-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Treva M. Roberts, 90, of Cottondale, died Sunday, July 27, 2014.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd, with
burial at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Treva was born June 3, 1924, in Hill City, Kan. She was preceded in death by her
parents, Altha and Robert Moore; husband Walter T. Roberts; and siblings, Ruth
Addy, Darlene “Dolly” Hughes and Violet Baxley.
Survivors include her sons, Gerald (Jerry) Ingersoll, Allan (Kelly) Ingersoll
and wife, Carolyn, Darrell (Buster) Ingersoll and wife, Danita, and Patrick
Ingersoll and wife, Dorlinda; grandchildren Dawn Ingersoll Hall and husband,
Larry, Donovan Ingersoll and wife, Mitra, Kelly Don Ingersoll and wife, Monica,
Kevin Ingersoll, Summer Ingersoll, Lacy Ingersoll, Shane Sanders, Misti
Ingersoll Tuck and husband, Don, Patrick Ingersoll, Rainie Ingersoll and Stormie
Ingersoll; several great-grandchildren; siblings Roberta Haney, Betty Myles,
Richard Moore; and other loving relatives.
The family extends special thanks to Wanda and Richard Long for opening their
hearts and home in caring for “Gramma.”
Robeson, Hugh B.
1930-2014
Published Saturday, March 15, 2014
Hugh B. Robeson, 83, died Sunday, March 9, 2014.
A Mass of Christian burial was at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Blanconia
with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Refugio under the direction of Moore
Funeral Home.
He was born July 25, 1930, in Gainesville.
He is survived by his wife, Luz Robeson of Beeville; sons Charles Robeson of
Houston, Jim Robeson of Houston and Hugh A. Robeson of Corpus Christi; daughter
Michelle Taylor of New Iberia, La.; sisters Ernestine Eiley and Karen Peace,
both of Alvord; and grandchild Paige H. Cavallin of Natchitoches, La.
Robinson, Bessie June
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Bessie June Robinson, 74, a retired coach and teacher for Slidell ISD, died
Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Slidell
with the Rev. Casey Johnson and Tracy Epting officiating. Burial will follow at
Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Darrel Perkins, Darrel Perkins Jr., Zane Perkins, William Stout,
Danny Taylor and Clayton Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Strike Franklin,
Ronnie Ramsey, David Caraway, Dwayne Hill, Tim Fletcher, Eric Fletcher and Angel
Carrillo.
June was born Aug. 26, 1940, in Muenster to Elvin Robert and Ruby Mae (McDonald)
Steadham. She married Harold Ray Robinson Aug. 13, 1969, in Decatur.
She was a wonderful wife, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, teacher and coach –
wearing a lot of hats well. Though she never had children of her own, she helped
raise a bunch of them in the classroom and on the basketball court.
June loved her families (biological, spiritual and educational), and they will
all miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Jane Perkins.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Harold Ray Robinson of Decatur;
numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart; and many
friends and students she had the pleasure of coaching and teaching through the
years.
Robinson, Bula M. Walker
1927-2014
Published Saturday, February 1, 2014
Bula M. Walker Robinson, 86, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1
with Lee Davis officiating. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins
Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Kaylen Cryer, Crindon Cryer, William Cryer, Larry Johnson,
David Kinsey and John Dering.
Bula was born May 26, 1927, in Bridgeport to George Washington and Josie Deloris
(Parsons) Boring. She married J.W. Walker Feb. 13, 1945, in Decatur. Bula was a
member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include her son, James Leon Walker of Florence, Ariz.; sister Aleita
Bell Houchens of Decatur; grandsons James Walker and wife, Nacina, and Kelvin
Cockerham and wife, Brenda, both of Decatur; granddaughter Debbie Roy of
Arkansas; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Robinson, Jack L.
1930-2014
Published Saturday, November 15, 2014
Jack L. Robinson, 84, died on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at his home
in Chico, surrounded by family and friends.
Memorial service was Nov. 14 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
Jerry Carter and Dewayne Holden officiating.
Jack was born Sept. 26, 1930, in Wise County to Roy Z. and Maggie Robinson.
Before his retirement, Jack was self-employed in the oilfield construction
business. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and farming.
He was preceded in death by daughter Deana Len Robinson; his parents; brother
Alton Robinson; and sisters Pat Lowrey and Delaine Boone.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue Robinson of Chico; sons Leslie
Robinson and wife, Jane, and Phillip Robinson; daughters Linda Robinson Eubanks,
Cathy Fostel and husband, John, and Suzanne Gardner and husband, Bill;
grandchildren Shaun Robinson, Justin Cortez, Crystal Eubanks, Brandi McKenzie,
Michelle Eubanks, Chris Gardner, Meagan Hood, Chelsea Castillo and Emily
Romkema; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ruiz-Quezada, Maria
1961-2014
Published Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Maria Ruiz-Quezada, 52, a cook, died Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Chico.
Mass is 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church in
Bridgeport. Christian burial will be at Panteon Municipal De Las Bocas in
Mexico.
Pallbearers are Alejandro Quezada, Jesus Diaz, Martin Banuelos Jr., Martin
Banuelos, Jorge Quezada, and Omar Banuelos.
Maria was born June 28, 1961, in Las Bocas, Huejucar, Jalisco, Mexico to Nicolas
and Guadalupe (Quezada) Ruiz. She married Martin Banuelos Nov. 15, 1979, in Las
Bocas. Maria was a cook at Rock City Burger in Bridgeport. She was a member of
St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church in Bridgeport and a cursillista.
Maria was preceded in death by her father, Nicolas Ruiz.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Martin Banuelos of Chico; sons
Adrian Banuelos of Las Bocas, Martin Banuelos Jr. and fiance Anabel Guereca of
Chico, Omar Banuelos of Chico, Nicolas De Jesus Banuelos of Chico; her mother,
Guadalupe Ruiz-Quezada of Mexico; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Rushing, Becky
1953-2014
Published Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Becky Rushing, 61, a homemaker, died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Becky was born May 3, 1953, in Decatur to Newell and Margaret (Parish) Adams.
She married Michael Rushing Dec. 12, 1996, in Decatur. Becky was a former
director of Abundant Life Children’s Home for several years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Rushing.
Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Haiduk of Decatur; sons Jerry Rushing
and Aaron Rushing, both of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Russell, Kenneth
1922-2014
Published Saturday, May 10, 2014
Kenneth Russell, 91, died peacefully Tuesday, May 6, 2014, after a brief
illness.
Graveside service was May 9 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sunset with burial
under the direction of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Kenneth was born Dec. 14, 1922, in Sunset to Lige and Bertha (Hill) Russell. He
attended school at Scrougy, Lake Valley and Bowie and graduated from Sunset High
School in 1941. He served his country in the United States Army and participated
in the D-Day invasion on June 7, 1944.
Kenneth worked for 43 years at General Dynamics, and after retirement, he
enjoyed truck farming. He lived in Newark from 1952 until 1964 and moved back to
Sunset where he lived until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Estie Leta Russell; son William
David Russell; a brother; and a sister. Kenneth is survived by one son, Danny
Russell, and wife, Doris, of Sunset; grandsons Bryan and Kevin Russell; and
great-grandchildren Kayleigh and Cole Tillery and McKenna Russell, all of
Sunset.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association in care of Jo
McDonald, 1402 Matthews St., Bowie, TX 76230.
Rutherford, Steve Newton
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Steve Newton Rutherford, 61, a golf pro, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Greenwood Cemetery with
the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will be under the direction of
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Steve was born Nov. 10, 1952, in Sweetwater to Bennie and Marijon (Maxwell)
Rutherford.
He is survived by his daughter, Christina Wyatt, and husband, Chase, of Round
Rock; son Cole Rutherford and wife, Chrystal, of Granbury; grandchildren Blaine
Rutherford and Addison and Tristan Wyatt; his parents, Bennie and Marijon
Rutherford of Decatur; sister Denise Joseph of Decatur; and numerous nieces,
nephews and friends.
Sauceda, Daniel Salazar, Sr.
1942-2014
Published Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Daniel Salazar “Indio” Sauceda Sr., 71, a retired construction worker, died
Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Carrillo Funeral Home in Fort Worth
with burial at Wilson Prairie Cemetery in Paradise. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m.
Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Adrian Vasquez, Johnny Gonzalez Jr., Reyes Ortiz, Victor
Cordero, Sammy Gonzalez and Carlos Cisneros Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Daniel
Sauceda III, Benito Espino Jr. and Anthony Sambrano.
Daniel was born June 3, 1942, in Del Rio to Florenzio Saucedo and Maria de Jesus
Salazar. He worked in construction most of his life as a heavy equipment
operator, including many years in Wise County. He loved his family, music and
dancing. He liked to fight roosters, even if it got him in trouble. He also
loved horses, had many dogs and loved to barbecue.
He is survived by daughters Mary S. Vasquez and husband, James Hayley, Delia
Moore and husband, Troy, Juanita Araujo and husband, Eduardo, Norma Jeffers and
husband, Chris, Ana B. Sauceda and partner, Melanie, Norma A. Cisneros and
husband, Carlos, Angelica Sambrano and husband, Ralph, Graciela Sauceda and
Belinda Espino and husband, Benito; sons Daniel Sauceda Jr. and wife, Rosa, Rene
Prado and Cesar Prado and wife, Eva; brothers Felix Sauceda and wife, Susie, and
Florencio Sauceda and wife, Lola; sisters Berta Lopez and husband, Miguel, Anna
Ramon and husband, Nacho, and Alicia Soto and husband, Conrado; 63
grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Roberto Sauceda; sisters
Trinidad and Elida Sauceda; daughter Virginia Sauceda; grandson Joey Vasquez;
his first wife, Maria G. Medrano; and his second wife, Carmen C. Crowder.
Schane, Michael
1957-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Michael Schane, 56, of Paradise, died peacefully on Saturday June 21, 2014 at
home, with his loved ones at his side.
A Mass of the Ressurection will be noon Saturday, June 29 at St. John the
Apostle Catholic Church in Richland Hills. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday at Biggers Funeral Home, 6100 Azle Ave. in Lake Worth.
Michael was born Sept. 11, 1957.
Survivors include his wife, Deanna Schane; son Jason Schane; daughter Samantha
Stevens and her husband, Joshua; granddaughter Alexis Stevens, his pride and
joy; mother Sunny Railey; brother Danny Schane and wife, Sherry; sister Phyllis
Guidry; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Richard and Tina Beal; and many other
loved ones.
Scifres, Patsy Ann
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Patsy Ann Scifres, 75, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at her home in Weatherford.
Her family will celebrate her life at a later date.
Patsy was born July 21, 1939, in Thorp Springs to Rueben and Mary Richardson.
She worked in food service and was a nursing home assistant.
Patsy was a member of the Church of Christ and was devoted to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Lee Scifres, in 1994; her
parents; and brothers A.J Richardson and R.N. Richardson.
She is survived by her children, Sheila Bonin of Livingston, Steven Scifres of
Boyd, Anthony Scifres and wife, Kim, of Boyd and Robert Scifres and wife, April,
of Aubrey; sisters Betty Jean Heard of Weatherford, Ada Sellers of Gordonville
and Kitty Reynolds of Weatherford; and numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
Scroggins, Phyllis Ann
1942-2014
Published Saturday, January 18, 2014
Phyllis Ann Scroggins, 71, of Big Spring, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, in a Midland
care center.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Nalley-Pickle and Welch Rosewood
Chapel in Big Spring with John Snider officiating. Burial will follow at Coahoma
Cemetery.
Visitation is 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Phyllis was born Dec. 12, 1942, in Monahans and married Delbert Scroggins Aug.
20, 1961, in Coahoma. Her family owned the Lil’ Sooper grocery store in
Coahoma, and she worked there starting in 1970. She finally retired in 2007,
having also worked at the Walls Clothing Factory. Phyllis was known for her
can-do attitude. She would accomplish anything she put her mind to, like trying
to grow something in the garden or restore an old pickup.
Phyllis was a strong Christian woman who was very involved in teaching little
children about the Lord. She took this very serious. Through many trials in her
life, she always found joy and carried on. She never said a negative word about
anyone, and she loved her family and friends endlessly. She felt incredibly
blessed.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Delbert Scroggins of Big Spring; sons Dennis
Scroggins and wife, Stephanie, and Matt Scroggins and wife, Leslie, all of Big
Spring; daughter Wanda Levy and husband, Kenneth, of Midland; eight
grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister Wanda Davis of Aurora,
Colo.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Luther “Bud” Anderson and Vera
Dell Anderson; brothers Wendell Joe Anderson, Lonnie Anderson and James
“Buddy” Anderson; sister Linda Dell Anderson; and grandson Rauli Tabor Wise.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Online
condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
Seibold, Barbara June
1938-2014
Published Saturday, March 1, 2014
Barbara June Seibold, 75, a nurse’s aide, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Funeral was Feb. 28 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Aurora
Cemetery under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Ernest Partin officiated, assisted by Danny Seibold. Pallbearers were Ernest
Partin, James Partin, Danny Seibold, Michael Harvey, Mark Harvey and Sean
Wright.
Barbara was born Feb. 27, 1938, in San Saba to Clinton and Ozella (Fagan)
Fulcher. She married Walter Anthony Seibold Nov. 1, 1956, in Weatherford, and
they were lovingly married for 42 years before his passing in 1998.
Barbara worked many years as a caregiver for several Fort Worth nursing homes.
She had a kind and gentle heart, and all that met her became lifelong friends.
Many were proud to think of her as their second mom. Her warmth and humor always
cheered a person up. She enjoyed family, friends, NASCAR racing, bingo and trips
to WinStar. She was a former member of Moose Lodge 1100 and the Masons.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sons Mark, Larry, Randy
and Rodney; and sister Faye Bardwell.
Survivors include her daughter, Alice Blevins and husband, Bill, of Fort Worth;
grandchildren Greg Anthony Blevins and partner, Tiffany Crowley, of Newark and
Joe Don Blevins and wife, Meagan, of Killeen; great-grandchildren Kreg Blevins,
Erika Gonzales, Mason Blevins, Trinity Blevins, Kane Blevins, Harlee Mae Blevins
and Blue Blevins; brother James “Butch” Fulcher and wife, Beverly; sister
Lynn Harvey and husband, Alfred; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
The family wishes to acknowledge the special support provided by both family and
friends. Special thanks go out to the entire John Peter Smith Hospital Network
of caregivers, Reliable Healthcare Nursing Home, Odyssey Hospice Group,
Christian Hawkins Funeral Home and special friends at First Baptist Church of
Boyd.
Sermons, James M.
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
James M. Sermons, 82, a retired cement contractor, died Sunday, June 29, 2014,
in Decatur.
No service is scheduled at this time.
James was born Sept. 15, 1931, in Alvord to Ruben and Lura Mae (Williams)
Sermons. He married Mattie Greer Nov. 22, 1964, in Weatherford.
James served his country in the United States Navy and was a member of the First
Baptist Church of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mattie Sermons of Decatur; son Chester
Roberson and wife, Gail, of Alvord; granddaughters Andrea Quintana and husband,
Ben, of Decatur, Lindsey Gildon and husband, Andrew, of Decatur, and Christy
Roberson of Wichita Falls; great-grandchildren Corbin Roberson, Natalie Gildon
and Gabby Roberson; sister Betty Hipp of Roswell, N.M.; and nieces, nephews and
friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Charles Roberson; brother Arnold
Sermons; and sister Eva Jo Lee.
Sessions, Elna Louise
1928-2014
Published Saturday, March 15, 2014
Elna Louise Sessions, 85, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service was March 13 at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Louise was born July 18, 1928, in Wichita Falls to Lauderdale and Elnor
(Washington) McDowell. She worked for Bell Helicopter for 28 years. Louise was a
member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her sons, Tom Sessions and wife, Jana, of Jacksboro and Alan
Sessions and wife, Connie, of Decatur; daughter Nancy Sessions of Decatur;
grandchildren Ryan Sessions, Andria Sessions, McKenzie Cox, Amon Cox, Korey
Sessions and Nicole Margavitch; great-grandchildren Sofia Sessions, Addi Cox and
Creed Cox; sister Nita Tillman of Granbury; and other family members and
friends.
Shackelford, Wallace LeDell
1967-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wallace LeDell Shackelford, 46, of Paradise, died Sunday, July 27, 2014, at
home.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with burial to follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at the funeral home.
Wallace was born Dec. 28, 1967, in Fort Worth to Sammy (Wilson) and Wally
Shackelford. He served his country in the U.S. Army and enjoyed fishing, riding
jet skis and shooting.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Evelyn and O’Dell Shackelford
and Bessie and Leroy Wilson.
He is survived by his parents; brother Jason Shackelford and wife, Stephanie, of
Midlothian; sister Misty Tierney and husband, Kevin, of Vernon, N.Y.; nieces and
nephews A.J. and Parker Shackelford, Dalton McCord, Miles Tierney and Mikayla
Tierney; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Shankle, Charles Clyde
1938-2014
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Charles Clyde Shankle, 75, of Paradise, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral was Jan. 3 at the Decatur Church of Christ.
Charlie was born March 12, 1938, in Comanche to Leo and Omie (Taylor) Shankle.
Survivors include his wife of more than 30 years, Loyce Lowery of Paradise; sons
Kirk Shankle of Hurst, Chris Lowery of Decatur and Greg Lowery of Paradise;
daughters Cassandra Newman of Paradise, Melonie Christian of Decatur and Leisha
Young of Paradise; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous
nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by brothers Gene, Larry and Harold Shankle; sister
Rella Jane Shankle; and a son, Charles Steven Shankle.
Shannon, Freddie Jack
1933-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Freddie Jack Shannon, 81, of Newark, died Friday, June 6, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Boyd.
Freddie was born Feb. 25, 1933, in Cisco to Fred and Lucille (Kyle) Shannon. He
was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired after 20 years of
dedicated service, which included the Vietnam War.
After his retirement, he received his pilot’s license and flew small engine
aircraft. Freddie played the steel guitar in several bands, and although he
could not read sheet music, he taught several people how to play music by using
numbers. He made several steel and electric guitars and liked to work with
leather.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Byron Keene Shannon; and
two great-granddaughters.
He is survived by his sons, Ike Shannon and wife, Kim, of Lake Worth and Chad
Shannon and wife, Wanda, of Newark; grandchildren William, Gary, Raychel and
husband, Adam, Sunnie and husband, D.J., Kimberlee and husband, Andrew, and
Anthony; seven great-grandchildren; brother Terry Brown and wife, Ann, of
Florida; one niece; one nephew; and other family members and friends.
Shannon, Pauline
1925-2014
Published Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Pauline Shannon, 89, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Paradise Church of Christ
with Sam Starr officiating. Her body was donated to UT Southwestern Medical
School in Dallas.
Pauline was born Sept. 16, 1925, in Bridgeport to Luther and Callie Fitzgerald,
the youngest of 11 children. She was a Christian and attended services at
Paradise Church of Christ for many years.
She was a hard worker but loved to play games and have fun with her family and
friends. She served the people of Paradise as a member of the city council and
economic development board, and was the city’s mayor pro tem. She will be
missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Olin, Loyd, Hubert, J.L. and
Bill Fitzgerald; sisters Mary Walker, Utoka Hudson, Dona Shepherd, Della and
Stella Fitzgerald; her husband, Armon Shannon; sons Joseph Weger and Marion
Weger; and granddaughter Mara Ooten. Survivors include her son, David Shannon;
daughter Paula Copeland and husband, Jon; grandchildren Todd Weger, Cheryl
Greiner and husband, Lou, Ryan Ooten and wife, Erin, Laura Janese and husband,
Jon, Shiloh Shannon and Rob Shannon and wife, Jamie; great-grandchilden;
great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial
donations may be made to Senior Care Center of Bridgeport.
Shaw, Mary Lou
1930-2014
Published Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Mary Lou Shaw, 84, an aircraft assembly worker, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, in
Denton.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Aurora Cemetery with Gerre
Joiner officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Mary was born May 29, 1930, in Aurora to Robert and Edith (Stroud) Brown. She
married Steve Junior Shaw April 24, 1948, in Fort Worth. Mary retired from
General Dynamics as an aircraft assembly worker, and after her retirement, she
was a homemaker. She was a member of Aurora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include her son, Bobby Shaw of Aurora; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Shellnut, Mary Bell Dunn
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Mary Bell Dunn Shellnut, 83, of Bridgeport, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.
Funeral was Sept. 2 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Phillip
Weitner officiating. Burial followed at Willow Point Cemetery.
Mary was born June 9, 1931, in Wise County to Lena Idus (Long) and Joe Gregg.
She was a member of the Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church and enjoyed preparing
flower arrangements, playing 42 and doing word finds. She was a retired medical
office clerk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Kenneth Dunn;
daughter Linda Dunn; and husband E.A. Shellnut.
Mary is survived by her son, Randy Dunn, and wife, Yvonne; daughter Becky
Taylor; brother Jean Gregg and wife, Barbara; sisters Billie Billington and Lena
McWilliams; grandchildren Kenneth, Donald and Kimberly; step-grandchildren Cody
and Cory; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shelton, Reta Jay 'RJay'
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Reta Jay “RJay” Shelton, 70, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, in Decatur after
almost a four-year battle with cancer.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
chapel in Boyd, with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Speaker will be Dane
Shelton, assisted by Joe Caballero. Dub Shelton, Dane Shelton, Blaine Shelton,
Zachary Shelton, Treat Peterson and Cody Peterson will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
RJay was born Dec. 15, 1943, to J.W and Reta (Sparkman) Taylor in Ballinger. She
graduated from Ballinger High School and was valedictorian of her graduating
class from LVN nursing school. RJay retired from Airborne Express as a regional
manager.
She was very active in the Boyd Elementary School Booster Club, and was a loving
mother and grandmother, and a friend to many.
Survivors include her sons, Dub Shelton and wife, Debbie, of Gallitan, Tenn.,
Dane Shelton of Decatur and Blaine Shelton and wife, Jenny, of San Angelo;
daughter Tammi Peterson and husband, Stephen, of Fort Worth; grandsons Zac
Shelton, Treat Peterson, Cody Peterson, Landon Shelton, Blake Shelton and Ryder
Shelton; granddaughters Amanda Peterson, Mary Peterson, Brayden Shelton and
Grace Shelton; great-grandson Colton Shelton; brother Dick Taylor and wife,
Theresa, of Celina; other family members and a host of friends.
Shepherd, Winnie Mae Louise Barnhart
1926-2014
Published Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Winnie Mae Louise Barnhart Shepherd, 88, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in
Bridgeport.
Graveside service was Dec. 1 at Willow Point Cemetery with the Rev. Bill
Cleveland officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Micky Shepherd, Nick Shepherd, R.D. Barnhart and Kenny
Shepherd.
Winnie was born May 20, 1926, in Graham to Whitt and Sudie (Jobe) Barnhart. She
married Billie Joe Shepherd Jan. 5, 1946, in Graham, and they were blessed with
a son, Joe (Micky) Michael Shepherd.
Winnie loved the Lord and was saved by his grace. She was a beloved mother,
grandmother and great-grandmother and had a special place in her heart for her
sister, Ruby, and her niece, Judy. She had a gift for writing poetry and a love
for music.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Bobby Jean Barnhart and
Harvey Monroe Barnhart.
Survivors include her beloved son, Joe M. Shepherd and wife, Earlene, of
Bridgeport; granddaughter Paula Shepherd of Bridgeport; grandsons Micky Shepherd
and wife, Jennifer, of Colleyville, Nick Shepherd and wife, Belinda, of Abilene;
great-grandchildren Madeline, Lindsey, Mason and Olivia; sister Ruby Copeland
and husband, Leroy, of Azle; brother R.D. Barnhart and wife, Anice, of Graham;
and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Sherman, Hazel Lenor
1925-2014
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Hazel Lenor Sherman, 89, formerly of Decatur, died Friday, May 30, 2014, in
Watauga.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with burial at Pleasant Grove No. 1 Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday at the funeral home.
Hazel was born Jan. 23, 1925, in Parkin, Ark., to James Gross and Coy (Love)
New. She married Norton Sherman in 1941, and they were married for 21 years
until his passing in 1963. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of
Saginaw.
Hazel is survived by daughters Carolyn Sue Hardee of Decatur and Tammy Lewis of
North Richland Hills; son Ricky Sherman and wife, Janie, of Haltom City;
grandchildren Ronnie Sherman, Richard Sherman, Cheri Turner, Wed Hardee, Tim
Hardee, Cheryl Haynes, Misty Shwartz and Jonathan Lewis; 19 great-grandchildren;
three great-great-grandchildren; brother Bobby New; and numerous nieces, nephews
and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son Norton Sherman Jr.;
daughter Judy Maley; grandchildren David Sherman and Rhonda Burden; and
great-grandchild Riley Hardee.
Simpson, Lynda May
1946-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Lynda May Simpson 67, a retired convalescent worker, died Saturday, May 17,
2014, in Decatur. Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Pleasant
Grove No. 3 Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Ferguson officiating. Burial is under the
direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home. Marcus Stratton Simpson, Dale Wilson
Simpson, Royce Dylan Simpson, Christopher Paul Taliaferro and Nicholas Scott
Easly will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Lynda was born July 5, 1946, in Denton to Samuel Floyd and Ethel May (Brown)
Smith. She worked for Decatur Convalescent Center for 17 years before her
retirement. She was a member of the Fundamental Baptist Church.
Lynda was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Wilson Simpson; brother Tommy
Smith; sister Elsie Nugent; and her two grandsons. Survivors include her
daughters, Rhonda Taliaferro and husband, Rick, of Newark, Sherrie Amey of
Decatur and Laurie Delgado of Decatur; sons Dale Simpson and wife, Michelle, of
Paradise and Marcus Simpson and wife, Rhonda, of Decatur; 15 grandchildren and
15 great-grandchildren; brothers Floyd Smith, Ed Smith and wife, Jerri, and
Terry Smith and wife, Bobbie; sisters Ina Cundiff and husband, Bill, and Carolyn
McClainer; sisters-in-law Barbara Shipp and Sharon Montgomery; and other family
members and friends.
Sims, Charles Roland
1925-2014
Published Saturday, August 30, 2014
Charles Roland Sims, 89, a retired welder for American Manufacturing of Texas,
died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Aug. 23 at First Baptist Church in Newark with Pastor Alan Six
officiating. Burial followed at Dido Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Chris Gailbreath, Gentry Barnes, James Edgemon, Frank Owen,
Gene Davis, Burt Lamkin, Cokey Kelley and James Newman. Honorary pallbearers
were Arling Sims, Harold Dean Sims, Donald Sims, Jack Sims, James Curtis and
Bill Ervin.
Charles was born July 14, 1925, in New Edinburg, Ark., to Samuel and Percilla
(Langford) Sims. He served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific, then served in
the U.S. Army, earning 10 ribbons and five medal stars. Charles also served as a
police officer for 10 years.
He married Pearl Edwards Oct. 31, 1966.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pearl; daughter Charlotte
Lynn Sims; brothers Johnny Edgar, Samuel (Huckleberry) Alfred, and Lester,
Vester, Lewis, Grover, C.V. and Joseph Sims; and sisters Cathlene Sims and
Maxine Sims Miller.
He is survived by his sons, Charles Ray Sims and wife, Julie, of Malvern, Ark.,
Michael Sims and wife, Linda, of Poyen, Ark., Larry Williams of North Richland
Hills and Tim Williams of Paradise; daughters Rita Sims Gailbreath and husband,
Gary, of Newark, Elaine Cohen and husband, Jerry, of Fort Worth, and Sherry
Hamilton and husband, Robert, of Haltom City; 14 grandchildren; 14
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers Arling Sims of Florida
and Harold Dean Sims of Kingsland, Ark.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Sims, Tanner
2000-2014
Published Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Tanner Sims, 13, of Rhome, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, in Azle.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller with
cremation to follow.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Tanner was born Oct. 17, 2000, in Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Lowell and Beverly Davis.
Survivors include his parents, Jim and Tamara Sims; brother Chaz Sims;
grandparents Jim and D’Lane Sims; and buddies Benelli, Remi and Zain. He is
also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a friend to many and
will be missed by all.
Sinclair, Charles Nelson
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Charles Nelson Sinclair, 78, died Sunday, May 11, 2014, in Watauga.
Service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Aurora Baptist Church. Burial is at 3:30
p.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville.
Pallbearers are Ed Talley, Richard Maddox, Terry Latham, Randy Simon, Jordan
Sinclair and Jacob Sinclair. Honorary pallbearer is Jim Reed.
Charles was born Jan. 18, 1936, in Sasakwa, Okla. He was a truck tire salesman
in Montgomery Wards and Sears and coached and umpired baseball in Irving for 20
years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Sinclair; son Rick Sinclair and wife,
Debra, and Randy Sinclair; daughter Amy Sinclair; grandsons Jordan Sinclair and
wife, Kim, and Jacob Sinclair; sister Wanda Walters; and many nieces, nephews
and cousins.
Singleton, Ezell, Jr.
1963-2014
Published Saturday, March 1, 2014
Ezell Singleton Jr., 50, of Newark, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Darren Embree officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Joe Driver, Joe Driver Jr., Ray Russell II, Darryl Russell,
Chris Greene and Dale Beaver. Honorary pallbearers are George Sutton, Ray
Russell Sr. and Johnny Moore.
Ezell was born Sept. 12, 1963, in Decatur to Ezell Sr. and Rosa (Gil) Singleton
in Decatur.
He is survived by his parents, Ezell and Rosa Singleton of Decatur; the mother
of his children, Tammy Singleton; son Michael Singleton and fianc , Kirsten
Holt, of Runaway Bay; daughters Kasi Singleton of Newark and Brynna Teague of
Chico; grandchildren Vondrick, Donovan, Nathon, Blaze, Riggin and Aliyah;
sisters Ester Rivera and husband, Alberto, of Bridgeport, Dolores Beaver and
husband, Dale, of Alvord, Elaine Norris and husband, Ricky, of Fort Worth and
Lisa Greene and husband, Chris, of Decatur; brother Carlos Singleton and wife,
Brenda, of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Sipes, Wanda
1928-2014
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Wanda Sipes, 86, of Paradise, died Thursday, May 15, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at First United Methodist Church in
Bridgeport, with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. The family will receive
friends 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Rev. Larry Potts will officiate and Joe Sipes, Travis Vinzant, Steve Stokes,
Jonathan Holder, Ed Black and Karl Black will serve as pallbearers.
Wanda was born Jan. 31, 1928, to Blan and Marie (Cox) Waters in Weatherford. She
married D.C. Sipes Feb. 16, 1946, in Weatherford. Wanda was a homemaker and a
member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, D.C. Sipes; sons Eddie
and Danny Sipes; sisters Nona Mae and Ann; and brothers Dick and Jimmy.
She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Hutto and husband, Mike, of Paradise;
daughter-in-law Sharon Sipes of Decatur; grandchildren Joe Sipes and wife, Mary
Lois, of Boyd, Shelly Vinzant and husband, Travis, of Decatur;
great-grandchildren Trinity, Wyatt and Eden; sister Billie Stokes of Bridgeport;
granddaughters Keitha, Deedee, Christi, and Kimberly; numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and a host of friends.
Smith, Earl
1938-2014
Published Saturday, February 1, 2014
Earl Smith, 75, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with
burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1. Visitation is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the
funeral home.
Earl was born Dec. 17, 1938, in Durant, Okla., to Joseph Delbert and Frieda
Roseman (Green) Smith. He retired from Bell Helicopter Textron as a wood pattern
maker after 37 years of service. Earl served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include sons, Robert Earl Smith of Decatur, Charles Warren Smith of
Red Oak and Jeffery Wayne Smith of Keller; daughter Sylvia Joanne Hayden of
Leander; granddaughters Stacey Michelle Clemmens of North Richland Hills,
Charlotte Raquel Hayden and Chelsi Anne Schuneman, both of Leander, Logan
Whitney Smith of Arlington, Christina Yvonne Butterworth of Hurst, Sara Gardner
of Dallas and Casi Kruse Thorne of Red Oak; grandsons Dakota Jordan Smith of
Dallas, Bobby Ray Hayden III of Leander, Kevin Kruse of Red Oak and Eric Elson
of Keller; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Yvonne Smith.
Smith, Linda Gail
1951-2014
Published Saturday, August 9, 2014
Linda Gail Smith, 63, a retired supervisor for the Tarrant County Appraisal
Review Board, died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, in Rhome.
Funeral was Aug. 8 at the First Baptist Church in Aurora with the Revs. Jimmy
Withers and Phillip Weitner officiating. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery
under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers were Joe Best, Tim Taylor, Paul Young, Justin Thompson, Dawson
Thompson and Chad Dyer. Honorary pallbearer was Cannon Green.
Linda was born Feb. 3, 1951, in Longview to Clifton Leon and Dorothy (Farrar)
Nix. She married David Smith April 28, 1990, in Arlington.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Nix; sister Rosemary Nix Green;
and nephew Steven Epperson.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, David Smith of Aurora; daughter
Lydia Dyer of Fort Worth; granddaughters Rachel and Krista Dyer; her father,
Clifton Leon Nix of Chandler; sisters Barbara Nix of Chandler, Donna Best of
North Richland Hills, Kathy Wilder of Lindale and Cindy Reeder of Chandler;
brothers Roy Nix of Troup and James Wisdom of Marshall; numerous nieces and
nephews; and other family members and friends.
Smith, Mary Jo
1936-2014
Published Saturday, April 5, 2014
Mary Jo Smith, 77, a retired bookkeeper, died Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral was April 4 at Newark Church of Christ with Mike Boaldin officiating.
Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers were Tony Rhett Dickey, Justin Burk, John Gordon Smith, Cooper
Smith, Anthony Balanda and Scott Tomlinson.
Mary Jo was born April 19, 1936, in Duster to Morgan and Alta Lee (Anderson)
Rhodes. She married Calvin Smith Aug. 26, 1957, in Weatherford. She was a member
of the Newark Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Calvin Smith of Aurora; daughter
Casey Smith of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son Clayt Smith and wife, Teresa, of
Rhome; grandsons John Gordon Smith and Cooper Smith; brothers Edward Rhodes of
Grapevine, John Rhodes of Fort Worth and Jerry Rhodes of Whitney; and numerous
nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Snodgrass, Wayne Vetree
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Wayne Vetree Snodgrass, 80, a master builder, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, in
Boyd.
Graveside service was Aug. 20 at the cemetery in Boyd, with Jay Snodgrass and
Tim Sipes speaking. Arrangements were handled by Restland of Dallas.
Wayne was born Jan. 20, 1934, in Abilene, the son of a church of Christ
minister. He attended Tarleton State University, where he was on both the
football and boxing teams. He served two years as a sergeant in the United
States Army.
He was a master builder in Wise County for more than 40 years and was out in the
hot Texas sun, building a home, just four days before his death. Wayne’s
passion in life was to serve his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James Snodgrass; a sister, Maxine
Northrup; and granddaughter Amber Blade.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan Snodgrass; four daughters, Kimberli
Snodgrass, Tami Ballard, Lauri Sipes and husband, Tim, and Kari Fagan; two sons,
Clay Snodgrass and wife, Betty Jean, and Jay Snodgrass and wife, Michelle; 13
grandchildren, Adam Schwieger, Athena Busch, Jimmy Lomerson, Andrea Fagan,
Alyssa Lomerson, Andrew Fagan, Ashlie Snodgrass, Alexander Snodgrass, Anthony
Snodgrass, Abigail Fagan, Aspecia Snodgrass, Conner Snodgrass and Mya Snodgrass;
and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to a fund set up by Rock Island Church of Christ, P.O. Box
1630, Boyd, TX 76023.
Snow, Nell Hunn
1934-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
The service, for Nell (Hunn) Snow, 79, of Hurst, formerly of Paradise, was Jan.
24 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Nell passed away Jan. 21, 2014, in Bedford.
Bro. Scott Strother officiated the funeral and burial followed at Wilson Prairie
Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Nell was born Nov. 8, 1934, to Harlow and Bessie (Shawn) Hunn in the Wilson
Prairie Community in Wise County. She enjoyed an active lifestyle of bowling and
square dancing and was an avid walker. She loved to hike in Colorado and attend
bluegrass festivals.
She leaves behind her husband, Billy Snow of Hurst; sons Steve Novak and Van
Novak; brother William Hunn and wife, Isabelle; sisters Jewel Crum, Alice Doss,
Laura Smith and husband, Gary, Goldie Chilton and husband, Jack, and Ann Holt
and husband, Ronnie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joyce Stroud.
Soto, Jose Guadalupe
1960-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Jose Guadalupe Soto, 54, died Sunday, May 4, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at Funeraria La Pied d in Allende Coahuila,
Mexico. Visitation was May 6 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Jose was born March 13, 1960, in Allende, Coahuila, Mexico, to Guadalupe and
Maria (Segura) Soto. He was a member of Saint John’s The Baptist Catholic
Church.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his father, Guadalupe Soto.
Survivors include his mother, Maria Soto of Bridgeport; brothers Jesus Ramon
Soto of Bridgeport and Pedro Soto and wife, Juanita, of Bridgeport; sisters
Rosario Soto of Bridgeport, Maria Salazar and husband, Juan Manuel, of
Bridgeport, Juana De Leon and husband, Oscar, of Devine and Maria Del Soccoro of
Allende, Coahuila, Mexico; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
South, Edna
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Edna South, 73, of Chico, died Saturday, March 1, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at Elizabeth Cemetery with
the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Edna was born Oct. 13, 1940, in Bowie to Willis and Lillian (Taylor) Stewart.
She married Roy Ray Anderson April 13, 1956, and they were married 38 years
until his death in 1994. She married Butch South in 1998, and they were married
15 years until his death in May of 2013.
Left behind to cherish her memory are sons, Frank Anderson and wife, Stacy, of
Alvord, and Willie Anderson and wife, Diana, of Gainesville; daughters Teresa
Anderson Gaut of Bridgeport, Melinda Rosson and husband, Chris, of Crafton, and
Lavina Anderson Kent and husband, Terry, of Saint Jo; 16 grandchildren; 20
great-grandchildren; six sisters; a brother; and numerous nieces, nephews and
friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roy Ray Anderson; and husband
Butch South.
Southard, Albert Preston
1937-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Albert Preston Southard, 76, of Archer City died Sunday, May 18, 2014, at his
residence.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the First Baptist Church of Archer
City with Pastor Roger Deerinwater officiating. Burial will follow at the Archer
City Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Sam Berube, Richard Browning, Jimmy Davis, Mack Howell, Jackie
Love and H.C. Walker.
Albert, one of 10 children, was born Oct. 30, 1937, in Point to William Oscar
Southard and Eula Mae Oaks Southard. He and Audrey Byrd were married Sept. 23,
1961, in Durant, Okla. Albert, a former resident of Irving, was employed by the
city of Irving. In 1970, he moved to Archer City and was employed as a pumper
for Davis and Davis.
He enjoyed card games, Wahoo and coyote hunting with his greyhounds. He also
loved motorcycles, old cars and trucks and could fix anything. His pride and joy
were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include wife Audrey of Archer City; sons Chester and wife, Beverly, of
Archer City, Preston and wife, Dedra, of Windthorst, and Mark and wife, Jo Beth,
of Decatur; daughter Stacy Atkins and husband, Sean Worley, of Archer City;
sisters Ola Mae Barrick of Fort Worth and Margene Cotton of Irving;
grandchildren Michael, Khrystal, Ashley, Cameron, Justin, Braden, Macie, Sarah,
Ethan, Amber, Lauren and Trinity; great-grandchildren Brayson, Lukas and Kinzy;
and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita
Falls, TX 76351.
Spain, H.L. 'Bill'
1924-2014
Published Saturday, August 23, 2014
H.L. “Bill” Spain, 90, of Alvord, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service was Aug. 21 at First United Methodist Church of Alvord with the
Revs. Sam Campbell, Veronica Greanead and Tom Merritt officiating.
Bill was born Feb. 23, 1924, in Fort Worth to Lowrey and Velma (Thomas) Spain.
He married Betty Jean Ball May 31, 1946 in Decatur and retired from the U.S.
Postal Service after more than 30 years of service.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Alvord. Bill served in
the U.S. Marines.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Spain; and brothers
Marion Spain and Wayne Spain.
Survivors include his daughter, Cammy Terrell and husband, Kent, of Chico;
grandsons Zach Terrell and wife, Emma, of Denton, and Tyler Terrell of Denton;
and many other family members and friends.
Speas, Robert James
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Robert James Speas, 74, of Alvord, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, in Lewisville.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Friday, April 11, at The Village Church in Highland
Village. The scattering of his ashes will be Saturday, April 12, in Alvord.
Bob was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Kalona, Iowa, to Walter and Esther Speas. He
attended Kalona High School before joining the Navy at the age of 17. He served
three-and-a-half years, including three overseas tours on the USS Platte as an
electronics technician. After the Navy, he joined Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, before becoming a real estate broker and cross-country truck driver.
In 1986, after four years of intensive self-study through a legal correspondence
course with La Salle University, Bob passed the bar exam in California. He
practiced law for many years and realized his lifelong dream of owning and
racing horses. He was at home in the saddle, most recently living on a ranch in
Alvord.
He is survived by his children, Pj Hall, Lisa Howard, Russell Speas, Scott
Speas, Michael Speas, Rusty Speas, Dwayne Speas and Shae Windstetter; siblings
Lucy Grout, Everett Speas and Ralph Speas; grandchildren James, Miriam, Derek,
Mariah, Nicole, Bonnie, Vann, Jennifer, Sean, Justin, Michael Jr., Christopher,
Hannah, Brandon, Dwayne Jr., Annie and Russell Jr.; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by two ex-wives, Edith Speas-Klepper and Mary Carter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Robbie Speas; and granddaughter
Tabatha Speas.
Donations may be made to the Robert Speas Memorial, Independent Bank, P.O. Box
669, Prosper, TX 75078 or to CANTER (The Communication Alliance to Network
Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses, www.canterusa.org). Condolences may be sent to the
family at www.daltonandson.com.
Spivey, Kay
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Kay Spivey, 67, a homemaker, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Visitation was Dec. 9 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Kay was born Aug. 17, 1947, in Houston to William and Ruby (Pitts) White. She
married Randolph Spivey Sept. 18, 1980, in Fort Worth. Kay had served as
president of the Rhome Volunteer Fire Support Brigade.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Randolph, on Aug. 23,
2003.
Survivors include her daughters, Jacque Sanders and husband, Chaney, of Newark
and Judie Hines and husband, Sidney, of Rhome; sons James Weyand of Boyd, Steve
Duval of Joshua and Greg Sanders of Joshua; grandchildren Joseph Weyand, Miranda
Weyand, Kassi Boyd-Weyand, Dustin Stewart, Dylynn Weyand and Teesa Weyand;
great-grandchildren Ryder, Jayden, Maddie, Trinity, Emma, Ava, Alilya and
Breanna; and other family members and friends.
Spivey, Mary Janelle
1958-2014
Published Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Mary Janelle Spivey, 56, a homemaker, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, in Newark.
Graveside service was Oct. 27 at Aurora Cemetery with Pastor Scott Griffen
officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Manuel Segura, T.J. Russell, Christopher Laughlin,
Christopher Peterson, Little Manuel and Harold Huffman.
Mary was born Jan. 26, 1958, in Fort Worth to James and Betty (Drake) Elmore.
She married Ernest Spivey March 24, 2011, in Boyd. Mary was a homemaker and a
Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and Mikel Spivey.
Survivors include her husband, Ernest Spivey of Newark; daughters Heather Segura
and husband, Manuel, of Newark and Crystal Meguire and husband, Christopher, of
Newark; grandchildren T.J. Russell, Savannah Roberts and Abigail Mendoza; nephew
Christopher Micheal Laughlin; niece Erica Nicole Owens; sisters Joan Oglesby of
Azle, Linda Diane Bolton of Newark and Phyllis Greear of Fort Worth; one
brother; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
St John, Cora Lou
1935-2014
Published Saturday, July 5, 2014
Cora Lou St. John, 78, a homemaker, died Monday, June 30, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was July 3 at Living Waters Fellowship Church in Chico with the Rev.
Robert Cox officiating. Burial followed at Cumby Cemetery under the direction of
Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers were Mark St. John, Chad St. John, Carvel St. John, Trustin St. John
and Larry Marshall.
Cora was born July 5, 1935, in Springtown to Bonnie Mack and Creo Belle (Spry)
Martin. She married Raymond E. St. John April 30, 1954, in Weatherford. Cora was
a member of Living Waters Fellowship Church in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Raymond E. St. John of Chico; sons
Dawayne and wife, Lois, of Bowie, Randell and wife, Christi, of Montague and
David and wife, Greta, of Chico; daughter Patricia Hill and husband, John; 10
grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister Annie Wilson of Azle; brother
Donnie Ray Martin of Bowie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Starnes, Kimberly Ann Oates
1958-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Kimberly Ann Oates Starnes, 55, a co-owner of Starnes Construction and MS Ranch
in Boyd, died Monday, July 21, 2014, in Boyd.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, July 25, at First Baptist Church in Boyd with the
Rev. Mark Autry officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Boyd.
Pallbearers will be Brian Wilson, Trey Luttrell, Troy Lackey, Jared Cate, Brent
Wilson, Phillip Beyer, Toby Miller and Kevin Cate.
Kimberly was born Dec. 21, 1958, in Bridgeport to James Henry and Sylvia Louise
(Findley) Oates. She married Mark Allan Starnes May 2, 1980, in Paradise.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Starnes of Boyd; sons Ryan, Shane and Chasen
Starnes, all of Boyd; granddaughter Jalynn Starnes; brothers Gaylen Oates and
wife, Debra, of Paradise, Michael Oates, Pat Oates and wife, Cristi, of
Bridgeport; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends.
Steele, Lee
1955-2014
Published Saturday, September 6, 2014
Lee Steele, 59, of Boyd, died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, in Hurst.
Funeral was Sept. 8 at the First Baptist Church in Boyd with the Rev. Mark Autry
officiating. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery under the direction of
Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home of Boyd.
Pallbearers were Trae Luttrell, Matt Luttrell, Don Peebles, Dale Peebles,
Russell Peebles, Bing Carmichael, Darrel Vermillion and Dennis Kunkleman.
Honorary pallbearers were Toby Miller, Rodney Vanderslice, H.B. Peebles, Harold
Johnson, Rodney Maxwell, Trae Hamm and Brent Wilson.
Lee was born April 20, 1955, in Wichita Falls to William and Aliene (Shumacher)
Steele. He married Tonya Janette Webster July 31, 1982, in Tarrant County.
Lee was a self-employed construction worker.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Tonya Steele of Boyd; sons Christopher
Steele of Boyd and Michael Steele of Weatherford; daughters Chantel Spelta and
husband, Shane, of Nashville, Tenn., April Steele of Wichita Falls and Amanda
Steele of Arlington; grandchildren Shannyn, Dylan, Davin, Zailey and Katelyn;
brothers Henry Steele and wife, Sue, of Gainesville and Mark Webster of Boyd;
and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Stegall, Jerrell
1944-2014
Published Saturday, July 19, 2014
Jerrell Stegall, 69, a retired carpenter, died Friday, July 18, 2014 in
Springtown.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Jerrell was born July 20, 1944 to Rodney and Anna Mae (Farris) Stegall in Fort
Worth. He was married to Margaret “Peggy” Shultz. Jerrell worked as an
upholsterer for P.J. Upholstery. He loved gardening and raising farm animals.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margaret “Peggy” Stegall;
and his sister, Lou Pendergrass.
Survivors include sons Danny Allison and wife, Michelle, of Azle, and Jonny Sisk
of Fort Worth; daughters Tony Huff and husband, Bill, of Poolville, Roxanna
Sellers and husband, Paul, of Fort Worth, and Jodie Ashcraft and husband,
Michael, of Springtown; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two
great-great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
Stephens, Tom Y.
1921-2014
Published Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tom Y. Stephens, 92, of Chico died Saturday, April 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Morris Memorial United Methodist
Church in Chico with the Rev. Rick Davis officiating. Burial will follow at
Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Stephen Martin, Brad Stephens, Jared Scobee, Paul Wombles,
Donnie Stephens and Tommy Nichols.
Tom was born July 23, 1921, in Lubbock to Sydney and Lola (Young) Stephens. He
married Melba Meek Jan. 1, 1941, in Waurika, Okla. Tom was a retired postmaster
and worked for the Grapevine Post Office. He was a member of the Morris Memorial
United Methodist Church in Chico and the Lions Club of Grapevine. Tom proudly
served his country in the United States Army Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom is survived by his wife of 73 years, Melba Stephens of Chico; daughters
Jeana Wilt and husband, Todd, of Chico and JoAnn Scobee and husband, Mike, of
Runaway Bay; sons Tommy Y. Stephens Jr. and wife, Shari, of Fredericksburg and
Jerry Stephens of Chico; grandchildren Stephen, Lisa, Brad, Megan, and Jared; 11
great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Steward, Carl W.
1923-2014
Published Saturday, June 21, 2014
Carl W. Steward, 91, retired civil service United States Air Force, died
Tuesday, June 17, 2014, in Wichita Falls.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
Bill Steward speaking. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Carl was born May 23, 1923, in Hydro, Okla., to Jesse and Lillie (Hanshaw)
Steward. He married Ernestine Herriott Jan. 26, 1956, in Oklahoma City, and he
proudly served his country as a contracting officer for the United States Army
and Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Delpha and Joe
Steward.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ernestine Herriott Steward of Wichita
Falls; son Bill Steward and wife, Kelly, of Byers; grandchildren Amie Steward,
Eb Steward and wife, Allison, Karey Beth Steward, Charlie Mae Steward, Kewpie
Steward, Rachel Cox and Raleigh Cox and wife, Jacee; and five
great-grandchildren.
He’s also survived by sisters Juanita Trent, Ina Sergesketter and Nina Fields;
brother Burt Steward and wife, Barbara; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Stewart, Jean
1928-2014
Published Saturday, November 15, 2014
Jean Stewart, 86, of Decatur, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at Baylor Medical
Center at Irving.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Bean Massey Funeral Home on South
Beltline Road in Grand Prairie. The Rev. Bill E. Fitch of Hilltop Assembly of
God in Boyd will officiate, and burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Jean was born March 30, 1928, to Novella Z. (Mote) and Winnie Wilburn Clawson.
She married Hollis L. Stewart Sept. 20, 1953. She was a homemaker and retired
from the city of Dallas tax office. Her hobbies were cooking, fishing and
playing games.
She was a member of Hilltop Assembly of God in Boyd.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Oscar, Charmie, J.B. and
Bo Clawson.
She is survived by her husband; son Robert E. Stewart; daughter Barbara Moore
and husband, Noel; grandchildren Chadwick Moore, Elisha Martin and husband,
Eric, Heather McCallister and husband, Mason; and great-grandchildren Brayden
Polly and Annabelle Martin.
Stone, Louise Farrell
1922-2014
Published Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Louise Farrell Stone, 92, a housewife, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Decatur.
Mass of Christian burial was March 18 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Catholic Church in Decatur with Father Thomas Bsouza officiating. Burial
followed at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tommy Williams, Harold Mosley, Ed
Jolly, Curtis Eaton, Chuck Boatner and Ed Malek.
Louise was born Jan. 30, 1922, in Boston to William and Margaret (O’Sullivan)
Farrell. She married Billy Stone May 1, 1943, in Washington, D.C. Louise was a
member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. She
volunteered for more than 30 years with the Decatur Hospital Auxiliary and the
Decatur Library.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Billy. Survivors
include her son, Bill Stone and wife, Karen, of Austin; daughters Kathy Stone
and husband, Nat Weems, of Austin and Janet Garbarz and husband, Dan, of
Grapevine; grandchildren Zeke, Ben, Hannah, Mallory and Maddie; special friend,
Alex, for all her care for Louise; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and
friends.
Memorials can be made to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church, 1305 Deer Park Rd., Decatur, TX 76234 or the Decatur Library, 1700 South
FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234.
Strachan, Cora Dee
1932-2014
Published Saturday, September 20, 2014
Cora Dee Strachan, 82, of Chico, died Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, in Bridgeport.
No service is scheduled.
Cora was born July 1, 1932, in Crowell to Calvin Sr. and Cynthia (Millican)
Dawson. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son James Carl Strachan Jr.; seven
sisters; and a brother.
Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca Strachan of Chico; son Russell Strachan
of Chico; four grandsons; seven great-grandchildren; brother Calvin Dawson Jr.
of Chico; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Sullens, Mildred Janelle
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Mildred Janelle Sullens, 74, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, in Euless.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Mildred was born March 14, 1939, in Athens, Ga., to Robert Everett and Nellie
Mae (Pugh) Tucker.
She is survived by daughters Andrea Strong of Azle and Tammy Leigh Sullens of
Decatur; sons Clarence Stacy Sullens and Everett Jesse Sullens, both of Euless;
eight grandchildren; and her ex-husband, Dennis Sullens of Decatur.
Mildred was preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda Michelle Sullens.
Sweatman, Roy Lynn
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Roy Lynn Sweatman, 66, of Boonsville, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, at his home.
Memorial service is 5 p.m. Monday, July 7, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Larry Fair officiating.
Roy was born Oct. 11, 1947, in Chillicothe to Velma M. (Smith) and Charlie C.
Sweatman. He married Sherry Phillips in Glendale, Ariz., in 1967, and was a
member of Grace Fellowship Church and the North Texas Honor Guard. He enjoyed
camping and cruising.
Roy is survived by his wife of 47 years; son Steven Sweatman and wife, Leslie;
daughter Kristy Whisenant and husband, Lowell; brother Chuck Sweatman; sister
Charvel Simon; and seven grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Taber, Stephen Marvin 'Steve'
1945-2014
Published Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Stephen Marvin “Steve” Taber, 68, a retired master sergeant police officer
for White Settlement, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at his home in Azle.
No services are scheduled.
Steve was born Nov. 22, 1945, in Azle to Edmond and Willie (Cummings) Roberts.
He married Karen Brown Jan. 9, 1986, in White Settlement. He graduated from Azle
High School and was a veteran of the Air Force Reserves. Steve was also a
reserve deputy of the Palo Pinto Sheriff’s Department and a deputy constable
for the Parker County Sheriff’s Department.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepfathers, Stanley Marvin
Taber and Ben Hayes.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Taber of Azle; son Noal Richard Brown and
wife, Lindsey, of Springtown; daughter Natalie Culberson and husband, Tye, of
Stephenville; grandchildren Serinity, Kayla, Cayti, Trint, Tevin and Rae Ann;
sisters Darling Hurst and husband, Jim, and Glenda Goodman, all of Oregon; and
other family members and friends.
Tate, Wayne E.
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wayne E. Tate, 77, a retired cross-country truck driver, died Sunday, July 27,
2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was July 29 at the First Baptist Church in Alvord with the Rev. Bill
Cleveland officiating. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jeff Tate, Kyle Tate, Garland Tate, Jeremy Tate, Marcus Tate
and Chris Tate.
Wayne was born Sept. 21, 1936, in Jacksonville to Roy and Doris (James) Tate. He
married Katherine Fleming Aug. 25, 1962, in Borger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Katherine; and his brother,
Merle Tate.
Survivors include his sons, Marcus Tate of Alvord, Garland Tate and wife,
Sharon, of Fort Worth and Chris Tate and wife, Isabelle, of Plano; grandchildren
Crystal Manjarres, Kyle Tate, Jeff Tate, Jeremy Tate, Kennedy Tate, Andrew Tate
and Kevin Tate; great-grandchildren Alyssa, Luisanthony, Samantha and Elija;
brother Leroy Tate and wife, Bea, of Odessa; and other family members and
friends.
Taylor, Evelyn Rose
1929-2014
Published Saturday, October 18, 2014
Evelyn Rose Taylor, 85, a business owner and retired clerical worker, died
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, in Flower Mound.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Cates Street Baptist Church in
Bridgeport with the Rev. Randy James officiating. Burial will follow at Rolling
Oaks Cemetery in Coppell under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Paul Preston, Troy Janides, David Beatty, Fred Preston, Daniel
Taylor and Steven Stone.
Evelyn was born March 20, 1929, in Sharp to Benjiman and Bernice (Pressley)
Kraatz. She owned and operated The Chicken Box Restaurant for 30 years. Evelyn
was a member of the Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Randy Taylor; one brother; six
sisters; grandson Michael Taylor; granddaughter Tiffany Stone; and son-in-law
Bobby Stone.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda Preston of Flower Mound, Cynthia Stone of
Justin, and Donna Janides and husband, James, of Irving; daughter-in-law Ellen
Taylor of Cottondale; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters
Lorene Wickr, Lucille McCrummen and Doris Kerbow, all of Commerce; brothers
Charles Kraatz and wife, Norma, of Irving, and Gene Kraatz of Apple Valley,
Calif.; and other family members and friends.
Taylor, Jerry Allan
1950-2014
Published Saturday, April 26, 2014
Jerry Allan Taylor, 64, of Alvord, died Thursday, April 24, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Doug Moreland and Don Singleton officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant
Grove Cemetery No. 1.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be James Simpson, Paul Taylor, Rusty Coleman, Chris Lutenbaker,
Rocky Blaylock and Terry Seville.
Jerry was born Jan. 9, 1950, in Muleshoe to Howard Truitt and Julia Belle
(Faubus) Taylor. He moved to Alvord in 1969. He was a truck driver for 20 years
for Sandy Hill Readi-Mix in Decatur and was a member of the Wise County Cowboy
Church. His hobbies included farming and watching his grandkids play sports.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jolene Taylor; father Howard Taylor;
stepfather Pat Patterson; and grandmother Ella Faubus. He is survived by sons
Scotty Taylor and wife, Tonya, of Sanger, and Mike Taylor of Midland; daughter
Michelle Thomas and husband, Kenny, of Bridgeport; brothers Wayne Taylor and Don
Taylor; and grandchildren Samantha McDaniel of Chico, Daylie Taylor of Sanger,
Dusty Taylor of Callisburg, Haylea McDaniel of Decatur, Kelsey Taylor of Graham,
Josh Thomas of Bridgeport and McKinley Taylor of Graham.
Taylor, Jolene
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Jolene Taylor, 61, of Alvord, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Feb. 8 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Doug Moreland
and Don Singleton officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1
in Decatur.
Pallbearers were Steve Cunningham, Dewayne Taylor, Terry Seville, Aaron Choate,
Brad Largent, Casey Kirkland, Ronnie Taylor and Chris Harris.
Jolene was born Dec. 17, 1952, in Muleshoe to Walter and Maggie (Palmer) Taylor.
She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, reading, sewing and gardening. She
also loved her two Doxies. Jolene was a member of the Wise County Cowboy Church.
She leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Jerry Taylor; sons Scotty Taylor and
wife, Tonya, and Mike Taylor; daughter Michelle Thomas and husband, Kenny;
brothers James Taylor and wife, JoAnn, and Robert Taylor; sister Janie
Cunningham; and grandchildren Dusty and Daylie Taylor, Samantha and Haylea
McDaniel, Joshua Thomas and Kelsey and McKinley Taylor. She was preceded in
death by her parents.
Thomas, Ronny, Jr.
1973-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Ronny Thomas Jr., 40, of Chico, died Friday, May 16, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Hawkins Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy
Williams officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mike Hartsell, Jamie Connell, Les McCain, Chad Richardson,
Charles Tolliver and Jeff Harris.
Ronny was born May 30, 1973, in Bridgeport to Ronnie Sr. and Shiela (McCord)
Thomas. He married Shiela Nielson March 1, 2014, in Lake Bridgeport. Ronny
proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a heavy
equipment operator.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Shiela Jeffries; uncle Richard Thomas;
and stepmother Alice Thomas.
Survivors include his wife, Shiela Thomas of Chico; children Rebecca,
Christopher and Chelsie Thomas of Chico; father Ronnie Thomas Sr. of Lake
Bridgeport; brother Mike Thomas of Lake Bridgeport; and numerous aunts, uncles,
extended family members and friends.
Tichinel, Geraldine Patricia
1942-2014
Published Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Geraldine Tichinel, 72, of Newark died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014.
Memorial service is private.
Geraldine was born March 21, 1942, in Shenandoah, Penn., to Marine and Sophie
Klimowivz Kubelsky.
She is survived by sons Robert and Christopher Popish; daughters Marion Row,
Lorraine Richards and Michelle Popish Jones; grandchildren Christopher, Thomas
and Tabitha Popish, Matthew and Spencer Row, Ashton and Colton Richards and
Nicole Zapata; great-grandchildren Cal-el, Zoie, Remmy and Jadyn; and the love
of her life and best friend, Roger Williamson.
Tiller, Bruce W.
1970-2014
Published Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Bruce W. Tiller, 44, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, in Wichita Falls.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Bruce was born Jan. 23, 1970, in Bridgeport to Omar Lee Tiller and Alice Louise
Keeter Tiller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Diane Parker; and a daughter,
Catelynn Tiller.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Christel Wofford; children Rose Tiller, Jeremy
Tiller, Mary Tiller and Bruce Tiller Jr.; sisters Carol Torres, Vickie Stockard,
Myra Moody and Rita Waldrep; brothers David Webster and Raymond Tiller; and many
nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fallsfuneralhome.com.
Tipps, Fredna Joe
1942-2014
Published Saturday, April 19, 2014
Fredna Joe Tipps, 72, of Justin, died Friday, April 18, 2014, in Denton.
The family will be at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton for visitation 6 to 8
p.m. Monday, April 21. Service will be at the Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God
at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, with burial at Ridgeview Cemetery in McKinney.
Fredna was born March 28, 1942, in Aubrey to Jack and Mary Pearl Allen.
She is survived by her son, Benny Hicks, and wife, Betsy; daughters Martha Hall,
Mary Riley and husband, Donald and Margaret McCoy and husband, Charles;
stepdaughter Judy Hudson and husband, Ricky; brothers Charlie and Mark Allen;
sister Mary Miller; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Marvin Hicks; and
her second husband, F.A. Tipps.
Todd, Kimberly Louise
1983-2014
Published Saturday, November 29, 2014
Kimberly Louise Todd, 31, of Lewisville, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, in Dallas.
Mass of Christian burial is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur with Father Thomas Dsouza
officiating. Burial is at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins
Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Shane Bartel, Jacob Bartel, Conrad Flushe, Daniel
Gardner, Josh McCarty and Allen Birdsong.
Kimberly was born May 7, 1983, in Merced, Calif., to Neil and Katherine
(Flusche) Todd. She was a mortgage support analyst and financial accounting
support worker.
Kimberly was one of the oldest known survivors of an extremely rare genetic
disorder, ACTA2R179H, with 30 to 40 known cases worldwide. Struggling with this
disorder her entire life, she managed to graduate from Flower Mound High School
and earned her MBA from The University of Texas in Arlington while working full
time at Citicorp.
Knowing her time might be short, she pursued her “bucket list” with a
vengeance, traveling all over Europe and the United States, creating and
moderating a Facebook group on her disorder, buying her own home and touching
other people’s lives with her amazing personality and smile. A loving
daughter, sister and aunt, in the end she was surrounded by her family and close
friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Todd; grandparents James and Sally
Flusche; and her grandmother, Janice Todd. She is survived by her grandfather,
Harold Todd of New Port Richie, Fla.; her mother, Katherine Baxley and
stepfather M.A. Baxley Jr. of Decatur; her fianc , Alex Kibner of Lewisville;
sisters Angela Bartel and husband, Shane, of Lewisville, Sarah Todd of Santa Fe
and Megan Flores and husband, Hugo, of Wrightstown, N.J.; and four nieces and
three nephews to whom she was known as “Aunt Kimmy.”
Memorials may be made in her name to the John Ritter Foundation.
Acknowledgements to the family may be sent to P.O. Box 1532, Decatur, TX 76234.
Tolliver, Charles Lee
1938-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Charles Lee Tolliver, 76, a retired truck driver, died Wednesday, March 19,
2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service was March 21 at Boyd Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Sessions
officiating.
Charles was born March 5, 1938, in McLennan County to Charlie and Jimmie (Cole)
Tolliver. He married Sharon Johnson Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon; son Danny Lee
Tolliver; sister Peggy Smithhart; and brother Joe Tolliver.
Survivors include his sons, Billy Joe Tolliver and wife, Sheila, of Shreveport,
La., Mark Tolliver of Decatur, David Tolliver Ivy of Dallas, Darrell Ivy and
wife, Marsha, of Lewisville and Levi Tolliver of Fort Worth; daughters Jan
McCain and husband, Les, of Chico and LaDona Rhoudes of Nacogdoches;
grandchildren Charles, Austin, Danny, Tyler, Justin, Bryce, Brodie, Bodee,
Marcus, Hannah, McKenzie, Brook and Chance; eight great-grandchildren; and other
family members and friends.
Torres, Willie Villalpando
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Willie Villalpando Torres, 80, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at his home in
Bridgeport.
A mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, Dec. 30 at St. John the Baptizer
Catholic Church in Bridgeport, officiated by Assistant Pastor Reehan S. Antony.
Pallbearers for burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery were Guillermo Carrasco,
Anthony Torres, John G. Torres, Blase J. Gaona, Matthew Cavender, Marcus
Pendergraft and Julius Pendergraft.
Willie was born Feb. 10, 1934 in Ballinger to Manuela Villalpando Guajardo. He
married Pura Martinez Jan. 6, 1952 in Ballinger.
Willie was a well-known member of the community, having been a painting
contractor in Bridgeport for 30 years. He loved to fish, but his greatest joys
were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His children
considered him to be the best dad in the world.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jose and Augustina Torres, stepdad
Claudio Guajardo, grandson Manuel Enrique Carrasco, granddaughter Theresa
Uselton, brother Paul Guajardo, uncle Raymundo Villalpando, aunt Juana Ramos and
cousin Jesse Torres.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pura Torres of Bridgeport; son Willie
Torres, Jr. and wife, Tina, of Bridgeport; daughters Paula Johnson and husband,
James, of Bridgeport, Diane Cavender and husband, Perry, of Fort Worth,
Augustina Winebrinner and husband, Bobby, of Bridgeport, Victoria Gaona and
husband, John, of Bridgeport, and Elvira Pendergraft and husband, Billy, of
Bridgeport; sister Gloria Guajardo; brother Peter Guajardo; and grandchildren
Rebecca Lara, Guillermo Carrasco, Sandra Breece, Matthew Cavender, Marcus
Pendergraft, Julius Pendergraft, Olivia Pollock, Michelle Kirchner, Racheal
Miller, Anthony Torres, Jessica Torres Ortiz, John G. Torres and Blase J. Gaona.
Traw, Mildred Louise
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Mildred Louise Traw, 83, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, in Decatur.
Mildred was born April 3, 1931, in Olivet, Kan., to William and Marjorie
(Caukins) Neilson. She married Floid Traw July 6, 1947, in Lyndon, Kan. She was
a retired factory worker.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Floid Traw of Decatur; daughter Diana
Masullo and husband, Nick, of McKinney; son Floyd Randall Traw and wife, Diane,
of La Verne, Calif.; grandchildren Jason, Daniel, Morgan, Andrew, Matthew and
Jameson; six great-grandchildren; her brother, James “Bud” Neilson; sister
Thelma Pollom; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Trost, Walter Gerald
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Walter Gerald Trost, 74, a retired truck driver, died Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, in
Bridgeport.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Walter was born Sept. 23, 1940, in Wichita, Kan. He was a loving father. Walter,
who was retired from Grey Transport Trucking Co., loved truck driving and missed
being on the road.
He supported the Wounded Warriors Foundation, the Wounded Truckers Foundation
and Wounded Police Officers Foundation.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Survivors include his daughters, Nancy Stubben and Juan Garcia of Lake
Bridgeport, Rana Trost of Branson, Mo.; five granddaughters; two grandsons; 15
great-grandchildren; and his sister.
Trotter, Patricia Mary 'Pat'
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Patricia “Pat” Mary Trotter, 75, of White Settlement died Sunday, April 20,
2014, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation
is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pat was born Feb. 1, 1939, in Fort Worth to Chester and Teresa (Henslee) Harden.
She was well-known in the White Settlement area for providing generations with
snow cones since 1978. She was a loving mother and will be missed greatly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Chester Davis Harden Jr.; and
sister Sharon Madison.
She is survived by sons David Trotter and wife, Kim, of Paradise and Rick
Trotter of Lakeside; grandson Jacob Trotter of Sunset; sister Barbara Burcham;
and other family members and friends.
Troutman, Amanda Lee
1980-2014
Published Saturday, August 16, 2014
Amanda Lee Troutman, 33, of Boyd, died Tuesday, July 22, 2014, in Weatherford.
A celebration of life will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the home of
Amanda’s mother at 276 Highview in Boyd, on what would have been her 34th
birthday.
Amanda was born Aug. 18, 1980, to Janet Lee Ewing Hutton and James Troutman Jr.
in Fort Worth. She was a a cashier for Goodwill Industries, and a kind and
loving person who will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her stepfather, Rick Hutton.
Survivors include her mother, Janet Hutton of Boyd; her father, James R.
Troutman of Azle; sister Rachel D. Ewing of Salt Lake City, Utah; brothers Jason
R. Troutman of Boyd and Kevin A. Troutman of Jacksboro; nieces and nephews
Lindzie, Sarah, Jordan, Braxton and Toby; her fur baby, Izzie; other family
members and a host of friends.
Ufret, Matilde
1924-2014
Published Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Matilde Ufret, 89, a retired home economics teacher, died Thursday, June 5,
2014, in Decatur.
Memorial will be held at a later date.
Matilde was born June 7, 1924, in San German, Puerto Rico, to Jose Monserrate
Perdomo and Maria A. (Acevedo) Perdomo. She retired from teaching after 30
years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Octavio Ufret.
She is survived by her daughters, Sara Melear of Boyd and Carmen Davis of
Euless; grandsons Roberto Arcelay of Lewisville, Javier Arcelay of Keller and
Neely Davis of New Braunfels; granddaughters Rhonda Hester of Euless and Donna
Davis of Euless; great-granddaughters Haven Davis of Fort Worth and Carly Hester
of Euless; great-grandsons Kyle Hester of Las Colinas and Jayden Arcelay of
Keller; great-great-granddaughter Aubrina Hester of Euless; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Underwood, Lavoghn S.
1942-2014
Published Saturday, February 1, 2014
Lavoghn S. Underwood, 71, of Paradise, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was in Colleyville with burial at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
Lavoghn was born June 23, 1942, in Lexington, Okla., to Rubin Underwood and
Gladys Crosslin. He was retired from General Motors and was a member of the HEB
Cruisers Antique and Classic Car Club for 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Underwood; his parents; son Ricky Underwood
and wife, Tonja; daughter Sabrina Laxton; grandchildren Yancey Underwood, Dillon
Underwood, Courtney Laxton, Jordan Jenkins, Kelsey Laxton, Chloe Laxton and Shea
Oliverson; great-grandchildren Hunter Underwood, Brody Underwood, Kimber Woolley
and Shiloh Jenkins.
Upchurch, Gerald Ralph
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Gerald Ralph Upchurch, 71, a retired truck driver, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Boshman Upchurch and Donny Foster officiating. Burial will follow
at Old Hall Cemetery in Lewisville.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Ed Atkinson, David Upchurch, Jake Upchurch, Randy Upchurch,
Jeffrey Pirtle, Daniel Gullion, Cameron Sanderson and Chad Best.
Gerald was born Jan. 6, 1943, in Lewisville to Ralph and Mary Lois (Brown)
Upchurch. He married Alveda Ramsey Sept. 21, 1963, in Ardmore, Okla.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Alveda Upchurch of Rhome; sons Mike
Upchurch and wife, Brenda, of Haslet and Hank Glenn Upchurch and wife, Rhonda,
of Boyd; mother Mary Lois Upchurch; grandchildren Michael Upchurch and wife,
Faith, of Aurora, Boshman Upchurch of Haslet, Brittany Placek and husband,
Justin, of Decatur and Keisha Foster and husband, Kyler, of Aurora; four
great-grandchildren; sisters Elaine Helsley, Frieda Wilt, Liz Whale, Sharon
Sanderson and Justine Stogsdill; brothers Charles and Paul Upchurch; and
numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father.
Utley, Jerry Lyndel
1941-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Jerry Lyndel Utley, 72, a retired welder, died Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in
Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Monday, June 16, at Aurora Cemetery with Gerre
Joiner officiating. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home in Decatur.
Jerry was born Oct. 6, 1941, in Boyd to Dewey and Jennie (Simmons) Utley. He
married Bertie Lynn Harris May 31, 1961, and she preceded him in death on June
16, 1995. He married Judith Ann Morrison Nov. 5, 2000, in Rainbow. He was
retired from an agricultural manufacturing company.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Bertie Lynn (Harris)
Utley; and sister Geneva Wheeler.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Judith Utley of Decatur; son Craig Utley
and wife, Meredith, of Wichita Falls; grandson Nick Utley of Wichita Falls;
granddaughter Sailor Utley of Wichita Falls; stepson Leon McGee of Fort Worth;
stepdaughter Margie Bayless of Dickson, Tenn.; sisters Jewel Burke of Covington
and Dorris Dickey and husband, Tony, of Rhome; brother-in-law Bill Wheeler and
wife, Bobbie, of Rhome; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials can be made to a hospice of choice.
Vandergriff, Lonnie Joel
1949-2013
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Lonnie Joel Vandergriff, 64, a homebuilder and rock and brick mason, died
Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Chico.
Funeral was Jan. 2 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Revs. J.J.
Stevens, Tom Merritt and Alan Youngblood officiating. Burial was at Olive Branch
Cemetery. Pallbearers were Johnny Burrell, Kyle Bilby, Jeff Bilby, Daniel
Vandergriff, Scott Sherman and Roy Stanley.
Lonnie was born June 9, 1949, to Junior Lee and Azell (Morgan) Vandergriff in
Fort Worth. He married Diana Weinheimer Dec. 31, 1994, in Decatur.
Lonnie owned and operated Vandergriff Construction for 46 years. He was a
32nd-degree Mason and member of the Chico and Grapevine Masonic Lodges. He was
also an avid outdoorsman, and in 2008, he traveled to Africa for a hunting
safari with his wife, Diana. For many years, he was a fishing guide at Lake Ray
Roberts and held the title of Bass Angler of the Year in 1991 and 1993.
He was preceded in death by his father, Junior Lee Vandergriff; and his
brother-in-law, Loyall Utter. Survivors include his wife, Diana Vandergriff of
Chico; sons Duane Vandergriff and wife, Leah, of Hurst, and Daniel Vandergriff
and wife, Sandy, of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters Amy Vasquez Jordan and fianc ,
Jonathan Teich, of Cresson, and Katie Olson and husband, Adam, of Alamogordo,
N.M.; and grandchildren Dylan, Hannah, Dakota and Brazos. He is also survived by
his mother, Azell Vandergriff of Keller; sisters Barbara Youngblood and husband,
Alan, of Mena, Ark., Karen Utter of Fort Worth, Joan Vandergriff of Colleyville
and Debbie Long and husband, David, of Azle; aunt Vernell Morgan Kanode and
husband, Lenny, of Keller; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made at First State Bank in Chico.
Vernon, William Paul, Jr.
1927-2014
Published Saturday, February 22, 2014
William Paul Vernon Jr., 86, of Chico died at home Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014.
His ashes will be buried in the Thomas Cemetery at a later date.
Paul was born April 17, 1927, in Alexandria, La., to the late Elizabeth and
William Paul Vernon Sr. He
worked 10 years for the city of Fort Worth tax department and retired from the
Federal Housing Administration after 20 years. He worked seven years as an
independent appraiser.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on a troop and supply ship in the
South Pacific. When Paul returned home, he went to Fort Worth to study
architectural and mechanical drafting on the GI Bill.
He met his wife, Maudene (Underwood) Vernon, in Fort Worth. They were married 64
years. Paul was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport for 28
years.
Survivors include his wife, Maudene of Chico; son David Paul Vernon of Chico;
sister Ouita McCaa and husband, Buddy, of Farmers Branch; several nieces and
nephews; brother Arnold Vernon of California; and brother-in-law Wayne Underwood
of Kennewick, Wash. Vernon was preceded in death by his younger brother, Charles
Vernon.
His wife requests memorials be made to the Thomas Cemetery Association, c/o
Debra Green, 4666 S. FM 1655, Bridgeport, TX 76426.
Vick, Mildred Wilkerson
1916-2014
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Mildred Wilkerson Vick died Friday, May 23, 2014, at the age of 97.
Graveside service was May 27 at Azleland Cemetery with burial under the
direction of Biggers Funeral Home.
Mildred was born Nov. 26, 1916, at Knob Hill to Bill and Atris Nix Wilkerson.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and teacher, having taught for 37
years, and she kept in touch with many of her Decatur and Eagle Mountain
Elementary students. She was honored and humbled when they named a building at
Eagle Mountain Elementary after her.
Mildred was a graduate of Springtown High School and North Texas State College
(now the University of North Texas) where she met her loving husband of 48
years, Harold Vick, who preceded her in death. Mildred was a member of the
Saginaw United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Linda Brown and husband, Ron, and Jane
Crawford and husband, Art; grandchildren Joe Crawford and wife, Kerri, Vicky
Trichel and husband, Gerry, Tammy Frazier and husband, Larry, and Tommy Brown
and wife, Stacy; as well as great-grandchildren Jake Crawford, Grant, Garrison
and Gage Trichel, Grady and Chase Frazier and Vivian Brown.
The family suggested that best way to honor Mildred’s memory would be by doing
a kind deed for a child. Memorials may be made to the Saginaw United Methodist
Church or the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Educational Foundation.
Vickers, Melvin Lester
1938-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Melvin Lester Vickers, 76, owner of Vic Printing, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Decatur Church of Christ with
minister Rick Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the
direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church building.
Pallbearers are Mark Jordan, Kevin Downe, Mark Smith, Dwayne Martin, Lyle Jones,
E.W. Dodd and Glen Vickers.
Melvin was born May 10, 1938, in Seymour to Addison and Shirley (Nix) Vickers.
He married Janis Darlene Smith July 16, 1966, in Seymour, and they moved to
Decatur in 1967 to manage the commercial printing operations for the Wise County
Messenger, which was then owned by Gene and Rose Carter, with whom Melvin had
worked at the Baylor County Banner in Seymour.
In 1992, Melvin and Jan purchased the commercial printing division of the
Messenger and established Vic Printing. They were later joined in business by
their son, Jason. Melvin was a commercial printer for more than 60 years. In
addition to his printing business, Vickers was a professional photographer for
many years.
He and Jan were married 47 years until her passing, Nov. 26, 2013. Melvin was a
member of the Decatur Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father, Addison Vickers; and his wife, Janis
Vickers. He is survived by his sons, Keith Vickers and wife, Donna, of Decatur
and Jason Vickers and wife, Jennifer, of Roanoke; grandson Jackson Vickers of
Roanoke; brother Glen Vickers of Seymour; sisters Helen Hammonds of Bowie, Gayle
Smith of Moore, Okla., and Linda Davis of Wichita Falls; his mother, Shirley
Vickers of Wichita Falls; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Walker, Russell Sterling
1959-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Russell Sterling “Rusty” Walker, 54, died Sunday Feb. 23, 2014, in
Arlington.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Carter Lake Road Church of Christ in
Bowie with Michael Whitworth officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Rusty was born Oct. 31, 1959, in Bowie to Russell Eugene and Joy L. (Whitaker)
Walker. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1978 and attended Texas Christian
University in Fort Worth.
He was employed with Classic Chevrolet for five years and retired Feb. 4, 2009.
He was diagnosed with cerebellar degeneration, causing him to take a medical
leave of absence from work. The last five years he was able to stay home and
lived his last three years in Green Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Arlington.
Rusty was a walking almanac on sports. He had a big heart, loved friends and
always remembered their special occasions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Joy Walker.
He is survived by his only child, Russell Cheyenne Walker of Arlington; brother
Keith Walker and wife, Gretta, of Bowie; sister Kathy Watson and husband, James,
of Pottsboro; uncles Eddie Walker and wife, Dianne, of Fort Worth and Ira
Whitaker and wife, Wanda, of Sterling, Okla.; aunts Joyce Rash and husband,
Richard, of Corsicana, Wanda Wheelis of Alvord and Carla Whitaker of Bowie; and
numerous cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Heart to Heart Hospice or Jackrabbit Booster Club
c/o Jackie Betts.
Walton, Helen
1923-2014
Published Saturday, May 10, 2014
Helen Walton, 90, a homemaker, died Thursday, May 8, 2014, in Azle.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Azle Church of Christ with Ian Mostert
officiating. Burial will follow at Azleland Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers will be Monte Moore, Dwayne Simon, Tom Scarborough, Andy Watson,
Cody Walton and Brad Walton.
Helen was born June 1, 1923, in Cleburne to Alva and Lena (Leck) Moore. She
married Dennis Walton June 22, 1946, in Waco and was a member of the Church of
Christ in Azle.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Norene Wachsmann, Gladine
Brown and Edna Mae Page; brother A.C. Moore; grandson J.B. Walton; and her
daughter-in-law, Kathy Walton. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Dennis
Walton of Springtown; sons Jim Walton and wife, Candy, of Azle, Wayne Walton and
wife, Cindy, of Colleyville, and Don Walton of Fort Worth; daughter Janis Walton
Sonntag and husband, Michael, of Azle; eight grandchildren; 12
great-grandchildren; sisters Lena Parnell of Waco, Mary Etta Johnson of North
Carolina and Beth Grimland of Waco; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Ward, John C.
1955-2014
Published Saturday, June 7, 2014
John C. Ward, 58, of Decatur, died Thursday, June 5, 2014 in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sycamore Cemetery. The family will
receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
John was born Aug. 2, 1955 to Buddy and Aaron (Croy) Ward in Denton. He married
Trisha Dixon Aug. 2, 2003 in Sanger. He served his country in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Trisha Powell of Decatur; son John Warren Powell of
Decatur; three daughters, Stephanie Powell and husband, Vince, of Oklahoma,
Stephanie Lloyd and husband, Phillip, of Denton, and Jamie Ward of Denton;
parents Buddy and Aaron Ward of Decatur; brothers Eddie, Danny and Kevin Ward;
numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brandy Ward.
Warden, James Marshall, Jr.
1970-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
James Marshall “Jimmy” Warden Jr., 44, of Decatur, died Tuesday, Nov. 11,
2014, in Austin.
Funeral was Nov. 18 at Crossroads Church in Decatur with Darren Embree
officiating. Burian followed at Mountain Home Cemetery in Daisy, Okla.
Pallbearers were David Warden, Luke Warden, Robert Fulton, Justin Porter, Eric
Fulton, Matt Warden and Cody Warden.
Jimmy was born Feb. 3, 1970, in Weatherford to James Marshall and Brenda
Burleson Warden.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Stephanie Warden of Decatur; sons Cody
and Matt Warden of Decatur; mother Brenda Porter and husband, Larry, of
Weatherford; father Jim Warden and wife, Linda, of Haines City, Fla.; brothers
David, Luke, Robert, Eric and Justin; sisters Jaime Thomas and Pam Porter; and
aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Matthew Warden Education Fund at Wells Fargo.
Waskom, Christopher Michael
1972-2013
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Christopher Michael Waskom, 41, of Slidell, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Open Range Cowboy Church in Krum with
Ritch Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Slidell Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jay Waskom, Johnny Waskom, Trent Strickland, Bert Smith, Chris
Vestal and Mike Eoff.
Christopher was born Dec. 29, 1972, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to the Rev. Carl
Sr. and Joyce (Harris) Waskom. He served his country in the U.S. Army and
married Lacy Diane Smith July 30, 2011, in Slidell. He was a master plumber and
the owner of Smalltown Plumbing.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include his wife, Lacy Waskom of Slidell; daughters Lizzy Waskom and
Maddi Waskom of Decatur; sons Chase Waskom of Decatur and Dustie Fennell, Rusty
Fennell and Ruston Fennell, all of Slidell; his mother, Joyce Waskom of Graham;
brothers Ricky Waskom of McKinney and Jay Waskom of Wheeler; sister Wanda
Chormicle of Austin; and other family members and friends.
Wass, Ashley Lynn
1991-2014
Published Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Ashley Lynn Wass, 22, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in Dallas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Ashley was born Feb. 2, 1991, in Sacramento, Calif., to Marcus Paul and Wendy
Ann (Huckabay) Graham.
She is survived by her mother, Wendy Wass-Graham of Rhome; father Marcus Graham
of Grand Prairie; brother Edward Wass of Michigan; grandparents Robert and
Darlene Huckabay of Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Watson, Dorothy
1933-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Dorothy Watson, 80, a homemaker, died Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Justin.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the home of Jimmy Boyd, 18172
Brookfield Drive, in Justin. Arrangements are under the direction of
Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home of Boyd.
Dorothy was born Aug. 11, 1933, in Breckenridge to Dan and Alice Marie
(Dennison) Boyd.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Edward, J.C. and Danny Boyd;
sisters Zonna and Rosie Marie Boyd; and two great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughter, Debbie McKee Moore of Graford; grandchildren
Jamie, Krystale, Bobby, Bryan and Jennifer; 14 great-grandchildren; brother
Jimmy Boyd and Roberta Freeze of Justin; sister Shirley Lou Boyd of Graford; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Watts, Allen Wayne
1934-2014
Published Saturday, August 16, 2014
Allen Wayne Watts, 80, a U.S. Air Force veteran, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014,
at his home in Paradise.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur, with
burial in Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park. Dr. Van Gardner will officiate, and
Dennis Scott, Victor Hammer, Cody Deaton, Shay Aaron, Chance Gibbs and Scotty
Reed will serve as pallbearers.
Wayne was born July 2, 1934, to Alfred Allen and Ruby Opal (Fields) Watts in
Cottle County. He married Ella Jean Copas Dec. 21, 1952, in Clovis, N.M. He
proudly served his country in the Air Force for more than 20 years. He loved to
fly airplanes and operated Wise Flying Service, later known as Wayne’s
Aircraft Service.
He was also a charter member and past president of the Decatur Citizens Police
Academy Alumni Association.
Allen is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Watts of Paradise; daughter
Beverly K. Jacobs and husband, Steve, of Alvord; granddaughter Sandy Michelle
Williams and husband, Sam, of Hebron, Ky.; great-grandson Eric Hill; numerous
nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents
and two brothers, Alfred and Eugene Watts.
Wear, Carl L.
1923-2014
Published Saturday, February 8, 2014
Carl L. Wear, 90, a former mayor of Rhome, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.
Funeral was Feb. 7 at Aurora Baptist Church where he was a member, and burial
followed at Aurora Cemetery with full military honors under the direction of
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Pallbearers were Troy Misner, Shawn
Hines, Jerod Blomberg, Ben Hoover, Matt Hoover, John Hoover, Steven Wear and
Garrett Richardson. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Haynes, David Wilson, Bill
Childress, Lee Waldrop, Ned Adcock and Will Hughes.
Carl was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Catawba, Wis., to Carl Sr. and Eva Tague Wear.
Born to deaf parents, his first language was signing with his hands. After being
raised as a farm boy, he went on to serve two years in the Army during World War
II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge at Grande Halleaux, Belgium, and
earning a Purple Heart after being wounded there.
He later enlisted in the Air Force and proudly and humbly served his country in
the U.S. and in England for the next 18 years. After retiring from military
service, he settled his family in Rhome and enjoyed the rest of his life there,
making many friends and serving his community as city secretary, water
superintendent and mayor. He also served as water superintendent in Saginaw.
Carl always had a smile and a handshake for everyone he met, and no one left his
presence a stranger. His greatest joys were his family, friends, his pets and
working with his hands. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a
proud member of the Wise County Veteran’s Association, a charter member of the
Chisholm Trail Antique Farm Equipment Club and the 75th Division Veteran’s
Association.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred Wear; daughters Carolyn Hines and husband,
Danny, and Jennifer Blomberg and husband, Jerry; son Gary Wear and wife, Cindy;
stepdaughters Cheryl Hoover and husband, Jerry, Donna Misner and Jean
Misner-Smith and husband, David; stepsons Steve Misner and wife, Cindi, and John
Misner; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and one
great-great-grandchild.
Weiss, Beth Marie
1927-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Beth Marie Weiss, 87, a retired store co-owner, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in
Carrollton.
There will be a celebration of life 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the home of
M.E. “Doc” and Beth Weiss in Rhome.
Beth was born Sept. 13, 1927, in Sumner, Iowa, to Paul and Catherine
(Grannemann) Granner. She married Merlin Weiss July 12, 1947, in Charles City,
Iowa. Beth and M.E. were married 62 years until M.E’s passing in 2009.
She was co-owner with M.E. of Doc’s Five Point in Haslet.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son Brian Weiss;
brothers Paul Granner Jr. and Bobby Granner; and sister Carolyn Granner.
She is survived by her daughter, Jan Peek and husband, Jim, of Rhome; son Keith
Weiss and wife, Carolyn, of Plano; grandchildren Jenny Miller and husband,
Chris, of Frisco, Douglas Weiss and wife, Jessica, of Pflugerville, Chris Peek
and wife, Jen, of Rhome, and Jessica Johnson and husband, Derek, of Southlake;
great-grandchildren Anastacia, Matthew, Nicholas, Brady and Tripp; brother Jim
Granner; sister Ruby Usher; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wheeler, William E. 'Bill'
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
William E. (Bill) Wheeler, 83, of Rhome, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 at
Franklin Parish Health Center in Winnsboro, La. after a short illness.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Coker Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel
in Decatur, officiated by brother-in-law Boatner Holder and sister-in-law Claire
Harrison, stepdaughters Julianne Fendley and Janet Cowart, and nephew Larry
Burke.
Interment will follow at Aurora Cemetery. David Long, Bailey Burke, Craig Utley,
Kelly Adams, Scott Childress, Eddie Fendley, Bruce Fendley and Jeff Cowart will
serve as pallbearers, while Fred Schultz, Stephen Long and Mark Burke will be
honorary pallbearers. Friends and family may call at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home
from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Bill was born Jan. 4, 1931. He was a retired truck driver and a member of
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Decatur. He was a gentle person, loved by all
who knew him. At 6’2″ he was a basketball player in high school and at
Decatur Baptist College, where he received an Associate Degree. Bill was a
hard-working man who worked for Carnation Milk Company and later as a long-haul
truck driver.
Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Bobbie Wheeler; daughter Leslie Elaine
Marr and husband, Steve; stepdaughters Janet Cowart and husband, Jeff, Julianne
Fendley and husband, Bruce; grandson Scott Childress and wife, Chris. He is also
survived by two great-granddaughters, two step-granddaughters, two
step-grandsons and four great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Doris Dickey and
Jewel Burke; nephews Baily Burke, Mark Burke, Larry Burke and Craig Utley. He
was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Geneva Grace Utley Wheeler;
parents William E. Wheeler and Amelia Williams Wheeler and son Gary Wheeler.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart
Association at donate.heart.org or to Gideons International, Franklin Parish,
Gideon Camp c/o Boatner Holder, 303 2nd Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295 or to
Gideons International, www.gideons.org.
White, David C.
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, April 9, 2014
David C. White, of Ajijic, Mexico, died Sunday, April 6, 2014. He was 73.
He was born March 29, 1941, in Decatur and attended Decatur High School before
earning a degree in political science from North Texas State University (now
UNT) and a law degree from the University of Houston.
David worked as a lawyer in Denton and Decatur for 17 years. He was a state
district judge in Denton County for 12 years.
He married Blanca in 2004, and they have lived in Ajijic, Mexico, for the past
10 years. David was very witty and enjoyed playfully interacting with people
from all walks of life. He will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his wife, Blanca; children Andrea, Nathan and David Andrew;
stepchildren Patty and Julio; and grandchildren Haden, Owen, Chase, Erik, Jacob,
Isaac and Eleanor.
Visitation and a celebration service were April 8 at DeBerry Funeral Directors
in Denton.
White, Teresa Earlene
1960-2014
Published Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Teresa Earlene White, 54, a computer analyst, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2014 in
Decatur.
Graveside service was Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Aurora Cemetery, officiated by Rev.
Gerre Joiner.
Teresa was born Nov. 12, 1960 to Leslie and Daisy (Fish) Scanlon in Cortez,
Colo. She married Brigham White Oct. 2, 1987 in Plano. Teresa was a computer
analyst for ATD Security for more than 20 years. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her father.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Brigham White of Rhome; daughters
Angela White and Christina White, both of Rhome; brothers Steve Scanlon of
Ponder and Leslie Scanlon of Hutchinson, Kan.; her grandchildren; her mother,
Daisy Elliott of Fort Worth; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Whitehead, Reba Joyce
1937-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Reba Joyce Whitehead, 76, of Decatur passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur,
officiated by Dr. Van Gardner, Jeff Honeycutt, and Kenneth (Doc) Dennis. Burial
will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers are Stanley Kemp, Jeremy
Davis, Justin Whitehead, Shawn Lucas, Joe Hubbard and Darrell Moyers.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Jones Family Funeral Home
in Bridgeport.
Reba was born in Cullman, Ala. to Tony and Ruth (Pope) Bisidas. She worked in
the healthcare industry as a caregiver. She loved to cook and spend time with
the grandkids and other family. She also enjoyed gambling, camping and going to
garage sales.
She leaves behind her husband of 60 years, John C. Whitehead; sons Tim and
Scotty Whitehead; daughter Cindy Whitehead; mother Ruth Bisidas; brother Larry
Bisidas; sister Bonnie Kemp; seven grandchildren: Kim, Kevin, Justin, Barry,
Brittany, Shawn and Sierra; and five great-grandchildren: Tyler, Liam, Parker,
Aiden, Christian and Faith.
Reba was preceded in death by her father; brother Eddie Bisidas; sister Shelba
Roberts, and great-grandchild Xander.
Whitten, Myra Jean
1942-2014
Published Saturday, October 25, 2014
Myra Jean Whitten, 72, a retired purchasing agent, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014,
in Dallas.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Bro. John Sconce and Deacon Ray Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at
New Harp Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Steven Kelley, Michael Joe Reynolds, Thomas Hicks, Cameron Reed,
Richard C. Whitten III and Richard C. Whitten IV.
Myra was born April 9, 1942, in Fort Worth to Robert and Lou (Parker) Freeman.
She married Richard Whitten II Feb. 14, 1990, in Fort Worth. Myra retired from
Volkswagon as a purchasing agent, and she was a member of Shady Dale Baptist
Church in Marietta, Okla.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; daughter Roxanne Ruddick;
and son Hoby Ruddick.
Survivors include daughters Cindy Ruddick of Odessa, Nelda Aleman of Hearne,
Shelby Whitten of Ardmore, Okla. and Candi Richardson; sons Cameron Reed of
Tishomingo, Okla., and Richard Whitten and wife, Lisa; sisters Pamela Neimeyer
of Marietta, Okla., and Robbie Boaze of Mineola; brothers Danny Melton of
Highlandville, Mo., and Bobby Freeman of Hearne; sister-in-law Sharon Tuttle;
grandchildren Chelsea, Adam, R.C., Jessica, Amy, Demi, Ricki, Stephanie, Sarah
and Jessica; great-grandchildren Dalton, Jaicee, Joseph and Arie;
great-great-grandchildren Kynlee and Auhstin; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ at Shady Dale
Baptist Church.
Wiley, Joanne Louise Hartsell
1930-2014
Published Saturday, November 8, 2014
Joanne Louise Hartsell Wiley, 83, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, in Lake Forest,
Calif.
Joanne was born Nov. 3, 1930, in Eureka, Calif., to John and Grace Hartsell, and
her family moved to Bridgeport shortly after she was born. Joanne had many fond
memories of life in Texas, where she excelled as a student and learned to drive
at 13 for her first job – delivering milk to residents of her small town.
Joanne met her husband, Troyce Wiley, while working at Convair in Fort Worth. In
1958, Troyce and Joanne moved to Costa Mesa, Calif., where they raised their
three children. Joanne worked for Hughes Aircraft in Irvine until her retirement
in 1989.
She enjoyed her daily walks, decorating her home, sewing, gardening and
traveling with Troyce in their RV.
Joanne was a devoted and loving wife, mother and Mema. She treasured the time
she spent with family and friends. Joanne lovingly cared for Troyce until his
death, June 22, 2014.
She was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Patsy.
She is survived by her children, Pat Wiley and wife, Liz, Sue Moore and husband,
Tom, and Mike Wiley and wife, Lauren; grandchildren Sarah, Dana, Taylor, Anna,
Nicholas and Keaton; great-grandchildren Keira, Emily and James; and sister
Peggy.
Wiley, Troyce Wendell
1925-2014
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Troyce Wendell Wiley, 89, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Mission Viejo, Calif.
A memorial service is pending.
Troyce was born in Slaton to James and Tonie Mae Wiley. One of five children, he
grew up in Levelland. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S.
Army and proudly served in Europe during World War II. After the war, he
returned to Texas to study engineering at Texas Tech University.
While working at Convair in Fort Worth, Troyce met his wife, Joanne Hartsell.
Troyce’s parents settled in Decatur in 1944 and Joanne’s parents, John and
Grace Hartsell, lived in Bridgeport.
In 1958, Troyce and Joanne moved to Costa Mesa, Calif., where they raised their
three children.
Troyce worked as an aerospace engineer at SPS for 28 years. In 1988, he and
Joanne retired to Vista, Calif., where Troyce enjoyed his favorite pastimes
including golf, board games and traveling across the country with Joanne in
their RV.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending
time with family and friends. At family gatherings “Granddad” delighted in
playing dominoes with his grandchildren.
Troyce is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanne; children Pat Wiley and wife,
Liz, Sue Moore and husband, Tom, and Mike Wiley and wife, Lauren; grandchildren
Sarah, Dana, Anna, Taylor, Nicholas and Keaton; great-grandchildren Kiera, Emily
and James; sister Marvine; and brother James.
He was preceded in death by brothers Clint and Weldon.
Wilkins, Lavetta Ann
1917-2014
Published Saturday, July 26, 2014
Lavetta Ann Wilkins, 97, of Andrews, died Tuesday, July 22, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Graveside service was July 25 at Mt. Moriah in Kilgore with Ronald Choate
speaking.
Lavetta was born June 21, 1917, in Hale Center to James and Betty (Swindler)
Menasco. She married James Wilkins Sr. Sept. 16, 1937, in Kilgore. Lavetta was a
homemaker and real estate broker and was a member of the Church of Christ in
Andrews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers; and a
sister.
Survivors include her son, Jim Wilkins and wife, Yvonne, of Pittsburg; daughters
Elizabeth Roberson of Andrews, Joan Choate and husband, Ronald, of Decatur and
Debbie Ray and husband, Cliff, of Midland; six grandchildren; 18
great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and
friends.
Willett, Daniel W.
1928-2014
Published Saturday, February 15, 2014
The last of triplet brothers, Daniel Willett, 85, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014,
in Bowie.
Service is 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie, where
Daniel retired after 40 years as music director and continued to sing in the
choir. The Revs. Ron Abbott and Don Spain will officiate, and burial will be at
1:30 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery under the direction of Shaw’s Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be
Floyd Mouton, Matthew Sneath and Doyle Seigler.
Daniel was born Aug. 18, 1928, in Sunset to Buford Sr. and Gracie Bell Lee.
After graduation from Bowie High School in 1946, he entered the Air Force in
June of 1946 and was honorably discharged in June 1949.
He retired from General Dynamics in Fort Worth after 41 years as an electronic
technician.
Daniel married Rosemary Cavasos Nov. 13, 1949. She preceded him in death in
March of 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter April
Sneath; son Jarrod Willett; one sister; and seven brothers.
He is survived by daughters Maridan McLendon and husband, James, of Bowie, Gayla
Mattix of Sunset and Glynna Preuninger and husband, Ricky, of Crowley; five
grandchildren and their families: Jason, Renae, Brittanie and Lexie Mattix of
Sunset, Mark, Elana, Kathryn and Adam Mattix of Sunset, Donald, Melody, Danielle
and Timothy Preuninger of Crowley, Maria and Adam Dean of Crowley and Matthew,
Caleb and Olivia Sneath of Burkburnett; sisters-in-law Ethel Willett of Houston,
Juanita Willett of Sunset, Cathy Willett of Haltom City, Marie Willett of Haslet
and Eloise Willett of Sunset; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family
and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, 204
Decatur St., Bowie, TX 76230.
Williams, Laura Kelly
1935-2014
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Laura Kelly Williams, 79, of Rhome, died Monday, May 26, 2014.
Funeral is 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth.
Entombment will be at Greenwood Mausoleum.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Laura was born Feb. 2, 1935, in Hobson, Mont. She owned the Shell Station in
Rhome from 1978 to 2003 and was a longtime member of Faith Temple Church in
Rhome. She was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Williams; sons David Wendt and wife,
JoAnne, and Richard Wendt and wife, Karen; daughter Rennie Wolverton and
husband, Bill; stepson Scott Williams and wife, Loretta; stepdaughters Carla
Phillips and husband, Wayne, and Lori West and husband, Jay; granddaughter Kelly
Daman and husband, Singh; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and
great-great grandchildren.
Williams, Sarge Lee
1999-2014
Published Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Sarge Lee Williams, 15, a beautiful child of God, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014,
at home in Chico.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Russell Scroggins officiating.
Sarge was born Aug. 29, 1999. He loved music, playing with kids and toys.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Cora and Ralph Rivet.
He is survived by his three mothers: Debbie Harless and husband, Bill, Valerie
Bradish, and Leslie Maddux; brothers Tyler Hall and Bryant Evans; sisters
Jennifer Earle and Victoria Brooks; grandparents Daphne Ruel, Melanie and Bobby
Bradish, and Debbie Byers; great-grandmother Nelda Vincent; and numerous aunts,
uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Cerebral Palsy Association.
Williamson, Margaret Usry
1924-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Margaret Usry Williamson, 89, of Decatur, died Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in
Decatur.
Graveside service was June 12 at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Rev. Brian Bosworth
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Margaret was born Sept. 26, 1924, in Waxahachie to H.S. and Viola (Douglas)
Usry. She married Barney Williamson in February of 1979. They were married 30
years until his passing in 2009. She was a member of the First United Methodist
Church of Decatur for more than 80 years.
Margaret is survived by sons John Tally and wife, Cathy, of Decatur and Rick
Tally and wife, Carol, of Fort Worth; five grandchildren; three
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Hoyt Tally and Barney
Williamson; and daughter Sharon Cartwright.
Wilson, Billy 'Bill'
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Billy “Bill” Wilson, 72, a retired installer for Overhead Door Co., died
Friday, April 11, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at The Church of God in Boyd. Rev. Steven
Bernard will officiate, and Matt Coney, Timothy Hunt, Mark Wilson, Devon Wilson,
Woody Posey and Billy Jones will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in Boyd
Cemetery under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Bill was born Nov. 17, 1941, to Jasper and Viola (Smith) Wilson in Boyd. He
married Frances Elizabeth Tuggle Jan. 9, 1981 in Fort Worth. He was a member of
The Church of God.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Wilson of Paradise; sons Billy
Eugene Wilson and wife, Melody, of Springtown, Jimmy Wilson and wife, Tracey, of
Fort Worth and Tony Jones and wife, Sandra, of Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren;
several great-grandchildren; brothers David Wilson and wife, Cynthia, of
Paradise, Don Wilson and wife, Phyllis, of Azle and Ronnie Wilson and wife,
Janet, of Paradise; sister Rose Grantham and husband, Travis, of Boonsville;
other family members and a host of friends.
Wilson, Gurtha Louise
1926-2014
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Gurtha Louise (Craft) Wilson, 87, of Decatur died Saturday, June 28, 2014, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Gurtha Louise was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Copeville to Charles Bert and Ora Lee
(Jackson) Craft. She lived her life as a loving caregiver. After raising her
family in Fort Worth, she worked at nursing homes, children’s homes and in
private care before retiring in Decatur in 2004 to be near family.
She is survived by daughters Melinda Feeler and husband, Leman, of Fort Worth,
and Karen Currin and husband, Sid, of Decatur; son Alan Wilson and wife, Linda,
of Burnet; grandchildren Walker Hale, Joseph Hale, Emery Currin, Erica Currin,
Ciara Currin and Ethan Currin; great-grandchildren Everett Cisco, Jasmine Hale
and Jadie Hale; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and four brothers.
Wilson, Wanda Raynette
1935-2014
Published Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Wanda Raynette Wilson, 78, a homemaker, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the First Baptist Church in Decatur
with Ken May officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction
of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur.
Pallbearers are Harrison Haney, Robert Wilson, Zack Zamzow, Blake Haney, Kevin
Haney, Jeff Sicking, Dean Miller and Colt Mahan.
Raynette was born Dec. 31, 1935, to Marvin and Wanda (Barnard) Stone in Mineral
Wells. She married Robert Malcolm Wilson July 15, 1954, in Decatur. Raynette
enjoyed being a homemaker and was a member of the First Baptist Church in
Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Bobby Wilson of Decatur; daughters
Pam Goodwin and Lisa Zamzow, both of Decatur; sons Clay Wilson and Bart Wilson,
both of Decatur; daughter Julie Haney and husband, Kevin, of Decatur;
grandchildren Jessica, Whitney, Claire, Maggie, Zack, Kelsey, Bonnie, Robert,
Blake, Morgan and Harrison; great-grandchildren William, Skylar, Ava and Beau;
sister Carol McGee of Savannah.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
Winfrey, Mary Frances
1929-2014
Published Saturday, October 11, 2014
Mary Frances Winfrey, 85, a retired tailor, died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, in
Rhome.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe,
La. Robert Spicer will officiate.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Mary was born Feb. 11, 1929, in Rossville, Ga., to John and Della (Jolly)
Jenkins. She married O.B. Winfrey Aug. 11, 1950, in Bastrop, La. Mary retired
from being a seamstress after more than 25 years. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, O.B. Winfrey; her parents; sons Randy
Winfrey and Dan Winfrey; and four siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Karen Williams of Rhome and Donna Griffin of
Houston; grandchildren Kimberly Wauson and Dale Hand; great-grandchildren Tyler
and Dillon; and sister Jewell LeRoy of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Witty, Percy
1928-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Percy Witty, 86, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in his residence at Senior Care
Center of Bridgeport.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with the Rev. John Featherston officiating. Visitation is an hour
prior to the service at the funeral home.
Percival Clark Witty was born June 8, 1928, in a farmhouse outside of Toronto,
Ontario, Canada to Roy Bertram and Marion Elizabeth (Clark) Witty. He came to
the United States in the late 1940s and attended Harding Academy in Searcy, Ark.
Percy graduated from Harding College in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts in
Education. While at Harding, he met and married Joyce Tidwell of Fredrick, Okla.
He later completed a master’s degree in counseling from North Texas State
University (now UNT). Percy and Joyce lived and taught school in Valley View,
Vernon and Wichita Falls before settling in Bridgeport, where they have lived
for the past 49 years.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce Witty of Bridgeport;
daughters Lesa Williams and husband, Mark, of Wichita, Kan., Sarah McMillian of
Azle and Summer Gonzales and husband, Julio, of Watauga; seven grandsons; four
granddaughters; and other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deena Bible; son Roger Witty of White
Settlement; brother Roy Witty of Toronto; and sister Doris Kippax of Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Harding University Memorial Fund, in
memory of Percy Witty, P.O. Box 12238, Searcy, Ark. 72149.
Wolfe, Wesley Kelvin
1954-2014
Published Saturday, April 5, 2014
Wesley Kelvin Wolfe, 59, a senior plumbing designer, died Tuesday, April 1,
2014, in Newark.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Boyd with Mike Boaldin officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the Harris
Family Cemetery in Hamilton. Pallbearers are Tony Wolfe, Troy Wolfe, Roger
Wolfe, John Wolfe, Lonnie VanSchuyver, J.B. Nesbitt, Roddy Nesbitt and Damon
Mason.
Wesley was born Nov. 28, 1954, in Fort Worth to James and Nina (Thackerson)
Wolfe. He married Arlene Ashmore Sept. 20, 1975, in Newark. Wesley was a loving
father and loved his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the First
Baptist Church in Newark.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Arlene Wolfe of Newark; son John Caleb
Wolfe and wife, Laura Marie, of Dublin; daughter Debra Nicole Nesbitt and
husband, Jacob Daniel, of Saginaw; grandchildren Alayna, Theron and Lucas; his
parents, James and Nina Wolfe of Newark; brothers Tony Wolfe and wife, Carolyn,
of Keller, Troy Wolfe and wife, Michelle, of Decatur and Roger Wolfe and wife,
Donna, of Newark; and other family members and friends. Memorials may be made to
the American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345; P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK
73123-1718 or online at www.cancer.org.
Wood, Terry Franklin
1946-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Terry Franklin Wood, 68, died peacefully at home, on his ranch in Decatur,
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the First Baptist Church in Decatur with
burial at East Side Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Pastor Ken May will officiate, assisted by Berl Pedigo and Mike Wheat.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the church.
Pallbearers are Mike Wheat, Carey Williams, David West, Jeff Horn, Asa Johnson,
Robert Baker, Clay Ellerbee and Gary Cooper.
Terry was born Aug. 16, 1946, in New Orleans to Bennie Ray and Bennie Wayne
Johnson Wood. He shared a birthday with his mother, which has been a joy for
her. He and his brother Walter spent their lives virtually inseparable and were
the closest of friends.
Terry graduated from Decatur High School in 1964 and went on to play basketball
at Sam Houston State University. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam,
earned the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged.
Terry came home from Vietnam to join his dad, Walter and Uncle James Wood in the
car business at Bennie Wood Motors in Fort Worth. He married Jane Winder in 1966
and was blessed with a son, Terry Kenton (TK) in 1971. Terry went on to open his
own business, Terry’s Motors, in Fort Worth and spent many years turning that
into a successful operation.
Later, his grown son TK proudly followed in his grandfather’s and father’s
shoes, joining Terry’s Motors in 1992. Terry has long been considered the
industry standard as a wholesale and auto dealer.
In 1998, Terry built a home on the family ranch in Decatur and went full speed
ahead pursuing his lifelong passion – the horse racing industry. He married
the love of his life and his best friend, Patricia Burks (Trish), in 2001, and
while Trish held down the home front, Terry went on to become a renowned quarter
horse breeder. Some of his horses were Andthebeatgoeson, A Stone Runaway,
Illegally Special, Winninginthebuff, Dasher Winner and On The Map – most
descendants of Cautious Winner, who was one of the premier quarter horse dams of
her generation.
Those horses won or qualified for such big races as the Ruidoso, West Texas, and
All-American Futurities, as well as the Ruidoso, Rainbow and All-American
Derbies. They were, and continue to be, at the forefront of the industry.
Terry went on to breed pedigreed quarter horses over the next 15 years, building
and enforcing his racing name with the same integrity that he lent to life. Only
in the last years, with his health declining did Terry scale back with Wood
Racing, keeping only his younger stock at the ranch.
This did not mean Terry slowed down; quite the opposite, he began breeding
Charolais cattle with the same zest and passion he put into his horses and at
last count had some 60 head of the prettiest white cows and calves grazing on
those green pastures. Terry lived and breathed “livestock” and was as much
at home in a barn or pasture as he was driving in his truck, lazing by the
fireplace watching football, playing cards at the trailer with his buddies, or
wetting a crappie hook at the ranch lake.
Business aside, Terry was an avid sportsman, card player and horseman in the
true sense of those words, tackling each of those endeavors as seriously as he
did his car business – with knowledge and honesty. Terry was a man of his word
and defined integrity with his life.
Terry loved his family beyond anything else, especially his wife Trish, his mom,
his brother and his son and their families. The lights of his life were his
grandchildren, whose various activities filled his days. He attended ballgames
regularly, and many times when he should have been at home, you would find Terry
in the stands or on the bleachers rooting for his boys, come rain or shine.
His largest form of entertainment was to gather the entire family for the
holidays. If one was missing, he took it to heart. Terry found contentment with
his large and loving family close by his side. Birthdays called for cake and
balloons, Easter called for an egg hunt, Thanksgiving was all about the turkey
and literally, being thankful, and Christmas promised a visit from Santa Claus
and gifts galore.
Being in the Wood household for any one of these magical events meant going home
with love and a deep sense of family in your heart.
Terry was a large man, with an even larger personality. His value in life lay in
giving as much as he could give each day, working as hard as he could work,
loving as hard as he could love, being a good friend to all. He pursued every
moment of life with a passion and strength that was enviable.
Those who were lucky enough to be close to Terry will walk with the knowledge
that he took life in his stride, in his own time, in his own way and he is at
peace with his Lord and Savior.
Terry was preceded in death by his infant brother, Bennie Ray Wood Jr.; his
father, Bennie Ray Wood; and aunt and uncle, Lorene and Wayne Garrett. He is
survived by his wife, Patricia of Decatur; son Terry Kenton Wood and wife,
Amber, of North Richland Hills; mother Bennie Wayne Johnson Wood of Haltom City;
brother Walter Ray Wood and wife, Cindy, and their daughter, Ali, of Kirkland,
Wash.; grandsons Landry and Riley Wood and Tanner and Kale Burks; Patricia’s
sons Mark Burks and wife, Teresa, of Decatur and Michael Burks and wife, Shari,
of Haslet; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Further, Terry will be missed by the entire family of employees at James Wood
Motors.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Woolf, Roy Marvin
1952-2014
Published Saturday, July 19, 2014
Roy Marvin Woolf, 61, a retired technician, died Sunday, July 13, 2014 in
Decatur.
Funeral was Friday, July 18 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur,
with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. Rev. Bill Hughes officiated and Scott Anderson,
Regan Horton, Billy McKnight, Justin Odneal, Dustin Woolf and Pete Van Es served
as pallbearers.
Roy was born Sept. 20, 1952 to Olan Howard and Virginia (Belew) Woolf in Dallas.
He worked as a RV technician until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his father and brothers Ernest Woolf and Danny
Woolf.
Survivors include his daughter, Misti Anderson and husband, Scott, of San
Angelo; two grandchildren, Bailey and Seth Anderson; his mother, Virginia
Winstone of Decatur; sisters Beverly Neal of Gainesville and Judy Young of
Decatur; special friend Dana Woolf of Lewisville; and a host of friends.
Wray, Christopher Edward
1964-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Christopher Edward Wray, 49, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, in Decatur.
He was born Sept. 2, 1964.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Va.,
where visitation begins at noon. Burial with military honors will follow at
Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Wray is survived by his special loved ones, Catherine Tackett and Kristy Buser;
sons Christopher Jr., Toni and Todd Wray and their families; mother Evelyn Faye
Wray and stepmother Linda D. Wray; sisters Pamela Wray Price and husband, John,
and Amy Shook; and brother Thomas Glover and wife, Pam.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Edward Wray.
Memorials may be made to a veterans organization of your choice. Online
condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.
Wright, Herbert J.
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Herbert J. Wright, 78, a retired farmer and rancher, died Sunday, July 27, 2014,
in Corinth.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur with Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in
Decatur.
Pallbearers are Mark Jones, David Jones, Chad Horner, Nathan P. Horner, Dylan
Horner and Mike Horner.
Herbert was born June 22, 1936, in Decatur to Jack and Lela Mae (Redding)
Wright. He married Jo Ann Caswell Oct. 20, 1956, in Ardmore, Okla.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jo Ann Wright of Decatur; sons Richard
James Wright and wife, Cindy, of Aubrey and Robert Scott Wright of Houston;
sisters Oleta Horner of Alvord, Iona Lindsey of Sanger and Frances Pate of
California; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and one brother.
Yarbrough, Jay
1943-2014
Published Saturday, June 28, 2014
Jay Yarbrough, 71, a retired drywall contractor, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Christian Hawkins Funeral Home in
Boyd.
Jay was born March 4, 1943, in Sand Springs, Okla., to Thomas and Thelma
(Lankston) Yarbrough. He married Dorothy A. Henson Feb. 7, 1964, in Hurst.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Yarbrough of Boyd; daughter Lisa
Callahan of Boyd; sons Jesse Yarbrough and wife, Penny, of Kinston, Wash., and
Tommy Yarbrough and wife, Stefani, of Bedford; grandchildren Lauren, Crystal,
Tessa, Garrett, Megan, Jessica, Daniel, Jamie, Brittany and Dillon; seven
great-grandchildren; sisters Jeanette Duhon of Beaumont and Shirley Kelley of
Sour Lake; brother Wilson Barker; and other family members and friends.
Young, James L., Jr.
1936-2014
Published Saturday, November 29, 2014
James L. Young Jr., 78, of Denton, died Nov. 23, 2014.
He was born Aug. 9, 1936.
Graveside service was Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Sycamore Cemetery in Wise County.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James Lawrence Young Sr. and Irene
Cogburn Young; and sister Minnie Caraway.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Pullen Young; son James Trent
Young and wife, Carla; grandchildren Austin Young, and Amanda Lidster and
husband, Paul; sister Nora Faye Cain and husband, Johnny; uncle Alan Ray Young
and wife, Nelda; brother-in-law Kenneth Caraway; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were under the direction of Denton Funeral Home and Cremation
Services.
Young, Shalean Rochelle
1980-2014
Published Saturday, December 6, 2014
Shalean Rochelle Young, 34, formally of Decatur, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014 in
Jacksonville, Fla.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Shalean was born Feb. 25, 1980, in Decatur to Johnny Jr. and Annette (Clower)
Young.
She was preceded in death by her father and her grandfathers, Johnny Young Sr.
and R.C. Clower.
Survivors include her mother, Annette Dunn of Factoryville, Pa.; sister Crystal
Young of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother Brandon Young of Fort Worth; sons Louis
Banks Jr., and Isaiah Banks of Macon, Ga.; daughter Jasmine Russell of Decatur;
grandmothers Betty Young of Decatur and Patricia Clower of Oklahoma; her second
Mom, Phyllis Russell of Decatur; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and
friends.
Zorns, Deborah Carol Thompson
1949-2014
Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Deborah Carol Thompson Zorns, 65, a homemaker, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, in
Boyd.
Funeral was Dec. 9 at Boyd Church of Christ with Mark Taylor officiating. Burial
followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Aaron Shanor, Nathan Shanor, John Paul Thompson, Mike Hays,
Ronnie Smith and Stephen Horn. Honorary pallbearers were Clyde Slimp, Dale
Hodgkins, Gene Dilleshaw, Ronnie White, Clint Sanderson and Bill Kidd.
Deborah was born Jan. 1, 1949, in Kingsville to Delbert and Carmella (Price)
Thompson. She married Harold Mike Zorns Aug. 7, 1971, in Boyd and was a member
of the Boyd Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Paula Doyle.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Mike Zorns of Boyd; son Robert Zorns
of Boulder, Colo.; daughter Rebecca Parr and husband, Doug, of Boyd;
grandchildren Aubrey, Curran and Weston; brother Stephen Thompson and wife,
Jennifer, of Azle; sisters Sandy Shanor of Azle and Pam Horn and husband,
Stephen, of Plano; other family members; special friend Darlene Tatum; and many
other friends.