'Wise County Messenger' Obituaries
2013
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The following obituaries are in alphabetical order by last name.
  (use the "searcher" on page https://www.wisecountytexas.info/ to find names, 
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Rainwater, Marshall Travis | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Marshall Travis Rainwater
Marshall Travis Rainwater
Marshall Travis Rainwater, 74, a manager, died Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Aurora Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Marshall was born Sept. 13, 1938, to Lynn and Johnnie (McClane) Rainwater in Bridgeport. He married Vada Ruth Woods Feb. 22, 1970, in Calera, Okla., and was a manager for Hydro-Seeders Supply. Marshall was a member of the Browning Heights Baptist Church and was a volunteer for the Fort Worth Cactus and Succulent Club and the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Vada Ruth Rainwater of Haslet; sons Robert Lynn Fowler and wife, Lisa, of Fort Worth, Mark Travis Rainwater and wife, Peggy, of Saginaw, Charles Lloyd Fowler and wife, Shawn, of Blue Mound and Douglas Keith Rainwater of Austin; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Randle, Paul | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Paul Randle
Paul Randle
Paul Randle, 70, a bull rider and truck driver, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, in Newark.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Clark, 4262 FM 2264, in Decatur. Chaplain Rodney Bolejack will officiate.
Paul was born Dec. 24, 1942, in Roswell, N.M., to Bill and Geraldine (Hamm) Randle.
He was a professional bull rider from the time he graduated from college in 1962 until 1978. He then went to work for Lisa Motor Lines as a cattle hauler and retired after 20 years of service. He was a longtime resident of the Springtown area.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; nephew Brett Barham; and brother Floyd Johnson.
Survivors include his daughter, Deanna Randle of Newark; son Joe Paul Randle of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren Whitney Kennedy and Ashton Kennedy, both of Newark, and Ashley Randle and John Paul Randle, both of Albuquerque; his former wife, Barbara Clark of Decatur; sister Jan Barham of Carrizozo, N.M.; brother Leonard Iglesias of Springtown; nephew Jimmy Maxwell of Artesia, N.M.; niece Julie Barham of Lubbock; friends Gerald Clark of Decatur, Christi Wood of Lake Worth, Joe Gabor of San Antonio, Frank Ferrerah of Springtown, Cecile Sanchez of Fort Worth and Louie Winters of Springtown; other family members and a host of other friends.

Randle, Willie, Jr. IV | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Willie Randle Jr. IV
Willie Randle Jr. IV
Willie Randle Jr. IV, 60, of Decatur died Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 8 at Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Decatur with Jeff Merideath officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Aaron McNeill, Kimble Walters, Lonnie Norris, Marco Polamo, Rene Polamo and Robert Smith.
Willie was born April 22, 1952, in Decatur to Willie Jr. III and Mary Elizabeth (Ross) Randle. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness for 41 years.
Willie is survived by sisters Queen Elizabeth Randle, Marilyn Randle and Mattie Randle, all of Decatur; brothers Charles Randle and wife, Lula, of Lancaster, Calif., and Tommy Randle and wife, Joyce, of San Demas, Calif.; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Elizabeth Ann Randle.

Ranft, Emma Kathryn Smith | 1915-2012
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013

Emma Kathryn Smith Ranft
Emma Kathryn Smith Ranft, 97, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.
Services were Jan. 3 at White’s Funeral Home in Mineral Wells, with burial in McAdams Cemetery at Possum Kingdom Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Possum Kingdom Lake Fire and EMS department, P.O. Box 343, Graford, TX 76449.
Kathryn was born Oct. 11, 1915, in Dallas County to Merit and Mora Smith and was a longtime resident of Possum Kingdom Lake.
She was a self-employed businesswoman and homemaker and loved to quilt and embroider. Kathryn has received many awards including Citizen of the Year and several awards from the Possum Kingdom Lake Fire and EMS Departments. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and also served as an election judge.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Pat; sons Daniel and James; daughter-in-law Patsy; four sisters and five brothers.
Survivors include her son, Tom Ranft and wife, Diana, of Possum Kingdom Lake; daughter Judy Lewis and husband, Jim, of Krum; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild.

Ratliff, Theda Ruth | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 5, 2013

Theda Ruth Ratliff
Theda Ruth Ratliff, 89, a loving wife, mother and homemaker, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013.
Service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Biggers Funeral Home in Lake Worth. Committal will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Boyd Cemetery.
Mrs. Ratliff, a longtime Fort Worth resident, was a member of Ridglea Baptist Church.
Survivors include her children, Joyce Ratliff of Denver, Colo., Robert Ratliff and wife, Jean, of Azle and Larry Ratliff and wife, Joan, of Littleton, Colo.; sister Evelyn Peppers; brothers J.D. Madewell and wife, Virginia, and Aaron Madewell and wife, Ginny; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; a large extended family; and many friends.

Ray, Dorothy Jean Bunnell | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 24, 2013

Dorothy Jean Bunnell Ray
Dorothy Jean Bunnell Ray, 81, a retired middle school teacher, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, in Corinth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at First Baptist Church of Paradise with the Rev. Chris Shelton officiating. Pallbearers include Shaun Ray, Shane Ray, Cody Leake, Derek Ray, Kristen Brasher, Kyle Ray, Ty Boyer, Carlton Leake, Brandi Ray, Alex Ray, Lauren Rushton and Halle Brecht. Burial will be in Paradise Cemetery.
Dorothy was born May 14, 1932, in Decatur to Herman and Nettie (James) Bunnell. She was married to Hubert Ray for 62 years at his death in December of 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Harold Bunnell.
Dorothy graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and received her master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She retired from Decatur ISD in 2000 after 26 years of teaching.
Survivors include her sons, Ronald Ray, David L. Ray and wife, Karen, and Richard Ray and wife, Rebecca, all of Denton; daughters Pam Leake and husband, Ray, of Denton and Kim Brecht and husband, Chris, of Krum; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Bunnell of San Angelo; sister Carolyn Shelton of Haltom City; and uncle Gordon James and wife, Marie, of North Richland Hills.

Read, Billy Joe ‘Tex’ | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Billy Joe “Tex” Read, 69, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at Sunset Nursing Home in Concordia, Kan.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia with the Rev. Barry Brinkman officiating. The family selected cremation, and private burial will be at a later date.
Billy was born March 22, 1943, in Decatur to Earnest and Lois (Hudson) Read. He grew up in Texas and married Charlotte Regnier Feb. 2, 1966, in Concordia.
Billy was a truck driver for Boogaarts, Crete Trucking and then worked at the toy factory before driving for Koch Excavating.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, of Concordia; daughter Christina Read of Concordia; son Todd Read of Lafayette, La.; half-brother Ernie Read of Jacksboro; grandchildren Grant, Stephanie and Brady Read; and great-granddaughter Kylee Hillman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, step-grandson Stephan, and half-brother, David.
Memorials may be made to the Billy Read Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

Read, Gary Earl | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013

Gary Earl Read
Gary Earl Read, 69, a salesman, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Bro. Sam Starr officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Dike Read, Bodie Read, Justin Read, Derek Read, Jack Powers, Jerry Stanfield, Ryan Murphy and Randy McComis.
Gary was born Aug. 18, 1944, in Bridgeport to Earnest Sr. and Mildred (Pedigo) Read. He married Carolyn Tallant Nov. 2, 2007, in Cloudcroft, N.M. Gary served his country in the National Guard and worked as a salesman for Wise Ready Mix.
He was a member of the Paradise United Methodist Church and the Paradise Breakfast Club.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ann Chilton Read in October of 2005; son Gary Vance Read; daughter Lindsey Diane Read; and brother Sonny “Big Ern” Read.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Read of Bridgeport; sons Michael Read and wife, Stacie, of Bridgeport and Brad Read and wife, Karla, of Decatur; granddaughters Lexi, Taite, Ryleigh and Kadyn; brother Ricky Read and wife, Rhonda, of Bridgeport; sister-in-law Gay Read of Paradise, stepdaughters Tammy Atha and husband, Scott, of Pflugerville, Candi Weaver and husband, Jared, of Haslet; stepson Danny Weddel and wife, Karen, of Joshua; 10 step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rebstock, Ronald Lee, Jr. | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Ronald Lee Rebstock Jr.
Ronald Lee Rebstock Jr.
Ronald Lee Rebstock Jr., 50, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, in Dallas.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at the Decatur Church of Christ with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Bro. Jerry Hood will officiate. Pallbearers include Roger Reno, Joe Campbell, Joe Driver, Ben Greiser, Rob Avara and Billy Perry. Honorary pallbearers are Doyle Wade, Kenneth Dennis, K.C. Castleberry, Roy Gachuzo, Willie Good and Frank Madrea.
Ronald was born Dec. 31, 1962, in Baltimore to Ronald Sr. and Ada (Messenger) Rebstock. He met Amy Jeanette Mosley in 2003, and they married in 2008 in Chico. He was a member of Unchained Biker Church and Prison Ministry of Chico, as well as Renewal Fellowship Church in Boyd.
Ronald loved his five children and loved to teach them new things. He was a wonderful husband, father and brother whose favorite saying was “Jesus loves you, but I’m his favorite!” He worked as a mechanic for Flint Energy for many years and was happiest when working, helping someone or talking about Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Rebstock of Decatur; daughters Cayla Rebstock and Carlee Rebstock of Streator, Ill., McKana Bannister and husband, Austin, of Aurora, and McKaela Aylor of Decatur; son Matthew Hurst of Decatur; mother Ada Rebstock-Cook and husband, Danny, of Decatur; sisters Dawn Hubbard of Alvord and Wanda Lewnard of Littleton, Colo.; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father in 2002.

Redwine, James Welton | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013

James Welton Redwine
James Welton Redwine, 87, a rancher, farmer and dairyman, died Wednesday, June 26, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was June 29 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Revs. Charles Taylor and Jason Wiggington officiating. Burial was at Sweetwater Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jerry Mara, Ed Robinson, Mike Overton, Steve Burk, Cheyenne Redwine and Laramie Redwine. Honorary pallbearers were Glen Burk, Sonny Burk and Dale Burk.
Welton was born May 4, 1926, in Chico to Hugh and Sybil (Howell) Redwine. He married Peggy (Israel) Redwine June 8, 1947, in Decatur and was a member of the Allison Community Church.
He is survived by his son, Tony Redwine and wife, Connie, grandsons Cheyenne and Laramie Redwine, and sister Dora Rose, all of Decatur; and a host of friends.
Welton was preceded in death by his wife; son Jimmy Don Redwine; brother Ardell Redwine; and sister Ora Redwine.

Reed, Inell Cassity | 1920-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013
Inell Cassity Reed, 93, of Granbury, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at her home in Hood County.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. There is no visitation.
Inell was born Jan. 21, 1920, in Olden to Charles Alvin and Nancy Ann (Reeder) Cassity. She graduated from Decatur High School and married John Wesley Reed in Gainesville Aug. 15, 1945. They had been married 51 years, four months at his death in 1996.
She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur and a homemaker. She worked alongside her husband in a farm and ranch business in Wise County until his death and later relocated to Hood County to live with her sister, Flora.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Flora Reed and Lara Cassity; brother Jasper Doyle Cassity; and nephew Thomas Trietsch.
They had no children, but loved their 11 nieces and nephews as their own. She is survived by nephews Gene Reed and wife, Ila Faye, Ray Reed and wife, Barbara, and Danny Reed and wife, Kathleen; nieces Kay Trietsch, Ann Osburn and husband, Johnny, Shirley Haisler and husband, J.B., Evelyn Yeats and husband, Clyde, Wanda Maltby, Sherrie Matlock and husband, Tommy, Paula Emmett and husband, Gary, and Linda Guinn; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family extends thanks to Mission Hospice and the caregivers who loved and cared for her for the last few years of her life.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist in Decatur, P.O. Box 302, Decatur, TX 76234 or Mission Hospice in Granbury.

Reeves, Lee ‘Pete’, Jr. | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013

Lee ‘Pete’ Reeves, Jr.
Lee “Pete” Reeves, Jr, 78, died Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Friday, June 7 at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with Reverend Ken May officiating. Interment was in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Dr. W.M. Lewis, Stephen Wren, Bobby Wilson, Bart Wilson, A.C. Griffin, Nolan Griffin, Edwin Haney and Tommy Williams. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Men’s VI Sunday School class.
Pete was born July 28, 1934 in Cooke County to Lee and Johnie Mae (Gilbreath) Reeves, Sr. He was five years old when his family moved to Wise County in the Deep Creek area. Pete attended Boyd ISD until the 6th grade and the family moved to Decatur, where Pete graduated from high school in 1952. He played football, basketball and track and he set a new record in high jump in 1952 at Austin.
He married Peggy Hubbard Oct. 4, 1952, in Ardmore, Okla. and the couple reaffirmed their vows on Oct. 4, 1982. Pete retired from the engineering department of the TXDOT after 40 years of service. He was a licensed engineer tech, inspector and project manager. After his retirement, Pete enjoyed hunting and traveling with Peggy.
Pete was a member of the First Baptist Church for the past 53 years, treasurer of this Sunday School class and was an usher and greeter for the last 20 years. He was a member of the Jr. Jaycees, the Eagle Club, the Sheriff’s Posse where he served as Corral Boss, and was the Beef Superintendent of the Youth Fair for more than 30 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peggy Reeves of Decatur; daughter Debra Wood and husband, Paul of Boonesville; son Tim Reeves and wife, Traci of San Angelo; five grandchildren, Jody Wood of San Marcos, Andy Wood of Boonsville, Ryan Reeves of Dallas, Megan Roberts of Waxahachie; and Tatum Reeves of San Angelo; four great-grandchildren, Abby and Jordan Wood, Frankie and Luci Roberts; numerous cousins and a host of friends.
Pete was preceded in death by parents and sister, Virginia Walker.

Renshaw, L. Wayne ‘Bus’ | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 25, 2013
L. Wayne 'Bus' Renshaw
L. Wayne ‘Bus’ Renshaw
L. Wayne “Bus” Renshaw, 85, of Grand Prairie, died May 20, 2013, in Arlington.
Graveside service was May 24 at Aurora Cemetery with the Rev. Calvary Callender officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with Howard Callender, Arch VanMeter, David VanMeter and Greg Blackmore serving as pallbearers.
Bus was born Sept. 6, 1927, in Decatur to Lafayette Wayne and Merle Margarette (VanMeter) Renshaw. He was a graduate of Rhome High School. He married Patricia Jean McGinnis in 1946 while serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Bus later married Greta Elizabeth Woods in 1968. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone as an engineer.
Bus enjoyed traveling and spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends in Grand Prairie.
Survivors include his sons, David Renshaw and Marisela of Frisco, Doug Renshaw of Austin, and Dan Renshaw and wife, Maria, of San Antonio; grandchildren Mary and Micki Renshaw of San Antonio and Elisabeth and David William Renshaw of Frisco; brother Larry Renshaw and wife, Carolyn, of Pittsburg; and friend Bobbie Cochran.

Reynolds, Victor ‘Vic’ | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Victor “Vic” Reynolds
Victor “Vic” Reynolds, 73, of Chico, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Jim Pewitt officiating. Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Vic was born Feb. 14, 1940, in Jacksboro to Hollis and Faye (Conner) Reynolds. He married Margrette Hunn March 31, 1972, in Ryan, Okla. Vic was a retired completion supervisor for Upham Oil and Gas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Mike Reynolds; and his grandson Matthew Reynolds.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Margrette Reynolds of Chico; sons Marc Reynolds and wife, Courtney, of Grapevine and Jeff Brooks and wife, Gina, of Decatur; daughter Machelle Kenyon of Iowa Park; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Terry Reynolds and wife, Virginia, of Mount Pleasant; and other family members and friends.

Rhine, Jimmy Kyle | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Jimmy Kyle Rhine
Jimmy Kyle Rhine
Jimmy Kyle Rhine, 67, of Bridgeport died Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Dr. Craig Erb officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Jody McDaniel, Donnie McGuire, C.J. Rhine, Tyler Rhine, Brandon Stone and Joe Chapman.
Kyle was born Oct. 18, 1945, in Decatur to Ethel (Myers) and Guinn Rhine. He graduated from Decatur high School, and he married Jackie Shepard Oct. 10, 1968, in Decatur. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He enjoyed fishing and golf.
Kyle is survived by his wife; sons Jimmy L. Rhine and wife, Keira, of Bridgeport, and Jeffery K. Rhine and wife, Kelly, and Christopher B. Rhine, all of Decatur; daughters Kimberly D. McDaniel and husband, Jody, and Amber D. McGuire and husband, Donnie, all of Bridgeport; brother Gerald Rhine of California; sister Bernice Smith of Decatur; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and great-grandson Dereck Thomas.

Rhine, Rodney ‘Charles’, Sr. | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Rodney “Charles” Rhine Sr.
Rodney “Charles” Rhine Sr., 73, of Paradise died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Dec. 3 at the First Baptist Church in Paradise with the Revs. Gary Dimmitt and David Kelly officiating. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Cody Hubbard, James Hubbard, John Schedcik, Rainer Mundy, Patrick Mundy, Matt Rhine and Garrett Rhine.
Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Hudson, Lonnie Hobby and Carl Miller.
Charles was born March 16, 1940, in Decatur to A.C. and Frankie (Miller) Rhine. He married Jan Pitcock July 21, 1967, in Pampa. She preceded him in death on Aug. 3, 2007. Charles served his country in the United States Army, and he owned and operated Rhine Welding.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Claudia Marion; and brother Art Rhine.
He’s survived by his daughters, Liz Hubbard and husband, James, of Decatur and Brandi Schedcik and husband, John, of Alvord; sons Bill Mundy of Paradise, Homer Mundy and wife, Nelda, of Paradise and Rodney Rhine and wife, Michelle, of Fort Worth; 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers Ronnie Rhine of Paradise and Jerry Rhine of Justin; sister Joy Cogburn of Amarillo; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rhoades, Jeanine | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 7, 2013

Jeanine Rhoades
Jeanine Rhoades, 58, of Bowie died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, in Wichita Falls.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in the Drawing Room of the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie with burial at Silver Hill Cemetery in Jack County.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the funeral home.
Jeanine was born Dec. 5, 1954, to Raymond and Inez (Turgeon) Helgeson and raised in Long Beach, Calif. She also graduated from high school and nursing school in Long Beach. Jeanine worked as a nurse in California, Michigan and most recently, Texas, including Wise Regional Health System in Decatur, and retired with 37 years of service. She married Jimmy Rhoades May 6, 2006, in Burkburnett. Jeanine enjoyed gardening, cross-stitching and organizing annual Spongebob Squarepants parties for her grandchildren and neighborhood kids. She is remembered with love and appreciation for her devoted years of life as a wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Inez Helgeson.
Jeanine is survived by her husband, Jimmy Rhoades of Bowie; daughters Lisa Turner and husband, Brice, of Burkburnett and Dawn Redwine and husband, Rodney, of Anna; stepchildren Ciarra Killen of Montague, Brianne Rhoades of Cudjo Key, Fla., Brance Rhoades and fianc e, Bethany Kerr, of Bowie and Chance Rhoades of Bowie.
She is also survived by grandchildren Christopher and Caleb Turner and Kyler, Kaycee and Karleigh Redwine; brothers Raymond Helgeson and wife, Donna, of Magalia, Calif., Richard Helgeson and wife, Juanita, of Martin, Tenn., Dennis Helgeson and wife, Joyce, of Fort Worth and Stephen Helgeson and wife, Janet, of Ontario, Calif.; sisters Rosemary Helgeson and husband, Coolidge McClain, of Cerritos, Calif., Anita Sanborn and husband, Bret, of West Branch, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, P.O. Box 4804, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 or Raquel’s Wings for Life, Decatur Jet Center, 351 Airport Drive, Decatur, TX 76234.

Rice, Martin | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013

Martin Rice
Martin Rice, 85, a retired warehouse foreman, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Aug. 6 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, and burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Martin was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Lake Valley to William and Laura Simpkins Rice. He married Nora Taylor March 21, 1951, in Wichita Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Nora Rice of Decatur; daughters Sarah Wilkinson of Sanger and Lora Hickey and husband, Lonnie, of Springtown; grandchildren Hannah Myatt, Aaron Wilkinson, Jacob Hickey and Krystina Hickey; great-grandson Nathan Adkins; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

Rice, Zenna Mae | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Zenna Mae Rice
Zenna Mae Rice, 96, of Alvord, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the First Baptist Church of Alvord with the Rev. Bill Cleveland and Dr. Bill Howse officiating. Burial will be at Alvord Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Zenna’s grandsons: Dean Peace, Brad Thompson, Andy Thompson, Kelly Rice, Ty Coffee and David Adams.
Zenna was born April 12, 1917, in Waskom to Marion Monroe and Nellie Augusta (Young) Sheets. She married J.T. Rice July 27, 1936, in Fort Worth, and they were married 62 years at his death July 26, 1998. Zenna and J.T. were owners of a service station in Alvord for more than 35 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Clair Adams and husband, Neal, of San Angelo, Barbara Peace and husband, Ben, of Alvord, Francie Coffee and Lynn Garrett, both of Decatur; son Michael Rice and wife, Kathy, of San Antonio; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers Robert Sheets and wife, Mildred, Finis Hearon and Marion Connell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Zenna was also preceded in death by her sister, Malissa Craddock; brother David Sheets; and grandson Jeff Adams.

Richards, James C. ‘Jimmy’, Jr. | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
James C. 'Jimmy' Richards Jr.
James C. ‘Jimmy’ Richards Jr.
James Cornelius “Jimmy” Richards Jr., 55, died Friday, May 24, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was May 28 at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur with the Revs. John Taylor and Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Klif Black, Pat McCurdy, Wayne Trachta, Shay Collins, Cole McCurdy, Yates McCurdy, Nathan Strange and Nicholas Trachta.
Jimmy was born Sept. 8, 1957, in New Orleans, La., to James “Jim” Sr. and Catherine Elaine (Overall) Richards. He worked for more than 20 years in the restaurant hospitality business and was currently a waiter at Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes in Decatur. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Survivors include his parents; sisters Molly Black and husband, Klif, of Stephenville, and Beth McCurdy and husband, Pat, and Gay Trachta and husband, Wayne, all of Decatur; nieces and nephews Jennifer and Shay Collins, Stephanie and Nathan Strange, Yates, Lauren and Cole McCurdy and Reagan, Kendall, Nicholas and Cameron Trachta; and great-niece and great-nephew, Emma and Zane Collins.

Richardson, Sallye Anne | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sallye Anne Richardson
Sallye Anne Richardson
Sallye Anne Richardson, 66, a photographer, died Friday, March 15, 2013, in Grapevine.
Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Sallye was born Oct. 14, 1946 in Rhome to J.T. and Pauline (Gill) Richardson. She married Kenneth Spreen in 1982 in Dallas.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Spreen of Southlake; sons David and Evan Spreen of Southlake; aunt Imogene Watkins of Decatur; and good friend, Rose Vanmeter of Rhome.

Richardson, Thena Mae | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Thena Mae Richardson
Thena Mae Richardson, 72, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013.
Thena was born June 19, 1941, in Baylor County to the late Ray Eugene and Nora Elizabeth Crawford. She was a longtime employee of Iowa Park Independent School District. Thena was an artist and also enjoyed sailing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister Theda Rae Myers; and brother Roy Crawford.
Survivors include her children, Jimmie Lee Richardson and Tammie Gaston and husband, Craig; grandchildren Lance Richardson and wife, Beth, and Kori Lynn Richardson; great-grandchildren Kace and Korbin; and sister Barbara Haynes.

Richey, Donald Sam ‘Buddy’ | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Donald Sam “Buddy” Richey
Donald Sam “Buddy” Richey, 74, of Jacksboro died Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Cundiff Cemetery in Cundiff. Bill Myers will officiate. Pallbearers are Chase Coffman, Josh Richey, Chris Richey, Leah Geeslin, Derek Richey and Monty Forbus. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Buddy was born Oct. 20, 1938, in Crafton to Opal (Warden) and Gus Richey. He was a farmer who enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved horse racing. Buddy was a musician who enjoyed playing with local bands.
He is survived by his children, Bobby Richey and wife, Rhonda, of Chico, Donna Geeslin and husband, Ronny, of Chico, Jimmy Richey and wife, Pam, of Sanger, and Billy Richey and wife, Kathy, of Chico; sisters June Cox and husband, Elmer, of Denton, Janet Myers and husband, Bill, of Leander, and Anna Hand and husband, Jim, of Chico; brother Bobby C. Richey and wife, Frances, of Chico; grandchildren Chase Coffman and wife, Hannah, Josh Richey, Chris Richey and wife, Sarah, Leah Geeslin and Derek Richey; five great-grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Stacey Richey.

Richey, Roger D. | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013
CW3 (Ret.) Roger D. Richey died Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Ala. He was 71.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory in Enterprise, Ala. A military chaplain will officiate. Visitation is Saturday beginning at 1 and continuing through service time.
Roger was born June 30, 1941, in Bridgeport to the late Albert and Cleta Belle Setser Richey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Richey.
He is survived by his wife, Freida N. Richey of Enterprise; sons, Randall Richey and wife, Tina, of Red Oak, and Gordon Richey and wife, Ann, of Tuscumbia, Ala.; daughters Debra Sonsel and husband, Robin, of Port Lavaca and Judith Richey of Austin; sister Linda Bales and husband, Williams, of Muskogee, Okla.; and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

Riley, Gailya Nan | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Gailya Nan Riley, 78, of Decatur, died Friday, March 8, 2013.
Gailya was born Aug. 30, 1934, in Slidell to Homer Bedford Winstead and Connie Amyx Winstead. She married John Riley June 4, 1955, in Denton and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
She was a retired teacher administrator in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. She was very involved with her family and her grandkids.
Service was March 11 in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton with Bedford Winstead officiating. Burial was at Jackson Cemetery in Krum.
Gailya is survived by her husband, John; daughter Brenda Everett; sons Steve, Scott and Mark Riley; brother Bedford Winstead; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Riley, Jack | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Jack Riley
Jack Riley, 86, died Tuesday, Christmas Eve morning, Dec. 24, 2013, at his home in Keeter.
Graveside service was Dec. 27 at Keeter Cemetery with the Revs. Mark Autry, Brandon Autry and Willie Haak officiating. Burial was under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Jack was born May 19, 1927, in Fredrick, Okla., to Robert and Mattie Bell (Forbes) Riley. He married Moveline Niblett April 29, 1949, in Fort Worth. He retired from General Dynamics.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Morgan and Foy Riley; sisters Geneva Parker, Francis McKinney and Juanita (JoJo) Dutton.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Moveline Riley of Keeter; son Mike Riley and wife, Donna, of Sanger; daughters Connie Boswell and husband, Walt, of Peyton, Colo., Gay Jackson of Euless and Julie Autry and husband, Mark, of Boyd; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.

Rivas, Maria Del Socorro | 1964-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Maria Del Socorro Rivas
Maria Del Socorro Rivas, 48, a cook at Chicken Express, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Jan. 5 at Oaklawn Cemetery with Father Jacob Alvares officiating.
Maria was born April 10, 1964, in Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico. She married Juan Rivas on March 9, 1985, in Zaragoza. Maria was a member of the Catholic church.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Juan Rivas of Decatur; sons Johnny Rivas and wife, Stephanie, of Rhome and Jeffrey and Orlando Rivas, both of Decatur; grandchildren Kody, Elissa and Hazel; brothers Guadalupe, Hector, Gilberto, Cristobal, Javier and Sergio Rodriguez, all of Decatur, Victor Rodriguez of San Antonio and Jorge Rodriguez of Zaragoza; sisters Maria Isabel Rodriguez, Margarita Valenzuela, Guadalupe Lara, Guillerminia Rodriguez, Maria de Jesus Fernandez and Esperanza Rodriguez, all of Decatur, and Virginia Ibarra and Maria del Refugio Rodriguez of Zaragoza.

Rivera, Joe Louis | 2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Joe Louis Rivera, infant son of Jose Luis and Olga Nora Contreras Rivera of Paradise, was born and died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was May 9 at East Bridgeport Cemetery with Pastor Juan Rodas officiating.
Joe is survived by his parents; sisters Jazmine Rivera and Giselle Contreras; brother Josiah Rivera; grandparents Jose and Ludivina Rivera of Bridgeport and Reginaldo Contreras and Lupina Castruita, both of Cuidad Acu a, Mexico; aunts and uncles Armando and Tisha Rivera of Bridgeport, Diego and Patty Guerra of Azle and Reginaldo Jr. and Sandra Contreras of Paradise; and other family members.

Roberts, Ronald Burton | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Ronald Burton Roberts
Ronald Burton Roberts
Ronald (Ronnie) Burton Roberts, 78, of Denton died Saturday, March 9, 2013, at his home.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at First Baptist Church in Denton with the Rev. Cliff Feeler officiating. Graveside service is 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Bridgeport’s East Side Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Denton.
Ronnie was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Bridgeport to Mildred Loraine Singleton Roberts and Elmer Loyd Roberts. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denton. He was raised in Bridgeport, graduating from BHS in 1951. He participated in sports, lettered in football and was voted Mr. BHS of 1951-1952. He married Terry Morris Monett March 22, 1952.
Ronnie attended UNT, Texas A&M Extension in College Station and Hawes-Kaplan University in Dallas. He was employed by Moore Business Forms in Denton for 34 years, serving as plant manager in Denton and Temecula, Calif. He had a 16-year second career as a licensed realtor with Jimmy Brown in Denton and served as president of the Moore Retired Employees from 1994-2012.
A strong supporter of school sports and youth baseball, he served as president of Denton Boys Baseball for 13 years and coached for 24 years. He led a bond election that resulted in the construction of the Denton Senior Center, Denia and North Lakes Recreation Centers, tennis courts and multiple baseball, softball, soccer and football fields. He also served on the Denton Parks and Recreation Board for six years and was a state director of Texas Teenage Baseball for several years, receiving the TTAB Memorial Award for Outstanding State Tournament for boys 15-16.
As a result of his work with the community, the Denton City Council honored him and his wife by naming the baseball field at Mack Park Roberts Field.
During his 34 years as a football official, Ronnie served as president and vice president of the Denton Chapter of Southwest Football Officials. He was active in the Bryan/College Station Chapter and officiated the Texas All-Star High School Football game in 1989.
Ronnie’s love for his church was illustrated in his leadership as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, teacher and youth leader at the Bridgeport Assembly of God Church. He sang gospel music as a soloist and worked in several churches as interim music leader. Ronnie was a director of the Career Singles and also served as a greeter during the Christmas production of the Living Christmas Tree while at First Baptist Denton.
One of the highlights of his life was in 2010 when he was inducted onto the Bridgeport High School Wall of Fame. Ronnie and his wife made many trips to Branson, New York City and the West Coast. Their favorite was Branson.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Terry; daughter Diane Stevens and husband, Steve; sons Joe Roberts and wife, Anne, and Byrle Roberts and Nina Roberts, all of Denton; grandchildren Robby Stevens and wife, Denise, of Saginaw, Austin Ryder Roberts, Christopher James Roberts and Erin Nicole Roberts, all of Denton; great-grandchildren Maya and Ella Stevens of Saginaw; brother Tommy Jay Roberts and wife, Claudia, of Fort Worth; sister Vicki Shisler and husband, Don, of both Bridgeport and Fort Worth; and nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beverly; his parents; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Good Samaritan Society, 2500 Hinkle, and American Hospice, 300 N. Elm, both in Denton. Memorials may be made to Denton Boys Baseball Inc.
Online condolences may be left at www.mulkeymasondenton.com.

Robertson, Ruby Pearl | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 31, 2013

Ruby Pearl Robertson
Ruby Pearl Robertson, 90, a homemaker, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service was Aug. 30 at Renewal Fellowship Church in Boyd with the Revs. Jerry Hood and Windell Splawn Jr. officiating.
Ruby was born Sept. 7, 1922, in Buffalo Gap to Jim and Rosie (Harbin) Martin. She married James Robertson Aug. 5, 1949, in Dallas.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; sons James and Billy Robertson; two granddaughters; a great-grandson; five brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruby Dixson and Allie Robertson, both of Rhome, and Linda Robertson of Denton; grandchildren Gloria Grant and husband, Jim, Donald Dixson Jr. and wife, Valerie, Barbara Dixson and husband, Alejandro, Leonard Dixson, Rebecca Sampson and Anne Bedard; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Robertson, Samuel Charles, Sr. | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Samuel Charles Robertson Sr.
Samuel Charles Robertson Sr., 79, an electrician, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Springtown.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Sam was born Jan. 8, 1934 ,in Sugarland to William and Mildred (Bryan) Robertson, one of three boys. He was an electrician with the Union Electrician IBEW Local 20, and served his country in the National Guard.
Sam was well-traveled and made friends instantly wherever he went. He loved to share stories about his adventures. He was a truly wonderful man, loved by everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Cathryn Miller and husband Richard Vines, Brenda Robson and husband Scott, Bryan Robertson and wife Patricia, Sam Robertson Jr., Nancy Petty and husband John, and Robert Robertson; grandchildren Korri Webster and husband Jacob, David Robson, Meagan Robson, Rikki Rodriguez and husband Jr., Jessica Collins, Tyler Petty, and Grant Petty; great-grandchildren Devon, Piper, Ariyana, Izaya, Adrian, Karisma and Kambryn; lots of friends, Greg Miller, Cheryl, Dwight and Mary just to name a few; and other family members.
Services are under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Robinson, Ervin ‘Shorty’ | 1952-2010
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Ervin “Shorty” Robinson
Ervin “Shorty” Robinson, 57, a welder, died in May 2010.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Boyd.
Rev. Gary Sessions will officiate.
Shorty was born Dec. 22, 1952 to Pleasant, Sr. and Marylee (Oldham) Robinson in Fort Worth. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and was involved in many charitable efforts for them.
Shorty was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jimmy Robinson; and his infant sister, Roseletta Robinson.
He is survived by his son, Mike Robinson of Newark; daughters Crystal Robinson of Lake Worth and Destiny Robinson of Azle; brothers Lowell and Dan Robinson both of Newark; sisters Sheila Downing of Azle, Joyce Tedrow of Boyd and DeeAnn Waldrop of Newark; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Robinson, Johanna Antonie | 1921-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Johanna Antonie Robinson, 91, of De Leon, formerly of Decatur, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.
Graveside service was Sept. 16 in Fort Worth’s Greenwood Cemetery.
Johanna was born Dec. 1, 1921, in Germany to Teodore and Maria (Huber) Buscka. She was a member of the Eagle Drive Baptist Church in Decatur.
Johanna is survived by her children: Jeanette Anderson of Dublin, Richard Robinson of Decatur and Diane Van Over of Boyd; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Beals of Fort Worth.

Robinson, Nita Ashbrook | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Nita Robinson
Nita (Ashbrook) Robinson
Charlotte Anita Robinson, 68, of Portales, N.M., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Causey Cemetery in Causey, N.M., with her nephews, Jerry and Lloyd Nance, officiating. All other family members and friends will be honorary pallbearers.
Nita was born Oct. 9, 1944, in Levelland to the home of Edna and C.C. Ashbrook. She grew up in the Causey community in southeastern Roosevelt County, N.M., and graduated from high school there in 1961. She attained her licensed vocational nursing degree in Lubbock. On Aug. 30, 1968, she married John M. “Rob” Robinson in Morton. For most of their married life they made their home in Joshua, Decatur and Bridgeport.
Mrs. Robinson had worked as an aide at a school for delinquent children, a prison guard, a real estate agent, as a Mary Kay Cosmetic consultant and as a substitute teacher. Most recently she was involved in the family business of making ropes for rodeo events. Nita enjoyed many things, including painting, making ceramics and playing golf, but her greatest joy was in her family.
She is survived by her husband of more than 44 years, Rob; son Brandon Robinson of Bridgeport; granddaughter Katelyn Robinson; sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and John Nance of Causey, N.M.; nieces Lesia (Monte) Radcliff and Pat (Abe) Peralta; nephews Jerry (Kelli) Nance and Lloyd (Cindy) Nance; and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Robinson, Thomas Marvin | 1968-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Thomas Marvin Robinson
Thomas Marvin Robinson
Thomas Marvin Robinson, 44, of Altus, Okla., died Saturday, March 9, 2013.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Lowell-Tims Chapel in Altus with the Rev. Donald Hervey officiating. Burial will follow at Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Thomas was born March 29, 1968, in Fort Worth to Tom C. and Allene Robinson. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1986 and married Michelle McBride at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth July 30, 1988.
Thomas served as a firefighter for the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1996 at Altus Air Force Base. After that, he was in the Air National Guard for a year-and-a-half at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in Missouri before returning to Altus AFB as a Department of Defense civilian firefighter in 1998. He transferred to Fort Knox, Ky., in 2009 for two years before again returning to Altus in 2011. In August 2012, he retired with a medical disability.
Thomas wasn’t happy unless he was busy working, whether it was building, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, mechanical, roofing or other trades. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and the greatest PaPa to his granddaughter. His No. 1 priority was his family, and if you were lucky enough to be his friend, you had a loyal friend for a lifetime.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughter Heather Robinson; son Justin Robinson; and granddaughter Makyna Robinson, all of Altus. He is also survived by his parents, Tom C. and Allene Robinson of Bridgeport; sisters Denda Caldwell and husband, Doug, of Chico, Brenda Robinson of Olney and Dena Harvick and husband, Jason, of Bridgeport; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents; three uncles; one aunt; and one cousin.
For friends and family not able to attend the funeral, Lowell-Tims will provide a live webcast of the service beginning at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday. To join, go to www.lowell-tims.com, click on obituaries, then on Thomas Robinson. There will be a large button inviting you to join the webcast.
Online tributes can also be made to the family at www.lowell-tims.com.

Rohus, Tiger Ray | 1993-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tiger Ray Rohus
Tiger Ray Rohus
Tiger Ray Rohus, 19, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at a Houston hospital. He had cystic fibrosis.
Funeral is 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Lake Country Church, 8777 Boat Club Rd., in Fort Worth, with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Visitation is 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the church prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeast Texas, 3840 Hulen St., #600, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
Tiger was born July 16, 1993, in Fort Worth to Linda Gage Rohus and Rickey Rohus. He attended Lake Country Christian School, graduating in 2011.
Tiger enjoyed numerous hobbies such as paintball, wakeboarding, snowboarding, dirt bikes and sports and loved all his cars. He had battled cystic fibrosis since the day he was born, but he was an amazing person who “lived life to the max” and never complained.
He had many friends who surrounded his life and saw him as a brother and an inspiration, but his best friend was his father, Rickey Rohus. He took care of Tiger and was always by his side. They had an unbreakable bond of love and friendship.
Tiger was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Gage Rohus.
He is survived by his father; stepmother April Rodriguez; fianc e Sarah Morgan; sisters Madison Sage and Brandi Norris; godparents Leon and Brenda Wilkerson; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins, including Paul and Pam Rohus, Marsha Gage and Paul Rodden, Stevie Gage and Terrie Johnson.

Rollins, Douglas Gerald | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Douglas Gerald Rollins
Douglas Gerald Rollins
Douglas Gerald Rollins, 72, a long-haul truck driver, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Rollins was born June 8, 1940, in Washington, D.C., to Wallace and Margaret (Simpson) Rollins. He married Rubye Lee Fluker July 27, 1998. He retired from Werner Enterprises as a long-haul truck driver, was a private pilot and loved raising registered Boer goats with Rubye at his Cottonwood Creek farm.
Survivors include his wife, Rubye Rollins of Decatur; son Douglas Rollins Jr. of California, Md.; daughter Karen Cozzens of California, Md.; stepsons David White of Greenville, S.C., and Jeff White of Corsicana; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers Robert Rollins of Annapolis, Md., and Wallace Rollins of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and sister Linda Rollins of Sarasota, Fla.

Rose, Robert | 1959-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Robert Rose
Robert Rose
Robert Rose, 54, of Rhome, died Tuesday, July 2, 2013, in Grapevine.
Funeral was July 5 in Boyd with the Rev. Bill Fitch officiating. Pallbearers were Evan Vidal, Rickey Rhodes, Derek Sanchez, Robert Mendoza, Adison Vidal, John Gallant and Madison Ivie. Burial was in Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery.
Robert was born June 1, 1959, in Houston.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Rose; parents Robert and Marie Rose; sons Jacob Rose and Brent Rose; daughter Jessica Vidal; brother Sheldon Rose; and grandchildren Kelly Rose, Zoey Rose, Rebeka Vidal and Luke Rose.

Rutherford, Larry William | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 19, 2013

Larry William Rutherford
Larry William Rutherford, 73, a retired oilfield worker, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, in Bowie.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Larry was born July 11, 1940, to Uelpau and Pauline (Ford) Rutherford in Alamosa, Colo. He married Vertreesa Hutson June 3, 1997, in Bridgeport. Larry was a member of the Cates Street Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Christy Woodruff.
Survivors include his wife, Vertreesa Rutherford of Bridgeport; daughters Paula Reilly and husband, William, of Weatherford, Zannet Sellers and husband, Craig, of Bridgeport and Misty Woodruff of Bridgeport; sons Jerrell Rutherford and wife, Donna, of Springtownand, Kenneth Woodruff and wife, Cindy, of Flatwood; sister Joy Rawls and husband, Jerry, of Celeste; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; other family members; and friends.

Sanders, James ‘Pete’ | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

James “Pete” Sanders
James “Pete” Sanders, 79, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Boyd.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. Speaker will be lifelong friend Dick Gibson.
Pete was born Feb. 15, 1934, in Grapevine to Rondo and Avery Mae (Goode) Sanders. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a retired ground mechanic for Delta Airlines.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara Ann Sanders in 1998; infant daughter Genelore Sanders; brothers Cliff, Bob, John, Homer and Fred Sanders; and sisters Wilma Sale and Faye Herrington, Annie Rodgers, Essie Pope, Ruby Taylor, Aubrey Martin and Eunice Gibson.
Survivors include his sons, Ronnie Sanders and wife, Kelli, of Boyd and Eddie Sanders and wife, Brenda, of San Angelo; daughter Janna Robinson and husband, Bill, of Boyd; grandchildren Nocona Mundy and husband, Rainer, of Cottondale, Sabrina Pyle and husband, Bryan, of Minot, N.D., Stacey Vaughn and husband, Robert, of Abilene and Casey Crouch and wife, Chelsha, of Corsicana; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary (Snooks) Goodwin of Decatur and Jennie Stowe of Hurst; and other family members and friends.

Sandlin, Ronald Gene | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Ronald Gene Sandlin, 66, of Bridgeport died Sunday, June 2, 2013, at home. A private funeral will be held at a later date.
Ron was born Jan. 28, 1947, in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Gladys Metteree (Osburn) and Clifford Dwain Sandlin. He was a U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam. He loved to hunt and fish.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Raquel Cox; stepdaughter Terri Williams and husband, Rick; brothers Dwain Sandlin and wife, Lanell, of Glen Rose and Jerry Sandlin and wife, Debra, of Bridgeport; sister Sheila Thomason; grandchildren Kylee and Brandee Adams and Desiree and Seth Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Arrangements were by Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Scharen, Beverly | 1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Memorial service for Beverly Scharen, 50, of Alvord was July 29 in the Drawing Room of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. Doyle Wade officiated.
Scharen died Friday, July 26, 2013, in Alvord.
Born Feb. 17, 1963, in Bridger, Mont., to Del and Anna (Humiston) Wilm, she graduated high school and married Kelly Scharen Oct. 9, 1983, in Bridger. Scharen had a passion for horses.
She was preceded in death by her father.
She is survived by her husband; children Nichole Landen and husband, Brad, of Alvord, Michael Scharen of North Richland Hills, and Terry Scharen and Brian Scharen, both of Denton; her mother, of Sheridan, Wyo.; three grandchildren; brothers Butch Wilm of Bridger, Ron Wilm of Mesquite, Nev., and Scott Wilm of Billings, Mont.; and several nieces and nephews.

Schmalried, Edward Lowell | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Edward Lowell Schmalried
Edward Lowell Schmalried, 94, of Alvord, a farmer and rancher, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the First Baptist Church of Alvord with the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating. Graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Emerald Hills Cemetery in Kennedale. Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. before the service at the church.
Pallbearers are Vic Czerniak, James Sullivan, David Goodwin, Melton Neighbors, Larry Nivens and Jack Garrison.
Edward was born Dec. 11, 1918, in New Ulm to Ritz and Minnie Rhine (Heart) Schmalried. He married Oneita Erin Gillentine July 7, 1941, and served in the United States Army during World War II.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Oneita Schmalried of Alvord; brothers Durwood Schmalried of California and Frank Schmalried of Boyd; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Schober, Elizabeth Hazelett Gunn | 1916-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Elizabeth Hazelett Gunn Schober
Elizabeth Hazelett Gunn Schober, 96, of Decatur and formerly of Denton and Fort Worth, died Friday, Jan. 11.
Elizabeth was born Sept. 21, 1916, to Walter and Juliet Fischer Gunn in Aurora, IL. In 1941, she married Robert Hibbard Schober in Wheaton, IL. He died in 1971.
She attended Lamar University in Beaumont and worked as an insurance underwriter and as a title insurance examiner. She was a life-long scholar, continually learning new things and always willing to share her knowledge. She was an avid genealogist, publishing a history of one of her family lines in 2004, “The Life and Times of Conrad Fischer.”
While living in Fort Worth, Elizabeth was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as Regent of the Six Flags Chapter, Fort Worth Genealogical Society, and was for many years a docent at Amon Carter Museum.
She is survived by daughters and their husbands, Janet and Lonnie Minke of Boyd, and Candace and William Greene of Alexandria, VA; sisters, Jeanne Gunn Rousseau of Weatherford, and Sally Gunn Jackson of Avondale, AZ ; grandchildren Jennifer Minke of Kingsville and Emily Greene of Brooklyn, NY; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the wonderful staff at Governor’s Ridge Assisted Living in Decatur for taking such good care of her.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity.

Scott, Nellie | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Nellie Scott
Nellie Scott
Nellie Scott, 78, of Decatur, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 in Decatur.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Nellie was born May 20, 1934 in Alabama to William and Ida (Sims) Hardin. She was owner of Community Florist in New Caney, where she also wrote a column in the local newspaper. Nellie was a loving mother and friend and will be missed.
Survivors include her son, Joey Smith and wife Debbie of Boyd; two grandchildren, Heather Gibson and husband Danley of Coppell and Jeremiah Smith and wife Josie of Boyd; one great-grandchild, Kale Gibson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A.J. Smith; son Jackie Smith; and nine brothers and sisters.

Shannon, Bobbie Ruth | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bobbie Ruth Shannon
Bobbie Ruth Shannon, 87, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Sam Renshaw III, Brian Gage, Bill Merritt, Eddie Sampler, Michael Overton and Rex Hoskins. Honorary pallbearers include Sam Renshaw Jr., Jim Bradshaw, Russell Reynolds, Bob Wadsworth and Harold Mosley.
Bobbie was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Decatur to Claude L. and Lottie (Albritton) Thompson. She married C.B. Shannon Feb. 5, 1949, in Fort Worth, and they were married 50 years until his death Aug. 11, 1999. Bobbie was a very loving wife, mother and friend. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
She is survived by sons Brett Shannon and wife, Dot, of Decatur and Brian Shannon and wife, Melissa, of Katy; grandchildren Charlie and Mary Elizabeth Shannon of Decatur and Mackenzie and Jacob Shannon of Katy; numerous nieces, nephews and a community of friends.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1200 West Preskitt, Decatur, TX 76234.

Shaw, Cletis Timmon | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Cletis Timmon Shaw
Cletis Timmon Shaw, 70, died Feb. 1, 2013. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 6, at Shaw’s Funeral Home in Bowie.
Cletis was born April 10, 1942, in New Mexico. He graduated from Alvord High School in 1960, where he was voted “Most Handsome,” “Most Popular,” and “Mr. AHS.” After graduation, he served four years in the United States Air Force. For the majority of his career, he was a master carpenter and craftsman.
Cletis was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lucille, and his brother, Tex Ronnie.
He leaves behind his wife, Diane, of Kennesaw, Ga.; daughters Misty Shaw Winn of Keller and Melissa Baird of Azle; son Michael Shaw of Saginaw; sister Clydena Bryant of McKinney; six grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him very much.

Shepherd, Glenda | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Glenda Shepherd, 77, of Paradise, a retired Lockheed Martin employee, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, in Decatur.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Glenda was born Nov. 30, 1935, in Borger to Leo and Margaret (Curry) Hernupont. She married Malcolm R. Shepherd Jr. March 20, 1958, in Weatherford.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Betsy Collup.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Malcolm R. Shepherd Jr. of Paradise; son Malcolm R. Shepherd III of Paradise; grandson Malcolm R. Shepherd IV of Decatur; granddaughter Cherish Shepherd of Paradise; great-grandchildren Khiley, Ashton, Braden and Kenyon; brother Jack Hernupont of New Mexico; and other family members and friends.

Shields, Karlyne Jean | 1944-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 5, 2013

Karlyne Jean Shields
Karlyne Jean Shields, 69, a retired food service employee, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, in Boyd.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Keeter Cemetery in Keeter with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial is under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Karlyne was born April 16, 1944, in Blytheville, Ark., to Jobie and Alma (Pate) Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers J.B., Max and James; and sister Betty Jo.
She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Powell and husband, Keith, of Charleston, S.C.; son Jake Shields and wife, Allison, of Boyd; grandchildren Maxston and Jobie; nieces Nova Zett of Houston, Sherry Raines of Hope, Ark., and Melissa Taylor of Missouri; nephews Eric White of Mansfield, John Taylor of Missouri, David Taylor of Missouri and Kevin Taylor of Alaska; other family members and friends.

Shifflett, Donald | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Donald Shifflett
Donald Shifflett
Donald Shifflett, 85, of Krum, died March 30, 2013, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Service was April 2 at First Baptist Church in Denton, and burial followed at Plainview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Donald was born Oct. 26, 1927, in Harlingen to Orlan and Bernys Baker Shifflett. His family moved to the Plainview community, west of Krum, in 1929. He graduated from Krum High school at the age of 15 and began a 70-year farming career. Donald married Gayle Wright June 9, 1954. That same year he was ordained as a deacon at Plainview Baptist Church.
Farming the land that God entrusted to him, along with caring for his family and church was his life’s calling. Donald always had a positive word for everyone and was willing to help anyone in need. He was a loving and devoted husband and an amazing daddy and granddaddy. His memory will always live in the hearts of the many lives he touched in so many ways.
Donald is survived by his wife, Gayle Shifflett; children Teresa and William Finch of Krum and Dana and Craig Bishop of Arlington; grandchildren Ginger and Juan Garcia, Amber and Steven Frazee, Brooks Bishop, and Blair and Nick Adams; great-grandson Sebastian Garcia; brother Gary Shifflett; nephews Conrad and Carl; and nieces Beverly and Angela.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or First Baptist Church Denton, Building Fund, 1100 Malone St., Denton, TX 76201.

Siegmund, Jane L. | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Jane L. Siegmund
Jane L. Siegmund, 78, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral was Dec. 26 at Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth.
Jane was born Dec. 28, 1934, in Gainesville. She graduated from Gainesville High School and went on to earn a degree from the University of Texas. She taught elementary school in Austin and Fort Worth before beginning a long and rewarding career as a homemaker, volunteer and part-time sports therapist.
When not watching her children’s athletic endeavors or serving as chauffeur, she found time to volunteer with the Aledo PTA, The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth and the Tarrant County Bar (Wives) Association. She was past president of numerous clubs and departments within The Woman’s Club, served as an adviser to the Junior Woman’s Club and served on the Historical Preservation Trust. Jane was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She married Martin Siegmund in 1953, and they lived in Fort Worth before moving to Aledo in 1972. She was a faithful Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two older sisters, Marjorie Williams and Billie Giles.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years; sons Scott and wife, Melinda, of Decatur and Mark and wife, Sue; daughters Sharon and Susan and partner, Heather; grandchildren Rachel, Harrison, Thomas, Colton and Sheridan; and brother Charles L. Links Jr.

Silver, Donald Eugene | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Donald Eugene Silver
Donald Eugene Silver
Donald Eugene Silver, 88, a retired hotel manager, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Graveside service is 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie. The Rev. David Rucker will officiate.
Donald was born April 21, 1924, in Loveland, Colo., to Leverse and Margret (Green) Silver. He served his country in the United States Navy and married Virginia Larson Feb. 25, 1996, in Denver. Donald was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Silver of Bridgeport; daughters Elaine Sublett of San Angelo, Linda Saylor and husband, Tommy, of Bridgeport; grandsons Michael Saylor of Loveland and Gene Huggins of Hurst; nephew Dale Aagensen of Yuma, Colo.; other family members; and a host of friends.

Simmons, Ronny Dale | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Ronny Dale Simmons
Ronny Dale Simmons, 65, a retired carpenter and truck driver, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Bro. Justin Smith officiating. Burial is private.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Cody Maxfield, Kyle Maxfield, Nathan Simmons, Jason Simmons, Josh Snyder, Randy Simmons, Glen Hawley and Everson Dunn.
Ronny was born Dec. 4, 1947, to Gordon and Hazel (Hobbs) Simmons in Linden. He married Melinda Castleberry Oct. 6, 1965, in Haltom City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jerry Simmons; and his sister, Murlene Ohnheiser.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Melinda Simmons of Paradise; son Rodney Dale Simmons of Paradise; daughter Michelle Renae Maxfield of Fort Worth; grandchildren Cody and wife, Amanda, Nathan and wife, Holly, Lindsey and husband, Josh, Bailey and husband, Everson, and Kyle and wife, Chelsea; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Tommy Simmons and wife, Melba, of Azle and Terry Simmons and wife, Donna, of Fort Worth; sister Becky Hawley of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Simon, James H. | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 10, 2013

James H. Simon
James H. Simon, 79, retired U.S. Air Force, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Memorial service was Aug. 9 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Paul Cantrell officiating.
James was born May 20, 1934, to Leon and Della (Trimm) Simon in Norwood, N.Y. He married Sharon Irene Parker March 6, 1976, in Homestead, Fla. James served his country and retired from the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Sharon Simon of Bridgeport; daughters Sherry Bentley and husband, Wayne, of Bridgeport, and Elizabeth Robinson and husband, Keith Crackwell, of Bedford, England; son Jimi Lee Isenberg and wife, Deanna Gray, of Irving; grandchildren Marcus, Daniel, Tristan, Tracey, Amanda, Jeremy, Brittany, Jamie, James and Zoe; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Lloyd Simon and wife, Maude, of Fort Edward, N.Y.; sister Mary Reynolds of Merritt Island, Fla.; other family members and a host of friends.

Simpson, Alice Pearl | 1933-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Alice Pearl Simpson
Alice Pearl Simpson
Alice Pearl Simpson, 80, a retired butcher, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 16 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with the Rev. T.B. Reid officiating, assisted by the Rev. Jimmy Arrington. Burial was at Boyd Cemetery under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Harold Lisby, Andy Chapman, Tommy Smith, Mike Richardson, Edward Goldman and Shane Smith. Buddy Hunt was honorary pallbearer.
Alice was born Jan. 12, 1933, to William and Georgia Beulah (Smith) Smith in Wise County. She married Bill Simpson May 7, 1954, at the Assembly of God Church in Boyd. She was a butcher and meat wrapper for 25 years at Boyd Locker Plant and was a member of the Boyd Assembly of God Church and then the Family Worship Center in Decatur.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Bill Simpson; and her sisters, Bernice Lisby and Opal Goldman.
She is survived by her son, Jerry Simpson and wife, Jennie; daughter Patricia Burdine and husband, David; grandchildren Justin Simpson, Jardin Simpson, Lonnie Hambrick, John Hambrick and Angel Burdine; brother George Smith and wife, Rose Anne; sister Sharon Chapman; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Trinity Food Bank, P.O. Box 217, Boyd, TX 76023.

Simpson, Billy Bob | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 5, 2013

Billy Bob Simpson
Billy Bob Simpson, 89, a retired mechanic, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Allen Bates officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Scott Allen, Waylon Barclay, Bill Miles, Robert Miles, Brian Miles, Fred Moore and Nate Lee.
Billy Bob was born March 15, 1924, in Chico to Archie and Connie (Long) Simpson. He married Eveleen Pittman Nov. 1, 1947. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired after 36 years from TXI in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eveleen, and son James Paul Simpson.
Survivors include his daughter, Kathy Milligan of Bridgeport; stepdaughter Cathy Kessler of Big Lake; grandchildren Scott, Melissa, Cynthia, Cady and Cope; great-grandchildren Rachel, Hailey, Payton and Alexia; great-great-grandchildren Cody and Anna; brother F.A. Simpson of Bridgeport; sisters Dean Largent of Bridgeport and Patsy Harrison of Chico; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sipes, Mary Francis | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Mary Francis (McCulley) Sipes
Mary Francis (McCulley) Sipes, 87, a homemaker, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Oct. 1 at Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd with the Rev. Terry Terry officiating. Burial followed at Friendship Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tim Sipes, Darrin Tackett, Chris Tackett, Chase Tackett, Jake Furlong and Chad Land.
Mary was born May 18, 1926, in Springtown to Ben and Mattie (Young) McCulley. She married C.D. Sipes May 31, 1941, in Springtown and was a wife and homemaker. She was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, C.D. Sipes; son Charles Sipes; and sister Mozelle Smith.
She is survived by her daughter, Nelda Tackett and husband, Jim, of Paradise; sons Mike Sipes and wife, Sherry, of Graham, and Richard Sipes and wife, Rhonda, of Graham; and daughter-in-law Naomi Sipes of Boyd.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sisters Jessie Woods of Fort Worth and Wynona Brown and husband, Ralph, of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sledge, Lynna Mae Dean | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Lynna Mae Dean Sledge
Lynna Mae Dean Sledge, 77, of Paradise died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Lynna was born May 6, 1936, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Emma (Phillips) and Ellis W. Lewis. She loved her dogs and enjoyed playing video games and watching television.
She is survived by son Dan Paul Sales of Chico; daughters Charlotte Ann Slayton of Iowa Park and Julia Anita Cole of Burkburnett; mother Emma L. Mroczynski of Oregon; sisters Carolynn, Marie and Judy; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father; daughter Cheryl Renee; grandson Christopher; and daughter-in-law Eva Sales.
Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or a local charity.

Smith, Bonnie | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Bonnie Smith, 74, of Rhome, died Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Denton.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, and burial will follow at Laurel Land Cemetery in Dallas. Visitation is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Bonnie was born Jan. 9, 1939, in Dallas to Mark and Rebecca Caruthers. She married Boyd Weldon “Smitty” Smith on Sept. 20, 1958, and retired retired from Love Travel Agency in Carrollton after 15 years of service. She was a volunteer for Wise Regional Health System Hospital Auxiliary, and a member of the Countryside Fellowship Church.
She is survived by her son, Greg Smith and wife, Kari; and grandchildren Jordan and Shayne Smith, all of Rhome.

Smith, Corissa J. | 1987-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Corissa J. Smith
Corissa J. Smith
Corissa J. Smith, 25, of Cheyenne, Wyo., died Friday, April 12, 2013, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.
She was born Nov. 30, 1987, in Decatur and lived in the Decatur area most of her life.
Corissa is survived by her mother, Tammy Smith of Cheyenne, Wyo.; father Chuck Cannaday of Paradise; brothers Christopher Smith of Bonham and Oscar Cannaday of Decatur; sisters Cynthia Cannaday of Decatur and Trina Bradley of Chico; grandparents Linda and Glenn Maddux of Paradise and Jerry Smith of Poteau, Okla.; great-grandmother Billie Fenley of Bowie; uncle and aunt, Ken and Tina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Corissa was very kind-hearted and generous, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She would like any donations to be sent to the CMV (cytomegalovirus) Foundation for further research on this very rare disease.

Smith, Floyd Herman | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 21, 2013
Floyd Herman Smith, 53, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, in Bridgeport. Graveside services is 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Floyd was born May 23, 1960, in Greenwood, S.C., to Maggie (Weaghington) and Ralph H. Smith. He was a ranch hand who enjoyed fishing, working on cars and reading.
He is survived by his son Jimmy Smith; daughters Tabitha Smith and Trena Smith; brothers Daniel Smith, Edward Smith and Joe Smith; and sister Sandra Stump.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Smith, George Robert | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 29, 2013

George Robert Smith
George Robert Smith, 59, a manager at Alvord Truck Stop, died Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with Steven Bernard officiating. Burial is at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Franklin, Jason Michael, Toby Sanford, Andrew Franklin, Robert Gonzalez and Johnny Wise. Honorary pallbearer is Dale Dishman.
George was born Dec. 24, 1953, in Atlanta, Ga., to Charlie Lawrence and Peggy Lou (Hardin) Smith. He married Gladys Ann Moss Nov. 16, 1973, in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Bonnie Dishman and husband, Dale, of Jacksboro and Peggy King of Decatur; granddaughters Danika, Liberty, Elizabeth and Emily; sisters Nora Montgomery of Lindale, Charlene Archa and husband, Jess, of Eula, Betty Taylor, and Debbie Sanford and husband, Mike, both of Decatur; brother Enoch Teague and wife, Runa, of Plano, Ill.; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Smith, Herman Marvin | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Herman Marvin Smith, 73, of Sunset, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Feb. 11 at Central Baptist Church in Bowie with Pastors Mark Autry and Paul Henderson officiating. Graveside service was Feb. 12 at Strong Memorial Park in Slocum.
Herman was born Dec. 6, 1939, in Pampa to Jasper B. Smith and Gertie B. Hanner Smith. He worked for Vantex Electric in Fort Worth for 29 years and was loved by many who considered him family. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes. Herman was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Park Springs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Lokey Smith; parents Jasper and Gertie Smith; brothers Chester Smith and JB Smith; stepson JA Payne; and great-nephews Nathan Lemond and Troy Smith.
Herman is survived by his fianc e, Panda Moss; sons Brent Smith and wife, Andrea, and Jeff Smith and wife, Melissa; daughter Angela Smith; other children, Melissa Payne, Marty Payne, Clay Woody, Kasey Woody and husband, Jeremy, and Angelina (Amy) Santini and husband, Mark; grandchildren Taylor, Sayer, Noah, Maddie, Sam, Ladye, Katy, BJ, Morgan, Erin, Kaylee, Bryton, Evan, Gracie, Drake, Jacob and Audrey; great-grandchildren Brylan, Niyah, Gavin and Dre; brother Gerald and wife, Norma; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Smith, Jasper Breckenridge, Jr. | 1929-12013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 2, 2013
Jasper Breckenridge Smith Jr., 83, died Tuesday Jan. 29, 2013, in Lubbock.
Service was Jan. 31 in Hobbs, N.M., under the direction of Chapel of Hope Funeral Home.
J.B. was born March 19, 1929, in Oklahoma City to Jasper Breckenridge and Gertie Smith Sr. He moved to Hobbs in 1959 and worked for El Paso Natural Gas Co., then for Climax Chemical and Amerada-Hess. After retiring, he worked at Enterprise Rent-a-Car until his death. J.B. collected coins, knives and enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals with his wife. He was a member of the Fellowship of Believers.
J.B. was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Gertie Smith; grandson Troy Smith; granddaughter Andrea Lynnet Smith; and brother Chester Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Delores Smith of Hobbs; son Randy Smith and wife, Sherry, of Hobbs; daughters Martha Lynn Couch of Van Buren, Ark., and Delilah Lee of Pensacola, Fla.; brothers Herman Smith of Park Springs and Gerald Smith of Hobbs; grandchildren Cameron and Shawn Smith of Hobbs, Gary and Scott Jordan of Bowie, Jamie and Candy Couch and Jennifer Schultz, all of Van Buren, Rovanna Presley and husband, Jim, of Levelland, and David and Mark Pinson of Oklahoma; numerous great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Smith, Jimmy W. ‘Salty’ | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Jimmy W. “Salty” Smith
Jimmy W. “Salty” Smith, 81, a retired employee of Bell Helicopter, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was Dec. 24 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove No. 2 Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Randy Smith, Kenny Smith, Jimmy Smith, Corey Smith, Joshua Smith and Jared Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Terry Solomon, Robert Demasses, Jeff Inman and Jeremy Smith.
Salty was born March 11, 1932, in Chico to Ernest and Virginia (Terrell) Smith. He was a graduate of Chico High School and retired after 28 years of service with Bell Helicopter as a tool and die maker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley, who died in August of 1988; and his brother, Kenneth Smith.
Survivors include his sons, Randy Smith and wife, Gayla, of Fort Worth, Kenny Smith and wife, Laura, of Boyd and Jimmy Smith and wife, Julia, of Boyd; grandchildren Corey, Jeremy, Joshua, Jared and Sarah; three great-grandchildren; sister Frances Garrison of Oklahoma; brother Darwin Smith of Bridgeport; sister-in-law Nita Merle Smith of Chico; nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Smith, Robert ‘Bob’ Lowery, Jr. | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Robert “Bob” Lowery Smith Jr.
Robert “Bob” Lowery Smith Jr., 69, of Plano formerly of Decatur, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, in Dallas.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Oaklawn Cemetery with the Reverends John Bart, Clayton Douglas and Gerre Joiner officiating.
Bob was born Oct. 6, 1943, in Decatur to Robert Lowery and Lorene (Ellis) Smith Sr. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Texas.
Bob was a human resources manager for Exxon-Mobile. He married Sharon Lynne Shelton on June 2, 1966, in Sweetwater.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Smith of Plano; daughter Kayla Smith Wood and husband, Jeffrey, of Lucas; grandchildren Jackson, Parker and Elizabeth Wood; sister Kay Alderdice and husband, Joe, of Bedford; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in honor of his granddaughter to 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219.

Smith, T.M. ‘Smitty’ | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013

T. M. “Smitty” Smith
T. M. “Smitty” Smith, 83, died Saturday, July 20, 2013 in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with Rev. Mark Autry officiating. Interment is at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Smitty was born July 29, 1929, on a ranch in Swenson to Charlie and Opal Smith. He was a graduate of Aspermont High School and earned a business degree from Draughons Junior College.
In 1948, Smitty moved to Fort Worth to work for General Dynamics and compete in rodeos. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he returned to Fort Worth in 1952 and he and Earnest McHood formed the M Bar S Ranch Rodeo Company, which expanded into all phases of rodeo competition and production.
Smitty continued to compete in roping and steer wrestling events until he retired in 1978 at the age of 48. He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Belton in 2004.
After selling the rodeo company, he began raising Registered Texas Longhorn cattle and in 1988 had the Grand Champion at the first World Show in Fort Worth. He served as president of the North Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and was a member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association, the Cowboy Gathering Association and other groups.
He retired from General Dynamics in 1990 after more than 41 years.
Smitty was also an avid pilot and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Jean Smith of Boyd; three sons, Charles Huston and wife Janet of Fort Worth, Terry Huston and wife Susan of Fort Worth, Don Brown and wife Shannon of Sonora; sister Doris Dillard and husband Elmer Dillard of Buffalo Gap; six grandchildren: Eric Huston, Jessica Corley, Cristen Martin, Jordan Huston, Collin Brown, and Carly Brown; and seven great-grandchildren.
Smitty was preceded in death by his first wife of 22 years, Patsy Smith, his parents, his sister Camilla “Lady” Pittcock of Aspermont, and brother W.L.”Dub” Smith of Aspermont.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Boyd, 140 N. FM 730, P.O. Box 336 Boyd, TX 76023 or the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, P. O Box 4430, Fort Worth, TX 76164.

Smith, Tommy Wayne | 1942-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Tommy Wayne Smith
Tommy Wayne Smith, 71, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at his home in Euless, surrounded by his family.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Bedford Church of Christ with Jerry Ball officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Chico Cemetery under the direction of Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.
Tommy was born July 8, 1942, in Bridgeport to Roy and Winnie Powers Smith. He was a 1960 graduate of Chico High School. On Oct. 10, 1961, he married Evelyn Carlisle.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman and later became a Dallas police officer. Tommy retired after 46 years in the insurance industry. He was a devoted Christian and a very active member of Bedford Church of Christ. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Evelyn; sons Tony and wife, Debra, of Keller, Steven and wife, Theresa, of Sanger, and Keith and wife, Erina, of Roanoke; sister Dorothy Rose; brother Bill and wife, Mary, of Euless; six loving grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other friends and relatives.

Smith, Wilber | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wilbur Lee Smith, 86, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, in Graham.
A graveside service was Jan. 14 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Wilber, who lived in Decatur from 1977-2011, was born May 11, 1926 in Wills Point to the late Hervey Monroe and Thelma Louise (Burnett) Smith. He was raised in Wills Point and moved to Muskogee, Okla., where he graduated from Central High School in 1944.
He was a United States Army veteran, having served from 1946 to 1949. He married the love of his life, Doris Helen Richeson April 1953 in Fort Worth.
Wilber was employed as an Engineer at the Fort Worth Fire Department, retiring in 1986 after 30 years of service.
He is survived by family and friends.

Sorrell, Thomas Iven | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Thomas Iven Sorrell
Thomas Iven Sorrell
Thomas Iven Sorrell, 54, of Decatur, died Saturday, May 11, 2013.
A memorial party was May 18. Thomas’ body was cremated, and his ashes were to be distributed on his mother’s and sister’s graves in Indianola, Iowa.
He was born Sept. 28, 1958, in Peoria, Ill., to Bobby Joe Sorrell and Delores Joan Moore. He was a residential and commercial builder and a member of Grace Fellowship in Paradise.
He enjoyed building things and fishing.
Survivors include Lisa Legge of Washington, Mo.; ex-wife Tracy (Grace) Riddles-Moore; daughter Shalon Sorrell of Decatur; brothers Albert, Roy and Elmer; sisters Carol and Bobby; grandchildren Daiden, Alex, Kaili and Rhylee; and best friend Becky Doyle.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Stephenson and niece Jeanie Stephenson.

Sorrell, Thomas Sven | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 25, 2013
Thomas Sven Sorrell, 54, of Decatur, died Saturday, May 11, 2013.
A memorial party was May 18. Thomas’ body was cremated, and his ashes were to be distributed on his mother’s and sister’s graves in Indianola, Iowa.
He was born Sept. 28, 1958, in Peoria, Ill., to Bobby Joe Sorrell and Delores Joan Moore. He was a residential and commercial builder and a member of Grace Fellowship in Paradise.
He enjoyed building things and fishing.
Survivors include Lisa Legge of Washington, Mo.; ex-wife Tracy (Grace) Riddles-Moore; daughter Shalon Sorrell of Decatur; brothers Albert, Roy and Elmer; sisters Carol and Bobby; grandchildren Daiden, Alex, Kaili and Rhylee; and best friend Becky Doyle.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Stephenson and niece Jeanie Stephenson.

South, Butch | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Butch South
Butch South
Butch South, 86, a retired cattle buyer, died Thursday, May 9, 2013, in Chico.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Chico Cemetery with Bro. Craig Erb officiating.
Butch was born Oct. 9, 1926, to Joe and Stella (Boswell) South in Springtown. He served his country in the United States Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Jean (Dunning) South; and his brothers, Joe South and Roy South.
Survivors include his daughters, Jodie Buzan and husband, Doug, of Weatherford, Janie Williams and husband, Ronnie, of Azle, Pattie Teague and husband, Roy, of Chico; son Mike South and wife, Diana, of Jasper; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other family members and a host of friends.

Sparkman, Jackie Lee | 1960-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Jackie Lee Sparkman
Jackie Lee Sparkman, 53, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 at his home.
A memorial service is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Cuba Road Church. Stephen Starnes will officiate.
Born June 4, 1960, in Bridgeport, to Doris Jean (Young) and Luther Leon Sparkman, Jackie worked in the construction industry. He enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles and guns. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone. Jackie was a Southern Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Michael Sr. and Christopher Sparkman; and sister Judy Sparkman.
He is survived by his wife, Lindy Young, of Bridgeport; sisters Cintha Burris and husband, Eddy, of Conroe and Cassandra Justice and husband, Theron, of Boyd; son Timothy Jack Stoker of Bridgeport; and sister-in-law Deyone Sparkman of Chico.

Spencer, William Richard ‘Dickie’ | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 4, 2013
William Richard 'Dickie' Spencer
William Richard ‘Dickie’ Spencer
Graveside service for William Richard “Dickie” Spencer, 70, of Cleburne, will be 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, at Baker Lain Cemetery.
Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Rosser Funeral Home in Cleburne.
Pallbearers are Dylan Bransom, Tyler Nelson, Kent Spencer, Russell Walker and Ole Neystel.
Dickie died Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Fort Worth. He was born March 4, 1943, in Wise County to Lovell Norris Spencer and Juanita Elizabeth (Hague) Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dickie is survived by daughters Angie Bransom and husband, Rocky, of Burleson, and Amie Nelson and husband, Lee, of Brock; brother Tommy Spencer and wife, Donna, of Boyd; grandchildren Dylan and BreAnne Bransom and Tyler and Cooper Nelson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family expressed a special thanks to Marsha Chapman and Phyllis Oliver for their kindness during their father’s illness.

Splawn, Windell Morris, Sr. | 1924-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Windell Morris Splawn Sr.
Windell Morris Splawn Sr.
Windell Morris Splawn Sr., 88, died Sunday, March 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decautr with the Rev. Ron Andrews officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins.
Pallbearers will be David Splawn, Jonathan Splawn, Jared Splawn, Daniel Splawn, Robert Splawn, Michael Splawn and Jordan Splawn.
Windell was born Nov. 17, 1924, in Boyd to Benjamin Allen and Ludie (Warren) Splawn. He married Lila Jean Wright and retired from Lockheed Corp. as a machinist after 65 years of service. He was an Army veteran, having served during World War II.
He is survived by his sons, Windell Splawn Jr. and wife, Janice, of Decatur and David Splawn and wife, Jodie, of Tyler; grandchildren David Splawn and wife, Amber, of Decatur, Jonathan Splawn and wife, Holly, of Alvord, Leanne, Jared, Elizabeth and Daniel Splawn, all of Decatur, Robert Splawn and wife, Kim, of Rhome, and James Splawn and wife, Cassie, of Tyler; great-grandchildren Carter, Ben, Ethan, Caleb, Karsen, Michael, Jordan and Trisha; great-great-granddaughter Kylie; brother Billy Splawn; sisters Florine Wade, Glenella Whitaker and Jaunell Culver; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Windell was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Splawn, in Decemeber 2000; brother Allen Maurice Splawn; and sister Bobby Lee Henderson.

Sprowls, Russell Duane | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 20, 2013
Russell Duane Sprowls
Russell Duane Sprowls
Russell Duane Sprowls, 81, a retired custodian, died Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Decatur.
Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. Another visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Campbell Funeral Home in Beaver Falls, Penn.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Beaver Falls Cemetery.
Russell was born Nov. 25, 1931, in Harrisburg, Penn., to Charles and Harveda (Shroutz) Sprowls. He was married to Mary Lou Bryant.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou Sprowls; stepson Kevin Conner; and brothers Thurlin and Gaymon.
Survivors include his sons, Alfred Sprowls and wife, Juanita, of Galion, Ohio, Lester Sprowls of Pittsburgh, Penn., and Chester Sprowls and wife, Dottie, of Baden, Penn.; daughters Carol Allen and husband, Jim, of Washington, Penn., Alberta Johnson of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, and Veda Thomas and husband, Don, of Bridgeport; stepsons Jimmy Conner and wife, Nora, of North Lima, Ohio, and Charles Conner of Beaver Falls; stepdaughter Karen Conner of Beaver Falls; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters Jean Mourino and Arlene Belknap, both of Ohio; other family members and a host of friends.

Spurlock, Donald | 1957-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Donald Spurlock
Donald Spurlock
Donald Spurlock, 55, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donald was born Dec. 15, 1957, in Sikeston, Mo., to Delbert Leonard and Mary Ann (Estes) Spurlock. He married Cheryl DeAnne Wells Feb. 2, 1991, in Watauga. Donald was an appliance service tech for Sears for 14 years. He was a member of the Sikeston Jaycees and was a member of the Baptist church.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Spurlock of Rhome; sons Jesse and Wesley Spurlock of Rhome; parents Delbert and Mary Ann Spurlock of Sikeston, Mo.; brothers Dennis Spurlock and wife, Marilyn, of Little Rock, Ark., Darryl Spurlock of Jackson, Mo., Dean Spurlock and wife, Chris, of Sikeston, Connor Estes and wife, Heather, stationed in England, and Jerry Estes and wife, Liz, and Tom Estes and wife, Missy, all of Pennsylvania; sister Susan Breathold and husband, Phil, of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

St. John, Robert L. | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Dr. Robert L. St. John, DDS, 59, died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, in Sunset.
Graveside service is 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie.
Arrangements are entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Robert was born June 1, 1954, in Jackson, Mich., to Clarence and Natalie (Lewis) St. John. He served in the United States Navy during Vietnam.
Robert graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and married Barbara Neff Sept. 29, 1979, in Bedford. He had a dental practice serving the Bowie community since 2002 and was a proud member of Bowie Rotary Club.
Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara St. John of Sunset; daughters Patricia Musgrove and husband, James, of Lizana, Miss., Kimberly Byndom and Ariel of Lewisville, and Ashley Silcox and husband, Justin, of Lewisville; grandchildren Courtney Prihoda and husband, Eric, of Abilene; Kaitlyn and Chandler Musgrove of Lizana, Savanna and Xander Silcox of Lewisville, Brayden Silcox of Oklahoma and Skylar and Kadyn Byndom of Lewisville; great-grandchildren Ainsleigh, Averi, Anderson and Asher Prihoda; sister Janet Taylor of Tampa, Fla.; and his dog, Annie.

Stanford, Clifford | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Clifford Stanford
Clifford Stanford, 87, a retired machine operator, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Azle.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial in Dido Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Gerre Joiner will officiate. Pallbearers include Gary Lynn Stanford, Kirk Stanford, Kevin Stanford, Brandon Stevenson, Tim Schmerbach and James McPeek.
Clifford was born Feb. 8, 1925, in Sallisaw, Okla., to George and Bessie (Patterson) Stanford. He married Patsy Calhoun March 20, 1970, in Fort Worth. Clifford was a husband and father who loved his family and instilled good old-fashioned values. He loved to hunt, fish, be outdoors, listen to bluegrass and gospel music and enjoyed a good chicken fried steak.
Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patsy; brothers Lloyd and Joe Stanford; and sisters Vonn Giddins and Nell Hillburn.
He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Schmerbach and husband, Tim, of Fort Worth; sons Kirk Stanford and wife, Margaret, of Saginaw and Gary Lynn Stanford and wife, Becky, of Fort Worth; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Betty Sommers, Ruth Jones and Vera Alpin; brothers Roy Stanford and Harold Stanford; numerous nieces and nephews; other family members and a host of friends.

Stanley, Tammy Sue | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Tammy Sue Stanley
Tammy Sue Stanley, 54, of Bowie, formerly of Alvord, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Decatur Civic Center.
Tammy Sue was born Nov. 27, 1958, in Fort Worth to Embry Leon and Dorothy (Sharp) Perkins. She married Roy Stanley July 4, 1991, in Alvord.
She is survived by her husband, Roy Stanley of Bowie; sons Justin Archuleta and wife, Nilda, of Decatur and Jeremy Archuleta and wife, Jennifer, of Denver; daughter Nichi Stanley of Bowie; 14 grandchildren; sister Sandra Wilson of Houston; brother Don Perkins; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Tammy was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Green; her parents; and twin sisters Mary and Marie Perkins.
Memorials may be made to the Wise County Committee on Aging, 300 N. Trinity, Decatur, TX 76234.

Stark, Jerry Lee | 1943-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 12, 2013

Jerry Lee Stark
Jerry Lee Stark, 70, a retired aircraft mechanic, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Grapevine.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Doc Dennis and Jeff Honeycutt officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers include Derek Marshall, Brandon Marshall, Brad Holley, Chase Honeycutt, Terry Stark and Rogar Mast.
Jerry was born Jan. 28, 1943, in East St. Louis, Mo., to Michael and Mary (Grams) Stark. He was a retired aircraft mechanic and member of the Full Armor Biker Church of Alvord.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby Stark.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura Honeycutt and husband, Jeff, of Decatur; sister Mary Ann Stark of Belleville, Ill.; brothers Michael Stark and wife, Doris, and Danny Stark, all of Belleville, Ill.; grandchildren Heather, Derek and Brandon Marshall; great-grandchildren Lynlee and Nolan Marshall; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Steele, Charles B. | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Charles B. Steele
Charles B. Steele
Charles B. “Beekeeper” Steele, 72, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 16 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Brother Tom Merritt officiating.
Charles was born March 16, 1941, in Azle to Mary (Davis) and Charlie Steele. He was a member of the Crafton Baptist Church. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1966 and was a member of the National Rifle Association.
Charles was raised until age 14 as an only child and was so happy to get a “little brother.” Until then, he and his grandfather Steele were constant companions. His parents had a dairy, so he and “Granddad” spent lots of time together fishing and hunting on Silver Creek. He loved to take his Boy Scout camping supplies (even though he was never a Boy Scout) to set up his camp and spend the night with his dogs. He later learned that his Dad would sneak in late at night to check on him.
His grandfather told him many stories about his great-grandfather and how the family came to settle in Azle. Charles never forgot any of them, and he had started to record the stories at the request of his brother and children. He loved beekeeping and was known as “The Beekeeper.” He talked so much about bees he was asked to start a club so he could pass on his knowledge to others.
Charles was a born truck driver. After he married Addie Ruth Green in December 2000 and moved to Bridgeport, he drove a truck for Ted and Troy Boyd at Rumco. He drove for Roy Stewart at RWS and always loved Roy even when he moved on to drive for Virgal Oates. He also drove for Mushie and perhaps others.
His son Brady is a truck driver like his Dad, and they had many conversations about trucks. His daughter Wendy was his “little homemaker,” and for several months she either cooked Sunday lunch for him or brought in whatever she thought he could eat that day. He loved his Green sons and thought that the grandchildren hung the moon. He and Jarret had many conversations. He loved his family and the Green family and was always happy to hear from them. Charles was a people person. Although he might have to think a minute to remember names, he never forgot faces.
He is survived by his wife; sons Charles Brady Steele of Hurst, Phillip Wayne Steele of Fort Worth, Charles Green and wife, Carrie, of Cottondale, Stephen Green and wife, Kelly, of Bridgeport, and Bobby Green of Bridgeport; daughters Mary Lou Fairchild, Wendy Lynnette Cox of Springtown and Melissa Ann Stanley of W. Va.; brother David Wayne Steele of Springtown; 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and children Joseph Steele and Nancy Susanne Steele.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s charity of choice.

Steger, Ruth J. | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ruth J. Steger, 94, of Denton died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at Atrium Medical Center.
Funeral was Feb. 11 at Slay Memorial Funeral Center in Aubrey.
Ruth was born Feb. 22, 1918, in Durant, Okla., to Minnie (Worthy) and Joseph Scott Dameron. She and her husband, James Pullen, owned Pullen Dry Goods in Decatur for 20 years.
James preceded her in death, and she later married Wesley Steger. Wesley preceded her in death in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Sampler.
Ruth is survived by daughters Joan Speer of Colleyville and Barbara Young of Denton; grandsons Mike Speer, Trent Young and Bill Sampler; eight grandchildren; and sister Mary Jo Henry of Denison.

Stevens, Katie Marie Calhoun | 1954-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Katie Marie Calhoun Stevens
Katie Marie Calhoun Stevens
Katie Marie Calhoun Stevens, 58, a teacher, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ken May, Gerre Joiner and Stephen Wren officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Donald Bryant, Larry Bryant, Jim Bryant, Dale Calhoun, Butch Calhoun, Brad Calhoun and Randy Bennett.
Katie was born July 11, 1954, in Gainesville to Weldon Ben and Betty Evelyn (Bryant) Calhoun. She married Charles Louis Stevens Dec. 28, 1976, in Greenwood.
Katie was a graduate of Slidell High School and of East Texas State University, where she received her bachelor’s in education. She began her 32-year career in teaching at Montague ISD and also taught in the Nocona and Decatur school districts. Katie was a member of Relay for Life of Wise County, Susan G. Komen of North Texas and First Baptist Church in Decatur.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Stevens; daughters Kristi Stevens of Frisco and Courtney Stevens of Decatur; mother Betty Calhoun of Decatur; and brother James Calhoun and friend, Debra Lester, of Krum; and numerous other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Relay For Life of Wise County, P.O. Box 428, Decatur, TX 76234; Susan G. Komen of North Texas, P.O. Box 261730, Plano, TX 75026, or to the First Baptist Church, 1200 Preskitt Dr., Decatur, TX 76234.

Steward, Raymond Eugene | 1961-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Raymond Eugene Steward, Sr., 51, a truck driver, died Sunday, Jan. 13 in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. today at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Boyd with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Gerre Joiner will officiate. Pallbearers include Dan Meeks, Jimmy Tedrow, Reyn Reynolds, David Steward and Dylan Williams.
Raymond was born Feb. 24, 1961 to Grover and Delores (Riley) Steward in Fort Worth. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Charlie Steward.
Survivors include his wife, Edith Castellano of Boyd; sons Raymond Steward, Jr. and David Steward, both of Rhome; daughter Christine Steward of River Oaks; grandchildren Dylan, Daisy, Brooklynn, Payton and Kirsten; sisters Robbie Steward of Fort Worth and Delia Brant and husband Kevin of Fort Worth; other family members and a host of friends.

Stewart, Clancy | 1968-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Clancy Stewart
Clancy Stewart, 45, a truck driver, died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Justin.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. The Rev. John Ford will officiate.
Clancy was born March 10, 1968, in Fort Worth to Stanley and Claudy (Mullhuland) Stewart. He married Jill Peek March 16, 2011, in Boyd.
Clancy was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jody Lockwood.
Survivors include his wife, Jill Stewart of Rhome; son Shawn Stewart of Sherman; daughters Cheyenne and Allison Stewart of Rhome; granddaughters Emma Stewart and Jodee Stewart; brothers Kelly Stewart and wife, Brenda, of Weatherford, Casey Stewart of Rhome, Wesley Stewart of Rhome and Cody Stewart and wife, Jennifer, of White Settlement; sister Lucinda Cate of Rhome; twin sister Christy Williams of Fort Worth; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Stewart, Steven Wade | 1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Steven Wade Stewart
Steven Wade Stewart
Steven Wade Stewart, 49, of Rhome died Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Decatur.
Celebration of his life is 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Steve was born May 5, 1963, in Chickasha, Okla., to Robert Vernon and Alice Ann (Stovall) Stewart, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, was a veteran of the United States Navy and was presently district manager for Trican Well Service in Springtown.
Steve leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy through his involvement in various charities. He was an avid reader and prankster. Steve also enjoyed watching Sooner football, boating and spending time with his family and friends, as well as his beloved cat, Ebony, and his sweet German Shepherd, Miss Daisy. Steve always said, “The most important thing I ever did in my life was being a father.” He will be sorely missed.
He is survived by a daughter, Meisha Ann Stewart, and a son, Joshua Ray Stewart, both of Sheridan, Ark.; fianc e Tracey Thompson of Pottsville, Ark.; stepfather Ray Larsen of Greeley, Colo.; sister Melinda Brennan and husband, Mike, of Sheridan, Wyo.; brother Paul Stewart and wife, Sasha, of Greeley; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and a host of friends.
Memorials may be sent to Hands Helping Paws Inc., P.O. Box 1024, Norman, OK 73070.

Stogner, Warren Austin | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Warren Austin Stogner
Warren Austin Stogner
Warren Austin Stogner, 89, died Saturday, March 9, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Pleasant Grove Cowboy Church with the Rev. Richard Carman officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1, next to the church. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Chad Byford, David Byford Jr., Corey Stogner, Heather Carman, Roger Sellers, Matthew Ferrell and Tyler Beard.
Warren was born Oct. 21, 1923, in Hastings, Okla., to Doyle Trace and May (McGee) Stogner. He was united in marriage to Ruby Arlene Ferrell Dec. 22, 1956, and was married 47 years at her death in November 2003. Mr. Stogner was also preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
Warren served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded three bronze stars. He was a retired heavy equipment operator, a full-time farmer and was a member of the Pleasant Grove Cowboy Church.
Survivors include his son, Larry Stogner and wife, Paula, of Farmersville; daughters Linda Stogner, Paula Carman and Sandra Stogner, all of Decatur; grandchildren Shannon Beard and husband, Tyler, Corey Stogner and wife, Jill, Leslie McBride, Michelle Schurman, Deana Starnes, Richard Carman and wife, Niki, Heather Carman, David Byford Jr., Chad Byford and wife, Kimberly, and Adrienne Sellers and husband, Roger; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brother D.T. Stogner and wife, Lynda, of Trophy Club; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society, Wise County Unit, P.O. Box 428, Decatur, TX 76234.

Stokes, J.B. | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 27, 2013
J.B. Stokes
J.B. Stokes
J.B. Stokes, 90, a member of the “Band of Brothers,” E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
Service is 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at White’s Azle Funeral Home with burial in Jaybird Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White’s in Azle.
J.B. was born Sept. 2, 1922, in Lenard to Ida Mae and George Stokes. He married Ola Mae Trotter Dec. 15, 1945. The couple began their life together in Bridgeport, where J.B. began his career in the Water Department. Through the years, they were blessed with four children, and J.B. became director of Public Works for the City of Azle.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ola Mae Stokes; his parents; three brothers; and one sister.
He is survived by sons Gary Stokes and wife, Jani, and Jerry Stokes and wife, Ann; daughters Sue Hobbs, and Diane Obel and husband, Lee; seven grandchildren and spouses; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters Flora Capehart and Ray Nell Bolin.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Marshall Morrison, Sandy Herring and staff for their love and support.
An interesting article about J.B. Stokes. Click on thumbnail to read: Stokes, J.B. (2) - 2013.jpg (2417523 bytes)

Stokes, Patsy Naomi | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Patsy “Pat” Naomi Stokes, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, at the age of 74.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City. Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at First Baptist Church of Johnson City, and burial is 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Aurora Cemetery.
Pat was born Dec. 30, 1938, in Rhome to William Henry and Lillie Collins. On Feb. 10, 1961, she married the love of her life, Billy C. Stokes, and with him had three children.
Pat loved to do crosswords, sudoku, logic puzzles, cross-stitching and crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, William and Lille; her sister, Florence; and her son-in-law, Curtis.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth and husband, Edwin “Bubba” Sooter, Angie Sudduth, William Stokes and girlfriend, Cissy Arnold; grandchildren Christopher Stokes and fianc e, Brandy Reyes, Emilia, Micah and Rebekah Sudduth, Michael “Dusty” Sooter and wife, Stephanie, Mary “Teri” Harshman and husband, Jeremiah, Cody Arnold and wife, Kristin, and Kyle Arnold; great-granddaughter Kaitlynn and great-grandson Owen; and grand-dog, J.R. Brother Ewing Stokes, along with a host of loving friends and family.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 3227 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Stoll, Forrest ‘Frosty’ Glen | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Forrest “Frosty” Glen Stoll
Forrest “Frosty” Glen Stoll, 55, of Newark, died July 18, 2013 in Dallas.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Church, 4740 Western Center Blvd. in Haltom City, on Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m.
Frosty was born June 6, 1958 in Seattle, Wash. to Raymond and Pauline (Buckalew) Stoll. He was a beloved husband, devoted father and loving friend. He was a dedicated employee of American Airlines for 21 years and a member of DFW Freedom Riders.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rhonda Stoll; daughter and son-in-law, Larisa and Andrew Hohman; son Joseph Stoll; parents Raymond and Pauline Stoll; sisters Crystal Brammer, and Twyla DelPozzi and husband David. He also leaves behind numerous loving friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to A Fern Norville Children’s Emergency Shelter, 4090 S. Houston St., Kaufman, TX 75147, att: Loretta.

Stone, Robert ‘Stoney’ | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Robert 'Stoney' Stone
Robert ‘Stoney’ Stone
Robert “Stoney” Stone, 84, died Sunday, May 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church with Larry Knobloch officiating.
Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Bowie under the direction of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Robert was born July 2, 1928, in Harrold to Jesse H. and Edith Trisler Stone. He graduated from Harrold High School and worked for W.T. Waggoner Ranch. He served in the Oklahoma National Guard and the United States Army as a tank driver during the Korean War.
Robert lived in Corpus Christi and worked at the Suntide Refinery, then moved to Knox City and worked for City Service Oil and Gas Plant for 30 years. He married Syble Sharp Oct. 17, 1958. Robert enjoyed gardening and canning.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Edith Stone; and his wife, Syble.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Rita Benham and husband, Lonny, of Bridgeport; son Robert James Stone of Lewisville; grandson Robert Dylan Stone Benham of Bridgeport; brother James H. Stone and wife, Evelyn, of Hattiesburg, Miss.; and niece Janis Krokum and husband, Mike, of Chillicothe, Ill.

Strange, Bradley ‘Jeff’ | 1963-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
Bradley 'Jeff' Strange
Bradley ‘Jeff’ Strange
Bradley “Jeff” Strange, 49, a lead manufacturing specialist, died Thursday, April 25, 2013, at his home in Boyd.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial in New Hope Cemetery.
The Rev. Kevin Wells will officiate, and Blake Strange, Rick Flurry, Roy Gordon Jr., Scotty Walker, Chuck Renner and Kevin McCurry will serve as pallbearers.
Jeff was born Aug. 20, 1963, in Fort Worth to Brian and Barbara (Plies) Strange. He married Glenna Norwood Dec. 31, 1994, in Boyd. Jeff worked for Texas Instruments. He loved to hunt and when he wasn’t hunting, he was fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Glenna Strange of Boyd; daughters Ashley Strange of Hurst and Stacee Ogle of Rhome; grandsons Jordan Walker and Briley Ogle; his mother, Barbara Anderson of Fort Worth; his father, Brian Strange and wife, Linda, of Fort Worth; twin brother Blake Strange and wife, Laura, of Fort Worth; brother Gene Strange and wife, Michelle, of Fort Worth; stepbrother Mike Anderson and wife, Beth, of Midlothian; his favorite dogs, Sissy and Lady; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Stringfellow, B.J. | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 20, 2013
B.J. Stringfellow
B.J. Stringfellow
Billy Joe Stringfellow, 82, of Burkburnett, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013.
Service is Saturday, Feb. 23, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Weslie Odom officiating. Burial will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Burkburnett.
A son of the late Thelma (Hobbs) and Benjamin Stringfellow, Billy was born Sept. 2, 1930, in Grapevine. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict, and he worked as an installer for Southwestern Bell prior to his retirement. Billy was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Stringfellow of Burkburnett; daughter Becky Erickson and husband, Richard, of Galveston; son Tracy Stringfellow and wife, Kim, of Burkburnett; sister , Sandra Ward and husband, Gary, of Bentonville, Ark.; grandchildren Isaac Erickson and wife, Velicia, of Junction City, Ore., Shawn Slayton and wife, Jennifer, of Wichita, Kan., Tanner Slayton of Dallas, Christopher Carlton Erickson of San Marcos, Elyssa Erickson of Galveston, Jamie Lemieux and wife, Bethany, of Enid, Okla., Brennon Lemieux of Denton, Jadon Stringfellow and Rylan Stringfellow, both of Burkburnett; great-grandchildren Madison Slayton, Rylie Lemieux and Aiden Lemieux.
Memorials may be sent to Grace Care Ministries.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.

Sugg, Kristopher Lee | 1978-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Kristopher Lee Sugg
Kristopher Lee Sugg, 34, of Alvord died Monday, July 1, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 5, at Flatwood Baptist Church with burial in Alvord Cemetery. Bro. Doug Acklie will officiate. Visitation is 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are Gary Brune, Cody Jobe, Wes Enos, Adrian Ford, Mike Holman and Jason Pittman.
Kristopher was born Aug. 8, 1978, in Paris to Kenneth Lynn and Donna Sue (Tolliver) Sugg. He married Amanda Henderson Aug. 16, 2007, in Fort Worth. He was an oilfield shop manager for Rockwater and a member of Flatwood Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Amanda, of Alvord; daughters Mackenzie and Raven Sugg; sons Grayson Hughes, Trevor Huffman and Kristopher Sugg; father Kenneth Sugg; brothers Gary and Buck Brune; grandmothers Jean Tolliver Braden and Johnnie McNutt; numerous aunts, Uncle Scott, cousins, and a host of friends.
Kristopher was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Sue Tolliver; and grandfather Dewey Sugg.

Sullens, Rhonda Michell | 1966-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 29, 2013
Rhonda Michell Sullens, 46, of Azle died Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Fort Worth.
A memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Brother Dwayne Hargrave will officiate.
Rhonda was born Aug. 15, 1966, in Clark County, Ga., to Clarence Dennis Sullens and Mildred Janel Tucker.
She is survived by her father, Dennis Sullens and wife, Carol, of Decatur; mother Mildred Sullens; and brothers Stacey and Everett Sullens; all of Euless; sisters Andrea Strong of Bridgeport and Tammy Sullens of Decatur; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sutherland, Linda Renee | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Linda Renee Sutherland
Linda Renee Sutherland, 60, a cook, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Jan. 8 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Kevin Casey officiating.
Linda was born June 11, 1952, to Pedro and Joan (Frahm) Munoz in Alameda County, Calif. She married David Sutherland and was a cook at the Nocona Nursing Home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Pedro Munoz.
Survivors include her daughter, Jacinda Milford of Bridgeport; son Eric Lynn of Las Vegas; grandchildren Erica, twins Haley and Holly, Cory, Kaiden, Serenity and another on the way; brothers Greg Munoz of Bridgeport and Herbert Munoz of Hayward, Calif.; sister Juanita Albino of Bridgeport; other family members and a host of friends.

Swift, Iva Maria | 1945-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Iva Maria Swift
Iva Maria Swift
Iva Maria Swift, 68, died Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Maria was born June 9, 1945, in Miami, Fla., to Leslie and Geraldine Green. She was an avid horsewoman and loved play days and equestrian drill team competition.
Maria was one of the founding members of the Wise County Wranglers riding club, parade and drill team captain for the Horseshoe Gold riding team and a member of the National Association of Riding Clubs and Sheriff’s Posses. The drill team members affectionately referred to her as “Sergeant Maria.” Throughout her life, her greatest loves where riding horses and working with animals.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Geraldine Green; husband Larry R. Swift; and son Wayne Kinder.
Survivors include son Jimmy Kinder and wife, Theresa, of Springtown; daughters Renee and husband, MSgt. Phillip Hanback, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tina Laughlin and husband, Mark, of Worland, Wyo.; stepsons Wade and Wayne Swift; sister Judy Rupert of Columbus, Ga.; and nieces Leslie Wilson and Trace Waldmanj.
She is also survived by grandchildren Amanda, Amber, Austin, Victoria and Elijah Kinder of Springtown, Madison Kinder of Azle, Broc and Bryan Laughlin of Wyoming, Kori Scherer of Colorado Springs and Daniel Scherer of Houston; and great-grandchildren David and Corbin Headley of Springtown.
Funeral arrangements are pending with White’s Funeral Home in Azle.

Swindell, Emma Nadine | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 1, 2013
Emma Nadine Swindell
Emma Nadine Swindell
Emma Nadine Swindell, 77, a retired secretary, died Monday, May 27, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was May 31 at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Friendship Cemetery in Boyd. Elder Larry Webb, the Rev. Mark Autry, Elder Barry Brown and Elder Mike Webb officiated, and pallbearers were Tim Matthews, Ben Cozby, Ray Lake, Dale Barkley, Don Jackson and Max Thompson. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Jackson and Tommy Jackson.
Emma was born Sept. 12, 1935, in Keeter to John and Mary (Hays) Jackson. She married Jerry R. Swindell April 9, 1955, in Keeter. Emma was a secretary for Boyd ISD.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her son, Jerry Swindell and wife, Carolyn, of Decatur; daughters Cathy Hendricks of Winnie, Patricia Almondrode of Reno and Cindy Foster of Boyd; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Allene Thompson of Paradise; sister-in-law Nita Jackson of Keeter; numerous nieces and nephews; other family members and a host of friends.

Swindle, Idell Cordelia | 1928-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Idell Cordelia Swindle
Idell Cordelia Swindle
Idell Cordelia Swindle, 84, a homemaker, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial in West Bridgeport Cemetery.
The Rev. Gary Dimmit will officiate. Pallbearers include Aaron Edington, Curt Edington, Michael Swindle, Kail Swindle, John Simpson and Austin Lacy.
Idell was born March 10, 1928, to James and Estella (Whitsett) Bailey in Malakoff. She married Jack Swindle May 4, 1946, in Dallas. He preceded her in death in 2005.
Idell was a homemaker and worked in the cafeteria at Wilshire Elementary School. She was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church, Women’s DFW Auxiliary, Red Hat Society and Bridgeport Senior Citizens.
She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include her son, Cordell Swindle and wife, Linda, of Bridgeport; daughter Evelyn Edington and husband, Wilton, of Bridgeport; grandchildren Melissa Swindle of Dallas, Kail and Amber Swindle of Oakton, Va., Julie Edington of Bridgeport, Kathleen and Scott Siek of Hurst, Aaron and Melissa Edington of Grand Prairie, Curt and Emily Edington of Grand Prairie, and Michael Swindle of North Richland Hills; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Cleo Hammonds of Bridgeport and Linda Duke and husband, Charles, of Chico; brother Claude Bailey and wife, Margaret, of Chico; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to Wise Regional Health Foundation/ICU, 2000 S FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234.

Tackel, Roy E. | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Roy E. Tackel
Roy E. Tackel, a native of Bridgeport, died Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, in Decatur at the age of 85.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport with the Rev. David Rucker officiating.
Roy was born Nov. 18, 1927, in Bridgeport to Albert E. and Bertie (Anderson) Tackel. After graduation from Bridgeport High School, he worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth for nine years before joining Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America, where he worked until his retirement.
He was a member of the Decatur National Guard for seven-and-a-half years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in both Bridgeport and Chico.
One of his hobbies was raising cattle. In fact, he raised the 1996 State Fair Grand Champion Steer.
He received the Golden Trowel award for exceptional service by fellow Masons and was a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. and A.M. He enjoyed being a Mason, with the teaching and involvement in masonry.
Roy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty; son Chris Tackel and wife, Tish; daughters Pam Worlow and husband Gary, and Kathi Hodgkins and husband, Don; sisters Lou Etta Armstrong, Audrey Russell and Dean Beaty; grandchildren Derek Worlow, Shelly Moody, Todd Worlow, Kristy Green, Cade Hodgkins, Donny Hodgkins and Chase Worlow; and six great-grandchildren, the joy of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William Tackel, Glen Tackel and Ray Tackel; sister Ann Caruthers; grandson Dustin Hodgkins; and granddaughter Jennifer LeeAnn Worlow.

Tanner, Chuck | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Chuck Tanner
Chuck Tanner
Chuck “General” Tanner, 74, a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013, in Runaway Bay.
Graveside service is 2:15 p.m. Monday, April 8, at DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Bro. Guy Orbison Jr. will officiate, and pallbearers will be the DFW Cemetery Honor Guard.
Chuck was born June 2, 1938, to Chalmer and Gertrude (Cornelius) Tanner in Coleman County, Ala. He married Anita Beth Balch June 15, 1994, in Lake Tahoe, Calif., and worked 10 years as a starter at South Padre Island Golf Club during the Texas winter seasons.
Chuck also worked for two years at the Pro Shop at Runaway Bay and two years as a substitute teacher in Fort Worth ISD. He worked nine years in civil service, including a year with the CIA and retired from the military after 30 years in the Air Force as a chief master sergeant.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 18 years, Beth Tanner of Runaway Bay; daughter Karen Beth Goad of Coppell; granddaughter Katie Anne Goad of Coppell; brother Rick Tanner and wife, Sheila, of Runaway Bay; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Intern Program, Church of Christ, P.O. Box 633, Durango, CO 81302 or to a charity of your choice.

Tate, Jack Edwin | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Jack Edwin Tate
Jack Edwin Tate, 75, of Paradise, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Crafton Cemetery. Brother Tom Merritt will officiate. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Jack was born July 25, 1938, in Fort Worth to Mae (Sibley) and Jack Tate. He was a lifelong resident of Haslet. He served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Jack was also a lifelong supporter of all the Northwest Texans’ sports teams and a devoted Ranger fan.
After retirement from Nokia, he enjoyed attending auctions. He is missed by all.
Jack is survived by brother Robert Tate and wife, Linda, of Crafton; sister Jane Wilson of Paradise; one niece; five nephews; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

Tatum, Agnes Juanita Moody | 1936-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Agnes Juanita Moody Tatum
Agnes Juanita Moody Tatum
Agnes Juanita Moody Tatum, 76, a homemaker, died Friday, March 15, 2013, in Cundiff.
Agnes was born Sept. 4, 1936, to Archie and Maude (Camper) Loper in Memphis, Texas. She was a member of the Cundiff Baptist Church.
Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, William R. Moody; her second husband, Donald Tatum; and grandsons Billy Lopez and Alex Elder.
Survivors include her daughter, Pam Moody Lopez and husband, Alfredo, of Cundiff; son Glenn “Buster” Moody and wife, Virginia, of Cundiff; grandchildren Shelanda, J.D., Jennifer, Lauren, Travis, Victoria and Jason; great-grandchildren Shae, Sydnee, Josh, McKenzie and Lexi; other family members and a host of friends.

Tatum, O.T. | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 17, 2013
O.T. Tatum
O.T. Tatum
O.T. Tatum, 95, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, died Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Funeral was April 16 at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Mount Olivet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Christian Care Hospice.
O.T. Tatum was born Dec. 16, 1917, in Boyd and graduated from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). He was a teacher, coach and principal in Bellevue and a highly respected owner of O.T. Tatum Sales Agency for 40-plus years.
He was a Navy veteran, a Mason and an avid golfer. O.T. was a deacon for more than 50 years at Riverside Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Emily Tatum; daughters Cynthia Hippel and husband, Bill, Patsy De Shazo and husband, James; grandchildren Dawn Ligon and husband, Grady, Leigh Ann Bourgeois and husband, Brandon, Heath Hippel and wife, Amy, and Jay Hippel; and seven great-grandchildren.

Thomas, Michael Frederick | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Michael Frederick Thomas
Michael Frederick Thomas
Michael Frederick Thomas, 81, died Saturday, May 25, 2013.
Graveside service was May 28 in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Michael was born April 23, 1932, in Cedartown, Ga., to Marguerite R. and James K. Thomas. He was a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, and he retired from the United States Postal Service. He was an avid fisherman and loved gospel music.
Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Juanice Thomas, in 2000; and a daughter, Pamela Ann Thomas in 2006.
Survivors include his sons, Keith Thomas and wife, Donna, of Chico, and Michael C. Thomas of Texas; brother J.K. Thomas and wife, Claire, of Thomasville, Ga.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Thompson, Marylee | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Marylee Thompson
Marylee Thompson
Marylee Thompson, 54, a computer vendor processor, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial in Chico Cemetery. The Rev. Eric Crawford will officiate, and pallbearers will be Bill Cox, Thill Hokit, Brandon Cook and Jesse Latta.
Marylee was born June 6, 1958, to Thuron and Lillian (Grooms) Thompson in Decatur. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1976, attended Tarrant County Junior College for two years and graduated in 2005 with a certification in Business and Computer Processing.
Marylee worked for Tandy Computer Leasing in Fort Worth for 22 years, then worked for five years for Colonial Savings, also in Fort Worth. She was active in many Metroplex events and volunteered for numerous charities.
Marylee was a Southern Baptist and a member of the Heritage Baptist Church in Haslet.
She was preceded in death by her father; and her grandparents, Ada and C.O. Thompson and Raney and John Grooms.
Survivors include her mother, Lillian Thompson of Bridgeport; sister Cara Thompson of Bridgeport; brothers Thuron Thompson Jr. of Chico, Melvin Thompson and wife, Pam, of Euless; nephew Chris Lightfoot and wife, Montse, of North Richland Hills; great-nephews Christopher and Tyler; other family members and a host of friends.

Thornal, Paula Sue ‘Susie’ | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 26, 2013
Paula Sue 'Susie' Thornal
Paula Sue ‘Susie’ Thornal
Paula Sue “Susie” Thornal, 54, a homemaker, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service was Jan. 24 in Poolville Cemetery with the Rev. Terry Terry officiating.
Susie was born April 16, 1958, to Billy and Joyce (Brownlee) Everett in Fort Worth. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dana Matlock; and her brother, Shawn Bouldin.
Survivors include her parents, Mount Bouldin of Paradise and Joyce Bouldin of Decatur; companion Dave Clardy of Fort Worth; son Darrell “Dee” Blackmon Jr. of Dallas; daughters Shawnda Mott and husband, Dustin, of Azle, Rhonda Gardner and husband, Darrell Pointer, of Weatherford; grandchildren Caleb Morgan, Mykenzie Todd, Ashton Parton, Haley Parton, Ashley Mott and Jeannie Todd; sisters Reatta Suliteck, Kimberley Haile, Tina Kramer, Keitha Ramsey; brothers Billy Joe Everett Jr., and Shane Bouldin; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

Tolly, Ashley Lynn | 1990-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, June 8, 2013

Ashley Lynn Tolly
Ashley Lynn Tolly, 23, beloved daughter and sister, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Monday in Springtown Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown.
Ashley was born April 11, 1990 in Fort Worth, the daughter of Kevin and Sandra Tolly. Spending most of her life in the Paradise area, she graduated from Paradise High School in 2008.
Ashley had many hobbies that included jogging, horseback riding, watching movies, swimming and listening to her favorite rock and roll music. But very dear to her was spending time with family and her love of animals. She also enjoyed reading the Bible.
Ashley was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Ruby Graham.
Survivors include her parents, Kevin and Sandra Tolly of Springtown; sister Amber Lynn Tolly of Cottondale; grandparents Charlie and Ernestine Wingate of Arlington and Luan Tolly of Haltom City; fiance Michael Grothe; uncles Charles Wingate of Arlington, Steven Wingate and wife, Kelly, of Arlington and David Tolly of Fort Worth; aunt Kim Tolly of Fort Worth; cousins Presley Wingate of Arlington, Jonathon Tolly and Sonya Escobedo; and a host of loving family and friends.

Toner, Earline | 1922-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Earline Toner
Earline Toner, 90, formerly of Holliday, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, in Wichita Falls.
Graveside service was Oct. 29 at Restland Cemetery in Olney with the Rev. Carolyn Allbritton officiating.
Earline was born Nov. 13, 1922, in Olney to Hassell and Minnie (Jones) Brown. She married Bob Toner in Walters, Okla., Oct. 6, 1942, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Alvord.
She is survived by her daughter, Kandy Shelton and husband, Ken, of Alvord; grandchildren Amanda, Marni, Rusty, Jake, Matt and Karey; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister Jo Merideth; and nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son Ralph “Bo” Toner; sister Jackie Widders; and brother Tom Brown.

Torres, Moises | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Moises Torres
Moises Torres, 59, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Decatur.
Mass of Christian burial was Jan. 8 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church with Father Jacob Alvares officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur.
Pallbearers were Luis Torres, Alfredo Torres, Carlos Torres, Gregorio Torres, Martin Torres, Eliazar Torres, Jose Torres, Gordon Wade and Gerald Lanier.
Moises was born March 14, 1953, in San Luis De La Paz, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Gregorio and Enedina Torres. He married Juana S. Torres in 1981 in Mexico.
Moises was a lifelong cattleman and ranch hand and was employed by the Decatur Livestock Auction.
Survivors include his wife, Juana S. Torres; sons Luis G., Alfredo, Carlos and Gregorio Torres; and daughters Yadira, Cristina and Veronica Torres, all of Decatur; brothers Ignacio, Gregorio, Juan, Jose, Eliazas, Marlin and Eloy Torres; sisters MaLuisa, Yolanda, Rosalia and Rocio Torres; and grandchildren Christian and Sebastian Torres.

Travis, Milton D., Sr. | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013

Milton D. Travis Sr.
Milton D. Travis Sr., 83, of Aurora, a retired Greyhound bus driver, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Jerry Hood officiating. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Milton Dewell Travis Jr., Danny Lee Travis, Kenneth Travis Sr., Milton Dewell Travis III, Kenneth Travis Jr. and Jason Dewell Wilson.
Milton was born April 3, 1930, in Brandon to Chalmus Leper and Hetty (West) Travis. He married Correne Layne on Oct. 10, 1953. Milton served in the United States Army and was a member of Renewal Fellowship Church in Boyd.
He was a loving husband and his wife’s sweetheart. He and Correne recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Milton was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his dog Cocoa and was an avid sports fan. Milton loved to work in the garden, but his biggest love is Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Correne Travis of Aurora; sons Milton Dewell Travis Jr. and wife, Sherry, of Fort Worth, Danny Lee Travis and wife, Leticia, of Grand Prairie and Kenneth Layne Travis Sr. and wife, Cindy, of Aurora; daughter Teresia Allen and husband, Gary Len, of Whitesboro; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brothers Melvin Travis and Larry Travis; and sisters Frances Barrett and Jean Badget.

Tucker, Ernest Dale | 1946-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ernest Dale Tucker
Ernest Dale Tucker
Ernest Dale Tucker, 66, a pipefitter, died Monday, March 18, 2013, in Decatur.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Ernest was born July 3, 1946, to Seabird Ernest and Pauline (Swinney) Tucker.
He is survived by his sons, Joey Tucker and wife, Misty, of Paradise, Cole Tucker and wife, Rhonda, of Bridgeport, Blake Tucker and wife, Traci, of Decatur; six grandchildren; his mother, Pauline Swinney Williams of Paradise; sister Janice Sanders and husband, Earl, of Paradise; other family members and a host of friends.

Tuckness, Marian Rochelle | 1935-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, January 5, 2013

Marian Rochelle Tuckness
Marian Rochelle Tuckness, 77, formerly of Decatur, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Houston.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, in New Hope Cemetery in Gainesville, with Rev. Danny Baker officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur prior to the service.
Marian was born Aug. 27, 1935, in Fort Worth to Lester Ray and Mattie Dora (Norman) Cobb. She married Danny Gene Tuckness on Aug. 15, 1953, at Handley Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Upon his death in 1996, Marian moved to Houston to be closer to her family.
A homemaker, Marian loved being with her family and playing the piano.
She is survived by three sons, Danny Gene Tuckness, Jr. and close friend, Patricia Chalela, of Houston, David Lee Tuckness and wife, Melissa of Poolville, and Donald Ray Tuckness and wife, DeLisa of Whitesboro; seven grandchildren, Katherine, Hannah, Thomas, Danielle, Callie, Andrea and Aubrie; brother Michael Ray Cobb; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Turnipseed, Mary Martha | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 11, 2013
Mary Martha Turnipseed
Mary Martha Turnipseed
Mary Martha Turnipseed, 62, a homemaker, died Thursday, May 9, 2013, in Chico.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Gerre Joiner will officiate.
Mary was born Nov. 16, 1950, in Jacksboro to Horace and Ima Jean (Edwards) Gowan. She married David Ball Turnipseed on Dec. 30, 1972, in Jacksboro.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, David Turnipseed of Chico; daughters Keely Turnipseed Aust and husband, Matthew, of Sugarland and Erin Turnipseed of Chico; grandchildren Gabriel Aubrey Brooks, Kayden Noel Hayhurst and Abigail Grace Aust; brother James Don Gowan of Jacksboro; other family members and a host of friends.

Underwood, Joe Edmond | 1958-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Joe Edmond Underwood
Joe Edmond Underwood
Joe Edmond Underwood, 55, owner/operator of a feed store, died Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Newark.
Graveside service was June 4 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Joe was born Jan. 24, 1958, to Albert and Ruby (Anderson) Underwood in Fort Worth. He served his country in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Underwood; and his brother, Albert Underwood II.
Survivors include his father, Albert Underwood of Newark; brother Gary Underwood and wife, Sherry, of Newark; sister Naomi Landry and husband, David, of Suwanee, Ga.; nephews Gary Underwood II of Saginaw, and Christopher Landry and Michael Landry, both of Suwanee; niece Stacy Chalmers; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Vanderbeck, James Hudson, II | 1970-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 20, 2013

James Hudson Vanderbeck II
James Hudson Vanderbeck II, 42, died, Monday, July 15, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was July 19 at DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Pallbearers were Jeff Crossley, Brian Leverett, Chad Somerhalder, George Somerhalder and Bob Kempsell.
James was born Aug. 21, 1970, in LaGrange, Ind., to James Hudson and Mary Ann (Wilson) Vanderbeck. He married Michelle Rae Somerhalder Dec. 6, 1999, in Fort Worth. James retired from the United States Navy as a chief after more than 20 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle Somerhalder and daughter Celeste Vanderbeck, both of Decatur; father James Hudson Vanderbeck and wife, Patty, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; sisters Mary Murray of Sturgis, Mich., and Emma Vanderbeck of Kalamazoo; and brother Gavin Vanderbeck, also of Kalamazoo.
Memorials may be made to the family in support of Celeste Vanderbeck’s future educational needs.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Wilson.

Veal, Anthony ‘Tony’ | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Anthony “Tony” Veal
Anthony “Tony” Veal, 74, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Montague County Cowboy Church with the Rev. Joe Cabellero officiating.
Tony was born July 7, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kan., an only child to Albert and Agatha (Reed) Veal. As a young child, he and his family lived in Oklahoma.
Tony attended high school in Sulphur, Okla., where he met his future wife, Joy. He played varsity football and also played in the marching band, making for a hectic schedule on Friday nights. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1960.
Tony worked for American Airlines for 38 years, beginning in 1965. He was a mechanic with varying duties in Dallas and Albuquerque, then moved to Reno in 1999 as a crew chief, until his retirement in 2003. Tony remained active with the American retirement community and had countless close friendships from his time at AA.
He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and rode in motorcycle enduro races for several years, starting in the late ’60s. Tony also had his own motorcycle repair shop in Hurst for a period of time and loved working on bikes of all types.
Tony loved to fly and had his own plane for several years, flying all around the country.
He moved back to Texas several years ago after living in Sparks, Nev., and cherished the opportunity to reconnect with his family and all of his close friends from work and school.
He is survived by his wife, Joy Veal of Decatur; daughter Lori Mahler and husband, Nick, of Wylie; sons Craig Veal and wife, Sheryl, of Weaver, Ala., and Eric Veal and wife, Amy, of Emory; stepson David Williams of Roseville, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Vernon, Joann Collie | 1934-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Joann Collie Vernon
Joann Collie Vernon, 79, died Sunday, June 9, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro with burial to follow at Cundiff Cemetery.
Joann was a lively, spirited and generous woman who loved her family deeply. She was blessed with great friendships and wonderful, caring neighbors. She retired after many years of service from the General Services Administration.
Joann is survived by a son, David Wayne Manning and daughter-in-law, Michelle, of Austin; daughter Kathy Mabey and son-in-law, Charles, of Fort Worth; grandchildren Jodi Blackmon, Donald Louis Owens Jr., and Ruby, Kaleigh and Micah Manning; great-grandchildren Katie Galbreath, Michaela Waller, Donald Louis Owens III (Tres); sister Doris Williams of Stephenville; and brother Thomas Neal Collie of Jacksboro.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Major John Vernon, and her parents, Elmer and Ruby Collie.

Vickers, Janis Darlene | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, November 30, 2013

Janis Darlene Vickers
Janis Darlene Vickers, 71, of Decatur died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the Church of Christ in Decatur with Rick Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers are B.D. Lowe, Doyle Lowe, Derry Jones, Lyle Jones, Bob Hussey, Willard Howell and Kevin Downe.
Janis was born Dec. 6, 1941, in Seymour to Maudie Wilson. She was a homemaker and a beautician, who loved gardening, boating and collecting. She was a member of Decatur Church of Christ.
Janis was preceded in death by her mother; and grandmother Cora Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Melvin Lester Vickers; sons Keith Vickers and wife, Donna, and Jason Vickers and wife, Jennifer; and grandson Jackson Vickers.

Vincent, Willy | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Willy Vincent
Willy Vincent, 82, a retired maintenance worker, died Sunday, Jan. 13, in Fort Worth.
The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at First Baptist Church in Chico with burial in Chico Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Rev. Ken Hedstrom will officiate. Pallbearers include Dylan Vincent, Randy Vincent, Rusty Vincent, John Maddux, Nathan Byers, Colby Byers and Mike McCasland.
Willy was born Nov. 25, 1930, to Samual and Lenna (Billingsley) Vincent in Mansfield. He married Nelda Morgan Nov. 17, 1971, in Chico.
Willy served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and retired from Wise County Precinct 4 as a maintenance worker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Dowel Vincent; granddaughter Natalie Byers and brothers Homer, Lawrence, Robert Lee and Sam Vincent.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Nelda Vincent of Chico; sons Willy Jack Vincent and wife Robin of Chico, David Evans and wife Tina of Jacksboro, and Ralph Evans and wife, Lanora, of Chico; daughter, Debbie Byers ,and husband, Larry of Chico; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister Ruby Elizabeth Jones of Graham; other family members and a host of friends.

Waddle, Dorothy Ellen | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Dorothy Ellen Waddle, 76, of Springtown, died at home Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013.
Memorial service is pending.
Dorothy, CB handle “Triple T,” was born July 5, 1937, in Coppell. She was a retired rock hauler out for Dowdy Ferry Trucking Co. of Justin.
She is survived by a brother, Jimmie Kirby and wife, Joy, of Mesquite; sons Jon Hill and wife, Lisa, of Morris, Ala., Larry Waddle Sr. and wife, Jane, and Randy Waddle and wife, Kathy, all of Springtown; daughter Kendra Seeling Thorn and husband, Randy, of Jacksboro; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Waggoner, Jackie D. | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 3, 2013

Jackie D. Waggoner
Jackie D. Waggoner, 81, of Boyd, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013, in Forestburg.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Perryman Cemetery in Forestburg with Mike Boaldin officiating. Pallbearers are Mike Burch, Robert Lynn, Jeff Biggars, Dustin Garland, Tony Richardson and Charlie Richardson.
Jackie was born Aug. 2, 1931, in Forestburg to Arthur “Lee” and Lillie (Denham) Tinney. She married Guy L. Waggoner Sr. Nov. 8, 1952, in Galveston, and she was a member of the Church of Christ in Boyd. Jackie retired from the Wise County Tax office for the second time in 2006 where she enjoyed her work and meeting people.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Arthur, Charles and Clifford Tinney; sisters Wilma and Judy Tinney, Christine Willingham, Harriet Crenshaw and Addiele Jennings.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Guy L. “Ted” Waggoner Sr. of Boyd; son Guy L. Waggoner Jr. and wife, Glenda, of Graham; and daughters Pamela Simmons and husband, George, of Haltom City and Susan Garland and husband, Mike, of Forestburg.
She is also survived by grandchildren Mike Burch and wife, Christi, Rene Lynn and husband, Robert, Amanda Biggars and husband, Jeff, Dustin Garland and wife, Becky, Leia Johnson and husband, Dennis, Tony Richardson and wife, Regina, Charlie Richardson and wife, Michelle, Trey Simmons, and Megan Admire and husband, Matt; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters Katherine Davenport of Arlington and Patricia Smith of Boyd; sister-in-law Margaret Tinney of Paradise; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Boyd Public Library or a library of choice.

Wagner, Dorothy June | 1940-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 4, 2013
Dorothy June Wagner
Dorothy June Wagner
Dorothy June Wagner, 70, died Monday, April 29, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral was May 2 at Cross Plains Church of Christ with Chester Cullum officiating. Burial was in Cross Plains Memorial Cemetery.
Dorothy was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Coleman to Carl T. and Dora (Meador) Champion. She married Paul Wagner Dec. 18, 1999, in Cross Plains and was a member of Alvord Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Wagner of Boyd; sons Sam Mosley of Anchorage, Alaska, Jamey Mosley of Lake Fork and Johnny Mosley and wife, Rhonda, of Boyd; daughter Ranae Burgess and husband, Lynn, of Lewisville; sisters Vonita Champion of Cross Plains and Zona Mosley of Abilene; grandchildren Bridget Johnson of Mansfield, Ark., Cody Mosley of Anchorage, and Crystal Ann and Tiffany June Mosley, both of Boyd; and one great-granddaughter.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Charles Mosley; brother Eddie Champion; sister Joyce Parkinson; and grandsons John Charles Mosley Jr. and Brian Mosley.

Waldrop, James Everett, III | 1967-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 7, 2013

James Everett Waldrop III
James Everett Waldrop III, 46, died Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at his home in Rhome.
Memorial service was Dec. 3 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
James was born Aug. 23, 1967, in Richmond, Va., to James Everett Jr. and Paulette (Parish) Waldrop. He married Linda Griffin March 25, 2008, in Conroe. He was a truck driver for Coffman Tank Trucks in Chico.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Waldrop of Rhome; daughters Katelyn, Hannah and Jamie Waldrop; mother Paulette Kullos and husband, Jerry; brothers Adam Waldrop and wife, Amy, and David Waldrop and wife, Martha, all of Montgomery, Jered Kullos of Nevada and Jorden Kullos of Waxahachie; sister Daphne Whiddon and husband, Chris, of Baton Rouge, La.; grandson Harley Palmer of Dallas; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and brother Nelson Waldrop.

Walker, Andrew Chase | 1991-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Andrew Chase Walker
Andrew Chase Walker, 21, a crane rigger, died Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, in Lake Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Joey Vick officiating. Burial will follow at Jim Ned Cemetery in Runaway Bay.
Pallbearers include Manual Esquivel, Chad Walker, Dylan Vincent, Tyler Hunter, Dylan Leija, Michael McDaniel, Levi Forbus, Wesley Moody and Nicholas Leija.
Andrew was born Dec. 2, 1991, to Steven and Robin (Gee) Walker in Decatur. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 2011 and worked for Fowler Transportation as a crane rigger.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Margie Walker.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Robin Ann McKinney and husband, Willy Jack Vincent, of Chico; his father, Steve Walker and wife, Wynette, of Bridgeport; brothers Ben North of Chico and Chad Walker of Bridgeport; sister Kayla Walker of Durant, Okla.; stepbrothers Dylan Vincent of Bridgeport and Rodney Dunn of Bridgeport; stepsister Stephanie Dunn of Bridgeport; grandparents Lois and Roy Hunter of Chico; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Walton, Ruby Lee | 1950-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Ruby Lee Walton, 63, of Boonsville, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service was Dec. 17 at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport. Bro. Scott Strother, minister of Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport, officiated, and services were under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Ruby was born in Boonsville to Jim and Sue (Hall) Isbell on Aug. 25, 1950. She was a homemaker who enjoyed playing dominoes and bingo. She also loved crappie fishing with a cane pole.
She is survived by sons Jimmy Stinnett and wife, Amanda, Jerald Stinnett and wife, Melinda, and Bucky Stinnett; daughter Kelli Stinnett; mother Sue Bentley; brother Freddie Isbell; grandchildren Chris Stinnett, Bodie Brassfield, Michaela Stinnett, Tiffany Stinnett, Cody Teague, Dusten Brassfield, Hailee Rice, Magen Stinnett, Matthew McWilliams, Marissa McWilliams, Lindy McWilliams and Kyle Teague.
Ruby was preceded in death by her father, Jim Isbell; brother Jerry Isbell; and stepdad James Bentley.

Weatherley, Gary L. | 1953-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, September 28, 2013

Gary L. Weatherley
Gary L. Weatherley, 59, of Boyd died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013.
Funeral was Sept. 26 at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth, and burial was at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Gary was born Dec. 7, 1953, in Fort Worth to Clara Jean and Linville Hershell Weatherley. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Barbara Sue Nelson Weatherley; son Gregory Lynn Weatherley and fianc e, Lisa Sue Piskuran; daughter Angela Jean Weatherley Riley and husband, Ryan Wayne; son Curtis Heath Riley; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Webb, Joe Charles | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 14, 2013

Joe Charles Webb
Joe Charles Webb, 61, of Childress, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, in Lubbock.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Johnson Funeral Home in Childress with Dr. J.M. Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Childress Cemetery.
Joe was born May 16, 1952, in Wynnwood, Okla., to Charles and Catherine Webb. He attended elementary school in Decatur and graduated from high school in Norman, Okla., in 1970. He received a bachelor of science degree in behavioral science from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and married Mary Dee Meinzer in 1972.
Joe’s success in business took him throughout the United States and Europe. He taught math and coached football in Alvin and owned a successful restaurant in Marietta, Ga. He was an outstanding auctioneer and real estate broker. Joe was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He served on the board of education in Alvin and was a former president of the Sugarland Rotary.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Dee Webb and daughter Ashley Webb, both of Lubbock; son John Webb of Atlanta, Ga.; and aunt Mary Helen Rose and husband, Roy, of Moore, Okla.

Weber, Mariann Elaine | 1967-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Mariann Elaine Weber
Mariann Elaine Weber, 46, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Newark.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Boyd Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Mariann was born Sept. 22, 1967, to Leon and Opal (Brown) Weber in Marquette, Mich. She was a very special person.
She is survived by her mother, Opal Weber of Newark; sisters Jacqueline Moon of Proctorville, Ohio, Stacey Summers and husband, Jeff, of Decatur and Catherine Hammonds of Fort Worth; uncle Robert Brown of Stockton, Calif.; aunt and uncle Alice and Jesse Bobo of Newark; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Wetsel, James Weldon ‘Bud’ | 1932-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 23, 2013
James Weldon “Bud” Wetsel, 80, of Bowie died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013.
Funeral was Feb. 22 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue with Larry Cox officiating.
Burial followed at Bellevue Cemetery, under the direction of White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Bud was born Sept. 25, 1932, in Bellevue to Wolford Ervin Wetsel and Ruby Velma (Mayfield) Wetsel. He grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School.
He learned farming and ranching from his dad, granddad (R.W. Mayfield), and uncle (Carl Mayfield.) He later served his country in the United States Army of Corps of Engineers before returning home to ranch in Clay and Montague counties. He also operated a dairy in Bowie until he retired. Bud was known as a cattleman and horseman all his life. He participated in rodeos as a young man and was known for his bull riding skills. Bud always wore his hat and boots and was a true gentleman at heart. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wolford and Ruby Wetsel.
Bud is survived by his daughter, Kim Wetsel Hudson and husband, Mike, of Decatur; grandson Tanner Cole Hudson, attending Texas A&M at Galveston; sisters Maurine Bell of Wichita Falls, Betty Liggett and husband, Jimmy, of Burleson, and Joan Wetsel of Gainesville; nephews DeWayne Bell of Wichita Falls and Rick Liggett of Burleson; nieces LaWanda Cates, LaVonda DeLong, and Paula Holobaugh, all of Wichita Falls, and Janice Mulliniks of Aledo; cousins Carla Sue Pullen, Neva Fraizer, Wayne Wetsel, Malcom Wetsel, Jack Ramsey and Judy Ricketts and their families.
Memorials may be made to Bellevue Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 245, Bellevue, TX 76228; Hospice of Rural Texas, 705 E. Greenwood Ave., Bowie, TX 76230; and the Bowie Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, 705 E. Greenwood Ave., Bowie, TX 76230.

Weyerts, Ruby Jean | 1931-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Ruby Jean Weyerts
Ruby Jean Weyerts
Ruby Jean Weyerts, 81, of Enid, Okla. died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, in Bridgeport. Funeral will be held in Enid with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home of Bridgeport.
Ruby was born Oct. 18, 1931, in Butler, Okla., to Lolo Mae (Etherton) and Harry Holiday Evert Lewis. She worked for J.C. Penney and Hallmark stores and enjoyed her church and family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Enid.
She is survived by her stepdaughters, Agnes Louise Britton and husband, Joe, of Chico, and Doris Eleen Gerten and husband, Nickolas, of Yukon, Okla.; stepson James Weyerts and wife, Nancy, of Plano; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Weyerts Jr.; her parents; and sons Dan Patton and Lance Patton.

Whale, David Compton | 1920-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, October 5, 2013

David Compton Whale
David Compton Whale, 93, a retired teacher, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport.
Mr. Whale was born June 4, 1920, in Gainesville to Lindsay Lee and Madge (Evens) Whale. He married Frances Geneva Gardner in 1958 in Seattle, Wash., and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Francis Whale of Decatur; daughter Linda Kay Whale Vargas of Decatur; sons Glen David Whale of Minnesota, Jerry Lee Whale of Texas and Thomas Whale of Washington; grandchildren Kenneth, Raquel and Nicolas Vargas, Kenneth Houchens, Michelle Gudmunson, and Tanya, Shawn, Alexander, Michael, Owen and Tayla Whale; great-grandchildren Austin, GeorgeAnna, Madison, Isabelle, Olivia, EvaMarie and Lola; brothers Thomas and James Whale, both of Oregon, and Wesley Whale of Washington; his first wife, Aleita Bell Houchens of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Mr. Whale was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Lee Kuykendall and Helen Loyd; and daughter Hila Whale.

White, Ernest W. | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Ernest “Ernie” W. White
Ernest “Ernie” W. White, 95, died Friday, July 12, 2013.
Funeral is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth. Entombment will be at Greenwood Mausoleum.
Ernie was born Sept. 22, 1917, in Decatur. He served in the Navy in World War II on the ship USS Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Elouise White; son William S. Turrentine and wife, Mary Lou; grandsons Clayton Richard Turrentine and wife, Karen, and Nick Pascarella and wife, Janet; granddaughter Cindy Knox and husband, Reggie; great-grandchildren Ashley Knox, Ryan Knox, Tyler Knox and Leah Rose Pascarella.

White, Harrell Waldon | 1927-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, March 16, 2013
Harrell Waldon White
Harrell Waldon White
Harrell Waldon White, 85, a truck driver, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was March 15 at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor Charles Taylor and Gerre Joiner officiating. Pallbearers were David Cordero, Tommy Bishop, Dennis Whitfield, Ronnie Bishop, Gary Wilson and Darrell Wilson.
Harrell was born May 11, 1927, in Greenwood to Elisha D. and Laura Lee (Wilson) White. He married Bonnie Ruth Dempsey Jan. 13, 1945, in Decatur. Harrell was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church and a past member of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Ruth White of Decatur; son Paul White and wife, Lahoma, of Fort Worth; daughter-in-law Mary White of Decatur; grandchildren Chris White and wife, Tressie, of Decatur, Brandi White and husband, Jason, of Stillwater, Beth Turner and husband, Jon, of Arlington, Kim Owen and husband, Steven, of Spring Hill, Tenn., and Kandy Butz of Brownwood; great-grandchildren Kelby, Calvin, Kaleb, Colton, Harrison, Audrey, Maxwell, Cheyenne, Sarah, Lauren and Samuel; and sister Margie Wilson and husband, Wayne, of Decatur.
Harrell was preceded in death by a son, Leon White; brothers Alvin D. Jesse and Herbert White; and sisters Bonnie Wainscott, Faye Bishop and Alene Crunk.

White, Johnnie L. | 1917-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, May 4, 2013
Johnnie L. White
Johnnie L. White
Johnnie L. White, 96, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Fairlawn Cemetery in Comanche, Okla., with the Rev. Jeff Moore will officiating. Burial is under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home of Bridgeport.
Johnnie was born April 12, 1917, in Addington, Okla., to John and Cora (Winiger) Moore. She married Earl M. Lynch and then Walter G. White, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church and several women’s organizations, mostly in the church.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; her second husband; two sisters and three brothers.
She is survived by her daughter, Bobbie White and husband, Bill, of Runaway Bay; stepson Billy White of Paul’s Valley, Okla; grandsons Joe E. Kimbrough of Denton, Wallace M. Kimbrough and wife, Sharon, of Denton, and MSgt. Stephan Kelly Kimbrough, USAF, of Fayetteville, N.C.; great-grandchildren Lauren, Kara, Ben, Pete and Mitchell; great-great-grandchildren Madison, Ray and Harlee; step-grandchildren Diane and Bill Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Whitmire, Wilson Easby, III | 1941-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wilson Easby Whitmire III
Wilson Easby Whitmire III
Wilson Easby Whitmire lll, 72, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Slidell Baptist Church.
Wilson was born Nov. 17, 1941, in Cold Springs, the oldest of five brothers and one sister, in a family whose early members helped to settle Texas with Sam Houston before it became a state.
Wilson’s family moved to Slidell, where he grew up on a 3,000-acre cattle ranch and worked as a cowboy, riding horses and mending fences, baling hay and feeding cattle every morning before going to Slidell High School. He was a star basketball player and earned a four-year scholarship to Southwestern University in Georgetown.
While in high school, Wilson developed a passion for cars. His Dad bought him an old Model T Ford with no headlights, so his younger brother James would ride on the hood swinging a lantern. They later wrecked this car by driving into a tree.
Wilson graduated from Southwestern with a degree in business and psychology while becoming an All-American basketball player. His accomplishments set the bar high for his younger brothers and sister, all of whom went to college and had successful careers.
After college, Wilson worked for Texaco, reaching the top sales position, and later for Franciscan in Glendale, Calif., again in sales. Disliking a 9-to-5 job, he started his Classic Cars business in Dallas and became one of the top experts on classic cars in America.
Wilson was spiritually strong and was a wonderful husband and father who loved life and had a mischievous sense of humor. Travel, reading and discussing politics were all of great interest to him.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Drezek Whitmire; son Wilson Whitmire IV; daughter Leigha Whitmire; sister Vina Whitmire and husband, Randy Remorenko, and their children, Samantha and Jason; brothers James Whitmire and wife, Mildred, and their children Sandy and Jeff, Sam Whitmire and wife, Sofia, Jack Whitmire and wife, Joann, and their children Chris and James, and Ross Whitmire and wife, Linda.
Memorials may be made to the Slidell Fire Department.

Whittington, Thomas Russell | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thomas Russell Whittington
Thomas Russell Whittington
Thomas Russell Whittington, 61, a machinist, died Sunday, May 12, 2013, in Newark.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with Mike Boaldin officiating. Burial is private.
Thomas was born April 28, 1952, in Fort Worth to Winfred and Edna (Pool) Whittington. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newark, and he loved to fish, hunt, cook and garden.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Tommie Ruth Whittington.
Survivors include his daughter, Marcey Inman Martin of New Fairview; son Tory McNeely of Granbury; sisters Gayle Melton and husband, Don, and Wendy Cromer and husband, Keith, all of Newark; numerous nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; friend Mike Todd of Newark; other family members; and a host of friends.

Wilkins, Ollie Iona | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ollie Iona Wilkins, 82, of Chico, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Decatur.
Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at The Shepherd House in Chico, with Brother Kern Choate officiating. Burial will follow in Vashti Cemetery under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home of Bridgeport.
Ollie was born Sept. 16, 1930, in Sunset to Mildred Lanise (Franklin) and Jack Scaggs. She was a member of The Shepherd House in Chico.
She is survived by two sisters, Cathy Robinson and husband, Melvin, of Chico, and Dorothy Covey and husband, Tom, of Sunset; brother Ace Heifner of Michigan; and great-nieces Misty, Caitlin and Amy Robinson; great-nephew Matt Robinson; and many other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Berry Wilkins; sons Thomas Wayne Martin and Jimmy Ray Martin; and great-nephews James, Beau and George Robinson.

Wilks, Patricia A. | 1948-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Patricia A. Wilks
Patricia A. Wilks, 65, of Antelope, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, in Wichita Falls.
Memorial service is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro with Will Aston officiating.
Patricia was born April 30, 1948, in Jacksboro. She was preceded in death by her father, husband and brother Carol Cantrell.
She is survived by her mother, Mae Woodard; son Tony Wilks and wife, Tara, of San Antonio; daughter Tammy Norvell and husband, Gavin, of Paradise; brothers Clark Cantrell and Jim Cantrell; sister Wilma Cantrell; and grandchildren Avery, Jackson, Silver and Shalyn.
Memorials may be made to the Antelope Fire Department, 430 Schoolhouse Rd., Windthorst, TX 76389.

Williams, Mary | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Mary Williams
Mary Williams
Mary Ruth Williams, 82, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial in Boyd Cemetery.
The Rev. Ronnie Williams will officiate. Pallbearers include Jacky Smith, Ronnie Smith, Dickie Inman, Jeff Dickens, Joe Dickens, Barry Barber, Terry Barber and Davis Barber.
Mary was born Feb. 19, 1930, to Thomas and Clara (Oates) Smith in Rhome. She was a co-owner for 26 years of Williams Western Tailors in Fort Worth.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert Williams Sr.; and sister Frankie Bew-ley.
Survivors include her sons, Herby and Dooley Williams of Boyd; granddaughter Jennifer Thomas Williams of Fort Worth; sister Dorothy Hays of Fort Worth; other family members and a host of friends.

Williams, Patricia Ann | 1956-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Monday, September 9, 2013
Patricia Williams
Patricia Williams
Memorial service for Patricia Ann Williams, 57, of Lake Bridgeport is 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Pastor Gary Veazey will officiate.
Patricia was born Sept. 1, 1956, in Mansfield, La., to Huey and Effie Mae (Armstrong) Fourd. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and helping people.
She is survived by her son, Mitchell Hankins of Denton; daughter Katherine McCandless of Springtown; sister Vone Messenger of Lake Bridgeport; and brothers Phillip Fourd of Mansfield, La., and David Fourd of Jonesboro, La.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Latricia Fourd.

Wilson, Ira Austin | 1918-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, December 28, 2013

Ira Austin Wilson
Ira Austin Wilson, 95, of Boyd, died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in Decatur.
Graveside service was Dec. 27 at Boyd Cemetery with burial under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Ira was born April 29, 1918, in Eastland County to George and Sara (Guess) Wilson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and was a retired U.S. Army Civil Service Quality Control Inspector and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Ira was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Emma Othell Wilson; his second wife, Esther Evelyn Wilson; sons Ira J. and Dale Wilson; brothers Aubry, Milt, Clarence and Kyle Wilson; and sisters Omi, Lilly, Gladys and Lois.
He is survived by his daughters, Beth Hinds and Gladys Carrol Lambert, both of Boyd; grandchildren Jason, Jenny, Kenneth, Emma, Holly, Billy, Marcy and Audra; great-grandchildren Ethan, Sydney, Zebin, Lily, Hope, Amelia, Ogden, Benecio, Zane, Brieghley and Jude; and other family members and friends.

Wingate, Vernon Allen, Jr. | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 6, 2013
Vernon Allen Wingate Jr.
Vernon Allen Wingate Jr.
Vernon Allen Wingate Jr. of Bridgeport died Saturday, March 30, 2013, in Bridgeport. He was 50 years old.
Funeral was April 4 at Balsora Baptist Church and was officiated by Bro. Glenn Connell. Burial was at Willow Point Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Zach Tannery, Nathan Tannery, Russell Warner, Preston Harris and Josh Ivie.
Vernon was born May 6, 1962, in Decatur to Vernon Wingate Sr. and Gracie (Shawn) Wingate. He served in the U.S. Army, and his hobbies included cooking and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the North Texas Honor Guard and attended the Full Armor Biker Church in Alvord.
Vernon is survived by his sons, Will and Josh Wingate; his mother, Gracie Delay and her husband, Douglas; sister Rachel Delay; foster brothers Richard and Darrell Williams; and “bonus mom” Lavita Wingate.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Wingate Sr., and his grandparents.

Winn, David Wayne | 1962-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, April 27, 2013
David Wayne Winn
David Wayne Winn
David Wayne Winn, 50, died Friday, April 19, 2013, in Houston.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Rhome United Methodist Church. A private viewing was April 20 in Texas City.
David was born May 15, 1962, in Tucson, Ariz., to Wayne and Pat (Walters) Winn. He attended school in Arlington, Quinlan and Dallas. He served in the Navy, and he was proficient in all phases of carpentry, electronics and vacuum heat-treat furnace technology. David travelled extensively but made his home on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Survivors include his parents, Wayne and Pat Winn of Boyd; sisters Rebecca Shaw (his twin) and husband, Brad, of Allen, Tracy Goforth of Savannah, and Elizabeth Winn of Dallas; daughter Brittany Winn of Houston; two nieces and two nephews; and many extended family members and friends.
His body was donated to BioEthical Anatomics in Houston.

Wirtz, Russell B. | 1939-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Russell B. Wirtz
Russell B. Wirtz, 73, retired material expediter for Delta Airlines, died Sunday, June 9, 2013, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Aurora Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Withers officiating.
Russell was born Dec. 7, 1939, in Fort Worth to Edward and Rosa (Bellah) Wirtz. He married Carol Burnett March 25, 1972, in Grapevine. Russell served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was an avid ham radio operator and a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
His parents and his son, Russell E. Wirtz, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Wirtz of Newark; daughters Christina West and husband, Keith, of Arlington, and Deborah Snipes and husband, Brian, of Robinson; grandchildren Amber, Rose, Sarah, Shannon, Joshua and Jared; great-grandchildren Elijah and Isaiah; brothers Ronnie and Robert Wirtz, both of Fort Worth; sister Rita Clanton of Fort Worth; other relatives and a host of friends.

Womack, Robbie Nell Luckey | 1937-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Robbie Nell Luckey Womack, 75, died Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Fort Worth.
Celebration of her life is 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Glenview Baptist Church in Haltom City with the Rev. Dennis Baw officiating. Entombment will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Evan Jackson, Patrick LeMoine, Keith Lewis, Stephen Mason, Glynn Womack and Terry Womack
Robbie was born Oct. 16, 1937, in Hopkins County to Granvel and Geneva Kelley Luckey. She was a member of Glenview Baptist Church, Fort Worth Model A Club and a lifetime member of the PTA. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Baby G.D. Luckey.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles Womack of Fort Worth; daughters Karen Shawn and husband, Mike, of Decatur and Kathy Hall of Fort Worth; grandchildren Capt. Matthew Roberson and wife, Martha, of Del Rio, Josh Barber and Hope Barber of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren Maegan and Micah Claire Roberson of Del Rio; and family and friends.

Wood, Jewel Evelyn Holley Johnson | 1912-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Jewel Evelyn Holley Johnson Wood
Jewel Evelyn Holley Johnson Wood, 101, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, in Weatherford.
Funeral was Oct. 7 at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home in Weatherford with Kenton Harvey officiating. Burial was at Boonsville Cemetery.
Jewel was born March 18, 1912, in Balsora and was one of nine children. She had four brothers and four sisters, and her dad got her a mule so she wouldn’t have to walk to their one-room schoolhouse in Boonsville.
Jewel spent a few years in a sanitorium in San Angelo in the 1930s, recovering from tuberculosis. In the 1940s and 1950s, she worked for Swift and Co. in downtown Fort Worth, riding a bus along with many others from Bridgeport to Fort Worth every day. Later, Jewel worked for Green Oaks Inn for more than 10 years as a maid and later as a supervisor.
Jewel was very active in the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the VFW No. 2137. In the 1960s, she broke her neck but emerged from the accident with only a stiff neck. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting, playing cards and attending musical gatherings at the laundry mat in Azle and across Texas.
She loved life and being with her family.
A resident of Weatherford, she was a beloved mother and grandmother with five generations under her.
Jewel was preceded in death by her first husband, Hugh Johnson, and her second husband, Johnny Wood; daughter Claudia Thompson; grandson Michael Shannon; granddaughter Marsha Bell; great-grandsons Chris Shannon and Darryl Gene Thompson Jr.; and great-great-grandson Dean Caden Wolfe.
Survivors include daughter Frances Shannon of Azle; brother Junior Holley; granddaughters Deborah Shannon of Oklahoma City and Trudy Thompson of Azle; grandsons Tommy Thompson and Darryl Thompson, both of Azle; 14 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Wood, Karen Craven |
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Karen Craven Wood, 63, of Rhome, a dog groomer, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Fairview Baptist Church. Visitation is 10 a.m. the day of the service.
Karen was born Dec. 14, 1949, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Niland Robert and Clara Bell (Humphrey) Lancaster. She was proud of her Native-American Heritage of Cherokee Indian.
She is survived by her daughter, Rilla Brock and husband, Les, of Rhome; grandchildren Buck Mattern and Emily Brock, both of Denton, Bailey Brock of Weatherford, and Reid Metcalf, Les Brock Jr. and Raelynn Brock, all of Rhome; and brothers David and Michael Lancaster.

Wood, L.H. | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, September 25, 2013

L.H. Wood
L.H. Wood, 87, a retired contractor, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Western Star Cowboy Church in Springtown with Pastor Bobby Bowden officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Shayde Wood, Brent Daniel, T.J. Weatherly, Brady Weatherly, Jim Farrar and Kirby Ellenburg.
Honorary pallbearers are Earl Green, Paul Seagraves, Rick Smith and Winston Wood.
L.H. was born Jan. 8, 1926, in Clarendon to Perry and Lilly (Durham) Wood. He served his country in the U.S. Army and retired after owning his own drywall contracting business, L.H. Wood Construction.
He married Jodie Roberts Jan. 2, 2011, in Decatur.
L.H. was a member of the National Cutting Horse Association and was inducted in 1995 to the Cutting Horse Hall of Fame. He was also in the Sundowner Stock Dog Association in Oklahoma and Southwest Cattle Dog Association. L.H. was a member of the Western Star Cowboy Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Don and Bobby Wood; and 17 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Jodie Wood of Boyd; daughter Melba Weatherly and husband, Tommy, of Wizard Wells; sons Lewie Wood and wife, Janie, of Weatherford and Kobie Wood and wife, Paula, of Stephenville; daughter-in-law Christine Wood of Houston; grandchildren Shayde, Kendell, Winston, T.J., Brady, Lane and Marley; great-grandchildren Tate, Kaleb and Eliot; brother Russell Wood and sister Mildred Allen, both of California; other family members and friends.

Woods, Bunita Maryland | 1926-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, February 9, 2013
Bunita Maryland Woods
Bunita Maryland Woods
Bunita Maryland Woods, 86, a homemaker, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in Boyd.
Graveside service was Feb. 7 at Boyd Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Autry officiating. Burial was under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Bunita was born Feb. 27, 1926, in Cottondale to Arthur and Mary (Phillips) Stevens. She married William Mitchell Woods Dec. 26, 1942, in Decatur. They were married 69 years when he passed away in 2012. Bunita was a member of the Keeter Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Ricky Fritz Woods and wife, Cindy, of Boyd; granddaughters Heather Woods, Courtney Etter and Danielle Foster; great-granddaughter Austin Etter; other family members and a host of friends.

Woolaver, Jimmie Jo Fellers | 1923-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Jimmie Jo Fellers Woolaver
Jimmie Jo Fellers Woolaver, 89, of Decatur died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur with James Fellers and Rox Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Jimmie was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Baylis, Ill., to Lena (Lyle) and Jesse Fellers. She will be remembered for her sweet and loving ways. Jimmie worked for Armour and Co. until 1962 and spent retirement enjoying her family and helping her husband, Calvin, with their cattle operation.
She loved quilting and playing cards with her sisters, and she was active in her church community at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Always quick with a smile and a twinkle in her eye, she will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Robert Leaton Fellers, Jesse Leaton Fellers and James Ernest Fellers; and sisters Louise Kelley, Mary Fellers, Ruby Fellers, Mildred Mara and Edna Bogard.
Jimmie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Calvin Woolaver; son Wayne Woolaver and wife, Cheryl, of Krum, and sister Betty Bailes of Sanger.

Woolaver, Ruth Nell | 1930-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Ruth Nell Woolaver
Ruth Nell Woolaver, 82, a retired floral designer, died Sunday, June 9, 2013 in Denton.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur with burial in Bethel Cemetery.
Ruth was born Oct. 7, 1930 in Levelland to Aubrey and Ruby Ethel (Hatfield) Bryan. She married William Francis “Bill” Woolaver on May 5, 1951 in Decatur. Ruth was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Woolaver of Decatur; four daughters, Carrol Johnson and husband, Roger of Rhome, Theresa East and husband, Wayne of Decatur, Patricia Green and husband, Mike of Fort Worth and Janice Woolaver and husband, Jim Slagle of Austin; brother John A. Bryan of Idabell, Okla.; and sister, Dorothy Whittington of Arlington; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Bryan and two sisters, Mattie Harlow and Barbara Bryan.

Worthington, Charles Wendell | 1925-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, July 13, 2013

Charles Wendell Worthington
Charles Wendell Worthington, 87, of Rhome, a retired auditor, died Thursday, July 11, 2013.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Aurora Baptist Church with Jimmy Withers officiating, assisted by Randy Slimp. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Coker Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Steve Solomon, Terry Solomon, Kris Howard, Kevin Howard, Bradley Adcock, Ronnie Shockey, Mickey Reid and Kyle Copp.
Wendell was born Dec. 1, 1925, in Irene to Earnest Eastland and Ida Lillian (Greer) Worthington. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and married Mary Lou Isett on Dec. 17, 1947.
Wendell graduated from Texas Christian University in 1950 and served on the Northwest ISD School Board through the 1960s and 1970s. He was an auditor for TU Electric for 38 years and a member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Worthington; sons Donny Worthington and wife, Peggy, and Mike Worthington and wife, Mona; daughter Lynn Snead and husband, Scott; brother Alvin Worthington and wife, Barbara; grandchildren Macy, David, John, Carly, Mary, and Josh; great-grandchildren Molly, Haley, Lilly, Kendall, Wyatt and Emery; other relatives and a host of friends.

Wren, Auralia ‘Penney’ | 1929-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Auralia “Penney” Wren
Auralia “Penney” Wren, who adopted Wise County as her home and served as a volunteer for decades, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013 at the age of 84.
Auralia was born Feb. 28, 1929, in Kerens, Navarro County, but grew up in Eureka, near Corsicana and graduated from Mildred High School in 1946.
A few months later, while a student at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, she went to a dance after a college rodeo and met Ralph, one of the rodeo participants. They were married Jan. 1, 1948.
Penney and Ralph settled in Decatur and over a period of eight years, gave birth to four children, who later gave her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Penney enjoyed being active in the community. In 1967, she and four other women from the Methodist Church organized the Decatur Hospital Auxiliary to provide volunteers for the Darwin and Rogers Hospitals. There were 12 to 15 members of the organization.
In 1974, the Auxiliary volunteers assisted in the move to the new Decatur Community Hospital. She served as the first president of the Auxiliary at its new location and enjoyed the work so much that she later became an employee of the hospital.
She was also active in Wise County Theater in the 1980s and being an avid reader herself, was dedicated to the reading program at Rann Elementary. She volunteered her time helping children with reading difficulties.
Penney was also active in her church, teaching Sunday school, serving on committees and participating in many of the church’s activities.
While giving time to her church and community was important, she was devoted to her children and never missed an activity in which they were involved. She taught her children to respect others, especially those who were older, to take pride in their appearance and to become independent.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wren; son John Shannon Wren; father J.A. Penney; brother J.A. Penney Jr.; son-in-law Michael Schutze; great-grandson Carrington Cash Wren; and granddaughter Jessica Ashley Gage Bonesio.
She is survived by her son, Stephen Wren and wife, LaDonna, of Decatur; daughters Sidney Schutze of Dallas and Stephanie Gage and husband, Ronnie, of Mont Belvieu; her mother, Geneva Penney of Corsicana; sisters Bettie Evans of Corsicana and Barbara Christie and husband, Elton, of China Spring; sister- and brother-in-law Sis and Sam Renshaw of Decatur, and sister-in-law Beverly Shults of Dallas.
Penney has seven grandchildren, Jason Wren and wife, Jennifer, Landon Wren and wife, Holly, Courtney Daugherty and husband, Phillip, Staci Schutze, Nolan Schutze and wife, Hope, Julianne Gage and James Gage. She also has five great-grandchildren, including Samuel, Isaac and Anna Wren, Farrah Wren and Landry Schutze. She has a host of other relatives and friends and a devoted caregiver, Margarita Rodriguez.
Funeral was Aug. 19 at the First Methodist Church of Decatur with pastors Rusty Hedges and Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial was at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jason Wren, Landon Wren, Nolan Schutze, James Gage, Stan Shults, Sam Renshaw IV, Gary Penney, Grady Christie, Samuel Wren and Isaac Wren. Honorary pallbearers were Sammy Renshaw, Elton Christie and Charlie Long.
Memorial gifts may be made to Lewisville Education Foundation-Jessica Gage Bonesio Memorial Scholarship, Wise Area Relief Mission and First United Methodist Church of Decatur.

Wright, Wilfred Steele ‘Corkey’ | 1938-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Saturday, August 3, 2013

Wilfred Steele ‘Corkey’ Wright
Wilfred Steele “Corkey” Wright, 74, of Gilmer died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, in Kilgore.
Funeral is Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Little Mound Baptist Church with the Rev. Dickey Mauk officiating. Burial will follow at Little Mound Cemetery. There is no formal visitation.
Mr. Wright was born Sept. 23, 1938, in Wise County, to Augustas Steele Wright and Nancy Roberts Wright. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. He was a truck driver and a member of Little Mound Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Wright; sons and daughters-in-law, Marvin and Lisa Wright of Kyle, Kirby and Teresa Wright of Mineola and Jerry and Barbara Wright of Gilmer; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Clifford Richey of Kilgore; daughters-in-law, Denise Wright and Patti Wright, both of Gilmer; grandchildren Collin, Clint, Lauren, Cassy, Bubba, Stephanie, Jordin, Jaden, Kendra, Courtney and Dakota; great-great grandchildren Zoey, Bransin, Colton, Hunter, Isabel, Alexis, Thomas, Kinley, Rylie, Dallas and Maci.
Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his sons, David Wright and Jimmy Wright; and a granddaughter, Ivy Ieppert.

Young, Melvan Dale | 1947-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Melvan Dale Young
Melvan Dale Young, 66, of Riverside, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, in Conroe, peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
Melvan was born March 6, 1947, in Odessa to Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Louise Young. He was the third of five children. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1965 and spent his career as an application engineer for Scandura. He’s been retired 10 years.
Melvan was gifted at telling stories and making loved ones feel special. He was an avid history enthusiast and a huge Dallas Cowboy fan.
Survivors include his wife, Petie Young, of Riverside; daughters Melissa McReynolds and husband, Don, of Pilot Point, Angela Young Harper of Tampa, Fla., Tami Molina and husband, Matt, of Denton and Kristina Young of Frisco; brother Bob Young and wife, Brenda, of Riverside; sister Sharon Throneberry and husband, Harmon, of Watauga; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Tommy Young; and sister Diane Young Arant.
In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated at Brooke Funeral Services in Huntsville. A celebration of life service will be planned for a later date.

Zellers, Mickye | 1952-2013
Published in the 'Wise County Messenger' Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Mickye Zellers
Mickye Zellers
Mickye Zellers, 60, of Paradise, died Monday, April 1, 2013, in Paradise.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Mickye was born Sept. 8, 1952, in Wellington to Howard and Betty (Winkler) Blevins. Next to her grandchildren, her greatest love was gardening. Mickye was a member of the Cottondale Church of Christ.
She leaves behind her husband, Tony Zellers of Paradise; son Jon Manning and wife, Shelly; daughters Stephanie Manning, Carrie Daniell Barno and husband, Jeff, April Lawrence, and Sarah Turner and husband, Theron; mother Betty Townsend; brother John Blevins and wife, Becky; sisters Kay Fullerton and husband, Steve, and Karen Blevins; and grandchildren Bredyn, Bodie, Emily, Jake, Samantha, Haley, Cambrea, McKenzie, Dakota, Gage and Lily.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Blevins.