Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES JULY & AUGUST 2007

July 4, 2007

DAPHNE ANN GOFF JONES THOMPSON

Funeral for Daphne Ann Jones Thompson, 38, of Rusk was at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Eastside Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Copeland and the Rev. Mike Bradford officiating. Burial was in Henry Cemetery under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Thompson died June 26. She was born Feb. 3, 1969, in Jacksonville.

Survivors are her husband Douglas Thompson of Rusk; children, Brandon Colby Jones of New Summerfield and James Douglas Thompson and Jacob Ryan Thompson, both of Rusk; her mother, Shirley Stephens of Chaska, Minn,; her father and step-mother, Larry Don and Helen Goff of Rusk; one brother and sister-in-law, Donny and Shauna Goff of Rusk; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Stephanie and Jim Verdoorn of Minnesota, Kristi Adams of Jacksonville, and Angie Belk of Cushing; two step-sisters, Kerri Hamilton of Rusk and Cindy Dyess, both of Rusk; a step-brother, Randy Stover of Rusk; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

KENNETH HARDEE HERRING
 

Funeral for Kenneth Hardee Herring, 83, of Atoy was at 1 p.m. Friday at the Mount Cove Missionary Baptist Church at Atoy with Pastor Floyd Gaston officiating. Burial was in the Atoy Cemetery under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

Mr. Herring died June 26. He was born Jan. 23, 1924, in Forest, Miss. to Homer Hardee and Virgie Viola Smith Herring.

He had lived in Atoy for the last three years and was a member of the Mount Cove Missionary Baptist Church. He previously lived in Acworth, Ga. for 34 years after retiring as a chief petty officer of the Navy with 21 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the machinist union. He worked in aircraft production for Lockheed Industry.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Mary Herring; and brothers, Clemmy Herring, Bob Herring and Delton Herring.

Survivors are a son, Kent Mitchell of Grangeville, Idaho; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Wayne McKay of Atoy; two brothers, Douglas Herring of Petal, Miss. and Sam Herring of Beaumont, Miss; four grandchildren, Josh, Sonny, James and Phillip; and four great-grandchildren.

JOE LEAVINS

Funeral for Joe Leavins, 90, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Monday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. A.B. Keating and the Rev. W.E. Shiflett officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Leavins died June 28. He was born April 17, 1917, in Tuscaloosa, Okla. He was a contractor, member of the New Life Church and Veteran of Foreign Wars in Jacksonville. Preceding him in death were his wife, Marie Leavins; daughter, Annette Paredes; and son, Ray Leavins.

Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Joyce Leavins of Anna, La. and James and Avis Leavins of Jacksonville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mickie and Donald Guinn of Jacksonville and Sheila and Gary Nugent of Centerpoint, La.; 17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were William Baum, Bryan Howell, James Leavins Jr., Danon Pate, Steven Norton and Harold Stem.

Honorary pallbearers were Pete Young, Cecil Rawlinson, Archie Baum, Carl Baum and G.A. Baum.

LANEY ROE MINTON

Funeral for Laney Roe Minton, 75, of Bullard was at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bullard Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Donnie Barron officiating. Burial was in Bullard Cemetery under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

Mr. Minton died June 29. He was born Sept. 23, 1931, in Poynor. He worked for 30 years for Nichols Kusan and 14 years for Smith County Road and Bridge. He was a member of the Bullard Southern Baptist Church. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and was a member of the Bullard Masonic Lodge and the Bullard Cemetery Association. Preceding him in death were his parents, John Buchanan and Eula Mae Morton Minton; a daughter, Cindy Diane Minton; a brother, Lawrence Minton; two sisters, Geraldene Zorn and Olga Jones.

Survivors are his wife of 51 years, LaVerne Minton of Bullard; a son and daughter-in-law, John and Tammy Minton of Bullard; a granddaughter, Sarah Minton of Bullard; a sister, Alma Murphy of Jacksonville; a sister-in-law, Doris Minton of Jacksonville; special grandchildren, Haley Murphy, Aubrie Murphy, Jesse Harris, Jaylyn Harris, Jenise Harris, Taylor Fountain, Libby Eitel, Molly Duncan and Taylor Fredrick. Pallbearers were Arlin Harris, Jack Harris, Jack Cheek, Tom Oxford, W.T. Jennings, Jimmy Bain, Billy Jack Field and Albert Lee. Honorary pallbearers were Merl Salmon, Lee Grosdidier and Pat O'Connell.

VERNER JAMES (JIMMY) LONG JR.

Funeral for Verner James (Jimmy) Long Jr., 66, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Monday in the Rusk First Baptist Church with the Rev. Lee Welch and the Rev. Jim Goforth officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home.

Mr. Long died June 29. He was born Feb. 12, 1941, in Jacksonville and was a lifelong Rusk resident. He retired in 1993 as a sign man from the Texas Department of Transportation after 30 plus years of service. He was also manager of Cherokee Airport for six years. He served in the U.S. Navy from Sept. 21, 1960, until June 26, 1964. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 34 years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Rusk.

Proceeding him in death were his father, Verner James Long Sr.; mother, Sydna LaVelle Dodd Long; and stepmother, Charlene Chapmon Long.

Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, James Eric and Dana Diane Long and Ryan Neal and Tammy Long, all of Rusk; mother of his children, Glenda Merriwether Long of Rusk; one brother and sister-in law, Robert Byron (Bobby) and Patti Long of Tyler; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Lila Jean and David Murray and Judy Faye and Kelley Garner, all of Rusk and Rosemary Gould of Jacksonville; four granddaughters, Sydna Brooke Long, Faith Caroline Long, Kristine Morgan Long and Ashlyn Jade Long, all of Rusk.

Pallbearers were William E. Tosh, Harold (Buz) Parrish, Billy W. Sessions, James Campbell, George Covington and Don Wood. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Davis, Charles Henry Jones, Hugh McKean, Sam Florian and Bo Kisinger.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church building fund, P.O. Box 258, Rusk 75785.

MARJORIE C. MILLER

Funeral for Marjorie C. Miller, 89, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Friday, in the Rusk First Presbyterian Church with Rev. David O'Neal officiating. A graveside service was at 2 p.m. Friday at Liberty Hill Cemetery near San Augustine, with the Rev. Dr. Sam Wayman officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.

Ms. Miller died June 25. She was born Feb. 2, 1918, in San Augustine to the late Inlow and Nina Mathews Miller. She was a resident of Rusk for eight years and formerly lived at San Augustine.

She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. She taught high school English in several schools across Texas.

During World War II she worked for the Navy Department in Washington D.C. She resumed teaching after the war. Her last 18 years of teaching were at Beeville High School.

She joined Memorial Presbyterian Church in San Augustine in the 1920s. She also traveled to various places including Europe.

Survivors are a brother and sister-in-law, Glenn A. and Mamie Miller of Rusk; sisterin law, Betty (Rusty) Miller of Lufkin; four nieces, Molly James, Harriett Buschman, LaDonnna Bailey and Mary Lou Standley, all of Lufkin; six nephews, Kip Miller of Lufkin, Glenn W. Miller of Mesquite, David Miller and Matt Miller, both of Rusk, Don Miller of McCool, Miss., Tom Miller of Lufkin; and two cousins, Jean Lake of San Augustine and Carolyn Epps of Houston.

Pallbearers were Kip Miller, Glenn W. Miller, Keith Bailey, Darrell Windham, Matt Miller and David Miller.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 414, Rusk 75785.

WRIGHT JOHNSON

Funeral for Wright Johnson, 97, of Rusk, formerly of Jacksonville, was at 11 a.m. Saturday at the West Holly Spring Church of the Living God with Pastor Doris Johnson, the Rev. Earl Griffith, Elder Phal Carter and Minister Jerry Ballard officiating. Burial was in Garrett Cemetery under the direction of Williams Funeral Home.

Mr. Johnson died June 25. He was born Jan. 1, 1910, in Rusk County. He was a member of the West Holly Spring Church of the Living God and a retired construction worker. He attended school at Holly Springs near Laneville.

Preceding him in death were his wife, six sons, five daughter, his parents, eight grandchildren, five brothers and four sisters.

Survivors are five daughters, Eula M. Session and Marvella Maddox of Rusk, Loraine Newsome of Tyler, Bertha Bailey of Jacksonville and Dorothy Johnson of Mesquite; 33 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Sandrel Session, Rodney Johnson, Douglas Bailey, Kevin Newsome, Anthony Newsome and D'Anglo Newsome. Honorary pallbearers were Caree Johnson, Stepel Johnson, Leroy King and Reginald Maddox.

JOHN MORRIS WISE

Graveside service for John Morris Wise, 77, of Wells was at 10 a.m., Monday, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Wells with Carl Allen and Charles Stringer officiating. Gibson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Wise died June 27 in a Tyler hospital after an automobile accident. He was born July 2, 1929, in Douglass to the late Ollie Mae Holsomback and John David Wise.

He retired from the Lufkin Water Department, following 22 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Wells Church of Christ.

Preceding him in death were his first wife, Mary Frances McMillan Wise; his parents and numerous aunts and uncles.

Survivors are his wife of nine years, Ernestine Helm Wise of Rusk; daughter, Lou Cox of Lufkin; stepson, Jerry B. Helm of Rusk; two brothers, Hugh Edward Wise of Wells and Archie Lee Wise of Nacogdoches; two sisters, Ollie Monk of Rusk and Johnnie Leigh Emerson of Wells; two grandsons, John Frank (Buster) Cox Jr. and Lawrence Waylon Cox, both of Lufkin; seven step-grandchildren, Brian Helm, Scott Helm and Cody Helm, all of Rusk and Jody Helm of Tyler, Shelly Petersen of Athens, Amy Frazer of Mt. Enterprise and Kristi Lynn Ruth of New Summerfield; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons and nephews: John F. (Buster) Cox, Jr., Lawrence Cox, Daryl Wise, Dan Emerson, Wayne Monk and Everette Monk.

Honorary pallbearers were members of Wells Church of Christ.

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July 11, 2007

JONNIE GILCREASE COURTNEY
 

Funeral for Jonnie Gilcrease Courtney, 79, was at 2 p.m. Thursday at Cason Monk- Metcalf Sunset Chapel with the Rev. Monsignor James E. Young of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiating. Burial was at Hester Cemetery in Cherokee County.

Mrs. Courtney died July 1. She was born January 21, 1928 in Douglass, Texas to the late Tom and Mattie Hester. She married Richard G. Courtney May 20, 1990, and he survives her. She was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Laurie Gilcrease and her first husband, Roy H. Gilcrease.

Along with her husband, Mrs. Courtney is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Jongy Lipschutz of Nacogdoches; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Tom and Rita Gilcrease and David Gilcrease, all of San Augustine; two sisters and brothers-inlaw, Tommie Jean and Donald Lee Anderson and Jo Bobbie and Kenneth Corn, all of Alto; a brother, Marvin Hester of Elgin; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements were under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

WILLIAM M. (BILL) WEBB
 

Funeral for William M. (Bill) Webb, 79, of Jacksonville was at 10 a.m. Friday at Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Chaplain Kenn Somerville officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mr. Webb died July 1. He was born June 30, 1928, in Bon Weir, Newton County. He retired from Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash. in 1985 with 30 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army and was discharged in 1947. He farmed in Jacksonville for 10 years and sold at the Farmers' Market.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bertha Bell Myers Webb Keys and William Palmer Webb; brothers, Truman, Ed, Roy and Sam; and sisters Bertha and Bonnie Mae.

Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Billie Jo Webb of Jacksonville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Sue and Larry Woolridge of San Antonio and Loujuana and Tim Church of Las Vegas, Nev.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were David Michael George, James Paul George, Robert (Bob) Morgon, Marvin D. George Jr., Chris McNertney and Nathan Rutherford.

DOROTHY (DOTTIE) WELKER ACKER
 

Funeral for Dorothy (Dottie) Welker Acker, 92, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kevin King and the Rev. Dr. Faulk Landrum officiating. A private burial followed. Mrs. Acker died July 2. One of 11 children she was born March 18, 1915, in Pittsburgh, Pa. to the late Alvin R. Welker and Minnie Koontz Welker.

She met A.G. Acker Jr., while both were serving in the Navy during World War II. They married in California July 24, 1945, almost 63 years ago. After the war they moved to Jacksonville, where she was a Girl Scout leader and member of the First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and vacation Bible school. She belonged to the Alpha Omega Sunday School Class, "20-40" Supper Club, and the Cherokee County Genealogy Society.

Survivors are her husband A.G. Acker, Jr.; children and spouses, Godbey and Martha Acker of Jacksonville and Donna Acker and Tom Hillin of Houston; five grandchildren and spouses, Tamara Acker and Ronald May of Tyler, Bry and Jennifer Acker of Arlington, Amanda Acker and John Grissom of Bentonville, Ark., Thomas Greg and Suzanne Hillin of Ventura, Calif., Chris and Mavis Hillin of West Hollywood, Calif.; three great-grandchildren, Riley May, Brayden Acker and Avery Grissom; a brother and sister-in-law Homer and Anna Mae Welker; a sister, Norma Smith; and a sister-in-law, Freida Acker.

Memorials may be made to the First UMC, 1031 SE Loop 456, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

CAPTAIN MANUEL LEON TYRA
 

Funeral for Capt. Manuel Leon Tyra, 68, of Alto was at 11 a.m. June 26 at the Alto Community Fellowship Church with Ron Rose officiating. Burial was in Old Palestine Cemetery. Capt. Tyra died June 23 in Alto. He was born May 19, 1938, in Bulah to William R. and Annie Mae Leonard Tyra. He lived most of his life in Alto, where he was a member of the Community Fellowship Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired as a tugboat captain.

Preceding him in death were brothers, Johnny Tyra, Ray Tyra and Jimmy Tyra.

Survivors are three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Michael Tyra and Terri Phillips of Portland, Tony Leon and Denise Tyra of Alto and Terry Lynn and Sherri Tyra of Orange Beach, Ala.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa Tyra and James Ferguson and Shaney and Tommy Colgrove, all of Alto; a brother, Bobby Tyra of Sommerville; three sisters, Paulette Short of Corinth, Miss., Paula Goodman of Nacogdoches and Mary Clevenger of Dayton; former spouse, Joyce Lovell of Alto; 32 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Allison Bays, Tim Germany, Steve Selman, Jeanie Grammer, Kayla Helm and Tommy Colgrove.

Honorary pallbearers were James Russell, Randy Sturrock, James Ferguson, Nita Boyett, Frederick Tyler and Vic Cannon. Arrangements were under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

MIKE ACKER
 

Funeral for John Marshall (Mike) Acker, 82, of Mesquite, formerly of Dialville, was at 2 p.m. July 2 at Beall Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Harold Freeman officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mr. Acker died June 28. He was born May 21, 1925, in Dialville. He was a manager for a Sears retail store. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy Jean Acker; his parents, John Acker and Annie Acker; siblings, Kitty Bell Barclay, Louise Scurlock, Sam Acker and Jack Acker. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Judy Acker of Dallas; a daughter, Susan Nash of Dallas; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Sam Acker, Jack Scurlock, Jackson Chandler and Jim Nash. Honorary pallbearers were A.J. Kennedy, John Frank Hamilton, James Carpinello and Samuel Acker. Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

RAYMOND POOLE
 

Funeral for Raymond Poole, 56, of Alto was at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sweet Union Baptist Church. Burial was in Sweet Union Cemetery. Mr. Poole died Tuesday. He was born Nov. 16, 1950, in Cleveland to A.C. and Odell Whitaker Poole. He lived all of his life in Alto and was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a Booker T. Washington High School graduate and a logger. He was preceded in death by his mother, Odell Poole and a brother James Poole.

Survivors are his father and step-mother, A.C. and Justine Poole of Alto; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Randall Ray and LaShawna Poole, Tristan Poole and Raymond Poole Jr., all of Alto; two daughters, Ashley Poole and Raeanne Poole, both of Alto; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Archie and Alifaye Poole of Woodville, A.C. Jr. and Angelia Poole of Houston, Jessie and Delonda Poole of Jacksonville and Keith and Bakaya Poole of Alto; six sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Clarence Poole of Lufkin, Joyce and Alfred Davis of Smithville, Wilma and Jessie Johnson of Cleveland, Vanessa and Curtis Thacker of Alto, Marsha and Brian Ross of Lufkin and Arleen and Larry Lacy of Whitehouse; grandchildren, Raymond III, Alexis, Zechariah and Jacob and nieces and nephews.

O.T. Allen & Son was in charge of arrangements.

JIMMIE P. MAGRUDER
 

Funeral for Jimmie P. Magruder, 75, of Alto was at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Rusk with the Rev. Tommy Mabry and the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Corine Cemetery near Jacksonville.

Mr. Magruder died Wednesday. He was born July 26, 1932, in Dialville, to A.G. and Daisy Crenshaw Magruder. He had lived most of his life in Alto and was a member of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

He had worked for Pearman Chevrolet and Pearman Dodge in Alto. He also worked in road maintenance for Cherokee County, Pct. 2 and was a longtime member of the Alto Fire Department. Preceding him in death were a sister, Ruth Caveness and three brothers, Raymond Magruder, Herbert Magruder, Lewis Magruder and Kenneth Magruder.

Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Magruder of Alto; a son and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Judy Magruder of Rusk; a daughter and son-inlaw, Paulette and Ken Keeney of Houston; grandchildren, JayAnna Dee Magruder, Jordan Page Magruder, Jenny Sue Magruder, Keaton Alan Butler, Jordan Magruder Butler, Raymond Nash Keeney, Cray Fowler Keeney, Nathan Lyle Keeney and Graham Daniel Keeney. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Elvin Peacock, Tom Boy Logan, Toby Sartain, Warren Shely, E.R. Jones, Ronnie Norton and Joe B. Lusk.

O.T. Allen & Sons Funeral Home was in charge

CHARLENE MCEWIN BELCHER

Funeral for Charlene McEwin Belcher, 86, of Jacksonville was at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rising Star Baptist Church with the Rev. James Peoples, the Rev. Steve Lawson and Dr. Milton Parson officiating. Burial was in Jacksonville City Cemetery.

Mrs. Belcher died July 2. She was born April 3, 1921, in Jacksonville. She was a graduate of Fred Douglas High School and Tyler Beauty School and a member of Rising Star Baptist Church.

Survivors are a grandson, Michael C. Boyd of Center; three granddaughters, Helenia Scott and Tonya Boyd of Tyler and Kolanda Johnson of Longview; a brother, Fleming McEwin Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Helen Tilley of Jacksonville; eight great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ronnie Williams, Kenyon Tilley, Michael Tilley, Leonard Tenner, Michael Reed and Brian Boyd. Williams Funeral Home was in charge.

EDNA ROLLINS
 

Funeral for Edna Rollins, 80, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Davy Carter officiating. Burial was in Mixon Cemetery. She died July 3 and was born Aug. 2, 1926.

Preceding her in death were her husband, J.D. Rollins and a daughter, Anette Cummings.

Survivors are a son, John Reed of Florence, Ala.; three daughters, Kay Brewster of Corsicana, Evelyn Cannon, of Campbell and Mildred Calhoun of Houston; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Justin Yanez, Josh Yanez, Phillip Bishop, Juston Kendrik, Justin Berryhill and Micah Reed.

ALICE GOSSETT BROWN
 

Funeral for Alice Gossett Brown, 82, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m. Thursday at Woodville CME Church. Burial was in Woodville Cemetery. Mrs. Brown died July 4. She was born Nov. 24, 1924, and attended Woodville schools. She was a homemaker and member of Pleasant Holly CME Church.

Survivors include a brother, Arthur Junior Tucker; six sisters, Pearlie Session of Laneville, Lara Grant of Vernon, Pauline Warren of Jacksonville, Ola Mae Vanzant of Dallas, Irene Sturns Walker of Longview, and Jesse Tim of Iowa; nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Kenneth Tucker, Marshall Tucker, John Tucker and Bernard Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were Willie Tucker, Mike Blanton, Kendric Tucker and Lester Tucker. Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home was in charge.

JOHN M. GILMORE
 

Funeral for John M. Gilmore, 77, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First United Pentecostal Church in Alto with the Rev. James Littlefield and the Rev. Keith Brooks officiating. Burial was in Still Waters Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville. Mr. Gilmore died July 7. He was born June 8, 1930, in Pennington. He was a retired truck driver for C&H Transport for 35 years and five years for Bekins Transport Co. He was a member of the Alto First United Pentecostal Church.

Survivors are his wife, Jo Ann Gilmore of Rusk; five sons, Johnny W. Gilmore of Henderson, James Gilmore of Rusk, Delbert Gilmore of Modesto, Calif., Mark Gilmore of Jacksonville and Hulen Gilmore of Nacogdoches; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Grandsons were pallbearers. Autry Funeral Home was in charge.

DARLENE LUNCEFORD MCKINNEY
 

Darlene Lunceford McKinley, 47, died June 25. She was born March 2, 1960, in Houston to Earl Thomas and Frances Lunceford. She was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Lunceford Jr.

Survivors in addition to her parents are two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Billy Brumit and Deborah and Mark Halsey; four nieces and husbands, Amanda and Josh Baker, Ashley Halsey, Kayla Lunceford and Maygan Jarratt; and a great-nephew, Elijah Earl Baker. Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701.

MICHAEL ANTHONY CORY

Memorial services for Michael Anthony Cory, 47, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 14 in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Keith Hassell officiating.

Mr. Cory died July 7 in a Jacksonville hospital. He was born March 7, 1960, in Ludington, Mich.

He was a resident of Rusk for 24 years, formerly of Michigan. He was an auto mechanic.

Preceding him in death were his father, Warren Cory; two brothers, Charles (Butch) Cory, Richard (Vick) Cory; and a brother-in-law, Paul Hanson.

Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Reva Michelle and Randy Morgan of Rusk; two granddaughters, Kylie Juline Morgan and Madison Rayanne Morgan of Rusk; his mother, Marceline Amie Cory of Custer, Mich.; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Jeff Cory, Randy and Anita Cory, and Jim and Kathy Cory, all of Michigan; six sisters and three brothers-in-law, Peggy and Irvin Padgett, Kathy Brackett, Patricia Savage, Vicki Hanson, Sandra and Sonny Wilson, Sally and Kevin Marcoux, all of Michigan.

DEBBIE LEWIS

Debbie Lewis, 47, of San Francisco, Calif., formerly of Rusk died July 13. She was born in Pampa Sept. 17, 1959, to Missionary Eurilene Sturns.

She was reared in California by adopted parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Lewis. She moved back to Rusk in July 2004 to reunite with her family.

While living in Rusk, she was employed as a teacher's aide at Rusk Junior High School working with special education students.

She returned to California during a brief period of illness.

Preceding her in death were her siblings, Eddie and Charles Sturns and adopted father, Chester Lewis.

Survivors are her mother and step-father, Missionary Eurilene and Raymond Sturns; adopted mother, Parphenia Lewis of California; a daughter, Taifha Edwards of San Francisco; two sons, Demetrius Edwards of Rusk and Thomas Anderson of California; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Darrell and Nell Sturns, Oliver and Sonya Sturns, Patrick Sturns, all of Rusk and Michael Sturns of Reklaw; eight sisters and five brothers-in-law, Joy and John Cook and Marion Tudmon and Joel Bowden, Sharhonda Sturns of Rusk, Doris and Charles Cross of Jacksonville, Deloris and Richard Miller of Frankston, Vickie Anderson of Lufkin, Angela and Norvel Boykins of Cuney, Martha and Rev. Joe Robinson of Wichita Falls; three grandchildren; her grandmother, Darcus Samson of Henderson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services are pending at Duggan Funeral Home, 3434 17th St. San Francisco, Calif. 94110.

WELDON JACKSON (BUDDY) DODD

Funeral for Weldon Jackson (Buddy) Dodd, 82, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Bullard First Baptist Church with the Rev. Frank Roberson and Joel Whitmire officiating. Burial was in Whitehouse Cemetery.

Mr. Dodd died July 10. He was born April 24, 1925, in Houchton, Ga. He was the retired chief appraiser for the Huntsville ISD, a member of the Bullard First Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Huntsville Masonic Lodge.

Preceding him in death were a brother, Ray Dodd; and two sisters, Peggy Ray and Tacky Mitchum.

Survivors are his wife, Florence Dodd of Jacksonville; a son, Rex M. Dodd of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Phyllis N Duncan of Forney; two brothers, George T. Dodd of Jacksonville and Byron Dodd of Whitehouse; a sister-in-law, Christine Dodd of Tyler; a brother-in-law, Rev. Mitchum of Tyler; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Bryan Duncan, Ben Duncan, Cody Dodd, Jason Corley, Joel Payne and Anthony Salisbury.

Honorary pallbearers were Bradley Lewis, Larry Locke, Andy Devine, Gail Jackson, Eric Rodriguez, Randy Rodriguez and Rod Rodriguez.

Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

THELMA M. MULLINIX

Graveside service for Thelma M. Mullinix, 71, of Fort Worth was at 2 p.m. Friday at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Maydelle.

Mrs. Mullinix died July 10. She was born Dec. 22, 1935, in Hope, Ark.

She was a line leader with Champion Parts Rebuilders, a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Fort Worth and a member of the United Auto Workers Union and full time nanny.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Clayton and Martha Anderson Eddington.

Survivors are her husband, Clayton Mullinix of Fort Worth; two sons, Alan Clark of Hope and Chip Mullinix of California; a daughter and son-inlaw, Kay and Tom Wimmer of Fairmount, Ind.; grandsons she reared as her own, James Clark of Hope and David Clark of Fort Worth; other grandchildren and spouses, Jonathan Mullinix of Calif., Kevin and Elaine Wimmer of Jonesboro, Ind., Sharon and Todd Dashley of Martinez, Calif. and Michelle and David Chandler of Bassett, Va.; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Autry Funeral Home was in charge.

ERNEST H. MARTIN

Funeral for Ernest H. Martin, 83, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m. Friday in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Joe Ballard officiating. A graveside service with military rites was at 1 p.m. Monday at Houston National Cemetery. Mr. Martin died July 11. He was born Aug. 16, 1923, in Rusk to the late Johnston and Annie Berry Martin.

He had been a Rusk resident for 50 years and a member of Sardis Baptist Church. He was a transportation foreman for Comal County, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of The American Legion, and member of Disabled American Veterans.

He served in the United States Army during World War II, and was in the 49th tank destroyer division in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a camper and 42 player.

Preceding him in death were his wife Virginia M. Martin on May 10, 1993; sister, Mary Bell Selman; and brother, Raymond Martin.

Survivors are two sons, Howard Rudd and Fred Rudd, both of Lincoln, Calif.; a daughter, Connie Nannen of Dallas; two stepdaughters, Susan Bailey and Georgia Houghton, both of Houston; sister, Lillian Corley of Alto; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend Ann Spurgeon of Rusk.

RICKY JONES
 

Funeral for Charles Roy (Ricky) Jones, 56, of Rusk was at 2 p.m., Sunday at the Wallace Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Salem Cemetery.

Mr. Jones died July 12 in a Jacksonville hospital. He was born March 28, 1951, in Rusk, where he lived most of his life. He also lived in Winnsboro for 14 years.

He was a Baptist and a member of the Rusk Euclid Masonic Lodge No. 45 A.F. & A.M. He served in the United States Army.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Royce and Patricia Jones of Troup; his parents, Charles E. and Maxine Jones of Rusk; a brother, Ronnie Jones of Rusk; grandson, Lonnie Jones of Troup; two granddaughters, Jennifer Jones of Rusk and Heather Jones of Troup; two nephews, Matthew Jones of Rusk and J.J. Jones of Rusk; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers were David Westbrook, Chris Holman, Jackie Simpson, Dean Simpson, Darrell Wallace, and Dale Wallace.

JOSEPH WILSON WOOSLEY
 

Memorial service for Joseph Wilson Woosley, 81, of Jacksonville will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Autry Funeral Home. Mr. Woosley died Wednesday, July 11.

He was born Aug. 5, 1926, in El Paso, Ill.

He was a real estate broker and farmer, a Mason and Shriner.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William McKinney and Hildred Ann Talley Woosley; and siblings, Lyle Woosley, Viola Altis and Lettie Farrell.

Survivors are his wife, Mary L. Woosley of Jacksonville; a daughter, Carla Wise of Jacksonville; a son, Billy Woosley of Amarillo; nine grandchildren, Tommy, Toby, Cody, Tiffany, Jackie, Nora, Nancy, Nikki and William; 20 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jim Woosley of Iowa, Martha Keehoma of Texas, Bill Woosley of Arkansas and Ann Burmaster and Kathy Hoyland, both of Illinois.

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July 25, 2007

GRACE BAGLEY CLARK SMITH

Grace Bagley Clark Smith, 84, of Longview, formerly of Rusk, died July 16. She was born July 1, 1924, in Rusk to the late James and Viola Manning Bagley. She was a coordinator for Rusk State Hospital and its mental health clinics.

Survivors are a son, Charles Clark of Longview; two daughters, Mary Clark-Minton of Jacksonville and Katherine Clark Meng of Coldsprings; eight grandchildren, Chad Clark, Trudi Steen, Lisa Martin, Mike Hanson Jr., Keith Hanson, Cody Hanson, Malina Meng and Alex Meng; and 14 great-grandchildren, Collin Clark, Taylor Clark, Cory Groves, Sidney Steen, Payton Steen, Noah Martin, Cade Clark, Macey Hanson, Jake Hanson, Tyler Hanson, Colton Hanson, Brantley Hanson and Taylor and Christopher Chandler. Memorial service will be held at a later date. Rader Funeral Home in Longview was in charge of arrangements.

VIRGINIA LOUISE SOSBY BLADES

Graveside service for Virginia Louise (Nanny) Sosby Blades, 80, of Crystal Beach was at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jarratt Cemetery with Davy Carter officiating. Mrs. Blades died July 4 at Winnie. She was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Rusk.

She retired from Southwest Distributing Co. in Houston and later served on the municipal courts in Jacksonville and was a New Summerfield city councilwoman. Preceding her in death were her parents, David and Alva Sosby; a sister, Verna Mae and a brother, David Sosby Jr. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Kenneth Gose of Crystal Beach; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Wendell Jordan of Kosse; a grandson and his wife, Robert Shannon and Sheri Gardner of Crystal Beach; a granddaughter and her husband, Leigh Erin and Rodney Rivera of Crystal Beach; a great-grandson, Camden Eugene Gardner of Crystal Beach; a great-grandson, Raleigh Rivera of Crystal Beach; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Fluck of Galveston and Samantha Fluck of Crystal Beach; nieces, nephews and cousins. Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

ARCHIE BURNELL DELANEY

Funeral for Archie Burnell Delaney, 74, of Jacksonville was at 10 a.m. Friday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Dan Middleton officiating. Burial was in Jarratt Cemetery. Mr. Delaney died July 17. He was born Feb. 11, 1933, in Jacksonville. He was a retired timber buyer, a member of the Cove Springs United Methodist Church and the U.S. Army National Guard 49th Armored Division. Preceding him in death were his parents, Style Elmer and Pearl Emerson Delaney and three brothers, James, J.W. and Tony Delaney.

Survivors are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Robert and Christy Delaney of Fiston, Jerry and Teri Delaney of Navasota and Marcus Delaney of Gilmer; a daughter and son-in-law, Christi and PaulGest of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Laney, Colter, Cody, Colton and Lauren; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Chase Delaney, Cody Delaney, Cole Delaney, Eric Trowbridge, Shawn Wilson, DeWayne Delaney and Ben Cooper.

ELROY WHITE

Funeral for Elroy White, 93, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. C.L. Anderson, the Rev. Robert Christopher and the Rev. T.L. Walker officiating. Burial was in Jacksonville City Cemetery. Mr. White died July 17. He was born June 3, 1914, in Oak Hurst. He graduated from Fred Douglas High School, was member of the New Hope Baptist Church, a retired granite monument cutter, a member of the New Progressive Masonic Lodge. He served on the church deacon board, treasurer, and trustee and held various positions with the church. Preceding him in death were his wife, Velma White; parents; a son, Frenchell White and other relatives. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Lester and Stella White of Mesquite; a daughter-in-law, Roberta White of Jacksonville; three granddaughters, Alisa Orit White of Jacksonville, Evetta White of Mesquite and Sharon Shree Motley of Houston; three grandsons, Andre White of Oklahoma City, Okla., Carlos White and Jerome White of Jacksonville; 12 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Donny Hogg, Lewis Session, Cecil Richardson, Willie Lee Clayborne, Radie Freeman and Earnest Ray Clayborne. Williams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

ED HALL

Funeral for Ed Hall, 79, of Rusk was at 2 p.m., Thursday in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland and the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Hall died July 17. He was born Nov. 5, 1927, in Fort Worth to the late Leslie Thomas and Jessie Netivie Hall. He was a Rusk resident for 13 years. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death were a son, Leslie Thomas Hall; stepson, Danny Reed; two sisters, Vera Francis Hall and Doris Jene Smith Hall; and nephew, John Wesley Smith.

Survivors are his wife of 39 years, Betty Hall of Rusk; two sons and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Lynn Hall of Houston and Steven Hall of Fort Worth; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Janis Reed of Palestine; niece, Carlene Jenkins of Mineral Wells; eight step-grandchildren, and two step-great grandsons. Pallbearers were Chris Reed, Jeff Reed, Daniel Reed, Travis Reed, Eddie Hall and Charlie Cornelius.

JAMES PRYOR

Funeral for James Pryor, 82, of Tyler, was at 10 a.m. Friday at New Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Grady McDonald officiating. Graveside service was at 2:30 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery. He died July 16 and was born Nov. 25, 1924, in Rusk to the late James Wilburn and Jimmie Emma Whitehead Pryor. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a theater manager in Tyler, Rusk and Jacksonville and was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Pryor of Tyler; daughters, Sally Mathis of Hallsville and Shelia Worthen of Tyler; stepsons, Clarence Sowell of Tyler and Ronnie Sowell of Frankston; 10 grand-children; eight great-grandchildren. Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors, Lindale was in charge.

LOLA MAE FOLMAR

Graveside service for Lola Mae Folmar, 60, of Jacksonville will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Frankston City Cemetery with the Rev. Bennie Brooks and the Rev. Michael Bobbitt officiating. She died July 21 and was born April 22, 1947, in Jacksonville. She was a member of the Abundant Life Tabernacle. Preceding her in death were a step-daughter, Delaine Phillips and grandson, Jared Phillips. Survivors are her husband, Archie Folmar, three step-sons, Wayne Folmar and wife Debrah, Kenny Folmar and Mike Folmar. a daughter Joyce Lobb and husband, Brax Wayne, all of Jacksonville; brothers, Freddie, W.T. and Hugh Chandler of Jacksonville, Billy Chandler of Austin, J.D. Chandler of White Oak, Lonnie Chandler of McAllen and Sammy Chandler of Oklahoma; a sister, Linda Teague of Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

HARRY SMITH

Funeral for Harry Smith, 88, of Frankston was at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Frankston United Methodist Church Doug Howell officiating. Burial was in Old Bethel Cemetery. Mr. Smith died July 19. He was born May 3, 1919, in Eustace. He was a member of the Frankston United Methodist Church and the chancel choir. He entered the U.S. Army Medical Corp in 1941 serving in North Africa and Italy, where he was a chief warrant officer and master sergeant. He was awarded the EAME campaign medal with two bronze stars. He was a charter member of the VFW Post 5073, the Frankston Riding Club and Trail Riders Assn. Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Ida Cathey Smith; a bother, Charles Smith; and a sister, Mary Alice Callahan.

Survivors are his wife, Velma Smith of Frankston; three sons, Ronny Smith and Harry Roy Smith of Frankston and Dale Smith of Dallas; a daughter, Jackie Lynn Rogers of Pittsburg; two step-sons, Gary Sheeley of Bryan and Terry Sheeley of Frankston; two step-daughters, Nelda Clayton of Katy and Karen Howell of Frankston; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; eight step grand-children; three step great- grandchildren; and a sister, Edith Burns of Humble.

Pallbearers were Brandon Sheeley, Jeremy Sheeley, David Sheeley, Bryan Clayton, Jason Smith and Roy Westbrook. Honorary pallbearers were Ralph Crouch, Edmund Ortega, James Morris and Frank Harrison.

Autry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

PEGGY LYNN MARTIN WALL

Funeral for Peggy Lynn Martin Wall, 56, of Athens will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home chapel in Athens with the Rev. M. Rhett Ansley officiating. Burial will be in Trinidad Cemetery.

Mrs. Wall was born Sept. 23, 1950, in Athens to the late Coy Dale and Johnnie Belle Bradley Martin. She graduated from Rusk High School in 1968, where she was drum major. She attended Trinity Valley Community College, where she was a Cardette and met her husband, Bruce Ray Wall. They married Feb. 7, 1970, in Rusk. She transferred to Tarleton State University, graduating with a teaching degree in 1975. She taught business at Mabank High School from 1985-91 and special education at Athens High school from 1998-2004. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. Survivors are her husband, Bruce Wall; a son, Austin Wall and his wife, Alexandria Albright of Palestine; a daughter, Alexandra Gilmore and her husband, Elliott of Athens; a granddaughter, Madison Elizabeth Wall; a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy Martin and Michael Elliott of Papillion, Neb.; an aunt and nieces and nephews, Jonathan and Adam Stockstill of Nebraska, Jennifer and John Peters and Aaron Dipboye of Oklahoma and other relatives in Texas, Wyoming, New York City and London, England. Pallbearers will be Larry Moody, Mark Lundy, Jim Henderson, Bob Davis, Ronnie McElroy and Bobby Rounsavall. Nieces and nephews will be honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler 75701.

RAY E. WHITE

Funeral for Ray E. White, 89, of Jacksonville will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Corbie Grimes and the Rev. D.L. Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Meador Cemetery. Mr. White died July 22. He was born Nov. 18, 1917, in Reese. He was a retired truck driver for a shipyard and a Baptist. He served in the U.S. Army. Preceding him in death were a son, Marcus White and a brother, Howard White.

Survivors are his wife, Mittie White of Jacksonville; four sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell and Cindy White of Gonzales, La., Clayton and Carol White of Jacksonville, Byron and Tina White of Elkhart and Ralph and Brenda White of Weatherford; two brothers and a sister-in law, Jolly J. White of Lindale and Robert N. (Pete) and Louise White of Karnack; a sister, Maxine Gray of Jacksonville; six grandchildren one great-granddaughter; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Corey White, Bradley White, Howard White, Bobby White, Casey White and Don Wallace.

ROBERT ODOM

Family mass for Robert Brittian Odom, 70, of Rusk will be at 9 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Stephen Duyka officiating. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Copeland and the Rev. Duyka officiating. Masonic and military graveside rites will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Mr. Odom died July 18 in Reno, Nev. He was born Aug. 7, 1936, in Maydelle and graduated from Dialville High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1954- 1962 in ESP 3 Class. He retired from Southwestern Electric Service Company after 20 years of service. He was a member of Rusk Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was named Rusk Citizen of the Year in 1993 and in 1986 Rusk Fireman of the Year. He was a member of the Rusk Euclid Masonic Lodge #45 AFAM for 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Annie Thelma Meador Odom and sister Sue Pittilo.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Dana Shannon Odom; children, Dennis Brittian Odom, Catherine Odom Sampson, Mark Finley Odom, Robert Wade Odom and Ann Marlene Odom Willis; sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, Mikal Sampson, Amy Odom, Ched Willis; grandchildren, Luke, Johnny, Mark, and Matthew Sampson, Britt, Chase, Julie, Randall, and Emily Odom and Gabriela and Joshua Willis.

Pallbearers will be Mark Odom, Wade Odom, Ched Willis, Luke Sampson, Randall Odom and Britt Odom. Honorary pallbearers will be David Black, Max Thomason, Tommy Matthews, Mikal Sampson, Joe Mack Fulton, Randy Rasberry, Sammy Chapman, John Dean Chapman, Raymond Vermillion, Carlton Jones, Malcolm Hanson, James Long, Gary Meador, Billy Lovelady, Ewell Newman, James Campbell, Horace Oden, Richard Oden and Jerry Oden. Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday at Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home. A vigil service will be Thursday, at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials can be made to the Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Balitmore, Maryland 21298-9664, St. Judes Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2132, Memphis, Tenn, 38101, and Shriners' Hospital for Children-Galveston, 815 Market St., Galveston 77550, Attn. Administration.

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August 1, 2007

C.F. (WIMPY) MULLINIX

Graveside service for C.F. (Wimpy) Mullinix, 72, of Fort Worth was at 2 p.m. Friday at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Benson Kennedy officiating. Mr. Mullinix died July 23.

He was born July 18, 1935, in Maydelle. He was an aircraft machinist with LTV of Grand Prairie and a Baptist. He served in the U.S. Army.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Thelma Mullinix.

Survivors are a son, Chip Mullinix of California; two grandsons, James Clark and David Clark; a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Peggy Mullinix of Jacksonville; nieces and nephews, Sally and Gary Smith, John and Connie McCarty, Molly and Steve Turnipseed and Elise Mullinix; grand nieces and nephews, Melissa Smith, Dean McCarty and Jack McCarty and Michael Turnipseed; a step-son, Alan Clark of Hope, Ark.; a step-daughter and her spouse, Kay and Tom Wimmer of Fairmont, Ind.

Autry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

JIMMY BEASLEY

Funeral for Jimmy Beasley, 49, of Aransas Pass, formerly of Jacksonville, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Richard Smith and the Rev. Philip Warren officiating. Burial will be in Meador Cemetery. Mr. Beasley died July 27. He was born Feb. 11, 1958, in Overton. He was an air controller, a realtor and previously a rural mail carrier at the Rusk post office. He was a gunsmith at Frankston and a Baptist. Preceding him in death was his father, James Gordon Beasley.

Survivors are his parents, Allene and Travis Meador of Jacksonville; two sons, Jason Beasley of Jacksonville and J.T. Beasley of Maryland; a sister, Kimberly McDuff of Jacksonville; his grandmother, Rachel Meador of Jacksonville; niece and nephew, Brandi DeMarco and Trent O'Neal; and great-nephew, Dylan Ferrell.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Horton, Joe Bixler, Doyle Beasley, Paul Galyean, David Dennis, Weldon Lightsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Taylor, Jay Taylor and Chad Griffin.

SADENA FOWLER SEXTON

Funeral for Sadena Fowler Sexton, 53, of Jacksonville was held 2 p.m. Friday at Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Phillip Strong officiating.

Burial was in Henry Cemetery in Gallatin.

Ms. Sexton died July 25. She was employed by Home Health Care and was a Church of Christ member.

Survivors are her parents, Alvin and Martha Martin, and a brother, Victor Fowler, all of Jacksonville; a sister, Myra Fowler, a step-brother, John Martin, and a step-sister, Tracy Jinkins, all of Rusk; and numerous friends.

Pallbearers were nieces and nephews, Marcy Kay Carr, Michael Sexton Jr., Matthew Sexton, Kellie Fowler, Crystal Fowler and Chastity Fowler.

SHERRY PATRICK

A memorial service for Sharon "Sherry" Patrick, 43, Jacksonville, was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Larissa Cemetery.

Burial followed at Larissa Cemetery. Ms. Patrick died July 22, in Jacksonville. She was born July 31, 1963, in Jacksonville to the late Francis Marion (Red) and Deloris Linville. She was a Baptist.

Survivors include sister, Kathy Givens, Lake Striker; brothers, David Linville, Billy Linville and Brandon Linville, all of Jacksonville, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Honorary pallbearers were Danny Gillion, Pete Gillion, Dale Evans, Mark Escueta, Rick McCormick, Mike Reynolds, Zach Clark and Jason Robert Langham. Memorials may be made to Sharon Linville Patrick account in care of Austin Bank. Autry Funeral Home was in charge.

ATHER MAE DUITCH THRAILKILL

Services for Ather Mae Duitch Thrailkill, 85, Wells, were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Oakley-Metcalf Funeral Home chapel in Lufkin. The Rev. Clayton McClendon officiated, and burial followed in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Mrs. Thrailkill died July 25 in a Wells nursing home. She was born May 8, 1922, in Cherokee County to the late Jim and Dell Summers White. She was a homemaker and a member of First Pentecostal Church of Wells. She was preceded in death by her husbands, two brothers and sister.

Survivors include stepdaughter Louise Ross of Lufkin; nephews and nieces.

Nephews served as pallbearers.

VIRGINIA INEZ (GINGER) BARBER

Graveside service for Virginia Inez (Ginger) Barber, 86, of Jacksonville will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial park with the Rev. Michael Lewis officiating. Mrs. Barber died July 29. She was born Dec. 29, 1920, in Cameron. She was a legal secretary and an elder at the First Christian Church. She was a member of the Pink Ladies at ETMC and Hyperion Study Club.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Owen Dewey and Louisa Kuhn Weems; her husband, Lincoln Barber Jr.; a son, Lincoln Barber III; a daughter, Ginny Barber Dumond; a grandson, David Barber; and a sister, Majorie Weems.

Survivors are three sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Brenda Barber of Bullard, Steve and Kathi Barber of Arlington and Craig and Lana Barber of Jacksonville; 10 grandchildren and spouses, Grant and Afton Barber, Jenifer and Chad Long, Brandi and Anthony Katagas, Rick and Stephanie Lundrum, Lance and Michelle Morton, Casey and Clayton Kennington, Leigh and Charles Christie, Lincoln Barber IV, Matthew Dumond and Stacey and Bill Anderson; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Barber, Chad Long, Anthony Katagas, Rick Lundrum, Lance Morton, Clayton Kennington, Charles Christie, Lincoln Barber IV, Matthew Dumond and Bill Anderson.

Memorials may be made to the First Christina Church, 1920 Beaumont, Jacksonville 75766. Autry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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August 8, 2007

Funeral for Collin Carroll, 21, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Rusk First Baptist Church with the Rev. Lee Welch and the Rev. Jim Goforth officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Carroll died in Liberia July 29. He was born in Tyler Aug. 1, 1985.

He was a dental coordinator with Mercy Ships International, a member of the First Baptist Church in Rusk, a 2003 graduate of Rusk High School, a 2006 graduate of Texas A&M University and a member of the 12th Man Alumni of A&M.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul Meador and Arlon Carroll.

Survivors include his parents, Jeff and Sandy Carroll of Rusk; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Carmen Carroll of Rusk and Courtney and Stephen Brooks of Bullard; a nephew, Jeffrey Carter Brooks; and his grandmothers Ruth Meador and Loma Carroll both of Rusk.

Arrangements were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

GLADYS MOSSETT

Graveside service for Gladys Mossett, 77, of Amarillo was at 4 p.m. Thursday at Salem Cemetery in Rusk.

Ms. Mossett died July 31 in Amarillo.

 Ron Lowrance

Funeral for Ron Lowrance, 63, of Troup, was at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Troup Church of Christ with Nolan Kennedy, Dr. Jay Lockhart, and Ka'Sime Davenport officiating. Burial was in Pinecrest Cemetery at Troup.

Mr. Lowrance died Tuesday, July 31. He was born Feb. 22, 1944, in Henderson, to the late Ralph and Florene Turner Lowrance. He had been a resident of Troup for the past 10 years.

He was a graduate of John Tyler High School and Abilene Christian University.

Mr. Lowrance was presently serving as the minister for the Alto Church of Christ. He had also served numerous other churches throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Survivors are his wife of 12 years, Janelle Ritchie Lowrance of Troup; two daughters and a son-in-law, Kimberly Lowrance Fuller and Kevin Fuller of Tyler and Amanda Lowrance of Alamosa, Colo.; a son, Stephen Lowrance, Alamosa, Colo.; three stepsons and two step-daughtersin law, Dr. Marcom Herren and April Herren of Wichita Falls, Eric Ritchie Herren and Rhonda Herren of Katy and Ashley Hembree of Troup; a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Donna Lowrance of Tyler; his mother-in-law, Mary Ethel Ritchie of Troup; eight grandchildren, Michael Fuller, Steven Fuller, Jennifer Herren, Rachel Herren, Parker Herren, Jessica Herren, Emily Herren and Haden Herren; two nephews, Michael Lowrance and Jon Lowrance; and numerous other nieces, nephews.

Pallbearers were Dr. Marcom Herren, Eric Herren, Ashley Hembree, Steven Fuller, Craig Dickey, David Dickey, Jon Lowrance and Michael Lowrance.

Online registration and condolences are available at www. cottlefuneralhome.com.

Cottle Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 Kate Herring Durrett

Funeral for Kate Herring Durrett, 99, of Jacksonville was at 10 a.m. Saturday at Autry Funeral Home with the Rev. James Blaylock officiating. Burial was in Mount Comfort Cemetery.

Mrs. Durrett died Aug. 1. She was born July 21, 1908 in New Hope.

She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Preceding her in death were her parents, Joseph and Ella Davis Herring; her husband, Carl Durrett; a daughter; Glynn Tankersley; three sons-inlaw; Gene Tankersley, David Josey and Charles Lowe; two grandsons, Rusty and Edward Durrett; four sisters; and five brothers.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Eva Durrett of Wills Point; two daughters and a son-in-law, Janice Lowe of Cypress and Betty and Ralph Sayers of Anahuac, Ill.; 11 grandchildren, Danny Josey, Kevin Tankersley, Chyrl Lowe Brhlik, David Lowe, Deborah Vandel, Kathy Chambliss, Randy, Ralph and Scott Sayers, Sandra Messer and Keith Durrett; 23 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Eddie Jowel of Jacksonville and Geri Herring of Tyler; nieces and nephews. Grandsons served as pallbearers.

JEWEL MCGAHA

Funeral for Jewel McGaha, 93, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Sweet Union Baptist Church with the Rev. William Earl Franklin officiating. Burial was in Jacksonville City Cemetery.

Mrs. McGaha died Aug. 1. She was born June 8, 1914, in Cherokee County. She was a member of the Rock Hill Baptist Church at Cuney.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert L. McGaha; a daughter; a son; her parents; three sisters and four brothers.

Survivors are a son, Louis Franklin of Jacksonville; three daughters, Burnestine McGaha and Dorris Andrews, both of Dallas and Nadine Hinton of Jacksonville; a sister, Clara Brown of Neches; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Donald Cready, Billy Ray Johnson, Thomas Reed, Steve Johnson, Craig McGaha, Michael Johnson, Munir Al-Tahanterry Mc- Gaha and Goffery Bowens.

Honorary pallbearers were Sedric Franklin, Travis Thompson and Stanley Franklin.

Williams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

JUDGE JAMES B. LONG

Funeral for Judge James Barley Long, 89, of Rusk will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Judge Long died at his home Aug. 5. He was born July 12, 1918, in Rusk. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Edith Lynn Martin Long on Sept. 22; his parents, James Howell and Edna Barley Long; an infant son, James Lynn, and his sister Lucille Long Heard.

He is survived by a son, Martin Duane Long and wife Roberta of Fulshear; two grandsons, Robert Duane Long and wife Julie of Fulshear and Ronald Bryan Long of St. Pete Beach, Florida; great-grandson Travis Bennett Long of Fulshear; nephew Dan Howell Heard of Richardson and niece Kahlan Heard Farrell of Lago Vista.

James grew up on a farm south of Rusk in the depression years and then went on to become a member of the "greatest generation" with service in the U S. Navy during World War II. He served as a chief petty officer in the South Pacific Theater, participating in several campaigns including the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. Mr. Long had a successful career in the construction business for almost 35 years before retiring and returning to his hometown of Rusk in the early 1980s. After his retirement he served the community as mayor of Rusk for six years, and was currently serving as Rusk municipal court judge, a position he had held for the past 12 years.

Mr. Long was a member of Rusk First United Methodist Church. He was Master Mason in Euclid No. 45 Lodge and a member of the Scottish Rite for more than 50 years.

Pallbearers are Duane Long, Robert Long and son Travis, Ron Long, Neill Holcomb, David Long, Larry Long, Ronny Miller and Dusty Lee. Honorary pallbearers are Dan Howell Heard, Eldon Farrell, Johnnie McKay, James Polk Richards, Lewis McCrary, Raymond Vermillion, J. W. (Dub) Isaacs, David Black, Jim Townsend, Judge Brenda Dominy, the Rusk Police Department, Rusk Fire Department and the entire staff of the City of Rusk.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rusk First United Methodist Church, P. 0. Box 99, Rusk, 75785.

EVA MAE CUMMINS

Memorial services for Eva Mae Cummins, 89, of Rusk are scheduled for a later date. Mrs. Cummins died Aug. 6 in a Rusk nursing home.

She was born May 12, 1918, in Salado, Ark. to the late Earl and Zenobia Pearce Reichardt. She was a resident of Rusk since the 1970s. She was a Baptist and a homemaker.

Proceeding her in death were her husband, Ezra (Tex) Cummins, in 2001.

She is survived by her son, Michael Cummins and wife Melinda Moses, of Houston; three grandchildren, Michael Cummins Jr., Bonita Cummins and Bryon Cummins and three great grandchildren.

GARLAND WATTS FLETCHER

Funeral for Garland Watts Fletcher, 74, of Rusk will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 8, in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery.

Mr. Fletcher died Aug. 4. He was born Feb. 6, 1933, to the late Wiltz Watts and Ruth Goodwin Fletcher. He grew up in Hamlin. He was a resident of Rusk for seven years and formerly of Montgomery County, where he was a member of Honea Baptist Church. He was a member of Pipe fitters Local 211 in Pasadena.

Preceding him in death were his wife Lila Fletcher on Aug. 4, 2004; his mother-in-law, Mildred Williams, Nov. 8, 2006; and a son Jason Fletcher, Oct. 14, 1988.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, David Scott and Rebecca Fletcher of Rusk; three bothers and sister-in-law, Lane and Beth Fletcher of Hamlin, Robert Fletcher of Hamlin and Mark Fletcher of Nebraska; sister and brother in law, Patsy and Bo Newland of Hamlin; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers will include Shawn Powers, Chris Gibson, James Boykin, Keith Clements, Tom Gann and James Thompson Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Taylor, James Armstrong, Chip Harris, Bo Newland, Milburn Newland, Lane Fletcher, Robert Fletcher, Mark Fletcher, Jimmy Boykin and Michael Boykin.

DEBRA D. RANNIGER

Funeral for Debra D. Ranniger, 53, of Nacogdoches and formerly of Alto will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Alto with Pastor Keith Hassell officiating. Burial will be in the Alto City Cemetery.

Ms. Ranniger died Monday. She was born May 1, 1954 in Sinton, to Jewel Ray and Geraldine Suggs Jones.

She had lived in Nacogdoches for a short time and lived in Alto for 15 years. She also lived in Houston for many years and was a member of the Clay Road Baptist Church. She had worked at the Nacogdoches Post Office and had also worked for Southwestern Bell in Houston.

Survivors include four sons and three daughters-in-law, Christopher and Celia Ranniger of Lufkin, Ryan and Ashley Rowley Ranniger of Brownsboro, Jeremy Ranniger of Nacogdoches and Cody Hudnall of Alto, a daughter, Jennifer Ranniger of Nacogdoches; her parents, Jewel Ray and Geraldine Jones of Alto; friend, Bobby Gene Clifton of Jacksonville; brother and sister-in-law, Michael Ray and Memo Jones of Alto; sister & brother-in-law, Sandra and Ronnie Tyer of Alto; and grandchildren, Jared and Kayleigh Ranniger.

Pallbearers will be Chris Ranniger Ryan Ranniger, Jeremy Ranniger, Cody Hudnall, Michael Ray Jones and Brandon Tyer.

PAMELA LYNN MEEK
 

Funeral for Pamela Lynn Meek, 41, of Rockwall, was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Autry Funeral Home with Dr. Stuart Baskin officiating. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery.

Ms. Meek died Aug. 4. She was born Nov. 8, 1965, in Austin to Jerry and Virginia Glass Meek. She was a member of the Tyler First Presbyterian Church.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Everett and Marguerite Glass and William Meek.

Survivors are her mother and stepfather, Virginia and Billy Hagen of Rockwall; father and step-mother, Jerry L.and Paula Meek of Austin; a sister and brother-in-law: Julie and Cody Smirl; a brother and sister-in-law David and Jenice Meek; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Richey of Tyler three nieces and one nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

HELEN HOLLAND KELSAY
 

Funeral for Helen Holland Kelsay, 95, of Jacksonville, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug, 8 at Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Phil Smith, Jack Holland and Vicki Ford officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mrs. Kelsay died Saturday in Pittsburg. She was born May 4, 1912, in El Paso. She was a homemaker and member of Central Baptist Church. She was a charter member of Thaddeus Beall Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, member of the Jacksonville Garden Club, Embroidery Guild and graduate of Okenobo O'Hara School of Japanese Flower Arranging.

She was preceded in death by her husband Col. J. D. Kelsay whom she married in 1936.

Survivors include son Andrew Jack Kelsay and wife Marion of Winnsboro; one granddaughter, Jana S. Stephenson of Midlothian, Va., four great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, Vincent Cremeans of Carrollton and Leanne Cremeans of Emory; niece Jan Salvato of South Carolina and cousins.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Jack Holland, Bill DeWeese, Max Odom, Jack Kelsay, Vincent Cremeans, Ben Sage, Bill Ingram and Wade Stephenson.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday.

ELENA RIVERA DE DURAN

Funeral for Elena Rivera de Duran, 87, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with Father Freddy C. Penaloza officiating. Burial was in Meador Cemetery.

Mrs. Duran died Aug. 4. She was born Sept. 28, 1919, in Barcelona, Durango, Mexico.

She was a homemaker and Catholic. Preceding her in death were her husband, Macedonio Duran; and a son, Adolfo Duran.

Survivors are two sons, Daniel Duran of Mexico and Robert Duran of Jacksonville; two daughters, Maria De Jesus Ortiz and Rosalinda Duran, both of Jacksonville; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

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August 15, 2007

KENNETH EARL ACKER

Kenneth Earl Acker, 70, of Jacksonville died Aug. 7 at the Hospice of East Texas facility in Tyler. He was born Nov. 18, 1936, in Maydelle. He attended school from grade school to high school in Maydelle and later attended Stephen F. Austin University for two years.

The funeral was at 2 p.m. Thursday at Thompson Funeral Home, with the Rev. George Folmar and the Rev. Ken McEarchern officiating. Burial was in Providence Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ruby Acker; and brothers, Dean Acker and C. Nathan Acker.

Mr. Acker served more than 35 years as an East Texas law enforcement officer, working for Jacksonville Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

He married Marva Ault April 13, 1957, and they had celebrated 50 years together on April 13, 2007.

Survivors included his wife, Marva Acker of Jacksonville, brother and sister-in-law, Harold Sr. and Sylvia Acker of Jacksonville, a sister-in-law, Linda Acker of Jacksonville; son, Douglas Acker of Jacksonville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Mitchell Prasatik of Grapeland and Debbie and Bill Price of Bonham; grandchildren, Kasey Bobbitt and husband, Ryan Bobbitt of Grapeland, Mandy Prasatik and Tanner Prasatik of Grapeland, great-grandchildren, Justin Bobbitt and Jason Bobbitt, of Grapeland; nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers were Harold Acker Jr., Marvin Acker, Nathan Acker Jr., Leland Acker, J.R. Ault and J. T. Lewis. Honorary pallbearers were Texas law enforcement officers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701.

ELMER LEROY BURRAN

Graveside service with full military honors for Elmer Leroy Burran, 79, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Monday at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Mr. Burran died Aug. 10. He was born Nov. 18, 1927, in Weches, to the late John and Lila Henley Burran.

He had resided in Rusk for 20 years and formerly in Louisiana. Mr. Burran was Baptist. Mr. Burran retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years in the service as Sergeant First Class. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and a combat engineer serving in Germany.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Martha Lee Burran; brothers, J.W. and Leon Burran; and a sister, Wanda Faye Burran.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Les and Judy Burran of Denver, Colo.; a daughter, Karen Harrington of Denton; a sister-in-law, Roseanne Burran of Rusk; three grandsons and one granddaughter in-law, Troy and Jennifer Burran of Baltimore, Md., Daniel Dillon of Denver, Colo., Brian Dillon of Phoenix, Ariz.; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Arrangements were under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home.

HENRY WILEY HALL

Funeral for Henry Wiley Hall, 71, of Cleburne, formerly of Rusk, was at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at the Cleburne Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Tony Torres officiating. Burial was in Hopewell Cemetery at Joshua.

Mr. Hall died Aug. 5. He was born April 13, 1936, in Rusk, to Eunice Carmel Whitaker and John Henry Hall. He married Frances Miles March 30, 1957, in Rusk. He was a retired truck driver and a member of the Cleburne Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Preceding him in death were his father, John Henry Hall and a brother, Jamie Hall.

Survivors are his wife, Frances Hall of Cleburne; his mother, Carmel Hall Benson of Rusk; three children, Gary Hall, Tim Hall and Karen Rodriguez, all of Cleburne; two brothers, Delton Hall of Granbury and Don Hall of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Zona Hall of Rusk; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ken Hunter, W.O. Miles, Frank Simurdak, Jerry Elder, Mike Holland and Bill Boelter. Arrangements were under the direction of Rosser Funeral Home.

GERTIE MULLICAN

Funeral for Gertie Mullican, 98, of Troup, was at 10 a.m. Saturday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with Don Chandler officiating.

Burial was in Providence Cemetery.

Mrs. Mulllican died Aug. 7. She was born on Nov. 11, 1908, in Mount Enterprise to Ed Holleman and Arrie Fussell Holleman.

She was a dietitian and retired from Rusk State Hospital after 15 years. She was a Methodist.

Mrs. Mullican was preceded in death by parents; her husbands, Hollis Overall and Delton Mullican; a son, Virgil Overall.

Survivors include four daughters and three sons-in-law, Helen and Jesse Odom of Troup, Evelyn Barnett and Murlin Kinnamon of Jacksonville, Ruth Snelling of The Woodlands and Dottie and Charles Mullican of Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Vera Jones of Rusk and Beaulah Campbell of Tyler; a step-son, Charles Mullican of Jacksonville; and a step-daughter, Mary Meyers of Clarendon.

Pallbearers were Tommy Welch, Doug Lee, Troy McFarland, Ricky Mullican, Gregg Guynn and Mickey Snelling; Honorary Pallbearers were Ronny Mullican and Don Chandler.

RONALD LEON GOFF

Memorial service for Ronald Leon Goff, 59, of Florissant, Colo., formerly of Wells, was at 10 a.m. Saturday at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home chapel in Alto.

Mr. Goff died July 4 in Mexico. He was born Dec. 26, 1947, in Lufkin to Calvin and Imogene Goff. He lived in Colorado and was an engineer supervisor for Cripple Creek Casino. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and was stationed in the Philippines. He served on missions into Vietnam as a tail gunner and also served as a Seabee out of California. He was a Colorado Mounted Ranger. He and his wife bred and showed Maine- Coon Cats. Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Wayne Goff.

Survivors are his wife, Pam Goff of Florissant, Colo.; two sons, Patrick Palmer of Atlanta, Ga. and Kevin Goff of Florissant; a daughter, Kimberly Mardon of Newport News, Va.; two brothers, Tony Goff and Timmy Goff, both of Galveston; a sister, Teresa White of Richmond; two grandchildren, Haley and Mark Richardson; 13 nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.

MARTHA RAY HOLCOMB
 

Funeral services for Martha Ray Holcomb, 80, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Thursday at Wallace Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Charles Nunnally officiating. Burial was in Holcomb Cemetery.

Mrs. Holcomb died Monday, Aug. 6. She was born May 4, 1927, in Alto to the late Harrison and Verna Black. She was a homemaker and a resident of the Bulah Community for 63 years. She was a graduate of Alto High School and a member of Adams Chapel United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Emmett Holcomb of the Bulah community; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Sherry Holcomb of Rusk and Robert and Elizabeth Holcomb of Rusk; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Johnnie Richey of Ennis; two sisters, Dorothy McClure and Alva Joy Jones, both of Alto; a brother and sister-in-law, Harrison H. and Sheryl Black of Alto; five granddaughters, Missy Holcomb Adams of Rusk, Cindy Rainey of Jacksonville, Heather Nichols of Nacogdoches, Holly Gresham of Rusk, Tara Richey of Ennis; two grandsons, Heath Holcomb of College Station, and Jonathan Richey of Lansing, Mich.; 12 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Neill Holcomb, Chuck Hinton, Charles Dear, Kenny McClure, Stacy Black, Ty Black, David Miller and Matt Miller. Honorary pallbearers were G.M. Berry, Tom Theodore, Tim Theodore, Hal Theodore, Johnny McClure, Dewayne McClure, Walter Cowart, Tim Cowart and Bob Jones.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Adams Chapel United Methodist Church in care of Butch Holcomb, Rt. 1 Box 1771, Rusk 75785.

MARY NELL NORMAN

Graveside service for Mary Nell Norman, 76, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 10, at Lowes Chapel Cemetery with Robby Arrington officiating.

Mrs. Norman died Aug. 7. She was born Nov. 19, 1930, to the late William Watters and Lela Elmina Beard Singletary. She was a lifelong resident of Rusk and a member of Rusk Church of Christ. She retired from Rusk State Hospital March 31, 1987, after 38 years of service.

Preceding her death were her husband, W.C. "Spooks" Norman on Nov. 12, 2000, and a daughter, Susan Norman.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and John Curtis and Kay and Stanley Gresham, all of Rusk; a brother and sister-in-law, Watters Jr. and Gerry Singletary of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; a sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Jack Quinn of Rusk; sisters-in-law, Finniegene Norwood of San Antonio and Wanda Norman of Rusk; four grandchildren, Ryan and Cami Curtis and Tori and Kinsey Gresham, all of Rusk; two step-grandchildren, Jeffrey and wife Leslie Curtis and Josh Curtis of Alto; numerous nieces and nephews.

If desired, memorials may be made to Rusk Church of Christ Building Fund, 397 South Main St., Rusk 75785, and Rusk Volunteer Fire Department, 408 N. Main, Rusk 75785. Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

MARY KATHERINE GOLD

Funeral for Mary Katherine Gold, 81, of Dickinson, formerly of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Sunday at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Coy Hicks officiating. Burial was in Shiloh Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for later in the Houston Clear Lake area.

Mrs. Gold died Thursday in League City. She was born July 8, 1926, in Rusk to William and Jewel Goolsbee Sutton. She was reared in Rusk and graduated from Rusk High school. She lived in the Houston area for many years. She worked for many years as a dental assistant. Preceding her in death was a son, Marshall Gold and a brother, Bill Sutton.

Survivors are two daughters, Marilyn Curtiss of Dickinson and Teresa Steward of Dallas; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Cynthia White of Houston and Joe and Sherry Gold of Kingwood; a brother, Paul Sutton; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Pauline and Clyde Vaughn of Rusk and Hattie Nelson of Houston; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Grandsons and nephews were pallbearers.

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August 22, 2007

 BILL HARRIS

Graveside service for William P. (Bill) Harris, 87, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 16, at Salem Cemetery with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Mr. Harris died Aug. 13. He was born April 3, 1920, in Rochester to the late Charlie and Pliney Wood Harris. He lived in Cherokee County 68 years, served in World War II in the U.S. Army Infantry, was a self employed welder and a Baptist. Preceding him in death was his wife, Mary Virginia Allen Harris. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and A.C. Teer of Rusk and Judy and Rex Harrell of Lovelady; two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Becky Harris of Chandler and Alfred and Linda Harris of Rusk; four granddaughters, Shelia and Karen Teer of Rusk, Teresa Spain of Bullard and Kandice Harris of Rusk; two grandsons, Michael Harris of Tampa, Fla. and Brent Harrell of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; and a special friend, Pearl Johnson.

Arrangements were under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home.

HAZEL GRIFFITH HAMBY

Funeral for Hazel Griffith Hamby, 93, of Palestine was at 3 p.m. Saturday at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Donnie Howard and the Rev. Bill Gernenz officiating. Burial was in Ferguson Cemetery. Mrs. Hamby died Aug. 16. She was born June 10, 1914, in Camp County to R.C. and Maggie Lancy Griffith. She was a homemaker and a member of the Pilgrim's Home Demonstration Club.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Jessie Hamby in 1999; three sons, Charles Richard Hamby, Ricky Hamby, Gary Hamby; two sisters, Faye Honeycutt,Christine Dancer; two brothers, Earl Griffith,Albert Griffith; grandson, Michael Allen Hamby.

Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Susie Blackmon and Craig Caldwell of Rusk; a son, James Hamby of Elkhart; two sisters, Mildred Boyer and Dorothy Gentry of Palestine; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Billy Hamby, Gary Hamby, Rusty Hamby, Scott Blackmon, Pat Blackmon, Scott Frazier, Jason Ives and James Eckard Hamby.

ROBERT E. LEE THACKER

Funeral for Robert E. Lee Thacker, 74, of Alto, was at 2 p.m. Monday in the Community Fellowship Church with the Rev. Chester Whitaker officiating. Burial was in St. Thomas Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Thacker died Aug. 14. He was born Sept. 1, 1932, in Alto, to Will Herman and Alvina Lemon Thacker. He was a lifelong Alto resident, worked in a sawmill, carpentry and plumbing. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Preceding him in death were his parents and three sons, Nick Pope, Donnie Lofton and Rayford Hamilton.

Survivors are his wife, Ola Thacker of Alto; four sons Lane Pope of Kennard, Rodney Thacker and Keith Thacker of Alto and Steve Lofton of Dallas; five daughters, Clemie Ramsey of Fairfax, Ala., Bennie Mitchell of Jacksonville and Patsy Whitaker, Bernice Milton and Kay Lofton of Alto; two sisters, Ozetta Mitchell of Alto and Dorothy Smith of Oakland, Calif.; a brother, George Thacker of Alto; 30 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. O.T. Allen & Son was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial services for Ruth Anice Boyd Brown, 89, of Tyler formerly of Nederland, was at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at Atria Willow Park in Tyler.

 RUTH BOYD BROWN

Mrs. Brown died Aug. 12. She was born on Dec. 13, 1917, to the Rev. James Cleveland and Isla Mae Splawn Boyd in Mercedes. Mrs. Brown was a teacher, graduating from Texas Women's University. She taught in several schools in southeast Texas, worked in the lab at Pure Oil Refinery during World War II, and later worked for Meco Security in Nederland. She was also a homemaker, a volunteer in the Nederland Independent School District and a Pink Lady at Mid-Jefferson County Hospital. She was a long time member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Nederland where she was a member of United Methodist Women, member of the choir and an honorary member of the Administrative Board. Due to her many hours of volunteer work and service to the community, June 19, 2005 was declared "Ruth Brown Day" by the City of Nederland.

Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice L. Brown. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law; Jim and Mary Brown of Jacksonville, daughter and sonin law, Mary Madelyn B. and Hector Medina of Miami, Fla.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters, Isla Lucile Boyd of Tyler and Elizabeth Carr of Centennial, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701. Arrangements were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

MICHAEL (MICKEY) WALL

Graveside service for Michael Lewis Wall, 63, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Resthaven Memorial Park. Mr. Wall died Aug. 16. He was born Sept. 30, 1943, in Jacksonville, to Lewis and Lora Mae Durham Wall. Mr. Wall served in the U.S. Air Force, and was a dental assistant and Baptist. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Wall and brother, Jerry Wall. Survivors include his mother, Lora Wall of Jacksonville; daughter, Michele Rodgers of Haltom City; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; a brother and sister-in-law; Larry and Laurie Wall of Colleyville; and a sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Bill Casey of Cypress Mill. Autry Funeral Home directed.

DOROTHY ESTELLE (DEASON) WILLIAMS

Graveside service for Dorothy Estelle (Deason) Williams, 83, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rocky Spring Cemetery with the Rev. James Blaylock officiating.

Mrs. Williams died Aug. 12. She was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Cherokee County. Preceding her in death were a son, Arthur LeRoy Henderson; a daughter, Johnnie Nell; bothers, Alvin Earl Deason and Edwin (Jiggs) Deason. Survivors are a brother and sister and spouses, Bill and Sandy Deason of Chandler and Betty and Jerry Felkel of Elloree, S.C.; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews. Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

NORRIS CAMPBELL

Funeral for Jess Norris Campbell, 77, of Rusk will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

Mr. Campbell died Aug. 19. He was born March 3, 1930, in Ringling, Okla. to the late Jess Davis and Era Josephine Hall Campbell. He was a resident of Rusk for 63 years. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He retired in 1994 after 40 years as owner and operator of Campbell Auto Supply in Rusk. He also served in the National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Tate Campbell in 2000; son, Jimi Campbell in 1994; brother, Grady Campbell in 2002. Survivors are his son, John David Campbell of Rusk; sister Marguerite Crane of Jacksonville; and a nephew, Bob Campbell and wife Chit of Gallatin. Pallbearers will include Don Goff, Deaton Goff, Tommy Dosser, Larry Dosser, David Blount, and Billy Lankford Jr.

 GONZALO ROJAS HERNANDEZ

Funeral for Gonzalo Rojas Hernandez, 56, of Jacksonville was at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Juan Martinez officiating. Burial was in Still Waters Memorial Gardens. Mr. Hernandez died Aug. 14. He was born Jan. 10, 1951, to the late Alfredo Rojas Tamez and Enriqueta Hernandez Cortez, in Monterrey, Mexico. He was a chemical analyst and a member of the Assembly of God Church. Survivors include his wife; Rosalinda Gonzalez De Rojas; two sons Ricardo J. and Miguel Rojas of Monterrey, Mexico; three daughters, Adriana P. Rojas and Nancy A. Rojas of Monterrey, Mexico and Alejandra Rojas of Crossville, Ala.; four sisters; Ruth Gonzalez and Rosa Marines of Jacksonville, Blanca Rodriquez of McAllen and Beatrice Cerezo of Clearwater, Fla.; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Ricardo Rojas, Miguel Rojas, Alberto Montoya, Daniel Vasquez, Omar Gonzalez and Juan Gonzalez.

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August 29, 2007

SENETTA YVETTE MALLARD

Funeral for Senetta Yvette Mallard, 48, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m. Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church with the Rev. Mertis M. Bartley officiating. Burial was in Rusk Memorial Cemetery.

Miss Mallard died Aug. 18. She was born July 17, 1959, in Rusk and graduated from Rusk High School and attended Tyler Junior College. She worked for Rusk State Hospital for 23 years, and was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she was secretary of the church, a member of senior choir and taught the youth Sunday school class for several years. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and two sisters.

Survivors include her parents, Adam Sr. and Lola Ward Mallard of Rusk; a brother, Adam Mallard Jr.; three sisters, Sharon E. Ward, Karen Bolton Edmond and Brenda Mallard Davis, all of Rusk; three nieces; one nephew; and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Walter Session, Calvin Anderson, Ceotis Meador, Andrew Jackson, Vernell Wickware, Jerry Leviston, Melvin Session II, Samuel Oneal, Larry Davis and Micheal Cook.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the Rusk High School Class of 1977 and nephews. Arrangements were under the direction of Williams Funeral Home.

  B. J. NICHOLSON 

B. J. Nicholson, 77, of Rusk, died at his residence on Friday, Aug. 10.

He was born in Temple on Nov. 3, 1929, the son of the late Rex and Cora Belk Nicholson.

Mr. Nicholson worked for many years as a lab technician for Gulf Oil in Port Arthur. He was a member of the Rusk First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by three sons, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Services were private.

Donations in Mr. Nicholson's name may be made to the local Humane Society.

Arrangements were under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home which also provides an online guestbook at: http:// www.kerrvillefuneralhome. com by selecting Obituaries. Then select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual memorial.

LEONARD MIX BERRY

Funeral for Leonard Mix Berry, 80, of Rusk was at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, at Eastside Baptist Church with the Rev. William Snidow and the Rev. Charles Haley officiating. Burial was in Sardis-Edgefield Cemetery.

Mr. Berry died Aug. 21. He was born Sept. 28, 1926, to the late George McNary and Dora Edwards Berry.

He was a resident of the Sardis Community for 25 years and formerly lived in Dallas for 33 years. He was a business owner at Five Points Texaco Station/Store in Dallas from 1952-81.

He retired in 1995 in food service after 14 years at Rusk State Hospital. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was discharged in 1945 as a corporal. He was a member of the VFW Post 3406 in Rusk.

He was a member of Sardis Baptist Church and honorary member of Bull Creek Hunting Club.

Preceding him in death were his wife Mary Elizabeth Dickson Berry; son, Leonard M. (Bo) Berry II; grandson, Cody Leonard Berry; two brothers, Mansel Berry and Menyon Berry; two sisters, Madie Berry, sister, Emogene Berry Thompson; mother-in-law, Blanche Jay Dickson; and father-in-law Elzie Dickson.

Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Julie Beth Berry and Julian R. Noel Jr. of Dallas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Naomi Berry of Rusk and G.M. and Betty Berry of Rusk; a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Monyene Dickson and Robbie Hammett of Henderson and Robert Dickson of Jacksonville; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Scott Hammett, Russell Hammett, Michael Collins, Danny Berry, Larry Berry, Stephen Berry, Eric Berry, Jason Jones and Donald Lankford.

Honorary pallbearers were Charles Beasley, William Edwards, Marshall Dear, John Bowden, Frank Bowden, Monroe Sewell, John Hawkins, Rev. Donald Earl Copeland, Donald Eaves, Kenneth Couch, Glen Middleton, Clay Middleton and Emmett Holcomb.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75701, or The American Cancer Society.

LOU ANN BOLCH

Funeral for Lou Ann McKenzie Bolch, 69, of Rusk, formerly of Alba,was at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Pleasant Ridge Chapel with Scott Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Bolch passed away Aug. 21.

She was born Nov. 6, 1937, in Houston, to Vernon and Amanda Bliss McKenzie. She married Dr. Alfred Bolch Dec. 24, 1964, and lived in Atlanta before moving to Rusk in 1985. She was a homemaker and member of First Methodist Church of Galena Park.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, David Bolch.

Survivors are her husband of 42 years, Dr. Alfred Bolch of Rusk; three daughters and a son-in-law, Gaye and Larry McGinn, and Charlotte Bolch, all of Henderson, and Charisse Bolch of Bullard; and three grandchildren, Hailey, Daniel, and Brandi.

Pallbearers were Todd Sligar, Clay Hubacek, Daniel Hubacek, Don McKenzie, Gary McKenzie, and Luke McGinn. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home of Alba.

LELA STOKES

Funeral for Lela Stokes, 90, of Wells, was at 2 p.m. Monday at Gipson Funeral Home, Lufkin, with Carlton D. Stokes officiating. Burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Mrs. Stokes died Aug. 23. She was born Oct. 15, 1916, in Nacogdoches County to Floyd Carlton and Evie Jane Tynes Purdy.

She resided in Wells most of her life, and retired from Lufkin State School with 12 years of service.

She was a homemaker, a member of Order of Eastern Star, Wells Chapter No. 400 and a Baptist.

She was preceded in death by son, Walter N. Stokes, and daughter, Ruth W. Brandon.

Survivors include two sons, John B. Stokes Jr. of Hempstead and Carlton D. Stokes of Claremore, Okla.; four daughters, Nelda Jordan of Nacogdoches, Jo Ellen Stokes of Houston, Bobbie Musick of Maydelle and Mary Shumaker of Pollok; two sisters, Gertude Wheeler of Diboll and Mildred Phillips of Panhandle; a brother, Gerald Purdy of Panhandle; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Tim Martin, Victor Castro, Barry Stevens, Jason Shumaker, Mike Shumaker and Byron Stokes.

MARCELITE BOTHWELLWATSON

Funeral for Marcelite Watson, 95, of Oakland, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, in Wallace Thompson Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Johnston and the Rev. Kevin Gentry officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Maydelle.

Mrs. Watson was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She died Tuesday, Aug. 28. She was born Aug. 10, 1912, in Rusk to the late R. E. and Maude Sherman Bothwell. She was the fifth of 10 children, The Bothwell family moved to Maydelle when she was twoyears old. She graduated from Maydelle High School in 1927.

She married Dewey Jake Watson in 1931. They had six children, five sons and one daughter. The sons are W. E. (Billy) Watson, the late D. J. (Bud) Watson, J. A. (Jimmy')Watson, Eldon Earl (P. C,) Watson and deceased baby son, Larry Jack Watson. Her daughter is Marimaude Meador.

Mrs. Watson worked three years for Chapman Pharmacy and 10 years for Rusk State Hospital before retirement.

She is survived by sons W. E. (Billy) Watson and wife Darline, J. A. (Jimmy) Watson, and Eldon Earl (P.C.) Watson and daughter Marimaude Meador and husband Forest Glen.

Grandchildren are Tony K. Watson, Christy Lana' Buchinger, Rhonda Meador, Regina Loftis, Michael (Mike) Meador and James Kevin Watson.

Great grandchildren are Leigh Ann Watson, April Nicole Torres, Jonathan Carter Bersano and Cody Jake Loftis

Mrs. Watson's surviving sisters are Bessie Burke of College Station, Marguerite Johnston of Jacksonville and Pauline Perry of Rusk. She had numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Tony Watson, Mike Meador, Kevin Watson, Jake Loftis, Dickey Bowman and David Watson.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 29, at Wallace Thompson Funeral Home..