A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. E.L. Luna, 96, of Nacogdoches, Texas will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Monsignor James E. Young officiating. Burial will follow at Moral Cemetery. Mr. Luna was born October 14, 1915, to the late Nora Poskey and John Luna and was called home by the Lord December 25, 2011. E.L. lived in Nacogdoches all his life. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He worked for Champion Paper Mill in Lufkin, Texas for 32 years. E.L. retired to help his wife, Faustina with Luna's Restaurant. He loved playing the guitar, singing and dancing and was very talented at all three. He also had a passion for sports, especially football. But more than anything he loved his wife and family. E.L. is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Judy Luna and John C. and Lynn Luna, both of Nacogdoches; daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Taylor McKewen of Lufkin; a brother and his wife, Sammy and Patricia Luna of Orlando, Florida; a sister, Nancy Lopez of Nacogdoches; brother-in-law, Raymond Ramos of Nacogdoches; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Martines of Beaumont; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and sixteen great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and good friends. In additon to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Faustina Ramos Luna; his daughter, Mary Ann Jackson; one brother, Gene Luna; and sisters, Betty Reeves and Zeffie Ramos. Pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Luna Jr., Paul Luna, Darrell Luna, Scott Jackson, Tony Luna and Kirk Ross. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2508 Appleby Sand, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75965, St. Andrew's Catholic Church Building Fund, 1611 Feagin Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or the
American Cancer Society , 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904. The family would like to extend special thanks to Pine Crest Healthcare Center for the loving care they gave to their father. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home. Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. To offer condolence or to sign an online register, please log onto
www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
In Memory of
Dr. Joe Ellis Ericson
June 9, 1925 - November 11, 2011
Dr. Joe Ellis Ericson, age 86, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Rock Haven Nursing Home, Nacogdoches.
Dr. Ericson was born June 9, 1925, in Throckmorton County, Texas, to parents Lester Yelma Ericson and Lena Agnes (Ellis) Ericson and had lived in Nacogdoches since 1957. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
After a number of years of faithful service, Dr. Ericson retired from Stephen F. Austin State University as a professor and chairman of the political science department. He was an author and had written numerous books. He was a co-author of a political science textbook, Practicing Texas Politics. He enjoyed gardening and was active with many groups and organizations, including Sons of the Republic of Texas, having served as a past President General; Jamestowne Society; Magna Charta Barons; American Political Science Association; Southwestern Political Science Association; Alpha Chi; a Knight of San Jacinto, past Knight Commander; and the Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters, having served as state president.
He was married to the former Carolyn Reeves on July 16, 1955 in Lubbock, Texas.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Reeves Ericson of Nacogdoches; a daughter, Linda Diane Devereaux of Virginia; sons, Joseph Reeves Ericson and wife Deborah Ericson of Nacogdoches and John Ellis Ericson and wife Bonnie Marlin Ericson of Nacogdoches; sister-in-law, Bonnie C. Ericson of Seminole, Texas; grandchildren, John Devereaux, Angela Rene Ericson, and William Reeves Ericson; a great-granddaughter, Lexington Leigh; and step-grandchildren, Victoria Shull, William Shull, and Elizabeth Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lester Lane Ericson.
Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 201 E. Hospital St. in Nacogdoches, with Dr. Bill Gandin officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, located off Hwy. 21 East, Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches. Online obituary and guestbook posted at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.
Services for Dr. Joe E. Ericson, 86, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, with Dr. Bill Gandin officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Nacogdoches County. Dr. Ericson was born June 9, 1925, in Throckmorton County and died Nov. 11, 2011, at a Nacogdoches nursing home. Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cason Monk-Metcalf, Nacogdoches, directors.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on November 13, 2011
Funeral service for Mrs. Tommie Virginia Muckleroy Alders, 81, of Nacogdoches, Texas will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Eastside Pentecostal Church with Rev. Enis Fuller, David Alders and Bro. Glen Morton officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Alders was born on Dec. 25, 1929, in Nacogdoches, Texas to the late A.J. "Son" and Clara Hamby Muckleroy. She passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2011, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Tommie was a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. She had a long working career ending with 20 years of service as a rural carrier with the United States Postal Service in Nacogdoches. She was an active DRT member, a member of the Colonial Dames and the James Haggard Chapter 1812. Tommie also volunteered for the Nacogdoches Fire and Rescue Rehab. She had also been a Cub Scout Den Mother and was involved in the Young Home Makers of America. She was a previous Sunday school teacher and had held numerous positions in the church through the years and was a member of Eastside Pentecostal Church of Nacogdoches. Tommie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her grandchildren and rarely missed out on their sporting events at school and in the summer. She was a wonderful cook, who prepared many many meals for her family throughout the years, but also loved to do so at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She canned in the spring and summer and entered the County Fair each year for competition. She enjoyed doing cross stitch as a pass time as well. All who knew Mrs. Alders will miss her tremendously. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Nathan Alders, Sr.; her daughter, Donna Rogers and husband, Marty and her son, Nathan "Poogie" Alders, Jr. and wife, Connie all of Nacogdoches; seven grandchildren, Melody Kennedy and husband, Casey, Kyle Alders and wife, Jenna, Justin Rogers and wife, April, Stephen Alders, Jonathan Rogers, Christopher Alders and Cade Alders; four great-grandchildren, Derek, Allie, Katie and Luke Kennedy; as well as numerous other extended family, church family and good friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Stanaland. Pallbearers will be Kyle Alders, Justin Rogers, Jonathan Rogers, Stephen Alders, Christopher Alders, Cade Alders, Casey Kennedy, Derek Kennedy and Luke Kennedy. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mrs. Alders honor to Eastside Pentecostal Church, 3801 Center Highway, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 or a
charity of your choice . Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Laird Funeral Home.
Funeral service for Mr. Joseph Cline Weaver, 87, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Reed and Rev. John Withem officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mr. Weaver was born January 18, 1924, in the Shady Grove Community in Nacogdoches, Texas, on the family farm (which had been in the family since 1861) to the late Samuel Claiborn and Mary Ella Humphreys Weaver. He and his wife still resided on this farm. He passed away peacefully October 27, 2011, in Nacogdoches. He and Maedelle Huckaby were married August 30, 1946, in Austin, Texas, while he was in the service to his country. They were married 65 blessed years. He was a graduate of SFA Demonstration School and Stephen F. Austin State University. He taught school for several years at Cleveland and Martinsville. He was an ordained deacon in the Baptist church, with current membership at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. Cline is survived by his loving wife, Maedelle Huckaby Weaver; two sons, Johnny Weaver and wife, Sue, and Joseph "Joe" Weaver and fiance, Deborah Cuthbertson, all of Nacogdoches; one son-in-law, Keith Matthews and wife, Pat, of Portland, Texas; two brothers, Loy Weaver of Grand Saline, Texas, and W.T. Weaver of Nacogdoches; one sister, Juanita Tomassini of Suisun, California; six grandchildren, Shelley Weaver Sears and husband, John, Casey Weaver of Katy, Christopher Matthews and wife, Cassi, of Fort Worth, Randy Weaver of Houston, Clay Matthews and wife, Danielle, of Walland, Tennessee, and Lucas Weaver of Nacogdoches; five great-grandchildren, Gavin Parker and Austin Sears of Katy, Brooklyn and Kennedi Matthews of Fort Worth and Cruze Matthews of Walland, Tennessee. Cline was preceded in death by his parents, Claiborn and Ella Weaver and his daughter, Patricia Weaver Matthews. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolence or to sign an online register book please log onto
www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Funeral service for Daniel Wayne Rhodes, Ph.D, 63, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011, at New Hope Congregational Methodist Church with son, Joshua Rhodes and son-in-law, Michael Davis, officiating. Burial will follow at McKnight Cemetery. Mr. Rhodes was born September 9, 1948, in Lutesville, now known as Marble Hill, Missouri, to Dillard O'Kelley and Cora Abernathey Rhodes. He passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2011, in Nacogdoches County, Texas. Dan graduated with a bachelor's degree from Westminster Bible College in Techaucana, Texas, a master's degree from Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and a Ph.D. from California Graduate School of Theology. He owned Rhodes Lumber Company in Alto, Texas, for 25 years and pastored McKnight Congregational Methodist Church in Cushing, Texas, for the past 20 years. His former pastorates include Allentown Congregational Methodist, Rocky Point Congregational Methodist, Bedford Congregational Methodist and Briggs St. Congregational Methodist. He enjoyed his work, both sawmill and especially the ministry. He was a gifted teacher who loved helping train "young" men for the ministry and completed his final series Tuesday night just hours before going Home. When asked why he didn't teach graduate classes, he responded, "Because the local church is where the action is -- that's where you save them and baptize them, marry them and bury them." Dan was a master of understatement and loved playing jokes -- he was particularly proud of having convinced one person that he couldn't read and that he bought his wife a case of green beans for Christmas last year. He was married to Jan, the love of his life, for 33 years and was a wonderful daddy to Joshua and April; and his role as a father reached out and lovingly encompassed many nieces, nephews and friends. He was a good man. He is survived by his wife, Jan Mooney Rhodes of Nacogdoches; son, Joshua Rhodes and wife, Jessie, of Austin; daughter, April Davis and husband, Michael, of Sacul; his mother, Cora Rhodes of Florence, Mississippi; one sister, Eunice Bruce and husband, Bill, of Florence, Mississippi; two brothers, Obed Rhodes and wife, Wanda, of Marble Hill, Missouri, and Noah Rhodes and wife, Rachel, of Florence, Mississippi; nieces and nephews, Dawn Lincoln, Peter Rhodes, Crystal Elfrink, Becky Engelhart, Tora Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, Mary Ross, Lauri Drury, Katy Van Horn, Clint Sweat, Kelli Sweat and Trent Floyd. In addition to his father, Dillard O'Kelley Rhodes, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Shrum. Pallbearers will be Peter Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, Jimmy Rogers, Bill Bruce, Jim Sweat and Clint Sweat. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Dan would be pleased for donations to be made to McKnight Congregational Methodist Church Youth Fund at PO Box 433 Cushing, Texas 75760. To convey condolence or to sign an online register please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Friends, family remember pastor who died in car wreck StoryCommentsImage (2)ShareShare Print Create a hardcopy of this page Font Size: Default font size Larger font size FATAL ACCIDENT Andrew D. Brosig/The Daily Sentinel Spray-painted letters and lines mark the point of impact and the path of two vehicles at the scene of a fatal accident Wednesday on Highway 21 west of Douglass. Department of Public Safety Trooper Jerrald Moore said the tanker truck, at left, driven by Douglas Humberto Ayala, 43, of Houston, left the road, turned sideways and struck an eastbound pickup. The driver of the pickup, Dan Rhodes, 63, of Nacogdoches, was pronounced dead at the scene. . Andrew D. Brosig/The Daily Sentinel Fatal Accident Texas Department of Public Safety troopers discuss possible scenarios Wednesday at the scene of a fatal accident on State Highway 21 west of Douglass. Trooper Jerrald Moore, center, said the tanker truck in the background, driven by Douglas Humberto Ayala, 43, of Houston, was carrying a corrosive cleaning solvent eastbound when the driver lost control and struck a westbound pickup at about 7:15 a.m. The driver of the pickup, Dan Rhodes, 63, of Nacogdoches, was killed and Ayala was taken from the scene with undetermined injuries. .View all 2 images in gallery. .Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 9:15 pm Friends, family remember pastor who died in car wreck By Erin McKeon The Daily Sentinel | 0 comments Dan Rhodes is remembered by his family, friends and members of his congregation as a loving man who liked to pull pranks, worked hard and was the ultimate giver. Rhodes, 63, died about 7:25 a.m. Wednesday after his 2000 Chevrolet pickup was hit by a shortbed tanker truck on Highway 21 about three miles west of Douglass, according to DPS reports. The tanker, driven by Douglas Humberto Ayala, 43, of Houston, was traveling eastbound, left the roadway, over-corrected, overturned onto its top and hit Rhodes' westbound vehicle head-on near the Angelina River bridge. The tanker ended up upside down on the side of the westbound lane with the top of the cab ripped off, DPS Trooper Jerrald Moore said. Ayala was taken to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital with lacerations and was reported in good condition Wednesday. Those who knew and loved Rhodes say there aren't enough words to describe what a wonderful man he was. "You couldn't find a better person, that's for sure," said John Fergerson, a member of Rhodes' church. "He was really relaxed and easy going. He always had the right words to say anytime there was a crisis. He had the right encouragement and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. It will be hard to replace him, he has touched so many hearts and so many lives in our church." Rhodes grew up in Missouri, got his bachelor's degree at Westminster Bible Institute in Texas, his master's in theology from the California Graduate School of Theology and a Doctorate in Divinity from the Western Evangelical Seminary in Oregan. He started preaching in Bedford, Texas in 1974 and made his way to Nacogdoches County and bought a sawmill in Alto in 1986. "He came from a family of sawmills and all his brothers owned sawmills," his son-in-law Michael Davis said. "He felt like he should work and so that's what he did." For the past 20 years, Rhodes has been pastor at McKnight Congregational Methodist Church in Cushing. Just last week, the church presented Rhodes and his wife Jan with a trip to Israel for Pastor Appreciation Month, and in honor of their 20 years with the church. Davis, who has many fond memories of his father-in-law, said he had to try three times to ask Rhodes' permission to marry his daughter, April. The first time, Rhodes pretended not to know what was going on and the second involved guns. "I didn't know he had guns, but I got there and he had a couple of guns out that he was cleaning there on the dining room table. I didn't think it was a good idea to ask just then," Davis said with a laugh. Davis ended up writing a resumé of sorts on a notepad and setting it down in front of Rhodes to read. "It was basically a proposal to be a son-in-law and that way I didn't have to verbally ask it," Davis said. "He grabbed it and looked at it and eventually gave his blessing and told me how happy he was. He was a great father-in-law, you couldn't ask for a better man and he taught me a lot." Christina Carpenter, a 15-year-old Cushing High School sophomore, and one of the youth members at the church, said Rhodes baptized her and her sisters and helped her through some rough patches in her life. "He was always smiling and you could go to him about any of your problems. You could talk to him about anything," she said. Many people in the community knew and loved Rhodes, she said. Others may never have met the man, but will remember seeing a huge, Paul Bunyan-sized chair sitting out in a field on Hwy. 204. Many people have stopped to take a picture or two in the chair over the years. "He loved his wife and she mentioned at one point that she wanted a huge chair," Davis said. "He just kind of stored stuff in his memory like that and about two years later he had this huge chair made for her." That chair, 11 feet tall, 6 feet wide and 5 feet deep, was made for Jan and given to her as a Christmas gift. Later, it was used by the Cushing Junior High cheerleaders in a parade. After the parade and because it was starting to get old, the chair was put out to pasture on Hwy. 204. Rhodes was a thoughtful person who wanted to spend as much time with his family as possible, said his friend Brian Tyre. "His family has always been a priority for him and it's been inspiring to watch him be able to say no to certain things so he could spend time with his family," Tyre said. "He was just real, he wasn't your typical pastor who tried to use big words to impress someone or look a certain way. What you saw is what you got. He was just real and genuine." Rhodes often helped potential ministers find their paths, Davis said. "He had a group of five or six potential ministers who did their ‘final examination,' so to speak, and they had to give a 15-minute sermon and get rated," Davis said. "He was so proud of these individuals and it's nice because he kind of turned out six more preachers to the world last night, and then he died this morning." That, Davis said, is just one of the many reasons Dan Rhodes' legacy will always live on. Funeral for Rhodes will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at New Hope Congregational Methodist Church with his son Joshua Rhodes and son-in-law Michael Davis officiating. Burial will follow at McKnight Cemetery in Cushing. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches.
Funeral for Eddie Powers, 79, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Zion Hill First Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry D. Wade officiating. Burial will be in Watson Cemetery. Mr. Powers died July 7, 2011, in Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 14, 1931, in Alder Branch. Visitation wll be from noon until 8 p.m. Friday, July 15. Sadler Funeral Service.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 15, 2011
Funeral service for Katherine Lucylle Cope Fulmer, 90, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Allen Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Swift Cemetery. Mrs. Fulmer died Wednesday, June, 1, 2011. She was born in LaPorte, Texas, September 3, 1920, the daughter of Joe Alexander and Allene Katherine Cope. Mrs. Fulmer graduated from Robert E. Lee High School of Baytown, Texas, in 1937. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Baylor University in 1941 and her master of arts degree from University of Houston in 1954. A retired school teacher, Mrs. Fulmer taught for eighteen years in the Goose Creek Independent School District of Baytown, Texas, and for nineteen years in the Nacogdoches Independent School District. She was a gifted teacher of speech, language arts and social studies. Mrs. Fulmer was an active member of First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, for more than 47 years, and was involved in ministries such as choir, bridge ministry, Buckner Eldercare volunteer and prayer room. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Delta teachers' professional sorority. Lucylle loved sewing and needlework, reading biographies, spending time with family and watching the birds out her window. Katherine Lucylle Cope and the late Herschel Barham Fulmer were married December 25, 1942, in San Diego, California. Upon Mr. Fulmer's return from the military service during World War II, they lived in Baytown, Texas, until moving to Nacogdoches in 1960. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Kathie and Preston Lamar of Nacogdoches; a son and daughter-in-law, Barham and Linda Fulmer of Lindale; four grandchildren, Adam Lamar, Brady Lamar and wife, Jen, Karl Fulmer and wife, Alex, and Katy Fulmer Payne and husband, Nathan; and three great-grandchildren, Samuel, Abigail and Lydia Payne. Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church for the Library Fund or the Renovation Fund for the Senior Adults' Sunday School Area, 411 North St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Her family would like to express appreciation to the caregivers that gave such loving attention to Lucylle in the last months. To offer condolence or to sign an online register book please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
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Mr. Cleon "Buck" Fausett, age 85, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Willowbrook Nursing Center. Mr. Fausett was born April 17, 1926, in Nacogdoches, Texas, only child of Council Clinton Fausett and Ethel Omega Alders Fausett. He was a
U.S. Navy veteran of
World War II and retired from sales and marketing for poultry equipment. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Bette Jo Murdock Fausett. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Anita Ann and Billy Grimes of Nacogdoches; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry Don and Michele Fausett of Thornton, Colorado, and Marvin Adam and Nannette Fausett of Nacogdoches; grandson, Kourtney Adam Fausett; granddaughters, Tiffany Nannette , Nicole Grace and Alyssa Joann; and a great-grandson, Ethan Fausett. Visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2011, with funeral services to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, Nacogdoches. Officiating will be Dr. Allen Reed, First Baptist Church pastor. Private interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Nacogdoches. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association -- Buck Fausett Scholarship. Condolences can be made at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Margaret Leola Rice
Funeral for Margaret Leola Rice, 86, of Nacogdoches will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home with Lance Standridge and the Rev. Dennis Land officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs. Rice died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Born October 29, 1924, in Waverly, Louisiana, she was the daughter of Cookman Edward and Robbie Harrison Degges. She was a graduate of Bastrop (Louisiana) High School, playing as a guard for the team that went to the Louisiana state girls basketball finals. Leola was a devout Christian and had taught Sunday school classes for more than 30 years. She married Harlan C. Rice Oct. 31, 1942, in Bastrop, Louisiana, and they moved to Nacogdoches, where she lived the rest of her life. In her early years, she had worked as a clerk and in bookkeeping for McCrory's and JCPenney. When she became a mother, she devoted her time and energy to rearing three children. In later years she worked as a clerk and retouch artist for Robinson's Studio and as a caregiver for several elderly ladies who became dear friends. Her talents included a beautiful singing voice and exceptional ability as a seamstress. She enjoyed oil painting for many years. Her handmade quilts, all created with love, are precious treasures for all her family members. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Harlan C. Rice on March 3, 1977; her father- and mother-in-law, the Rev. Samuel Aaron and Margaret Elizabeth Abercrombie Rice; an infant brother, Lamarris Degges; brothers, Leon Degges and Fulton Degges; and sister, Agnes Hopkins. Survivors include a son, Ronnie Lavoy Rice of Longview, Texas; daughters, Loretta Annette Rice Cammack and husband, George, of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Karen Maritte Rice Standridge of Nacogoches, Texas; stepson, G. Larry Rice and wife, Sharon, of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Gregg Rice and wife, Keri, Brent Rice and wife, JoAnn, Cheryl Simmons and husband, Danny, Mike Cammack and wife, Andrea, Tammy Alvis and husband, Gordon, Robin Faulkner and husband, Jim, Lance Standridge and wife, Rebecca; and eighteen great-grandchildren who were the lights of her life. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home.
John Charles "Buddy" Still | Visit Guest Book
Buddy went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 29, 2011. He was born in Nacogdoches on June 30, 1922, and lived 88 wonderful years of life. Services will be held on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the First Christian Church located at 702 Mound Street in Nacogdoches, with Rev. Terry Hodge presiding. Visitation is from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, 2011 also at First Christian Church. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Elva Wilson Still, his first wife of 55 years, Margaret Emily Barrett Still, and his second wife of 15 years, Mary Jane Still. Also preceding him in death were his sister, Margaret Stone and husband George, sister, Peggy Russell, son Charles Alan Still and a great granddaughter, Kaylie Breann Smith. Buddy married Margaret Emily Barrett in 1938 and immediately entered the grocery business with his father John D. and grandfather C.J. Wilson. Eventually he and his brother, Pete, owned four grocery stores in Nacogdoches, which Buddy later reduced to the one location at 3100 North Street, in 1958 when Pete relocated out of town. Still Brothers Grocery was probably the last home town store to both charge grocery purchases and deliver them to homes. Over his 41 years in the grocery business Buddy met and befriended many hundreds of people who shared their life experiences with him. He retired from the grocery business in 1979 and then enlarged and continued his lifelong cattle operation until his death. During World War II, Buddy served as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in the U.S. Army, 311th Engineering Combat Battalion, Medical detachment, A Company. 86th "Black Hawk" Division, of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army. He was awarded several decorations and citations, including the Silver Star Medal for combat valor in rescuing from death two wounded U.S. soldiers under heavy machine gun fire, during a 341st Infantry Column drive for Hagan, Germany. Buddy's passion was attending virtually all athletic events involving his sons and grandsons. In fact he began attending summer baseball games in 1956 and continued without interruption through 2010, a dedicated effort of 54 consecutive years. Buddy was an elder emeritus and lifelong member of First Christian Church of Nacogdoches, where he was a former Church Board Chairman and served in numerous committees. He deeply loved Jesus and rarely missed a church service. He is survived by sons: John Richard "Rick" Still and wife Linda, Frank Barrett Still and wife Tricia, Joe Evan Still and wife Jill, all of Nacogdoches, and Jim Bob Still and wife Debbie, of Houston; his brother, Pete Still and wife Robbie of Arlington; grandchildren, Jonathan Still, Ricci Still, Andrew Still, Preston Still, John Carson Still and Joe Evan Still, Jr., all of Nacogdoches, Matthew Still, Ryan Still and Jenni Still, all of Houston, and Allison Potgieter of South Africa; great grandchildren, John D. Still and Jenna Potgieter, all of whom he enjoyed greatly; brother-in- law, Terry Russell of Nacogdoches, and daughter-in-law, Jeannette Badgwell of Marvel, Arkansas. Still is also survived by special family in-laws, Sheri McGuire and husband Joe of Nacogdoches, Craig Mangham and wife Robin of Junction, Texas and Christy Avant of Henderson, Texas. Pallbearers will be Tony Dawson, Charlie Still, Andrew Still, Matthew Still, Ryan Still, and Jonathan Still. Honorary pallbearers are the Elders and Deacons of the First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 702 Mound Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf FUneral Home
Graveside service for Carl W. Cortines, 56, of Nacogdoches will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Don Windham officiating. Mr. Cortines died Jan. 17, 2011, in Nacogdoches. He was born Sept. 26, 1954, in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 3 until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19. Laird Funeral Home.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on January 19, 2011
Jack D. Yates, Jr., 62, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack D. Yates Sr.; his stepdaughter, Leisha Tartamella; and grandson, Cameron Tartamella of Houston. Visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Laird Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Yates of Houston; his mother, Helen Yates of Nacogdoches; son, John Yates of Thornton, Colorado; son, Kyle Yates and wife, Katie, of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter, Amy Kuberski and husband, Matt, of Fort Worth; brother, David Yates of Nacogdoches; and four grandchildren. Jack was born December 18, 1948, in Lufkin, Texas, and moved to Nacogdoches shortly thereafter. He spent his early years hunting, fishing, playing baseball and most other sports. In addition, he enjoyed gardening and working on cars. His favorite passion in life was fishing, and that joy lasted throughout his lifetime. He could be found most weekends on Texas' lakes bass fishing with his buddies and competing in tournaments. His love of life and sense of adventure kept life interesting and exciting for Jack and Wanda. They took many trips together exploring the Smoky Mountains, where they shared their vows. Jack's many friends and family members cherish their time with a man who lived life large and was loved by many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the charity of your choice. To offer condolence or to sign an online register book, please log onto www.lairdth.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Bill W. Hamrick
Bill W. Hamrick, long-time faculty member and Professor Emeritus of Human Services at Stephen F. Austin University, passed away on Jan. 16, 2011 in Nacogdoches. Bill was 84 and the only child of David Elmer Hamrick and Allie Carson Hamrick and was born on March 21, 1926 near Bonanza, Texas, in south Hopkins County. He joined the U.S. Navy at age seventeen and began training while still in school. After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 1944, he began sea duty on L.S.T. 495, which operated in the Pacific theater and made three combat landings on Okinawa and two occupation landings on mainland Japan. He was honorably discharged in April, 1946 as a Quartermaster, Second Class. Bill Hamrick married Carolyn Lemon of Sulphur Springs, Texas on January 16, 1949 and the couple had two sons, David and Joe. Thanks in part to the G.I. Bill, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1949 and a Masters of Education in secondary education in 1954, both from East Texas State Teachers College at Commerce. In 1962, he received a Doctorate of Education in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbia. In September 1962 he joined the faculty of Stephen F. Austin where he taught and was a Department Chairman for 26 years. He was instrumental in helping establish and develop many human services programs at SFA including: guidance and counseling, social rehabilitation, speech and hearing, and mobility for the blind. He served as Chairman of the Department of Counseling and Special Education until he retired in 1989. He was devoted to the University and believed that Stephen F. Austin had some of the finest faculty and students in the state. Always active professionally, he served four years as president elect and president of the Texas State Teachers Association and president of the Texas Personnel and Guidance Association. Dr. Hamrick was a licensed, Texas board certified psychologist and a member of Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology. Bill was also active in the Nacogdoches community and served as president of the Kiwanis Club, president of the Nacogdoches Treatment Center board, was a board member for Project Head Start, and was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was also a Master Mason of more than sixty years. As a trained psychologist he was a splendid listener, caring, compassionate, never judgmental. He once wrote in a note to his sons that he had been lucky all of his life; that he was not rich in the monetary sense but that he was rich in the things that he believed counted most: good parents, good wife, good children, good in-laws, good friends. Life can't get better than that he believed. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn Hamrick; his youngest son, Joe Hamrick, of Lufkin, Texas; and his eldest son David Hamrick and his wife Kathy Dunn Hamrick and grandchildren Jacob and Hannah Hamrick of Austin, Texas. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, followed by entombment at the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a contribution to any of several Special Giving Funds at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Tommie Esterlene Moore
Esterlene Blacksher Moore, age 92, passed away on December 8, 2010. A grave side service in her honor will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, with Dr. Allen Reed officiating.
Mrs. Moore was born in Appleby, Texas March 14, 1918. She was the only child of Thomas L. Blacksher and Gracie Ester Campbell Blacksher of Appleby and later of Nacogdoches. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State College. Mrs. Moore and Jack Moore, Jr. were married on December 28, 1941. She is predeceased by her husband, mother and father.
After graduating from college, she began her work career as a Home Economics teacher at Garrison High School. While her husband served in the United States Navy, she moved to Appleby to live with her grandparents, D.L. and Nettie Campbell. When her husband returned from service, they moved to Nacogdoches where she resided until her death.
Mrs. Moore is survived by her daughters, Linda Moore Guidry and Jean Moore Stallings, both of Nacogdoches, sons, Jack H. (Buddy) Moore of Nacogdoches and Thomas C. Moore of Tyler, grandchildren, Jan Lacina of Fort Worth, Laura Rhodes of Raleigh, North Carolina, Aimee Szygenda of Dallas, Todd Stallings of Nacogdoches, Drew Stallings of Waxahachie, Jack H. (Son) Moore, Jr. of Waco, and Sam Moore and Julie Moore, both of Tyler. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren.
Mrs. Moore was a member of First Baptist Church for over 75 years. She was active in her Sunday School class until her health failed. Mrs. Moore was an avid gardener and received a beautification award for her yard and home when she lived on North Street. She was a special mother and grandmother, devoted to serving her family and friends. She was known to her grandchildren as "Mommo". The family expresses sincere appreciation to long-time caregiver Jo Horn, as well as Yolanda Roberts, Priscilla Spencer, Norma Mendez and Jo Ann Rocquemore.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Todd Stallings, Drew Stallings, Jack H. (Son) Moore, Jr. and Sam Moore, and her granddaughters' husbands, Peter Lacina, Richard Rhodes and Andrew Szygenda.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.
Thomas Seale Davison, 90, died Nov. 25, 2010, in Austin, Texas, where he had lived since 1991. His wife of 55 years, Enid Y. Davison, died in 2005. Tom was born March 28, 1920, in Nacogdoches, the son of Thomas Scipio Davison and Elliece Harris Davison. Tom graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1937. He attended Stephen F. Austin State College for two years and graduated from the University of Texas in 1941 with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, Sigma Delta Chapter and the Washington Family Descendants National Society. William Clark, Jr., Tom's great, great, great grandfather, was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and I. J. Lewis, Tom's great, great grandfather, was a grand nephew of Meriwether Lewis. Tom served for three and a half years in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.
He was a field correspondent for Yank Magazine, the Army Weekly. He served in Iceland, England, North Africa, Iran and 13 months at a shuttle air base in Poltava in the Soviet Ukraine. He was discharged in 1945 with six campaign ribbons. Tom worked 15 years as a golf columnist and football writer for the Houston Post, where he won one national and three statewide writing awards. In 1960, Tom joined his father in the banking and insurance business in Nacogdoches. From 1971-1980, Tom was Managing Officer of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Nacogdoches, which his father had founded in 1933. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Anne Davison and Glenn Goode; grandchildren Jennifer Elliece Goode and Elenore Anne Goode of Dripping Springs; one nephew, Pat Cleveland, and two nieces, Judy Huppert and Cindy Hanna, of Austin. Tom was a member of the First Baptist Church of Austin and the Concordant Bible Class there. A memorial service will be held in the church chapel at 901 Trinity in Austin, Texas at noon on Dec. 4, 2010. A reception will follow the service at the church.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on November 28, 2010
Vera Hanks Rodrigues
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Funeral for Vera Hanks Rodrigues, 99, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Monsignor James E. Young. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs. Rodrigues passed away peacefully October 7, 2010, to be with her Lord. She had lived at The Arbor Assisted Living Facility for the last five years. Born in San Augustine County, she was the daughter of Joe and Arzearo Warner Hanks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Rodrigues, to whom she was married for 54 wonderful years. She was also preceded in death by her son, Malcolm Rodrigues; and her grandson, Alan Rodrigues. Mrs. Rodrigues is survived by grandsons and their spouses, Tim and Lisa Rodrigues, John and Regina Rodrigues, and Terry Rodrigues all of Nacogdoches; five great-grandchildren, Marcus Rodrigues, Jamie Rodrigues Fontenot and husband, Brad Fontenot, Alanna Rodrigues, Robert Rodrigues and Jake Rodrigues, all of Nacogdoches; nieces and their spouses, Starlett and Bill Cavanaugh of The Woodlands, Sandra and Douglas Ladd of Austin, Shirley and Rick Brazas of Nacogdoches, Kathryn and Darrell Yates of DeBerry; nephews and their spouses, Paul and Bonnie Montes of Lake Cherokee, Frank and Lin Montes of Lufkin and Houston, Irie and Karen Montes, Danny and Margaret Rodrigues, Randy Rodrigues and Judy May, all of Nacogdoches. Mrs. Rodrigues was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with her bachelor of science as well as her master of arts degrees. She taught school in Nacogdoches for 38 years and was known best by her students as the physical education teacher, "Mrs. Rod." She taught many young ladies through the years and retired in 1972. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Lady's Altar Society and many other organizations throughout the years. She also volunteered at Nacogdoches Medical Center for 17 years. Mrs. Rodrigues was an inspiration to many and will be dearly missed by her family and her friends. Laird Funeral Home.
Betti Pope Little
Betti Little, age 53, passed away September 12, 2010, in Angelina County. She was born to John and Arthie Walling Pope July 17, 1957, in Quitaque, Texas. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2010, at Bethel Baptist Church in Appleby. The Reverend Harold Davis will officiate. Mrs. Little was actively involved in numerous organizations, including Martinsville FFA, Martinsville ISD, Pineywoods Fair in Nacogdoches County and Aggie Moms. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and served on several committees. Mrs. Little is survived by sons, Robert Blackmon and wife, Lorena, of Katy, Todd Little and wife, Kali, of Lovelady and Ted Little of Lovelady; daughters, Mandy Little of College Station and Tasha Little of Lovelady; grandchildren, James McFarland, Matthew McFarland, Tabitha McFarland, Lilly Blackmon and Avery Little; brother, Leroy Pope and wife, Shelly, of Slocum; sisters, Sherri Johnson of Lima, Ohio, and Karen Lazarine and husband, Jim, of Nacogdoches; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Little was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Little; her parents, John and Arthie Walling Pope; and a brother, Bobby Pope. Visitation will be from 1 until 2 p.m. Thursday, September 16, at Bethel Baptist Church, before the service. In lieu of flowers, Bethel Baptist Church has established a memorial fund for Betti Little, and a college fund has been opened for Mandy Little at Austin Bank, P.O. Box 631788, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963. Condolences can also be offered at www.casonmonkmetcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Cecil R. Bomar
A graveside service for Mr. Cecil R. Bomar, 86, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Sunset Memorial Park with Dr. Bill Gandin officiating. Mr. Bomar passed away peacefully Thursday, July 15, 2010, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Cecil was born October 9, 1923, in McKinney, Texas, to the late Ernest and Nora Campbell Bomar. Cecil graduated from McKinney High School in 1941. In 1943 he started his service to our country by joining the U.S. Army during World War II. Trained in the infantry, Cecil went to North Africa and to Italy, and concluded his service time in the postal division. After the war he attended the University of Texas in Austin, majored in accounting and graduated U.T. in 1948. He then earned his CPA in 1951, and worked as a treasury fraud agent for the IRS in Houston. In 1952 Cecil's career led him to Nacogdoches, where he joined the team at Texas Farm Products, when, at the time, there were only 200 employees. He served as comptroller, vice president, chief administrative officer and as president of Texas Farm Products Company and related entities. Cecil was very interested in civic and charitable clubs and was a member of innumerable ones in Nacogdoches. He was elected to the Memorial Hospital board of directors, which he served for five years. Cecil was treasurer of the founding board of directors for the Samaritan Center. He also served in several capacities for the Nacogdoches United Way, including the executive committee, the board and the budget and allocations committee. Cecil served twice as vice president of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and had been a member of the administrative board at First United Methodist Church and also served as its chairman. Governor Dolph Briscoe appointed Cecil to the governing body of the Greater East Texas Health Systems Agency, and he held that position for four years. During this time, Governor Briscoe also appointed him to the Texas Statewide Health Coordination Council, and he served on that council for three years. Cecil was a wonderful citizen and Rotarian who helped make Nacogdoches a better place to live. He is survived by two sons, Randy Bomar and Richard Bomar; one daughter, Elizabeth "Bit" Bomar Johnson and husband, Ron; and two grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Gay. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlyne Davidson Bomar. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolences or sign an online register, please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
James Marcus Nichols
Born: May 31, 1951
Died: July 2, 2010
James Marcus Nichols, 59, of Nacogdoches, Texas died Friday, July 2, 2010. Mr. Nichols was the son of Evelyn Hall Nichols and the late Dr. James L. Nichols. He was born May 31, 1951 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was a 1969 graduate of Nacogdoches High School, where he was a multi-sport letterman. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1973 from Stephen F. Austin State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Following graduation, he began work with Stewart & Stevenson in Houston, Texas. He worked for Stewart & Stevenson/General Electric for over 32 years in international sales and served as the Director of International Sales of Far East Asia in Singapore from 1982-1987. Mr. Nichols was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Texas. He was an avid sports fan and very interested in Civil War history.
Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife, Jackie Nichols; sons, Blair Nichols of Houston and Marcus Nichols of Las Vegas; step-daughters, Jennie Thompson of Cypress and Berkeley Samonte of Garland; his mother, Evelyn Hall Nichols of Nacogdoches; sisters, Becky Fortenberry of Waco and Marianne Nichols of Cushing; five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, July 5, 2010, from 5-7pm at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.
Beatrice “Ann” Barton McKee
DICKINSON — Beatrice “Ann” Barton McKee, 68, a long time resident of Dickinson, Texas passed away June 26, 2010, in Austin, Texas. She was born on August 19, 1941 in Henderson, Texas to parents Winston and Cornelia Barton.
Mrs. McKee graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in biology. She spent many years as a teacher in Texas City and Dickinson, most recently teaching freshman biology at Dickinson High School in the 1980’s.
She is survived by her sister June Herrington; son Alan McKee and his wife Tricia; daughter Molly Lopez and her husband John; seven grandchildren, Hayley Lopez, Emma Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Ashley Vanek-Gebora, Lanie Vanek, Laura McKee, and Will McKee; and great granddaughter Reagan Gebora. She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Mac McKee.
A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2010, at Crowder Funeral Home, 851 FM 517 at 646, Dickinson, Texas, with graveside service to follow.
James Crowder Funeral Home-Dickinson
Published June 30, 2010
A. D. Dempsey, 87, Nacogdoches, died in Nacogdoches on Saturday, June 26, 2010; Laird Funeral Home.
Funeral service for Mr. A. D. Dempsey, 87, of Nacogdoches, Texas will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 10:00 am at Laird Funeral Home with Chaplain Fred Bird officiating. Burial will follow at Swift Cemetery.
Mr. Dempsey passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at his residence. He was born on June 16, 1923 in Nacogdoches County, the son of David M. Dempsey and Nora Phillips Dempsey.
Mr. Dempsey graduated from Cushing High School. He served his country in the the US Army in WWII. For his service he was awarded the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal in Japan. He retired from Nibco of Nacogdoches after thirty eight years of employment as a machine operator and was a member of Nacogdoches Missionary Baptist Church.
A.D. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Susie Maytrait Cureton Dempsey of Nacogdoches; two sons, Gregory Giles Dempsey of Lufkin and Aubrey Dave Dempsey of Nacogdoches; four daughters, Nora Susan Hughes of Tomball, Carolyn Ann Yates of Diboll, Cindy Lou Jones of Conroe and Rejeana Stewart of Magnolia; one brother, David M. Dempsey of Nacogdoches; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his four brothers, R.E., Elmer A., James E. and Edward Dempsey and four sisters; Bertie R. Hall, Carrie E. Penney, Mildred Brown and Lily Dempsey.
Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 from 6-8 pm at Laird Funeral Home.
Worth R. Jacobs
Funeral service for Mr. Worth R. Jacobs, 83, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Nick Scholar of Lufkin First Methodist Church and Rev. David Brasher of Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Simpson Campground Cemetery. Mr. Jacobs was born June 27, 1926, in Woden, Texas, to the late William Jefferson "Billy" Jacobs and Pearl King Jacobs, and he passed away peacefully Sunday, April 25, 2010, in Nacogdoches, Texas. The Jacobs' family ancestors rolled into Nacogdoches County Christmas Day 1836. They established their farms in the southeastern area of Nacogdoches County, then known as Jacobs Community and currently known as Woden, Texas. At that time, Indians were still living in the vicinity and had a campsite where Jacobs Chapel is now located. The family fought the last Indian battle in Nacogdoches County. The Jacobs built their home overlooking the Puentezullas Creek and, as a farming family, began to clear the land as soon as possible. They raised and grew all their food and bought the few supplies they needed in Melrose. Every descendent has been involved in agriculture, in one way or another. They have farmed the land of this community for five generations and still counting. Worth graduated in 1943, at the age of 16, as valedictorian of Woden High School. He met his future bride at a community ball game in Woden, and they were married January 1, 1949, by Bro. Gerrard at his home. Worth and his brothers, Wayne and Wyman, were heavily involved in the cattle business all their lives, Worth worked in the poultry business, as well. Their father, Billy Jacobs, was a cattle inspector for the state of Texas. Worth bought partnership in Patton's Auction Barn, when he was in his late 30s. His brother Wayne bought out Worth's partner, and together they owned one of the largest meeting places for local farmers and ranchers in Nacogdoches County. Worth and his brother always supported the local Nacogdoches County Junior Steer Show. He was a member of Texas Farm Bureau and had served as president of the Woden ISD board. The Jacobs family was honored March 31, 2008, as the Farm Family of the Year at the seventh Annual Agriculture Appreciation and Awards Banquet. Worth passed down to his children and grandchildren his love of the land and agriculture. Worth is survived by his wife of 61 years, Earline McLain Jacobs of Nacogdoches; one son, Stephen Jacobs and wife, Lola of Woden; one daughter, Stacy Jacobs of Woden; a brother, Wyman Jacobs of Woden; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Jacobs of Nacogdoches; two grandchildren, Stephen Alders and Kristen Borders, both of Houston; three step-grandchildren, Joseph Sadler of Houston and Andrew and Naomi Sadler of Woden; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and good friends. Pallbearers will be Larry Jacobs, Lance Jacobs, Randy McLain, John Rulfs, Mark Skeeters, Bob Skeeters, Paul Clifton, Jamey Brookshire and Richard Sparks. Memorial donations can be made to Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church, Jacobs Chapel Cemetery or Simpson Campground Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolence or sign and online register book or view the video tribute please log onto lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Rita J. Whitten
Funeral service for Mrs. Rita J. Russell Whitten, 79, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Hodge and the Rev. Rex Humphreys officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs. Whitten passed away March 23, 2010, in Nacogdoches. She was born June 26, 1930, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to the late Oran A. Russell and Ila Ruth Barron Russell. Rita was a member of First Christian Church of Nacogdoches. She retired from Tyson Foods, after 33 years of employment as a clerk. Rita is survived by her husband of 57 years, Paul E. Whitten of Nacogdoches; one son, Russell Whitten and wife, Cheryl, of Nacogdoches; one granddaughter, Brooke Stephenson, and husband, John, of Nacogdoches; great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Stephenson; and great-grandson, Nolan Stephenson, both of Nacogdoches. Pallbearers will include Mike Shofner, Bobby Bennett, Richard Humphreys, Keith Hanks, Willard Birdwell and Patrick Bryan. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Bright, Fred Bright, Bill Early, Roger Dudley, Carl "Bubba" Owens and W.D. "Bill" Colwell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society , 3426 Buckingham, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965; Life Care Hospice, 320 North St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961; or First Christian Church Building Fund, 702 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010. To offer condolences or sign the register book online, please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Timothy Biggers King
Services for Timothy Biggers King, 48, of Flint, will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Colonial Hills Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Carter officiating.
Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.
Mr. King passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.
He was born Oct. 2, 1961, in Tyler to Harvey and Bobbie Biggers King.
Tim was a lifelong resident of Tyler. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and then from The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in accounting. He began his career with Brookshire's working summers as a bag boy and stocker for stores and the warehouse. He then moved into his professional career with the company as a financial accountant in 1990 after serving five years at Squyres, Johnson, Squyres Accounting Firm. Tim served as corporate tax manager, director financial accounting, vice president/controller, senior VP/CFO/controller, executive VP/CFO/controller and currently served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer for Brookshire Grocery Co. He also served on the board of directors for Brookshire Holdings. Tim held membership in the industry affiliations with the Food Marketing Institute, Texas Society of CPAs, the Texas Retailers Association and the AICPA.
He was a member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler. Tim loved to play tennis and to go to the beach in Galveston. He also enjoyed going to the movies, golfing, camping and being outdoors. Tim was also involved in Big Brother/Big Sister, The Salvation Army, the Children's Advocacy Center and Tyler Economic Development Council. But mostly, he was a loving husband, father and a devoted son.
Tim is survived by his loving family including his parents, Harvey and Bobbie King of Tyler; his wife of 23 years, Lisa King of Flint; and sons, Tucker King and Tanner King, both of Flint; parents-in-law, Dwayne and Billidare Tucker of Flint; aunt and uncle, Sue and Jim Hammock of Austin; uncle, Thomas King of Livingston; and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Mike Estes, Kyle Pearson, Brian Hancock, Rick Rayford, Brad Brookshire, John Franklin, Bruce Carter and Neal Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Holt, Kevin Albritton, Russ Cooper, Greg Nordyke, Rick Ellis, Sheri Satterwhite, Cathy Davis, Nathan Williamson, John D'Anna, Carolyn Hutson, Kyle McCoy, Andy Newberry, Holly Shotts, Donald Walker, Chris Morris, Kirk Brookshire, Mark Brookshire, Dana Mueller, Grant Faulconer and Andy Dillard.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 5, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, 75703.
Memorials in honor of Timothy Biggers King may be made to Pine Cove Christian Camp, P.O. Box 9055, Tyler, 75711.
Sam Medley
Funeral service for Mr. Charles Samuel Medley Jr., 58, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2010, at First Christian Church with the Rev. Terry Hodge officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mr. Medley passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 2, 2010, in Nacogdoches. Sam was born August 4, 1951, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to the late Charles Samuel Medley and Elva Freeman Medley. Sam grew up in Nacogdoches. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1969, where he played varsity football, served as captain of the football team, and was voted as Mr. NHS. After he graduated high school he attended Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with the Class of 1974 with a bachelor's degree. Sam later married the love of his life, Becki Ilene Schultz, June 15, 1974, in Lufkin, Texas. He served as part owner and manager of Crawford Building Materials for over 30 years and later retired from Tejas Paper Company after working there for seven years as a sales representative. Sam had various hobbies and things he enjoyed. He was known for his work in the yard, paying special attention to his azalea garden. He enjoyed watching the Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys, coaching his children in softball and baseball, when they were young, and family trips to Crystal Beach. Sam was a member of First Christian Church, where he was an elder. He was a member of the Koinonia Sunday School Class, participated in the Wednesday night men's Bible study, and had served as the property committee chairman, as well as the worship committee chairman. Sam was a wonderful son, husband, father and friend and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Becki Ilene Schultz Medley of Nacogdoches; his son, Charles Samuel Medley III and his fiancŽ, Chrystal Baker, of Nacogdoches; his daughter, Leslie Medley Cuzick and husband, Chris, of Houston; sister, Candace Lynn Medley of Temple; brother-in-law, Alan Schultz, and wife, Jamye, of Nacogdoches; sister-in-law, Vicki Sachtleben, and husband, James, of College Station; father and mother-in-law, Robert A. "Gus" and Glova Schultz of Lufkin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elva Medley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church, Building Fund, 702 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association-ALS Research, Attn: Angie Young, 5615 Kirby, Suite 500, Houston, Texas, 77005. Pallbearers will be Bobby Beard, David Campbell, Gil Daniels, Bruce Hendry, Robert Kuban, Mike Miller, Robert Muckleroy, Mark Wilson, John Windham and John Alvin Woods. Visitation with Sam's family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolences or sign the online register book please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Gean Burnett Hale
Mr. Gean Burnett Hale passed away Saturday, February 13, 2010, in Nacogdoches, Texas. A funeral service celebrating Gean's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Bill Gandin presiding. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Born October 20, 1920, in Crockett, Texas, Gean was the son of Nora Rebecca Goodwin and Oscar Burnett Hale and grew up on the family-owned working farm with three older sisters, Patty, Catherine and Ernestine. Following graduation from Crockett High School in 1938, he attended Kilgore Junior College on a football scholarship. While serving as captain of the football team at Kilgore, he met JuLanne Elizabeth "Judy" Lyle, the first captain of the world famous Kilgore Rangerettes, and their love story began. They were married August 1, 1942. After Kilgore College, Gean received a scholarship to Rice University, where he attended prior to military service in World War II. He achieved the rank of major as a pilot in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Ellington and Kelly Air Force Bases, serving as a fighter pilot instructor. Gean was then assigned to fly the dangerous transport route from Bombay, India, "over the hump" (the Himalayan Mountains) to China in the China-Burma-India Theatre of operations. A decorated serviceman, he twice earned an Air Medal and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Further, he received the China War Memorial Medal from Chiang Kai-Chek, for service to China during World War II. Following the war, Gean attended East Texas State College (now Texas A&M University -- Commerce), earning a master's degree in history and physical education. As a stellar athlete, he again played football while at East Texas State. Following graduate school, Gean was employed by Palestine High School as a history teacher and coach. He relocated to Nacogdoches in 1952, where he became head coach and athletic director at Nacogdoches High School, whose football program had not won a single game the previous year. For the next 14 years, he guided the Dragons to continuous success, clinching several district championships and a bi-district championship. Coach Hale's contributions went far beyond the athletic field. He continued to uphold the qualities of honesty, hard work, dedication and high ethical standards, as he left teaching and entered the banking world, becoming a vice president at Commercial National Bank. While in banking, he rekindled his role as a flying instructor, here in Nacogdoches. Although no longer a teacher and coach, his influence upon students at Nacogdoches High School continued throughout his life. Together with L. H. Mathews, his longtime friend, fellow coach and successor as head coach at NHS, Gean established an endowed scholarship through the NHS Alumni Association open to any student demonstrating the qualities of leadership, scholarship and commitment. In 1979, he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor He became a member of the Kilgore Ranger Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. For his outstanding example and contributions to his country, state and community, he was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Award in 2007. In August, 2007, Gean and Judy celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Together, they were active members of First United Methodist Church for over 58 years, where they served in a variety of roles in the Open Door Sunday School class and in many other areas of the church. In addition to Gean's parents and his sisters, Judy preceded him in death in 2008. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Hale Crosson and husband, Rick, of Mullican Hill, New Jersey; son, Jeff Burnett Hale and wife, Sabrina, of Nacogdoches; nephews Pat Harrison and Harrell Hale Carpenter; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren. Gean leaves also a legacy of loyal devotion from many former students, friends and colleagues who were privileged to have had his influence in their lives. Serving as pallbearers are Dr. Frank Brister, Campbell Cox, Bob Dunn, Kevin Gore, Johnnie Johnson, Jack Ledbetter, Dr. Jack McCullough, Milton Moorer and Dave Wallace, all members of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club. Honorary pallbearers will be the Open Door Sunday School Class. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2010, at Laird's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hale-Mathews Scholarship, through the NHS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 632152, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963. Online condolences may be offered at www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Gean Burnett Hale
Funeral services for Gean Burnett Hale, 89, of Nacogdoches, are planned for 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, with the Rev. Bill Gandin officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Mr. Hale died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born Oct. 20, 1920 in Crockett, Texas, Visitation is planned for 5 until 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at the funeral home. Laird Funeral Home.
Beloved Coach Hale dies
Posted: Sunday, February 14, 2010 2:00 am
Kevin Gore
Gean Hale, affectionately called "The old coach" by former Nacogdoches Dragon football players, fans and friends, died Saturday in Nacogdoches. He was 89.
Hale coached at Nacogdoches High School 14 years, from 1952 to 1965. He compiled an 83-53-6 record, including three nine-win seasons.
His 1958 team was 9-1 and outscored opponents 321-46 in a season in which, at one time, the Dragons were ranked No. 3 in the state in Class 3A.
He was followed as head coach at Nacogdoches by the late L.H. Mathews, who had served as an assistant at Nacogdoches during Hale's tenure.
The two men had earlier served as co-captains of the 1947 East Texas State Teacher's College team in Commerce.
Hale is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor.
A veteran of World War II, he was a banker in Nacogdoches after his coaching career and for several years provided radio commentary for Dragon football games.
Hale received several military decorations for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, three Battle Stars and a medal from Chiang Kai-shek for contributions to China.
Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, with Dr. Bill Gandin officiating and burial following in Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Laird Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the 'Hale-Mathews Memorial Scholarship Fund" in care of NHSAA, P.O. Box 632532, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75963.
There will be a more in-depth story on Hale's career and life later this week in The Daily Sentinel.
U. S Rep. Charlie Wilson
Memorial service for former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, in the Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus, Lufkin, Texas; graveside service, with full military honors, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to: The Charlie Wilson Scholarship Fund, c/o Angelina College, P.O. Box 1768 Lufkin, Texas 75902.
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Former Texas Rep. Charlie Wilson dies at 76
By JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press Writer Jamie Stengle, Associated Press Writer
DALLAS – Charlie Wilson, the former congressman from Texas whose funding of Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was chronicled in the movie and book "Charlie Wilson's War," died Wednesday. He was 76.
Wilson died at Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin after he started having difficulty breathing while attending a meeting in the eastern Texas town where he lived, said hospital spokeswoman Yana Ogletree. Wilson was pronounced dead on arrival, and the preliminary cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest, she said.
Wilson represented the 2nd District in east Texas in the U.S. House from 1973 to 1996 and was known in Washington as "Good Time Charlie" for his reputation as a hard-drinking womanizer. He once called former congresswoman Pat Schroeder "Babycakes," and tried to take a beauty queen with him on a government trip to Afghanistan.
Actor Tom Hanks portrayed Wilson in the 2007 movie about Wilson's efforts to arm Afghan mujahedeen during Afghanistan's war against the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Wilson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, helped secure money for weapons, plunging the U.S. into a risky venture against the world's other superpower.
In an interview with The Associated Press after the book was published in 2003, he said he wasn't worried about details of his wild side being portrayed.
"I would remind you that I was not married at the time. I'm in a different place than I was in at the time and I don't apologize about that," Wilson said.
In 2007, Wilson had a heart transplant at a Houston hospital. Doctors had told Wilson, who suffered from cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes an enlarged and weakened heart, that he would likely die without a transplant.
Wilson, a Democrat, was considered a progressive but also a defense hawk. He had acknowledged some responsibility for Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for al-Qaida after the Soviets retreated and the U.S. withdrew its support.
"That caused an enormous amount of real bitterness in Afghanistan and it was probably the catalyst for Taliban movement," Wilson said in a 2001 interview.
The Soviets spent a decade battling the determined and generously financed mujahedeen before pulling the Red Army from Afghanistan in 1989.
Mike Vickers, who as a CIA agent in 1984 played a key role in the clandestine effort to arm the Afghan rebels, said Wilson played a part in the Soviet Union's collapse, which happened just two years after its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Vickers, now assistant secretary of defense for special operations, praised Wilson as a "great American patriot who played a pivotal role in a world-changing event — the defeat of the Red Army in Afghanistan, which led to the collapse of Communism and the Soviet Empire."
After leaving Congress, Wilson lobbied for a number of years before returning to Texas.
"Charlie was perfect as a congressman, perfect as a state representative, perfect as a state senator. He was a perfect reflection of the people he represented. If there was anything wrong with Charlie, I never did know what it was," said Charles Schnabel Jr., who served for seven years as Wilson's chief of staff in Washington and worked with Wilson when he served in the Texas Senate.
Schnabel said he had just been with Wilson a few weeks ago for the dedication of the Charlie Wilson chair for Pakistan studies at the University of Texas, Austin, a $1 million endowment. He said Wilson had been doing "very good."
"He had the heart transplant in September 2007 and he recovered and he said quote, 'he was a poster boy for heart transplants.' He was doing very well. He was taking a whole lot of medicine," Schnabel said.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called Wilson "a lifetime public servant with a fiery passion for the people of east Texas, our men and women in uniform, our veterans and our freedoms."
"I have had the great privilege to work alongside him on several issues of importance to our veterans in Texas, and I will miss his leadership and dedication," he said.
Ogletree said Wilson is survived by his wife, Barbara, and a sister
Pam Davidson
Funeral service for Pamela Ellen Davidson, 51, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with the Rev. Terry Hodge officiating. Private interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pam passed away February 7, 2010. She was born August 11, 1958, to George Houston Davidson III and Anna Lois Davidson in Washington, D.C. She was a 1976 graduate of Nacogdoches High School and was involved in planning the class reunions. Pam received her bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She received a master's degree in social work and later moved to Galveston. She retired as a social worker with UTMB. Pam enjoyed photography and reading. She loved spending time with her mother, nephews and friends. Pam is preceded in death by her father; her stepfather, Jerry Alexander; and brother, Dave Davidson. She is survived by her mother, Lois Alexander of Nacogdoches, Texas; nephews, Houston Davidson of College Station, Texas, and Nicholas Davidson of Florida; brother, Jerry Alexander and wife, Jan, of Nacogdoches, Texas; and sister, Becky McKernan of Jasper, Alabama. She is also survived by special friends, Danita Tucker of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Jerry Permenter of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and her beloved canine companion, Lola. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Memorial donations can be made to Nacogdoches Humane Society, 3211 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964, and to Alzheimer's Association , P.O Box 630636, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, prior to the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Haden E. Johnson
Haden E. Johnson, 74, died Thursday, January 28, 2010, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Born and raised in Nacogdoches, the son of the late Thomas Bolivar and Louise Hutson Johnson, Haden was a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches. Mr. Johnson graduated from Nacogdoches High School and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. He married the love of his life, Faye Bailey, April 15, 1955, in Nacogdoches. Haden and his father, Bolivar, opened Johnson Furniture and Appliance Center in 1959, and retired in 2009 after fifty years in the family business. Haden was known for his compassionate heart, often helping those in need, when they had no one else to turn to. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Haden enjoyed his work and those with whom he worked, and most of all, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Haden will miss him tremendously. Mr. Johnson is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Faye Bailey Johnson of Nacogdoches; his son, Randy Johnson and wife, Brenda, of Nacogdoches; his daughter, Melissa Musser and husband, Jim, of College Station, Texas; his granddaughter, Ashley Johnson of Dallas, Texas; three grandsons, Jared Johnson of Plano, Texas, Ryan Musser of Galveston, Texas, and Scott Musser of College Station, Texas; his sister, Tommie Cherry and husband, Dean, of Nacogdoches, and nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. Funeral service for Mr. Johnson, officiated by Brother Danny Elliott, will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2010, at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. A burial service will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In addition to his parents, Bolivar and Louise Johnson, Haden was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Johnson Walton. Pallbearers for Mr. Johnson will be Jared Johnson, Ryan Musser, Scott Musser, Lyn Davis, Coot Brandon, Ricky Little, Norman Langham and Joe Lee. Honorary pallbearers will be James Sanders, James Agnew, James Vanover and Gilbert Garrett. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Joe Davis, Hospice of East Texas, Richard Bannon, Dr. Tony Haskins and the dedicated employees and lifelong friends of Johnson Furniture and Appliance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are given to the Fredonia Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 1711 South St. Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701. To offer condolences or sign the online guest register, please log on to www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Deborah "Debbie" Sue Griffin Milham
Funeral Service for Deborah "Debbie" Sue Griffin Milham will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010, at Christ Episcopal Church in Nacogdoches with the Rev. Gary Hill officiating and the Rev. Justin Beadles assisting. Interment will be at Broocks Cemetery in San Augustine, Texas. Deborah "Debbie" Sue Griffin Milham was born November 20, 1951, in Mesa, Arizona. She died January 25, 2010, in Nacogdoches. She was the daughter of B.V. Miller and Bettie Burleson Griffin. Debbie was a retired teacher, having taught in the Texas school districts: Tyler, San Augustine, La Marque, Katy, Crockett and Chapel Hill systems. She was educated in Nacogdoches schools and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a master's degree in education. Debbie sought full-time ministry through the Dallas Theological Seminary. Debbie was a member in her teaching career of Delta Kappa Gamma and college years of Delta Zeta. Debbie loved serving God and being in ministry and was affiliated with several churches: Christ Episcopal Church and Grace Bible Church, both of Nacogdoches; and Grace Community Church and Green Acres Baptist Church, both of Tyler. Debbie's faith as she battled cancer inspired her family and friends. She helped to create cherished memories with her encouraging words, laughter, and her joy of living life and of loving her family. Debbie is survived by her mother, Bettie Griffin of Garrison; her two daughters, Elizabeth Thornton and her husband, David, and her granddaughter, Lyla Grace of Tyler, and Margaret Milham of Nacogdoches; her sister, the Reverend Patsy Barham and her husband, George. She is also survived by her nephews and niece, George Barham IV and his wife, Carol, and their children, Bryce and Luke, Robert Barham and his wife, Lauren, and their son, Griffin, of Weatherford; and Bonnie Barham of Nacogdoches. Debbie's survivors also include her aunt, Jamie Doherty, and her husband, Roger Holt ,of San Augustine and three generations of beloved cousins: Steve Holley, Kenny Holley, Virginia Reisman, Carole Brueggeman and Cathy Goff and their wives and husbands and their children and their children. Contributions may be made in her honor to the Debbie Milham Mission Scholarship Fund at the Green Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler, Texas 75701. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in Nacogdoches, Texas. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Lilla Frances Ramsey
Lilla Frances Ramsey, age 78 of Seguin, passed away January 13, 2010. Lilla was born August 21, 1931, in Commerce, Texas, to Marshall and Vinnie Mae Chambers White. She is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Ezra Allan "Doc" Ramsey. They were married June 14, 1951, in Commerce, Texas. Survivors include her children, Steve Ramsey and wife, Kitty, Terry Ramsey and Marsha Castanon and husband, Andy; grandchildren, Andrea De Leon, Justin Ramsey, Matthew Ramsey, Kevin Ramsey and Katie Ramsey; and five great-grandchildren. Lilla will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2010, at the Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Steve Purdy officiating, with a procession to follow at the San Geronimo Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 710 N. Austin, Seguin,Texas, 78155 or to the charity of one's choice You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Drive, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on January 14, 2010
Jerry O. Pitts
Funeral service for Mr. Jerry O. Pitts, 58, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mr. Pitts passed away in Nacogdoches on Monday, January 11, 2010. He was born in Nacogdoches on July 14, 1951, to Norvell Pitts and Mildred Lee Pitts. Jerry was born and raised in Nacogdoches. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1969 and attended Stephen F. Austin University Jerry worked as a senior lineman for TXU for 30 years. After his retirement from TXU, he worked as a corporate pilot as well as working at Stephen F. Austin in the Grounds and Transportation Department. Jerry had many hobbies and interests. He was especially involved in aviation and was an accomplished commercial pilot. He began flying as a hobby and became a licensed pilot over 20 years ago. He enjoyed tournament bass fishing, watching NASCAR and raced motorcycles in his early years. He closely followed his cousin Ben Spies' racing career. He was proud of Ben's latest accomplishment of winning the World Superbike title in Europe. Jerry was known by his friends and family for his wonderful sense of humor. He grew up attending Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church and was a member of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches. Jerry was a wonderful son, brother and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his mother, Mildred Lee Pitts of Nacogdoches; one daughter, Lee Ann Thill and husband, Jason, of New Jersey; two sisters, Lennijo Henderson of Dallas and Susan Pitts of Nacogdoches; three nieces, Cressida Pedroza of Bell Garden, California, Desiree Henderson of Duncanville, Texas, and Eliet Henderson of Oakland, California; one nephew, Summers Henderson of Somerville, MA. He was preceded in death by his father, Norvell Pitts. Pallbearers will be Henry Spies, Ben Spies, Jeff Akin, Craig Akin, Stephen Herman, Richard Lee, Craig Morton and Tommy Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Daniels, Victor Shepherd, Russell Whitten, Ricky Brown, Charlie Muckleroy and James Johnston. In lieu of flowers the family ask that blood donations be made to the East Texas Blood Center, 3520 N. University Dr, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965, to honor Jerry's regular blood donations over many years, or donations to a charity of your choice. Visitation with Jerry's family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at First Baptist Church in the Little Chapel. To offer condolences or sign the register book online please log onto lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
James Edward Latham
Funeral service for Mr. James Edward Latham, 75, of the Nat Community will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January, 2, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Nat Cemetery. Jim was born April 17, 1934, in Center, Texas, the son of the late Clinton and Oda Bridwell Latham, and he passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009, in Nacogdoches. Mr. Latham served his country in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean conflict. Jim owned and operated L and L Garage and Equipment in Nacogdoches for the past twenty years where he still worked until his death. He married the love of his life December 5, 1975, Mrs. Bonnie Richmond Latham, and she survives him. Jim was considered everyone's hero. He was so proud of his family. Jim loved to tell stories to his friends and family, most of those being the exploits of his children and grandchildren. Jim was known to be a fair businessman, a doting husband, father and grandfather. His family as well his large network of friends will miss him tremendously. Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie Richmond Latham; three sons, Dan Latham and wife, Darla, of Austin, Jeff Latham and wife, Pam, of Nacogdoches and Clay Bostian and wife, Carol, of Nacogdoches; one daughter, Pam Harrison and husband, Waun Ross, of Grand Prairie; one sister, Irene Grimsley and husband, Weldon, of Longview; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; two nieces, Kay Jacobs of Nacogdoches and Mary Lynn Bublitz of Longview; nephew, Johnny Jacobs of Nacogdoches; and nephew, Jay Jacobs of Nacogdoches, who faithfully worked by his Uncle James' side ,at his garage for the past 17 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Blake Latham and great grandson, Cody Latham. Pallbearers will be Hyman Boozer, Ben Boozer, Tony Parker, Gary Adkins, Mike Worsham and Darryl Hooper. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Mechelle, John Decker, Jimmy Sharpton, Bill Henderson and Alton Conn. Visitation with Jim's family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 1, 2010, at Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolences or sign the register book online, please log onto www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Rayford Lee Perry
Graveside service for Mr. Rayford Lee Perry, 80, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, at McKnight Cemetery with Bro. Randy Arnold officiating. Mr. Perry was born May 23, 1929, in Cushing, Texas, to the late Raymond Perry and Christine Lorene Blackburn Perry. He passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2009, in Nacogdoches. Rayford graduated from Cushing High School where he proudly played on the first football team. He retired from S&T Poultry in Nacogdoches after 40 years of service. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Rayford married CHristine Ham, Juune 18, 1949m, and she preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons, Billy Perry and wife, Jeanne, of Douglass and Bobby Perry and wife, Kathy, of Livingston; grandsons, Jeremy Perry and wife, Lisa, of Douglass and Jacob Perry and wife, Ashley, of Lilbert; granddaughter, Jordan Vardeman and husband, Brian, of Douglass; great-grandchildren, Bryce McLeod, Katie and Caroline Perry, children of Jeremy; Jake and Addilyn Vardeman, children of Jordan; and Kale Perry, son of Jacob; one sister, Birdie McCarley of Cushing; great-aunt, Opal Blackburn; sisters-in-law, Darlene Watson and husband, Billy, of Rusk and Syble Ham of Jacksonville and Betty Ham of Granbury; one brother-in-law, Junior Ham; and wife, Virginia, of Henderson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rayford is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Christine Ham Perry; grandson, Brian David Perry; and sisters, Peggy Jo Ham and Winnie Pearl Aubrey. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Perry, Brian Vardeman, Rex Whitaker, David McCarley, James Ham and Jacob Perry.. To offer condolences or sign the register book online please log onto www.lairdfh.com. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home
Joe Lee Frederick Sr.
A funeral Mass for Joe Lee Frederick Sr., 89, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Monsignor James E. Young officiating. Entombment will follow with 3 p.m. services at Tyler Memorial Park in Tyler, Texas. Joe passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, in Nacogdoches. He was born Jan. 25, 1920, in Tyler as a son of the late William and Mary Maklip Frederick. He was a building contractor and had owned Frederick Construction Co., as well as The Cottage in Nacogdoches. Mr. Frederick had also served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, president of Nacogdoches Builders Association and on the board of directors of Commercial Bank. He was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a loving husband and father. Joe served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Irene Frederick of Nacogdoches; sons, Joe Daniel Frederick and John Lee Frederick, both of Tyler, and Daniel John Frederick of Waco; daughters, Gail Graham of Tyler and Jill Frederick of Houston; stepchildren, Lisa Smith of North Carolina, Sophie Parks of Diboll, Shelly Patterson of Dallas and Reuben Castillo of Central Heights; a brother, Claude Frederick of Tyler; 11 grandchildren; 11 stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Eve Frederick, in 1990; and a son, Joe L. Frederick Jr., in 1993 Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009, in Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with rosary at 7 p.m. Online obituary and guest book posted at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
From The Dragon Echo
Remembering Charles Stokes
November 18, 2009
By Sydney Purser
Charles Stokes knew a great deal about history. It was his major in college, the subject he taught at Nacogdoches High School and a topic he enjoyed discussing and debating with friends around the camp fire.
It has now become apparent, based on the comments of his friends, former students and colleagues, that Stokes will hold a very important place in history, himself. He will certainly hold a place in the history of Nacogdoches where he taught for 38 years – but, perhaps more importantly, he will hold a place in the history of the students’ lives he touched over the course of those 38 years.
As word spread of Stokes’ sudden death last Tuesday – calls and questions came from former students and teachers across the state. Few could believe that a man known for his strength and vitality was really gone. Stokes exercised daily, and Tuesday was no different. But after his work out last week, Stokes dressed to return to work, then collapsed. He could not be revived.
NISD Superintendent Dr. Rodney Hutto was quoted in Friday’s issue of The Daily Sentinel, with regard to the loss.
“Having taught generations of students, his personal investment in our community is exponential,” Hutto said. “His service and genuine devotion to the education of our students speaks volumes to the strength of his character. He will be sorely missed, but his invaluable contributions to NHS will remain.”
Classes released early Monday allowing all NHS students and faculty the opportunity to attend Stokes’ funeral. It is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
But this does not conclude Stokes’ chapter in the history of NHS. A memorial scholarship has been established through the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association. Dena Giddens, executive assistant to the NHSAA, told The Daily Sentinel that the scholarship could be fully endowed with $20,000. That money is invested, so that $1,000 could be given in Stokes’ memory, each year.
Checks for the Charles Stokes Memorial Scholarship can be made to the NHSAA and sent to P.O. Box 632152, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. A receipt will be returned for tax purposes and acknowledgements sent to the family. All donations are tax deductible.
Nacogdoches High School students and faculty remember Charles Stokes fondly.
Coach Jay Petty, who has known Stokes for about four years, said they visited daily across the hall.
“He loved to hunt, and be out in nature,” Petty said. “He often talked about flying trips off in Alaska.”
“He talked about retiring, and he wasn’t sure whether it would be at the end of the semester or the end of the year,” Petty said. “I knew all along he would finish the year for one reason, and one reason only … the kids.”
Principal Nathan Chaddick said he didn’t have time to get to know Stokes as well as he would have liked, having only been here two years, but said in a later statement, “He was a longtime friend to the faculty.”
“He was really nice, and he liked all his students.” Nick Dugay, an NHS Junior said.
This sentiment seems to be shared by all who knew Mr.Stokes. Students created a special tribute Monday to Stokes on the door of his classroom.
As many of his former students can testify, they are not likely to forget this man who touched the lives of so many at NHS.
Kitty Marie Pye Upton
Mrs. Kitty Marie Pye Upton, 84, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches, Texas, with Rev. Freddy Mason officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches. Kitty was born June 1, 1925, in Sacul, Texas, to J.L. and Thelma Fain Pye. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1942. She married her husband, Charles G. Upton, on March 15, 1944, and together they raised two children in a loving, Christian home. They celebrated more than 54 years of marriage before Charles preceded her in death in 1998. An avid gardener, Kitty's home was admired by her neighbors and friends for its elegant landscaping and colorful blooms year round. As a testament to her green thumb, her yard was once awarded Most Beautiful Yard in Nacogdoches. Her greatest sorrow in her later years was that she couldn¹t dig, pull weeds, or plant new blossoms as the seasons changed. Kitty lived in Nacogdoches her entire life until moving to Carthage, Texas, in 2002 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Carthage. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Gayla and Ronnie LaGrone of Carthage; and her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Susie Upton of Kerrville, Texas. Also surviving Mrs. Upton are four grandchildren, Kim Oldigs and husband Roger of Houston, TX; Clay Still and wife Barb of Overland Park, KS; Garth LaGrone of Carthage; and Shannon LaGrone of Mesquite, TX; and also four great-grandchildren, Meagan Oldigs, Ryan Oldigs, Kaitlyn Still, and Josh McMurray. Pallbearers will be Clay Still, Garth LaGrone, Roger Oldigs, Ryan Oldigs, Dennis LaGrone and Weldon Maitland. Visitation will be Monday, October 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La., 71103; or Sammie Brown Library, 522 W. College St., Carthage, Texas, 75633. Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Mary Evelyn Johnson
Mrs. Mary Evelyn Johnson, 82, of Nacogdoches, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2009, in Nacogdoches. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the Laird Funeral Home chapel in Nacogdoches with the Rev. Don Ansohn officiating, and burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Mary was born on March 30, 1927, in Salmon Switch, Texas, the daughter of the late John Roland and Mary Bell Kilgo Dickey. She was a self-employed business woman and owner of the Youth Shop, in Nacogdoches, a member of First Christian Church and a member of Eastern Star. She and A. L. Johnson were childhood sweethearts; they met when Mary was in fifth grade, he was in the seventh and after he was out of the military January 19, 1946, they were married. In addition to her husband of 63 years, A.L.; Mary is survived by a daughter, Patsy McNew and husband, Ron, of Fort Worth, Texas; a son, Dickey Johnson and wife, Gladney Flatt Johnson, of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Rachel Johnson and Megan Johnson of Nacogdoches, Clif Johnson of New York City, New York, and Breckin Loggins and wife, Shara, of
College Station, Texas. Also surviving is special cousin, Hila Sue Wilkerson and husband, Wyman of Lumberton, North Carolina, as well as other relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home. To those wishing to convey condolences or sign the online guest register, please visit www.lairdfh.net. Laird Funeral Home.
Dr. Vera Williams
Published in Longview News-Journal on October 15, 2009
Memorial Services for Dr. Vera G. Williams, age 76 of Longview are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17 at Lakeview Funeral Home chapel.
Dr. Williams, lovingly known by friends and family as "Chick," passed away Thursday, October 8 at her residence in Longview. She was born February 20, 1933 at Alexandria, La.
Dr. Williams was a dedicated educator and teacher of teachers. She taught speech and speech therapy at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana; Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches; Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana and Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia where she retired as Dean of Graduate Studies. She is preceded in death by husband Andrew Lyon Williams and sister Ruby Eason of Marthaville, Louisiana.
She is survived by her sister, Essie Massengill and family of Troup; her sons, Don Graham of Kilgore, Bob Graham and wife Mary of Longview, and Ken Graham of Longview. She is also survived by stepchildren, Andrew Williams of Coming, Georgia, Margaret Tomas of San Francisco, Cathy Omer of Corbin, Kentucky, Elizabeth Walker of Rougemount, North Carolina; and her many grandchildren, Jamie Odom and husband Tex, Adrienne Graham, Jared Graham, Skye Graham, Jayla Graham, Jake and Bailey Thomas, Lindsey and Drew Williams, Josh Omer and Stephen, James, Jenny, Anna and Phillip Walker; and her great-grandchildren, Bailey and Texas Don Odom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on behalf of Vera Williams to AMBUCSr at P.O. Box 3092, Longview, Texas, 75606 and the Humane Society of North East Texas at 303 Enterprise, Longview.
Charlie Morgan
Mr. Charles (Charlie) W. Morgan, III, 57, of Nacogdoches, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at his residence. Charlie was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on May 2, 1952, the son of Dr. Charles W. Morgan, Jr. and Mary Lou (Davis) Morgan. Graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 5 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches with Bro. Horace Fletcher officiating. Charlie is survived by his brother, Steve E. Morgan, Sr. and his wife Lea' of Pollok; nephews: Steve E. Morgan Jr., Charlie A. Morgan and Dustin Smith, and by his niece Malinda Morgan. He is also survived by other extended family and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charlie W. Morgan, MD and Mary Lou (Davis) Morgan and by his sister, Malinda Lou Morgan. Charlie will lie in state at Laird Funeral Home on Monday, October 5, 2009, and Tuesday, October 6, 2009, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve E. Morgan, Jr., Dale Jordan, Hugh Hallum, Kent Raines, Guy Ellis, Robert Abernathy, and Jack Montgomery. The family of Mr. Morgan is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register please visit www.lairdfh.net.
Sylvia Stripling Birdwell
Sylvia S. Birdwell passed away October 1, 2009, at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, Illinois. She was born May 24, 1951, in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she was born and raised. She was homemaker and the beloved wife of 37 years to Jeff R. Birdwell and loving mother of Kathryn (Sam) Birdwell Wester and Jeff (Melissa) Birdwell. Sylvia was also the beloved daughter of Doris and the late Charlie Stripling, of Nacogdoches, and dear sister of Gary (Sandra) Stripling and the late Larry (Melba) Stripling. She was a fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Services were private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the O'Malley Alley Cat Organization, P.O. Box 633452, Nacogdoches, TX 75963-3452. Arrangements by DuPage Cremations, Ltd. and Memorial Chapel
Russell Conklin Faulkner III
Funeral services for Russell " Rusty" Faulkner III, 46, will be 2 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2009, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Bill Gandin officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Rusty passed away August 29, 2009, in Austin, Texas. He was born April 10, 1963, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Russell C. Faulkner Jr. and Mary Fern Faulkner. Rusty was a 1981 graduate of Nacogdoches High School. He was an active member of the First United Methodist youth group and earned the distinction of Eagle Scout. His first love was music, which he studied at Southwestern University in Georgetown . He was an accomplished singer and pianist. He also attended the University of Houston. He was employed by G.T. Distributors as their bid specialist. Rusty is survived by his mother, Mary Fern Faulkner; sister, Mary Ann Taylor and husband, Ken; nephews, Kurt and Blake Taylor; and friend, Bill Ramsey. Rusty is preceded in death by his father, Russell Conklin Faulkner Jr. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday September 3, 2009, in the Fredonia-Rusk Room at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. Those who wish can pay their respects from 9 a.m. until noon Friday, September 4, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ken Taylor, Blake Taylor, Joe Ramsey, Mike Robertson, Joel Moore and John Dora. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the
American Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer Society 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin , Texas 75904. Condolences can be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Rhonda K. Bobo Barnes
Mrs. Barnes died Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at her home in Longview, Texas. She was born on March 9, 1950, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Vester Don "Bob" Bobo and Jennie Erleta Flowers. As a member of Mobberly Baptist Church, Longview, for her entire adult life she served on the Finance Committee and as a Care Group Leader. She was the Community Involvement Coordinator for Pine Tree ISD for 17 years. There she served on numerous committees through Partners in Prevention as well as the United Way. She was also actively involved in Adopt-A-School and Forever Friends Mentoring Program. She was a very loving and compassionate person who always sought to serve others first. She enjoyed life and one of the greatest joys in her life was being Andrew's mother and Steve's wife. She touched countless lives through her service to God, church, family, community and friends. She never met a stranger as she befriended all. The past year, while filled with many ups and downs, taught many, including herself, how to persevere through adversity and disappointment. Her faith never faltered and her trust in God remained steadfast through it all. Those who walked the long journey with her this year will always remember her as their new hero. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vester Don "Bob" Bobo and Jennie Erleta Flowers. Survivors are her husband, Steve Barnes of Longview, Texas; son, Andrew Barnes of Carrollton, Texas; sisters, Donnie Chumley Jenkins and husband Jack of Diboll, Texas, and Linda Alexander and husband Donald of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2009, at Mobberly Baptist Church with the Rev. John McGuire and Dr. Glynn Stone officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Park under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
August 27, 2009:The class of '68 learned today of the passing of our friend and classmate Rhonda Bobo Barnes. Rhonda fought a battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma over the past year; she lost this battle on August 26, 2009 and moved into her heavenly home to be with our lord. She will be greatly missed and forever hold a place in our hearts and minds. She is now free of pain, disappointment, a broken hip that never had the chance to heal properly, and treatments that only worked for a time. Our thoughts and prayers are now extended to Steve, Anthony and the entire family in their time of grief and sadness.
Cheeba Celete McCarley
Funeral service for Mrs. Cheeba Celete Corley McCarley, 86, of Nacogdoches, Texas, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2009, at Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Brasher officiating. Burial will follow at McKnight Cemetery. Mrs. McCarley passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2009, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Cheeba was born September 28, 1922, in Sacul, Texas, the daughter of the late Alvin R. and Evie Gresham Corley. Cheeba was born and raised in Sacul, Texas. She attended Sacul High School and then Lon Morris College, but had to return home when World War II started, in order to help her father in his business as the Sacul postmaster and as a general merchant. She married Travis L. McCarley, January 27, 1945. Cheeba was a homemaker, lovingly caring for her husband and three children. She enjoyed quilting, knitting and canning. With God leading, Cheeba strived to serve and honor her Lord through church and community in each locality she found herself placed, Edinburg, Jacinto City, Houston, Nome and Nacogdoches. But mostly in the Woman's Society of Christian Service, United Methodist Women, Parent Teachers Association and Christian Temperance Union. She was a member of Perritte United Methodist Church, taught children's church for over 25 years, served in life of The Church in W.S.C and United Methodist Women in local and district offices for many years, and had a life membership honored in 1960 with ties at Jacinto City United Methodist Church. She desired to make a contribution in the life of children, in particular, yet served in any need or capacity she could. Cheeba is survived by her two sons, Lon McCarley and wife, Ann, of Denver, Colorado, and Max McCarley and wife, Cindy, of Nacogdoches; one daughter, Vickie McCarley, of Rockwall; one surviving brother, Arlis Corley and wife, Helen, of Rusk; grandchildren, Forrest Royder IV, of Houston, Michael Taylor and wife, Claire, of Arlington, Ryan McCarley, of Denver, Colo., Carley Royder of Rockwall, Matthew McCarley of Bryan, Beth McCarley, of Denver, Colo., Derrick McCarley, of Nacogdoches and Trevor McCarley of Nacogdoches. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Travis L. McCarley; and siblings and their spouses, Ray and Doris Corley, Cleatis and Mazelle Corley, James and Theresa Nelson, Tracy Corley, Herbert Corley and Orville and Daisy Rawlinson. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Perritte Memorial Youth Program, 1025 Durst Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. Visitation for Mrs. McCarley will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign the online register book please log onto www.lairdfh.com. Laird Funeral Home.
Krecia Birdwell Morris
Krecia Birdwell Morris was welcomed into the loving embrace of her heavenly Father Saturday, August 22, 2009, in Nacogdoches, Texas at the age of 52. She was born August 25, 1957. Krecia is survived by her parents, Willard and Juanita Birdwell of Nacogdoches; husband, Jon Morris of Nacogdoches; daughter, Kasey Van Norman and husband, Justin, of Nacogdoches; son, Blake Porter and wife, Suzanne of The Woodlands; daughter, Karly Porter of Nacogdoches; stepdaughter, Kasie Wellborn and husband, Eujene, of Beckville; stepson, Cory Morris and wife, Lorianne, of Beckville; brother, Kerry Birdwell of Nacogdoches. Krecia had eight grandchildren: Emma Grace and Lake Van Norman, Cash Porter, Kalie and Kiyah Wellborn, Cassie Elizondo and Avery and Major Morris. She was preceded in death by her previous husband, Virgil Pierce of Nacogdoches. Krecia was a fifth-generation resident of Nacogdoches. She was a graduate of Nacogdoches High School, Class of 1975. She was employed at Fredonia State Bank (now BancorpSouth) as new-account manager for 17 years. Krecia's first love was Jesus Christ, and her second love was spending time with her family. Krecia was a valiant prayer warrior and lover of the Word of God. She enjoyed reading the Scriptures and praying them over her friends and family. Krecia battled cancer for two years, continually praising God through every moment. She is quoted as saying, "If one person will come to know Christ, as a result of my illness, then it was well worth the battle." Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home. Celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. at Holly Springs Baptist Church Tuesday, August 25, 2009, with Pastor Homer Murray officiating; graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Krecia Morris to the General Building Fund of Holly Springs Baptist Church, www.hsbc-tx.com or to the International Myeloma Foundation at www.myeloma.org. Laird Funeral Home.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on August 24, 2009
Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson, age 18, of Waxahachie, passed away Friday, August 21, 2009 at his home. He was born August 16, 1991 to Ron Johnson and Donna Smith. Survivors include his mother, Donna Smith of Waxahachie; his father, Ron Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth (Bit) of Nacogdoches; a sister, McCall Johnson of Austin; his grandfather Sam I. Smith Jr. of Waxahachie and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bobbie Smith, Robert M. Johnson and Mildred Johnson. Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie, with Reverend Jerry Galloway officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on August 23
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Jill Beasley Low
Nancy “Jill” Low, 52, of Hot Springs, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009.
Born Jan. 27, 1957, in Hope, she was a teacher and attended Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Low, of Hot Springs; two sons, Joshua Gordon-Gene Low, of Norfork, and Matthew Beasley Low, of Arkadelphia; her parents, Thad Gordon and Betty Guthrie Beasley; and one sister and brother-in-law, Stacy Beasley and Steve Soltis, of Marietta, Ga.
The memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Caruth-Hale Funeral Home chapel with Minister Dusty Rush officiating.
Mona Lisa McMichael Ervin
Funeral services for Mrs. Mona Lisa McMichael Ervin will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at the Red Oak Baptist Church under the direction of Stanmore Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Nacogdoches, Texas. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at the funeral home and Wednesday prior to the service. Viewing will be from 9 until 11 a.m. Wednesday at Red Oak Baptist Church. Mona graduated from E. J. Campbell High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, and Stephen F. Austin State University in 1974 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. She is survived by her father, Clarence McMichael; three children, Tonya Rison, Ishan Rison (Shree) and William Ervin (Rachel); three sisters, Jackie Session, Gerrie Hinnant and Sue McGown; and two brothers, Clarence McMichael Jr. and Richard McMichael. Stanmore Funeral Home, Longview.
Published in The Daily Sentinel from 8/3 to 8/4/2009
Shirley Ann Thomas Clifton
Shirley Ann Thomas Clifton passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 16, 2009, in College Station, Texas, following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2009, at Cason-Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Monsignor James Young officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Shirley was born January 8, 1925, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to Anthony and Helen Donnelly Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ancil H. Clifton; son, Kenneth Clifton; sisters, Carmela Hartman, Betty Jean Shannon and Helen Joy Orcutt; and brother, Robert Thomas. Shirley, a nurse, met her future husband, Ancil, during his recovery from injuries suffered as a Japanese prisoner of war in World War II. They married and settled in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mrs. Clifton was an active member of the Sacred Heart Women's Guild. She spent many years as a nurse at the Stephen F. Austin State University Health Clinic and enjoyed her relationship with the staff and the many students she met. She also worked at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. She was known for the excellent care and compassion she provided for her patients, and, in particular, members of her extended family and friends. She is survived by daughter, Sandy Johnson of Houston; daughter, Marcie Spence and her husband, Gary, of College Station; grandchildren, Clifton Johnson, Megan Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Lauren Bruchez and husband, John, Zachary Spence, Jennifer Clifton and Justin Clifton; and great-granddaughter Bella Bruchez. She is also survived by three brothers, Anthony, Ted and John Preston Thomas, all of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 6th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803 or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2508 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors
Phyllis Ann Grimes Sanders
Phyllis Ann Grimes Sanders, also known as "Gram," age 57, of Nacogdoches passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2009, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. This came after enduring a long battle with CNS lymphoma (brain cancer). Phyllis was born July 6, 1951, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Jimmie and Bernice Grimes. On December 26, 1970, Phyllis was married to Russell B. "Rusty" Sanders in an intimate ceremony in Nacogdoches, Texas. Phyllis and Rusty were the loving parents of three boys. During their marriage. Phyllis attended Stephen F. Austin State University to receive her bachelor's degree in education. Phyllis taught the first, fourth and seventh grades for the Nacogdoches Independent School District. She was most passionate about teaching the history of Texas. Phyllis enjoyed many hobbies, such as entertaining her grandchildren, taking care of her family and scrapbooking. With her passion for keeping scrapbooks, she has blessed us with the ability to look back over the years of our lives and relive the wonderful moments we have shared. Throughout Phyllis' many treatments and the unpleasant side effects of the disease, she was never seen without a smile on her face. Anyone who knew Phyllis would say that she had a contagious, uplifting spirit about her, that allowed her, in any situation, to be able to bring out the best in people. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Rusty; son, David Sanders and wife, Katie; son, Ben Sanders and wife, Tammy; and son, Jason Sanders, and wife, Ashley. In addition, she leaves five grandchildren, Kelcie Spencer, Cole Spencer, Hayden Spencer, Hunter Sanders and Courtney Sanders. Also surviving are Phyllis' parents, Jimmie and Bernice Grimes; her sister, Linda Faulkner and husband, Larry; her brother, Mike Grimes, and wife, Mary; and in addition there are numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches. The family has requested that donations be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or to their local American Cancer Society . Laird Funeral Home.
Emma B. Dunn
Mrs. Emma Davis Dunn, 99, passed away at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Emma was born August 10, 1909, in Titus County and had been a resident of the Yancy community in Titus County until moving to Nacogdoches in 2007. Emma was preceded in death by her husband, V.O. Dunn; two brothers, Roy Davis and Andy Davis; three sisters, Esther Andrews, Tommie Lunsford and Ruby Thompson. Survivors include, a son, Bob Dunn and wife, Nancy, of Nacogdoches; daughter, Carolyn Morris of Royse City; grandchildren, Elizabeth Dunn of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kathy Hamrick and husband, Dave, of Austin, Jennifer Key and husband, David, of Katy, Tony Morris and wife, Julie, of Sachse, Texas, Chris Morris and wife, Charlene, of Royse City, Texas, and Kevin Morris and wife, Lisa of Royse City; great-grandchildren, Jon Buckman of New York, Jacob and Hanna Hamrick of Austin and Dillon, Seth and Emma Key of Katy, Alexandra Morris Warren and husband, Troy, of Plano, Kristin and Allissa Morris of Royse City, Brittany and Austin Morris of Royce City and Tyler and Kelsey Morris of Sachse; and great-great grandchildren, Emma and Grace Warren of Plano. Emma is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends Maggie Driggers, Fay Tate, Joan Watson and Drew Watson. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2009, at Center Grove Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. Prior to the graveside service, visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Contributions may be made to a favorite charity or to the Center Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Frankie Sargent, Bank of America, 302 North Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. Laird Funeral Home.
Joan Hallmark Smith
A memorial service for Mrs. Joan Hallmark Smith, 76, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday March 6, 2009, at Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Brasher officiating. Mrs. Smith died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, in Nacogdoches. Joan was born September 28, 1932, in Wapanucka, Okla., to the late Arthur B. and Sue Rigsby Hallmark. She grew up in Caddo, Okla., where she met her husband, A.M. Smith Jr. They were married on August 15, 1950, and lived in Sherman and Bonham, Texas, before moving to Nacogdoches in 1964. She graduated from SFA and taught school at Central Heights for twenty years. Joan was an expert seamstress and collected antique linens and tablecloths. She loved to garden and grew a bumper crop of tomatoes and peppers. She took delight in cooking for family and friends and for her church. Her sister Lynda visited every month, and they looked forward to cooking together and watching their favorite TV shows, especially "Dancing with The Stars." Favorite pastimes were working crossword puzzles, reading and playing games, especially Scrabble and Royalty. After the birth of her grandson in 1984, she was known by all as "Mimi," and she was looking forward to helping raise her first great-grandbaby. She was always positive, even while fighting her Crohn's disease battle for so many years. She will be greatly missed by all of her loved ones. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, A.M. Smith Jr; son, Arthur Smith of Nashville; daughter, Susan Lewis and husband, Chuck; grandson, Patrick Lewis and wife, Brianna; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Lewis, all of Nacogdoches; three sisters, Lynda Shelton, Martha Miller and husband, Gary, and Royce Prentice and husband, Wyman; three brothers, Jerry Hallmark and wife, Sandy, Bob Hallmark and wife, Lawanta, and Jack Hallmark; sister-in-law, Georgia Grandquist; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Smith; and by her parents. Laird Funeral Home.
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John William Hamilton
Beloved father, husband, brother and grandfather, John William Hamilton died Saturday, January 17, 2009, in Birmingham, Alabama. The second-eldest of five children, he was born to Grace May (Wheeler) and William Cole Hamilton September 29, 1924, in Calhoun County Michigan. A college teacher, he firmly believed that hard work was its own reward. He began a long career of service by enlisting in the Navy after graduating from high school. He served two years in the Pacific theater during World War II. At Michigan State, he joined the Army Reserve and, after graduation, was called into active duty during the Korean War. He served 20 years in the Army Reserve. He was a tireless worker with the Lions Club, a regular blood donor and a longtime, faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. He taught in the business department at Stephen F. Austin State University from 1968 until his retirement in 1987. John was a dedicated family man and tirelessly cared for his three daughters, instilling his love of fun in them. He taught "his girls" to ice skate, ski, fish and bowl and to enjoy college football and basketball. He also taught them by example to value his dedication to gardening and to enjoy the bounty he provided. John's garden was his refuge and his joy. John William Hamilton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adele (Pfitsch) Hamilton; and his brother, Justin Hamilton. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Eiler and Eleanor Young of Marshall, Michigan; and his brother, James Hamilton of Naperville, Illinois; daughters Miriam (Peter) Bellis, Barbara (Tim) Goostree, Amy Hamilton: and grandchildren, Katie Bellis, Alexandra Bellis, Alison Goostree and Colin Goostree. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Shades Valley Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Ala. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association. Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors, Birmingham, Ala.
Ora Mae Gresham
Service for Mrs. Ora Mae Gresham, 64, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday December 4, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home with the Rev. Dock Lazarine and Bro. Dennis Land officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mae was born August 14, 1944, in Nacogdoches, Texas, the daughter of the late Frank Chireno and Nellie Molandes Chireno who survives her of Nacogdoches. She had been employed as a clerk at the Texas Employment Commission for 15 years. Mae is survived by her mother, Nellie Molandes Chireno of Nacogdoches; husband, Larry G. Gresham Sr. of Nacogdoches; a daughter, Melissa King and husband, Stacey, of Nacogdoches; a son, Larry Gresham Jr. and wife, Kaylen, of Nacogdoches. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Lance Gresham and wife, Carmon, of Lufkin, Haley Gresham of Nacogdoches and Tanner Stone of Nacogdoches; one great- grandson, Landon Gresham of Lufkin; and a sister, Nell Bell of Lufkin. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Norman Williams
Service for Mr. Norman "Chicken" Williams, 78, of Nacogdoches will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2008, at Harvest Point Church with Dr. Rick Scarborough officiating. Interment will be at Drewery Cemetery. Mr. Williams passed away Thursday, November 20, 2008, in Nacogdoches. He was born March 2, 1930, in Broaddus, Texas, to the late Norman T. and Virgie Carroll Williams. Chicken was a captain in the Nacogdoches Fire Department. He retired in 1983 after serving 30 years as a firefighter. He spent his years of retirement working part time at Woodland Hills golf course. He loved playing golf and fishing. He liked to spend time with his friends after a round of golf. He loved fishing in the lakes at Piney Woods Country Club and at Woodland Hills. An article was written in Texas Fish and Game in April 2006 about him. He was a member of the Bass Club. Chicken is survived by his wife, Syble Beavers Williams; daughter, Karen Bush and husband, Ronnie; two granddaughters, Leslie and Lauren Bush; sister, Lorene Hopson and husband, Cecil; brothers, Johnnie Williams and Gene Williams and wife, Wanda; and a host of nephews and nieces whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Williams; sister, Flossie Drewery and her husband, Travis; sister, Norma Drewery and her husband, Howard; sister-in-law, Darlene Williams; nephews, Larry Drewery and Michael McNeeley. Pallbearers will be Tommy Miller, Rusty Sanders, Pat Kent, G.W. Jones, Don Marshall and John Marshall. Honorary pallbearers will be all retired and current Nacogdoches firefighters. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Choice Home and Health, 915 E. Austin St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75965 or Hospice of Deep East Texas, 907 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral
Jane Evangeline Ashworth
Jane Evangeline Ashworth passed away Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at the age of 52. She was born on November 17, 1956 in Bronxville, NY to Marie and Van Demetriades. She spent her teenage years in Houston then attended UT Austin. She dedicated her life to putting others first. Her compassion and love will ring in our hearts forever. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and charm, often expressed through the wonderful parties she hosted and the great food she prepared for her friends. Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Duncan Ashworth; their son, Thomas; their daughter, Katherine Gentry and husband Nathan; and a new granddaughter, Paige. She also leaves behind her brother, Van Demetriades, his wife Susan and their son Chris. Jane will be sorely missed by her sister-in-law, Margaret Schoelman, her husband Steve and their children Zac and Stephanie. Everyone who knew Jane will find solace in remembering her sensitivity and the soothing comfort she provided others in time of need. She enjoyed her knitting, her yoga group, her book club, bible study, prayer group and her daily attendance at St. John Neumann morning masses. The time she spent with others was as important to her as the air she breathed; and she gave so much back to them in return. We are all blessed to have known her and to have had her in our lives even for this brief time. We'll miss you Jane. Love always. The family will receive friends at 6:00 p.m., followed by recitation of the rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2008 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 101 Westlake Drive with Father Bud Roland and Father Jim Evans Con-Celebrants. Committal will follow at Cook- Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park. Please join us in celebrating Jane's life at www.mem.com where we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.
Ima Ruth "Dusty" Parker
Funeral for Mrs. Ima Ruth "Dusty" Parker, 76, of Nacogdoches will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home with the Rev. Brad Morgan and the Rev. Tim Brewer officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs. Parker died Oct. 28, 2008, in Nacogdoches. Born Aug. 4, 1932, in Black Jack, she was the daughter of John and Lillie Jones Langford. She had worked for the late Dr. James I. Allen, and she was a Baptist. She was married to William Huey Parker, and he preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Parker Shaughnessy, of Nacogdoches; sons, Lynn Parker, of Argyle, Mike Parker of Bryan-College Station and Rodney Dean, Steve Dean and Tom Parker, all of Nacogdoches; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Deep East Texas, 907 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 30. Laird Funeral Home.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on 10/30/2008
David C. Koonce
Funeral services for Mr. David C. Koonce, 58, of Lufkin will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2008, at Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin with the Rev. John Greene officiating and eulogy by Jim Myers. Interment will be in White Rock Cemetery. Mr. Koonce passed away October 1, 2008, in Lufkin, Texas. David was born September 16, 1950, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to the late W.D. and Gladys Courtney Koonce. David was raised in Nacogdoches and attended Nacogdoches High School. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a double major in business and communication. David had worked as human resources director and civil service director for the city of Lufkin since 1997. He had been human resources director for Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for 17 years and also held a license in nursing home administration. He was a board member for Junior Achievement and had served as board member for Goodwill Industries. He and Beverly were members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin where they hosted their small group Bible study on Wednesday evenings. David was a member of Lufkin Kiwanis and had been a member of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club prior to moving to Lufkin. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Beverly Little Koonce of Lufkin; two sons, Chris Koonce and wife, Malissa, of Nacogdoches and Ryan Koonce of Nacogdoches; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra Church and husband, Johnny, of Nacogdoches, Sara Spainhour and husband, David, of Ohio, Nancy Williams and husband, Nelson, of Nacogdoches and Cynthia Arnold and husband, Eddy, of Nacogdoches; and three grandchildren, Kayli, Kolton and Kaden of Nacogdoches. Pallbearers will be Jim Lazarine, George Nichols, Terry Wilson, Jim Reagan, Finley Cartwright, C.G. Maclin, Randy Bond and Murry Brown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to M.D. Anderson Brain and Spinal Cord Institute. Laird Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
August 20, 2008
Marshall Earl Brown
WHITEHOUSE - Memorial services for Marshall Earl Brown, 90, Whitehouse, are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, Tyler.
Mr. Brown died Aug. 20, 2008, at a Tyler hospice.
He was born June 28, 1918, in Troup to the late Earl and Olive Brown. He graduated from Whitehouse High School and from Lon Morris College and Texas Tech University.
He served in the Navy during World War II and was a basketball coach at Tyler High School, Lon Morris College and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Survivors include daughter, Rosemary Bates, Tyler; son, Terry Brown, Tyler; brothers, Melvin Brown, Eldon Ben Brown, Charles "Buck" Brown and Oscar Brown; sisters, Bernice Melton, Ruth Mitchell, Martha Burns, Alice Thompson, Mary McCoy and Rosa Ida Collins; three grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Family will receive friends following services at the church.
Published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph on 8/22/2008
Judy Elizabeth Hale
Funeral services for Mrs. Judy Elizabeth Hale, 86, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Gardin officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Judy was born in Beaumont, Texas on November 21, 1921, the daughter of the late Jefferson OMalie and Helen (Burnett) Lyle, and passed away peacefully on Friday April 25, 2008. In celebrating the life of Judy Hale, we want to remember the happy times. Judy was always among the first to get involved in whatever was wholesome and beneficial. Judy is a graduate of Kilgore College and while there she also obtained her pilot¹s license. This came about because our nation was in a depression and our Air Force was obsolete. Our Congress devised a program to interest young college men in aviation. Twenty boys could take the course and two girls. Judy, of course, was one of these girls. The reason this is noteworthy is because Gean also took the course to be one of the twenty boys and because Judy was his girlfriend. When our nation got involved in WWII, Gean, because of his college flying experience (influenced by Judy) entered the Air Force as a cadet. Gean received his Air Force wings, his commission and his wife, Judy, all in one package. Judy was the first captain of the Kilgore College Rangerettes and an officer in the Rangerettes Forever Alumni Association. This organization has raised enough funds that every Rangerette, present and future, will have a scholarship. Rangerettes Forever have performed with the Rangerettes on three different occasions. First, in 1988, the Rangerettes Forever performed at the East West Shriners football game in Palo Alto, Calif. Later, they marched in the Macy¹s Thanksgiving Day parade. In 2000, they also performed at halftime of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Judy loved Nacogdoches, and was active in the Nacogdoches Historical Society. Their purpose was to preserve the history of historic Nacogdoches. Judy was instrumental in the creation of the Eugenia Sterne Park on East Main Street. During this project, she worked with Red Suspenders, a group of men from all walks of life who met annually to construct things as in the past. Thus, the gazebo in the Eugenia Sterne Park was one of their projects. Judy also bought and restored the Anna Raguet home. The Raguet family is a prominent Nacogdoches family, as a street was named after them. Anna Raguet was the girlfriend of Sam Houston, who called on her each time he visited Nacogdoches. Judy was also instrumental in the preservation of the Durst Taylor house. Judy's mark on our community as well as our hearts will not be forgotten. She led a remarkable life full of many endeavors and Judy touched the lives of all she came to know. We celebrate her life and accomplishments with the fervent hope that we can also have such an impact. Judy is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Gean Hale; a daughter, Rebecca Crosson and husband, Richard of Mullica Hill, NJ; and a son, Jeff Hale and wife, Sabrina of Nacogdoches, Texas. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Andrew Crosson and wife, Julie of Ashville, North Carolina, Clayton Hale, of Nacogdoches, Texas; and Samiel Hale of Huntsville, Texas; and one great-grandchild, Adelina Gean Crosson. Judy is preceded in death by her parents; her sister. Patricia Harrison; brother-in-law, Paul Harrison; and nephew, Lyle Harrison. Pallbearers: Andrew Crosson, Clayton Hale, Sam Hale, Patric Harrison, Ed Cole and Paul Drawhorn. Honorary pallbearers: members of the open door class at the First United Methodist Church. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 5-7 p.m. Monday April 28, 2008 at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Norma Ossie Fay Drewery
Norma Ossie Fay Drewery was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She was born June 21, 1923, in Broaddus, Texas, to the late Norman T. and Virgie Carrell Williams, and she went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2008, at the age of 84 years old. Mrs. Drewery was a lifetime resident of Nacogdoches, Texas, and was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin Teachers College with a master's degree in education. Mrs. Drewery loved children, whether they were her own or friends of her own or students whom she taught. She devoted more than 25 years of her life to education, serving in various schools in Nacogdoches County, including Nacogdoches High School, Brooks-Quinn, Nettie Marshall and Appleby School, where she was the principal. During these years she was very active in her church, Harvest Pointe Community Fellowship, formerly known as Nacogdoches Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school and was very involved with The Lambs, a ministry for women. Norma Drewery spent her life rearing four sons and a daughter. She also helped raise 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Norma loved reading, cooking, playing 42 and watching Wheel of Fortune. She also spent countless hours with her sisters, Flossie and Lorine, riding the roads of East Texas. Her greatest love was being surrounded by her family, even until her death. With her late husband, Howard, and her children, Norma enjoyed fishing and camping. As recently as August 2007 she traveled with 22 members of her family and friends to Colorado and Wyoming on vacation. Later that same year, she took her last trip with her senior church friends to see the fall foliage in the Ozark Mountains. Norma Drewery leaves her family and friends a rich heritage of loving the Lord and others. While believing in a strong work ethic, she was a woman who was generous, compassionate and hospitable throughout all the days of her life. Although her family is grieving an immeasurable loss, we are rejoicing that she is now in her heavenly home with her Lord Jesus Christ. Norma is survived by a daughter, Sandra Patterson and husband, John, of Nacogdoches; three sons, Dale Drewery and wife, Brenda, of Nacogdoches, Keith Drewery and wife, Traci, of Nacogdoches, and Terry Drewery and wife, Tammy, of Nacogdoches; daughter-in-law, Peggy Drewery; sister, Lorine Hopson of Nacogdoches; three brothers, Norman "Chicken" Williams, Johnny Dale Williams of Nacogdoches and Gene Williams of Killeen, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren. ( Four of these great-grandchildren are still to be born.) She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, Larry Drewery; her brother, Charles Williams; and her sister, Flossie Drewery. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Harvest Pointe Church in Nacogdoches with Bro. Gary Roberts and Dr. Rick Scarbrough officiating. Interment will be at Drewery Family Cemetery on Press Road, Nacogdoches, Texas. Friends and family are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be John Patterson Sr., Keith Drewery, Terry Drewery, Dale Drewery, Autry Griffith, Wayne Hopson, Harlon Drewery, Dale Shaver, Tim Hopson, Steve Hopson and Paul Hopson. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Rushing, Kyle Drewery, Heath Drewery, Shawn Drewery, Seth Drewery, Hunter Drewery, Caleb Watson, Joe Catoe, John Patterson Jr., Josh Wheaton, Brad Busler and Michael Stephens. Memorial donations may be made to Christian Women's Job Corps, Love INC and Hospice of East Texas. Laird Funeral Home.
Ann Reese Sisco
A graveside funeral service will be held for Ann Reese Sisco, 80, at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2008, at Fairview Cemetery, Nacogdoches, Texas. The Reverend Richard White, nephew of Ms. Sisco, will officiate. Ms. Sisco passed away in Houston, Texas, Tuesday, January, 22. Ann was born May 8, 1927, in Lubbock, Texas, the daughter of the late Eathel Ray and Maggie Oleva Tolar Reese. She was raised during the Great Depression in the "Dust Bowl" of West Texas and moved to Nacogdoches with her family as a teenager. She is a 1946 graduate of Nacogdoches High School. Ann graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1965, where she was a member of the Pine Burrs Sorority, with a double major in English and journalism. She received her master's degree from SFA in communications in 1974. She taught and was student newspaper sponsor at Nacogdoches High School in 1967-68 and 1975-76, and taught at Angelina College from 1968 to 1973. Some of her volunteer work included Cub Scout den mother and Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches. Ann thoroughly enjoyed reading and always carried a sense of humor that even her caregivers commented on during her recent illness. Ann is survived by a daughter, Lynda Kirtland and husband, Joe of Winnie, Texas; a son, Stan Sisco and wife, Paula, of Nacogdoches, Texas; two sisters, Syble Gregory of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Dorothy Pennington of Clear Lake, Texas; and three grandchildren, James Micheal Jones, Lacey Sisco and Will Sisco. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Tracey Lane Sisco; brothers, Ashbon Reese, Eathel Ray Reese Jr., and James Reese; and sister, Mary Claunch. The family will receive friends and family from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Arrangements by Laird Funeral Home.
Jesse V (Parmley) Weatherly
Funeral service for Mrs. Jesse V (Parmley) Weatherly, 84, of Nacogdoches will be held at Laird Funeral Home on Monday, December 24, 2007 at 10 AM with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Weatherly passed away December 22, 2007 at her home in the Central Heights Community of Nacogdoches County. Jesse was born on July 17, 1923 in Nacogdoches, the daughter of the late Arch B. Parmley and Zula Dennis Parmley. She received her BS degree in Education from SFASU in 1958 where she was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Theta History Club. She began teaching in the Nacogdoches ISD in 1958 and and received her Master'd5s Degree from SFASU in 1964, the same year her oldest son graduated from high school. Jesse continued teaching in the Nacogdoches ISD for thirty-one years. Since retiring, there were numerous occasions when she was recognized by former students whose lives she had impacted in the classroom. Jesse was a life-long member of Lilly Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Children'd5s Church and Vacation Bible School. She also served as Church Historian. Jesse loved her family and the history of it, and combined the two by taking her grandchildren to area cemeteries to research their genealogy. She wrote and published six books on her family history and one on the history of Central Heights School. She was a member of the Nacogdoches Historical Society and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Jesse also enjoyed traveling and quilting. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Hollis Weatherly; her daughter Evalyn (Evie) Sopko and husband Jim; her sons Gerall Weatherly and wife Sherry and Dr. James A. Weatherly and wife Gail, all of Nacogdoches; her sister Madaleine Stidger and husband Johnny of Tyler; sister-in-law Bonnie Parmley of Whitehouse; grandchildren Robbie Weatherly and wife Amy of Nacogdoches, Kari Weatherly of Lufkin, Kelley Cagle and husband Chris of San Antonio, Holly Middlebrook and husband Andrew of Nacogdoches, Sgt. James A. Weatherly II, USMC and wife Megan of Kadina, Okinawa, Symantha Sopko of Nacogdoches, Clint Sopko and wife Crystal of Nacogdoches, Rebekah Sopko of Nacogdoches and Matt Sopko also of Nacogdoches. Jesse is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Felix Parmley. Visitation will be held at Laird Funeral Home on Sunday, December 23, 2007 from 4 until 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lilly Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 8151 FM 1638, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or to Hospice of Deep East Texas, 907 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. The family would like to extend a special thanks to caregivers Ann Watson and Melvelyn Tutt and the Hospice Staff as well as Drs. Brian Davis and Kelly Moon.
Marie Mansi Packard
Funeral service for Mrs. Marie Mansi Packard, 81, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Monsignor James E. Young officiating. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery at Moral. Mrs. Packard passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born August 19, 1926, in Galveston, she was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Dolores Paolinelli Mansi. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nacogdoches, where she was a past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Society of St. Pius X. Mrs. Packard worked at Mize Factory for six years, and then in the preliminary department at Moore Business Form for 22 years, until her retirement. She was married to Bernard J. Packard Sr., and he preceded her in death. Survivors include her sons, Bernard J. Packard Jr. and wife, Deborah and Patrick K. Packard, all of Nacogdoches; daughters, Lorraine and husband, John W. Luna, of Euless, Patricia E. and husband, Dr. Thomas B. Blount Jr., of San Augustine, and Mildred Rose Russell of Lafayette, La.; brothers, Leon Mansi and wife, Janet, of Encinitas, Calif., and Rudolph Mansi of Sante Fe, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jackey Luna, Bradley Luna, Bryan Packard, Steven Packard, Kevin Packard, Tina Marie Darby, Rachel Blount, Joseph Blount, Thomas Reeves Russell and Laura Frances Russell ;and great-grandchildren, Aaron Luna, Katie Luna, Allison Marie Luna, Rebbeca Jo Luna, Kasey Renee Luna, Joshua Packard, Gracen Packard, Emmi Sylvine Packard, Addie Marie Packard and Kaden Packard Darby. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Frances Elaine Mansi. Active pallbearers will be her nephew, David Bush, and her grandsons. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, 1422 CR 724, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or to LifeCare Health Services, 320 North St., Ste. 311, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Laird Funeral Home.
Flo Alexander
Funeral services for Flo Alexander, 93, of Jasper will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2007, at First Christian Church in Nacogdoches Texas, with graveside service at 3 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2007, at Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper. Flo died Saturday, October 20, 2007, in Upshur Manor in Gilmer, Texas. A native of Nacogdoches, she was a longtime Jasper resident. She retired from Nacogdoches High School after 27 years of service as a teacher and counselor. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, TSTA and Teachers Retirement Association of Jasper. She played piano for over 80 years, serving as a longtime choir director for First Christian Church of Nacogdoches and as pianist for Adams Memorial Baptist Church for over 10 years. She enjoyed crocheting and learned to slalom water ski at age 50. At the age of 60, she took up golf. Survivors include her son, Lynn Alexander and wife, Kathy, of Gilmer, Texas; daughter, Patti Alexander of Jasper, Texas; sister-in-law, Gwen Richardson of Cibolo, Texas; three grandchildren, Sherry Whiteside and husband, Lee , of Lille, France, Terry Alexander and wife, Betsy, of Bullard and Tim Alexander and wife, Katherine of Gilmer; six great-grandchildren, Paul Alexander, Laura Whiteside, Jessica Whiteside, Todd Alexander, Katie Alexander and Breanna Alexander. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, Dub Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lakes Area Hospice, P.O. Box 2086, Jasper, Texas 75951 or to First Christian Church, 702 North Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Services are under the direction of Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home, Jasper.
Mary Jo Wallace Dykes
Funeral service will be held for Mrs. Mary Jo Dykes, age 77, of Nacogdoches at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007, at Laird Funeral Home, with Bro. Jim Moss and Bro. Jeremiah Moss officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs. Dykes passed away Monday, September 10, 2007, in Nacogdoches. Born June 14, 1930, in Nacogdoches, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Allie V. Bawcom Edmons and grew up in the Cushing area. Mrs. Dykes received an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She was married to the late Lowell Wallace for 17 years. On July 18, 1973, she married Linn Dykes, and he survives her, after 34 years of marriage. Mrs. Dykes was a Texas history teacher for more than 30 years and loved to talk about our great state. As a teacher, she influenced the lives of all whom she taught, as a Christian, she lived to serve the Lord, and as the wife of a pastor, the focus of her life was her family and church. She was a member of the Woden Baptist Church. Mrs. Dykes will be remembered by family and friends as a person of kindness, compassion, and integrity. Survivors include daughters, Karen Jo Wallace and Pat Beal, both of The Woodlands, Texas; stepdaughter, Sharon Smith of Lufkin, Texas; and sister, Jackie Gamble of Nacogdoches, Texas. She is also survived by grandson, Matt Beal; and granddaughter, Jennifer Beal. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home of Nacogdoches in charge of arrangements. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailysentinel/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=94289043#sthash.IjpTCWBw.dpuf
MARVIN HAROLD ZINDLER, SR.
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MARVIN HAROLD ZINDLER, SR.
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Marvin Harold Zindler, Sr., a well-known and tenured broadcast journalist, died peacefully on Sunday evening, July 29, 2007. A native Houstonian, Marvin was born on Aug. 10, 1921, to the late Abe and Udith Mayer Zindler. After serving in United States Marine Corps, Marvin joined the family’s retail clothing business, Zindler’s, and then pursued a variety of interests. He served 12 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department where he started the Consumer Fraud Division during a time when consumer advocacy was very much in need.
Following his career in law enforcement, Marvin began his broadcast journalism career with ABC 13, where he served for 35 years as the community’s consumer advocate. He developed a legacy of providing thoughtful and sincere assistance to those in need, many of whom found themselves in situations where there was no one else to turn to. Many tributes and stories have detailed Marvin’s professional life and his career, and the family is indeed grateful for the many considerate expressions, kind remarks and professional compliments.
In addition to his professional career, Marvin was a 33rd Degree Mason at Temple Lodge No. Four, a member of Congregation Beth Israel, a lifetime member of the Jaycee’s and a member of the Braeburn Country Club. Marvin’s passions were his beloved family, his professional life, nurturing the many friendships he developed along the way and his golf games at Braeburn. He always looked forward to the annual golf tournaments benefiting two organizations very dear to him, the Houston Ear Research Foundation and Houston Eye Associates Foundation. In addition to his parents, Marvin was predeceased in 1997 by his wife of 56 years, the late Gertrude Kugler Zindler; and by his brothers, Warren, Sterling and Abe Zindler. Marvin is survived by his wife, Niki Divine Zindler; daughter, Helen Zindler Rodgers, and husband, Mike, of Katy; sons, Marvin Zindler, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Kingwood, Donny Zindler of Houston, Mark Zindler and wife, June, of Tyler, and Dan Zindler of Houston; grandchildren, Courtney, Shay, Kelli, Aaron, Lauren, Leslie, Seth, Austin and Adam; great-grandson, Aiden; and by his brother, Kenneth and wife, Lu, of Houston. He also is survived by Niki’s children, Andrea Gale, Jeffery Gale and wife, Janie, Bruce Gale and Matthew Gale, all of Las Vegas, Nev.
The family desires to express its sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff at The Methodist Hospital and to the nursing staff at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s Palliative and Symptom Control Unit for their dedicated and loving care provided to Marvin. In addition, the family offers their deep gratitude to Drs. Robert Wolff and Nada Fadul.
The funeral service was conducted at 11 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, in the temple of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd. in Houston, where Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon, Cantor Robert M. Gerber, Dr. Kirby John Caldwell, Pastor Joel Osteen and the Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson served as officiants. The entombment followed, via an escorted cortege, at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Gardens, 1111 Antoine Road in Houston.
Those honored to serve as casketbearers during the services included Joe Agris, Bob Dows, Henry Florsheim, Dr. Harvey Fodell, Jeffery Gale, Dr. Louis Green, Tom Magliaro and Robert Pelton. Honorary pallbearers included Harold Wiesenthal, Larry Barbanel, Sam Spritzer, Dave Strickland, Don Clark, Pino Farinola, Adriano Farinola, Ralph Williams, Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas, as well as all of Marvin’s Angels.
In lieu of usual remembrances, the family suggests contributions in memory of Marvin be directed to the Marvin H. Zindler, Sr. Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research, in care of Dr. Robert Wolff, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.
— Geo. H. Lewis & Sons
Jimmy Tipton
JAMES ARNOLD TIPTON, JR. Funeral service for Jimmy Tipton, 49, will be held Sunday, June 2, 2002 at the First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. Mr. Tipton died May 31 at his home. He was a 1975 graduate of the University of Texas and was the owner of Tipton Ford Lincoln Mercury in Nacogdoches. He was an active member of many professional and civic organizations and believed strongly in helping and assisting others in need. He is survived by his wife, Margie, mother, Dorothy, sister, Nancy Carol Tipton of Nacogdoches, step-daughter, Jennifer Larkin of San Antonio and a very special cousin, Malena Smither of Hillsborough, North Carolina. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements, 936-564-7333.
Jim Sanders
Jim was born April 20, 1954. He tragically died in an auto accident in Tyler, just three weeks shy of his medical school graduation. The school awarded Jim his Medical Doctor degree posthumously.
Ruben and Louey Ruth Russell
Ruben, 73 and Louey Ruth Russell, 72, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2004, in Nacogdoches. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2004, at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Reverend Glenn Matlock of Union Springs Baptist Church and Brett Maisel of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church officiating.
Mr. Russell was born April 11, 1930, in Lufkin, Texas. He was a member of Milam Masonic Lodge No. 2 in Nacogdoches. He retired from Bright Coop Company in 1999 after 32 years of service, prior; he worked for many years for the Sutton Family.
Mrs. Russell was born July 22, 1931, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was a loving and devoted, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
They were both members of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
They were preceded in death by sons, Ruben Steve Russell and Robert Russell.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell are survived by, a son, Marion Clemet Russell and wife, Wanda, of Nacogdoches; daughter-in-law, Frances Russell of Nacogdoches; grandson, Jason Steve Russell of Nacogdoches; granddaughters, Dayna Stanaland and husband, Michael, of Nacogdoches and Jennifer Horner and husband, Mark, of Nacogdoches; great-granddaughter, Hayli Claire Stanaland of Nacogdoches and great-grandson, Evan Russell Horner of Nacogdoches.
Mr. Russell is survived by his brother, George Russell of San Augustine. Mrs. Russell is survived by her brother, L.L. Conner of Houston.
Both are also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today.
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches, Texas.
Ancil H Clifton
Funeral services for Ancil H. Clifton will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 15, 1999, in Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with The Reverend Monsignor James E. Young, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and The Reverend Tommy Hall, former pastor of College Heights Baptist Church, officiating.
Mr. Clifton died October 12, 1999, in Nacogdoches Medical Center. He was born November 7, 1917, in Nacogdoches County to I.S. (Sime) and Mae Moody Clifton.
Mr. Clifton was a World War II veteran, and a member of the Army Air Corps 21st Pursuit Squadron, he was a survivor of the Bataan Death March and almost four years interment as a Japanese prisoner of war. He was awarded several medals for his distinguished service, including the Bronze Star.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-two years, Shirley Thomas Clifton; two daughters, Sandra Clifton Johnson of Nacogdoches, Marcie Clifton Spence and her husband Gary of College Station; two sisters, Eula Chapman and Gladys Barnhart of Nacogdoches; and brother Benard Clifton of Nacogdoches. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jennifer and Justin Clifton of Nacogdoches; Clifton Megan and Rachel Johnson of Nacogdoches; and Lauren and Zachary Spence of College Station.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, T.J. and Wade Clifton; a sister, Lilly Case; and his son, Kenneth Clifton.
Pallbearers will be Charles Boyd, Louie Thrash, Joe Evans, Roger Dudley, Terry Clifton and Danny Barnhart. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3893.
Mr. Clifton was a retired rural mail carrier, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of the Kiwanis Club and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.
Source: The Daily Sentinel, Nacogdoches, Texas, October 13, 1999
Rest in peace, Coach Brown.
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Lucille DeWitt
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Gladys Arlene Ray, 56, of Nacogdoches was born on June 24, 1957, to the late Virgil Black and Lovetta Black in Vandalia, IL. Gladys passed away on June 11, 2014.
Funeral services for Robbie Ware Satterwhite, 61, of Pollok will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church with Pastor Ford Adkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Walker Cemetery. Mrs. Satterwhite was born Oct. 30, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, to Orlin and Irene Ware, and died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in a local hospital. She had resided in Pollok for more than 20 years. Mrs. Satterwhite was employed in the accounting department of the Daily Sentinel for five years. She was an avid Astros fan. She enjoyed crocheting and loved to fish. She loved her family and was always smiling. Mrs. Satterwhite was a member of the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church. Survivors include her husband, John Satterwhite of Pollok; daughter, Dana Berney of Nacogdoches; son and daughter-in-law, George and Lori Berney of Lewisville; grandchildren, Lexi Berney and George Berney III; stepchildren and their spouses, Jesi Satterwhite and John Malloy of Nacogdoches, Cliff Satterwhite and Deanna Walker of Alachua, Fla., Misty and Jerry Black of Broaddus and Wyndi and Brian Cage of Nacogdoches; step-grandchildren, Andrew and Kayla Williams, Hailey Cage, Lesli Williams, Kimberly Bulls, Deacon Black, Austin and Avery Malloy; two step-great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kristi and Andy Vincent of Lynn Haven, Fla., and Sandra and Lyn Breeland of Dallas; brothers and sister-in-law, Rick Ware of Canton, and Dale and Ginger Ware of Hillsboro; mother-in-law, Opal Satterwhite of Nacogdoches; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Lana Satterwhite of Huxley, Mike and Sue Satterwhite of Saginaw, Mich., and Susan Satterwhite of Nacogdoches; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Beverly Norrell and Doris Murdock; and father-in-law, Bo Satterwhite. Pallbearers will be Bill Hall, Lee Redfern, Jerry Beeson, David Beeson, Alton Knight and Steven Knight. Honorary pallbearers will be the WomenÃs Ministry Team at Cross Timbers Cowboy Church. Memorial contributions may be made to 
Graveside service for Kim Hogan, 58, of Wells, Texas, will be held Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Newmine Cemetery, Leesburg, Texas. Kim was a member of Hepsibah Baptist Church, Leesburg, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army where he received a National Defense Service Medal for Sharpshooter (Rifle). Kim is survived by brother, Mark Hogan and wife, Lynann, of Nacogdoches; brother, Eric Hogan and wife, Roselyn, of Seattle, Wash.; sister, Tana Davis and husband, Tillman, of Pittsburg, Texas; sister, Madelaine Gillis and husband, Guy, of Seattle, Wash.; daughter, Hannah Paige Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the direction of Erman Smith Funeral Home, Pittsburg, Texas.
A memorial service for Donna "Red" Estes, 54, of Nacogdoches will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, with Steve Petty and Pastor Stan King officiating at Laird Funeral Home. Ms. Estes left this earth and entered into heaven April 7, 2012, in Nacogdoches. She was born July 20, 1957, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to James Odell Estes and Lovella Hughes Meyer. Donna graduated from Nacogdoches High School. She worked as a clerk at KJ's Convenience store for many years. She was a hard worker and known for her bubbly personality and smile. Donna was friendly, kind-hearted and never met a stranger. She was a loving mom, sister and friend. She was a free spirit who loved the outdoors, mountains, gardening and her feline friends. Donna will be missed by many whose hearts she touched. But we can rejoice knowing she is no longer in pain and has received the eternal healing from Our Savior. She is preceded in death by her father, James Odell Estes; and mother, Lovella Hughes Meyer; as well as maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by three sons, Jacob Odell Randall of Nacogdoches, Texas, Joshua Delmar Randall of Monroe, Washington, and Forrest Kenneth Randall of Nacogdoches, Texas; her stepfather, Ernest E. Meyer of Broaddus, Texas; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie and Charlet Meyer of Newton, Texas, Timothy Estes of Waianae, Hawaii, and James and Tiffany Estes of Lafayette, Louisiana; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Loretta Cree of Texarkana, Texas, Rose and Ricky Sonnier of Port Neches, Texas, Darlene Estes of Nacogdoches and Stephanie Harrison of Texarkana, Texas; her best friend, P.J. Shipp of Nacogdoches, Texas; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Laird Funeral Home.
Douglas Earl Wehmeyer, 54, of Celeste passed away March 6, 2012 at his home. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday at First Baptist Church of Celeste with
Rhonda Dudley Gustafson, age 53 of Oshkosh, won her seven year battle with cancer and transitioned peacefully Sunday, March 18, 2012, with her family by her side. She was born August 20, 1958 in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Darwin and Iva Davis Dudley. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School, then went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin University. She married Jim Gustafson April 9, 1988, in Longview, Texas. Rhonda is loved and will be missed by her husband, Jim; children, Zack and Abby; her mother, Iva (Bobby) Wallace of Lilbert, Texas; her brother Kent (Sheri) Dudley of Midlothian, Texas; brother-in-law, Bruce (Pat) Gustafson; sisters-in-law, Diane (Robert) Tallman and Terry (Warren) Kempfert; and by many other family members and friends whose lives she has touched. She is preceded in death by her father, Darwin Dudley. Rhonda was a gentle and loving wife, mother and friend who was totally devoted to her family and to improving the lives of those around her. Her honesty, kindness and warm nature were traits that guided all who knew her. Her favorite thing in life was spending time with family. Over the years, she hosted many holiday and family events; she was the glue that held her family together. While fighting her illness, she remained a positive light on those close to her, proving her strength of character and unwavering faith. She was an unbelievable influence on those around her, selflessly putting our problems before her own. Though we all are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in the beautiful life that she led and knowing that her struggle has ended. Memorial service for Rhonda will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Laird Funeral Home, 2116 South Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota St., Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 54902 or the 
Hazel Shelton Abernethy died March 22, 2012 in Nacogdoches. Hazel was born May 20, 1927, in Nacogdoches the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shelton, who had come to Nacogdoches in 1923 as a faculty family for the opening of Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College. Coach Bob Shelton was SFA's first coach and athletic director and later was dean of men. Hazel was blessed with a long, rich, full life and with kin and friends who loved her dearly. She was grateful that she was able to do everything that she had wanted to do -- have children, teach, act and have cats and dogs in the house. Hazel's last discernible words were "I love you," and all she wanted for a eulogy was someone to say "thank you" for her joyful trip through life. Hazel went to SFA's Demonstration School through junior high. She graduated in 1944 from Nacogdoches High School, where she was student body president. She graduated from SFA in 1948, where she was Miss SFA and Carolyn Thompson Hill Award recipient. She received her M.A. from SFA in 1971 and taught in SFA's history department. At one time, Hazel was teaching history at SFA, her husband was teaching English, and her son, Robert, was teaching geology. All of her children attended SFA, and Hazel was a devoted alumna. Hazel married Francis Edward Abernethy, her high school sweetheart, June 12, 1948. She is survived by her husband and children, Luanna Cherry Cole and husband, Charles, Robert Morris Abernethy and wife, Kim, Sarah Elizabeth "Deedy" Abernethy and friend, Todd Weidner, Margaret Leslie "Maggie" Abernethy-Duffin and husband, John, and Benjamin Talbot Abernethy and wife, Penny. By her grandchildren, Elizabeth Davis Reeves, Sgt. Edward Cole, Leslie Cole, Patrick Abernethy, Sarah Abernethy and Jack Duffin. And by her great-grandchildren, Brittany and Justin Cole and Dylan and Abigail Reeves. Hazel is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Shelton Morgan and the Morgan family. Hazel's devotion was to her children, husband, home, dogs and cats (in that order), but she was happily and continually involved in other civic ventures. She was a member of her treasured Methodist Circle and member of the Heritage Club since 1965. She was in Nacogdoches Women's Hall of Fame, she served two terms as president of the City Federation of Women's Clubs, and she was named as a Distinguished Alumna of NHS. Hazel was a gifted speaker and presented programs throughout her professional career. During the 50th anniversary of World War II Hazel wrote "The Home Front: 1941-1945," which was published by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. The article was later selected by a national high school textbook company and was published with her audiotape and used for many years in the U.S. and by the armed forces schools abroad. Hazel loved an audience -- her children and husband, her students, strangers in an elevator -- and her favorite extra-familial activity was her involvement in Sarah McMullan's Lamp-Lite Theatre. She began her 30-odd years of acting, building and back-staging with Lamp-Lite in 1970s and was a devoted Lamp -Liter ever since. Hazel loved the theater, and when she visited London, she and Ab went to a play every night, with a frequent matinee. Hazel loved to travel, as long as she had clean sheets, tea and crumpets at 10, and an "arf pint lager" after the show. She loved touring Australia, all of Europe, particularly Italy, but her traveling-heart's home was Ireland and the British Isles, and ultimately, London. Hazel was the hearth and heartbeat of her home and her family and was a much-loved and a much-loving wife, mother and grandmother. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Cason-Monk Metcalf Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012, in the chapel in Cason-Monk Metcalf Funeral Home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made to any of the several Alzheimer's Research foundations and to Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and support. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Elizabeth Davis Reeves, Sgt. Edward Cole, Leslie Cole, Patrick Abernethy, Sarah Abernethy and Jack Duffin. Online condolences may be offered at 
Betty N. Randall, 75, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2011 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born in Nacogdoches on September 4, 1935, to parents Roy Fleniken and Persie Phillips Fleniken.