'Wise
County Messenger' Obituaries |
The following obituaries are in alphabetical
order by last name.
(use the "searcher" on page https://www.wisecountytexas.info/
to find names,
or Control+F to find names in the text below.)
Adams,
Mark Lee
1960-2014
Published Saturday, August 23, 2014
Mark Lee Adams, 54, a computer programmer, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, in Boyd.
Funeral was Aug. 22 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, and burial
followed at Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jackie Adams, Jordan Adams, Walter
Richardson, Michael Deits, Jonathan Drummond and Catherine Pate.
Mark was born March 8, 1960, in Lockney to Jackie Leroy and Linda (Durham)
Adams. He married Ritha Sahusilawane Feb. 2, 2002, in Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Ritha Adams of Boyd; sons Jackie and Jordan Adams of
Boyd; grandson Brycen Adams of Boyd; mother Linda Jansen of Chickasha, Okla.;
sister Kimberlee Drummond and husband, Robert, of Ninnekah, Okla.; and nieces,
nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Adams, Wanda Lee Adams
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Wanda Lee Adams, 80, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Decatur.
No services are planned.
Wanda was born May 5, 1934, in McCamey to Letha (Holcomb) and Marce Luther
Bertran. She was a homemaker who loved to paint and spend time with people. She
also loved spending time with her pug dog, Banjo. She was a past member of the
Aurora Baptist Church.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gerald Wesley Adams; son
Rodney Adams; brother Marce Luther Bertran Jr.; and sister Wilma Hughes.
Survivors include sons Ronnie and Wayne Akins; daughter Janice Carlock; sister
Rose Hooper; her special granddaughter Ashley Adams and six other grandchildren;
six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Adcock, Jo Celeste
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Jo Celeste Adcock, 83, a retired secretary, died Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in
Decatur.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Jo was born July 28, 1931, in Round Pond, Ark., to Roy and Gracie (Graves)
Mooneyham. She married Leiland Adcock Aug. 18, 1950, in Comanche. Jo was a
secretary for Mitchell Energy until her retirement.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leiland Adcock of Chico; son Jerry
Adcock of Chico; daughter Margie Davis of Euless; four grandchildren; 10
great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister Ranelle Carter of
Fort Worth; other family members; and many friends.
Aden, Ann Nooe
1942-2014
Published Saturday, August 2, 2014
Ann Nooe Aden, 72, a retired sales representative, died Sunday, July 27, 2014,
in Bridgeport.
Funeral was July 31 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary
Sessions officiating.
Ann was born May 6, 1942, in Harrodsburg, Ky., to Morgan and Margaret (Cannon)
Nooe. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of
Kentucky and married James Aden May 28, 1993, in Fort Worth.
She loved animals, the Kentucky Derby and her family – especially her
grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.
Ann is survived by her husband of 21 years, Jim Aden of Lake Bridgeport;
daughters Paige Wagner and husband, Pete, of Azle, Megan Stibora and husband,
Mike, of Arlington; grandchildren Adam Johnson and wife, Brianna, of Arlington,
Sarah Wagner and Beth Wagner, both of Azle; and nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be made to SPCA at www.spca.org or MADD at www.madd.org.
Admire, Traci
1976-2014
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Traci Admire, 38, of Runaway Bay, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, in Cordenons,
Italy.
Funeral is 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, at White’s Funeral Home in Azle, with
her father, the Rev. Bill Lawson officiating.
Traci was born Aug. 3, 1976, in Pawhuska, Okla. She was a loving mother and
wife, daughter and friend.
Shortly after moving to Texas, Traci met her future husband, Dustin Admire. They
were married Aug. 8, 2008, and a few months later began their journey as an Air
Force family. After moving to Italy, Traci found a new passion – performing in
musical theater.
She never met a stranger and had a smile for everyone. She loved Jesus and
wanted everyone else to know and love Him as well.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, J.E. and Waunie Loper,
her paternal grandfather, Fred Steinberg, and aunts Vickie Loper Kampstra and
Tammy Loper Durand.
Traci is survived by her husband of six years, Staff Sgt. Dustin Admire; sons
Dakota and Kiowa Burnett; mother and stepfather Debbie and Kerry Edmiaston;
father and stepmother Bill and Carol Lawson; brothers Jamie Loper and Billy
Lawson; sisters Tina Beyer and Courtney White; paternal grandmother Minnie
Steinberg; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Alderman, Carl Douglas
1938-2014
Published Saturday, June 7, 2014
Carl Douglas Alderman, 75, of Rhome, died Saturday, May 31, 2014, in Haslet.
Service was June 6 at Faith Temple in New Fairview with Pastor Windell Splawn
Jr. officiating. Alpine Funeral Home in Fort Worth handled the cremation.
Carl was born Sept 3, 1938, in Shreveport, La. He served four years in the U.S.
Air Force and worked in the telecom business for more than 40 years as a project
manager and a site manager.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Alderman; parents Myra Crain and Mr.
Stennett; sons Paul Alderman and Matt Alderman; daughters Debra Alderman and
Laura Alderman; sister Billie Alderman; grandchildren Jeremy Alderman, Ryan
Goodwin, Angelina Anguish, Aaron Anguish, Sarah Geddess, Samantha Howard and
Casey Howard; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers L.A Alderman and Leroy Alderman; and sister
Susie Alderman.
Alexander, Eddie
1963-2014
Published Saturday, April 26, 2014
Eddie Alexander, 51, of Springtown died Monday, April 21, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at The Rock Church in Runaway Bay with the
Rev. Tim Jenkins and Matt Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Bluebonnet
Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville.
Pallbearers will be Byron Dial, Bill Moore, Jason Satterfield, Todd Hasty, C.J.
Daniel and Josh Brigham.
Eddie was born March 10, 1963, in Miami to Edson and Darlene (Petit) Alexander.
He married Diana Daniel Nov. 28, 1992, in Euless. He was a buyer for Air Methods
Corp. and a member of the The Rock Church in Runaway Bay, where he served as
worship leader.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edson Alexander Sr.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Diana Alexander of Springtown; sons
Daniel and Andrew Alexander of Springtown; his mother, Darlene Pogue and
husband, Wayne, of Waxahachie; brothers Jeff Alexander and wife, Stephanie, of
Bedford and Michael Alexander and wife, Alicia, of Granbury; sister Julie Miller
and husband, Rick, of Krum; his grandmother, Dorothy Hickman and husband, Berl,
of Ocala, Fla.; mother-in-law Janet Daniel of Bedford; father-in-law Bill Daniel
of Haltom City; brother-in-law Paul Daniel of Bedford; aunt Robin Barkley and
husband, Richard, of Ocala, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Memorials may be made to The Rock Church in Runaway Bay or Faith Community
Church in Paradise.
Alexander, Lawrence E.
1953-2014
Published Saturday, December 27, 2014
Lawrence E. Alexander, 61, of Azle died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Alexander’s Midway Chapel in
Springtown with burial following at Jay Bird Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Lawrence was born Sept. 28, 1953, in Waxahachie to J.T. Alexander and Betty
Compton Robinson. They both preceded him in death. He was a loving husband,
father, brother, grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Darla Alexander; children Jason Alexander, Michael
Alexander and wife, Jennifer, Joni Stubblefield and husband, James, and Coty
Alexander and wife, Casie; sisters Debbie Alexander and Loretta Caso;
grandchildren Tyler, Jake, Emily and one on the way (Lainie).
Alford, Pamela
1955-2014
Published Saturday, September 20, 2014
Pamela Alford, 59, of Boyd, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, in Bedford.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the First Baptist Church of Fort
Worth, with a reception to follow.
Pam was born July 14, 1955, in Fort Worth to J.R. Swindell and Peggy Connally.
She was proceeded in death by her sister, Brenda Swindell, and her mother, Peggy
Perkins.
Survivors include daughter Brenda Beadle and husband, Donny; sons Sean Eddings
and wife, Ana, Jeremy Alford and wife, Robin, and Josh Alford; grandchildren
Joe, Courtney, Rylend, Jerend, Jace, Rayner and Jessica; great-grandchild Ayden;
father J.R. Swindell and mother, Shirley; sister Sheryl McKay and husband,
Ricky; brother Danny Dean and wife, Vicky; sisters Debbie Phillips and husband,
Gary, and Rhonda Owen and husband, Craig.
Allison, Robert 'Bob'
1931-2014
Published Saturday, December 13, 2014
Robert “Bob” Allison, 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Fort
Worth with burial at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Robert was born Oct. 23, 1931, in Paradise and was warehouse receiving manager
with Montgomery Ward for 45 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters;
parents-in-law; brother-in-law; and sisters-in-law.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Allison; sons David Allison and
wife, Nita, Rodney Allison and wife, Beverly, and Rickey Allison and wife,
LaVonda; grandchildren Justin and Kord Allison and Chissica Godfrey and husband,
Ray; step-grandsons Jeromy Walden and wife, Stephanie, Scott Walden and Kelley;
great-grandchildren Chelsea, Chase, Emily, Triseton and Blaine;
step-great-grandchildren Chloe, Cameron, Cager, Miranda and Nicholas; numerous
nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law Gerald and Harold Pierce; sister-in-law
Evelyn Allison; church family; and beloved dog Foxy.
Alvarado, Richard
1931-2014
Published Saturday, September 20, 2014
Richard Alvarado, 82, of Boyd, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Chaplain Dan Bellar will officiate. Burial will follow in Azleland Cemetery
north of Azle.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Richard was born Nov. 5, 1931, in Port O’Connor to Thomas and Amelia (Reiz)
Alvarado. He married Gail Ludwick June 9, 1989, in Azle. Richard proudly served
his country and retired from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of
service. He was a member of West Parkway Baptist in Azle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Gail Alvarado of Boyd; son Byron
Alvarado and wife, Anna, of Fort Worth; daughter Cassandra Oliphant and husband,
Stuart, of Fort Worth; grandchildren Irene, Lillian, Alexandria, Ava, Ella, Amy,
Deana, Kallie and Kambree; stepdaughter Kay Crowell and husband, Kelley, of
Poolville; stepson Casey Smith of Springtown; five great-grandchildren; sister
Linda Thomas and husband, Bill, of Granbury; and numerous nieces, nephews, and
friends.
Alvey, Terry Randal
1954-2014
Published Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Terry Randal Alvey, 60, of Bridgeport, died Sunday, March 16, 2014.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Terry was born Feb. 17, 1954, in Wichita Falls to Bernice (Kent) and J.W. Alvey.
He was a guard for the prison system. He loved music and was a member of the
Green Fuzz Band. He also loved telling jokes and traveling, especially to
Mexico.
He is survived by his mother, Bernice Bessire; sister Tammy Young; half-sister
Tonya Boggs and husband, Clint; half-brothers Jason Alvey and Mark Bessire; sons
Josh and Shane Alvey; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather Bill Bessire; son Keith
Alvey; maternal grandparents Leola and Bernice Kent; and paternal grandparents
Lula and James Alvey.
Armstrong, Lou Etta
1922-2014
Published Saturday, March 1, 2014
Lou Etta Armstrong, 91, of Paradise, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Feb. 28 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Mark Stevens
and Glenn Waldon officiating. Burial was at Paradise Cemetery.
Lou Etta was born June 17, 1922, in Bridgeport to Bertie (Anderson) and Albert
Tackel. She loved to read and crochet and was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers
and NASCAR. She enjoyed spending time with her family and playing cards.
She is survived by her son, James Ray Armstrong; daughter Joyce Smith and
husband, Rick; sisters Dean Beaty and Audrey Russell; grandchildren Landon Smith
and wife, Ashley, Dr. Heath Smith and wife, Andrea, Chance Smith and fiance ,
Tasha, Richard Coomer and Alisha Fennell; great-grandchildren Colin, Landry,
Harper, Kyle and Blake; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Porter Armstrong; her parents;
brothers William, Glenn, Roy and Ray Tackel; sister Ann Caruthers; and
great-granddaughter Emma Smith.
Arnold, Coleene
1935-2014
Published Saturday, March 8, 2014
Coleene Arnold, 78, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Bowie.
A memorial service will be held at a later date with arrangements handled by
White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Coleene was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Hillsboro to William Coy and Lillie Mae (Kemp)
Burk. After growing up in a farming family, she owned and operated a beauty
salon in North Richland Hills in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Coleene owned a
restaurant in East Texas, and in 1988 retired to Bowie with her husband, Buddy.
Coleene enjoyed gardening and will be remembered for her devoted years of life
as a wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillie Burk; husband Buddy
Arnold; and sister Jean Defrates.
Coleene is survived by her brother, William Coy “Sonny” Burk and wife,
Ellen, of Decatur; children Mark Arnold of Bowie, Jamie Arnold of Fort Worth,
Randy Arnold and wife, Hollie, of North Richland Hills and Kelli Saporito and
husband, Joe, of Bowie; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Bowie Memorial Hospital’s
staff and Hospice of Rural Texas.
Arrington, Dorothy June
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Dorothy June Arrington, 74, a retired electronics inspector, died Monday, Dec.
8, 2014 in Decatur.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Hilltop Assembly of God in Boyd. Rev.
Bill Fitch and Chaplain Phillip Weitner will officiate and Jimmy E. Arrington,
Rodney Taylor, John Taylor, Chuck Berg, Billy Baker and Wayne Parker will serve
as pallbearers. Burial will be in Boyd Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Christian-Hawkins
Funeral Home in Boyd.
Dorothy was born March 15, 1940 to Earl and Willie (Allcorn) Hunter in Fort
Worth. She married James D. Arrington Nov. 2, 1957 in Marietta, Okla. Dorothy
was a member of the Hilltop Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Juanita Keener and Rose Crow;
and brother Bobby Hunter. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Rev. James
Arrington of Boyd; son Jimmy Earl Arrington and wife, Dawn, of St. Louis, Mo.;
grandchildren Charles, Tara and Travis of Highland, Ill.; three
great-grandchildren; sister Carla Winnett and husband, Wilburn, of Sulphur
Springs; other family members and many friends.
Askey, Billy Alvin
1931-2014
Published Saturday, February 15, 2014
Billy Alvin Askey, 82, a retired storekeeper for T.U. Electric, died Wednesday,
Feb. 12, 2014, in his hometown of Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur
with the Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Paul Askey, Blake Tucker, Jeff Bakker, Jason Holmes, Darrel
Romine and Jim Bob Little. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Cunnius, Ross Mueller,
Glenn Rhine, Tommy Cunnius, Dan Rhine, W.M. Lewis and the Adult 6 Sunday School
Class of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Bill was born Oct. 12, 1931, to William Alvin and Mildred (Davenport) Askey in
Decatur. He married Joyce Elaine Phillips April 1, 1960, in Decatur. He proudly
served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the First Baptist Church
of Decatur for more than 60 years.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce Askey of Decatur; daughter Phyllis
Jordan and husband, Gary, of Rainbow; son Phillip Askey and wife, Rebecca, of
Sanger; grandchildren Krista Askey of Dallas, Austin Jordan of San Antonio and
Kayla Askey of Sanger; brother Bob Askey and wife, Nelda, of Dalhart; and
numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents
and a sister, Jonnie Greer.
Bailey, Clinton Dane
1933-2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Clinton Dane Bailey, 80, a retired inspector, died Thursday, June 5, 2014, in
Decatur.
Memorial service is 4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the Decatur Church of Christ with
Mike McDowell officiating.
Clinton was born Nov. 16, 1933, in Harrison, Mich., to Clinton Phillip and
Rosyland (Gould) Bailey. He married Myrle Berry Nov. 10, 1973, in Michigan and
was retired from General Motors after more than 30 years of service. Clinton
also served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Myrle Bailey of Rhome; sons Keith M.
Bailey of Plymouth, Mich., and Mark R. Bailey of Flint, Mich.; daughters
Kimberly A. Kloska and Susan M. Bailey, both of Flint, Mich., and Barbara J.
Arndt of Rhome; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bailey, Gary Engel/Bailey
1957-2014
Published Saturday, February 8, 2014
Gary Engel, 56, a former reporter for the Wise County Messenger, died Monday,
Feb. 3, 2014, at his home in Sanger.
Engel was born March 18, 1957, in Chanute, Kan., where he graduated from high
school. He attended Oklahoma State University and worked in broadcasting under
the name Gary Bailey, which he continued to use after he moved into print
journalism.
He came to Wise County in 1987 as news director of KWCS radio station in
Bridgeport and also worked briefly for KJZY near Slidell.
He joined the Messenger staff July 16, 1989, as a sports writer and left in July
1993 for a job at the Arlington News. He later worked for Today Newspapers in
DeSoto before returning to the Messenger in 1995, where he worked for just over
a year covering the police and criminal justice beat.
Bailey’s work – including coverage of the trial of former sheriff Leroy
Burch – earned numerous awards for the Messenger.
His newspaper career also included stints at the Brenham Banner-Press, the
Schulenberg Sticker, the Hereford Brand and the Hood County News in Granbury,
and most recently he worked at the Woodward (Okla.) News.
Former Messenger employee Denny Deady said enthusiasm was Bailey’s defining
characteristic.
“He had tremendous enthusiasm for his work, for the coaches he dealt with
during his tenure as sports editor, for his many friends and for life in
general,” Deady said. “If you were his friend, he cared as deeply about your
family as he did about you.”
Margaret Vyers, a former reporter for the Messenger, said Bailey loved the
variety that came with his job.
“I remember Gary’s enthusiasm and excitement regardless of whatever tasks he
was assigned,” she said. “He simply loved the job.
“Like most of us, he loved the diversity of the work – hard news, sports,
human interest stories, photography.”
She cited the August 1990 crash of a small airplane near Alvord where the
occupants survived. Bailey’s meticulous notes and reporting told the story of
a near-miraculous escape from death.
“Gary never hesitated to embrace any challenge a story commanded to get the
best information before the public,” she said.
Phyllis Norwood, another friend, said Bailey loved good food, music –
especially the band Kansas – and was a huge fan of Texas Rangers baseball and
OSU football.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Howard Funeral Home in Sanger.
Engel was preceded in death by his mother, Helen King.
Baker, Donald D.
1937-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Donald D. “Blue Goose” Baker, 76, a truck driver, died Tuesday, July 15,
2014, in Chico.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Donald was born Nov. 16, 1937, in Edmore, Mich., to Bernard and Isabella
(McBride) Baker. He married Linda F. Woods in 1982 in Wise County.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his son, Jim Baker and wife, Debbie, of Traverse City, Mich.;
daughter Tammy Serrano and husband, Robert, of Temecula, Calif.; eight
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Mary L. Brown and husband,
George, of Muskegon, Mich.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Baker, Edna McPhail
1918-2014
Published Saturday, July 26, 2014
Edna McPhail Baker, 95, died Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Burial will be in Atlanta, Ga.
Edna was born Oct. 16, 1918, and grew up in North Carolina, picking cotton and
hanging tobacco in the barns. She was valedictorian of her high school class and
after high school, she became a Registered Nurse and joined the Army.
She met Frank H. Baker while stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They were
married in the 400-year-old chapel at El Morro. Later she worked as an
office/surgical nurse for an ophthalmologist, then got her certification as an
audiologist and opened her own business, Baker Hearing Aids in Macon, Ga.
She lived the last 10 years of her life in Texas but always considered Macon her
home and Vineville United Methodist her church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank H. Baker; and youngest child,
Lee Baker.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Edna and J.C. Guthmiller of
Chico; grandsons Andy and Matthew Schoppert of Dallas and Scott and Kim
Schoppert; daughters June of Austin and Wendy and Frank Baker of Atlanta and
their children, Kensey and Harrington; granddaughters Rosy Baker of Los Angeles
and Wynn Baker and their mother, Barbara Woods, of Frisco; sisters Christine
Smith of Geneva, Ala., and Willodene Stevenson of Fayetteville, N.C. Others who
loved her are Judd and Jaclyn Guthmiller and sons Jakob and Mitchell, of Volga,
S.D., Chad and Amber Guthmiller and their daughters, Savana, Summer and Skye, of
Scotland, S.D.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ed Cook Class at Vineville United
Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave., Macon, GA 31204.
Ball, Elfriede Werner
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Elfriede “Elfie” Werner Ball, 73, died Friday, July 11, 2014, surrounded by
family and friends.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur
with burial under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Elfie was born July 25, 1940, in Vollmerhausen, Germany, to Fritz and Hilda
Werner. She was the eldest of two daughters and is survived by a sister, Freia,
along with her husband, Wilfried Buermann, of Kassel, Germany. As a young girl,
Elfie loved to be in the family bakery in Wellerode. In 1954, she and her family
moved to Kassel where she went to school, worked in clothing stores and modeled
for department stores. She left Germany at 19 to move to the United States to
further her education at Columbia University in New York.
Although she left her home country, she visited Germany many times. She lived in
San Antonio and Houston, then moved to Dallas where she lived for more than 33
years. While in Houston, she worked at American General Insurance as an
executive secretary and as secretary to the board for many years. She was also
elected assistant treasurer of AG Capital Management and was on the floor of the
New York Stock Exchange when the American General Bond Fund was first traded.
Elfie was known by many for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She would often
show up with baked goodies or delicious homemade chocolates. After being
diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, she fought a valiant battle with that and
other illnesses. Her will to live, faith in God and the loving prayers of
family, friends and many supporters helped her be strong until the end of her
life.
Elfriede is survived by her husband, George Standley Ball Sr. to whom she was
married for 40 years; children Patricia “Patty” Janca and her husband,
Steve, of Victoria, and George S. Ball Jr. of Dallas; grandchildren Steven Janca
and Lauren Janca Hoerig and her husband, Ryan, all of Victoria; and her first
great-granddaughter, Harper Lee Hoerig, who is due in November.
She also has one nephew, Ralph Buermann, his wife, Susanne, and their
children, Johannes, Christoph and Sophia; and a niece, Yvonne Buermann, and her
daughter, Michele, all of Kassel, Germany.
Ball, Joe Wayne
1940-2014
Published Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Joe Wayne Ball, 74, died Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Pleasant View Baptist Church
in Bridgeport with Gary Demmitt officiating.
Joe was born July 18, 1940, in Ryan, Okla., to Lois D. and Roberta Mae
(Cleveland) Ball. He was one of 16 children. He married Judy Watson Nov. 17,
1963, and was a loving family man who raised five children of his own.
Joe loved to raise a large garden and give his vegetables away. He also enjoyed
farming and working on a dairy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Sammy and L.D. Jr.; and
sisters Wanda and Ann. Joe is survived by his wife of 51 years; daughters
Kimberly Martin and husband, Rickey, of Bridgeport, Kathy St. John and husband,
Monty, of Bridgeport and JoAnn Bradford of Bridgeport; sons Temple Ball and
wife, Betty, of Springtown and Jimmy Ball and wife, Tracey, of Runaway Bay;
grandchildren Stephanie Taylor, Keaton and Keisha St. John and Chad Bradford;
great-grandchildren Alexia, Paige, Linzey and Santana; brothers Donald, Clovis,
David, Jerry and Dorman; sisters June, Peggy, Sandy, Norma, Shirley and Brenda;
and other friends and family members.
Balser, Shirley Gay
1946-2014
Published Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Shirley Gay Balser, 68, of Hurst, died Sunday Aug. 10, 2014, in Bridgeport.
No services will be held.
Shirley was born Aug. 6, 1946, to Charles and Sylvia (Burton) Delozier in
Switchback, W.Va. She was a homemaker and a Jehovah Witness.
She is survived by sons Anthony Balser and Christopher Balser, and daughter
Angela Martin and husband, Samuel, all of Indiana; niece Carrie Brady and
husband, Charlie, of Hurst; nephew Richard Delolozier of Euless; several
grandchildren and a host of friends.
Bane, Rick
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Rick Bane, 62, a self-employed insurance salesman, died Sunday, March 30, 2014,
in Decatur.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home
in Boyd. Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Rick was born Feb. 11, 1952, to Archie Sr. and Helen (Spears) Bane in Houston.
He married Judy Garrett Nov. 18, 1972, in Arlington. Rick was a member of the
Bridgeport area Chamber of Commerce.
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Bane; and brothers Archie Bane
Jr. and Curtis Ray Bane.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy Bane of Paradise; daughter Trina
Vanlandingham and husband, Mark, of Roanoke; son Rick Bane Jr. of Paradise;
grandchildren Ty, Fisher, Nash and Bodey; his mother, Helen Bane of Grapevine;
brother Dee Bane and wife, Brenda, of Boyd; sister Laurie Underhill of
Grapevine; and other family and friends.
Bare, Mitchell Ryan
1977-2014
Published Saturday, November 29, 2014
Mitchell Ryan Bare, 37, of Fort Smith, Ark., died Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, in New
Martinsville, W.Va. Funeral was Nov. 28 at Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko, Okla,
with Bobby Richardson officiating. Burial was in the East Bridgeport Cemetery
with Clayton Armstrong officiating.
Mitchell was born Oct. 8, 1977, to Delbert Bare and Janet Aguilar Williams. He
grew up and attended school in the Caddo County area. He also attended school in
Clarksville, Ark. Mitchell was a cowboy and a bull rider. He recently started a
career in the oilfield industry and worked for Alpha Hunter Drilling.
Mitchell married Delilah Meyer Oct. 20, 2014, in Decatur. He attended church at
River Fellowship in Alma, Ark. Mitchell was loved by many, especially his
family, and will be greatly missed.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse Aguilar and Earlene
Opitz. He is survived by his wife, Delilah Bare, of Bridgeport; his father,
Delbert Bare, of Fort Smith, Ark.; his mother, Janet Williams, of Ozark, Ark.;
brothers Caleb Bare of Sherman, Daniel Bare of Muscatine, Iowa and Jordan Bare
of Fort Smith; sisters Courtney Norman of Lorena and Halli Holt of Russellville,
Ark.; other relatives and many friends.
Barkley, Kenneth Joe
1972-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Kenneth Joe Barkley, 41, died Saturday, June 7, 2014, in Clear Creek, Colo.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
Pastor Ed Eddington officiating. Burial will follow at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Russ Knepper, Mike Mazock, Joseph Barkley, Joe Miller, Greg
McKowen, Ryan Tenberg, Naamon Barkley, Donnie Austin and Jim Newbrough.
Joe was born Dec. 22, 1972, in Lawton, Okla., to Frank and Barbara (Haskett)
Barkley. He worked as a mechanical startup specialist for The Energy Corp. of
Denver.
Survivors include his partner, Doris Wisniewski of Chico; sons Joseph Barkley
and wife, Anna, of Kenedy, and Ryan Tenberg and wife, Bethany, of Knippa;
daughters Sarah Barkley of Kenedy and Madison Barkley of Uvalde; grandchildren
Bella Donna Barkley and Kaylee Tenberg; parents Frank and Barbara Barkley of
Chico; sister Monica Barkley of Mineral Wells; his grandmother, Mary Haskett of
Chico; aunts Penny Grooms and husband, Chiggar, Linda Felder and husband, Jimmy,
Teresa Newbrough and Mary Shurtz; and numerous other family members and friends.
Barksdale, Peggy
1937-2014
Published Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Peggy Barksdale, 76, a homemaker, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at First Baptist Church in Justin with
the Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will follow at Justin Cemetery under
the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are Gary
Barksdale, Jeff Barksdale, Doyle Barksdale, Danny Meeks, Alan Hunter and David
Rodenburgh. Peggy was born Dec. 15, 1937, in Saint Paul, Minn., to Floyd and
Irene (Lagore) Long. She married Floyd Barksdale, who preceded her in death in
2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Bill and
Dale Long.
Survivors include her daughter, Cheila Demmitt and husband, Gary, of Bridgeport;
sons Gayland Barksdale and wife, Caroline, of Falls Church, Va., and Arnie
Barksdale and wife, Cindy, of Chico; grandchildren Shannon, Kara, Haylee, Clint,
Allie, Grant and Cambrie; sister Norma Jean Meeks of Justin; and other family
members and friends.
Barnard, Cecil
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Cecil Barnard, 80, a retired machinist, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Funeral was June 24 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with Rick Davis
officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1.
Pallbearers were Michael Martin, Tommy Lambert, Bill Barnard, Randy Martin,
David Lambert and Bob Barnard.
Cecil was born May 21, 1934, in Angleton to Willie and Bessie (George) Barnard.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kenneth Barnard.
He is survived by his sisters, Billie Lambert of Boyd and Dorothy Martin of
Boyd; brother Johnny Barnard and wife, Doris, of Decatur; sister-in-law Georgia
Barnard of Blue Mound; friend Evelyn Martin of Springtown; and other family
members and friends.
Bass, Randy
1949-2014
Published Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Randy Bass, 64, a self-employed machinist, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Fred Bellah officiating.
Randy was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Eldorado, Ark., to Bill and Betty (McCauley)
Bass. He married Connie Bridges June 26, 1986, in Decatur.
Randy owned and operated CCR Machine.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Connie Bass of Bridgeport; daughter
Crystal Watkins and companion, D.J. Bradley, of Bridgeport; sister Susan Zisakis
and husband, Gus, of Boulder City, Nev.; brothers Richard Bass and wife, Carrie,
of Perris, Calif., Ron Bass and wife, Sue, of Little River, S.C., and Jeff Bass
of Mena, Calif.; mother-in-law Doris Bridges of Paradise; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Baugh, David William
1961-2014
Published Saturday, March 8, 2014
David William Baugh, 52, of Paradise, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, in
Mansfield due to complications of diabetes.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Flatwood Baptist Church in
Decatur with the Rev. Doug Acklie officiating.
David was born Sept. 23, 1961, in Newton, Kan., to William and Deanna (Anderson)
Baugh. He married Teresa Davis Oct. 15, 1994, in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Baugh of Paradise; daughters Eryn Baugh and
Reygan Baugh of Paradise; mother Deanna Baugh of Kansas; a brother; two sisters;
and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
BeCraft, Brian Hall
1988-2014
Published Saturday, June 7, 2014
Brian Hall BeCraft, 26, of Waco, died Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at his residence.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at Montalba Baptist Church with burial to
follow at Concord Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of
Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine.
Visitation is 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Brian graduated from Boyd High School in 2007. He lived in Waco and was working
at the Baylor Stadium. Brian was known for his bright smile and willingness to
help.
He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Deborah BeCraft of Rhome; brother Daniel
Shane BeCraft; daughter Francis Summer Becraft; aunts and uncles, Patricia Dian
BeCraft of Montalba, John and Mildred BeCraft of Tennessee Colony, Kenneth Wayne
BeCraft of Montalba and Betty Calk of Montalba; and numerous cousins.
Bedgood, James Earl
1932-2014
Published Saturday, April 12, 2014
James Earl Bedgood, 82, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service was April 11 at Pleasant Grove No. 1 Cemetery with Brent
Nordan officiating.
James was born March 17, 1932, in Plaquemine, La., to George Harvey and Gladys
Lucille (Deere) Bedgood. He married Peggy Sue Heel June 27, 1959, and they were
married 47 years until her passing in 2007.
James was a captain in the United States Air Force and later retired from the
Federal Aviation Administration.
He is survived by his sons, Ronald Bedgood of Boyd and Jimmy Bedgood and wife,
Leslie, of Trophy Club; grandchildren Kimberly Pruitt, Alan Bedgood, Rachel
Langston, Madison Bedgood, Summer Bedgood and Seth Bedgood; 12
great-grandchildren; a brother; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a great-grandson.
Belcher, Mary Gene
1957-2014
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Mary Gene Belcher, 56, a homemaker, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Mary was born April 4, 1957, in Fort Worth to Mary Lee Thompson. She married
Clay Douglas Belcher Nov. 1, 1976, in Weatherford. Mary was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carol Rothlis; and her sister, Susan
Worton.
She is survived by her sons, James McConnell of Rhome and Christopher McConnell
of Paradise; daughter Melanie Belcher of Springtown; brother Robert Rothlis of
Keller; sisters Chris Seeton of Rhome and Brenda Murray of Springtown; eight
grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her mother, Mary Rothlis of Springtown;
and other family members and friends.
Belew, Ralph
1932-2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Ralph Belew, 82, a rancher, died Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home
with David Singleton officiating.
Ralph was born June 14, 1932, in Chico to Ruben and Clara (Patterson) Belew. He
married Adela Elizabeth (Behncken) Aug. 3, 1961, in Elizabeth City, N.C. Ralph
was a Baptist and a member of Wise County Veterans Group.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Adela Belew of Decatur; son Paul Belew of Decatur;
grandson Zachary Belew; daughter-in-law Marilyn Belew; one brother; four
sisters; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Bell, Judy
1950-2014
Published Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Judy Bell, 63, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Graveside service was Jan. 20 at Red Top Cemetery in Young County under the
direction of Morrison Funeral Home of Graham.
Judy was born March 10, 1950, in Comanche to Albert William and Tommie Pauline
(Edwards) Haase. She grew up in Wise County and married Tex Bell March 27, 1973,
in Tyler. She was a bookkeeper.
Survivors include her husband, Tex Bell of Arlington; mother Tommie Haase of
Loving; sister Paula Kitchen and husband, Bill, of Fort Worth; brother-in-law
Rex Bell and wife, Cynthia, of Granbury; sister-in-law Judy Stultz of Fort
Worth; nephew Ty Kitchen of Fort Worth; and niece Christie Bell of Fort Worth.
Bellone, Joseph Charles
1926-2014
Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Joseph Charles Bellone, 88, of Bridgeport, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 after a
brief illness.
Services were Dec. 6 in Bridgeport.
Mr. Bellone was a loving, Christian man, a strong and solid father and a devoted
and loving husband who will be greatly missed.
He was born in Long Branch, N.J., in 1926 and graduated from Long Branch High
School, where has was known as “Joey.” In high school, he enjoyed soccer,
basketball, track and being a lifeguard at the shore.
At the time of his graduation, World War II was still underway, and Mr. Bellone
enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol. He attained the rank of sergeant, flying from
training and staffing bases in the U.S. to a base in Cuba, training with new
pilots to keep the huge B-29s from bouncing off the runways.
After the war, Mr. Bellone attended Monmouth College in New Jersey for two
years, then finished his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at New York
University. He put this degree to good use as an administrator in the Eatontown,
N.J., school system.
During this time, he met his bride-to-be, Julia Buckshaw, while roller skating
at the Jersey shore. The couple married in 1952 and had one son, Michael,
currently of Decatur. The family settled in Long Branch, moving to West Long
Branch in the early 1970s.
After retiring from a successful career in sales for corporations such as PPG
(wholesale paint division and wholesale glass division), the couple moved to
Palmyra, Va., where they spent the next 20 or so years enjoying retirement,
gardening, working around the house and going on road trips to Texas to see
their grandson, Ryan. In the later years, they also enjoyed their six
great-grandchildren.
Mr. Bellone enjoyed woodworking, ice boat racing, singing in his church choir,
gardening, road trips and while in New Jersey, cultivating the perfect lawn. He
also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, country music and a
good dinner at Howard Johnson’s.
He is survived by his son, Michael, and his wife, Karin; Michael’s son, Ryan,
of Melbourne, Fla., Karin’s daughter, Jenni, son Jeff, and great-grandchildren
Colin, Josh, Daisy, Justin, Teagan and Quinn.
In the twilight of his life, Mr. Bellone battled Parkinson’s disease for many
years, never losing the will to keep on fighting. Later, he would continuously
and fiercely look after Mrs. Bellone when she no longer could look out for
herself. And in the last few months, he adopted his daughter-in-law’s mom into
his “cared for” circle.
Bellone, Julia Ann
1924-2014
Published Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Julia Ann Bellone, 90, of Bridgeport, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at her home,
surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral arrangements were pending at press time with Jones Family Funeral Home
in Bridgeport.
Mrs. Bellone was born in Jersey City, N.J., and graduated from Snyder High
School in Jersey City, where she participated in drama, sports, choral society,
prom committee and yearbook. She was a Snyder High air raid warden and won the
Palmer Method of Penmanship Award.
During World War II, she moved to Long Branch, N.J., to attend a special U.S.
Army volunteer wartime nursing school program. She went on to graduate from
nursing school in three years and was employed by Monmouth Memorial Hospital as
an emergency room nurse for almost 20 years.
It was during this time, while roller skating, that she met the man who would
become her loving friend and husband for the next 62 years – Joseph.
The couple had one child, Michael, and resided over the years in Long Branch,
West Long Branch, N.J., Palmyra, Va., and recently, Bridgeport.
Mrs. Bellone was a loving wife and mother, devoting herself to her husband, home
and child for more than 60 years. She worked tirelessly to ensure her family not
only had the necessities of life, but also enjoyed the many blessings life had
to offer.
Her hobbies and interests included cultivating, caring for and harvesting a
garden, harvesting berries both in her backyard and along country roads,
walking, road trips, games, cooking and cookbook collecting.
In her later years as a resident of assisted living centers, she won the hearts
of her caregivers. She proudly displayed a certificate from a physical rehab
program that proclaimed her the “Most Funny Patient” of the year. Mrs.
Bellone and her family fondly thought of one such caregiver, Judith, as a
semi-adopted daughter.
Mrs. Bellone will be missed greatly, and her family will continue to celebrate
her contributions to them, this world and her preparation for the next life.
She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; son Michael of Decatur; and
grandson Ryan Joseph, who is currently attending college in Florida. Also
surviving Mrs. Bellone are Michael’s wife, Karin and her children Jennifer and
Jeff and grandchildren Colin, Daisy, Joshua, Justin, Teagan and Quinn.
Belvin, Margaret Evelyn
1928-2013
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Margaret Evelyn Belvin, 85, of Sunset, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Krum.
Graveside service was Jan. 3 at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris with Sam Bolton
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and
Son Funeral Home in Denton.
Margaret was born July 21, 1928, in Bairdstown to Joel and Ruby (Poteet) Bolton.
She married Jerrell Stricklin June 16, 1949. He died July 21, 1996. She then
married R.B. Belvin March 29, 2002, in Alvord.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist church.
Margaret is survived by her husband, R.B. Belvin of Alvord; son Bryan Stricklin
of Denton; daughters Bonnie and husband, Mike Edwards, of Paradise and Lori and
husband, Thomas Jajacate, of The Woodlands; sisters Helen and husband, Horace
Greer, of Cortez, Colo., Doral and husband, Dale Emery, of Denton, Joann and
husband, Lloyd, of Wisconsin, and Sue and husband, Don Newsom, of Plainview; and
brother Buddy Bolton of Paris.
She was preceded in death by sisters Rachell Bolton and Sally Starks; brothers
Hubert Bolton, Vester Bolton and Shorty Bolton; sisters and brothers-in-law B.H.
Bolton of Grand Prairie, Karen Fruen of Tom Bean, John Belvin of Milpitas,
Calif., and Billie Levinson of Anaheim, Calif.
Online condolences may be left at www.mulkeymasondenton.com.
Bench, William Earl 'Bill'
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
William Earl “Bill” Bench, 66, of Decatur, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, in
Denton.
Bill was born Oct. 7, 1947, in California to Eugene and Barbara (Taylor) Bench.
He was a longtime resident of Beatrice, Neb., before moving to Texas in August
2013, where he was a resident of The Heritage Place Nursing Home in Decatur. He
was a retired OTR truck driver and ran many years for DonCo Carriers out of
Oklahoma City.
He is survived by daughters Becky Young of Nebraska and Tammy O’Grady of
Missouri; sisters Melida Miller of Chico, Tari Petersen of Utah and Linda
Tarver, Virginia Bench and Mary Smith, all of Nebraska; brothers Lee Bench of
Nebraska and Albert Taylor of California; and numerous grandchildren, nieces,
nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George Bench.
Benham, Phyllis Ann
1959-2014
Published Saturday, December 27, 2014
Phyllis Ann Benham, 55, a certified nursing assistant, died Sunday, Dec. 14,
2014, in Bridgeport.
No service is scheduled.
Phyllis was born July 5, 1959, in Doyline, La., to Phillip and Chloe (Coburn)
Gullett. She married Craig Benham April 15, 1985, in Haughton, La.
Survivors include her husband of almost 30 years, Craig Benham of Bridgeport;
goddaughter Ashley Martinez; mother Chloe McCrary of Lake Bistineau, La., and
her mother-in-law, Peggy Benham of Bridgeport.
Bernal, Stacey Michell
1979-2014
Published Saturday, June 28, 2014
Stacey Michell Bernal, 34, of Decatur, died Saturday, June 21, 2014, in Denton.
Funeral was June 24 at the First United Methodist in Brady with the Rev. Keith
Simpson officiating. Burial was at Rest Haven Cemetery in Brady, under the
direction of Leatherwood Memorial Chapels. Pallbearers were David Land, Michael
Land, Kody Waddill, Darrell Barron, Justin Hafer and Leo Bernal.
Stacey was born Nov. 8, 1979, in Brady to Billy Dale Waddill and Dianne (Land)
Waddill. A graduate of Brady High School, she married Rodrigo “Rocky” Bernal
Dec. 2, 2006, in Brady.
She had lived in Decatur since 2009, and she was director of childcare services
at Learning Ladder in Decatur. Stacey was a member of Crossroads Church in
Decatur.
She is survived by her husband, Rocky of Decatur; sons Kaden R. Bernal and
Karson R. Bernal of Decatur; father Billy Dale Waddill of Stephenville; mother
Dianne Hardman and husband, Joey, of Brady; grandparents Harold and Grace
Hardman of Richland Springs; brother Heath Hardman and wife, Lauren, of
Stephenville; and sister Lindsey DeLaCruz and husband, Anthony, of Stephenville.
Contributions in memory of Stacey Michell Bernal may be made to Crossroads
Church, 1400 Deer Park Road, Decatur, TX 76234 or Hope From The Heart, P.O. Box
1207, Brady, TX 76825.
Bias, Lance Aaron
1986-2014
Published Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Lance Aaron Bias, 27, of Rhome, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 after a two-year
battle with leukemia.
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Full Armor Biker Church in
Alvord, with burial under the direction of Alexander’s Midway Funeral Home.
Lance was born Oct. 6, 1986, in Shamrock and worked as a diesel mechanic and in
the oilfield before he got sick. He loved to ride four-wheelers and motorcycles
and to spend time with his daughter, niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Bias; and grandmother Stella
Kohli.
He is survived by his mother, Karen Bias of St. Marys, Ohio; daughter Zephanie
Bias of Decatur; brother Chris Bias and wife, Kristin, of Decatur; sisters
Felicia Scott and husband, Grady, of Decatur, and Amber Reardon of Decatur;
grandparents Pauline Bias of Wellington and Richard Kohli and wife, Gloria, of
Waverly, Tenn.; niece Marissia Bias; and nephews Noah Reardon and Nickolas
Scott.
Bigley, Donna Lee Carper
1944-2014
Published Saturday, March 29, 2014
Donna “Momma Bigley” Lee Carper Bigley, 69, a homemaker, died Wednesday,
March 26, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints in Decatur with Bishop Richard Gillespie officiating. Visitation is 6 to
8 p.m. Saturday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Pallbearers are Gary
Bigley, Babe Bigley, T.M. Bigley, Frank Carper, John Carper and Tino Pequeno.
Donna Lee was born Aug. 14, 1944, in McLean, Va., to Woodrow Wilson “Willie”
and Betty (Owen) Carper. She was a mom or “Gee Gee” to everyone, loved
animals and was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Encee Owen and Gary Wayne
Carper; son Shelly Bigley; and son-in-law Stephen Blaylock. Survivors include
daughters Callie Jo Hartsock and husband, Randy, Laura Lee Blaylock, and Beth
Jackson and husband, Billy, all of Decatur; sons Johnny Lee Carper and wife,
Lisa, of Fayetteville, Ark., Frankie Lynn Carper and wife, Laura, of Sterling,
Va., T.M. Bigley and wife, Rhonda, of Cleburne, Babe Bigley and wife, Jennifer,
of Aubrey, and Gary Andrew Bigley and wife, Sara, of Aubrey; 29 grandchildren;
three great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.
Bilderback, Billy Omer
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Billy Omer Bilderback, 72, a school administrator, died Monday, July 14, 2014,
in Mansfield.
Funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial is at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is noon Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Billy was born Sept. 7, 1941, in Weston to Desota O’dell and Ola Opal
(Peebles) Bilderback. He married Sharon Katleen Winder Sept. 7, 1963, in
Decatur. Billy retired from Arlington ISD after 20 years of service. He was a
Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sharon Bilderback of Arlington; sons
Timothy Bryan Bilderback of Arlington and Michael Billy Bilderback of Plano;
grandson Johnathan Logan of Plano; and many friends.
Bishop, Jonnie Cortez
1918-2014
Published Saturday, August 2, 2014
Jonnie Cortez Bishop, 95, a retired seamstress, died Monday, July 28, 2014, in
Decatur.
Graveside service is 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Sweetwater Cemetery with Gerre
Joiner officiating. There is no visitation.
Jonnie was born Nov. 20, 1918, in Mingus to Sam and Myrtle Jo (Newberry)
Chisolm. She married George Wayne Bishop in 1941 in Mingus, and she was an avid
seamstress.
Jonnie was preceded in death by her parents; a son; a brother; and three
sisters.
She is survived by her son, Tom Bishop and wife, Jean, of Decatur; grandchildren
Sam Bishop and wife, Militza, of Decatur, Laura Moore of Rhome, Bobby Bishop and
wife, Kim, of Celina, and Alex Bishop of Denison; great-grandchildren Bryan,
Kinley, Nicholas, Alexis, McKenzie, Rolla and Delaney; and numerous nieces,
nephews and friends.
Bisidas, Larry Bisidas
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Larry Bisidas, 67, a water well driller, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 in Denton.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Dr.
Bill Hughes will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Grantham, Rodney Quinn, Dillon Quinn, Jayme Bisidas,
Buddy Harris and Randy Griffeth. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Hilton, Charles
Harris, R.D. Bishop and Tim Whitehead.
Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home of Decatur.
Larry was born Feb. 24, 1947 to Tony and Ruth (Pope) Bisidas in Coleman, Ala. He
married Janice Reed July 3, 1964 in Lovington, N.M. Larry was an owner and
operator of Bisidas Water Wells B&B for 45 years. He enjoyed spending time
with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; brother Tony Edward Bisidas and sisters
Reba Whitehead and Shelba Roberts.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Janice Bisidas of Decatur; daughters
Tresa Quinn of Decatur, Janette Flake of Decatur and Sherry Grantham and
husband, Kenny, of Decatur; grandchildren Ashtin Dominguez and husband, Dustin,
Dillon Quinn, Chloe and Lexi Flake, Madison and Tyler Grantham; great-grandchild
Axel James Dominguez; sister Bonnie Kemp of Decatur; his mother, Ruth Bisidas of
Decatur; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Blank, Nancy Huff
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Nancy Huff Blank, 78, a homemaker, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd
with the Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at
the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Nancy was born May 24, 1936, in Oil City, Pa., to Merl and Eleanor (Pierce)
Huff, and she married Franklin D. Blank April 25, 1959, in Holyoke, Mass.
She was a member of the Wise County Historical Society, the Antique Car Club and
the Chisholm Trail Antique Farm Machinery Club. She loved to travel, and she and
Frank visited many places all over the world.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Janice Hamill.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Frank Blank of Decatur; sons David
Blank and wife, Christa, of Carrollton and Robert Blank and wife, Angelia, of
Krum; daughter Dawn Scheffer and husband, David, of Krum; grandchildren Garrett,
Nathan, Katelyn, Rebeccah, Matthew, Daniel and Ashley; brother Jim Huff of Oil
City, Pa.; and other family members and friends.
Blanks, Mary Neal
1917-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Mary Neal Blanks, 97, of Bridgeport, died Friday, June 20, 2014.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in
Fort Worth. Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Olivet prior to the
service.
A memorial service will also be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Ascension and
St. Mark Episcopal Church in Bridgeport with a reception preceding the service.
Mary Neal Blanks was born Jan. 28, 1917, in Joshua to George and Edith Bandy.
She lived in Fort Worth for 62 years and Bridgeport for four years. Mary Neal
was a former member of Riverside Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; granddaughter Patrice Haas;
three sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include her son, Randy Blanks and wife, Cathy, of Lufkin; daughter
Sherry Haas and husband, David “Butch,” of Paradise; grandchildren Cyndee
Neal and husband, Leroy, of Euless, David Haas and wife, Holly, of Carrollton,
Wyndee Salazar of Paradise, Kitty Harris and husband, Mark, of Cisco, Beth
Harrison and husband, Clay, of Granbury, Anna McKinnon and husband, Al, of Grand
Prairie and Holly Shadden and husband, Rusty, of Spring Branch; 25
great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Blase, Nora Lou
1924-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Nora Lou Blase, 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. David Blase officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Johnny Blase, Don Lyles, Ron Patterson, Mike North, John North
and Johnny Scheuermann.
Nora was born May 6, 1924, in Lewisville to Sam Cornelius and Callie Elizabeth
(Hicks) Patterson, and she attended first through 10th grades in Decatur. She
married Charles Alvin Blase Oct. 1, 1939, in Denton, and they operated dairy
farms at Decatur, Rhome, Boyd, Greenwood and Alvord for 23 years before retiring
in 1979. Nora was a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband in June of 2000; her parents; and all
seven of her siblings and their spouses.
Survivors include her sons, David Blase and wife, Anna, of Nashville, Ark., and
Olin Blase and wife, Janelle, of Decatur; grandsons John Blase and wife,
Meredith, of Monument, Colo., Shawn Blase and wife, Tonja, of Texarkana, and
Curtis Blase and wife, Candi, of Runaway Bay; and seven great-grandchildren.
Blaylock, Frances Jean
1940-2014
Published Saturday, March 8, 2014
Frances Jean Blaylock, 73, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 1 p.m. Monday, March 10, at Smyrna Cemetery near Sunset
with Pastor Shane LeJeune officiating. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Frances was born Nov. 20, 1940, in Centerville, Tenn., to Paul and Frances
(Bates) Thronberry. She married Gerald Blaylock in 1958 in Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Bright and husband, David, of Paradise
and Tammy Blaylock of Decatur; son Rocky Blaylock and wife, Kathy, of Aurora;
seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Paulette Thronberry and
Judy Morehead; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Blaylock, Travis Blaylock
1946-2014
Published Saturday, October 25, 2014
Travis Blaylock, 68, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, in Justin.
Graveside service is 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Smyrna Cemetery in Sunset with
Jeff Jackson officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the White Family
Funeral Home in Bowie.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the funeral home.
Travis was born Oct. 23, 1946, in Fort Worth to Elmo and Rosie (Ussery)
Blaylock. He was a welder and a retired truck driver for Denton State School.
He married Debra Sept. 23, 1993, in Denton. He enjoyed baking pastries and was a
devoted family man.
Travis will be remembered for his devoted years of life as a husband, father and
grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Rosie Blaylock; and son
Stephen Blaylock.
Survivors include his wife, Debra Blaylock of Justin; sons Chad and Brad
Blaylock of Justin and Paul Baker and wife, Amy, of Caddo Mills; brother Bill
Blaylock and wife, Theresa, of Sunset; 11 grandchildren; aunts Dolly Hill of
Fort Worth and Lavern Pittman of Bowie; niece Mindy Jones and husband, Clay, of
Bowie; and nephew Bryce Blaylock and wife, Kenda, of Casper, Wyo.
Blaylock, Winnie Charlene
1941-2013
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Winnie Charlene Blaylock, 72, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Bridgeport.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Winnie Charlene Volkman was born Dec. 8, 1941, in Littlefield to Kermit Russell
Volkman and Winnie Blanche (West) Volkman. She graduated from Muleshoe High
School and married William Lewis Blaylock June 15, 1960, in Muleshoe. They were
married for 46 years and had two sons, David Russell Blaylock and William Ottis
Blaylock.
Charlene earned her degree in nursing and went on to earn a master’s degree
from Texas Wesleyan University and become a Certified Registered Nurse of
Anesthesia (CRNA). She came to Bridgeport in 1978. Charlene was a member of
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Texas Association of Nurse
Anesthetists.
After living in Bridgeport, Charlene was host to many of the Bridgeport Bulls
football boys, and one was welcomed and decided to become a part of the family,
John T. Blaylock. Charlene practiced anesthesia in many locations over the years
but loved practicing most of all in the community and in or around Bridgeport
among her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 46 years, William Lewis
Blaylock; and her sister, Janie Shipp.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. David Russell Blaylock and wife, Brenda, of
Decatur and William “Bill” Ottis Blaylock and wife, Leisha, of Chico;
blended son John T. Blaylock and wife, Cynthia, of Harlingen; grandchildren Arin
Blaylock, Brooklyn Blaylock, Joshua Blaylock and wife, Whitney, Jessi Harbor and
husband, Joshua, Jacob Blaylock, John Ryan Blaylock and Zoey Blaylock;
great-grandchildren Logan Blaylock and Elijha Blaylock; sister Wanda Pearlene
Bray; brother Jerry Don Coulter; and other family members and friends.
Blythe, James C. ‘Jim’
1942-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
James C. “Jim” Blythe, 72, of Lake Kiowa, died June 13, 2014.
Visitation will be at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville at 6
p.m. Sunday. Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Gainesville.
Interment will be 1 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at the DFW National Cemetery under
the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.
Jim was born Feb. 3, 1942 in Dumas to George William and Hazel Geneva (Wibbing)
Blythe. He married his college sweetheart, Dianne DuBose, Aug. 15, 1965 in
Abernathy.
Jim and Dianne lived in the Gainesville area for more than 39 years.
He graduated from McMurry College in Abilene and Baylor University School of
Physical Therapy in Dallas. Immediately after graduation, he was commissioned
into the U.S. Army, serving seven years as a physical therapist during the Viet
Nam era. He was honorably discharged as a Captain.
Following his discharge, he established the Physical Therapy Center in
Gainesville with partner Alan Trammell, and he continued to work there until his
death. Jim was a member of Gainesville First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Rose Ann Lambert.
Survivors include wife, Dianne; son Clint and wife, Tami, of Decatur; daughters
Chrisanne Blythe of Kaufman and Lundyn of the home; grandchildren Layni and Zane
Blythe of Decatur; brothers Don and wife, Barbra, of Fritch, Bill and wife,
Jill, of Lake Kiowa, Ben and wife, Georgia, of Lake Kiowa; brother-in-law Larry
Lambert of Dumas; brother-in-law Richard DuBose and wife, Joan, of Canton; and
many loving nieces and nephews.
Bohannan, Pat
1943-2014
Published Saturday, April 19, 2014
Pat Bohannan, 70, a homemaker, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, in Decatur.
No services are scheduled.
Pat was born Aug. 19, 1943, to Ernest and Effie (Smith) Smith in Modesto, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest Bohannan; son
Jackie Cathey; brothers Eugene and Bobby; and sisters Frances and Sue.
She is survived her sons, Rodger Cathey and wife, Robin, of Boyd, and Gene
Cathey of Runaway Bay; grandchildren Amanda, Rodger, Samantha and Deborah;
great-grandchildren Lawson and Kayleigh; brothers Valdeen, David and Bill Smith;
sisters Laverne and Dorothy; other family members and friends.
Bolin, Ray Nell
1927-2014
Published Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Ray Nell Bolin, 87, a dietitian, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, at her home in Blue
Mound.
Funeral was Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Boyd,
with burial in Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Griffin officiated and Randy Harris,
Tracy Harris, Tommy White, Travis White, Mark White and John Gilbert, Jr. served
as pallbearers. Russell Mize was honorary pallbearer.
Ray Nell was born April 17, 1927 to George Thomas and Ida Mae (Mann) Stokes in
Randolph. She married Abner Thomas Bolin Dec. 31, 1945 in Decatur. She was a
member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Abner; her son-in-law,
John Y. “Mo” Gilbert; a sister; and five brothers.
Survivors include her daughters, Sandra Padgett and husband, Jim, of Blue Mound,
Donna White and husband, Tommy, of Blue Mound, and Sharon Gilbert of Fort Worth;
son Randy Carl Bolin and wife, Karen, of Burleson; sister Flora Capehart; 13
grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; her cat, Spooks; numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Bordner, Frank George ‘Petie’
1923-2013
Published Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Services for longtime Bridgeport historian Frank George ‘Petie’ Bordner, 90,
will be Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in
Bridgeport, officiated by Father Thomas Dsouza.
Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday,
Jan. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Bordner passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 in Grapevine.
Petie was born Jan. 18, 1923 in Bridgeport to Pete and Helen (Galik) Bordner.
Upon graduation from BHS, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before
returning to Bridgeport and marrying Alva Jewell Holt. He worked as an oilfield
pumper with Mitchell Energy until his retirement.
Petie was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bridgeport, and he enjoyed
woodworking and traveling.
He may be best remembered as the local expert when it came to the history of the
coal mines in Bridgeport. He was often a presenter during the annual Coal Miners
Day program.
He is survived by daughter Melinda Manoushagian and husband Ralph of Bedford;
grandchildren Beth Wykrent and husband Damon of Highland Village, and Andy
Manoushagian of Los Angeles; and great-grandchildren Luke Wykrent and Molly
Wykrent, both of Highland Village.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Alva Jewell Bordner, and his
parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridgeport Heritage Museum,
812-B Halsell St, Bridgeport, TX 76426, or to St. John’s Catholic Church, 1801
Irvin St, Bridgeport, TX 76426.
Boulware, Cleo Adella
1923-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Cleo Adella Boulware, 90, a lifelong resident of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Nov.
8, 2014, in Decatur.
Service was Nov. 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport with
burial at Thomas Cemetery under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home of
Bridgeport.
Cleo was born Dec. 5, 1923, to Roy and Lora (Davidson) Poore. She was a retired
bookkeeper for the Corner Drug Store in Bridgeport and a lifelong member of the
First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
Cleo was also a member of the Eastern Star, the Bridgeport Garden Club and a
state winner in the Ladies Golf Association.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband J.B. (Booty) Boulware; and son
John Boulware. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a
great friend.
Cleo is survived by her son, Larry Boulware; daughter Paula Brussow and husband,
Jerry; daughter-in-law Doris Boulware; sister Lora Beth Byrnes; MiMi’s kids
Mary Ann Boulware, Jason Brussow and wife, Lori, Kevin Brussow, Robert Boulware
and Marcie Boulware, Grand-MiMi’s kids Collin, Mika and Dillon Brussow; and
extended family and friends.
Box, Becky Ann
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Becky Ann Box, 61, of Boyd died Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at White’s Azle Chapel.
Becky was born Sept. 15, 1952, in Stamford to Herschel “Bud” and Edna
Merlene Couch Box. A graduate of Angelo State University, she taught school for
a short time, later becoming an editor for TV Listing Inc. But mostly Becky was
a teacher of life. She was a beloved mother, sister, friend and grandmother.
Becky embraced her Indian heritage, was brave, loyal and humble. She was
selfless, accepting and always a calm in any storm. She was a fun-maker,
risk-taker and a do-what-it-takes mom. She will be deeply missed and never
forgotten.
Becky was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Jennifer Sparkman; brother
Buddy Box; sister Bette Lang; and aunt Zelma Faye Allen.
Survivors include her children, David Lee Sparkman Jr., Rebecca LeAnn Sparkman,
Joseph Wesley Sparkman and Sandra Elizabeth Jackson; 10 grandchildren; brother
Bill Box; sister and best friend Chris Dawson; very good friend Charlene
Sheasley Tyler; a niece; two nephews; and many friends.
Memorials may be made to MADD or Battered Women’s Shelters of America.
Brantly, Wanda Faye
1933-2014
Published Saturday, October 4, 2014
Wanda Brantly, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, in Arlington.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Balsora Baptist Church with the Rev. Glen
Connell officiating. Burial will follow at Post Oak Cemetery under the direction
of Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers are Sid Brantly Jr., Mike Torok, Sid Brantly II, William Brantly,
Jesse Lanham and Don Jones.
Wanda was born Oct. 25, 1933, in Newark to Lawrence and Kate (Gilmore) Washburn.
She married Sidney Brantly Oct. 17, 1951, in Fort Worth. Wanda loved to paint,
cook and occasionally contribute to the editorial section of the newspaper.
She was a longtime resident of Balsora and a member of the Balsora Baptist
Church.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Albert and James Washburn;
and sisters Viola Simmons and Ruth Johnston.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Sidney Brantly of Bridgeport;
daughters Sabra Torok and husband, Mike, of Arlington; son Sid Brantly and wife,
Viola, of Kentucky; grandchildren Kerri, Amanda Lynn, Miranda, Sid, Cameron,
Cynda, Toleda and William; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Gail Rotan of Newark;
brother Paul Washburn of Azle; and other family members and friends.
Brassfield, Robert ‘Earl’
1937-2014
Published Saturday, July 26, 2014
Robert “Earl” Brassfield, 77, formerly of Decatur, died Tuesday, July 22,
2014, in Fort Worth. Graveside service was July 25 at Jonestown Cemetery with
burial under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Earl was born April 11, 1937, in Decatur to Floyd and Florene (Walker)
Brassfield. He married Emma Baskin April 11, 2009, in Fort Worth, and he loved
listening to country music. He also enjoyed his work as a mechanic.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Virginia
Brassfield; his second wife, Lynette Brassfield; and three brothers. Survivors
include his wife, Emma Brassfield of Fort Worth; sons Jerry Brassfield and wife,
Marilyn, of McCurtain, Okla., Robert Brassfield and wife, Shorty, of Cisco, and
Mark Brassfield and wife, Jehree, of Gorman; daughters Earlene Townsend and
husband, Randy, of Henderson, Nev., Debbie Elem and husband, Mark, of Cisco,
Mindy Hanes and husband, Dennis, of McCurtain, Okla., and Teresa Joseph of
Seattle; stepchildren Thomas Cook of Fort Worth, Walter Cook and wife, Jamie, of
Fort Worth, Lewon Horton of Fort Worth, John B. Cook of Fort Worth, and Byron
Cook and wife, Charity, of Fort Worth; 20 grandchildren; numerous
great-grandchildren; brother Jerry Don Brassfield of Springtown; his favorite
sister-in-law, Jean Ford of Springtown; and numerous nieces, nephews and
friends.
Brawley, Michael ‘Andy’
1990-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Michael “Andy” Brawley, 24, of Springtown, died Friday, July 25, 2014.
Memorial service is 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Hilltop Family Church in
Springtown. Arrangements are under the direction of Alexander Midway Funeral
Home in Springtown.
Andy was born May 24, 1990, in Weatherford to Scot and Jill Brawley. His life
was centered around his son, Beckham, his family and his family at the sale
barn. Andy saw the good in everyone he met, was a friend to many and loved by
all.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward Brawley, Carl Moore and Bea
Moore; and uncle Lane Moore.
He is survived by his son, Beckham; parents Scot and Jill Brawley; brother Chad
Brawley; grandmother Carlyn Davis; aunts and uncles, Lynda and Howard Morris,
Darlene Woodle and Tracy Brawley and companion Ross Odell; godfather Micheal
Thomson; cousins Amy and Hud Woodle and Kristi Morris; and best buddy, Pete
Burkhalter.
Brazier, Nora Eloise
1919-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Nora Eloise Brazier, 95, of Chico, died Sunday, July 20, 2014.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Chico Cemetery with Pastor
Rick Neatherly officiating.
Nora was born April 15, 1919, in Chico. She attended Chico schools, graduated
from the University of Texas in 1949 and went on to earn her master’s degree
in social work in 1951.
Nora served as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. She was one of the
first WAVE volunteers and was assigned to basic training in the Bronx and
Stillwater, Okla., with her final duty assignment in Gulfport, Miss.
After leaving the Navy, Nora was a social worker with the Texas Department of
Public Welfare until her retirement in 1979.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, James, George and Wesley Brazier; and
sisters Mertie Brazier, Mattie Brazier, Julia Strandtman and May Crawford.
Survivors include her nieces, Donna Barkley, Jane Sward and Marilyn Hadley; and
other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico or
to the Chico Community Volunteer Fire Department, 102 N. Weatherford, Chico, TX
76431.
Brewer, Jimmy Dale
1955-2014
Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Jimmy Dale Brewer, 59, a retired delivery man, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, in
Bridgeport at Stagecoach Rehabilitation.
Memorial service was Dec. 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport
with the Rev. Sam Caldwell officiating.
Jimmy was born Aug. 31, 1955, in Bridgeport to E.J. “Bill” and Nellie
Katherine “Mollie” (Dethloff) Brewer. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, he
worked for Hartsell Feed Store, Gifford Hill Rock Crusher, Chico Crushed Stone,
Dnya Mud Drilling, A&T Bearing and the Bridgeport Index.
At a very young age, Jimmy Dale followed his family and joined the First United
Methodist Church of Bridgeport. He remembered the church’s first Thanksgiving
Dinner and helped the church every year prepare the meal for Wise County
residents.
In 1989, Jimmy Dale received the gift of life through a kidney transplant
allowing him to help his family, his church and his community for the past 25
years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charlie Roscoe Brewer.
Survivors include brother Billy Jay Brewer and his wife, Leanna, of Bridgeport;
sisters Nellie Redwine and husband, James, of Chico and Roxie Rumbaugh and
husband, Joe, of La Grange; four nephews; two nieces; nine great-nephews; eight
great-nieces; one great-great-niece; and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport or a
charity of your choice.
Bridges, Lou Vee
1928-2014
Published Saturday, May 31, 2014
Lou Vee Bridges may have impacted more lives in Wise County than anyone you’ve
never heard of.
Bridges, 85, who died Sunday, May 25, 2014, in Decatur, was a board member of
Wise County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1, and
secretary-treasurer of the National Watershed Coalition (NWC), based in
Chandler, Okla.
A Paradise resident, she worked tirelessly for the creation of flood-control
structures throughout the county to protect farmland, roads and lives during
catastrophic flooding.
“Most people didn’t realize what all she did,” said Precinct 2
Commissioner Kevin Burns, immediate past-chairman of the National Watershed
Coalition.
“Wise County’s system of dams, the protection of landowners’ rights,
property, farmland – that is Lou Vee’s legacy. I was very fortunate to get
acquainted with her, fortunate she let me know what was going on.”
Lou was born June 21, 1928, in Boyd to William and Annie (Albritton) Bridges.
She married Bob Randall Pruden, who preceded her in death. She was a member of
the Paradise Methodist Church.
As an administrative assistant for the U.S. and European divisions of General
Electric, Bridges was legendary for her ability to motivate people and get
things done.
Dr. Dan Sebert, executive director of the NWC, gave the eulogy at her service,
which was Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport.
“She took a lot of people by surprise, and she knew that,” he said. “It
was part of her method. People would think they were stopping to meet a sweet
little lady, and when they left they’d have a sore arm from it being twisted,
and a list of things they needed to do – things they were afraid not to do
because they promised that sweet little lady they would.”
Burns said her work with GE was in the rocket propulsion division for the space
program.
“She had a lot of office and supervisory experience,” he said. “She was
really something.”
Her involvement with water projects started when she helped shelve a Corps of
Engineers project near Boyd in the 1980s. The idea was to build a big
flood-control dam that could have inundated 45,000 acres of farmland during a
heavy rain.
“It would have taken out most of the farmland between Lake Bridgeport and
Boyd,” Burns said.
Instead, there are now 108 flood-control structures throughout the county, most
of them with 3 to 5 acres of coverage that would swell to 12 to 15 acres at
flood stage.
“It’s a simple system, but it works well to prevent our roads from washing
out,” Burns said. “Lou Vee really had a lot to do with that. She made my job
easier as a commissioner, because these structures protect my roads so well.
They protect roads, lots of farmland and lots of lives during significant
rains.”
Bridges worked closely with former U.S. Congressman Charlie Stenholm, but she
was fearless about approaching anyone who could help Wise County.
“Lou Vee has affected state budgets, congressional budgets and executive
branch budgets for years – and all for our benefit,” Burns said. “She was
very active in the political arena in that way.
“She was very passionate about it,” he added. “It was impressive to watch
her work.”
Sebert said she was still active in the NWC when she died.
“People would ask me how long she was going to serve in that office, and my
answer was, ‘As long as she wants to.'” he said. “She still had hotel
reservations and travel plans when she died, and she expected to be able to do
those things.
“She had a lot of energy for a woman her age – and she had a lot of friends
who helped her get where she needed to be to make good things happen for Wise
County.”
He said it’s due in large part to her efforts that Wise County is his
“poster child” for interagency cooperation as he travels the nation
promoting soil and water conservation.
“The things that have gone on in Wise County, the cooperation among the
county, the Soil & Water Conservation District, the Water Board, the Water
Control & Improvement District and other organizations – that’s her
legacy,” he said. “She’d get people by the ear and help them find the
right path to do the right thing, and they appreciated it.”
Rev. Gary Sessions officiated the service, and Gary Potts, Mike Overton, James
McGilvray, Dickie Clement, Darnel Willis, Cody Gillispie, Burns and Paul Wood
served as pallbearers. Burial was in Paradise Cemetery.
Bridges is survived by members of her extended family, and numerous friends.
Donations may be made to Wise County Animal Shelter or the charity of your
choice.
Brooks, Della Lee
1933-2014
Published Saturday, November 22, 2014
Della Lee Brooks, 81, of Chico, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Chico Cemetery with Pastor Ed
Edington officiating. Della was born Oct. 29, 1933, in Barnsdall, Okla., to Leo
Lindsay and Esther (Crow) Hill. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary
and loved to bake and crochet. She encouraged others and was a good friend to
many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; and grandson Brent
Lemond.
Della is survived by her husband, Cecil Brooks of Bridgeport; daughter Rhonda
Wilson and husband, Ron, of Whitehouse; sisters Vivian Welch of Pawhuska, Okla.,
and Wanda Weigart of Chico; grandchildren Ryon and Dustin Wilson;
great-grandchildren Abigail and Gavyn Wilson; nephews Bradley, Kendall and
Gregory North; niece Sherry Welch; and numerous great-nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be made to www.veteransinc.org.
Brown, Billy J.
1927-2014
Published Saturday, September 27, 2014
Billy J. Brown, 87, of Decatur died Monday, Sept. 22, 2014.
Service is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Victory Family Church in Decatur with
burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home, 3100 White
Settlement Rd., in Fort Worth.
Billy was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Whitesboro. He will be missed by all who knew
and loved him.
He was preceded in death by twin daughters, Debra and Denise Brown; and son
Phillip Brown.
He’s survived by daughter Regina Muscara; granddaughter Nicole Johnson;
grandson James Harwell; sister Barbara Jolley; and brother Wesley Payne.
Brown, Etna Champion
1918-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Etna Champion Brown, 96, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Brownwood after a long
illness.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the First Baptist Church at Alvord
with Pastor Bill Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery
under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home of Decatur.
Pallbearers are Luke Culwell, Wade Brown, Jases Brown, Douglas Boswell, Josh
Reich and Caleb Reich.
Etna Theo was born March 8, 1918, at home near Alvord to Charles Roy and Grace
Elnora (Sims) Champion. She was named by her grandfather, Charley Champion,
after his two favorite aunts.
Etna grew up on the farm in the Elm Community during the Great Depression. The
family worked hard but enjoyed visiting and going to gospel singings. The
Depression taught her to be content and live a simple, frugal life.
In 1929, Etna received Christ as her Savior after reading a little book of John
given to her by her Sunday school teacher. She was baptized in the Alvord
Baptist Church. Her faith sustained her throughout her life.
Etna graduated from Alvord High School in 1935 and went on to John Tarleton
Junior College (now Tarleton State University) for one year, majoring in home
economics. She later worked as a receptionist, in retail, and as a nurse’s
aide – but her life’s work was as a homemaker. Her greatest joy was cooking
and setting a beautiful table for her family.
In her later years, Etna played dominoes, kept her yard and sang in the church
choir and at local nursing homes. She lived at home until the age of 92 with the
help of her son, Royce, and daughter-in-law JoEllen, until she moved to Songbird
Lodge in Brownwood.
She is survived by her daughter, Gayle Reich and husband, John Wayne, of
Blanket; sons Freddie Ross and wife, Nancy, of Sun City, Ariz., Roger Wilson and
wife, Kris, of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Royce Brown and wife, JoEllen, of
Alvord; grandchildren Marc Ross, Becky Ross, Luke Culwell and wife, Paige, Stacy
Loftin and husband, Dustin, Kalie Reich, Josh Reich and wife, Mary Ruth, Caleb
Reich, Wade Brown and wife, Andrea, Jases Brown and wife, Stacey, Katrina Amato
and husband, Ryan, Elizabeth Thompson, Douglas Boswell and Tiffany Brown; 20
great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a brother, C.W. Champion.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Alvord Building Fund.
Brown, Phillip Brandon
1957-2014
Published Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Phillip Brandon Brown, 56, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Phillip was born Sept. 27, 1957, in Fort Worth to Billy Junior and Betty Sue
(Ames) Brown.
He is survived by his father, Billy Brown of Decatur; sisters Reggie Muscara of
Decatur and Doris Douglas of Kansas; brother Bruce Barker of Fort Worth; and
several nieces and nephews.
Brumley, Dale
1935-2014
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Dale Brumley, 78, of Runaway Bay, died Sunday, May 11, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service is 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Paradise Church of Christ.
Another service is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Canyon Hills Church of Christ in
Canyon.
Dale was born July 10, 1935, in Erick, Okla., to William and Ellie (Driggars)
Brumley. He married Darlene Ford June 28, 1957, in Lefors. Dale owned and
operated an industrial sales and service business.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dale is survived by his wife of 56 years, Darlene (Ford) Brumley of Runaway Bay;
daughters Tamara Hegwood and husband, Wesley, of Goodwell, Okla., Terri Brumley
Barnwell of Amarillo and Trudy Hartson and husband, Hudson, of Lubbock; sons
Troy Brumley and wife, Amy, of Wichita, Kan., and Tony Brumley and wife, Cindy,
of Canyon; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters Loretta Burris and
husband, Tom, of Whitney and Patsy Reece of California; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Bryant, Delwyn Ludy
1950-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Delwyn Ludy Bryant, 64, died Saturday, May 17, 2014, at his home in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Brother Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport
Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Delwyn was born Jan. 10, 1950, in Hughes Springs to Lawana (Harris) and Melvin
Ludy Bryant. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from November 1968 to July
1970. He liked watching and shopping on TV.
He is survived by his son, Jason Bryant; his mother; brothers Jerry, Johnny and
Doyle Bryant; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father.
Bullard, Bobby Joe
1936-2014
Published Saturday, January 18, 2014
Bobby Joe Bullard, 77, of Newark died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, in Weslaco.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at Aurora Baptist Church in with burial in
Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. Jimmy Withers will officiate.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Pallbearers include Daren Hayden, Loren Hayden, Branden Hayden, Johnny Bullard,
John Bullard and Austin White. Honorary pallbearers include Tanner Hayden, Race
Hayden and Colten Hayden.
Bobby was born June 29, 1936, to Burley and Virginia (Pike) Bullard in Fort
Worth. He married Synda Schupbach July 4, 2007, in Wise County.
Bobby was a member of Aurora Baptist Church and the Mid-Cities Anglers Club. He
retired from Bell Helicopter after more than 40 years of service.
He loved to fish, play golf, travel, shoot pool and dance. From the words of his
grandson “his dance moves were legendary.” Bobby will be remembered most for
his love for people, laughter and enjoying life to the fullest.
He was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Vaneta
McDonald Bullard, in 1985; and his daughters, Deborah Youngblood and Sandra
Bullard. Bobby is survived by his wife, Synda Bullard, of Newark; son Johnny
Bullard and wife, Susie, of Azle; daughters Vickie Long of Avoca, Iowa, and
Barbara White and husband, Jack, of Weatherford; stepchildren Debra Patterson
and husband, Gary, of New Jersey, Pixie Rippy of Crowley, Derek Newman and wife,
Kim, of Lebanon, Mo., Loren Hayden and wife, Rachell, of Garland, Daren Hayden
and wife, Becky, of Saginaw and Brandon Hayden and wife, Angie, of Mesquite;
nine grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and other
family members and friends. Memorials may be made to Aurora Baptist Church in
Bobby’s name.
Burk, Carolyn ‘Suzy’
1949-2014
Published Saturday, January 18, 2014
Carolyn “Suzy” Burk, 64, a retired restaurant manager, died Sunday, Jan. 12,
2014, in Fort Worth.
No services are scheduled.
Suzy was born April 23, 1949, in Fort Worth to William and Norma (Harvey)
Matthews.
She is survived by her daughter, Lindsay Clark of Fort Worth; sons Justin Burk
and wife, Sandi, of Decatur and Cody Burk and wife, Emily, of Glendale, Ariz.;
grandchildren Savannah, Colton, Ramsay, Caroline and Brady; her mother, Norma
Matthews of Rhome; sister Melba Pitts and husband, Robert, of Aurora; and other
family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Carolyn “Suzy” Burk Memorial Fund, Account No.
5061571211, at any Wells Fargo Bank location.
Burns, Marlene Elizabeth
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Marlene Elizabeth Burns, 70, a retired veterinary assistant, died Sunday, Feb.
9, 2014, in Decatur.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Marlene was born Aug. 1, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Richard and Mary (Zager)
Bourne. She married Robert Henry Burns Jr. on April 13, 1975, in Burlington,
Wis.
Survivors include her husband, Bob Burns of Paradise; sons Lee Shepard and wife,
Kelly, and Jason Shepard and wife, Jennifer, both of Sun Prairie, Wis.;
grandchildren Brendan, Cassie, Mara, Kaden and Kyler; brother Michael Bourne of
Menominee Falls, Wis.; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Marvin Bourne.
Burris, George Rex
1935-2014
Published Saturday, December 27, 2014
George Rex Burris, 79, of Happy, formerly of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, Dec. 23,
2014, in Amarillo.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at DFW National Cemetery in
Irving. Colton Burris will officiate.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Pallbearers will be Cody Burris, Blair Braden, T.J. Burris, Colton Burris,
Keaton Hughes and Evan Hughes.
George was born Nov. 8, 1935, and he attended 13 different schools growing up.
He was drafted in August of 1954 and served two years in the U.S. Army. He
served in the Korean Conflict as a Nike Hercules crewman.
After the war, George had a varied career and life. He owned and operated five
barber shops and was the owner of the Bullies Corral in Bridgeport. He also was
a dairyman, owned a water well drilling service, owned a heavy
equipment/construction business from 1979 to 1990 and was a pilot. He was raised
to Master Mason Jan. 8, 1959, and he became a 32nd degree Mason in 1964 in
Dallas.
For three-and-a-half years, he was a member of the Paradise school board. He
also chartered the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Bridgeport, and he taught
a high school Sunday school class for 15 years.
George supported God’s missions. He drilled a water well in India, dedicating
it to his parents and helped to bring Russian Jews to Israel. He supported
orphans in Israel and contributed to an Indian school in South Dakota.
George is survived by his wife, Sue Burris of Happy; daughters Debbie Braden and
fianc, Doug Dick, of Los Alamos, N.M., and Sheri Hughes and husband, Leslie, of
Decatur; son William Burris and wife, Monette, of Bridgeport; grandsons Cody
Burris, Tylor Braden, Evan Hughes, Blair Braden, Colton Burris, T.J. Burris and
Keaton Hughes; nine great-grandchildren; and sister Fern Anderson of California.
Bybee, Bradley Lee
1955-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Bradley Lee Bybee, 59, of Bridgeport, died Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Dallas.
Services are pending with Localcremation. Burial will be at Dallas-Fort Worth
National Cemetery.
Bradley was born Jan. 16, 1955, in Evanston, Wyo. He was a Vietnam veteran,
serving in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne.
He is survived by his wife, Nora Bybee; sons Jeremy Stevens, Brandon Bybee,
James Robinson and Richard Robinson; brother Kaysee Bolin; sister Debra Volkoff;
and grandchildren Dylan Stevens, Brandi Stevens, Jeremy Stevens Jr, Bradley
Stevens, Emmanora Stevens, Nicholas Robinson, Cayte Robinson and Joel Robinson.
Both of his parents, Isabell Stevens and Levar Stevens, preceded him in death.
Bynum, Barry
1945-2014
Published Saturday, August 2, 2014
Barry Bynum, 69, of Bridgeport, died Monday, July 28, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Jim Ned Cemetery in Runaway
Bay with Melvin Castleberry officiating.
Barry was born June 30, 1945, in Olney. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in
Vietnam. He was employed at Jerry’s GMC in Weatherford for 24 years, and he
married Brenda Bynum July 29, 1988.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Bynum.
Survivors include sons Chad Bynum and wife, Jennifer and Jason Johnson and wife,
Lindsey; daughters Kristie Claunch and husband, Billy, and Melissa Succetti;
brother George Bynum; sister Janie Keesee and husband, David; and grandchildren
Chera Claunch, Kyle Claunch, Madison Andreasen, Aislee Bynum, Krimsen Succetti
and Lakota Mason.
Memorials may be made to the Bridgeport Band Booster Club at any First Financial
Bank.
Cairns, Dora May
1932-2014
Published Saturday, June 21, 2014
Dora May Cairns, 82, of Newark died Monday, June 16, 2014, in Newark.
Funeral was June 20 at Renewal Fellowship Church in Boyd with the Rev. Jerry
Hood officiating. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Richard Alarcon, Paul Bukak, Thomas Cairns, Ed Benoy, Lee
Draper and Thomas Tidwell.
Dora was born June 11, 1932, in Sidon, Miss., to Wheeler and Ellie Mae
(Pennington) Lindsey. She married Darin Thomas Cairns Sept. 27, 1961, in Yuba
City, Calif., and she was a retired lab technician, having worked for StyroChem.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darin; son Wayne Morris;
and grandson Daniel.
She is survived by son Roger Cairns and wife, Shari, of Newark; grandchildren
Cassy, Rachel, Thomas, Richard, Kaitlin, Jonathan, Michael and Christopher;
great-grandchildren Jazmyne, Alex, Gabby, Noah, Gabriel, Gauge, Levi, Preston
and Payton; brother Peck Lindsey; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Calder, Freda Doris
1922-2014
Published Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Freda Doris Calder, 92, a retired aeronautical assembly worker, died Monday,
Sept. 1, 2014, in Alvord.
No services will be held at this time.
Freda was born Feb. 4, 1922, in Mills, Colo., to Jess and Zela (Hollis) Massey.
She married Guy Calder Nov. 19, 1939, in Regency.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include her daughter, RaeAnn Warren and husband, David Sr., of Alvord;
grandchildren Lisa Medina and husband, Roland, of Carrollton, David Warren Jr.
and wife, Michelle, of Alvord and Wes Warren and wife, Nicole, of Flower Mound;
nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother Wayne Massey
of Fredericksburg; and sister Floree Shannon of Teague.
Campbell, Lula Mae
1929-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Lula Mae Campbell, 85, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Springtown.
Graveside service was May 6 at East Bridgeport Cemetery with the Rev. Gary
Sessions officiating. Burial was under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Lula was born April 25, 1929, in Davis, Okla., to Tom and Sarah (Smith) White.
She married John Earl Campbell May 29, 1948, in Weatherford. Lula was a retired
house mother for Denton State School. She was a talented seamstress and owned
and operated Lue’s Cleaners.
Lula was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 60 years, John
Earl Campbell; son Tommy Ray Campbell; brother Clyde White; and sisters Juanita
Henson and Mary Vanhoose.
She is survived by her son, Larry Campbell and wife, Lecia, of Springtown;
daughter Linda Motley and husband, Travis, of Midlothian; grandchildren Cynthia
Threadgill, Meloney Campbell, Kevin and Stewart Motley, Brian Campbell, John
Ryals and wife, Denee, Heather Shields and Tee Latham and wife, Melissa; nine
great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Caraway, Wesley Clifton
1954-2014
Published Saturday, April 5, 2014
Wesley Clifton Caraway, 60, a maintenance worker, died Tuesday, April 1, 2014,
in Chico.
Graveside service was April 4 at Sweetwater Cemetery with the Rev. Louis Horton
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Wesley was born March 9, 1954, in Decatur to Claude and Maggie (Shuret) Caraway.
He was a street maintenance worker for the city of Decatur for 17 years and was
a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his brothers, Marshall Caraway of Chico and Phillip Caraway
and wife, Wendi, of Chico; sister Patsy Davis and husband, Donald, of
Weatherford; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Cardona, Anna Lee
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Anna Lee Cardona, 72, a homemaker, died Friday, April 11, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at First Baptist Church in
Alvord with the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiating.
Anna was born Dec. 1, 1941, in Nampa, Idaho, to Carl and Eva (Blades) Flanery.
She married Rene Velis Cardona May 10, 1976, in Eureka Spings, Ark., and loved
spending time with her family. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist
Church of Alvord.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Rene Cardona of Alvord; son Heath King of Denton;
daughters Melissa Cardona-Walker of Euless and Amy Williams of Alvord; grandson
Dorian Ashby of Little Elm; brother Troy Flanery of California; and other family
members and friends.
Carlton, Linda Ann
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Linda Ann Carlton, 70, of Boyd, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, in Decatur.
Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and noon to 2 p.m. Friday at Greenoaks
Funeral Home in Fort Worth. The religious service will be 2 p.m. Friday with
Stephen M. Young II officiating. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.
Linda was born April 9, 1943, in Providence, R.I. She worked as an electrician
for Case Electric and a concierge at Holiday Inn. She was an active volunteer
with the Boy Scouts of America from 1981 to 1994, and in 1992, she received the
highest volunteer honor, the Silver Beaver, for her honorary and dedicated
service to the Scouts.
She is survived by her brother, Raymond Grenier; children Barbara Whitson, Joyce
Barras, Loren Smith and wife, Robin, Douglas Carlton and wife, Tracy, and Terri
Voiselle and husband, Alan; grandchildren Eugene, Ryan, Christopher, Jeremy,
Douglas, Tristian, Justin, Morgan, Kelly, Taylor and Allie; and
great-grandchildren Beckett, Evan, Lincoln and Carson; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ruth Grenier; husband Gene
Carlton; and son Michael Carlton.
Carroll, Melvin Joseph, Jr.
1955-2014
Published Saturday, February 1, 2014
Melvin Joseph Carroll Jr., 58, of Bowie, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Wichita
Falls.
A mememorial service will be held at a later date. Falls Funeral Home is
handling arrangements.
Melvin was born June 14, 1955, in Fort Worth to Melvin J. Carroll Sr. and Era
Mae Carroll. They preceded him in death.
He is survived by sons Melvin Joseph Carroll III, Travis Carroll, Sammy Carroll,
Joshua Verhovshek, Jason Barrett and Cole Carroll; daughters Amber Carroll,
Jenny Riley and Maegan White; brothers Billy Carroll, Paul Carroll and Charlie
Carroll; sister Dona Carroll; grandchildren Benjamin Reid, Kadence Reid, Jasmine
White, Logan Carroll, Heidi Carroll, Landrie Carroll, Elaine Verhovshek, Ashlyn
Barrett and Phoenix Barrett.
Carter, Ann
1930-2014
Published Saturday, July 19, 2014
Ann Carter, 84, a homemaker, died Tuesday, July 15, 2014 in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Friday, July 18 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport, with
burial in Chico Cemetery. Rev. Gary Sessions officiated and Leslie Hardin,
Priscilla Hardin, Chief John Hobbs, Holly Brooks, Doug Blanks and Terry Hand
served as pallbearers.
Ann was born March 30, 1930 to Richard and Anna (Hentchel) Prause in Grulish,
Czechoslovakia. She married Ralph Carter Dec. 29, 1953 in Hammelburg, Germany.
Ann was preceded in death by son Michael Carter and daughter Linda Blanks.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ralph Carter of Chico; daughters
Wendy Denney of Louisiana, Joyce O’Dell and husband, Wayland, of Balsora;
grandchildren Kelcey, Jeremy, Jerod, Haley and Leland; sister Bergitta Prinze of
Germany; other family members and a host of friends.
Carter, Rose Alice Gray
1913-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Rose Alice Gray Carter, who with her husband, Gene, owned the Wise County
Messenger from 1960 to 1973, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Arlington at the age
of 100.
Funeral was May 6 at Greenwood Funeral Home’s Arlington Chapel with burial at
Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Rose was born May 13, 1913, to Oscar A. and Ocie Hardison Gray in the Lone Star
community in Montague County. She was one of seven children. She graduated from
Bowie High School in 1930 and attended North Texas State College (now UNT).
On July 29, 1933, Rose married Ernest Eugene “Gene” Carter, who started his
weekly newspaper career with The Bowie Blade. On Sept. 13, 1934, their only
child, Peggy, joined the family, and they remained in Bowie until 1937, when
Gene began working for the Muenster Enterprise.
In 1941, Gene accepted a position with the Baylor County Banner in Seymour.
During the next 19 years, they became co-owners of the Banner, and Rose began
her career as business office manager in charge of advertising, sales and
whatever else was needed – a job she loved.
In 1960, they bought the Wise County Messenger in Decatur and published it until
their retirement in January of 1973, when they sold the newspaper to the current
owners, Roy and Jeannine Eaton.
After retirement, the Carters moved to Arlington and spent their free time
traveling in their Airstream trailer, exploring parts of the U.S. during
extended absences from home.
A lifelong, strong Baptist lady and “Jesus person,” Rose and Gene were
active members of the First Baptist churches of four towns. Family ties were of
utmost importance in both the Gray and Carter families, and Rose’s house and
cooking were family favorites. One niece dubbed her the “matriarch” of the
family.
As Gene’s health began to decline, Rose became the consummate caregiver for 10
years – sometimes to the detriment of her own health. They had been married 68
years when Gene died Feb. 10, 2002. She remained in her own home until 2006,
when she chose to move to Bethesda Gardens assisted living.
She celebrated her 100th birthday there last year with a beautiful party and
passed away just 10 days short of 101.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bill, Weldon and Charles
Gray; sisters Nina Combs and Martha Willett; and “one life, one love
forever” husband, Gene.
She is survived by a brother, Paul Gray; daughter Peggy Marshall and husband,
Worth; stepsons Mark and Greg Marshall; stepgrandchildren Matthew, Kate, Ben and
Nick Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to Mission Arlington, 210 W. Center St., Arlington, TX
76010 and Community Hospice of Texas, 6400 Western Place, Suite 105, Fort Worth,
76107.
Cash, Thomas Green
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Thomas Green Cash, 77, of Grandview, died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Chapel
with the Rev. Stanley Lohse officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at
Paradise Cemetery in Paradise. Visitation is 9 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the
service.
Mr. Cash was born July 4, 1936, in Fort Worth to Clarence Marlin Sr. and Mary
Matilda Barnett Cash. He worked for Fort Worth ISD and retired as a master
plumber. Mr. Cash was an avid gardener and loved to play dominos. He was also a
member of the Elks Lodge in Cleburne and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his companion of eight years, Billie and Sassy Muse of
Burleson; foster daughter Robin Holland of Cleburne; sisters Lucille Coursey of
Bridgeport, Matilda Newton and husband, Lewis, of Bridgeport and Cleola Green
and husband, Dwight, of Dallas; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends.
Mr. Cash was preceded in death by his parents; brothers C.M. Cash Jr. and Harold
Ray Cash; and sister Nellie Nichols.
To sign the guestbook, go to www.cpcleburne.com.
Cash, Timothy James
1985-2014
Published Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Timothy James Cash, 28, of Sarasota, Fla., died Thursday, March 20, 2014, in
Sarasota.
Graveside service was March 27 at Paradise Cemetery Deon Nichols officiating.
Timothy was born Oct. 5, 1985, in Tucumcari, N.M., to James Earl Cash and Pamela
Kay Wilkerson. He lived in Paradise for a time as a child and was a chef. He
enjoyed fishing, cars and video games.
He leaves behind his companion, Ashley Gean Walling; parents James and Brandy
Cash of Alvord, and Randy and Pamela King of Muleshoe; brother Shane Earl Cash
of Maryland; sisters Kala Ann Cash and Sera Nicole Cash of Alvord; grandparents
Mary Ruth Cash of Paradise, Mary Carolyn Harrison of Lazbuddie, and Bill and
Gloria Tennison of Alvord.
Timothy was preceded in death by his brother, Kirt Christopher Cash; and
grandfathers Kenneth Harrison and C.B. Cash.
Castleberry, Bob V.
1946-2014
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Bob V. Castleberry, 67, died Wednesday, July 2, 2014.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the East Mound Church of
Christ in Bridgeport. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of
Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home in Ardmore, Okla.
Bob was born Nov. 3, 1946.
He is survived by his sons, Melvin, Alton, Michael and Daniel; and sister Betty
Skaggs.
Cates, James Gordon
1925-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
James Gordon Cates, 89, a retired inspector, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral was June 24 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Brian
Bosworth officiating. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bob Boland, Joe Lambert, Ronnie Walker, Larry Avant, Joseph
Greene and Wayne Stone.
James was born June 15, 1925, in Decatur to Joe C. and Emma Jane (White) Cates.
He married Laura Marie Dutile Aug. 17, 1959, in Decatur.
He served his country in the U.S. Army and retired from General Dynamics after
40 years of service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of
Decatur.
James was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Laura Cates of Decatur; son Joe Greene
of Decatur; two grandsons; and many friends.
Cates, Virginia Wilkerson
1924-2014
Published Saturday, March 15, 2014
Virginia Wilkerson Cates, 90, a retired restaurant owner, died Tuesday, March
11, 2014, in Haltom City.
No service is scheduled.
Virginia was born Jan. 25, 1924, in Rhome to William and Lilly (Slimp) Collins.
A former owner of restaurants in Boyd and Rhome, Virginia was a great cook and
was said to have made the best German chocolate cakes. She also loved to
crochet, tat and was a loving mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Cates; and sisters
Florence Beltch and Patricia Stokes.
Survivors include her son, James Wilkerson and wife, Linda, of Haslet;
grandchildren James Darin Wilkerson and wife, Yong Chu, of Bedford, Karen Gayle
Uzobuife and husband, Pascal, of Haslet, and Andrew Paul Wilkerson of Fort
Worth; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family
members and friends.
Caudill, Jerry Wayne
1951-2014
Published Saturday, June 28, 2014
Jerry Wayne Caudill, 62, of Wichita Falls, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, in
Wichita Falls.
Funeral was June 27 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Melvin
Castleberry officiating. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Shane Givens, Heath Caudill, Terry Caudill Jr., Jarrod Caudill,
James Dominey and Mike Ferguson.
Jerry was born Aug. 8, 1951, in Vernon to Pauline Lameta (Knight) and J.B.
Caudill. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, calf roping and ranching.
He is survived by his children, Scott Caudill, Pam Caudill Stevens, Calvin
Caudill, Terry Caudill and Robert Parr; brothers Terry Caudill and Danny
Stinson; sister Helen Wakefield; and numerous grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James E. Caudill; and sister
Donna Music.
Chance, Patsy Ewing
1937-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Patsy Ewing Chance, 76, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Bedford.
Funeral was Jan. 23 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with the Rev. Mark
Forrest officiating. Burial was at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Greg Williams, Derek Williams, Jackson Basting, Shannon
Hippler, John Basting and Bruce Steele.
Patsy was born March 24, 1937, in Decatur. She graduated from Northwest High
School in 1955 and married Bill Chance July 1, 1974, in Ardmore, Okla. Patsy was
retired from Decatur Lumber Yard and Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Edith Hern; her husband, Bill
Chance on June 9, 2009; and her son, Ron Williams.
Survivors include son Greg Williams and wife, Jennifer Rosenbaum, of
Gainesville; daughters Ronna Wilson and Shannon Hippler of Many, La., and Patti
Basting and Jeff Melton of Boyd; grandchildren Derek, Kelsey, Jessica, Emily and
Jackson; sister Peggy Harvey of Fort Worth; nieces Karan and Donna; nephew
Terry; other family members and a host of friends.
Clark, Donald Joe
1962-2014
Published Saturday, September 27, 2014
Donald Joe Clark, 52, of Chico died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, in Chico.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Chico High School football stadium
with burial at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Donald was born March 21, 1962, in Muleshoe to Joe and Jean (Dane) Clark. He was
a 1980 graduate of Chico High School and was a construction inspector whose
hobbies included being an auctioneer, rodeo announcer and an avid music and
NASCAR fan.
This was his 22nd year as the Voice of the Chico Dragons, and since May 2013, he
was a member of the Chico school board.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and sister Anita Whitson.
Donald is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lori (Verner) Clark; sons J.D. Clark
and Jesse Clark and wife, Alecia; father Joe Clark and wife, Cheryl; mother Jean
Greer and husband, Gerald; sister Amanda Vargas and husband, Jay; grandchildren
Natalie, Cain, and Hayes Clark; and numerous other family members and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to any Chico ISD student organization.
Clark, Mary Kathleen
1944-2014
Published Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Mary Kathleen Clark, 69, a retired dietary worker at Decatur Community Hospital,
died Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with the Rev. Louis Horton officiating. Burial will follow at Sycamore Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Doug
Stutt, Jim Bob Hampton, Justin Beck, Josh Rowland, Mark Rhoudes and James Clark.
Mary was born Nov. 3, 1944, in Decatur to John Thomas and Susan Catherine
(McGregor) Driskell. She married A.J. Clark Sept. 15, 1995, in Decatur and was
married 15 years at his death in 2010. Mary was also preceded in death by her
parents and three brothers. Mary was a member of the House of Prayer Church in
Newark.
She is survived by her daughters, Angela Ward of Clarksville, Tenn., and Debbie
Tanner and husband, Derwin, of Decatur; sons Jerry Beck and wife, Shannon, of
Paradise, and Michael Beck and wife, Sreybonn, of Richland Hills; grandchildren
Victoria, Brittney, Justin, Crystal and Elizabeth; great-grandchild Aliah;
sisters Dottie Howell of San Antonio, Evelyn Mizell of Houston and Nadine
Thompson of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Clark, Robert Glen ‘Bob’
1931-2014
Published Saturday, February 15, 2014
Robert Glen “Bob” Clark, 82, a longtime worker with the Gideons in Decatur,
died Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at
Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.
Bob was born Aug. 8, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harlow and Lillian Clark, the
first of three sons. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
First and foremost, Bob was a Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart.
He was a catastrophe insurance adjuster and worked all over the U.S. when there
was a hurricane or other disaster. His purpose in life was to serve the Lord,
his family and the policyholders who had suffered loss from disasters such as
Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother Tommy; and granddaughter
Jennifer Stephens. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Flo Clark; sons
Randall and Ronald; daughters Kristine deCastilho, Keri Vaughn, Kelli Stephens
and Karla Alexander; grandchildren Craig, Joshua, Michaila, Danielle, Ary,
Trinity, Thomas, Jason, Stephanie and Clayton; great-granddaughter Nevaeh; and
brother Kenneth of Des Moines, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission or Gideons
International, P.O. Box 317, Decatur, TX 76234.
Clemans, Opal C.
1915-2014
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Opal C. Clemans, 98, a homemaker, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was Dec. 15 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Danny Russell
officiating. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Coy Cleveland, Melvin Meadows, Joe Tax, Jim Taylor, Seth Foster
and Jimmy Gentry. Honorary pallbearers were Larry McBride and Sam Erwin.
Opal was born Dec. 28, 1915, in Cottondale to Robert and Nora (Helton) Carter.
She married Charles L. Clemans June 13, 1944, in Fort Worth. Opal was a member
of the Cottondale Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister Ruby Carter; and
brothers Marice Carter and Herbert Carter.
She is survived by her son, W.R. “Bob” Clemans of Paradise; grandson Jason
Clemans and wife, Christina, of Paradise; granddaughter Jodi Messenger and
husband, Tommy, of Paradise; great-grandchildren Jana and Andrew Messenger and
Katelyn Clemans; and many other family members and friends.
Cleveland, Carolyn Kay
1936-2014
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Carolyn Kay Cleveland, 78, a retired teacher, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral was Dec. 16 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Danny Russell,
Sam Starr and Robert Taylor officiating. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Todd Meadows, Jim Garrett, Seth Foster, Jay Foster, Mark Neely
and Coy Cleveland. Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Meadows, Raymond Meadows and
Marvin Crawford.
Carolyn was born Nov. 10, 1936, in Goose Creek to Elzie and Luella (Kay)
Hollaway. She married Gerald Cleveland March 29, 1956, in Baytown. He preceded
her in death in 2013. Carolyn attended Abilene Christian College and retired
from Santa Fe High School as a teacher. She was a Bible class teacher for
preschool for 50 years and served as secretary for the Paradise Economic
Development Corp.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.Survivors include her
daughters, Patti Tax and husband, Joe, of Paradise and Lori Rhodes and husband,
David, of Grand Prairie; son Jerry Cleveland and wife, Linda, of Santa Fe;
grandchildren James, Nathan, Eric,
Jacob, Miranda, Ashley, Victoria, Jonathan and Katie; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
Cleveland, Juanita Irene Bailey
1920-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Juanita Irene Bailey Cleveland, 93, of Paradise, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in
Decatur. Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Jones Family Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with Danny Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Cottondale
Cemetery.
Juanita was born April 9, 1920, in the oil fields of Burkburnett to Maude
(Vandiver) and Leonard Bailey. The Baileys, along with baby son R. J., left
Keeter in the fall of 1919 and moved to Burkburnett. They planned to make as
much money as they could and move back in a few years.
In 1922, son Leon Vaughn was born, and in 1925, twin girls Dorothy and Doris
were born. Conditions were harsh in the oil boomtown, and for a while they lived
in a tent by the railroad tracks because housing was so scarce. Juanita told of
her father taking off his wet overalls when it was so cold they were frozen and
would stand alone in the corner.
In the fall of 1927, the Baileys moved back to Wise County, and Juanita started
school in Boyd. In 1931, brother Gene Winford was born.
Juanita met Floyd Cleveland of Cottondale in 1938 at a party in the Garvin
Community Center. They were married Oct. 10, 1939, in Springtown. They moved to
a three-room house Floyd’s dad and their family had built for them near
Cottondale. Floyd and Juanita raised watermelons, peanuts and cattle and made a
good living. Their son, Coy, was born Aug. 19, 1940, and daughter Shirley was
born Aug. 22, 1943. The family always had plenty, and Juanita, being a good
cook, fed and helped many people in the community. There was never one too many
at mealtime.
She carried many people around in her 1941 Ford coupe, which she called “the
chicken coop.” On May 14, 1963, Juanita proudly became a grandmother, and from
then on she was known as Granny.
She is survived by her two children; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren;
numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her
husband; parents; three brothers; and two sisters.
Coats, Larry Ralph ‘Bear’
1954-2014
Published Saturday, March 8, 2014
Larry Ralph “Bear” Coats, 59, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at home in Cedar
Park.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at The Journey Bible
Fellowship in Leander, with Jeramy Chapman officiating.
Larry was born Nov. 9, 1954, in Decatur, the first son to Verda Pearl and James
Ralph Coats.
He attended Decatur High School where he played football, ran track and
participated in the speech club. He graduated in 1973.
He married Lisa June Lykes in 1987 in Denton.
Larry enjoyed gardening, sports and spending time with his family. He spent many
years in the optical business. He was a member of the Austin Chapter of Texas
Association of Sports Officials and Austin Basketball Chapter of the Texas
Association of Sports Officials.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Coats.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa Coats; daughters Cara Harper and husband,
Christopher Harper, and Abigail Coats; son Jared Coats; mother Verda Coats;
sister Carla Finnel; brother Cliff Coats and sister-in-law, Shelly Coats;
mother-in-law Sue Lykes and father-in-law June Lykes; sister-in-law Laine Gage
and brother-in-law Brian Gage.
Larry requested memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in
lieu of flowers.
Cobb, Charles Bryan, Jr.
1954-2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Charles Bryan Cobb Jr., 60, of Paradise died Monday, June 30, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at Sweetwater Cemetery with
Pastor Jack Skidmore officiating. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Charles was born June 7, 1954, in Haskell to Charles Bryan Cobb Sr. and Mary Jo
Ann Page. He married Donna Vaughan Aug. 13, 1993, in Decatur. He enjoyed riding
horses, showing cattle and woodworking. He was known for smoking briskets and
sausage, as well as making his own barbecue sauce.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Donna Cobb of Paradise; sons Jason Cobb
and wife, Lana, of Springtown and Caleb Page and wife, Lindsay of Junction City,
Kan.; daughters Bethany Cobb of Decatur, Krystal Whited and husband, Randy, of
Aurora and Samantha Jo Cobb of Paradise; grandchildren Hailee, Hannah, Chelsea,
Kadince and Kabella; mother Mary Jo Ann Page and husband, Phillip, of
Springtown; brother Billy Cobb and wife, Kim, of Bridgeport; and nieces, nephews
and friends.
Coble, Norma Lee Montgomery
1929-2014
Published Saturday, February 22, 2014
Norma Lee Montgomery Coble, 84, of Runaway Bay died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in
Fort Worth.
Graveside memorial service is 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at DFW National Cemetery
in Dallas. The Rev. Bill Sparks of Mission Hospice will officiate.
Norma was born April 27, 1929, in Watauga, Okla., to Virgil and Edna (Stevenson)
Montgomery. She married Roy Lee “Pee Wee” Coble May 10, 1947, in Amarillo.
Norma was the office manager for the Runaway Bay Chamber of Commerce and a
member of the First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay and the American Camping
Association.
She generously gave her time volunteering for several organizations, including
Camp Fire Girls. The community of Runaway Bay honored Norma by naming the civic
center after her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roy Lee “Pee Wee” Coble;
brother Gene Sions; sisters Joy Brandley and Rose Hart; and her daughter-in-law,
Shirley Coble. She is survived by her daughter, Leighan Cupples and husband,
Phil, of Mansfield; her sons, Lynn Roy Coble of Arlington and Dennis Coble and
wife, Denise, of Mansfield; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;
sister Anita Steinle of Runaway Bay; brother Walter Montgomery of Virginia; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Coble, Norma Lee Montgomery
1929-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Norma Lee Montgomery Coble, 84, of Runaway Bay died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in
Fort Worth. Graveside memorial service is 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at DFW
National Cemetery in Dallas. The Rev. Bill Sparks of Mission Hospice will
officiate.
Norma was born April 27, 1929, in Watauga, Okla., to Virgil and Edna (Stevenson)
Montgomery. She married Roy Lee “Pee Wee” Coble May 10, 1947, in Amarillo.
Norma was the office manager for the Runaway Bay Chamber of Commerce and a
member of the First Baptist Church of Runaway Bay and the American Camping
Association.
She generously gave her time volunteering for several organizations, including
Camp Fire Girls. The community of Runaway Bay honored Norma by naming the civic
center after her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roy Lee “Pee Wee” Coble;
brother Gene Sions; sisters Joy Brandley and Rose Hart; and her daughter-in-law,
Shirley Coble. She is survived by her daughter, Leighan Cupples and husband,
Phil, of Mansfield; her sons, Lynn Roy Coble of Arlington and Dennis Coble and
wife, Denise, of Mansfield; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;
sister Anita Steinle of Runaway Bay; brother Walter Montgomery of Virginia; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Cocanougher, Vera M.
1916-2014
Published Saturday, August 23, 2014
Vera M. Cocanougher, 98, a bookkeeper, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, under the pavilion at Oaklawn
Cemetery with the Rev. Brian Bosworth officiating.
Vera was born May 8, 1916, in Sanger to Charlie and Dorthula (Habern)
Cocanougher. The family moved in 1919 to Decatur and established the Cocanougher
Feed Store, where she worked for nearly 50 years until she retired, greeting
everyone who came into the store.
Vera was a lifelong, dedicated member of the Decatur First United Methodist
Church and was its oldest living member. She was active in the United Methodist
Women’s Guild, attended Sunday school and church regularly and made many
anonymous contributions. Vera was a former president and charter member of the
Decatur Woman’s Club, and after retirement, she spent many hours as a pink
lady at the Wise Regional Health System.
When Vera was a senior at Decatur High School, the school had to close due to
lack of funding, so she went to live with her sister in Denton so she could
graduate on time. Later, Decatur High School presented her class with diplomas.
A kind, gentle and thoughtful person, she will be greatly missed by her family
and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Glenn Cocanougher, Mary
Fay Cocanougher, Marion Cocanougher and Marie Cocanougher.
She is survived by her nephews, Allen Cocanougher, Charles Cocanougher and
Bonnie Glenn Cocanougher; nieces Dorothy Cocanougher Reid and Marie Sue
Cocanougher Murray; and many friends.
Collins, Neoma Ruth
1928-2014
Published Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Neoma Ruth Collins, 86, a retired factory worker, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014,
in Decatur.
Funeral was Sept. 30 at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev.
David Isbell officiating. Burial followed at Lone Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dennis Brooks, David Newton, Charles Newton, Phillip Brooks,
Randy Tidmore and Tommy Brooks.
Neoma was born Sept. 19, 1928, in Wise County to William Alfred and Sally Myrtle
(Dickenson) Newton. She married Guy Leeross Collins Oct. 7, 1988, in Fort Worth.
Neoma was a member of Eagle Drive Baptist Church.
Neoma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and a sister.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra Jean Fox and husband, Henley, of
Decatur, Alice Sherrod of DeLeon, Paulette Hart and husband, Terry, of Fort
Worth and Gail Kapavik of Benbrook; son Larry Morrow and wife, Judy, of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Russell Fox, Tressa McCormick, Debra Warbrittion,
Dixie Bryan, Kayla Nichols and Cody Morrow; eight great-grandchildren; sisters
Annie Mae Brooks, Lou Ellen Lum and Flora Jean Frazier; brother Melton Newton;
and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Cook, Clarence Dalton
1920-2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Clarence Dalton Cook, 94, died Thursday, June 26, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was July 1 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Dr. David Burrows
and Dr. Craig Erb officiating. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Clarence was born Feb. 12, 1920, in Athens to Heron and Matie (Hobson) Cook. He
married Eula Mae Reeves May 29, 1943, in Jacksboro.
He had been a resident of Bridgeport since 1949 and retired from Acme Brick
after 32 years of service. He was an avid gardener and shared the bounty of his
garden and orchard with family, friends and fellow workers for many years.
Clarence was an enthusiastic follower of the Rangers, Cowboys, Mavericks and
Stars.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Eula Mae Reeves Cook of Bridgeport;
daughter Norma Anderson of Bridgeport; son Danny Cook and wife, Ada Marie, of
Decatur; grandchildren David Anderson and wife, Susan, of Grand Prairie, Daniel
Anderson and wife, Melissa, of San Antonio and Deborah Anderson of McKinney;
great-grandchildren Christopher, Amallia, Rachel and Gracie; and numerous
nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Hettie Lee Alcorn, Versie
Hinds, Addie Robbins and Annie Lyons; and brother Henry Cook.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
Food Bank.
Cooke, James Edward
1933-2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
James Edward Cooke, 80, of Oklahoma City died Thursday, June 12, 2014, at
Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Memorial service is noon Friday, June 27, at Springtown Cemetery.
James was born June 19, 1933, in Marysville, and he graduated from Boyd High
School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was the former
owner of a company that manufactured well heads and valves that were sold
throughout the Middle East. After retirement, he worked at several other small
jobs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Violet (Davison) Cooke; wife
Frances Elizabeth (Barker) Cooke; son James William Cooke; and sisters Gloria
Kemp and Jackie Morgan.
Survivors include his son, Bart Cooke and wife, Charyl, of Yukon, Okla.;
daughter Samantha Cooke of Yukon, Okla.; brothers J.D. Cooke and wife, JoAnn, of
Fort Worth, and LeRoy Cooke and wife, Sue, of Boyd; grandchildren Austin and
Ashlyn Cooke, both of Yukon, Okla.; and numerous other relatives and dear
friends.
Copeland, Frances Charlotte
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Frances Charlotte Copeland, 67, of Alvord died Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Funeral was June 30 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Bill
Cleveland officiating.
Frances was born June 13, 1947, in Oceanside, Calif., to Francis and Ella
(Smith) Wagher. She was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family,
particularly watching her grandkids play sports.
Frances is survived by sons John Deweese of Round Rock, Karl and Pam Deweese of
Wilmington, N.C., Jerry Copeland of Corpus Christi and Frank and Raegan Copeland
of Fort Worth; daughter Charlotte and Billy Fitzgerald of Decatur; brothers Joel
and Lisann Wagher of Temple, George and Beverly Herr of Granbury and Ed and
Linda Wagher of California; grandchildren Dane, Kylee, Kathy, Kody, Wyatt,
Brandon, Kristiana, Jordan, Taylor, Kim, Brandy, Mandy and Justin; and 10
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by son James Copeland; husbands Jerrell Lee Copeland
and Robert Hicks; mother Ella Herr of Fort Worth; father Francis Wagher; brother
Bill Beaver of California; and sister Dolly Coker of North Carolina.
Cortes, Christina Marie
1978-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Christina Marie Cortes, 36, of Lakeside, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in
Weatherford.
Memorial service was Nov. 8 at Victory Christian Center in Azle with burial
under the direction of Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Christina was born March 4, 1978, in East Meadow, N.Y., to Adalberto and Sandra
(Fox) Cortes. She was married to Phillip Gray and worked as a veterinary
technician.
She was preceded in death by her father, Adalberto Cortes; and her grandparents.
Survivors include her husband, Phillip Gray of Lakeside; sons Tristin Gray,
Logan Cortes-Gray, Jordon Gray and Joshua Gray, all of Brady; daughter Macaela
Gray of Brady; mother Sandra Negron of Boyd; brothers Eric Cortes and wife,
Bridgette, of Staten Island, N.Y., Charles Cortes and wife, Bobbie Jo, of East
Rockaway, N.Y., and Luis Cortes of Long Island, N.Y.; sister Lynn Anne Cortes of
Long Island; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Couch, Kelly Wade
1961-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Kelly Wade Couch, 53, a truck driver, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, in Decatur.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Kelly was born Oct. 27, 1961, in Tahoka to Herman and Francis (Abbney) Couch. He
married Kelli Ingram July 1, 2001, in Lubbock.
Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Kelli Couch of Rhome; daughters Amber
Couch of Lubbock and Chelsea Sherrob of Kingsville; three grandchildren;
brothers John Couch of Azle and Spud Couch of Weatherford; sisters Tonya Oldham
of Lubbock and June Ann Beaty of Lubbock; and other relatives and friends.
Counts, Gerald Lynn
1924-2014
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Gerald Lynn Counts, 90, a decorated World War II veteran and former
prisoner-of-war, died Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at his home in Bridgeport.
Funeral was May 6 at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells with
burial at Perrin Memorial Cemetery.
Gerald was born April 13, 1924, in Wise County to Lawrence Earl and Mattie
Lorene Counts. He was the oldest of three children whose parents were farmers,
and during the Great Depression, they did not suffer from hunger.
Gerald graduated from high school in Perrin and enrolled in Texas A&M
University – but shortly thereafter, he withdrew and joined the U.S. Army. He
was in the 1st Division, C Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne. He
parachuted into Normandy on the night before the D-Day invasion and also jumped
into Holland and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
It was during that battle, on Dec. 20, 1944, that the Germans launched an attack
that led to the capture of the Medical Company, all of the surgical teams and
all of the wounded, who were located in western Bastogne. Gerald was among those
captured, and he was a prisoner with about 1,200 others in the barracks at
Limburg.
Gerald was held prisoner for around six months. He did not have the uniform he
wore during the war because it was burned in Belgium when he was freed by the
British. He still had his many decorations, however, including two Bronze Stars
(one for his jump into Normandy and one for his jump into Holland), a Purple
Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation, The Good Conduct Medal, The medal for
prisoners of war and his various campaign medals.
Gerald lived a full and enjoyable life on his own terms. He served as a highway
patrolman in El Paso, worked as a chef, worked for the railroad and later worked
at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit, owning
grocery stores and other businesses.
He is survived by daughters Donny Gillum and husband, Tom, and Carolyn Gillum
and husband, Ted; grandchildren Brent Gillum and wife, Amanda, and Heather
Garner and husband, Kyle; great-grandchildren Caitlin, Cassidy, Braedan, Gabby,
Tyson, Matt, Grant, Jax, Jace and Ellison; sister Joy Counts; brother Pat Counts
and wife, LaRue; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Marueen Counts; his parents; and a
granddaughter, Renee Gillum.
Coursey, Delois Forsyth
1936-2014
Published Saturday, December 27, 2014
Delois Forsyth Coursey, 78, of Bridgeport died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, in
Springtown.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery.
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Delois was born July 7, 1936, in Park Springs to Dewey and Viola (Moore)
Forsyth. She married Charles Kennedy Sr. March 28, 1953, in Bowie, and he
preceded her in death. She married Jimmy Coursey July 26, 1997, in Weatherford.
He also preceded her in death Sept. 10, 2001. Delois was a member of Pleasant
View Baptist Church and was a retired massage therapist.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles Kennedy Sr.; her
second husband, Jimmy Coursey; and her sister, Virginia Dennis.
She is survived by sons Charles “Chuck” Kennedy and David Kennedy, both of
Springtown; grandchildren Michelle and husband, Daniel, Adam and wife, Tasha,
Melody and husband, Ryan, Amy, and Daniel and wife, Nicole; four
great-grandchildren; sister Marie Love of Bridgeport; and several nieces,
nephews, other family members and friends.
Coursey, Joe Lee
1932-2014
Published Saturday, January 11, 2014
Joe Lee Coursey, 81, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at his home in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Jan. 10 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor Joey
Vick officiating. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery.
Joe Lee was born July 2, 1932, in Bridgeport to Kossie Lee and Leta Mae (Hudson)
Coursey. He was an inspector for the highway department.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and on June 29,
1956, he married Francis Lucille Cash. He was an active member of Cuba Baptist
Church in Bridgeport for many years and also served as a deacon.
Joe Lee is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lucille Coursey of Bridgeport;
daughter Frances Jolene Spicer of Bridgeport; brothers Billy Don, Travis and
Larry Coursey, all of Bridgeport; sisters Peggy Klasky of Richardson, Q’zella
Lewis of Navasota, Lynda Byrd of Bridgeport and Sherry Lemon of Bridgeport;
grandchildren Nathan Lee Spicer, Aaron Ryan Spicer, Daniel Ray Coursey and Stacy
Jo (Coursey) Munoz; and great-granddaughters April, Janet, Danielle, Tabitha,
Melina and Maylee. He was preceded in death by his parents; son David Coursey;
and brother Jimmie.
Memorials may be made to a church of your choice or donated toward the expense
of his headstone.
Cox, Frances
1927-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Frances Cox, 86, of McKinney, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014.
Funeral was Feb. 17 at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth with burial at Greenwood
Memorial Park.
Frances was born Aug. 30, 1927, in Bridgeport to Frank and Grace Still, the
eighth child in a family of nine children. She was a beautiful and loving wife,
mother and grandmother and an accomplished pianist and organist who served the
Lord in several churches.
Frances was known for her intercessory prayer, encouraging words, caring
personality and giving ways. She was a kind, sweet lady who will be sorely
missed.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, James Robert Cox; sons James Wayne
Cox and wife, Merlene, of Groesbeck and the Rev. Robert Lyn Cox and wife,
Rhonda, of Chico; grandchildren Angela Sommer, Melissa Klauss, Bobby Cox, Jamie
Dunlap, Lori Cox and Bryan Cox; step-grandchildren Abby Teigland and Andrew
Dixon; 15 great-grandchildren; sister Marie Grimes; and numerous nieces,
nephews, family members and lifelong friends.
Cox, Pearl Naomi
1921-2014
Published Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Pearl Naomi Cox, 93, the oldest resident of Slidell, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2014,
in Decatur.
No service is planned at this time.
Pearl was born Jan. 31, 1921, in Mount Morris, Mich., to Isaac and Lola (Jessop)
Smith. She married Dick Telford Cox June 20, 1942, in Kirksville, Md. Pearl was
a retired nurse.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick Cox; four brothers;
two sisters; and a grandson.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon McFarlane of Slidell and Shirley Cox of
Denton; son Lary Cox of Alvord; sister Wanda Moen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
grandchildren Tom McFarlane, Ann Bartis, Jody Boyce, Juanita Johnson, Heath Cox
and Christie Vasquez; 16 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
Cross, David Ray
1937-2014
Published Saturday, December 13, 2014
David Ray Cross, 77, of Sanger, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Denton.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Era Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of DeBerry Funeral Directors of Denton.
David was born Aug. 30, 1937, in Hood to Ted and Laura Cross. He married
Patricia Forester April 15, 1960, in Gainesville and was a salesman for the Dr.
Pepper Bottling Co. He was a member of the National Guard.
David is survived by his wife, Patricia Cross of Sanger; and brothers R.D. Cross
of Era and Daniel Cross of Sherman.
Culpepper, Doris Ann Crawley
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Doris Ann Crawley Culpepper, 83, a retired administrative assistant, died
Tuesday, July 1, 2014, in Denton.
Memorial service is 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating. Visitation is 2 to 3 p.m.
prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Doris was born March 29, 1931, in Chicago to William and Lois (Risor) Crawley.
She married Eddie Culpepper Feb. 14, 1948, in Paragould, Ark., and was a retired
administrative assistant for Decatur Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie Culpepper; brothers
Donald, Gilbert, Darrell, Bob and Robert Crawley; sisters Betty Dolinshek,
Marion Brown and Baby Crawley; and grandson Kelly Matthis.
She is survived by her daughters, Kay Matthis and husband, Conrad, of Granbury;
Linda Powers and husband, Doyle, of Fort Worth, Brenda Porter and husband, Les,
of Denton, Sandra Jaurez and husband, John, of Krum; son James Culpepper and
wife, Karen, of Bridgeport; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;
sisters-in-law Margaret Culpepper, Judy Culpepper,
Cummings, Kenneth Dale 'Kenny'
1969-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Kenneth Dale “Kenny” Cummings, 44, owner/operator of Pay It Forward Roofing,
died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, in Wichita Falls.
Funeral is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Victory Family Church in Decatur
with Pastor Alan Bates officiating. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Billy Burr, Eugene Flynn, Stephen Henry, Buddy Bell, Wade
Brown and Joshua Cummings.
Kenny was born July 20, 1969, in Bowie. He attended Tarleton State University
where he played basketball. He served in the United States Navy and was a member
of Victory Family Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann Cummings, daughter Bridgette Lee Cummings,
and sons Joshua Thomas and Nicholas Dale Cummings, all of Decatur; brothers
Billy Burr of Bowie and Wes Cummings and wife, Betty, of North Richland Hills;
and nephew Eugene Flynn of Dallas.
Cunningham, Brenda T.
1952-2014
Published Saturday, October 4, 2014
Brenda T. Cunningham, 62, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service was Oct. 3 at the First United Methodist in Decatur with Dr.
Brian Bosworth and Zack Landis officiating. Arrangements were under the
direction of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Brenda was born Aug. 23, 1952, in Dallas to Neil and Bobbie (Mosley) Thomas. She
graduated from Athens High School and Sam Houston State University with an
Master of Business Administration in 1978.
Brenda married Jim Cunningham Nov. 25, 1981. She worked in human resources for
various entities including the city of Huntsville, Blue Cross Blue Shield,
Xerox, Pro Travel, Mead, Children’s Hospital and Boeing. Brenda also served on
the Texas Master Gardener Association (TMGA) executive committee for many years
and was president in 2012.
Brenda bravely fought and overcame breast cancer in 2010 and remained entrenched
and active in the TMGA at the state level until her passing. She had been an
active master gardener in Dallas County for 15 years.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Jim Cunningham of Sunset; daughter Nikki
Hudiburgh and husband, John, of Frisco; son Ryan Cunningham and wife, Andrea, of
Plano; grandchildren Charlie Cunningham of Plano, Cora Cunningham of Plano and
Finley Hudiburgh of Frisco; mother Bobbie Thomas of Mabank; sister Linda Gamble
of Forney; and her little puppies, Bo and Rolo.
Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box
650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
Darnell, Sherry Lee
1952-2014
Published Saturday, January 18, 2014
Sherry Lee Darnell, 61, a homemaker, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the home of Dusty Darnell, 824
Mirike Dr., in Fort Worth.
Sherry was born March 20, 1952, in Fort Worth to William and Oleta Ulhorn. She
married Roy Darnell Sr. June 18, 1984, in Decatur. He preceded her in death Dec.
28, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her daughter, Paula Roberts and husband, Reggie, of Fort
Worth; sons Roy Darnell Jr. of Palestine and Willie Darnell and Paul Ray
Darnell, both of Fort Worth; grandchildren Dusty, Peggy, Travis, Bobby, Billy
and Regina; great-grandchildren William and Aleyna; and other relatives and
friends.
Davidson, Gary Alan
1947-2014
Published Saturday, September 27, 2014
Gary Alan Davidson, 67, of Rhome died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Service was Sept. 25 at Azleland Memorial Park and Cemetery with Jim Bob
Mitchell officiating. Pallbearers were Rocky Davidson, Michael Davidson,
Clifford Davidson, Dave Tefft, Gene Fisher, Steve Ruffatto and Jeff Ruffatto.
Gary was born Jan. 25, 1947, in Sidney, Mont. He married Karen Ruffatto Aug. 3,
1968, in Sidney. He was retired.
Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Ruffatto-Davidson; mother Helen Davidson of
Mesa, Ariz., sons Michael Davidson of Cary, N.C., and Clifford Davidson of
Castle Rock, Colo.; daughters Stephanie Mistry of Carrollton and Michelle Rose
of Rhome; sisters Linda Edam of Mesa, Valerie Tefft of Rhome and Madeline Satra
of Great Falls, Mont.; brother Rocky Davidson of Carrollton; and grandchildren
Joshua, Jude and Samuel Mistry of Carrollton, Raina, Seth and Brynn Davidson of
Castle Rock, and Phoenix Rose of Rhome.
Memorials may be made to Yeshiva HaNateev through his wife.
Davila, Emiliea Casillas
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Emiliea Casillas Davila, 80, a homemaker, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral was Dec. 16 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev.
Margarito Lara officiating. Burial followed at Mexican Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Benito Jose Davila, Joe Don McDaniel, Paul Michael Rodriquez,
David Nicholas Rodriquez, Ryan Don McDaniel, William Riley Davila, Benisio
Davila, Robert Harley Davila, William “Hank” Williams and James “Bubba”
Williams. Honorary pallbearers were Ennis Davila Jr. and Carlos Davila Jr.
Emiliea was born March 10, 1934, in Bridgeport to Carlos and Josephine (Gurrola)
Casillas. She married Benisio Davila Aug. 26, 1951, in Dallas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Benisio Davila Jr.;
great-granddaughter Paige Davila; sisters Mary Sue Garces, Mikela Rios and
Victoria Martinez; and brothers Serasin Casillas, Martin Casillas and Carlos
Casillas. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Benisio Davila of
Bridgeport; daughters Trinidad Cortez of Bridgeport and Lisa Hall and husband,
Billy, of Decatur; sons Robert Davila and wife, Laura, of Alvord, Louis Davila
and wife, Cassandra, of Bridgeport, Carlos Davila of Bridgeport, Joe Davila of
Bridgeport, Ennis Davila of Bridgeport and Benito Davila of Bridgeport; 29
grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends.
Davis, Elsie L.
1945-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Elsie L. Davis, 68, of Azle, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Service was Feb. 15 at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale with Bro. Charles
Pugh officiating. Burial followed at Wilson Prairie Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers were Randy Bishop, Dalton Hatcher, Brad Atkison, Alan Fullbright,
Dalton Bishop and Leamon Caudle.
Elsie was born Aug. 14, 1945, to Henry Thomas and Inist (Cox) Pruitt in Haslet.
She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd. She enjoyed sewing and
crafts.
Elsie is survived by son Daryl D. Davis of Dallas; daughters Cindy Darlen
Clayton and husband, Jim, of Paradise, and Katrina L. Hatcher and husband, Jim,
of Azle; sister Janean Wirtz of Decatur; brother Donald Roberts of Fort Worth;
grandchildren Chasidy Caudle and husband, Leamon, Wesley Clayton and wife,
Melissa, Amanda Fullbright and husband, Alan, Briana Atkison and husband, Brad,
Dalton Bishop and Dalton Hatcher; great-grandchildren Cadence Morris and two on
the way, Avery and Archer Fullbright.
Davis, James Lawrence, Jr.
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, December 31, 2014
James Lawrence Davis, Jr., 75, a retired rancher, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014
in Decatur.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Slidell Baptist Church with burial in
Slidell Cemetery. Bobby Cates and Charles Taylor will officiate, and Shawn
Barnhart, Isaac Davis, Dustin Davis, Rodney Yard, Danny Juarez and Ralph Amyx
will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Tony Martinez.
James was born April 3, 1939 to James and Lola (Hubble) Davis Sr. in Oklahoma
City. He married Elma Kay Loyd May 12, 1960 in Alvord. James retired from being
a rancher and dairyman.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Elma Kay Davis of Slidell; sons Jimmy
Davis of Slidell and Jeff Davis and wife, Lisa, of Chico; daughter Kathleen
Barnhart of Slidell; brother Bill Davis of Slidell; grandchildren Shawn, Sarah,
Isaac, Dustin and Taylor; and great-grandchild, Caysen.
Davis, Mack Donald
1929-2014
Published Saturday, October 11, 2014
Mack Donald Davis, 84, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2014.
Service was Oct. 10 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel in Fort Worth, with burial in
Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth.
Mack was born Oct. 18, 1929, in Bowie to Louis and Rosa Davis. He was preceded
in death by his first wife, Mary Davis.
Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Lilly Ruth; children William
Davis, Terry Davis, Lewis Coomer, Debra Whatley and Shirley Hood; 11
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and family members and friends.
Davis, Wayne
1937-2014
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Wayne Davis, 76, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Virgil Faires officiating.
Wayne was born Feb. 27, 1937, in Thornberry to Louis and Grace (Freeman) Davis.
He graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls with a
bachelor’s degree in history. As a college athlete, he played both basketball
and baseball. Wayne is still ranked seventh overall for average scoring in a
single season 1958-59.
After graduating, he completed Officer Training School in Fort Eustes, Va.,
where he became a captain in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. Following the
military, he played semi-professional basketball for the Dallas Drillers. In
their 1960-1961 season, the team was undefeated.
Wayne married Sandra Power June 23, 1962. After a career in marketing and sales
for International Harvester in Dallas, he opened his own dealership in Oklahoma
where the family lived for more than 40 years. As one of the top dealers, Wayne
was placed on the Massey Ferguson Dealer Counsel for the United States and
Canada. He won many sales campaigns over the years, earning travel across the
U.S., Europe and Africa for himself and his family.
He also continued to compete for many years in recreational basketball and
softball and was inducted into the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame.
Survivors include his wife of more than 51 years, Sandra Davis; son Brad and
wife, Tera, of Decatur; daughters Lisa Furey and husband, Jim, of Denver, and
Jane Wood and husband, Joel, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandchildren Laura and Colin
Furey, Jack Wood and Will and Cole Davis; sister Betty Shipp of Burkburnett; and
brother Raymond Davis of Thornberry. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation,
www.parkinson.org.
Dean, Staci Aliette
1978-2014
Published Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Staci Aliette Dean, 35, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, in Fort Worth.
A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home in Decatur.
She is survived by her daughter, T-Aria Johnson, and son William Dean, both of
Sunset; parents Ronald and Debbie Dean of Sunset; brother Bill Dean and wife,
Candice, of Fort Worth; grandparents William and Beverly Went of Arizona and
Thurman and Ginette Dean of Florida; nephew Tristan Dean of Fort Worth; and
numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
DeGraw, Dori Anna
1968-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Dori Anna DeGraw, 45, of Kingston, Okla., died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 in
Oklahoma City.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. at Kingston Methodist
Church in Kingston, Okla. Bro. Paul McDowell will officiate. Arrangements are
under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Home Chapel in Madill, Okla.
Dori was born Jan. 25, 1968 in Tulsa, Okla. to Jack and Mary DeGraw. She enjoyed
being with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed being with her
15-year-old daughter, Alie.
She worked at Michelin in Ardmore for five years and worked at Decatur and
Harris Methodist Hospitals as an X-ray technician for more than 25 years. She
had an abundance of friends, including a special friend, Ethan. She will be
missed by many people.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mary DeGraw.
Survivors include her daughter, Alie DeGraw, and brother Jerald DeGraw.
DeLeon, Ygnacio
1948-2014
Published Saturday, February 22, 2014
Ygnacio DeLeon Jr., 65, of Rhome died Monday, Feb. 10, 2014.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Ygnacio was born Feb. 12, 1948, in Lamesa.
Junior, as he was known to family and friends, was a caring man. He loved his
family and would do anything for them. He grew up on and around a farm, and he
loved working with farm equipment. He was a hardworking person who believed in
helping others. He will be greatly missed.
Ygnacio was preceded in death by his mother, Jacinta Urrabazo DeLeon; father
Ygnacio DeLeon Sr.; and sisters Oralia Lopez and Elvira Rodriguez.
He is survived by his son, Jon Paul DeLeon and wife, Christina and grandchildren
Alexis and Marc, all of Rhome; siblings Elisa Zaragoza (Francisco) of San
Jacinto, Calif., Eloisa Martinez (Martin) of Brownfield, Eliseo DeLeon
(Consuelo) of Fort Worth, Victoria Leija (Juan) of Brownfield, Grabilla Leija of
Brownfield, Valentine DeLeon of Roanoke and Rosendo DeLeon (Rosalinda) of San
Antonio; and 51 nieces and nephews.
DeLong, Jayne Elizabeth
1945-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Jayne Elizabeth DeLong, 69, a homemaker, died Monday, July 14, 2014, in Decatur.
No service will be held.
Jayne was born June 24, 1945, in Lodi, Calif., to Stewart and Margaret
(Sinclair) Patrick. She was married to David McGinnis. Jayne enjoyed taking care
of her home.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 23 years, David McGinnis of Decatur; sons
Patrick Roberson and wife, Heather, of El Paso and Eric Roberson of Arlington;
grandchildren Hailey, Ashgin, Katelin, Lydia and Jordon; sister Margaret Jones
of California; brother John Patrick of California; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Demory, Denise
1954-2014
Published Saturday, December 20, 2014
Denise Demory, 60, a loving and devoted wife and mother, died Tuesday, Dec. 16,
2014 in Decatur.
No service is scheduled.
Denise was born April 1, 1954 to Glenn and Mary Lou (Nix) Taylor in Lovington,
N.M. She married Lloyd Demory Feb. 2, 1970 in San Diego. She was a Dachshund
breeder.
She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Taylor; son Chad Jason Demory;
grandson Cole Michael Jennings and nephew Eric Clayton.
Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Lloyd Demory of Boyd; daughter Taya
Chancey and husband, Jay, of Boyd; grandchildren Cameron Jennings, Spencer Brown
and Zane Brown, all of Boyd, and Jason Demory of Lovington; mother Mary Lou
Taylor of Lovington; sisters Adonna Dow and husband, Jim, of Lubbock, and Stacy
Varin and husband, Scott, of The Woodlands; brother Gary “Butch” Taylor and
wife, Diana, of Otterbein, Ind.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dickson, Randall Brett
1956-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Randall Brett Dickson, 57, of Sunset, died Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in
Stephenville.
Graveside service was June 12 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Danny Russell
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Randall was born Nov. 1, 1956, in Lubbock to William and Barbara (Kimbrough)
Dickson. He was a Baptist and a rancher for many years.
He is survived by his father, Bill Dickson of Alvord; sisters Karen Ausbrooks
and husband, Bill, of Ardmore, Okla., and DeAnn Powell and husband, Bob, of
Sunset; nieces Mary Kathryn Powell of San Angelo and Rebekah Powell of Sunset;
and many friends.
Doty, Bobby Dale
1934-2014
Published Saturday, August 2, 2014
Bobby Dale Doty, 80, a retired machinist, died Thursday, July 31, 2014, in
Paradise.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery.
Bobby was born June 21, 1934, in Tekamah, Neb., to Thomas Earl and Margaret
Olive (Robinson) Doty. He married Gloria Mae Shephard June 23, 1957, in Reno,
Nev., and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He was a Korean War veteran. Bobby
retired from Lockheed after 30 years as a machinist. He was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Gloria Mae Doty.
Survivors include his daughters, Tamara Lynn Madrid and husband, Patrick, of
Pflugerville, Jo Ann Doty of Paradise and Carol Marie Doty Shuker of Paradise;
son-in-law Derek Shuker of Gainesville; grandchildren Ashley Doty, Anthony
Madrid, Edward Madrid, Garrett Brewster, Collin Doty, Allie Madrid, Jena Doty
McDaniel, Raven LeAnn Brewster and Trever Dale Shuker; great-granddaughter
Aubree Dawn McDaniel; brothers John Doty and wife, Phyllis, of Locust Grove, and
James Doty of San Jose, Calif.; sisters Alice Bauder and husband, Calvin, of
Colleyville, and Linda Niccum and husband, Tom, of Santa Clara, Calif.; and many
nieces, nephews and friends.
Douglas, Frankie Louise
1925-2014
Published Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Frankie Louise Douglas, 89, of Decatur, died Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, surrounded
by all her girls.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Gooseneck Cemetery in
Graham.
Frankie was born June 16, 1925, in Bunger, to Gertrude and Frank Sharp. She
married Billy Bob Douglas Feb. 25, 1950, in Bunger. She attended the Church of
Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Nola Sharp, Marie Steadham and
Mary Dell Crosthwait; and her husband, who died in 2008.
She is survived by her daughters and beloved sons-in-law Janet Fiel and husband,
Larry, Julie McDonald and husband, Jim, Jackie Irick and husband, J.W., and
Jerri Wilson and Alton Hendrickson; grandchildren Jeannie, Jodi, Mark, Kevin,
Matt, Bonnie and Robert; great-grandchildren Kiran, Talya, Ian, Luke, Cohen,
Landry, Charlotte and Sophie; and close friend of the family, Pablo Rivas.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Doyle is survived by his wife, Jean, of Conroe; brothers
Waide Powell of Hobbs, N.M., and W.L. Powell of Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Odel, Ralph and James
Powell.
Draper, Louie L.
1937-2014
Published Saturday, May 10, 2014
Louie L. Draper, 76, of Newark, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, at Biggers Funeral Chapel in Lake Worth with
burial to follow at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Biggers
Funeral Home.
Louie was born Sept. 9, 1937, in Fort Worth to William and Mildred Draper. He
had been a resident of Newark for more than 40 years and was a retired delivery
driver for Coca Cola Bottling Co.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Martha I. Draper on Jan. 29,
2012.
Survivors include his children, Ricky Draper and wife, Tinna, Lee Draper and
wife, Cinda Ann, Teresa Youngblood, Kelly Griffin and husband, David, and
Kimberly Smith and husband, Richard; brothers Dale Draper and Billy Draper; 17
grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Drummond, Maxine Cheek
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Maxine Cheek Drummond, 82, of Brownfield died Jan. 20, 2014.
A memorial service will be held in Dallas at a date yet to be determined.
Maxine was born Feb. 20, 1931, in O’Dell to C.A. and Hester Cheek. She was a
member of the Church of Christ and Rebekah Lodge. She also volunteered her time
at Senior Companions.
She married James B. Drummond Aug. 15, 1948, in Decatur. Maxine worked for Texas
Instruments for 18 years as a material handler.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Drummond; and her parents.
Maxine is survived by her son, David Drummond of Brownfield; four grandchildren;
sisters Hazel Mooney of North Richland Hills and Eunice Uberman of Forth Worth.
Duck, Lela Fay Griffis
1920-2014
Published Saturday, November 22, 2014
Lela Fay Griffis Duck, 94, of Chico died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Nov. 16 at the First Baptist Church in Chico with the Rev. Sam
Caldwell officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove No. 3 Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rickey Denney, Stan Denney, Michael Duck, Willie Wilson, Dr.
Jason Tibbels and Alex Plese.
Lela was born Jan. 25, 1920, at home in Crafton to C.W. “Charley” and Gertie
Stockard Griffis. She remembered her parents telling her how everything was
covered with ice that day.
“They could hear the galloping hooves of the doctor’s horse on the ice long
before he arrived at their home,” she said.
Lela grew up in Crafton and attended school there. She married K.H. “Kinnie”
Duck in Decatur Oct. 28, 1942, at Decatur Baptist College.
Lela came to know the Lord Sept. 1, 1952, in Park Springs where she lived and
attended Park Springs Baptist Church. She joined the First Baptist Church in
Chico on Oct. 5, 1963, and remained a member there. She was a homemaker most of
her life, but as a young woman she worked in a florist shop in Lubbock and in
the cafeteria at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth. She enjoyed cooking, working in
her yard and vegetable garden, and sewing.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters Elsie Griffis,
Reba Richey, Oleta Bender, Nelba Ruth Culverhouse and Genell Hopkins; brothers
Horace and James Carol Griffis; and sister-in-law Leona Duck Powers, who she
loved as a sister.
She is survived by her children, Lana and Gary Handshumaker of Alvord, Darla and
Danny Hartsell of Bridgeport, Benny and Linda Duck of Bridgeport, and Bobby and
Beverly Duck of Decatur; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 10
great-great-grandchildren; her best friend, Ruby Partin of Chico; and other
relatives and friends.
Dukes, Anna Pewitt
1918-2014
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Anna Pewitt Dukes, 95, of Bridgeport, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in
Bridgeport.
Service was Feb. 16 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pat Mannon
and Joe Wayne Richardson officiating. Burial was at Wilson Prairie Cemetery in
Bridgeport.
Pallbearers were Ray Cook, Jimmy Pewitt, Leon Dethloff, Britt Doty, Kevin Pewitt
and Brayden Garcia. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Pewitt, Billy Greenwood,
Justin Dagley, Colter Doty, Kendall Dethloff, Kelton Dethloff, Jacob Morris,
Terry Garcia, Greg Smith, Robert Bryan, Joe Bruce and James Johnson.
Anna was born July 28, 1918, in Lakewood, Colo., to Edward and Hazel Marie
(Young) Furter. She was a wonderful cook and an avid gardener who loved spending
time with family. She was a member of the Carpenter Street Church of Christ.
Anna leaves behind her children: Jim Pewitt and wife, Shirley, Melvin Pewitt and
wife, Lanell, and Sylvia Ann Richardson and husband Joe, and daughter-in-law Pat
Pewitt; stepchildren Johnny Dave Dukes and wife, Nelda, Bobby Dukes, Clyde Dukes
Jr. and wife, Jane, Diana Chatham and husband, Tom, Cindy Starnes and husband,
Jim, and Adeline Hammer and husband, Jack; 23 grandchildren; 43
great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and a host of friends. Anna
was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Claude A. Pewitt and Clyde Dukes;
sons Claude E. Pewitt and Marvin Lee Pewitt; and stepson Jimmy Dukes.
Donations in Anna’s name may be made through Carpenter Street Church of Christ
for missionary work in Nigeria and India, P.O. Box 98, Paradise, TX 76073.
Durham, Robert Alton
1921-2014
Published Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Robert Alton Durham, 92, a shipyard owner, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Graveside service is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, at DFW National Cemetery in
Dallas. Robert was born Dec. 4, 1921. He married Dorothy McSpedden Jan. 27,
1960, in Denton. Robert owned and operated a shipyard in Freeport and proudly
served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Durham of Freeport;
brother-in-law Thomas McSpedden of Frisco; and other family members and friends.
Edwards, Golda Dell Pockrus
1947-2014
Published Saturday, November 15, 2014
Golda Dell Pockrus Edwards, 67, of Sunset, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, in
Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors
in Denton. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Corinth.
Golda was born Jan. 3, 1947, in Justin to James Howard Pockrus and Frances
Pippin Pockrus. She was co-owner of G&H Trucking and a member of First
Baptist Church of Argyle.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Hayward Edwards; and brothers
James Alvan and Robert Eugene Pockrus.
She is survived by daughters Patricia DeAnn Dowell Hudson of Arlington and
Juanita Kay Sepulvado of Aubrey; son William Edwards of Sunset; sisters Elois
Brown and husband, James, of Shady Shores, Vera Justice and husband, Kenneth, of
Arlington, Rebecca White and husband, Craig, of LeCompt, La.; brother John
Pockrus and wife, Cynthia, of Argyle; six grandchildren; and one
great-grandchild, with two on the way.
Elliot, Howard D.
1933-2014
Published Saturday, April 12, 2014
Howard Elliott, 81, a retired painter, died Wednesday, April 9, 2014, in Boyd.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Boyd Cemetery with the Rev.
Jerry Hood officiating.
Pallbearers are Chris Elliott, Chuck Bowen, Justin Garrett, Curtis White, Joshua
Youngblood and Paul Herod.
Howard was born March 4, 1933, in Coleman County to Clarence and Cora (Russell)
Elliott. He married Doris Smith Sept. 7, 1971, in Durant, Okla., and was a
painter at Bell Helicopter. He served his country in the U.S. Army and loved
playing his fiddle with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Tommy Elliott; three brothers; and
four sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Doris Elliott of Boyd; daughters Pam
Carnes-Porter and husband, Kelly, of Boyd, Vicki Reeves and husband, Keith, of
Azle, Jeanette Garrett and husband, Randy, of Boyd; son Danny Youngblood and
wife, Marilyn, of Weatherford; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother
Otis Elliott and wife, Eva, of Tolar; sister Ann Winsett and husband, Dewayne,
of Godley; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Elliott, Douglas Delbert, Jr.
1947-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Douglas Delbert Elliott Jr., 67, a contractor who did several major renovations
in downtown Decatur over the last 15 years, died Sunday, July 13, 2014, in Azle.
A wake was held July 19 in Azle.
He was born July 2, 1947.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Elliott; sister Rhonda McClure; brother
Danny Elliott; daughters Tina Smith and Kimberly Elliott; stepchildren Randy
Snow, Kim Dajani and John Dalton; and 11 grandchildren.
Ellison, Robert Earl
1952-2014
Published Saturday, December 6, 2014
Robert Earl Ellison, 62, an oilfield worker, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, in
Decatur.
Services will be held at a later date.
Robert was born May 17, 1952, in Mineola to Richard and Mertis (Simpson)
Ellison. He married Lea Guin June 10, 1972, in Hallsville. Robert was a member
of the Wise County Water Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Lea Ellison of Bridgeport; son Farrell
Ellison of Bridgeport; grandchildren Eugene, Pamela and Kevin, all of
Bridgeport; great-grandson Trenton; other family members and friends.
Emerson, Kenneth Durwood
1931-2014
Published Saturday, August 23, 2014
Kenneth Durwood Emerson, 83, of Highland Village, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014.
Graveside service was Aug. 20 at Flat Rock Cemetery near Alvord. Memorial
service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Lakeland Baptist Church in Lewisville.
Kenneth was born Feb. 24, 1931, in the Wise County community of Audobon, the son
of Dom Pedro and Lena Ann Emerson. He attended Alvord schools, then attended
Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. He graduated from Decatur Baptist
College and earned a degree from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort
Worth. He married Cleta Joyce Boyd Dec. 12, 1946.
Kenneth entered the ministry full time in 1956 with the First Baptist Church in
Byers, where he served for seven years. He moved to Eden Hills Baptist Church in
Wichita Falls, serving as pastor six years, then served three years as assistant
pastor under Dr. Landrum P. Leavel II at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls.
He pastored an English language church in Walldorf, Germany, for three years. In
1972, while in Germany, he was elected president of the European Baptist
Convention, serving a year. Returning to the states, Kenneth was pastor for 17
years at the Sharon Baptist Church in Wichita, Kan. While there, he served on
various committees and was elected as vice president of the Kansas/Nebraska
Convention of Southern Baptists.
Kenneth also served for 10 years as a trustee to the New Orleans Baptist
Seminary. In 1990, he moved to Arlington to pastor at University Baptist Church,
serving 10 years before retiring after working 48 years as a pastor in five
churches. In retirement, Kenneth and his wife moved to Highland Village and
joined Lakeland Baptist Church of Lewisville.
He is survived by his wife, Cleta; sons Don Emerson and his wife, Becky, of
Wichita Falls, and Gary Emerson and his wife, Sandy, of Carrollton;
grandchildren Kenneth Faulkner and wife, April, Jennifer Frost and husband,
Luke, Angela Emerson, Kaylee Emerson, Joyia Sifuentes and husband, Anthony,
Judson Emerson, Garren Emerson and wife, Mary, and Clarissa Mapes; and
great-grandchildren Kendra Faulkner, Julie Faulkner, Grant Faulkner, James
Jones, Aaron West, Jakub Emerson, Katelyn Frost and Caleb Frost. He was preceded
in death by a son, Ronald Lee, in 1997.
Erwin, J.D. 'Heavy'
1937-20104
Published Saturday, December 13, 2014
J.D. “Heavy” Erwin, 77, a retired truck driver, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2014,
in Bridgeport.
Graveside service was Dec. 12 at Paradise Cemetery with the Rev. Juanita
Ransom-Bullard officiating. Arrangements were handled by Christian-Hawkins
Funeral Home in Boyd.
J.D. was born Aug. 30, 1937, in Paradise to F.L (Buck) and Lilia (Brown) Erwin.
He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a lifetime member of the VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son David Erwin; and granddaughter
Cecilia Phillips.
Survivors include daughters Cecilia Phillips and husband, D.P. of Lovington,
N.M., Sylvia Fletcher and husband, Jimmy, of Midland, and Helen Erwin of Eugene,
Ore.; son Curtis Erwin of Sherman; grandchildren Michael Fletcher, Alyshia
Fletcher, J.D. Erwin, Porscha Erwin, Curtis Erwin, Kelley Phillips and Kristin
Phillips; great-grandchildren Jaxin Fletcher and Kaitlyn Fletcher; brothers Sam
Erwin and wife, Ginger, of Paradise, and Keg Erwin; and other family members and
friends.
Eslinger-Sawyer, Deborah Sue
1956-2014
Published Saturday, December 20, 2014
Deborah Sue Eslinger-Sawyer, 58, of Springtown, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 in
Fort Worth.
A memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in
Decatur. Pastor Ron Fox will officiate.
Deborah was born May 26, 1956, in Lubbock to Mary (Moore) and James Edward King.
She was a homemaker who loved crocheting and sewing.
She was preceded in death by her father, James King; brother Mike King; and
grandparents Emma Faye and George Wilkerson and Effie and Joe King.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Eslinger, Justin Sawyer and David Sawyer;
daughters Stacy Eslinger, Kendra Wheeler and Shawnee Ahlstrand; mother Mary
King; sister Pamela King; and grandchildren Layton Hill, Coby Huerta,
Katelynn-Dayton-Brennon-Eslinger, Evangeline and Gabrielle Sawyer, Michelle New,
Cheyenne and Lahana King, Chance King, Jessiecca, Phoebe, Zoi, Anastasiya, and
Kenzie Simpson and Hannah.
Fain, Billy John
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Billy John Fain, 72, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, in Denton.
Funeral was Feb. 4 at the Carter Lake Church of Christ of Bowie, with burial at
Elmwood Cemetery under the direction of White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
B.J. was born Oct. 28, 1941, in Bowie to William and Mary (Langford) Fain. Along
with his brothers, he had owned and operated Fain Brothers Welding Co. since
1973.
B.J. also worked in the maintenance department for Hanson Aggregates in Chico
for many years.
He enjoyed pawn shopping, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.
B.J. was a great support to his family and friends and was a member of the
Carter Lake Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Francis Fain; son Lee
Wayne Fain; brothers Cowboy, James, Freddie and Charlie Fain and sister Doris
Newport.
B.J. is survived by his children, Patrick Fain and wife, Gina of Spanish Fort,
and Charity Fain and husband, Matthew Goddard of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren
Tyler Hammons and wife, Brittany, Danica and Dylan Fain, all of Spanish Fort;
Kaya and Lucas Goddard of Portland, Ore., and Logun Reaves of Denton;
great-grandson Lundyn Hammons of Spanish Fort; brother Sam Fain of Springtown;
sister Sue Whitaker of Ringgold; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fenn, Lloyd Boyce
1937-2014
Published Saturday, February 1, 2014
Lloyd Boyce Fenn, 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and
friend, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints in Decatur. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of
Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Kevin Fenn, Walter Fenn, Thomas
Antonucci, Larry Martin, Matthew Humble and Brett Butler.
Boyce was born July 17, 1937, in Pomerene, Ariz., to Walter Leroy and Emma Leona
(Morris) Fenn. He grew up in Pomerene as the youngest of 10 children. He
attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he earned a bachelor’s
degree in chemistry. He continued his studies at the University of California
Riverside where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in soil chemistry.
During this time, Boyce met and then married his sweetheart, Lewella Arrington,
in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple Jan. 31, 1962. Together they became the loving
parents to six children. Boyce was a life-long faithful member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He also had a distinguished career as a soil
scientist for Texas A&M University.
Lewella predeceased Boyce two years ago on Feb. 2, 2012. He was fortunate to
find happiness again in his second marriage to Roselyn Stevens of West Jordan,
Utah, on June 22, 2012.
He is survived by his loving wife, Roselyn Fenn; children Walter Fenn and wife,
Cheryl, Kevin Fenn and wife, Sheree, Tanna Antonucci and husband, Thomas, Erin
Humble and husband, Matthew, Teresa Martin and husband, Larry, and Debra Butler
and husband, Brett. He is also
survived by 26 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother Waldo Fenn; and
sister Margorie Andersen of Pomerene, Ariz. Boyce was preceded in death by his
wife of 50 years, Lewella; his parents; brothers Max, Golden, Jedde, Clarence
and Toby; sisters Kathleen and Drucilla; and grandson Jacob Butler.
Fisher, Helen LaVerne Admire
1934-2014
Published Saturday, September 6, 2014
Helen LaVerne (Admire) Fisher, 79, died Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at her home in
Bella Vista, Ark.
No services are planned at this time.
Helen was born Nov. 25, 1934, on the family farm near Bridgeport, to Clarence H.
and Audrie (King) Admire.
She graduated high school in Bridgeport in 1952 and completed Isbell School of
Cosmetology in Fort Worth. She married Carroll G. Fisher Nov. 27, 1953, at the
Methodist church in Bridgeport.
Helen moved with her husband’s career in oil exploration through various towns
in West Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Southern
California and an eight-year tour in Tripoli, Libya. They moved to Bella Vista
in 2005.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Cindy Admire Fisher; brothers
Robert Admire and Bill Admire; and sister Joan Admire.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Carroll; son Robert and his
wife, Denise, of St. Peters, Mo.; daughter Barbara A. Farias and husband, Kevin,
of Fall River, Mass.; grandson Alex W. Farias of Fall River; sisters Rosetta
Richards of Arlington and Lola Neil of Benbrook; sisters-in-law Nell Admire of
Bridgeport, LeVelle Bond of Chandler, Ariz., and Gayle Meteer of Wynnewood,
Okla.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Florance, Kenneth Paul
1929-2014
Published Saturday, September 27, 2014
Kenneth Paul Florance, 84, of Paradise died Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, in Paradise.
Funeral was Sept. 26 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pete Putman
officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Hammond, Mike Florance, Keith
Florance and Kevin Florance.
Kenneth was born Nov. 3, 1929, in Burkburnett to James and Marie (Briarly)
Florance. He married Carol Caine Sept. 25, 1959, in Cody, Wyo. He retired from
Boeing as a heavy machine operator and was a member of the Cates Street Church
of Christ. Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol Florance; and his
brother, John Florance.
He is survived by his son, Bryan Florance of Denton; daughter Leslie Florance of
Lewisville; brother James Florance and wife, Delene, of Jacksboro; and other
family members and friends.
Florence, Margaret Louise
1948-2014
Published Saturday, October 4, 2014
Margaret Louise Florence, 66, a retired employee of the U.S. Department of
Labor, died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, in Arlington.
Graveside service is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at West Bridgeport Cemetery with the
Rev. Gerre Joiner officiating. There will be no visitation.
Margaret was born Feb. 2, 1948, in San Francisco to Raymond O. and Margaret
(Reilly) Florence.
She is survived by her father, Raymond O. Florence of Paradise; brother Raymond
O. Florence Jr. of Fort Worth; niece Lauren Renee Florence of Arlington; nephew
Garrett Allen Florence of Arlington; and other family members and friends.
Florida, Allie Belle
1924-2014
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Allie Belle Florida, 89, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in her hometown of
Greenwood.
Funeral was Feb. 25 at the Greenwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Tracy Epting
officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Kenny Shaw, Roland Walker, Dale Burks, Donald East, Charles
East, R.E. Florida III and Brent Gage. Allie Belle was born Aug. 20, 1924, to
William Ramon and Maggie Ann (Eason) Mathis in Leo. She married John D. Florida
Sept. 9, 1944, in Decatur.
She is survived by her daughter, Lanette Florida McClure and husband, Russell,
of Greenwood; granddaughters Jennifer Noel McClure of Wichita Falls and Jessica
Elise McClure of Greenwood; sisters Auga Lee East of Decatur and Vonceal Wallace
of Weatherford; and nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a son, Tex Noel
Florida.
Folger, Frances Ellowayne
1934-2014
Published Saturday, February 8, 2014
Frances Ellowayne Folger, 79, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, in Sunset.
Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery
in San Antonio. Visitation is 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at Trevino Funeral Home in San
Antonio.
Frances was born Sept. 17, 1934, in Sulphur Springs to William and Nancy (Hobbs)
Whitehead. She married Arvid Hartford Folger May 3, 1952, in Killeen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and five brothers and
sisters.
Survivors include her daughters, Judy Kay Rodriguez and husband, Raymond, of
Laredo, Carol Urbano and husband, Raul, of Ponder and Nancy Edwards and husband,
Buddy, of Sunset; sons Butch Folger and wife, Erica, of San Antonio and Steven
Folger of New Braunfels; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother Glen
Whitehead and wife, Mary, of Sherman; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Forbau, Ida Margaret 'Teeny' Cartwright
1923-2014
Published Saturday, March 8, 2014
Ida M. “Teeny” Cartwright Forbau, 91, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at First United Methodist Church in Decatur
with the Revs. Brian McPherson and Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial will
follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Teeny was born Jan. 12, 1923, to Forrest and Flora (Kelly) Howard in Quanah. She
married Charles Allen Cartwright Sept. 6, 1941. He died in 1961, and she married
Bernhart “Bud” Forbau May 24, 1968, in Dallas.
Teeny was a retired Decatur elementary librarian. She also worked as a director
at a senior center in Vernon. Teeny volunteered at Wise Regional Health System
in Decatur, where she made more than 1,000 teddy bears for children who were
hospitalized. She also collected hats for cancer patients.
Teeny loved watching all types of birds, especially purple martins, and could
identify most of the birds surrounding her home.
Early on, Teeny sang in the choir at the Decatur Methodist Church and had a fine
voice. Later, her voice changed so that family described it as similar to Edith
Bunker. Teeny always called everyone on their birthday and sang happy birthday,
and her grandchildren got quite a kick out of her Edith Bunker voice.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur for 74 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Jack “Junior” Howard; her
first husband, C.A. Cartwright; son Jim Cartwright in 1971 during the Vietnam
War; her second husband, Bud Forbau in 2009; and daughter Jane Cartwright in
1947.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy Cartwright Ratzlaff and husband, Roger, of
Willow Park; grandchildren Jerl E. McKinney and wife, Cathy, of Kiowa, Colo.,
James A. McKinney and wife, Candi, of Willow Park, Jana M. McKinney Porter of
McKinney, and Mark Ratzlaff and Laila of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren
Catherine McKinney Larson and husband, Jed, Kelly McKinney, Jessica McKinney
Mozjesik and husband, Brenden, James H. McKinney, Evan Porter and Lauren Porter;
great-great-grandchildren Boaz Larson, Karah Larson, Jackson Mozjesik and
Savannah Mozjesik; brother Bill Howard; other family members; and many friends.
Memorials may be made to Texas A&M Sul Ross Scholarship in memory of Jim
Cartwright, Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, TX
77840-2811.
Ford, Floyd Lee
1949-2014
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Floyd Lee Ford, 65, died Saturday, April 26, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral was April 29 at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, and burial followed
at Newport Cemetery.
Floyd was born Jan. 2, 1949, in Newport to Foy and Janie (Hicks) Ford. He
graduated from Bowie High School in 1967 and attended Ranger Junior College for
two years. He was an avid bow hunter and enjoyed playing golf.
Floyd worked for several companies in Wise County, including Trinity Rock
Crusher Co., Brazos Gas and Purvis Bearing. He was working for Targa Resources
in Chico at the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Foy and Janie Ford; son Floyd Alan
Ford; brother Loyd Ford and sister Risa Black.
Survivors include daughters Amie Beltran and husband, Marcus, of Boyd, and
Clairissa Ford of Fort Worth; fianc Michele Menetrier of Rhome; grandchildren
Tyler Booker of Bellevue, Kaitlyn Myers of Fort Worth and Kyra, Kalynn, Camden,
Jaden and Breden Beltran, all of Boyd; brother Wayne Ford and wife, Laura, of
Burleson; sisters Carolyn Mayo and husband, Leonard, of Sunset; Janice Ford of
Bowie; best friend Bill Conner of Wichita Falls; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Forman, Kathleen Brown
1926-2014
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Kathleen Forman, 87, died Sunday,
July 27, 2014, at Denton Regional Medical Center.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur
with the Rev. Brian Bosworth, pastor of Decatur’s First United Methodist
Church, officiating.
A memorial service will also be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Denton Bible Church with
Ed Jones officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home in Denton.
Kathleen was born Nov. 1, 1926, in Decatur, the only child of Elbert (Cap) and
Alma Christian Brown. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1943 and from
Baylor University in 1948 with a bachelor of arts degree.
She married Ray Hugh Forman Jr. Oct. 27, 1951, and they were married 47 years
before his death in 1999. Ray and Kathleen had two children, Elbert Ray and Ann,
and raised them in Decatur before moving to Slidell in 1976. They enjoyed many
years in the country before their final move to Good Samaritan Village in
Denton.
Kathleen was active in her church, First United Methodist in Decatur and the
Senior Bible Study at Denton Bible Church. She also enjoyed visiting the family
land near Slidell, where young and old would gather for hunting, fishing,
camping, grilling and fellowship. Together with several close friends, she was
an active member of the unofficial P.O.W. (Poor Old Widows) Club, with whom she
celebrated life’s little pleasures.
She is survived by her son, Elbert Forman and wife, Cheri; daughter Ann Swingler
and husband, Jack; and grandchildren Kimberly Wolfe (Thomas), Lauren Cortez
(Felipe), Otto Swingler and John Henry Swingler. The newest additions to her
family, great-grandchildren Jocelyn and Logan Cortez and Genevieve and Jillian
Wolfe, were her greatest joy. Contributions in her memory can be made to the
American Cancer Society.
Fortune, Catherine M.
1953-2014
Published Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Catherine M. Fortune, 61, a homemaker, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, in Decatur.
Catherine was born March 13, 1953, in Arlington to Bobby and Trudy (Young)
Pierce. She married Tommy Fortune Feb. 8, 1973, in Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bobby Pierce.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Tommy E. Fortune of Boyd; daughter
Elonda Fortune of Arnold, N.D.; grandchildren D.J. Brooks and Tre Fortune;
brother Ray Pierce of Fort Worth; sister Elonda Fay Patterson of Justin; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Foust, Geraldine 'Jerry'
1922-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Geraldine ‘Jerry’ Foust, 91, died Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2014, in Mineral
Wells.
Graveside service was March 21 at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Patillo with burial
under the direction of Wiley Chapel in Lipan.
Geraldine Yvonne Lindsey was born July 3, 1922, in Whittier, Calif., to Robert
Russell Lindsey and Rosa Edith Dyches Lindsey. She graduated from high school in
1940.
She attended and graduated from Howard Payne University and then attended
Tarleton State University, where she received certification to teach LLD
children. On May 25, 1947, she married Hubert Foust in the First Christian
Church at Breckenridge.
Mrs. Foust taught 31 years in Sipe Springs, Cross Cut, Brownwood, Graford, Palo
Pinto, Gordon and Lipan schools. She was active in local politics in Lipan and
attended all the school board meetings. She believed that every child deserve an
education.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hubert Foust; and her
brother, Robert Lindsey. Survivors include her son, Mark Lindsey Foust and wife,
Melissa, of Lipan; daughter Sandra Foust Poynor and husband, Clay, of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Trent Justin Poynor of Granbury, Tres Ryan Poynor of
Bridgeport, Lindsey Elizabeth Poynor Reed of Lewisville, Marcus Foust of Lipan
and Tanden Foust of Lipan; great-grandsons Malachi Poynor and Gavin Poynor;
great-granddaughter Minneia Poynor: a niece and a nephew; cousins Barbara
Ausborn of Irving and Sue Farmer of Corpus Christi; and many friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Fox, Tommie Riggs
1919-2014
Published Saturday, July 26, 2014
Tommie Riggs Fox, 95, formerly of Decatur, died Wednesday, July 23, 2014, in
Fort Worth.
A private service will be held at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with
Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Jerry Watson II, Barry Watson, Byron Watson, Henry Cox
Rudy II, Ron Goodwin, Jerry Watson, Henry Rudy and Bob Riek.
Tommie was born Feb. 18, 1919, in Denton to George Lewis and Mary Ann (Moody)
Riggs. She married Joe Lee Fox in 1938 in Decatur. Tommie was a homemaker,
worked in retail and helped her husband raise cattle.
Tommie’s greatest joy was time spent with her family; her husband, children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enthusiastically hosted and attended
countless family events, dinners, birthday parties, piano/voice recitals,
graduations, weddings and sports events. She enjoyed everything her children and
grandchildren participated in.
Her family and friends especially looked forward to her homemade fudge,
chocolate chip cookies and chocolate and coconut pies. Tommie loved being
“Baba” to her granddaughter Leigh Jenai Goodwin and grandsons Dr. Jerry
Watson II, Barry Watson, Henry Cox Rudy II and her great-grandchildren.
Tommie’s faith and love for the Lord was an important part of her life. She
was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years; parents; and her brothers
and sisters. Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Fox Watson and husband,
Jerry, of Decatur, and Neva Fox Rudy and husband, Henry, of Fort Worth; son
Albert Lee Fox and wife, Pamela, of Frankfort, Ky.; five grandchildren;
great-grandchildren Erik Scott Low, Breece Aidana Low, Sylvia Rose Watson,
Amelia Grace Watson, Lindsey Riggs Watson, Nathan Ernest Watson, Ethan Tyler
Watson and Mary Elsie Watson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Fraga-Solis, Porfirio
1960-2014
Published Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Porfirio Fraga-Solis, 54, of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in
Decatur.
Mass of Christian burial was Aug. 19 at St. John The Baptizer Catholic Church
with Father Thomas Dsouza officiating. Burial was at Mexican Cemetery in
Bridgeport under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers were Isidro Fraga, Rene Rodriguez, Miguel Rodriguez, Cesar Salinas,
Cesar Salinas, Carlos Davila, Juan Jose Fraga, Saul Fraga, Jose Rosas and Javier
Fraga.
Porfirio was born June 9, 1960, in Zaragoza, Coahuila, to Alberto Fraga and
Juana S. de Fraga. He married Guadalupe Rosas Feb. 16, 1985, in Decatur and
worked as an oilfield roustabout.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Victor Alberto; and sister Celia
Edelina. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Guadalupe Fraga of Bridgeport;
sons Julio Blas Fraga of Bridgeport and Isidro Fraga and wife, Claudia Reyes, of
Louisiana; daughters Juanita Yadira Salinas and husband, Cesar, of Sanger,
Gabriela Rodriguez and husband, Rene, of Pleasanton, Guadalupe Fraga and Yasmin
Fraga, both of Bridgeport; grandchildren Kassandra, Cesar, Monica, Samuel,
Isidro, Brisa, Miguel, Maria, Meredith, Natalie and Mia; his parents; brothers
and sisters, Maria Adelita Mendoza, Juan Jose Fraga, Marta Alicia Rangel,
Yesenia Davila, Jesus Humberto Fraga, Leticia Leyva, Aracely Rosas and Saul
Fraga; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Franks, Joe Dean
1956-2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Joe Dean Franks, 57, died Sunday, June 15, 2014, at his home in Bridgeport.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at Thomas Cemetery in
Bridgeport. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Family Funeral Home.
Joe was born Dec. 11, 1956, in Wichita Falls to Martha Raye (Beauchamp) and
Aubrey Dean Franks. He loved to bass fish and participate in bass tournaments.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
Franks was preceded in death by his mother; and his grandparents, Lucille and
Daniel Beauchamp.
Survivors include sons Michael and Jason Franks, both of Bridgeport; father A.D.
Franks of Bridgeport; sisters Lynn Franks Fair and Amy Franks Miller, both of
Denton; brother Ray Franks of Bridgeport; granddaughter Edyee Franks; and
numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Frederick, Leo Aaron
1931-2014
Published Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Leo Aaron Frederick, 83, of Paradise, died Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Dallas-Fort Worth
National Cemetery in Dallas, with full military honors. Burial is under the
direction of Jones Family Funeral Home of Bridgeport.
Leo was born June 18, 1931, in Pawhuska, Okla., to Gertrude Lee (Bessie) and
Ralph Frederick. He quit school in order to serve his country and received his
diploma and college credits through the military. He served in the U.S. Air
Force for 21 years.
He married Margery Lou McNamara Aug. 1, 1966, in Waco. After he retired from the
military, Leo was a carpenter in the construction business. He and Margery moved
to Wise County in 1978.
Leo enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry. He was a Mason and a member of
Anchorage Lodge No. 17.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Alan Wayne Frederick; and grandson
Bryce Taylor.
Survivors include his wife; sons David Frederick and wife, Mindy, of La Jolla,
Calif., Aaron Frederick and wife, Kari, of Argyle, Thomas Taylor and wife,
Brenda, of Justin, and Mark Taylor and wife, Donna, of Euless; daughter Diana
Wallace and husband, Allen, of Fort Worth; sister Arlene Carroll of Pawhuska; 16
grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Ganus, Harold Eugene
1941-2014
Published Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Harold Eugene Ganus, 73, of Chico, died Friday, Sept. 12, 2014.
Funeral was Sept. 16 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with Pastor
Barney Hudson officiating. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Mt.
Pleasant.
Gene was born Sept. 5, 1941, in Fairfield, Ala., to Alpha Eloise (Meadows) and
Harold Floyd Ganus. He married Peggy Sue Sistrunk Sept. 2, 1979, in Baytown. He
served his country in the U.S. Navy and was a master mechanist who retired from
LTV in Grand Prairie.
He also was a pastor and a member of Anconkee Ministries in Chico where he
conducted church services at his home. Gene was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member
of the Alvord Masonic Lodge.
He was a musician who played the piano, wrote music and sang. Most of all, he
was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family.
Gene is survived by his wife; sons Brady Ganus of Bridgeport, Carey Ganus and
wife, Anna, of Springtown, and Brandon Ganus of Chico; daughter Melody Mabe of
Baytown; brother Paul Ganus of Garland; grandchildren Keaton, Ashton, Jordyn,
Elijah and Brandon Ganus Jr., and Nathan Mabe; and great-grandchildren Aidan
Pickering and Hunter Mabe.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Garces, Mary Sue
1930-2014
Published Saturday, September 20, 2014
Mary Sue Garces, 83, of Paradise, formerly of Bridgeport, died Thursday, Sept.
18, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Shelton Garces, Kenny Salazar, Felipe Moncibiaz, Jim Bob
Culwell, John Clifton, Austin Culwell, Joshua Vidal, Chris Martinez, and
honorary pallbearer Cliff Ryan. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Jones
Family Funeral Home.
Mary was born Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1930 in Decatur to Carlos and Josephina
(Burolas) Casillas. On Dec. 24, 1969 she married Cilfredo Q. “Sonny” Garces.
She was a member of Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
In years past, she was the owner of Mary’s Place Restaurant in Bridgeport. In
addition to cooking, Mary loved to crochet and spend time with her
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters Gloria Martinez and Emily
Vidal; son-in-law Marcos Torres Jr; and grandson Andy Martinez.
Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Sonny Garces; sons Cliff Garces and
wife, Tracie, Lupe Salazar Jr. and wife, JoAnn, John Salazar Sr., and Tommy
Salazar; daughters Julie Torres, Sally Salazar, JoAnn Salazar, Olga Evans, Norma
Stith and Gloria Ramirez; sister Emilie Davila; numerous grandchildren, and
nieces and nephews.
Garcia, Thomas
1931-2014
Published Saturday, May 10, 2014
Thomas Garcia, 83, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in Sunset.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at Montague Catholic Cemetery
with Father Richard Collins officiating. Burial is under the direction of White
Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Thomas was born March 11, 1931, in New York City to Thomas and Laura (Tubens)
Garcia. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years and
retired in 1968 as a gunnery sergeant.
Thomas received his masters in education at Florida International University in
Miami. He was an instructor at Geo T. Baker Aviation College in Miami for 23
years, then worked as a case manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency
in Denton and was a substitute teacher for schools in Bowie and Wise County.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ed Garcia.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 19 years, Pat Garcia of Sunset; children Tom
Garcia and wife, Gingerlee, of Richlands, N.C., Laura Garcia of Sun City, Fla.,
David Fletcher and wife, LaDonna, of Krum, and Suzanne Hageman and husband,
Randy, of Pratt, Kan.; grandchildren Thomas Garcia of Vallejo, Calif., Jonathan
Garcia of Sun City, Fla., Dianna Garcia of Sun City, Fla., Kimberly Goodman and
husband, Bobby, of Chandler, Katherine Fletcher of Krum, Rystal and Payton Hoeme
of Pratt, Kan., and Caden Schowergerdt of Pratt, Kan.; great-grandchildren Tomas
and Nicholas Garcia of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Isabel Garcia of Wilmington,
N.C.; and the mother of his children, Felicia Garcia of Miami.
Gardner, Millie Bess
1925-2014
Published Saturday, November 1, 2014
Millie Bess Gardner, 89, a former longtime resident of Lake Bridgeport, and most
recently of Wichita Falls, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, surrounded by family.
Funeral was Oct. 19 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Gary
Demmitt officiating. She was buried next to her husband in Gibtown.
Millie, affectionately known to her grandchildren and many others as
“Bomba,” was born March 30, 1925, in Peacock to Henry Elmer and Sally
Schlaepfer.
She graduated from Peacock High School in 1943 and married Rayford Paul Gardner
May 25, 1946, in Aspermont. They later moved to Gibtown, then in 1980 to Lake
Bridgeport, where they were members of Lake Bridgeport Baptist Church.
Millie and Rayford were married 57 years before his death on Oct. 16, 2003. She
died 11 years later, to the day.
She loved Rayford and she also loved Jesus, and her faith in him showed in
everything she did. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers James and Robert
Schlaepfer; daughter-in-law Ann Gardner; and great-grandson Ethan Read.
She is survived by her son, Rayford Paul Gardner Jr. and wife, Linda, of De
Leon; daughter Sally Jones and husband, James, of Wichita Falls; son Joe Gardner
and wife, Cathy, of Chico; grandchildren Michelle (Thomas) Riggins of Iowa Park,
Reggie (Tory) Gardner of Colorado City, D’Layna (Troy) Greg of Rhome, Heather
(Johnny) Willis of Wichita Falls, Debbie (Todd) Morris of De Leon, Burette
(Gabrielle) Douglas of Fort Worth, Brady (Maygan) Gardner of Sanger, Tiffany
(Ed) Dixon of Wichita Falls, Alison (Brian) Read of Paradise, Stefani (Gareth)
Price of San Antonio, Jeremy (Misty) Ingmire of Midland, Jason (Carrie) Solley
of Fort Worth, Jeff (Freida) Solley of Bridgeport; 36 great-grandchildren; 13
great-great-grandchildren; and many more who considered her family.
Garrison, Billy
1929-2014
Published Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Billy Garrison, 85, a car salesman, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Oaklawn Cemetery with the
Rev. Ken May officiating. Burial is under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral
Home.
Billy was born March 16, 1929, in Decatur to Jessie and Mary (Brown) Garrison.
He married Barbara Ann Stem July 1, 1946, in Decatur and retired after more than
20 years as a car salesman.
Billy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. He enjoyed racing
quarter horses after his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Barbara Ann Stem.
Survivors include his son, Richard Garrison and wife, DeLona, of Decatur;
grandchildren Curren Wicker and husband, Brandt, of Decatur and Ryan Brown and
husband, Asnley, of Decatur; great-grandchildren Camden, Carson, Caylen,
Kampbell, Kortlen and Kynlie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Garvin, Brenda Jean
1952-2014
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Brenda Jean Garvin, 62, a physical therapist assistant, died Friday, Dec. 12,
2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Bro. Bill Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Brevon Blaylock, Christian Blaylock, Cody Yzaguirre, Lane
Blaylock, Tyler Yzaguirre, Dylan Blaylock, Cason Blaylock and Joshua Garvin.
Brenda was born Oct. 16, 1952, in Decatur to Charles and Betty (Tadlock)
Bradford. She married Bill Garvin Sr. Feb. 14, 1992, in Denton County, and she
was a member of New Vision Ministries.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Charles Bradford; son Stephen
Blaylock; daughter Shelly Blaylock; and brother David Bradford.
Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Bill Garvin Sr. of Decatur; daughter
Tonya Grimes of Alvord; sons Chad Blaylock and Brad Blaylock, both of Justin,
Billy Garvin Jr. of Bridgeport and Josh Garvin of Alvord; 13 grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; her mother, Betty Bradford of Decatur; grandmother Arlie
Weaver of Nocona; sisters Cyndie Bradford of Decatur and Dana Fowler of Boyd;
daughter-in-law Laura Blaylock of Decatur; and numerous nieces, nephews and
friends.
Garza, Esperanza ‘Hope’
1949-2014
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Esperanza “Hope” Garza, 64, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Pleasant View Baptist Church with the Rev.
Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will follow at Mexican Cemetery. Visitation is
5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Pallbearers will be
Jacob Luevanos, Jesus Rodriguez, Jonathan Garza, Anthony Scott Smith, Oscar
Luevanos, Ralla Hankins, Jr. Sparks, Braden Liner, Reynal Garza and Ruben James
Dunlap.
Hope was born June 23, 1949, in Bridgeport to Frank and Victoria (Casillas)
Martinez. She married Lorenzo Garza May 8, 1970, in Waurika, Okla., and was a
housewife.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Ray Garza; son-in-law Leonard
Eugene Dunlap; brothers George, Raymond, Johnny and Phillip Martinez; and sister
Josie Cant. Survivors include her husband, Lorenzo Garza Sr. of Bridgeport; son
Lorenzo “Dirt” Garza Jr. and wife, Lisa, of Bridgeport; daughters Cynthia
Rodriquez and Felix Mendoza of Fort Worth, Maria Garza and husband, Randall
Smith, of Bridgeport, Cicilia “CiCi” Liner of Fort Worth, Veronica Garza P
rez of Fort Worth, and Guadalupe Martinez and husband. Carlos Sr., of Fort
Worth; 20 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Anselmo Martinez
and wife, Guadelupe, Daniel Martinez and Bobby Martinez; sisters Carmen Cox and
husband, Eddie, Connie Rodriguez and husband, Raul, Carol Martinez, Paula
Martinez, and Lilly Pe a and husband, John; and other family members and
friends.
Gee, Paulette
1950-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Paulette Gee, 64, of Chico, died Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral was Nov. 17 at First Baptist Church of Chico with Pastor Ed Edington
officiating. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Alex Hastings, Chaz Miller, Jackie Souther, Jackie Karch,
Jordan Karch and Josh Richey.
Paulette was born June 20, 1950, in Ponder. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her son, Johnny Gee; and her grandmother, Minnie
Page.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Leon Gee Sr.; sons Leon Jr. and
Jerry Gee; daughter Kristi Gee-Bullion; parents Marie Page and Robert Byrd;
grandchildren John Dylan, Heather, Sarah, Braden, Nichole and Kaiden Gee,
Trinity Bullion, and Kourtnee and Cody Ireland; and great-grandchild Fable Gee.
Gentry, Anna Rita
1950-2013
Published Saturday, January 4, 2014
Anna Rita Gentry, 63, of Paradise died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, in Decatur.
Service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale
with Pastor Charles Pugh and Bro. Terry Terry officiating. Burial will follow at
Cottondale Cemetery.
Visitation is at 1 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.
Anna was born Nov. 15, 1950, in Philadelphia to Rocco and Antoinette
(Giangrande) DiDonato. She attended Brown Technical High School in Wilmington,
Del. Throughout her four years there, she studied cosmetology. Upon graduation,
she worked at the beauty salon in the local J.C. Penney department store.
After several years of working for others, she opened her own business in
Wilmington, called Five Points Beauty Salon. This was by no means an ordinary
place to have your hair styled. Because of Anna’s outgoing, kind and loving
way, this was a place to meet and greet. All of her family, friends and friends
of friends came here, as the atmosphere was all about love, gathering and food
– yes, food, because everyone brought in homemade food, and Anna was always so
happy to share. Her mother, ‘Nina,’ helped at the front desk, as well as her
Aunt Rita. Mary, Anna’s sister, also worked there as a beautician.
Anna worked hard at her business for many years, but after her mother’s death,
she decided she needed a change and came to Texas, which became her new home.
Not long after her arrival, she met Glenn and was so happy to become part of his
big family.
She became the glue that kept everyone together in Texas just as she had done in
Delaware. She was a shining example of love, kindness and giving selflessly to
her new community for the next 31 years. During these years, she ran the Boyd
Automotive and Hardware Store and became a tax specialist.
Anna was a hardworking, dedicated businesswoman. In her “spare” time, her
passion was cooking and sharing all wonderful homemade delights with others,
especially all of her delicious Italian food.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Glenn Anthony Gentry of Paradise;
son Sam Gentry and wife, Whitney, of Lubbock; daughters Nina Price and husband,
William, of Boyd, and Shelley Schaffer and husband, Matthew, of Temecula,
Calif.; brothers Vincent DiDonato of Smyrna, Del., and Rocco DiDonato of Newark,
Del.; sister Mary Clement of Paradise; grandchildren Lexi Schaffer and Ashton
Schaffer of Temecula, Calif., and Sawyer Gentry and Chandler Gentry of Lubbock;
and numerous other family members and friends.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Francis Clement; uncle
Sam Albano and aunt Rita Albano; and uncle Joe Strano and aunt Carmela Strano.
Gentry, Grace Juliann
1945-2014
Published Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Grace Juliann Gentry, 68, of Benbrook, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in Fort Worth.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the First
Christian Church of Paradise.
Julie was born Aug. 2, 1945, in Fort Worth to Floyd and Correne Gentry. She was
a member of the First Christian Church of Paradise.
She enjoyed horseback riding, barrel racing, antiquing, reading and gardening.
She worked for many years at Lockheed, Sprint and Southwestern Bell. She was a
breast cancer survivor.
She is survived by a son, Morgan Holt; grandson Tevin Holt; and extended family
and friends, including Lydia Bridier, Jim Minx, Linda Bohou-Presma, Joyce Lewis,
Darla Woolridge and Janet Finley.
Gerhart, Ronnie Lee, Sr.
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Ronnie Lee Gerhart Sr., 75, a retired sheet metal journeyman, died Sunday, June
1, 2014, in Chico.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Ronnie was born March 9, 1939, in Indianapolis to Charles and Doris (Johnson)
Fornshell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dave and George
Gerhart.
He is survived by his daughters, Maria Ann Hoket and husband, J., of Chico and
Tanya Hart and husband, Jim, of Gardenville, Nev.; grandchildren Leslie, Coltan,
Raylon, Dameon, Alana, Marinia, Gabriel, Florence, Atlas, Kayson, Braxton,
Austin, Aydan and Ian; brothers Donald Gerhart and wife, Robin, of Greenville,
Pa., and Richard Gerhart and wife, Gloria, of Keystone Heights, Fla.; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gerhart, Ronnie Lee, Sr.
1939-2014
Published Saturday, June 7, 2014
Ronnie Lee Gerhart Sr., 75, a retired sheet metal journeyman, died Sunday, June
1, 2014, in Chico.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Ronnie was born March 9, 1939, in Indianapolis to Charles and Doris (Johnson)
Fornshell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dave and George
Gerhart.
He is survived by his daughters, Maria Ann Hoket and husband, Patrick J., of
Chico and Tanya Hart and husband, Jim, of Gardenville, Nev.; son Ronnie Lee
Gerhart Jr. of Chico; grandchildren Leslie, Coltan, Raylon, Dameon, Alana,
Marinia, Gabriel, Florence, Atlas, Kayson, Braxton, Austin, Aydan and Ian;
brothers Donald Gerhart and wife, Robin, of Greenville, Pa., and Richard Gerhart
and wife, Gloria, of Keystone Heights, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Geron, Beth Marlena
1956-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Beth Marlena Geron, 57, of Alvord, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 in Decatur.
Memorial service is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at Immanuel Baptist Church in
Decatur. Rev. Louis Horton will officiate.
Beth was born Aug. 25, 1956 to Wally and Amy (Walker) Spaith in Cincinnati. She
married Glen Melvin Geron April 23, 1983 in Decatur. Beth was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Glen Geron of Alvord; daughter
Rolanda Patterson of Decatur; two grandsons, Daxx Patterson and Nathaniel
Patterson; sister Jerriann Scott Brown of Ohio; brothers Rusty Scott of
Massachusetts and Jerry T. Scott of Ohio; niece, nephew and a host of friends.
Gettys, Ronald Thomas
1948-2014
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Ronald Thomas Gettys, 66, of Decatur, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at Baylor
All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth, following a brief illness.
Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the First United Methodist Church
in Decatur with Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery
under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Martin Woodruff, Mason Woodruff, Murray Cude, Melton Cude,
Derrick Boyd, Chance Overton, James M. Brummell, William Klose and Cliff Moon.
Ronny was born Sept. 1, 1948, in Decatur to Charles Thomas and Janice (Mann)
Gettys. After graduating from Decatur High School he attended the University of
Texas in Austin where he majored in architecture. Austin became his home. He
married Janci M. Goodson in 1969, and they had two daughters, Shauna and Eryn.
During his career, Ronny worked with various architectural firms as a supervisor
of architectural construction on buildings at the university in Austin, a
Holiday Inn in New York and others. He also worked for Motorola in Austin. He
was an associate with Graber, Simmons and Cowan Architect and worked with the
Veterans Administration supervising the construction of veteran retirement homes
in Texas.
Following the completion of the program, he joined Jay Barnes Architects of
Austin as construction administrator. After his retirement, he returned to
Decatur, where he lived with his friend from childhood, Nancy Brummell Boyd. She
and Ronny sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Ronny was also an accomplished pianist and worked with various civic and state
committees in Austin.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his daughters, Shauna
Tomme and husband, John, of Watauga, and Eryn Gettys of Austin; grandson Matthew
Tomme of Watauga; sisters Charlotte Meador and husband, Frank, of Decatur and
Leisa Waylett and husband, Manshadow, of Decatur; partner Nancy Boyd of Decatur;
and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Giblin, Joel
1940-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Master Chief Joel “Gib” Giblin, 73, retired military, died Tuesday, March
11, 2014, in Decatur.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur with George Quillin officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to
service.
Gib was born Sept. 21, 1940, in Baton Rouge, La., to Clancy and Louise (Lucus)
Giblin. He married Donna Gener Oct. 9, 1963, in Houston.
Gib served his country in the U.S. Navy and retired after 34 years of service.
He was a 33rd-Degree Mason of the Arlington Lodge and a member of the Wise
County Veteran Group.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Donna Giblin of Decatur; son Daniel
Giblin of Decatur; brother Gerald Giblin of Houston; sister Cheryl Hart of
Houston; and other family members and friends.
Memorials can be made to the Wise County Veterans Group by calling 940-683-2382.
Gill, James Edward
1933-2014
Published Saturday, October 18, 2014
James Edward Gill, 81, a retired custodian, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, in Fort
Worth.
Graveside service was Oct. 17 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 1 in Decatur with
the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial was under the direction of Hawkins
Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
James was born July 11, 1933, in Dalhart to Marvin and Irene (Leonard) Gill. He
was married to Racheal Eldridge and was a retired custodial worker for Imperial
Fabrications in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Racheal Gill; brothers Earl,
Burl and John Gill; sisters Mary Otwell, Betty McCann, Darlene Gill and Sally
Ruth Gill.
Survivors include his son, John W. Gill of Lake Bridgeport; daughters Sandra
Gill and Richard Williams of Runaway Bay and Denise Stidham of Fort Worth;
granddaughter Rachell DeLay; sisters Jo Ann Martin and husband, PeeWee, of
Granbury, Linda Gill of Denton; and other family members and friends.
Gillespie, Linda Faye Holmes
1942-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Linda Faye Holmes Gillespie, 71, the longtime librarian for the city of Rhome,
died Wednesday, March 19, 2014.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Monday in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville.
Interment will follow in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5 to
7 p.m. Sunday.
Linda was born April 24, 1942, in Fort Worth, the daughter of Pete and Dorothy
Holmes. She attended Keller High School, graduating in 1960.
That same year, Linda met Leon Gillespie, the love of her life, and they married
Sept. 1, 1961. They had two children, Brent Lane and Jana Lyn.
A lifelong member of Chapter 326, Order of the Eastern Star, Linda loved and
served the organization for over 50 years.
She is survived by her children, Brent Lane and Jana Lyn; a grandchild, Kyle
Jaeger; sister-in-law Shirley Holmes; nephew Tommy Holmes Jr.; nieces Marla and
Amanda Holmes; and oldest and dearest friends, C.W. and Charlotte West.
Gilliam, Dale Edward, Jr.
1957-2014
Published Wednesday, May 24, 2014
Dale Edward Gilliam Jr., 57, of Mountain View, Okla., died Tuesday, May 20,
2014, in Dallas.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur with Nolan Warner officiating.
Dale was born May 12, 1957, in Tyler to Dale Edward Sr. and Janice (Shelton)
Gilliam. He married Diane Looney March 20, 1991, and they were married 18 years
until her passing in 2009. Dale was in law enforcement and served in the U.S.
Air Force as a law enforcement specialist. He received the Air Force good
conduct medal and longevity service award.
He was preceded in death by his father and his wife.
Survivors include his son, Dale Gilliam III and wife, Rachel, of Dallas;
daughter Dawn Keller and husband, Thomas, of Decatur; son Denton Gilliam and
wife, Dana, of Paradise; grandson Cameron Keller of Decatur; his mother, Janice
Mulanax of Fort Worth; brothers Glen Gilliam and wife, Tracie, Barry Dunn and
wife, Margie, and Gene Gilliam and wife, Amy; sisters Stacie Debellis and
husband, Mike, and Sylvia Hallerman and husband, Clint; and many nieces, nephews
and friends.
Gilmore, Maudie Mae
1945-2014
Published Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Maudie Mae Gilmore, 69, a homemaker, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Newark.
Graveside service was Dec. 1 at Pleasant Grove No. 2 Cemetery with Chaplain
Phillip Weitner officiating. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd handled
arrangements.
Maudie was born Jan. 20, 1945, in Fort Worth to William and Maudie (Bailey)
Tucker. She married Lelie Ray Gilmore and was a homemaker and a member of the
Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Ray Gilmore; and her parents.
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Robinson and husband, Lowell, of Boyd;
sons Cody Dean Gilmore and wife, Cleta, of Denton and Leslie Ray Gilmore of
Newark; granddaughters Tiffany Sloas and husband, Jason, of New Fairview, and
Lindsey Hope Robinson of Newark; great-grandson Jason Sloas Jr.; and numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Godbey, Billy H.
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Billy H. “Frog” Godbey, 71, died Saturday, April 26, 2014, at his home in
Newark.
Funeral was April 29 at Biggers Funeral Chapel in Lake Worth. Burial followed at
Aurora Cemetery.
Billy was born Jan. 30, 1943, in Fort Worth to Glen and Thelma Godbey. He was
raised in Haslet and attended Northwest High School. Before his retirement, he
was a shop foreman for J&L Tanks for more than 20 years.
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Chapman; daughters Cindy Pockrus, Kim
Hulsey and husband, David, and Lisa Durham and husband, Tiger; mother of his
children, Leona Crain; stepchildren Curtis Hooks, Chris Hooks and Daniel Chapman
and wife, Mary; mother Thelma Godbey; brothers Woody Godbey and wife, Regina,
and Gabe Godbey and wife, Sandra; sisters Glenna Waggoner and husband, Kenneth,
and Pam Warren and husband, Gerald; nine grandchildren; and one
great-grandchild.
Godwin, Landry Grace
2014
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Landry Grace Godwin, infant daughter of Brandon and Jessica Godwin, died
Saturday, June 28, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Gary Sessions officiating. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport
Cemetery. Visitaiton is one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers are Bradley Fagan, Bryan Fagan, Albert Edwards and Lucas Dixon.
Landry was born June 23, 2014, in Decatur to Brandon and Jessica (Edwards)
Godwin.
Survivors include her parents, Brandon and Jessica Godwin of Bridgeport; sisters
Karlee, Aja, Emma and Natalie Godwin, all of Bridgeport; grandmothers Debbie
Shepherd of Honey Grove and Gayla Fagan of Bridgeport; grandfather Albert
Edwards of Honey Grove; great-great-aunt Mary Owens of Bridgeport; and numerous
aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Golike, Charles
1927-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Charles C. Golike, 86, died Jan. 23, 2014, in Decatur.
A public memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25 in the Parlor Room of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Charles, known as Chuck, was born May 22, 1927 to Homer and Nellie Golike of
Bethalto, Ill. After graduating from Alton High School in Alton, Ill., he
attended Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis, Minn., participating in
Bible learning, music, and playing catcher on the college baseball team.
He met his future wife, Lois Hawkey, there, and they were married June 15, 1948,
in Alton, Ill. Chuck owned Go-Britt Kennels and enjoyed raising, training,
selling, showing and bird hunting with his Brittany Spaniels. He had careers in
construction and in managing large ranches in Colorado, Nevada and Texas. His
love of horses was evident throughout his life.
Chuck professed faith in Jesus Christ as a child. He grew up attending church
and continued as an adult in teaching God’s Word and in directing church
choirs. While living in Grand Junction, Colo., he began his own radio program
called “Let’s Hear” featuring local and visiting Christian musicians who
sang, played a variety of instruments and shared their testimonies of faith in
Christ and of God’s faithfulness in their lives.
Chuck’s own faith enabled him to respond to life’s difficulties with the
conviction of the message of his favorite hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
He will be keenly missed as a loving husband, father, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Golike, and their three children (and spouses):
Daniel (Terri), Gaile Thulson (Mark), and Kevin (Gloria); six grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren; brothers Harold and Don Golike; and sister Marie
Ringhausen. He was preceded in death by his sister, LaVerne Golike; and brothers
Albert and William Golike.
Golike, Lois Katherine
1927-2014
Published Saturday, August 30, 2014
Lois Katherine Golike, 87, died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, in Decatur.
A public memorial service to celebrate her life will be 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.
6, in the parlor of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Lois was born Feb. 21, 1927, to the Rev. Claude and Katherine Hawkey in
Waterloo, N.Y., where Rev. Hawkey pastored the Waterloo Baptist Church. The
family later moved to Michigan where the Rev. Hawkey pastored other churches,
and Lois enjoyed visits to her grandparents’ farm, a place she remembered with
great fondness throughout her life.
In high school, Lois participated in swimming and music clubs and assembled
electric motors for wartime demand, earning money for college. After graduating
from Owosso High School in 1945, she attended Northwestern Bible College in
Minneapolis. As part of a summer ministry team, she traveled to the Colorado
mountains to teach Vacation Bible School. While in college, Lois met her future
husband, and she was married to Charles (Chuck) Golike June 15, 1948, in Alton,
Ill.
Lois was a strong believer in Christ. She enjoyed singing in church and
community choirs and was often called upon as a soloist. Her children and many
others benefited from her involvement in children’s ministries and teaching as
they grew up attending Evangelical Free Church near Princeton, Minn., where
Chuck and Lois owned a small farm. She also sang on Chuck’s Christian radio
show when the family moved to Grand Junction, Colo.
Through relocations to Nevada and Texas, Lois’ faith enabled her to create a
home, find friends, change occupations and invest in the lives of others
wherever she and Chuck lived. She enjoyed membership and activities with the
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and took up oil painting later in
life, earning a novice blue ribbon at the North Central Texas College Art Show
in Gainesville.
Lois’ husband, Charles Golike, died Jan. 23, 2014, in Decatur. She was also
preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Esther Havens; and brothers Paul and
Joseph Hawkey.
Lois is survived by their three children and their spouses, Daniel and wife,
Terri, Gaile Thulson and husband, Mark, and Kevin and wife, Gloria; six
grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Goode, Oran K.
1934-2014
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Oran K. Goode, 79, a retired safety coordinator, died Sunday, May 18, 2014, in
Bridgeport.
Funeral is 5 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport,
with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8
p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Dr. David Burrows will officiate, and Nicholas Hardin, Ross Hardin, Tommy
Newton, Randall Aaron, David Cave and Remington Lane will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be B.C. Green, G.B. Funk, Carl Cox, Roy Baucom, Tommy
Denton, Dan Stack, Bill Arrington, Robert Meek, James White and Travis Van
Hoose.
Oran was born Dec. 3, 1934, to Kossie and Lillie (Buckingham) Goode in Electra.
He married Myrna Ross June 25, 1960, in Bridgeport.
Oran served his country in the U.S. Army and was retired from the TXI plant in
Chico. He was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport and a member of
the Masonic Lodge, the Bridgeport Historical Society and Bridgeport Cemetery
Board. He served on the Bridgeport City Council from 1970-1976.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Myrna Ross Goode of Bridgeport;
daughters Keila Goode Cave of Fort Worth, Kelli Goode Babin and husband, Jim, of
Lewisville; grandson David Noah Cave; granddaughters Heidi Nicole Babin, Katie
Marie Babin and Anna Grace Cave; sister Naomi Rawls of Decatur; other family
members and a host of friends.
Goode, Richard Samuel, Jr.
1924-2014
Published Saturday, January 25, 2014
Richard Samuel Goode Jr., 89, of Gladewater, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014.
Graveside service was Jan. 18 at Gladewater Memorial Park with Larry W. Osborne
officiating.
Richard was born Nov. 28, 1924 in Bridgeport. After graduating from Bridgeport
schools in 1942, he served in World War II as a sergeant in the Army field
artillery.
He attended Decatur (now Dallas) Baptist College for two years, then earned his
bachelor of science degree in education at North Texas State (now the University
of North Texas) in 1950. After working several jobs including gas company field
work and insurance investigating, he landed his first classroom job in Orange in
1951.
He began teaching high school social studies in Gladewater in 1956 and spent 28
years there as a teacher, counselor and principal. He retired in 1984 after 34
years in public education. He also collected and sold antiques and formerly
owned Main Street Treasures in Gladewater.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Samuel Goode Sr. and Mary Alice
Moore; his first wife, Virginia Dillard Goode; and several siblings.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Goode of Gladewater; sons Rick Goode of
Gladewater and Roger Goode and wife, Christy, of Cushing; three stepchildren,
Dane Hufstetler of Longview, Shayne Dickson of White Oak and Delight Inocencio
of Gladewater; four step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren and
several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Richard Goode Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o
Gladewater ISD, 500 W. Quitman, Gladewater, TX 75647.
Gordon, Jennie Elizabeth
1935-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Jennie Elizabeth Gordon, 79, a retired over-the-road truck driver, died
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Greenwood Baptist Church with Gary
Dietz officiating. Paul Moore, Pete Moore, Elvin Jackson, John Teague, Randy
Bird and Terry Harris will serve as pallbearers. Burial is in Greenwood
Cemetery.
Jennie was born Feb. 20, 1935, in Greenwood to Robert Elvin and Bessie Bell
(Urquhart) Moore. She married William David Gordon Dec. 10, 1963, in
Gainesville.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Gordon of Decatur; three daughters, Vivian
Dietz and husband, Gary, of Greenwood, JoAnn Gordon of Greenwood and Sue Kiker
and husband, Jim, of Maud, Okla.; two sons, Robert Bost of Greenwood and William
Gordon of Maud, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister Nadine
Gage and husband, Bill Jackson, of Decatur; brother Homer Moore and wife, Pat,
of Marble Falls; and nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, R.E. Moore, Bob Moore,
Earnest Moore, Jerry Moore and Oliver Moore; and two sisters, Urma Zell Denning
and Eva Jo Jackson.
Gordon, Jo Anne
1957-2014
Published Saturday, September 13, 2014
Jo Anne Gordon, 56, a homemaker, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014 in Chico.
Services will be private. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling the
arrangements.
Jo Anne was born Dec. 18, 1957 to Dave and Jenni (Moore) Gordon in Tyler.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jenni Gordon.
Survivors include her son, John Gordon and wife, Marissa, of Midwest City,
Okla.; sisters Vivian Deitz and husband, Gary, of Greenwood and Sue Kiker and
husband, Jim, of Wolfe, Okla.; brothers Robert Bost of Greenwood and Willie
Gordon of Maud, Okla.; her father, Dave Gordon of Maud, Okla.; numerous aunts,
uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Gorson, Robert Thomas, III
1972-2014
Published Saturday, March 22, 2014
Robert Thomas Gorson III, 41, a driver for AraMark, died Thursday, March 13,
2014, in Houston.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in
Boyd with burial in East Bridgeport Cemetery. The family will receive friends
4-6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Rev. Gary Sessions will officiate the service, and Joshua Adam Gowins, Jeff
Gowins, Royce Blanks, Jason Henderson and B.J. Sides will serve as pallbearers.
Robert was born April 7, 1972, to Robert II and Paula (Slauson) Gorson in Fort
Worth. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He married Gina DeAnda
April 19, 2004, in Santa Anna, Calif.
He is survived by his wife, Gina Gorson of Houston; his mother, Paula Slauson
Gowins of Azle; his father, Robert Thomas (Bob) Gorson II and wife Myglo of
Huntington Beach, Calif.; brothers Ronnie Gorson of Missouri and Joshua Adam
Gowins and wife McKenzie of Hurst; sister Patsy Ann Gowins of Hurst; several
nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; extended family members and a host of
friends.
Gose, Joseph Monk
1914-2014
Published Saturday, January 11, 2014
Joseph Monk Gose, 99, formerly of Decatur, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in
Riverton, Wyo.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home with the Rev.
Brian Bosworth officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation is
one hour prior to the service.
Joseph was born Sept. 28, 1914, in Alvord to Joseph Martin Gose, M.D. and Stella
Monk Gose. He married Clara Harriet Volz, with whom he had four children: Roger
Lamar Gose, M.D., Sylvia Jo Gose, Frank Joseph Gose, Ed.D., and Martha Ann Gose.
Upon Clara’s death, he married Billie Stallings, and she preceded him in death
in 2008.
Joseph lived most of his life in San Antonio, where he taught shop at
Brackenridge High School, was principal of Harry Rogers Junior High and was an
administrator within the San Antonio Independent School District. A talented
craftsman, he built a home for his mother in Corpus Christi, designed and
constructed an elaborate fort for his Wyoming grandchildren and generated
several inventions.
Following retirement, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially with his
grandchildren Roger Jr., Ben and Leah. Together they often hiked his beloved
Three Mountain property in the Texas Hill Country. In his 80s, Joseph hiked the
Wind River Mountains of Wyoming with his grandsons, carrying a backpack, fishing
and sleeping on the ground with the “boys.”
He was a loving husband, a caring father and the world’s best grandfather.
Survivors include sons Roger Lamar Gose, M.D. and wife, Barbara, and Frank
Joseph Gose, Ed.D. and wife, Sandra; grandchildren Roger, Jr., Ben and wife,
Susan, and Leah Gose; and great-grandchildren Matthew Roger, Lillian Martha,
William Joseph and Gage Evan.
Memorials may be made to The Gose Health Science Scholarship at Central Wyoming
College, c/o Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main St., Riverton, WY 82501 or to
the First United Methodist Church of Decatur, in memory of Joseph Gose in
dedication to the Stained Glass Fund, P.O. Box 302, Decatur, TX 76234.
Gosvener, Robin
1954-2014
Published Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Robin “Rockin Robin” Gosvener, 59, a bartender, died Sunday, March 23, 2014,
in Plano.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with
the Rev. Doc Rogers officiating.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Robin was born March 30, 1954, in Niles, Mich., to John and Antoinette (Vonomo)
Ruth. She married John Gosvener May 6, 2005, in Bridgeport and was a bartender
at Red’s Take 5 in Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Ruth; and her daughter, Andrea
Noecker.
She is survived by her husband, John Gosvener of Archer City; daughters Amy
Noecker of Fort Worth, Alisa Smith of Bridgeport and Arika Rodriguez of
Bridgeport; grandchildren Vincent, Nicholas, Dante, Ethan, Candice, Christopher,
Antonio, Abel, Joss and Mason; her mother, Toni Ruth of Michigan; brothers Danny
Ruth, Scott Ruth and Rodney Ruth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Green, James Earl
1974-2014
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2014
James Earl Green, 39, of Grand Prairie, formerly of Bridgeport, died Sunday, May
11, 2014, in El Paso.
Funeral is 3 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport
with Bro. Glenn Connell officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery in
Bridgeport.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the funeral home.
James was born Dec. 4, 1974, in Decatur to Earl and Pansy Green. He married
Valerie Stump May 3, 2008, in Aurora. He was a crane operator and absolutely
loved running a crane. He also loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed listening to
Texas country music. More than anything, James loved his family. He was a
devoted Christian and actively preached his faith to others.
James is survived by his wife, Valerie Green of Grand Prairie; daughters Tierany
Buster of Boyd, Ashlynn Stack of Euless and Jacie Green of Chico; his parents,
Earl and Pansy Green of Bridgeport; his brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and
April Green of Haslet; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Green, W. Harrell
1936-2014
Published Saturday, November 22, 2014
W. Harrell Green, 78, of Aurora died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, in Corinth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd
with Roy Deaver officiating. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers are David LeFors, Alan LeFors, Doyle Green, Jim Green, Randy
Williams, Nicky Logan and Kyle Copp.
Harrell was born Sept. 13, 1936, in Gladewater to William and Julia (Hewitt). He
married Deanna Brammer Dec. 31, 1955, in Weatherford. Harrell retired from Bell
Helicopter after 34 years of dedicated service as a jig and fixture builder.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 56 years, Deanna Brammer
Green; son Danny Green; and sisters Juanita LeFors and Shirley Dunaway.
Harrell is survived by his daughter, Pam Daggett of Aurora; son Roger Green of
Rhome; grandchildren Laurence Daggett of Dallas and Kristi Daggett of Seattle,
Wash.; brother Darrell Green and wife, Linda, of Rhome; sister Geneva Cordova
and husband, E.C., of Alamosa, Colo.; and other family members and friends.
Greer, Donald Otis
1939-2014
Published Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Donald Otis Greer, 75, of Decatur, died Sunday, July 20, 2014, after a year-long
battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Malki Ary, Mark Ary, John Paul Ary, Jordan Harkins, Jeff
Pinkerton and Wayne Broach.
Donald was born April 14, 1939, in Crosbyton to Bill and Laverne (Steddley)
Greer. He married Margarett Averitt April 29, 1964, in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was
a 20-year veteran of the United States Army and proudly served two tours of duty
in Vietnam.
He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 10374, where he served as commander for
several years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margarett Greer of Decatur; daughter
Tammy Singleton of Newark; sons Quinn Greer and wife, Rhonda, of Alvord, and
Lynn Greer and wife, Kim, of Decatur; eight grandchildren; 14
great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Mattie Sermons, Bobby Greer, Beverly
Jernigan, Jenny Mullane, Raymond Greer, Rickey Greer, Wesley Greer, Debra Fite
and Betty Doyle; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jackie Greer, Pat Greer and
Thomas Greer; an infant sister, Judy Greer; and lifelong friend John Calvin
Webb.
Greer, Robert Wayne
1944-2014
Published Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Chief Robert Wayne Greer, 70, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel in Fort Worth.
Burial is 1 p.m. Friday at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Peggy Greer; children Elizabeth
D. Strecker and Richard Wayne Greer; and grandson Blake G. Strecker of Nebraska.
Gregston, Troyce Eugene 'Geno'
1940-2014
Published Saturday, April 19, 2014
Troyce “Geno” Eugene Gregston, 74, of Boyd, died Monday, April 14, 2014, in
Lake Worth.
No services are scheduled.
Geno was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Mineola to Edward and Opal (Vinson) Gregston. He
was a retired Shepperd’s Dairy employee.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his son, Ernest Gregston of Denton; sisters Juanita Jackson of
Boyd and Shirley Hare of Fruitdale; and other family members and friends.
Griffin, Maxine Thorell
1927-2014
Published Saturday, June 7, 2014
Maxine Thorell Griffin, 86, of Rhome, died Tuesday, June 3, 2014, in Plano.
Graveside service was June 6 at Aurora Cemetery with Pastor Carl L. Thorell
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in
Decatur.
Maxine was born Nov. 9, 1927, in Rhome to O.Z. and Dollie (Brammer) Thorell. She
married Daniel Bert “D.B.” Griffin April 5, 1947, in Rhome, and they were
married 62 years before his death in 2009.
Maxine enjoyed square dancing in her younger days with her husband and later
playing 42 and bingo. She loved her family, her Lord and spoiling her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by sons Don Griffin of Rhome and Gary Griffin and wife, Dorothy,
of Dallas; granddaughters Joanie Griffin Lester and husband, Steven, of Celina
and Chelsie Griffin of Dallas; step-granddaughter Sabrina Lambert of Haltom
City; great-grandchildren Wyatt Samuel Lester, Ainsley Maxine Lester and Enzo
Lester; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters Juanelle Thorell
and Geneva Burch; and brother Carl A. Thorell.
Griffith-Georgia, Joanie
1943-2014
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Joanie Griffith-Georgia, 71, died Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Decatur.
Service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church of Jesus
Christ in Ringling, Okla., with the Rev. Jimmy Morris officiating. Burial will
follow at the Dixie Cemetery north of Ringling, under the direction of Alexander
Funeral Home of Ringling.
Visitation is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Eric Collins, Tommy Heard, Terry Griffin, Scott Shipman, Beau
Beauchamp and Michael Cvelar. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Griffith and
James Goode.
Joanie was born Feb. 10, 1943, in Lawton, Okla., to Burl Jasper Griffith and
Bonnie Lucille (Apala) Griffith. She was raised at Pinto, attending school at
Fox.
She married Michael Georgia Nov. 15, 1980, in Fort Worth. They made their home
in Fort Worth and later moved to Rhome, where they have been residents since
1994. Joanie was a dedicated homemaker and wonderful wife. She loved working in
her flower gardens and was always family-oriented. She was baptized at the
Gospel Tabernacle of Ringling.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her loving husband,
Michael Georgia of Rhome; daughters Daneen Collins and husband, Eric, of
Oklahoma City, Bonnie Heard and husband, Tommy, of Keller, Tammy Johnson of Fort
Worth and Kristie Robertson of Stroud, Okla.; son Michael Cvelar and wife,
Jennifer, of Cleveland, Ohio; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;
siblings Jean Shipman of Mansfield, Pat Griffin of Healdton, Okla., Charles
Griffith of Ringling, Okla., Janis Januszewski and husband, Ski, of Desoto and
Linda Gant of Oklahoma City; and numerous other family members and friends.
Grissom, Charles J.
1926-2014
Published Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Charles J. Grissom, 87, a retired phone lineman for Southwestern Bell, died
Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Weatherford.
Graveside service was Jan. 12 at Alvord Cemetery with Gerre Joiner officiating.
Charles was born July 17, 1926, in Alvord to Thomas and Minnie May (Stonecipher)
Grissom. He married JoAnn Boyd Dec. 27, 1946, in Decatur, and they were married
62 years until her passing in 2009.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother; and grandson Chuck
Grissom.
Survivors include his daughters, Shelly Smith and Suzy Grissom of Weatherford;
sons Tommy Grissom and wife, Debra, of Waxahachie and Jim Grissom and wife,
Debbie, of Wichita Falls; grandchildren Andrea, Josh, Kristy and Chris; seven
great-grandchildren, including a newborn, Jaxson Smith; and numerous other
family members and friends.
Groves, Larry Franklin 'T.A.'
1958-2014
Published Saturday, August 9, 2014
Larry Franklin “T.A.” Groves, 55, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 6, at
John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the First Baptist Church of Chico.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Pallbearers will be Rusty Hand, Dusty Tucker, Chris Davis, Matt Mitchell, Josh
Groves and Jack Keller. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Cowley, Brian Green,
Donnie Grooms, Eddie Cox, Coit Harris and Russell Johnson.
Larry was born Oct. 24, 1958, in Bridgeport and grew up in Chico. He graduated
from Chico High School and Fort Worth Business School. He was an avid hunter and
also loved farming and flying. He had his private pilot’s license and was a
member of the First Baptist Church of Chico.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his parents, R.L. Groves Jr. and wife,
Gussie; and brother Glenn Groves and wife, Tammy, all of Chico; sister Karen
Green and husband, Brian, of Decatur; children Kristi Byrd and husband, Alan, of
Bridgeport and Chad Husky and wife, Ronda, of Jacksboro; grandchildren Dace
Grooms, Braydan Byrd, Bryson Byrd and Joey Shawver; great-grandchildren Shyler
and Shayla Shawver; mother-in-law Helen Leverette of Sherman; and many nieces
and nephews.
Grundy, Eddy Lee
1950-2014
Published Wednesday, May 24, 2014
Eddy Lee Grundy, 63, a mechanic, died Monday, May 19, 2014, in Decatur.
Graveside service was May 23 at Alvord Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Dimmitt
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Trey Tow, Thomas Tow, Alan Campbell, Craig Rawle, Tom Rawle and
Paris Martin. Honorary pallbearer was Jonathan Van Den Biggelarr.
Eddy was born Dec. 6, 1950, in Decatur to Billy Gene and Hazel Irene (Taylor)
Grundy. He married Cindy Ellen Jones Nov. 15, 1982, in Decatur. Eddy was a
Baptist and worked as a mechanic for more than 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Bobby Grundy.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Cindy Grundy of Decatur; son Shawn
Grundy and wife, Brenda, of Decatur; daughters Falon Grundy of Haltom City and
Nicole McGar and husband, Brandon, of Decatur; son Phillip Grundy of Clinton,
Okla.; grandchildren London Grundy, Hunter Grundy, Hadley Belle McGar and Mason
Dunton; sister Billie Rawle of Decatur; and extended family members and friends.
Guevara, Enrique Reyes
1990-2014
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Enrique “Ricky G” Reyes Guevara, 23, a Marine reservist, died Wednesday,
June 18, 2014, in Bridgeport.
Graveside service was June 24 at East Bridgeport Cemetery with the Rev. Eulojio
Puebla officiating. Burial was under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in
Bridgeport.
Ricky was born Aug. 24, 1990, in Fort Worth to Juan Martin and Dora (Reyes)
Guevara. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps
Reserve.
He is survived by his parents, Juan and Dora Guevara of Bridgeport; brothers
Juan Arnulfo Guevara and wife, Chelsi, of Bridgeport, Julio Guevara of
Bridgeport and Luis Guevara and wife, Sonya, of Decatur; sister Jessica Guevara
of Bridgeport; grandparents Arnulfo and Josefa Reyes of Bridgeport, Ismal Diaz
and Guadalupe Olivo of Bridgeport; nieces Rainy, Alicia and Bioleta Guevara;
nephews Cutter Guevara and Adan Guevara; and numerous cousins, other family
members and friends.
Guinn, Euna Vay
1916-2014
Published Saturday, June 14, 2014
Euna Vay Guinn died Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in Decatur at the age of 97.
Funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur
with Gerre Joiner officiating. Graveside service is at 2 p.m. at Evergreen
Cemetery in Lipan.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Nate Gage, Luke Gage, Darren Guinn, Garret Guinn, Travis Taylor
and Zane Lasater. Honorary pallbearers are Scotty Guinn, Will Gage, Shannon
Hesteande and Trey Taylor.
Euna was born Nov. 7, 1916, in Lipan to Morris and Bertie (Dunaway) Smith. She
retired from bookkeeping after more than 25 years of service.
She loved quilting and was a member of the Decatur Quilting Club. She was also
an avid gardener and a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
Euna was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Betty Guinn; her
husband of 40 years, Dozier Guinn; sister Oleta Adcox; and brother Ledford
Smith.
She is survived by her sons, Jerrell Guinn and wife, Gay, of Graham and Danny
Guinn of Denton; daughter Treva Underhill and husband, Don, of Boyd; sister Nola
Jean Hubbard of Mineral Wells; grandchildren Scotty Guinn, Dawne Burgin, Shanda
Taylor, Will Gage, Shannon Hesteande, Stephanie Guinn and Rhonda Floyd; 15
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many friends.