Wise County Messenger Obituaries
2001
Last Names 
R-Z

The following obituaries are in alphabetical order by last name.
  (use the "searcher" on page https://www.wisecountytexas.info/ to find names, 
or Control+F to find names in the text below.)

Raby, Thomas
1952-2001
Service for Thomas Raby, 48, of Runaway Bay, was Thursday, Jan. 18 at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Dr. Bill Dye officiated. Burial followed at Eternal Oaks Cemtery in Runaway Bay.
Pallbearers were Terry Lansford, Roy Stewart, Jesse Douglas, Jeff Bilby, John Sturgeon, Paul Geiser and Eric Wells.
Raby died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, in Decatur.
Born March 27, 1952, in Harris County, he was a shop foreman for Universal Compression in Mineral Wells. He was a member of the Harris County Assembly of God. He married Kathrin McCollom on Oct. 16, 1970, in Crane. They were married 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Kathrin Raby; sons, Jimmy Raby and wife Tallie and Paul Raby and wife Kim; daughter, Betsy Vasquez and husband Bart; a brother, Walter Raby; sisters, Barbara Raby, Georgia Thompson, Ethel Flannery, Gerlene Darnell and Dolflene Gant and eight grandchildren, Brittney, Mason, Brandal, Cammie, Tyler, Allison, Thomas Justin and Dakota Rose.

Radford, Richard Lee
1944-2001
Service for Richard Lee Radford, 56, of Newark was to be Thursday, March 29, at Biggers Funeral Chapel in Lake Worth at 7 p.m. Burial is Friday at 2 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery.
Radford died Saturday, March 24, 2001 in Fort Worth.
Born April 13, 1944, in Mineral Wells, he was a machinist for Bell Helicopter in Arlington and then owned his own business, C.V.C. Manu-facturing Company. He retired in 1994 after working in security for St. Joseph Hospital and Plaza Medical Center.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the 1960s. He was a member and Past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 1159 in Rhome and was affiliated with Boyd Lodge No. 479 A.F. & A.M. in Boyd. He and his wife, Gerogie Lee, were active in Senior Friends through Plaza Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ocie Radford.
He is survived by his wife, Georgie Lee Radford of Newark; his daughters, Cheryl and husband Ed Abrams of Grapevine, Vicki and husband Larry Troutman and Cindy and husband Bryan Rae, all of Newark; and nine grandchildren.

Ransom, Iva Mae
1918-2001
Graveside service for Iva Mae Drain Ransom, 83, of Newark, was Tuesday, Nov. 6 at Aurora Cemetery.
Ransom died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2001, in Newark.
Born Feb. 22, 1918, in Newark, Ransom recently celebrated 68 years of marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Richard Earl Ransom.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Billie Rae Elliott and her daughter and son-in-law, Tommie and Homer Lewis Lemons.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Earl Ransom; daughter, Billie Ruth Ransom; a brother, Junior Drain; a sister, Joyce Evelyn; a nephew and niece; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 8, 2001

Rasbury-Phillips, Aaron Efton
1916-2001
Service for Aaron Efton Rasbury-Phillips, 85, of Watauga was held Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Larry Van Zile officiated. Interment followed in Boyd Cemetery.
Phillips died Nov. 17, 2001 at his home in Watauga.
Born May 4, 1916, Phillips was a World War II veteran, a member of the Meadowbrook United Methodist Church and the International Association of Machinists union. He retired after 36 years with General Dynamics in Fort Worth. He was born in Wise County and had lived in Fort Worth for 56 years. After retirement, he moved to his ranch outside of Boyd, where he raised Santa Gertudis and Black Angus registered cattle. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Angeline Tracey Phillips.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Nell Burnee Phillips; one daughter, Dr. Sharon Phillips Howard and husband Ken; two sons, Mark Aaron Phillips and wife, Rebecca Efton Raymond Phillips, and Efton Raymond Phillips and wife, Kathy; stepsons, John R. Morris and wife, Linda, and Michael Morris and wife, Phyllis; grandchildren James Robert Moser II, Fallon Kimberly Howard, William Grant Howard, Matthew Aaron Phillips and Melissa Ann Payton; step grandchildren, Lark Morris, Eden Morris, Johnny Murphy, Jeff Murphy, Deena Van Dyke and Lova Brown; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jeff Murphy, Robert Moser, Johnny Murphy, Ken Howard, Matthew Phillips, Brian Van Dyke and Mark Phillips.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 25, 2001

Rawle, W. D.
1911-2001
Service for W.D. Rawle, 89, of Decatur will be Sunday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Ray Cobb will officiate, assisted by Bill Higgins. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Rawle died Friday, Sept. 7, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 17, 1911, in Chico, he was a retired dairyman and a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. He married the late Oma Jewel Nikirk on Dec. 20, 1931 in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ronny; a granddaughter, Sherrie Lea Rawle, and a sister, Hazel Cobb.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Joy Rawle of Sadler; a daughter and son-in-law, Melba and Edwin Haney of Decatur; a daughter-in law, Billie Rawle of Decatur; a brother, Marshall Rawle of Chico; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Loyd Jackson, Harold Mosley, Wayne Alexander, Jim Keen, Billy Joe Snider and George Washburn.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 9, 2001

Read, Billy
1934-2001
Service for Billy Read, 67, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at White Funeral Home in Springtown. Burial was to be in Annis Chapel Cemetery.
Read died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001.
Born May 12, 1934, to David and Jannie Read, he had lived in Boyd for the past 28 years.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Leon Read and Kevin Lee Harris Read, and by his brother, David Read Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Read; eight children, Billy E. Read, Donna Kirk and husband Johnny, Donald Read, Tephanie Read, Renda Deaton and husband Cody, Larry Don Harris and wife Mary, Melinda Hall-Reid and husband Thomas and Brenda Kay Dugan; four sisters, Jesse Taylor, Shorty Wilson, Eula Jay “Hookie” Slimp and Thelma “Tommy” Wilson; 29 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Read, Ernest Eugene ‘Pat’
1920-2001
Service for Ernest Eugene “Pat” Read, 81, of Paradise was Monday, Sept. 17 at the First Baptist Church in Paradise. The Revs. Jack Vereen and Walt Rowell officiated. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery.
Read died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, in Denton.
Born July 12, 1920, in Paradise, he was a lifetime resident of Paradise and was a retired shipping supervisor for General Dynamics. He was a member of the Paradise Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred on March 27, 1993; a grandson, Vance Read; a granddaughter, Lindsey Read; two brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by three sons, Sonny Read and wife Gay of Paradise, Gary Read and wife Ann of Chico and Rickey Read and wife Rhonda of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren, Kelly, Derek, Dike, Bodie, Michael, Brad and Justin Read; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Edwin Read of Merkel; a sister, Iva Rhodes of Paradise and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were grandsons Derek, Dike, Bodie, Michael, Brad and Justin Read.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice or the Paradise Methodist Church Building Fund.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 20, 2001

Reardon, Frank E.
1938-2001
Graveside service for Frank E. Reardon, 62, of Decatur was Monday, April 2 at Vashti Cemetery in Vashti. The Rev. Bruce Anderson of Hosanna Baptist Church in Bridgeport officiated.
Reardon died Saturday, March 31, 2001, in Decatur.
Born July 19, 1938, in Abilene, he was a retired automobile mechanic. He was a Baptist. He married Charlene Cross on Jan. 1, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nev. He was a longtime resident of Shafter, Calif. before moving to Decatur five years ago.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene Reardon; mother-in-law, Estelle Cross of Decatur; a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Glenda Cross of Ringgold; two nieces, two nephews, a great niece and a great nephew.

Reed, Jack William
1924-2001
Services for Jack William Reed, 77, of Rhome were Tuesday, July 17, at the Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd and Wednesday, July 18, at the Griggs Funeral Chapel in Amarillo. Burial followed in the Edith Ford Cemetery in Canadian. The Rev. Jimmy Withers and Dr. Randy Davis officiated.
Pallbearers were Brent Carter, Brad Carter, Stephen Derting, Josh Derting, Bob Holloway, Randy Elliott and Charles Goldstein.
Reed died July 15, 2001, in Denton.
Born March 19, 1924, Reed married Iona Bruton on July 7, 1954, in Albuquerque, N. M. He served in World War II in the Navy as an aviation ordinanceman. Reed was a technical operator at the Pantex Plant and was a member of the VFW in Amarillo. He moved to Rhome eight months ago.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy and two sisters, Doris and Louise.
He is survived by his wife Iona of Rhome; his daughter, Janet Derting and her husband Steve of Aurora; four grandsons, Brent and Brad Carter, Stephen and Josh Derting; four great-grandchildren, Taryn, Mason, Matthew and Jacob and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, July 19, 2001

Reed, Jesse Parish
1922-2001
Service for Jesse Parish Reed, 78, of Decatur was Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Gene Chamness officiated. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Johnny Hughes, Morris Berend, Ronnie Van Natta, Bo Bullard, Larry Self and Johnny Self.
Reed died on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on Oct. 26, 1922, Reed was a retired Federal Aviation Administration controller. He was a member of Oak Grove Methodist Church and served in the Army Air Corp.
He is survived by his wife, Lila Fay Self Reed of Decatur; a son, Col. Mike Reed of San Antonio; two daughters, Ginger Samay of Kansas City, Mo. and Ronda Fowler of Irving; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 25, 2001

Reed, O. Evelyn
1918-2001
Graveside service for O. Evelyn Reed, 82, formerly of Boyd will be Monday, June 18, at 1 p.m. at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Grayson County.
Reed died Wednesday, June 14, 2001, in Keene.
Born Sept. 4, 1918, in Achille, Okla., she formerly lived in Boyd for 25 years.
She was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Deborah Jordan, Jennifer Reed and Chris Reed.
She is survived by her husband, J.C. Reed of Keene; a daughter, Melba Bower of Keene; two sons, Eldon Reed of Trophy Club and Weldon Reed of Weatherford; three granddaughters, Cindy Ferris, Laura Biafore and Tracy Gehlbach; four grandsons, Ray Jordan Jr., Tim Reed, Jim Reed and Ryan Reed and five great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 17, 2001

Reed, Raymond D.
1921-2001
Service for Raymond D. Reed, 80, of Runaway Bay was Friday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Rudy Owen officiated. Members of the Lost Battalion served as pallbearers. A graveside service was held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Reed died on Dec. 19, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born on Jan. 11, 1921, he was a longtime Runaway Bay resident before moving to Fort Worth. He was a retired owner of Reeco Coordinates and interior design company. He graduated from Amarillo High School and attended TCU and the University of Texas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the medical corps and was a prisoner of war in World War II. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lost Battalion Association and the First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Iris Reed, on Sept. 21, 1993.
He is survived by his children, Linda Lackey and husband Jay of Irving, Dianne Wohletz and husband Jim of Oak Point and Douglas Reed and wife Claudia of El Paso; grandsons, Scott, Gil, Eric, Kirk and Ralph; stepchildren, Jim Yeats of Glen Rose, David Yeats of Houston, A.J. Yeats of Oregon and Barbara Wade of Bedford; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to Odyssey Hospice, First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay or the American Cancer Society.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Reed, Winnell Yeats
1915-2001
Service for Winnell Yeats Reed, 85, of Fort Worth was to be Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Rudy Owen was to officiate. Burial was to follow in the West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Bill Wood, Bill Medlin, Melvin McBride, Henry Yeats, Bob Elder and Bill Baird.
Reed died on Sept. 11, 2001, in Forth Worth. Born Nov. 26, 1915, Reed was a retired employee for Alcon Lab in Fort Worth, a past Worthy Matron of Order of the Eastern Star, Tarrant County Lodge 684, and a member of the First Baptist Church in Runaway Bay.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond D. Reed of Fort Worth; three sons, A.J. Yeats and wife, Donna, of Grants Pass, Oregon, Jim N. Yeats and wife, Evelyon, of Glen Rose and Dave A. Yeats and wife, Sylvia, of League City; one daughter, Barbara J. Wade of Bedford; three step-children, Dianne Wohletz of Denton, Linda Lackey of Irving and Doug Reed of El Paso; on e brother, Alvert B. Martin of Duarte, Calif; three sisters, Estelle Musick of Weatherford, Mae Belle O’Daniel of Duarte, Calif., and Betty Carlisle of Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 16, 2001

Reid, Etta Lorene
1922-2001
Graveside service for Etta Lorene Reid, 78, of Benbrook was to be Wednesday, May 23, at Paradise Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate.
Reid died Monday, May 21, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born July 13, 1922, in Paradise, she was a retired Fort Richardson Motel employee in Jacksboro.
She is survived by a daughter, Marihelen Glass and her husband, Ron; two granddaughters, Holly Kamp and Heidi Kamp and a brother, James L. Harnes.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

Reynolds, Charley A.
1912-2001
Service for Charley A. Reynolds, 88, of Bridgeport, was Monday, Jan. 29, in Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated. Burial was in East Bridgeport Cemetery.
He died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Reynolds was born June 12, 1912, in Marlin. He was a lifetime resident of Bridgeport and owned City Bait and Tackle. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Senior Citizens.
Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Mann and husband Carlos; two sons, Charley Reynolds and Bill Reynolds and wife Elizabeth; two brothers, John Reynolds and Alvie Reynolds; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Billy Reynolds, Gardner Reynolds, Ryan Reynolds, Jim Jobe, Johnny Jobe and Jarred Jobe.

Reynolds, Shirley Ann
1943-2001
Graveside service for Shirley Ann Reynolds, 58, of the Willow Point community, were to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 3:30 p.m. at Willow Point Cemetery. The Rev. Glenn Connell was to officiate.
Reynolds died on Nov. 19, 2001, in Wichita Falls.
Born on Oct. 14, 1943, Reynolds was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of Bridgeport. She married Donald Reynolds on March 8, 1960, in Decatur. They were married 41 years.
She is survived by her husband, Donald; her mother, Ruby Greene of Dallas; three sons, Brett Reynolds and his wife Carrie of Bridgeport, Scott Reynolds and his wife Cindy of Willow Point and Jimmy Reynolds and his wife Melissa of Balsora; seven grandchildren, Justin, Jake, Aaron, Amber, Kaleigh and Blake; a brother, Jimmy Greene of Dallas and two sisters, Carla O’Dell of Bridgeport and Jo Hullem of Eunice; and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 22, 2001

Richmond, Eunice
1905-2001
Service for Eunice Richmond, 96, of Sunset will be Thursday, Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. at Morris Memorial Methodist Church in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox will officiate, assisted by Rev. Darius McKay. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Richmond died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born May 24, 1905, in Park Springs, she was a homemaker and member of the Morris Memorial Methodist Church.
She is survived by three sons, James Richmond and wife Sue of Pecos, T.C. Richmond and wife Mattie of Fort Worth and Charles Richmond of Corpus Christi; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Wendell Berry Sr., Larry Wilson, R.V. Hopkins, Kenneth McKay, David Carroll and Robert Holland.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 16, 2001

Riddles, Maria Del Rosario
1959-2001
Service for Maria Del Rosario Riddles, 42, of Rhome will be Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial will follow at Perryman Cemetery in Forestburg.
Riddles died Friday, June 22, 2001, in Rhome.
Born May 27, 1959, in Mexico, she married J.W. Riddles on March 19, 2001, in Bowie. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Jay Riddles of Rhome; her mother, Josephine Quirarte of San Antonio; two sons, Tenoch Eusebio Arreola Quirarte and Cuitlahuac Jose Arreola Quirarte, both of Mexico; three daughters, Xochitl Maria Ibarra Arreola and Tonanci Lucero Arrela Quirarte, both of Mexico and Joscelyn Anna Riddles of Fort Worth; four brothers, Diego, Ruben, Thomas and Jose Mario Castillo, all of Mexico; seven sisters, Marcelina Perez of Del Rio, Estella Pulsipher and Guillermina Quirarte both of San Antonio and Annita, Rosie, Guadalupe and Maria Quirarte, all of Mexico; and four grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 24, 2001

Rieger, S. Jack
1909-2001
Service for S. Jack Rieger, 92, of San Antonio was Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio. Entombment was in Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio.
Rieger, who was born Jan. 28, 1909, in Decatur, is survived by two nephews, Jerry Waton and Tim Rieger and a niece Mrs. Jim (Cynthia) DesRoches, all of Decatur.
Rieger was a graduate of Decatur Baptist College. He also attended the University of Texas and received a business administration degree from Baylor University. While at Baylor he married Willie Anna (Pat) Patton. She died in 1986.
Rieger purchased Jack Rieger Chrysler-Plymouth in San Antonio in 1951. He was a past president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Associa-tion, San Antonio Automobile Dealers Association and in 1978 was presented the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. After college, he worked for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Corporation in Houston and New Orleans.
He was also a past president of the San Antonio Kiwanis Club and the Board of Trustees of Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital.
Rieger was a member of the Laurel Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio. He served on the board of many organizations in San Antonio including the Salvation Army and the Chairman’s Council of InterFirst Bank of Alamo Heights.
Rieger served as an officer in the United States Air Force in World War II.
Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Mrs. G. W. (Lottie) Guthrie of Clifton and a niece, Pam Berry of California. Grand nephews and grand nieces include Dr. Jerry Watson, Barry Watson, Byron Watson, Lori Manning, Scott Black, Brad Rieger and Eric Rieger.
Memorials, if desired, may be sent to Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital or a charity of choice.

Riley, Homer Charles
1918-2001
Service for Homer Charles Riley, 82, of Sanger was to be Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Greenwood. Dr. E.L. McNeal was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Riley died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, in Denton.
Born Aug. 1, 1918, in Greenwood, Riley moved to Sanger to manage Riley Propane Company, then became manager of Enderby Gas Company. He served as Past Master of Masonic Lodge #418 and Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Sanger.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Riley of Sanger; two sons, Charles Riley and wife Annette of Decatur and Hoyt Riley of Sanger; a brother, Evert L. Riley of Aubrey; two granddaughters, Monica Slimp and husband Johnny of Decatur and Saretha Riley of Michigan; three great- grandchildren, Cori Slimp, James Riley and Zachary Tipton.

Robertson, Renno Kyle
1921-2001
Service for Renno Kyle Robertson, 80, of Rhome, was Tuesday, April 10 at the Shannon North Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington.
Robertson died April 6, in a local hospital.
Robertson served in the Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. He retired as a Lieutenant from the Fort Worth Fire Department after serving 30 years. He was a 1938 graduate of North Side High School.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lula Reames Robertson.
He is survived by two sons, Paul Robertson and wife Colleen of Fort Worth and Charlie Robertson and wife Maryla of Rhome; daughters, Janice Gautreaux and husband Mike of Houston and Helen Hopkins and husband Mark of Rhome; a nephew; 10 grandchildren, Janet Ponder Remchuk, T.K. Ponder, Susan Ponder Cotter, Amy Ponder Raymon, Heidi Robertson, Deborah Robertson, Nikki Robertson Cantrell, Kyle Robertson, Courtney Hopkins, Amanda Hopkins; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Robinson, Willie Weldon
1914-2001
Service for Willie Weldon Robinson, 86, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, May 9, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Jack Vereen officiated. Burial followed at Garvin Cemetery.
Robinson died Monday, May 7, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born October 7, 1914, in Boyd, he was a retired welder and a member of the Garvin Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers were Hoss Fitzgerald, George Williams, Wayne Billington, Paul Wood, Windell Lamance and Carl Ray Jones.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Rogers, Richard D.
1924-2001
Memorial service for Richard D. Rogers, 76, of Paradise was to be Thursday, April 5, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur.
Rogers died Monday, April 2, 2001, in Benbrook.
Born April 8, 1924, in Ft. Worth, Rogers worked in inventory control for Lennox Air Conditioning. A U.S. Army veteran, he married Christine Elen Lynch on June 11, 1946, in Weatherford.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Rogers; a son, Ronald D. Rogers of Liberty, Miss.; three daughters, Linda R. Fuller and Nancy Rogers of Paradise and Regenia D. Westbrook of Westlake, La.; a brother, Raymond L. Rogers of Alvarado ; a sister, Gussie L. Curry of Burleson; 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Roper, William Everett
1902-2001
Service for William Everett Roper, 98, of Rhome was Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the North Baptist Church in Rhome. Wallace Clark officiated. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora.
Roper died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 2, 1902, in Decatur, he married Esther Simmons in Rhome in 1935. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Baptist church.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Roper of Rhome; a son, Marshall Everett Roper of Chico, two daughters, Adeline Wayland of Phoenix, Ariz. and Ruth Ann Sakellaridis of Newark; four grandchildren, Travis Sakellaridis, Kenny Wayland, Debra Jones, Mindy Roper and was preceded in death by grandson Clifford Wayland; five great-grandchildren, Toni Sharp, Melody Sakellaridis, Ryan Price and Dustin and Weston Williams.
Pallbearers were Tony Dickey, Travis Sakellaridis, Kenny Wayland, Mike Sewell, Ronnie Harvey and Blake Sandford.
Honorary pallbearers were Leon Moss, John Livengood, Monty Anderson, Allen Dickey and C.G. Watson.

Rosenburg, Franklin William ‘Pete’
1903-2001
Graveside service for Franklin William “Pete” Rosenburg, 98, of Decatur was Tuesday, July 31 at Bethel Cemetery. The Rev. Don Spain officiated, assisted by Tim Wertz.
Pallbearers were Billy Joe Snider, Blake Sandford, Sonny Loyd, Wendell Cauthen, Weldon Cauthen and James Wood.
Rosenburg died Sunday, July 29, 2001, in a Decatur nursing home.
Born April 29, 1903, Rosenburg was a retired farmer and a member of Eagle Drive Baptist Church. He married Sadie Ruth Rowe on April 8, 1930, in Decatur.
He is the last of the W.W. and Nettie Rosenburg family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Ruth Rowe; two sisters, Myrtle Loyd and Alice Kerr; two brothers, Carl and Thomas Rosenburg; a son, Evans Rosenburg and a daughter, Ruth Rosenburg.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Bernice Rosenburg of Decatur and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 2, 2001

Rosenzweig, Bertha
1905-2001
Memorial service for Bertha Rosenzweig, 95, of Decatur was Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur. Graveside service followed at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Rosenzweig died Thursday, Feb.1, 2001, in Decatur.
She was born Aug. 11, 1905, in New York. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Rosenzweig, in 1965.
She is survived by nephews, nieces and friends.

Rottner, Walter L.
1924-2000
Service for Walter L. Rottner, 76, of Sarasota, Fla. was Thursday, Jan. 25 at Palms Funeral Home in Sarasota.
Rottner died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, in Sarasota.
Born July 11, 1924, in New York, N.Y. he was an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance for 32 years.
He is survived by his wife, May C. Rottner, of Sarasota; a daughter, Dale Haas of Sarasota; a son, John H. Rottner of Camby, Ind.; two brothers, John Rottner of Nokomis, Fla. and Henry Rottner of New Jersey; three grandsons, Andrew and wife Lisa Rottner of Decatur, Bill Haas, formerly of Sarasota and John Rottner of Mooresville, Ind. and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, Suncoast Chapter, 13907 North Dale Mabry, Tampa, Fla. 33618.

Rowden, Arline
1953-2000
Service for Arline Rowden, 47, of North Richland Hills will be Thursday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Elder Don Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery.
Rowden died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2000, in North Richland Hills.
Born Sept. 9, 1953, in McKinney, she was a housewife and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Azle. She was preceded in death by her sister, Aline Taylor and her brother, Elvin Kuykendall.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald L. Rowden of North Richland Hills; three sons, Brad Rowden and Brant L. Rowden, both of North Richland Hills and Brandon William Rowden of Weatherford; a daughter, Lee Ann Marshall and her husband Paul of Weatherford; three brothers, Archie, Bill and Raymond Kuykendall; three sisters, Marie Petty, Maxine Capps and Jean Carpenter; three grandchildren, Joshua and Shana Lee Marshall and Trent Rowden and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be George Barnett, Bill Parker, Terry Petty, Jim Capps, Stephen Smith and Ricky O’Dell.

Rowland, Lance K.
1963-2001
Service for Lance K. Rowland, 38, of Justin will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. at North Richland Hills Church of Christ. The Rev. Andy Stevenson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Cottondale Cemetery in Wise County. Pallbearers will be Josh Stevenson, Brad Herriage, Jimmy Farley, Jeff Mountain, Rick Olson, Bryan Schweiger and Toby Smith. Visitation was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home.
Rowland died on Dec. 5, 2001 in Justin.
Born on Aug. 25, 1963 in Tyler he was a pilot for America West Airlines. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Grace Bridges Rowland, in January 1999.
Survivors include his father, Robert Rowland of Boyd; two sisters, Kelli Brown of Rockwall and Paige Rowland of Fort Worth and one niece, Olivia Rowland of Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 9, 2001

Russell, Timothy Allen
1942-2001
Funeral for Timothy Allen Russell, 59, of Weatherford was Oct. 30, at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park.
He died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, at his home. He was born July 25, 1942, in Wise County, the youngest of six children born to Jessie Hassell Russell and Wylie B. Russell. He was a graduate of Texas Wesleyan College and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. At the time of his death, he was serving as District Superintendent of the Weatherford District of the United Methodist Church.
He had served as director of Church Growth and Development and superintendent of the Waxahachie District. He was a member of the Board of Ordained Ministers and former board member of Harris Methodist Hospital and Texas Wesleyan. He served University, Ridglea and Boulevard Methodist churches in Fort Worth as well as churches in Burleson, Azle, Grandview, Tolar, Poolville and Knob Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-nephew. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Russell; daughters, Amy Russell and Reba Reid and husband Nick; sisters, Marguerite Austin and Madeline Brown; brother, W. B. Russell Jr.; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Russell, Ann Russell and Joyce Warnasch; mother-in-law, Irene Hunsaker; brothers-in-law and their wives, Doug and Dru Hunsaker, Alan and Joe Hunsaker and Paul and Jackie Hunsaker; 15 nieces and nephews; 26 great-nieces and nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Church Growth and Development of the United Methodist Church, 464 Bailey, Fort Worth 76107 or Northside Inter-Church Agency, 1600 Circle Park Blvd., Fort Worth 76106.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 1, 2001

Rutherford, Helen Lou Hale
1934-2001
Service for Helen Lou Hale Rutherford, 66, of Decatur will be Thursday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dewayne Dawson will officiate. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Rutherford died Monday, Feb. 12, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 15, 1934, in Decatur, she was a homemaker. She married James Allen Rutherford on Jan. 17, 1959, in Gainesville.
She is survived by her husband James of Decatur; a foster son, Kevin Hale and wife Tracy of Decatur; a daughter and son-in-law, LuAnn and Dennis Harris of Alvord; two brothers, Robert E. Hale of Decatur and Fred Hale of El Paso; two sisters, Willa Mae Dawson of Decatur and Leona Tycer of Cleburne and three grandchildren, Allison Harris and Zach and Chaz Hale.

Sampler, Linda Jean
1940-2001
Service for Linda Jean Sampler, 60, of Decatur was Friday, March 9, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Rev. Charles Taylor officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Pallbearers were John McCormick, Kelly Myers, Javier Romero, Michael Speer and Cameron and Craig Sampler.
Sampler died Wednesday, March 7, 2001, in Carrollton.
Born Nov. 17, 1940, in Durant, Okla., she married Larry Dickey Sampler on June 28, 1959. She was a member of the Baptist church.
She is survived by her husband, Dickey Sampler of Decatur; her parents, Wes and Ruth Steger of Aurbrey; a son, William Sampler of Greenville; two sisters, Joan Speer of Colleyville and Barbara Young of Denton and four grandchildren, Michael, Lauryn, Kevin and Jayme Sampler.

Sanders, Robert Ernest, Jr. ‘Bud’
1915-2001
Service for Robert Ernest “Bud” Sanders, Jr., 85, of Alvord was Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Alvord Church of Christ. Ed Cate officiated.
Sanders died Monday, Oct. 22, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Dec. 10, 1915 in Round Rock, Sanders married Brownie Mae Pridgen Sept. 11. 1937 in Brownsville.
He was a member of the Church of Christ in Alvord.
He is survived by his wife, Brownie Sanders of Alvord; his son Robert Sanders of Alvord; two daughters, Dorothy Kuykendall of Alvord anfd Laura Lou Bailey of Gun Barrel City; 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 28, 2001

Sandlin, Gladys Metterre
1923-2001
Graveside service for Gladys Metterre Sandlin, 78, of Bridgeport was Monday, Dec. 3 at White Church Cemetery in Glen Rose. The Rev. Bill Schibler officiated.
Sandlin died Friday, Nov. 30, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Nov. 24, 1923, in Fayetteville, Ark. she was a homemaker and had resided in Bridgeport since 1964. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Sandlin.
Survivors include a daughter, Sheila Thomason of Bridgeport; sons, Dwain Sandlin and wife Lanell of Glen Rose, Ronald Sandlin and wife Lisa of Tucson, Ariz. and Jerry Sandlin and wife Debbie of Bridgeport; one sister, Lucy Detto of Redding, Calif; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Sanford, Eula Mae
1910-2001
Service for Eula Mae Sanford, 90, of Decatur was to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Doug Vaughn was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Sanford died Monday, July 30, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Dec. 30, 1910, in Cooper, she was a medication aide at a nursing home. She married the late Gwane Sandford in Duncan, Okla. She was a member of the Bell Baptist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nita Ducharme.
Survivors include five sons, Tony Pryor of Dallas, Odell Pryor and Charlie Pryor, both of Decatur, Joe Pryor of Fort Worth and Lewis Pryor of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one daughter, Jean Walke of Levelland; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 2, 2001

Sanford, Homer Wilson
1923-2001
Graveside service for Homer Wilson Sanford, 77, of Tioga, father of Mike Sanford of Decatur, was Friday, Sept. 28, at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. Charles Hyde officiated.
Sanford died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001, in Denton.
Born Nov. 9, 1923, in Van Alstyne, he married Maurice Hall on Sept. 13, 1978. He was self employed until he retired. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and was a member of the Whitesboro Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Maurice Sanford of Tioga; two sons, Mike Sanford of Decatur and Carroll Sanford of Denton; two daughters, Pam Arnold and Carolyn Ganzer, both of Denton; a sister, Mary Ann Ayrock of Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were David Sanford, Travis Sanford, Toby Sanford, Steve Arnold, Kevin Sanford, Ellis Stofle, David Saye and Bob Hart. Honorary pallbearers were Glenn Chapman and Kevin Johnson.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 30, 2001

Scheller, Gary Dwayne
1964-2001
Graveside service for Gary Dwayne Scheller, 37, of Bridgeport was Thursday, May 10, at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Rev. Scott Wesley officiated.
Pallbearers were Bobby Scheller, Scott Scheller, Michael Scheller, Terry Scheller, Terry Hunter and Dennis Harper. Honorary pallbearers were Tommie Choate and Eddie Taylor.
Scheller died Monday, May 7, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Jan. 31, 1964 in Cortez, Colo., Scheller was a well service employee and lifetime resident of Bridgeport. He married Ronda Taylor on March 29, 1986 in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife, Ronda Scheller; his parents, Robert and Carolyn Scheller of Chico; five daughters, Crystal Hunter, Tonya Scheller, Falicia Scheller, Jennifer Scheller and Taylor Scheller; four brothers, Bobby and Scott Scheller of Chico, Michael Scheller and his wife MariAne of Bridgeport and Terry Scheller and his wife Charlie of Paradise; one granddaughter, Brianna Hunter; mother and father-in-law Wanda and Eddie Taylor and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Schunter, William G. ‘Bill’
1919-2001
Service for William G. “Bill” Schunter, 82, of Bridgeport was Thursday, Dec. 20, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Ryan Reed officiated. Burial was in Rock Island National Cemetery in Moline, Ill.
Schunter died on Dec. 10, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born July 3, 1919, he was a retired power lineman for Iowa Electric Light and Power and was a World Warr II veteran of the U.S. Army. He married Lucille Henry on Aug. 7, 1961, in Grand Prairie. He was a member of The American Legion and Ascension and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Wise County.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille, and three sisters, Mildred Christensen, Margaret Reynolds and Dorothy Weber.
Memorials may be made to the Ascension and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 5094 U.S. 380 , Bridgeport, Texas 76426.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Scott, Joyce Elfreda
1922-2001
Service for Joyce Elfreda Scott, 79, of Bridgeport was to be Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Bill Higgins was to officiate with Ken Burnett assisting. Burial was to be in East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Scott died Nov. 18, 2001, in Dallas.
Born July 22, 1922, in Ardmore, Okla., Scott had lived in the Bridgeport community since 1958. She was a bookkeeper at Bridgeport Automotive for 25 years until her retirement in 1996. She married Charles Edward Scott in July 1955. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Scott, in 1975.
She is survived by one daughter, Tammy Scott; one son, John Scott and wife Melissa; three grandsons, Daniel, Cliff and Nathan Scott; and her brother-in law, John Bond.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 22, 2001

Scroggins, Ruthie Lee
1922-2001
Service for Ruthie Lee Scroggins, 79, of Lewisville was to be Wednesday, April 18, at 1 p.m. at Dalton and Son Funeral Chapel in Lewisville. The Rev. Brent Fore was to officiate.
Burial was to be at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.
She died April 15, 2001, in Lewisville.
She was born Jan. 3, 1922, in Dallas. She was a retired beautician.
Survivors include one son, Douglas and Janet Marie Scroggins of Log Cabin; one daughter, Sharron Lee and Dan Anderson of Evening Shade, Ark.; one sister, Barbara and Billy Sewell of Bedford; two grandchildren, Douglas and Shirley Williams of Kemp and Mark and Barbara Williams of Mount Pleasant; three great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends in Wise County.

Seiler, Robbie A.
1921-2001
Graveside service for Robbie A. Seiler, 80, of Saginaw was to be Thursday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. at Aurora Cemetery.
Seiler died Monday, Oct. 1, 2001, in Saginaw.
Born Sept. 3, 1921, in Knox City, Seiler attended schools in Newark and Rhome. She was a clothing salesperson for Stripling’s Department Store and K-Mart. She and her husband were in jewelry sales for Prince Jewelers for many years.
She was preceded in death by her son, Bobby Morris Seiler.
She is survived by a son, Michael Seiler and his wife Karen; her grandchildren, Michael Seiler, Jr., Rusty Seiler and Shawn Seiler; great grandchildren, Dusty, Shelby, Raegan, Jordan and Austin; and three sisters, Lucille Drain, Vera Crowder and Daisy Troxell.
Wise County Messenger, October 4, 2001

Sellers, Irma Frances
1930-2001
Service for Irma Frances Sellers, 71, of Bridgeport was Friday, July 6 at First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Rusty Hedges officiated. Burial followed in East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Sellers died Thursday, July 5, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 6, 1930, Sellers was an accomplished musician. At the age of 14 she appeared in Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Show in New York. She received a teaching degree from Texas Woman’s University and was a former band director at Chico High School and retired music teacher for Bridgeport I.S.D. She enjoyed playing golf and was the organist and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
She is survived by two sons, William B. Sellers Jr. and his wife, Deborah, of Wichita Falls and Craig Sellers of Bridgeport; two daughters, Jayne Neblett and husband, Mike, of Denton and Jayne Cantwell and husband, Allen, of Plano; and four grandchildren, Timothy, Tiffany, Kyle and Kendel.
Wise County Messenger, July 8, 2001

Sellers, Ronny Jean
2001
Graveside service for Ronny Jean Sellers was Tuesday, March 13 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Sellers was born Monday, March 12, 2001 at Wise Regional Health System.
He is survived by his mother, Mavis Jean Sellers of Newark; grandparents Donna Sellers of Newark, Ronnie Sellers, Sr. and Teresa Scott, both of Fort Worth; great-grandparents Barbara Baker of Fort Worth and Glen Frailey of Newark and a great-great-grandmother, Margaret Frailey of Newark.

Shawn, Norma Jean
1940-2001
Service for Norma Jean Shawn, 61, of Bridgeport was Friday, June 29, at Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. Burial followed at Willow Point Cemetery.
Shawn died Wednesday, June 27, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born June 12, 1940, in Jacksboro, she was a teacher at Wackenhunt Corrections Corp. and a member of the Balsora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Myrtle Pitts and her son, Howard Mills.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby Shawn of Bridgeport; four sons, James D. Mills and his wife Kathy, Thomas Mills and his wife Kelly, Chris Shawn and his wife Angelina and Doug Shawn; two daughters, Carla Rumbaugh and Shandra Shawn; two brothers, Carlos Pitts and Clarence Pitts; one sister, Mae Gammage; 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, July 1, 2001

Shawn, Ruth
1913-2001
Service for Ruth Shawn, 87, of Runaway Bay was Friday, Feb. 23 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated.
Pallbearers were Johnny Bailey, Guy Brown, Cliff Tackett, Jerry Ransom, Ricky Pressley, Elvis Pressley and Johnny Dunn.
Shawn died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Mar. 13, 1913, in Jack County, she was a member of the Baptist church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Quillin; her husband, Raymond Shawn and a son, Raymond Shawn.
She is survived by two sons, Gilbert and wife Sue Shawn and David and wife Connie Shawn; three grandchildren, Vicki, Robyn and Monty and one great grandchild, Joshua.

Sherrod, Neva P.
1932-2001
Memorial service for Neva P. Sherrod, 69, formerly of Sulphur Springs and Bridgeport, was to be Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs. Burial was to follow in City Cemetery.
Sherrod died Saturday, July 14, 2001, in Mill Creek, Wash.
Born Jan. 2, 1932, in Richland to Ira and Esther Pool, she was a former member of the Wise County Domestic Violence Task Force Board of Directors.
She married Richard Karl Sherrod on Feb. 11, 1950. He preceded her in death Dec. 14, 1997.
Sherrod was a member of Davis Street Baptist Church and the Newcomers Club in Sulphur Springs, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Huntington Beach, Calif. and former member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was also a past mother advisor of the International Order of Rainbow Girls in Huntington, Calif.
In addition to her husband, Sherrod was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard Dale, her parents and her twin brother, Neal Pool.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Karla and Tom Kirkland of Mill Creek; two grandsons, Charles Herford of Midland and David Kirkland of Fort Worth; a granddaughter, Carissa Ward of Birthright; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Linda Ward of Birthright; a sister and brother-in law, Nalda and Don Hampton of Mill Creek; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dale and Dian Sherrod of San Antonio, David and Linda Sherrod of Jacksboro and James Smith of Springtown.
The family suggests memorials to the Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., 5th floor, Everett, Wash. 98201.

Sherwood, Ruby
1934-2001
Service for Ruby Sherwood, 67, of Newark was to be Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd.
Ray Lewis was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Hogg Branch south of Boyd.
Pallbearers were to be David Sherwood, Curtis Sherwood, Leon Sherwood, Darryl Vess, Jayson Adams and David Ray Sherwood.
Sherwood died Wednesday, March 21, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Jan. 22, 1934, in Ardmore, Okla., she was a homemaker and a member of the Assembly of God Church.
She is suvived by three sons, David Sherwood, Curtis Sherwood and wife Sue and Leon Sherwood and wife Carolyn; two daughters, Nancy Vess and husband Darryl and Marie Goforth; two brothers, Wayne Norris of Florida and Charles Norris of California; one sister, Evelyn Norris of California; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Silvola, Kindall Marie
1998-2001
Service for Kindall Marie Silvola, 3, of Paradise was to be Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Coker Funeral Chapel in Decatur. Marcus Brecheen was to officiate.
Silvola died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 8, 1998, in Kansas City, Mo., she is survived by her mother, Lori Scott of Paradise; her father, Thomas Charles Silvola Jr., of Nevada, Mo.; three sisters, Rachill Linn Silvola of Paradise, Lauren Ashlynn and Brooke Nicole Silvola, both of Nevada; her grandparents, Diane Scott and Vernon Bray, both of Liberal, Mo. and Walter and Joy Scott of Appleton City, Mo.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 13, 2001

Simmons, Hazel Ardella
1917-2001
Graveside service for Hazel Ardella Simmons, 83, of Euless was to be Wednesday, May 9 at 3 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery.
Simmons died Saturday, May 5, 2001, in Euless.
Born Nov. 7, 1917, in Bridgeport, Simmons was a retired teacher’s aid.
She is survived by two daughters, Elaine Simmons of North Richland Hills and Francine Holberg of Dallas; one grandchild, Dina Chrysler of Azle; one great grandchild, Bobbi Chrysler of Azle; and one nephew, Bill Spain of Alvord.
Wise County Messenger, May 10, 2001

Simons, Thomas Weldon
1930-2001
Service for Thomas Weldon Simons, 71, of Chico will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at Victory Baptist Church in Park Springs. The Rev. Mark Autry will officiate. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Darrell Fisher, Ted Cantu, Glen Roberts, Donald Roberts, Norman Simons and Roy Simons. Honorary pallbearer will be Vickey Inskeep.
Simons died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at the Dallas VA Medical Center.
Born Jan. 2, 1930, in De Soto, he had resided in Chico for 15 years. He was a retired house painter and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. serving in the Korean Conflict. He married Faye Roberts on Dec. 23, 1955, in Dallas. They had been married 45 years.
He is survived by his wife, Faye Simons of Chico; three sons, Thomas Simons and wife Nancy of Portland, Ore., Billy Ray Simons of Chico and Ronnie Simons and wife Karen of Haltom City; two daughters, Sharon Liebel and husband Paul of Chico and Marilyn Simons of Chico; five brothers, Rowland Simons of Duncanville, George Simons of Fairfield, Ernest Simons, Jr. of Lancaster, Bennie Simons of Pasadena and Donald Simons of Lancaster; three sisters, Velma Cobb of Lancaster, Eula Jackson of Cross Plains and Bessie Best of Austin; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Simpson, Barbara Darleen
1924-2001
Service for Barbara Darleen Simpson, 77, of Bridgeport was held on Friday, Nov. 23, in Bridgeport.
The Rev. Gary Demmitt officiated.
Burial followed in the Cundiff Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shane Simpson, Lane Simpson, David Brady, Scott Allen, Fred Moore and Bill Miles.
Simpson died on Nov. 20, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 20, 1924, Simpson had lived in Bridgeport for the past three years. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. She married F.A. Simpson on Oct. 16, 1948, in Decatur and was preceded in death by her mother Lela Ward and brother J.C. Pittman.
She is survived by her husband, F.A. Simpson; one daughter, Dianna Brady and her husband Mike of Amarillo; one son, Gary Simpson and his wife Kye of Amarillo; a sister, Eveleen Simpson of Bridgeport; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 25, 2001

Sizemore, Walter Allen
1947-2001
Service for Walter Allen Sizemore, 53, of Graham, was held Friday, Feb 23, in the Faith Baptist Church in Graham. Burial was in Pioneer Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy McNeil officiated.
He died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, in Wichita Falls.
Sizemore was born March 25, 1947, in Chickamauga, Ga. He was truck driver in the Bridgeport area, known by his CB handle, “Peacemaker”.
Survivors include his wife, Stephanie of Graham; two daughters, Sherry Biggs and husband Michael of De Soto, Elizabeth Sizemore of Pompano Beach, Fla.; a son, Shannon Sizemore and wife Debbie of The Colony; two step-daughters, Shawn McCutchan and husband Randy of Coahoma and Monica Way and husband Joe of San Antonio; five sisters, Nita Denbow and husband Tommy of White Settlement, Nancy Miller and husband Ray of Hurst, Frances Soto and husband Jamie of Hurst, Dessie Sizemore of White Settlement and Sharon Freeman and husband Richard of Mesquite; three brothers, Frank Sizemore and wife Debbie of Mesquite, James “Moe” Sizemore and wife Sharon of Boyd, Michael Sizemore and wife Melissa of North Richland Hills. Nine grandchildren also survive.

Skinner, David Lee
1952-2001
Graveside service for David Lee Skinner, 49, of Paradise was to be Saturday, Dec. 8 at Paradise Cemetery. Billy Gentry was to officiate.
Skinner died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, in Paradise.
Born Sept. 16, 1952, in Sanger, he was a musician. He married Terry Elaine Caraway in Decatur on Nov. 5, 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Terry Skinner of Paradise; his mother, Beatrice Skinner of Denton; a step-son, Michael Lambert of Paradise; two brothers, Dwight Skinner and Joey Skinner, both of Denton; a sister, Martha June Skinner of Denton and four nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 9, 2001

Slayton, Theodore Benjamin
1921-2001
Service for Theodore Benjamin Slayton, 79, of Chico was to be Wednesday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur.
Pallbearers were to be Richard Slayton, David Slayton, Gary Myrick, Tommy Slayton, Gary Myrick, Jr. and Robert Holland.
Slayton died Saturday, Mar. 31, 2001, in Chico.
Born Aug. 26, 1921, in Dallas, he married Pixie Mae Payne on Oct. 27, 1941, in Dallas. He was a member of VFW #9223 in Riverside, Calif. and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Baptist church and a carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Pixie Slayton of Chico; two sons, Richard Slayton of Riverside and David Slayton of Shreveport, La.; four daughters, Janice Frisby and Veta Fay Nebeker of Chico, Theda DeWitt of Lancaster, Calif. and Mary Diane Myrick of Riverside; a brother, Melton Slayton of Chico; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Sloan, Charles Lee, III ‘Laddie’
1927-2001
Graveside service for Charles Lee Sloan III, 73, of San Marcos was Friday, September 21, at Sunset Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Wallace officiated.
Sloan died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001, in San Marcos.
Born Oct. 12, 1927, in Memphis, to Charles Lee and Sam (Noel) Sloan, Jr., he was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and worked as an industrial electrician for Poco Graphite, Inc. in Decatur for many years until his retirement in 1993. He then spent his time buying, selling and trading quarter horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Cindy Jean Sloan.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Billie (Larned) Sloan; four daughters, Susan Beams, Carol Gay Garcia, Cody LeeAnn Walls and her husband Buddy and Sammie Sloan Reyes and her husband Jacob; eight grandchildren, Michael Noel Beams, Sean Beams, Gene Stone, K’lia Walls, Cynthia Walls, Marcos Walls, Marilyn Reyes and Mazzy Reyes; a sister, Patti Nivens of Estelline; mother-in-law, Pansy Larned of Childress and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Slonaker, Roy Douglas
1936-2001
Graveside service for Roy Slonaker, 65, of Chico will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. at the Chico Cemetery. The Rev. Irving Shaffer will officiate. Pallbearers will be Ralph Carter, Philip Herskowitz, Dan Gardner, Lee Slonaker, Shane Hale, Danny Baxter, Shane Gardner and Dan Baxter. Honorary Pallbearers were to be Ray Florence and W.B. Woodruff.
Slonaker died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Nov. 7, 1936, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, he married Faye Baxter on May 13, 1957, in Cleburne. He was an active member of the Bridgeport, Chico, and Wise County historical societies, serving as chairman for several years. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the Confederacy, 82nd Airborne Association, the Chico Library Board and the American Legion. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring after 27 years of service during which time he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his service he earned numerous military awards, including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars. He was also retired as the water plant supervisor for the city of Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Slonaker.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Faye Slonaker; three sons, Lee Douglas Slonaker and his wife, Michelle, Daniel Thomas Slonaker and his wife, Vicki, all of Chico, and Christopher Charles Slonaker of Bridgeport; two daughters, Freddie Darlene Triplett and husband Glenn of Bridgeport and Rhonda Fay Lowry and husband Rob of Chico; one sister, Darlene Slonaker of San Antonio; 12 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Small, Albert Henry
1915-2001
Service for Albert Henry Small of Decatur was Monday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. at Decatur Church of Christ. Robert Isham officiated, assisted by John Scott. Burial followed in Oak Grove Memorial Park in Irving.
Small died Friday, August 10, 2001, at his residence.
Born Nov. 19, 1915, in Grand Prairie, he married Dorotha McKeever on June 22, 1940, in Irving. He was a machinist, retired from Menasco Aerosystems Division, a merchant mariner in World War II and a member of the Decatur Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Dorotha Small of Decatur; two sons, George Small of Marietta, Ga. and Curtis Small of Decatur; three daughters, Audrey Dyer of Decatur, Alma Jean Fenton of Murchison and Cindy Byrd of Arlington; two brothers, Vernon Small of Canton and James Small of Irving; one sister, Mary Jo Whatley of Wichita Falls; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 16, 2001

Smith, Betty Jo
1928-2001
Graveside service for Betty Jo Smith, 72, of Chico was Friday, July 6, at Chico Cemetery. Ed Norton officiated.
Smith died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Dec. 12, 1928, in Detroit, she was a member of the Church of Christ. She and O.L. Smith were married Dec. 11, 1952, in Clayton, N.M.
Survivors include her husband, O.L. Smith of Chico; a son, David Smith and wife, Beth, of Fort Worth; a grandson, David L. Smith Jr. of Dallas; and a brother, Don Bourne of Chewelah, Wash.
Wise County Messenger, July 8, 2001

Smith, Cheryl Lynn
1947-2001
Service for Cheryl Lynn Smith, 54, of Rhome was to be Friday, Nov. 23, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Jimmy Withers was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Smith died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001, in Rhome.
Born June 18, 1947, in Georgia, Smith was a homemaker. She married Joe Edward Smith in 1962 in Colorado City. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Smith of Rhome; her mother Bobbie Hicks of Waco; her grandmother, Nora Mae Smith of Rhome; three sons, Joe Todd Smith of Granbury, David Dean Smith and Ned Edward Smith, both of Rhome; one daughter, Amy Lynn Davis of Decatur; three brothers, Jimmie Lewis, Ronnie Lewis and Robbie Hicks, all of Waco; two sisters, Ginia Penney and Dawn Hall, both of Waco; and 6 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 22, 2001

Smith, Esther L.
1911-2001
Service for Esther L. Smith, 89, of Duncan, Okla. was held Aug. 1 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Duncan. The Rev. Randy Southerland officiated with Dr. Jack Robbins assisting. Burial was at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
Smith died July 30, 2001, in a Duncan nursing home.
Born Oct. 15, 1911, in Salem, Ore. to Willard and Helen Bernard, she married Floyd J. Smith at Carson City, Nev. He preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 1998. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church since moving to Duncan in 1949 and retired from Halliburton Energy Services after 25 years. Following the death of her husband she moved to Bridgeport and was an active member of the Bridgeport Senior Center where she was selected Senior Citizen of the Month in February, 1999.
Survivors include three daughters and their husbands, Nita and Ollie Beavers of Duncan, Charlotte and Richard Iwanowski of Fayetteville, N.C. and Marcia Louise and Cal Wayne Moore of Bridgeport; a sister, Cleda Land of San Antonio; a brother, Elis Bernard of Auburn, Calif.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She always had a cheerful smile and a friendly word for everyone she met.
The family suggests memorials to the Bridgeport Senior Citizens Center.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 23, 2001

Smith, Hasseltine Audrey
1913-2001
Service for Hasseltine Audrey Smith, 87, of Poolville will be Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksboro. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Jacksboro.
Smith died Tuesday, May 15, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 26, 1913, in Boonsville, she was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport.
She is survived by a son, Kent Smith of Poolville; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, May 17, 2001

Smith, Jerry M.
1951-2001
Graveside service for Jerry M. Smith, 49, of Galva, Ill., formerly of Alvord, was Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Hopewell Cemetery in Wise County.
He died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, in Galesburg, Ill.
Smith was born May 26, 1951, in Henry County, Ill., and was a truck driver.
Survivors include his wife, Starla; his mother Evelyn Smith; a son, Will Turlington of Alvord; two daughters, Jennifer Dorsett of Boyd and Amy Turlington of Alvord; a half-brother, Gary Shull; two sisters, Dianne Smith and Joyce Reich; half-sister, Sandra Ingles; two grandchildren, Hanna Walden and Hailey Dorsett.

Smith, Leta Mae
1912-2001
Service for Leta Mae Smith, 88, was Monday, July 23, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
She was the mother of Hattie Josserand of Rhome.
Smith died Thursday, July 19, 2001, at a Fort Worth hospital.
Born Aug. 1, 1912, in Devilla she was a homemaker and a charter member of Mid-Town Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh F. Smith; a son, Lawrence D. Smith and a daughter, Wanda Queen.
She is survived by a son, Hugh F. Smith Jr. of Haltom City; one daughter, Hattie and husband R.E. “Josh” Josserand of Rhome; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Smith, Stella Mae
1921-2001
Service for Stella Mae Smith, 79, of Decatur was Friday, Aug. 31. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Ray Tindol officiated. Pallbearers were Stephen Wren, Melton Cude, Jody Forman, Ruben Pinkerton and Joe Forman.
Smith died Aug. 28, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 26, 1921, in Decatur, she was a childcare provider in her home and at the First Baptist Church nursery. She was a member of First Baptist for over 70 years. Although she never married nor had children, she was a “mother” and “grandmother” to many Decatur children during her 40 years of childcare.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Zelda Smith of Decatur, and a niece, Theda “Sandy” Smith of Hemphill.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 2, 2001

Snow, Vera Mae
1920-2001
Service for Vera Mae Snow, 81, of Fort Worth was Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Charles Taylor officiated. Burial was in the Alvord Cemetery.
Snow died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 16, 1920, in Forestburg, she married Fletcher Milton Snow on Aug. 8, 1939, in Wise County. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Fletcher Snow of Fort Worth; two sons, Jay Snow of Fort Worth and James Snow of Pompano Beach, Fla.; one daughter, Vada Snow Penn of George West; a sister, Alpha Williams of George West; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Sowell, Mamie Lee
1911-2001
Service for Mamie Lee Sowell, 90, was to be Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m. at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home in Cleburne with burial to follow in Greenacres Memorial Park in Cleburne. The Rev. Robert Graham was to officiate.
Sowell died Tuesday, July 24, 2001, in Chico.
Born on April 9, 1911, to Sidney and Laura Clark at Honey Creek she married L.D. Sowell in 1932. Together they farmed in Erath and Hamilton counties for 25 years before moving to Cleburne in 1956 where they owned a laundry for many years. Sowell was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years. She was a longtime member of Field Street Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher.
She is survived by two sons, Sidney and wife, Frances Sowell and Charles and wife, Barbara Sowell; grandchildren, Terry Sowell and wife, Debbie, Danny Sowell and wife, Judy, David Lunt and Amy Lunt; great-grandchildren, Erica Sowell, Kara Sowell, Jake Sowell, Kacy Sowell, Clayton Sowell, Deanna Sowell, Trenton Sowell, Damion Sowell and Braden Sowell and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, July 29, 2001

Sparks, Charlene
1938-2001
Service for Charlene Sparks, 63, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Jack McAsey was to officiate. Pallbearers were to be Wayne Harveson, Dennis Reasoner, Bob Manning, Wayne Bradley, Jerry VanHoose and Rick Brown.
Born Jan.15, 1938, in Lamesa, Sparks was a bookkeeper for Bridgeport Contract Services.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Alice (Moody) Hadaway; a sister, Margaret Patterson and a brother, Bob Hadaway.
She is survived by her two sons, David Sparks and wife Marilyn and Robert Sparks and wife Rhonda; a daughter Teresa Yates and husband David; a brother, James T. Hadaway and wife Lousie; a sister, Betty Tabet and husband Herman, an aunt, Alta Hadaway; eight grandchildren, Micheal and Jared Sparks, Tyler Yates, Jeremy and Calvin Henard, Nathan, Lindsey and Bailey Simmons; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Wise County Messenger, May 6, 2001

Spencer, Earl C. ‘Rusty’
1921-2001
Graveside service for Earl C. ‘Rusty’ Spencer, 80, of Decatur was to be Saturday, June 9, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Jack Gatewood was to officiate.
Spencer died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 9, 1921, in Decatur, he was a veteran and was a lineman at Wise Electric Cooperative.
He is survived by his wife, Florene Spencer of Decatur; three daughters, Rebecca Black and Judy Sampler, both of Decatur, and Adenia Spencer of De Soto; a sister, Lilly Faye Mock of Ordway, Colo.; a brother, Bobby Sam Spencer of Azle; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Spiess, Betty Cason
1934-2001
Service for Betty Cason Spiess, 66, of Whitney, formerly of Boyd, was Monday, April 23 at the Benbrook Funeral Home. Burial followed at Skyvue Memorial Gardens in Fort Worth.
Spiess died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at a local hospice.
Born Nov. 7, 1934, in Red River County, she was a retired welder for Delta Crafts. She was a resident of Boyd and Weatherford before moving to Whitney.
She was preceded in death by her parents Delbert and Alene Smith, and brother, Delbert, Jr.
She is survived by four daughters, Linda, Sandra and husband Tim, Jackie and husband Ronnie, Terry and husband Jeff; six sons, Bill and wife JoAnn, Jimmy, Mike and wife Regina, Russell and wife Donna, Keith and Mark; two brothers, Ray Glen and Jerry; three sisters, Cora Mae and Eunice, both of Boyd and Helen; 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

St. Germain, Leo Paul
1970-2001
Service for Leo Paul St. Germain, 31, of North Richland Hills was Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Tommy Free officiated.
St. Germain died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2001, in Wise County.
Born May 9, 1970, in Bangor, Maine, he was employed at Trinity Industries.
He is survived by his stepfather, Mike Dodd and his mother Andrea Dodd, both of Corpus Christi; two daughters, Mia Lindella St. Germain and Kaylie Nichelle St. Germain, both of North Richland Hills; a brother, Brent Edward St. Germain of Alvarado; a sister, Khristina St. Germain Lombas of Eunice, La.; grandparents, Joyce M. McCollough of Hudson, Maine and Carroll and Dee Trimm of Bradley, Maine; one nephew and two nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 20, 2001

Stagg, Frank
1923-2001
Graveside service for Frank Stagg, 77, of Sunset was Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Smyrna Cemetery in Sunset. The Rev. Ernie Patterson officiated.
Stagg died Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, in Sunset.
Born Aug. 22, 1923, in Alvord, he was an auto body repairman, member of the Alvord United Methodist Church and a lifetime resident of the Sunset Alvord area.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Stagg of Sunset; a son, Tim and wife Kay Stagg of Sunset; two grandsons, Aaron and wife Lanisha Stagg of Sunset and Alan Stagg of Sunset; one great-grandson, Kaden Stagg of Sunset; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Edna Gladney Center for Adoption in Fort Worth.

Stamper, Carolyn Sue
1945-2001
Service for Carolyn Sue Stamper, 55, of Sunset, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 31, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Leonard Crosson will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Montague County.
Stamper died Sunday, May 27, 2001, in Houston.
Born July 12, 1945, in Alvarado, she was a secretary. She married Everett N. Stamper on Aug. 26, 1997, in Bowie. She was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, E.N. Stamper of Sunset; two sons, Gregory Allen Stamper of Denton and Chad E. Stamper of Hillsboro; two daughters, Lova Holden of Arlington and Lyn Stamper of Porterville, Calif.; two brothers, George Keller of Cleburne and Jeffrey Keller of Itasca; three sisters, Juanita Comer of Itasca, Yvonne Marcum of Crowley and Sarita Gaskill of Cleburne; and 10 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 31, 2001

Stanley, Lela Hix
1915-2001
Service for Lela Hix Stanley, 84, of Decatur was Friday, Oct. 12, at First Baptist Church of Decatur. Allen Bates officiated, assisted by Don Spain. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Stanley died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 18, 1915, in Wise County, she was a title clerk for James Wood Motors. She married the late Paul Stanley in 1934. She was a member of the Victory Family Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband in February of 1986 and a son, Benny Stanley.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David and Carolyn Stanley of Boyd; a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and James Wood of Decatur; a sister, Bonnie Jordan of Bridgeport; eight grandchildren, Janetta Wood Killen, Raymond Paul Wood, James Joshua Wood, Dana Stanley Englehart, Bryan David Stanley, Barry Wade Stanley and Russell and Sheril Tomson; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were James Ray Garrett, Terry Wood, Ronnie Eison, Johnny Evans, Gerald Lanier and Eddie Hale.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 14, 2001

Steele, William Carlton
1921-2001
Graveside service for William Carlton Steele of Briar was held Friday, Dec. 21, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. The Rev. Luke Smith officiated.
Steele died on Dec. 16, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on Jan. 20, 1921, in Ringo he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He was a retired cook and had lived in Azle for the last 14 years.
He is survived by two sons, Lee Steele and his wife Tonya and Henry Steele and his wife Judy Sue; grandchildren, Trina, Alicia, Jori, Clarissa, April, Christopher, Chantel and Mandy; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Stephens, Elmo Marie
1917-2001
Graveside service for Elmo Marie Stephens, 83, of Irving was Wednesday, May 16, at Sycamore Cemetery in Decatur.
She died Sunday, May 13, 2001.
Stephens was born June 18, 1917, in Decatur. Her husband, Sidney Stephens, preceded her in death, as did as her parents, James Larn and Charlie Beatrice McNeely, and her brother, Coleman McNeely.
She is survived by a son, Don Stephens, of Decatur; a daughter, Jan Hahn, of Irving; and two grandchildren, Alicia Larn of Allen and Matthew Larn Stephens of Austin.
Wise County Messenger, May 20, 2001

Stephens, O.V.
1920-2001
Graveside service for O.V. Stephens, 80, of Duncan, Okla. was to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at Thomas Cemetery in Wise County. Dr. David Allen was to officiate.
Stephens died on Oct. 14, 2001, in Purcell, Okla.
Born on October 16, 1920, in Marlow, Okla. he was a resident of Duncan for the past 51 years and was a retired LP gas engineer for Texaco. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Velma Baptist Church of Velma, Okla., where he served as a deacon. He was preceded in death by his wife Tinnie Bernice Hawkins Stephens in May 1994.
He is survived by two daughters, Lillie Stephens Smith of Grand Prairie and Donna Stephens Caudill of Duncan; four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 18, 2001

Stevens, Geneva Newsom
1914-2001
Service for Geneva Newsom Stevens, 87, of Azle, mother of Charlie Stevens of Decatur, was Friday, Sept. 21, at Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle. Burial followed at Ash Creek Cemetery.
Stevens died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001, in Azle.
Born Feb. 22, 1914, in Parker County, she was a retired sales clerk. She married Clarence Austin Stevens Oct. 11, 1945, in Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one brother, Edsel Newsom; a sister, Corine Silger and an infant grandson, Todd Steven Tatum.
She is survived by three children, Charles and Katie Stevens of Decatur, Dwight and Bridgett Stevens and Darlene and Jerry Tatum, all of Azle; one grandson, Curtis Stevens of Azle; six granddaughters, Kimberly Gestring and husband Nathan, Stephanie Wasek and husband Terry, Serena Burson and husband Shawn and Tara Tatum, all of Azle, Kristi Stevens of Nacogdoches and Courtney Stevens of Decatur; one great-granddaughter, Emily Gestring of Azle; one brother, Wilburn Newsom of Fort Worth and a host of relatives and friends.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 23, 2001

Stewart, Arnold Ray ‘Slim’
1947-2001
Service for Arnold Ray “Slim” Steward, 53, of Cottondale, was Monday, Feb. 19, in the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. A graveside service was at Bokchito Cemetery in Bokchito, Okla. Charlie Pugh and Joe Nay officiated.
Steward died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, in Cottondale.
Born April 16, 1947, in Fort Worth, he was an independent contractor and craftsman.
Survivors include his wife, Verna Lee Stewart; his children, Chelsea Brook Stewart of Arlington, Arnold Al Wayne Stewart of Weatherford, Kimberly J. Perryman of Calera, Okla., Richard D. Ford of Durant, Okla; a sister, Carolton “Dee” Moore of Ravenna; five grandchildren, Nichole, Rendon, Brandon, Little Richie and Presley; numerous nieces and and nephews; and his partner Haegan.
Pallbearers were Bob DeSota, Billy Roesler, Jeremy Goodger, Steve Honeysuckle, Bill Kelly and Charlie Gushue.
Honorary pallbearers were Jackie Renshaw and Ted Chapman.

Stice, Thurman Roger, Sr.
1938-2001
Graveside service for Thurman Roger Stice Sr., 63, of Paradise was to be Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Rev. Gary Sessions was to officiate.
Stice died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2001, in Paradise.
Born Aug. 18, 1938, in Greenwood, he was a retired barn builder for Boyd Built Industries. He married Roberta Hines on Feb. 21, 1959, in Ardmore, Okla.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta Stice of Paradise; two sons, Roger Stice and his wife Barbara of Paradise and Chris Stice and Felisha of Bridgeport; a daughter, Alisha Stice and Daniel of Paradise; four grandchildren, Stacy, Kevin, Brenton and Rayawna; a brother, Arthur Stice of Crowley; a sister, Opal Byford of Decatur and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Chris Stice, Terry Hines, Lloyd Monroe, Bobby Headley and Wayne Jennings. Honorary pallbearers were to be David Hines and James Hines.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 30, 2001

Stone, Grady Leon
1948-2001
Service for Grady Leon Stone, 52, of Boyd was Tuesday, April 24 at the First Baptist Church in Justin. Burial followed at Eakin Cemetery in Ponder. The Rev. Jimmy Withers officiated.
Pallbearers were Tim Taylor, Lyn Cordell, David Smith, Kerry James, Steve Wagner and Rick Wood.
Stone died Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Boyd.
Born Nov. 21, 1948, in Decatur to Hayward and Lucille Scaff Stone, he attended Justin Elementary School, Northwest High School and Cooke County Junior College. He married Alice Swafford Tice in Boyd on Dec. 3, 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Justin. He was a service specialist for Lone Star Gas and also worked for Moore Salvage in Justin.
He is survived by his wife, Alice and his mother, Lucille Stone, both of Boyd; two daughters, Cathy and husband Scott Vass of Nashville, Tenn. and Cheryl and husband Shane Thompson of Decatur; his sons, Brent and wife Morie Stone and their son Trevor of Fort Worth, Randy and wife Ann Tice of Fort Worth; a sister, Linda and husband Doug Whitworth of Boyd; a brother, Harvey and wife Jan Stone of Rockdale; a grandson, Trevor Stone of Fort Worth and numerous nieces and nephews.

Strickland, Irma Pauline ‘Polly’
1918-2001
Service for Irma Pauline “Polly” Strickland of Fort Worth was Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Travis Ave. Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Burial followed in Greenwood Memorial Park. Her late husband served as president of Decatur Baptist College.
Strickland died on Dec. 23, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born on Feb. 21, 1918, in Bastrop, she graduated from Bastrop High School and received her BA degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood. She did graduate work at the University of North Texas. In 1995 she received an honorary Doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. She was raised by missionary parents in the Panama Canal and Texas. She met her late husband, Otis Strickland while working on her bachelor’s degree. In 1950 he became president of Decatur Baptist College. She was a retired teacher from the Fort Worth ISD and had taught the Polly Strickland Sunday School Class at Travis Ave. Baptist Church since 1966.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis and her oldest son Otis Carlyle Strickland.
Survivors include a son, Charles Haddon Strickland and wife Diane of Granbury; sisters, Beatrice Kimbrough of Midwest City, Okla., Dorothy Cadwallader of Arlington and Carolyn Weathersbee of Rotan; a brother, Paul C. Bell Jr. of San Jose, Costa Rica; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 27, 2001

Strong, Betty Jean
1935-2001
Memorial service for Betty Jean Strong, 66, of Boyd was held on Friday, Dec. 21, at New Hope Baptist Church. The Rev. Jim Edwards officiated.
Boyd died Dec. 18, 2001, in Boyd.
Born on March 22, 1935, in Alabama, she was a homemaker. She married Andrew Strong on July 13, 1951, in Lanetta, Alabama.
She is survived by her husband, Andrew; four daughters, Scarlett Alicia Boelter and husband Tom, Choshee Murray and husband Dave, Jhoshee Garciaa and husband Denver and Alicia Ann Strong; two sisters, Jannette Green and Geniva Shoemaker; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Stroud, Vera Esteline
1918-2001
Graveside service for Vera Esteline Stroud, 82, of Aurora was Saturday, May 19, at Aurora Cemetery. Rev. Lee Roy Jackson officiated.
Stroud died Thursday, May 17, 2001 in Decatur.
Born Aug. 12, 1918 in Aurora, she was a homemaker and a member of the Aurora Baptist Church. Her sister, Junellia Kemp Bowers, preceded her in death.
She is survived by one brother, James Stroud of Fort Worth; two sisters, Edith Mae Brown and Naomi Stroud Ward, both of Rhome; a nephew, Billy Kemp of Boyd; and a niece, Marylou Shaw of Rhome.
Wise County Messenger, May 20, 2001

Sullivan, James Wesley, Sr.
1921-2001
Service for James Wesley Sullivan, Sr., 79, of Alvord was Monday, Feb. 5 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Colleyville. The Rev. Bill Cleveland officiated. Burial followed at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
Sullivan died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at his home.
Born, Nov. 16, 1921, in Detroit to Loyd and Allie Sullivan, he served with the Navy Seabees during World War II. He was a member of VFW Post #10454 in Grapevine, the Disabled American Veterans, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, UAW Union #276 in Grand Prairie and the First Baptist Church of Alvord.
He is survived by his wife, Valta Lea Sullivan; a son, James Sullivan, Jr.; a daughter, Elizabeth Brister; two stepsons, Jack and John Strawn; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Swallow, Donald Joe
1944-2001
Service for Donald Joe Swallow, 55, of Decatur was to be Saturday, March 10, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka, Kan. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona, Kan.
Swallow died Dec. 9, 2000, in Topeka, Kan.
Born Dec. 21, 1944, in Pomona to Albert and Mary Coltrone Swallow, he graduated from Pomona High School. He was a universal network analyst for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. He married Betty Jane Gates on Feb. 23, 1963, in Topeka. She preceded him in death on July 22, 2000.
He is survived by a son, Bryan Wayne Swallow of Frisco; a daughter, Deanna Lynn Estenson of Topeka; his parents, Albert and Mary Swallow of Pomona; a brother, Larry Lee Swallow of Topeka and three grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1315 S.W. Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, Kan., 66604 or the Center for Basic Cancer Research, Kansas State University, 1500 Hayes Dr., Ste. B, Manhattan, Kan., 66502.

Swinney, Mary Gladys
1911-2001
Graveside service for Mary Gladys Swinney, 89, of Paradise was Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Paradise Cemetery. The Rev. Raymond Henson officiated.
Swinney died Monday, Feb. 12, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 8, 1911, in Wise County, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Swinney, in 1965.
She is survived by four sons, Leo Nall, Raleigh Nall, Jr., Jimmy Nall and David Swinney; a daughter, Virginia Hancock; two sisters, Audry Fay Olson and Bea Scroggins; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Tallant, Joseph Samuel
1908-2001
Graveside service for Joseph Samuel Tallant, 93, of McAllen will be held Monday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at Chico Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Tallant died on Sept. 13, 2001.
Born on Sept. 1, 1908, he lived in McAllen for the past 43 years and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a retired college professor for Pan American University in Edinburgh and married Mertie M. Flowers on June 4, 1942, in San Antonio. They were married for 59 years until his death. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of McAllen and a member of the Kiawanis Club.
He is survived by his wife, Mertie M. Tallant of McAllen; four nieces and two nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 16, 2001

Tate, John B.
1912-2001
Graveside service for John B. Tate, 88, of Grapevine was Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Ryan Morrison officiated.
Tate died Dec.2, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Dec. 25, 1912, in Decatur he was an independent contractor. He was preceded in death by three grandsons. Survivors include two sons, J.C. Tate of Tyler and Robert Tate of Mineral Wells; five daughters, Peggy Norris, Kay Sprabary and Rebecca Norris of Fort Worth, Patsy Kelley of Dededo, Guam and Brenda Potter of Ardmore, Okla.; 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, December 6, 2001

Taylor, Larry
1947-2001
Service for Larry Taylor, 53, of Paradise was to be Saturday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Rev. Charles Pugh was to officiate.
Taylor died Wednesday, May 9, 2001 in Paradise.
Born July 23, 1947, in Decatur, he was a retired truck driver and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam war. He was a member of the VFW, Bridgeport Masonic Lodge and Cottondale Baptist Church. He married Ruth Ann Winans on Dec. 18, 1971 in Alvord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Richard (Dick) and Lillian Bernice (Tootsie) Taylor.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann Taylor; daughter Erika Ann Taylor and fiancee Wilson Grimes; two sons, Jason Levi Taylor and Benjamin Cole Taylor and his fiancee Amanda Tucker; two grandchildren Micah and Sarah Taylor; his parents-inlaw, Ruth Narramore and Billy Narramore; a sister Francis Davis and a brother, Jim Taylor.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Taylor, Myrtle Faye
1917-2001
Graveside service for Myrtle Faye Taylor, 84, of Bridgeport was to be Monday, Aug.27, at 10 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1.
Taylor died Aug. 23, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Aug. 1, 1917, in Greenwood, she was married to the late Johnny Franklin Taylor. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by her seven sons, Billy Wayne wilson of Waco, Edward Taylor of Bridgeport, Denny Taylor of Joshua, Johnny Taylor of Wisconsin, Donald Taylor of Iowa, Bill and Raymond Taylor of Oregon; two daughters, Shirley Strasser of Waco and Rosie Taylor of Missouri; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 26, 2001

Taylor, Sara Ella Wallace
1920-2001
Service for Sara Ella Wallace Taylor, 80, of Rhome was to be Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Rhome Church of Christ. Robie Holder was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Justin Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Weston and Douglass Boyd, Ken Kendrick, Mickey Reed, Michael Coker and Tony Dickey, Jr.
Taylor died Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born May 15, 1920, in Justin, she was a homemaker. She married the late Monroe (Pete) Taylor on April 6, 1946, in Weatherford. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Rhome and the Ladies Bible Class. She was also a member of the Rhome Women’s Club.
She is survived by a foster daughter, Frances Harrison Meints; a brother, Charles Wallace of Weatherford; two sisters, Sibyl Enis of Greenwood and Ann Blackburn of Fort Worth and several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, foster grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Thacker, Geneva Ruth
1916-2001
Graveside service for Geneva Ruth Thacker, 84, of Justin was to be Saturday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate.
Thacker died Tuesday, June 26, 2001, in Denton.
Born July 22, 1916, in Wise County, she was a member of the First Methodist Church in Decatur. She married the late Oran C. Thacker in Weatherford on June 7, 1938.
She is survived by two daughters, Sandra Lobsinger of Justin and Oneva Clifton of Johnson City; one brother, Thurman Price of Springtown; one sister, Jessie Harrell of Decatur; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, July 1, 2001

Thames, Charlene Marie
1935-2001
Service for Charlene Marie Thames, 66, of Newark was Tuesday, March 27, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Azle. Father Salvator Stefula officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Thames died Sunday, Mar. 25, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 15, 1935, in Rhineland, she worked in childcare. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Azle.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Thames, and a brother, Marvin Wilde.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Ray Thames; four daughters, Carol and husband David Allen of Weatherford, Sandy and husband Rance Wier of Blanco, Lana and husband Derrell Pierce of Borger and Peggy and husband Donny Worthington of Houston; six brothers, Dennis, Cecil, Severin, Melvin and John Wilde, all of Fort Worth, and Leroy Wilde of Decatur; two sisters, Roseanne LaJaunie of Benbrook and Betty Cooper of Marlow, Okla.; 13 great grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Thetford, Regina Louise
1965-2001
Funeral for Regina Louise Thetford, 36, of Boyd was Sunday, Oct. 28, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Kenton Harvey officiated. Burial was in Azleland in Parker County.
She died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, in Boyd.
She was born Aug. 15, 1965, in Stamford and had lived in Boyd for 30 years.
She was a teacher’s aid for a short time in the Azle school district and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Burleson.
She is survived by her parents, Robert and Eva Thetford of Boyd; brother, Robert Thetford Jr.; sister, Monica Thetford and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers were Tim Rosenberry, Brooks Eoff, Jason Smith, Vic Gray, Cody Gray and Cole Butler.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 1, 2001

Thomas, Hiram Joe ‘H.J.’
1919-2001
Graveside service for Hiram Joe (H.J.) Thomas, 82, of Slidell was Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Slidell Cemetery.
Thomas died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001, in Denton.
Born July 13, 1919, in Slidell, he was raised in Slidell by his mother Betty Shaw Thomas. He was one of six children and all preceded him in death.
He is survived by his adopted granddaughter, Yvette Laird; adopted great grandchildren, Ty and Bryson Laird of Sanger; three nieces and two nephews.
Honorary pallbearers were Bert Pruitt, James Sitz, Gary Matheson, Clarence Myers, Jeff Laird and John Petty.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 13, 2001

Thomasson, Edna Elizabeth
1921-2001
Service for Edna Elizabeth Thomasson, 79, of Decatur will be determined at a later date.
Thomasson died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Dec. 19, 1921, in Lewisville, Kan., she was a Baptist.
She is survived by two sisters, Alice Hebrew of Palm Springs, Calif. and Dorothy Ward of Kingman, Ariz. and a great niece, Karen Smith of Decatur.

Tibbels, Charles Jaxon
2001
Graveside service for Charles Jaxon Tibbels, the infant son of Charlie and Misti Tibbels of Denton, was Sunday, Nov. 4, at Alvord Cemetery. Gene Smith officiated.
Tibbels died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2001, in a Fort Worth hospital.
He is survived by his parents, Charlie and Misti Tibbels of Denton; grandparents, Milton and Judy Sisk of Decatur and Dr. Kelley and Sandy Tibbels of Decatur; great-grandparents, Rosa Lee Neal of Decatur, Evelyn Sisk of Alvord, Molene Sumerlin of Decatur and Rhoda Rehders of Gun Barrel City.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 8, 2001

Tierce, Ken
1933-2001
A memorial service for Kenneth Tierce, 68, of Abilene was Friday, Dec. 21, at Calvary Baptist Church in Abilene. The Rev. Ted White and Dr. Paul Miller officiated. A graveside service was held at Springtown Cemetery.
Tierce died Dec. 18, 2001, in Abilene.
Born on Feb. 4, 1933, in Mineral Wells, he was the son of Roma and Ann Austin Tierce. He graduated from Millsap High School. He attended and was an instructor at Texas Business College in Weatherford. He studied at Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Fla., and at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Golden Gate Seminary in Mill Valley, Calif. Tierce served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a chief radar operator, serving two years active duty and six years in the reserves.
He pastored Southern Baptist churches from June 1960 to Dec. 1982, serving in Texas and California. He was currently serving as interim pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Abilene. He also ran the family business, Chem Dry of Abilene for 18 years from 1983 until 2000. He married the former Joyce Sipes of Weatherford on August 24, 1951.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Marthalyn Webb.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce; two sons, Randy and wife Beverly of Haslet and Mark and wife Bethy of Springtown; a daughter, Rhonda and husband Mike Collins of Forney; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Tierce of Gainesville and Tom Tierce of Weatherford.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Tinney, Col. Robert E. ‘Bob’
1930-2001
Service for Col. Robert E. “Bob” Tinney, 69 of Wichita Falls, was Wednesday, June 6 at Hampton Vaughn Crestview Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. Burial followed at Crestview Memorial Park.
Tinney died Saturday, June 2, 2001, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born Nov. 3, 1930, in Bird Hollow, Tinney was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. He grew up on a Wise County farm and attended Alvord public schools. He attended North Texas Agricultural College before transferring to Texas Tech University where he graduated in May, 1951.
He and Wanda Hubert were married in August, 1950, in Alvord.
Tinney served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years and received numerous awards and decorations. Following his voluntary retirement in 1974, he and his wife lived in Wichita Falls.
He operated a ranch in Wise County, and then he and his brother, T.J. “Pete” Tinney of Wichita Falls, built and operated the Enco Truckstop north of Alvord for seven years. Tinney also worked for an economic development firm in California before returning to Wichita Falls in 1995 to pursue his fishing interests.
Survivors are his wife, Wanda of Wichita Falls, three children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his brother, Pete of Wichita Falls.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Wichita Falls, P.O. Box 4804, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Tolle, Ben Eugene
1931-2001
Service for Ben Eugene Tolle, 69, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Burial was to follow at the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Dr. L.V. Selz, Dr. William E. Huddleston, Jack Weiland, Howard Meyers, Carl Ray Jones and Miles Pearce.
Tolle died Thursday, April 26, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 12, 1931, in Breckenridge, he was a long-time resident of Bridgeport. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean conflict. He was retired from auto sales. He married his wife, Paula, on July 26, 1974, in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife, Paula Tolle of Bridgeport; two daughters, Virginia Stone and husband Robert and Lynn McLauchlin and husband Steve; two sons, David Tolle and wife Connie and William Tolle; a sister, Beverly Ann Swisher; and grandchildren, Robert, Leslie and Sydney Stone, Stephen and Emily McLauchlin and Alexis Tolle.

Trail, Clara Bell
1922-2001
Service for Clara Bell Trail, 79, of Decatur will be Monday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church. Rev. Lee Roy Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Trail died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 25, 1922, in Denton, she was a home-maker.
She is survived by her husband, Willie Trail of Decatur; two daughters, Barbara Jeanette Davis of Nocona and Patricia Ann Henery of New Braunfels; two sons, Frank Trail of Runaway Bay and Sammy Trail of New Braunfels; three sisters, Dorothy Alvey of Denton, Laverne McCrary of Decatur and Theo Ballard of Frisco; a brother, Wayne McGar of Decatur; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granchild.
Pallbearers will be Larry Alvey, Terry Hines, Dewayne McCrary, Steve McCrary, Jerry McGar, Mike McGar and Tim McGar.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Tumelty, Ila Mae
1925-2001
Service for Ila Mae Tumelty, 75, of Decatur was Friday, May 11, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. The Rev. Gene Chamness officiated.
Tumelty died Tuesday, May 8, 2001, in Decatur. Born Dec. 2, 1925, in Wise County, she was a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Church, Decatur Quilt Club and Decatur Garden Club. She married the late Thomas Tumelty in Decatur.
She is survived by her son Tom Tumelty of Decatur; two sisters, Alma Elsom of Decatur and Wanda Sanford of Kennedale; one niece and three nephews.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Turner, Marian Virginia
1922-2001
Service for Marian Virginia Turner, 78, of Bridgeport will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Dr. Bill Dye will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Turner died Monday, March 19, 2001, in a North Hills’ hospital.
Born July 6, 1922, in Bridgeport, she was a lifetime resident of Wise County. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. She was also a volunteer at Wise Regional Health System and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Wilson Ray.
She is survived by two daughters, Kathy Allen of Fort Worth and Sandra Coale and husband Trey of Decatur; a son, Frank Turner and wife Sherry of Durham, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Billy and Mandy Turner, Rachel Tonips, Bradley Allen and Mike, Cassie and Alyssa Coale; a great-grandson, Frank Turner; a brother, Roger Ray of Bridgport and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Dr. David Ray, Eric Tonips, Doyle Bradley, Mike Coale, Bill Ray and Roland Ray.

Turner, Mary Lou
1922-2001
Service for Mary Lou Turner, 79, of Fort Worth, formerly of Wise County, will be Monday, Aug. 27, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. Burial will follow at Cottondale Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Shannon North Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth.
Turner died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Feb. 19, 1922, in Hill County, to Littleton and Nellie Lee Petty Daniel, she was a homemaker. Her husband, the late Rev. W.A. Turner helped organize the First Baptist Church of Cottondale.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Clifford Daniel, Herman Daniel and Ellis Daniel.
She is survived by a son, Ellis Sloan Turner and his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Mary Jean Floyd and her husband, Vaughn; six grandchildren, Darrin Turner, Stephen Turner and his wife Amy, Karen Turner, Michael Floyd and his wife Donna, Sheryl Floyd Dickerson and her husband Bret and Charles Floyd and his wife, Treva; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Morris Daniel and Weldon L. Daniel and two sisters, Minnie Ince and Corine McFarland.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 26, 2001

Turvaville, Becky Lynn
1962-2001
Service for Becky Lynn Turvaville, 38, of Chico, was to be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Marvin Miller was to officiate. Pallbearers were to be Brannon Gilliam, Brian Holland, Jason Holland, Michael Turvaville and Robert Raymon. Burial was to follow in the Alvord Cemetery.
Turvaville died on Sept. 19, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on Nov. 30, 1962, she was a homemaker and a graduate of Trinity High School in Euless. She married Paul Turvaville on June 15, 1991, in Bowie.
She was preceded in death by a brother, William Charles Herring. She is survived by her husband Paul Turvaville; father and mother, Charles and Ann Herring of Alvord, three daughters, Paula Renee Turvaville and Chrystal Dawn Turvaville, both of Chico and Cheryl Allmond of Fort Worth; one son, Jacob David Turvaville of Chico; one sister Marian Lee Gilliam and husband Kevin of Bowie and two grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 23, 2001

Upton, Berlie R., Jr.
1934-2001
Service for Berlie R. Upton Jr., 67, of Jackson, Miss., formerly of Decatur, will be Monday, Aug. 27 at the First Baptist Church of Hurst. The Rev. Jeff Burnett will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.
Upton died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001, at his home.
Born June 4, 1934, he was a retired air traffic controller. Survivors include his wife of 46 year, Barbara Upton; a son, S. Upton; a daughter, Jana Burnett and her husband, the Rev. Jeff Burnett; his father, Berlie R. Upton Sr.; grandchildren Holly Upton, Blake Burnett and Brooke Cramer and her husband, Mike.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 26, 2001

Vannoy, James P.
1927-2001
Service for James P. Vannoy, 74, of Decatur was Friday, Dec. 21, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Revs. Wayne McKamie and Wayne Fussell officiated. Pallbearers were Jimmy Williams, Steve Lambert, Tim Sipes, Wayne Snodgrass, Melvin Castleberry and Henry Kaker. Honorary pallbearers were Ronald Lyon, Bud Buck, Perry Deering and Morgan Stripling. Interment was in Ringgold Cemetery in Montague County.
Vannoy died on Dec. 19, 2001.
Born Nov. 20, 1927, in Ringgold, he was a longtime resident of Bridgeport and a retired insurance agent. He married June Teague on Dec. 22, 1946, in Nocona and was minister for the East Mound Church of Christ of Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife, June; a son, Jimmy Vannoy and wife Diane; a daughter, Janet Powers and husband Robert; four grandchildren, Sarah, Julie, Penny and Michael; two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Lyndsey and a sister, LaVerne Barker.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 23, 2001

Walker, Harold Eugene
1924-2001
Service for Harold Eugene Walker, 77, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Johnny Irish was to officiate. Burial was to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be James Cates, Bobby Wilson, Willard Howell, Sam Renshaw, Geary Washburn and Joe Lambert. Honorary pallbearer was to be Bob Boyd.
Walker died Aug. 5, 2001, in Denton County.
Born April 20, 1924, in Decatur he married the late Ann Hinkle in 1958 in Oklahoma. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Walker was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Hinkle Walker and is survived by one son, Dwight Walker of Lewisville; one daughter, Charlotte Alexander of Grand Prairie; one sister, Mary Jean Masterson of Toole; four great grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 9, 2001

Walker, James ‘Jimmy’
1909-2001
Graveside service for James “Jimmy” Walker, 91, of Forestburg was Wednesday, March 21, at Thomas Cemetery near Bridgeport. Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated.
Walker died Mar. 19, 2001, in Bowie.
Born Sept. 1, 1909, in Bridgeport, he was a retired dairy farmer. He married Ruth Robbins on Dec. 16, 1993, in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Walker of Forestburg; a stepson, Fred Alan York of Lovelady; a stepdaughter, Connie Shawn and husband David of Bridgeport; a sister, Mary Green of Bridgeport; two step-grandchildren, Robin and Monte and several nieces and one nephew.

Walker, Vernon
1915-2001
Service for Vernon Walker, 86, of Paradise was Wednesday, July 18, at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Charles Taylor officiated. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Edward and Fred Walker, Bobby Waters, Danny Stokes, Micheal Sanders and Bob Chapman.
Walker died July 15, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born March 13, 1915, in the Deep Creek area, Walker was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Rhome. He married Margarite Stokes in Paradise on Oct. 1, 1973.
He is survived by one brother, Clarence “Rip” Walker of Rhome; his nieces, June Pynes, Betty Miner, Carolyn Roger, Nelda Chapman, Karol Wood and Carla Waters; his nephews, Ed Walker, Fred Walker, Lynn Walker, Donald Stokes, David Stokes, Danny Stokes and Jay Stokes.
Wise County Messenger, July 19, 2001

Walls, Beulah Estelle
1912-2000
Service for Beulah Estelle Walls, 88, of Boyd was Monday, Jan. 15, at the Outreach of Love Church in Springtown. The Rev. Gary Veazey officiated. Burial followed at the Kimbell Cemetery in Meridian.
Pallbearers were Woody Walls, Clay Walls, John Lloyd Hammond, Gary Styles, Jr., Gary Styles and Merle Styles.
Walls died Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, at her home.
Born Feb. 2, 1912, in Schulenburg, she married Archie Walls who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Thomas Granville Walls and James Edgar Walls. She was a housewife and a member of the Kopperal Baptist Church.
She is survived by two sons, Archie Walls, Jr. and Woody Harold Walls; two daughters, Beulah May Hammond and Doris Styles; two brothers, Sonny Ward and LaMoin Ward; two sisters, Mildred Debtan and Gladys Hayes; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Warner, Pearl
1905-2001
Service for Pearl Warner, 95, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. at Decatur Church of Christ. Robert Isham was to officiate to be assisted by Ryan Morrison. Burial was to follow at Cresson Cemetery in Granbury.
Warner died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 8, 1905, in Sayre, Okla., she was a waitress and a member of the Decatur Church of Christ. She married the late Curtis L. Warner in 1926 in Clovis, N.M.
She is survived by two sons, Bob Warner of Turkey and Ed Warner of Davis, Okla.; two daughters, Wanda Harp of Decatur and Mary Basgall of Topeka, Kan.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 9, 2001

Watkins, Marshall Lewis
1918-2001
Service for Marshall Lewis Watkins, 83, formerly of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Chandler Funeral Chapel in De Queen, Ark.
Watkins died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, in De Queen.
Born April 25, 1918, in Decatur, he was a retired journeyman painter and a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist church and the Elks Lodge in Anchorage, Alaska.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Truitt Watkins; a daughter, Patricia Watkins and a granddaughter, Sharon Watkins.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Kinney Watkins of De Queen; two sons, Ben Marshall Watkins and wife Linda of Midlothian and Thomas Ray Watkins of Anchorage; two daughters, Helen Glee Lane of Fort Worth and Katherine Lorraine and husband James Hansen of Anchorage; two sisters, Mary Jo Amos of Denton and Bennye Ruth Williams of Texarkana; 9 grandchildren, Glee Michelle Lane of Fort Worth, Kyle Watkins of Midlothian, Dana Mendez and husband Ken of Forney, Stephanie Rose Anderson of Anchorage, Mary Katherine and husband Kris Koepke of Texarkana, Arvin Anderson of Anchorage Shaun Arvin Russell and Samantha D. Watkins, both of De Queen, and Rodney Whisenhunt of Kirby, Ark; two great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 13, 2001

Watson, Seth Steve
1919-2001
Service for Seth Steve Watson, 81, of Denton, was Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Welch Street Church of Christ in Denton. Terry Collins officiated. Burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Watson died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001, in Denton.
Born April 2, 1919, in Wise County to Steve Henry and Cora McDaniel Watson, he married Frances Herndon on Dec. 5, 1942, in Austin. She preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1994.
He attended public schools and the University of North Texas. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a retired groceryman and owned and operated Seth’s Drive Inn Grocery. He served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps in both World War II and the Korean War.
He is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Lowe of Denton and Elizabeth Strange of Alvord, two nieces and two nephews.

Watts, Ila Lorene
1909-2001
Service for Ila Lorene Watts, 91, of Decatur was to be Saturday, April 21, at Mount Zion Baptist Church. The Rev. Ron Bird was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Jonestown Cemetery.
Watts died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Decatur.
Born December 25, 1909, in Wise County, she was a homemaker and a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.
She is survived by a brother, Melvin Watts of Watauga; a sister, Mamie Matney of Decatur; five nieces and three nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Jackie Rutledge, Rex Frye, Homer Matney, Jr., Eddie Matney, Lynn Cook and Wayne Watts.

Watts, James Allan
1960-2001
A memorial service for James Allan Watts, 41, of Bowie will be Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. at the River of Life Church in Bowie. He died Oct. 26, 2001, in Decatur.
Watts was born Aug. 24, 1960, in Arlington. He was a rig operator for Energy Services. He married Saundra Swanger Watts on May 15, 1984, in Bowie. Memorials may be made to Legend Bank, Bowie, Account No. 5187644.
He is survived by his wife, Saundra Watts of Bowie; his mother, Leona Noll of New Mexico; a son, Kyle Watts of Bowie; three daughters, Amanda Watts, Ashley Watts and Shelby Watts, all of Bowie; brother, John Watts of New Mexico; sister, Edna Montoya of New Mexico; and aunt and uncle, Lora and Lonnie Thornton of Lake Texoma.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 1, 2001

Webb, Larry James
1939-2000
Larry James Webb, 61, of Keller, a former officer of the First National Bank of Rhome and an executive at Star Tank and Trailer Mfg.. Co. in Rhome, died December 31 at a Bedford hospital.
Funeral was to be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel with burial in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
Webb was born August 23, 1939 in Oklahoma City. He was a retired executive with Modern Welding Co., Inc. He was a veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard and was a 29 year resident of Keller and a member of the First Baptist Church of Keller.
Survivors include his wife Judy Webb, daughter Kellie Dixon of Abilene and son Kenneth Webb of Keller. He is also survived by his mother Lillian Webb of North Richland Hills and brothers Doug Webb of Keller and Glen Webb of Euless and five grandchildren.
The family requests memorials go to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or the building fund of the First Baptist Church in Keller.

Welborn, Joe Arnold
1956-2001
Service for Joe Arnold Welborn, 44, of North Richland Hills, formerly of Wise County, was to be Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at Lucas Funeral Chapel in Hurst. Burial was to be at Bear Creek Cemetery in Euless.
Welborn died Saturday, April 7, 2001, in North Richland Hills.
Born October 25, 1956, in Fort Worth, he graduated from Grapevine High School in 1975. He had been employed at Ogden-Allied for the past 21 years. He married Juliet Sneddon on April 28, 1984.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Campbell Welborn.
He is survived by his wife Juliet; four daughters, LaCinda of Newark and Jessica, Joyce and Elizabeth, all of North Richland Hills; his mother, Geraldine Welborn of Bedias; three sisters, Melody Kelley and husband Mark of Lewisville, Stella Clower and husband Chuck of Lewisville and Monica Lee and husband David of Bedias; a brother, James Welborn and wife Angela of Bedford; three grandchildren, Shane, Halie and Brooklyn Poteet, all of Newark; six nieces, four nephews and one great-niece.

Welty, Wynonah Marie
1935-2001
Memorial service for Wynonah Marie Welty, 66, a native of Alvord and North Richland Hills resident, was to be Saturday, Nov.3 at 1 p.m. at the Alvord Cemetery.
Welty died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, in North Richland Hills.
Born Aug. 28, 1935, in Alvord, Welty was a property manager.
She is survived by her daughter, Easter Welty of North Richland Hills; two brothers, Bill Sorrels of Alvord and Harlan Capps of Campeche, Mexico; two sisters, Helen Bulhan and Laverne Burks, both of Garland.
Wise County Messenger, Nov.4, 2001

Western, Martha Lee
1919-2001
Service for Martha Lee Western, 81, of Decatur was Monday, Aug. 27, at First Baptist Church of Decatur. Randy Weaks officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery #3.
Western died Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, in Dallas.
Born Aug. 28, 1919, in Wise County, she was a retired owner and operator of Whites Auto in Mansfield. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur and married the late J.T. Western in Wise County in 1937.
She is survived by a son, Terry Western of Chico; a sister, Sylvia Lee of Keller and five grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Kevin Lumsden, Randy Neighbors, Danny Neighbors, Todd Buckner, Kent Bailey and Keith Bailey.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 30, 2001

Westmoreland, Margie
1911-2001
Graveside service for Margie Westmoreland, 89, of Alvord, was Sat., Feb. 3, in the Van Zandt County Haven of Memories Cemetery in Canton. The Revs. Bill Cleveland and David Goodwin officiated.
She died Wed, Jan. 31, 2001, in Alvord.
Born July 25, 1911, in Van Zandt County, she was a nurses aid, a member of the Baptist church and the Eastern Star.
Survivors include two sons, Charlie Westmoreland of Chicago, Ill., and W.R. Westmoreland of New Orleans, La.; a daughter, Katie Williams of Alvord; sister, Edna Fowler of Van; brother-in-law, Bascum Westmoreland of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Whistler, Bobby Gene
1931-2001
Service for Bobby Gene Whistler, 69, of Decatur was Friday, May 18, at the First Baptist Church of Hurst.
He died Monday, May 14, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Nov. 10, 1931, in Leedy, Okla., Whistler lived in Texas most of his life and resided in Decatur. He was a Korean War veteran.
He started a 37-year law enforcement career with the Fort Worth Police Department in 1957 and was a detective there until 1974. He then became a criminal investigator for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department from 1974 to 1985, ending his career with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as a criminal investigator from 1985 to 1994.
He married Kay Landers in 1954, and they were married for 46 years.
He retired in Wise County to enjoy his favorite hobbies of travel, fishing and golf.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Whistler of Decatur; a daughter, DeLania Truly and her husband, Alan, of Hurst; two sons, Tracy Whistler and his wife, Betsy, of Hurst and Terry Whislter and his wife, Karen, of North Richland Hills; eight grandchildren, Melissa and Kyle Truly of Hurst, Mandy, Michael and Nicholas Whistler of Hurst and Bobby, Randy and Angela Whistler of North Richland Hills; and two brothers, Fred Whistler and his wife, Estelle, of Decatur and John Whistler and his wife, Wanda, of Brownsboro.
The family requests memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Wise County Messenger, May 24, 2001

White, Pauline V.
1918-2001
Service for Pauline V. White, 82, of Boyd was Monday, June 11, at Boyd Church of Christ. Steve Weeks officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
White died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 13, 1918, in Boyd she was retired from White’s Supermarket. She was a lifetime resident of Boyd where she was a member of Boyd Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.A. White, on April 15, 2000; two grandsons, Charles Christopher Cooper and Henry Perkins Cooper; and a brother, Marvin Wilson.
Survivors are her son, Ronnie White of Boyd; her daughter, Paula White of Boyd; two grandchildren, Forrest and Nicole; three great-grandchildren, Chris, Alexander and Olivia; one brother, W.T. Wilson of California; and four sisters, Belva Taylor of Decatur, Vera Schaeffer and Thelma Locke of Dallas and Lavelle White of Arlington.
Pallbearers were George Mayfield, Jackie Read, Ronnie Harvey, Alvin Baker Jr., Gary Munn and Jimmy Wilson.
Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001

Whitehead, Bobby Gene
1938-2001
Graveside service for Bobby Gene Whitehead, 63, of Krum was Monday, April 23 at Aurora Cemetery.
Whitehead died Friday, April 20, 2001, in Dallas.
Born March 4, 1938, Whitehead was a retired carpenter.
He was preceded in death by his son, Micheal Leonard Whitehead.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Christine Brewer of Krum; two brothers, James and William Whitehead, both of Rhome and one granddaughter, Kaitlin Joy Brewer of Krum.

Whitney, Hazel Lucille
1912-2001
Graveside service for Hazel Lucille Whitney, 89, of Tolar was Friday, Oct. 19, at Paradise Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated.
Whitney died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, in Granbury.
Born June 21, 1912, in Post Oak, she was a homemaker. She married the late Charlie A. Coker who preceded her in death May 28, 1985. She later married the late Raymond Whitney. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Orville and Sandra Coker of Tolar; a daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Billie Tyson of Overland Park, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Ronnie, Ricky and Tony Dewayne, Kent and Keith Coker and Boyce Cotton.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 21, 2001

Wilde, B.J.
1916-2001
Service for B.J. Wilde, 85, of Decatur will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jerry Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation was to be 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Wilde died Tuesday, July 31, 2001, at home.
Born May 4, 1916, in Windthorst, he was retired from the warehouse at Wise Electric Co-op.
He married the late Mary Belle Fisher Jan. 12, 1946, in Wichita Falls. She preceded him in death April 1, 2001.
Wilde was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
Survivors are a son, Bill Wilde and his wife, Kerry, of Trinity; daughter, Holly Laird of Decatur; sister, Petronilla Muerer of Decatur; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 2, 2001

Wilde, Mary Belle
1917-2001
Service for Mary Belle Wilde, 84, of Decatur was Tuesday, April 3 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Jerry Miller officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Wilde died Sunday, April 1, in Decatur.
Born March 31, 1917, in Wichita Falls, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
She is survived by her husband, B.J. Wilde of Decatur; a son, Bill and wife Kerry Wilde of Trinity; a daughter, Holly Laird of Decatur; a sister, Bernice Lawson of Wichita Falls; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Williams, Bolena Field
1907-2001
Graveside service for Bolena Field Williams, 93, formerly of Decatur was Thursday, June 7 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Her son, the Rev. James A. Williams, officiated.
Williams died Sunday, June 3, 2001, in Round Rock.
Born Oct. 10, 1907, she was a member and past president of The Owl Club, the Garden Club and a member of First Baptist Church. She was also a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Confederacy. She married Ted R. Williams Sr. in 1929.
She is survived by three sons, James A. Williams and wife Barbara of Austin, Joe Williams and wife Becky of Ben Lomond, Calif. and Ted Williams Jr. and wife Evelyn of Winter Park, Fla.; two daughters, Dr. Helen Hanicak of Denton and Elizabeth Place and husband Ned of Arlington; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001

Williams, Cameron Dakotah
1990-2001
Graveside service for Cameron Dakotah Williams, 10, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Thomas Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers were to be Jerald, Jimmy and Jason Foreman, John Little, Toby Shaw and Craig Chancellor. Williams died Thursday, May 10, 2001, in Decatur.
He was born Aug. 3, 1990, in Graham.
He is survived by his mother Beverly Williams and stepfather John Wilson Little of Fort Worth; his father, John Darrell Williams of Waco; his brother Christopher Brown of Florida; two sisters, Morgan Foreman of Fort Worth and Elizabeth Randolph of Kansas; his grandparents Jackie and Janice Phillips of Bridgeport, John and Linda Williams of Graham and Belva Little of Fort Worth and his greatgrandmother, Ruth Barnett of Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, May 13, 2001

Williams, Georgia Lois
1904-2001
Service for Georgia Lois Williams, 96, of Haltom City was Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Haltom City. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Williams died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Sept. 21, 1904, in Decatur, to John and Sara Ella Baits Hughes, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John R. Williams in 1991.
She is survived by two sons, Jerry Williams and his wife Betty and Paul Williams and his wife Joyce; five grandsons and eight great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 16,

Williams, Sammy Len
1955-2001
Service for Sammy Len Williams, 46, of Bridgeport was Thursday, Sept. 20, at the East Mound Church of Christ in Bridgeport. James Vannoy officiated. Burial followed at Westside Cemetery.
Williams died Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Aug. 8, 1955, in Bridgeport, he was a heavy equipment operator for Tarrant Regional Water District. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and a member of the East Mound Church of Christ in Bridgeport. He married Sandraw Kay Chestnut on Aug. 30, 1991, in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife, Sandraw Williams of Bridgeport; his parents Sonny and Bone Whitsitt of Bridgeport; two daughters, Christina Sparks and Angela Williams, both of Hurst; three brothers, Micheal Williams of Palo Pinto, Gary Whitsitt of Bridgeport and Billy Williams of Glendale, Ariz.; three sisters, Myrna Perkins of Paradise, Carol Wacasey and Monette Burris, both of Bridgeport; three grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Sparks, Sydnie Howard and Bailey Williams and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 23, 2001

Williamson, Calvin Weaver, Jr.
1933-2001
Service for Calvin Weaver Williamson Jr., 68, of Decatur was Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. John Featherston officiated, assisted by Marcus Brecheen. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Williamson died Monday, Oct. 1, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Sept. 9, 1933, in Laredo, he was the owner and operator of an auto repair business. He married Cleva Lou Griffin on July 23, 1953, in McAllen. He was a member of the Central Fellowship Church in Decatur, Masonic Lodge No. 779, Toastmasters International and the Off 380 Players. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977.
He is survived by his wife, Lou Williamson of Decatur; four sons, Calvin Williamson III, Carl Williamson and Curt Williamson, all of Decatur, and Cevin Williamson of Dallas; a daughter, Cassandra Williamson Byrd of Decatur; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Cevin, Carl and Calvin Williamson III, Robby and Bob Brooks, Charles Whitaker and Curt Williamson.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Willmon, A.L. ‘Bud’, Jr.
1930-2001
Service for A.L. “Bud” Willmon, Jr., 70, of Bridgeport was to be Thursday, July 5, at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Moses Perales was to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Robert Meek, John Cortez, Joel Lamb, Billy Fred Walker, David Crunk and Marvin Crawford. Honorary pallbearers were to be Charlie Spiller, Clint Dennis, Bud Davidson, Bill Munn and Willard Adams.
Willmon died Sunday, July 1, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born Aug. 28, 1930, in Asher, Okla., Willmon resided in the Bridgeport community for the past 50 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Germany during the Korean War. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years of service. A member of the First Baptist Church, Willmon married Reba Carlisle on Nov. 4, 1950 in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvie and Prudie Willmon.
He is survived by his wife Reba Willmon; one son, Arvie Leon Willmon; his daughters Zena Miguez and husband Jack, Carla Jacinto and husband Toby; five grandchildren, Carrie, Chad, Alicia, Ashley and Caleb and his sister Audrey Kezer.
Wise County Messenger, July 5, 2001

Wilson, Charles Orville
1920-2001
Service for Charles Orville Wilson, 81, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Jerry Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Wilson died Friday, June 29, 2001, in Decatur.
Born June 8, 1920, in Denton County, he was the owner and operator of Wilson Egg Farm in Decatur. He married Theo Morris on Dec. 21, 1948, in Decatur. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur and a World War II Navy veteran.
He was preceded in death by his son, Charles M. Wilson, his parents and two sisters.
Survivors included his wife, Theo of Decatur; a son, Kenneth Wilson of Decatur; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, July 1, 2001

Wilson, Noah Warren
2001
Graveside service for Noah Warren Wilson, the infant son of Sonny and Nita Wilson of Newark, was Friday, Dec. 28, at Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. Bill Childs officiated.
The infant died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Nov. 21, 2001, in Fort Worth, he is survived by his parents; two sisters, Tabitha and Courtney Wilson; his grandparents, Ricky and Terrie Youngblood of Newark, Deborah Bullard of Fort Worth and Mary Wilson of Azle; his great-grandparents, Betty Youngblood and Bobby and Faye Bullard, all of Newark and numerous aunts and uncles.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 30, 2001

Wilson, Ruby Ed
1921-2001
Service for former Decatur resident Ruby Ed Wilson, 80, was Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001, at Arab Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Tommy Phillips officiated. Burial followed in the Arab Memorial Cemetery.
Wilson died on Nov. 18, 2001, in Guntersville, Ala.
Born on March 21, 1921, in Decatur, she was a beautician and housewife. She was married to James T. Wilson for 61 years and was a member of the Church of Christ in New Boston and also an Eastern Star member. Texas was her home until two years ago when she and her husband moved to Alabama.
Survivors include her husband, James T. Wilson of Arab, Ala.; a son and daughter-in-law, John and Pat Wilson of Arab; and two grandchildren, Jared and Jena Lynn Wilson.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 22, 2001

Woodruff, Christy Crone
1972-2001
Memorial service for Christy Crone Woodruff, 29, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Les Diviney was to officiate.
Woodruff died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001, in Bridgeport.
Born July 22, 1972, in Amarillo, she was preceded in death by her great grandmother Ruby Lee Boney.
She is survived by her father, Kenneth Woodruff; her mother, Tracy Rutherford and husband Larry; and stepfather Tom Wilson; a son, Casey Crone; two daughters, Crista Crone and Brandi O’Dell; grandparents Elvin and Eunice Hutson and Ann Woodruff; a brother, Kenneth Woodruff and a sister, Misty Woodruff.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 7, 2001

Woolf, Ernest Howard
1958-2001
Service for Ernest Howard Woolf, 43, was Thursday, April 5, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. The Rev. Lee Roy Jackson officiated.
Woolf died Tuesday, April 3 in Dallas.
Born Feb. 27, 1958, in Grapevine, Woolf was a painter.
He is survived by his father Olan Howard Woolf and mother Virginia Belew Winstone of Decatur; two brothers, Roy Woolf of Lewisville and Danny Woolf of Grapevine; two sisters, Beverly Neal of Lewisville and Judy Young of Decatur.

Worthington, Ray
1926-2001
Funeral service for Ray Worthington, 75, of Newark was Friday, Oct. 12, at First Baptist Church of Newark. Burial followed in Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth.
Worthington died on Oct. 9, 2001, in Decatur.
Born on April 2, 1926, he was a retired businessman and a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Newark. He was an Eagle Scout and a former Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was preceded in death by his son, Tim Worthington in 1983, and a brother, Gerald Worthington.
Survivors are his wife of 53 years, Mary Jo Worthington of Newark; two daughters, Julie Self and husband Lynn of Azle and Patia Moncrief and husband Carey of Newark; four grandchildren, Jessica Ramey, Lana Worthington, Joshua Worthington and Chanior Moncrief; two sisters, Dorothy Porter and husband Lewis of Snook and Orveta Smith and husband Bill of San Diego, Calif.; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Arthritis Foundation.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 14, 2001

Wrangle, Virginia
1915-2001
Funeral was Friday, March 16 for Virginia Wrangle, 86, formerly of Chico, who died March 14, 2001, in Canton. The Rev. Charles Cox officiated the service at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. Burial followed in the Chico Cemetery.
Wrangle was born Feb. 5, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Pa. She married Ed Wrangle on May 2, 1932, in Tulsa, Okla. Pallbearers were Don Morris, Jay Smith, Les Upchurch, Tom Stephens, Bobby Richer, Arlon Morris and Gene Bowyer.
Wrangle is survived by her husband of 68 years, Ed Wrangle; her son, Richard Wrangle and wife Cheryl; daughter, Judy Morris and husband Don; grandchildren Jay Smith and wife Lisa, Nikki Upchurch and husband Les; three great-grandchildren Jayce and Courtney Smith and Elise Upchurch; a sister, Helen Ludwig and niece, Virginia de Villeneuve and her husband Dr. Allen de Villeneuve.

Wylie, James Richard
1954-2001
Memorial service for James Richard Wylie, 46, of Decatur will be Thursday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur.
Wylie died Friday, April 13, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Aug. 2, 1954, in Dallas, he married Carolyn A. Cannon on Oct. 29, 1988, in Irving.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Methodist church.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Wylie; three sons, Steven Allen of Irving, Jeffrey Allen of Fort Worth and Brandon Allen of Decatur; three daughters, Amber Hopper of Fort Worth, Aline Wylie and Kristiana Wylie, both of Chicago, Ill.; a sister, Laura Zishang of Killeen and three grandchildren.

Yarbor, Helen
1917-2001
Service for Helen Yarbor, 84, of Sunset will be Friday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Sunset. Dr. Ray Vowell will officiate. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Yarbor died Monday, Sept. 3, 2001, in Bowie.
Born Aug. 20, 1917, in Kiowa, Okla., she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Sunset. She graduated from high school in Park Springs. She married Burl Yarbor on Sept. 19, 1936, in Montague.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 11, 1994.
She is survived by two daughters, Pat Fletcher Garcia and her husband Tom of Sunset and Burldean Erdmann and her husband Robert of Wichita Falls; a daughter-in-law, Ann Yarbor Rapelje and her husband Bill of El Cajon, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Steve Howie of Gulf Shores, Ala., Deborah Chandler and Bryan Yarbor, both of El Cajon, Denise Dean of Longview, David Fletcher of Krum, Suzanne Hoeme of Cunningham, Kan., Mark Erdmann of Wichita Falls, Matt Erdmann of Roswell, N.M. and Renee Whaley of Fort Worth; 14 great grandchildren, Kimberly Fletcher and Katherine Fletcher, both of Krum, Krystal Hoeme and Payton Hoeme, both of Cunningham, McKenna Whaley and Morgan Whaley, both of Fort Worth, Jacob Dean and David Lane Dean, both of Longview, Christopher Howie and Andrew Howie, both of Gulf Shores and Makenna Yarbor, Brooke Yarbor, Katelyn Chandler and Ronsen Chandler, all of El Cajon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Fry Funeral Home in Fort Worth Thursday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 6, 2001

Young, Billy Eugene
1947-2001
Graveside service for Billy Eugene Young, 54, of Joshua is Thursday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. at the DFW National Cemetery.
Young died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2001, in Fort Worth.
Born Jan. 20, 1947, in Fort Worth to Everett Eugene and Dorothy Hunt Young he married Vicky Love on July 14, 1989 in Carter County, Okla. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, attached to the 667 W 30 helicopter detachment and was an aircraft assembler for Lockheed Martin for 16 1/2 years.
He is survived by his wife, Vicky Young of Joshua; a son, Houston Brent Sinclair of Cleburne; three daughters, Stephanie Ivy and husband Tim of Burleson, Lisa Dickens and husband Jeff of Saginaw and Crystal Joy Tarver of Joshua; his mother, Dorothy Lewis of Fort Worth; three brothers, Terry Young of Fort Worth, Tommy Young of Anson and Burt Young of Ranger and seven grandchildren.
The family asks that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 23, 2001

Young, Dixie Lee
1920-2001
Service for Dixie Lee Young, 81, of Boyd was to be Thursday, July 5 at Coker Chapel in Decatur. Don Spain was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers were to be Edwin Haney, Loyd Jackson, Harold Mosley, Bill Adams, Kenny Bryan and Randy Chambers. Honorary pallbearers were to be James Cates, Jim McDonald and Max McDonald.
Young died Monday, July 2, 2001, in Decatur.
Born April 11, 1920, in Boyd, Young was a member of the Eagle Drive Baptist Church in Decatur. She married Wayne Young on March 9, 1936, in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Lester Landes, James Landes and Paul Landes.
She is survived by her husband Wayne Young; one son, Lanny Young of Weatherford; three daughters, Jane Reed of Henrietta, Nina Coffee of Fort Worth and Sara Young of Decatur; one sister, Elizabeth Green of Ruidosa, N.M.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, July 5, 2001

Young, Drew
1921-2000
Service for Drew Young, 79, of Rhome was Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Rhome Assembly of God Church. Michael Stephenson officiated. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Kenneth Dyers, Oscar Romines, Richard Young, Steve Barons, C.W. Williams and Terry Lewis.
Young died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2001, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 23, 1921, in Decatur, he was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Rhome and the owner of a water-well drilling company. He married Ernestine D. Chester on March 6, 1941, in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Ernestine D. Chester Young; a daughter, Gail Boyse of Fort Worth; two sisters, Minnie Arrington of Rhome and Ruby Lewis of Paradise; two grandchildren, Brannon and Diana Boyse, both of Fort Worth and one great-grandchild, Megan Boyse, also of Fort Worth.

Young, John Edgar
1924-2001
Service for John Edgar Young, 77, of Bonham was Tuesday, Dec. 18 in the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center Chapel in Bonham. Graveside service followed at Garvin Cemetery in Wise County. The Rev. Casey Ingold officiated.
Young died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001 in Dallas.
Born Jan. 8, 1924, in Decatur to Charles Etter Young and Dora Jane McConnell, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Boyd. He worked in construction.
He is survived by a brother, Wayne Young of Boyd; two sisters, Emilie Wiggins of Saginaw and Joyce Hurd of Cleburne; four nephews and seven nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 20, 2001

No names started with "Z"