obituary_archives

Manuela Martinez, 88
12/28/2008
Manuela Martinez, 88, of Coleman, died Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Coleman Healthcare Center.

Funeral service will be held 12:00 Noon Tuesday, December 30 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Posey officiating. Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Manuela Martinez was born June 23, 1920 in Mertzon, Texas, a daughter of Ciriaco Holguin and Juanita DeLeon Holguin. She moved to Coleman at the age of 11. She was married to Miguel Martinez in 1936 and he preceded her in death on April 21, 1997. She was a homemaker and a Catholic.

Survivors include three daughters, Lucy Martinez of Coleman, Connie Jauregui of Coleman, Shirley Torres of Ontario, California; two sons, Richard Martinez and Fernando Martinez both of Coleman; one sister, Minga Cardenas of Ontario, California; 16 grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by six sisters, one brother and a daughter, Hope Saez.

James C. Walker, 82
12/28/2008
James C. Walker, 82, of Coleman, died Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home with Rev. James Posey officiating, assisted by Rev. Guy Lowe. Burial will be follow in the Mt. View Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home.

James C. Walker was born July 25, 1926 in Goldthwaite, the son of William Oscar Walker and Alice Belle Jones Walker. He attended school in Ballinger. On July 25, 1962, he married Viola Loggins in Cisco. He lived many places and moved back to Coleman in 1965. He worked for Taylor Motor Company for 25 years as a mechanic. After retiring from Taylor Motor Company, he owned and operated J.C. Walker Garage for 15 years and was also a farmer. He was a great husband and a great father.

Survivors include his wife, Viola Walker of Coleman, four sons, Darrell Walker of Coleman, Jeffrey Walker, and wife Gwynne, Jason Walker, and wife Andrea, of Tempe, Arizona, David "D.J." Walker, and wife Jeannie, of Eastland; one brother, Robert "Bob" Walker, and wife Gladys, of Cisco; one sister, Bobbie Wagnon and husband, F.M. "Wag" Wagnon, Jr. of Valera; grandchildren, Dylan James Walker, Dustin Walker, Jennifer Walker, Scotty Walker, Melinda Slay, Michael Slay, Lilly Kendall; 16 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, including Helen Lowe and Robert Low, both of Coleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four children, Jimmy Raymond Walker, Carroll Stuart Walker, Kathryn Alice Walker, Margaret Ruth Slay and six brothers and sisters, Merlin Walker, Donnie Walker, Willard Walker, Jewel Cox, Thelma Cox and Joyce Jones.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

David Wooten, 55
12/27/2008
David Wooten, of Marble Falls, Texas passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

His body will be cremated and private family memorial services will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

He was born David Edward Wooten on August 7, 1953 in Coleman, Texas to the late Elbert Edward ‘Pete’ and Virginia Joy Tubb Wooten. He was raised in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1971. David was a member of the Methodist Church and an electrician working in residential and commercial.

SURVIVORS
Wife – Linda Wooten of Marble Falls, Texas
Daughter – Haley Wooten of Euless, Texas
Son – Brandon Wooten of Brownwood, Texas
2 Sisters – Debbie Scott of Coleman, Texas
Lynn Yancy of Barling, Arkansas
5 Grandchildren
1 Niece and 1 Nephew

Charlotte Moseley, 90
12/27/2008
Charlotte Moseley, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at her residence.

Graveside services will be Monday at 11:00 am at Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating, interment will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 till 8 pm at Henderson Funeral Home.

She was born Charlotte Marie Moseley on June 13, 1918 in Mills County, Texas to the late Charles Monroe and Inez Zachary Moseley. Charlotte was raised in Coleman County and graduated from the Santa Anna High School in 1935. She farmed and was bookkeeper and office manager for the Santa Anna Tile Company for 23 years and was then employed for 18 years as a proof machine operator for Santa Anna National Bank. Charlotte owned and ran her own ceramic shop since 1962 where she taught ceramics and oil painting. With her father she took lessons to fly his Piper Cub and she enjoyed square dancing. Charlotte was past president of the Santa Anna Chamber of Commerce and she was one of the original organizers of the Santa Anna Funtier Days. She was a member of the ESA sorority and past board member of the Santa Anna Cemetery.

SURVIVORS
Son – Jay Lynn Moseley of Abilene, Texas
2 Sisters – Zelda Ruth Sullivan of Cottonwood Shores, Texas
Sarah Frances Calhoun of Huntsville, Texas
One Niece and 3 Nephews

Margaret Crews, 95
12/23/2008
Margaret Crews, age 95, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 12:50am at her residence in Santa Anna, Texas.

Services will be Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Stephen officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Friday, December 26, 2008 from 6:00pm until 7:30pm at Henderson Funeral Home.

She was born Margaret May Roberts to the late Plumer Austin & Mae Edens Roberts on October 21, 1913 in Lampassas County, Texas. She attended the Coleman Schools and graduated from Brownwood High School. Margaret received her Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Howard Payne University. On June 10, 1934 Margaret married Harry Crews in Coleman, Texas and they celebrated seventy three years of marriage. Harry preceded her in death in 2007. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Anna where she was a member of the Methodist Women and a Sunday School teacher for many years and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Margaret taught school in Leaday, Talpa and Santa Anna until her retirement.

SURVIVORS: Daughter- Dixie & husband Gerry Dyer of San Angelo, Texas; 3 Granddaughters- Pam & husband Lloyd Blacklock of Houston, Texas, Christy & husband Jerry Gibbs of of Ballinger, Texas, Susan & husband Al White of Lovelady, Texas; 1 Step Grandson; 10 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great Great Grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her son Jimmy Crews in 1995

Buddy Melvin Hale, 56
12/23/2008
Buddy Melvin Hale, age 56, passed away December 21, 2008 in Brownwood, Texas.

Funeral services are Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 2:00pm at Early Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Blanket Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early, Texas.

Buddy was born January 16, 1952 the son of Roy and Reibe Hale in San Saba, Texas. He married Cathy Conn March 3, 2001 at Blanket First Baptist Church. Buddy was a retired Principal with surrounding school districts. He was a volunteer fireman with the Early Fire Department for 8 years. He also served as a City Councilman with the City of Early. Buddy has served as a deacon with the Early Church of Christ. Buddy loved to hunt and fish and loved to spend time with his family and mostly playing with his grandchildren who called him Pop-Pop.

Buddy will be missed by all that knew him.

Survivors are: Wife: Cathy Hale of Brownwood, TX
Sons: Justin R. Hale and wife Barbara of Stephenville, TX
Kenny Nabers of Stephenville, TX
Daughters: KayCee Hale Rivers and husband Keith of Murphy, TX
Kimberly Simpson and husband Justin of Blanket, TX
Grandchildren: Arial, J.T., Kaytlin, Jacob, Jake, Tyler, Hannah, and Kelcy
Sisters: Mary Cummings and husband Ben of Richland Springs, TX
Viola Deland of San Saba, TX
Rachel Howell and husband Eddie of Fort Worth, TX
Karen Trevino and husband Richard of Brownwood, TX
Brother: Roy Hale and wife Denise of Plano, TX
Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by: by parents, Roy and Reibe Hale; sister, Lorene Blaylock

Mrs. Adrienne Leigh Slayton Gordon, 34
12/23/2008
Mrs. Adrienne Leigh Slayton Gordon, 34 years of age of Brady, formerly longtime resident of Coleman passed away December 22, 2008 in Brady.

Family visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2008 from 9:00 to 11:00am at Walker Funeral Home.

Services are Friday, December 26, 2008 at 2:00pm at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Louise Strength officiating and interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.

Adrienne was born January 6, 1974 in Hobbs, New Mexico, and was the daughter of the late Mr. Darral Slayton and Patsy Cope. She is survived by a daughter Syrena Diaz of Valera; two sons - Michael Slayton and Seth Slayton both of Big Springs; mother Pat Copy of Coleman; stepfather William Isbell of Coleman; grandparents- Allene Cope of Coleman, James and Jeanette Miller of Eunice, New Mexico; four brothers - Chris Slayton, Shannon Slayton, Derrek Monroe and Alex Isbell all of Coleman. She is preceded in death by a son, Gage.

Mariam Kuebler, 84
12/23/2008
Mariam Kuebler age 84 of Burkett, Texas passed away Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 3:00 pm at the Coleman Healthcare Center in Coleman.

Services are set for Friday, December 26, 2008 at 2:30 pm at Henderson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dwayne Clower officiating. Interment will follow at the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was born Mariam Elizabeth Coffey on June 2, 1924 in Echo, Texas to the late August E. and Winnie Tabor Coffey. Mariam was raised in Coleman County attending the Echo Schools. On June 2, 1943 Mariam married August E. Kuebler in Oakland, California and they celebrated thirty three years of marriage. August preceded her in death in 1977. She was a member of the Burkett Baptist Church, a sales clerk at Roscoe’s Stores in California and worked at the Cross Plains Retirement Home until her retirement. Mariam was a loving mother with many friends and loved taking care of others.

SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters- JoAnn & husband Joseph Seddon of Camano Island, WA, Deborah & husband Frank Krstulya of Los Angeles, CA; 2 Sons- Robert & wife Shirley Kuebler of Santa Ana Heights, CA, August James and wife Norbe Kuebler of Kuwait; Sister – Sue & husband Ed Hill of New Mexico; 10 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren; 1 Great Great Grandchild.

Howard Stephenson, 82
12/22/2008
Howard Stephenson, 82, of Coleman and Leaday, died Sunday, December 21, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.

Funeral service will be held 10:00am Wednesday, December 24 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rex Stephenson and Rev. James Posey officiating. Burial will follow in the Leaday Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Howard Stephenson was born November 28, 1926 in Leaday, a son of Ike and Mary Alice Gann Stephenson. He grew up in Leaday and attended school in Leaday and Mozelle. During World War II, Howard served in the United States Navy in the Phillipines. On March 23, 1954 he married Dorothy Finlay in Brownwood. He lived in Leaday until moving to Coleman in 1984. For 16 years he was the County Commissioner for Precinct 3, Coleman County. He also farmed and ranched. He was a member of Leaday Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Stephenson of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn and David Huggins of Santa Anna, Shirley and Jay Rankin of Coleman; eight grandchildren, Michael Stephenson and wife Lindsae of Eula, Bobbie Strawbridge and husband Donnie of Brownwood, Crystal Kidd and husband Mikey of Eastland, Robert Rankin and wife Tina of Coleman, Davia Farley and husband Shyler of Santa Anna, Jala Rankin of Coleman, Stacie Moore and husband Seth of Coleman, Richard Rankin of Coleman; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother, Lonnie Stephenson and wife Tooter of Brownwood; two sisters, Sue Stephenson of San Angelo and Annette and Ray Galloway of Brownwood.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Wayne Stephenson; two brothers, James and Bill Stephenson.

Memorials may be made to the Leaday Cemetery Association or the Leaday Baptist Church, c/o Joan Jones, 1094 CR 332, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.

Dr. William R. Jones
12/22/2008
Dr. William R. Jones of Cleburne, Texas passed away December 20, 2008 in Cleburne, Texas.

Services are at 10:00am Monday, December 22, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Cleburne, Texas with 3:00pm graveside services on Monday, December 22nd at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Interment will follow.

Dr. William R. "Bill" Jones was born in Breckenridge, Texas the son of Ord and Annie Price Jones. The Jones family moved from Breckenridge to Coleman, Texas He attended grade school in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. He entered the Army Air Force and was based at Kessler Air Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Through the gracious provisions of the G.I. Bill, William was able to enroll in the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where he graduated with honors, achieving membership in the Honor Fraternity BETA SIGMA KAPPA. After graduation and passing the State Board Examination, Bill came to Cleburne and became associated with Dr. H.C. Quinn.

Bill became a member of First Baptist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher and intermediate Sunday school superintendent. Later, he became program Chariness of the Johnson County Men's Baptist Brotherhood, and later was ordained a deacon. Following this, Bill was selected as Johnson County Cancer Crusade Chairman. Later, Bill was asked to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Johnson County Red Cross.

Cleburne Mayor Bennet appointed Bill to serve as a member of the Cleburne Library Board. He has served as Secretary of the board of Deacons for 21 years. He became a member of the Masonic Lodge #315 in Cleburne, Texas in 1957, serving as the Chaplain during 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Bill has served as chairman of the Lamar School Scholarship for graduating seniors for 17 years at Cleburne High School.

Bill was elected president of the Cleburne Kiwanis Club for the years of 1955 and 1965. He helped to form the Kiwanis Club of Mineral Wells, Texas in 1955. He was made an honorary member of the Early Bird Kiwanis Club and served in the Early Bird Kiwanis Club for 17 years and was elected Layman of the Year for 1993. Bill was elected to serve two consecutive years as vice president of the Woodman of the World Lodge, being awarded a 25 year membership pen in the Woodman Lodge.

Survivors include his sister in law, Helen Jones Stafford and husband Charles of Coleman; nieces- Peggy Densman and husband Rick of Abilene, Nancy Brockman and husband Bob of Sonora, Mary Jo Turner and husband Sam of Denton; 8 great-nieces and nephews and long time friend Sylvia Boese of Cleburne.

Dr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Rex Jones, formerly longtime barber of Coleman.

Jack White, 76
12/17/2008
EASTLAND – Jack White, 76, of Eastland, passed away Monday, December 15, 2008 in Eastland.

Services will be held at 11am Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Coleman Cemetery.

Mr. White was born on October 4, 1932 in Santa Anna, TX . He was raised by A.Z. “Pete” Miller & Ora Dee Beal. He married Lola Mae Holtz on August 10, 1951 in Coleman. He was a rough neck and roustabout following the oil patch. He moved to Farmington in 1958 working for Brannon & Murray Drilling Company. In the late 70’s he began working for Smith International for 27 years selling drilling bits. He was Regional Manager out of Denver until a medical retirement in 1998. He moved to Eastland in 2003. He was a member of the Church of Christ, enjoyed fishing, but most of all making a sale. He loved keeping a manicured yard, elk hunting and watching bull riding finals.

Survivors include his wife, Mae White; 2 very close nephews, Larry Miller & wife Shawntel of Las Vegas, and Jason Miller & wife Kristi of Coppell and their children, Kalei & Kennedi Mae Miller; brothers, Larry Miller, Sr of Durango, CO and Jackie Miller & wife Janet of Irving, TX; sisters, Audria Byerly & Bob of Orange, TX, Pat Beckham of Semmes, AL and Martha Hoffman of Benbrook TX; and numerous nephews, nieces, friends and relatives.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1501 North West 9th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, or vial email: mailbox@parkinson.org.

Mary Leota Strother 92
12/16/2008
Mary Leota Strother 92, died on December 15, 2008 at Laurelwood Nursing Home in Laurel.

Funeral service will be at 11:00am Thursday, December 18, 2008 at New Home Baptist Church in Jones County. The Revs Scott Walters and Ron Swindall will officiate. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Services are under the direction of Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi.

There will be a graveside service at the Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Texas at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 20, 2008.

There will be a visitation at the Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 20, 2008. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Francis E. Strothers and a son Joe Strothers.

Mrs. Strother is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Karen and Ed Schumacher of Stringer, Mississippi, grandson Chris Schumacher and his wife Christy of Great Mills, Maryland, a granddaughter Heather Bryant and husband Bucky of Petal, Mississippi and a brother Rex Lee Cate of Novice, Texas.

Bobby Edward Morgan, 62
12/16/2008
Bobby Morgan age 62 of Grapevine, Texas passed away Sunday, December 14, 2008.

Services will be Tuesday at 7:00 pm at J. E. Foust Funeral Home in Grapevine.

Graveside services will be Wednesday at 2:00 pm at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with local arrangements by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

He was born Bobby Edward Morgan on August 5, 1946 in Santa Anna, Texas to Virgie Holland Morgan and the late Garland E. Morgan. Bobby was raised in Santa Anna graduating from Santa Anna High School in 1964. After graduation he joined the U S Air Force and served 3 years during the Vietnam War. On December 8, 1967 Bobby married Margaret LaNell Anderson in Coleman, Texas and they have celebrated forty one years of marriage. He worked for Verizon 33 years before retiring, living in San Angelo, Brownwood and Grapevine. His love of high school football led him to serve on the Dragon Council of Southlake Carrol High School. Bobby enjoyed working in his yard and being with his grandchildren.

SURVIVORS: Wife - LaNelle Morgan of Grapevine, TX
Son - Charles & wife Janet Morgan of Rhome, TX
Daughter - Krissy & husband Eddie Ferguson of Hurst, TX
Mother - Virgie Morgan of Santa Anna, TX
Sister - Roberta & husband Tex Tomlinson of Santa Anna, TX
4 Grandchildren
Chasity & Tyler Morgan and Preston & Pierce Ferguson
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and extended family

He was preceded in death by his father Garland E Morgan & his grandparents J. W. & Clemintine Morgan.

Damon Ray Bartholomew, 49
12/15/2008
Damon Ray Bartholomew, age 49 of Coleman, Texas passed away Monday, December 15, 2008 at 6:00 am at his residence in Coleman.

His body will be cremated and services set at a later date. Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman in charge of arrangements.

Ray was born December 17, 1958 in Odessa, Texas to Paul Issac Bartholomew and the late Marcia Rae Holder. Ray attended school in Sonora and Odessa where he was raised. On March 12, 2003 Ray married Mary Pauline ‘Polly’ Cardinas in Coleman, Texas and they have celebrated 5 years of marriage. He was a member of the Elm St Church of Christ and a retired truck driver.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Polly Bartholomew of Coleman, Texas; Son – Anthony Bartholomew of Brownwood, Texas; Father – Paul Bartholomew of Coleman, Texas; Grandmother – Louise Jones of Bangs, Texas; Brother – Marshall ‘Bull’ Bartholomew of Coleman, Texas; 3 Sisters – Dorothy & husband Michael Chandler of Coleman, Texas, Lisa & husband Alan Otwell of Coleman, Texas; Rebecca & husband John Johnson of Abilene, Texas; 3 Step Daughters – Kathy Childress of Coleman, Texas; Regina Golden and Tammy Golden both of Coleman, Texas; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Patricia Ann Johnson, 74
12/10/2008
Patricia Ann Johnson, 74, of Georgetown, entered into rest December 9, 2008 at her home.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 11, 2008, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 12, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Georgetown with Dr. David A. Griffin and Dr. John Duncan officiating. Patricia will be laid to rest in Coleman City Cemetery on Saturday, December 13, 2008, with graveside services at 11:00 am with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating.

Patricia was born November 3, 1934 to Dr. M. E. and Pauline (Epperson) Weaver in Huntsville, TX. The family relocated to Coleman where Patricia graduated from Coleman High School. She then attended Texas Tech University and received her Bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University. She met and married Ray Don Johnson in the First Baptist Church of Coleman on August 15, 1955. The couple settled in Coleman where Patricia worked as a bookkeeper for the family clothing store and at a local accounting firm. Patricia's passion in life was the care of her family. Pat and Ray Don eventually settled in Georgetown to be near family and enjoy their retirement. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Georgetown.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ray Don of Georgetown; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Ben Beckham of Leander; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Teresa Johnson of Brownwood; grandchildren, Arden and Weston Beckham of Leander, Jennifer and Leanna Johnson of Brownwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Patricia's name to: Alpha-1 Foundation, (888) 825-7421 ext. 233, www.alphaone.org/help/commemorative-giving . Those who wish to share words of comfort with the family may do so online at: www.gabrielsfuneral.com . Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown.

W. B. (Dad) Bludworth, 85
12/6/2008
W. B. (Dad) Bludworth, 85, of Burkett, died Friday, December 5, 2008 at his residence.

Family visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.

Funeral service will be held 10:00am Monday, December 8, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with David Wallace officiating and eulogy given by his nephew, Jerry Biehl. Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

W. B. (Dad) Bludworth was born September 9, 1923 in Coleman, a son of Dee Burnis Bludworth and Eva Lena Strickland Bludworth. He grew up and attended school in Burkett. He was a farmer and life-long resident of the Burkett area. He loved music and played the fiddle and the guitar. He was a member of Burkett Church of Christ.

Survivors include nieces and nephews, Patsy Ferguson and husband Bob of Henderson, Carlie Justice and husband Pat of Coleman, Jerry Biehl and wife Sandra of Lake Brownwood, Linda Brady and husband Mike of Burkett, Russell Gould and wife Cene' of Abilene, Glenda Callaway and husband Marty of Burkett; several great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Bludworth and James (Buck) Bludworth; two sisters, Ruby Biehl and Lucille Gould Creek; one nephew, Roy Biehl.

Memorials may be made Burkett Cemetery Association, c/o Linda Brady, 1001 CR 178, Burkett, Texas 76828.

Virginia Helen Stockard (Ginger) Powell, 80
12/2/2008
Virginia Helen (Ginger) Powell was called to eternity by our Lord on December 1, 2008 after valiantly fighting a battle against cancer.

Ginger was born to Leroy and Opal Stockard of Santa Anna on August 23, 1928. She married Richard (Dick) Powell on January 12, 1947 in Brownwood, Texas, with whom she lived an adventurous and giving life. They loved to travel, backpacking through Europe several times and traveling throughout this beautiful land often. They loved to run and were in the New York City Marathon in 1979. They lived in Abilene from 1959 to 1991 where they were foster parents for several years.

Following their retirement, they moved to Coleman in 1991. They sponsored many exchange students while in Coleman, sharing their hospitality and culture, shaping lives throughout the world. Dick preceded her in death on January 26, 2005. Virginia was active in the Coleman County Historical Commission, Triple L Club, Fine Arts League. She also served on the Santa Anna Cemetery Board and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She was a member of Unity Church of Christianity in Abilene.

Virginia and Dick were loving parents to Garilyn Kline who passed away in 2001 and Richard Powell who died at birth. They were wonderful grandparents to Corben Wilson, Carrie Kline and Kevin Kline, and loving great-grandparents to Elli and Jochin Wilson and Tristan Sneal and Chase Kline.

Other survivors include one brother, Leroy Stockard and wife Doris of Abilene; two sisters, Sue Jeffries of Albuquerque, NM and Beverly McFadden and husband Morris of San Angelo.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Leroy Stockyard officiating. Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.

She will always be remembered for her warm hugs and smile which could light up a room.

Please sign the on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Deanna Slayton, 50
11/29/2008
Deanna Slayton, of Eunice, NM, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Lea Regional Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 1 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Sam Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Deanna Slayton was born October 31, 1958 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Edna Jeanette Crocker Miller and the late Kimp Slayton. She grew up in Hobbs and Eunice, New Mexico where she attended school. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include her mother and step-father, Jeanette and James Miller of Eunice, NM; two brothers, Bruce Slayton of Burkett, Texas and Kemp Slayton and wife Becky of Coleman, Texas; one sister, Robin Ray of Eunice, NM; one step-brother, Jerry McKenzie of Santa Anna, Texas; one step-sister, Tammy McKenzie of San Angelo; one foster sister, Jo-ann Templin of Coolidge, Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kimp Slayton; two brothers, Darrell (Dudley) Slayton and Garvin Slayton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

Please sign on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Grace Thompson, 100
11/23/2008
Grace Thompson, 100, of Coleman and former resident of Dallas, died Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Restland Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan, Coleman, Texas.

Bob Rutherford, 58
11/23/2008
Bob Rutherford went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 22, 2008 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday in Rockwood Baptist Church with Graham Rutherford and Chaplain Tony King officiating. Burial will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Bob Rutherford was born June 10, 1950 in Brady, Texas to Claudia Rutherford and the late Jim Rutherford of Rockwood. Bob served 20 years in the Army National Guard. He was a supervisor at 3M Company of Brownwood for 35 years, retiring July 2008.

Bob is survived by four daughters, Majetta Stokes and husband Bryan of Hawley, Tiffany Jackson of Abilene, Margot Binion and husband Clovis of Hawley, Megan Rutherford of Austin; mother, Claudia Rutherford of Santa Anna; six grandchildren, Hank and Sally Stokes, Olivia and Trevor Jackson, Gage and Jaxon Binion; one brother, Larry Rutherford and wife Linda of Rockwood; three sisters, Billie Gay Abernathy of Santa Anna, Jimmie Gail Hafner of Gouldbusk, Jennifer Rutherford of San Angelo; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of special friends, all of whom he cherished and loved very much.

"...but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Memorials may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or Meals on Wheels, c/o Santa Anna National Bank, Santa Anna, Texas 76878.

Please sign and view on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

OPHELIA WATSON, age 86
11/21/2008
Ophelia Watson, age 86, long-time Coleman resident, died Friday, November 21, 2008 at an Austin nursing home.

Funeral service will be held 2:00pm Sunday, November 23, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 6:00 until 7:30pm at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born May 1, 1922 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Elmer Lee Hughes and Annie Sparkman Hughes. She grew up in Coleman and attended school at Mozelle. On September 3, 1938 she married Winford "Bud" Watson in Coleman. She was a charter member of Concho Baptist Church. She and her husband managed the Tradewinds Motel and the Westerner Motel. He preceded her in death on April 13, 1983. In 1998 she moved to Austin to be near her daughter.

Survivors include one daughter, Shirley and husband Jerry McKee of Austin; two grandchildren, Chris McKee and Traci Smith; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Mellie Gober of Odessa.

Garvice A. Boyle, 85
11/21/2008
Garvice Boyle, of Coleman, died Thursday, November 20, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Burkett Cemetery Pavilion. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Garvice A. Boyle was born July 5, 1923 in Burkett, Texas, a son of J. C. Boyle and Beulah Burns Boyle. He grew up in the Burkett area and graduated from Burkett High School in 1940. During World War II he served in the United States Marine Corp in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was a gunnery sergeant. On September 1, 1946 he married Jo Nell Dunlap in Cross Plains. He was a life-long resident of Coleman County and was a rancher. He was a member of Burkett Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Nell Boyle of Coleman; three children, Jody Guthrie and husband Larry of Coleman, Daryl Boyle and wife Cindy of Burkett, Paula Harris and husband Paul of Abilene; five grandchildren, Glenn Guthrie, Tommy Guthrie, Matthew Boyle, Shannon Boyle, Kimberly Harris; nine great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Sarah Boyle of Coleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. C. and Beulah Boyle and two brothers, Vernon and Lloyd Boyle.

Memorials may be made to Burkett Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 356, Burkett, Texas 76828.

Family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan, Coleman, Texas.

Please sign on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Nell ‘Bell’ Myers, 92
11/18/2008
Nell ‘Bell’ Myers age 92 of Arlington, Texas formerly of Santa Anna passed away Monday, November 17, 2008 at 2:15 pm at the Heritage Oaks Nursing Home in Arlington.

Services will be Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 1:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kathy Monroe officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

She was born Elna Nell Bell on September 25, 1916 in Shields, Texas to the late Thomas Valentine and Dora Manda Byrd Bell. She was raised in Santa Anna graduating from Santa Anna High School in 1934. On November 26, 2940 Nell married Brian Nowlin Byers in Santa Anna and they celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage. Nowlin preceded her in death in 1999. In 1971 Nell returned to Santa Anna where she was a housewife and member of the First Presbyterian Church.

SURVIVORS: 2 Nieces - Sharon Thornton of Arlington, Texas, Priscilla Hutto of Hondo, Texas; Nephew – Wayne Bell of Round Rock, Texas, Richard Bell of Hurst, Texas; Great Niece – Robbie Eaves of Arlington, Texas

Pauline "Poppy" Donaghey, 89
11/18/2008
Pauline "Poppy" Donaghey, 89, of Coleman and formerly of Novice, died Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Graveside services will be 1:00pm Thursday, November 20, 2008 at Rough Creek Cemetery with Chaplain Donnie Miller officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Pauline "Poppy" Donaghey was born May 5, 1919 in Coleman County, the daughter of William Albert Mow and Drudie Mamie Kincaid Mow. She married Charles Bennett Donaghey on December 14, 1958 in Rankin. He preceded her in death on May 18, 1999. She lived in Big Lake for 30 years, working as a secretary in the tax office, courthouse and the school and moved to Novice in 1984. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Novice.

Survivors include two sisters, Therma Brown of Waco, LaVerle "Tootsie" Jameson of Coleman; one brother H.J. Mow of Lake Coleman and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, Vernon Mow and W.A. "Dub" Mow.

Coleman Holt Hearne, 28
11/17/2008
Coleman Holt Hearne, 28, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008.

Memorial service: 4 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2008 at Moore Funeral Home, Bowen Road Chapel.

Visitation: The family received friends 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008 at the funeral home.

Cole was a free-spirited individual who loved the outdoors, animals and music. He was a collector of friends. He enjoyed glassblowing, was interested in botany, and worked as a landscaper.

Survivors: Father and stepmother, Gary and Neta Hearne; mother and stepfather, Jane and Donald Taylor; sister and best friend, Casey Michelle Hearne; stepbrothers, Brian and Stephen Simmons, and Jonathan Taylor; stepsister, Jennifer Taylor; grandparents, Jim and Velma Hearne; aunts and uncles, James and Robin Hearne, Sheila and Ray Vanshoubrouek; Jean and Bill Coulter; many cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles; and a multitude of friends. (Dorothy Starnes Honeycutt and Jean Simpson Coulter were former Coleman residents)

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy (Starnes) and Coleman Honeycutt, and Louise Hearne.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his name be made to the Gideons or to a charity of choice.

James L. Considine, Jr., 89
11/9/2008
The Reverend James L. Considine, Jr., 89, died Friday, November 7, 2008, at an Abilene nursing center.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, followed by a reception at the church for friends. Arrangements are being made by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory, Abilene, Texas.

James (Jim) was born May 4, 1919 to Ruby Bell Laird and James L. Considine in Kansas City, Kansas. He served his country in the "B" Company, 259th Infantry, United States Army 65th Division in WWII, European Theater with discharge rank of Staff Sergeant, receiving several awards --- Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and three campaign stars. Jim married Ann Corbin on August 25, 1940 in Olathe, Kansas. They moved to Abilene in November, 1994. Jim received a B.A. Degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Kansas and a masters at the Philadelphia Divinity School. In 1958, he became an Associate of THE SOCIETY OF SAINT PAUL, now located in San Diego, California. In 1967, Jim took his vows as Tertiary. He served several churches as an Episcopal Priest, including St. Paul's in Waxahachie 1956 - 1958; St. Peter's in Brenham 1959 - 1963; St. Christopher's in Houston 1963; St. Nicholas' in Midland 1964 - 1979; St. Stephen's in Sweetwater 1979 - 1984; St. Mark's in Coleman 1984; Trinity in Albany 1987; and St. Mark's in Abilene 1997. Jim also served as Contributing Editor, Reporter of General Convention House of Deputies 1967 and 1983 - 1985, Diocesan correspondent for 30 years; Clerical Deputy to General Conventions 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, and 1979, and in retirement as a reporter for The Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice for 6 years. Jim was a member of the Prayer Book Committee during the process of revision, leading to adoption of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. He was also a member of the Abilene Model Railroaders Association. Jim was an avid model railroader and collector of trains. Jim was also an avid sailor who owned several sailboats when he and his wife, Ann, lived at Lake Coleman. Jim served as supply priest at Coleman's St. Mark's Episcopal Church, while living at Lake Coleman in his retirement, in the 1990's.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and James Considine and his wife, Ann.

Survivors include his five children, Lynn Cobb of Tallahassee, Florida, Corby Considine of Midland, Texas, Jan Carrington of Coleman, Texas, Laird Considine of Terlingua, Texas, and Charles Considine of Pflugerville, Texas; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to any Episcopal Church; University Place, 1250 East North 10th, Abilene, Texas 79601; Lake Coleman Volunteer Fire Department, Route 1, Coleman, Texas 76834; or Sears Methodist Hospice, 3233 South Willis, Abilene, Texas 79605.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.mem.com .

Cleta Bowen, age 68
11/8/2008
Cleta Mae Morris Bowen, 68, of Coleman, Texas died Friday, November 7, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center Hospice Care in Abilene, after a battle with cancer.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Services will be at 2:00pm Monday, November 10, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with Russell Cowan, Cleta’s grandson, officiating. Interment will be at Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna, Texas.

Cleta was born September 29, 1940 in Santa Anna. She was the daughter of Joe M. and Annie Willis Morris, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, J. T., Clifford, Joe Roy, Marion E. (Boots) Morris and one sister, Joyce Early all of Santa Anna.

Cleta is survived by seven children, Alvin Ray Buford and Rebecca Jo (Becky) Buford Cowan both of Odessa, Texas, James (Charlie) Buford of Houston, Chuck Duquette, Craig Duquette, Jack Duquette and Jimmy Ray Row all of Coleman. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Gladys McGhee and Annie Merle Morris both of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sybil Martin of Santa Anna and Willis Morris of Santa Anna; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Charles Salas, age 52
11/4/2008
Charles Salas, age 52, of Coleman, died Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Conroe Regional Medical Center.

Graveside services will be 2:00pm Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Coleman City Cemetery. Services are under the direction o Stevens Funeral Home.

A prayer service will be 7:00pm Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.

Charles Salas was born August 19, 1956 in Santa Anna, Texas, a son of Frank and Mary Louise Zendejas Salas. He grew up in Coleman and attended school here. He worked at Coleman Veterinary Clinic for 18 years and was a ranch hand. He was Catholic.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Salas, Jr. of Brownwood and Johnny Salas of Coleman; two daughter, Erica Salas of Coleman and LaToya Salas of Pennsylvania; two step-daughters, LaShaun Liggins and Jennifer Liggins both of Abilene; one step-son, Keith Owen of Abilene; four brothers, Mack Salas of Coleman, Pete Salas of Anson, Robert Salas of Breckenridge and Billy Salas of Coleman; two sisters, Mary Escobar of Santa Anna and Evelyn Calvillo of Coleman; six grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Phillip, Johnny, Alex and Richard Salas; one sister, Frances Alvarado; one son, Eric Salas.

Billie Roy Laughlin, age 81
11/4/2008
Billy Roy Laughlin, age 81, of Brownwood died Monday morning at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, November 5, 2008 in the Trickham Union Church with the Reverend Pat McClatchy officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Trickham Cemetery.

Visitation will be in the Trickham Community Center next to the church from 1:00-2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Netherton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Billy Roy was born December 3, 1926 in Brown County, the son of Roy and Edna Cole Laughlin. He attended Trickham and Brookesmith schools, graduating from Brookesmith High School in 1944. He entered the U.S. Army infantry in March, 1945, later serving in the Army Air Corps in both Okinawa and the Philippines. On June 9, 1945, while stationed at Camp Hood, he married Mildred Wise, his high school sweetheart, with whom he celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

He farmed and ranched in Brown and Coleman Counties his entire life and worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office from 1947 till his retirement in 1981. He loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing. One of his greatest pleasures was teaching his grandsons and great grandson to hunt and fish. When his health prevented him from hunting and fishing, he enjoyed watching deer and turkey from his home on Indian Creek Road and sharing the hunting stories of his great grandson. He also enjoyed watching his great granddaughter perform her acrobatics in his living room. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Laughlin, of Brownwood; his daughters, Cheryl and husband Andy Campbell of Lake Brownwood and Charlotte and husband Billy C. Lee of Brownwood and Waco; his grandchildren Shelly and husband Ray Maldonado of Brownwood; Brian Campbell of Brownwood, Susan Lee of Fort Worth and Clifton Lee of College Station; his great grandchildren Kaylom Campbell and Julia Maldonado both of Brownwood; his brother Doyle Laughlin of Santa Anna; two nieces, one nephew, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Lee Laughlin and his parents.

James (Jim) Able, age 87
11/4/2008
James (Jim) Able, age 87, died this morning at 6:00am in Hendricks Memorial Hospital, Abilene, Texas.

Visitation will be at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St., Thursday 4:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral will be at the funeral home Friday, November 7, 2008 at 10:00am.

Jim was the husband of Jean Hughes Able, a former resident of Coleman and a graduate of Coleman High School.

Jake Hausenfluke, 91
11/4/2008
Jake Hausenfluke, 91, of Coleman, died Monday, November 3, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30pm Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

A prayer service will be 7:00pm Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.

Jake Hausenfluke was born January 24, 1917, in Williams County, just north of Georgetown, the son of Claude Lee Hausenfluke and Minnie Lewis Hausenfluke. Mr. Hausenfluke was a farm boy and attended small rural schools, Jim Hodge, Berry Creek and graduated from Liberty Hill High School. While in high school, he lettered in all sports. He moved to Austin and attended business school. He married Julia A. Hajdik on February 5, 1938 in Austin. She preceded him in death on February 5, 2003. Jake went to work for the 7-Up Bottling Company of Austin and played baseball for them. He worked his way up to Production Manager for 23 counties around Austin during World War II. In 1948, he and Julia and their two sons, Melvyn and Grady, moved to Coleman, purchasing one-half interest in 7-Up Bottling Company. In 1954, he bought out his partner of Austin. He and Julia serviced 11 counties out of Coleman. Jake was chosen Mr. Bottler of Texas in 1956, out of 341 bottlers. He was a member of the Plateau Bottlers Association and a Member of the National Bottlers Association. In 1969, he sold out to Coca Cola Bottling Company of Brownwood.

After selling his business, Jake worked on his farm and was Manager of Kennedy Butane, Inc. for 10 years. In 1986, he sold the company for the Kennedy family and worked other local farms and in the real estate business. Jake was active in local and county activities while in business and was a member of the Coleman J.C. Club, Noon Lion’s Club where he served as secretary and president and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Melvyn and Marilyn Hausenfluke of Grand Prairie, Grady and Allene Hausenfluke of Abilene; two sisters, Lavern Johnson and Shirley Farr both of Georgetown; four grandchildren, Kristi Barber of Caldwell, Andy Hausenfluke of Fort Worth, Wendy Romano of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Callie McFadden of Abilene; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Hausenfluke of Fort Worth, Sophia Romano, Landry Romano and Andrew Romano, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews.

Glenda Jean Bailey, 70
11/4/2008
Surrounded by family on Nov. 2, 2008, Glenda Jean Bailey left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior.

Funeral services, under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home, will be held 2pm Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at the Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bill Merritt officiating. Interment will follow at the Cedar Point Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00pm Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

Glenda was born in Temple, on Oct. 13, 1938, to L.D. and Mary Snodgrass. She married Garland Bailey on July 22, 1957, in Mexico.

Betty Jeane (Traylor) Abbey
(October 24, 1935 - November 2, 2008)
11/3/2008
Betty Jeane (Traylor) Abbey, 73, died on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Ninde Woodland, 5757 S. Memorial.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the Asbury United Methodist Church with interment in Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of Ninde Funeral Directors of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She was born October 24, 1935 in Santa Anna, TX the daughter of Martin Teague and Eva Ruth (Gardner) Traylor. Betty graduated from Coleman High School in 1954. She married Charlie Ray Abbey on November 25, 1954 in Coleman, TX. They moved to Tulsa in 1996. Jeane had a successful career in Banking having retired from the Bank of Oklahoma.

Survivors: Husband: Charlie; daughters: Ann Abbey of Albuquerque, NM and Dr. Linda Hunter of Lincoln, NE; her mother: Mrs. Ruth Traylor of Brownwood, TX; Grandchildren: Christopher Lee Ferguson of Albuquerque, NM and Steven Wayne Ferguson of Tulsa; Great Grandchildren: Nicole, Zachari, Alexis, Maddison and Hailee of Albuquerque; Rylie, Piper and Reece of Tulsa; her sister: Nita Breedlove of Brownwood, TX; her brothers: Bob Traylor of Snyder, TX and Jim Traylor of Lometa, TX.

David Cathey
11/3/2008
Graveside service for David Cathey age 82 of Lindale were held at 3:00pm Saturday, November 1, 2008 in the Burkett Cemetery near Coleman, Texas. Services were under the direction of Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors of Lindale.

Mr. Cathey was born August 14, 1926 in Coleman County the son of the late C. G. and Florence (Sampson) Cathey. He passed away October 29, 2008 in a Tyler hospital. Mr. Cathey had lived in Lindale for the past 9 years moving from Coleman. He was a veteran of the U S Navy serving in World War II and a member of the South Main Street Church of Christ in Lindale. Mr. Cathey was a parts salesman for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Lelia Cathey of Lindale; son, Keith Cathey of Ovilla, Texas; daughter, Patricia Dickeson of Hillsboro; brother, Roy Cathey of Green Valley, Arizona; grandchildren, Danny Stone, Tammy Abel and Heather Gordon and 7 great grandchildren.

Family received friends from 6-8pm Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Stroke Association.

Eddie Paul Voss, Jr.
11/3/2008
Eddie Paul Voss, Jr. of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, November 01, 2008 at 9:10pm at his residence in Santa Anna.

Services will be Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Rodger Matthew officiating. Interment will follow with services directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 till 7:30 pm at Henderson Funeral Home.

Eddie was born October 19, 1950 in Brownwood, Texas to the late Eddie Paul and Henrilee Ashmore Voss. He was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna and graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1969 and attended Angelo State University. On June 18, 1976 Eddie married Susie Barstow in San Angelo, Texas and they have celebrated thirty two years of marriage. Eddie was a postal city carrier with the United State Post Office retiring in 2005.

SURVIVORS

Wife – Susie Voss of Santa Anna, Texas

Daughter – Kelly Voss of San Angelo, Texas

Son – Austin Voss of Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska

2 Brothers – Steve & wife Carole Voss of San Angelo, Texas

Bill & wife Judy Jennings of Denton, Texas

2 Sisters – Pauline Talley of Waco, Texas

Ginger & husband David Ware of Barnesville, Georgia

Several Nieces and Nephews

Madeline Finlay
10/27/2008
Madeline Finlay went to be with her Lord on October 26, 2008.

Services will be at Heritage Funeral Home on October 29, 2008 at 2:00pm. Interment at Lohn Cemetery under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home of Brady, Texas.

She was born on January 15, 1921 to Clem and Lou Ella (Jowers) Horne in Lohn, Texas. She married the love of her life on July 3, 1941 in Eden, Texas. She was a nurse most of her life. She enjoyed going to church and spending time with family and friends.

Madeline is survived by one sister, Billie Faye Butler of Sun City, Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, William (Bill) Finlay; one son, Corey Finlay, four sisters and four brothers.

Elise West, 88
10/27/2008
Elise West, of Coleman, died Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Trinity Care Center, Round Rock, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with Doctor Ralph E. West officiating. Burial in Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Elise West was born June 25, 1920 in Coleman, Texas, the daughter of Hettie and M W Whitt. She grew up in Coleman, Texas. She married James Golson West on October 20, 1938 in Coleman and were blessed to be able to celebrate their 70th anniversary together this month. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Coleman.

She was preceded in death by Mother and Father, a brother John W. Whitt of Corpus Christi; son-in-law Wayne V. Garner of Cedar Creek; one granddaughter, Dana Yvonne West of Coleman and great-granddaughter Brittany Elise Plant of Austin.

Left behind to cherish her memory is husband, James G. West of Round Rock, Texas; brother, Eddie M. Whitt and wife Pat of Red Oak, Texas; children, Judy E. Garner of Cedar Creek, Texas, James M. West and wife Carolyn of Austin, Texas, Jimmy H. West and wife Pat of Fort Worth, Texas and Bobbie A. Brooks and husband Steve of Corpus Christi, Texas; 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers are Steve Brooks, Vance Garner, James R. West, Justin Boyd, Jacob Garner, and Joshua Plant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Trinity Care Center Chapel, 1000 E. Main Street, Round Rock, Texas 78664.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Nora Alice Smith, 83
10/26/2008
Nora Alice Smith, age 83, of Coleman, died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Jimmie Driskill officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Nora Alice Smith was born June 30, 1925 in Seagraves, Texas, a daughter of Thomas Smith and Vita Cynthia Love Smith. She grew up in Mozelle and graduated from Mozelle High School in 1945. She was a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) beginning in 1946 at Overall-Morris Memorial Hospital working for Dr. Burke. She worked for Dr. Yarborough for two years and then worked at Holiday Hill and Leisure Lodge Nursing Homes. In 1952 she married Roy Smith in Coleman. She was a member of Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Roy Smith of Coleman; one son, Bob and wife Pam Smith of Abilene; two daughters, Carol and husband Fred Bozeman of Rye, Colorado and Glenda Adams of Coleman; six grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Bozeman, Tyler Smith, Deidra Smith, Kassie Smith, Shaela Smith; five great-grandchildren, Bonnie, Ben, Isaac, Gabriel, Elisha Bozeman.

Teddy (Ted) Jack Crum, 77
10/26/2008
Teddy (Ted) Jack Crum was born Dec. 31, 1930 to Edrie and Wilburn Crum in Roy, New Mexico. He passed away October 25, 2008 in Coleman, Texas.

Services Tuesday October 28, 2008 at 2:00 P. M. in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Hetzel, Baker Rudolph, and Don Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Ted's father, Wilburn Crum, mother, Edrie Crum, infant son Gary Lynn Crum and brother Tommy Crum, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Grace Crum; his sons Jack Crum and wife Bennie, Danny Crum, Chris Crum and wife Sara; three grandchildren, Erin, Katie, and Kelly, three step-grandchildren, Becky Belew and husband John Paikowski, Matt Belew, Beau Montgomery; and great grand child, Aiden. He is also survived by members of his brother's family, sister-in-law, Marjorie and their sons Tom Jr., Terry and their families plus numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and beloved dog, Duke.

Upon retirement, he returned to Coleman where he had grown up and graduated from Coleman High School. Ted Crum lived a life with an entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit. He was a veteran of the Korean War, worked in radio and television for many years, mainly at KLBJ Austin, Texas. In later years he became a character actor in eleven films which were shot in the Austin area, as well as regular Television commercials and numerous voice projects in Texas and California. He was an avid University of Texas fan having spent 2 years as a UT undergraduate and later working for the University of Texas police department for ten years. He most enjoyed a Texas Longhorn victory, his Bowen and DQ coffee groups, the Men's Downtown Sunday School Class, playing golf, reading western novels, (such as by Louis L'Amour and J. Frank Dobie), the Eyes of Texas and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. He was a renowned storyteller in the family and loved to
hold forth about exploits and adventures of his glory days. He enjoyed the many family reunions and time spent with all. He loved to tease his grandchildren, and to them he was known as Pappy. His grandkids always felt that Pappy had more friends than anyone they knew.

Returning to Coleman and his many friends made him very happy and contented in his last years. Happy trails to you, Ted, and we love you.

Kaye Hale Franklin, 68
10/25/2008
Kaye Hale Franklin, 68, of Coleman passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008, while surrounded by loved ones in her home on her beloved ranch.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene with the Senior Pastor Clifford S. Stewart officiating.

Kaye was born May 3, 1940 in Corpus Christi Texas the daughter of Frances and Kenneth Hale. She moved to Midland at age 12 and graduated from Midland High School before attending college at Texas Christian University and The University of Colorado. She met her husband, Bill Franklin, while working in Midland and they were married in 1960. In Midland, Kaye was an active member in the Junior League of Midland where she volunteered on many community projects including one of her favorites, the free dental clinic. She was also a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club and a charter member of the Law Wives Club. When Bill retired from banking in 1996, they moved to Coleman. In Coleman, Kaye has volunteered in the local community with the American Cancer Society Cancer Support Group, the Big Country Hospice, and the Food Pantry. She is a member of the Town and Country Garden Club and First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene. Kaye and Bill participated in the first Palo Duro Presbyterian Cursillo movement in Texas and subsequently volunteered as staff to support the experience for other Christians.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William P. “Bill” Franklin and her parents, Kenneth and Frances Hale.

She is survived by her two daughters and son-in-laws, Tracy and Robert Watts of Alexandria, Virginia and Molly and Jimy Wright of Dallas and step grandchildren, Maegan and Dawson Wright of Dallas; her companion Joe Brosig, his two daughters Renee Farmer and Leah Brosig and six grandchildren; and, a brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Karen Hale of El Paso.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her honor to the Coleman County Foundation, Hospice of the Big Country and the American Cancer Society.

Alton Hamilton, 78
10/25/2008
Alton Hamilton, age 78, of Fisk, died Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Brown Ranch Cemetery with his nephews officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Alton Hamilton was born March 17, 1930 in Coleman County, Texas, a son of Elwood and Ruby McQueen Hamilton. He grew up in Fisk, attended school at Brown Ranch and graduated from Mozelle High School in 1946. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Army. Other than his military service, he has been a life-long resident of Coleman County. He was a rancher.

Survivors include two brothers, Mac Hamilton of Voss and Ronnie Hamilton of Fisk; three sisters, Audrey Whitfield of Denver City, Laverne Horn of Abilene, Joy Chenault of Ruston, Louisiana; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mary C. (Neille) Starnes, 83
10/22/2008
Mary C. (Neille) Starnes, age 83, died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 in Abilene.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating and assisted by Rev. Mike Kerzee. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Mary Corneille Close on September 16, 1925 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Myron and Ruth Hamon Close. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. She worked at Coleman County State Bank and graduated from Howard Payne College (now University). On November 13, 1948 she married Don E. Starnes and he preceded her in death on June 28, 2008. Mrs. Starnes taught at Coleman High School for many years and was head of the Yearbook during that time. She was active in the DAR where she served as a Regent two different times. She was also a member and past president of the Town and Country Garden Club, a member and past president of the Coleman Retired Teachers Association. She served as president of the Coleman County Medical Auxiliary and was a long-time volunteer in that organization. Mrs. Starnes was a member of First United Methodist Church in Coleman where she was a member of the Chancel Choir, the Administrative Council, member and past president of the United Methodist Women.

Survivors include three nephews, Gary Hector and wife Kathy of Dripping Springs, Larry Hector and wife Cathy of Austin, Gregory Hector and wife Donna of Lohn.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Donnie Starnes, in 2004.

Dwight S. Hudson, 70
10/22/2008
Dwight S. Hudson, 70 years of age of Coleman, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at his residence.

Memorial Services will be Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.

Family visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00 - 7:00pm Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Mr. Dwight Starling Hudson, 70 years of age, the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Jr. and Nellen K. Starling Hudson, born September 21, 1938 in Novice, Texas, passed away October 21, 2008 at his residence. Dwight had lived in Coleman all of his life and married the late Dee Dee Jewell in Coleman August 19, 1967 and she preceded him in death in 2004. Dwight earned a Bachelor Degree from T. C. U. Then, he proceeded to coach football and teach history in Coleman County. Dwight Hudson is survived by two daughters and sons in law; Kathy and Jason Cole of Benbrook, Jefflyn and Kenneth Miller of Coleman & brother and sister in law Neil & Marie Hudson of Coleman, and one sister in law Doris Hudson of Moran. Survivors include a grandson Hudson Cole & numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dee Dee, parents and one brother Jack Kenneth Hudson.

Johnny Carroll Berry, age 60
10/21/2008
Johnny Carroll Berry, age 60, of Santa Fe, New Mexico and former Coleman resident, died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Santa Fe.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Johnny Carroll Berry was born June 17, 1948 in Coleman, Texas, a son of John and Patsy Landers Berry. He grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1967. He lived in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico and was managing a self-storage business in Santa Fe at the time of his death. On October 6, 1999 he married Doris Velez in Bertram, Texas. He grew up in the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Berry of Santa Fe, N.M.; two sisters, Libby Fuller and husband Bobby of Abilene, Patti Scott and husband Bill of San Angelo; one brother, Tony Berry of El Paso; nieces and nephews, Travis Rhoads and Amy Burkey both of Coleman, Tami Vincent and Billy Scott both of San Angelo, Jon and Chase Berry both of El Paso; aunts and numerous cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation.

Pallbearers: Travis Rhoads, Billy Scott, Jon Berry, Chase Berry, DeWayne Berry, Douglas Roberts, Jack Roberts.

Juanene Gallaway, 71
10/20/2008
Juanene Gallaway, 71, of Abilene died Monday, October 20, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Clark officiating. The was body cremated. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Juanene Gallaway was born September 29, 1937 in Coleman, the daughter of Sarah Aleene Jones Gallaway and the late Presley Taylor Gallaway. She grew up in Glen Cove, attended school at Talpa and graduated from Coleman High School. She attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and received her Masters in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She was a teacher on military bases around the world, teaching in Japan, the Philippines and Germany. She moved to Abilene in 2002 from Waco and was a member of Highland Church of Christ in Abilene.

Survivors include her mother, Aleene Gallaway of Coleman; two sisters, Mary O'Connor of Dallas, Sheila Ann Jones of Albany; one brother, Leon Gallaway of Lockhart and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and an infant sister, Carolyn Sue Gallaway.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Robert ‘Bob” Slusher, 78
10/20/2008
Robert ‘Bob” Slusher age 78 of Odessa, Texas passed away Sunday, October 19, 2008 at his residence in Odessa.

Graveside services will be Tuesday at 2:30PM at the Stewardson Cemetery with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow at Stewardson Cemetery which borders Bob’s ranch, Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6 till 7 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

He was born Robert Leland Slusher on March 20, 1930 in Corning, Missouri to the late Rhessa and Mona Schweers Slusher. On September 2, 1950 Bob married Helen Joan Day in Wichita Falls, Texas and they have celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage. Bob graduated form Rockport High School, attended Air Force Military Schools and served as an Air Force Instructor. After Service in Okinawa, Bob worked off-shore as a wireline service operator, and transferred to Odessa in 1956. In the ensuing years, Bob operated a rental company, bought and restored a Coleman County ranch, and retired from General Tire & Rubber Company after 29 years. Bob will be remembered for his faith in God, his patience and understanding, his strong work ethic, his mechanical ability, his conservative beliefs, and his love of family.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Helen Slusher of Odessa, Texas; Children – Monte and wife Shelia Slusher, Susan Duckworth, Sherry and husband Chip Short, Mitch Slusher, Sandy and husband John Bradford all of Odessa, Texas; Grandchildren – Christy and Jody Bronaugh, Carie Lingle, Jennifer Norris, Matthew & Shilo Duckworth, Heather & Rusty Dunn, Natalie & Jaren Human, Stephanie Slusher, Ryan & Jessica Slusher, Sarah & Cody Griffin, Drew Bradford, Emily Bradford, Lindsey Duckworth and numerous great grandchildren

Bob was preceded in death by brother Leon Slusher & son-in-law Ronnie Duckworth.

Mr. Edward Wayne Rose, Jr., 30
10/19/2008
Mr. Edward Wayne Rose, Jr., age 30, of Talpa, Texas passed away in Abilene on Saturday, October 18, 2008.

Family visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:00pm.

Services will be Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 11:00am at the Glen Cove Cemetery Pavilion with interment to follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery under direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman. Pastor Jerry Chastain will officiate.

Ed was born September 22, 1978 in Santa Anna, Texas and was the son of Edward Wayne Rose, Sr. and Kathey Lea Douglas Rose. He was a carpenter and a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his father, Edward Rose of Glen Cove, his mother Kathey Douglas Rose of Glen Cove; grandmothers - Maxine Douglas of Glen Cove and Una Rose of Kentucky; son Anthony Andrew Rose of Delevan, New York; sister Kari Edminston of Glen Cove; several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Roger Little, 56
10/19/2008
Roger C. Little, 56, of Coleman and former Borger resident, died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. Following the service, the body will be cremated. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Roger C. Little was born January 29, 1952 in Borger, the son of the late Cecil Leroy Little and Pleasant Rogers Little. He grew up in Phillips and graduated from Phillips High School in 1971. He attended Amarillo College and West Texas State University. He married Debbie Parker in 1987 in Borger. He worked for Conoco Phillips as a welder and pump mechanic. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and had just completed construction on his new home in Coleman County, where he planned to retire.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Little of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Trey and Kelly Little of Borger; one sister Karen Griffith of North Richland Hills; two grandsons, Tyler Little and Jake Little, both of Borger; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hollaway and Eva Parker of Coleman; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, David and Donna Winkle of Borger; two nephews, Terry Griffith of Orlando, Florida, Dylan Winkle of Borger and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Craig Leroy Little and his step-father, Phil Lisnan.

Addie S. "Del" Funderburg, 86
10/17/2008
Addie S. "Del" Funderburg, age 86, of Coleman, died Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Coleman Healthcare Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Jerry Chastain officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Addie was born May 18, 1922 in Yakima, Washington, a daughter of Thomas William Studdard and Ethel Evans Studdard. She was raised in Yakima and graduated from St. Euphrasias School for Girls in Seattle. She moved to California in 1942 and to New York in 1944. Her first husband Alfred C. Montegro was killed in Salerno, Italy during World War II. Addie lived in New York City from 1944-1952 when she went back to Yakima, met and married James Stricker in 1955. Her son James was born in 1957. After divorcing in 1976, she came to Coleman in 1977 and married Mike Funderburg in 1978, making Coleman her home. She was Seventh Day Adventist and a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Mike Funderburg of Coleman; one son, James Stricker of Coleman; mother-in-law, Mary Funderburg of Coleman; two brothers-in-law, Tommie Funderburg and Stephen Funderburg both of Coleman; two sisters-in-law, Susan Culpepper and husband J.D. of Zephyr, Adelita Funderburg of Deerfield, Kansas; two aunts, Sandra Steffey and Geneva Morton both of Coleman; three nieces and two nephews, Eden Culpepper, Ciera Culpepper, Lacy Culpepper, Samantha Sue Funderburg, Monolito Funderburg; great-nephew, Zane Harrison Culpepper-Perez and great-niece, Zondra Funderburg.

WORTH GAINES
10/16/2008
Worth Gaines was born on August 25, 1915 and returned to his creator on October 13, 2008 at which time he was reunited with his parents, Ike & Stella Gaines, and his sister, Grace Atkinson.

Worth served in the Navy during World War II learning the skills that would later become his vocation. He worked for McHorse Plumbing and Heating for many years and later started his own business, Worth Gaines Sheet Metal, where he worked until the age of 91. In addition to his sheet metal work, he was a cattle rancher working the land left to him by his father. Worth loved to share stories with his family of the times shared with his dad working the land that they both loved so much. Worth spent his "free" time focusing on his family. He provided a shining example to his family of unconditional love not only by the love and devotion he gave to his wife but also by the love freely given to each member of his family. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a man of integrity and taught his children and grandchildren the value of honesty. He was an active member of the Methodist Church until family responsibilities prevented his regular attendance. Even then, he made sure that his children were able to attend church any time they wanted to go. He was an avid reader and read books that increased his knowledge of the world around him. Books about Texas were some of his favorites. He was an animal lover and enjoyed caring for them from the Hereford cattle that he raised on his ranch to the many dogs and cats that were beloved family pets through the years.

Loving survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mickey Gaines; daughter, Mickey Jean Weathers, and her husband, Carl; and son, Phil Gaines, and his wife, Sylvia. Worth is also survived by his four grandchildren, Carla Lance and her husband, Allen; Debra First and her husband, Rick; Philip Gaines; and, Allen Weathers and his wife, Denise. Other survivors include his great grandchildren Margo Knobloch and her husband, Shawn; Jeffrey Lance; Ricky, Billy, Henry, and James First; and, Rilyn Weathers; his great-great grandchildren Kade and Charles Knobloch; his nieces and nephews Ross Atkinson, Beth Atkinson, Karen Mullins, Sharon Warner, Sonny Oard, Chris Prasifka, and Ron Blake; those brought into the family by friendship Richard and Connie Montgomery, their children Nikki and Cody, Jerilyn Wilkerson, and Dawn Erdman.

The family asks that you take joy with them in his life well lived. Graveside Services will be Monday, October 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at the Chapel of Davis-Morris Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive visitors at Davis-Morris Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The family also requests the favor of written "stories" of Worth on paper so that they can share in memories of their loved one. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to your favorite charity so that his desire to spread goodwill may be continued.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be left for the family at www.mem.com .

Mrs. Geneva 'Gene' Howard, 82
10/16/2008
Mrs. Gene Howard age 82 of Luling, Texas passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 9:49 AM at the Oak Creek Nursing & Rehab in Luling.

Services will be Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 2:00pm at Henderson Funeral Home with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow at Stacy Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 17, 2008 from 6:30 till 7:30pm at Henderson Funeral Home.

She was born Geneva Frances Powell in Stacy, Texas to the late John F. and Lillie Catherine Johnson Powell. She was raised in Stacy where she attended schools and graduated from Doole High School. On August 31, 1943 Gene married John Meredith Howard in Gouldbusk and they have celebrated sixty five years of marriage. She was a member of the Baptist Church and a homemaker. Gene was a resident of Coleman until 1967 moving to Kilgore then Luling.

SURVIVORS: Husband – John M. Howard of Luling, Texas; Daughter – Jana Sue and husband Gary Kinsey of Lockhart, Texas; 2 Sons – Bobby M. and wife Gloria Howard of Repton, Alabama, Jerry W. Howard of Austin, Texas; Brother – Maurice Powell of Dimmit, Texas; 9 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildrenl, Several Nieces and Nephews. Geneva was preceded in death by 2 Sisters and 5 Brothers

Sondra (Sonnie) Lee Dority, 66
10/14/2008
Graham - Sondra (Sonnie) Lee Dority passed away Monday, October 13, 2008 at her home on Possum Kingdom Lake. She was 66.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am Wednesday, October 14, 2008 at the Westlake Chapel on Possum Kingdom Lake.

A graveside service will follow at 3:00pm at the Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Texas under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham.

Ms. Dority was born October 31, 1941 in Electra, Texas and was a retired area manager for Southwestern Bell. Sonnie graduated from Coleman High School in 1960. She was a star women's basketball player in the late 50's early 60's. She moved to Possum Kingdom lake in 1991 and had lived in Jacksboro for several years. She was a member of the Community Baptist Church in Coleman, Texas. Sonnie will be missed greatly by her brothers and sister for her eternal optimistic view and for her smile. She loved life and lived it to its fullest.

Survivors include: sister - Sharon Walden and husband, Bill of Burleson, Texas; 2 brothers - Ronnie Dority and wife Linda of Thrifty, Texas and Wesley Dority and wife, Linda of Lake Brownwood, Texas; her closest friend, Gretta Owens of Possum Kingdom Lake. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Ms. Dority was preceded in death by her parents, Doy and Jessie Ruel Dority, a brother, Ricci Dority and a sister, Caron Dority.

Clara Mae Ohlahausen, 85
10/13/2008
Mrs. Clara Mae Ohlahausen, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin and Mary Johnston Hamon, born in Glen Cove June 22, 1923, passed away October 12, 2008 in an Abilene hospital. She spent her early life in Glen Cove and was a graduate of Glen Cove School.

She was married to the late Mr. Edward Ohlahausen in Coleman on April 28, 1941. He preceded her in death in 2001. She was a housewife and member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include: two sisters - Mary Ramsey of Clyde and Anna Wilson of Goldthwaite; six nieces - Pat Bowman, Karen Cumby, Sheilia Allen, Shirley Case, Donna Bockman and Joane Green; 9 nephews - Luke Ramsey, Delbert Wilson, Rober Wilson, Welton Joe Hamon, Raymond Hamon, Danny Hamon, Jim Barmore, Rick Barmore, Rodney Hamon.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday, October 14, at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Wednesday, October 15, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Luke Ramsey, Randy Allen, Josh Wilson, Delbert Wilson, Hayley Wilson, Randy Allen Jr. and Rober Dale Tallman.

Leonard A. Sharp

TUSCOLA – Leonard A. Sharp of Tuscola passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2008.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Tuscola United Methodist Church with Revs. Jack Stephens and Michael Berry officiating.

A private burial will be held at the family plot in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman, Texas.

Leonard was born on November 27, 1928, in Novice, TX. He was the son of the late Arch and Mary Sharp. On August 22, 1953, he married the late Barbara Ann Bradham Sharp in Novice, TX. Leonard was a graduate of Novice High School and Hardin Simmons University. Before retiring in June of 1990, he was the business manager for Jim Ned CISD for 29 years, and also served as a Tax Assessor Collector for the surrounding area. Leonard served our country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Left behind to cherish his memory is; one son, Larry Alan and wife Suzann Sharp; one daughter, Katri Elaine and husband Joseph Chmielewski; grandchildren Tiffany and husband Jonathan Davis, Michael Chmielewski, Monica, Karli and Jared Sharp; Joseph Jr. and wife Charity Chmielewski, and Taji and husband Eric Sperber; great-grandchildren, Eriq Chmielewski, Carson and Presley Sperber; and one sister, Christine Whitley of Abilene, TX. Also surviving are three special sister-in-laws, Ellen Bradham of Portland, Texas, Rosiland Fuller of Flower Branch, Georgia and Lillian Sharp of Fort Worth, Texas, as well as various nieces and nephews.

Leonard was a wonderful, loving, and caring husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all. His grandchildren will never forget his favorite saying of “Life’s to short, eat desert first.”

Memorials may be maid to the Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79601 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Maecy Watson Casey, 44
10/9/2008
Maecy Watson Casey, age 44, of Coleman, died Thursday, October 9, 2008 at her residence.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Louise Strength officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Maecy was born May 12, 1964 in Wichita Falls, Texas, a daughter of Larry Nation and Brenda White Nation. She graduated from Chico High School and moved to Coleman in the 1980's. She worked at J. E. Stevens Company for several years. She was married to Michael Casey.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Casey of Coleman; four children, Ben Watson of Coleman, Tara Watson of Coleman, Chelsea Guerrero of Odessa, Paige Guerrero of Coleman; her parents, Larry and Brenda Nation of Potosi; two brothers, Barry Nation and Josh Nation both of Oklahoma; one sister, Tammy Nation of Abilene; two grandchildren, Ryan McMillan and Branson McMillan; three step-children, Stephen Casey, Kirsten Casey and Brandon Casey all of Amarillo.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rowdy Nicole Fikes on April 13, 2003.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, Texas 79601 or the donor's favorite charity.

Dorothy Summers, 90
10/9/2008
Dorothy Summers, 90, of Coleman, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Bastrop Nursing Center in Bastrop.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Dorothy Summers was born September 14, 1918 in Dennison, Texas, the daughter of Auburn Benjamin Steen and Grace Marshall Steen. She grew up in Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School. She attended North Texas Agricultural College and graduated from Rutherford Calculating School in 1938. She married John William Summers on March 30, 1940 in Bryan. He preceded her in death on July 29, 1994. During World War II, she worked as a stenographer. She was a registered Choctaw Indian and a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, John W. Summers, II and wife, Mitzi, of Bastrop, James W. Summers and wife, Patty, of Clyde, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Chad Summers and wife, Amanda, of Austin, Jenny Summers of Bastrop, Sam Summers of Clyde, North Carolina; two nieces, Sher Dunaway and husband, Bill, of Coleman; Carol Norwood and husband, Bob, of Arlington and one nephew, James Shannon of Arlington.

She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Edward Steen, Auburn Steen, Marshall Steen and one sister, Mary Shannon.

Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

Victoria Sage Garcia, infant
10/7/2008
Victoria Sage Garcia died Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Concho County Hospital in Eden.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 at Burkett Cemetery, with Rev. Rusty Allen officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

Victoria Sage Garcia was born September 13, 2008 in San Angelo.

Survivors include her parents, Gabriel and Dawn Kleiber Garcia of Menard; her sister, Cheyenne Hill of of Menard; her brother, Garrett Hill of Menard; her grandparents, Robert and Beth Kleiber of Burkett, Juan Garcia of Farwell; her great-grandmother, Flo Kleiber of Wenatchee, Washington; aunts and uncles, Matt and Emma McKinney of Goldsboro, Steven and Amber Kleiber of Cross Plains, Juan and Henrietta Garcia of Clovis, New Mexico, Roberto and Maricella Garcia of Clovis, New Mexico, Javier and Angelica Garcia of Texico, New Mexico, Joe and Velia Pena of Fort Worth, Manuel and Kathy Garcia of Farwell, Margarita Garcia of Farwell, Lorena Garcia of Clovis, New Mexico, Caesar Mora of Farwell and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Margarita Garcia and her aunt, Lula Mora.

Family visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Stevens Funeral Home.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

John Hensley, 91
10/6/2008
John Hensley of Santa Anna passed away at his residence Monday, October 06, 2008.

Services will be graveside at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 2:00pm with Rev. Bobby Weathers and Rev. Paul Stephen officiating directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Interment will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 8, 2008 from 1:00pm at Henderson Funeral Home until service time.

He was born August 7, 1917 in Milam County, Texas to the late Colonel Sheffield and Ethel Brady Hensley. John was a lifetime resident of Coleman County and graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1934. In December of 1946 he married Lucile Miller in Santa Anna and they celebrated 20 years of marriage. Lucile preceded him in death in 1966. John was a member of the Methodist Church and the Farm Bureau. He was an Army Veteran of World War II with the 36th Division serving in N Africa and European Campaigns. He retired in 1977 from the National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major following 45 years of service. John was a soldier, rancher, carpenter and oilfield driller.

SURVIVORS: Son – John S. and wife Peggy Hensley of Santa Anna, Texas; Daughter – Suzanne and husband Dean Bass of Coleman, Texas; Grandchildren- Suwanee Smith of Abilene, Texas, Lucinda Price of Brownwood, Texas, Robin Roberts of Abilene, Texas, Bill Smith of Santa Anna, Texas, Jenna Hensley of Santa Anna, Texas, Jesse Hensley of Santa Anna, Texas; 7 Great Grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by 1 brother and 2 sisters. In lieu of flowers family requests donation to Santa Anna Library.

Ruth Durham Smith, 98
10/4/2008
Ruth Smith, of Coleman, loving mother, grandmother and friend, when to be with her Lord on October 4, 2008.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruth Durham Smith was born October 12, 1909 in Pendleton, Texas, the daughter of Nathan Ernest Durham and Lilly Mae Sparkman Durham. She moved with her family to Coleman at the age of five and graduated from Coleman High School in 1927. She married Jessie J. Smith and he preceded her in death in 1972. Mrs. Smith was a Licensed Vocational Nurse at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena, Texas for 25 years until she retired and returned to Coleman in 1993. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Nelda Smith Metcalf of Allen, Texas, Betty Smith Kuykendall and husband, Frank, of Coleman; five grandchildren, Linda Downs Hubbard of Abilene, Cindy Downs Williams and husband Allen of Allen, Texas, Richard Kuykendall of Iowa Park, Charles Downs, Jr. and wife, Caroline, of Abilene, Bill Dobbs and wife, Sheila of Little Rock, Arkansas; eight great grandchildren, Brandon, Jennie and husband, D.J., Mathew, Taylor, Cody and wife, Whitney, Michael, Madeliene and Maxwell; three great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Bertha Durham and two brothers, Clarence Durham and Lewis Durham.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Stevens Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Lois DeBusk Garrett, 98
10/3/2008
Lois DeBusk Garrett joined her Lord and Savior on October 2, 2008. Visitation will be Saturday, October 4th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Cross Plains at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Burial will follow at the Burkett Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Lois Garrett Memorial Fund at the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 160, Cross Plains, Texas 76443. Donations will be used to complete the furnishing of the newly rebuilt church. Lois was a faithful, life-long member of the Methodist Church.

Lois DeBusk Garrett was born to Sam DeBusk and Jenny Brooke DeBusk on June 24, 1910 at the family home near Burkett. Lois was the fifth child of six, and the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam DeBusk. Lois married to E.L. (Buck) Garrett in July, 1928, at the age of 18. Lois was preceded in death by her infant son, William Dickson Garrett in 1936, and her husband E.L. (Buck) Garrett, in 1984. Lois is the last surviving child of Sam and Jenny DeBusk.

As a child, Lois attended school in Cross Plains, and had the distinction of being the person who chose the mascot for the school, the Cross Plains Buffaloes. Thanks to Lois, Cross Plains has been home to the Buffaloes since 1927. Lois led a colorful life and lived in many areas of the world, including Caracas, Venezuela, Hobbs, New Mexico, and several cities in Texas, including Ranger, Pampa, Borger, Big Spring, Odessa, Fort Worth, and Brownwood, before retiring in Cross Plains. Lois worked as a clerical and administrative assistant at many banks, insurance companies and oil companies during her married years. Lois and her husband returned to the United States in 1950, from South America, and purchased the Austin-Morris Furniture Store in Brownwood. In 1962 Lois and E.L. retired in Cross Plains, where Lois has made her home for the remainder of her life.

Lois has made many contributions to the Cross Plains community, including her tireless work with the Library, The Senior Citizens Center, and the First United Methodist Church of Cross Plains. Lois led an active life and enjoyed riding her bicycle, playing golf, and working in her garden into her 80’s. Lois was and avid historian and kept many memorabilia for the DeBusk, Brooke, Koenig, and Eubank families in this area.

Lois and E.L. were the parents of only one child, a son who died shortly after birth. When Lois’s sister, Cora Belle Koenig, died of cancer in 1959, Lois took on the role of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to Dick Koenig, his children and grandchildren, and Frieda Belle Koenig, and her children and grandchildren. Lois became known to the entire community as simply “Aunt Lois”. Lois loved life, people and pets, and she brought joy, love and laughter to all those around her.

Lois is survived by her nephews Dick Koenig of Cross Plains; Pat DeBusk of Houston; Jack Angely of Earth; nieces Natalie Klick of Boulder, Colorado, Judy Reynolds of Dallas; Dorothy Odom of Cross Plains and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Betty Lazelle Coatney, 67
October 16, 1940 - September 26, 2008
10/1/2008
Betty Lazelle Coatney passed away September 26, 2008 in Richmond, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am Saturday, October 4th, at the Gouldbusk Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Rodney Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Born in Santa Anna, Texas on October 16, 1940, Betty Lazelle Martin was the first born child of Dewey and Lucia Faye Martin. She married Jerry Coatney in the spring of 1958 and went on to have four children. Betty was always a loving mother and devoted friend. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Rosenberg, Texas for over 37 years.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Karen Gayden and her husband Stan of Waco; son Joey Coatney and his wife Lisa of East Bernard; son Jeff (Marty) Coatney and his wife Patricia of Kingsbury and daughter Kimberly Stewart and her husband Christian of Richmond.

Betty also has 5 grandchildren and one on the way. They are Ashley Gayden, Monica Gayden, Rachael Gayden, Brandon Glasgow, Sara Coatney and Little Will Stewart who will be here in early December.

She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie (Chip) Martin and his wife, Karen, of Rolla, Kansas and their two sons Shane and Jason. She will also be missed by a large extended family of aunts and cousins and many friends from the church.

Virginia Gallegos Gutierrez, 67
9/30/2008
Virginia Gallegos Gutierrez, 67, left us September 30, 2008 and entered the Kingdom of Heaven where she was embraced by her Father, the God Almighty.

Funeral service will be officiated by Brother White at The New Testament Holiness Church in Bangs, TX at 2:00pm October 4, 2008. Graveside service will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, TX from 8am – 8pm October 3, 2008.

Sister Virginia was born April 25, 1941 in Sugarland, Texas to Santos and Elvira Gutierrez. Many years of her life were spent in Houston, TX where all six of her children were born. With the acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she moved to Coleman, TX to follow the Ministry of Brother David Terrell. Guidance was provided over the years from her Pastors Brother Blue, Brother Barron, and Brother White. After moves to Early and Brownwood, Sister Virginia settled in Bangs, TX, home of The New Testament Holiness Church. As a devout follower for 34 years, Sister Virginia served the Lord by accepting Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost Spirit, studying the Word of God, attending regular church service, and testifying to those in need. For these years of service, God has allowed her to come home to Heaven.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Santos & Elvira Gutierrez, and her brothers Delfino Gutierrez, Gregory Gutierrez, and Robert Gutierrez. She is survived by her sisters Connie Garza, Channelview, TX; Hortencia Oliver, Coleman, TX; Lidia Deleon, Houston, TX; Velia Gonzalez, Houston, TX; her brothers Santos Gutierrez, Houston, TX; Ruben Gutierrez, Houston, TX; her children Sylvia & Daniel Molina, Houston, TX; Debra Perez, Austin, TX; Sophia Perez, Denton, TX; Uvaldo Perez, Edinburg, TX; Priscilla Salinas, Lewisville, TX; Manuel & Jessika Salinas, Denton, TX; her grandchildren Gregory DeLeon, Natalie Mize, Makayla McCaskill, Myra McCaskill, Manuel Salinas III, Jakob Salinas; her great grandchildren Christian Mize & Joshua James Mize, Danielle DeLeon & Greg DeLeon Jr., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha Jo Cate, age 87
9/30/2008
Martha Jo Cate, age 87, of Odessa died Monday, September 29, 2008 at Seabury Nursing Center in Odessa.

Visitation will be held in Odessa at Acres West Funeral Chapel all day Wednesday and Thursday as well as Friday morning. Visitation in Coleman will be Friday evening at Walker Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 2:00pm Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Coleman Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel.

She was born in Downsville, LA June 27, 1921. She was a retired beautician. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons: Ronald Joe Cate of Odessa, TX and Terry William Cate of San Angelo, TX; one daughter: Rebecca Cate Young of Odessa; two sisters: Kreneta Cunningham of Oklahoma City, OK and Barbra Kunkel of White Oak, TX; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Brandon Scott "Bubba" Dillard, age 24
9/28/2008
Brandon Scott "Bubba" Dillard, age 24, died Saturday, September 27, 2008 as the result of a car accident.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

"Bubba" was born October 7, 1983 in Coleman, Texas, the son of Johnnie Van Pelt Dillard. He grew up in Coleman and attended school here. He had recently moved to Abilene where he worked in construction. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. "Bubba" loved riding horses, hunting and fishing. He loved his family and friends. He had recently started writing poetry.

He is survived by his mother, Johnnie Dillard of Coleman; his fiancée, Lela Christa of Abilene; one sister, Monica Dillard of Coleman; two nephews, Christopher and Conner Baker both of Coleman; aunts and uncles, Frank and Kim Van Pelt, Wayne and Kim Van Pelt, Mary and Raymond Hamon all of Coleman, Peggy and Matthew Goodman of Mesquite, Eddie and Paula Van Pelt of Novice; his in-laws, Wayne and Debra Christa of Novice; several cousins, numerous friends.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, P. O. Box 289, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Coleman EMS, 313 W. Elm Street, Coleman, Texas 76834 (attention Russell Thomas).

Mr. Manuel Sabero Vasquez, 63
9/24/2008
Mr. Manuel Sabero Vasquez, former longtime resident of Coleman, passed away Monday, September 22, 2008 in South Bend, Indiana.

Visitation Service will be Thursday September 25, 2008 from 8:30 to 10:00pm with interment service on Friday, September 26 at 2:30pm at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Pastor Joel Gallegos Officiating, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Manuel was born November 6, 1944 in Rowena, Texas to Francisco Vasquez and Felipa Rodriguez Vasquez. He grew up in San Antonio, was an Auto mechanic and later moved to Ballinger, then on to South Bend Indiana in 1971 where he lived until his death.

Manuel is survived by: daughters Susie Reyna, Terry Vasquez, Diane Vasquez, and Norma Cervantez all of Coleman, Marie Vasquez of Ballinger, Carol Vasquez, and Rita Vasquez both of San Antonio. Sons: Roy Vasquez of Coleman, Manuel Sabero Vasquez Jr. of Winters, Felix Vasquez of Abilene, and Manuel Vasquez of San Antonio. Sisters: Aurora Ramos of Minnesota, and Yolanda Vasquez of San Angelo, 46 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Christopher.

Clifford L. ( Cliff) Horn, 90
9/23/2008
Clifford L. ( Cliff) Horn of Coleman died Sunday, September 21, 2008 at his daughter's home in Bella Vista Arkansas where he's lived for the past year.

The family will receive friends at Stevens Funeral Home of Coleman on Friday, September 26th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Cliff's life will be held at his beloved First United Methodist Church , 500 W. Live Oak, Coleman on Saturday, September 27, 2008. at 1:00 p.m.

Cliff was born December 9, 1917 near Winters, TX the son of Dee Burton and Mattie Mayhew Horn. His father was a rancher, and the family moved several times before he completed high school at Miles. He graduated from Howard Payne in 1939, and his first band teaching positions were in Bronte and Brownfield. When World War II arrived, Cliff joined the Army Air Corps, serving till 1945. He was honorably discharged after serving as a gunnery and flight instructor at the Harlingen, Tx. base. After discharge, he was offered the position of High School Band Director at neighboring McAllen, Tx., resuming his career teaching band. Over the years, he taught band, orchestra or chorus at Kingsville, Deer Park and San Angelo, until his retirement in 1977. He received a Master's Degree from Texas A&I while teaching in Kingsville.

In 1941, he married Jacqueline Holt, in Brownfield, Tx. and they have two daughters, Jacqueline Horn Dooley and Barbara Ann (Bobbie) Horn. They were married from 1941 to 1962. In 1967 Cliff married Ann Wilson Horn of San Angelo. As children, their families had been neighbors, south of Miles, in the 1930's. They were married from 1967 to 1986. After his retirement from teaching, Cliff purchased his beloved ranch near Glen Cove and named it "The Hi C". He met, at Coleman First United Methodist Church, V.J. Perkins Kemper. They married in the fall of 1986. She preceded him in death in January 2000.

Cliff was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, Burton and James, three sisters; Jewel Elizabeth, Floy Ranson and Beth Neighbors. He was also preceded in death by Susan Kemper and his son-in-law, Larry Dooley, in 2006.

Cliff was active in many organizations over the years, but most recently, the First United Methodist Church of Coleman, the Chancel Choir and the Chapel Sunday School Class. He was active in Coleman County Farm Bureau, the Republican Party, the Heartland Harmonizers and the Coleman Lanterns Barbershop Groups. He served on the Coleman Library Board, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Central Colorado River Authority Board, and Phi Beta Mu.

He will be missed and joyfully remembered by his two daughters, Jacqui Dooley of Bella Vista, AR and Bobbie Horn of Brownfield; five grandchildren and their families; Cary Dooley , wife Tiffany, and their children Allison, Ryan, and Avery Kate of Edmond Ok.; Christopher Dooley, wife Brandi, and their daughters Parker, and Peyton Dooley.; Shana ( Mrs. Garrick) Pass and daughter Gwynyth of Columbia, SC,; Crissie Perez and daughters Makayla and Emily; grandson Aaron Swan of Brownfield; a great-grandson, Jeremy, born on September 8, 2008; and one brother, Victor Horn of Midland.

Cliff is also survived by five children by marriage; Judia (Mrs. Ralph) Terry of Coleman, Martin ( Dr. Karen) Kemper of Waco, William "Kemp" ( Kaylene) Kemper of Abilene, Alan (Julie) Kemper of Houston, Anita ( Mrs. Mike) Calk of Silver Valley.

Serving as Pallbearers, Cary Dooley, Christopher Dooley, Aaron Swan, Mat Gaines, Phil Neighbors and Rob Schuppenhaur. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers, the many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extended family he loved so well.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Coleman or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762.

Kelley Bowling. 76
9/23/2008
Kelley Bowling, of Granbury, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2008 in a Fort Worth Hospital.

A celebration service and interment took place on Thursday September 25, 2008 at the Glen Cove Cemetery with Randy Steed officiating under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Kelley and was born September 2, 1932 in Coleman County, Texas. Kelley was an owner and operator of a beauty shop for many years in Bedford, Texas. Kelley graduated from Coleman High School and spent her early life in Coleman.

Kelley is survived by husband George Bowling of Granbury, Texas; one daughter-in-law Sherry Bowling Sisk of Georgia; four step-sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Carol Steed of Plano, Bob and Cathy Bowling of Flower Mound, Texas, Clint and Nancy Bowling of Georgia, Larry and Vikki Bowling of Tyler; brother and sister-in-law Tommy and Joyce Kelley of Brownwood, Texas; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded her in death, Toki Jenkins.

Memorials may be made to the Friends for Animals, 2885 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury, Texas 76049

Elizabeth "Betty" Jennings, 88
9/23/2008
Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Jennings, of Valera, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2008, at Coleman County Medical Center.

Rosary will be held in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel at 7:00pm Thursday, September 25.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:30am on Friday, September 26, with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow at Voss Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

She was born March 11, 1920 in Watertown, New York to the late Thomas Allen and Hazel Metzger Allen. She attended, and graduated Salutatorian, of her Watertown High School class. She then attended and graduated from New York State Teacher's College in Albany, NY in 1941.

Betty married Oliver Jennings in Watertown, New York on January 16, 1943 and they shared 63 years together.

Survivors include: two sons - David Jennings of Bedford and Richard Jennings of Valera; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a daughter, Linda.

Dana Gay Rideout, 54
9/22/2008
Dana Gay Rideout, 54, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2008 at a local hospital.

Funeral services, with Phil Ware, Steve Ridgell, Terry Chrane and Jonathan Straker officiating, will be at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 25 at the Highway 36 Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the Tecumseh Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:30pm on Wednesday, September 24 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Dana was born in Abilene, Texas on August 22, 1954 to Harvey and Janice (Barton) Wise. She graduated from Abilene Christian High School and Abilene Christian University with a bachelor's degree in teaching. Dana was a native of Abilene. She grew up in the Southern Hills Church of Christ and was now a member of the Highway 36 Church of Christ. Dana has worked with and supported the American Quarter Horse Association, Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association as well as many others.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harvey T. Wise and one sister, Sheila Wise. Dana is survived by her husband, Teryl Rideout, of Baird; her mother, Janice Martin, of Abilene; one son, Colby Rideout, of Baird; one daughter Danyelle Hemphill and her husband Heath, of Coleman; one sister, Darla McLeod, of Abilene; and two grandchildren, Ethan and Hadley Hemphill.

Memorials may be made in honor of Dana Rideout to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, Texas 79602 or to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Michael (Mike) Shaffer
9/21/2008
Services are pending for Michael Shaffer of South Hill, Virginia. He passed away Saturday night at a Richmond, Virginia hospital. He is survived by his wife, Janet E. Bryan of South Hill, VA; mother-in-law, Ludy J. Bryan, and brother-in-law, Paul Bryan, of Santa Anna, TX.

Helen Windham White, 78
9/18/2008
Helen Windham White, a long time resident of the Novice area, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2008, in Cleburne, Texas.

Services will be held Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 2:00pm in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Swindler, Minister of the First Baptist Church of Novice, officiating. Interment will follow at Rough Creek Cemetery in Novice.

Family visitation will be Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 6:00-7:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home.

Helen was born on February 26, 1930 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was a graduate of Coleman high School and of Beauty College. She was a Beautician in Novice and taught for a short time at Glen's and Lottie's Beauty College in Abilene and Played the organ for the First Baptist Church of Novice, where she was a member. She married the late Mr. Leon Windham in Ballinger, Texas June 8, 1947 and he preceded her in death in 1981. She later married the late Mr. Jim White in Wichita Falls, Texas December 28, 1987 and he preceded her in death in 2001.

Helen is survived by: daughter and son-in-law Judy Fay and Gordon Hill of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two sons, James and his wife Patty Windham of Covington, Texas and Larry Joe Windham of Novice, Texas; three sisters, Darlene Taylor and Delsie White both of Abilene, and Leona Corah of Santa Anna, California; two brothers Joe Stracener of San Angelo and Jimmy Stracener of Abilene; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Two brothers have preceded her in death.

L. Haven Miller, 95
9/16/2008
L. Haven Miller, 95, of Abilene, passed away Monday September 15, 2008.

The service is scheduled for 10:00am Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Southern Hills Church of Christ Auditorium with burial following at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Visitation is scheduled for 5:30-7:30pm Wednesday, September 17 at Piersall Benton Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St.

Leonard Haven Miller was born in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 1913 to William Edgar Miller and Emma Louis Lyttle Miller.

Haven had many accomplishments in his lifetime of service to Universities as a professor and to numerous churches as a preacher. As a professor at David Lipscomb for 7 years and ACU for 34 years he taught Spanish, English, Latin, Portuguese, and Bible. As a preacher he had the privilege being the first full time minister at Madison Church of Christ in Nashville, as well as preaching at numerous churches in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. His passion for missions led him on over 90 trips to Mexico as well as many trips to Spain.

Haven will be greatly missed by his two daughters Ada and husband Carley Dodd of Abilene, and Deborah and husband Joe Hailey of Anson, Texas; a son, Stephen and wife Jean Miller of Garland, Texas; nine grandchildren, Kevin Miller, Holly (Ken) Machemehl, Jeremy (Jennie) Dodd, Matthew (Heather) Dodd, Philip (Tanji) Dodd, Joe Hailey III, Brian (Leslie) Hailey, Jennifer Dodd, and Sarah Hailey as well as nine great grandchildren, two step-sons, and 6 step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two spouses, first Sarah Beasley Miller and then Anna Pearl Adrian Miller.

Memorials may be made in Honor of L. Haven Miller to the Cherokee Home for Children, P. O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .

Jerry M. Sellers, 68
9/15/2008
Jerry M. Sellers age 68 of Coleman, Texas passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 10:45 AM at his residence in Coleman.

Mr. Sellers body was donated to science. Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born on January 26, 1940 in Stamford, Texas to the late Walter Jerry and Edna Pearle Wilson Sellers. He was a graduate of Garland High School and attended Dallas Jr College. On February 2, 1991 Jerry married Mary Morse in Garland and they celebrated seventeen years of marriage. Jerry has been a resident of Coleman since 2007 and retired as a warehouse manager for Morgan Newton Electronics.

SURVIVORS: Wife - Mary Morse of Mesquite, Texas; Daughter – Carla Winger of Garland, Texas; Sister – Sally Rhodes of Campbell, California; 2 Grandchildren.

Mrs. Ilene Watson Wallace, 92
9/15/2008
Mrs. Ilene Watson Wallace, 92 years of age, of Coleman passed away on Sunday September 14, 2008 at her residence.

Services will be Tuesday September 16, 2008 at 10:00 A. M. in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Interment to follow in the Santa Anna City Cemetery under the Direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Monday September 15, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:00 P. M. at Walker Funeral Home.

Ilene was born February 27, 1916 in Trickham, Texas to the late Bert Terry Watson and Nancy Pearl “Nannie” Medley Watson. She attended school at Trickham and then Hendricks school of nursing. Ilene was a housewife and an L. V. N. with Hendricks Hospital and Anson General Hospital, she was also a Baptist. Ilene is survived by 1 daughter; Lillian Henderson of Bangs, and 2 sons; Terry Wallace and Charles Wallace both of Coleman and 4 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters and 1 grand child.

Mrs. Mable Gwen Brown, 74
9/12/2008
Mrs. Mable Gwen Brown, 74 years of age of Abilene passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 15, 2008 at 11:00am in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Patrick Bennett officiating and interment will follow in the Valera Cemetery.

Mable Gwen Brown was born to Minnie Lee Barrett in Cisco, Texas on August 1, 1934. She married Davy Lee Brown on April 15, 1950, and they lived in Coleman until moving to Abilene in 1968. In 1972 they were transferred to Kansas and then to Oklahoma before returning to Abilene. She worked for Sears as an interior decorator from 1966 until she retired in 1990. Gwen worked with VFW Post 6873 Ladies Auxiliary as a Chaplain for three years and volunteered and helped the homeless in Abilene for many years. Gwen was a member of the Community Baptist Church of Coleman and is survived by husband Davy Lee Brown of Abilene, daughter Carla Gwen Garrett, and one granddaughter Amanda Lee Garrett.

Memorials can be made to the Hendrick Hospice Care. Mable Gwen Brown was preceded in death by her mother and son Rickey Lee Brown, one sister Shirley Faye, and brother John Edgar.

Mr. Cleo Brooks, 87
9/12/2008
Mr. Cleo Brooks, 87 years of age, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2008 at Coleman Healthcare Center.

Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 11:00am - 12:00noon with services to follow in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00pm. Rev. Patrick Bennett will officiate and interment will follow in the Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Cleo was born July 24, 1921 in Waurika, Oklahoma and was married to the late Miss Nina E. Taylor in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 19, 1971. He was a carpenter and a veteran of W.W. II.

He is survived by a daughter and son in law, Kathy and Pete Boyd of Lake Brownwood, two sons, Monty Beard of Coleman and Larry Brooks of Bullhead, Arizona, one nephew Mikey and his wife Deanne Brooks of Marlow, Oklahoma, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Elizabeth Bradley, 101
9/10/2008
Elizabeth Bradley, 101, of Coleman, died Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at her residence.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Coleman City Cemetery with Rev. Mike Kerzee officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Bradley was born February 11, 1907 in Hamilton County, Texas, the daughter of George Washington Parker and Kate Rose Williams Parker. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1924. She attended John Tarleton College, known now as Tarleton State University, and graduated from McMurry University in 1928. She later worked on her Master’s Degree at North Texas State Teachers’ College. She married Major John Bradley on October 18, 1939 in Denver City. He preceded her in death on February 9, 1980. She taught school for 26 years with the Ballinger Independent School District and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two nephews, John Parker Nunley of Dallas, B.B. Nunley, Jr. of Austin and one niece, Margaret Ann Nunley of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her husband and two sisters, Margaret Nunley and Katie George Self.

DARRELL DEEN HORTON age 56
9/9/2008
Darrell Deen Horton, age 56, of Elmira, Idaho, died Thursday, September 2, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow in the Silver Valley Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Darrell Deen Horton was born June 13, 1952 in San Diego, California the son of Charles Franklin Horton and Charlene Bates Horton Cole. He moved with his family from Olney, Texas to the state of Washington at the age of nine. Darrell served his country in the United States Navy where he armed and disarmed bombs. Following his military service, he worked in Civil Service in Seabeck, Washington. He had lived in Elmira, Idaho for a number of years, working as a carpenter building log houses. He was a long-time member of the NRA, an avid hunter, fisherman, camper, and hiker.

Survivors include his mother, Charlene Bates Cole of Gouldbusk, Texas; one sister, Shirley Horton Cortez of Gouldbusk, Texas; one niece and one nephew, Stacie Reynolds of Round Rock, Texas and Sam Reynolds of Clovis, NM; aunts and uncles, Lucille Day of Crews, Texas, Jimmy Bates of Dallas, Texas, Mary Jones of Kemp, Texas, Alvin Bates of Silver Valley, Texas and Minnie Chamblin of Odessa, Texas.

He was preceded in death by two uncles and his step-father, Bill Cole in 2007.

Doris Moore
9/5/2008
Mrs. Doris Joy Moore, 81 of Coleman passed away on Friday September 5, 2008 at the Abilene Regional Hospital.

Services will be on Monday September 8, 2008 at 10:00 A. M. in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rodney Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Doris was born December 28, 1926 in Coleman County to the late M. G. “Caps” and Maggie Mitchell Smith, she was raised in Coleman. Doris married Raymond “Doc” Moore July 31, 1945 in San Antonio. She loved her family first and her reunion was always very important to her. She loved to fish and gardening even though she was unable to have a garden the last few years. She was a nurse for over 20 years, including director of nurses at Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Doris was preceded in death by her Husband, Raymond of 44 years in December 1989. Her parents, Cap and Maggie Smith, daughter Carolyon Joy, her sisters Claudia Bowers, Leona Bowers, Jessie Ray Bowers, Jane Hoover, Jo Hollingsworth, Maxine Rodgers and Barbara Keeney. Her brothers Ben Smith and Jack Smith. A step-grand daughter: Shyanna Nicole Steele.

Survivors include: Two sons, Randal and wife Beth Moore of Coleman, and Scotty Moore of Brownwood. Two grand daughters Kami Moore of Coleman and Krista Moore of Brownwood. One grand son Rhys and wife Danielle Moore of Warren, Texas. Five step- grandchildren: Lewis and wife Sammie McWhorter of Monahans, Le’Chelle and husband Andrew Robinson of Crosby, Minnesota. Jami and husband Paul Burton of Monahans, Justin Green of Staples, Minnesota and Jarrin Dotzler of Coleman. One Great-Grandson: Liam Raymond “Doc” Moore of Warren, Texas. Four step great-grandsons: Hunter, Craig, and Austin Robinson of Crosby, Minnesota and Sean McWhorter of Monahans. Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Brother-in-Law Gene Rodgers of Abilene and Special Companion Alfred Holland.

Donna Sue Coleman, 46
9/4/2008
Donna Sue Coleman, of Tuscola, passed away at Abilene Regional Medical Center on September 3, 2008.

Family visitation will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, September 5, 2008, at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.

Services will be at 10:00am Saturday, September 6, at Walker Funeral Home with Paul Gosset of Odessa officiating.

Burial will follow at 2:00pm Saturday in San Saba Cemetery, San Saba, Texas, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Donna was born September 29, 1961 in San Saba and lived in Coleman from 1982 to 1994. She was a Business Manager.

Survivors: a daughter - Christina Cole of Odessa; a son - Joseph Coleman of Coleman; two sisters - Debra Litton of Coleman and Marjie Raylene Turner of Dallas; two brothers - Billy Turner of Port Aransas and Charles Turner of Coleman. 5 grandchildren.

Eugene ‘Banjo’ McClure, 82
9/3/2008
Eugene ‘Banjo’ McClure age 82 of Abilene, Texas passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 11:18 PM at Hendricks Medical Center.

Services will be Friday at 2:00 PM at the Harvest Baptist Church in Abilene with Pastor Mike Jones and Rev. Jamie Jett officiating. Interment will follow at 4:00PM at the Santa Anna Cemetery. Services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM at Harvest Baptist Church.

Eugene was born in Coleman County, Texas on January 30, 1926 to the late Vince Walter and Many Alice Newman McClure. He was a 1943 graduate of Santa Anna High School and attended Hardin Simmons University and Bible Baptist Seminary receiving his BA from Heartland Baptist Bible College. Eugene was a Navy veteran of World War II. On October 10, 1952 Eugene married Willie Louise Beebe in Abilene, Texas and they have celebrated fifty five years of marriage. He has been a resident of Abilene since 1959 and a member of the Harvest Baptist Church. Eugene owned and operated Banjo’s Boat Motors and worked with the children’s ministry at Trinity Baptist Church.

Survivors: Wife – Louise McClure of Abilene, Texas; 2 Daughters – Vickie & husband Jamie Jett of Oklahoma City, OK, Mary and husband David Marshall of Abilene, Texas; 2 Sons – David and wife Sandra McClure of Odessa, Texas, Vince and wife Lynda McClure of Abilene, Texas; 12 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren.

PALLBEARERS: Jason Jett, John Mardirosian, Josh Jett, David Marshall, Jake Villalobos, JT McClure

Ruby Bullard, 67
9/2/2008
Ruby Bullard, age 67, of Abilene, fell into the arms of her loving Savior on September 2, 2008 while a patient at Hendrick Hospice.

Graveside funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Dr. Don Greenway officiating and assisted by Rev. Kevin Greenway. Interment will be in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Ruby Bullard was born March 21, 1941 in Abilene, Texas, a daughter of Harvey Heath and Pauline Sanders Heath Owens. She grew up and attended school in Odessa. Ruby lived in Abilene most of her adult life. She lived in Springfield, Missouri for several years and in Sherman, Texas for two years prior to returning to Abilene in 2008. She managed restaurants and worked as a waitress. She was a day care worker for children and worked in sales for J. C. Penney. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Abilene.

Survivors include four children, Donald Reynolds and wife Diana, Linda Bryce and husband Don, Glinda Dorsey and husband Edward, all of Abilene, Tina Tidwell and husband Larry of Madill, Oklahoma; four brothers, Herbert Heath of Potosi, Luther Heath of Abilene, Charlie Dunn of Snyder, Danny Heath of Abilene; five sisters, Alice Heath of Granbury, Wanda Terrell of Hamilton, Lucy Neitzler of Weatherford, Susie Hasty of Springtown and Jerry Allison of Oregon; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Bessie Alene Davis in 1999; her parents; two sisters, Betty Louise Heath and Earline Martin; one brother, Ronnie George.

Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Baptist Home for Girls, Gary Cottage, Rt. 3, Box 100, Madill, OK 73446.

Dayton L. Jackson, 64
9/2/2008
Dayton L. Jackson age 64 of Meadow Lake, Texas passed away Monday, September 1, 2008 at 12:15 PM at the Seaton Highland Lakes Hospital in Burnet, Texas.

Services will be Thursday at 10:00 AM at the Highland Lakes United Methodist Church at Buchanan Dam, Tx, Texas with Rev. Grady Roe officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4:00 PM at Trickham Cemetery in Coleman County, Texas. Services are under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 till 8:00 PM at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church.

Dayton was born in Coleman, Texas on October 12, 1943 to Ida Lee Switzer Jackson and the late Otis Daymond Jackson. He was raised in Coleman County where he graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1962. On March 8, 1963 Dayton married Mary Ford in Trickham, Texas and they have celebrated forty five years of marriage. He has been a resident of Meadow Lake, Texas since 2001, a member of the Highland Lakes United Methodist Church and the Lions Club. Dayton was a merchandise manager for West Texas Utilities retiring in 2000.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Mary Jackson of Meadow Lake, Texas; Daughter - Shely & husband Bill Boyd of Grand Saline, Texas; Son – Wes & wife Christi Jackson of Temple, Texas; Mother – Ida Lee Jackson of San Antonio, Texas; Sister – Geneva Anderson of San Antonio, Texas; Brother – Clayton Jackson of Midland, Texas; Grandchildren – Cassidy & Cord Jackson of Temple, Texas; Grandpets – Maloree & Yip.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Marble Falls Public Library or Highland Lakes United Methodist Church.

Elaine L. Patterson, 79
8/25/2008
Elaine L. Patterson passed away Sunday, August 24, 2008 in Abilene. She was a longtime resident of Coleman.

A private family Sunset Celebration will be held on September 6th at the home of Daughter Sandra Swift in San Antonio.

Arrangements have been with Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of the Big Country

James Bert Bennett, 84
8/29/2008
James Bert Bennett of Abilene, Texas, known by family and friends as Jim, Tubby, and J.B. was 84 years of age when he passed away in Burnet, Texas on August 27, 2008. He was born in Talpa, Texas on May 28, 1924 to Wayne Bennett and Lorena (Simmons) Bennett. Jim was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of the 99th Infantry Division that fought during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war Jim earned his teaching degree and taught school in Del Rio, Texas. A year later he became an FBI agent and traveled with his family throughout his career. He retired from the bureau and lived in Abilene, Texas.

Jim is survived by his son James B. Bennett, Jr. and his wife Carmen of Albuquerque, New Mexico and by his daughter Janet E. Cravey and her husband Terry of Burnet, Texas. Also surviving are his grandchildren Jamie Bennett, Hannah Cravey, and Samuel Cravey. He is survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis Pearson, nieces Barbara Howell and husband Rusty, Beth Bennett, and nephew David Bennett and wife Dorothy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Russell Bennett.

As requested private services and burial will be held at a later date. The family asks that memorial contributions in memory of Jim be made to any favorite organization, charity, or group.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Burnet, Texas.

Willard Sullens, 85
8/28/2008

Mr. Willard L. Sullens, 85 of Weatherford, formerly of Coleman, passed away on Thursday August 28, 2008 in the Weatherford Regional Medical Center.

Services will be Tuesday September 2, 2008 at 10:00 A. M. at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Clarence Wilson officiating, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mr. Sullens was born August 8, 1923 in Little Rock Arkansas to the late Oliver Perry Sullens and Hester Elizabeth Russel Sullens. He married Ruthie Davis on February 18, 1945 in Coleman, Texas and they have shared sixty three years together. Willard is survived by his wife Ruthie of Weatherford. Daughters and son-in-law: Ruby and James Kirkendall of Hobbs, New Mexico; Lena Marquez of Coleman. Sons and daughters-in-law: James and Royal Sullens of Poolville, Texas Ernest and Donna Sullens of White Settlement and Willard L. Sullens Jr. of Coleman. Sister Lena McCorkle of Dallas. 17 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Inus Underwood, 82
8/25/2008
Inus Harris Underwood age 82 passed away Saturday, August 23, 2008 on her ranch in Valera, Texas.

Services will be Wednesday at 2:00 PM at the Valera Baptist Church with Rev. Ralph Howell officiating. Interment will follow at the Valera Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 till 8 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Inus was born June 5, 1926 in Essex, Missouri to the late Orvel Fred and Ellen O’Dell Harris. She was raised in Brady where she graduated from Brady High School. On August 17, 1945 she married Jimmie Underwood and they celebrated forty eight years of marriage. Jimmy preceded her in death in 1993. In 1953 they adopted twins, Gary Wayne and Gay Lynn. They began a family business, Underwood’s Barbeque Cafeterias which they owned and operated in Abilene and the Dallas/Fort Worth area until their retirement in 1985. They retired in Coleman County where they owned and operated a cattle ranch, which Inus has continued to run since Jimmie’s death. Inus was a member of the Valera Baptist Church and Valera Volunteer Fire Department.

SURVIVORS: Daughter – Gay and husband Rodney Morgan of Valera, Texas; 2 Grandchildren – Ashley Steudeman or Granbury, Texas & Clint Gray of Valera, Texas; Sister – Betty Hughes of Boerne, Texas; Brother – Fred Harris of Wall, Texas; Great Granddaughter – Dacoda Steudeman of Granbury, Texas; John & Liz Morgan & daughters – Faith, McKenzy, & Preston; Jesse & Amanda Villa & sons Jacob & Fernando; Numerous Nephews, Nieces, Cousins & Friends.

Inus was preceded in death by her son Gary Underwoos in 1997 and sister- Violet Harris and Brother- Elmer Harris.

Pallbearers: Tommy Harris, Michael Harris, Les Harris, Ted Harris, Steven Hrris, Bobby Joe Harris, Ronnie Harris

HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Rodney Morgan, Clint Gray, Fred Harris, Cody Harris, Michael Walters, Eladio Tapia, Isidro Tapia, Valera Volunteer Fire Dept. And too many others to mention.

Mrs. B. R. Josephine Hefner, 87
8/23/2008
Josephine Hefner age 87 of Coleman, Texas passed away Friday, August 22, 2008 at 7:15 AM at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.

Services will be Monday at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Rosary Services will be Sunday at 7:00 pm at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel.

Josephine was born to the late Jose and Josephine Lopez Perez October 26, 1920 on her father's sugar plantation in Tucuman, Argentina. She was raised in Argentina where she graduated from High School. On she married Bob Hefner June 2, 1955 in Houston, Texas and they celebrated fifty-three years of marriage. Josephine has been a resident of Coleman since 1979 where she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a homemaker.

SURVIVORS: Husband - Bob Hefner of Coleman, Texas; Sister - Juana Dunlap of Lakeland, Florida; Brother - Cloudio Perez of Argentina; Brother-in-law - Wayne Hefner of Coleman, Texas; Nephew - Claud Dunlap; Nieces - Claudette Rocha, Viviana Perez & Romina Perez; Great Niece - Darcy Anglin; Great Nephews - Jay Rocha.

Josephine was preceded in death by Daughter - Maritza Hefner in 1971.

Kennith Dunn, 50
8/23/2008
Graveside services for Kennith Dunn, age 50, of Cumby TX, will be held at Shooks Chapel Cemetery, in Sulphur Springs, TX at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2008.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.

Mr. Dunn passed away Thursday afternoon, August 21, 2008 at his residence. He was born December 12, 1957 the son of Orvil Kennith and Anita Griffin Dunn in Los Angeles, California. He married Debra Croft on May 20, 1981 at Coleman, Texas. She survives. Mr. Dunn was a truck driver.

Other survivors include: son, David Dunn, of Sulphur Springs; daughter, Desinie Rushing, of Hemphill; brothers, Roy Dunn, of Miller Grove and David Allen Walker, of Mt. Pleasant; sisters, Pauline Dunn, of Mt, Pleasant, Kathy Dunn, of Brownwood, and Larissa Griffin, of Texas; and five grandchildren, Mariah Goree, Zachary Goree, Khristian Goree, Dharmanie Rushing, and Darence Rushing. He was preceded in death by one son, T.K. Goree.

Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. 419 Gilmer Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. The online register can be signed at: www.murrayorwosky.com

Barbara J. Strickland, 82
8/22/2008
Barbara J. Strickland, 82, of Coleman, died Friday, August 22, 2008 at Coleman Healthcare Center.

Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Barbara J. Strickland was born June 26, 1926 in Barnhart, Texas, the daughter of Harry Wayne Joslin and Agnes Deland Joslin. She grew up and attended school in Barnhart and attended Texas State College for Women, now called Texas Woman’s University. She married Edward Dean Strickland on September 23, 1950 in Ozona. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1983. Mrs. Strickland moved to Coleman in 1972 from Ozona. She worked for Standard Abstract Company as secretary/abstractor, was a recognized leader in 4-H and a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Survivors include her three children, Kenneth Alan Strickland of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Charlene Strickland Bevill and husband, Larry, of Abilene, Gary Dean Strickland and wife, Mary, of Coleman; five grandchildren Kathlene Anelli of Belton, Shellye Terrell of San Angelo, Mathew Strickland of College Station, Erin Strickland, of Coleman, Bryce Bevill of Abilene; eight great-grandchildren and three nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, James Harry Joslin.

Doris Morgan, 84
8/22/2008
Doris Morgan age 84 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 8:11 PM at the Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman.

Services will be Saturday at 2:00 PM at Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Paul Stephen officiating. Interment will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Friday from 5 till 6 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Doris was born January 16, 1924 in Rockwood, Texas to the late Henry Stevens and Eva Mae Bates Brannon. She was raised in Santa Anna graduating from Santa Anna High School in 1940. On April 2, 1940 she married Earl Benson Morgan in Santa Anna and they celebrated thirty five years of marriage. E. B. preceded her in death in 1975. Doris was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Elks Lodge. She was a homemaker and practical nurse

SURVIVORS: Son – Wayne & wife Donna Morgan of Coleman & Baytown, Texas; Grandson – Kevin Morgan of Weatherford, Texas; 2 Sisters – Hazel Hogan of Euless, Texas, Lynda Pyle of Taos, New Mexico; 3 Brothers – Jim Brannon of San Diego, California, Richard Brannon of Baytown, Texas, Joe Brannon of Hurst, Texas; Great Grandson – Kevin Morgan Jr. of Weatherford, Texas; Great Granddaughter – Kourtney Morgan of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Doris was preceded in death by 2 Sisters – Jackie Lowry and Francis Cobler.

Deborah Frasier Moore, 40
8/20/2008
Deborah Frasier Moore passed away on Monday the 18th of August at 11:53 p.m. at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Debbie was involved in an automobile accident late Friday night in Eastland county and sustained severe head injuries.

Memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home with her brother Russ Frasier officiating. “Forgiven Ministries” will provide the music. Graveside service for the family is scheduled later in the day at Weaver Cemetery in Comanche County located outside Gorman, Texas.

Debbie was born on October 22, 1967 in Odessa, Texas and became a vital part of the Frasier family by being “the little sister”. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Moore of Coleman, Texas; a daughter, Samantha Cozart and her husband Garrett of Abilene, Texas; a son, Gerald Lee of San Angelo, Texas; and two biological daughters, Becca Frasier of Eastland, Texas and Janna Boggus of Pecos, Texas; and the LOVE of her life, grandson Remington Cozart of Abilene, Texas. She is also survived by her parents, George and Faye Frasier of Coleman, Texas; and three brothers, Russ Frasier of San Angelo, Texas, John Frasier and wife Janet of Fort Worth, Texas and Scott Frasier and wife Joni of Bronte, Texas; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. Biological Family survivors include Sue, Lloyd, Vickie, Angie and Robert of San Angelo, Texas.

God saw that she was getting tired. A cure was not meant to be. So He wrapped His arms around her, and whispered, “Come with Me."

Marshall Bowman, Sr., 51
8/18/2008
Marshall Bowman, Sr. age 51 of White Chapel, Texas passed away Friday, August 15, 2008 at 6:06 AM at San Angelo Community Medical Center.

Memorial services will be Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church.

Marshall was born July 11, 1957 in Martinsville, Indiana to the late Joseph Richard and Joyce Faye Marsh Bowman. He was raised in Indiana where he graduated high school and then attended TSTC and received his bachelor degree from Angelo State University. On November 9, 1990 Marshall married Jacqueline Loyd in Coleman and they have celebrated seventeen years of marriage. He was a resident of White Chapel for 18 years, a member of the Methodist Church and a department Manager for Lowe’s Hardware and a Barber.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Jacqueline Bowman of Coleman, Texas; 3 Daughters – M. J. Loyd of White Chapel, Texas, Charley ‘Chuck’ Bowman of White Chapel, Texas, Leslie Bowman of Indiana; Son – Cojo Bowman of White Chapel, Texas, Marshall Bowman. II of Indiana; 4 Brothers – James Sammons of Indiana, Richard Bowman of Santa Anna, Texas, Russell Bowman of Indiana, Harry Bowman of Indiana.

Marshall was preceded in death by Brother – Michael Bowman in 2006.

Family requests memorials be made to Make a Wish Foundation of North Texas, 407 N Big Spring, Ste 208, Midland, TX 79701

Sharon Koenig, 70,
8/16/2008
Sharon Koenig, 70, of Cross Plains, joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Thursday evening, August 14th.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Cross Plains at 2:00pm on Sunday, August 17th. Burial will follow at Burkett Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Higginbotham’s Funeral Home from 5:00–7:00 on Saturday, August 16th.

Sharon was born to Mabel and Clyde Henson on March 25th 1938, in Coleman Texas. She attended Coleman High School and married Robert Dick Koenig, of Burkett, on May 22nd 1954. Sharon and Dick made their home in Burkett, where they farmed and ranched on the family’s century-old homestead. Sharon worked tirelessly beside her husband in the farming and ranching business, where she kept the books, toiled in her garden, cooked meals for the family and farm hands and pitched in when it was time to round up cattle, drive the tractors or fix the fences. Sharon and Dick raised four children and seven grandchildren. She was devoted to each of her children and grandchildren, supporting them in endeavors ranging from bulldogging to ballet. She could always be found cheering on her children and grandchildren at rodeos, waiting on the sidelines at her granddaughter’s softball games, or traveling across the country to visit her family. Sharon kept a home full of love and laughter where family and friends were welcomed by her hospitality at all times.

Sharon loved life and inspired everyone with her energy and never ending positive attitude. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Cross Plains and volunteered there often, cooking in the church kitchen and sharing her love and food with the congregation. Sharon was an accomplished horsewoman throughout her life and an active Cutter and Team Penner well into her 60’s. She was a nurturing person who loved to garden and care for animals and the people she loved.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dick Koenig, her brother Max Henson, her four children, Suzie Koenig, Sam Koenig, Sherry Odom, and JoJo Morgan, and her seven grandchildren, Lindsey Van Newkirk, Megan Collins, Savanah Koenig, Spade Koenig, Katy Jo Morgan, Kiley Morgan and Ashley Moon.

Following the devastating fire in Cross Plains in 2005, Dick and Sharon worked tirelessly in the reconstruction of the First United Methodist Church of Cross Plains. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sharon Koenig Memorial Fund at the United Methodist Church of Cross Plains. Donations will be used complete the furnishing of the newly rebuilt church. The First United Methodist Church of Cross Plains is located at 1000 North Main Street, Cross Plains, TX 76443. Donations may also be made to the Shawn Odom Memorial Scholarship at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas.

JAMES F. HUNTER, 84
8/15/2008
James F. Hunter passed away August 14, 2008, at the age of 84.

Services will be held 2:00 pm on Monday, August 18th, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Sunday, August 17th, at Walker Funeral Home.

The son of J. A. & Mae Hunter, James was born on September 4, 1923, near Echo, Texas. He graduated from Rockwood High School in 1941. He attended Tarleton College, and then worked in the copper mines in Bisby, Arizona for a number of years. James then volunteered to serve his country in the Navy during World War II. He was an aviation storekeeper V, Third Class and was Honorably Discharged in 1946. While overseas, he met and married (Alice) Lucille Davis in 1945. They were both serving in the Navy and were married in Pearl City, Oahu. The couple lived in Denver City and Morton, where he owned and operated White Auto stores. James & Lucille moved to Coleman in 1964. James owned the Westerner Motor Inn and Restaurant in Coleman for twelve years. James was a broker and partner of Liveoak Real Estate and owner of J & L Self Storage in Coleman and Santa Anna. He served on the City Council in 1975-76 and served as an election judge for countless elections in Coleman. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The First United Methodist Church and was a loyal member until he was unable to attend services. He was a member of the Coleman Rotary Club and a past Director of the First Coleman National Bank. James was a faithful Mason, beginning in Denver City, Texas, Lodge #1278 in 1948 and served in all offices of the lodge at that location. He moved his membership to Coleman Lodge #496 in 1979 and served in many offices, including the District Deputy Grand Master of the 76th Masonic District in 1991. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. His Masonic special interests included work with the Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children in Dallas. He was presented the highest Masonry Award, the Golden Trowel award, in Coleman Lodge Hall on March 9, 1996. Golden Trowel awards are given sparingly, only after recommendation from a local lodge to the Grand Lodge of Texas. Criteria for the presentation of this award are the length of Masonic membership and quality service activities during that time.

James was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Louise Glass. Survivors include his wife Lucille; son James (Jimmy) and wife Ginger; and one grandson Scott & wife Kristen, all of Abilene. One sister, Norma Briscoe of Austin; one brother, Don of Midland as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

James’s greatest joys were trips to Colorado and hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and telling stories to his grandson Scott. He has always been rich in friends because he was more than willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needed him. He treated everyone he met with respect, heart-felt interest and patience. James was always willing to help family, lodge members, church members and anyone who needed help, never asking for anything in return. He loved people and had a winning smile, eyes that showed he cared, and a personality which made all who knew him truly blessed to have spent time with him.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Coleman or the donor’s favorite charity.

Eddie Joe Hodges, 56
8/15/2008
Eddie Joe Hodges, 56, of Mansfield, Texas, was found dead in his home Thursday, August 14, 2008.

Funeral services will be graveside on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:00pm in the Rockwood Baptist Church, Rockwood, Texas, with Rev. Patrick Bennett officiating and interment will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery - Private under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Eddie Joe Hodges was born March 6, 1952 in Coleman, the son of Joe Andy Hodges and Treassie Edrene Crutcher Hodges. He attended school in Coleman before moving to Fort Worth where he graduated from high school. He was employed at Fort Worth Star Telegram for many years. He was a Baptist.

Survivors include his sister Ellen Hodges Holmes of Fort Worth, one niece Christina Holmes, one nephew Zack Holmes of Mansfield, one great-niece Harmonee Holmes. Local survivors include an aunt Ludy J. Crutcher of Santa Anna and several cousins.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Memorials may be made to the donors favorite charity.

Odie Lee Griffith, age 95
8/15/2008
Odie Lee Griffith, age 95, of Coleman, died Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 17 at Elm Street Church of Christ with Sam Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Odie Lee Griffith was born May 12, 1913 in Santa Anna, Texas, the son of David William Griffith and Mary Etta Mitchell Griffith. He grew up in Coleman County, attended school at Buffalo and graduated from Santa Anna High School. On December 4, 1932, he married Estherlene (Jackie) Lancaster in Brownwood and she preceded him in death on April 6, 2006. He lived his whole life in Coleman County, except for two years when he and his wife moved to Lavon, Texas to be near their daughter. While living in Lavon, he was so popular that he was asked to be a member of the City Council and he was a very active member. Odie was a farmer and rancher and a partner in Reynolds, Kirk and Neeb Oil Producers. He and his wife loved to travel and they spent many summers at Cloud Croft, New Mexico with the National Park Service as campground hosts, where they made many life-long friendships. He was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Griffith Dority and husband Wesley of Lake Brownwood; two grandchildren, Doyle Dority and wife Liz of Coleman and Denise Dority of Lake Brownwood; four great-grandchildren, Derek Dority and wife Candace of Tipton, Oklahoma, Dillon, Megan and Sean Dority all of Coleman; one great-great grandson, Bradley Dority of Tipton, Oklahoma; one niece, two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and one sister, Mary Lou Medcalf.

Memorials may be made to Elm Street Church of Christ, 216 W. Elm, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Holiday Hill Nursing Home, 245 State Highway 153, Coleman, Texas 76834 of the donor's favorite charity.

Mark Wilkins, 76
8/14/2008
Mark Wilkins, 76, of Coleman, died Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Daniels officiating. Burial will follow in the Cleveland Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, before the service.

Mark Wilkins was born September 20, 1931 in May, Texas, the son of Albert Hezekiah Wilkins and Kizzy Caldwell Wilkins. He grew up in Comanche County and attend school at Van Dyke. He married Ruth Jean Weatherford in 1962 in Mesquite. She preceded him in death on September 4, 1988. He lived in Coleman County from 1952 to 1956, when he moved to the Dallas area. He was a Custodian for Garland Independent School District for many years. He moved back to Coleman eight years ago and was a member of the United Pentecostal Church.

Survivors include his caregiver and niece, Rita Rosalez of Coleman; two daughters, Teresa Ellen Murphy and Stephanie Ann Pollay; one sister, Dorothy Sinks of Glen Rose; three grandchildren and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Jane Brooks and three brothers, Charlie Wilkins, Albert Wilkins and his twin brother, Mack Wilkins.

The family request memorials be made to Holiday Hill Nursing Home or Hospice of the Big Country.

James A. Burns, 80
8/14/2008
James A. Burns, 80, of Abilene, died Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. L.D. Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, before the service.

James A. Burns was born November 28, 1927, the son of Claud Burns and Ivy Neff Burns. He grew up in Burkett and graduated from Burkett High School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Patsy Farris on April 4, 1953 in Coleman. He worked for Zurich Insurance Company in Dallas 20 years. After retiring, he moved to Coleman before moving to Abilene in 1997. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include his wife Patsy Burns of Abilene; one daughter, Pamela Curoe of Abilene; one granddaughter, Lauren Curoe of Abilene and one grandson, Colin Curoe of Abilene; one Brother-in-law, Bert Wayne Farris of Burkett and one nephew, Stanley Farris of Burkett.

He was preceded in death by his brother, W.C. Burns and his son-in-law, Jason Curoe. Memorials may be sent to the donor’s favorite charity.

Virgil Lancaster, 87
8/14/2008
Virgil Lancaster age 87 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 1:20 AM at the Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman, Texas.

Services will be Friday at 10:00 AM at Trickham Union Church with Rev. Rodger Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 till 8 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Virgil was born May 29, 1921 in Trickham, Texas to the late Lige and Mamie King Lancaster. He was raised in Trickham where he attended the Trickham Schools and graduated in 1939 from Santa Anna High School. He was a veteran of World War II serving his country with the U S Army 89th Infantry Division in Europe. On May 29, 1955 Virgil married Veda Beatrice Daniel in Brownwood, Texas and she preceded him in death in 1974. He married Marie Matthews in Santa Anna, Texas on September 3, 1979 and they celebrated twenty four years of marriage. Marie preceded him in death in 2003. Virgil was a life time resident of Coleman County and was a member of the Baptist Church, the Santa Anna Livestock Association and served on the board for the Trickham Cemetery Association. He was a plant supervisor, ranch foreman and stock farmer.

SURVIVORS: Step Daughter – Sherry Byers of Snowlake, Arizona, Step Son – Carl Cosper of Taylor, Arizona, Step Grandson – Phil Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Niece – Linda Hughes of San Antonio, Texas,
Nephew – Robert Oakes of Midland, Texas.

Virgil was preceded in death by sister Lucille Oaks Carter and brother Robert Earl Lancaster

Fred (Freddy Gene) Watson, 59
8/12/2008
Fred (Freddy Gene) Watson passed away on August 11, 2008 at 5:40pm at his residence in Coleman after a lengthy illness.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Fellowship Baptist Church located at 211 W. Liveoak in Coleman with James Posey officiating under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Fred Watson was born on July 21, 1949 in Coleman to Charles Richard (CR) and Willy Mae Watson. He married Brenda Musick on May 10, 1966 in Brownwood, TX. Fred was a lifelong resident of Coleman; he attended Coleman schools and was employed by the City of Coleman for many years; he was also self-employed.

Fred is survived by his wife Brenda, of Coleman, two sons - Richard Earl and wife Keri Watson of Coleman; and Fredrick Brandon Watson of Lawn, TX. - six grandchildren: Richard Jr., Johnny, Toloah, Michael, and Lane Watson all of Coleman, and Madison Watson of Pennsylvania - three brothers: Herman and wife Dorothy, James and wife Ester all of Coleman, and Joe and wife Sharon of Santa Anna - three sisters: Patricia Collins of Springtown, TX, Velma and husband Kenneth Wright of Abilene, TX, and Thelma and husband Mike Brooker of Santa Anna - several nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, one daughter Rebecca Earlene, two sisters Mattie Woodward and Charlie Mae Barron, and one brother Vernon Watson. His body is to be donated to science for research of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer. His wish was to help others with this type of cancer. Any donations can be made to: Biogift Anatomical, Inc. 17819 NE Riverside Parkway Suite C, PO Box 30086, Portland, Oregon 97294.

Leman A. Horton
8/12/2008
Funeral services for Leman A. Horton, age 86, of Lake Brownwood, will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Rocky Creek Baptist Church with Rick Justice officiating. Interment will follow in the Rocky Creek Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.

Leman A. Horton died Monday, August 11, 2008 at his home. He was born on December 18, 1921 in Santa Anna to Claud and Ethel (Brawley) Horton. Leman graduated from Mozelle High School in 1940. He served his country in World War II as a Platoon Seargent in the United States Marine Corp, 5th Marine Division. Leman was a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Following his military service, Leman returned to Brownwood where he married Frances Cozart on January 23, 1947. She preceded him in death on October 14, 1999. Leman worked as a carman for Santa Fe Railway for 34 years before retiring. During his retirement, he enjoyed working cattle on his farm.

Leman is survived by his son Ron L. Horton and wife Nancy of Bryan, three grandchildren, Rebecca Franke and husband Richard of Bayview, Rhonda Horton of Dallas, and Rachel Haas and husband Ryan of Washington, DC; two great-grandchildren, Richard Franke, III and Elizabeth Franke, a brother, Rondoe Horton of Coleman, and a sister, Ethel Christell McDonald of Lake Brownwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a daughter, Ramona Horton in 1961.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be left for the family at
http://www.mem.com <http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2572932>

John D. "Dede" Rhone
8/12/2008
John D. "Dede" Rhone of San Angelo, formerly from Coleman, Texas passed from this life Monday, August 11, 2008.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m .Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, 435 West Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, Texas. Followed by graveside service at the Coleman Cemetery Pavillion at 3:30 p.m.

Vina Mae McAden
Published: Thursday, August 7, 2008, Brownwood Bulletin
RANKIN - Vina Mae McAden, 98, of Brownwood, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at the Baylor Hospital in Dallas.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in Rankin. Officiating the services were the Rev. Jennifer Kelley, Pastor at the First United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Alan Speed, a former Kindergarten student, of Jal, N.M. Pallbearers were grandsons: T. L. McAden, Jim Bob McAden, Spencer Marshall, Matthew Marshall, Tre McDonald, and Juan Duran; and sons-in-law, Phil Marshall, and James McDonald. Burial followed in the Rankin Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. McAden was born on Aug. 25, 1909, in Salado, Texas, to B A and Ollie Mae Raymer. At an early age Vina Mae moved to Voss, Texas, where she graduated from Voss High School as Valedictorian of her class. While attending McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, she was class favorite and a member of numerous organizations. She married Lynn H. McAden in 1930 in Voss, Texas. Lynn was a Methodist minister in the Southwest Conference. Together they served churches in Utopia, Marble Falls, Red Oak, Johnson City, St. Luke’s Methodist in Corpus Christi, Mertzon, Rankin, Carrizo Springs, Pharr, and Rock Springs. In 1981, they moved to Brownwood, where they served Blanket and May until his death in 1988.Vina Mae was a private Kindergarten teacher in Rankin, Carrizo Springs, and Pharr. She was a member of the Garden Club, and numerous woman’s clubs in various towns. She was an excellent cook, a wonderful seamstress, teacher, and organizer, but most of all she was a loving wife, mother, and Me Maw, who will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son, Bobby McAden of Fort Worth, Texas; three daughters, Shirley McAden of Dallas, Judy Marshall and her husband Phil of Garland, and Alta McDonald and her husband James of Crane; her sister-in-law, Frances Raymer of Greenbriar, Ark.; six grandchildren, Tommy McAden and his wife Lisa, Jim Bob McAden and his wife Rachel, Spencer Marshall and his wife Mary Beth, Matthew Marshall, Tre McDonald and his wife Crysti, and Tiffany Duran and her husband Juan; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Vina Mae McAden Memorial fund, First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 503, Rankin, TX 79778.

James Albert Treasure, 66
8/5/2008
James Albert Treasure of Baytown, passed away early Monday morning, August 4, 2008, at his home. Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 8 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Sam Wilson officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Jim was born July 24, 1942 to Albert and Mable Treasure in Morris, Illinois. At the age of 13, he moved to Texas with his family. He had lived in Baytown for the past 35 years. Jim loved his job as a machinist at Emerson Process in Pasadena. He was always up at 2:00 a.m. to get ready for work. He did not want to be late. Jim served in the U. S. Navy, attending BT School, then aboard the USS Arnold J. Isbell DD 869. He was lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 922, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 912. He was Methodist.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, of 34 years, Treva Treasure of Baytown and Coleman; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Larry Phillips of Alvin; and brother, Charles Treasure of Houston.

Johnny E. Baugh, 71
8/4/2008
Johnny Baugh, of Coleman, died Saturday, August 2, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center.

Family visitation will be held on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Elm Street Church of Christ with Gerald Stockstill officiating and assisted by Todd Hooper. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Johnny E. Baugh was born June 28, 1937, a son of the late Claude A. and Vergie L. Dillard Baugh. He grew up in Cross Plains where he graduated from high school in 1955. In 1958 he married Melba Meador in Coleman. He served 28 years in the National Guard and United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Captain. He worked as the Utility Office Manager for the City of Coleman for many years. Johnny was active in the community as a Volunteer Fire Fighter, a Reserve Police Officer, a member of the Kiwanis Club and served on the Coleman School Board. He coached Little League, was a member of the Coleman Bluecat Booster Club and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in extra-curricular activities. In 2001 and 2002, Johnny and Melba spent a month in Lithuania on a missionary trip. He was a member of Elm Street Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and various activities of the church.

Survivors include his wife, Melba Baugh of Coleman; four children, Tim Baugh and wife Dena of Greenwood, Tammy Smith and husband Sherman of Coleman, Terry Baugh and wife Penne of Breckenridge, Tina Hensley and husband John of Coleman; eight grandchildren, Laura Anastasio and husband John, Eric Baugh, Breann Baugh, Rick Smith, Turner Baugh and fiancee Brandi Funderburg, Hunter Baugh, Ryan Hensley and wife Johnna, Brent Hensley and wife Lindsey; five great-grandchildren, Ivie Smith, Landan, Camden, Morgan and Hayden Hensley; one sister, Claudette Ross and husband R.Q. of Carlsbad, NM; one brother, Steve Baugh and wife Dale of Abilene; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Randy Smith, Trena Jo Baugh, Allison Ruth Baugh; his parents and a sister Anita Shirley.

Pallbearers: Eric Baugh, Rick Smith, Turner Baugh, Hunter Baugh, Ryan Hensley, Brent Hensley, John Anastasio, Rusty Croft.

Honorary pallbearers: Coleman Fire Department, Elders and Deacons of Elm Street Church of Christ, Kiwanis Club Members.

Memorials may be made to Elm Street Church of Christ, 216 W. Elm, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Please sign his on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Leona Bowers, 97
8/3/2008
Leona Bowers joined her husband in heaven Saturday, August 2, 2008.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas. Burial will be at the Coleman Cemetery in Coleman, Texas.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:00pm at Walker Funeral Home.

Leona was born January 1, 1911 in Coleman County, Texas. She lived most of her life in Coleman. She enjoyed spending time with her large family and many friends as well as fishing. She loved to fish.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jesse Foster Bowers Sr.; son Jesse Foster Jr., daughter; Charlene Keen, daughter-in-law; Cherry Bowers, grandson; Terry Keen, great-grandson; John Ross Norris, brothers; Ben and Jack Smith, sisters; Claudia Bowers, Jesse Ray Bowers, Jane Hoover, Barbara Kenney, Delma Jo Hollingsworth, and Maxine Rodgers.

Survivors: Son, Donald Wayne Bowers and wife Dorothy ,of Lake Jackson, daughter Bobbie Jo Knapp and husband Larry, of Benbrook, one sister, Doris Moore of Coleman, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great- grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren and sixteen great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Homer Henry Greenlee, 93
7/30/2008
Dr. Homer Henry Greenlee of Coleman died Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at the Coleman Medical Center.

Family visitation will be Friday, August 1, 2008 from 10am to 11am at the Walker Funeral Home.

Services will follow on Friday, August 1, 2008 at 1:00pm with Rev. Calvin Gray officiating. Burial will follow, with military honors, in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Homer's parents were Henry and Estel Greenlee. He was born September 28, 1914 in Comanche, Texas. He married Isla Pettit September 4, 1938. After graduating Hasse High School, Homer received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A & M University in 1939. He practice veterinary medicine in his own clinic in Fort Worth, and his wife, Isla always assisted him in his work. Homer's practice was interrupted from 1942 to 1945 when he was a captain in the Army during World War II. He returned to his practice in Fort Worth until 1974 when he retired to live on their ranch west of Coleman. He had farmed and ranched in Coleman County since 1947.

Homer's wife, Isla, and daughter Suzette Greenlee preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law: Charles and wife Sharon of Rockwood, Jim and June of Ovalo. There are three grandchildren: Cindy and John Zuzu of Forth Worth, Jeff and Anna Greenlee of Amarillo, and Eric and Angie Anderson of Abilene. There are seven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Jimmie Rollins of Coleman and Beatrice Patton of Gustine, and one brother Don Greenlee of Odessa.

Thomas Marion Byers, 82
7/29/2008
Thomas Marion Byers, of Coleman, died Monday, July 28, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be 11:00a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery, under the direction Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Thomas Marion Byers was born December 28, 1925 in Bienville, Louisiana, the son of Willard Manton Byers and Carrie Ann Tabor Byers. He grew up in Louisiana and married Betty Jo Foster on December 5, 1952 at the home of Bill and Inez Vess in Poughkeepsie, New York. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He graduated from Abilene Christian University and helped with the construction of KACU Radio, was a member of Woodland Heights Church of Christ in Brownwood, and a preacher for more than 50 years. He moved to Coleman in 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Byers of Coleman; two daughters, Elizabeth Burkley and husband, Terry, of Red Oak, Esther Cox and husband, Daniel, of Stamford; two sons, Thomas Byers, Jr. and wife, Beverly, of Coleman; Allen Byers and wife, Carla, of Abilene; seven granddaughters, Darlene Burkley of Red Oak, Shanna Klutts and husband, Waylon, of McCamey, Amy Jo Hahn of Coppell, Rebecca Byers of Coleman, Amber Clark and husband Jason, of San Angelo, Sarah Parker and husband, Jason, of Houston, Emily Watts and husband, Preston, of Coleman; eight grandsons, Matthew Burkley and wife, Ragan, of Richardson, Lyle Hahn of Stamford, Seth Hahn of Stamford, Justin Cox and wife, Megan, of Haskell, Preston Cox of Lubbock, Chad Alexander and wife Brandi of Watauga, Terence Byers of Coleman, Todd Byers of Coleman; five great granddaughters, Anwynne Klutts of McCamey, Kenley Cox of Haskell, Brittney Moore of Watauga, Ashley Moore of Watauga, Shianne Clark of San Angelo; two great grandsons, Hayden Klutts of McCamey, Ryan Cox of Haskell; four sisters, Velma Byers of Burkett, Esther Byers of Burkett, Fay Hagar and husband, Ray, of Abilene, Bernice Byers of Niagara, Wisconsin; one brother, Charles Byers and wife, Norma of Merkel and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Dora Driskell, Cora Robertson, Vira Byers and two brothers, Willard Byers and Dan Byers.

Minnie Lois "Sadie" Bryan, 88
7/28/2008
Exhibiting those unique traits of determination and devotion, tenacity and tenderness, our beloved Sadie gave up only once in life, and only then in her passing. Born in Florence, TX to Lewis Gordon and Carrie Arrena Hall Tucker on January 18, 1920, Sadie spent her early years on the farm in Florence, graduating from Matsler Heights school in 1937. Sadie had 7 brothers and 5 sisters, all of whom preceded her in death. On June 17, 1939, she married Billie Bee Bryan in Bertham, TX and moved to Rockwood. There, she and Bill shared 58 years together on the farm, until his passing in 1997. Sadie was a member of the Rockwood Baptist Church, where she served as President, Secretary and pianist of the church for many years. She was a Thursday regular at the Rockwood Quilting club. She enjoyed the outdoors immensely - hunting, fishing and gardening. Sadie was a special woman who will be remembered fondly and missed greatly.

Mrs. Minnie Lois "Sadie" Bryan passed away July 26, 2008 in Richardson, Texas.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 11am in the Rockwood Baptist Church with Reverend John Stanislaw officiating. Internment will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2008 from 6pm to 7pm at Walker Funeral Home.

Sadie was the daughter of Mr. Lewis Tucker and Mrs. Carrie Hall Tucker. She was born January 18, 1920 in Florence Texas. Sadie was married to the late Mr. Bill Bryan June 17, 1939. She lived in the Rockwood area most of her life and was a housewife and a member of the Rockwood Baptist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Patricia and husband Charlie Greener of Richardson, Judi and husband Frosty Robison of Rockwood, Serena and husband William Hendryx of Dallas; one granddaughter, Dee Dee and husband Justin Falls of McKinney, and one great grandson, Tristan Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be made to Rockwood Cemetery, Alzheimer's Assoc. or charity of your choice.

Lloyd Hammonds, 67
7/26/2008
Lloyd Hammonds, of Brownwood, Texas passed away Saturday July 26, 2008 at the Songbird Lodge in Brownwood.

Services will be Monday at 2:30 PM at Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Rev Kermit Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow at Coleman Cemetery with Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 till 5:30 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Lloyd was born June 3, 1942 in Santa Rosa, California to the late J. T. Squyres and Aletta Mae Eddy Squyres. He was raised in Coleman where he attended the Coleman Schools. Lloyd was a resident of Brownwood, a member of the Baptist Church and a retired trucker.

SURVIVORS
Sister – Betty Lee Buchanan of Meridianville, Alabama; 3 Step Sisters – Pat Stacey of Mansfield, Texas, Betty Jo Boden of Dallas, Texas and Brenda Wilkinson of Coleman, Texas; 6 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandsons; Several Nieces and Nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his brother, Glen Hammonds, in 1986.

Eugene "Chubby" Brooks, 92
7/24/2008
Eugene "Chubby" Brooks passed away on July 22, 2008 in Canon City, CO. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 28, 2008 at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City, CO with Stan Stockton officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00pm, Sunday, July 27, 2008 at the Holt Family Funeral Home in Canon City, CO.

Chubby was born on June 14, 1916 in Coleman, TX to Eddie M. and Hannah E. (Peterson) Brooks. On December 6, 1947, he married Mary Sue McMahan in Coleman, TX. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II; and worked as a parts manager for Chrysler. Chubby was a member of the First Christian Church, the American Legion, and the Men's Downtown Sunday School Class, all in Coleman, TX.

He is survived by his wife Mary Sue of Canon City, CO; children, Rosemary (Lance) McIntyre of Canon City, CO and Bill (Donny) Brooks of Elgin, TX; grandchildren, Chris (Joanna) McIntyre of Colorado Springs, CO, Ryan McIntyre of Juneau, AK, Laura McIntyre of Boulder, CO, Andrea (Greg) Cloer of Elgin, TX, Jaclyn (Jon) Lock of New Sweden, TX, and Michael (Jeni) Brooks of Slamersdorf, Germany; and one great granddaughter, Olivia Cloer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Arrangements handled through Holt Family Funeral Home.

Robert L. Henson, 79
7/23/2008
Robert L. Henson, of Comanche Shores at Lake Coleman, passed away July 22, 2008 in the Coleman County Medical Center.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, July 24, at Walker Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2:00pm Friday, July 25, at the Oplin Baptist Church with Rev. James Teal officiating. Burial will follow at Oplin Cemetery.

He was born March 22, 1929 in Wilson, Texas and had lived at Comanche Shores for the past 17 years. He was married to Winona Mae Yeager in Champion, Texas May 27, 1948. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Emmit and Ella Daniels Henson and was a member of the Oplin Baptist Church. He was a Maintenance Supervisor.

Survivors include: his wife: Winona Mae Henson; one daughter and son-in-law - Valerie Annette and Bruce Smith of Houston; two sons and daughter-in-law - Eddie and Tina Henson of Novice and Greg Henson of Lake Coleman; one sister and brother-in-law - Iva Dell and Tony Oden of Lubbock; brother - Vernon Henson of Missouri; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

David R. Flynn, 64
7/23/2008
David R. Flynn, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008 in Coleman. A wake in honor of his life will be held at a future date but a memorial service will not be held.

David R. Flynn was born December 27, 1943 in Warrington, England, a son of Ben A. Flynn and Olive Stanger Flynn. He moved with his family to Coleman in 1961 and graduated from Coleman High School in 1962. David graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science Degree and graduated from Trinity University with a Master's Degree in Hospital Administration. From 1968 until 1977 he was hospital administrator in Memphis, Tennessee during the time that Methodist Hospital Whitehaven was built. He also served as a Co-Administrator for the Methodist Hospital System. While living in Memphis he was named Jaycee of the Year. In 1977 he moved to Dallas and lived there for over 30 years. He was a partner in Flynn Brothers, Inc., an executive search company. He was one of the founders of the Coleman Invitational Golf Tournament at the Coleman Country Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Alissa Hohmann and husband Dan of Coleman, Teresa Edgar and husband Kevin of Celina; one son, Ben J. Flynn and wife Christine of Coleman; two brothers, Bennie Flynn of Coleman, Larry Flynn and wife Jean of Southlake; five grandchildren, Brice and Allison Edgar, Ryan and Jacob Hohmann, Grace Edgar; niece and nephew, Sarah and Tyler Flynn.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Rae Flynn, Jr. in 1971 and by his parents, Ben and Olive Flynn.

Memorials may be made to the Coleman County Foundation, P. O. Box 700, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Loaves and Fishes, P. O. Box 105, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Please sign on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Joe T. "Dody" Orosco, 62
7/17/2008
Joe T. "Dody" Orosco of Coleman died Thursday, July 17, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Steve Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home

A Prayer Service will be 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will follow afterwards.

Joe T. "Dody" Orosco was born August 22, 1945 in Concho County, the son of Ben Tura Orosco and Josefine Tavarez Orosco. He grew up in Doole and attended schools in Doole, Melvin, Paint Rock and Millersview. He married Senada Guerrero in 1968 in Brady. He was a farmer and moved to Coleman in 1999 from Doole. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Senada Orosco of Coleman; two daughters, Teresa Guillen of Jewett, Lupe Martinez of Ballinger; two sons, Bentura Orosco of Idaho, Raymond Orosco of North Carolina; two sisters, Joanna Rendia and Elida Gonzalez, both of Snyder; four brothers, Ricky Orosco, Raymond Orosco, Fernando Orosco and Benjamin Orosco, all of Snyder; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Cathy Ann Guillen on January 19, 2005.

Memorials may be made to the Solaris Hospice, 120 South Park Drive, Brownwood, Texas 76801.

LaWanda J. Willis
7/17/2008
FORT WORTH, TX -- LaWanda J. Willis, 78, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2008 in Fort Worth.

Memorial Service: A private service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Saginaw. Dr. Danny Howe will officiate.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials in memory of LaWanda Willis to National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave./Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494. (800) 327-4545.

LaWanda was born in Abilene, TX on January 11, 1930 to Jess and Daisy Narrell Bollinger. She graduated from Abilene High School and later from Howard Payne University. She began an education career teaching in Coleman, Silverton, Meridian and Brownwood before retiring due to declining health.

Survivors: include her children, Roy and Carolyn Willis of Fort Worth, Martha Middleton and Cary Cook of Abilene, TX.; sister, Ann Madona of Round Rock, TX; granddaughter, Karen and Mike Gregory of Keller, TX.; grandsons, Robert and Kimberly Middleton of Murphy, TX., John and Teresa Willis of Fort Worth, TX; Jason Middleton of North Richland Hills, TX; 9 great grandchildren.

Billy Ray Peavy
7/17/2008
MANIFEST, La. - Services for Billy Ray Peavy, 48, of Ferriday, who died Monday, July 14, 2008, in Alexandria, La., will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Community Pentecostal Church, in Manifest, La., with the Rev. Claude Terrell officiating.

Burial will follow at Heard Cemetery, in Manifest, under the direction of Comer Funeral Home in Ferriday.
Visitation will be from 5 to 10 p.m. today at the church and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church.

Mr. Peavy was born March 16, 1960, in Midland, Texas, the son of William L. and Janice S. Peavy. He was a resident of Concordia Parish for 18 years and was a member of the Community Pentecostal Church. He was employed as a computer technician.

Survivors include his wife, Michelle Peavy; five sons, Thomas Roach, John Roach, Justin Peavy, Christopher Peavy, all of Ferriday, and Toby Peavy of Copperas Cove, Texas; five sisters, Linda Faye Peacock of Santa Anna, Texas, Clara Jean Terrell of Wyoming, Sharon Kay Johnson of Natchitoches, La., Shirley Faye Peavy of Brownwood, Texas, and Ruby Mae Terrell of Harrisonburg, La.; two grandchildren, Sean Thomas Roach and Skylar Marie Roach, both of Ferriday; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Thomas Roach, Justin Peavy, John Roach, Bobby Roach, Billy Wayne Terrell and Wayne Terrell.

Beatrice Hope "Tizzie" Tisdale
7/16/2008
Hope was born on July 5, 1918, to William Royston and Beatrice Ethel Tisdale.

Hope graduated from Coleman High School in 1936 at the age of 17. She graduated from the Texas State College for Women in 1941, and began her career at the new Pease Elementary school as an elementary physical education teacher.

When the war took most of the male teachers, she became the boy's football and baseball coach. Hope worked for the State Health Department from 1947-1949.

In 1949 Hope went to work for the Texas School for the Deaf as the physical education teacher, a position she held until her retirement. She served as a playground leader for the Austin Parks and Recreation Center during the summers from 1944-1973.

Hope was a member of the Austin Women's Bowling Association for 58 years and served on the Board of Directors. She was honored with the AWBA Hall of Fame Award and Life Membership and served on the Texas Women's Bowling Association Board of Directors and is a Life Member. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for 67 years.

Hope is survived by her sister, Mary Yarbrough of Saginaw, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews, Suzanne Carlson and twin daughters Carol and Cheryl, "No. 1" daughter Mary L. Wilson and a host of former students and friends.

Special "THANKS" to Dennis and Mary Ellen Moore her devoted caregivers.

Hope will be interred in Coleman, Texas in the Tisdale plot next to her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Austin 600 Club Scholarship Fund, Austin 200 Club or a favorite charity.

Visitation: Friday July 18, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. followed by service at 11:00 a.m. in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel.

Obituary and guestbook online at www.wcfish.com.

Rankin McIver, 95
7/15/2008
Rankin McIver, of Trickham, Texas passed away Monday, July 14, 2008 at 10:16 Am at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood.

Services will be at 11:00am Wednesday, July 16, at the Trickham Union Church with Rev. Pat McClatchy and Rev. Paul Stephen officiating. Interment will follow at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 till 8:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Rankin was born May 27, 1913 in Trickham, Texas to the late Benjamin Watson and Mattie Eva Ford McIver. He attended the Trickham Schools and graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1932. On April 24, 1949 Rankin married Ruth Meek in Brady, Texas and they celebrated 10 years of marriage. Ruth preceded him in death in 1959. He married Natalie Anderson in Abilene, Texas on September 28, 1980 and they have celebrated 27 years of marriage. Rankin was a lifetime resident of Trickham where he was a member of the Trickham Methodist Church and a stock farmer. He was chairman of the board of the ASC committee for 20 years and a past board member of the Trickham Cemetery.

SURVIVORS - Wife - Natalie McIver of Trickham, Texas; Daughter – Sherry & husband Jim Blake of Trickham, Texas; Granddaughter – Meghan Blake of Trickham, Texas; Several Step-Children; Several Nieces and Nephews. Rankin was preceded 4 sisters and 3 Brothers - Irene Bobo, Ethel Johnson, Mary Miller, Inez Miller, Bernice McIver, Arthur McIver, Grady McIver.

Modeane Saverance, 87
7/13/2008
Mrs. Modeane Saverance, of Coleman, passed away in Coleman July 12, 2008.

Family visitation will be Monday, July 14, from 12:30pm until services at 2:30pm at the Fellowship Baptist Church of Coleman with Rev. Brad Deitz officiating. Burial will be later at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Modeane was born March 11, 1921 in Coleman, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Maggie Andis. She had lived in Coleman since 1985 and had retired from office work. Modeane was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church and is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law - Reta Jeane and Carl Lloyd of San Antonio and Deana Kay and Jimmy Murdock of Alvarado, Texas; a son - Clyde Nolan Saverance of Coleman; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers have preceded her in death.

MARJORIE P. SADLER, age 70
7/11/2008
MARJORIE P. SADLER, of Jupiter, Florida, passed away on July 8, 2008. Mrs. Sadler has resided in Jupiter for the past 10 years, moving here from Texas.

A service will be officiated by Pastor Roger Meyers on Friday, July 11, 2008, at 1:30 PM, at Jupiter Farms Community Church, 1260 West Indiantown Road, Jupiter, Florida. Arrangements entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Jupiter, Florida.

Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2008 at the Rough Creek Cemetery Pavilion, in Novice, Coleman County, Texas. Local arrangements are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.

Marjorie is survived by her three sons, James of Garland, Texas, Jeff of Jupiter, Florida, and Jack of Texas; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren, sister Anne Miller of Florida, and brother Thomas Conrad of Maryland.

She was preceded in death by her husband James and her youngest son Scott.

Winnie P. Jones, age 80
7/10/2008
Winnie P. Jones, of Coleman, died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Donald Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Friday, July 11 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.

Winnie was born November 7, 1927 in Gouldbusk, Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of Luster B. Perkins and Edna Dean Martin Perkins. She grew up in Coleman County and attended school at Cross Roads. In 1946, she married Clois F. Jones in Coleman and he preceded her in death on November 8, 1998. Winnie lived in Odessa for 45 years where she retired as a Vice President from the Inter First Bank. While living in Odessa she was president of the Permian Basin National Association of Business Women. She returned to Coleman in 1985. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ and a member in Coleman with the Elm Street Church of Christ. She was a member and past president of the Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary.

Survivors include two brothers, Lee Perkins of Weatherford and Ray Perkins of Wichita Falls; two sisters, Patsy Koenig of San Angelo and Ann Burk of San Antonio; step-daughter, Shirley Tucker of Odessa; several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Elm Street Church, 216 W. Elm, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary, 310 S. Pecos, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Freddie B. Burton, age 78
7/10/2008
Freddie B. Burton of Coleman died Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Bangs Nursing Home.

Funeral service with Military honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Chaplain Steve Baker officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Freddie B. Burton was born June 10, 1930 in Burkett, Texas, a son of Omar Isaac Burton and Zula Porter Burton. He grew up in Burkett and attended school there. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. On February 28, 1958 he married Freda Morgan in Coleman. He retired as Water Production Superintendent for the City of Coleman. He was Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Freda Burton of Coleman; two sons, Freddie L. Burton of Talpa, Chris Burton and wife Linda of Coleman; four granddaughters, Dusti Cockerham and husband Bryan of Longmont, Colorado, Misty Crowe and husband Ken, Jr. of Midland, Stephanie Wilson and husband David of Stephenville and Brittany Burton of Coleman; two great grandsons, Kenny and Jacob Crowe; one great-granddaughter, Lauren Wilson; one sister, Willie Rider of Early; two sisters-in-law, Madie Burton of Coleman and JoAnn Burton of Abilene.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Kay Burton in 1981; two brothers, Marvin Burton and Arnold Burton; a sister, Thelma Lee Hindman.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Greater West Texas Chapter, 4400 N. Big Spring #C-32, Midland, Texas 79705 or American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

Mary Joan Lobstein, 76
7/9/2008
Mary Joan Lobstein of Coleman died Tuesday July 8, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary Joan Smith Lobstein was born January 7, 1932 in Santa Anna, a daughter of Simon and Audrey Graham Smith. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1948. On August 29, 1949 she married Eugene "Bub" Lobstein in Coleman and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1995. She lived in Midland and Abilene for many years and returned to Coleman 5 1/2 years ago. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.

Survivors include one daughter, Becky Robbins of Abilene; two sons, Randy Lobstein and wife Casey of Abilene and Ricky Lobstein and wife Lisa of Las Vegas, Nevada; seven grandchildren, Leassa Williams, Shelly Pool, Brandy and Bucky Lobstein, Jerrod, Summer and Katie Lobstein; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donnie Smith of Coleman and Jackie Smith of Santa Anna; two sisters, Dorothy Musick of Abilene and Ruth Lobstein of Coleman.

She was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

B.J. Carnes, 38
7/7/2008
B.J. Carnes was born on March 26, 1970 in Brownwood, TX and passed away on July 5, 2008. He grew up in Bangs, TX with his family Ben, Nona and Carmon and graduated from Brookesmith High School. He attended several colleges until he received his license in Counseling. He married Jenny Long on August 21, 1999 and they shared the most precious God sent Mackenzie Carnes born March 10th 1994 to BJ and Marcella Cutright. B.J.’s many passions in his life were flying airplanes, fighting fires and being the most awesome husband and dad. He had many friends and will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife Jenny of Brownwood, daughter Mackenzie Carnes of Forney, parents Ben and Nona Carnes of Bangs, sister Carmon Carnes of Bangs, mother and father in law Danny and Becky Long of Goldthwaite, Mamaw Mozell Long of Goldthwaite; 2 sister in laws Tassie Ann Spradley and husband Tim of Goldthwaite, and Mindy Hopper and husband Craig of Priddy, 3 nieces Ashley and Bailey Spradley and Ally Hopper, 2 nephews Kendel and Mitchel Hopper, numerous Aunts uncles and cousins and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday July 9, 2008 at Coggin Ave. Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Holtzclaw, and Bro. James Gibson officiating, interment will follow in the Bangs Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to the Brownwood Firefighters Assoc. 809 Main St. Brownwood, Texas 76801. Online condolences can be left at www.mem.com

May Hiller, 72
7/7/2008
Services for May Hiller of Brownwood will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 9, at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Curtis W. Schneider and the Rev. Richard Hetzel officiating. Burial will be in the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hiller passed away on Sunday evening, July 6, 2008, at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

She was born in Valera Texas on April 29, 1936, to Vivian and Roy Henson. She married CC Gould on May 12, 1951. He preceded her in death in May of 1991. On November 11, 2000, she married Alton “Buddy” Hiller. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service for many years, but for most of her life she had been a homemaker. She attended the Grace Lutheran Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include her husband, Alton Hiller, a son of Clayton Gould and wife Suzanne, of San Angelo; a daughter, Celia Drury and husband Larry, of Bangs; four grandchildren, Melissa Gober of Coleman, Greg Drury and wife Melissa of Bangs, Brynna Gould of San Angelo, and Bradley Gould of San Angelo. She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Chris, Jeremy, and Amanda Gober of Coleman, Doug and Lexy Drury of Bangs, Brothers, Sam Henson of Austin, Roy Henson of Houston and H.E. Henson of Brownwood. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Buddy Henson and John Henson. May was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Robert Mack Walters, Jr., newborn
7/5/2008
Robert Mack Walters, Jr., died Friday, July 4, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at Coleman City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

He was born July 4, 2008 in Coleman.

Survivors include his parents, Kendra Boatright and Robert Walters of Coleman; one sister, Shiean Walters of Coleman; grandparents, Penny Boatright of Coleman, Mackie and Lavelle Walters of Coleman; great-grandparents, Doris Dickerson of Coleman, Carroll Boatright of Coleman, Jeanette Keeney of Santa Anna, Charles and Karen Croft of Santa Anna.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charley Boatright, Sr. and uncle, Charley Boatright, Jr.

Linda Davis Lane, 60
7/2/2008
Linda Davis Lane of Abilene, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Linda Davis Lane was born December 11, 1947 in Coleman, the daughter of Fred Davis and Jean McDonald Davis. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. She married Scotty Lane on July 31, 1980 in Abilene. She had lived in Abilene since 1979, working at D & H Rig Service for five years, Carey Marine for 10 years and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service for 12 years. She also attended Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene for the past 10 years.

Survivors include her husband, Scotty Lane of Abilene, two daughters, Lori Riojas and husband, Eric, of Abilene, Lori Dempsey of Coleman; one son, Ronnie Lane and wife, Kellie, of Odessa; two sisters, Sharon Mayo and husband, Michael, of Coleman, Carla Berry and husband, Gary Don, of Coleman; eight special grandchildren, Brandi Wilson, Tristan Riojas, Casey Riojas, Kristin Lane, Alyssa Lane, Macee Lane, Joshua Dempsey, Stephanie Dempsey and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Kami Stewart in 1977 and one granddaughter, Britani Wilson in March, 1988.

Please sign the online guestbook at: www.livingmemorials.com

Ouida Hudgins Woodard, 86
6/30/2008
Ouida left Providence Hospital Waco, Tx early Saturday morning, June 28, 2008, to be with her Lord. She was a devoted member of the Sunvalley Blvd Church of Christ in Hewitt, TX.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon July 2, 2008 at Waco Memorial Funeral Home, 7537 I-35 (South) Waco, Tx. Her son-in-law, a minister of the Gospel, will be conducting the services. Family visitation will be Tuesday 6:00 to 8:p.m.

Ouida was born to the late Charlie and Lucy Hudgins Sept 7. 1921, in Coleman, Tx. Graduated from Mozelle High School in 1938. Married Winford Millard Tex Woodard Aug 20, 1942 in Coleman, Tx.

She was the mother of four children, and dedicated her life to rearing these children and supporting her husband as his job moved the about from city to city. Tex was a mechanic for the major airlines Braniff, United and Continental. After marriage they lived in Coleman for a short period of, moved to San Mateo, Ca. Abilene, Tx. San Antonio, Tx. Corpus Christi, Tx. and then to West Los Angeles, Ca. where they spent most of their life. After his retirement they move to Lorena, Tx.

Ouida was very much devoted to reading, studying, and discussing the Bible. She also was very fond of music as she and Tex spent hours playing and singing together. Her husband preceded her in death July 31, 1999.

Survivors include: one daughter, Dezina and her husband David Odom of St Joseph, Mo. -- six grand children: Dorinda and husband Todd Teem; Jackie and husband Shawn Moser; Darcy Odom and wife Tina; Davina and husband Wesley Salmons; Derek Odom and wife Chris; and Devin Odom. Five great grand children: Tyler and Kylie Teem; Dillon and Kaitlin Moser; and Adelynn Salmons three sons: Charles of Lorena, Tx; David of Lorena, Tx; and Darrell of Austin, Tx. one brother, Thomas Hudgins and wife Juanita of Abilene, Tx. and many friends, nieces, and nephews.

View and sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com

Don E. Starnes, 87
6/29/2008
Don E. Starnes of Coleman died Saturday, June 28, 2008 in an Abilene hospital.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating and Eulogy given by Neil Hudson. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Don E. Starnes was the son of M. L. and Lizzie Mae Dyer Starnes and was born in Borger, Texas. He came with his family to Coleman as a small child and grew up here, graduating from Coleman High School. Don served in the Air Force during World War II in the South Pacific where he flew a B17 with the 19th Bomb Wing. He returned to Coleman following the war and married Mary C. Close on November 13, 1948. Don was a banker and loan officer for many years with First Coleman National Bank. He was active in the community as president, director and member of the Jaycees. He was a director and helped to organize the Coleman Industrial Foundation, a director of the Chamber of Commerce, a member and director of the Coleman Rodeo Association and the Junior Rodeo Association. Don was a member of the Airport Board, a member of American Legion, serving as Vice Commander, and a member of VFW. He served as an adult 4H Leader, helped organize Little League and Senior League Baseball programs and was coach and manager for those teams. He was an assistant Scout Master.

Don served as treasurer and memorial chairman for the Coleman Unit of the American Cancer Society and served as the Drive Chairman. He was Chairman of the American Red Cross, a charter member and first president of the Evening Lions Club. He was a 50 year member of the Coleman Masonic Lodge, member of the Scottish Rite and Suez Temple and helped with the Suez Circus for Crippled Childrens Hospital. He assisted crippled and burned victims in Coleman County to receive aid from Suez Childrens Hospitals. He served as president of the Double C Riding Club. Don was a member and trustee of First United Methodist Church, serving on the Rebuilding Committee and the Administrative Board.

Survivors include his wife, Mary C. Starnes; nephews and families, Gary Hector, Kathy, Denny, Jennifer, Stephanie all of Austin; Devan Hector, Tristen Bayless, Zachery Hector all of Austin; Larry Hector, Cathy, Alicia and Anthony all of Austin; nieces and families, Jane Taylor of Arlington, Jean Coulter of Arlington, Kathleen Tims of Austin; Jason Tims, Katie, Isaiah, Ainsley all of Arlington; cousins, Bob and Jacki Bucci of San Antonio.

He was preceded in death by his son, Donald E. Starnes, Jr., his parents M. L. and Lizzie Mae Starnes; sisters, Lera Simpson and Dorothy Jean Honeycutt

Family visitation will be held on Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Thomas Lee Davis, 61
6/26/2008
Thomas Lee Davis of Santa Anna, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at his residence.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Thomas Lee Davis was born April 22, 1947 in Harlingen, Texas, a son of Delmer Davis and Claudia Lee Cain Davis. He grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated from high school in LeFeria. Thomas Lee served four years in the United States Navy. He moved to Santa Anna about 25 years ago from Houston. He worked in Maintenance for the City of Santa Anna. He was Church of Christ and a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include one brother, Gary Davis and wife Joey of Helotes, Texas; one sister, Jan Leitch of Santa Anna; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara Moyers.

Memorials may be made to Lighthouse Hospice, 1423 Coggin Avenue, Brownwood, Texas 76801.

Emmalou "Logan" Brink Pennell, 88
6/25/2008
Emmalou "Logan" Brink Pennell, longtime resident of Coleman passed away June 24, 2008 in a Georgetown hospital.

Services will be Friday, June 27, 2008 at 10:30am at the Walker Funeral Chapel with internment to follow in the Sonora Cemetery at 3:30pm with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. The internment will be under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Emmalou was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Della Goodall Logan. She was born August 15, 1919 in Sonora, Texas. She received a Master's Degree from the University of Houston and was a member of the First Methodist Church, a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and was a teacher and counselor.

Emmalou is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Arthur and Jackie Brink of Allen, TX; one grandchild: Jessica Aileen Brink.

LaVerne Henderson McDonald, 83
6/25/2008
LaVerne Henderson McDonald age 83 of Grandbury, Texas formerly of Brady, Texas passed away Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 6:15 AM at the Grandbury Villa Nursing Center in Grandbury, Texas.

Services will be Saturday at 1:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Ziriax officiating. Interment will follow at the Lohn Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

LaVerne was born on September 9, 1924 in Waldrip, Texas to the late Chase and Hallie Robertson Bissett. She was raised in Brown and Coleman Counties and graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1941 where she served as drum major in the band. In 1941 LaVerne married Charles Henderson and they celebrated thirty-seven years of marriage. Charlie preceded her in death in 1978. LaVerne married Kenneth McDonald in 1979 and he preceded her in death in 1994. She lived her adult life in Coleman, McCullough and Hood Counties and was a very dedicated and loving Christian and a member of the Acton Baptist Church and also the Eastern Star. LaVerne was a homemaker.

Survivors include: Daughter - Lynda Copeland Smith & husband Dan of Grandbury, Texas; Son - Jimmy Henderson & wife Kathie of Alamogrado, NM; 4 Grandchildren - Pam Henderson, Charlie Henderson, Kim Moore & Stephanie Smith; Great Granddaughter – Bailey Moore; 6 Great Grandsons;
5 Stepchildren -Kate McDonald, Charles McDonald, Nancy Nelson, Dorinda McDonald, & William McDonald; 4 Step Grandchildren - Sunny Nelson, Wilson McDonald, Allie McDonald & Carson McDonald; 2 Sisters-in-law – Jane Henderson Bell & husband Charles of San Angelo, TX and Faye Henderson of Ft Gibson, OK; Brother-in-law – Payne Henderson & wife Lillian of Bangs, TX; Several Nieces and Nephews.

LaVerne was preceded in death by 4 Brothers – Clayton, Clarence, Derward & Garland Bissett.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons & Great Grandsons - Wilson McDonald, Brandon Moore, Bryce Moore, Brady Moore, Selwyn Moore, Brandon Smith, Charlie Henderson, Carson McDonald, Charlie Henderson, II, Andy Henderson, & Connor Smith

Imogene ‘Janie’ Fowler, 83
6/25/2008
Imogene ‘Janie’ Fowler age 83 passed away Monday, June 23, 2008 in Arlington, Texas.

Graveside services will be Thursday at 3:30 PM at the Rockwood Cemetery with Rev. Sam Wilson officiating. Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of local arrangements.

Imogene was born July 5, 1924 in Coleman County to the late Sam H and Hope Viola Croft Baker. On March 20, 1942 Imogene married Odis Fowler. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a life master level player. Imogene traveled and was a voracious reader. She was a member of the Brentwood Church of Christ. Imogene was preceded in death by her husband Odis Fowler and her faithful pet Lady Bird and by 2 brothers Marlin & Floyd and sister Wilma.

Survivors include: Daughter - Gayla Dance & husband Dennis
2 Sons - John Fowler & wife Judy and Steven Fowler
Grandchildren - Jennifer O’Sullivan, Travis Dance, Alan Dunagan, Happy Reed, & John Fowler
Great Grandchildren - Finnbarr, Sebastian, Patrick and Alex

DUANE CARNES, 48
6/24/2008
Duane Carnes of Novice died Monday, June 23, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 27 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Duane Carnes was born September 22, 1959 in Coleman, a son of the late Donald Ray Carnes and Betty Jean Kirby Carnes. He grew up and attended school in Coleman. He was an oil field operator and a member of Bible Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughter, Alex F. Carnes of Coleman; one brother, Mark Carnes and wife Robbi of Overton; two nephews, Tanner Carnes and Brandon Whitfield both of Overton; one niece, Brittani Carnes of Overton; aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a son and daughter, Arlen Baret Carnes and Andrea Mardell Carnes on June 29, 1990.

Geraldine “Gerry” J. Meador, 74
6/23/2008
Gerry Meador passed away in her home on June 22, 2008.

The memorial service will take place on June 25 at 11am at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3550 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, 76133.

Gerry Meador was born and raised in Sivells Bend, Tx, and graduated from Gainesville High School. She married Doyle and together they reared three children.
She was a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Edgecliff Village Fellowship, American Legion Auxiliary and the Desk and Derrick Club. Gerry was an active community volunteer and enjoyed helping others. She was a gracious hostess and loved entertaining her family and her many friends. Gerry worked with Trinity Coatings, Delta Petroleum and Reeder Distributors in the male-dominated field of fuel and lubricant distribution. She was one of the top salespersons at Reeder Distributors as she knew the business and its people well. Gerry was a loving “Mi-Mi” to her five grandchildren and “GG” to her great-grandson. The “Hotties”, Rent-a-Relatives, MOPs, the Supper Club, family and friends will never forget her passion and love for life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sheb and Marie Lawler; brothers, Denver, Raymond and Kenneth; sisters, Inez and Phyllis.

Survivors include; her husband of 55 years, Doyle; children, Rick and his wife, Karen; Sheila and her husband, Russell; and Dorcia; five grandchildren, Britt, Kaitlyn and Will Meador, Andrea Wilks and husband Chris, and Justin Wise and wife Kim; great-grandson Walker Wilks, and close nephew, Gary Cunningham. Area and local survivors include: Brothers and sisters-in-law - Lester and Dorothy Meador of Abilene and Dub and Beth Meador of Cross Plains, Johnny and Melba Baugh and Jimmy and Dellene Driskill and John and Dorcia Holtz of Coleman.

The family wishes to offer their special thanks to our friends, VITAS Innovative Hospice staff and Karen Pettersson, RN, for your love and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church or to the Foundation for End-of-Life Care/VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund, 5430 NW 33rd Avenue, Suite 106, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33309.

Manuel Gutierrez, 81
6/19/2008
Manuel Gutierrez, of Coleman, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Manuel Gutierrez was born December 25, 1926 in Valera, Texas, the son of Augustin and Vincenta Gutierrez. He grew up in Valera and Coleman. On July 4, 1948, he married Anita Adame in Coleman. He worked as a mechanic for Taylor Motor Company for many years. He also did yard care, had been a member of the hospital board and was a very active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, including the Holy Name Society.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Gutierrez of Coleman; his children, Tina Bernal and husband, Gilbert of Austin, Toney Gutierrez and wife, Wanda, of Abilene, Natalie Jones and husband, Dale, of Coleman, Johnny Jurado and wife, Tonya, of Dublin; one sister, Pina Salinas of Austin; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Ester Vivian Gutierrez.

A Rosary Prayer Service will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2008 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 303 East College, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Emmer Myrtle (Perkins) Altom, 79
6/16/2008
Irving, Texas:
In God's infinite wisdom, He took Emmer into His loving arms on Father's Day, June 15, 2008 at the age of 79.
Cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend will be greatly missed by all who knew her. During her treasured life she touched the lives and hearts of her relatives and many friends with her gentle, loving way. She was a devoted Christian and shared her relationship with the Lord with everyone she knew. She faithfully prayed for and encouraged her family and exemplified her love of Christ in her daily walk through life.
She was born at home on July 4, 1928 in Callahan County, Texas. She grew up in Coleman, Texas where she met her beloved husband, David Alvin Altom, and they made their home in Brownwood before moving to Irving. They shared 36 wonderful years together. Emmer was a kind, loyal friend who always made time for those in need and treasured the time she spent with family and friends. She was a member of Northgate Church of Christ in Irving.

She is preceded in death by her husband David Altom, her dad, Ritchie Perkins, her mother, Myrtle Perkins and younger brother R. D. Perkins. In this world she leaves behind her daughter, Jean Altom; granddaughter, Aimee and husband Chris Pinkerton; brother, David Thomas Perkins and wife Carolyn; sisters, Nellie Ransberger and husband Barry; Betty Glenn; and Fay Harrell along with many nieces and nephews.

In her last months, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, granddaughter and grandson in-¬law with the assistance of the wonderful staff at Hearthstone Assisted Living of Irving and VITAS Hospice.

The service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Frank Barganier officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving.

Dewey Jason Trichel, age 27
6/16/2008
Dewey Jason Trichel of Brownwood died Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth from an oil field accident.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Cleveland Cemetery with Pastor Stan Roberts officiating.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home. Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dewey Jason Trichel was born August 2, 1980 in Alexandria, Louisiana the son of Dewey Dewayne and Dorothea Denise Dillard Trichel. He attended school in Santa Anna. Jason was a loving and caring, son and brother. He worked in the oil field as a derrick hand; he had lived in Brownwood the past 10 months.

Memorial donations can be made to Superior Community Credit Union in Dewey's name.
Survivors include:
Finance: Laura Halmark of Brownwood
Mother: Dorothea Dee Dillard of Bangs
Sister: Christina Isom and husband Brad of Blanket
Grandmother: Pauline Scott of Santa Anna
Grandfather: R.B. Dillard, Sr. of Lake Brownwood
Grandparents: Dewey and Mary Trichel of Natchitoches, LA
Nieces: Alieya Isom of Blanket and Hannah Brown of Early
Nephews: Tanner Isom of Blanket and Kaleb Minter of Early
Uncles: R.B. Dillard, Jr. and wife Debbie
Darrell Dillard and wife Cora
Eddie Dillard and wife Phyllis
David Dillard all of Santa Anna
Abraham Dillard
Jonathan Dillard and
Aaron Dillard all of Brownwood
Many cousins and friends also survive

James Tony Owen, 52
6/16/2008
James Tony Owen of Coleman passed away Friday, June 13, 2008 at his residence in Coleman.

Services will be Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Jeff Moore officiating under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Tony was born December 5, 1955 in Santa Anna to the late Charles Ray and Glenna Faye James Owen. He was raised in Santa Anna and attended the Santa Anna Schools. On June 19, 1983 Tony married Vickie Farris in Coleman, Texas and they have celebrated twenty-four years of marriage. Tony was a member of the Bible Baptist Church. He was a mechanic and welder with LVI for the past 3 years and had been an employee with the City of Coleman.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Vicki Owen of Coleman, Texas
Son – Brandon and wife Dominga Owen of Coleman, Texas
2 Sisters – Kay & husband Tommy Dyer of Coleman, Texas , Linda Sue Howard of Brownwood, Texas
Brother – Donald & wife Billie of Cedar Creek Lake, CA
Grandson – Devin Owen of Coleman, Texas; Several Nieces and Nephews. Tony was preceded in death by Mother-in-law – Maggie McDonald

Allison U. "Al" Weaver, 78
6/14/2008
Allison "Al" Weaver, of Cypress and former Coleman resident, died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman, with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.

Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Al was born March 23, 1930 in Coleman, the son of Spencer E. Weaver and Lucretia Davis Weaver. He grew up in Coleman and Brownwood and graduated from Brownwood High School and North Texas State. He married Patricia N. Prickette in 1954. He later married Bette Ditzig on September 6, 1986 in Houston. He was an Inspector on chemical plants, managed the Weaver Ranch north of Santa Anna and was a member of First Baptist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include his wife, Bette Weaver of Cypress; one son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cindy Weaver of Houston; one sister, Lucretia Angermiller of Houston; two grandchildren, Taylor Weaver and Alli Weaver, both of Houston; one niece, Ginger Angermiller of Houston; three step-children, Mark Clarke and wife, Waynette, of Sugarland, Dale Clarke and wife, Susan of Tomball, Brad Clarke of Anchorage, Alaska; step-grandchildren, Andrew Clarke, Amanda and Andrew Walker, Kendall and Kirby Clarke, Daniel and Cathy Clarke, and his ex-wife, Patricia Dunn of Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Spencer Earnest Weaver, Jr. in 1957.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, P. O. Box 983, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Please sign the online guestbook at: www.livingmemorials.com.

Lois Mendoza, 80
6/12/2008
Lois Mendoza age 80 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 12:40 PM at the Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman.

Services will be Saturday at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Francis Frey & Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

She was born Lois Elizabeth Miller on February 9, 1928 in Big Spring, Texas to the late John Thomas and Katie Elizabeth Rose Miller. Lois attended schools in Rowden and graduated from Odessa High School. On July 4, 1942 she married A T Mendoza in Odessa, Texas and they have celebrated sixty-five years of marriage. Lois was a resident of Odessa from 1942 until 2003 then moving to Santa Anna where she has since resided. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and a homemaker.
SURVIVORS
Husband – A T Mendoza of Santa Anna, Texas
2 Daughters – Beth & husband Bill Worley of Santa Anna, Texas, Katie Ryan of Priest River, Idaho
3 Sons – Tony and wife Joan Mendoza of Wildwood, Missouri, Chris and wife Mary Mendoza of Killeen, Texas, Patrick and wife Rocio Mendoza of Eagle Pass, Texas
2 Sisters – Margarette McKinley of Odessa, Texas, Connie Tucker of Azle, Texas
14 Grandchildren
16 Great Grandchildren
Lois was preceded in death by her son Andrew Mendoza in 1987 and by a grandson and 4 brothers.

Mary Katherine Bolton, 59
6/11/2008
Brownwood - Mary Katherine Bolton, wife, mother and beloved Mamaw passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early.

Visitation is from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursday at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

Mary was born May 9, 1949, in Sulphur, OK to James Elmer (J.E.) Cleveland and Letha Howard Cleveland. She graduated from Sulphur High School in 1967 and attended Murray State College before moving to Irving, TX where she met and married her husband of near 39 years on July 20, 1970. She spent the last 16 years devoting her life to spoiling her grandkids.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Bolton of Coleman, daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Kelly Smith of Coleman, grandchildren Jordan and Colton (Coco) Smith of Coleman, 1 brother Dwight Cleveland and 2 sisters Marilyn Cleveland and Marla Winnard all of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Jimmy Cleveland.

Jose Luis Molina Jr., 31
6/9/2008
Jose Luis Molina, Jr. of Coleman, Texas passed away Monday, June 9, 2008 at 9:30 AM in Coleman, Texas.

Services will be held Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Rev Brad Dietz officiating. Interment will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 till 7:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Jose was born October 5, 1976 in Hammond, Indiana to Jose Luis Molina, Sr. and Sylvia Lopez Molina. He was a lifetime resident of Coleman graduating from Coleman High School in 1996. Jose was a corporal with the Texas State Guard and a baseball and softball umpire with the Coleman Youth Association for 12 years. He had worked in the maintenance department for Coleman Housing Authority.

Survivors include father and mother – Jose and Sylvia Molina of Coleman, Texas; 2 Sisters – Adriana Molina of Brownwood, Texas and Venessa Molina of Coleman, Texas; maternal grandfather – Juan Lopez of Chicago, Illinois; 1 niece and 4 nephews, Emily Shea Rasco, Heath Dillan Rasco, Devin Clay Rasco, Nicholas Aguinaga and Roan Blake; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mary D. Williams, 99
6/10/2008
ARLINGTON -- Mary D. Williams, 99, a child of God, devoted mother, beloved grandmother, adored aunt and dear friend to many, was escorted by a host of heavenly angels to a long-awaited loving embrace from her dear Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, surrounded by family and loving friends.

Funeral: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Moore Funeral Home.
Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Mary was born Sept. 25, 1908, to John Williams and Emma Agnes Rice. She was raised and schooled in the small community of Santa Anna. As the youngest of four children, she was babied, pampered, teased and tormented by her sister, Virgie, and brothers, Frank and Bill. Mary married Roland Erl Williams on April 14, 1929. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother to her children, Cecil and Juanita. She enjoyed cooking, especially for a whole slew of family, sewing, baking and playing bridge and dominoes.
"Goodbye Kind Heart...
"Goodbye Earthly Sorrows"
-- Author Unknown
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; brothers; sister; beloved first born, Cecil; and her much-loved son-in-law, Bill Taylor.
Survivors: Her devoted daughter, Juanita Taylor; her much-loved daughter-in-law, Ann Williams. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Susan, Diane, Shelly, Debbie and Mike; six great-grandchildren, Stephanie, James, Trevor, Wyatt, Ashley and Lauren; seven great-great-grandchildren, Megan, Clint, Tristan, Kane, Jewell, Olivia and Maren; many loving nieces and nephews; and a host of friends extending across the country. She was also loved and cared for by many wonderful people at Bethesda Gardens, MCA Hospital and Town Hall Estates.

Ruby McCormick Campbell Pierce, 88
01/23/2009
Ruby McCormick Campbell Pierce, of Coleman, passed away on Sunday, June 8, at Coleman County Medical Center.

Service will be at 1:00pm Tuesday, June 10, at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was born May 29, 1920 to George McCormick and Etta Goosby McCormick in Tennessee. She moved to Illinois in infancy and graduated from high school in Illinois. She retired as a Bartendress after 35 years from Stevens Best Western in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Survivors include: 1 daughter - Vicki Hanz of Santa Anna; five grandchildren - Jerry Campbell, Mike Campbell of Missouri, Penny Campbell of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jerry Dean Campbell of Carlsbad, New Mexico and Thomas Prewitt of Baily, Colorado; one sister - Norma Brown of Irvington, Illinois; three brothers - Floyd McCormick of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Vernon McCormick of Michigan and Eugene McCormick of Florida. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, two sons - Jerry of Houston and James "Jim" Campbell of Coleman.

She was loved and cared for by the staff at Holiday Hill and Coleman County Medical Center of Coleman.

Mendon M. Patillo, 88
6/9/2008
Mendon M. Patillo, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM at the Coleman Healthcare Center in Coleman, Texas.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date to take place in Nixon, Texas.

Mendon was born on March 11, 1920 in Bertram, Texas to the late Rodney Graham and Hatty Murphy Pattillo. He attended San Antonio Schools and graduated from Nixon Schools. In 1940 he married Iradell Rixse in Imperial, Texas and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Iradell preceded Mendon in death in 1990. Mendon was an oilfield pumper and member of the Presbyterian Church. He had been a resident of Santa Anna since 2006 moving here from Nixon, Texas.

SURVIVORS
2 Sons – Rodney and wife Yukimo Pattillo of Santa Anna, Texas and James and wife Anita Pattillo of Cleburne, Texas.
Half Sister – Mary Holliman of New Mexico; Half Brother – Jim Pattillo of Midland, Texas
3 Grandchildren; 8 Great Grandchildren' 1 Great Great Grandchild. Mendon was preceded in death by his grandson Eric Pattillo.

Francesca (Francis) de los Santos
6/8/2008
Francesca (Francis) de los Santos, of Voss, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2008 in the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

Rosary was held Saturday, June 7, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass will be at 2:00pm Sunday, June 8, at Walker Funeral Home with Leroy Beach officiating. Burial will follow in the Melvin Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

The family will have brunch at Coleman Library Annex at 11:00am Sunday before the services.

She was born on August 1, 1928 to Lorenzo and Romona Martinez in Corpus Christi, Texas. On December 31, 1945 she married Raul de los Santos Sr. in Lamesa, Texas. They lived in Melvin until 1959 when they moved to Leaday. In 2000 she moved to Voss. Her strong Catholic faith helped her through 5 years of dialysis in Brownwood and San Angelo.

Survivors are: two sons - Raul de los Santos Jr. and wife Rosalinda of Coleman and Jerry and wife Alice de los Santos of Coleman; two daughters - Olivia de los Santos of Voss, Judy Baker and husband Gary of Brownwood; three grandsons - Scottie Baker and Chris Baker, both of Brownwood and Cody Gist of Palm Springs, California; one granddaughter - Amanda Gist of Coleman; 7 great-grandchildren; two brothers - Ramiro (Vick) Martinez of Grand Prairie and Jesus Martinez of Baja, California; two sisters - Connie Quinetero of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Ercilia Pina of Houston; a special long-time friend - Jane Padgett of Leaday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raul (1984), two sisters - Alicia Castro and Eva Angelina Ruiz.

Memorials can be made to the Melvin Cemetery Association, Melvin, Texas 76858 or Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Millersview, Texas.

C. Jack Shahan, age 75
6/5/2008
C. Jack Shahan, of Lake Coleman, died Thursday, June 5, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Jimmy Seals officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

Family visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Stevens Funeral Home.

C. Jack Shahan was born January 23, 1933 in Bray, Oklahoma, a son of Claud and Ina Stewart Shahan. He grew up in Bray and attended school there. On September 19, 1952 he married Joyce Brown in Doyle, Oklahoma. Jack worked as a Plant Superintendent for Texaco for many years, living in Eunice, NM for sixteen years. After retiring in 1990, he and his wife moved to Lake Coleman. He was Baptist.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Shahan of Lake Coleman; three children, Ron Shahan and wife Terrie of Lake Coleman, Denise Mohar and husband Michael of Midland, Keith Shahan and wife SueZann of Burlington, OK; four grandchildren, Kristopher Rouse and wife Melissa of Hamby, Brandi Hughes and husband Kenny of Eunice, NM, Robin Anastasio and husband Chris of Midland, Lance Shahan of Burlington, OK; four great-grandchildren, Kaden and Alyssa Hughes, Natalie and Ashlyn Anastasio; three sisters and one brother, LaWanda Craddock of Marlow, OK, Frankie Hunt and husband Herbert of Lake Coleman, Gene Shahan and wife Mary of Duncan, OK and Beverly Wilson and husband Steve of Loco, OK; two sisters-in-law, Annette Young of Marlow, OK and Carolyn Whaley of Plano; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604.

Leonard Richard Johnson, 90
6/5/2008
Leonard Richard Johnson died June 4, 2008, at his home in Coleman.

He loved the land. Working 16 hours a day plowing or caring for his cattle was his life. He might not be able to tell a person much about his own great grandparents but he knew the family histories of every cow he owned, always astounding new friends or distant relatives with a running monologue about his cattle’s genealogy.

Mr. Johnson was born April 30, 1918, in Cross Plains, Texas, to Luther Richard Johnson and Leola Gwin Johnson. Both the Gwin and Johnson families had moved from Alabama to Callahan County in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Both families eventually settled in the Oplin area.

Mr. Johnson spent his younger years in Clyde and Oplin, where he attended school and met Aleene Swor. The couple eloped July 26, 1936, in Potosi, Texas, after slipping away after church in a car borrowed from Mr. Johnson’s uncle. Mrs. Johnson preceded him in death on December 21, 2004.

The couple lived in the Oplin area where Mr. Johnson farmed and worked for other ranchers in the area. In 1950, they moved to Novice, where they lived until moving to Coleman in 1964.

He was an excellent horseman, breaking and training his own horses to “cut on a dime.” Before his children grew up and left home, he never missed a Coleman rodeo, always riding with them in the parade and grand entry.

Services for Mr. Johnson, long time resident and stock farmer in Coleman and Callahan counties, is Friday at 10 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman. Internment will follow in the Oplin Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 6:00-7:00pm at Walker Funeral Home.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in law, Pat and Bob Gordon of Fort Worth and Pam and Robert Kincaid of Weatherford; two sons, Richard and Ellen Johnson of Novice and Larry Johnson of Oplin, two sisters, Dorothy Harris of Canyon Lake, Texas and Oma Christle of Minneapolis, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by grandson, Cody Johnson, sister Augusta Connell, and two brothers Earl and Leo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oplin Cemetery Association or Coleman County Youth Center.

Elizabeth "Libby" Brooke, 71
5/31/2008
Elizabeth "Libby" Brooke passed away May 29, 2008, at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Brownwood, Texas.

Services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Bangs First Baptist Church in Bangs. Burial will follow in the Bangs Cemetery. Heartland Funeral Home of Early is in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth was born September 4, 1937 in the Buffalo community on the Coleman - Brown County line, the daughter of the late Wilburn David and Ina Marie Lancaster Graves. She married Johnnie Ray Brooke in that community on September 1, 1956. He preceded her in death in 2006. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bangs where she served as treasurer for more than 20 years, she was a pink lady at the hospital and worked as the secretary in the superintendent's office for Bangs ISD. She was a longtime resident of Bangs.

Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Kimberly Brooke of Coleman County, their children; Kayla and Joey; daughter and son-in-law: Sheila and Mark Newton of Electra, Texas, their children; Cody and Cristen of Electra and Chad and Haley Newton of Dallas; daughter and son-in-law: Beckie and Ronnie Purcell of Bangs, their children; Joshua and Benjamin of Bangs; daughter and son-in-law: Shelley and John Sykora, their children: Terri and husband Kyle, John and wife Lacey, Clancey, Brooke and Hunter of Olney; great grandchild: Parker; brothers: David L. Graves and wife Joyce, Wilburn D. Graves and wife Shirley; sister-in-law: Charlsie Richardson and husband Bill of Brown County; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Local survivors include an uncle, Odie Griffith of Coleman.

Ruth Holcomb Wallace, 93
5/31/2008
Ruth Holcomb Wallace, formerly of Brownwood, TX went home to the Lord Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Castle Rock, CO after a long decline in health.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood, TX with The Reverend Michael Wallace and The Reverend Ben Brink officiating. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early.

Elnora Ruth Holcomb Wallace was born in Brown County, TX and was the daughter of the late Gaines Berry Holcomb and Bertie Marie Tongate Holcomb. She married William Houston (Buster) Wallace on February 28, 1931 in Brown County, TX. They were residents of the Whon Community before moving to Brownwood. Ruth worked for Montgomery Wards for a number of years. Her husband preceded her in death on October 28, 1981. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Bertie Mae Beier, and four brothers: Ernest Holcomb, Vernon Holcomb, Charles Holcomb and Walter Lee Holcomb.

She is survived by two daughters: Billie Stephenson and her husband C.W. of Tuscola, TX; Nelda Brink and her husband Ben of Kiowa, CO and one son Morris Wallace and his wife Rose from Palm Coast, FL and eight grandchildren: Gary Stephenson, Abilene, TX; Barbara Kelley, Grapevine, TX; Charles Wallace, Geronimo, OK; Gordon Wallace, Melbourne, FL; Michael Wallace, Tuscaloosa, AL; Gina Ashcroft, Littleton, CO; Dana Kaupie, Phoenix, AZ; and Lisa Hayes, Kiowa, CO. She is also survived by 23 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Condolences, tributes, and memories can be left for the family at www.mem.com.

Ann Breeze, 93
5/28/2008
Ann Pauline Flusche Breeze, of Brownwood, Texas died Tuesday May 27, 2008. The funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls with Rev. Hoa Nguyen officiating. Rite of committal service will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery ( North of Electra, TX ) under the direction of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.

A longtime area resident, Ann was born November 11, 1914 in Electra, Texas to Albert and Clara (Tegler) Flusche. She was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Alter Society, NCCW, Jubilee Club and was a Red Cross Volunteer. She had moved to Brownwood, from Wichita Falls, a few years ago to be near her daughter. Her husband; Hurchel, her parents, 4 brothers; Herb, Lawrence, Carl and Leo, 1 grandson; Christopher Breeze, and 1 great grandson; Colton Porter precede her in death.

She is survived by her son; Bob Breeze, Daughter; Lyn Porter and husband Jim, daughter-in-law; Jonalene Breeze, grandchildren; Michael Breeze and wife Kim, Dee Small and Husband Kim, Debra Hoogerwerf, and husband Rob, Brett Porter, Lance Porter and wife Dee, Tamara Porter, Kati Alvarado and husband John, 7 great grandchildren, 1 sister-in-law; Louise Flusche and numerous, beloved, extended family.

Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.

Kenneth Dewey Martin, 72
5/28/2008
TALPA - Kenneth Dewey Martin, of Talpa, passed away Monday, May 26, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be at 10:30am on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Talpa Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Patrick Bennett officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Kenneth was born on January 26, 1936 in Talpa to the late George Dewey Martin and Clara Odessa Berryman. He was a government trapper for years and later a rancher. Kenneth moved back to Coleman County about 30 years ago and enjoyed his ranch work. He married Millie Ball on November 19, 1960 in Reno, Nevada.

Survivors include: his wife - Millie; one daughter - Kathy Ann Houtz of Reno, Nevada; one son - Kenneth James Martin of Sterling City, Texas; one granddaughter - Julie Houtz and one great-grandson - Roux Leever, both of Lake Coleman; two step-sons - Dwight Trigueiro of Sun Valley, Nevada and Craig Trigueiro of Bradenton, Florida.

Richard L. Vaughn, 81
5/21/2008
Richard L. Vaughn of Abilene and former Coleman resident, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Hendrick Hospice Care.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23 at Potosi Baptist Church in Potosi with Rev. Jim McCurley officiating. Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Richard L. Vaughn was born October 20, 1926 in Ballinger, Texas, a son of Charles P. (Charlie) Vaughn and Mabel Reasoner Vaughn. He grew up in Coleman County and graduated from Mozelle High School. Richard served in the United States Navy during World War II, serving on the USS Turandot. He attended John Tarleton College and graduated from Texas A&M University. On December 21, 1954 he married Mary Jo Ewing in Coleman and had lived in Abilene since 1973. He was an Independent Petroleum Geologist and was a co-owner with C. N. "Smokey" Griggs in SRG Oil Corporation, Tri-J Drilling Company, Don's Oil Field Construction and Centex Gathering. He had served on the Wylie School Board, was a member of the Perini Log Library and the Geological Society. He was a former board member of the First Coleman National Bank. He attended Potosi Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Ewing Vaughn of Abilene; two sons, Richard Derek Vaughn and wife Cheryl of Abilene, Terry G. Vaughn and wife Shawna of Victoria; one daughter, Kimberli K. Mikkelson and husband John of Fort Worth; six granddaughters, Amie Jo, Trey Ann, Derricka, Terra, Rachel and Alyssa; one grandson, Tyler; two great-grandchildren, Ashton and Stoney Cooley; one brother, Bill G. Vaughn and wife Farrah of Granbury; one aunt, Maudie Vance of Stephenville; three nephews, Keith Vaughn, Jeff Vaughn, Chuck Vaughn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Nikki Vaughn.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Smith, Mark Redman, J. D. Cooley, Todd Johnson, Troy Pinkston, Marshall Pinkston.

William W. "Bill" Stephenson, 75
5/16/2008
Mr. William W. "Bill" Stephenson, longtime Talpa resident, passed away in Coleman May 16, 2008.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday at Walker Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10:00am Monday at Walker Funeral Home with Lakan Mariano and Rex Stephenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery.

Bill was born in Leaday, Texas January 12, 1933, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ike and Mary Alice Gann Stephenson. He married the late Ms. Maudie Etta Steward in Leaday January 12, 1964 and she preceded him in death in 1997. He was a graduate of high school from Millersview and was in the dirt construction business. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include: A daughter and son-in-law - Mitzi and Eddie Jones of San Angelo; son and daughter-in-law - Rex and Stacy Stephenson of San Angelo; two sisters - Anne Gallaway of Lake Brownwood and Sue Stephenson of San Angelo; two brothers - Howard of Coleman and Lonnie Stephenson of Brownwood; 4 grandchildren - Joshua, Taylor, Nathan and Reagan, all of San Angelo.

Mitchell Lee Yates, 74
5/16/2008
SWEETWATER, TEXAS - Mitchell Lee Yates, age 74, of Denton, Texas passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Denton Regional Medical Center.

Memorial graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 21st at Coleman Cemetery, with Rev. Jerry Payne officiating. Services are under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater, TX.

He was born December 8, 1933 in Coleman, Texas to J.R. and Jody Yates. Mr. Yates was reared in Coleman and Odessa. He was a Commercial Artist Designer most of his working life. He had lived in the Dallas area the past 30 years.

Survivors include his sister, Lucille Martin of Sweetwater; a brother, J.R. Yates of Lovington, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John M. Allison, 74
5/14/2008
John M. Allison, of Lake Ivie and formerly of Odessa, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at his residence.

Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.

Family visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memoral Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa.

John M. Allison was born February 18, 1934 in Lexington, Kentucky, the son Roy A. Allison, Sr. and Virginia McKinney Allison. He grew up in in Louisville, Kentucky and served in the United States Army. He married Beverly Bailey on December 5, 2001 in Odessa. He worked for 40 years as a union iron worker, working in Colorado, Conneticut, California and Washington. While working in Seattle, Washington, he help with the construction of the Space Needle and was a Golf Pro at Broadmore Country Club. He had lived in Loveland, Colorado for 20 years and moved to Lake Ivie last year from Odessa. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of Lifebridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Allison of Lake Ivie; three daughters, Karla Peters of Eureka, Montana, Lisa Blohm and husband, Kuss, of Port Townsend, Washington, Kelli Garcia and husband, Daniel, of Loveland, Colorado; one sister, June Hall of Flowermound, Texas; one brother, Roy Allison and wife, Nancy, of Lexington, Kentucky; 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two infant sons.

Memorials may be sent to The Christian Broadcasting Network, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463.

Arrangements were handled by Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman and Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa.

Bettye Helms, 79
5/13/2008
Bettye Helms, of the Abilene State School, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Wednesday, May 14, at the Burkett Cemetery Tabernacle with Bob Pipes officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Bettye was the daughter of the late Jim and Edna Boyles Helms. She was born March 3, 1929 in Burkett. Survivors include: A sister - Joyce Klutts and nephew, Carlos.

The family will have visitation late Tuesday evening at Walker Funeral Home.

Luther McCrary
5/12/2008
Luther McCrary age 91 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 10:50 PM at Coleman County Medical Center.

Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Northside Baptist Church with Rev. Marvin Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 till 7 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Luther was born May 23, 1916 in Bangs, Texas to the late Sam and Mary Jane Flores McCrary. He was raised in Coleman County where he attended the Buffalo Schools. On December 2, 1941 Luther married Hazel Gilbert in Santa Anna and they celebrated fifty one years of marriage. A lifetime resident of Coleman County, Luther was a member of the Northside Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a retired service station operator and Stockfarmer.
SURVIVORS: 2 Sons; Alfred McCrary of Lake Ivie, Texas and Billy McCrary of Santa Anna, Texas; Sister – Jettie Wood of Houston, Texas; 4 Grandchildren - Gayle Short of Wisconsin, Royce McCrary of Collinsville, Texas, Sam McCrary of San Antonio, Texas, Dusty McCrary of Santa Anna, Texas; 4 Grandchildren; 10 Great Grandchildren; 3 Great Great Grandchildren. Luther was preceded in death by four sisters and four brothers.

T.A. Bowland, 79
5/12/2008
FORT WORTH -- T. A. Bowland, Jr., 79, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008 in Mansfield.

T. A. was born in Aransas Pass, Texas on September 11, 1928 and attended school in Coleman. He was a loving and caring family man. He enjoyed traveling, playing games and attending church. T.A. was a natural salesman who never met a stranger. He co-owned and operated Bowland Janitorial Sales and Service until his retirement in 2002.
Survivors: Wife, Dorothy Freeman Bowland; sons, Bob J. Bowland and wife Terri of Kennedale and Tab L. Bowland and wife Cathy of Granbury; grandchildren, Brad J. Bowland of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Amber Coffee of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Whitney Bowland of Everman, Blake Bowland of Kennedale; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Lewis Bowland of Austin and nieces and nephews.

Daniel Dakan, 51
5/10/2008
Daniel Dakan, of Coleman, passed away at his residence on Friday, May 9, 2008.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday at Walker Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Monday at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Steven Smith officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

He was born October 29, 1956 in California and had lived in Coleman for three years. He was an auto mechanic and had served in the U.S. Navy. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lois and Otis Dakan of Coleman. One son, Joe Dakan; daughter Lisa Dakan and brother, Joe Dakan; five grandchildren.

Retha Hill Harris, 73
5/8/2008
Retha Hill Harris, of Coleman, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Sam Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Retha Hill Harris was born March 12, 1935 in Grosvenor, the daughter of the late Tom and Adele Edington Hill. She grew up in Grosvenor and attended school in Grosvenor and Bangs. She married Leonard Harris on July 31, 1954 in Coleman. She worked at Style Tone in Brownwood and Maidie’s Shoe Manufacturing Company in San Angelo. She lived in San Angelo for 22 years, before moving to Coleman in 1988. She attended the Church of Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard Harris of Coleman; one daughter Marcia Harris Sparks of San Angelo; one son, Stanley Harris of Coleman; one granddaughter, Kaleigh Sparks of Lewisville; one sister, Jean Fitzgerald of Grosvenor and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Kenneth Hill.

The family would like to thank the staff of Holiday Hill for all the care they gave Mrs. Harris.

Debbie Walthall Gates
5/05/2008
Deborah Lynn Walthall Gates of Merkel passed away at 1:42 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2008 in Abilene Regional Medical Center. Debbie has fought a heroic battle with ovarian cancer since August of 2005.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at First United Methodist Church in Merkel at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home of Abilene with Greg Kennedy officiating.

Lunch and family visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Merkel in the Fellowship Hall. The family asks that friends attend the lunch so that we can have a time of fellowship and celebration of life with prayer warriors, relatives, and friends. Graveside services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at White Chapel Cemetery in Coleman County.

Debbie was born February 4, 1954 in Richland, Washington, the firstborn child of John and Nell Allen Walthall. When Debbie was 10 months old the family moved back to White Chapel in Coleman County. She began elementary school at the old Centennial School and attended and graduated in 1972 from Talpa Centennial High School. She married Edward Gates of Talpa, TX on February 12, 1977 in Coleman. She attended college at Angelo State University and TSTC Abilene and graduated with a degree in graphic design. Debbie was an avid gardener, wonderful photographer, and the best mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend anyone could ask for. She took care of her home, family, and friends until her last days. Debbie was a member of Merkel First United Methodist Church.
Debbie is survived by her parents, John and Nell Walthall of Coleman; her husband, Edward Gates of Merkel; her children, daughter, Terra Celeste and husband Jason Corrigan of Merkel and grandson Joshua Michael Corrigan; son, Jacy Sol-Walthall Gates and fiancé Tracy Murphy of Abilene and grandchildren Sunny and Joel; son, Justin Parker Gates of Abilene; and daughter, Serena Raine Gates of Merkel; sisters, Denise and husband Jerry McDonald of San Angelo, Diana and husband Les Dobbins Jr. of Coleman; nieces and nephews : Logan McDonald, Lindsey McDonald, Aaron Dobbins, Adam Dobbins, Jennifer Gates, Tamara Gates, Leslie Gates, Ben Gates, Alexandra Gates, and many other friends and family.

Pallbearers are Sisters in Spirit: Donna Jackson, Denna O’Connor, Fredell Sansom, Karen Aldridge, Brenda Saling, Wandrae Leszcynski, Susan Springer, Debra Mashburn, Renee Coulson, Cathy Aldridge, Ruth Knightstep, and special friends Stacy Cullins, Patti Gibson, and Katheryn James. The family request memorials be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Brenda Crowder, 56
5/5/2008
Brenda Kay Crowder, of Coleman, died Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Brenda Kay Brooks on June 17, 1951 in Coleman, a daughter of Raymond Brooks, Sr. and Lennie G. Wilson Brooks. She grew up in Coleman where she attended school. On June 21, 1965 she married Freddie Crowder in Coleman. She was a life-long resident of Coleman, a homemaker, and a member of the Assembly of God Church. She attended Wings As Eagles Church.

She is survived by her husband, Freddie Crowder of Coleman; six children, Rodney Glenn Crowder and wife Fayenell of Roswell, NM, Joe Bob Crowder and wife Sharena of Coleman, Sharon Luann Crowder of Coleman, Taleesa Kay Dean and husband Joshua of Coleman, David Paul Crowder and wife Brandy of Coleman, Rebecca Lynette Crowder of Brownfield; 18 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Teddy Brooks of Junction, Tommy Brooks, Robbie Brooks and Roy Brooks all of Coleman, Jimmy Brooks of Bangs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Raymond Brooks, Jr. and Bill Brooks and sister Hallie Mae Gentry.

Linda Fulkerson, 83
5/1/2008
Linda Fulkerson, of Kingwood, died Thursday, April 24, 2008 in a Kingwood hospital.

Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 2 at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Linda Fulkerson was born September 13, 1924 in Robstown, Texas, a daughter of David Lee McDonald and Mattie Jane Younts McDonald. She grew up in Pettis and Coleman where she attended school. On November 19, 1942 she married Jack Fulkerson in Corpus Christi and he preceded her in death on May 9, 1990. She lived in Corpus Christi for many years and had lived in Kingwood for the past 10 years. She was a self-employed beauty operator and a member of the Assembly of God Church.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Sandra Fulkerson of Houston; two sisters, Peggy Stone of Graham and Ferrel Dean Bennett of Arlington; two brothers, Buford Ray McDonald of Midland and David Lee McDonald of Odessa; three grandchildren, J. Dean Fulkerson III of Cleveland, Texas, De'Anna Fulkerson of Clear Lake, Dawn Guevara of Houston; four great-grandchildren, Christian Fulkerson, Carson Fulkerson, Steele Guevara, Sky Guevara.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Elizabeth Ann Green, 70
4/27/2008
Ann Green, of Talpa passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Ann was born Dec. 13, 1937 in Coleman, Texas to Ralph and Lucille Edens. She married Darrell Green on October 14, 1955. Mr. Green preceded her in death in 2003. Prior to moving to Talpa in 1983, Ann lived in Christoval, Texas where she taught private music lessons and played piano for the First Baptist Church. She was a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger. Over the years, Ann played piano for several churches in Ballinger. She loved Southern Gospel music and Broadway Musicals.

She is survived by her children, Darren Green and wife Lori of West Virginia, Kyle Green and wife Rose of San Angelo, Lisa Dunn and husband Donnie of Bowie, Texas, and Amy Sensabaugh and husband Eric of Ballinger. One sister survives, Jean Candler and husband Jerry of Arlington, and one sister in law, Oma Lee Kennedy of Andrews. Mrs. Green is also survived by 12 grandchildren and was preceeded in death by one son, Nicky Darrell Green and one daughter in law, Marie Green.

The family will receive friends from 6-8PM Monday, April 28, 2008 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday in the Reese Memorial Chapel at Heritage Family Funeral Home with David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Talpa Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Family Funeral Home in Ballinger. www.heritagefamilyfuneralhome.com.

Patrick "Pat" Edward Jacobi, 81
4/26/2008
FORT WORTH --Patrick "Pat" Edward Jacobi, 81, died peacefully Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at his home.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew Catholic Church. The Rev. Carl Szura was the celebrant.
Interment: private.

Rosary: was 7 p.m. Thursday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Nolan Catholic High School, the social ministries of St. Andrew Catholic Church or a charity of choice.

Pat was born Nov. 29, 1926, in San Antonio, son of the late Erhard Edward Jacobi and Marie Olga Henk Jacobi. He grew up in a small German neighborhood in San Antonio, in a home built by his father, near many of his relatives. Pat attended St. Gerard Catholic School. Upon high school graduation in 1944, Pat joined the U.S. Navy and served onboard the USS Nashville and the USS South Dakota. After completing his military service, Pat returned to San Antonio and began a long career in X-ray equipment sales and service, working for General Electric and Litton Industries and then as an independent contractor.

Pat met Peggy Stoup in San Antonio, and they were married June 9, 1951, at Little Flower Shrine Catholic Church by Pat's uncle, Father Joseph Jacobi. Pat and Peggy moved to Fort Worth in 1952 and raised a family of five children.

Pat was an avid fresh and saltwater fisherman. He enjoyed barbecuing for his family, gardening, bird watching, woodworking, watching sports and meeting his friends for lunch at the Paris Coffee Shop. Pat was a founding member of St. Andrew Catholic Parish and a lifelong member of the Sons of Hermann. Pat will be remembered for his commitment to his faith, his family and high moral standards.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine, and her husband, Thomas Devine, of Corpus Christi.

Survivors: His wife of 56 years, Peggy Stoup Jacobi; brother, Bennie and his wife, Nicki, of San Antonio; children, Cathy and her husband, Michael B. Campbell, of Jacksonville, Fla., Joe and his wife, Ellen, of Grand Prairie, Dr. John Jacobi and his wife, Martha, of Fort Worth, Mary Jane of Dallas and Jo Ann and her husband, Brett Tayman, of Davidsonville, Md.; grandchildren, Tegan Lee Campbell Prosser and Brian, Kevin, Elizabeth and Laura Jacobi; great-grandchild, Gabriella; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Billie P. Bible, 83
4/25/2008
Billie P. Bible, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 4:06 PM at the Coleman Healthcare Center.

Services will be graveside Friday at 10:30 AM at the Whon Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Billie was born April 19, 1925 in Rockwood, Texas to the late Roy and Nettie Walters Bible. He was raised in Coleman County and attended the Santa Anna schools. He served his country during World War II in the Naval forces. Billie was a resident of Santa Anna and member of the First Baptist Church of Santa Anna and retired from the oilfield where he was a labor foreman.

SURVIVORS
Sister – Neva Bird of Odessa, Texas
Half Sister – Mary Bible of Brownwood, Texas
Half Brother – E J Bible of San Angelo, Texas
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Billie was preceded in death by 5 Sisters and 3 Brothers.

Charles Bynum, 74
4/25/2008
Charles Bynum of Santa Anna, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Cross Country Health Care Center in Brownwood. The body will be cremated and a memorial service held at a later date. Arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Charles Bynum was born August 24, 1934 in Mason, Texas, the son of William Henderson Bynum and Willie Harper Bynum. He grew up in Mason, Talpa, Coleman and Santa Anna. In June 2001 he married Lela Moore Isbell in Coleman and she preceded him in death on October 19, 2006. He was a retired auto mechanic and laborer.

Survivors include one son, Charles D. Bynum of Lamesa; two step-daughters, Kathy Hammonds of Brownwood and Linda Tanner of Palm Beach, Florida; several cousins.

Jean Rowe Ivey, 77
4/23/2008
Jean Rowe Ivey passed away April 23, 2008 at her residence in Mineral Wells. She was born February 8, 1931 in Santa Ana, Texas the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Seybold Rowe. She had lived in Mineral Wells for the past 11 years and in Cuthbert, Georgia prior to that. She was a Baptist. She married Ellis Ivey January 16, 1959 in Corpus Christi. She is survived by her husband: Ellis Ivey of Mineral Wells, sons: Ellis (Trey) Ivey III of Greenville, South Carolina, Jon David Watkins of Kansas City, and brother: Vernon Rowe of Coleman. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter: Barbara Jill Mills.

Jeannie McLees Howard, 94
4/23/2008
Jeannie McLees Howard died Monday, April 21, 2008, at her residence in Waco. Words cannot express our sense of loss for one who has loved us so well and for so long. A memorial service for family members will be conducted at a later date.

Jeannie was the first-born and only daughter of Mary Jane (McLees) and Sam Deb Stennis. She was born August 17, 1913 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, but the family moved to Dallas, where Jeannie grew up. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1930, where she was the running center for the girls’ basketball team. She graduated with a business degree from College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Women’s University) in Denton in 1934. She worked for the college and for Cabot Industries in Pampa for several years before marrying Dr. H.E. Howard in 1939. After his residency in oral surgery at Scott & White Dental Clinic in Temple, they eventually settled in Coleman in the mid-1940s, where she raised their children, managed the office, and assisted in the dental practice. After he retired from dentistry in 1976, they moved to Cedar Creek Lake near Trinidad, where she lived until 1995. Jeannie devoted herself to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a life-long Presbyterian, always active until her declining years and ever faithful. She was a current member of First Presbyterian Church of Waco. Jeannie made life-long friendships wherever she lived, and her life is filled with memories of happy gatherings of family and friends. Always the optimist and seeing the best in everyone, she never spoke a harsh or biased word and never criticized another person. She set an example of genteel conduct for her family. She is loved by all who knew her and will be missed by those who survive her.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her husband in 1994; by her parents; by her four younger brothers, Samuel, Hampton, Hugh and David Stennis; and by her granddaughter, Andrea Johnson. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Nan Johnson of Winter Springs, Florida; and Janet and husband, Rolland Bek, of Waco; by her sons, Dan and Joe Howard of Waco; by her grandchildren, David Johnson and wife, Lucy; Dawn and husband, Victor Robert; Delaine and husband, Greg Ulmer; Brennan Bek and wife, Judy; Dee Ann Howard; and Henry Howard; by her sister-in-law, Elsie Stennis; by four great- grandchildren, and by many other relatives.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Martin of Scott & White Clinic in Waco for his excellent care of Mother and for Visiting Angel, Kathy Butler, who attended to Mother’s needs at home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home of Waco.

The family invites you to leave a message or a memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.

THOMAS ALVIS GRIFFIN
NOVEMBER 4, 1909 – APRIL 18, 2008

Funeral services for Thomas Alvis Griffin, 98, of Bangs, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 20, 2008 at the Bangs First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Wayne Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery, Santa Anna, Texas under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, at the Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Mr. Griffin died Friday, April 18, 2008 at his residence in Bangs.

Alvis was born on November 4, 1909 in Watts Creek, Coleman County to the late Henry Leslie Griffin and Zimmer Franklin McDonald Griffin. He married Nettie Lolete Williamson on June 11, 1933 in Santa Anna and they celebrated 69 years of marriage. Nettie preceded him in death in 2002. Alvis was raised in Coleman County where he attended the Watts Creek Schools.

During WWII Alvis worked for Consolidated Aircraft (now Lockheed), installing floors in the B-24 bomber aircraft. Later, he returned to Coleman and worked as an oil man for the Lone Star Gas Company for 26 years. During this period the family moved to Bangs in 1953. He served on the Bangs City Council, the Bangs Volunteer Fire Department and the Bangs Housing Authority. He was an active member of the First Methodist Church in Bangs.

Survivors include three daughters, Jean & husband David Williams, Sharon & husband Jim Niell and Kay & husband Weldon Wilson all of Brownwood, Texas; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Leslie Griffin; two sisters, Marie Griffin Nelson and Reba Griffin Broyles.

Pallbearers are grandsons, David Williams III, Van Wilson, Jason Sparks, Steven Wilson, Kabe Woods, friend Gene Thomas; great grandsons, Destin Williams, Hayden Williams. An honorary pallbearer is grandson Jeffery Niell.

Gerald “Jerry” Dean Dickinson
4/18/2008
Belton--- Memorial services for Gerald “Jerry” Dean Dickinson, 73, of Valera will be held 11:00 AM Saturday April 19, 2008 at Eastwood Baptist Church in Gatesville with Rev. Charles Grossman and Rev. Jack Vick officiating.

Mr. Dickinson passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008, in a Temple hospital.

Jerry was born May 25, 1934 in Leaday, the son of Ernest and Addie Mae (Stewart) Dickinson. He married Shirley Patterson on September 1, 1956 in Great Falls, Montana. Mr. Dickinson owned many businesses in central Texas. He was a former member of the Salado School Board and the Water Board. Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Dickinson of Valera; one son, Jason Dickinson of Harker Heights; three brothers, Johnny Dale Dickinson of Valera, Richard Grossman of Montgomery, Rev. Charles Grossman of Gatesville; two sisters, Jackie Vick of Georgetown, Barbara Weatherby of Lancaster.

Dossman Funeral Home of Belton is in charge of all arrangements. The funeral home phone number is 254-933-2525.

Ernestine England Gregory Geyser, 80
RICHLAND HILLS - Ernestine Gregory Geyser of Richland Hills, Texas passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2006 in Richland Hills.

Graveside services were held at 1:00pm Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating with local arrangements under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Ernestine was born January 26, 1926 in Santa Anna, Texas to the late Ernest W. and Virgie England. She was raised in Santa Anna where she graduated from Santa Anna High School. Ernestine was a member of the Baptist Church and a retired office manager for Pancho’s Mexican Buffet.

SURVIVORS: Daughters: -Linda & husband Ron Caram; Dr. Sandra Reid; 3 Step Sons - Bill, Phil & Jim Geyser; Granddaughters from Linda - Rachel Hart, Meredith Caram & Allison Caram; 3 Great Grandchildren. Grandchildren from Sandra: Kelly Harper and Clayton Reid. Great-grandchildren Madison McCall and Hannah Harper. Children of Bill Geyser - Tiffany and Kristen Geyser. Jim Geyser and child Megan.

Wanda Mason Bates, 58
4/14/2008
Wanda P. Mason Bates entered into the presence of her Creator on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. at Hendrick Medical Center Hospice Unit in Abilene. Wanda was born September 13, 1949 Wanda Jean Cummings Mason and the late Thomas Mason. She graduated from Coleman High School in May, 1968. On June 8, 1969, she married Johnny Bates in Santa Anna.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Midway Cemetery with John Pricer officiating.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday April 15, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Johnny Bates of Abilene, her son, David Bates and his wife, Tefany, of Abilene; her daughter, Tammy Gutierrez of Abilene; her mother, Wanda Jean Mason of Coleman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Janice Mason of Long Grove, Oklahoma, Joe and Sarah Mason of Coleman; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Toni and Delbert Strength of Talpa, Linda Mason of Coleman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alton and Rosa Lou Bates of Andrews, Ronald and Betty Bates of Waco, Carolyn and John Pricer of Crawford; four grandchildren, Sonny Bates and Erin Bates, Cory Gutierrez and Angel Gutierrez, all of Abilene and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Hendrick Hospice, 1901 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Wanda Floyd, age 78,
4/13/2008
Wanda Floyd of Coleman, died Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Wanda Rush on July 12, 1929 in Brown County, Texas, a daughter of Clarence Rush and Velma Montgomery Rush Hooper. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1947. On November 25, 1948 she married Pete Floyd in Coleman and he preceded her in death on January 13, 2008. She was a housewife and a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Christian of Coleman; one son, Tommy Floyd of Coleman; two sisters, Mildred Stroud of Corpus Christi and Jerry Williams of Mt. Vernon, Washington' brother, Oran Dale Rush of Coleman; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, Raymond Bordelon.

Memorials may be made to the Elm Street Church of Christ, P. O. Box 998, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Rickey Odom Salyer, age 60
4/13/2008
Rickey Odom Salyer of Coleman, died Thursday, April 10, 2008 at her residence.

Graveside funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 15 in Fairview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Rickey Lynn Odom on December 26, 1947 in Santa Anna, Texas, a daughter of Carl Edward (Ed) and Betty Jo Williams Odom. She grew up in Coleman where she attended school. She graduated from Barber School and was a barber for many years in Brownwood and for a short while in Coleman. She lived in Peoria, Illinois for four years and then moved to Brownwood where she lived for 30 years. She moved to Coleman 10 years ago. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include one daughter, Tami Salyer Olsen and husband Shane of Coleman; one son, Clift "Eric" Salyer and partner Drew Grudowski of Columbus, Ohio; two grandchildren, Adrienne and Brendan; great-grandson, Cadien; one brother, Eddie Odom and wife Phyllis of Llano; niece, Reacheal Odom Bauman of Llano.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Tommy J. Reagor, age 65
4/13/2008
Tommy J. Reagor of Bangs, Texas passed away Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 5:40 PM at the Cross Country Health Center in Brownwood, Texas.

Services were graveside Sunday at 2:30pm at the Trickham Cemetery with Nathan Reagor officiating with interment at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Tommy was born May 10, 1942 to the late J. B. and Sybil Lawana Cole Reagor in Santa Anna. He was raised in Brown County graduating from Bangs High School. He continued his education graduating from Abilene Barber School. Tommy J was a member of the Nondenominational Church and a Barber. Tommy J. retired in 2003.

SURVIVORS: Son – Nathan & wife Geretta Reagor of Brownwood, Texas; Step Daughter – Kathy Ellis of Brownwood, Texas; Step Son – Jessie Ellis of Brownwood, Texas; 4 Sisters: Lawana Weathers of Brownwood, Texas; Lurlene Ratliff of Bangs, Texas; Nona Horner of Grosvenor, Texas; Deedie Farmer of Coleman,Texas; 3 Grandsons – Tommy, Andy & Matt Reagor of Brownwood, Texas.

Ann Ray, 65
4/12/2008
Ann Ray of Santa Anna, died Saturday, April 12, 2008 at her residence.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Gerald Burns officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Brown County, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2008 at the funeral home.

She was born Geneva Ann Wilson on January 9, 1943 in Coleman, the daughter of Willie Mae Gaines Wilson and the late Walter Woodrow Wilson. She grew up near Blackwell Crossing and graduated from Bangs High School. She married Donald Ray in 1962, before graduating from North Texas State. She coached Volley Ball and taught in Austin, until her retirement.

She is survived by her mother, Willie Mae Wilson of Santa Anna; one sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Clint Day of Santa Anna; one brother and sister-in-law, Bo and Sandra Wilson of Coleman; two sons, Doug Ray and wife, Carol, of Austin, Derek Ray and finance’, Stephanie Haak of Santa Anna; four grandchildren, Dalton Ray, Dylan Ray, Devan Ray, Dayla Ray; several nieces and nephews and long-time companion and friend, Deral Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Woodrow Wilson in 1997.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Carter, Dayne Edwards, Deron Edwards, Dalton Ray, Allen Urban and Leslie Wilson.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Curtis Ewing Martin, 86
4/10/2008
Curtis Ewing Martin, 86, passed from this life on April 8, 2008.

Services will be held at Southern Hills Church of Christ at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008.

Graveside services and burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Brown Ranch Cemetery, south of Coleman.

Family visitation will be at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home on Hwy. 277 on Thursday, April 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Born April 14, 1921 in Fisk, Texas, Curtis was the son of Wallace and Mattie Martin. As one of nine children, he learned the value of hard work, humor, faith and love of family. After graduating from Mozelle High School, he and Reba Terry married on December 22, 1940. Curtis served in the Army in Saipan at the end of World War II. He ran a dairy farm in Fisk until 1957, then moved to Sweetwater as a cattle inspector for the Texas Animal Health Commission. In 1961, he and his family moved to Abilene and since 1975 he has worked as a farm and ranch realtor for Miliron, Senter, and Country Place Real
Estate Company. Curtis had continued to sell real estate part time and had just passed his real estate renewal test when he became ill. He served as a deacon of 16th and Vine Church of Christ for many
years, taught middle school boys’ class, and was an active member and shepherding leader at Southern Hills Church of Christ. During the fifty-four years they were married, he and Reba enjoyed their two children, daughter- and son-in-law, and their four grandchildren. After Reba’s death, he married Janice Wise on September 9, 1995 and gained a second family. Over the past twelve years, he and Janice have enjoyed traveling, helping others, working, gardening, raising miniature donkeys, watching grandchildren grow up and marry and welcoming five great-grandchildren into their lives.

Curtis was known for his gift of finding humor in everyday life, his common sense, practical problem-solving and counseling skills, thankful spirit, positive attitude, strong faith, and love of family and friends. He believed life was a gift to be enjoyed and embraced every day. Besides spending time with family and friends, he loved working in his barn and the outdoors, using his hands to build things, oversee his garden, his yard, nourishing things to grow, watching his animals play, horse trading, and keeping things in order. Curtis had the heart of a farmer.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents, W.E. and Mattie Martin, siblings, Stella Moore, Fred Martin, J.M. Martin, Leland Martin, and first wife, Reba Terry Martin, father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Elsie Terry.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Martin of Wylie; children, Mike and Anne Martin of Trent, Pamela and Russ Crites of Irving; grandchildren, Jana and Jeff Scott of Frisco, Marsie and Kris Clark of Trent, Derek and Lindsay Crites of Carrollton, and Terri Crites of Irving; great-grandchildren, Madison, Macy, and Morgan Clark, and Jackson Scott; step-children, Darla and Gary McLeod of Abilene, Dana and Teryl Rideout of Baird; step-grandchildren, Danyelle and Heath Hemphill of Coleman, Trevor McLeod of Abilene, Colby Rideout of Lubbock, Victoria McLeod, and Colton Turner of Abilene; step-great-
grandchild, Sidney Turner.

Also surviving are brothers, Herbert Martin of Brownwood, B.J. Martin of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Roneal Martin of Florida; sister, Winnie Pearl Nelson of Brownwood; sister and brother-in-law, Marabeth
and J.B. Cox of Trent; many loved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Curtis, or known as DadDad to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to both his first and second families. He leaves a legacy of love, faith and humor to his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brown Ranch Cemetery
Association, c/o Lana Dalton, 4619 CR 300, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.

Brayden Ainslee DelaRosa, 6
4/7/2008
Brayden "Ainslee" Dela Rosa passed away Sunday, April 6th at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas after a long hard battle with brain cancer. She was 6 years old.

Services will be held Thursday, April 10th at 2:00pm at Killeen Memorial Funeral Home in Killeen.

She is survived by her loving parents Rory Dela Rosa and Connie Bryant and best friend and brother Zavier Dela Rosa of Killeen, Texas. Grandparents are Jerry and Dicy Bryant of San Saba, Texas; Holli Boyle of Coleman, and Steve Dela Rosa of Coleman. Great grandparents are Sarah Boyle and Pauline Dela Rosa of Coleman, Texas; and Murry and Ann Wharton of Gainesville, Texas. Loving aunts, uncles and cousins are Travis, Kara, Brendon, Tristan,Victoria, and Ashton Thompson of Copperas Cove, Texas; Willie, Shara, Jacob and Braylon Stewart of San Antonio Texas; and Douglas and Kendal Bryant of Springdale, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Jerry Dawson, Bruce Jones, Robert Burns, and Jeffery Burke. Honorary pallbearers are Travis Thompson, Willie Stewart, Douglas Bryant, and Chris Fisher. Rory and Connie's address is 1701 Wilshire, Killeen, Texas 76543.

Don Pritchard, 72
4/4/2008
Don Pritchard, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 2:45 PM at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

Services will be Sunday at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery with services directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 - 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.

Don was born January 27, 1936 in Brownwood Texas to the late William A. “Bill” and Ruby Vanderford Pritchard. He was raised in Santa Anna where he graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1954. On July 23, 1955 he married Martha Ray in Santa Anna. They have celebrated fifty two years of marriage. Don was a member of the First Christian Church of Santa Anna. He was a retired Carpenter continuing to build furniture.

SURVIVORS
Wife – Martha Pritchard of Santa Anna, Texas
Daughter – Gayla & husband Terry Lishka of Santa Anna, Texas
Son – Mike and wife Mary B. Pritchard of Santa Anna, Texas
Sister – Sue & husband Larry Titsworth of Lake Coleman, Texas
Brother – Robert & wife Margaret Pritchard of Brownwood, Texas
8 Grandchildren
8 Great Grandchildren
Don was preceded in death by a sister Gene Turner in 1997

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Santa Anna or to the 7th floor cancer center of Hendrick Medical Center Abilene, Texas.

Steven Charles Jones, 44
4/2/2008
Steven Charles Jones, of Abilene, passed away on March 31, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 11:30am Thursday, April 3, at Ft. Chadbourne Ranch Cemetery in Coke County. Rev. Patrick Bennett will officiate, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Steven was born February 15, 1964 in San Angelo, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Ruby Jones.

Survivors include: his ex-wife - Theresa; three daughters - Kristen Jones Yopp, Lacey Angela Jones and Trista Jennings, all of Abilene; sisters and brother-in-law - Lana and Garland Richards of Ft. Chadbourne, Cheryl Jones and Deborah Jones, both of Abilene, Sylvia Patterson of Belton; brother and sister-in-law - Eddie and Mitzi Jones of San Angelo; three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

ARTHUR DOOSE, 89
3/30/2008
Arthur Doose, Jr. passed away Saturday morning, March 29, 2008 in Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Weathers officiating. Burial will follow in the Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

He was born in Ballinger on July 17, 1918 to parents Arthur and Lena Shaffer Doose, who were pioneers of Runnels County. Arthur was raised in Runnels County and attended school in Ballinger. He served in the 8th Air Force and 95th Bomb Group from October 1942 until November 1945, stationed in England for some of that time. Arthur married Waynie Byler on November 10, 1949. They moved to Llano where he was Administration Officer of Llano County ASCS office. Arthur and Waynie moved to Gouldbusk in 1951. He was a member of Gouldbusk United Methodist Church where he was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He was involved in a number of projects over the years throughout Coleman County, serving as 4-H sponsor for several years and Election Judge of Gouldbusk. He was a long-time supporter of both Mozelle and Panther Creek schools. Arthur was chosen Outstanding Rural Citizen of Coleman County in 1974.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Waynie in 1992, his two sisters, Dorothy Doose Richardson in 1983 and Katrina Doose Fielder in 1998.

He is survived by two nieces, Sue Fielder Johnson and husband Larry of Garland, Sharalyn Byler of Bangs; one nephew, Wendell Byler and wife Erma of Bangs; great-nieces Julie Garrison and husband Dan of Tucson, Arizona, Amy Wheeler and husband Jason of Wylie, Cindy Bentley and husband Michael of Allen, and Shyanne Mayfield of Bangs; great-nephews, Will Byler and wife Karen, Wagner Byler and wife Tara all of Ballinger, John Byler and wife Christine, Wynn Byler and wife Janie of Bangs. He is also survived by several great-great nieces and nephews and several great-great-great nieces and nephews and many wonderful neighbors and friends.

His family wishes to thank all of his wonderful friends for all the prayers, help, support and food during his brief illness. Thanks also to Dr. Atwood and the caring staff at CCMC, and to all of "his girls" and staff at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Memorials may be made to Gouldbusk United Methodist Church, c/o Terrye Nanny, 6775 FM 1026, Gouldbusk 76835 or the Gouldbusk Cemetery Association, 7793 FM 1026, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Lucy Whittington, age 90
11:44 PM 3/27/2008
Lucy Whittington, of Glen Cove, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Glen Cove Cemetery Pavilion. Interment will be in the Glen Cove Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Lucy Whittington was born February 2, 1918 in Southland County, Texas, a daughter of George Anderson Jones and Willie Frances Hickman Jones. She grew up in Coleman County and attended school at Glen Cove. On June 10, 1953 she married L. P. "Whitt" Whittington in Coleman and he preceded her in death on September 10, 2004. She was a homemaker and a member of Glen Cove Baptist Church since 1935.

Survivors include four children, Nelda Copley of Glen Cove, Joe Stinson of Glen Cove, Mary Anderson and husband Ray of Ballinger and James Whittington of Brownwood; four grandchildren, Keith Copley of Talpa, Robert Copley of Splendora, Stephanie Moore and husband Doug of Glen Cove, Joy McDaniel and husband Lee of Ballinger; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Loge of Milsap; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, six brothers and sisters, and a son-in-law, Claud Copley.

Memorials may be made to South Park Development Center, 2605 South Park Drive, Brownwood, Texas 76804.

Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Stevens Funeral Home.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Jannette Marrs Humphreys
3/27/2008
Jannette Marrs Humphreys died at her home in Sedona, Arizona on March 14, 2008. She was born in Coleman, Texas on October 10, 1942 to Merlin and Alma Marrs. She graduated from Coleman High School in 1961, attended McMurry College in Abilene and graduated from Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. She taught school in San Francisco, California for 33 years before retiring in Sedona, Arizona. She loved to travel and traveled extensively during the summers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and three sisters, twin sister, Annette Marrs, Mary Kennedy, and Gene Awalt.

She is survived by her husband, Francis Kovalcik of Sedona, Arizona; brothers, Johnny and wife Sue of Marble Falls, Mayo and wife Mary Sue of Midland, Donald and wife Melba of Houston, Bob and wife Inez of Memphis, Texas and Jimmy and wife Barbara of Lubbock. She is also survived by dear friend and caregiver, Tracy Marshall of Sedona, and several nieces and nephews.

Jannette cared deeply for two nieces who lived with her when they were young, Anna and Maggie Kennedy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5th at the Coleman City Cemetery with Rev. Kent Marrs of Georgetown, Texas officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

We appreciate the care Jannette received from M D Anderson, Dr. Araugo and her staff in the Sarcoma unit.

Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Florence Lorie Harmes Ray, 87
3/26/2008
Florence Ray, of Coleman died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 in a Coleman nursing home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Shawn Lutgen officiating, assisted by Rev. John Stanislaw.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Florence Lorie Harmes Ray was born January 28, 1921 in Rockdale, Texas, the daughter of Otto Harmes and Oma Dee Harris Harmes. She grew up and attended school in Coleman County. On March 11, 1944, she married Leonard B. Ray in Brady. He preceded her in death on March 25, 1993. She worked at various restaurants and the House of Color for many years. She was also a C.N.A. at Leisure Lodge (now Coleman Healthcare Center) and a long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children, Betty Brock and husband, Leonard, of Abilene, Jerry Smith and wife, Oslene, of McGregor, Glenda Ray Perkins and husband, David, of Odessa, Liz Ray Rush and husband, Dave, of Coleman, Norma Ray Lutgen and husband, Jerry, of Sachse, Danny Ray and wife, Pat, of Coleman, Debi Ray of Abilene, Bob Ray and wife Marsha, of Coleman; her step-mother, Bonnie Quinn of Coleman; her brother, Jimmy Quinn of Coleman; sister-in-law, Ernestine Lusk Heathcolt of Paris, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her step-father, Roy H. Quinn; brothers and sisters, Shorty Harmes, J. T. Harmes, Howard Quinn, Billie Shelton Reed, Robert Quinn, Emily Fulcher; one granddaughter, Simone Johnson; one grandson, Landon Moore.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, Alzheimer’s Association or the First Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Nell Bates Proctor, 90
3/21/2008
Nell Bates Proctor, of Santa Anna died Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, March 23 at North Side Baptist Church in Santa Anna during the regular worship service with Rev. Marvin Hale officiating.

Nell Bates Proctor was born May 19, 1917 in Christoval, Texas, a daughter of Sam and Effie Jones Bates. She grew up in Miles and San Angelo and attended school there. She was married to John Clark "Dub" Proctor in Ballinger, Texas and he preceded her in death on June 18, 1987. She was a homemaker and a member of North Side Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Jo Nell Counts of Fort Worth; one granddaughter, Melody Counts of Fort Worth; one sister, Wanda Hodges of San Angelo; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Sam C. Proctor in June 1963.

Memorials may be made to North Side Baptist Church, P. O. Box 415, Santa Anna, Texas 76878.

Arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas. Please sign the on-line guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Ivan Howard Alvey, 90
3/20/2008
Ivan Howard Alvey, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Myrtle May Woodard Alvey, passed away March 19, 2008 in Coleman.

Family visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Friday, March 21.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, March 22, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Masonic services will also be held at the chapel. Burial will follow Monday, March 24, during private services at the Coleman City Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Shriner's hospitals.

He was born May 13, 1917 in Merkel, Texas and had lived in Coleman since 1987 when he and Juanita Alvey moved back here. They were married August 5, 1961 in San Antonio. He had retired from the National Bank of Commerce of San Antonio with 29 years 4 months of service. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker, was in the C.C.C. camps and helped build the Longhorn Caverns. He was a member of the Community Baptist Church and Coleman Masonic Lodge and Shriners of Texas.

Survivors include: his daughter - Corrina Marie Herd of Bradshaw; three grandchildren - Johanthan Sampey Jr. of Poteet, Heather Leann Sampey of Portales, New Mexico and Jennifer Dawn Sampey of Madison, Wisconsin; one step-grandson - Chris Herd of Abilene; eight great-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; one brother preceded him in death.

Dorothy Nadine McClellan, 89
3/20/2008
Dorothy Nadine McClellan, of Coleman, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

Services will be at 10:00am Friday, March 21, at Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Shoeneman officiating. Burial at the Coleman City Cemetery.

Nadine was born June 14, 1918 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to James Henry Johnson and Lena Cox. She married Roy McClellan in Chandler, Arizona June 14, 1938. They moved to Coleman in 1939. She was a homemaker and member of Central Baptist Church.

Survivors include:
her daughter - Betty Sue McClellan of Coleman; daughter-in-law - Sandra McClellan of Abilene; grand-daughter - Jennifer of Abilene; grandson - Steve of Killeen; great-grandchildren Tristen and Magen.

Norene Woodin, 80
3/21/2008
Norene Woodin passed away in California September 27, 2007.

The family will receive friends at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on March 24, 2008.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm on March 25th at Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Trinity Methodist Church, 1609 S. Concho Street, in Coleman - 76834.

She was born April 22, 1927 in Memphis, Michigan. She married the late Josephy Woodin on April 28, 1948. He preceded her in death in 2002. She was a resident of Coleman from 1978 until she moved to California last year to be near her daughter. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #360 of Coleman, member of the Methodist Church and volunteer for Loaves and Fishes. She was a very generous person of help for others.

Survivors include: two daughters - Dr. Pamela Woodin and husband Arthur Allen of Burney, California and Sandra K. Lacy and grandson, Joseph, of Coleman; two brothers - Roger Thompson and Robert Thompson both of Florida.

Janet Gilbert, 80
3/19/2008
Janet Gilbert, of Midland passed away Tuesday, March 18 at a Midland hospital after a brief illness.
Janet was born June 12, 1927 in Coleman, Texas to the parentage of Obie and Ruby Culpepper Gilbert. She attended public school in Coleman and was a graduate of the historic Humphrey High School. Janet received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1950 from Prairie View A&M University, and a Masters in Education in 1962, also from Prairie View A&M University. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority.

Miss Gilbert was a dedicated teacher for 40 yrs (1951 - 1991) in the Midland Independent School District, where she taught not only the basics to her students, but instilled a sense of self worth in them. Over the years she received numerous awards in the field of education.

Her professional affiliations included memberships in the Texas State Teachers Association, National Educators Association, American Federation of Teachers and the Retired Teachers Association of Midland.

Janet’s early church affiliation was with the Simms African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Coleman, Texas. Her current membership was with Greater St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Midland since 1951. She rededicated her life in 2005 and spent numerous hours decorating the church for various holidays and events. She was an avid gardener and produced champion tomatoes that she shared with family and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, L.G. Gilbert and 2 sisters, Lynn Gilbert and Bessie Brown.

Janet was a great cook. She always shared her best with everyone she met and had time for your joys and your sorrows in her prayers and her daily activities. She truly gave more than one human being could possibly give, and as a result leaves this earth prosperous in love from those she leaves behind.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” __ Romans 8:28, Janet leaves with cherished memories 2 brothers, Walter Gilbert and wife Ida of Humble, Tx, Larry Gilbert and wife Carolyn of Midland, 2 Sisters, Mary Gilbert of Coleman, Bobbie Gaines and husband Emmett of Brownwood, a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and many friends. She is also survived by her Greater St. Luke Church Family, and three generations of students that she influenced and inspired.

A visitation will be held at Greater St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Midland on Friday.

Mr. Jesus Cortez, 69
3/17/2008
Jesus C. Cortez, of Coleman, died Monday, March 17, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral service for Jesus C. Cortez will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later time at Mt. View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Jesus C. Cortez was born June 28, 1938 in Beeville, Texas, a son of Malqueze Cortez and Teresa Cavazos Cortez. He grew up in Lamesa. In 1958 he married Evangelina Rodriquez in San Angelo and she preceded him in death on September 28, 1987. Mr. Cortez worked as a farm laborer, at Mueller Supply and Dal-Tile. He was Baptist.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary Ellen Low and husband James of Coleman; one son, Jesse Cortez, Jr. of San Antonio; his mother, Teresa Cortez of Seminole; seven grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; two sisters, Cipi Cortez of Lamesa and Rafaela Ortiz of Seminole; eight brothers, Frank Cortez of Arizona, John Cortez of Lamesa, Paul Cortez of Lake Coleman, Pete Cortez of Lamesa, Daniel Cortez of Lamesa, Robert Cortez of Big Spring, Alex Cortez of Plainview, Vidal Cortez of Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his father, his wife and one son, Gilbert Cortez, Sr.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) James Pope Snodgrass, 91
3/15/2008
Lt. Colonel (Retired) James Pope Snodgrass, passed away after a long and fulfilling life, attended by his wife of 65 years, Charlene Butler Snodgrass. In 1916, Jim was born to Robert Lee and Mary Lee Snodgrass in Coleman and played football, basketball, and ran track for Coleman High School along with his brothers, Gus, Jack and Mac. Jim, along with his brothers and sisters Elizabeth, Flo, Nell and Ruby, worked the cotton fields until his mother Mary Lee insisted he continue his education. He graduated from Daniel Baker College in Brownwood in 1939, where he played football and basketball. After graduation, he taught high school math and coached football, basketball, and track in Olden, Texas where he met Charlene.

He then became a Texas Highway patrolman and ultimately found his true calling in the United States Air Force.

A month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Jim enlisted in the Army as a Private and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School, an accelerated course producing "90-Day Wonders" for the war effort and emerged as a Second Lieutenant. Jim and Charlene were married in her parent’s home in Olden, Texas on December 18, 1942. They were stationed in Amarillo in 1943 when they welcomed their first son Jack, shortly after which Jim was transferred to India for eighteen months during the war against Japan. Their second son James was born in San Antonio in 1946, followed by their third son Robert (known in Coleman as Bob) in 1952 in Waco. During the war Jim opted for the Army Air Corps, which became the U.S. Air Force in 1947, and became a Regular Air Force officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1966.

During his Air Force career, Jim, Charlene and the boys lived in San Antonio, El Paso, and Waco, Texas; Panama City, Florida; Tachikawa AFB, Japan; Montgomery, Alabama, where Jim attended Air Command Staff School; Springfield, Virginia while stationed at The Pentagon; Wiesbaden Air Force Base in then West Germany; and returned to his final assignment back at the Pentagon in 1964, again living in Springfield in Fairfax County, Virginia. His specialty in the Air Force was Manpower and Organization, and he was commended while at the Pentagon for his ability to improve a wing or squadron’s efficiency while maintaining full military readiness. Charlene helped Jim move all over the world and followed him on all assignments with their three young boys in tow. She always kept Jim and the boys at their best with great home-cooking, sewing and careful housekeeping.

In 1966, after 28 years in the Air Force, Jim retired and returned to live in his hometown of Coleman employed as its City Manager. In his five years on the job he improved the town physically and financially, bringing in more than four million dollars in federal grants to build the Highway 84 Martin Luther King overpass, the Public Housing facility on Commercial Avenue, the pipeline to Lake Coleman, and many road improvements. After his five years in Coleman he was employed as City Manager of Yoakum, Texas for another five years and finally entering full retirement in 1976. While maintaining an immaculate house and yard, Jim devoted his spare time to many service organizations including the American Heart Association where he was named Regional Volunteer of the Year in 1988 and also served many years as chairman of the Heart Walk in Coleman; the American Cancer Society; The Daniel Baker College Ex-Student’s Association where he served as President and was named Distinguished alumnus in 1991; the Coleman Library Board where he served as President; the Kiwanis Club where he served as District Lieutenant Governor; Meals on Wheels; District Girl Scout Council; and the First United Methodist Church where he taught adult Sunday School classes. He also was known for his devotion to walking, making many laps around his neighborhood and eventually logging more than 25,000 miles - a distance he was proud to say was equal to walking all the way around the earth.

In 2005, Alzheimer’s Disease struck Jim, and Charlene began managing the house and Jim’s care. The family would like to thank the many Coleman residents who have supported Jim and Charlene during this difficult time, especially the Coleman Hospital, Holiday Hill Nursing Home, Don and Liz Hughes, and Debbie Alley and Ronnie Winters, both of whom helped Charlene with Jim’s daily care.

Survivors include wife Charlene, son Jack and wife Esther of Los Angeles, California, son James and wife Jan of Norfolk, Virginia, and son Bob and wife Mary Margaret of Bryan, Texas. He is also survived by 10 Grandchildren: Jack’s sons Robert and Jim and daughter Becky, Jim’s daughter Beth and son Kirk, and Bob’s sons David and Bob and daughters, Terri, Jenny, and Annie: and 7 Great-Grandchildren including Terri’s son Mac and daughter Nena, Beth’s son Connor and daughter Quinn, and Jenny’s daughters, Abby, Mary Faith, and Lucy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or First United Methodist Church of Coleman, Texas.

Funeral services will be provided by Stevens Funeral Home at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a full military burial in Coleman City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, at Stevens Funeral Home.

Lenora Powers Gilliam, 80
3/13/2008
Lenora Powers Gilliam of Abilene and former Coleman County resident, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center.

Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion, with Chaplain David Takacs officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Lenora Powers Gilliam was born November 27, 1927 in the Liberty Community in Coleman County, the daughter of the late Martin Willard and Ada Jewel Russell Powers. She grew up in the Liberty Community and attended schools in Liberty and Buffalo. She also attended Howard Payne University. She married James Gilliam on January 6, 1945 in Brownwood. She had lived in Abilene since 1961. She was active in the P.T.A. and the Girl Scouts and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Abilene.

Survivors include her husband, James Elgean Gilliam of Abilene; her son, Dale Gilliam of Ft. Worth; one brother, Sammie Powers and wife, Imogene, of Santa Anna; one grandson, Justin Gilliam and wife, Kasey, of Castle Rock, Colorado; two sisters-in-law, Betty Carter of Coleman, Sandra Kring and husband, Ervin, of Lubbock; one niece, two nephews and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by one son, James Elgean Gilliam, Jr.

R. C. Espitia, Jr., 65
3/13/2008
R.C. Espitia, Jr., of Brownwood passed away Tuesday March 11, 2008, at his home.

A Funeral Mass, under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home, will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 15 at Saint Mary’s Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Father Avenido Sarifin officiating. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park.

A Wake service will be held at7:00 p.m. Friday evening in the Davis-Morris Chapel.

Raymond Espitia, Jr. was born September 3, 1942, to Raymond C and Juanita (Cardenas) Espitia in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In 1961, R C and Elvira Reyes were married in Coleman, Texas. He had lived in Brownwood since 1999 and was a retired Santa Fe Railroad worker where he worked as a machine operator. His hobby was carpentry where built things around the house. He also loved animals, keeping a small herd of goats.

Mr. Espitia is survived by his wife Elvira Espitia; sons, Wally Espitia, Vince Allen Espitia, Michael Angel Espitia, and Raymond Espitia, III; daughter, Sandra Ann Espitia; 15 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; father, Raymond Espitia; brothers, Joe, Jerry, and Robert Espitia; sisters, Mary Mendoza, Lupe Sanchez, Gracie Gil, Janie Giest, and Sylvia Salinaz. He was preceded in death by mother Juanita Espitia and brother David Espitia.

Condolences to the family can be left online at http://www.mem.com/.

Mrs. Jana Greenway
3/12/2008
Mrs. Jana Greenway of San Angelo passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2008 in San Angelo.

Services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, March 15 in the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Gregg Estes officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mozelle Monsey Williams, 85
3/12/2008
MOZELLE MONSEY WILLIAMS, age 85, of Gouldbusk, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 14 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Weathers officiating. Burial will follow in the Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Stevens Funeral Home.

Mozelle Monsey Williams was born November 24, 1922 in Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of Gordon and Flora Sloan Monsey. She grew up in South Coleman County where she attended school at Starkweather, Gouldbusk and graduated from Mozelle High School in 1938. The Mozelle school was named for Mozelle Monsey after her grandmother, Mrs. Sammie Harris, donated the land for the school. Following her graduation from high school, Mozelle attended McMurry College (now University). During World War II she worked at Bryan, Texas Air Force Base in the secretarial pool for the maintenance department. She married Lee Williams in 1946 in Valera and he preceded her in death in 1977.

Following their marriage, they lived in Brownwood until 1950, moving to Gouldbusk at that time. Her husband was a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and he appointed her as his sub. Following his death in 1977, she was the rural letter carrier until retiring in 1989. Mozelle was very active in the Gouldbusk Cemetery Association, serving as secretary for many years. She was a member of the Gouldbusk Methodist Church, the Gouldbusk "42" Club and the Gouldbusk Home Demonstration Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Terrye Nanny and husband Dwight of Gouldbusk, Cindye Baker and husband Curtis of Abilene; one son, Lee (Skip) Williams and wife Vicki of Lake Coleman; two sisters, Bettye Candler and husband Robert of Shields and Diana Allen and husband Jerry of Mozelle; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Ricky Jennings of Mesquite, NV.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, Bobbye Thweatt and one daughter, Shanna Jennings.

Memorials may be made to the Gouldbusk Methodist Church, c/o Terrye Nanny, 6775 FM 1026, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.

Edith Fay Howell, 81
3/12/2008
Edith Fay Howell passed away March 11, 2008 at her residence.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, March 12, at Walker Funeral Home.

Services will be at 11:00am Thursday, March 13, at Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery.

She was the daughter of the late Owen James and Dora Belle Wilhite Lee, born March 26, 1926 in Evant, Texas. She attended schools at Lampasas and Evant. She married Ralph Howell and was a member of the Valera Baptist Church. Fay was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being a homemaker. While living in Coleman, she held several jobs working with the public, especially at the Owl Drug Store. For many years, Fay and Ralph enjoyed square dancing. She also enjoyed many years of traveling with her husband to the Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast where numerous hours were spent collecting sand dollars.

Survivors are: her husband - Ralph Howell of Coleman; five daughters and sons-in-law - Dora Jean and Leroy Freeland of Fort Worth, Elizabeth and Jerry Jones of Coleman; Cecilia Howell of Brownwood; Theresa and Frankie Schwartz of Wall, and Melissa and Dale Anderson of San Angelo; step-daughter - Linda and Dale Humphries of Kopperl; one son and daughter-in-law - Ralph and Michelle Howell, Jr. of Valera; step-son - William Melford Howell of Kopperl; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; one sister and three brothers preceded her in death.

Earl Wayne McClellan, 67
3/10/2008
Earl McClellan, of Abilene, died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the age of 67.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

January 29, 1941 Earl was born in Gouldbusk, Texas to Robert Roy McClellan and Dorothy Nadine (Johnson) McClellan. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1959. Earl married Sandra Sherman March 18, 1961 in Dallas, Texas. They lived in Dallas from 1961 before moving to Coleman in 1983. While living in Dallas, he owned and operated T & T Air Conditioning. In 1991, Earl moved to Abilene from Coleman. For 20 years he worked as an insurance claims adjuster for Germania and Farm Mutual Insurance Companies before retiring in 2006. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Abilene.
Earl’s father preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, of Abilene; his mother, Dorothy McClellan, of Coleman; one son, Steve Kevin McClellan, of Fort Hood; one daughter, Jennifer Jo Ann McClellan, of Abilene; one sister, Betty Sue McClellan, of Coleman; and two grandchildren, Megan and Tristen McClellan.

Memorials may be made in honor of Earl McClellan to the donor’s favorite charity.

Ilma Cloe Siddall, 89
3/10/2008
Ilma Cloe Siddall passed away on March 7, 2008. She was born to Jesse and Callie Bairrington on September 22, 1918 in Hill County. She spent most of her youth in Coleman County. She married James Siddall in Coleman, Texas on April 15, 1945. She was a member of Antioch Christian Church.

She was the epitome of a homemaker. Having an immaculate home and home cooked meals for her family were a priority for her. Her two sons, Jimmie and Bill were her joys. She loved to crochet and collect sea shells. She had an extensive shell collection that she was very proud of. Before they retired they spent many years on inspection jobs that took them across the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Lela Bedell, Burnadatte Cox, Jessie Mae Roberts, Horace, Noble, and Odell Bairrington. She is survived by her husband; sons Jimmie and wife Carol of Odessa; Bill and wife Bonnie of Hillsboro, TX; grandchildren Keith Siddall and wife LouAnn of Madison, IN; Holly Ann Petree and husband John of Midland, TX; Shaun Siddall and wife Jessica of Albuquerque, NM; Casey Siddall of Hobbs, NM; Heather Hawkins and husband Kenneth of Seminole, TX, eight great-grandchildren survive her; Callie, Noah, Toben, and Ava Petree; Shauntell, Aliyah, Kenneth, and Alarah Hawkins. She is also survived by sister, Billie Jones of Delta, Utah.

The family wishes to thank the staff of wing four of Parks Retirement Center for their care of our wife and mother. Our thanks to Home Hospice and especially Donella, for their compassion and care. Our love and thanks to Dr. Francisco Salcido for his tender care and concern.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday March 12, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Services will be at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday March 13, 2008 with Rev. Andy Harris and Coy Siddall presiding.

Burial will be at Brown Ranch in Coleman County at 11:00 a.m. on Friday March 14, 2008. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to Hospice House, 903 N. Sam Houston Odessa, TX 79761.

Visit our website at www.sunsetmemorialfuneral.com to sign the guest book.

Emmitt Wiley “Bum” Foster, 72
3/3/2008
Emmitt Wiley “Bum” Foster of Abilene passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008 in Abilene.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with Joe Burkett officiating assisted by Janelle Schumann; burial will follow in the Cross Plains Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives for a time of visitation on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was born March 19, 1935 in the Atwell community in Callahan County, Texas to David Crockett and Mary Vivian (Childress) Foster. “Bum” graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army in 1958. He married Kay Barr in Cross Plains on August 3, 1956. He was ordained as a minister in the Wings As Eagles Ministries in Coleman, Texas in September 2004.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Foster of Abilene; son Jason Foster of Clyde; daughter Karen Foster Tharp of Clear Lake City, TX; sister Juanita Harlow of Roswell, NM; three grandchildren, Ryan, Mitchell, and Julia Tharp; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leona M. (Jerry) Wilson, 91
3/1/2008
Mrs. Leona M. (Jerry) Wilson, longtime resident of the Novice, Texas area, passed away February 29, 2008 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday, March 2, at Walker Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, March 3, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Rough Creek Cemetery at Novice.

Leona was born December 2, 1916 in Mountain Air, New Mexico, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence and Emma Ward. She married the late Mr. Jerry Wilson December 31, 1933 in Santa Anna and he preceded her in death February 15, 1994. Leona had lived in Novice since 1929 and was a housewife and member of the Novice Methodist Church.

Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law - Wanda and Paul Motley of Novice, Mary and Jarry Little of Tuscola and Martha and Jim Castner of Baird; two sons and daughters-in-law - Jerald and Nena Wilson of Novice and Mack and Candy Wilson of Midland.

Pallbearers and grandsons - Virgil Wilson, Charles Motley, James Motley, Larry Motley, Matt Motley, Lance Weaver, Justin Weaver, John Fuller, Paul Fuller and Jake Wilson.

Honorary pallbearers and granddaughters - Anita Corder, Liticia Wilson, Fransis Coloume, Emma McKinney, Lissa Mackey, Susan Dudley and Lacy Wilson.

28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials can be sent to the Novice Methodist Church, Rough Creek Cemetery Association or Novice Volunteer Fire Department in lieu of flowers.

Brenda Joyce Bell, 55
3/1/2008
Funeral services for Brenda Joyce Bell, 55, of Bangs will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2008, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with the Rev. George Frasier officiating. Burial will be in the Mukewater Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

Brenda went to be with the Lord at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

Brenda was born September 21, 1952, in Odessa, Texas and was a homemaker. A resident of this area for 44 years, she was devoted to her two loving dogs, enjoyed her home, many friends and hobbies.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Bell. Survivors include her father, Gene Bell of Bangs; two sisters, Alice and husband Paul Hoisington of Bangs and Doris and Phil Kelly of Waco; two nieces, Kristie Davis of Waco and Karla Cahill of Temple; one great niece, Kelly Davis of Waco; and long-time friend, Patsy Hill of Bangs.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and doctors at Brownwood Regional Medical Center for their kind and understanding care during her last few days.

b
Rubimae Torrance passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at the age of 96.

Rubimae was born in Waco on March 5, 1911, daughter of the late Oma and Roger Spencer. A graduate of Waco High School, she married Roland Blake Torrance in 1930.

They settled in Fort Worth around 1948, joined Broadway Baptist Church, and reared three daughters. Roland, the only love of her life, died in 1957.

Rubimae served as receptionist and historian of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. She was very active in the Camp Fire program and volunteered with the Red Cross. Later, she enjoyed working at Edna Gladney, the Lord's Supper display and the Van Cliburn piano competitions. She loved her God, her family, nature, sewing, traveling, playing bridge and 42, swimming, playing the piano and crafts. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, Rubimae was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Spencer Jr., and her daughter, Jane Harlan.

Survivors: Her daughters, Lyn Keil and her husband, Jack, of Merritt Island, Fla., and Susan Torrance of Austin; son-in-law, Ken Harlan of Amarillo; five grandchildren, including Sandra Rose and husband Joe of Coleman; six great-grandchildren including Hannah and Natalee Rose of Coleman; sister, Johnibel Roberts; sister-in-law, Nancy Spencer, both of Granbury; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday in the Fleming Chapel of Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth with interment at 3 p.m. in Waco Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, Fort Worth.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Buckner Children and Family Services, 5200 S. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75227; or to First Texas Council of Camp Fire USA, 2700 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

You may sign the online guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/dfw/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=104345164.

James M. Campbell, Jr., 66
2/25/2008
James Campbell, Jr., of Coleman, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2008, at Coleman County Medical Center.

Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday.

Services will be at 10:00am Wednesday at Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery.

He was born July 22, 1941 to the late James M. Campbell and Ruby McCormick.

He is survived by: his mother - Ruby Campbell-Pierce; sisters - Vicki Hanz of Santa Anna, Beth Beene of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Terrie Utley of Kress, Texas, Cathy Lakefield of Horatio, Arkansas, Patty Campbell of Muncie, Indiana; daughter - Penny Campbell of Santa Fe, New Mexico; step-mother - Mary Campbell of Muncie, Indiana; nephews - Jerry Campbell of Carlsbad, New Mexico and Tom Prewitt of Bailey, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his father - James Sr. and brothers Jerry and Tommy.

Patsy (Pat) Ruth Beck, 79
2/25/2008
Patsy "Pat" Ruth Beck passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Anson General Hospital.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:30pm Monday (tonight) at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home, 401 Commercial Avenue with Lee Perkins and Carter Edmonson officiating. Burial will follow at Valera Cemetery with friends and family gathering at Big O's in Valera at 4:30pm for meal and fellowship.

Pat was born in Haskell to the late George Pruitt and Beatrice Pruitt Meeks. She spent her early life in Haskell and Abilene. Pat began working full time at age fourteen when her father died suddenly. Her first full-time job was at the Big Spring Bombadier School during World War II. Later, she moved to Coleman to work at Bowen Drug Store.
While in Coleman, she met and later married the love of her life, Rex H. Beck on March 25, 1949 and was committed to Rex and her family for the rest of her life.

Pat worked at the Cal-Tex Feed Yard in Trent for 15 years before moving back to Coleman County to live in the house in which Rex had been born. She then worked as a medical transcriptionist at the Overall-Morris Memorial Hospital in Coleman. She also worked at the Winters Hospital before retiring in 1990.

Pat will be remembered as an avid gardener who would not plant anything unless it provided something to eat. While she worked outside the home, she enjoyed a good joke or prank and loved to laugh and have a good time.

Pat is survived by her daughter - Jan Beck-Woodall and husband Danny; granddaughter - Tara Lee Woodall; sister - Wanda Sue Hughes, all of Merkel; a brother - C.L. Meeks of Parumph, Nevada; sister-in-law - Dorrice Beck of San Angelo; six nieces and five nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son - Kenneth Rex Beck, and husband - Rex H. Beck.

Those wishing to send memorials can make them to the West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene or the charity of their choice.

William Radle, 84
2/24/2008
William "Bill" "Blackie" Radle, Jr., 84, of Eldorado, went singing with the Angels to meet his Lord on Friday, February 22, 2008 at a San Angelo hospital, surrounded by his loving wife of 58 years, his precious daughter, granddaughters, a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2007 at the Eldorado Cemetery Chapel. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

A family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 25, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

Another family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the Eldorado Cemetery Chapel.

William "Bill" "Blackie" Radle, Jr. was born July 11, 1923 in the Cleveland Community in Coleman County, the son of the late William and Nancy Janie Phillips Radle. He grew up in the Cleveland Community and attended schools in Cleveland and Santa Anna. He had to drop out of high school to help take care of his family when his father went blind. He married Norma Louise Sparks on May 21, 1949 in Valera. He worked for Joe Mathews in Santa Anna for 15 years as a mechanic and truck driver. In January, 1961, he went to work for the Texas Department of Transportation and retired after 28 years. He was a volunteer fireman in Sonora from 1961 to 1973. When he moved to Eldorado in 1973, he volunteered as a fireman as well. He taught at the San Angelo Fireman Training School and also taught fireman training at Texas A & M University for 17 years. He also was a member of the Church of Christ in Sonora.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Louise Radle of Eldorado; one daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Gary Brawner of San Angelo; four grandchildren, Amy Catherine Robledo of Mertzon, Kelly Jo Blackeway of Eldorado, Andrea Robledo of Bloomington, Indiana, Capt. Timothy Brawner and his wife, Barbara, of Altus, Oklahoma; five great grandchildren, Victoria Brown and Zachary William Brown, both of Mertzon, Jimmy Don Fleming of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and Ally Brawner and Johnny Brawner, both of Altus, Oklahoma; the Odom Family and a very special grandson, Al Brown of San Angelo and several nieces and nephews, including Ruth Poldrack and her husband, Nick, of Coleman.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Shirley Jo Odom in 2007, two brothers, Charlie Radle and Phillip Radle and two sisters, Willie Lednicky and Selma Russell.

Memorials may be sent to Meals for Friends in Eldorado.

Others

Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for "Others."

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know, that all I do for You
Must needs be done for "Others."

"Others," Lord, yes, "Others!"
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others
That I may live for Thee.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com

M. C. Jones, 76
2/20/2008
M. C. Jones age 76 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 8:20 AM at his residence south of Santa Anna.

Services will be graveside at 2:30pm, Sunday at the Flomot Cemetery in Flomot, Texas with Rev. Salt Jones officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday from 4 till 6 PM at Henderson Funeral Home in Santa Anna and on Saturday from 5 till 8 PM at Seigler Funeral Home in Matador, Texas. Services are under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

M. C. was born June 7, 1929 in Motley County, Texas to the late Crabill C. and Eliza J. Barton Jones. He was a lifetime resident of Motley County graduating from Flomot High School in 1947. He continued his education at Tarelton State University and received his BS and MS from Sul Ross University. On November 26, 1997 M. C. married Barbara Sue Bruce Kingsbery in Santa Anna, Texas and they have celebrated ten years of marriage. M. C. was a member of the Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge. He was a coach and teacher at Roscoe High School and Flomot ISD during the 1950’s and ranched on the family ranch owned by his family for over 100 years.

SURVIVORS: Wife – Barbara Kingsbery Jones of Santa Anna, Texas; Daughter – Candy & husband Michael Kern of Plano, Texas; 2 Sons – Salt & wife Susan Jones of Calgary, Canada; Pepper Jones of Austin, Texas; 2 Step Daughters – Sue and husband John Porter of Austin, Texas; Carol & Bob Otto of Lago Vista, Texas; 3 Grandchildren; 2 Step Granddaughters.

Margaret Ann Dean, 74
2/18/2008
Margaret Ann Dean, of Santa Anna, passed away February 17, 2008 at her residence.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, February 21, at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.

Services will be at 2:00pm Thursday at Walker Funeral Chapel with Rev. L.C. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery.

She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore and Emma Rose Clark Anderson, born May 27, 1933 in Muskegan, Michigan.
She married James Dean in Seminole, Texas January 10, 1975 and had lived in the Santa Anna area since 1986. She was a homemaker and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Survivors include: her husband - James Dean of Santa Anna; four daughters and sons-in-law - Debbie Alley of Santa Anna, Rhonda and Freddie Rainey of Brownwood, Teresa and James Greaves of Santa Anna, Lisa and Jesse Travino of Sterling City; three sons - David Dean of Killeen, Gary Dean of Ohio, Lean DeVoss of Indiana; one brother and sister-in-law - Jerry and Betty Anderson of Logansport, Indiana; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one special great-granddaughter - Kiki Randle and a special friend - Betty Trunbone.

She was preceded in death by her first husband - Wilson DeVoss; daughter - Marvella Rodriguez, Jamie Lynn Faris; step mother and father - Theodore and Dorothy Anderson; brother - Ted Anderson; sister - Joann Harris; step father and mother - Charles and Rose Clark and a grandson.

Alice Conway, 88
2/15/2008
BANGS - Funeral services for Alice Conway, 88, of Bangs, will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 16, at the First Baptist Church of Bangs with the Reverend Lee Evans and Reverend Rick Justice officiating. Interment will follow in Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Friday, February 15, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Conway passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in Brownwood.
Alice McHorse was born on January 30, 1920, in Eastland Texas the daughter of John and Della McHorse. She was raised and attended school in Eastland and Coleman County. On September 21, 1937, she married F.C. Conway in Coleman. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and caring for her family.
Mrs. Conway was a former member of the Rocky Creek Baptist Church, a longtime resident of Bangs and was presently a member of The First Baptist Church of Bangs.

She is survived by her three children; Wilma Jo Talbot and husband Mike, of Arlington, Billy Floyd Conway, of Eva Dale, Texas and Perry Conway and wife Patsy, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband F. C. (Buck) Conway, three brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Bangs Ministry Fund, P.O. Box 520, Bangs, Texas 76823. Friends and family are invited to sign the on-line guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net

Melissa Irene Story Beard, 85
2/14/2008
Melissa Irene Story Beard, of Coleman, died Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Hall officiating, assisted by Joe Hailey. Burial will follow in the Silver Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Melissa Irene Story Beard was born February 2, 1923 in Dickson County, Tennessee to the late William Delbert and Mamie Lee Anderson Story. She grew up and attended schools in Cheatham County, Tennessee and married Ulys A. Beard on December 25, 1944 in Fairview, Tennessee. They moved to Coleman in August, 1967. She worked for Novice I.S.D., where she was a Teacher’s Aide, Cook and Bus Driver. She volunteered with the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Ulys Beard of Coleman; five sons and daughters-in-law, James C. and Teresa Beard of Clyde, Donald D. and Kim Beard of Clyde, Olan E. and Debbie Beard of Abilene, John W. and Myra Beard of Dickson, Tennessee, Bobby Lynn and Rhonda Beard of Clyde; four daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley E. and Weldon Champion of Abilene, Gaile Ann and Bo Green of North Richland Hills, Janice M. and Harley Sadler of Ovalo, Annette and Randy Mabry of Sonora; one daughter-in-law, Judy Beard of Odessa; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer Story of Melborne, Florida, Neal and Ada Story of Melborne, Florida, Hardin and Juanita Story of Pegram, Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Meadows of Hillsboro, Tennessee, Frank Greer of Pegram, Tennessee; 22 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, William (Bill) Beard; two sisters, Jean Meadows, Shirley Greer; three brothers, J.W. Story, Doyle Story and Gus Story.

Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, Texas 79605-9989.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com

Ealey E. "Gene" Cox, 85
2/14/2008
Ealey E. "Gene" Cox, of Coleman, died Tuesday at Coleman County Medical Center.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2008 at the Burkett Cemetery with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Gene Cox was born October 4, 1922 in Greenway, Arkansas, the son of Hoarace Otis Cox and Ollie B. Finley Cox. He grew up and attended school in Arkansas. He married Dovie Lee Renfro. She preceded him in death. On October 1, 1971, he married Thelma Baker Younglove in Aransas Pass. She preceded him in death on February 2, 2001. He was a carpenter and helped in the building of the Nuclear Plant in Bay City. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was also affiliated with New Beginnings Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Cecil and Neda Cox of Cypress; two daughters and son-in-law, Dovie Diann Daehn of Brownwood, Lovella Jean and Joe Adams of Waynesville, Ohio; one step-son, Billy Younglove and his wife, Eva, of Canton; three step-daughters, Pat Miley of Willis, Peggy Baker of Aransas Pass, Janet Wright of Missouri City; 10 Cox Grandchildren, 22 Younglove Grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, six brothers and one sister.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2007 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Eunice King, 89
2/12/2008
Eunice Blanche Holmes King, of Coleman, died Sunday, February 10, 2008 in Valley Mills.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2008 at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating, assisted by Rev. Gary Boyd. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Eunice Blanche Holmes King was born December 16, 1918 in Linden, Alabama, the daughter of J.D. Bergus Holmes and Callie Elizabeth Ford Holmes. She moved to Texas with her family at the age of four and attended school in Duster and graduated from high school in DeLeon. She later graduated from Howard Payne University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree. She married Charles M. King on April 20, 1940 in Ballinger. He preceded her in death on January 28, 1972. Mrs. King began her married life in Marietta and also lived in Barnhart for one year. She moved to Coleman in 1944, where she taught elementary school at South Ward till 1968. She moved to El Paso in 1968, where she taught school and was a librarian. She returned to Coleman in 1979 and had recently moved to Valley Mills. She was a member of the Retired Teachers, AARP, Delta Kappa Gamma and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She was also a member of First Baptist Church in Coleman, where she served as Church Librarian for 25 years.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Janis and Joe Woychesin of China Spring; her son and daughter-in-law, Damon C. and Pamela King of Plano; her brother, Doyle Holmes and his wife, Merle, of Lubbock; four grandchildren, William C. Lawrence of Arlington, Dan Edward Lawrence of Southlake, Margo Gail Conrad of Mansfield, Lauren Elizabeth King of Fort Worth; six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, Agnis Hill and five brothers, Austin Holmes, Justin Holmes, James Holmes, Evan Holmes and Henry Holmes.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2008 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be William C. Lawrence, Dan Edward Lawrence, Kevin Conrad, Lance Holmes, Mike Holmes and David Holmes.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Library Fund.

Hettie Scarbrough, 92
2/11/2008
Hettie Scarbrough, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Monday, February 11, 2008 at 11:08 AM at the Coleman County Medical Center.

Services will be at 2:00pm Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. Bobby Weathers officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 till 8 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Hettie was born September 1, 1915 in Coleman County, Texas to the late John Davis and Nancy Louise Starr Williamson. She was a lifetime resident of Coleman County attending the Plainview Schools and graduated from Santa Anna High School. On December 5, 1936 Hettie married W. D. “Doc” Scarbrough in Santa Anna and they celebrated fifty six years of marriage. Doc preceded her in death in 1990. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist. Hettie worked at the Santa Anna Tile Plant and was a homemaker.

SURVIVORS - Daughter – Janet Barker of Coleman, Texas; Son – Jerry and wife Nancy Scarbrough of Austin, Texas; 2 Granddaughters – Sherrie Greenburg of Austin, Texas and Darla and husband Hank Wise of Gouldbusk, Texas; 2 Grandsons – Mike and wife Tanya Barker of Coleman, Texas and Jim and wife Felicia Barker of Grapevine, Texas; 10 Great-Grandchildren.

Pallbearers - Blaine Barker, Hunter Wise, Hayden Wise, Rob Cheaney, Mike Scarbrough, David Williams

Honorary Pallbearers - Jimmy Neal, Donnie Simpson, Larry Rose, Weldon Wilson

Dan Edington, 54
2/11/2008
Dan Edington, of Coleman, Texas passed away Sunday, February 10, 2008 at his residence in Coleman.

Services will be Tuesday at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw and Don Allen officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6 till 8 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

He was born Jimmy Dan Edington on June 1, 1953 in Coleman, Texas to Bobbie Jean Hail Edington and the late Glen Duwayne Edington. Dan was a lifetime resident of Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1971. He then continued his education at Tarleton State University and was a member of the Baptist Church. Dan was Assistant Manager for Coleman Livestock Auction and a stock farmer.

Survivors - 2 Sons – Jim Bob & wife Elizabeth Edington of Coleman, Texas; Hayes Edington of West Point, New York; Mother - Bobbie Jean Edington of Coleman, Texas; Brother – Bob & wife Sylvia Edington of Coleman, Texas; 2 Grandchildren – Jeffery & Sadie Edington of Coleman, Texas; Niece Macy & husband Jake Knight of Midland, Texas; Nephew – Glen Edington of Coleman., Texas

Pallbearers: Jim Carruth, Jay Davis, Mike Edington, Kevin Landers, Buddy Mays, Anthony Strawn, Donald Turner, Dub Wallis

Honorary Pallbearers: Tim Brown, Ross Burdick, Henry Dodson, Donnie Henderson, Rodney Henderson, Derry Rankin, Terry Rankin

Arlene Bennett, 86
2/11/2008
Arlene Bennett, of San Angelo, formerly of Coleman, passed away in San Angelo on Saturday, February 9, 2008.

Visitation will be from 10:00am until 12 noon on Tuesday, February 12, at Walker Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2:00pm Tuesday at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Rev. Patrick Bennett officiating, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

She was born in Coleman on May 8, 1921 to the late Cecil and Ora McQueen. She graduated from Mozelle High School before becoming a beautician. She married the late Joe Lowe and after he preceded her in death, she married the late Edward Bennett.

Survivors include: one daughter - Joann Babbitt of Sonora, one sister - June Sutherland of Brownwood; one brother - Henry McQueen of Clarendon; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Hanna Nicole Stidham
2/11/2008
Hanna Nicole Stidham stillborn daughter of James and Miranda Stidham died Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Billy Ray Austin, 77
2/10/2008
Billy Ray Austin, of Brownwood, died Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Southpark Development Center in Brownwood.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2008 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Paul Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Billy Ray Austin was born December 17, 1930 in Lamesa, Texas, the son of James W. and Mary Jane Austin. He moved to Coleman in 1956 and had lived in Brownwood since 1976. He worked at the Southpark Development Center Workshop in Brownwood for 15 years as a carpenter. He loved playing the harmonica, being outdoors and 3 Musketeers candy bars.

Billy is survived by his entire Southpark Development Center family.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.

Daniel C. Siller, 68
2/8/2008
Daniel C. Siller age 68 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 6:30 PM at his residence north of Santa Anna, Texas.

Services will be Saturday at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Santiago officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Rosary will be held Friday at 7:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home.

Daniel was born October 15, 1939 in Cristales Coah, Mexico to the late Robert and Manuela Castillo Siller. He was raised and attended schools in Mexico. On August 15, 1959 Daniel married Eva Frausto in Mexico and they celebrated forth eight years of marriage. Daniel has been a resident of Coleman County since 1960 and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a stock farmer and worked for the Santa Fe Railroad retiring in 2001.

SURVIVORS - Wife – Eva Siller of Santa Anna, Texas; 6 Daughters – Graciela Fierro of Odessa, Texas, Nellie Siller of Midland, Texas, Eva Ferguson of Huntsville, Texas, Elizabeth Poquet of San Angelo, Texas, Maricela Patino of Rayford, North Carolina, Andrea Siller of Santa Anna, Texas; 3 Sons – Daniel Siller of Santa Anna, Texas, Robert Siller of Kansas, Jorge Siller of Santa Anna, Texas; 2 Sisters – Olivia Hernandez of Del Rio, Texas, Oralia Silva or Cristales, Mexico; Brother – Oscar Siller of Acunia, Mexico; 10 Grandchildren; 1 Great-Grandchild. Daniel was preceded in death by his son Netza Siller in 1993.

Ida Mae Norris, 86
2/8/2008
Ida Mae Norris, of Abilene and a former resident of Coleman, died Thursday, February 7, 2008 at an Abilene nursing center.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman, Texas, with burial to follow in Coleman Cemetery.

Viewing will begin on Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman. Local arrangements are being made by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Homes.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on December 15, 1921, she was the daughter of Carl and Ethel Tinsley Perrie. Ida Mae attended public schools in Coleman and Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls.

She married Sherman Norris in Midland on October 31, 1955.? In 1960, the couple moved from Coleman to Abilene, where she established and co-owned S.H. Norris Insurance Agency (1960-1984), and was employed by S.H. Norris Oil & Gas (1982-1986).

Ida Mae was a member of First Christian Church in Coleman. She was an active member of Coleman Rebekah Lodge #344 for 35 years, and Abilene Rebekah Lodge #89 since 1971. She was also an active member of Big Country Squadron of the Confederate Air Force and a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary of V.F.W. and Abilene Petroleum Club.

She was predeceased by her husband, Sherman Norris, on September 18, 1983; son, Jimmy Ray Varner, on June 29, 1956; her parents; brothers, Petie Perrie and Lewis Perrie; and two nephews.

Survivors include a brother, Sammy Perrie of Coleman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels Plus, Inc., P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX?? 79604.

Willis D. Kirkland, 87
2/7/2008
Willis D. Kirkland, of Coleman, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2008, in Brownwood.

A short prayer service will take place at Walker Funeral Home at 2:00pm Friday, February 8.

Burial was at Trickham on Thursday, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

He was born May 10, 1920 in Hico, Texas to Roy Kirkland and Sally Green Kirkland. He served in World War II in the Army Air Force and became a sand blaster after the war. He married the late Retha Gertrude Roberts in 1940. She preceded him in death, as did his parents.

Survivors include: two daughters - Shirley Lemon of Cody, Wyoming and Oleta Hull of Coleman; one son - Weldon Kirkland of Altus, Arkansas; two sisters - Marie Boyd of Colorado City and Robbie Marie Stump of Oklahoma City. Five grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren also survive.

Deborah Vanover, 56
2/7/2008
Deborah Vanover, of Memphis, Tennessee formerly of Bridge City and Coleman, Texas, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at her residence. She was a devoted mother, world’s greatest Mimi and loving sister, and a very hard worker.

She is survived by her daughter, Chantal Christensen of Santa Anna, Texas; grandchildren, Emily Milwood and Shelbie DeLeon; sister, Karen Alexander of Memphis; Michael Curtis Alexander; uncle, Charles Alexander of Memphis and many other aunts and uncles that reside in Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Eagle Heights Church, 11815 IH10, Orange, Texas, 77630. (Phone: 409-745-0050).

Clyde Dwight, Jr., 89
2/6/2008
Clyde Dwight, Jr., of Coleman and formerly of Shamrock, died Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Family visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman and will be Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bailey-Ware Funeral Home in McLean.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the First Methodist Church in McLean. Burial will be in the McLean Cemetery in McLean. Arrangements in Coleman are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home and in McLean are under the direction of Bailey-Ware Funeral Home in McLean.

Clyde Dwight, Jr. was born May 31, 1918 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the son of late Clyde, Sr. and Lena Ruth Gray Dwight. He grew up in McLean and graduated from McLean High School. He was in the United States Army Air Corps, serving with the 15th Regiment in Italy. He was an Engineer on the B-17 Flying Fortress and flew over 350 combat missions. He received the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Four Oak Clusters and a Purple Heart. He married Louise Nix on April 9, 1941 in Sayre, Oklahoma, and they celebrated 66 years of marriage. He was an oil pumper for a number of years and was a welder and blacksmith in Shamrock for 37 years and moved to Coleman in 2005. He was a Mason, member of the Disabled American Veterans and the First Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Dwight of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Dr. Paul Moran of Coleman; five grandchildren, Jennifer Henry and husband, John, of San Saba, Joel Moran of Levelland, Jason Moran and wife, Lori, of Coleman, Jarrod Moran of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Jamie Ruth Moran of Levelland and 11 great-grandchildren, Tara, Alicia, John, Joseph, Samantha and Victoria Henry all of San Saba, Tiffany Chapman of Levelland, Megan and Emily Moran, both of Coleman, Heather and Jonathan Moran, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David Dwight and Robert Dwight and one granddaughter Michelle Moran.

Memorials may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Mahdeen Needham Bolton, 85
2/5/2008
Mahdeen Needham Bolton of Coleman 9 died Monday, February 4, 2008 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7 at White Chapel Cemetery with family members officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Mahdeen Needham on February 28, 1922 in Coleman, a daughter of John Newton Needham and Lula Mae Fenton Needham. She grew up in Coleman where she also attended school. On September 15, 1935 she married Sam Bolton in Coleman. He died on October 26, 1992. Mrs. Bolton was a homemaker and for several years owned Mahdeen's One More Time Consignment Shop in Coleman.

Survivors include five daughters, Sherry Mayfield and husband Windel of Brownwood, Rita McAlister and husband Jerry of Coleman, Jo Foster and husband Robert of Abilene, Cindy Donald and husband Bill of Bridgeport, Tonya Stratton of Valera; four sons, Sammy Bolton of Coleman, Jack Bolton and wife Mary of Coleman, Danny Bolton and wife Janet of Brownwood, Bud Bolton of Kerrville; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Maggie Needham Jerden of Pottsboro.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, thirteen brothers and sisters, a daughter, Tammy McDorman in 2002, and a grandson, Wesley Clifton in 1988.

Memorials may be made to the White Chapel Cemetery Association, c/o Karen Mitchell, 105 CR 565, Eastland, Texas 76448 or it can be sent to Coleman County State Bank "White Chapel Cemetery Association" account.

Mary Ann Coursey, 89
2/4/2008
Mary Ann Coursey, long-time Coleman resident, died Sunday, February 3, 2008 at a Corsicana nursing home.

Funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with David Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Coursey was born December 25, 1918 in Brownsville, Texas, a daughter of the late Patrick Douglas Campbell and Jessie Sterling Campbell. She graduated from Howard Payne in Brownwood and taught elementary school in Coleman and El Paso. She was married to Don Coursey and he preceded her in death. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include a daughter, Donna Morgan and husband Wayne of Baytown; a son, Bud Coursey and wife Dorinda of Corsicana; a son-in-law, Tim Powell of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, Kevin Morgan, Doug Coursey, Jr., Ashley Bull and husband Matt, Anne Powell and Aaron Powell; four great-grandchildren, Kevin Morgan, Jr., Kourtney Morgan, Vivian Bull and Colin Bull.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, and a daughter, Marty Powell.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Robert Calvin Allcorn, 78
2/1/2008
Robert Calvin Allcorn, of Coleman, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2008 at his residence.

The family will receive friends at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Saturday.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Sunday at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Bill Schoneman officiating.

He was born to Elmer Allcorn and Jane Keeney Allcorn and lived all his life in Coleman County. He married the late Lena Alene Menges in Coleman July 1, 1950. She preceded him in death in 2005. He was a brick grinder.

Survivors include - a daughter - Deborah Isbell of Coleman; four sons - Ricky, Jimmy, Gary and Larry Allcorn, all of Coleman; daughter-in-law - Anita Allcorn of Midland; numerous nieces and nephews; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and son, and brothers and sisters.

Patty Joyce Watson Finch, 79
1/28/2008
PLANO -- Patty Joyce Watson Finch, 79, passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2008.

Patty was born Jan. 18, 1929, in Coleman and was a longtime resident of Fort Worth, where she worked as an accountant for a private firm for many years.

Patty was preceded in death by her sons, Terrell Wade Finch and Dwight Wayne Finch.

Survivors: Daughter, Tricia Brown and husband, Larry Thomson; daughter, Joy Turpin and husband, Nathan; son, Kenny Finch and wife, Melissa; grandchildren, Laura Wright and husband, Brady, Kerry Brinkley and husband, Norman, Kyle Turpin, Anna Turpin, Jeremy Turpin and Connor Finch; great-grandson, Scott Brinkley; siblings, Veta Percy and husband, Calvin, David Watson and wife, Betty, Grace Crum and husband, Ted, Ruth Wilson and husband, Robert, Carolyn Dix and husband, Lowell, Marguerite Daugherty and husband, Richard and Collier Watson and wife, Ann; former husband, Truman "Lucky" Finch; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorials: May be made to the Leukemia Society, 8111 LBJ Freeway Suite 425, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Greenwood Funeral Home
3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107
View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries

Nancy Williamson, 70
1/28/2008
Nancy Williamson passed away January 20th at Hospice Family Care Center in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy was born September 12, 1937 in Albany, California. She married Don Schaefer on February 23, 1957. She later married Joseph Williamson on April 1, 1972. She lived in the San Francisco Bay Area until 1982 then moved to Texas where she owned and operated the Abilene KOA Campground for 22 years. She retired in 2004 in Tucson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Haden and Jo Besse Cleveland, one brother David Cleveland, and her husband, Joseph Williamson. She is survived by one son, Dan Schaefer and his wife Carolyn of Pleasanton, California, two daughters, Terry Archer and her husband Jerry of Abilene, and Amy Chambers and her husband Cody of Coleman, Texas; eight grandchildren, Josh Archer and his wife Darby, Morgan and Ryan Archer of Abilene, Hunter, Lauren and Gracie Schaefer of Pleasanton, California, Allen and Brian Chambers of Coleman, Texas and Harold Gallion, her companion of eight years.

Memorial will be Saturday, February 2nd from 5-7 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Terry Archer, 8318 Thompson Pkwy in Abilene.

Burial services will be in Pine Mountain, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, family is requesting donations be made to KOA Care Camps, P.O. Box 361064, Birmingham, AL 35236 or Hospice Family Care, 6300 E. El Dorado Plaza Suite A100, Tucson, AZ 85715.

Hurschel Dunn, 96
1/26/2008
Hurschel G. Dunn, of Coleman, died Friday, January 25, 2008 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 29 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Frasier officiating and assisted by Dr. Jeff Miller.

Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Rev. George Frasier and Dr. Jeff Miller will officiate.

Hurschel G. Dunn was born November 14, 1911 in Coleman, Texas, a son of Ben F. Dunn and Nellie Gray Dunn. He attended Lone Star School, Watts Creek School, West Ward School and graduated from Coleman High School. He attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood, working as a ticket taker at the Lyric and Gem Theaters. He graduated in three years with a B.A. in Social Studies and Education.

After obtaining his degree, he went to work for International Harvester in Sweetwater for a short time. His next job was teaching school in Ira for three years. In 1941, Hurschel was one of the five hundred out of two thousand applicants who passed the highway patrol test. Out of those five hundred, two hundred were hired and Hurschel was one of them.

On October 18, 1941 Hurschel married Edna Stell; she preceded him in death on February 8, 2000. They lived in Austin, Galveston, Houston and El Paso before returning to Coleman in 1948 to run the family farm. In 1952 Hurschel began teaching at Coleman High School where he taught Social Studies, Drama and Driver's Education until 1966.

Hurschel had a bit part in a movie filmed in Anson in 1983 entitled Follow Your Dreams (originally titled Independence Day), starring Kathleen Quinlan and David Keith. He had a life-long interest in acting and often wished that he had pursued that career in New York or Hollywood. In his retirement, he worked for several years at Shipman's Department Store and Stevens Funeral Home.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church all of his life and then when it merged with the Christian Church in Col