Wise County Messenger Obituaries
2001
Last Names 
A-G

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.)

Absher, Opal Lee Kaker
1909-2001
Service for Opal Lee Kaker Absher, 91, of Bridgeport was Monday, June 11 at First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Absher died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Richland Hills.
Born Oct. 27, 1909, in Chico, she was a retired third-grade teacher who worked at Bridgeport ISD for 27 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, advisor in the Rainbow Girls Organization, a member of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse, PTO, WSCS and was a former member of the Bridgeport Study Club. She was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her former husband of 37 years, Garland Kaker and four brothers and sisters, Ruth, Joe, Clifton and Grace.
She is survived by a son, Sneed Kaker of Richland Hills; a daughter, Amyana Kaker Brenkus of Richardson; five grandchildren, Sneed Kaker II, Michael Kaker, Tonja Kaker Bailey, Christina Leigh Brenkus and Anthony Sloane Brenkus; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Building Fund at FUMC in Bridgeport.
Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001

Adams, John Henry
1925-2001
Service for John Henry Adams, 75, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated. Burial followed at the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Joey Smith, Billy Fred Walker, Tommy Hudson, Calvin Coursey, Jamey Smith and David Garrison. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W.E. Huddleston, Ed Cowling, Loyd Wood and Dr. L.V. Selz.
Adams died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Jan. 2, 1925, in Bridgeport, he was retired from the U.S. Postal Service with over 30 years of service. He married Nelda Manning on April 3, 1943, in Bridgeport. He served during World War II in Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe earning several awards including the American Theater ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon, Soldier’s medal, the Victory ribbon, a Purple Heart, three bronze Campaign Stars and Driver’s award.
He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport, the Progressive Sunday school class of the First United Methodist Church, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the D.A.V. and the Wise County Historical Society.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Adams and two sisters, Evilla Kaker and Maudina Green.
He is survived by his wife, Nelda Adams; two sisters, Laverne Brown and Martha Starnes, both of Hempstead; three daughters, Karen Sharp and husband Roger of Bryson, Beverley Potts and husband Larry of Little Rock, Ark. and Nancy McCully and husband Gary of Lorena; eight grandchildren, Lori and husband Matt, Kevin, Steven and wife Barbara, Mark and wife Martha, Adam, Seth, Erin and Shawn; four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Deborah, John, Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews.

Adams, Johnny Lee
1946-2001
Service for Johnny Lee Adams will be Friday at 1 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
Adams died March 13, 2001, in Dallas. He was born Jan. 9, 1946, in Gainesville.
He served in the Vietnam war. He is survived by a son, Robert and wife Karen Faulkner of Denton, three brothers, Pete Adams of Marietta, Okla., Jimmy Adams of Whitesboro and Carroll Adams of Denison and two grandchildren, Cheyenne Mitchum and Dakota Faulkner.

Adams, Myrtle
1925-2001
Service for Myrtle Adams, 75, of Bridgeport, will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 18, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Kenneth Wood will officiate. Burial will follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Adams died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, in Decatur.
Born July 1, 1925, in Grapevine, she was a retired sales clerk for J.C. Penney and Company. She married Fred C. Adams on June 19, 1949, in Grapevine and was a member of Crafton Baptist Church.
Survivors are her husband of 52 years, Fred C. Adams; two sons, Sam Adams and wife, C.F. Smith and wife, Christina; a daughter, Regenia Alexander; two grandchildren, Kim Alexander and Aaron Smith; and a brother, J.C. Harris of Indiana.
Pallbearers will be Sam Adams, Bill Adams, Butch Smith, Bob Adams, Aaron Smith and Donnie Edwards.
Wise County Messenger, June 17, 2001

Alexander, Jack Raymond
1912-2001
Memorial service for Jack Raymond Alexander, 88, of Big Spring, father of Don Alexander of Decatur, was Monday, Sept. 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Spring.
Alexander died Sept. 15, 2001, in Big Spring.
Born on Nov. 15, 1912, in Iradell to Dr. and Mrs. R.L. Alexander, he graduated from Texas Tech University in 1937 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was formerly employed by Cosden Petroleum Corporation, later to become American Petrofina, as a chemical engineer. For more than 25 years he directed asphalt sales for the company. He was an active member of Kiwanis International for more than 50 years, serving in various positions of leadership such as president and lieutenant governor. He was a member of the Masons and Shrine and served on the Shrine Directors Staff. He was a longtime member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and a supporter and leader of the Boy Scouts of America serving as a Cubmaster for 10 years of the largest Cub Scout Pack in Big Spring history. He was instrumental in organizing pinewood derby races and city-wide day camps in the city park for Cub Packs throughout the Big Spring area. Later he served on the Lone Star District Staff and the Buffalo Trails Council committee. As a result of his leadership and support, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1971. He had four sons and five grandsons who earned the Eagle Scout Award. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring where he served on the Financial Committee.
In addition to Don Alexander, he is survived by his wife, Fern Alexander; daughters, Beverly Logsdon of Memphis and Sherri Key of Big Spring; sons, Ray Alexander of Big Spring and Mark and Mike Alexander of Arlington; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross in memory of those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001, or to the First United Methodist Church.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 20, 2001

Allen, Dovie Ocenia
1915-2001
Service for Dovie Ocenia Allen, 86, of Balsora was Friday, March 9, at Balsora Baptist Church. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated. Burial followed at Willow Point Cemetery.
Allen died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, in an Azle nursing home.
Born Feb. 22, 1915, in Jack County, she was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of the Bridgeport area. She married Leonard Allen on Feb. 7, 1942, in Weatherford. She was a member of the Balsora Baptist Church where she played the organ and piano since 1940.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ova Thompson; two brothers, Rayford and Durward Thompson and a sister, Vergie Kee.
She is survived by her husband, Leonard; a son, Melton Allen and wife Mary Jo; a daughter, Ann Moore and husband Foy; a brother, Leon Thompson; a sister, Illene Thompson; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Chris Van Rite, Wesley Van Rite, Forrest Wilhite, Tony Guinn, Billy Holt and David Foreman.
Balsora Baptist deacons served as honorary pallbearers.

Allen, Henry Leonard
1910-2001
Service for Henry Leonard Allen, 90, of Decatur, was to be Saturday, Aug.10, at 2 p.m. at Balsora Baptist Church. The Rev. Michael Hardaway was to officiate assisted by B.D. Workman. Burial was to follow in Willow Point Cemetery near Balsora.
Pallbearers were to be Chris Van Rite, Wesley Van Rite, Forrest Wilhite, Tony Guinn, David Foreman and James Love. Honorary pallbearers were to be Billy Holt and the Balsora Baptist Church deacons.
Allen died Aug. 10, 2001, at a Fort Worth hospital.
Born Nov. 13, 1910, he was a lifetime resident of Wise County. He married Dovie Thompson on Feb. 7, 1942, in Weatherford. They were married 59 years until her death on March 6, 2001. He retired after 40 years as a barber and was a dairy farmer for 20 years. He helped organize the North Texas Milk Producers Assn. He was a member of the Balsora Baptist Church where he served as deacon for 57 years and was a member of the Jack County Sheriff’s Posse.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers and is survived by a daughter, Ann Moore and husband, Foy; a son, Melton Allen and wife, Mary Jo; a brother, A.C. Allen; two sisters, Trecie Laird and Jewel Gary; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 12, 2001

Alsup, Bonnie Lee
1921-2001
Service for Bonnie Lee Alsup, 79, of Bowie, was Saturday, May 19, at Burgess-Fry-Owens-Brumley Funeral Home Chapel in Bowie. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery. The Rev. Dwayne Lamberson of the New Hope Baptist Church officiated.
Pallbearers were Gregg Shaw, Jordan Shaw, Charles Bentley, Shorty Dorman, Billy McElhaney and Joe Falsone.
Alsup died Thursday, May 17, 2001, in Bowie.
Born Dec. 3, 1921 in Chico, she was a licensed vocational nurse. She grew up in Bridgeport, where she attended public schools. After attending nursing school in Pampa, she worked as an LVN until her retirement in 1989.
She and Wilton Alsup married Nov. 14, 1959, in Anson.
Alsup was a member of First Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
She is survived by her husband, Wilton Alsup of Bowie; two daughters, Carole Sue Dethloff Cantrell of Bridgeport and Sherry Dethloff Petty of Bowie; two sons-in-law, Bob Cantrell of Bridgeport and Mickey Petty of Bowie; two grandchildren, Traci Cantrell of Bridgeport and Candy Shaw of Bowie; four great-grandchildren, Lane Sandlin of Bridgeport, Jordan Shaw of Bowie, Eli Shaw of Bowie and Hannah Shaw of Bowie; a stepson, Wilton Max Alsup and his wife, Teri, of Eustace; a stepdaughter, Glenda Bryant of Pickens; two stepgranddaughters, Eyvonie Alsup of Garland and Stephanie Alsup of Dallas; and four stepgrandsons, Michael Bryant and Ronnie Bryant of Justin, Stephen Bryant of Mesquite and Clark Bryant of Pickens.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Rural Texas, 705 Greenwood St., Bowie, Texas 76230.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Amonett, Bruce
1927-2001
Service for Bruce Amonett, 73, of Brownwood was Feb. 27 at the First Baptist Church in Bangs. Dr. Lee Evans officiated. Burial followed at the Bangs Cemetery.
Amonett died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2001, in Brownwood.
Amonett’s brother, Walter Amonett, is a resident of Decatur.
Born Nov. 17, 1927, in Electra, he was a retired captain with the Brownwood Fire Department, serving 33 years.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Amonett; a daughter, Cindra and husband Wayne Lipford of Odessa; a son, Kevan and wife Kathy Amonett of San Angelo; a brother, Walter and wife Geraldine Amonett of Decatur; four grandsons; five step-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anaya, Harminda Sanchez
1925-2000
Memorial service for Harminda Sanchez Anaya, 75, of Chico will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Johns Catholic Church in Bridgeport. Father Gonzo will officiate.
Anaya died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 19, 1925, in New Braunfels, she married Ernesto Anaya on Feb. 23, 1974, in Reno, Nev. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to cook for her family and travel all over the United States to visit her children and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by a son, Arnulfo Losoya; a daughter, Guadalupe Losoya Valencia and a brother, Ramon Rivera.
She is survived by her husband, Ernesto; three sons, Vidal Rivera, Robert Losoya and Jose Armando Losoya; two daughters, Olga Losoya Martinez and Angela Rivera and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Armstrong, Gwendolynn Seaton
1924-2001
Memorial service for Gwendolynn Seaton Armstrong, 76, of Newark will be Thursday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur. The Rev. Gonzo Morales will officiate. Burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery in Wichita, Kan.
Armstrong died Sunday, May 6, 2001, in Newark.
Born July 9, 1924, in Dodge City, Kan., she was a retired word processor for the Veterans Administration in Denver, Colo. She was previous owner of the Friona Hotel/Sands Motel in Bovina, a pilot and a member of the 99ers Club. She was a Catholic.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Phillip Jesko and a brother, Louis B. Seaton, Jr.
She is survived by a son, William T. Chitwood and wife Anna; a daughter, Dixi Jesko; a brother, Bill Seaton; three grandsons, Jeff Jesko, Jason Jesko and Alex Chitwood and two great-granddaughters, Crystal and Desirae Jesko.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phillip Jesko Memorial Scholarship fund at the Friona State Bank in Friona.
Wise County Messenger, May 10, 2001

Arnold, Edith L. Stephenson
1911-2001
Service for Edith L. Stephenson Arnold, 90, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Roger Rhoades was to officiate. Burial was to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Russell Cox Sr., Russell Cox Jr., Carey Cox, Isaac White and Tres House.
Arnold died Aug. 15, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born April 23, 1911, in Fairview, W. Va., she was a resident of Decatur for 43 years. She was an active member of the church of Christ, the Wise Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Decatur Quilting Club and other organizations.
She married E.G. Stephenson Aug. 1, 1930, in Cushing, Okla. She married Leslie Arnold in 1980. Both preceded her in death.
She is survived by one son, P.E. Stephenson of Houston; two daughters, Lenore D. “Peggy” Cox and Willetta Sue House, both of Ruidoso, N.M.; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 19, 2001

Arrington, Minnie
1919-2001
Service for Minnie Arrington, 81, of Rhome was to be Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. at Rhome Assembly of God Church. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Arrington died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 21, 1919, in Wise County, she was a homemaker. She married the late Ross Thomas Arrington on Aug. 7, 1937, in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Ronnie Arrington and Teri Arrington.
She is survived by three sons, Jimmy Arrington and wife Mari of Bromide, Okla., Thomas Arrington of Newark and Alton Young and wife Gale of Boyd; a daughter, Billie Romine and husband Oscar of Rhome; a sister, Ruby Lewis and husband Ray of Paradise; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Steve Barrons, Rip Butler, Kenny Byers, Robert Miles, Harold Norris and Richard Young.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rhome Assembly of God Church building fund.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 30, 2001

Ashmore, James S.
1950-2001
Graveside srvice for James S. Ashmore, 50, of Azle was to be Wednesday, April 11 at 2 p.m. at Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Kenneth Johnson was to officiate.
Ashmore died Sunday, April 8 in Azle.
Born July 4, 1950 in Fort Worth, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He received the Vietnam service medal, the Army Commendation medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was a member of VFW Post 2137, Moose Lodge 2113 and a member of District 21 Honor Guard. As a cook, he achieved the status of Executive Chef.
He is survived by his mother, Judy B. Ashmore; a brother, John T. Ashmore; a sister, Candy Gant; a niece, Jennifer Collins and husand Ed and their sons Brandon and Cody; another niece, Lynn Santillian and husband Lonnie and their daughter Megan and many friends.

Austin, Tommie Jo
1923-2001
Service for Tommie Jo Austin, 78, of Boyd, was Monday, May 28, at the Boyd Church of Christ. Steve Weeks officiated.
Austin died Saturday, May 26, 2001, in Justin.
Born Jan. 27, 1923, in Fort Worth, she worked as a bank employee when she was a young woman. She and her husband, R.E. “Tim” Austin, lived in Boyd for 50 years where they ran a dairy farm until their retirement in 1979. Her favorite task was raising calves. She was also an accomplished cook and candy maker, exhibiting her love for family and friends with gifts from her kitchen. Austin was a member of the Boyd Church of Christ.
Her husband preceded her in death Aug. 13, 1998.
Survivors are a son, Stephen Austin of Boyd; two daughters, Mary Atkins and husband, Gaylon, of Dublin and Linda Ware and husband, Jimmy, of Boyd; five grandchildren, Brooks Ware of Houston, Chet Atkins of Gainesville, Ealina Austin of Texas , Burt Atkins of Dublin and Errett Austin of Oklahoma; four great-grandchildren, Reba, Audrey, Kellar and Emily; and an aunt, Mildred Vaughn of Garland.
Wise County Messenger, May 31, 2001

Auvenshine, Harold Ambrose
1924-2001
Service for Harold Ambrose Auvenshine, 77, of Decatur was Friday, June 1, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Gentry Castleman officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Auvenshine died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 28, 1924, in Comanche, he was a retired TxDOT engineering technician. He married Alsa Jean Cox June 16, 1947, in Decatur. He served in the Army Air Corp in World War II. He attended Tarleton State University for two years, was a member of the Knights of Pythias, a little league coach, a Boy Scout master and a Methodist.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Burt Auvenshine.
He is survived by his wife, Alsa Jean Cox Auvenshine; a daughter, Nancy A. and husband Loran Nixon of Sells, Ariz.; a sister, Dorothy and husband Cecil Bell of Hereford; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and cousins.
Pallbearers were Ruben Pinkerton, Jack Leake, Willie Perkins, Rodney Miller, Dennis Hudson, Pete Reeves and Geary Washburn. Honorary pallbearers were Royce Raven, Billy Garrison, Bob Nobles, Claude Elsom, Elwyn Scott and Nolan Griffith.
Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001

Baker, Harvey Joe
1923-2001
Service for Harvey Joe Baker, 77, of Alvord was Monday, Jan. 29 at First Baptist Church in Alvord. The Rev. Bill Cleveland officiated. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Marion Yale, Melton Neighbors, Clyde Crews, Hal Buie, Tom Dey, Jr., Marcus Baker and Marshal Endress. Honorary pallbearers were Jesse Luna and James Wheelis.
Baker died Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 2, 1923, in Ringgold, he was a retired butcher.
He is survived by his wife, Countess O’Neal Baker; a son, Terry Baker of Decatur; a sister, Ama Leigh Bridie of Irving and one grandchild.

Baker, Joanne Bahen
1930-2001
Service for Joanne Bahen Baker, 71, formerly of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Fourth Street Methodist Church in Aurora, Ill. The Rev. Norville Brown was to officiate.
Baker died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, in Montgomery, Ill.
Born April 27, 1930, in Dixon, Ill., she taught English at the Decatur High School from 1972 to 1987. She belonged___–[1]–__.0chapter of t__S‡aughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of the Women’s Club in Decatur, served a term as president and was named Woman of the Year.
She was preceded in death by her infant grandson, Evan Janssen and her brother-in-law, William Murray.
She is survived by her children, John Baker and wife Misty of Austin, Janet Janssen of Kihei, Hawaii; her three grandchildren, Jake Janssen, Austin and Alec Baker; her sister, Barbara Murray of Montgomery, Ill.; her stepsister, Lynn Krantz and husband Art; her stepbrother, Rick Ritenour, all of Aurora, Ill.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 13, 2001

Barclay, Elmer John
1919-2001
Service for Elmer John Barclay, 81, of Alvord will be Thursday, April 19 at Alvord Church of Christ. Bill Taplin will officiate. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Barclay died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in Alvord.
Born Nov. 19, 1919, in Forestburg, he was a truck driver and dairyman. He married Bobbye Mosley Jan. 8, 1940, in Alvord. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the Alvord Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Troy and Otis Barclay.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbye; a son, Larry Barclay of Forestburg; two daughters, Barbara Klein and Ella Lou Barclay, both of Alvord; three brothers, Albert and Theo Barclay, both of Alvord and Arthur Barclay of Saint Jo; a sister, Buena Mae Westbrook of Dallas; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Harold, Alan, Paul, James, Billy and Michael Barclay. Honorary pallbearers will be Teddy Barclay and Victor Mosley.

Barfield, Daniel Shane
2001
Graveside service for Daniel Shane Barfield, of Rhome was Saturday, April 21 at Ridgeview Memorial Park in McKinney.
He died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at Medical Center of Plano.
Born April 17, 2001, in Lewisville, he was the infant son of Robert and Mary Barfield of Rhome.
He is survived by his parents; his grandparents, Mark and Debbie Punzo of Lubbock and Harold and Alice Pipkin of Monahans and his great-grandfather, Howard Hughes of Lubbock.

Barnum, Edna Earle
1912-2000
Graveside service for Edna Earle Barnum, 88, of Decatur was Friday, March 30, at Sycamore Cemetery.
Barnum died Wednesday, March 28, 2001, at her home.
She was born March 31, 1912, in Ennis.
She married Hoyt Barnum in Weatherford on Dec. 24, 1956.
She is survived by her husband, Hoyt; a sister, Elizabeth Burns of Jacksonville; three grandchildren, Gary Johnson of Punta Gorda, Fla. and Lane Johnson and Alan Scot Johnson of Gainesville; and two great-grandchildren.

Batchelor, Pamela Ann
1946-2001
Service for Pamela Ann Batchelor, 54, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, May 23, at 2 p.m. at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate.
Batchelor died Tuesday, May 15, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born July 26, 1946, in Pueblo, Colo., she was a secretary and lived in Boyd since 1962.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Estel Mayfield and Janet Monson Mayfield; her daughter, Jamie Batchelor and niece, Ashley Mayfield.
She is survived by two daughters, Janet Martindale and Terrie Roberts and husband, Johnny; one granddaughter, Amanda Martindale; three brothers, Mike, Kenneth and Doug Mayfield; two nieces and three nephews.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Bays, Beverly Lee
1992-2001
Service for Beverly Lee Bays, 8, of Fort Worth was to be Saturday, July 7, at Hallmark Baptist Church in Fort Worth. The Rev. Mike Haley was to officiate. Burial followed in Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth.
Bays died Thursday, July 5, 2001, in a Fort Worth hospital. She was the granddaughter of Barbra Orozco of Decatur.
Born Nov. 24, 1992, she was a second grader at J.T. Stevens Elementary School in Fort Worth and a member of Hallmark Baptist Church.
She is survived by her parents, Larry and Cynthia Bays of Fort Worth; four brothers, Charles Goss, Lonnie Bays, Daniel Bays and Joseph Bays, all of Fort Worth; seven sisters, Stephanie Rutherford of Killeen, Elizabeth Knight of Fort Worth, Amy Henson of Burleson, Jennifer Goss of Arlington, Melissa Rhoads of Granbury, Linda Almaraz of Dallas and Felicia Goss of Grand Prairie; and her grandmother, Barbra Orozco of Decatur.
Pallbearers were Chris Henson, Lou Almaraz, Aaron Grace and Ron Rhoads.
Wise County Messenger, July 8, 2001

Bays, Flossie May
1912-2001
Service for Flossie May Bays, 89, of Fort Worth was to be Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Jason Ewing was to officiate.
Bays died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 8, 1912, in Wise County, Bays was a retired cook at the Cleburne Road Dairy Queen in Fort Worth and a member of the Fort Worth Baptist Temple.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest D. Bays, one sister and two brothers.
She is survived by a son, L.D. Bays and wife Ola Mae of Fort Worth; three daughters, Jean E. Norris and husband Tommy of Fort Worth, Winifred Jones and husband Kenneth and Judy Jured and husband Joe, all of Angleton; one brother, Noble Burrows of Natural Dam, Ark.; 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 28, 2001

Beavers, Ronald Burt
1956-2001
Service for Ronald Burt Beavers, 44, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, July 14 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Beavers died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 14, 1956, in Wilson, Okla., he was a used car sales manager for Karl Klement Dodge in Decatur. He married Judith “Judi” Lynn Barker at Lake Murray, Okla. on Dec. 24, 1974. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife, Judi Beavers of Bridgeport; parents, Charles Beavers of Wilson and Roxanna and Robert Cox of Marshall; a daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Marty Fitzgerald of Decatur; three brothers, Gerald and wife Jean Ann Beavers of Ardmore, Okla., Richard and wife Rhonda Beavers of Grand Prairie and Jeff Cox of Gilmer; two sisters, Tina and husband Eric McMichael of Bridgeport and Patty Burns of Wylie; a sister-in-law, Sue and husband Gary Hawkins of Ardmore; two grandchildren, Jake and Jaci Fitzgerald, both of Decatur and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Robert Chaney, Peck Wilson, Asa Johnson Sr., Keith May, Rick Gregory and Asa Johnson Jr.
Wise County Messenger, July 15, 2001

Beck, Mary Edna
1912-2001
Service for Mary Edna Beck, 88, of Chico was to be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Jacksboro.
Beck died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born June 26, 1912, in Bomerton, Beck was a homemaker. She lived in Chico since 1968.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; daughter, Billie Manning; son, Bobby Beck; and son-in-law, Bobby Jackson.
Survivors are a son, Charles D. Beck and his wife, Patsy; three daughters, Patsy Johnson and her husband, Perry, Margaret Jackson and Gail McCain and her husband, Butch; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Bill Victors.
Pallbearers were to be Richard Thomas, Russell Johnson, Les McCain, Doyle Beck, Bill Jackson and Bobby Manning. Honorary pallbearers were to be Patrick Johnson, Ricky McCain, Charles Beck and Ronnie Thomas.
Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001

Behan, Marion Louise
1923-2001
Graveside service for Marion Louise Behan, 78, of Gainesville was Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas. She was the mother of Jennie Polhemus of Decatur. Pallbearers were Don Underhill, John French, Phil Polhemus, Phil Thomas, Floyd Clark and Brian Bean.
Behan died Dec. 23, 2001, in Gainesville.
Born Nov. 18, 1923, she was a homemaker and a veteran of the Marine Corps.
She is survived by two daughters, Jennie Polhemus of Decatur and Harriett Thomas of Lewisville; one sister, Harriett Wellman of Parma, Mich; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 27, 2001

Bell, Doris Juanita
1924-2001
Graveside service for Doris Juanita Bell, 76, of Rhome was Tuesday, July 17, in the Azleland Cemetery. The Rev. Gerald McGaha officiated.
Pallbearers were Bobby Joe Sanders, Ronnie N. Parker, Gilbert N. Sanders, Jim Roy Bell, Dennis W. Sanders, Thomas Roy Lee Bell and Robert Saville, Jr.
Bell died July 15, 2001, in Rhome.
Born Sept. 6, 1924, in Marshall, Bell was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy in 1998; her grandson Richard Sanders; her sister, Dorothy Works and her brother Ted Irvine, Jr.
She is survived by two sons, James Roy Bell and his wife Donna and Melvin Bell and his wife Joy, all of Fort Worth; two daughters, Anna Swallow and her husband Roy of Newark and Charlotte Burba of Rhome; one brother, Bill Irvine and his wife Pat of Hurst; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, July 19, 2001

Bennett, Eloise
1913-2001
Graveside service for Eloise Bennett was Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Minister Ron Salfen conducted the service.
Bennett died Sunday, Sept. 16, in Dallas.
Bennett was born Dec. 15, 1913, in Decatur to Bill and Octa Leonard Stone. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1931 and attended Hardin Simmons University and North Texas Teacher’s College (now the University of North Texas) on a music scholarship. Her love of music led her to teach students voice and piano in Decatur, Rhome and Fort Worth. She was chosen in 1937 as the Wise County entry to the Frontier Fiesta beauty contest that was part of the Texas Centennial. She was first runner-up and later became a dancer in Billy Rose’s Casa Mañana productions.
She married Robert Leslie Bennett, a Texas A&M graduate, in 1939. They moved to their ranch outside of Rhome in 1945 and adopted their only child, Scott, in 1948. They moved to Fort Worth in 1958. She was active in the Decatur chapter of the Eastern Star and became most worthy grand matron of Texas. She was also a leader in the Texas Federation of Republican Women in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Bennett had been living in the Alzheimer’s unit of Grace Presbyterian Village in Dallas for several years.
She is survived by her son, Michael Scott Bennett of Dallas, and a granddaughter, Caroline Elizabeth Bennett.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 20, 2001

Bennett, Jackie ‘Bluegrass’ Don
1939-2001
Graveside service for Jackie “Bluegrass” Don Bennett, 61, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, July 31 at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Doyle Slimp officiated.
Bennett died July 29, 2001, at a Bridgeport nursing home.
Born August 29, 1939, in Duncan, Okla., Bennett was a truck driver for Bob Gentry Sand and Gravel. He was a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife, Noley Fay Bennett; three sons, Eric Bennett of Boyd, Cavin Riggs of Rhome and David Riggs of Paradise; three daughters, Rhonda Gober of Paradise, Annette Meadows of Boyd and Christy North of Decatur; a brother, Bill Bennett of Childress; two sisters, Janice Roland of Lake Brownwood and Jo Norvell of Decatur; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 2, 2001

Bentley, Bobby Wayne, Sr.
1933-2001
Graveside service for Bobby Wayne Bentley Sr., 67, of Saginaw will be Monday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Funeral Home.
Bentley died Oct. 31, 2001, at a Fort Worth hospital.
Born on Nov. 9, 1933, in Fort Worth he was an owner, operator and truck driver.
He is survived by a son, Bobby Wayne Bentley Jr. of Bridgeport; three daughters, Donna Sue Bentley Yates of Saginaw, Angela Michelle Bentley and Amanda Lynn Bentley both of Fort Worth; 12 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; mother, Hattie Lorene Bentley of Fort Worth; and brother, J.L. Bentley of Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, Nov.4, 2001

Bishop, Martha N.
1941-2001
Service for Martha N. Bishop, 60, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Charles Taylor was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Bishop died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 18, 1941, in Quinlan, she retired after working in assembly for Victor Equipment Company in Denton for 25 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis D. Bishop; three brothers, John Wayne Moore, Bobby Lynn Moore and Jerry Glenn Moore and a sister, Miriam Kay.
She is survived by five sons, Lee Owen, R.D. Bishop and Scotty Bishop, all of Decatur, Ricky D. Bishop of Mabank and Jeff Owen of Washington; two daughters, Connie Ostrom of Decatur and Lisa Sigurdson of Washington; five brothers, Gene Moore and Jim Moore, both of Missouri, Jessie Moore of Kansas and Bill and Sammy Moore of Oklahoma; two sisters, Elsie Ketchum and Lola Christopher, both of Missouri; 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Pallbearers were to be Richard Bishop, Raymond Bishop, Charles Harris, Sammy Brazeau, and Sam Brazeau.
Honorary pallbearers were to be Jimmy Ray Bishop and Jim Coffey.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 13, 2001

Blassingame, Travis Martin
1935-2001
Memorial service for Travis Martin Blassingame, 66, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, June 20, at First United Methodist Church in Boyd. The Rev. Bill May was to officiate.
Blassingame died Saturday, June 16, 2001, in Boyd.
Born June 13, 1935, in Fort Worth, he was retired from Dave Bloxsom Speed-Fab-Crete Company. He enjoyed rodeo riding, carpentry and wood burning.
He was a sponsor for Diamond Hill Rodeo Club, past president and coach for North Texas Pee Wee Football, coach for Diamond Hill Little League Baseball and coach and umpire for girls’ softball leagues. He was also a member of the Old Timers Rodeo Cowboy Association.
He was a Seabee in the Navy during the Korean War.
Survivors are his wife, Lanna Blassingame of Boyd; three sons, Benny Blassingame of Azle, David Blassingame of Joshua and Russell Sullivan Green of Boyd; a daughter, LaCrissa Cedillo of Aledo; and 10 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001

Bogan, Elsie Mae
1917-2001
Service for Elsie Mae Bogan, 83, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, April 7 at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel in DeQueen, Ark. Burial was to follow at Red Man Cemetery in DeQueen.
Bogan died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Aug. 30, 1917, she was a member of the Holiness Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Bogan and three brothers, Amos, Calvin and Donald Brake.
She is survived by four sons, Wayne Bogan and wife Shirley, Gerald Bogan and wife Cecilia, David Bogan and wife Cindy and Ricky Bogan and wife Juana; two daughters, Verna Cypert and husband Robert and Mary Underhill and husband Bobby; four brothers, Floyd, Harlon, Darrell and W.C. “Dub” Brake; two sisters, Vila Sloan and Mildred Wilkinson; 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Boney, Gene Carl
1928-2001
Service for Gene Carl Boney, 73, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Gene Fluker was to officiate assisted by Eric Spano. Burial was to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger. Pallbearers were to be Bill Lusk, Ron Coan, A.C. and Curtis Griffin, W.B. Woodruff and W.M. Lewis.
Boney died on Nov. 28, 2001, at his home.
Born Sept. 17, 1928, in Eastland County he was a retired systems operator for Texas Utilities Company. He married Marie Ann Harper on June 3, 1949, in Eastland. He was a graduate of Ranger High School, a U.S. Army veteran serving in Okinawa and Korea, a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Decatur and a member of A.S. Johnston camp of Sons of Confederate Veterans.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Delbert Boney.
He is survived by his wife Marie of Decatur; a son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Karen Boney of Magnolia; two daughters, Ann Alton and husband Dave of Kziserlautern, Germany and Carla Weber and husband Roger of Decatur; one sister, Delma Bullard of Wichita Falls; two sisters-in-law, Lillian Boney of Flower Mound and Clara Mae Boney of El Paso; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 2, 2001

Bookout, Dorothy Louise Randolph
1928-2001
Service is pending for Dorothy Louise Randolph Bookout, 73, of Houston who died Thursday December 6, 2001, in Houston. She was the mother of Beth Bookout of Decatur.
Born Jan. 24, 1928, in Woodland to the Rev. G.C. and Glova Randolph, she married James Bookout on April 20, 1957, and moved to Houston where she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Lone Star Chapter and the Space City Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society where she and her husband won numerous blue ribbons for their flowers.
She was an avid bridge player and quilt maker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, G.C. and Glova Randolph; a brother, Bobby Randolph, and a sister, Betty Matthews.
Survivors include her husband, James of Houston; two sons, Paul Bookout of Keyser, West Virginia and wife Phyllis, and Jimmy Bookout of Manvil, Texas and wife Laura Wandill-Bookout; a daughter, Beth Bookout of Decatur; two brothers, George Randolph of Weaverville, Calif. and Paul Randolph of Raleigh, N.C. and many nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 16, 2001

Bookout, Dorothy Louise Randolph – (2)
1928-2001
A memorial service for Dorothy Louise Randolph Bookout, 73, of Houston will be Sunday, Dec. 29, at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Randy Matthew will officiate. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Bookout died Dec. 6, 2001, in Houston.
She is survived by her husband James Robert Bookout of Houston; two sons, Paul David Bookout of Keysor, W.Va. and James Edward Bookout of Manvil; one daughter, Lisbeth Anne Bookout of Decatur; two brothers, George Randolph of Weavervill, Calif. and Paul Randolph of Raleigh, N.C.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 27, 2001

Bost, Harold ‘Rusty’
1926-2001
Service for Harold “Rusty” Bost, 75, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Boyd. Steve Weeks was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Bost died Sunday, April 1, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Jan. 15, 1926, in Rhome, he married Doris Gene Crumpton on Jan. 1, 1947, in Fort Worth. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy as a hospital corpsman. He was a member of the Boyd Church of Christ, Wise County Historical Society, the Rockwell Historical Society and a 20-year board member of the Aurora Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He was preceded in death by two infant children and two sisters, Helen Ford and Jane Guinn.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Gene Bost; a daughter, Leeann Brinsfield and husband Brooken; a son, Richard Bost and wife Linda; two brothers, Edward Bost and Manson “Pete” Bost; one sister, Francis Barney; five grandchildren, Shawn, Samantha, Steven, Blake and Chad; one great-granddaughter, Ashley and three step-grandchildren, Jay, Mindy and Jessie.
Pallbearers were to be David Ford, Terry Ford, Steve Barney, Ladd Clark, Jim Shively and Kenneth Kilpatrick. Honorary pallbearers were to be men of the Boyd Church of Christ.

Bowling, Amanda
1922-2001
Service for Amanda Bowling, 78, of Fort Worth was Monday, July 2 at Hallmark Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Laurel Land Memorial Park.
Bowling died Friday, June 29, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Oct. 9, 1922, in Decatur, Bowling was an active member of Hallmark Baptist Church, where she led the shut-in ministry. She was a member of the Wedgewood Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Bowling; her son, Freddy Bowling and grandaughter, Melodee Bowling.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles L. and Teresa Bowling of Peaster; daughter Kathy Clark of Fort Worth; daughter-in-law, Donna Bowling of Joshua; sisters, Jane Cearley of Decatur, Inez Rogers and Joyce Horton of Fort Worth, Lois Davidson of Rockdale and Patt Spoede of Pottsboro; brothers, B.F. Hale of Bowie, Joe C. Hale and Lee Roy Hale of Decatur, Pete Hale of Denton and Marco Hale of Henrietta; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, July 5, 2001

Bowman, Carl Houston
1930-2001
Service for Carl Houston Bowman, 70, of Fallbrook, Calif. will be at a date and location to be determined. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery # 2 in Boyd.
Bowman died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, in Fallbrook.
Born Aug. 29, 1930, in Decatur and raised in Boyd, he was a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, serving 20 years as an electronics technician. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired in 1985 after 17 years of federal civil service at Naval Weapons Station in Fallbrook. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #1924 in Fallbrook.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mieko Bowman of Fallbrook; a son, Michael Bowman of Bonsall, Calif.; two sisters, Eddie Lee Souson of Boyd and Lucille Kennemer of Georgia and three grandchildren.

Bowman, Carl Houston - (2)
1930-2001
Service for Carl Houston Bowman, 70, of Fallbrook, Calif., will be Monday, March 12, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery I north of Boyd.
Bowman died Feb. 2, 2001.
Born Aug. 29, 1930, in Wise County, he attended Paradise schools. He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. He was a chief petty officer when he retired. He then worked 17 years for the Naval Weapons Station in Fallbrook. He was a member of VFW Post No. 1924 in Fallbrook.
He is survived by his wife, Mieko Bowman; a son, Michael and wife Rene of Bonsall, Calif.; two sisters, Eddie Suson of Boyd and Lucille Elliott of Cartersville, Ga.; a brother, Harry Bowman and wife Monette of Saginaw; and three grandchildren, Amber, Kai and Hunter Bowman.

Boyd, Billy Gene
1921-2001
Service for Billy Gene Boyd, 80, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Boyd died Sunday, June 10, 2001, in Decatur.
Born April 27, 1921, in Decatur, to O.E. and Edith Boyd, he married Eva Jo Carl on April 11, 1941. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II. He worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth for 25 years and then opened a real estate office in Decatur with Ralph Wren. As a young man, he signed a minor league contract with the Fort Worth Cats and later helped form the local Little League program, acting as manager for several teams. He was past master of Masonic Lodge 447. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur and the Men’s Classes.
Survivors are wife, Eva Jo (Carl) Boyd of Decatur; two sons and their wives, Gary Michael and Maureen Boyd of Bourne, Mass. and Billy Carl and Cindi Boyd of Houston; two brothers, Bobby Boyd of Decatur and Jack Boyd of Plano; two sisters, Helen Paschall of Denton and Jo Ann Grissom of Weatherford; three grandchildren, Chad Boyd of San Diego, Calif. and Lambert and Austin Boyd, both of Houston and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Donald Brown, J.E. Carson, Willard Howell, Sam Renshaw, Bill Griggs, Clint Wiley, F.D. “Buddy” Jackson and Charlie Long. Honorary pallbearers were to be Wallis Champion, Joe Forman, Red Rawlings, Hollis Stewart, Harold Walker, Wayne Williamson, Bill Stone, Herbert White and Gayland Reed.
Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001

Boyd, Wayne Russell
1914-2000
Service for Wayne Russell Boyd, 87, of Decatur was to be Saturday, March 31, at 10 a.m. at Slidell Baptist Church. Eric Spano was to officiate with burial in the Slidell Cemetery.
Boyd died Wednesday, March 28, 2001, in Decatur.
He was born March 27, 1914, in Montague County. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include his wife, Beatrice Boyd.
Pallbearers were to be Rick Selder, James Burrows, Brad Thompson, Burk Pruitt, Junior Boyd and Randall Hoyl.

Boyett, E.B.
1913-2000
Service for E.B. Boyett, 87, of Haltom City was Friday, Dec. 22, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Boyett died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2000, at his home.
Born July 1, 1913, in Decatur, he was a retired air-conditioning repairman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.H. “Bob” Boyett and Florence Hall Boyett; a brother, Earlie Lee Boyett and five sisters, Betty Lou Boyett, Mary Ann Lambert, Lula Mae Smith, Muriel Samuel and Ola Pitts.
He is survived by his wife, Opal Boyett; two daughters, Gwendolyn Stewart of Fort Worth and Barbara Murray of Fort Worth; two sisters, Reva Sue Bagget of Albuquerque, N.M. and Bobbie Murphy of Duncanville; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bramlett, Harley H., Jr.
1924-2001
Service for Harley H. Bramlett Jr., 77, of Haltom City was Friday, Nov. 30 at Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Bramlett died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001, in North Richland Hills.
Born Aug. 14, 1924, in Decatur, he served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He retired after 37 years in the lumber business. He was a member of the North Richland Hills Masonic Lodge and Lumber Association of Texas.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ina Bramlett of Haltom City; a son, Kevin and wife Gail Bramlett of Fort Worth and many cousins.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or a charity of choice.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 2, 2001

Brazier, Mertie M.
1907-2001
Service for Mertie M. Brazier, 93, of Chico was Thursday, Jan. 11, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. She died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001, in Chico.
Brazier was born May 6, 1907, in Chico.
She was a lifetime resident of Chico, a member of Morris Memorial United Methodist Church and a retired social worker for the Wichita Falls State Hospital.
Survivors include a brother, James Brazier of Chico; three sisters, Julia Strandtmann of Richland Hills, Mattie Brazier and Eloise Brazier of Chico; nieces Beverly Crosby, Marilyn Hadley, Donna Barkley and Jane Sward; and several great nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Broedling, Martha Sue Stanley
1940-2001
Service for Martha Sue Stanley Broedling, 60, of Decatur was Wednesday, March 14, at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. Dr. Van Gardner officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Broedling died Monday, March 12, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 29, 1940, in Colbert County, Ala., she was a stocker for Wal-Mart and a member of Grace Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dane Mark Broedling and a sister, Gayle Love.
She is survived by her mother, Madelene Long of Decatur; her son, Matthew Joseph Broedling of Melbourne, Fla.; a daughter, Roni Sue Collins of Bixby, Okla.; three brothers, John Stanley of Trion, Ga., Roy Stanley of Bowie and Ricky Stanley of Fort Worth; two sisters, Betty Wallace and Carolyn Roberts of Decatur and two grandchildren, Lauren and Audrey Collins.

Brown, Clinton Dale ‘Clint’
1975-2001
Service for Clinton Dale “Clint” Brown, 25, of Decatur will be Monday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery. Doug Vaughn will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, April 22, at Coker Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m.
Brown died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Dec. 20, 1975, in Bridgeport, he was a server/trainer for Applebee’s restaurant. He attended Tarrant County Junior College and was a member of Bell Baptist Church in Decatur.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Alvin and Joan Brown of Sulphur, Okla.; his mother and step-father, Charlotte and David King of Alvord; one brother, Joey Brown of Decatur; a niece; a sister, Elicia King of Castle Rock, Colo.; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Pryor of Decatur, James King, Sr. of Alvord, Nevada Owens of Sulphur, Okla.; a great grandmother, Eula Sanford of Decatur and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brown, Clinton Dale ‘Clint’ - (2)
1975-2001
Service for Clinton Dale “Clint” Brown, 25, of Decatur was Monday, April 23 at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial was in Paradise Cemetery. Doug Vaughn officiated.
Brown died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Dec. 20, 1975, in Bridgeport, he was a server/trainer for Applebee’s restaurant. He attended Tarrant County Junior College and was a member of Bell Baptist Church in Decatur.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Alvin and Joan Brown of Sulphur, Okla.; his mother and step-father, Charlotte and David King of Alvord; one brother, Joey Brown of Decatur and his daughter, Brittany; two step-brothers, J.D. and Joey King; a sister, Elicia King of Castle Rock, Colo.; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Pryor of Decatur, James King, Sr. of Alvord, Nevada Owens of Sulphur; a great-grandmother, Eula Sanford of Decatur and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brown, D.B.
1916-2001
Service for D.B. Brown, 84, of Alvord was Friday, June 1, at Alvord Church of Christ.
Brown died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Decatur.
Born June 17, 1916, in De Leon to D.B. and Myrtle White Brown, he was a member of the Alvord Church of Christ and The American Quarter Horse Association. He attended school in Woodson and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He owned a bakery in North Fort Worth before going to work at Wyatt’s Cafeteria as a baker. He retired from Northrop Grumman (formerly L.T.V.)
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Brown and J.T. Brown; one sister, Lena Willingham and a son, Melton Brown.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mollie M. Brown of Alvord; daughter and son-in-law, Carlene and Ronnie Johnson of Hutchins; two stepdaughters, Quepha Truxillo and Ruby McElroy; two stepsons, Ernest Fuqua and Kenneth Fuqua; four brothers, Corbitt Brown, Walter Brown, Paul Brown and Neish Brown; a sister, Grace Strickland; three grandsons; eight great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren and nine stepgreat-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001

Brown, Marjorie Doris
1918-2001
Service for Marjorie Doris Brown, 83, of Decatur, was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate.
Brown died Wednesday, July 25, 2001, in a Dallas hospital.
Born May 18, 1918, in Turnersville, Brown was a homemaker. She married the late Lawrence M. Brown on March 29, 1941, in Denton. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Survivors include a son, Lawrence Brown Jr. of Plano; a daughter, Judy Smith of Decatur; a brother, Bob Buchanan of Decatur; four grandchildren, Shannon, Mark, Sean and Matt; and a great-grandchild, Courtney.
Wise County Messenger, July 29, 2001

Brown, Orville Wade
1913-2001
Graveside service for Orville Wade Brown, 89, of Newark was Thursday, Nov. 8 at Aurora Cemetery.
Brown died Friday, Nov. 2, 2001, in Newark.
Born April 11, 1913, in Wise County, he was a retired rancher. He was a decorated World War II Army veteran who served as a messenger in the service. He was a member of the Newark VFW and was an avid baseball fan and hunter.
He is survived by a sister, Lillian of Albany, N.Y. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 11, 2001

Brown, Pauline L.
1912-2001
Graveside service for Pauline L. Brown, 88, of Chico was April 3, at the Alvord Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Joe Motsenbocker.
Brown died Sunday, April 1, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 29, 1912, in Kentucky, Brown was a retired manager of Edmonson’s Fried Chicken in Fort Worth. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by her husband, B.C. Brown in 1965; her son, Ronnie Baker and sisters Dessie and Bertha Mae.
She is survived by her sons Johnny G. Brown and wife Brenda of Chico; six grandchildren, Craig and Shelby Brown, Ron, J.D., Lisa and Michael Baker; two great-grandchildren, Jacob Baker and Tyler Cotton; and brother, Cecil Screws.

Brown, Randy Wayne
1954-2001
Service for Randy Wayne Brown, 46, of Boyd was Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. at Christian-Hawkins Chapel in Boyd. Dr. Johnny Ramsey officiated. Burial was in the Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers were Phil Brown, Joe Brown, Richard Fey, Rick Drake, Kevin Drake and Gary Don Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were David Drake, Buster Reynolds, Al Fulton, Pete Taylor, Ernie Morvan, Andy Warner and Sammy Marlow.
Brown died August 17, 2001, in Grapevine.
Born Oct. 25, 1954, in Fort Worth, he was an Alliance Boating Center salesman. He grew up in Boyd, served in the U.S. Navy and was a Baptist. A son, Joshua Wayne Brown preceded him in death.
Survivors include his parents, Kenneth and Maudie Brown of Boyd; two sons, Joe and Kelsey Brown; a daughter, Kara Brown; a brother, Phil Brown and wife Christine; a sister, Lisa Brown, a grandmother, Lola Brown and one nephew, Richard Fey. Memorials may be sent to the Leukemia Society, 5353 W. Dartmouth Ave.LL, Denver, Colo.,80227.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 23, 2001

Brown, Richard
1965-2001
Service for Richard Brown, 36, of Bay City was to be Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. in Bay City. Rev. Don Coleman was to officiate. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at East Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Brown died Monday, Aug. 6, 2001, in Houston.
Born July 30, 1965, in Bridgeport, to Richard J. Brown and Doris Marie Coleman Green, he was a member of the Baptist church, a resident of Bay City for the past five years and a former resident of Seminole. He was an operator at Phillips Petroleum.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Lynn Chasteen Brown of Bay City; two daughters, Ashley and Kelsie Brown and a son, Taylor Brown, all of Bay City; his father, Richard J. Brown of Bridgeport and mother, Doris M. Green of Seminole.
Pallbearers were to be Eric Blalock, Gene Hughes, Scott Coleman, Bryan Coleman, Carl Cox, Jimmy Royston, Bryan Lowery and Tom Blackstock. Honorary pallbearers were to be John Lewis, Ron Hall, Gus Whalon, Woody Smith, Jody Claybourn, Nick Aparicio, Jerry Murphy and Derrick Smith.
The family asks that memorials be made to Vitas Hospice House Care of Park Plaza Hospital in Houston.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 9, 2001

Brown, Tabatha Sue
1976-2001
Service for Tabatha Sue Brown, 25, of Slidell was held on Nov. 15. The Rev. Charles Taylor officiated. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers were Phillip Brown, Ray Hamm, Cody Cornell, Jeremy Brown, Bo Waggoner and Brody Brown.
Brown died Nov. 13, 2001, in Malakoff.
Born on June 17, 1976, in Fort Worth she was a secretary for East Texas Development. She is survived by her fiancé, Jacob Williams of Athens; her father, Barry Brown of Paradise; mother, Lindy Martin of Fort Worth; a daughter, Hailey Miller of North Richland Hills; half brothers and sisters, Tanya, Tosha and Terra Brown all of Longview and Ashley and David Martin of Fort Worth; a sister, Tiffany Chapman of Seven Points; grandparents, Robert and Billie Cole of Decatur and great-grandparents, Raymond and Erma Armstrong of Fort Worth and Ruby Bowling of Hurst.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 18, 2001

Bruno, Tifani Denea
1982-2001
Service for Tifani Denea Bruno, 18, of Dublin, was Sunday, June 24 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Kenneth Wood officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lynwood Harvick, James Barron, Jerry Morrow, Drew Schunk, Bill Wood and David Hutto.
Bruno died Thursday, June 21, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 14, 1982, in Abilene, Bruno was a student at Stephenville Independent School District.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Charles and Ruth Wood and Eddie W. Bruno.
She is survived by her parents Shawn and Carolyn Wood Bruno of Dublin; two sisters, Elizabeth Ashley and Mary Kathryn Bruno; her grandparents, Jane Bruno Vise of Odessa, Betty and Troy Carlisle of Eagle Mountain Lake; one aunt and three uncles.
Wise County Messenger, July 5, 2001

Bryan, Edward Lee ‘Edbo’
1934-2001
Service for Edward Lee “Edbo” Bryan, 67, of Hindsville, Ark., formerly of Decatur, will be Thursday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at Cole Community Center in Canyon. Kevin Naillieux, Berlin Raymond and John Mulford will officiate. Burial will follow at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon.
Bryan died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, in Hindsville.
Born March 17, 1934, in Happy, to Homer and Dorotha Bryan, he had battled cancer for three and a half years. He graduated from Happy High School in 1952. He was a farmer for four years and had owned and operated Bryan Construction since 1956. He lived and worked in Nacogdoches, Pampa and Decatur before moving to Fayetteville, Ark., then to Hindsville, where he resided until his death.
He was preceded in death by his father, Homer Bryan on Feb. 1, 1981; his son, Montye Lee Bryan on Feb. 5, 1997 and a nephew.
He is survived by two daughters, Sherla Johnson of Hindsville and Nita Riggs of Rogers, Ark.; his mother, Dorotha Bryan of Canyon; two brothers, Harold Bryan of Huntsville, Ark. and Roy Bryan of Happy; two sisters, Laura Bassett of Alpine and Edna Bassett of Happy; six grandsons, Jake, Justin, Jason and Joshua Johnson and Landon and Trenton Riggs; one granddaughter, Chloe Riggs; two great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Madison Johnson and several nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be made to Circle of Lights Hospice at 610 E. Emma, Springdale, Ark. 72764.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 20, 2001

Bujan, Shirley Ann
1939-2000
Service for Shirley Ann Bujan, 61, of Chico was Wednesday, March 28, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Joey Vick officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Michael Franks, Todd Reed, Justin Caddell, Fred Meyers, Kelly Mullins and T.R. Rawlinson.
Bujan died Monday, March 26, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 20, 1939, in Pasadena, she was a homemaker and a member of the Lake Bridgeport Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bujan, on Oct. 24, 1998.
She is survived by three daughters, Charmaine “Charlie” Franks, Laura Rhine and husband Darrell, Julie Downe and husband Kevin; two sons, Brad Caddell and wife Carol and Johnny Ward and wife Jeannette; a sister, Toi Bragg, and 11 grandchildren.

Burchfield, Joyce J.
1939-2001
Graveside service for Joyce J. Burchfield, 61, of Weatherford was Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Burchfield died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Feb. 10, 1939, in Fort Worth, she is survived by her husband, Dale Burchfield of Weatherford; two daughters, Julie Hale of Bridgeport and Sharon Burchfield of Winterport, Maine; a son, Mitchell Burchfield of Joshua; a brother, O.D. Cole; a sister, Betty Broadie and six grandchildren.

Burkett, Mary Ellen
1921-2001
Service for Mary Ellen Burkett, 80, of Boyd was Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Second Baptist Church in Lamesa.
Burkett died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, in Decatur.
Born April 18, 1921, Burkett was a housewife. She married the late Billy Ben Burkett Jan. 18, 1952, in Roswell, N.M.
She is survived by three sons, Steve F. Parker of Abilene, Bob Burkett of Boyd and Charles L. Burkett of Brownfield; two daughters, Fran Standefer and Jan Burkett, both of Boyd; a brother, Buddy Foster of Lamesa; two sisters, Abena Lee of Lubbock and Louise Hightower of Midland; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 25, 2001

Byers, Johnnie Brantley
1920-2001
Service for Johnnie Brantley Byers, 81, of Chico was Sunday, Sept. 30, at The Shepherd’s House in Chico. The Revs. Kern Choate and Michael Stephenson officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Byers died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001, in Dectaur.
Born June 16, 1920, in Crafton, Byers was a lifetime resident of Chico and a retired heavy equipment operator for Lone Star and Pioneer Crushers. He married Dimple Bean on Jan. 22, 1949, in Cooksville, Tenn.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Natalie Byers; his brothers, Haskell, James and baby brother Byers; and sisters Delie Byers, Ruby Pitts and Flossy Whatley.
He is survived by his wife, Dimple Byers of Chico; two sons, Larry Byers and wife Debbie of Chico and Kenny Byers and wife Tamme of Rhome; two sisters, Vivian Thomas of Chico and Madeline Davidson of Bridgeport; five grandchildren, Nathan, Dustin, Colby, Aimee and Whitney; 3 stepgrandchildren, Tommy, Leslie and John; 6 stepgreat-grandchildren, Jeff, Russell, Meagan, Tori, Tyler and Jadon and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Byrd, Amos Albert
1916-2001
Service for Amos Albert Byrd, 84, of Bridgeport was to be Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery
Byrd died Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Sept. 12, 1916, in Park Springs, he was a lifetime resident of Wise County and was owner of a Shamrock service station in Bridgeport for 13 years until his retirement in 1973. He married Hazel Grimes on March 6, 1937, in Vernon. He was a member of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, a former mayor of Sunset and a former Sunset ISD school board member.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Hester Byrd; a son, Charles; a daughter, Jeannine and a brother, Olin.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hazel Byrd of Bridgeport; daughter-in law, Linda Byrd; son-in-law, Clifton Robbins; six grandchildren, Kent, Lisa, Alan, Mark, Mike and Lori and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Alan Byrd, Mike Byrd, Michael Coyne, Kent Robbins, Mark Robbins and Rick Mewbourn.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 30, 2001

Byrd, Charlie
1937-2001
Service for Charlie Byrd, 63, of Springtown was Tuesday, April 24 at Outreach of Love Church. Burial followed at Opal Cemetery in Wise County.
Byrd died Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Oct. 11, 1937, in Fredricksburg, he was an installation foreman for DuPont Flooring Systems. He had lived in Springtown for the past 23 years. He married Cathy Sloan on June 15, 1978. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 and was a member of Outreach of Love Church.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of Springtown; a son Ronnie Byrd of Decatur; a daughter, Lisa Holloway of Benbrook; two stepsons, Eddie and Gordon McDaniel, both of Durant, Okla.; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Holloway and Brenan Holloway, both of Benbrook, Autumn Fall of Kingston, Okla., Trey McDaniel of Durant, Carlie McDaniel of Springtown and Casey McDaniel of Durant; three brothers and three sisters.

Camp, Gus V.
1919-2001
Graveside service for Gus V. Camp, 82, of Azle was Friday, June 1, at Paradise Cemetery in Paradise.
Camp died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Azle.
Born March 19, 1919, in Roosevelt, he was a retired material handler for
General Dynamics (now Lockheed) with 32 years of service.
He is survived by a son, Larry Camp of Azle; two daughters, Rosemary Gayle Payne and Peggy Polk, both of Fort Worth; a brother, Melvin Camp of Kerrville; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001

Campbell, Virginia
1934-2001
Virginia Campbell, 67, of The Colony died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001, in The Colony. A private service will be held at a later date.
Campbell was born April 3, 1934, to David Barner and Winnie Pearl Lindsey Clark. She was a Baptist and a homemaker.
She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Reynolds of Rhome and Deborah Humphrey of The Colony; one son, Charles Boler of The Colony; one brother, Charles Clark of Leary; and three sisters, Anna Harris of Hooks, Esther Young of Texarkana, Ark. and Joyce Johnson of Palm Dale, Calif.
The family ask that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Rhome Church of Christ.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 25, 2001

Cannon, Anna Ruth Mercer
1920-2001
Graveside service for Anna Ruth Mercer Cannon, 80, of Gilbert, Ariz., formerly of Bridgeport, was Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Oddfellows Section of Lockesburg Cemetery.
Cannon died Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, at a hospice in De Queen, Ark.
Born Aug. 6, 1920, in Decatur to Francis Grover and Esta Opal Cannon Mercer, she was a homemaker and a Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Edward Cannon on Nov. 1, 1995.
She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and John Edwards of Chandler, Ariz.; one brother, Bill Mercer of Euless; one granddaughter, Jennifer Weisman of Ft. Steward, Ga. and a number of nieces and nephews.

Carmichael, James H. ‘Jim’
1922-2001
Memorial service for James H. “Jim” Carmichael, 79, of Boyd will be Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd.
Carmichael died Monday, May 14, 2001, in Boyd.
Born March 24, 1922, in Augusta, Mont., he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II. He married Alice Seigler Carmichael on July 12, 1945, in Billings, Mont. He was the owner of Carmichael Trailer in Boyd and a member of the Boyd Moose Lodge No. 2313 and VFW Post 2137.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, on March 19, 1997.
He is survived by a son, James Bing Carmichael and wife Patty; three daughters, Linda Bernard and husband Rick, Judy Gauthier and husband Richard and Mary Carter and husband Richard; one sister, Nanette Anderson; seven grandchildren, Heather, Amy, Bryan, Angela, Ashley, Kyle and Jamie and one great-grandchild, Tyler.
Wise County Messenger, May 17, 2001

Carpenter, Margaret
1924-2001
Service for Margaret Carpenter, 76, of Newark was to be Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Gary Demmitt was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Carpenter died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001, at her home.
Born July 19, 1924, in Kent, England, she married Nick Carpenter in December 1955 in England. She was an Eagle Mountain and Saginaw ISD employee.
She is survived by her husband, Nick Carpenter; three sons, Nick Carpenter and wife Beth, Keith Carpenter and John Clarke; a daughter, Patricia Elliott and husband Doug; six grandchildren, Nick, Jr., Becky, Cherie, Paul, Dorothy and William and two sisters, Beryl Godwin and Dorothy Tidey.
Pallbearers were to be Paul Carol, Nicholas Carpenter, Jr., Rich Wood, Charles Petty, John Kennedy and Charles Thompson.

Carpenter, Vernon ‘Nick’
1919-2001
Service for Vernon “Nick” Carpenter, 81, of Newark will be Saturday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Newark. The Rev. Gary Demmitt will officiate. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Rich Woods, Paul Carroll, Charles Thompson, Charles Petty, Steven Houge and John Kennedy.
Carpenter died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Nov. 12, 1919, in Bridgeport, he was a retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant and a retired civil service employee. He married Margaret Pool on Dec. 17, 1955, in England. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2001.
He is survived by three sons, Nick and wife Beth Carpenter, Keith Carpenter and John Clarke; a daughter, Patricia Elliott and husband Doug; a sister, Sarah Bobo and husband John and six grandchildren, Nick Jr., Becky, Cherie, Paul, Dorothy and William.

Cassity, Jack Howard
1930-2000
Service for Jack Howard Cassity, 71, of Slidell was to be Saturday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial was to be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Cassity died March 28, 2001, in Denton.
He was born Jan. 1, 1930, in Decatur. He was a retired dairyman. Cassity married the late Peggy Snow on May 31, 1949, in Granbury.
Survivors include two sons, Glen and Gary Cassity; a daughter, Kim Barnes and a brother, Don Cassity, all of Decatur; two sisters, Jo Fox of Decatur and Pat Tomlinson of Granbury; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Marty Fox, Johnny Fox, Henley Fox, Chris Fletcher, Dan Hatchel and Ronnie Tomlinson.

Cater, Marjorie F. Reedy
1937-2001
Service for Marjorie F. Reedy Cater, 63, of Paradise was Friday, April 13, at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells. Burial followed at Indian Creek Cemetery in Mineral Wells.
Reedy died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 17, 1937, in Mineral Wells, she was a member of the Tallgrass Prairie Chapter of the Audubon Society and attended the Hilltop Assembly of God in Boyd. She held an associate degree in horticulture.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jimmy Reedy.
She is survived by three sons, Mark Allen Cater of Burleson, Scott Layne Cater and Sandy Keith Cater of Covington; a daughter, Lani Michelle Cater of Paradise; a brother, Gerald Reedy of Weatherford; two sisters, Kaye Boyd and Janice Lee of Paradise; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and father of the children, Bobby Jack Cater of Valley Mills.

Cecil, Inez Virginia
1925-2001
Service for Inez Virginia Cecil, 75, of Decatur will be Monday, Feb. 26, at 12:30 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery Chapel in Houston.
Dr. Christopher C. Carlson will officiate. Burial will be in Houston National Cemetery.
Cecil, formerly of Alice, died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.
Born June 25, 1925, in Blakely, Ga., she was employed for 20 years by Tom’s Peanuts in Columbus, Ga. and for 10 years by H&R Block in Pasadena.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Cecil.
She is survived by a daughter, Tonnie Shipley and husband Ray of Alvord; a sister, Madeline Yates of Macon, Ga.; a brother, Milton Williamson of Gatesville; three granddaughters, Jodie Shipley of Alvord, Rachel Ince and husband Chris of Bridgeport and Samantha Shipley of Abilene; two great grandchildren, Cortney and Dillon Ince and several nieces and nephews.

Chapman, Woodard Wayne
1918-2001
Graveside service for Woodard Wayne Chapman, 82, of Paradise was Wednesday, May 2, at East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated.
Chapman died Monday, April 30, 2001, in Paradise.
Born May 11, 1918, in Hermleigh, he served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a farmer and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Atherea Chapman and his brother J.R. Chapman.
He is survived by his brother Ferrell Chapman of Paradise; a sister, Cloyce Grisham and her husband James of Paradise and three nephews.
Wise County Messenger, May 6, 2001

Chastain, Marion C.
1928-2001
Service for Marion C. (Doc) Chastain, formerly of Chico, was Friday, Feb. 9 in Colbert, Okla.
Chastain died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, in Oklahoma.
Born March 12, 1928, he moved to Chico in 1980 where he was a resident for 17 years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, three brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Chastain of Calera, Okla.; one son, Ricky and wife Sue Chastain of Cartwright, Okla.; three daughters, Debbie Smith of Calera, Donna and husband Robert Boehme of Calera, Okla. and Tammy and husband Bryan Davis of Chico; four grandsons, two granddaughters and two great-grandsons.

Cherry, Mildred Morris
1919-2001
Service for Mildred Morris Cherry, 81, of Springtown will be held Monday, Aug. 20, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Cottondale. The Rev. Chuck Weatherbee is to officiate. Burial will follow in the Springtown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ceasar Belser, Frank Alviso, Matthew Hall, Sammy Byrd, Jo Mark Byrd, Omar Pasilas, Rogelio Robles and Eduardo Leal.
Cherry died Friday, Aug. 17, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Oct. 28, 1919, in Lone Wolf, Okla. Cherry was married to John Harrison Cherry on Aug. 23, 1943, and retired from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after more than 23 years.
She is survived by her husband, John “Chick” Cherry; two sons, John Cherry Jr. and David Foster Cherry; two daughters, Madeline Byrd and Martha Johnson and her husband Johnny; two brothers, Murrill Morris and his wife Lois and James A. Morris; two sisters, Cleo Mariash Lubin and Margaret Struve; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 19, 2001

Chestnut, Richard E.
1922-2001
Service for Richard E. Chestnut, 79, of Boyd is planned for Springfield, Ill., at a later date.
Chestnut died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2001, in Boyd.
Born July 22, 1922, in Fort Worth, Chestnut was a member of the U.S. Marines in World War II. He retired from Myers True Value Stores in 1981.
He is survived by his son, Richard L. Chestnut of Palestine; a daughter, Patricia Decker of Boyd; a sister, Helen Chestnut of Boyd; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 18, 2001

Chilton, Rachel ‘Nanny’
1919-2001
Graveside service for Rachel “Nanny” Chilton, 82, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Nov. 3, at Thomas Cemetery. Rev. Dan Green was to officiate.
Chilton died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 29, 1919, in Johnston County, Okla., she was a homemaker and a member of the Alvord Community Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jake in 1990.
She is survived by a goddaughter, Bobette Bennett; three grandchildren, Courtney, Joel and Jordan; a great-grandchild, Caution; two brothers, John Bond and Wilburn Mayo; two sisters, Jolly Marr and Doris Templeton; a special friend, Lorena Moore and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers were to be Brandon Bradford, Mike Foster, Larry Green, Mike Rich, James Patrick and Sergio Talamates.
Wise County Messenger, Nov.4, 2001

Chunn, Irene Lancaster
1920-2001
Graveside service for Irene Lancaster Chunn, 80, of Ennis was Monday, May 14, at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Rev. Joey Vick officiated.
Chunn died Saturday, May 12, 2001, in Ennis.
Born Sept. 23, 1920, in Wise County, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lancaster; a son, Stanley Earl Lancaster; two sisters, Viola Forsyth and Leona Evans; two brothers, Kenneth and Claude Moore and three grandchildren, Shari, Diana and Debbie.
She is survived by a son, Cecil Lancaster and wife Peggy; a daughter, Linda Spencer and husband James; four sisters, Opal Blake, Bobbie Hobbs, Pauline Hodges and Sue Rhine; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 17, 2001

Church, Ethel Florence
1920-2001
Service for Ethel Florence Church, 81, of Haslet was Friday, Sept. 28, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Carroll Smith officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Church died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Feb. 11, 1920, in Franklin County, she operated dry cleaners. She was married to the late Claude Lumpkins and the late Amos Church. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by three grandsons, Tony Lumpkins of Haslet, Tim Lumpkins of Azle and Pat Lumpkins of Gainesville; a sister, Ruby Rogers of Kentucky and six great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 30, 2001

Church, Marjorie Loveland
1919-2001
A memorial service for Marjorie Loveland Church, 82, of Decatur will be held at a time and place to be determined.
Church died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 17, 1919, in Bangor, Mich., she was the middle of three sisters. She was a full-time homemaker and mother. She was also a long-time member of the PEO Sisterhood, Chapter DD in Aurora, Mo. and was a member of The Club at Runaway Bay where she enjoyed playing golf and bridge.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bennett Church; two sisters, Rachael Sunday of South Haven, Mich. and Betty Wood of Victoria; a daughter, Constance Lee of Little Compton, R.I.; a son, Thomas Church and wife Carol of Nacogdoches and four grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Alliance, 211 College Road - East, Princeton, N.J. 08540.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 21, 2001

Church, Merle Doran
1927-2001
Private memorial service for Merle Doran Church, 73, of Newark, was held last week.
Church died Saturday, May 12, 2001, in Newark.
Born June, 12, 1927, in Portland, Ore., she was a welder and a self-taught musician. She was a truck driver and ship builder during the World War II era. She married William J. Church on March 29, 1946, in Portland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Risk L. Ferrell and Enid Grandy Ferrell.
She is survived by her husband, William J. Church of Newark; four sons, William J. Church of California, Kelly Ferrell Church and Michael Kerry Church, both of Illinois and Casey Lee Church of Newark; one daughter, Susan Lee Yaccino of Illinois; one brother, James K. Ferrell of Ohio; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Clinton, Bertha Elliott
1909-2001
Service for Bertha Elliott Clinton, 92, of Bridgeport was held on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated and was assisted by Rev. Bo Blakey. Interment followed in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Doug Bridwell, Tom Carlton, Tommy Carlton, James Grill and Paul Johnson.
Clinton died Nov. 18, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Sept. 30, 1909, Clinton was a lifetime resident of Bridgeport and was retired from retail sales. She worked for Kendalls Dry Good and Sears. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, where she was recognized as the longest living member. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Johnnie Grill, Clifford Elliott and J.I. Clinton, brothers Clifton and Harry Hall and sisters, Mabelle Raven and Betty Hembree.
She is survived by a son, Johnny Grill and wife, Jerry; a daughter, Betty Carlton and husband Tom; five grandchildren, Barbara Stewart, Lynda Bridwell, James Grill, Tommy Carlton and Jane Chamberland and eight great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 22, 2001

Clinton, J.I.
1911-2001
Service for J.I. Clinton, 90, of Bridgeport was Monday, July 23 at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Dr. Raymond Horne officiated. Burial was in East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Clinton died July 20, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born January 14, 1911, in Brantley, Okla. he lived in Bridgeport since 1966. He was a retired minister, missionary and director of missions for North Central Texas with The Baptist General Convention. He was a member of the Texas Baptist Mission Team and the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, of 50 years, Anna B. Clinton. He is survived by his wife Bertha of Bridgeport; one son, Dr. Everett Clinton and wife, Wilma, of San Antonio; grandchildren, Russell W. Clinton and Betsy Ray; great-grandchildren, Crystal, Autumn and Delilah Ray and a great-great grandson Kevin Ray.

Coble, Roy Lee ‘Pee Wee’
1921-2001
Service for Roy Lee “PeeWee” Coble, 80, of Runaway Bay will be Friday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay. Rev. Rudy Owen will officiate. Burial will follow in Eternal Oaks Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Todd Cupples, Dan Coble, Chad Coble, Trent Coble, Brandt Coble, Ken Peters, Cameron Bradberry and Brian Falk.
Coble died on Oct. 2, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on July 19, 1921, in Munday, Coble served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a sergeant security guard for the GMC plant in Arlington. He was a member of the Runaway Bay First Baptist Church and the past president of the Runaway Bay Golf Association. He married Norma Montgomery on May 10, 1947, in Amarillo.
He is survived by his wife, Norma of Runaway Bay; three sons, Rick Falk and wife Karen of Bakersfield, Lynn Roy Coble and wife Shirley of Arlington, Dennis Coble and wife Denise of Mansfield; one daughter, Leighann Cupples and husband Phil of Mansfield; one brother, Arl Coble; one sister, Jorene Keith and husband Jim; 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Coffer, Margie D. ‘Ann’
1954-2001
Service for Margie D. “Ann” Coffer, 46, of Newark was Sunday, Feb. 18 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Henry Geeo officiated. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Leroy Burch, Billie Burch, Jimmie Burch, Bill Jennings, Billy Pate and Don Davis.
Coffer died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born March 31, 1954, in Roswell, N.M. she was a lifetime resident of Newark. She worked for Corning Cable Systems in Keller and was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Tia Cross of Crowley; her parents, Bill and Mary Lee Coffer of Newark; two brothers, Willie Coffer and wife Linda of Fort Worth and David Coffer and wife Ronda of Nemo; two sisters, Connie Young and husband Harold of Lubbock and Jimmie Blackburn and husband Jackie of Hamilton and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Cole, Atrell Lula
1929-2001
Service for Atrell Lula Cole, 71, of Bridgeport was Monday, Oct. 1, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Craig Cox officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery.
Cole died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 23, 1929, in Alba, Cole had lived in the Bridgeport area since 1953 and was a retired waitress. She married Paul W. Cole on Nov. 16, 1946, in Mineola. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Cole; a sister, Mary Dell Holland; and two brothers, Walter Harvey and John Harvey, Jr.
She is survived by a daughter, Cindy Crunk and husband Randy of Bridgeport; three sons, Paul Cole and wife Jeanell, William Cole and wife Cathy, David Cole and wife Diann, all of Bridgeport; a brother, Billie Harvey of Alba; one sister, Elsie West of Bridgeport; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Coleman, Buster
1913-2001
Service for Buster Coleman, 88, was Tuesday, July 24, at the Crestview Mausoleum Chapel in Wichita Falls. The Rev. Terry Bowman officiated. Burial followed in Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery.
Coleman died Friday, July 20, 2001, in a Wichita Falls hospital.
Born April 29, 1913, in Wise County he was a self-employed property manager. He was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church but had recently joined Lamar Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Mae Coleman.
Memorials may be made to The Wichita Falls High School Coyote Booster Club.

Collier, Joan
1930-2001
Graveside service for Joan Collier, 71, formerly of Bridgeport, will be Sunday, July 29, at 1 p.m. at Kleberg Cemetery. Her nephew, Tom Ranft, will officiate.
Collier died Thursday, July 26, 2001.
Born Feb. 3, 1930, in Kleberg to Merritt Preston Smith and Mora Lena Stovall, she was the ninth of 10 children. She lived in Bridgeport before moving in 1995.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh “Bud” Collier; her parents and several siblings.
She is survived by her children, Lloyd Alvin Fields Jr., Carl Tildon Fields and Jo Denise Malone, all of the Garland area; five grandchildren, Cody Burris, Christian Walker, Matthew Fields, Amanda Fields and Cameron Malone; four siblings, Kathryn Ranft, Herman Smith, Lawrence Smith and Charles Smith and a host of nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, July 29, 2001

Conley, Ruth Jeanette
1909-2001
Graveside service for Ruth Jeanette Conley, 91, formerly of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, April 18 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Conley died Sunday, April 15, 2001, in Tucson, Ariz.
Born Nov. 18, 1909, in Wise County, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Conley; two brothers, Clayton Conley and John Conley and a sister, Christine Conley.
She is survived by two sons, William Henry Conley, Jr., of Arizona and Bruce Conley of Tennessee; a brother, Frank Conley of Illinois; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Cooper, Chaynee Malone
1997-2001
Service for Chaynee Malone Cooper, 4, of Decatur was Thursday, Oct. 18, at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Gene Hadley officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Cooper died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001, in Dallas.
She was born Feb. 5, 1997.
She is survived by her parents, Gary and Mika Cooper of Decatur; two brothers, Gage and Nash Cooper, both of Decatur; grandparents, Mike and Pam Rhoten of Weatherford and Dr. Gary and Glenda Cooper of Granbury and great-grandparents, Hugh and Vaudine Cooper of Brock, Clinton and Johnnie Morgan of Weatherford and Herbert Jones of Granbury.
Pallbearers were Doyle Gaither, Mark Sledge, Shad Rhoten and Justin Cooper.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 21, 2001

Cooper, J.B.
1927-2001
Service for J.B. Cooper, 74, of Boyd was Monday, June 25 at Walnut Creek Baptist Church in Reno. Mike Stanley officiated.
Cooper died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Boyd.
Born June 17, 1927, in Garretts Bluff, he married Delores Brownlee Cooper on February 29, 1968, in Grapevine. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a retired U.S. Postal letter carrier and a member of the Baptist church.
He is survived by his wife Delores Cooper of Boyd; five sons, Gary Hunt and wife Candy of Lewisville, Jim Hunt and wife Jana of Fort Worth, Les Hunt and wife Kelly of Arlington, Wayne Cooper of Houston and Mike Cooper of Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Walnut Creek Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001

Cooper, Jerry Lee
1940-2000
Graveside service for Jerry Lee Cooper, 60, of Aurora was Friday, Dec. 29, at Boyd Cemetery. The Rev. Norman Abernathy officiated.
Cooper died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 6, 1940, in Indianapolis, Ind., he was a grinder for the Ben Hogan Company. He was a member of the Keeter Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Reba; a son, Jerry Cooper, Jr., of Paradise; two daughters, Carol Womack of Macon, Ga. and Crystal Anderson of Paradise; two brothers, Danny Cooper of Boyd and Pete Cooper of Winnsboro; a sister, Linda Zimmerman of Wisconsin and five grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Rick Brady, Rocky Tackett, Kenneth McCauley, Stephen Horton, Rocky Cryts and Clyde Idell.

Corbin, Delores Ann ‘Dee’
1946-2001
Service for Delores Ann “Dee”Corbin, 54, of Alvord was Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Alvord Church of Christ. John Telgren officiated.
She died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, in Decatur.
Born March 18, 1946, in Morganfield, Ky, she married Rodney Dale Corbin on Sept. 26, 1991 and was a retired waitress.
Survivors include her husband, Rodney Corbin of Alvord; a son, Billy Ray Biggers of Paducah, Ky.; son-in-law, Mike Booker of Alvord; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Biggers and Stephanie Christine Bigers, both of Alvord; six grandchildren, Loyce Ann Bigers, Bobby Horonzy, Jimmy, Brandon Applegate, Joshua Lenart and Marcus Booker; a great-granddaughter, Britteny Parrish.
Pallbearers were Greg Tull, Jerry Miller, Mike Booker, Bill Pedigo, Red Kalbfleifch and Rusty McClure.

Coursey, Jimmie Ray
1936-2001
Service for Jimmie Ray Coursey, 65, of Bridgeport, was Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery.
Coursey died Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, in Denton.
Born Aug. 14, 1936, in Bridgeport, he was an electrician for Ruf-Nek Building Systems. He was a Baptist and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He married Delois Forsyth on July 26, 1997, in Weatherford.
He is survived by his wife, Delois Coursey; three sons, Lee Coursey and wife Darla, Keith Coursey and wife Roxanne, and Chris Coursey; two stepsons, Chuck Kennedy and David Kennedy and wife Julie; a daughter, Joanna Garner and husband Mike; four brothers, Joe Lee Coursey and wife Lucille, Billy Dan Coursey, Travis Coursey and wife Kay, Larry Coursey and wife Brenda; four sisters, Peggy Klasky and husband Phil, Q’Zella Lewis and husband Dave, Linda Byrd and Sherry Parker; nine grandchildren and five stepgrandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 16, 2001

Cox, Dorothy LaDean O’Dell
1938-2001
Service for Dorothy LaDean O’Dell Cox, 62, of Mineral Wells was Tuesday, July 3, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Gary Sessions officiated. Burial followed at Gibtown Cemetery.
Cox died Sunday, July 1, 2001, in Mineral Wells.
Born Oct. 2, 1938, in Bridgeport, she was an automotive support manager for Wal-Mart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Nathan Cox, in 1988.
She is survived by four daughters, Bunnia DoByns, Sammy Grimm, Shelly Thomas and Sally Johnson and husband Johnny; two brothers, Charlie and Jim O’Dell; four sisters, Bertha Plowman, Bunnia Phillips, Annie Ryan and Ruby Bennett; 11 grandchildren, Evan, Bud, Jessy, Scott, Linsey, Alex, Clint, Catlyn, Alan, Allisun and Allyssa and one great-grandchild, Harleigh.
Pallbearers were Bud Isbell, Clint DoByns, Tommy Pair, Scott Thomas, Alan Grimm, Johnny Johnson and Jimmy Westbrook.
Wise County Messenger, July 5, 2001

Cox, Leiland Travis, Sr.
1913-2001
Service for Leiland Travis Cox Sr., 87, of Bridgeport was to be Wednesday, June 6, at Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Gary Sessions was to officiate, to be assisted by Rev. Ted LaCrone. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Cox died Monday, June 4, 2001, in Azle.
Born Oct. 24, 1913, in Coffeeville, Ala., he married Mabel Lester on Aug. 10, 1935 in Tucson, Ariz. He was a deacon and trustee at the Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife, Mabel Cox of Azle; a son, Leiland Cox Jr. and wife Betty of Port Lavaca; a daughter, Margie Baucum and husband Don of Lakeside; five grandchildren, Bruce, Tonja, Joey, Kimberly and Lori and 13 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Floyd Bradley, Jack Weiland, Travis Van Hoose, Loyd Tennison, Danny Trammell and Dick Phillips.
Wise County Messenger, July 7, 2001

Crabtree, Minnie Jane
1913-2001
Funeral for Minnie Jane Crabtree, 87, of Justin was Oct. 29, at Fairview Baptist Church. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery. Doyle Slimp officiated.
She died Friday, Oct. 26, 2001, in Decatur.
She was born Nov. 6, 1913, in Louisiana. She was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward and three sons Samuel, Eugene and Paul.
She is survived by a son, Harold Crabtree of Oklahoma; daughter, Judy Pennington and husband Butch of Roanoke; grandchildren, Charles, Sandy and Chris Pennington of Justin, Mike and Paul Crabtree and Sherry Syrus of Haltom City, Clayton Hubbard and Sarah Enocks of Alvord; great grandchildren, Ross and Hailey Pennington, Ricky Syrus and Rhonda Crabtree.
Pallbearers were Milton Andress, Roger Lewis, Doug Coin, Jimmy Smith, John Rogers and Glen Montay.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 1, 2001

Crawford, Lalla Montford
1901 - 2001
Service for Lalla “Sister” Montford Crawford, 99, of Wichita Falls was to be Saturday, Jan. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Kretzchmer was to officiate. Burial was to follow at the West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Duane Giles, Tommy Giles, Al Faigin, Tommy Roberts, Donald Montford and John T. Montford. Honorary pallbearers were to be Monty Giles and Bill Montford.
Born March 22, 1901, in Bridgeport, she was a retired teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Crawford; a daughter, Carolyn Wynell Crawford; four brothers, Charlie, John Gordon “Dink”, Ross and Thomas “Jimmy” Montford and a sister, Margaret “Maggie” Giles.
She is survived by two sisters, Lucile Thomas and Mary Jane Hartsell; her sons, Bob Crawford and James R. Crawford and wife Joyce; three grandchildren, Jay, Jon and Jeanna and five great-grandchildren.

Crawford, Linda Kay
1950-2000
Service for Linda Kay Crawford, 50, of Bridgeport, was to be Saturday, March 31, 2001, at 10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Dan Shaver officiating.
Burial was to be at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Crawford died March 28, 2001, in Denton.
She was born June 25, 1950, in Bridgeport. She was a former supervisor of Environmental Services and had been an employee of Advance PCS Health Systems in Fort Worth. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Decatur.
Survivors include her parents, Doyle and Nadine Watkins of Bridgeport; a son, Chad Bynum of Denton; a daughter, Kelli Summers and husband Casey of Denton; a brother, Mike Watkins and wife Becky of Sanger; a granddaughter, Kelsey Summers; a niece, a nephew, and two great nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Bobby Phillips, Wes Davis, Floyd McGrew, Charles Cundiff, Kenneth Burt, Terry Cundiff, Richard Burt and Jeff Phillips.

Crews, Clyde Courtney
1931-2001
Service for Clyde Courtney Crews, 70, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, May 1, at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Marshall Ingram, III officiated. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Crews died Saturday, April 28, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 8 1931, in Alvord, Crews was former editor and publisher of the Alvord News.
He married Perry Joy Everett Feb. 18, 1955, in Alvord. He was an Army veteran and a member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife Perry Joy Crews of Bridgeport; two daughters, Mary Crews Ingram of Binger, Okla. and Rosie Crews of Euless and one grandchild, Marshall “Trey” Ingram III, of Binger.
Wise County Messenger, May 3, 2001

Crisp, John Henry
1926-2000
Service for John Henry Crisp, 74, of Bridgeport, was Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated. Burial followed at the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Billy Joe Green, Leonard Green, Johnny Lunsford, Donald Crisp, Johnny Crisp and Raymond Crisp.
Honorary pallbeaarers were Tracy Martin, Anthony Neu, Kenny Thorpe and Monty Neu.
Crisp died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 13, 1926, in Kiowa County, Okla., he was a retired plant operator for Lone Star Industries. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He married Dora Reynolds on Aug. 10, 1956, in Levelland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Susie and Andrew Jackson Crisp and eight brothers, Jesse, Alford, Raymond, Pete, Troy, Lloyd, Eziekel and James Crisp.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dora Crisp; four sons, John I. and wife Beverly Crisp, Henry and wife Thresia Crisp, Tony and wife Sandi Crisp and Floyd Crisp; a sister, Mattie Lunsford and six grandchildren, Tiffany, Adreane, Kendall, Chance, Ethan and Ryan.

Crowell, Elizabeth Marie
1908-2000
Graveside service for Elizabeth Marie Crowell, 92, of Bridgeport is Sunday, April 1, at 2 p.m. in the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Crowell died March 29, 2001, at her home.
She was born Nov. 14, 1908, in Boone, Iowa. She had lived in Bridgeport since 1981. She was a retired waitress.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Crowell; three daughters, Margaret Seifert, Mildred Washburn and Bonnie Kay Seifert; and one son, Jack Seifert.
She is survived by three daughters, Dorothy Baker of Midland, Betty Penning of Britt, Iowa, and Judy Brussard of Louisiana; two sons, Alvin Charles Seifert of Midland and Robert “Cooney” Seifert of Bridgeport; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Brussard, Andy Crisp, Ruben Brussard, Jeff Prune, George Rash, Kurt Turner, Neil Jackson and Leslie Hardin.

Croy, Mamie L.
1910-2001
Graveside service for Mamie L. Croy, 91, of Decatur was Friday, Dec. 28, at Perry Cemetery in Carrollton. Jerry Stout officiated.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie and Duard Leatherwood, William Fenter, Terry Young, A.C. Miller and John Tipton.
Croy died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, in Decatur.
Born June 6, 1910, in Ferris, she was a retired seamstress. She married the late John Willie Croy Jan. 1, 1928, in Lewisville. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Lewisville.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 24, 1979, and by two sons, J.W. Croy, Jr. and Jimmy Vess.
She is survived by two daughters, Aaron Ward of Decatur and Patsy Phillips of Whitesboro; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 30, 2001

Crum, Karen Sue
1935-2001
Service for Karen Sue Crum, 66, of Decatur was Friday, Nov. 30 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Rusty Hedges officiated. Burial followed at Hilltop Cemetery in Carrollton.
Crum died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001, at her home.
Born Aug. 23, 1935, in Gove County, Kansas, she was executive director of Independent Distributors Association in Dallas. She was active in the Dallas Fort Worth Association of Executives, Texas Society of Association Executives and accredited as a certified meeting professional. She was an active participant in Toastmasters International. She wrote a column entitled “Wise Bird Notes” for the Wise County Messenger. She was active in the Tallgrass Prairie Audubon Chapter as secretary and as editor of the club newsletter “Tall Grass Tales.”
She is survived by her husband, Wallace Crum of Decatur; her father- and mother-in-law, Alvin and Hester Crum of Fort Worth, two sons, Wyman Royer of Hansville, Wash. and Gregg and wife Kristyn Royer of Quilcence, Wash.; a daughter, Fawn Johnston of Dallas; two stepdaughters, Renee and husband David Martin and Shelley Westbrook; a brother, Bennie and wife Donna Saindon of Denver, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Mary, Matthew and Jason Royer, Bryttani Johnston, Derek Sapp, Michael Martin, Wesley, Justin and Haley Westbrook; and one great-grandson, Andrew Royer.
Honorary pallbearers were Wyman, Gregg and Matthew Royer, Bennie Saindon, David Martin, Alvin Crum and Fred Heath.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 2, 2001

Daehnke, Florence ‘Flo’
1916-2001
Service for Florence “Flo” Daehnke, 85, of Boyd will be Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. The Rev. Bill May will officiate. Burial will be at Keeter Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mike Rawlings, Lamar Tilson, Ron Miller, Mark Hopkins, Kenneth Galloway and Floyd Huddleston.
Daehnke died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at her residence.
Born Jan. 24, 1916, in New York, N.Y., she had been a resident of Boyd for 10 years. She was a retired bookkeeper. She was a former treasurer of Boyd Methodist Women, an artist, a choir member and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Boyd.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Jones Haenschen and Andrew Haenschen, and her sister, Marion Bors.
She is survived by a daughter, Patti Reynolds and her husband Bill of Boyd; two sons, Robert Daehnke and his wife Rita of Lombard, Ill. and Rich Daehnke and his wife Sid of Aurora, Ill.; six grandchildren, Lavonne, Natalie, Danielle, Max, Clint and Kurt; three great-grandchildren, Brittany, Lorin and Kaitlyn and a nephew, Gary Bors and his wife Alice of Lighthouse Point, Fla.

Dansby, Carol Ann
1951-2001
Service for Carol Ann Dansby, 50, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Nov. 10 at St. John Baptist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Eddie Johnson was to officiate, to be assisted by Revs. B.J. Thomas, Eugene Florence, C.D. Lockhart and Marvin Allen. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Dansby died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born July 24, 1951, in Decatur, she was an employee of the Headstart Program in Decatur. She was a member of the Worship Temple in Chico and a former musician at St. John Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Bennie Coleman.
She is survived by a son, James Dansby, Jr. of Fort Worth; a daughter, Amy Jones of Fort Worth; four sisters, Dorothy Bell and Janet Minor, both of Decatur, Gwen Brooks of Fort Worth and Veronica Jones of Dallas and two grandchildren, Kagen and Kasey Jones, both of Fort Worth.
Pallbearers were to be Cedrick, Tommy and Mike Bell, David and Lee Ray Minor, Ray Russell and Ronnie Dansby.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 11, 2001

Davenport, Mary Velma
1900-2001
Funeral for Mary Velma Davenport, 101, of Denton, was to be Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur followed by burial in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Dr. William C. Crouch was to officiate.
She died Friday, April 6, 2001, in Denton where she had moved in recent years after living in Decatur since 1910.
Davenport was born March 18, 1900, in Rhome. She married Fred Arnold Davenport. He died in May, 1938, near the end of his second term as Wise County judge. Velma was appointed to complete his term, thus becoming Texas’ first female county judge.
“I was just a figurehead,” a modest Davenport said in a Messenger interview in 1984. “It was lots of fun except I felt ignorant.”
She graduated from Decatur Baptist College and attended Texas Christian University and the University of Texas. She taught school for several years and was the first paid employee of Wise Electric Cooperative. She worked for Wise Electric for 31 years, the last 20 as office manager.
She is survived by a son, F.A. Davenport of Wichita Falls; a daughter, Molly Hull of Denton; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Hoyl; a sister, Gabie Sue McCaleb and a brother, David Carl Carpenter.

Davidson, Evelyn Marguerite Workman
1914-2001
Service for Evelyn Marguerite Workman David-son, 87, of Roanoke was Saturday, Sept. 22, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel.
The Rev. Rusty Hedges officiated and burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Davidson died Sept. 20, 2001, at a Keller nursing home.
Born March 14, 1914, Davidson was a retired school teacher who taught for 37 years. She married Donald Worth Davidson on Aug. 31, 1941, in Decatur. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Roanoke.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Davidson of Roanoke; a son, Don Davidson of Huntsville; a daughter, Alice Davidson Schur of Roanoke and two grandchildren, Deena Everest of Buffalo, N.Y. and Bradley Schur of Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 27, 2001

Davis, Lavada
1909-2001
Graveside service for Lavada Davis, 91, of Bridgeport, was Saturday, Feb. 10, in West Bridgeport Cemetery. She died Feb. 10, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Dec. 16, 1909, in Shawnee, Okla., she was a homemaker.
Survivors include a brother, J.L. “Rocky” Robertson and wife Elsie of Bridgeport; two sisters, Evelyn Pirro and husband Frank of San Diego, Calif., and Goldie Teague. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Davis, Margie Lois
1942-2001
Service for Margie Lois Davis, 59, of Decatur will be Thursday, Nov. 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Grapevine. Burial will follow at Fair Lawn Cemetery in Cushing, Okla.
Davis died Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 3, 1942, in Flatrock, Miss., she was a retired school teacher and a graduate of the University of North Texas.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Francis Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Darrell Davis of Decatur; a daughter, Sherri Lynn Davis of Grapevine; a son, Brent Davis and wife Lisa; grandchildren, Joshua Davis and Benjamin Davis, all of North Richland Hills; her mother, Irene Murray of New Albany, Miss.; a brother, Richard Murray of Nettleton, Miss.; a sister, Linda Murray of Denver, Colo. and several nieces and nephews.
The family requests that memorials be made to Vitas Hospice, c/o Margie Davis 2501 Park View Dr. Ste. 600, Fort Worth 76102.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 8, 2001

Davis, Marvin
1913-2001
Service for Marvin Davis, 87, of Bridgeport, was to be Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Brother Glenn Connell was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Willow Point Cemetery.
Davis died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 24, 1913, in Greenwood, he was a retired farmer and carpenter. He married Louise Castleberry in 1944. He served un the U.S. Army 46th Engineers in Australia and New Guinea during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Davis; his son Larry Davis and wife Vonna of Bridgeport; his daughter Kathy Davis of Azle; three sisters, Cora Adams of Plainview, Flora Alexander of Lubbock, Geneva Vermillion of Fort Scott, Kan.; three grandchildren, Dorothy Davis of Arlington, Larry Davis, Jr. of Bridgeport, Marvin H. Davis of Bridgeport; two great-grandchildren, Haden and Joseph Davis of Bridgeport; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 16, 2001

Davis, Ora Jay, Sr.
1921-2001
Graveside service for Ora Jay Davis Sr., 79, of Cleburne were to be held on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Rev. Robert Baze was to officiate.
Davis died Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, at a Cleburne hospital.
Born Nov. 2, 1921, Davis was a retired electrician for a machine shop and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was married to the late Dorothy Simmons.
He is survived by a son, Ora Jay Davis Jr. of Cleburne; three daughters, Jetta Gray of Lakewood, Calif., Kay Kirkland of Decatur and LaVerne Walls of Bridgeport; two brothers, Rex Davis of Batesville, Ark. and Jessie Davis of Thida, Ark.; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 30, 2001

Davis, Patsy Grider Rogers
1944-2001
Patsy Grider Rogers Davis, 57, a former resident of Boyd, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, in Euless. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Bedford Church of Christ with burial in Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery. Family visitation was to be Wednesday, 5 to 6 p.m.(open casket) and 6 to 8 p.m. (closed casket) at the funeral home.
Davis was born Nov. 15, 1944, in Big Spring.
She is survived by two sons, Dwayne Rogers and John and his wife DeAnn Rogers; one daughter, Annette and her husband, Jerry Miller; grandchildren, Kenneth Davis, Cassie, Robin and Stanton Rogers, Zachary and Cody Costanza, and Meilani, Cameron and Payton Miller; four brothers, Scotty Calvery, Bill, Jerry and Jackie Grider; five stepchildren, six step grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren; and numerous neices and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 20, 2001

Day, Paul Revere
1922-2001
Service for Paul Revere Day, 79, of Decatur was Sunday, Sept. 16, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Jerry Miller officiated. Burial followed in the Pleasant Grove #1 Cemetery. Pallbearers were Henry T. Hicks, Jim Richards, Craig Shaw, Clay Wristen, Larry Avant, Wayne Long and Allen Bingham.
Day died on Sept. 14, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on Aug. 13, 1922, in Tupelo, Okla. he was a farmer and rancher. He married the late Margie Rohus on Feb. 7, 1948, in Midland. She preceded him in death in 1992. He was a member of the Aurora Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II serving in England, Germany and France.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Norris Day; three daughters, Sharon Sipes of Decatur, Dee Yaws Day of Fort Worth and Patti Doherty of Azle; two brothers, Allen Day of Midland and Sam Day of McAllen; two sisters, Minnie Warner of Midland and Polly Day of Conroe; four grandchildren, Joe Sipes of Denison, Shelly Vinzant of Boyd and Brodie Doherty and Bobby Doherty, both of Azle.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 20, 2001

DeCriscio, Gregory Warren ‘Moose’
1971-2001
Graveside service for Gregory Warren “Moose” DeCriscio, 29, of Rhome was Friday, May 4 at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Rev. Keith Anderson officiated.
DeCriscio died Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at Wise Regional Health System.
Born July 25, 1971, in French Camp, Calif., DeCriscio is survived by his daughter, Leanora Jean DeCriscio of Cleburne; his mother, Cherly DeCriscio of Rhome; two sisters, Kimberly McDermand of Stockton, Calif. and Diñe Maurer of San Andreas, Calif.; one brother, Frank DeCriscio of Orange City, Ore. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, May 6, 2001

Delk, Debbie Renee
1963-2001
Graveside service for Debbie Renee Delk, 37, of Poolville was Tuesday, March 13, at East Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Delk, who worked as a grocery clerk and had been a resident of Newark for most of her life, died March 10, 2001, in Fort Worth. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Rothlis, and daughter, Brandie Rothlis.
She is survived by her son, Jacob Delk of Jacksboro; parents, David and Judy Rothlis of Poolville; brothers, David Michael Rothlis of Mt. Pleasant, Danny Rothlis of North Richland Hills and Dennis Rothlis of Rosharon; grandmother, Modena Rothlis of Poolville and many nieces and nephews.

Denney, Letha Ora
1903-2000
Graveside service for Letha Ora Denney, 97, of Clarendon was Tuesday, Jan. 2, in Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 in Chico. The Rev. Jerry L. Miller officiated.
Denney died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000, in Amarillo.
Born Sept. 6, 1903, in Collin County, she was a resident of Decatur before moving to Clarendon in 1993. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Hobart, Okla.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Nelson Christie of Clarendon; one sister, Lizzie Mae Jones of Decatur; two grandchildren, Mike Christie of Gallup, N.M. and Jane Roanhorse of Chinle, Ariz. and three great grandchildren.

Dixon, Daile Estelle
1914-2001
A private service for Daile Estelle Dixon, 87, of Alvord will be Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m.
Dixon died Monday, April 23, 2001, at her home in Alvord.
She was born Feb. 21, 1914, in Jet, Okla.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Dixon, Robert Dixon and wife Shirley, Michael Dixon and James Dixon; a daughter, Phyllis Blain and husband Harold; a brother, Sonny Thomas; a sister, Billie Jean Weinholz; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Dobyns, Wallace Cecil
1909-2001
Graveside service for Wallace Cecil Dobyns of Chico, is Thursday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery in Sunset. The Rev. Charles A. Cox will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 7 to 8 pm at Fry Funeral Home.
Dobyns died on Dec. 17, 2001, in Lancaster.
Born on Sept. 20, 1909, he was a retired maintenance carpenter and a member of the First Baptist Church of Sunset. He was also a life member of the Haltom City Masonic Lodge #1331, AF & AM where he was past worshipful master. He was also a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. On Nov. 18, 1939, he married Lela Grace Dobyns in Fort Worth. She preceded him in death on May 12, 1993. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Bessie Sweat, two brothers, Sterling Dobyns and J.B. Dobyns and one great-grandson, Terry Mann in 1994.
Survivors include two sons, A.C. “Cecil” Dobyns of Chico and Charles Dobyns of Garland, Ks.; five sisters; Vivian Marrs of Alma, Ark., Vernon Carman, Mattie Williams, Gertrude Sandwick and Dessie Coffee, all of Highland, Calif.; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 20, 2001

Dodson, Ralph Jordan
1915-2001
Service for Ralph Jordan Dodson, 85, of Decatur will be Thursday, March 15, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Brian McPherson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Dodson died Sunday, March 11, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 1, 1915, in Sanger, he was the owner and operator of the Decatur Ice Company for many years. He married Kitty Beth Christian in Decatur on June 7, 1938. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he held various positions. He was a member and past officer of the Decatur Lions Club and past president of the Decatur School Board. He worked with the Boy Scouts of America, little league baseball and the Wise County Youth Fair.
He is survived by his wife, Kitty Beth; two sons, David Dodson of Decatur and Derrell Dodson of Dallas; a daughter, Nellanne McBroom of Nocona; a sister, Doris Mote of Decatur; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dahlem and Drew Dodson, Dan Pope, Sean and Shane Williams, Phil and Dick Mote and Harry Towler.
Donations may be made to Home Hospice, 2201 S. FM 51, Decatur, Texas, 76234.

Duckworth, Della Maye
1913-2001
Service for Della Maye Duckworth, 88, of Taylor, a former Decatur resident, was Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Providence Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor. The Rev. Jeff Ripple officiated. Burial was in the Taylor City Cemetery.
Duckworth died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001.
She was born Feb. 10, 1913, in Krum, to William Alpheas and Mittie Pauline Gallett Gill. She married Hugh William Duckworth in Amarillo on Feb. 24, 1934. They were married for 68 years. She was a housewife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband had lived in Decatur for 15 years. They were both volunteers at the Bridgeport Senior Citizens Center. They later moved to the Taylor area. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh W. Duckworth; son, Ronald Hugh Duckworth and a daughter, Janis Elaine Duckworth Houston.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy Richardson and husband, Joe of Taylor; five grandchildren, Billy Richardson and wife Louann, Steve Richardson and wife Tracy, Terry Richardson and wife Rhonda, Dina Bullard and husband Darren, Christie Richardson and fiancé, Andrew Unnasch; nine great grandchildren, Eric, Travis, Leah, Camron, Lauren, Brianna and Clayton, Suzanna Melgarejo and husband, Alex and Kris Hall; one great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Johns Community Hospital, 305 Mallard Lane, Taylor, TX 76574.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Duckworth, Hugh William
1910-2001
Service for Hugh William Duckworth, 91, a former Decatur resident, was to be Saturday, Dec. 1 at Providence Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor. Larry Givens was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Taylor City Cemetery.
Duckworth died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2001, in Taylor.
Born Nov. 5, 1910, in Manatou, Okla., Duckworth married Della Maye Gill Feb. 24, 1934, in Amarillo. He was a firefighter on the airbase in Dalhart during WWII. He moved to Decatur after his retirement from the City of Lubbock in the 1970s. Duckworth and his wife Della volunteered at Bridgeport Senior Citizens Center during the 15 years they lived in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ronald Hugh Duckworth; a daughter, Janis Elaine Duckworth Houston; two brothers, Lee and Alvin and a sister, Ruby.
He is survived by his wife, Della Maye Duckworth of Taylor; a daughter, Judy Richardson and husband Joe of Taylor; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 2, 2001

Eason, Zula Bell
1917-2001
Service for Zula Bell Eason, 83, of Alvord was Tuesday, June 26, at First Baptist Church of Alvord. Gentry Castleman officiated, assisted by Ken Cates. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Eason died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Bowie.
Born Oct. 18, 1917, in Wise County, she was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She married Alvis N. Eason in Bowie on Dec. 21, 1935.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
She is survived by a son, C. Curtis Eason of Huntsville, Ala.; a daughter, Lue Ella Jones of Alvord; a brother, O.C. Harper of Nocona; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Pat Campbell, Ricky Tow, Eddie Grundy, Douglas Jones, Lane Eason, Larry Eason and Jason Eason.
Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001

Eaton, Jacquelyn ‘Jackie’
1944-2001
Service for Jacquelyn “Jackie” Eaton, 56, of Katy, formerly of Decatur, was Monday, May 7, at the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy. Msgr. Jack Dinkins officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Eaton died Friday, May 4, 2001, in Katy.
Born Sept. 8, 1944, in Boston, Mass., Eaton was a marketing representative with Safeway Managing General Agency.
She is survived by her husband, David George Eaton; two sons, Bryan Moran Eaton and Mark Epperson Eaton; three stepchildren, David Daniel Eaton, Vivian Allison Eaton and Kirsten Marie Eaton; three grandchildren, Daniel George Eaton, Edward Robert Eaton and Kirsten Michelle Reinhart; two brothers, Gerald Patrick Moran and Robert John Moran and two sisters, Moya Frances O’Neal and Margaret Moran.
Wise County Messenger, May 10, 2001

Edgar, Bill
1924-2001
Graveside service for Bill Edgar, 77, of Center was Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Sunset Cemetery.
Edgar died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, in Center.
Born June 16, 1924 in Park Springs, Edgar was a sales executive with Center Broadcasting and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Center.
He is survived by his wife, Fleetia Edgar of Center; his sister-in-law, Olene Jackson of Center; several cousins, nephews and nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 25, 2001

Edgmon, Milton Andrew ‘Andy’
1943-2001
Graveside service for Milton Andrew “Andy” Edgmon, 58, of Chico will be Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at Jim Ned Cemetery.
Rev. Dan Sparkman will officiate.
Edgmon died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Chico.
Born April 7, 1943, in Arkansas, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force and an insurance sales representative. He married Thelma Moody on July 22, 1991, in LaPorte.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma of Chico; three sons, Alan Harclerode of Bridgeport, Louis Harclerode of Dayton and David Edgmon and wife Kim of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Missy McCormack of LaPorte; a brother, Mike Edgmon of San Saba; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be James Moody, Gene Moody, Leon Moody, Dale Moody, Glenn Moody and Shorty Moody.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Emerick, Richard Dean
1926-2001
Memorial service for Richard Dean Emerick, 74, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Feb. 24, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel at 4 p.m. Jeff Gehle was to officiate.
Emerick died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001 in Decatur.
Born May 25, 1926 in Decatur, Ill., he married Eloma Alexander on Nov. 9, 1957 in Las Vegas. She preceded him in death. He was the owner-operator of King Korn Popcorn Company and was a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his son, Russell Emerick of Decatur; two sisters, Mary Penneman of Albuquerque, N.M. and Doris Stephenson of Phoenix, Ariz and three grandchildren.

Erwin, Jackie Edward
1944-2001
Memorial service for Jackie Edward Erwin, 56, of Bridgeport was March 22 at Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Dr. Bill Higgins officiated.
Erwin died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Oak Leaf.
Born Aug. 9, 1944, in Plainview, to Buck Edward and Eugenia Pierson Erwin, he was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Plainview until he moved to Bridgeport in 1999. He was diagnosed early in life with congenital cerebellar ataxia and he requested that his body by donated to medical science hoping to help others with his disability.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by two sisters, Amy Erwin of Stephenville and Rose Mary Sheppard of Lubbock; three brothers, Charlie Erwin and his wife Linda of Oak Leaf, Rodger Erwin and his wife Connie of Midway Park, N.C. and Thomas Lester Erwin of Plainview; three aunts, Sue Erwin of Odessa, Catherine Pierson Spence of Bridgeport and Adaline Erwin of Tishomingo, Okla.; five nephews; four nieces and several cousins.
Memorials may be made to Home Hospice of North Texas in Decatur or Bethel Baptist Building Fund in Plainview.

Espy, Albert Ernest Lee
1950-2001
Service for Albert Ernest Lee Espy, 50, of Alvord was to be Monday, May 14, at 10 a.m. At the First Baptist Church in Alvord. Bill Cleveland was to
officiate.
Espy died Wednesday, May 9, 2001 in Alvord.
Born July 2, 1950, in Chattanoga, Tenn., he was a Vietnam War veteran and member of the First Baptist Church in Alvord. He married Marcella Mae George on Dec. 14, 1976 in Minette, Ala.
He is survived by his wife, Marcie Espy of Alvord; two sons, Tony Bruce Espy and Stanton Edward Espy of Tennessee a daughter, Lisa Michelle Espy of Tennessee and his sister Sarah Elizabeth Nix of Georgia.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Etter, Bertha Lue
1911-2001
Service for Bertha Lue Etter, 89, of Boyd was Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Doyle Slimp officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Etter died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, in Azle.
Born Oct. 20, 1911, in Boyd, she married Roy Etter Aug. 8, 1931, in Decatur. She attended the Boyd Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1979; three infant children; five sisters, Alice Reed, Gladys Whitmier, Marie Oates, Leona Oates, Jewel Cook; two brothers, Jess and Carol Taylor.
She is survived by three sons, Royce Etter, Donald Etter and his wife Pat, James Etter and his wife Patty, all of Boyd; one brother, Floyd Taylor and wife Dorothy; 10 grandchildren including Brent Etter; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 13, 2001

Fawvor, David
1944-2001
Graveside service for David Fawvor, 56, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Feb. 24, at the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Fawvor died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Aug. 21, 1944, in Bellville, he was co-owner of Hill Top Nursery and Landscape in Bridgeport.
He is survived by family members including Carolyn Smith; Roger Dale Mueller and wife Donna; Shirley Ann Duvall and husband Roy; Bobby Ray Castle; Mike and Connie Buettner, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Fellers, Lola B.
1921-2001
Service for Lola B. Fellers, 80, formerly of Decatur, will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 22, at the House of Prayer in Gainesville. The Rev. R.G. Logan will officiate. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur.
Fellers died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, in Columbus, Kan.
Born March 9, 1921, in Wise County, she was a nurse’s aide. She lived most of her life in the Gainesville and Decatur areas but was a resident of Weir, Kan. for the last 12 years.
She married James Ernest Fellers in November 1942, in Decatur. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 1981.
She was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Church in Weir.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Grace Alma Keen, two children, two sisters and three brothers.
Survivors are three sons, James R. Fellers and Tommy Fellers of Weir and Steve Fellers of Baxter Springs, Kan.; two daughters, Ruth Stevens of Weir and Carolyn Dunn of Houston; 13 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001

Fitzgerald, H.S.
1940-2001
Funeral for H. S. Fitzgerald, 60, of Decatur will be Monday, Feb. 19 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. He died Feb. 16 in a Fort Worth hospital.
Fitzgerald was a former president of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse and a longtime worker in agriculture programs for young people.
He was a member of the Sheriff’s Posse for more than 40 years. He worked with the annual Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo and helped with the fund-raising efforts to build the many barns and other facilities at the Posse grounds. He was a longtime member of the Wise County Youth Fair Committee. In addition to helping with the many Youth Fair livestock shows, he could be found inside the show ring on the final day of the youth fair, helping to secure top bids for youths’ livestock projects. His son Monty is now filling that role.
Gary Demmitt will officiate at the funeral. Fitzgerald was a member of the Church of Christ.
Fitzgerald was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Paradise. He was a contractor and rancher.
Survivors include his wife, Edna Fitzgerald of Decatur; mother, Reba Fitzgerald of Bridgeport; two sons and daughters-in law, Monty and Melissa Fitzgerald of Chico and Marty and Jody Fitzgerald of Decatur and a daughter, Marcie Fitzgerald of Lynnwood, Wash. Other survivors include three sisters, Lorene Daughtry of Lakeside, Mary Lou Hall of Benbrook and Joyce Boone of Mineral Wells; five grandchildren, Lakyn, McKenzie, Jacob, Jaci and Makayla Fitzgerald.
Pallbearers are Gerald Oates, Dennis Hudson, Craig Jackson, Weldon Taylor, Ross Mueller and Kyle Stephens.
Honorary pallbearers are J. F. (Junior) Janecka, Bobby Stephens, Jackie Boyd, Dan B. Maeyers, James Oates, Buba Hudson and C. L. Gage, Jr.

Fitzgerald, Ollie Dell
1913-2001
Service for Ollie Dell Fitzgerald, 88, of Bridgeport was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Gary Beard and Ed Norton were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wilson Prairie Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Derrell Harris, James Cooper, Joe Harris, Chad Cooper, Shane Harris and Carl Ray Jones.
Fitzgerald died Wednesday, June 6, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born March 27, 1913, in Paradise, she was a member of the Church of Christ. She married J.L. Fitzgerald on March 21, 1949, in Jacksboro.
She was preceded in death by her two children, J. L. Brazier Jr. and Billie Joye Harris; five brothers and her sister.
She is survived by her husband, J.L. Fitzgerald of Bridgeport; one daughter, Lornella Cooper of Decatur; five grandsons, Derrel Harris, Joe Harris, Shane Harris, all of Weatherford, James Cooper of Rendon and Chad Cooper of Boyd; two brothers, T.J. King of Chickasha, Okla. and Bill King of Hamilton; a son-in-law, Truman Harris of Weatherford; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Flatt, Billy H.
1935-2001
Memorial service for Billy H. Flatt, 66, of Decatur was Monday, May 21 at Southwest Harvest Church. Burial followed at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Mark Pearce officiated.
Flatt died Thursday, May 17, 2001, from cancer.
Born Feb. 27, 1935, in Venus, Flatt owned and operated the Orange Tree Gallery of Duncanville for more than 26 years. He had recently semi-retired from the gallery to pursue his lifelong dream of returning to farming and ranching.
Flatt was a U.S. Army sergeant. His parents preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Norma; daughters, Tara Ferguson and her husband, David, and Dara Crabtree and her husband, Steve, all of Duncanville and grandchildren, Stefani Crabtree and Trey and Colton Ferguson.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Flusche, James Joseph
1936-2001
Service for James Joseph Flusche, 65, of Decatur was Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Father Gonzalo Morales officiated, assisted by Deacon Art Casias. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Neil Todd, Paul Guerra, John Price, Mateo Nuñez, John Huber and Terry Workman.
Flusche died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 12, 1936, in Muenster, he owned and operated James Flusche Auto Repair. He married Judy Glaser Maliska in Decatur on June 27, 2001. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church and a was veteran, having served in the Army National Guard.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally Flusche and a daughter, Cindy Savage.
He is survived by his wife, Judy R. Flusche of Decatur; his mother, Regina Flusche of Gainesville; three sons, Phillip Flusche of Muenster, Carl Flusche of Dallas and Conrad Flusche of Dumas; a step-son, Miles Maliska of Houston; three daughters, Kathy Todd of Flower Mound, Paula Thompson of Saint Jo and Monica Guerra of Waxahachie; two step-daughters, Rene Cooper of Kennedale and Angela Maliska of Decatur; one brother, Jerry Flusche of Decatur; two sisters, Viola Schmidlokfer of Lindsay and Evelyn Sicking of Muenster; 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and three step grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 27, 2001

Flusche, Sarah ‘Sally’ Almyra
1936-2001
Service for Sarah “Sally” Almyra Flusche, 64, of Decatur was Friday, Feb. 16 at Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur. The Rev. Gonzolo Morales officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Flusche died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, in Decatur.
Born June 21, 1936, in Millsap she married James J. Flusche on April 24, 1957, in Denton. She was a bookkeeper and a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur.
She is survived by her husband, James Flusche of Decatur; three sons, Philiip Flusche and wife Brenda of Muenster; Carl Flusche of Dallas and Conrad Flusche and wife Khristi of Dumas; three daughters, Kathy Todd and husband Neil of Flower Mound, Paula Thompson and husband Kenneth of Saint Jo and Monica Cuerra and husband Paul of Waxahachie; two brothers, Chuck Becker of Prescott, Ariz. and George Becker of Denton; a sister, Louise Birdsong of Denton; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to the Sally Flusche memorial fund at Assumption Catholic Church, 1305 Deer Park Rd., Decatur, Texas 76234.

Foster, Jane
1922-2001
A memorial service for Jane Foster, 79, of Euless was Sunday, July 22, at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Fort Worth. She died July 21, 2001, in Fort Worth.
She was born Feb. 27, 1922, in Conway, Ark. She was a legal secretary in Houston until retiring in 1983.
She is survived by two sons, Chip Foster of Cottondale and Bruce Foster of Euless; two sisters, one brother, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends at Hurst-Euless-Bedford Dialysis.

Fowler, Timothy Edward
1981-2001
Service for Timothy Edward Fowler, 20, of Alvord will be Friday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Living Word Assembly of God Church in Alvord. David McIntyre will officiate and will be assisted by M.L. Milton and Eddie Hooker. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Fowler died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 25, 1981, in Denton, he was a land surveyor and a member of the Grace Outreach Church in Chico.
He is survived by his father and mother, Neal and Maggie Fowler of Alvord; grandparents, Charles and Liz Caldwell of Chico and John and Juanell Fowler of Sunset and a brother, B.J. Fowler of Grand Prairie.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 15, 2001

Fox, Earl Ross
1926-2001
Service for Earl Ross Fox, 75, of Paradise was to be Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Burial was to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Fox died on Nov. 25, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on June 23, 1926, in Decatur, Fox was a house mover and a veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Fox of Paradise; nine sons, Richard Fox of Durant, Okla., Elvin Fox of Paradise, Earl Ross Fox Jr. of San Diego, Calif., Marshall Fox, Mark Allen Fox, and Jerry Boiski, all of Decatur, Charles Fox of Arkansas, Jack Harris of Utah and Roy Harris of Hooks; six daughters, Ruth Ann Harris and Loraine Sheppard, both of Bridgeport, Claudette Williams of Crescent, Carolyn Trevino and Alice Bond both of Waco, and Sharon Boiski; a sister, Dorothy Fullerton of Blum; 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 29, 2001

Franzel, Gaylord Leo ‘Gator’
1942-2001
Services for Gaylord Leo “Gator” Franzel, 59, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. “Doc” Allen Rogers was to officiate.
Franzel died Dec. 12, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 27, 1942, in Royal Oak, Mich., he served in the U. S. Army and worked as a truck driver. He married Sue Martin on Nov. 5, 1964, in Naches, Wash., and was preceded in death by one son, Teddy Gene Franzel and four brothers, Marty Jo Burns and Ted, Steven and Eugene Franzel.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; one son, Anthony Paul Franzel; two daughters, GayeLynn Franzel and Janice Franzel; grandchildren, Anna, Andrew and Jacob Franzel, Eric and Stephen Andrews and Bobbie Crawley; four brothers, Carl Burns, Chuck Burns, Ricky Franzel and Jerry Franzel; four sisters, Linda Turman, Beverly Burns, Janice Vest and Blanche Martin; a daughter-in-law Patricia Andrews and a godson, Johnathan Paul Mattingly.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 16, 2001

Frasher, Michael Monroe
1971-2001
Service for Michael Monroe Frasher, 30, of Slidell was to be Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. at the Slidell Baptist Chruch. Burial was in Slidell Cemetery.
Frasher died Friday, Feb. 23, 2001, in Kattanning, Pa.
Born Jan. 2, 1971, in Denton, he was a member of the Slidell Baptist Church and the Slidell Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his parents, Teddy Frasher of Arlington and Billie Frasher of Slidell; a sister, Sue Frasher of Slidell; and his grandmother, Elizabeth McDaniel of Arlington.

Freeman, Vernon W.
1917-2001
Graveside service for Vernon W. Freeman, 84, of Azle was Tuesday, May 1, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery #1.
Freeman died Friday, April 27, 2001, in Dallas.
Born in 1917, he was a former resident of Boyd and moved to Azle in 1987. He was a retired farmer, rancher and heavy equipment operator. He operated Freeman Land and Cattle Company for many years and was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Mae Freeman and daughters, Dorothy Webb and Wanda Rose.
He is survived by three sons, David Freeman of Fort Worth, George Freeman of Garland and Hal Freeman of Azle; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 3, 2001

Fried, Larry Dale
1948-2001
Graveside service for Larry Dale Fried, 52, of Bridgeport, was Tuesday, May 22 at East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Gary Sessions officiated.
Fried died Friday, May 18, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born May 30, 1948, in Fort Smith, Ark., he was a contract painter and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Fried; son, Robert Fried; daughter, Cassandra Sessum; brother, Jerry Fried; two nieces and a dear friend, Billie Thup, all of Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Gaston, Velma Ruth
1925-2001
Memorial service for Velma Ruth Gaston, 75, of Boyd was Friday, April 6, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church #2. Raymond Henson officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Gaston died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born April 8, 1925, in Wise County, she was retired and a resident of Sunny Hills Nursing Center in Decatur.
She married the late James Arthur Gaston on Aug. 31, 1946 in Weatherford.
She is survived by her son, Johnny Gaston of Boyd; daughter Viola Reynolds of Springtown; two brothers, Charles Wolfe, Jr. and George Wolfe of Boyd; two sisters, Gladys Keene of Boyd and Mildred Hinkle of Springtown; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Gee, Johnny Darrell
1974-2001
Service for Johnny Darrell Gee, 26, of Chico was Thursday, March 22, at The Shepherd’s House in Chico. Rev. Donnie Russell officiated. Burial followed at the Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Chad Morrow, Jason Karch, Calvin Souther, Larry Windon, Joseph Sutton and Bill Grisham.
Gee died March 18, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 11, 1974 in Bridgeport, he was a welder.
He is survived by his parents, Leon and Paulette Gee; a son, John Dylan Gee; two brothers, Leon Gee, Jr. and wife Lori and Jerry Gee; a sister, Kristi Gee Hastings and husband Alex; a grandmother, Lenora Gee and several aunts and uncles.

Gentry, Correne
1914-2001
Service for Correne Gentry, 87, of Paradise was held on Friday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Tom Goebel officiated assisted by Dr. Glenn Routt. Burial followed in Pleasant Grove #1 Cemetery. Pallbearers were Douglas Wood, Larry Stubblefield, Rhonnie Rhine, Johnny Birdier, Michael Overton and Allen Dickey.
Gentry died Nov. 13, 2001, in Paradise.
Born on Feb. 26, 1914, she married Floyd Gentry in 1932, in Waurika, Okla. and graduated from All-Saints Nursing School in 1964. Gentry was a member of the First Christian Church in Paradise where she played the piano. She was also a member of the Wise County Historical Society.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Holt of Justin; a grandson, Morgan Holt of Weatherford and one great-grandson, Tevin Holt of Weatherford.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 18, 2001

George, Delores Etoy Cox
1916-2001
Service for Deloris Etoy Cox George, 84, of Chico was to be Wednesday, April 18, 2001, at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Dr. Bill Dye was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Lone Star Cemetery near Chico.
George died Monday, April 16, 2001, in Lawton, Okla.
Born June 9, 1916, in Gibtown, to Jake and Mary Middleton Cox, she worked as a seamstress for Larch-Westway for 10 years. She then began a career of nursing at the Bridgeport and Decatur hospitals as well as the Sunny Hills Care Center and the Bridgeport Care Center. She was a member of the First Baptist Church at Bridgeport. She taught Sunday school classes at the Bridgeport Care Center and the Park Haven Healthcare Center for 20 years. She married Glen George on Oct. 8, 1938.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Maggie Arms and three brothers, Burl, Carl and Auty.
She is survived by her husband, Glen; daughter and son-in-law, Sharron and Lonnie Nichols; two granddaughters, Sunni Stringer and Kristi Klein and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Dale George, Chad Cox, Todd Buckner, Greg Nichols, Clint Cox and Roger Stringer. Honorary pallbearers were to be Brayden Stringer, Collin Klein, Connor Klein, Carter Klein, Grant George and Cyle Cox.

Gibbon, Bobbie Jo
1931-2001
Memorial services for Bobbie Jo Gibbon, 69, a former resident of Bridgeport, were held on Sept. 22, 2001, in Oklahoma.
Gibbon died on Sept. 17 in Oklahoma. She was born in Beeville on Oct. 19, 1931, to Nathan and Essie Bryan.
She is survived by three sons, J.D. Keller, Greg Keller and Kenneth Shown; two daughters, Janet Nation and Teri Gose; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, October 4, 2001

Giles, Alma Faye
1918-2001
Service for Alma Faye Giles, 83, of Pottsboro was Friday, Feb. 23, at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison. Dr. Chet Haney and Rev. Lee Fuller officiated. Graveside service was at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport. Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Thomas Beall officiated.
Pallbearers were grandsons John Hefner, David Redmerski, Rick Bright, Paul Vree, Britton Robbins and David Solomon.
Giles died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001, at Texoma Medical Center.
She was born in Stony to Dennis Dugan and Susie Malinda Newton Boyle and was a member of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport for many years before moving to Pottsboro. She was a member of Parkside Baptist Church. She married J.E. Giles on Oct. 17, 1936, at Plainview and was a homemaker her entire life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years; one daughter, Sue Rowe and son-in-law Jimmie Hefner.
She is survived by three daughters, Nelda Lambert and husband Stack Lambert of Pottsboro, Jean Hefner of McKinney and Jo Linda Garrett and husband Robert Garrett of Pottsboro; 11 grandchildren, Kimberly Redmerski, Faith Bright, Denise Vree, Michelle Robbins, Jim and John Hefner, Jeannean Douglas, Jill Solomon and Barry, Monte and Scott Garrett; 23 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Debt Retirement Fund at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, the Building Fund at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport or Gideons International.

Gillespie, John Michael
1977-2001
Service for John Michael Gillespie, 24, of Chicago, previously of Irving, is to be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Irving. The Rev. Robert Stovall is to officiate.
Gillespie died Nov. 14, 2001, in Hines, Ill.
Born on Jan. 26, 1977, in Irving he was a fire chief in the U.S. Navy, a Red Cross volunteer and a member of the First Baptist Church of Alba.
He is survived by his parents, John Wayne and Monette Gillespie of Alba; a brother, Marcus Gillespie and wife Crystal of Arlington; grandparents, Wayne and Kay Gillespie of Irving, Roger and Jackie Klingbeil of Euless and Roberta Newton of Boyd; a nephew, Dylan Michael Gillespie of Arlington and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
The family requests that anyone wishing to make a memorial make it to the Leukemia Society of America, 12850 Spurling Dr., Suite 220, Dallas, Texas, 75230.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 18, 2001

Gilmore, Leslie Ray, Sr.
1934-2000
Service for Leslie Ray Gilmore, Sr., 67, of Newark, was Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Newark Church of Christ. Bobby Boaldin officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove No. 2 Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Shawn Phares, Danny Worley, James Cato, Jerry Sloas, Danny Sloas and Cody Gilmore.
Gilmore died Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Jan. 5, 1934, in Lordsburg, N.M., he married Maudie Tucker on Oct. 4, 1965, in Decatur. He was a retired Army veteran and was retired from Rockwell International.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Ray and Florence Campbell Gilmore and by a sister, Norma Jean Collins.
He is survived by his wife, Maudie Tucker Gilmore; two sons, Cody Dean Gilmore and Leslie Ray Gilmore, Jr.; a daughter, Sharon Manan Robinson; two granddaughters, Tiffany Lee and Lindsey Hope and a brother, George V. Gilmore.

Glenn, Rita Marie
1921-2001
Mass for Rita Marie Glenn, 79, of Decatur, was Monday, Feb. 12, at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Sanger. Graveside service was Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, Ind. She died Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 27, 1921, in Kokomo, Ind., she was a retired dental assistant.
Survivors include two daughters, Lurana Horn of Decatur and Suzette Murphy of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister, Theresa Davis of Charlotte, N.C.; a brother, Joseph A. Vandenbosch of Kokomo, Ind; seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Glover, Robert Wayne
1947-2001
Service for Robert Wayne Glover, 54, of Clute, was Saturday, March 31, at Brazosport Christian Center. Pastor Scott Hayes officiated.
Glover, formerly of Wise County, was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Eagles and Brazoria County Red Cross and Brazoria County REACT.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Evelyn Glover.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma Glover; a daughter Susan Watson and husband Mike of Clute; step-daughter, Celeste Harris and husband Gene of Clute; a son Lewis Glover and wife, Lisa of New York City; step-sons, Chad Lumpkin and wife Bonnie of Houston, Chris Lumpkin and wife, Joanne of Santa Fe, Greg Lumpkin and wife, Sabrina Angleton; two sisters, Pat Bennett and Sandra Wisenant, both of Decatur; grandchildren, Kasey Baker, Chelsie and Caylie Harris, Cole and Cody Lumpkin, Katlyn Arana, Caleb and Hope Smith.

Golaz, Mildred Lorene
1920-2001
Service for Mildred Lorene Golaz, 81, of Paradise, was to be Saturday, Aug.25, at 10 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Jason Parnell was to officiate assisted by the Rev. M. L. Melton. Burial was to follow in Paradise Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Micheal Peacock, Jason Miller, Kenny Pryor, Craig Erwin, William D. Golaz and Lee Golaz. Honorary pallbearer was to be Rich Denver.
Golaz died Aug. 22, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 28, 1920, she was a housewife and a member of the First Christian Church in Paradise.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Carl Golaz Jr. and her sister, Christine Read.
She is survived by three sons, the Rev. James Carl Golaz and wife Anita of San Antonio, William Henry Golaz and wife Jo Anne of Paradise and Charles D. Golaz and wife Joan of Paradise; a daughter, June Ellen Golaz of Golden, Colo.; a brother, James Elbert Smith Jr. and wife Ardith of Fort Worth; her brother-in-law, W.D. Read of Boyd; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 26, 2001

Gomez, Raymond C.
1966-2001
Service for Raymond C. Gomez, 34, of Odessa was Monday, Nov. 26 at Sunset Memorial Chapel in Odessa. Father Mark Woodruff of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church officiated. He is survived by four brothers in Decatur.
Scott died Friday, Nov. 23, 2001, in Denton.
Born March 4, 1966, in Odessa, Gomez worked at Saul’s Barbershop. He was a lifetime resident of Odessa.
He is survived by a son, Jonathan Pena Gomez of Odessa; his daughter, Brittany Pena Gomez of Odessa; his life-long companion, Scott Taboada of Odessa; his mother, Rosa Madrid; his brothers, Eddie, Isaac, Abel, and Junior Gomez, all of Decatur; and a sister, Monica Jacinto of Denton.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 29, 2001

Goode, Frank Elbert
1925-2001
Graveside service for Frank Elbert Goode, 75, of Alvord was to be Wednesday, Feb. 7 at New Hope Cemetery in Tarrant County. Gentry Castleman was to officiate.
Goode died Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born June 2, 1925, in Floydada, he married Matha Faye Jeffcoat, who preceded him in death. He was a member of the Baptist church.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, William, Aubry, Robert, Hoyt and Ray.
He is survived by his sons, Duwane Goode of Mt. Pleasant and David Goode of Bowie; two daughters, Martha Renner of Alvord and Elaine Burrell of Shirley, Ark.; two sisters, Jo Houser of Locksburg, Ark. and Ethel Hannom of Hot Springs, Ark.; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Green, William Jefferson
1940-2001
Graveside service for William Jefferson Green, 60, of Fort Worth was Tuesday, May 22, at Aurora Cemetery.
Green died Saturday, May 19, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 2, 1940, in Fort Worth, he is survived by two sons, Perry Green of Canyon City, Calif. and Timmy Green of Beaumont; a daughter, Teresa Ann Baker of Haslet; two sisters, Era Mae Carroll of Granbury and Patricia Ann O’Shields of Veal Station; a brother, Tommy James Green and five grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Greer, Martha Ann
1943-2001
Service for Martha Ann Greer, 58, of Decatur was Tuesday, Nov. 13 at Bible Way Church in Alvord. Mike Maxon officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Greer died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001, in Decatur.
Born April 28, 1943, in Savannah, Ga., Greer was a homemaker. She married Wesley Randolph Greer in 1972 in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Tracy Turner.
She is survived by her husband, Wesley Randolph Greer of Decatur; six sons, Johnny R. Pippin, Tim Pippin, Jeremy Fabela, Tim Greer, all of Decatur, Robby Anderson of Alvord and Wesley Greer Jr. of Mesquite; two daughters, Pamela Darlene Fabela and Edwina Lou Hargrave, both of Decatur; five brothers, Jimmy Turner of Decatur, Raymond and Richard Turner, both of W. Palm Beach, Fla., Jerold Turner of Augusta, Ga., Jerry Turner of Anchorage, Alaska; one sister, Fran Flowers of Jessup, Ga. and 18 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 15, 2001

Grimes, James Willard
1948-2001
Graveside service for James Willard Grimes, 53, of Bridgeport was Thursday, July 12, in the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Dr. Clint Davis officiated.
Grimes died July 10, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 14, 1948, in Helena, Ark., Grimes was a teacher for the Bridgeport Independent School District in the ACE program. He was also a Baptist.
He is survived by two sisters, Glenda Cantlon of Spring and Donna Kenyon of Bridgeport; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Wise County Messenger, July 15, 2001

Grimsley, Lucille
1928-2001
Service for Lucille Grimsley, 73, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. Rev. Marsha Engle was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Azleland Cemetery.
Grimsley died Sunday, May 6, 2001, in Boyd.
Born March 18, 1928, in Post, she was a retired secretary who worked for Ronnie Uselton Insurance in Decatur. She was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Grimsley on Aug. 9, 1998, and a son, Bill Grimsley on Dec. 17, 2000.
She is survived by two daughters, Mary Woodruff and Darlene Mann and husband Bobby; a daughter-in-law, Donna Grimsley; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were to be B.J. Rhoudes, Jimmy Young, Danny Geary, Rocky Roper, Richard Young and David Christensen.
Wise County Messenger, May 10, 2001

Grissom, Weldon Hobert
1919-2001
Graveside service for Weldon Hobert Grissom, 82, of Fort Worth was Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Alvord Cemetery. Bill Cleveland officiated.
Grissom died Sunday, Aug. 5, 2001, in Arlington.
Born May 26, 1919, in Alvord, he was an oil scout for Marathon Oil Company. He married the late Marian Kornblatt in Luling on April 15, 1985. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was an Army veteran. He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1952.
He is survived by a son, Randy Grissom of Santa Fe, N.M.; two daughters, Carolyn Ferrel of Fort Worth and Barbara Burleson of Reston, Va.; a brother, Kenneth Grissom of Fort Worth; a sister, Neva Nell Harris of Dallas; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and two stepdaughters, Lunette Jarrett of Luling and Melanie Lopez of Grand Prairie.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 9, 2001

Grooms, Jalmer Ray
1934-2001
Service for Jalmer Ray Grooms, 66, of Fort Worth was to be Saturday, Feb. 10, in the First Baptist Church in Chico. Burial was to be in the Chico Cemetery.
He died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 21, 1934, in Ringling, Okla., Grooms was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico, founder of Grooms Pest Control of Fort Worth and had served as treasurer, secretary, vice president and president of the Greater Tarrant County Pest Control Association.
Survivors include his wife, Christine; a daughter, Paula Davis and Ricky Minor of Granbury;two sons, Michael and Christy Grooms and Jeff and Donya Grooms of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, Chelsi Davis of Granbury, Bart, Morgan, Dakota and Katelyn Grooms of Fort Worth; a brother, Eugene and Willene Grooms of Crafton; sisters Geneva Dawson of Alvord, Gussie and R.L. Groves of Chico, Nancy and Bennie Dickinson of Chico, Lillian Thompson of Bridgeport, Yvonne and Scott Burgess of Chico; an uncle, Melvin Brunson of Marana, Ariz. and a number of nieces and nephews.

Gustafson, Virginia
1918-2001
Service for Virginia Gustafson, 82, of Boyd was to be Saturday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake. The Rev. Tom Watson was to officiate.
Gustafson died Tuesday, May 1, 2001, in Boyd.
Born Nov. 19, 1918, in Chennyville, Ill., Gustafson was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Ernest Gustafson of Boyd; a son, Norman Gustafson of Boyd; three daughters, Judy Denison of Rosebud, Ark., Marcia Stockdale of Murrysville, Pa. and Lisa Shewmaker of Conroe; one sister, Margo Trost of Seguin; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, May 6, 2001