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.)
Ralls, Jimmie Lou | 1938-2015
Published Saturday, July 25, 2015
Jimmie Lou Ralls, 77, of Bridgeport died Thursday, July 23, 2015, in
Weatherford.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2015, at Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport
with Dale Webster officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Salona
Cemetery in Bowie. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at Jones Family
Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Jimmie was born June 7, 1938, in Claunch, N.M. to Charlie and Covilla B.
(Brigance) Wells. She married Bobby O’Dell Ralls Feb. 18, 1957, in Fruitland.
She and husband Bobby were grocery business owners for many years.
Crocheting, reading her Bible, and spending time were among her hobbies.
Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Charlie and Covilla Wells;
husband, Bobby Ralls; and brothers, Loren Wells and Billy Wells.
She is survived by son, Bobby Ralls, Jr., and wife Denny; daughter, Latrecia
Hamilton and husband Alan; brother, Lloyd Wells; sisters, Wanda Woolf and
husband, Trusten, June Penn and husband, Bob, and Sue Rolls; grandchildren,
Chasity Coleman, Holly Hayes, Jordan Ralls, and Deven Riggins; and
great-grandchildren, Corbin, Emerson, Casen, McKinley, and Channing.
Rann, Robert Lee 'Bobby' | 1959-2015
Published Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Robert “Bobby” Lee Rann, 56, of Saginaw died Thursday, March 19, 2015, in
Dallas.
He lost his battle to cancer and related complications following a stem cell
transplant.
Funeral was March 23 at Saginaw United Methodist Church, and burial was at Mount
Olivet Cemetery.
Bobby was born Jan. 26, 1959, in Decatur, and he graduated from Decatur High
School in 1977. He worked in Electra for a while where he met his wife, Sheri
Shirley Rann, and they were married April 18, 1987.
Bobby was retired as general manager of Love’s Truck Stops and was currently a
self-employed property manager.
He was active in the Saginaw United Methodist Church where he served as an usher
and on various committees. Bobby held a huge interest in his family, NASCAR
racing and sports.
He was the youngest of four children born to the late Charlie and Sadie Lee Rann
of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Sheri Shirley Rann; daughters Shelbi Rann and fianc
, Kevin Hancock, and Amanda Rann Milligan and husband, John; and siblings Chuck
Rann and wife, Linda, of Milwaukee, Wis., Davis Rann of Chicago and Martha Rann
of Hickory Creek.
Memorials may be made to Saginaw United Methodist Church-Capital Improvements
Fund or Baylor Health Care System Foundation designated to Cancer Research at
give.baylorhealth.com.
Ransom, Lillie Isabell | 1929-2015
Published Saturday, September 26, 2015
Lillie Isabell Ransom, 85, of Decatur died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, in
Decatur.
Graveside service was Sept. 25 at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur with the Rev.
Phillip Weitner officiating.
Pallbearers were Bart Romines, Cody Romines, Charles Romines, Glenn Romines,
Alvin Taylor and Weldon Taylor.
Lillie was born Oct. 30, 1929, in Montague to Luther and Mary (Richardson)
Romines. She married John Alvin Ransom Feb. 26, 1949, in Decatur. Lillie was a
homemaker and a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Ransom; daughter
Beverly Bishop; brothers James Romines and Douglas Romines; and sisters Mildred
Faulkner and Edith Taylor.
Lillie is survived by her son, Jerry Ransom of Decatur; daughters Dorothy Etter
of Villa Park, Calif., and Janet Raska of Wichita Falls; brothers Jack Watson of
Runaway Bay and Joe Watson of Alvord; sister Sue Caraway of Boyd; five
grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Read, Marvin 'OZ', Sr. | 1938-2015
Published Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Marvin Ray “OZ” Read Sr., 76, of Bridgeport died Saturday, July 11, 2015, at
Baylor All Saints in Fort Worth.
Visitation was July 13 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Private burial
will be at a later date.
Marvin was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Paradise to John Dixon and Irene (Pike) Read.
He married Dana Choate March 14, 1977, in Decatur and retired from TXI after 35
years as an equipment operator.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Ronald Read; stepdaughter Sheri
Cox; sisters Pauline Carlton and Lorene Read; brothers J.D. Read, Leon Read and
Ernest (Hoot) Read; and his step-grandson, Zackery Gober.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dana Read; sons Marvin Read and
wife, Linny, and Rodney Read and wife, Valaria; daughter Beverly Taylor;
stepdaughter Lisa Raven; granddaughters Amye Read, Kayla Van Brunt, and chosen
granddaughter Lauren Breeden; step-granddaughter Bree Salazar; grandsons Cameron
Taylor, Raylen Read and Ty Read; great-grandson Cayden Van Brunt;
great-granddaughter Kaili Taylor; and other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to Wise Area Relief Mission, 940-626-4676, www.warmtx.org.
Read, Woodard Tipton | 1926-2015
Published Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Woodard Tipton Read, 89, of Bedford, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in Bedford.
Funeral was Nov. 10 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Lee
Trigg officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Visitation is one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers were Taylor Dedeke, Jason Waldie, Simon Wolfe, Sammy Waldie and Ryan
Abel.
Woodard was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Philipi, Tenn., to Thomas and Lucille
(Tipton) Read. He married Mildred Clement July 15, 1950, in Denton and served
his country in the U.S. Army. Woodard retired from MAPCO. He was a tool designer
and hydraulic engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Tennessee Sendak and Doris
Bogart; and brother Tommy Read.
Woodard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mildred “Midge” C. Read of
Bedford; daughters Joyce Waldie of Fort Worth and Jan Dedeke and husband, Ron,
of Aledo; grandchildren Jason Waldie of Keller, Tiffany Wolfe and husband,
Simon, of Roanoke, Samuel Waldie of Washington, D.C., Candice Abel and husband,
Ryan, of Weatherford and Taylor Dedeke of Bryan; great-grandchildren Isabel
Waldie, Grace Waldie, Chase Wolfe and Hadley Wolfe; and other family members and
friends.
Reasoner, Mary Ann | 1942-2015
Published Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Mary Ann Reasoner, 72, a homemaker, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, in Chico.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the First Baptist Church in Chico
with the Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating, assisted by Sam Starr. Burial will
follow at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Wendell Wiggins, Randy Leake, Trent Morrow, Greg Reasoner,
Clayton Green and Gary Green.
Mary was born Jan. 9, 1942, in Chico to Oscar and Roxie (McGuire) Watson. She
married James C. Reasoner Jan. 26, 1963, in Decatur. He preceded her in death on
Nov. 10, 2011.
She is survived by her daughter, Jan Romines and husband, Glenn, of Chico; son
Dan Reasoner and wife, Sonya, of Haslet; grandchildren Janice and husband,
Curtis Barnes, Josh, Taylor and Tanner; great-granddaughter Elizabeth Ann;
sisters Lois Morrow, Bonnie Green and Reba Leake and husband, Jack; brothers
Leon Watson and wife, Linda, and Harold Watson and wife, Dorothy; and other
relatives and friends.
Renshaw, Larry A., Dr. | 1932-2015
Published Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Larry A. Renshaw, M.D., 83, of Pittsburg, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, in Tyler.
Service was 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, with Dr. Van
Gardner officiating.
Larry was born on Aug. 6, 1932, to L. Wayne and Merle Margrette (Van Meter)
Renshaw in Rhome. He married Carolyn Kay Ford Aug. 18, 1975, in Portland, Ore.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a radiologist.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carolyn Renshaw of Pittsburg; six
children, Cathy Roberts, Karen LaRue, Susan Renshaw, Sheri Avalos, Alan Renshaw
and Randy Strawn; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews
and friends.
Rhoades, Shirley Marie | 1936-2015
Published Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Shirley Marie Rhoades, 78, died Thursday, April 30, 2015 in Decatur.
A graveside service was held Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Oaklawn Cemetery. Rev. Bill
Woolaver officiated.
Shirley was born on September 4, 1936 to Frank and Velma (Covington) Fellers in
Decatur. She was united in marriage to Melton Rhoades on Feb. 4, 2005 in
Marietta, Okla. Shirley was a retired waitress.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Melton Rhoades of Decatur; daughter, Kathy
Jackson and husband Chris of Pottsboro; sons Tony Dickey and wife Sandra of
Decatur and Joey Dickey and wife Kelley of Alvord; grandchildren Shane
Westbrook, Jessica Dickey, Joey Dickey, Jamie Dickey, Casandra Dickey, Caroline
Dickey, Garrett Dickey and Westin Dickey; 13 great grandchildren; brother, James
Fellers and wife Ruth; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rhodes, Asie Lee | 1923-2015
Published Saturday, March 7, 2015
Asie Lee Rhodes, 91, of Fort Worth died Monday, March 2, 2015.
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
Asie Lee was born to Henry and Minnie Stockton Sept. 30, 1923, in Whitesboro. As
a child, she and her family moved by covered wagon from Whitesboro to Nubbin
Hill, Ark., where she lived a happy and full life with her parents and siblings.
She grew up learning the value of hard work on the family farm in Prescott,
Ark., where she hoed the garden, picked cotton, helped with the cattle and
horses and studied many nights by oil lamp and candlelight. She proved herself
as an excellent student, skipping two grades in the small country school in
Prescott.
When World War II shattered her peaceful country life, she immediately joined
the Corps of Engineers secretarial staff in the Pentagon, working in Washington,
D.C., for several years and making friends with other women from across America,
including the president’s wife, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Mrs. Roosevelt and Asie Lee spent long nights helping with veterans affairs and
world leaders’ accommodations at the U.S. Embassy, adding their skills to the
nation’s war effort. Asie Lee was later transferred to Alaska to help
establish the Corps of Engineers office while the Alaska Highway was being
constructed.
At the completion of her assignments in Washington and Alaska, Asie Lee moved
back home to Prescott where she married her sweetheart, Ivy Ray Rhodes, and they
moved to Fort Worth for Ivy to work at Consolidated Aviation. Asie Lee became a
homemaker and mother, and not long afterward, they bought her dream home living
there for the next 25 years.
She was active in their daughter’s activities starting a Girl Scout troop,
being a member of the school’s PTA board, working actively in the youth
activities of their church and staying abreast of political happenings of the
day.
Asie Lee also worked tirelessly alongside her husband and his management
association members to get the large General Dynamics Recreation Area brought to
completion. She later went to work at General Dynamics working as a secretarial
clerk on the flight line and then rejoined the Corps of Engineers where she
worked until her retirement to care for her husband after his massive stroke.
After her beloved husband’s death, she continued to live in their home in
Decatur, later moving back to Fort Worth to be near her family where she enjoyed
family gatherings and visiting with lifelong friends. Even after her
Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she continued to be good-natured and kept the nurses of
her care facilities entertained with stories of her life and activities.
Asie Lee was preceded in death by husband Ivy Ray; grandson Robert Clay; parents
Henry Clay and Minnie Ola Stockton; and brother Wayne.
She is survived by her daughter, Darla Sullivan and husband, Bill; granddaughter
Beth Blanchard and husband, William, and their children, Macee, Payton, Douglas,
and Ellie Lee (Asie Lee’s namesake), all of Fort Worth. She is also survived
by her sister, Emma Jane Duke and husband, Dr. James Edward Duke, and their
three daughters and children, all of Arkansas.
Richard, Peggy | 1937-2015
Published Saturday, June 13, 2015
Peggy Richard, 77, of Paradise died Sunday, June 7, 2015, at home.
Memorial service is 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at her residence. Alexander Midway
Funeral Home in Springtown is handling arrangements.
Peggy was born June 20, 1937, in Fort Worth to Douglas Walker and Leona
Robertson Anderson.
They preceded her in death, along with her husband, Ted L. Richard; brother
Robert Anderson; and sister Dorothy Richardson.
She is survived by sons Ted S. Richard and Douglas G. Richard and wife, Lisa;
and grandchildren Walker, Callie and Cassidy.
Richey, Karen Lee | 1949-2015
Published Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Karen Lee Richey, 65, of Decatur died Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Wichita Falls.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Pleasant Grove No. 1 Cemetery
with Louis Horton officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Karen was born June 28, 1949, in Rome, N.Y., to Charles and Emily (Davis). She
was a retired nurse.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Shawnna Richey Summers of San Antonio; brothers
Charles Howard Jr. of Decatur and Edward Howard and wife, Joselynn, of the
Phillipines; sister Liz Howard of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Riedl, Anna Leete Cassity | 1957-2015
Published Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Anna Leete Cassity Riedl, 57, of Marana, Ariz., died Thursday, June 18, 2015, in
Marana.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Glen Waldon officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dusty Cooper, Bradley Cooper, Robert Cassity, Glenn Cassity,
William Gonos and James Riedl.
Anna was born Aug. 24, 1957, in Denton to Charles Don and Shirley Jean
(Atkerson) Cassity. She married Frank Joseph Riedl March 4, 1989, at Mt. Zion
Baptist Church in Alvord. Anna was a Baptist and a real estate broker.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Don Cassity.
Anna is survived by her husband of 26 years, Frank Riedl of Marana; her mother,
Shirley Cassity of Decatur; brother Robert Cassity of Springfield, Mo.; sister
Debra Lynch of North Richland Hills; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Riggs, John, Jr. | 1977-2015
Published Wednesday, November 25, 2015
John Riggs Jr., 38, died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at his home in Granbury, with
his family by his side.
Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Stonewater Church, with internment at
Holly Hills Memorial Park in Granbury.
John was born June 12, 1977, in Fort Campbell, Ky., to John and Robin Story
Riggs. He lived in Granbury most of his life and graduated from Granbury High
School. John worked for BNSF Railroad. He liked to hunt and fish and spend time
with his children.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pete and Pat Riggs.
He is survived by his son, Hudson Riggs of Boyd; daughter Reese Riggs of Boyd;
parents John Sr. and Robin Riggs of Granbury; mother of his children, Casey
Wilson of Boyd; brothers Danny and Nicholas Riggs of Granbury; sisters Allison
Dietzman and Josh of St. Mary’s, Ohio; nieces and nephews, Ryan Riggs,
Celestial Riggs, Brandan Childress, Audrey Dietzman, River Culver, Oliver
Dietzman and Jackson Riggs; grandparents Terry and Susan Story of Meridian; and
other extended family members.
Riley, Moveline Niblett | 1929-2015
Published Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Moveline Niblett Riley, 85, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the First Baptist Church in Boyd with
burial at Keeter Cemetery. The Rev. Mark Autry will officiate with the Revs.
Brandon Autry and Willie Haak assisting.
Pallbearers are Dwayne Bos- well, Brad Carter, Matthew Jackson, Riley Carter,
Kade Erwin and Gavin Erwin. Honorary pallbearer is Major Jason Boswell.
Moveline was born July 10, 1929, in Mineral Wells to William and Ruby (Phillips)
Niblett. She married Jack Riley April 29, 1948, in Fort Worth. She was a
homemaker.
Jack preceded her in death Dec. 24, 2013.
Moveline loved to garden and can and was known to make the best sweet pickles
and plum jelly in the world. She was an avid seamstress and quilter and enjoyed
teaching others about sewing and quilting.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack Riley.
She is survived by her son, Mike Riley and wife, Donna, of Sanger; daughters
Connie Boswell and husband, Walt, of Peyton, Colo., Gay Jackson of Hurst and
Julie Autry and husband, Mark, of Boyd; brother Alvin Niblett and wife,
Patricia, of Boyd; sister Shannon Martin of Azle; 12 grandchildren; 23
great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and friends.
Roberts, Lawrence Roy | 1956-2015
Published Saturday, May 30, 2015
Lawrence Roy Roberts, 58, of Chico died Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Chico.
Funeral is private. Larry Whitaker will officiate.
Roy was born Aug. 22, 1956, in Bridgeport to Roy and Marcia (Cleveland) Roberts.
He worked for Lockheed Martin for more than 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather D.C. Webb; brother Donald
Rock Webb; and sister Tammy Webb Dixswon.
He is survived by his mother, Marcia Webb of Chico; brothers E.R. Roberts and
wife, Cathy, of Robert Lee, Cody Carlton Roberts of Bonham and James Roy
“Buddy” Webb of Chico; sisters Dee Ann Webb Dekleva and partner, Benjamin
Carney, of Joplin, Serena Webb of Chico and Hope Webb of Chico; his special
niece, Latisha Roberts Creul and husband, Floyd, of Tacoma, Wash.; and other
relatives and friends.
Roberts, Sheri Ann | 1935-2015
Published Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Sheri Ann Roberts, 80, of Decatur, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Gainesville.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Charles Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery
in Decatur. Visitation is one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
Sheri was born Aug. 26, 1935, in Decatur to Gordon and Jennibelle (Renshaw)
Roberts. She was a Methodist and a rancher. She will be remembered as
hardworking and good-humored Aunt Sheri, who was quick to laugh and had plenty
of great stories about life in Wise County.
Sheri was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Sue Jean
Cocanougher.
She is survived by her nephews, Robert Cocanougher of Southlake and Daniel
Cocanougher of Decatur; cousin Buster Henderson of Forestburg; brother-in-law
Allen Cocanougher; and numerous nieces, cousins and friends.
Roberts, Tracy Leann | 1978-2015
Published Saturday, November 21, 2015
Tracy Leann Roberts, 37, of Chico, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Nov. 20 at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport with Scott
Strothers officiating.
Tracy was born Apr. 29, 1978, in Fort Worth to Ted W. and Sherry (Enos) Trice.
Tracy was a waitress who enjoyed horseback riding, rock carvings, painting and
being with family and friends.
She is survived by her fianc , Robert Smith; sons Austin Cryil Trice, Lovell
Dale Roberts III and Christian Roberts; daughter Brittany Roberts; parents Ted
and Sherry Trice; brother Michael Trice; and grandmother Loyce Jean Temple.
Robinson, Franky Joe | 1934-2015
Published Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Franky Joe Robinson, 80, a retired warehouse distributor, died Friday, Jan. 16,
2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur with Charles Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Stayce Sampler, Danny Taylor, Terry England, Robert England,
Paul Ashley and Steven Ashley.
Franky was born Aug. 19, 1934, in Greenwood to William and Alma (England)
Robinson. He married Naida Brown May 16, 1981, in Boyd. Franky worked for
Montgomery Ward as a warehouse distributor for 30 years and retired from IGA,
where he worked in customer service.
He had been a member of Trinity Baptist Church since 1981. He proudly served his
country as a U.S. Marine.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Naida Robinson; and
stepfather Jasper Allen.
He is survived by his son, Stayce Sampler and wife, Cindy, of Elko, Nev.;
granddaughter Tricia Wood and husband, Derek, of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren
Madeline, Genevieve, Adrienne and Catherine Wood; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Robinson, Loyce | 1921-2015
Published Saturday, August 22, 2015
Loyce “MeMaw” Robinson, 94, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at Weinert Cemetery in
Weinert with Kerry Clower officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are grandsons. Honorary pallbearers include Jerry Crafton, Richard
Dunn, Tony Sarmento and Gene Niblett.
Loyce was born Jan. 6, 1921, to Michael and Mary (McGlothlin) Raynes in
Stonewall. She married Ivy Stephens Oct. 24, 1937, in Weinert. They were married
36 years until his passing in 1973. Loyce later married Harry Robinson in 1976.
They were married 22 years until his passing in 1998.
Loyce worked as a seamstress.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harry Robinson, and Ivy
Stephens; daughter Mary Lou Stephens; and son Royce Stephens.
Loyce is survived by son Douglas Stephens of Arlington; daughters Surrynda Kay
Crafton and husband, Jerry, of Alvord, and Roelga Sarmento and husband, Tony, of
Nashville, Tenn.; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; seven
great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Memorials may be made to Weinert Cemetery Association.
Rodgers, Lois Gayle Krebbs | 1960-2015
Published Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Lois Gayle Krebbs Rodgers, 55, of Newark, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Newark.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Boyd.
Lois was born April 23, 1960, in Fort Worth to John and Carolyn (Davis) Krebbs.
She married Larry Edwin Rodgers Aug. 26, 2003, in Newark. Lois was a truck
driver.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; and her mother, Carolyn.
She is survived by her daughters Briana Rogers and husband, Chris, of Amarillo
and Andrea Roeder and husband, Magus Currell, of Newark; grandchildren Heaven,
Michael, Zanca and Anmeryna; father John Krebbs of Newark; and many friends.
Romine, Oscar D. | 1937-2015
Published Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Oscar D. Romine, 78, of Rhome, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Oct. 27 at Rhome Assembly of God with the Rev. Michael Alloggio
officiating, assisted by the Rev. Michael Stephenson. Burial followed at Aurora
Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bobby Scantlin, Ed Romine, Jon Romine, Kyle Copeland, Zane
Holland, Barry Brown, Dustin Byers, Johnathan Davis and Trey Romine.
Oscar was born Jan. 7, 1937, in Elmore City, Okla., to Hugh and Edith (Pursley)
Romine. He married Billie Arrington June 8, 1957, in Rhome. Oscar graduated from
Northwest High School. He worked as a welder at Modern Welding in Rhome until
his retirement.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents; his son, F. Scott Romine; and
brothers Aubrey, Jimmy, David and Larry Romine.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Billie Romine of Rhome; daughter Tamme
Byers and husband, Kenny, of Aurora; sons Wesley Romine and wife, Sharon, of
Aurora, Mark Romine and wife, Staci, of Boyd and Michael Romine and wife, Dee,
of Rhome; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He’s also survived by his brothers, Bill Romine and wife, Nancy, of Oklahoma
City and Charles Romine and wife, Tressa, of Rhome; sisters Grace Neal and
husband, Dave, of Mount Vernon, Helen Wells of Rhome and Joyce Cardwell of
Saginaw; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roones, Drew | 1985-2015
Published Saturday, June 6, 2015
Drew Roones, 30, of Paradise died Monday, June 1, 2015, in Decatur.
Service was June 5 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Tom Merritt
officiating.
Drew was born May 17, 1985, in Okinawa, Japan, to Alfred and Sharon (Crum)
Roones. He was an oilfield welder.
Drew loved music, his charity work and spending time with family. He was an avid
adventurer who loved riding motorcycles, fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Darrell Crum and Al H. Roones Sr.;
grandmother Faith Roones; and sister Elizabeth K. Roones.
Drew is survived by his father, Al H. Roones of Paradise; mother Sharon K.
Roones of Peculiar, Mo.; brother Randy A. Roones of Effingham, Ill.; sister
Heather N. Euler of Paradise; and grandmother Esther Crum of Altamont, Ill.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Rowe, Jerry, Dr. | 1952-2015
Published Saturday, July 4, 2015
Dr. Jerry Rowe, 63, of Robinson died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, in Waco after a
long, courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation was July 2 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Jerry was born June 5, 1952, in Paradise to Norman and Eula Fay (Kelley) Rowe.
He married Carolyn Welch July 9, 2002, in Maui, Hawaii. He was a retired
physician.
Jerry was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jery-Lynn; and his father,
Norman Rowe.
He’s survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Carolyn Rowe of Robinson; son
Kevin Rowe and wife, Jami, of Paradise; grandson Hunter; granddaughters Carson
and Rylea; and his mother, Eula Fay Rowe.
He is also survived by stepdaughter Kristen Garcia and husband, Rudy, of Waco
and their children, son Braxton and twin daughters Presley and Fallon; brothers
Norman Rowe Jr. and wife, Beth, of Paradise, Gerry Rowe and wife, Debbie, of
Paradise; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation: 30 East
33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, www.kidney.org, 1-800-622-9010.
Rutherford, James W. | 1928-2015
Published Saturday, August 15, 2015
James W. Rutherford, 86, formerly of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11,
2015.
Funeral is 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Mount Olivet Chapel with burial in Bluebonnet
Hills Memorial Park, Colleyville. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Mount
Olivet.
James was born in Decatur in 1928, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Rutherford. He
married his first wife, Christine Taylor, of Decatur in Corsicana. He and Gwen
Sharp married in May 1976 in Corsicana.
James worked in warehouses for many years, including Piggly Wiggly for 25 years.
Later he worked in security, including International Service Insurance Group.
James was a Fort Worth Police Buddy for five years and Richland Hills reserve
police officer for three years. He was awarded Reserve Officer of the Year in
1968.
He was a faithful husband and he loved the Lord. He attended Diamond Oaks Church
of God Haltom City and was a member of the Assembly of God Association. James
enjoyed football and had fond memories of his Decatur High School football days.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen Rutherford; and nieces, Kaye McQueen and
Suzanne Romain.
Ryan, Rex Allen | 1948-2015
Published Saturday, May 9, 2015
Rex Allen Ryan, 66, of Baton Rouge, La., died Monday, March 2, 2015.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, at the Atomic Rooster in
Bridgeport.
A service with full military honors was April 11, and his ashes are to be spread
on the hills southwest of Bridgeport.
Ryan was born Dec. 11, 1948, in Bridgeport to John William Ryan and Willie
Fannie Jones of Bridgeport and Jacksboro, respectively.
He graduated from Bridgeport High School and attended West Texas State in El
Paso. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and the first Gulf War.
Ryan retired after 21 years of service.
He is survived by his brother, Pastor Kenneth Jones and wife, Betty; daughter
Ashley Ryan Boteler; grandchild Shay Boteler; and many friends.
Salazar, John Jr. | 1969-2015
Published Saturday, May 9, 2015
John Jr. Salazar, 46, of Chico died Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in Chico.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
burial to follow at the Mexican Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at
the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Johnny Davila, Tommy Salazar, Edward Martinez, Josh Vidal,
Reggie Johnson and Shelton Garcia.
John was born April 26, 1969, in Bridgeport to John Sr. and Betty Salazar.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Salazar.
He is survived by his father, John Salazar Sr. of Bridgeport; his partner,
Melissa Enriquez of Chico; son Alexander Sessions and wife, Lori, of Azle;
daughter Brittany Ann Salazar of Crafton; brothers Enos Salazar and wife, Sarah,
of Chico, Pete Salazar of Bridgeport, Brandon Curtis Silletti of Fort Worth, Jon
Jon Salazar of Bridgeport and Jacob Jacobs of Decatur; sisters Sofia Salazar and
Julia Ann Salazar, both of of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Sampson, Evette Carter | 1965-2015
Published Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Evette Carter Sampson, 50, of Nocona, formerly of Chico, died Sunday, Dec. 20,
2015, in Nocona.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with the Rev. James Messer officiating. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Travis Croxton, Calvin Morales, Glen Christopher, Walter
Collins, Kelsey Berg and Clay Martin.
Evette was born Sept. 9, 1965, in Wichita Falls to Bob and Linda (Parker)
Carter. She was raised and attended school in Chico. She was a homemaker and a
member of Abundant Life Church in Nocona.
Evette was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Blake Sampson and wife, Cynthia, of Nocona;
grandchildren Aidan and Addison; brother Allen Carter of Bridgeport; and
numerous other family members and friends.
San Aqustin, Pedro | 1964-2015
Published Saturday, February 28, 2015
Pedro San Agustin, 51, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Plano.
Funeral was Feb. 26 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor Eulogio
Puebla and Juan Rodas officiating. Burial was at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bazani San Agustin, Carlos San Agustin, Crisoforo Perez, Jesus
Aceuedo, Enrique Castillo and Oscar Perez.
Pedro was born Jan. 9, 1964, in La Cumbre, Hidalgo, Mexico, to Manuel and Maria
(Perez) San Agustin. He married Angeles Zaragoza Dec. 21, 1994, in Decatur. He
worked as roustabout for R.O.C. and was a member of Iglesia Fuente De Vida and
the prayer group.
Pedro is survived by his wife of 20 years, Angeles San Agustin of Bridgeport;
his children, Elvia Castillo-Enrique, Alesandra Acebedo-Jesus, Bazani San
Agustin, Valentin San Agustin and Vidal San Agustin – all of Bridgeport –
and Sarahi San Agustin; parents Manuel and Maria San Agustin of La Cumbre;
brothers and sisters Marcelino San Agustin of Mexico City, Maria San Agustin of
Guanajuato, Mexico, Carlos San Agustin and wife, Laura, of Mineral Wells, Manuel
San Agustin of Mineral Wells, Juanita Diego and husband, Gavino, Felipe San
Agustin, and Jose San Agustin and wife, Esmeralda, all of La Cumbre; and
grandchildren Sergio, Lizandra, Jesse, Bryan, Kaylee and Bryna.
Scales, Marguerita June | 1921-2015
Published Saturday, May 16, 2015
Marguerita June Scales, 93, of Kansas, formerly of Chico, died Monday, May 11,
2015.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Chico Cemetery with lunch to
follow at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
A celebration of life was May 13 at the Wellsville Retirement Community in
Wellsville, Kan.
June was born June 18, 1921, in Oklahoma, eventually moving to Chico where she
built a life dedicated to her family and friends. She spent decades serving and
supporting her community: from sitting on city council to preparing food to be
distributed to seniors in the town and everything in between.
In 2009, she moved to the Kansas City area to be closer to her daughter,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her Granny J. She soon filled
her life with new friends but never lost connection to her hometown friends,
making sure she kept in touch with them all.
Her heart knew no capacity when it came to love and support for friends and
family. Her generous and loving spirit (and tire swing) will always be
remembered by everyone in the family.
June is survived by her daughter, Kathy Hill; granddaughters Sandie Logan and
fianc Jeff Pittman and Genapher Hill and partner Connie Ruberry;
great-grandchildren Matt Logan, Kalina Johnson and Sierra Coen;
great-great-granddaughter Raigan McFarland; sister Joyce Reasoner; and brother
Woody Bell.
As much as June loved flowers, the family asks those wishing to honor her do
three things: tell your loved ones and family you love them, call and catch up
with a friend, and “pay it forward” by opening your heart to someone in need
or your favorite charity. Online condolences may be left at
www.brucefuneralhome.com.
Scarborough, Kenny Wayne | 1969-2015
Published Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Kenny Wayne Scarborough, 46, of Newark, died Friday, Dec 11, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Newark Church of Christ with
Minister Mike Boaldin and speakers Jeff Bue and Rusty Scarborough officiating.
Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers are Robert Darter, Jay Darter, Mickey Scarborough, Vance
Scarborough, Keith McCleskey and Lenard McCleskey.
Honorary pallbearer is Rusty Scarborough.
Kenny was born Sept. 13, 1969, in Fort Worth to William and Phyllis (Neely)
Scarborough. He married Patti Lynne McCleskey May 6, 2011, in Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; one cousin; and Uncle Hubby.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Patti Scarborough of Newark; daughters Payton
Lynette, Payton Morgan and Jordan Ashlynne; son Keaton Lawson; parents William
and Phyllis Scarborough; sister Debra Richardson and husband, Rob, of Boerne;
nephew Jake Richardson; and other family members and friends.
Schroeder, Ruby Marie | 1917-2015
Published Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Ruby Marie Schroeder, 97, of Boyd died Thursday, April 16, 2015, in Decatur.
Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, Neb., Saturday,
April 25, with burial at Eustis Cemetery.
Ruby was born Dec. 22, 1917, in North Platte, Neb., to William and Hazel
(Fordice) Allen. She married Clifford Schroeder May 4, 1940, in Nebraska. Ruby
was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bridgeport. She was a homemaker.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Clifford
Schroeder; three sisters; two sons-in-laws; one daughter-in-law; and her
grandson, Craig Schroeder.
She is survived by daughters Lea Jackson of Texas, Sue Cerkowniak and husband,
Dennis, of North Dakota, and Alice Andrews and husband, Steve, of California;
and sons Clifford Schroeder of California and John Schroeder and wife, Rita, of
Oregon.
She is also survived by grandchildren Debi Gerber and husband, Bob, of
California, Jeanette Youpa and husband, Dave, of California, John Schroeder and
wife, Tonya, of California, Kim Burch and husband, Jim, of Texas, Kate Atkins
and husband, Neil, of California, Brian Schroeder of California, John Moore and
wife, Shana, of Texas, Sheila Rios and husband, Luciano, of California, Sara
Philhart and husband, Raymond, of California, Troy Benoit and wife, Bianca, of
Texas, Renee Benoit of Oregon and Eric Schroeder of California; 12
great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and
nephews.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Schuetz, Shannon James | 1966-2015
Published Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Shannon James Schuetz, 49, of Bridgeport died Saturday, Nov. 28, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the First Baptist Church in
Chico. Alexander Midway Funeral Home in Springtown is handling arrangements.
Shannon was born March 6, 1966, in Wakeeney, Kan., to James and Bernita Gerber
Schuetz.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Karen; children Lacey, Angel
Marie, Kinsey and Jimmy (Lisa Marie); siblings, Rose (Ray), Gordon, Norman
(Tina) and Travis (Lisa); grandchildren Avery and one on the way; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Scott, Frances W. 'Fran' | 1934-2015
Published Saturday, March 28, 2015
Frances (Fran) W. Scott, 81, died Monday, March 23, 2015, in Austin.
The family will hold a private service in April.
Fran Scott was born in 1934 to Curtis A. Williams and Nola Johnson Williams in
Pittsburgh, Pa. She and her older brother, Curtis Williams, grew up in
Philadelphia, and she met her future husband, O.V. Scott, while she was a
student at Cornell University and he was a marine fighter pilot. After
graduating from Cornell, Fran furthered her education and earned a master’s
degree in philosophy and a doctorate in fine arts from Texas Tech University.
Fran and O.V. moved to Lubbock in 1961, and she devoted time to her family,
including two sons, Curtis T. Scott and John M. Scott. From 1975 to 1987, she
was a professor in the philosophy department at Texas Tech. From 1990 to 1997,
she was vice president of the United Way of Lubbock, and in 1997, she became the
assistant dean of the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech. In 2002, Fran and
O.V. moved to Austin to be closer to their son and grandchildren.
Fran will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew her. She was
accepting of all people, giving of herself, and tireless in her commitment to
help those around her. She was a civil rights supporter, set up an endowment
within the United Way to prevent addiction and substance abuse and lent her time
and energy to numerous causes within the Rotary Club and United Way.
Her motto was “Care deeply for others, have a vision for yourself and what you
would like to be, and follow that dream.”
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis A. Williams and Nola Johnson
Williams; brother Curtis Williams; and children Curtis T. Scott and Kristin
Scott.
She is survived by her husband, O.V. Scott; son John M. Scott and
daughter-in-law Jessica N. Scott; grandsons Cade C. Scott and Beck M. Scott; and
nieces and nephew Jennifer Williams, Lisa and Christoph Schmidt and Scott and
Diana Williams.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Way of Austin, United Way of
Lubbock or the building fund at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Scroggins, Nancy Lorraine | 1946-2015
Published Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Nancy Lorraine Scroggins, 69, of Boyd died Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, in Boyd.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Hog Branch Cemetery in Boyd
with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Nancy was born April 4, 1946, in Chicago to Edwin and Eleanor (Barr) Stevenson.
She married Jerry Scroggins.
Nancy was a retired reservation agent for American Airlines and a member and
manager of the VFW in Azle.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Stevenson; and husband Jerry
Scroggins.
Nancy is survived by her son, Floyd Russel Stanley of Boyd; mother Eleanor
Stevenson of Boyd; brother Robert Stevenson of Paradise; and other family
members and friends.
Seals, Frances 'Rene' | 1921-2015
Published Saturday, April 11, 2015
Frances “Rene” Seals, 93, of Runaway Bay died Wednesday, April 8, 2015, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Jerry Calloway officiating.
Rene was born Sept. 28, 1921, in Comanche to John and Lucille (McDaniel)
Kirkland. She married Gordon Seals June 2, 1945, in Comanche and was a member of
the Runaway Bay Community Church. She was a homemaker.
Rene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Gordon
Seals; daughter Judy Taylor; grandson James Seals; brothers Austin Kirkland,
Troy Kirkland and Delbert Kirkland; and sisters Marie Morgan and Jewell
Kirkland.
She is survived by her son, Jim Seals and wife, Vicki, of Chico; grandchildren
Jason Seals and wife, April, Lisa Podhaisky and husband, Scott, James Seals,
Valerie Roberts and husband, Jason, Robert Taylor and Colby Miller and wife,
Teramie. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Benjamin Kipp, Abigail
Seals, Molly Seals, Marissa Podhaisky, Breane Podhaisky, Tyler Podhaisky, Blaze
Miller, Zephan Miller, Kari Miller, Neda Miller, Katlin Davis, Davy Davis and
Sierra Taylor; great-great-grandchild Kamarran House; sisters Barbara Holland of
Comanche, Melba Tribolette and Faye Brugnoli, both of Richwood, W. Va., and
Zelma Loudermilk of Weatherford; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family
members and friends.
Seelye, Roy Lee | 1966-2015
Published Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Roy Lee Seelye, 48, of Paradise died Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, in Paradise.
Funeral was Aug. 18 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Jason Ewing
officiating. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jeff Brooks, Danny Price, Roger Harrison, Russell Black, Dave
Nichols, Doug Drumm, Bryan Davis and Brad Clampitt.
Roy was born Aug. 31, 1966, in Denison to Bob and Vernice (Latham) Seelye. He
married Rena Randall Dec. 16, 1995, in Fort Worth. Roy was a truck driver for
Select Energy and other companies for more than 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Dustin Seelye; grandparents Leroy and
Ozella Seelye; and sister Tina Kilgore.
Roy is survived by his wife of 19 years, Rena Seelye of Paradise; son Cody Hixon
of Fort Worth; his parents, Bob and Vernice of Chico; brother Ronny Seelye of
Chico; and other family members and friends.
Sellars, Robert T., Jr. | 1934-2015
Published Saturday, July 25, 2015
Robert T. Sellars, Jr., 81, died July 22, 2015, in Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Memorial service is 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at St. Luke’s Episcopal
Church in Denver, Colo.
Robert was born in Decatur to Johnnie Mae and Robert T. Sellars Sr.
He received his Ph.D. from Tulane University in 1966 and worked for Kerr McGhee,
Louisiana Land and Exploration, Club Oil and Gas. He was a member of the Rocky
Mountain Association of Geologists and AAPG. He enjoyed the outdoors by golfing,
fly fishing or hiking.
Robert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon of Highlands Ranch, Colo.;
daughters, Kathryn Sellars of Denver, Colo., Kay Hulstrom and husband, Kevin, of
Mead, Colo., and Kara Ross and husband, Ullrich, of Centennial, Colo.;
grandchildren, Chandler and Melissa Hulstrom, Aiden and Eion Smyrnios; brother,
Dr. Richard W. Sellars and wife, Judy, of Santa Fe, N.M., and sister Sally
Florian and husband, Jim, of Decatur.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Association
of the Rockies, 1325 S. Colorado Blvd, No. 204, Denver, Colo. 80222, or the
charity of your choice.
Sellars, Robert T., Jr. | 1934-2015
Published Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Robert T. Sellars Jr., 81, died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, in Highlands Ranch,
Colo.
Memorial service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Robert was born July 16, 1934, in Decatur to Johnnie Mae and Robert T. Sellars
Sr. He received his Ph.D. from Tulane University in 1966 and worked for Kerr
McGhee, Louisiana Land and Exploration and Club Oil and Gas. He was a member of
the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and AAPG. He enjoyed the outdoors,
especially golfing, fly fishing and hiking.
Robert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon, of Highlands Ranch;
daughters Kathryn Sellars of Denver, Kay Hulstrom and husband, Kevin, of Mead,
Colo., and Kara Ross and husband, Ullrich, of Centennial, Colo.; grandchildren
Chandler and Melissa Hulstrom and Aiden and Eion Smyrnios; brother Dr. Richard
W. Sellars and wife, Judy, of Santa Fe, N.M.; and sister Sally Florian and
husband, Jim, of Decatur.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Association of the Rockies, 1325 S.
Colorado Blvd, No. 204, Denver, CO 80222, or the charity of your choice.
Selz, Laura Lynn Smith | 1954-2015
Published Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Laura Lynn Smith Selz, 60, of Midland died Monday, June 8, 2015, in Midland.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, June 12, at the First United Methodist Church in
Bridgeport with Bevins Welder and Dennis Davis officiating. Burial will follow
at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral
home.
Pallbearers are Landon Smith, Klent Selz, Benny Craft, David Bush, Ryan Bush and
Keith Riemer.
Laura was born July 4, 1954, in Eastland to Wilma and E.L. Smith. She graduated
Bridgeport High School in 1972 and married Milton Val Selz June 2, 1973, in
Bridgeport. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, needlepoint, sewing,
hunting and cowboy action shooting. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in
Midland.
Laura is survived by her husband of 42 years, Milton; son Edward L. Selz and
wife, Jennifer; parents Wilma and E.L. Smith of Allen; brothers Johnny Smith and
wife, Linda, Rick Smith and wife, Joyce, and Sean Smith and wife, Michelle;
brothers-in-law Dan Selz and wife, Debbie, and Scott Selz and wife, Debbie; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her in-laws, Nell and Dr. L.V. Selz Jr.; and her
grandparents, Ora and Eddie Smith and Adele and David Whitten.
Memorial donations may be made to mission funds in her honor at Temple Baptist
Church, 4301 Thomason Drive, Midland, TX 79703 or Bible Believers Baptist
Church, 1701 Rand Morgan Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78410.
Shanks, Katie 'Belle' Perrin | 1929-2015
Published Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Katie “Belle” Perrin Shanks, 85, of Chico, died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in
Decatur.
Funeral was Oct. 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport with the
Rev. Sam Caldwell officiating. Burial was at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Cody Lowrance, Clint Lowrance, Katie Cook, Taylor Everett,
Jordan Everett and Trey Cook.
Belle was born Nov. 14, 1929, in Decatur to Earl and Exa Mae (Womack) Perrin.
She married Gene Shanks Feb. 14, 1949, in Bridgeport. She was a secretary for
Gifford Hill for 25 years until her retirement, and she and her husband owned
Shanks Grocery in Bridgeport. Belle was a loyal fan of the Dallas Mavericks.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, “Big
Gene” Shanks; and her brother, Charles Perrin.
Belle is survived by her daughters, Jerry Lowrance and husband, Johnny, of
Chico, Terry Everett and husband, Gary, of Bridgeport and Patty Cook and
husband, Sam Jr., of Bridgeport; grandchildren Cody and Terra, Clint and Becky,
Taylor and Amber, Jordan and Christina, Katie and Trey; and great-grandchildren
Kylee, Nash, Kinsler, Addison and Connor.
She is also survived by sisters Earlene Buchholz and husband, Herb, of Sugarland
and Jo Ann Johnston of Forreston; brother Frank Perrin and wife, Billie, of
Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Shelton, Flora Mae | 1962-2015
Published Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Flora Mae Shelton, 53, of Poolville, died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at home.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur.
Flora was born Jan. 10, 1962, in Fort Worth to Harper Lee and Flossey May
(Headley) Hunter. She was a patient care advocate at Wise Regional Health
System.
Flora held an Associates of Art degree, and her hobbies included dancing,
crocheting, fishing and playing poker.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harper Hunter; brother Eugene Hunter;
and granddaughter Annabelle Hightower.
Flora is survived by her husband of seven years, Jimmy Shelton Jr.; sons Steven
Butler and wife, Shaunda, Jessie Butler and wife, Nikki, Justin Shelton and
wife, Devin, and Matt Shelton; daughters Danise Lackey and husband, Danny, Amy
Elliston and wife, Melissa, and Sandy Capehart and husband, Aaron; brother
Horace Hunter and wife, Bonnie; sisters Dina Lackey and husband, Neal, Johnna
Sweet and husband, Mike, and Pamela Ames.
She is also survived by her mother, Flossey Hunter; 18 grandchildren; and four
great-grandchildren.
Shelton, Garland C. | 1919-2015
Published Saturday, June 13, 2015
Garland C. Shelton, 96, of Wichita Falls died Tuesday, June 9, 2015.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home, 1917
Archer City Hwy., in Wichita Falls with Pastor Chad Stubblefield officiating.
Burial will follow in the Garden of Devotion of Crestview Memorial Park with
Masonic rites rendered by Faith Lodge No. 1158 A.F. & A.M.
Pallbearers are Matt Shelton, Scott Chancellor, Larry Holloway Jr., Jason
Holloway, Brad Garlington and Aaron Hall.
Garland was born Feb. 24, 1919, in Angelina County to John and Leola Shelton. He
was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II, and his professional career
was with the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired as postmaster in Decatur.
Garland enjoyed golfing, reading, having vegetable gardens, traveling, watching
all sports, being knowledgeable on national current affairs, and attending his
grandchildren’s graduations and sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Clint Shelton, Faye Brown and
Nina Binion.
Garland is survived by his wife of 47 years, Peggy Shelton; son Kenny Shelton
and wife, Kandy, of Alvord; daughter Kathy Long of Moore, Okla.; stepson Larry
Holloway and wife, Gayla, of Archer City; stepdaughters Leslie Garlington and
husband, Bobby, of Wichita Falls, and Linda Holloway of Denver; 12
grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visit www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com to post messages of condolence.
Shepherd, Vicki Leann Raney | 1947-2015
Published Saturday, May 23, 2015
Vicki Leann Raney Shepherd, 68, of Decatur died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in
Decatur.
Visitation is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home
in Denton, and graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in
Denton. Vicki was born Jan. 19, 1947, in Dallas to Talmadge and Syble Raney. She
worked for Beads Beautiful in Decatur for 10 years.
Vicki was preceded in death by her son, Randy Skelton; husband Ross (Skeet)
Shepherd; father Talmadge Raney; mother Syble Long; stepfather Don Long; and
brother Richard Raney.
She is survived by her nephew, Jeff Raney and wife, Channing, of Houston; niece
Alexa Raney of Corpus Christi; aunt Joann Hawkins and husband, Cecil, of
Benbrook; great-nieces and nephews Nicole Marshall and Jack, Ferris and Verity
Raney; and many cousins and friends.
Sherman, Clyde Meryl | 1934-2015
Published Saturday, April 4, 2015
Clyde Meryl Sherman, 80, of Decatur died Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 3 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with Brandon
Henderson officiating. Burial was at Pleasant Grove No. 1 Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Adrian Martinez, Sean Sherman, Nathan Holt, Francisco Cardenas,
Tracy Sherman and Tim Sherman.
Clyde was born Nov. 25, 1934, in Altus, Okla., to Floyd and Diola Sherman. He
was a retired driller in the oilfield.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Louise Sherman; three
brothers; and son William Floyd Sherman.
He is survived by his sons, David Sherman and wife, Sabrina, of Lovington, N.M.,
Tony Sherman and wife, Lynn, of Decatur, Carl Sherman and wife, Rhonda, of Caddo
Mills, and Bobby Sherman of Lovington; daughter Thresa Swaim and husband, Terry,
of Stanley, N.M.; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; brother Dwayne Sherman; sister Bera Faye Louis; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Sherwood, Dorothy | 1938-2015
Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Dorothy Sherwood, 76, of Springtown, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, after a
courageous battle against cancer.
Service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the First Baptist Church in Springtown.
Burial is at Springtown Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
White’s Funeral Home in Springtown.
Dorothy was born March 27, 1938, in San Angelo to Gordie and Lydia Fretwell. She
was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Springtown, and she was an
excellent homemaker. She always enjoyed cooking for her family, and she enjoyed
quilting, ceramics and gardening. She will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Sherwood; grandson Matt Sherwood; her
parents; and brothers Johnny, Sammy and Bobby Fretwell.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Howard Sherwood; son Glen Sherwood;
daughter Carrie Green and husband, Charles; daughter-in-law Susan Sherwood;
sister Ruby Raddon; brother Charles Fretwell; grandchildren Jeremy Watson and
wife, Tammy, Levi Watson and wife, Jessica, Wesley Green and wife, Krista,
Lindsay Sheets and husband, Cody, Shane Sherwood and wife, Sarah, Cody Sherwood,
and Bobby Joe Sherwood and wife, Kathryn; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Sherwood, Howard | 1934-2015
Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Howard Sherwood, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, after a courageous battle
with cancer.
Service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the First Baptist Church of Springtown
with burial to follow at Springtown Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown.
Howard was born Sept. 1, 1934, in Fort Worth to Cecil and Martha Wilson
Sherwood. He lived and worked in Wise County for many years with Lone Star Gas
until his retirement. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of
Springtown.
He dearly loved his family, taking trips to Colorado and riding dune buggies.
Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Sherwood,
Jan. 24, 2015; son Jimmy Sherwood; grandson Matthew Sherwood; his parents; and a
brother, Oscar Sherwood.
Survivors include his son, Glen Sherwood; daughter Carrie Green and husband,
Charles; daughter-in-law Susan Sherwood; grandchildren Jeremy Watson and wife,
Tammy, Levi Watson and wife, Jessica, Wesley Green and wife, Krista, Lindsey
Sheets and husband, Cody, Shane Sherwood and wife, Sarah, Cody Sherwood and
Bobby Joe Sherwood and wife, Kathryn; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Perry
Sherwood and wife, Betty, and Jack Sherwood and wife, Hazel; sisters Cynthia
Dooley and husband, Tom, Shirley Vance and husband, Glenn, Barbara Sherwood,
Loyce Sherwood and Joyce Tow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Silletti, Eugene Leonard 'Geno' | 1965-2015
Published Saturday, February 7, 2015
Eugene Leonard “Geno” Silletti, 49, an industrial painter, died Wednesday,
Feb. 4, 2015 in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Tim
Jenkins and Rev. Gary Sessions will officiate, and Dean Bible Jr., Sam Moreau
Jr., Trinity Gunter, Dustyn Bible, Tim Butler, Daniel Gonzales, John DeHoyas,
Emilio DeHoyas and John Coleman will serve as pallbearers.
Burial will be in the Mexican Cemetery.
Geno was born Sept. 30, 1965 to Leonard and Connie (Martinez) Silletti in
Bridgeport. He graduated from Bridgeport High School and proudly served his
country in the United States Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne
Rangers. He made 88 jumps during his military service.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Leonard Eugene
Silletti; sister Debra LeAnn Silletti; and nephew Marcus Anthony Silletti.
He is survived by his daughters, Tina Bible and husband, Dean Jr., of Runaway
Bay, Juanita Silletti and fianc , Sam Lee Moreau Jr., of Midland, Ashley
Silletti and fianc , Trinity Gunter, of Weatherford; grandchildren Madison,
Ashlyn and Kalin; mother Connie Martinez Silletti of Bridgeport; sister Diana
Lynn Taylor and husband, Tommy, of Bridgeport; brothers Richard Lee Silletti and
wife, Wendy, of Fort Worth, Anthony Leonard Silletti and fianc , Kellie Buckaloo
of Alvord; sister Tammie Louise Bible and husband, Dustyn, of Decatur; other
family members and friends.
Simmons, J.T. 'Jim' | 1934-2015
Published Wednesday, September 30, 2015
J.T. “Jim” Simmons, 81, of Boyd died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Mark Noles officiating. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Visitation is 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Jim was born Feb. 13, 1934, in Rhome to James and Marguerite (Green) Simmons. He
married Pam (Burns) Vardiman Feb. 3, 1990, in Las Vegas. Jim was a retired
payroll accountant for Bell Helicopter. He proudly served his country in the
United States Navy and was a member of the Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Stan Simmons.
Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pam Simmons of Boyd; sons Skip Simmons
and wife, Ginger, of Arlington, Scott Simmons of Mexico, Steve Simmons of Spring
and Anthony Vardiman and wife, Beth, of San Diego; grandchildren Keith, Kyle,
Ryan, Sean and Rylie Simmons, Sierra Vardiman and Sydney Vardiman;
great-grandchildren Makenna, Kathryn and Marguerite Simmons; and other family
members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North
Beauregard, Alexandria, VA 22311 or diabetes.org.
Simmons, Joe P. | 1923-2015
Published Saturday, November 7, 2015
Joe P. Simmons, 92, of Fox, Ark., died Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Little Rock,
Ark., with his family by his side.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Chancellor and Jones Family Funeral Home
in Decatur. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Carl Duggar, Brent Coon, Joey Polk, Brian Polk, Mark Mosley and
Terence Murry.
Joe was born Aug. 25, 1923, in Grapevine. He previously lived in Saginaw,
Madisonville, Kentucky and Flagstaff, Ariz. Joe served his country in the U.S.
Army during World War II. He worked 25-plus years at Gulf Oil Co.
Joe loved his country and was a hardworking man. He was a devoted husband to
wife of 17 months, Barbara Martz Byrd Simmons. They loved worshiping at Calvary
Baptist Church in Timbo, Ark.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Millie Ann McCord Simmons;
wives Zoe Evelyn Walker Simmons and Marion Wilson Simmons; sisters Beulah Long,
Rosa Lee Mosley, Zelma Plumlee and Nellie Ruth Webb.
He is survived by his daughters, Paulette Murry and husband, WD, of Taylor Ark.,
Beverly Coon and husband, Loy, of Banning, Calif., and Joyce Polk of Haltom
City; eight stepchildren; six grandchildren; 18 step-grandchildren; 13
great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and one
great-great-grandchild.
Simmons, Vadis Nelson | 1927-2015
Published Saturday, January 10, 2015
Vadis Nelson Simmons, 87, a retired telephone operator, died Tuesday, Jan. 6,
2015, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Boyd Church of Christ with Larry Calvin
and David Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers are Chad Nelson, Greg Erwin, Gary Davis, David Warner, Norman Warner
and Jim Warner. Honorary pallbearer is Eli Davis.
Vadis was born April 27, 1927, in Chico to Richard and Alziabee (McDaniel)
Warner. She was a telephone operator at Central-Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A.J. Nelson;
granddaughter Terri Meador; and brothers Gilbert, Wayne, Clyde and Morris
Warner.
Survivors include her sons, Jerry Nelson and wife, Stella, of Fort Worth, and
Sharkey Nelson and wife, Dinky, of North Richland Hills; daughter Sherian Jones
and husband, Bill, of Jacksboro; grandchildren Curtis, Michelle, Chad, Amanda,
Sherri and Greg; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren;
brothers David Warner and wife, Lois, Norman Warner and wife, Terry, and Jim
Warner and wife, Ronni; sister Mary McClary; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins, extended family members and friends.
Simpson, Carrie L. | 1929-2015
Published Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Carrie L. Simpson, 86, of Lake Bridgeport, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Jeff Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove No. 1
Cemetery in Decatur.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Ronnie Simpson, Danny Simpson, John Simpson, Keith Simpson,
Chris Fourd, Tony Shields, Justin Simpson and Clay Young.
Carrie was born Oct. 31, 1929, in Haskell to Arthur and Carrie (Whatley) Boring.
She married James W. Simpson July 30, 1950, in Bridgeport. Carrie was a
homemaker and a member of the Bible Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James W. Simpson;
daughters Aleta Dell Thompson and Jane Deloris Simpson; grandsons Colby Lynn
Horn and Ted Thompson; and brother Arthur Lewis Boring.
Carrie is survived by sons Walter Lee Affie Simpson and wife, Renee, of West
Monroe, La., James Simpson and wife, Tammy, of Cottondale and John Simpson of
Paradise; daughters Edith Elaine Simpson Young of Lake Bridgeport and Valarie
Ann Simpson Fourd of Paradise; grandchildren Ronnie, Danny, John and Keith
Simpson, Chris Fourd, Tony Shields, Justin Simpson, Clay Young, Brandy Krohn,
Ronnica Haselden, Lindsay Grubbs, Carl Thompson and Steven Sims; 23
great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box
140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800 or go to gideons.org.
Skinner, Charles C. | 1940-2015
Published Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Charles C. “Chuck” Skinner, 75, of Rhome, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, in
Rhome.
Memorial service is 11:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at DFW National Cemetery in
Dallas with John Redfearn officiating.
Chuck was born July 9, 1940, in Slidell to J.C. and Bess (Johnson) Skinner. He
proudly served his country and retired in 1976 from the United States Navy after
20 years of service. He married Virginia Sept. 27, 1974, in Weatherford, and he
was a member of Community Church in Decatur, along with his wife.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; and brother George Waggoner.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Virginia Skinner of Rhome; son Joe
Skinner of Fort Worth; daughter Tani Gearin and husband, Kevin, of New Mexico;
sisters Eva Collins, Mary Waggoner and Betty Waggoner; brothers Billy and Bobby
Waggoner; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Slocomb, Vernon H., Jr. | 1938-2015
Published Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Vernon H. Slocomb Jr., 77, of Runaway Bay, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in
Bridgeport.
Entombment is 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Greenwood Mausoleum in Fort Worth with
Marvin Balch officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral
Home in Bridgeport.
Honorary pallbearers are Don Erwin, Frank Trail, Dan Ticer, Leon Farmer, Charles
Todd, Robert Jackson, Hank Gallardo, Wallace Holcomb, Ken Kilpatrick, Rollins
Bilby, Adney Stowe and Rob Rayner.
Vernon was born July 11, 1938, to Vernon Sr. and Juanita (Burt) Slocomb in
Abilene. He married Beverly Jeane Balch March 6, 1959, in Fort Worth. Vernon
proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years and
served in the Vietnam War.
After retiring from the military as a master sergeant, he became a real estate
broker for Bay Port Real Estate. He was a member of the Texas Association of
Realtors and was a certified real estate instructor. He was a past president of
the Wise County Association of Realtors.
Vernon was a member of the VFW and Bridgeport Lions Club. He served on the
Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 45 years, Jeane
Balch Slocomb.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Slocomb Ford and husband, Keith and Nancy
Slocomb Eaton and husband, Billy, all of Runaway Bay; his grandchildren, twins
Kaitlyn and Parker Eaton, Billy Eaton III and wife, Brittany and Lacy Brown and
husband, Cody; and great-grandchild Carden Brown.
He’s also survived by his sister, Kay White and husband, Joe, of Clovis, N.M.;
brother Stephen Slocomb and wife, Kathy, of Fort Worth; and other family members
and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bridgeport Lions Club, P.O. Box 254,
Bridgeport, TX, 76426.
Smith, Claude David | 1950-2015
Published Saturday, May 9, 2015
Claude David Smith, 64, died Friday, May 1, 2015, in Wichita Falls.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Bible Baptist Church in Bowie.
Claude was born Aug. 18, 1950, in Monahans to Allen Smith and Billie Ruth Martin
Smith. Claude was a truck driver, ranch hand and a volunteer fireman.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Claude is survived by his brother, William (Bill) Smith; sisters Nola Smith
Fraley and Debra O’Bryant; and nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fallsfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to the Bowie Fire Department.
Smith, Lorraine Marie | 1933-2015
Published Saturday, May 16, 2015
Lorraine Marie Smith, 82, of Southlake, formerly of Boyd, died Saturday, May 9,
2015.
Services will be held at a later date.
Lorraine was born Feb. 21, 1933, in Los Angeles.
She was preceded in death by her son, Darryl.
She is survived by sons Mark and Chris; and daughter Jeanine.
Smith, Lurlene | 1922-2015
Published Saturday, January 10, 2015
Vivian Smith, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and
friend, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Jan. 8 at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown with burial at
Springtown Cemetery.
Vivian was born March 10, 1922, in Carbon to the late W.T. McFall and Venie
Miller McFall.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burl Smith, in 1993.
Survivors include her sons, Ray Smith, Mike Smith and wife, Carolyn, and Landry
Smith and wife, Kathy; grandchildren Stacey, Travis, Kristen, Anthony, Hollie
and Lisa; 12 great-grandchildren; and brother Bill McFall and wife, Ole.
Smith, Marietta Avon | 1944-2015
Published Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Marietta Avon Smith, 71, of Boyd died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.
Funeral will be provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in
Decatur. Burial will be at Cedar Hills Memorial Park in Arlington.
Emerald Hills Funeral Home in Kennedale is handling arrangements.
Marietta was born March 19, 1944, in Denison to Arvel Ray Smith and Frances
Louise Frier. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and was a beloved mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson Aaron Vessell.
Marietta is survived by her children, Joe Ray and Amanda Vessell, Phillip Loyd
and Donna Milstead, Frances Louise Vessel and James Ernest Vessell; 11
grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Smith, Patricia Gail Tinney | 1935-2015
Published Saturday, November 28, 2015
Patricia Gail Tinney Smith, 80, of Boyd, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Boyd Community Center. Burial
will follow at 3 p.m. at Perryman Cemetery in Forestburg.
Pallbearers are Jeremy Hill, Dewey Hill, Brian Hunt, Junior Garcia, Johnny
Garcia and Russell C. Smith.
Honorary pallbearers are Charles R Smith Jr., Frank Tinney, Cedar Hill, Whitt
Hill and Wyatt Davis.
Patricia was born July 12, 1935, in Wheeler to A. Lee and Lilly Addieville
(Denham) Tinney. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and
caretaker.
Patricia worked as an office administrator for Austin Industries. She was a
member of the Church of Christ in Boyd.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Wilma Tinney, Julia
Tinney, Christine Willingham, Harriet Rankin, Addiele Jennings and Jackie
Waggoner; brothers Arthur Tinney, Clifford Tinney and Charles Tinney.
She is survived by her daughter, Sabrena Jane Smith Hill and husband, David, of
Decatur; sons Charles Ray Smith Jr. and wife, Cindy, of Boyd and Russell
Clifford Smith of Boyd; granddaughters Jennifer Bulpit, Sherri Naugle and
Brittany Davis; grandsons Jeremy Hill, Dewey Hill and Brian Hunt; 13
great-grandchildren; sister Kathrine Davenport of Grand Prairie; and other
family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Boyd High School Music Department.
Southerland, William Louis | 1924-2015
Published Wednesday, October 14, 2015
William Louis Southerland, 90, of Decatur, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in
Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Byrds Prairie Cemetery in
Tupelo, Okla.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Pallbearers are Paul Chambers, William Southerland, Thomas Southerland, Nick
Payne, Ricky Pressley and Michael Roan.
William was born Dec. 26, 1924, in Hugo, Okla., to Thomas and Mary (Doty)
Southerland. He married Jane Guthrie in 1971 in Redlands, Calif., and they
remained married until her death in December 1991. William served his country in
the U.S. Air Force. He was a retired flight engineer.
William was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane Southerland; and
son Jimmie Southerland.
He is survived by his daughters, Dianne DoByns and fianc , Jimmy, of Azle and
Cathy Southerland and husband, Michael, of California; daughter-in-law Sally
Southerland; grandchildren William and Thomas Southerland, Paul Chambers, Linda
and Nicole Agcaoili, Melissa McDaniel and Nick Payne; 11 great-grandchildren;
sister Nora Southerland; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Sparks, Bill Foster | 1930-2015
Published Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Bill Foster Sparks, 84, died Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Paradise.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
Chapel with Eddie Milligan and Ray Cobb officiating. Burial will follow in
Garvin Cemetery.
Visitation is 9-10 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Josh Wheeler, Ricky Crippen, Jacob Kennedy, Brad Lemke, Ross
Kennedy, Brayden Chatham, Matt Wheeler and Troy Chatham.
Bill was born Oct. 23, 1930, to Manley and Beulah (McDougal) Sparks in Krebbs,
Okla. He married Maxine Carroll June 26, 1982 in Sherman, Texas. He was a
contracts administrator with Menasco Aerosystems and retired after 35 years. He
was also a member of Grace Baptist Church, a volunteer firefighter with the
River Oaks Fire Department and former mayor of Marshall Creek. Bill was a
veteran of the United States Navy.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Michael Sparks; infant
son, Ricky Lee Sparks; and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Maxine Sparks of Paradise; daughters,
Debbie Wheeler of St. Louis, Mo., Karen Chatham and Kristi Kennedy of Paradise;
son, Scot Kennedy of Plano; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren;
brothers, John Sparks of McAlester, Okla. and Verlon Sparks and wife Jo of San
Antonio; other family members and a host of friends.
Speights, Johnny Ray | 1956-2015
Published Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Johnny Ray Speights, 59, of Roanoke, died Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Denton.
Graveside service was Oct. 20 at Paradise Cemetery with the Rev. Cody Thomas
officiating.
Pallbearers were Justin Speights, Eric Whitford, William Brunson, Gary Speights,
Kelton Gayoso, David Miaso, Charles Flanagan and Jeremy Calvery.
Johnny was born March 1, 1956, in Carlsbad, N.M., to Junior and Joyce (Robbins)
Speights. He married Lisa Thomas Aug. 26, 1983, in Denton. He served his country
in the U.S. Army, and he was a truck driver.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father; stepfather Merrill Beam;
brother-in-law Gary Elliott; and nephew Brian Elliott.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lisa Speights of Roanoke; son Justin
Speights and wife, Trish, of Denton; daughters Becky Speights and fianc , Eric
Whitford, of Cleburne and Cara Speights and fianc , William Brunson, of Roanoke;
and grandchildren Morgan, Hannah, Dovie and Addison.
Other survivors include his mother, Joyce Speights of Paradise; sisters Sandra
Wright and husband, Doug, of Paradise and Carolyn Elliott of Krum; brother
Donald Speights and wife, Sherry, of Roanoke; and other family members and
friends.
Spence, Phillip Wayne | 1937-2015
Published Saturday, December 19, 2015
Phillip Wayne Spence, 78, of Grapevine, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at a
Grapevine hospital from complications due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Wayne was born Nov. 15, 1937, in Walters, Okla. He married Nelda Joyce Spence
Feb. 16, 1957. Wayne was the youngest of seven brothers. He attended Capitol
Hill High School in Oklahoma, served in the Navy for four years and retired from
the General Service Administration (printing department) as manager over several
states.
Wayne was a beloved husband, father and granddad. He left behind eight grandkids
and five great- grandkids. His greatest enjoyment came from golfing (almost
every day), watching all his kids and grandkids play ball (he never missed a
game) and watching the OU Sooners. He will be greatly missed.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee and Aubrey Spence; and
brothers R.L., James, Troy, Elvis and Joe.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nelda Joyce Spence of Keller; daughter
Sherry Dane and husband, Charlie, of Decatur; sons Randy Spence and wife, Tami,
of Decatur and John Spence and wife, Jonese, of Saginaw; and brother, Marshall
Spence and wife, Eve, of Okmulgee, Okla.
Spiller, Scott Alan | 1968-2014
Published Saturday, January 3, 2015
Scott Alan Spiller, 46, of Jacksboro, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Jacksboro.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the First United Methodist
Church of Jacksboro. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction
of Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro.
Scott was born March 10, 1968, in Wichita Falls to Jim and Mary Spiller. He
graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1986 and received both a Bachelor of
Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University
of Texas at Austin in 1990.
He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from UT Austin in 1994. While attending
law school, he was on the staff of James E. “Pete” Laney, Speaker of the
Texas House, and served as committee clerk for the House State Affairs
Committee.
While in college he met Laura Collazos, and they were married Jan. 7, 1995, in
Houston.
Scott was an attorney for 20 years, practicing with the firm of Spiller and
Spiller in Jacksboro for 16 years after serving as an assistant attorney general
in Houston for four years. While in Houston, he also served as a law school
admissions test instructor for The Princeton Review.
Scott was also an employee of Spiller Abstract Co., the oldest family-owned
service business in Jack County, formed in 1888 by his great-grandfather Capt.
George Spiller, and later owned by his grandfather, Kyle Spiller, and his
father, Jim Spiller.
Scott was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Jacksboro,
where he chaired the administrative council, played the piano and directed the
bell choir. He was a president and director of the Jacksboro Chamber of
Commerce, director of the Jacksboro Economic Development Corp., member of the
Lions Club and the Jacksboro Board of Zoning Adjustments, as well as a director
of the Jacksboro High School Alumni Association.
Scott served as municipal court judge for the city of Jacksboro for years and
was a life member of the University of Texas Ex-Students’ Association.
He was a survivor of peritoneal mesothelioma for five years.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Spiller of Jacksboro; sons Drew and Kyle
Spiller of Jacksboro; mother Mary Spiller of Jacksboro; brother David Spiller
and wife, Ginger, of Jacksboro; sister Karen Forbis and husband, Chris, of
Decatur; nephews Mason and Reid Spiller of Jacksboro, and Alex and Joel Forbis
of Decatur; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elvert and Linda Collazos of
Houston.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research
Foundation, 1317 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314, www.curemeso.org; the First
United Methodist Church, 406 N. Main Street, Jacksboro, TX 76458; or any charity
of the donor’s choice.
Splawn, Bobby Charles | 1953-2015
Published Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Bobby Charles Splawn, 62, of Boyd died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd
with the Rev. Wendell Splawn officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Rodger Simonson, Ricky Kemp, Rick Durbin, Jeff Fry, R.J. Hays
and Buddy Kirkland.
Bobby was born July 25, 1953, in Fort Worth to Billy and Betty (Kirkland)
Splawn. He married Shawn Smith Nov. 6, 2010, in Bridgeport. He worked at 3-Way
Trucking as a truck driver and was a proud veteran of the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and brother Benny Splawn.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 18 years, Shawn Splawn of Boyd; sons Bobby
Splawn Jr. of Boyd, Danny Christman of Montana, Rodney Simonson and wife,
Melissa, of California and Rodger Simonson and wife, Carolyn, of Dallas;
daughters Steffanie Splawn of Dallas, Katie Christman of Fort Worth, Melody Orr
of Boyd and Joy Tucker and husband, Dustin; 12 grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his father, Billy Splawn of Boyd; sisters Brenda Fry and
husband, Jimmy, of Boyd and Belenda Welch and husband, Randy, of Boyd; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Stallings, Helen M. | 1937-2015
Published Saturday, February 21, 2015
Helen M. Stallings, 78, of Burleson, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Azleland Cemetery in Azle
with Jimmy Jean officiating.
Helen was born Jan. 5, 1937, in Crafton to Thomas and Mattie Stack. She was a
homemaker who enjoyed antiques, decorating and cooking.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and six brothers.
Survivors include her husband, Luther Stallings; son Paul Stallings; daughters
Deborah Hudson and husband, Larry, and Barbara Nitzinger; sister Betty Williams;
grandchildren Brad, Keith, Bobby, Luke, Matthew and Paula Kay; and 11
great-grandchildren.
Stallings, Luther C. | 1930-2015
Published Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Luther C. Stallings, 85, of Burleson died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Burleson.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Azleland Cemetery. Jones
Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
Luther was born Feb. 1, 1930, in Edgewood and was raised in the Lena Pope Home
in Fort Worth. Before his retirement, Luther was a platemaker in the printing
industry. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth. Having a
printing background, he was known to always have plenty of scratch paper around.
Luther was a fan of Texas sports teams, particularly the Dallas Cowboys and
Texas Rangers. He also enjoyed gardening. Luther married Helen Stack on
Christmas Day 1952 in Fort Worth. The couple were married 62 years before her
death earlier this year on Feb. 16, 2015.
Luther is survived by son Paul Stallings; daughters Barbara Nitzinger and
Deborah Hudson and husband, James Larry Hudson; and six grandchildren.
Stamey, Nicole Lee | 1982-2015
Published Saturday, April 11, 2015
Nicole Lee Stamey, 33, of Gainesville died Friday, April 3, 2015, in Dallas.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Decatur.
Nicole was born Feb. 3, 1982, in Fort Worth to John and Debbie (Hutchinson)
Fields. She married Matthew Stamey May 9, 2007, in Bowie. She was a homemaker.
Nicole is survived by her husband; daughter Symphony Kuykendall of Gainesville;
Xander Kuykendall of Gainesville; sister Rachel East and husband, Scot, of
Tioga; brothers Jeremy Brown and Chris Brown of Gainesville; and numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Stark, Wriley Colquitt Eugene 'W.C.' | 1928-2015
Published Saturday, November 14, 2015
Wriley “W.C.” Colquitt Eugene Stark, 87, of Granbury died Saturday, Nov. 7,
2015, in Jacksboro.
Service was Nov. 11 at Wiley Funeral Home in Granbury. Interment was at Holly
Hills Mausoleum.
W.C. was born Jan. 7, 1928, in Comanche to Wriley Mack Stark and Edna Taylor. He
married Dianne Youngblood Aug. 14, 1970, in Weatherford and proudly served his
country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
W.C. loved deer hunting, gardening and traveling, especially in his RV. He
served as a Mason for 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Calvin Stark; brothers Ray and
Lonnie Chancellor and W.J. Stark.
W.C. is survived by his wife, Dianne Stark; daughters Vicki Williams and
husband, John, and Nicki Brown; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;
one great-great-grandson; brother Charles Chancellor; sisters Estelle Watts and
husband, Bobby, Rosemary Miller and husband, Pat, and Margaret Anderson and
husband, Curtis, all of Decatur; and nephew Dewayne Chancellor.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or any animal shelter.
Steele, George Ray | 1949-2015
Published Wednesday, March 4, 2015
George Ray Steele, 65, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial services to be held at a later date.
George was born on April 19, 1949, to Ray Augustus and Georgia May (Fisher)
Steele in Mexia. He was united in marriage to Faith DeAnn Fawkes on Nov. 18,
2006 in Las Animas, Colorado. George proudly served his country in the U.S.
Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife Faith DeAnn Steele of Decatur; his sons, Javier Wayne
Steele of Decatur, Daniel Augustus Steele of Decatur, Phillipe Martin Steele of
Corsicana, and Trevor Steele of Corsicana; his daughter, Emily Contrerez Steele
of Progresso; his sisters, Debra Hays of Mexia, and Sue of Mexia; his
parents-in-law, Gary and Pearl Fawkes of Pueblo, Colorado; his aunt and uncle,
Marvin and Betty Wilson of Fort Worth; and a host of friends.
Stephens, Alvis Piner | 1928-2015
Published Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Alvis Piner “Al” Stephens, 86, of Fort Worth, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015,
after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Memorial service is 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, at First United Methodist
Church, 800 W. 5th St., in Fort Worth.
A private inurnment service will be held at the church’s columbarium.
Al was born Dec. 10, 1928, to Joseph Piner and Ruth Hornbeck Stephens. He grew
up on the family dairy farm in Wise County. He had an idyllic childhood in a
loving family, balancing the beautiful pasture lands and flowing creeks with the
daily challenges of dairy farming.
Al earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of North Texas
and his MBA at Texas Christian University. His career began in the accounting
department of Texas Electric Service Co., and after a brief stint in the U.S.
Army finance corp in Sapporo, Japan, he joined a local accounting firm.
That firm merged with the international accounting firm of Arthur Young (now
Ernst and Young) with which he served as partner for more than 50 years. He took
retired partner status with Ernst and Young in 1988 and worked another 20 years
as chief financial officer for Lewis and Lambert.
For many years, he was active in Certified Public Accounting and industrial
accounting organizations, as well as community organizations like Downtown
Rotary Club and the American Diabetes Association. He was a supporter of his two
alma maters, UNT and TCU, and an avid golfer and member of Ridglea Country Club.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth and the Inquirers
Class.
The family expresses appreciation to his caregiver, Joan Parker of Comfort
Keepers, Community Hospice and the staff and friends from First United Methodist
Church, Fort Worth.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters Mary Phillips and Helen
Wallace.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carolyn; stepson Douglas Aiken and wife,
Melissa, of Granbury; grandson Dalton Aiken, who is a student at his
grandfather’s alma mater UNT; and nephews Craig Phillips of Fort Worth and
Rick Wallace of Decatur.
Memorials may be made to the Justice Ministry of First United Methodist Church
or First Street Methodist Mission.
Stephens, Maxine Davis | 1922-2015
Published Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Maxine Davis Stephens, 92, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial service is noon Thursday, Jan. 8, at Morris Memorial United Methodist
Church in Chico. The Rev. Rick Davis will officiate.
Maxine was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Chico to Norman and Lena (Gore) Davis. She
married Cecil Stephens Oct. 5, 1940, in Bridgeport. He preceded her in death
Feb. 28, 2003.
Maxine received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas
Christian University and served as a teacher for the Azle and Chico school
districts. She was a member of the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church,
United Methodist Women and Eastern Star, and she was a Girl Scout leader.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cecil Stephens; and her
sister, LaRue Allison.
She is survived by her daughters, Norma J. Miller and husband, Wayne, of Chico,
Gloria J. Holmes and husband, Jim, of Rockport, and Sheila Greeban and husband,
Bobby, of Chico; grandchildren Darrell Miller and wife, Elaine, Laurie Evans,
Michael Evans and wife, Allison, Ben Evans and wife, Elaine, and Rob Greeban and
wife, Audrea; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and
extended family members and friends.
Stevens, Mark Aaron | 1980-2015
Published Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Mark Aaron Stevens, 34, died Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Forestburg Baptist Church
with Tom Merritt officiating. Burial will follow at Perryman Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dell Stevens, Ryan Eldridge, Marty Eldridge, Kristopher Dill,
Mark Collins, Justin Archuleta and Zak Lyons.
Mark was born on Sept. 1, 1980, to Richard Vernon and Linda (Eldridge) Stevens
in Austin. He loved his family, friends and constant companions, Lady, Peko and
Woo. He enjoyed playing his guitar, fishing, kayaking, archery and the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis and Ruth Eldridge of
Forestburg, Richard and Jean Stevens of Austin; and uncle, Kent Dill of
Gainesville.
He is survived by his mother and father, Richard and Linda Stevens of Decatur;
sister, Lori Abbott of Decatur; brother, Michael Stevens of Haltom City; nieces
and nephews, Michaela, Sophie, Noah, Jonah, Shade and Dell; aunt, Sharon Dill of
Gainesville; uncle, Butch Eldridge of Era; numerous cousins, and a host of
friends.
Steward, Ernestine Lotella 'Kewpie' (Herriott) |
1919-2015
Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Ernestine Lotella Herriott “Kewpie” Steward, 95, a banker, died Saturday,
Jan. 24, 2015, in Hurnville.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at First Baptist Church in Chico with the
Rev. Ronnie Geesling officiating, assisted by Bill Steward. Burial will follow
at Chico Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the home place, 610 N. Hovey in Chico.
Pallbearers are Eddie Cox, Avery Cox, Arnie Barksdale, Raleigh Cox, Robert Cox
and Audie Morris.
Kewpie was born May 27, 1919, to John and Clara (Cox) Herriott on the family
farm just north of Chico. She was delivered by a pioneer woman doctor, Dr.
Lotella Poteet, and was the last surviving granddaughter of pioneer Basilee
Pierce Cox, who arrived in North Texas in 1851.
Kewpie grew up in Chico and graduated from Chico High School in 1936. She
attended Texas Christian University and Draughn’s Business School and began
her banking career in 1936 working for Lee Morris at his Chico bank. She retired
after 36 years, most of it with the Lacy family’s Central National Bank in
Oklahoma City.
In 1951, she met Carl W. Steward when he opened a new account. Having been
called to serve in the military during the Korean Conflict, Carl asked her to
write him while he was stationed in South Dakota. After a year-and-a-half of
writing they were married Jan. 26, 1956, in Oklahoma City.
They set up housekeeping in Del City, Okla., where they resided until moving to
Texas in 2008. In May 1959, they welcomed a son, Bill Elbert Steward and also
served as surrogate parents to Roger D. Moore.
They later became grandparents to Amie, Eb, Karey Beth, Charlie and the baby
Kewpie. They also welcomed Roger’s children, Jessica, Katie and Andrew, and
later expanded to include Rachel and Raleigh Cox.
Kewpie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico. Her passion was
serving her family, her Southern Baptist faith and finally, her career. In her
final days, she brought joy and laughter to those who sought to help her. It was
a good life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and son by heart, Roger
D. Moore.
Survivors include her son, Bill E. Steward and wife, Kelly, of Hurnville; seven
grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson
St., Wichita Falls, TX 76310, and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 1890,
Amarillo, TX 79174-0001.
Steward, Wayne Everett | 1937-2015
Published Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Wayne Everett Steward, 78, of Paradise died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Plano,
where he was recuperating after a stroke.
Funeral was Dec. 8 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Marc Moore
officiating. Burial is pending at DFW National Cemetery.
Wayne was born in 1937 in Poplar Bluff, Mo., to Everett Leo and Muriel Ruth
Chronister Steward. He grew up on a dairy farm and later attended Southeast
Missouri State University. Wayne served as a Navy pilot. He completed his flight
training in Pensacola, where he was a T-28 flight instructor. Wayne flew the A4E
for the remainder of his active duty, which included 131 combat missions in
Vietnam. He served aboard the USS Oriskany and was a member of the Ghost Riders
Attack Squadron 164.
Wayne received the Air Medal and a Commendation of Valor for his service in
Vietnam. He achieved the rank of lieutenant.
After leaving the service, Wayne joined American Airlines in 1966. He spent his
first three years based in L.A., before transferring to DFW. Wayne purchased a
ranch in Paradise in 1975 and spent the remainder of his life there. He retired
from American Airlines in 1997 after 31 years as a captain.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jo Beth Steward of Paradise; daughter
Sarah Steward and husband, Duane Bever, of Dallas; sister Carolyn Lance of
Poplar Bluff; brother Ed Steward and wife, Nina, of Poplar Bluff; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Grace Fellowship Church Children’s Ministry, 118
Honeysuckle, Paradise, TX 76074 or to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 1890,
Amarillo, TX 79174-0001.
Stockard, Jo Ann | 1937-2015
Published Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Jo Ann Stockard, 77, of Chico died Saturday, March 21, 2015, in Chico.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with the Rev. Martin Richardson officiating. Burial is at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Gary Stufflebeme, Blake Stockard, Tim Stockard, Jason Brents,
Jim Koesters, Clay Guthrie, Chris Hendler and Guy Doster.
Jo was born Dec. 21, 1937, in Fort Worth to L.B. and Joyce (McMakin) Moffett.
She married Carroll Stockard Oct. 30, 1982, in Weatherford. Jo was retired from
Bell Helicopter. She was a member of the Sand Flat Art Association and Wise
County Art Guild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Jerry Lee Stufflebeme; daughter
Jana Kay Stufflebeme; and brother Donald Lee Moffett.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Carroll Stockard of Chico; sons Gary
Stufflebeme and wife, Sharon, of Colleyville, Blake Stockard of Chico, Tim
Stockard and wife, Lisa, of Fort Worth, and Tony Stockard and wife, Juliette, of
Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren Caitlin, Nicole, and Heidi Stufflebeme, Jason
Brents and Jennifer Merritt, and Stetson, Shelby, Jane, Charlie and Boyd
Stockard; great-granddaughters Joylee and Mackenzie; and other family members
and friends.
Stockton, Clarice Faye | 1929-2015
Published Saturday, June 13, 2015
Clarice Faye Stockton, 86, of Decatur died Wednesday, June 10, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service was June 12 at Alvord Cemetery with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Clarice was born Feb. 1, 1929, in Alvord to Frank and Dessie (Stokes) Huggins.
She married John Clarence Stockton June 10, 1946, in Sunset and was a member of
the First Baptist Church. Clarice was a retired cosmetologist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
She is survived by her sons, John W. Stockton and wife, Marilyn, of Decatur, and
Michael Stockton and wife, Dawn, of Paradise; three grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; brother Frank Huggins of Longview; sister Alyce Bonham of
Duncan, Okla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Wise County Unit, P.O. Box
428 Decatur, TX 76234.
Strain, Nelda | 1930-2015
Published Saturday, November 21, 2015
Nelda Strain, 85, of Benbrook, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the First Baptist Church in Chico.
Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Visitation is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Greenwood Funeral Home, 3100 White
Settlement Rd., in Fort Worth.
Nelda was born in Chico in 1930. She moved to Fort Worth in 1946 and was
employed at Williamson Dickie for a time. Nelda was also a longtime employee of
General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), from which she retired. Nelda lived for
many years in Benbrook and was a member of First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ada Strain; brother James
“Jimmy” Strain of Chico; and sister Grace Hartis of Fort Worth.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Kolar of Azle and Sherry Walker and
husband, David, of Benbrook; brother Jerry Strain and wife, Bobbie, of Chico;
sister Mary L. Jackson and husband, Hansel, of Azle; niece Brenda Redd of
Carbondale, Colo.; grandchildren Mike Kolar and wife, Renee, of Lake Worth,
Donna Elston and husband, Charlie, of Stephenville, Karen Todd and husband,
Calvin, of Jacksboro and Tim Kolar and wife, Joni, of Azle; and four
great-grandchildren.
Strange, Alvin Loyd | 1944-2015
Published Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Alvin Loyd Strange, 70, of Decatur died Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service was June 23 at Sweetwater Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Don
Sweatman officiating. Alvin was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Denton to Silas and Gracie
(Matheson) Strange. He married Judy Caraway Oct. 7, 2005, in Springtown. Alvin
retired from Victor technology after 32 years of service, and he served our
country in the U.S. Navy. Alvin enlisted August of 1965, served May of 1967 as a
special unit and did tours as a sniper hunter. He was Pentecostal.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents.
He’s survived by his wife of nine years, Judy Strange of Decatur; sister
Louise Brumley and husband, Charles, of Krugerville; daughter Sandra Strange of
Denton; sons Kenneth Strange and wife, Mayla, of Springtown and Robert Strange
of Denton; stepdaughters Stephanie Jackson of Alvord and Amy Fogle of Decatur;
12 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Struthers, Kimberly Kay (Ball) | 1965-2015
Published Saturday, September 26, 2015
Kimberly Kay (Ball) Struthers, 50, of Bridgeport died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015,
in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in
Bridgeport with Gary Demmitt officiating.
Kimberly was born May 17, 1965, in Decatur to Joe Wayne and Judy (Watson) Ball.
She was the oldest of five children.
Kimberly never went anywhere without her Bible. She was a loving, helpful and
kind person who loved to read her Bible and play keno. She was a member of
Pleasant View Baptist Church. Her life partner was Rickey Martin.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her father, Joe Wayne Ball.
She is survived by siblings Temple Wayne Ball and wife, Betty, of Springtown,
Kathy Renee St. John and husband, Monty, of Bridgeport, Jo Ann Bradford of
Bridgeport and Jimmy Lynn Ball and wife, Tracey, of Runaway Bay; mother Judy
Ball of Bridgeport; daughter Stephanie Ann Fox and husband, Tony Rodriquez;
grandchildren Alexia, Paige, Linzzy and Santana Rodriquez; nieces and nephews
Keaton and Keisha St. John and Chad Allen Bradford, all of Bridgeport; life
partner Rickey Martin of Bridgeport; and Rickey’s kids and grandkids Zachary
and Austin Sparks of Bridgeport, Summer Wylie of Paradise, and Chris Martin of
the Dallas-Fort Worth area; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Stuckey, Cecile | 1941-2015
Published Saturday, September 26, 2015
Cecile Stuckey, 74, of Chico died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, in Decatur.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Cecile was born July 12, 1941, in Hazelhurst, Ga., to John and Idoma (Riner)
Stuckey. She was a retired clerk for Horry County, S.C.
Cecile was preceded in death by her parents.
She’s survived by her daughters, Cindy Crews and husband, Orville, of Chico,
and Priscilla Crews of Chico; grandchildren Cecil, Cameron and Taylor;
great-grandchild Colt; sister Jackie Edwards of Conway, S.C.; two nephews; one
niece; and many friends.
Stutt, Edith Roberta | 1939-2015
Published Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Edith Roberta Stutt, 75, of Paradise died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Corinth.
Funeral was Sept. 8 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Bo Johnson
officiating. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Clayt Roberts, Mike Beck, Jerry Beck, Mike Mitchell, Johnathan
Mitchell, Curtis Langston and Gary Derring.
Roberta was born Oct. 13, 1939, in Rule to Reba May (Reynolds) and Olen Rogers
French. She was a caregiver and a member of the Church of Christ in Paradise.
She married Wilbert Donald Stutt June 6, 1964, in Chico.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2009 and her parents.
Roberta is survived by her sons, Doug and Tony Stutt of Paradise; daughter Judy
Brinkley of Paradise; brother Theron French of Lubbock; and sisters Sheron Fain
of Lubbock and Eunice Pace of Rule.
Summers, William Olin | 1927-2015
Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015
William Olin Summers, 87, of Jacksboro, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in
Jacksboro.
A memorial family dinner is 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the First Baptist Church
in Jacksboro. Chaplain Pierce will officiate.
William’s body was donated to the University of North Texas Health Science
Center.
He was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Tahoka to D.M. and Ruby Summers. He was a member
of the Jacksboro Church of Christ.
Survivors include daughters Bonnie Dyann Summers Wallum and husband, Ron, of
Jackboro, Pamela June Summers Warlick and husband, Donice, of Weatherford, and
Teena G. Summers Warlick and husband, Ronny, of Fort Worth; brothers Howard
Summers, Harold Summers, Ray Summers and Arthur Summers, all of Lubbock; sisters
Dorthy Carpenter, Neta Summers and Fay Baker, all of Lubbock; seven
grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Sutton, Dora Stansel | 1924-2015
Published Saturday, August 8, 2015
Mrs. Dora Stansel Sutton, 91, of Odessa and formerly of Colorado City, died
Wednesday morning in an Odessa hospital. Services were Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at
the First Baptist Church of Colorado City with Dr. Jerry Shields officiating.
Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Alvord Cemetery with the Rev. Bill
Cleveland presiding, under the care and direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.
Sutton was born April 20, 1924, in Alvord to W. J. and Nannie Ellen Bates
Greenwood and had been a resident of Colorado City since 1963. She married John
Stansel on June 28, 1943, in Electra. He preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 1980.
She then married Jake Sutton in 1982 in Colorado City. He preceded her in death
on Nov. 15. 1990. She was employed by the CISD Cafeteria Department for 14
years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Order of Eastern
Star.
She is survived by two sons, Jerry and wife, Denise Stansel of Denton and Tim
and wife, Dahti Stansel of Kermit; two sisters, Mildred Haney of Alvord and
Wilma Hudspeth of Cleburne; five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
She is also preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Jeremy Chad Stansel
and two sisters, Nellie Nivens and Beth Simms.
Tacker, Jesse Dale | 1990-2015
Published Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Jesse Dale Tacker, 24, died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Visitation was Jan. 20 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Jesse was born April 25, 1990, in Portland, Ore., to Jerry and Sarah (Godfrey)
Tacker. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Tacker, and his
grandfather, Jay D. Tacker.
He is survived by his mother, Sarah Tacker of Newark; brother Joseph Tacker and
fianc e, Jill, of Hamilton, Mont.; sisters Lori, Sheila and Kendra; grandparents
Edward and Della Godfrey of Haslet; grandmother Wanda Niles of Portland, Ore.;
uncles Richard, Wayne, Tom and Red; aunts Ivy, Tamara, Linda, Deloris and Kay;
and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Tarrant County at
www.mda.org.
Taliaferro, Virginia Lou | 1937-2015
Published Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Virginia Lou Taliaferro, 78, of Haslet died Monday, April 27, 2015, in Denton.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora
with Nick Easley officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Virginia was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Comanche, Okla., to Ira and Nettie (Tilley)
Riddles. She married Robert Taliaferro Nov. 25, 1952, in Wichita Falls. Virginia
was an avid reader, a New England Patriots fan and a Texas Rangers fan with her
favorite player being Pudge Rodriguez. Virginia’s most loved sport was the
WWF, and she rarely missed a wrestling match.
She enjoyed antiquing and visiting flea markets with her brother. Virginia was a
retired grocery store clerk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; brothers Paul,
Leo and John Riddles; and sister Mary Jo Davis.
Virginia is survived by daughters Brenda Ratliff and husband, David, of Rhome
and Carol Lewis and husband, Jesse, of Haslet; sons Harold Taliaferro and wife,
Cecilia, of California and Ricky Taliaferro and wife, Rhonda, of Newark; 12
grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister Sue Salazer of Saginaw; and other
family members and friends.
Tate, Robert Sibley | 1939-2015
Published Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Robert Sibley Tate, 76, of Crafton died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at home.
Funeral was Dec. 15 at Chancellor and Jones Family Funeral Home in Decatur with
Tom Merritt officiating. Burial followed at Crafton Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tony Woods, Tim Oats, Austin Tate, Tracy Troxell, Brandon
Troxell and James Cash.
Honorary pallbearers were Earl Troxell, Robert Troxell and Cudberto Castillo.
Robert was born Oct. 16, 1939, in Fort Worth to Velma Mae (Sibley) and Jack
Tate. He married Linda Darlene Houk Feb. 21, 1965, in Durant, Okla. He was a
dairy farmer who lived in Haslet for 22 years and Crafton for 20 years.
Robert enjoyed deep sea fishing, hunting, going to casinos and spending time
with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them to hunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jackie Tate.
Robert is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Mark Allen Tate and wife, Carrie, of
Chico and Robert Lynn Tate of Chico; grandsons Chris Tate and Austin Tate and
wife, Shaley; granddaughters Corey Tate, Katie Tate and Casey Plummer and
husband, Luke; great-granddaughter Cooper Tate; great-grandson Lane Plummer; and
sister Jane Wilson.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Taylor, Albert Duncan | 1944-2015
Published Saturday, January 17, 2015
Albert Duncan Taylor, 70, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at his home in
Bridgeport.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Willow Point Cemetery south
of Bridgeport. Dr. Owen Sharp will officiate.
Albert was born Oct. 4, 1944, in Decatur to John Robert and Lena Elizabeth
(Ewing) Taylor. He married Sherry Gale Harral Aug. 23, 1963, in Denton.
The couple moved to Bridgeport in 1973. After serving his country in the U.S.
Army, he worked 27 years for the city of Bridgeport as a law enforcement
officer.
He liked to repair and rebuild motors, play dominoes and go bowling. He loved
listening to the oldies and dancing with Sherry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Taylor; brother
Robert Taylor; and sisters Mary Katherine Love and Betty Jean Mason.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sherry Taylor of Bridgeport; son Edmond
DeWayne Taylor and wife, Shawna, of Fort Worth; daughters Barbara Lynn Elliott
of Bridgeport, Leslie Taylor Sparks and husband, Randy, of Brownwood and Amanda
Michell Taylor of Bridgeport; grandchildren Ryan, Brianna, Patti, Harley, Blue
Jean, Brittanie, Cole, Dalton, Kasie, Lacy, Dylan, Darringer, Brayden and Bella;
and great-grandchildren Sawyer, Sterling, Pandora, Lilly and Chloe. He is also
survived by brothers and sisters: Susie Wilson, Dorothy Nash, Jimmy Taylor,
Kenneth Taylor, Charles Taylor, Tommy Taylor and Richard Taylor.
Taylor, Alma Jean | 1944-2015
Published Saturday, December 5, 2015
Alma Jean Taylor, 71, of Chico, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Chico.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the
Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove No. 3
Cemetery in Alvord.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Alma was born May 19, 1944, in Borger to Jewel and Lucile (Beavers) Sanders. She
married Robert Taylor April 11, 1964. Alma was a homemaker and a member of the
First Baptist Church in Alvord.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Taylor; and
brother J.W. Sanders.
She is survived by her son, Ricky Taylor and wife, Stacey, of Alvord;
grandchildren Rhett Taylor, Randi LuAnn Taylor and Raider D. Taylor, all of
Alvord; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Meals on Wheels, 205
Boling Street, Alvord, TX 76225 or call 940-427-5740.
Taylor, Gregory Scott 'Lumpy' | 1964-2015
Published Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Gregory “Lumpy” Scott Taylor, 50, a Chico mayoral candidate, died Saturday,
March 7, 2015, in Denton.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Fairview Cemetery in New
Fairview with the Rev. Tom Merritt officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Greg was born May 7, 1964, in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Woodrow and Martha
(Underhill) Taylor. He was a driver for Got To Go Solutions.
He’s survived by his sister, Leslie Taylor Smith; stepfather Earl Crowley;
other family members; and many friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the Ryan Ruddick Scholarship Fund at First
State Bank.
Terry, Barbara | 1935-2015
Published Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Barbara Terry, 79, of Runaway Bay, died Saturday Oct. 3, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Oct. 6 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Richard
Giller officiating. Burial followed at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay.
Pallbearers were Matthew Peterson, Noah Peterson, JT Fallon, Brendin Fallon,
Jimmy Fallon, Diego Rojo and Mickye Fallon.
Barbara was born Nov. 20, 1935, in Asherton to Frances and Telma (Cox) Giller.
She graduated high school in Pearsall and graduated from beautician school in
San Antonio. Barbara married Danny J. Terry June 3, 1956, in Pearsall.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay and was a retired
beauty operator.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Telma Giller; and
brother Don Giller.
She’s survived by her husband of 59 years, Danny J. Terry of Runaway Bay; son
Duffy Terry of Runaway Bay; daughter Diane Terry Peterson of Bridgeport;
grandchildren Richele Terry of Chico, Belinda Fallon and husband, Jimmy, of Iowa
Park, Justin Terry and wife, Christa, of Runaway Bay, Matthew Peterson of
Bridgeport, Noah Peterson of Bridgeport and Rachel Peterson of Bridgeport; and
eight great-grandchildren.
She’s also survived by brother Marc Dean Giller and wife, Amparo, of Lago
Vista; sister Florrie Martin and husband, Homer, of Carrizo Springs; brother
Richard Giller and wife, Patricia, of Runaway Bay; and numerous nieces, nephews,
other family members and friends.
Thomas, Bernie | 1971-2015
Published Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Bernie Thomas, 44, of Springtown died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, in Decatur.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Bernie was born April 16, 1971, in Warren, Ohio, to Danny and Alice (Robinson)
Thomas. He married Lisa Belknap Jan. 15, 2005, in Buffalo. Bernie was a
maintenance mechanic for Brazos Electric.
He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Thomas; and son Gauge Thomas.
He’s survived by his wife of 10 years, Lisa Thomas of Springtown; children
Hannah Belknap, Hayley Thomas and Gatlin Thomas, all of Springtown; mother Alice
Holland of Ohio; brother Dan Thomas; sisters Tish Vickers, Erica Thomas Simon
and Melonie Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Thomas, Juanita Jo Crawford | 1929-2015
Published Saturday, July 25, 2015
Juanita Jo Crawford Thomas, 86, died Monday, July 20, 2015.
A small graveside service will be held at a future date in Bonham.
Jo lived in Denton but was a longtime resident of Boyd and was installed as
postmaster in 1983. Jo, Mimi to her family, was a former member of Trinity
Baptist Church and later Briar Baptist Church. Mimi had since retired and had
recently been in an Alzheimer’s memory care unit and on hospice care.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Claude Preston Thomas and William D.
Aaron Crawford; brothers, Donald and John Dickerson; and sister Mary Dickerson.
She is survived by children, Bunny Kay Ober of Fort Worth, Paula Joe Yoder and
husband, Phillip of Denton; grandchildren, Brandi Michelle Kim and husband,
Dohe, and Sean Michael Ober; and great grandchildren, Lucas and Logan Kim.
In lieu of flowers, donate in her memory to either an Alzheimer’s research
organization or to Franklin Graham’s Samaritan Purse ministry.
Thornton, Dorothy Ann | 1927-2015
Published Saturday, November 7, 2015
Dorothy Ann Thornton, 88, of Chico, previously of Bowie, died Tuesday, Nov. 3,
2015, in Chico.
Memorial service is noon Sunday, Nov. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church of
Bowie with Pastor Joe Gambill officiating. The memorial will immediately follow
church service.
Dorothy was born Oct. 5, 1927, in Haskins, Ohio, to Herbert C. and Mary M.
Schutzberg. She married Troy O. Thornton Dec. 27, 1947, at the Haskins Federated
Church.
Dorothy grew up on a farm in Haskins during the Depression. During World War II,
she worked as a secretary. She helped package K-rations for the soldiers and
grew a victory garden.
When the war was over and Troy returned, they dated and married a year later.
They continued to farm and started a family. Dorothy and Troy lived in various
places from coast to coast until they came to settle in Texas in 1980.
Dorothy enjoyed gardening and could grow anything. She was active in the First
Presbyterian Church and still loved singing in the choir.
If there was anything that needed to be done, she was always there. Dorothy and
Troy helped crew for their sons’ hot air balloons when they attended the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. She always had food for after the
flights, and everyone called their van the “chuck wagon.”
She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would be found reading
to them often. She was active in the community of Bowie, delivered Meals on
Wheels for years with Troy and helped with the pancake breakfast at the Bowie
Senior Center until they moved to Chico to live with their daughter and
son-in-law.
Dorothy was active and enjoyed walking to the post office to pick up the mail
and an Update. She was loving and had a big heart. She never had a complaint
about anyone or anything and always had a smile on her face.
Even in death, her work is not done. She willed her body to UT Southwestern for
medical study in hopes of helping other cancer patients.
Dorothy will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mary Schutzberg; and her
brother, Jimmy Schutzberg.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Troy Thornton; brother John
Schutzberg; sons Ronald Thornton and wife, Carol, Mark Thornton and wife, Bobbi,
and Dana Thornton and wife, Denise; daughter Carol Fatheree and husband, Gary;
eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
To honor Dorothy, be active in your community, be kind, show love, give back to
others and make a difference in someone’s life.
Thornton, Ricky Dale | 1957-2015
Published Saturday, November 14, 2015
Ricky Dale Thornton, 57, of Newark, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Nov. 13 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with the Rev. Mark Autry
officiating. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jaret Holmes, Tony Lambert, Mike Lambert, Michael Lindsey, Jim
Lambert, Chuck Lambert, Danny Lambert and Johnny Lambert.
Honorary pallbearers were David Lambert, Tommy Lambert and Blake Stockard.
Ricky was born Dec. 7, 1957, in Bridgeport to Tommy and Dorothy (Lambert)
Thornton. He was a carpenter.
Ricky was preceded in death by his father; son Daniel Guerra; and brother Randy
Thornton.
He is survived by his companion, Dana Ortez of Newark; sons Christopher Morris
of Newark, Jonathan Guerra and wife, Donelda, of Rhome and Michael Lindsey and
wife, Trinity, of College Station; grandchildren Guage and Michael; mother
Dorothy Gray and husband, Billy, of Newark; and sister Gaye Stockard.
Thornton, Troy Orlo | 1926-2015
Published Saturday, December 26, 2015
Troy Orlo Thornton, 89, of Chico, formerly of Bowie, died Sunday Dec. 13, 2015,
at home.
Memorial service is 12:15 p.m., following the 11 a.m. church service at the
First Presbyterian Church of Bowie Sunday, Dec. 27, with Pastor Joe Gambill
officiating.
Troy was born May 11, 1926, in Haskins, Ohio, to George and Loretta Thornton. He
married Dorothy A. Thornton Dec. 27, 1947, at the Haskins Federated Church.
Troy grew up on a farm in Haskins during the Depression. During his senior year,
he enlisted in the Navy and upon graduation served during World War II in the
Pacific. He was present for the invasion of Iwo Jima and gave support offshore.
When the war was over and Troy returned home, he and Dorothy dated and married a
year later. They continued to farm and started a family. Dorothy and Troy lived
in various places from coast to coast and in-between until they settled in Texas
in 1980.
Troy was trained by National Cash Register, which started his long career in
computers. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church and still loved
singing in the choir.
Troy and Dorothy helped crew for their sons’ hot air balloons when they
attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. He was active in the
community of Bowie, delivered Meals on Wheels for years with Dorothy, and they
helped with the pancake breakfast at the Bowie Senior Center where he earned the
title “Pancake King.”
Troy loved to read and could be found picking out books at the Chico Library. He
was active in the Wise County Veterans where he showed his love of country.
He was a dedicated family man and believed in strong family values. He was in
love with his wife and wasn’t afraid to show it on a daily basis. He and
Dorothy still held hands and said “I love you” until the day she died.
Even in death, his work was not done. He willed his body to UT Southwestern in
hopes of helping medical studies.
Troy was preceded in death by his parents, George and Loretta Thornton; sister
Olive Green; brother Brice Thornton; and wife of 67 years, Dorothy.
He is survived by his sons, Ronald and wife, Carol, Mark and wife, Bobbi, and
Dana and wife, Denise; daughter Carol Fatheree and husband, Gary; eight
grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
To honor Troy and Dorothy, love your family, respect them and cherish the time
you are able to spend with them whether they are near or far. Be active in your
community, give to others and try to make a difference in the lives of others.
Thrasher, Nicholas Shane | 1984-2015
Published Saturday, February 28, 2015
Nicholas Shane Thrasher, 30, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015.
Visitation was Feb. 21 at Denton Funeral Home.
Nick was born March 18, 1984, and grew up in Decatur. He graduated from Decatur
High School in 2002 and received an Associate’s Degree in literature from the
University of North Texas. Nick lived in Denton with his girlfriend, Sara
Norman, and he was employed at Oak Street Drafthouse where he was known for his
magnetic and larger-than-life personality.
His genuine concern for everyone, from acquaintances to loved ones, will be
remembered and missed greatly.
Nick is survived by his father, Joe Thrasher; mother Renee Thrasher; and
siblings Kristina Mercer, Tiffany Thrasher-Siegfried and Cody Everton.
Throckmorton, Edward | 1942-2015
Published Saturday, June 20, 2015
Edward Throckmorton, 72, of Boyd died Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. Johns Catholic Church
in Bridgeport with Father Thomas D’Souza officiating.
Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.
Edward was born Sept. 23, 1942, in Gorman to Edward Sr. and Ruth (Anglin)
Throckmorton. He married Norma Harris Sept. 1, 1991, in Reno and served his
country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church in
Bridgeport. Edward was a retired master plumber.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Loretta
Paschall-Throckmorton.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Throckmorton of Boyd; sons James Throckmorton
and Brad Ido, both of New York City; daughters Lori Brassfield and husband, the
Rev. Kalyn, of Plano, Edrina Throckmorton-Bell and husband, Kevin, of Roswell,
N.M., Sharla Throckmorton-McDowell and Kim Ido of Bedford; 13 grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.
Tiller, Bobbie Howard | 1932-2015
Published Saturday, August 22, 2015
Bobbie Howard Tiller, 82, of Lewisville died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, in
Lewisville.
Funeral is Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at Lakeland Baptist Church in Lewisville.
Burial is 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur.
Bobbie was born Sept. 20, 1932, in Decatur to C.J. and Pearl North Howard. She
married Jack Tiller June 30, 1957, in Decatur. She was a 50-year member of
Lakeland Baptist Church in Lewisville.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond Cunningham in 1955;
three grandchildren, Christopher Mark Cunningham, Jeromy Allan Cunningham and
Jason Paul Cunningham; and siblings Orville Driskell, Marvin Driskell, Govie
Morris and “Shorty” C.J. Howard.
Bobbie is survived by her husband, Jack; children Raymond “Paul” Cunningham
and wife, Debra, Jerry Lynn Cunningham and wife, Kathy, and Debra Kay Taber and
husband, Tony; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jimmie
“Sue” Dickey, Wanda “Kay” Stagg and husband Lowell; and sister-in-law,
Nada Howard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes
Association. For online condolences please visit www.mulkeymason.com.
Tisdale, Gladys Ruth Etter | 1936-2015
Published Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Gladys Ruth Etter Tisdale, 79, died Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Grapevine.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2015, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in
Bridgeport with Bobby Cox and Naomi Brown. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. prior to
the service.
Gladys was born on July 8, 1936, to Harvey and Bessie (Russell) Etter in
Edinburg. She married Charley Tisdale June 20, 1952, in Bakersfield, Calif.
Gladys was a homemaker and also the president of GET HELP legal library service.
She was a member of the RAB Ladies Golf Association and RAB Red Hatters Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Freeman Tisdale; and
brother, Russell Etter.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charley of Haslet; dog, Sami;
daughters, Charlotte Ruth Tisdale of Madison, Wis., Susan Kay Moore and husband,
Don of Keller, Joy Carol Reily and husband, Paul of Mesquite, and Jan E. of
Keller; grandchildren, Tisha, Drew, Elly, Chay, Molly Rose, Nathan, Amy, and
Keith; six great grandchildren; numerous extended family and a host of friends.
Tompkins, Lacy Marie | 1987-2015
Published Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Lacy Marie Tompkins, 27, of Jacksboro died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, in Jacksboro.
Service was Feb. 22 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Eugene
Weldon officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Kelby Ray, Matthew Fenn, Troy Morgan, Jared
Worthington and Scott Henderson.
Lacy was born Nov. 21, 1987, in Jackson, Miss., to Cecil Archie Tompkins Jr. and
Janet Shirlene (Morgan) Tompkins.
She was preceded in death by brother Wayne Fenn; nephew James Allen Fenn; and
grandparents Jack Morgan Sr., Shirlene Morgan and Cecil Archie Tompkins Sr.
She is survived by her husband of nine years, Kelby Ray of Jacksboro; father
Cecil Tompkins of Mississippi; mother Janet Tompkins of Wichita Falls; brother
Troy Morgan of Wichita Falls; sister Jennifer Black of Wolfe City; grandmother
Betty Hubbard of Mississippi; in-laws Ken and Ella Ray of Jacksboro; cousins
Jared Worthington, Brandi Fager, Ellica Fager and Jaclyn Worthington, all of
Bridgeport; and her nephews and nieces, Matthew Fenn of Wolfe City, Chuck Morgan
of Wichita Falls, Dwight Morgan of Wichita Falls, Savanna Morgan of Austin,
Dustin Morgan of Cleburne, and Jennifer Morgan and Jeffery Morgan of Rio Vista.
Toole, James I. | 1933-2015
Published Wednesday, July 15, 2015
James I. Toole, 81, of Decatur died Monday, July 13, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with
Ken May and Dr. Michael Stanley officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd
Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Jimmy Fisher, Billy Kempe, Larry Kempe, Ken Calvery, Mark
Culpepper and Bobby Hargrave.
James was born Nov. 14, 1933, in Stewart, Miss., to James and Janie (McCollough)
Toole. He married Leware Shipp Sept. 23, 1972, in Tennessee and served in the
U.S. Air Force.
James retired from American Airlines, where he worked as a mail house clerk. He
was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
James was preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert Lee Toole; and son
James Michael Toole.
He’s survived by his wife of 42 years, Leware Toole of Decatur; daughters Jami
Petty of Decatur, Lori Tandy of Tennessee, Dawn Oakes of Tennessee, Michaelle
Leath of Alabama and Sharon Baugus of Colleyville; son Michael Leath of Alabama;
brothers Terry Toole of Mississippi and Melvin Toole of Mississippi; sisters
Betty Jane Mathews of Mississippi and Carolyn Via of Mississippi; 10
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Base Camp
(Children’s Building), 1200 W. Preskitt Rd., Decatur, TX 76234.
Townsley, Ricky Lee | 1976-2015
Published Saturday, November 14, 2015
Ricky Lee Townsley, 39, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in Breckenridge.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Fort Griffin State Park in
Albany.
Ricky was born Oct. 18, 1976, in Abilene. He was passionate about teaching his
children practical skills of the past in which he excelled. He was a skilled
outdoorsman, as well as an excellent cook, and he enjoyed preparing feasts for
friends and family on the huge outdoor smoker he built himself.
He loved working his farm with his family, was a talented musician and artist
and an ASE-certified structural expert at car restoration.
Ricky was preceded in death by his dad, Frank Eisenman; paternal grandparents,
V.A. and Lucille Townsley; maternal grandfather, James Jones; and three nephews.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Angel; children Lainey, Cole, Natalie and
Gage; mother Phyllis Eisenman of Chico; sister Michelle Cloud; brother Joe
Townsley; grandmother Ruth Jones; uncles and aunts; father Rex Townsley; and
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Trimmer, Linda Lee | 1963-2015
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Linda Lee Trimmer, 52, of Decatur, died Sunday, May 31, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Linda was born May 3, 1963, in Lawrence, Mass., to Elizabeth “Betty” (Beal)
and Raymond Trimmer. She was a homemaker and a mother who enjoyed crocheting,
cooking and being a loving mother, grandmother, sister and daughter. She once
won an award for “Best Hot Wings on the East Coast.”
Linda was a member of Anchor Baptist Church. She married Peter Woodward in
Biddeford, Maine.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Parsons; father
Jack Dorcel Parsons; sister Letty “Pixie” Trimmer; and nephew David Daniel
Roux.
Linda is survived by her husband of thirteen years, Peter Woodward; sons Chan
and Chac Trimmer; daughters Mylinh and Loan Nguyen; brothers Robert Trimmer and
Raymond Teddy Trimmer; brother-in-law Roy “Jr.” Elston; sister Martha
Elston; and grandchildren Damian Trimmer, Cameron D. Nguyen and Chloe Nguyen.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society.
Trumble, Keith Jay | 1962-2015
Published Saturday, December 12, 2015
Keith Jay Trumble, 53, of Newark, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the First Baptist Church in Newark with
Alan Six officiating. Burial will follow at Dido Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Shane Hodge, Virgle “Jr.” Sanderson, Andy McGowan, Wade
Russell, Jeff O’Dell, Manuel Garza, Justin Carter and Skye Garrett.
Honorary pallbearers are Dave Holmes and Jody Mackey.
Keith was born Oct. 5, 1962, in Morganton, N.C., to Kenneth and Judy (Goins)
Trumble. He married Darlene Krebbs Nov. 11, 1983, in Aurora.
Keith worked at East Penn Deka Batteries as a warehouse lead man and was a
member of the First Baptist Church in Newark. Keith was an avid softball player
and member of the Dingers and Stingers Softball Club of Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Darlene Trumble of Newark; sons Matthew
Trumble and wife, Bree, of Vancouver, Wash., and Jason Trumble and wife, Brandy,
of Newark; grandchildren Derrick, Raven and April; great-grandson Alexander; and
his parents, Kenneth and Judy Trumble of Granbury.
Other survivors include his sister, Sharon Vasquez of Granbury; brothers Donald
Trumble and wife, Julie, of Granbury and Daniel Trumble and wife, Audrey, of
Granbury; his special friend and brother-in-love Jimmy King; and numerous
nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Tucker, Jo Ann | 1938-2015
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Jo Ann Tucker, 77, of Chico died Monday, June 1, at her home.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at the First Baptist Church of Chico with
Carl McCann officiating. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
Pallbearers are Pancho Redwine, Eddie Cowley, James Capps, Larry Mader, Kent Cox
and William Cox. Jo Ann was born Jan. 2, 1938, to Lenora (Jackson) and Occie
Gee. She was a member of the Friendship Club and had been a member of the First
Baptist Church of Chico since 1977. Jo Ann loved to crochet, cook, make candy,
can and garden. She especially loved and enjoyed her family, the holidays and
talking on the phone.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Nobie C. Tucker; daughters Debbie Whitfield
and husband, Michael, and Rhonda Richey and husband, Bobby; brother Leon Gee;
sisters Helen Isbell and husband, Jim, Sylvia Meador and husband, Jim, and Pam
Cole and husband, Tony; grandchildren Wendy, Angela, Ella, Larry, Josh and
Chris; and great-grandchildren Blake, Trevor, Kaleigh, Ethan, Kolby, Caelon,
Austin, Kason, Caddie, Jaxon, Heartlee, Graham, Kaycie and Jamie.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; two sisters; one
granddaughter; and one great-grandson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Chico Volunteer Fire Department.
Tucker, Udella Scales | 1930-2015
Published Saturday, February 28, 2015
Udella Scales Tucker, 84, a homemaker, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
Chaplain Phillip Weitner officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery at
Olney.
Pallbearers are Jeremy Foley, Ethan Foley, Dusty Tucker, Travis Gould, Roger
Scales and Larry Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are John Burt Scales, Brian
Thompson, John Charles Thompson and Norman Sheardown.
Udella was born April 18, 1930, in Electra to Ewen David and Clare Ellen
(Payton) Scales. She married Donald Eugene “Bud” Tucker June 5, 1955, in
Electra. He preceded her in death Feb. 4, 2002.
Udella was a member of the Southside Baptist Church in Olney.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 44 years; grandson Don
Tucker; great-grandson Jackson Foley; siblings Opal Egenbacher, Frances
Thompson, Johnny Scales, E.D. Scales, Homer Scales and Bert Scales.
She is survived by her son, Damon Tucker and wife, Sharron, of Bridgeport;
daughters Debra Jones and husband, Gene, of Alvord, Donna Foley of Bridgeport,
Darla Sheardown and husband, Norman, of Chico; 10 grandchildren; 10
great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
Turner, Eddie Scott | 1951-2015
Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Eddie Scott Turner, 63, formerly of Boyd, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, in Fort
Worth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd
with the Rev. David Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ricky Turner, Sammy Turner, Tommy Peterka, Jeff Meaders, Charles
Knight, Gary Mosley, Billy Jennings and John Bowen.
Eddie Scott was born Dec. 9, 1951, in Decatur to Bill and Billie (Burchfield)
Turner. He was a maintenance worker for the city of Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his brother, Kevin Turner and wife, Faith, of Morgan, Utah;
nieces Jessica Turner of Cedar City, Utah, and Kristen Austin and husband,
Shaun, of Lakewood, Calif.; aunt Sharon Taylor and husband, Willie, of Fort
Worth; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Turner-Duncan, Cindy Ann | 1957-2015
Published Saturday, May 16, 2015
Cindy Ann Turner-Duncan, 57, of Decatur died Monday, May 11, 2015, at home.
Funeral was May 14 at New Day Church in Southlake with the Rev. Phillip Weitner
officiating. Burial followed at Bourland Cemetery in Keller.
Pallbearers were Lonnie Vann, Brian Turner, Kristopher Pruett, Jerry Keith,
David Sizemore and Marty Anderson.
Cindy Ann was born Nov. 4, 1957, in Freeport to Bonnie (Vann) and W. Leo Turner.
She was a member of Eagle Mountain International Church. She loved to write,
scrapbook and spend time with family. Cindy Ann married Coleman Brent Duncan
Feb. 20, 2010, in Crawford.
She is survived by her husband; daughter Jaclyn Pruett and husband, Kristopher;
stepchildren Brett, Brock and Bryce Duncan; mother Shirley Turner; brother Brian
Turner and wife, Michelle; grandchildren Braiden and Jaxson Pruett; nephews
Wyatt and Tate Turner; and niece Morgan Turner.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Turpin, Freida Ruth | 1927-2015
Published Saturday, January 31, 2015
Freida Ruth Turpin, 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at her home in Paradise.
Viewing is 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints Decatur Ward in Decatur, with the funeral at 11 and graveside service to
follow.
After the burial, a dinner will be held for all at the Relief Society room at
the Decatur Ward.
Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling the arrangements.
Born Frieda Ruth Francis in Webber Falls, Okla., March 10, 1927, she was known
to family and close friends as Ruth. Beautiful both in appearance and spirit,
with the loveliest of voices, she was cherished and admired by all who knew her.
She married Clifford “Buck” Turpin Nov. 5, 1944, and they had four loving
children.
Buck preceded her in death Sept. 13, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her
parents, Oliver Jewel Francis and Laura Viola Francis; sister Ellen Holder; and
brother Richard Francis.
She is survived by her children: Sharon J. Tipton, Dan K. Turpin, Linda K.
Turpin-Williams and Cliff W. Turpin; grandchildren Wayne Tipton, Bryan Tipton,
Mirenda Lowery, Katy Aberbach and Chase Turpin. She was a
“double-great-grandmother” with many great- and great-great grandchildren.
Vance, Katie Lynn | 2007-2015
Published Saturday, September 26, 2015
Katie Lynn Vance, 8, of Alvord died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at First Baptist Church in Alvord with
Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Kenson Vance IV, Wyatt Lindley, Jacob Mueller and Victor Wilson.
Katie had a relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Aug. 10. Because of the
chemo, she did not do well and was placed on an ECMO (artificial lung) Sept. 7.
Katie was the first oncology patient with Down Syndrome to be placed on this
machine at Cook Children’s Medical Center. Her heart gave out.
Katie was born Feb. 9, 2007, in Fort Worth. She was a student in Andrea
Smith’s class in Bridgeport for three years. Katie loved fries, pizza, Peppa
Pig, her Bubba, Kenson, riding her pony, and running around having fun.
She was preceded in death by her grandpa, William Lynn Cullers;
great-grandparents Lloyd and Vada Ellen Jacks, Floyd W. and Eva Cullers, Noel
Edward and Mable Heard, Kenson Reeves Sr., and Louise Vance (GiGi).
Katie is survived by her father, Kenson Vance III; mother Brenda Vance; brother
Kenson Vance IV; her grandma, (Mo) Linda Cullers; granddaddy Kenson Vance Jr.;
grammy Wanda Vance; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Vankirk, Michael L. | 1946-2015
Published Saturday, October 3, 2015
Michael L. Vankirk, 69, of Decatur, formerly of Graham, died Tuesday, Sept. 29,
2015, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Chancellor and Jones Family
Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Todd Blair officiating.
Michael was born Sept. 21, 1946, in Sutton, W.Va., to Myrtle Faye (McHenry) and
Oley Patrick Vankirk. He was a truck driver and mechanic in the oil and gas
industry. Michael served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was an avid
fisherman.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Carter.
He’s survived by his wife of 49 years, Luz Maria Lopez Vankirk; sons Richard
Lowrance, Carlton Lowrance, Norman Vankirk and Roberto Rodriguez; daughters
Debbie Reynolds, Alicia Pagan, Patricia Gustke, Judy Lowrance and Jackie Guin;
sister Glenda Townsend; 22 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
VanSchuyver, Kimberly Laura | 1987-2015
Published Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Kimberly Laura VanSchuyver, 28, of Newark, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in
Newark.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at North Point Church, 933 Ranch Road, in
Fort Worth with Pastor Brent Nordan officiating. Burial will follow at Garvin
Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Yancy VanSchuyver, Al Rogers, Eric VanSchuyver, Stony Croxton,
Ryder Jaramillo and Devin Rosado.
Honorary pallbearers are Trai Luttrell, TJ Wright, RL Barber, Marty Cain, Jamie
Lamance and Dusty Lamance.
Kimberly was born March 14, 1987, in Bedford to Lonnie and Naoma (Roper)
VanSchuyver. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother and “auntie momma” to
Breana, Matty and Landon. Kimberly was a member of North Point Church in Fort
Worth,
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, William Ruel Roper; grandmother
Billie Nell Roper; and her cousin, Rusty Jaramillo.
She is survived by her parents, Lonnie and Naoma VanSchuyver of Newark; fianc Al
Rogers; daughters Aubree and Faith Davis of Newark; son Wyatt Davis of Newark;
stepchildren Jaydin and Maechale Davis of Kentucky; brothers Yancy VanSchuyver
of Boyd and Eric VanSchuyver of Lake Worth; and grandparents Jimmy Cook and
Donna Thompson of Ft. Worth.
Other survivors include nieces Breana Holt of Paradise and Matty VanSchuyver of
Boyd; nephew Landon VanSchuyver of Boyd; her foster children, Dixie and Nicole
Franks of Newark; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other family
members and friends.
Wiggins, Chase Lee | 1987-2015
Published Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Chase Lee Wiggins, 28, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, in Biggers Funeral Chapel in Lake
Worth.
Chase was born June 3, 1987. He grew up in Lake Worth and lived in Lakeside with
his family. Chase worked in construction remodeling homes. Chase was a devoted
father and enjoyed coaching his children in sports and cheering them on. He also
enjoyed playing in recreational sporting teams in his free time.
Chase was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Coffey; and he died
alongside his mother, Rosemary Hopkins.
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla and his children, Destiny and Tristian
Wiggins; father, Brian Wiggins and his wife, Julie; brothers, Andrew and Bryson
Wiggins; stepbrother, Gavin Sisk; stepsisters, Brianna and Kaliea Sisk;
stepfather, Eric Hopkins; numerous grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and
cousins.
Vaughn, Sue Peterson | 1946-2015
Published Saturday, April 4, 2015
Sue Peterson Vaughn, 69, of Alvord died Wednesday, March 25, 2015, in Alvord.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 6, at the First United Methodist
Church of Alvord. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling
arrangements.
Sue was born March 3, 1946, in Roanoke to E.O. and Vera (Stubblefield) Peterson.
She married Marion Ray Vaughn March 23, 1966, in Denton County. Sue was a
retired secretary and account clerk for L3 Vertex.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brother Aubrey
Peterson.
Sue is survived by daughters Terri Ivie and husband, Robert, of Decatur and
Stacy Rae Anderson and husband, Frank, of Alvord; grandchildren Josh Oakley,
Rachel Anderson and Aubree Pittman; sister Elaine Tiechman of Arlington; brother
Edwin “Jeep” Peterson of Roanoke; one niece; four nephews; and many friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Alvord ISD.
Vincent, Nelda Morgan | 1932-2015
Published Saturday, December 19, 2015
Nelda Morgan Vincent, 83, of Chico, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at the First Baptist Church in Chico with
the Revs. Steven Azzara and Andy L. Gentry officiating. Burial will follow at
Chico Cemetery.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers are John Maddux, Colby Byers, Tommy Maddux, Nathan Byers, Dylan
Vincent, Randy Vincent, Rusty Vincent, Nathan Evans and Scott Evans.
Honorary pallbearers are Tyler Hall, Jadon Maddux and O’Neal Gardner.
Nelda was born Nov. 27, 1932, in Chico to Ira Daniel and Guy Eula (Ward) Morgan.
She married William Dowell Vincent in 1971 in Chico. Nelda was the secretary for
Chico ISD until her retirement.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church and was pianist and organist there
for most of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Vincent; son
Kevin Vincent; granddaughter Natalie Byers; and sister Opal Siegler.
Nelda is survived by her daughter, Debbie Byers and husband, Larry, of Chico;
sons Willy Jack Vincent and wife, Robin, of Chico, Ralph Evans and wife, Lanora,
of Chico and David Evans and wife, Tina, of Jacksboro; 19 grandchildren; 18
great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Glenda VanHoose;
and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Vinson, Loretta Christine Weigart | 1961-2015
Published Saturday, August 15, 2015
Loretta Christine Weigart Vinson, 54, died Aug. 10, 2015, in Plano.
A private memorial is scheduled for a future date at her lake home on Lake
Texoma.
Loretta was born July 25, 1961, in Dumas to Pat and Chester Weigart. She married
Troy Vinson Nov. 12, 2010. She was a long-time employee and customer service
manager at Midway Press in Dallas.
Her example of unconditional love and selflessness is her greatest legacy.
Daughter, wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend are all titles that
brought great joy and meaning to her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Ann Weigart of Decatur.
Loretta is survived by her husband Troy Vinson of Lewisville; sons JR
Fitzgerald, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Bricker of Boyd, Michael Vinson of
Lewisville; daughter Victoria Vinson of Lewisville; granddaughters Miranda
Zaicek and Karsen Potter of Lewisville, Karen Fitzgerald of Boyd; grandsons
Brodie Fitzgerald of Boyd, Cooper McGill of Lewisville; great granddaughter
Maria Garrido of Lewisville; sisters Lannett Hickmott of Abilene, LeeAnn Vogt of
Graham; brother A.C. Weigart Jr. of Decatur; father A.C. “Chester” Weigart,
Sr. of Chico; many nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, a donation through dm2.gofund.me/k3srzjxp to assist with
medical bills can be made.
Walker, Dwain Thomas | 1948-2015
Published Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Dwain Thomas Walker, 66, of Bowie died Thursday, July 9, 2015, in Decatur.
No service is scheduled.
Dwain was born Dec. 28, 1948, in San Fernando, Calif., to Thomas Jr. and Jewell
(Jaenecke) Walker. He enjoyed working at his church, being with family and
friends, and he loved to fish.
He is survived by his sister, Shelia Wagnor of Jamestown, Calif.; brother
Michael Walker of Houston; and nieces, nephews and friends.
Walker, Hestel | 1926-2015
Published Saturday, February 28, 2015
Hestel Walker, 88, died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at his home in the Fort Worth
area.
Service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.
Hestel Walker was born April 28, 1926, in Pineland to Bertha Cunningham Walker
and Delbert Alonzo Walker. He married Linola Anne Gray in 1944, and they had one
son Nolan, and three daughters, Brenda, Nola and Virginia.
Hestel grew up in Houston and at age 17 joined the U.S. Navy Submarine Service.
He was honored for distinguished service by Admiral Nimitz, with a personal
commendation for his bravery in saving the crew of the USS Rasher while under
attack during World War II. He also received commendations, signed by Admiral
Forestall, for three Presidential Unit Citations and was awarded the Bronze
Star.
After World War II, Hestel and family settled in the Houston area where he began
his career in the automotive maintenance industry. He was distinguished for his
ethics and abilities, which led to several important positions at Frank Gillman
Pontiac in Houston. It was here that Hestel first met Alma Jean (Rasbury) Bean,
a 1947 graduate of Decatur High School, who also worked at Gillman’s.
In 1979, Hestel and Linola moved to the Fort Worth area, where he worked in a
variety of positions at several auto dealerships. After Linola’s death, he
renewed his friendship with Alma Jean, and in 1988, after being widowed for
several years, he married Alma Jean, who had one son, Randy Carson, and wife,
Jan.
Together, Hestel and Jean shared 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
They spent their retirement with their family, as well as attending and hosting
USS Rasher reunions around the country.
Additionally, Hestel joined the Masonic Lodge, where he became an active
32nd-degree Mason. Hestel also liked cooking, helping others and keeping the
house and yard meticulously maintained. He was an avid fisherman and shared many
camping and fishing adventures with his family.
Hestel was dearly loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be deeply
missed. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linola; daughter Virginia;
brother Hurschell; and granddaughter Stephanie.
Walker, Michael | 1963-2014
Published Saturday, January 3, 2015
Michael Walker, 51, a lumber foreman, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Newark.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Kenneth Copeland Ministries,
14355 Morris-Dido Road, in Newark.
Michael was born Jan. 1, 1963, to Sylvester and Annie (Cole) Walker in Gary,
Ind. He married Karen Brocks Feb. 10, 2007, in Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester D. Walker; and his sister,
Terri Walker.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Walker, of Newark; daughters Kellie Strickland
and husband, Isaiah, Kenedy Brocks, Eden Grace Walker and Micah Elizabeth
Walker; his mother, Annie Bell Walker; brother David E. Walker and wife,
Towanna; sisters Barbara Nance and husband, Kenneth, and Sylvia Walker; niece
Trisha Marie Narcisse; and other family members and friends.
Walker, Virginia Maxine Gotcher | 1930-2015
Published Saturday, March 14, 2015
Virginia Maxine Gotcher Walker, 84, of Garland, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015,
in Garland.
Graveside service is 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015, at Restland Cemetery in
Dallas, with viewing on Sunday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jerry Minx is officiating.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Jesse Gotcher; husband,
David P. Walker; and one sister, Betty Jean Smith.
Survivors include her son, David Lee Walker; daughters Kathy Wright and Alaina
Walker; sisters Rusty Childers and Joyce McDaniel; grandchildren Arianne Lyles
and Kyle Lyles; and great-grandchildren Roman Reyna, Helena Reyna, Chloe Havens
and Jaydin Walker.
Wallace, Anna Lee Morris | 1930-2015
Published Saturday, July 25, 2015
Anna Lee Morris Wallace, 85, died Saturday, July 11, 2015.
Funeral was Friday, July 25, 2015, at College Hill Church of Christ in North
Richland Hills. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Anna was born Jan. 1, 1930, in Denton to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Morris Sr. and grew
up in Decatur. She married Paul F. Wallace Sept. 16, 1950. They relocated to
North Richland Hills in 1963. Ann was the “voice” of Star Bible for 28
years. She was very active at College Hill Church of Christ for more than 50
years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul F. Wallace; granddaughter, Angela
Ingram; sisters, Arese Malcolm, Almeta Carr and Winnell Boner; and brothers,
Albert Morris Jr., Sam Morris and Lowell Morris.
She is survived by daughter, Jan Ingram of North Richland Hills; son, Paul Brent
Wallace and his wife, Shelley, of Keller; grandchildren, Paul Ingram and his
wife, Katie, of Oklahoma City, Okla., David Wallace of College Station, Caitlyn
Wallace of Lewisville, Owen Holladay of Houston and Daniel Holladay of College
Station; great-grandsons, Weston Holladay of Weatherford and Bradford Dean
Ingram of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brother, Olen Morris and his wife, Elaine, of
Fort Worth; brother-in-law, Bus Boner of Decatur; sister-in-law, Margie Bradshaw
of Decatur; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ’s Haven for Children,
christshaven.org.
Wallis, Kay (Mannin) | 1952-2015
Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Kay (Mannin) Wallis, 62, of Springtown, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in
Weatherford.
Service was Jan. 23 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Wayne Trice
officiating.
Kay was born Nov. 5, 1952, in Decatur. She was a member of Brazos Valley Baptist
Church in Graham, and she loved to embroidery, work crossword puzzles, listen to
country music and watch the Game Show Network. She was a former resident of
Chico.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dene Moody; brothers James Mannin and
Harold Mannin; and husband Billy Wallis.
Kay is survived by son Ricky Mannin and wife, Chelsey, of Springtown; and
grandchildren Colton Schwartz, Jason Schwartz, Dakoda Schoonover, Justin Mannin
and Madasyn Schoonover.
Walton, Rickey Lee | 1960-2015
Published Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Rickey Lee Walton, 54, of Poolville died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service is Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Boonsville Cemetery in Boonsville
with Bo Johnson officiating.
Rickey was born Nov. 2, 1960, in Kennett, Mo., to Ezra and Martha (Headley)
Walton. He worked on the poly-line in the oilfield industry. His hobbies
included collecting knives and swords, and he was an avid Dallas Cowboys and
Dallas Mavericks fan.
Rickey was preceded in death by his father, Ezra Walton; brother Henry Walton;
and son Shane Walton.
He is survived by sons Ricky Walton and Zachary Walton; daughters Raven Medley
and Ashley Walton; parents Bobby and Martha Simmons; brothers Donnie Walton, Tim
Walton, Lynn Long and Jason Simmons; sister Alice Dee; grandchildren McKensie,
Courtney and Isaiah Johnson, Bella and Jonathan Walton and Astriel, Braylea and
Kaila Medley.
Ward, Aaron Elizabeth | 1937-2015
Published Saturday, November 21, 2015
Aaron Elizabeth Ward, 78, of Decatur, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Central Baptist Church in Chico with
Fred Ferren officiating. Burial will follow at Lone Star Cemetery in Chico.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Pallbearers are Tim Reeves, David Canada, Paul Arrington, Paul Arrington Jr.,
Jim McDonald, Eddie Biles, Phil Reicheneker and Matt Reicheneker.
Aaron was born May 17, 1937, in Lewisville to John and Mamie (Bacon) Croy. She
married Daniel “Buddy” Ward Oct. 29, 1954, in Lewisville. Aaron was a member
of Central Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son John C. Ward; brothers Bill Croy
and Jimmy Vest; granddaughter Brandy Ward; and daughter-in-law Patricia Ward.
Aaron is survived by her husband of 61 years, Buddy Ward of Decatur; sons Eddie
Ward and wife, Christi, of Alvord, Danny Ward of Decatur and Kevin Ward and
wife, Faith, of Decatur; grandchildren Amanda, Stephanie, Jamie, Kristy, Rachel,
Kenneth and Heather; eight great-grandchildren; sister Patsy Phillips of
Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ward, James E. | 1941-2015
Published Wednesday, May 27, 2015
James E. Ward, 73, of Chico died Friday, May 22, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Victory Bible Baptist Church in Park
Springs with Brian Jackson and Mark Autry officiating. Burial will follow at
Sweetwater Cemetery in Decatur, where he will be laid to rest near his son.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers are Brian Carpenter, G.W. Carpenter, Kyle Willmond, Tim Wiley, Tony
Massey, Trey Price, Ricky Taylor and Gerry Stone. Honorary pallbearers are Troy
(Buck) Conaway and Jimmy Van Hoose. James was born Sept. 24, 1941, in Decatur to
Eda Mae (Carpenter) and Roy Ward. He married Darlene Conaway Aug. 20, 1962, in
Lewisville and was a member of Victory Bible Baptist Church where he served as a
trustee, a Sunday school teacher and sometimes as a “lay preacher.” He also
attended Dallas Baptist Seminary and planned to be a preacher at one time.
James enjoyed hunting, leatherwork, gun restoration, drawing and playing the
guitar. He was in several bands, one of which was semi-professional.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, James Dwayne Ward.
James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Darlene; daughter Janet Ward-Robinson
of Chico; stepdaughter Becky Hepworth of Denton; sister Laverne (Jody) Willmond;
grandchildren Caitlin Robinson, Aimee Robinson, Lindsey Miller, Marsha Hardy,
Kevin Vollweiler and Kenny Vollweiler; and three great-grandchildren.
Ward, Paul Richard | 1945-2015
Published Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Paul Richard Ward, 69, of Rhome died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, in Rhome.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Aurora Cemetery with Gerre
Joiner officiating. There is no scheduled visitation. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Decatur is handling the arrangements.
Paul was born June 26, 1945, in Fort Worth to George and Naomie (Stroud) Ward
Jr. He worked at General Dynamics and was a roofing contractor for commercial
construction. Paul played football for Boswell High School. In his early adult
years, he was a private pilot. Paul was a Baptist.
He is survived by his brother, Michael Ward and wife, Karen, of Cambridgeshire,
England; nephew Michael J. Ward of Alexandria, Va.; and cousins and friends.
Warren, Wesley Carl | 1960-2015
Published Saturday, May 23, 2015
Wesley Carl Warren, 54, of Alvord died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service was May 22 at Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery with the Rev. Terry
Hestilow officiating.
Wesley was born Sept. 7, 1960, in Arlington to Wilburn and Shirley (Johnson)
Warren. He was a Baptist and worked in oilfield maintenance.
Wesley was preceded in death by his father, W.C. Warren.
He’s survived by his mother, Janice Eichman and husband, Bill, of Alvord;
daughter Brittany Crockett of Azle; sisters Lisa Kirkpatrick and husband, Sean,
of Colleyville and Lauri Lane and husband, Matthew, of North Richland Hills;
grandfather Albert Johnson of Alvord; nieces Laura, Natalie and Melodie; and
nephew Chase.
Watson, Jere Ferol | 1945-2015
Published Saturday, June 6, 2015
Jere Ferol Watson of Rhome died Monday, June 1, 2015, following a long illness.
No services are planned.
Jere was born Dec. 16, 1945, at the Army hospital in Fort Sill, Okla., to Herb
and Lucille Hand Tozier. She lived her early years in Lawton, Okla., and then
moved to Hampton, Va., where she graduated from Hampton High School.
Following high school, she studied airline management and took a position with
Eastern Airlines in Atlanta, Ga. She returned to Hampton and met and married her
lifelong companion, Ronald Watson. Ron’s work brought them to Texas in 1979
where Jere worked as a homemaker and medical records transcriber.
Jere enjoyed making crafts, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and spending time
with friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her husband, Ron Watson; sister Rita Blood; nieces; and
great-nieces.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Watson, Mike | 1963-2015
Published Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Mike Watson, 52, of Decatur, died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with Steve
Slate officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Steve Slate, Chuck Pedroso, John Eden, Dan McGrew, Joe Parks and
Bob Dierkes.
Mike was born April 6, 1963, in Rusk County to Johnny and Drucilla (Everette)
Watson. He married Robbie Pipes July 12, 1991, in Longview.
Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Watson.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robbie Watson of Decatur; daughter
Katrina Watson of Perkins, Okla.; his parents, Johnny and Drucilla Watson of
Cypress; sister Debbie Nickerson and husband, Ricky, of Cypress; and an aunt,
uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Watson, Roy Vernon | 1920-2015
Published Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Roy Vernon Watson, 94, of Fort Worth died Tuesday, March 17, 2015.
Funeral is 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth.
Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Olivet Chapel.
Roy was born Sept. 17, 1920, in Chico. His career began with Armour in 1944, and
he retired from there, as well as from Westgate Fabrics. After retirement, he
worked part time at Wiley Hardware in Chico. He was a member of Decatur Avenue
Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Brooks Watson; his parents; five
brothers; and one sister.
He is survived by daughters Verna Humphries and husband, John, and Judy Watkins
and husband, Rick; son Joe Watson and wife, Tammy; grandchildren Lisa Langbein,
Staci Bradford and husband, Bryan, Jeff Watson and wife, Heather, and Tiffany
Watson; and great-grandchildren Zack and Courtney.
Watson, W.G. | 1937-2015
Published Saturday, December 5, 2015
W.G. Watson, 78, of Chico, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, in Dallas.
Funeral was Dec. 3 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor Lionel
Young officiating. Burial followed at Olive Branch Cemetery in Chico.
Pallbearers were Bill Hand, Robert Cox, Dakota Potter, Ryan Monts, Chase Monts
and Zach Monts.
W.G. was born June 13, 1937, in Decatur to Carl and Edna (Dickenson) Watson. He
was a Union Pacific railroad engineer for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Sonny Watson.
W.G. is survived by his sons, Dale Watson and wife, Evangeline, of Azle and
Robert Watson of Azle; daughter Teresa Vinson and husband, Max, of Henderson;
friend Gayle Bland of Chico; grandchildren Ryan Monts and wife, Catherine, Chase
Monts and wife, Emerald, Zach Monts and Dakota Potter-Watson; great-grandchild
Hylah Elizabeth Monts; brother Bob Watson and wife, Marcella, of Chico; sister
Joan Norman and husband, Tommy, of Fort Worth; and other family members and
friends.
Weatherford, Faye | 1923-2015
Published Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Faye Weatherford, 91, of Bridgeport died Friday, Sept. 4.
Funeral is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Dr. Craig Erb officiating.
Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Faye was born Nov. 24, 1923, in Montague County to George and Myrtle Barclay
Moss but spent most of her life in Wise County – Chico, Rhome, Boyd and
Bridgeport. She was married for 63 years to George Euford Weatherford. They
lived on the west side of Bridgeport in the same house they bought in 1953. That
house and yard was her hobby.
She loved her church , First Baptist in Bridgeport ,and had a gift serving in
the kitchen, clothes closet and at Vacation Bible School. She loved visiting
shut-ins and had creative ways of drawing the attention of people’s needs to
the church.
Faye worked as a nurse for 11 years at the Bridgeport Hospital, but she was
primarily a homemaker, taking care of her family and elderly neighbors. In 1977,
she and Euford were voted Best Neighbor in a contest sponsored by the Wise
County Messenger.
Faye was always busy, up early and never napping. She enjoyed the Rangers and
Cowboys. She did not particularly like cooking, but she made great coconut cream
and pecan pies.
Faye suffered from dementia and its effect on her body. Her time at her
daughter’s house was spent sweeping, dusting and ironing. She folded the
laundry until all she could do was stack it. She was just “compact energy”
and is no doubt already sweeping the “streets of gold.”
Faye is survived by her daughter, Trudy Nicholson and husband, Norman, of Plano
and their three daughters and their families; stepson Joe Paul Weatherford and
wife, Mary Lou, of Dimmitt and their two sons, two daughters and their families.
Weatherford, Lynn | 1928-2015
Published Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Lynn Weatherford, 86, of Alvord died Sunday, July 5, 2015, in Anna.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at the First Baptist Church in Alvord with
the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Steve Kraatz, Neal Hachtel, Stevie Hurtik, Alen Morris, Ian
Hicks and Craig Waldrum.
Lynn was born Oct. 5, 1928, in Burkburnett to Charles and Earsie (Shipman)
Chambers. She married William Weatherford May 15, 1963, in Dallas. Lynn was a
homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Alvord.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
Lynn is survived by her sons, Todd Weatherford of Euless and Jim Weatherford and
wife, Patricia, of Anna; sister Lori Glanier of Dallas; six grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; and other family members and friends.
Weatherly, Bobby Lee | 1943-2015
Published Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Bobby Lee Weatherly, 71, died June 25, 2015 in Bothell, Wash.
A graveside service with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent,
Wash. is pending.
Bobby was born Sept. 24, 1943 to Robert L. and Vina Louise (Tomlinson) Weatherly
in Bridgeport. He married Kathy L. Pate June 16, 1973. He attended North Creek
Baptist Church in Bothell, Wash. Bobby loved spending time with his family and
grandchildren. He enjoyed making wood furniture, dollhouses, leather goods and
fishing. In his younger years, he played bass in the band Corky And The Delrays.
He most recently played in the family band called Big Creek Band. He was
employed as a truck driver and retired as a dispatcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Adams.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Pate; sons, Bobby E. Weatherly and wife,
Michelle of Bothell, Wash., David L. Weatherly and wife, Nancy of Washington;
daugther, Cindy G. Weatherly of Washington; grandchildren, Christina, Bobby Jr.,
Adam, Macie, Heather, Jeffrey, Brandi and David Jr.; great-grandchildren, Isaac,
Cason, Jayleah, Jayce and Cole.
Weaver, Patricia Ann Roberts | 1939-2015
Published Saturday, July 4, 2015
Patricia Ann Roberts Weaver, 75, of Crafton died Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Service was July 3 at Crafton Baptist Church with burial at Mount Olivet
Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Patricia was born Sept. 8, 1939, in Moody, and then lived the rest of her life
in the North Texas area in Fort Worth, Newark, Aurora, Keller and retired to
Crafton in 1995. She worked mostly in food-related services, and she and her
husband JW owned J&P Grocer in Argyle for 27 years.
Patricia was a member of Crafton Baptist Church. Her priority was always her
family, and she enjoyed having kids, grandkids, and cousins, all together for
birthday parties, holiday celebrations or just a Saturday afternoon of singing
and sharing stories.
She was a loving and generous daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and
neighbor.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, JW Weaver; father Van Roberts;
mother Essie Roberts Shelton; stepfather Willard Shelton; and brothers Troy and
Rickey Roberts.
She is survived by son Tim Weaver and wife, Lisa, of Lewisville; daughter
Vanessa Gassiot and husband, John, of Crafton; seven grandchildren; 15
great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Webb, Lloyd Wayne | 1940-2015
Published Saturday, January 10, 2015
Lloyd Wayne Webb, 74, a retired construction worker, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015,
in Decatur.
A memorial graveside service is pending.
Lloyd was born March 9, 1940, in Decatur to David and Ruby (Hale) Webb. He
married Dorothy Ann Freeman Feb. 14, 1962, in Chico. Lloyd retired from heavy
equipment construction.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy Webb.
Survivors include his sons, Wayne Webb and wife, Jodi, of Bowie, and Will Webb
of Sanger; daughter Susan Webb-Holt and husband, Kevin, of Alvarado; brother
Paul Webb and wife, Carol, of Ponder; sisters Gladys Splawn of Hillsboro, Annie
Ridgeway of Clarksville, Tenn., and Joyce Milks of Mena, Ark.; seven
grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Webb, Lloyd Wayne | 1940-2015
Published Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Lloyd Wayne Webb, 74, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial graveside service is 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Pleasant Grove No. 1
Cemetery.
Lloyd was born March 9, 1940, in Decatur to David and Ruby (Hale) Webb. He
married Dorothy Ann Freeman Feb. 14, 1962, in Chico. Lloyd retired from heavy
equipment construction.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy Webb.
He is survived by his sons, Wayne Webb and wife, Jodi, of Bowie, and Will Webb
of Sanger; daughter Susan Webb-Holt and husband, Kevin, of Alvarado; brother
Paul Webb and wife, Carol, of Ponder; sisters Gladys Splawn of Hillsboro, Annie
Ridgeway of Clarksville, Tenn., and Joyce Milks of Mena, Ark.; seven
grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Welch, Ann (Beam) | 1952-2015
Published Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Ann Welch (nee Beam), 62, died Friday, April 24, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Private services will be held.
Ann was born May 6, 1952, in Beaumont and most recently lived in Bowie. She was
a beloved mother, daughter, sister and Nana.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carter Beam Sr. of Beaumont.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Erin Bean and husband, John, of Fort Worth; son
Daniel Buchanan and wife, Shawn, of Newark; grandsons Jaxon Buchanan and Conner
Moody, also of Newark; mother Marian Beam of Beaumont; and brother Carter Beam
of Nacogdoches.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Wells, Harold Marvin | 1942-2015
Published Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Harold Marvin Wells, 72, died Monday, March 16, 2015.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, March 20, at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 6605
Pleasant Run Rd., in Colleyville with Pastor Ben Scheck officiating. Burial is 2
p.m. Friday at Chico Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine.
Marvin was born Dec. 30, 1942, in Grapevine to James and Berniece Wells. He
lived his whole life in the Grapevine, North Richland Hills and Fort Worth areas
of the Metroplex. Marvin was a small-town man who lived in the big city. He was
a gentle soul who never met a stranger and will be missed dearly.
Marvin worked numerous jobs from the time he was able to push a broom or mow a
yard, and he retired from American Airlines in 2003, after 37 years of dedicated
service.
He was preceded in death by his father; and daughter Teresa (Oravetz) Williams.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Wells; daughters Llora Jones and husband,
Benjamin, of Aledo, and Marla Erickson and husband, Danny, of Weatherford; son
Frank Oravetz of Fort Worth; grandchildren Heather, Hannah, Eric, Lindsay, D.J.,
Kris, Justin and Zoe; and five great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his mother, Berniece L. Bailey; brother Danny Wells and
wife, Mononette; sister Cyd Bailey; nephew James Wells and wife, Amanda;
great-niece Makenzie; and many other loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Wells’ name to the American Cancer
Society.
Wertz, Margaret 'Peggy' | 1940-2015
Published Saturday, August 8, 2015
Margaret “Peggy” Wertz, 74, of Alvord, went to be with our Lord Wednesday,
Aug. 5, 2015, in Decatur. Margaret was a loving wife, devoted mother, beloved
sister and cherished friend.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Alvord with
burial in Jonestown Cemetery. Family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug.
9 at the Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Dr. Kevin Moore will officiate. Pallbearers include David Solensky, Greg
Solensky, Mark Solensky, Darron Solensky, Mike Gunderson and Richard Pappert.
Honorary pallbearers are Louis Martinez and Bill Elliott.
Peggy was born on Aug. 6, 1940, to Richard and Margaret (Burkhart) Pappert in
Pittsburgh, Pa. She was united in marriage to Merle Wertz on Oct. 20, 1978 in
Butler, Pa. Peggy was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Alvord.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband of 36 years, Merle Wertz
of Alvord; her sons, David Solensky and wife Jeannie of Pace, Fla., Greg
Solensky of Golden, Colo., and Mark Solensky and wife Kim of Butler, Pa.; her
daughters, MaryBeth Gunderson and husband Michael of Grand Prairie, and Elaine
Martinez and husband Louis of Brunswick, Ga.; her brother, “Dickie” Richard
Pappert and wife Cathie of Richmond, Va.; her sisters, Jan Gralish of
Pittsburgh, Pa., and Sharon Katchmar and husband Darwin of Glenshaw, Pa.; 8
grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a
host of friends.
West, Kenneth Gray | 1932-2015
Published Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Kenneth Gray West, 83, of Alvord died Monday, July 6, 2015.
Service is 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Mansfield Church of Christ with burial to
follow at Skyvue Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Blessing Funeral Home in Mansfield.
Kenneth moved to the Arlington area in 1954. He worked at General Motors from
1954 to 1968. He went into business for himself as an excavator contractor from
1968 to 2002 and retired, moving to Alvord.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Cleo West; brothers Fred,
Billy, Bobby, David and Willie West; sister Dorothy West; and grandson Randy
Minchew.
He is survived by his wife, Janie M. West of Alvord; sons Steve West and wife,
Gayla, and Joel West of Fort Worth; daughters Judy Hubbard of North Richland
Hills and Cathy Minchew and husband, Gary, of Mansfield; grandchildren, Carissa
McGuire (Andy), Dustin Minchew (Miranda), Cameron West (Katy), Brandon Hubbard
(Melissa), Cody Hubbard (Courtney), Corbin Hubbard, Chelsey Minchew, and Tyler,
Caylen and Claire West.
He’s also survived by great-grandchildren Gracie West, Greyson Hubbard and
Andrew McGuire; brother Roy West Jr. of Montague; sisters Otie Wade of Irving,
Helen Johnson of Bonham and Ottie Miller of Gainesville; and many nieces and
nephews.
Westbrook, Buena May | 1926-2015
Published Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Whatley, Exie Louise | 1926-2015
Published Saturday, November 7, 2015
Exie Louise Whatley, 88, of Bridgeport, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with the Rev. Gary Demmitt and Bill Thetford officiating. Burial will follow at
Cumby Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Danny Cary, Leland Whatley, Jay Caraway, Fred Begley, Allen
Spikes and Raymundo Hernandez.
Exie was born Nov. 25, 1926, in El Dorado, Okla., to Charlie and Minnie
(Perkins) Harvick. She married Jim Whatley July 7, 1945, in Decatur. Exie was a
homemaker and worked as a dispatcher for the Bridgeport Police Department and
the Wise County Sheriff’s Office before her retirement.
Exie was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Jim Whatley.
She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members
and friends.
Whatley, Jerry Lynn | 1944-2015
Published Saturday, February 14, 2015
Jerry Lynn Whatley, 71, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, in Denton.
Graveside service was Feb. 13 at Cumby Cemetery in Chico with Nolan Rawle
officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Nobie Tucker, Danny Price, Stephen Whatley Jr., Nathan
Dawson, Jimmy Walker, Mike Tyler and Danny Cary.
Jerry was born Jan. 4, 1944, in Chico to Walker and Melvina (Roach) Whatley. He
graduated from Chico High School and served as a firefighter and EMT for the
Chico Volunteer Fire Department. He worked for Vulcan Materials and was a
retired scale house attendant.
Jerry was an avid sports fan and could quote players stats and reminisce about
games and sporting events back to the 1950s. He began his mornings with coffee
at Yesterdays, where they knew him well.
Family was very important to Jerry. He loved them all and cherished the time
spent with them.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers C.J. Whatley and Floyd Ray
Whatley; and sister Jackye Whatley.
He is survived by his son, Stephen Whatley of Chico; daughter Christina Whatley
of New Mexico; grandchildren Reyna Whatley, Stephen Whatley Jr., Nathan Dawson,
Kaylnn Prince and Kennedy Prince; great-grandchildren Payton, Ava and Kaisyn;
brothers Bob Whatley and Lee Whatley and wife, Mary, all of Wichita Falls;
sisters Anita Long of Chico, Nell Walker of Tipton, Okla., Dot Whatley of
Gainesville and Shirley Cary and husband, Danny, of Wichita Falls; and numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Whatley, Vern E. | 1939-2015
Published Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Vern E. Whatley, 76, of Bedford, formerly of Chico, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2015,
in Bedford.
Funeral was Dec. 7 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary
Demmitt officiating. Burial followed at Cumby Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Sammy Shipman, Les Cooper, Dax Cooper, Chuck Whatley, Benny
Begley and Jimmy Whatley.
Vern was born Jan. 31, 1939, in Decatur to Joe and Oveta (Alexander) Whatley. He
proudly served his country in the United States Army. Vern was an iron worker
for Smith Erectors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jimmy Lee Whatley; and his
sister, Linda Darlene Burris.
He is survived by sons Keith Whatley of Porter and Jimmy Whatley of Alexandria,
La.; daughters Tammy Foree and husband, Norman, of Bedford, Teresa Folsom of
Humble and Sandra Whatley of New Caney; 17 grandchildren; 15
great-grandchildren; sisters Bertie Ousley of Paradise, Jody Cooper of
Bridgeport and Judy Begley and husband, Butch, of Fort Worth; and numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Whirley, Earl Havens | 1933-2015
Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Earl Havens Whirley, 81, formerly of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in
Fayetteville, Ark.
Earl was born May 18, 1933, in Mitchell County to Romeo and Willie (Havens)
Whirley. He married Martha Goodall Sept. 17, 1989, in Fayetteville, and he
proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was an offshore drilling
superintendent for Chevron. Earl was a Baptist and a member of the National
Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Martha Louise Ellis Whirley; son Warren
Whirley; daughters Sharon Jackson and husband, Skip, and Monda Court and
husband, Brad; stepson Billy Goodall; stepdaughters Glenda Jean Goodall and
Penny Hollenback; brother J.L. Whirley; sister Bobby Jean Harkey; five
grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and one
step-great-great-grandchild.
Whirley, Earl Havens | 1933-2015
Published Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Earl Havens Whirley, 81, formerly of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in
Fayetteville, Ark.
Earl was born May 18, 1933, in Mitchell County to Romeo and Willie (Havens)
Whirley. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Earl was a
superintendent for Chevron offshore drilling, was a Baptist and a member of the
National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his son, Warren Whirley; daughters Sharon Jackson and husband,
Skip, and Monda Court and husband, Brad; brother J.L. Whirley; sister Bobby Jean
Harkey; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives and
friends.
Whisnant, Jackson Eugene 'Gene' | 1942-2015
Published Saturday, February 7, 2015
Jackson Eugene “Gene” Whisnant, 72, died Jan. 31, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is noon Friday, Feb. 20, at Trinity Baptist Temple in Saginaw with
William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery in
Dallas.
Gene was born Nov. 12, 1942, in Augusta, Ga., to Hoy and Mary Elnora Whisnant.
He was a machinist and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of
Trinity Baptist Temple in Saginaw.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian Whisnant of Saginaw; sons Matthew and
Jonathan Whisnant of Pittsburg; son Jeff Irby; three stepsons; sister Janice
Ridden of Anderson. S.C.; grandchildren Derek and Jasmine del Rio of Pittsburg;
and six great-grandchildren.
Donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
Whisnant, Jackson Eugene 'Gene' | 1942-2015
Published Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Jackson Eugene “Gene” Whisnant, 72, died Jan. 31, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is noon Friday, Feb. 20, at Trinity Baptist Temple in Saginaw with
William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery in
Dallas.
Gene was born Nov. 12, 1942, in Augusta, Ga., to Hoyt and Mary Elnora Whisnant.
He was a machinist and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of
Trinity Baptist Temple in Saginaw and was retired from the City of Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian Whisnant of Saginaw; sons Matthew Whisnant of
Seattle, Wash., Jonathan Whisnant of Bremerton, Wash. and Jeff Irby of
Pittsburg, Texas; daughter Amy Whisnant del Rio of Pittsburg, Texas; three
stepsons; sister Janice Ridden of Anderson. S.C.; grandchildren Derek and
Jasmine del Rio of Pittsburg; six step-grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren.
Donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
White, Frankie Elizabeth | 1936-2015
Published Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Frankie Elizabeth White, 79, of Arlington, formerly of Decatur, died Saturday,
Nov. 14, 2015, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating. Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Frankie was born Oct. 27, 1936, in Decatur to Raymond and Ruby (Dobbin) Brown.
She retired after working as director of a refugee center.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Leonard Brown; and nephew
Randy Freudiger Jr.
Frankie is survived by sister Betsy Brown Murphy of North Richland Hills;
nephews Tyler Freudiger and Bart Freudiger and wife, Kris, all of Richland
Hills; niece Randi Lea Freudiger of Las Vegas; and numerous cousins and friends.
White, Linda S. | 1946-2015
Published Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Linda S. White, 68, of Decatur, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, in Decatur.
There are no services planned at this time.
Linda was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Stroud, Okla., to Hosey D. and Eddie Lee
(Underwood) Perkins. She married Doyle D. White July 21, 1965, in Arkansas City.
Linda started out in her early years in the grocery business. She then moved to
the medical field where she worked in and loved the geriatrics department. She
then found her calling, working with veterans. She worked for Kansas Veterans
Home for 26 years.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Doyle D. White.
She is survivied by her son, Darrin White of Wichita, Kan.; daughter Steffanie
Walz and husband, Scott, of Decatur; granddaughters Danielle Voegele of Decatur,
Darijon Voegele of Decatur and Paige White of Wichita; grandsons Justin Voegele
of Ark City, Kan., Jeffery Voegele and wife, Jenn, of Ark City and Richard White
of Wichita; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Wilhite, Launa Lee | 1925-2015
Published Saturday, September 12, 2015
Launa Lee Wilhite, 90, of Decatur died Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral was Sept. 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur with the
Rev. Shelley McNew officiating. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Larry Pounds, Bennie King, Gregg King, James Wilhite, Jim Swaim
and Mitchell Curry.
Launa was born July 22, 1925, in Stoney to Robert and Mildred (Horton) Shiflett.
She married Charles Wilhite Feb. 6, 1947, in Decatur and was a member of the
First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Launa was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Elvin
Shiflett and his wife, Louise.
She is survived by son Charles Lee Wilhite of McKinney; daughter Dena Silvers
and husband, Ron, of Decatur; grandson Stacey Silvers and wife, Jenna, of
Dallas; granddaughter Lauren Brewer and husband, Luke, of Arlington;
great-grandchildren Luke, MaryLee and Jack Silvers; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to one of the following: First United Methodist Church,
Building Fund, 104 S. Miller St, Decatur, TX 76234, 940-627-3362; Wise County
United Way, 100 W. Main St, Decatur, TX 76234, 940-627-2111; or Methodist
Children Home, 1111 Herring Ave., Waco, TX 76708, 254-753-0181.
Wilkerson, Dorothy Mae | 1929-2015
Published Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Dorothy Mae Wilkerson, 86, of Decatur, previously of Bellevue, died Saturday,
Aug. 29, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Aug. 31 at Bellevue Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip A.
Weitner officiating.
Dorothy was born March 30, 1929, in Mineola to Grace (Whitfield) and James Floyd
West. She owned and ran a restaurant for more than 20 years. She enjoyed being a
homemaker, farming and fishing.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Wilkerson; her parents;
brothers James and Floyd (Bud) West; and her sister, Juanita Belcher.
She is survived by her sons, Neal Wesley Wilkerson of Memphis, Tenn., and Edwin
Ray Wilkerson and wife, Sharron, of Bowie; daughter Patricia Ann Trail and
husband, Frank, of Runaway Bay; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and
one great-great-grandchild.
Wilkerson, Ella Mae | 1920-2015
Published Saturday, January 24, 2015
Ella Mae Wilkerson, 94, of Bridgeport died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday prior to
the service.
Ella Mae was born May 9, 1920, in Idabel, Okla., to Lonzo and Emma (Hill) Prock.
She married Rovis Leon Wilkerson Feb. 10, 1951, in Clarksville, Ark. Ella Mae
was owner-operator of P&W Center from 1962 to 1981. She was also an
accountant, homemaker and beloved mother. Ella Mae loved to travel and was a
talented artist.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leon Wilkerson; brother
Lawrence Prock; sister-in-law Edna Prock; and her half-sister, Edna Rainwater.
She is survived by her son, Leon Wilkerson and wife, Brenda, of Bridgeport;
granddaughter Marissa Hughes of Fort Worth; her extended family, Dusty Womack,
Melinda Barefoot and Alexis Womack, all of Bridgeport; niece Jan Hill of Tulsa;
nephews Carl Prock of Tulsa, Okla., and Jim Prock and wife, Pat, of Balsora;
great-niece Christina Dillon of Tulsa; great-nephews Josh Prock and wife,
Leanne, of Bridgeport and Jim Prock of Decatur; her great-great-niece, Kayleigh
Prock of Bridgeport; her great-great-nephew, J.J. Prock of Decatur; and many
friends.
Wilkins, Jesse Curtis | 1923-2015
Published Saturday, September 12, 2015
Lt. Col. Jesse Curtis Wilkins, 91, of Chico died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, in
Chico. Graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Chico Cemetery.
Jesse Curtis Wilkins was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Portland, Ore., to Dovie and
Jesse Eric Wilkins. After living in Oregon and California in his very early
years, he moved in with relatives on a dairy farm in Weatherford.
After high school, he worked at the old Montgomery Ward building in Fort Worth,
where he met his wife of 73 years, Jimmie Ruth Pebworth. During their first year
of marriage, Jesse joined the Army Air Corps and after schooling became a pilot.
He flew 40-plus missions during World War II in the Italian theater in his P-51,
Ginning Jimmie.
After the war, he remained in the Air Force and after 23 years of service
retired with a rank of lieutenant colonel. He then turned in his wings for a
tractor and worked as a farmer and rancher with a herd of black Angus on 140
acres in Chico.
He and Jimmie were active members of the First Baptist Church in Chico, and he
was a deacon for many years there.
Lt. Col. Jesse Wilkins was truly an exceptional man of the greatest generation.
He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Wilkins, and his son, Ronald
Wilkins.
He is survived by his wife, Jimmie; daughters Pamela Rohr and Patti Biffar;
daughter-in-law Beverly Wilkins; grandchildren Jesse Wayne Wilkins and wife,
Denise, Angela Wilkins, Aaron Biffar and Andrea Biffar and husband, J.D. Jones;
six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a myriad of friends.
Wilkins, Jimmie Ruth | 1922-2015
Published Saturday, October 10, 2015
Jimmie Ruth Wilkins, 93, of Chico, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, in Chico.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Chico Cemetery with Robert Cox
officiating. Aaron Biffar will assist.
Jimmie Ruth was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Fort Worth to Lee and Lora (Mitchell)
Pebworth. After graduating high school, she worked at the old Montgomery Ward
building in Fort Worth where she met her husband of 73 years, Jesse Curtis
Wilkins. They were married on her birthday, Sept. 12, 1942, in Fort Worth.
During their first year of marriage, Jessie joined the Army Air Corps, and after
schooling, became a fighter pilot, naming his P-51 “Ginning Jimmie.”
Throughout the war and 23 years of military life, Jimmie was the faithful,
steadfast military wife, running the household and raising their three children
in Jesse’s absence. Jimmie was a devoted wife and mother, and no one could
doubt the love she had for her family.
After retirement from the Air Force, Jimmie and Jesse ranched and farmed 140
acres in Chico. For decades, they were active members of the First Baptist
Church in Chico, and Jimmie was the pianist for many years. Jimmie and Jesse
were longtime members of the Eastern Star in Chico.
He preceded her in death one month ago. She was also preceded in death by her
son, Ronald Wilkins.
Jimmie is survived by her daughters, Pamela Rohr and Patti Biffar;
daughter-in-law Beverly Wilkins; grandchildren Jesse Wayne Wilkins and wife,
Denise, Angela Wilkins, Aaron Biffar and Andrea Biffar and husband, J.D. Jones;
six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Williams, Jimmy | 1932-2015
Published Saturday, March 7, 2015
Jimmy Williams, 82, a retired press brake operator, died Thursday, Feb. 26,
2015, in Bridgeport.
Funeral 2 p.m. March 2 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Boyd
Cemetery.
The Rev. Mark Autry officiated. Pallbearers include Terry Vaughn, Rod Bill
Scroggins, Rusty Scroggins, Mark Starnes, Bobby Mitchell and Ronnie Smith.
Jimmy was born on June 1, 1932, to James and Havana (Cash) Williams in Boyd. He
married Beth Hall on Oct. 17, 1958, in Azle. Jimmy served his country in the
United States Marine Corp. He was an employee of Lennox Air Conditioning and
Heating Company for 33 years and retired in 1991. Jimmy was a member of the
Briar Baptist Church, the VFW Post No. 2137 and the American Legion.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Norma Jay Williams; brother
Fred J. Williams; sister Lillie Mae Scroggins; and son-in-law Steve Watson.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beth Williams of Boyd; his daughters,
Joni D’Ann Watson of Roanoke and Lynn White and husband, Chad, of Bridgeport;
his sons, Jimmy Williams and wife, Donna, of Boyd and Johnny Williams and wife,
Terry, of Boyd; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; his little
sister, Sue Richardson; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and
friends.
Williams, Rose Earlene | 1937-2015
Published Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Rose Earlene Williams, 77, of Spring, formerly of Bridgeport, died Saturday,
March 21, 2015, in Tomball.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Randy James officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in
Boyd.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Rose was born May 10, 1937, in Fort Worth to Earl and Ama (Gaston) Hall. She
married William Sidney Williams July 7, 1952, in Rockwall, and he preceded her
in death on May 5, 2003.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and sister Mary Sue Coleman.
Rose is survived by sons Steve Williams and wife, Gail, and Darren Williams and
wife, Tina, all of Spring; sisters Juanita Baber of Rialto, Calif., and Vicki
Hall of Spring; grandchildren Jennifer Williams, Parker Williams and Carly
Williams; great-grandchild Serenity Rose Tejan-Jalloh; and other relatives and
friends.
Williams, Shane Patrick Caldwell | 1963-2015
Published Saturday, April 18, 2015
Memorial service for Shane Patrick Caldwell Williams, 51, of Houston is 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Shane was born Nov. 17, 1963, in Fort Worth and left this life March 28, 2015,
in Tomball. He married Melissa Lee Moore April 29, 1989, at Oak Grove United
Methodist Church in Decatur.
Shane was a graduate of Decatur High School and attended the University of North
Texas in Denton. He was a manufacturing engineer by profession and was the owner
of Espy Williams Engineering Services in Houston. His passions in life were
many, foremost his family, his faith, his music and his 1979 Camaro, which he
restored himself.
Shane is survived by his wife Melissa, son Patrick Williams, daughters Gennifer
Williams, Emily Williams and Aubrey Williams, all of Houston; parents Carolyn
and David Dodson of Decatur and Wayne Williams of Arlington; brothers Sean
Williams and wife, Amy, of Decatur, Tristan Williams and wife, Jenifer, of Anna,
and Dahlem Dodson and wife, Amy, of Dallas; sister Lisa Beth Dodson of Conroe;
and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Williamson, Carolyn Vaughn | 1938-2015
Published Saturday, November 7, 2015
Carolyn Vaughn Williamson, 77, of Jacksboro died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Jacksboro Church of Christ,
with Jeff Sweeten officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.
Carolyn was born Feb. 15, 1938, in Erick, Okla., to Sim and Audie (Hammonds)
Vaughn. She married Jerry Williamson May 30, 1959, in Childress.
Carolyn earned three master’s degrees and was a member of the Jacksboro Church
of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Genta Morren.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jerry Williamson of Jacksboro;
sons Vaughn Williamson and wife, Angela, of Jacksboro and Rex Williamson and
wife, Lisa, of Jacksboro; daughter Missy Bindseil and husband, Ricky, of
Spicewood; grandchildren Rusty Williamson and wife, Mindy, Kelsie Solimine and
husband, Chris, Christina Williamson, Austin Williamson, Cade Bindseil and Emma
Bindseil; and great-grandchildren Brianna, Riley and Korbin.
She is also survived by sister Jane Wiemers and husband, Wayne, of Marfa;
brother-in-law Perry Morren Sr.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Wilson, Jesse Wayne | 1924-2015
Published Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Jesse Wayne Wilson, 91, of Decatur, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Dec. 6 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur with the Rev.
Charles Taylor officiating.
Pallbearers were Tony Hatcher, Danny Hatcher, Paul White, Chris White, Ronald
Bishop, Jimmy Wilson and Jeff Warren.
Wayne was born Aug. 5, 1924, in Marietta, Okla., to Marion and Ester (Smith)
Wilson. He married Margie Ruth White June 4, 1939, in Denton. He retired from
Bell Helicopter after 20 years of service in aircraft assembly.
Wayne served his country proudly in the U.S. Army and was a member of Calvary
Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margie Wilson, of Decatur; sons Deryl
Wilson of Decatur and Gary Wilson and wife, Debra, of Decatur; sisters Kathleen
Hatcher of Fort Worth and Gene Warren of Plano; grandchildren Randi Eyster of
Bridgeport and Clint Wilson of Decatur; great-grandchildren Ellie and Gunner
Eyster and McCoy Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wilson, Judy Elizabeth | 1944-2015
Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Judy Elizabeth Wilson, 70, a homemaker, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, in Lufkin.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Aurora Baptist Church with Juanita
Ransom and Andrew Vandergriff officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove
Cemetery No. 2 in Boyd.
Pallbearers are Buck Slocum, Dandy Wilson, Terry Wilson, Colby Hodges, Forrest
Hodges and Trent Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Hayden Wilson, Chance
Morehouse, Dylan Wilson, Jeremy Hill and Rowdy Wilson.
Judy was born Dec. 15, 1944, in Arp to Joseph B. and Ethel (White) Grindle. She
married Charles Wilson Sr. April 23, 1969, in Fort Worth. She was a member of
Aurora Baptist Church and the Eastern Star.
Judy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was gifted in playing the
guitar, French harp and piano and had a voice of an angel. Judy was a resident
of Boyd for 40 years before moving to Wells to be close to her children. She
lived there for three-and-a-half years.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 33 years, Charles
Wilson, on July 2, 2002; granddaughter Jamye Marie Crawford; and brothers John
and Joseph Grindle.
Survivors include her daughters, Rose Hodges and husband, Keith, of Alto, Judy
Crawford and husband, Robby, of Wells, Charlene Slocum and husband, Mark, of
Boyd, Suanne Morehouse and husband, Sam, of Lufkin, Angie Mullens of Brookshire,
Vickie Rayburn and husband, Eddie, of Springtown, and Pam Miller of Boyd; sons
Charles (Beau) Wilson and wife, Wendy, of Azle, Wesley Wilson and wife, Cynthia,
of Decatur, Lesley Wilson and wife, Alicia, of Graford, Darryl Wilson and wife,
Loretta, of Cottondale, Arnold Wilson and wife, Joyce, of Azle, Gene Wilson and
wife, Laquada, of Azle, Johnny Wilson and wife, Patricia, of Greenville, Ricky
Wilson and wife, Chi, of Virginia, Jerry Wilson and wife, Donna, of Kentucky and
Kenny Wilson and wife, Peggy, of Missippi.
She is also survived by grandchildren Forrest and Colby Hodges, Jacki, Sheena
and Sabrina Crawford, Cody, Kenzie, Crystall and Buck Slocum, Hayden and Dylan
Wilson, Trenton, Cheyenne and Savanna Wilson, Brooke Johnson, Chance, Maddie and
Meagan Morehouse, Harlin and Reed Wilson, Audrey and Jennifer Lofton, Kim
Christy and Eddie Rayburn, James and Henry Miller, Mark and Sara Wilson, Rowdy
Wilson, Jennifer, Rusty and Jessica Wingate, Mandy, Jessica, Samantha, Kelly and
Bubba Wilson, Donny and Crystal Wilson, Dandy, Terry, Bryan, Jason and Mary Beth
Wilson, and Chuck, Jeff and Scotty Wilson; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Other survivors include sister Betty Atkerson of Rusk; brother Rusty Grindle of
Alto; and other family members and friends.
Wilson, Larry Lee | 1940-2015
Published Saturday, November 28, 2015
Larry Lee Wilson, 75, of Alvord, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the First Baptist Church in Alvord with
the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset.
Pallbearers are Pat Garrett, Melton Neighbors, Caleb Smith, Chris Smith, Mark
Dalton and Tom Rhone.
Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Buckner and Walter Bull.
Larry was born March 9, 1940, to D.B. and Verma (Blair) Wilson in Clovis, N.M.
He married Barbara Stover Aug. 19, 1961, in Stinnett. He was a member of the
First Baptist Church in Alvord and received his master’s degree from West
Texas State University. He was a retired school superintendent.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jerry Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Wilson of Alvord; sons Kelly
Wilson and wife, Misty, of Mineral Wells and Frank Wilson and wife, Suzi, of
Copperas Cove; daughter Laura Smith and husband, Troy, of Dumas; six
grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a niece, nephew and friends.
Wilson, M. Loretta | 1922-2015
Published Saturday, January 17, 2015
M. Loretta Wilson, 92, a retired banker, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, in
Decatur.
No services are planned.
Loretta was born Feb. 26, 1922, in Lockhart to Joseph and Hannah (Black)
McGinnis. She retired from banking as a branch manager.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, E.C. McKeefer and Walter
Wilson; and son Ellison C. McKeefer Sr.
She is survived by her daughter, Bernadette McKeefer of Decatur; granddaughter
Michele Caballero and husband, George, of Decatur; daughter-in-law Ursula
McKeefer of West Virginia; grandson Ellison C. McKeefer Jr. and wife, Linda, of
Virginia; great-grandchildren Crystal Woller and husband, Kevin, Christopher
Caballero, Melissa Wade and husband, David, Scott, Steven, Sam and Amanda
McKeefer; great-great-grandchildren Liam and Cora Woller and Ellen Wade; and
numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Wilson, Teddy Lee | 1950-2015
Published Saturday, March 14, 2015
Teddy Lee Wilson, 65, a prison guard, died Saturday, March 7, 2015 in Decatur.
No services will be held.
Teddy was born on February 13, 1950 to J.C. and Rosa (Johnson) Wilson in Fort
Worth. He was a prison guard and worked in private security.
He was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Wilson and his daughter, Emily
Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters, Jodie Wilson Moss of Mansfield, Amber Wilson of
Burleson, and Rachael Wilson of Decatur; his mother, Rosa Wilson and husband
Gaylen of Decatur; his brothers, Dennis Jay Wilson and wife Connie of Decatur,
and Robert Allan Wilson of Decatur; his sister, Shirley Rose Russell and husband
Jeff Dean of Wichita Falls.
Windham, Joseph Duke | 1940-2015
Published Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Joseph Duke Windham, 74, of Longview died Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Gregg
County.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Morris Memorial United Methodist
Church in Chico. Burial with Masonic rites will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Joseph was born Sept. 20, 1940, in Henderson to Joseph Clinton and Pauline
Horton Windham. He was a graduate of the University of North Texas and was a
retired educator from Gladewater Independent School District.
Joseph enjoyed traveling, camping and Southern gospel singing conventions, as
well as spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nita Kay Hunter; sons Scott and Karrie
Windham of Denton and Brian and Janet Windham of Midlothian; grandchildren Blake
and Rebecca Windham of Houston, and Andrew Joseph Windham and Joshua Windham of
Midlothian.
Memorials may be made to Winterfield United Methodist Church in Longview or a
charity of choice.
Winebrinner, Bobby Ray, Sr. | 1961-2015
Published Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Bobby Ray Winebrinner Sr., 53, of Bridgeport died Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, in
Tarrant County.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at First Redemption International
Ministries, 5822 E. Berry St., in Fort Worth. Alpine Funeral Home is handling
arrangements.
Bobby was born June, 28, 1961, in Decatur to Thelma Cansler and Mickey
Winebrinner.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
He is survived by his wife, Augustina Winebrinner; his father; daughters Tamara
Winebrinner, Olivia Pollock, Michelle Kirchner, Michele Brian and Rachel
Winebrinner; son Bobby Winebrinner II; brother Freddy Winebrinner; and sister
Sandra Winebrinner. He is also survived by his numerous grandchildren.
Wirtz, Carol Burnett | 1945-2014
Published Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Carol Burnett Wirtz, 68, a caregiver, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Newark.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Aurora Baptist Church.
Carol was born Dec. 25, 1945, in Fort Worth to George and Elfrieda (vonLuternau)
Burnett. She married Russell Wirtz March 25, 1972, in North Richland Hills.
Carol was a caregiver and homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell; her son, Russell
E. Wirtz; and brothers David Burnett and Robert Burnett.
Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Snipes and husband, Brian, of Robinson
and Christina West and husband, Keith, of Waxahachie; grandchildren Amber, Rose,
Sarah, Shannon, Joshua and Jared; great-grandchildren Elijah and Isaiah; brother
George Amos Burnett and wife, Tammy, of Porter; sister Kaye Landingham of
Burleson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wolfe, Sean Casey | 1990-2015
Published Saturday, November 21, 2015
Sean Casey Wolfe, 25, of Boyd, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Boyd.
Memorial service was Nov. 20 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the
Rev. Gary Sessions officiating.
Sean was born March 19, 1990, in Bridgeport. He married Kayce McCracken May 25,
2012, in Weatherford.
Sean was preceded in death by his grandfather, Garry Munn.
He is survived by his wife, Kayce McCracken Wolfe of Boyd; son George Clinton
Wolfe III of Boyd; his parents, Clint and Evelyn Wolfe of Boyd; grandparents
George and Shirley Wolfe of Boyd and Carla Munn of Boyd; sister Sharia McDowell
of Springtown; brothers Britton Eason of Azle and Levi Wolfe of Boyd;
stepbrothers Bryon Latham of Bridgeport and Doug Latham of Bridgeport; and
numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
Womack, Debbie | 1955-2015
Published Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Debbie Womack, 59, of Bridgeport died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Sept. 1 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Glenn
Connell officiating. Burial followed at Boonsville Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Clayton Green, Kellen Kaufman, Tommy Denton, Paul Schnatz, Mike
Brooks and Garland Easter.
Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Snowden and Billy Sims.
Debbie was born Dec. 23, 1955, in Fort Worth to Alice (McDonough) Hoggins. She
married Phillip Womack May 24, 1982, in Las Vegas. Debbie was a secretary for
Bridgeport ISD. She was a member of the PT Cruiser Club.
Debbie was preceded in death by her sister, Nita Sims.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Phillip Womack of Bridgeport;
daughter Sandra Bryant and husband, Robert, of Perrin; sons Wayne Womack and
partner, Debra Seale, of Houston and Shane Womack and wife, Teresa, of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Aimee, Ethan, Colten and Pollyann; mother Virginia
Hoggins; sisters Genna Hoggins and Ginger Shiver; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Wood, Douglas Ray | 1958-2015
Published Saturday, March 28, 2015
Douglas Ray Wood, 56, of Paradise died Tuesday, March 24, in Decatur.
Funeral was March 27 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Ray Cook
officiating. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rick Caruthers, Joe Webb, Chris Caruthers, Jimmy Gentry, Wally
Gentry and Randall Holley.
Douglas was born Dec. 14, 1958, in Bridgeport to Jimmie Douglas and Edna
(Niblett) Wood. For many years, he owned and operated Wood Dozer Service in
Bridgeport.
He was a man who loved to fish, hunt, cook and work crossword puzzles. He was
also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bridgeport.
Douglas was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
He is survived by daughters Amanda Webb and husband, Joe, and Stephanie Nelson
and husband, Justin; mother Edna Wood; sister Debby Caruthers and husband, Rick;
grandchildren Riley and Chloe Webb and Bryson and Wyatt Nelson.
Wood, Virginia Ann | 1936-2015
Published Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Virginia Ann Wood, a longtime resident of Bridgeport, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2015,
in Plano. She was 78.
Funeral was Jan. 6 at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport with the
Rev. Sam Caldwell officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery under the
direction of Jones Family Funeral Home.
Virginia was born March 8, 1936, in Decatur to Charlie and Clara (Gentry)
Maxwell. She grew up in Greenwood and graduated from Slidell High School.
Virginia earned her teaching degree from North Texas State University (now the
University of North Texas) and went on to earn a masters degree. She taught at
Bridgeport Elementary for roughly 30 years.
After retiring from public education, she became an active volunteer in the
Bridgeport Garden Club, Beta Sigma Phi, Bridgeport Historical Society,
Bridgeport Civic Club and Bridgeport Main Street Board. She also worked in the
Bridgeport and Decatur hospital auxiliaries and with Leadership West Wise,
serving most of these as president at one time or another. She was a director of
the Bridgeport Historical Society and Bridgeport Museum.
She was named Woman of the Year in Bridgeport in the early 2000s.
Virginia always made time to spend with family. She was a proud mother to her
son, granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. In addition, she was an
accomplished cook and was often called on to plan and cater parties.
In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting in the UFO Quilting Club and playing
bunco and keno.
She is survived by her son, Craig A. Wood, and Christy Gibson of Bridgeport;
granddaughter Leah Wilson and husband, Joey, of Alvord; great-grandchildren Ava
and Jase; brother Rex Maxwell and wife, Barbara, of Greenwood; sisters Carolyn
Addison and husband, Charles, of Albertville, Ala., and Kathleen Stinnett and
husband, Jerry, of Bridgeport; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 42 years, Richard
M. Wood.
Donations may be made to the Bridgeport Historical Society.
Wood, Willine Gadberry | 1923-2015
Published Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Willine Gadberry Wood, 92, of Denton died Friday, April 10, 2015, in Denton.
Funeral was April 12 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Sam
Caldwell officiating. Burial followed at Boonsville Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jody Wood, Andy Wood, Wacy Beck, Jimmy Godwin, Dennis Penny and
Tim Reeves.
Willine was born Jan. 25, 1923, in Denton to H.C. and Emma (Fincher) Gadberry.
When she was a toddler, they moved to rural Montague County. She attended small
country schools until her older sister graduated high school. Her mother then
took both girls to Denton to further their education while Mr. Gadberry stayed
in Montague County to make a living.
Willine attended Demonstration School at Texas Woman’s University and
graduated as salutatorian from Denton High School at age 16. She graduated from
TWU with a major in home economics and minor in chemistry. She did graduate work
at the University of Wisconsin and taught at Nocona High School.
Willine and Loyd R. Wood were married Aug. 20, 1948, in Nocona. They moved to
land in Wise County owned by her father, which became known as the Wood Ranch.
They raised Charlois and Angus cattle for 48 years. They were leaders in the
local 4-H club and major contributors to the Boonsville/Balsora Fire Department.
They were also instrumental in organizing the Boonsville Community Center.
Willine and Loyd were both active in the First United Methodist Church in
Bridgeport until their 1996 move to Good Samaritan Village in Denton.
Loyd preceded Willine in death Dec. 4, 2005.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother Grinnell Gadberry; and
sister Idell Campbell.
She is survived by her son, Paul Wood and wife, Debra, of Boonsville;
grandchildren Jody Wood of San Marcos, Andy Wood and wife, Valerie, of
Boonsville, and Megan Wood Roberts and husband, Frank, of Waxahachie;
great-grandchildren Abby Wood, Jordan Wood, Frankie Roberts and Lucy Avis
Roberts; brother-in-law Baker Wood and wife, Evelyn, of Fort Worth; and nieces,
nephews, other family members and friends.
Woodruff, Laura Lee Gokey | 1949-2015
Published Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Laura Lee Gokey Woodruff, 65, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at home.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Western Star Cowboy Church in
Springtown. Arrangements are under the direction of Alexander’s Midway Funeral
Home in Springtown.
Laura was born Aug. 17, 1949, in St. Regis Falls, N.Y. She grew up on the family
farm and later moved to Cortland, N.Y., where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic
School.
Laura later moved to Texas and earned a degree in nursing. She retired as a
nurse in August of last year and was enjoying her retirement. She was a vibrant,
beautiful person who loved being a wife, mom, grandmother, sister, daughter and
friend to those around her. She was full of compassion for others and cared for
those she came in contact with.
She loved to ride her horse, and she loved her church and the home she and Kenny
built together.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lionel Gokey; brother Lionel Gokey Jr.;
and nephew Jason Monaco.
Laura is survived by her husband of 21 years, Kennith Woodruff; daughter
Christine Cottom; mother Elua Gokey; sisters Linda (James) Monaco, Lana Gokey,
Lynne (Dominick) Puzo, Louise (Michael) McAllister, Lorraine (Daniel) Tracy and
Lisa (John) Behler; brother Lee Gokey; grandchildren Brayden and Molly Benton;
and extended family members.
Woolf, Bobby Lewis | 1943-2015
Published Saturday, June 27, 2015
Bobby Lewis Woolf, 72, of Hamlin died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, after a six-month
battle with cancer.
Funeral was June 26 at the First Baptist Church of Hamlin with entombment at the
Elmwood Memorial Park Mausoleum. E.C. Ice III, Jeremy Willis and Kenneth Woolf
officiated the services.
Bobby was born Feb. 17, 1943, in Hamlin to Lewis and Opal Irene Woolf. He spent
the first years of his life in the Celotex Community. He then was raised and
attended school in Hamlin and later at Lee Junior College in Baytown for two
years.
Bobby married his wife of 45 years, Shirley Phelps Woolf, April 28, 1970, in
Abilene.
He spent his adult life working the oil fields of West Texas and North Texas. He
started his career working as a roustabout and later worked in management and
sales. He loved the oil industry and could remember and tell you almost anything
you wanted to know.
Bobby was well-loved and respected by the employees and fellow company men of
the customers with which he worked. He was a man that would give anyone the
shirt off his back or his last dollar if he saw someone in need. Bobby taught
many of the younger generation the oilfield profession and was a mentor to many.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Irene Woolf; grandparents
Pa Bill and Big Mama Woolf and Sid and Granny Clay; brother Jimmy Woolf;
brothers-in-law Frank Willis and Robert Polk; niece Annette Cantrell; and
numerous uncles and aunts.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and
Jeff Calhoun of Hamlin, Mindy and PD White of Abilene and Michelle and Justin
Holland of Hamlin; sons and daughter-in-law Shannon and Angie Woolf of Hamlin
and Danny Woolf of Anson; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He’s also survived by his mother-in-law, Leta Mae Kendrick of Anson; sister
Debbie Willis of Grand Prairie; brother and sister-in-law Gary and Denise Woolf
of Mineral Wells; sisters-in-law Erma Woolf of Hamlin, Geneva Polk of Abilene
and Linda Zampine and husband, James, of Anson; brother-in-law Bennie Kendrick
of Anson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House at Cook Children’s Hospital
in Fort Worth, 1004 7th Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76104, in honor of granddaughter
Hanna Holland for all the wonderful work they do for her and countless other
children and their families.
Workman, Annie Belle | 1925-2015
Published Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Annie Belle Workman, 90, of Park Springs, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, in
Decatur.
Funeral was Nov. 23 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Doyle
Wade officiating. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jacobi Sidlauskas, Tyler Lee, Jerry Thompson, Brad Thompson,
Andy Thompson and Jeff Adams.
Annie was born March 26, 1925, in Bowie to John and Eula (Urlacher) Suson. She
married Ralph Workman, who preceded her in death in 1986. Annie was baptized in
Petrolia in a stock tank at an early age.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; granddaughter Karen
Phillips; great-granddaughter Ashley Lee; sisters Mary Shurbet and Ferell Suson;
and brothers John, Bob, Ollie and Bill Suson.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruby Jewell Phillips and husband, Edward, of
Decatur and Jo Ann McConnell and husband, Wayne, of Sunset; son Ralph
“Buttons” Workman and wife, Linda, of Boyd; grandchildren Cathy Phillips,
Sheila Sidlaukas and husband, Don, Chassidy Lee and husband, Clinton, Tierney
Workman and Wesley Workman; great-grandchildren Jennifer and Jacobi Sidlauskas,
Tyler, Taylor and Shannon Lee and Nicholas, Alex and Zoey Wigington.
She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Cherissa McConnell, Shannon
Edwards and husband, Troy, and Dustin and Cory McConnell;
step-great-grandchildren T.J. Edwards and wife, Sara, and Hunter Edwards;
step-great-great-grandchild Ryder Edwards; sister Ethel Poncy of Moore, Okla.;
brother James Suson of Argyle; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Wright, Oscar Leon | 1933-2015
Published Saturday, October 10, 2015
Oscar Leon Wright, 82, of Decatur died Monday, Oct. 5, 2015.
A private memorial service was held Oct. 9.
Leon was born at home without a doctor Jan. 3, 1933, to Alton and Penny Wright
as number 10 of 13 children. Leon attended school in Terral, Okla., and then
joined the Navy for three years. In May of 1955, he moved to Dallas and lived
with his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Bessie Wright, to start working
for General Motors.
On Nov. 12, 1955, Leon married Patsy Ruth Anderson of Terral. They raised two
children, Rusty and Rhonda, in Hurst. Leon worked hard to give his family a
better life so they could enjoy fun things like camping, boating and water
skiing. Rhonda was able to have a horse and trailer pulled with her Dad’s new
1972 blue and white Chevy pickup.
After working 31 years, Leon retired from General Motors in December 1985.
In 1996, Leon and Pat moved to their home in Decatur, which had a yard that he
loved. He kept the lawn looking like a city park. He was a kind, caring,
soft-spoken man who was happy with what he had accomplished, proud of his family
and loved his wife.
Other things Leon loved were his granddaughters and great-grandchildren (who
called him PopPop) as well as trotline fishing in the Red River, western movies,
country music (especially Johnny Cash), homemade ice cream, playing card games
and keeping his cars clean, clean, clean.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.
He is survived by three younger siblings, Eldon, Charlie and Sue; his wife, Pat;
children Rusty Wright and Rhonda and Rodney Hitzfeld; grandchildren Jacqueline
and Brody Gentry and Jodi and Chase Carpenter; great-grandchildren Jesi
Carpenter and Bryndal, Brewin and Jacoda Gentry; as well as many nieces,
nephews, friends and neighbors.
To honor Leon, hug someone today.
Wright, Timmy Joe 'T.J.' | 1952-2015
Published Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Timmy Joe “T.J.” Wright, 63, of Bridgeport died Friday, July 31, 2015, in
Bridgeport.
Memorial service will be at the Cleburne Church of Christ at a later date.
Dwayne Spradlin will officiate.
T.J. was born Jan. 30, 1952, in Roswell, N.M., to Albert and Lena (Carter)
Wright. He was born and raised in Roswell and moved to Texas in 2013. He was a
truck driver.
T.J. was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ruth McCollester; and brother
Glen Wright.
He’s survived by his best friend, Cindy Wright; daughter Cindi Flores and her
husband; son Jeremy Wright; stepchildren Ricky Cunningham and wife, Ellen, and
Tina Elderhoff and husband, James; grandchildren Cody, Cheyenne and Cerena;
step-grandchildren Cody, Colt, Gunnar, Randy and Christa; brothers Jack Wright
and wife, Wilene, David “J.D.” Wright and wife, Sharon, and Lee Wright;
sister Sharon Price and husband, George; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Wright, Timmy Joe 'T.J.' | 1952-2015
Published Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Timmy Joe “T.J.” Wright, 63, of Bridgeport died Friday, July 31, 2015.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Cleburne Church of Christ
with Dwayne Spradlin officiating.
T.J. was born Jan. 30, 1952, in Roswell, N.M., to Albert and Lena (Carter)
Wright. He was raised in Roswell and moved to Texas in 2013. T.J. was a truck
driver.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ruth McCollester; and brother
Glen Wright.
He’s survived by his best friend, Cindy Wright; daughter Cindi Flores and her
husband; son Jeremy Wright; stepchildren Ricky Cunningham and wife, Ellen, and
Tina Elderhoff and husband James; grandchildren Cody, Cheyenne and Cerena; and
step-grandchildren Cody, Colt, Gunnar, Randy and Christa.
He’s also survived by brothers Jack Wright and wife, Wilene, David “J.D.”
Wright and wife, Sharon, and Lee Wright; sister Sharon Price and husband,
George; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wyatt, Bonnie Sue | 1941-2015
Published Saturday, May 16, 2015
Bonnie Sue Wyatt, 73, of Azle died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in Azle.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Jones Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Larry LeBruce officiating.
Bonnie was born Aug. 27, 1941, in Gurdon, Ark., to Wyndol A. and Dorothy M.
(Payne) Smith. She loved spending time with family and her dogs and cat.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leroy Wyatt; and brother
Wyndol Lee Smith.
She is survived by daughter Mendy Archer and husband, David, of Paradise, Missy
Knox and husband, Mike, and Monica Inman and husband, John; grandchildren Randy
Eyster, Holly Erwin, Allison Archer, Amber Culp, Ben Bullock, Courtney Inman and
Johnny Inman; and seven great-grandchildren.
Wylie, Robert Thurman 'Bob' | 1939-2015
Published Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Robert “Bob” Thurman Wylie, 75, of Decatur died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in
Decatur.
A celebration of life is 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Pleasant Grove Cowboy
Church, 4789 FM 730 South, in Decatur with Pastor Brandon Henderson officiating.
A luncheon will follow the service.
Bob was born Sept. 9, 1939, in Fort Worth to Walter T. and Eula R. Wylie. He was
the youngest of three children. Bob graduated Diamond Hill High School and later
attended Arlington State College, now UT Arlington, where he majored in civil
engineering.
After leaving college, Bob went to work as a freight salesman, a career which he
continued for more than 40 years.
Bob was always willing to help anyone he knew that needed help. Until his health
began to fail, Bob loved to hunt, ski, fly his own airplane and trail ride the
horses he raised.
He was a member of Fostepco Heights Baptist Church in Fort Worth and later in
life became a member of Pleasant Grove Cowboy Church in Decatur.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Walter T. and Eula R.; and sisters
Bonnie Rae Howe and Patsy Jo Scott.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberley J. Wylie of Decatur; and son Robert
“Bobby” D. Wylie of Missouri.
Memorial donations may be made to the Zackery Loney Memorial Scholarship, 338
School House Road, Paradise, TX 76073.
Yarborough, Edward Eugene | 1948-2015
Published Saturday, August 8, 2015
Edward Eugene Yarborough, 66, of Rhome, a wood crafter, went to be with our Lord
Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in Decatur.
Memorial is 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in
Decatur.
Pastor Heath Flowers will officiate.
Edward was born Dec. 5, 1948, to Stanley and Ouida (Rogers) Yarborough in Fort
Worth. He was united in marriage to Linda Pike Nov. 16, 1972, in Richland Hills.
Edward retired after more than twenty years of service for R.E. Sweeney. He was
a member of Cornerstone Apostolic Church of Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Linda
Yarborough of Rhome; his daughters, Shawn Campbell of Portland, Oreg., Pollie
Bowden of Rhome, and Peggy Craft of Hurst; his brother, Roger Yarborough of Palm
Coast, Fla,; 5 grandchildren, Sarah, Bryce, Scott, Shelby, and Emma; 4
great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Young, Allen Ray | 1928-2015
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Allen Ray Young, 86, of Decatur died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Sycamore Baptist Church with the Rev.
Casey Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Sycamore Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are James Maples, Trey Young, Kent Cain, Chris Cain, Trent Young and
Gary Caraway.
Allen Ray was born Aug. 28, 1928, in Sycamore to James and Minnie (Trussell)
Young. He married Nelda Ramey March 4, 1954, in Decatur.
Allen Ray grew up in the Sycamore community on the family farm. He graduated
from Slidell High School in 1944, Decatur Baptist College in 1946 and North
Texas State University in 1949. He later earned his master’s degree from NTSU.
Allen Ray began teaching at Decatur Junior High in 1949, but this career was
interrupted by his military service. Young was a corporal in the U.S. Army in
1951-52, serving in Germany during the Korean War. In 1954 he returned to
teaching and coaching at Decatur Junior High. He retired as principal of Decatur
Elementary after 38 years with the district.
Retirement meant he could devote his time to his livestock on the Sycamore farm.
He also served on the Slidell School Board. Allen Ray was an active member of
the Sycamore Baptist Church. During his years there, he served as a deacon and
taught a men’s Bible class.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lawrence, T.H. and John Bob
Young; and sister Aquilla Maples.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nelda Young of Decatur; nephews Fred R.
Maples and wife, Trumanell, of Decatur, Tommy Young and wife, Christy, of
Garland, and John Young and wife, Jennifer, of Fort Worth; nieces Barbara
Simpson and husband, Ken, of Arlington, Nora Faye Cain and husband, Johnny, of
Decatur, Barbeth Van Baush and husband, Dave, of Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte
Smith of Atlanta; and many friends.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Decatur Education Foundation.
Young, Joanne Marie (Logan) | 1931-2015
Published Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Joanne Marie (Logan) Young, 84, died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015.
Joanne was born July 20, 1931, in Rhome to Harry H. and Marie Fergason Logan.
She grew up in Wise County, near the small town of Rhome. As children in a
family of farmers and ranchers, Joanne and her two younger brothers helped with
the chickens and livestock, farming and harvest.
Joanne enjoyed being in the kitchen with her mother, helping to prepare meals
for the men who worked from sun-up to sundown. They rode the school bus each day
to the Rhome school and regularly congregated at the home of their “Grannie”
Logan after Sunday church services, along with uncles and cousins.
Joanne attended Texas Woman’s University and graduated in 1952 with a degree
in home economics education. Upon graduation, she took a teaching job in a small
cotton-farming community in West Texas. These were fun and memorable times with
her students and co-workers, and it was in nearby Rotan that she met her
husband, John Paul Young, at the Church of Christ in Rotan.
When John Paul graduated from Texas A&M, he and Joanne married Dec. 28,
1954, at her parents’ home in Rhome.
Joanne and John Paul lived in Midland from 1968 to 2011. They were faithful
members of the Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland for more than 40
years. Joanne loved people, and she was active as a Bible class teacher,
sorority sister and advocate for Christian education at every opportunity. She
also taught kindergarten and elementary children at Midland Christian School for
15 years.
Summer vacations with her grandkids were highlights, as well as trips to College
Station for Aggie football games with John Paul.
As the granddaughter of a member of the founding board of Abilene Christian
University, Joanne was raised to value an education. She and John Paul
established the Logan-Young Endowed Scholarship at ACU in 2011, with the goal of
assisting young people in pursuing a Christian education.
Everyone who knew Joanne loved her. Every child who came within her vicinity was
spoken to and blessed. She created a home where all were welcome, and the smells
of bacon and coffee filled the air. She and John Paul were devoted to family, to
the Lord and His church.
John Paul died Sept. 20, 2015, and Joanne followed him quickly.
She is survived by brothers, Bud Logan and wife, Mickey, and Harry Logan Jr.,
all of Rhome; daughter Debbie Atchley and husband, Mark, of Grapevine;
granddaughters Jennifer Atchley and Jana Lambro and husband, Matt, all of
Dallas; grandson John Mark Atchley and wife, Marie, of San Antonio; and
cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring both Joanne and John Paul was Sept. 27 at The Hills
Church of Christ-Southlake campus.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Belvieu Cemetery in Rotan.
Memorials may be made to the Logan-Young Endowed Scholarship, Abilene Christian
University, ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX, 79699, or to Midland Christian School in
Midland.
Younger, Nathan Douglas | 1940-2015
Published Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Nathan Douglas Younger, 75, of Stuart, Okla., formerly of Bridgeport, died
Thursday, March 26, 2015, in Norman, Okla.
Funeral was March 31 at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport with the
Rev. Sam Caldwell officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Cemetery in Sunset.
Pallbearers were Donald Meekins, Bryan Younger, Shawn Younger, Marc Moore, Matt
Holliday and Chris Meekins. Honorary pallbearer was Don Younger.
Doug was born March 23, 1940, in Decatur to Pierce Camp and Christine D.
(Ledford) Younger. After high school graduation, he received degrees from
Tarleton State University in Stephenville and East Texas State University in
Commerce.
Younger taught in the Bridgeport, Bryson and Chico school districts for many
years and received numerous agriculture and rodeo-related awards. He had a great
love for horses.
Younger was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother John Younger.
Doug is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dianne K. (Cetto) Younger; sons Donald
Meekins and Bryan Younger; daughters Mitzi Meekins-Holliday and Leann Younger;
brother Don Younger; and grandchildren Christopher Meekins and Haley Meekins.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and the
MS Association: MSFocus.com for Doug Younger, 5209 N 387 Rd., Stuart, OK 74570.
Zavala, Iridian Jasmin Lucero | 1995-2015
Published Saturday, September 19, 2015
Iridian Jasmin Lucero Zavala, 20, of Boyd died Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in
Decatur.
Visitation was Sept. 18 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Jasmin was born May 24, 1995, in Los Angeles to Prospero and Alicia (Zavala)
Lucero. She was a homemaker.
Jasmin is survived by her fiance, Marco Martinez of Boyd; son Kevin Lucero;
sisters Aime Lucero of Decatur and Carmen Montoya Zavala of Decatur; brother
Brian Vera of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.