Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES OCTOBER 2007

Orlie J. Baker

Memorial services for Orlie J. Baker, 83, of Jacksonville, will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, with the Rev. Kevin King officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Mr. Baker died Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. He was born in Clarkton, Mo. and grew up in Memphis, Texas. Baker worked in the finance and banking industry in Houston prior to moving to Jacksonville in 1989. He attended First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, and served during World War II as a member of the 449th Bomb Group, 15th Army Air Corps. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jeanne K. Baker of Jacksonville; his daughters, Becky Baker of Kennard and Jann Ott and husband Jim of Troup; his son, Frank Baker of Garland; his two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/10/2007.

Charles R. Bird

Graveside services for Charles R. Bird, 67, of Longview, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at McDonald Cemetery, New Summerfield, with Reverend Donny Sadler officiating. Interment will follow in McDonald Cemetery under the direction of Rader Funeral Home, Longview. Mr. Bird passed away Thursday morning in a Longview hospital. He was born March 2, 1940 in New Summerfield to the late Jim and Evie Moose Bird. He was the operator of a salvage business. Mr. Bird was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harold (Blue) Bird and Gerald Bird; and a sister: Florence Westmoreland. He is survived by his wife Linda of Longview; daughters, Alana Blanks and her husband Mark of Longview, Sheri Meador and her husband Gary of Hallsville, Stacy Smith of Hallsville and Tonya Watson of Jacksonville; brothers, James (Buddy) Bird of Kingwood, Donald Bird and his wife Pat of Summit, Miss. and Richard Bird and Joy of New Summerfield; sisters, Edith Searcy of Concord and Ruth Martin of Jacksonville and 10 grandchildren. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/12/2007.

Myson Malieke Blakemore

Funeral services for Myson Malieke Blakemore, 3, of Cushing, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at Bethel Methodist Church, Rusk, with Rev. Charles Nunnally and Dr. Gary Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Rusk. Services are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Myson died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007 at his residence. He was born March 25, 2004 in Jacksonville. Survivors include his mother, Amanda Prince and friend Eric Anderson of Cushing; father and step mother Jermichael and Amy Blakemore of Wells; brother Di Angelo Blakemore of Cushing; sister Erica Anderson of Cushing; grandparents Ray and Sharlott Prince of Rusk and Herman McGown of Houston; great-grandparents Oland and Bevia Sidses of Rusk and Delima McGown of Cushing; caretakers Susie Tittle of Jacksonville and Alessa Starling of Henderson and several cousins. Pallbearers will be Oland Sides, Torri Hall, Dracy Morgan and James Langham. Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Prince and Marvin Taylor. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/16/2007.

Flora Estelle Sudbury Boyd

Services for Flora Estelle Sudbury Boyd, 93, of Jacksonville, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Friendship Baptist Church, Corine, with Bro. Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in Corine Cemetery. Mrs. Boyd died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Jacksonville. She was born Nov. 10, 1913 in Marlin, to J.E. and Annie Collins Sudbury. She retired from Discount City and the Central Baptist Church Nursery. Flora was preceded in death by her husband Charles J. Boyd, Sr., in 1980. Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Charles J. Boyd, Jr. and wife Patsy, of Jacksonville and Glenn Weldon Boyd of the Dominican Republic; grandchildren Blair Boyd Upchurch and husband Dana, of Jacksonville and Eric Boyd and wife Kim of Highlands; great-grandchildren Pvt. Terry Upchurch, U.S. Army, Bagdad and Matt Upchurch of Cockett; plus numerous nieces and nephews and special friends Peggy Chitwood, her Sunday School Teacher and Philip Warren her former pastor. Pallbearers will be Eric Boyd, Dana Upchurch, Gerald Gray, Lewie Lake, Johnny Chitwood and Don Walker. Honorary pallbearer is Jack Tarrant. Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/19/2007 - 10/20/2007.

Lillie Mae Casper

Funeral services for Lillie Mae Casper, 69, of Jacksonville, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in Autry Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Jim Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Neches Cemetery. Mrs. Casper died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Tyler. She was born Dec. 21, 1937 in Neches to George and Agnes Lovelady. Mae was a retired Truck driver and a Jehovah’s Witness. Mrs. Casper was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Casper; daughter, Tammy Casper; granddaughter, Lanette Jackson; plus, three brothers. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Jay and Mellisa Casper of Eustace and Joey and Bobbie Casper of Jacksonville; daughters and sons-in-law Lynn and Johnny Davilla, of Jacksonville, Vickie and Kenneth Jackson, of Ponta, Terry and Sam Green, of Jacksonville and Connie Casper, of Rusk; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Neal Jackson, Chuck Moody, Justin Morgan, Jason Work, Chris Applin and Brandon Casper. The honorary pallbearer is Clay Casper. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/18/2007.

Jerry (Pee Wee) Morris Chancellor

Services for Jerry (Pee Wee) Morris Chancellor, 66, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at Peoples Church in Jacksonville with Rev. A. L. Fannette officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home. Burial will be at Still Waters Memorial Garden. Mr. Chancellor died Oct. 14 in his home with his family by his side. He was born June 30, 1941 in Nacogdoches. He attended Jacksonville High School and Lon Morris College. He received his Bachelors degree from Sam Houston State University. He then went on to receive his Masters from Stephen F. Austin State University. His career began at the Building and Loan Association in February of 1965 where he remained for 40 years, through three bank name changes. He was President and CEO during the last ten years of employment. After the sale to Franklin Bank he served as regional director of the East Texas Division as well as Director of the Franklin Bank Board. He also held the designation of Senior Residential Appraiser as well as holding a Texas Real Estate Brokers License for 30 years. Jerry was a member of People’s Church. He lived in and served the community of Jacksonville through various organizations. He served as past President and Director of the Jacksonville Lions Club and Director of the Texas Savings and Community Bankers Association from 2001 – 2004. He also served as Director of Jacksonville Industrial Foundation and Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Pee Wee was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, and sports fan. Survivors include his daughter, Neeley Morris Chancellor; step-children, Casey Hart and Ryan Cook; four grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law Doris and James Bacon, Deloris and David Campbell; two nieces; three nephews; as well as a host of friends. Pallbearers are Larry Garner, Wade Holman, Jerry Hammons, Tommy Murray, Bill Taylor, Charles Broadway, Jack Traylor, Acie Henigan, and Bob Brown. Honorary pallbearers are all directors, officers, and employees of the former Jacksonville Savings Bank. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/16/2007.

Rocky Dean Crow

Graveside services for Rocky Dean Crow, 50, of Jacksonville, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at Telico Cemetery located east of Ennis, Texas. Rocky was born Oct. 13, 1956, in Ennis, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Crow; his brother, John Mark Crow; and his grandparents, Jim and Agnes Crow and Bud and Bill Hoover. Survivors include his daughter, Christi Neely and husband Eric of Chandler; his mother, Mary Crow of Jacksonville; his brothers, Steve Crow and wife Shelley of Emory, Tim Crow and wife Lynda of Portland, Texas, James Crow and wife Royce of Atkins, Va.; his sister, Susan Lavy and husband Mike of Jacksonville; his grandchildren, Luke and Landon Neely; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services are under the direction of Keever Funeral Home in Ennis, Texas. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/5/2007 - 10/9/2007.

 Payton Scott Diers

 Funeral services for Payton Scott Diers are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville with Rev. Newton Hambrick and Rev. Dennis Morgan officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Still Waters Memorial Garden in Jacksonville. Payton died on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 in Tyler. He was born on Aug. 11, 1988 in Jacksonville. He was a member of Tyler Street Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He played baseball for Jacksonville High School wearing No. 8 and went on to play for Tyler Junior College wearing No. 18. He was a pitcher for Division III NJCAA 2007 TJC National Championship team. He was a 2006 graduate of Jacksonville High School. During high school he was a member of JHS Cares, Spanish Club, Who’s Who among American High School Students and a second team all district pitcher. He was employed by Cobb Holman Lumber Company. Payton is preceded in death by his grandmother, Rose Mary Diers; great-grandfathers, Robert L. Diers, Jack Dudley, and Bill Lindsey. Survivors include his parents, Scott and Rhonda Diers; brothers, Ryan Taylor Diers and Ruston Luman Diers, all of Jacksonville; grandparents, Bob and Sharon Diers of San Antonio, Beth and Billy Lomax, of Jacksonville, Ronny and Terry Lindsey, of Jacksonville; great-grandparents, Luman and Rose Mary Holman, of Jacksonville, Gertie Dudley, of Henderson, and Lorene Cole, of Mixon; several aunts and uncles and great-aunts and uncles. Pallbearers will be Scott Diers, Ryan Diers, Ruston Diers, Chase Birdwell, Matt Wakefield and Jamie Loftin. Honorary pallbears will be the Tyler Junior College baseball team. The family would like to thank the many special friends in his life for their love and friendship to Payton over the years. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6- 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/9/2007.

 Laura Lynn Geisleman

Graveside services for Laura Lynn Geisleman, 19, of Rusk are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Cedar Hill Cemetery with Rev. R.S. Dyess officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Miss Geisleman died Oct. 15, 2007. She was born Oct. 13, 1988 in Jacksonville to Dennis Ray and Melba Moa Geisleman. She was a lifelong resident of Rusk, a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Rusk, a graduate of Rusk High School in May of 2007 and attended Tyler Junior College. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Leonard George and Mary Geisleman. She is survived her parents Dennis Ray and Melba Geisleman of Rusk; half brothers, Moses Salazar Jr. of Rusk and Steve Anthony Graces of Jacksonville; grandparents, Juan and Rebecca Moa of Jacksonville; plus several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/18/2007.

 Marvin D. George, Jr.

 Graveside services for Marvin D. George, Jr., 50, of Jacksonville, will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, at Meador Cemetery of Jacksonville, with Brother Bill Rambo officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Mr. George died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at a Jacksonville hospital. He was born June 29, 1957, in Jacksonville. He attended Sunset Baptist Church of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, L. H. and Nellie Buffalo. Survivors include his spouse, Cathy L. George of Jacksonville; his children, Ray Cantu and wife Lisa of Houston, David Michael George and wife Christie of Jacksonville, James Paul George of Jacksonville, Monica Yvonne Perez of Jacksonville and Robert Duane Morgan and wife Michelle of Gallatin; his brothers, Tony Alverson of Richmond, Va., Loran George and wife Twila of Reklaw and Bobby Lee Turner and wife Vicki of Jacksonville; his sisters, Sarah Redford of Jacksonville, Carla McNertney and husband Mac of Frankston, Marsha Jones of Jacksonville and Sheryal Berry and husband Randy of Jacksonville; his mother, Jeannie Oakley of Jacksonville; his father, Marvin D. George, Sr. of Reklaw; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Davis George of Jacksonville; 12 grandchildren and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers include his nephews. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/3/2007 - 10/9/2007.

Sheila Cobb Powell Gray

 Funeral services for Sheila Cobb Powell Gray, 43, of Jacksonville, will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Donny Sadler officiating. Burial will be at Jarratt Cemetery. Sheila died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 in Jacksonville. She was born March 19, 1964 in Rusk to Glenn and Opal Foster Cobb. She was a Phlebotomist and Computer operator for TRANSCO Corp in Houston. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, New Summerfield. Survivors include her son, Roger Powell, of Tyler; daughter, Loni Powell, of Houston; a granddaughter and her brother, Farron Cobb of Jacksonville. Pallbearers will be Roger Powell, Jr., Roger Powell, Joe Tomkiewicz, Mickey Gates, Richard Northern, Mark Smith, Don McCann and Paul Gray. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/16/2007.

 William Howard “Billy” Gray

 Memorial services for Mr. William Howard “Billy” Gray will be set at a later date and time. Gray passed away at the age of 61 on Oct. 13, 2007 in Tyler. He was born March 10, 1946 in Jacksonville to William Charlie and Billie Maxine White Gray. He had been a resident of the Chandler area most of his life and worked in quality control and maintenance. He was a member of Forest Grove Baptist Church in Chandler and served in the US Navy. He was preceded in death by his father, Will Gray. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Mary Gray of Larue; daughter and son-in-law, Darla and Daniel Sangster of Tyler; mother, Maxine Gray of Jacksonville; sister, Brenda Morrison of Henderson; brother, Bubba Gray of Jacksonville; and three grandchildren, Tiara, Teá and Brayden. If desired, memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 120 E. South Town Suite No. 200 Tyler, Texas 75703. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/19/2007 - 10/20/2007.

Ruth Stevens Gunter Jenkins

Ruth Stevens Gunter Jenkins, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2007.Services are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville with Brother Randall Birdsong officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview following the service. Ruth Smith was born Feb. 26, 1922, in Turney to the late George David and Mary Alice Caveness Smith.  Ruth was a School Teacher for over 30 years in Turney, Gaston and Pine Tree Elementary Schools. She was a member of the Jacksonville Garden Club, Cherokee County Retired Teachers Association, Wednesday Study Club and Ponta First Baptist Church, Clerk. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Alice Smith; brother, David O’Brien Smith; first husband, Harvey L. Stevens, Jr.; second husband, Edwin D. Gunter; and third husband, Carl Jenkins; and step-granddaughters, Jana Herrera and Sarah Solis. Ruth is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Kim and Kay Stevens, of Jacksonville, Mark and Sharon Stevens, of Flint; sister, Oleta Smith Gray, of Bonner Place; granddaughters, Stephanie and Kenny Sessions, of Jacksonville, Jennifer Stevens and Kimberly Stevens, of Seabrook; grandsons, Toby Kyle Stevens and Michael Stevens, of Jacksonville; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Sean Anderson, Conner Sessions and Keira Stevens; step-daughters, Sarah Jenkins Edwards, of Hughes Springs, and Carla Jenkins Zuecher, of Daingerfield. Pallbearers will be Russell Smith, Bobby Dee Caveness, Louis Caveness, Willie D. Wilkinson, Bill Beranek, Larry Stegall and Jimmy Caveness. Honorary Pallbearers will be Luman Holman, Tom Dean Stevens, R.L. McDonald, A.C. Jenkins, C.L. Newburn and Paul Haws. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/31/2007.

 Mr. Eual J. LaFleur

 Funeral service for Mr. Eual J. LaFleur, 88, will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at 1p.m. in Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Bro. Brian E. LaFleur, Bro. Jack G. Mills III, D.J. LaFleur, Donnie Oliva and Keith LaFleur will officiate. Burial will be in China Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4pm-9pm and will continue Saturday at 8am until time of service. Mr. LaFleur was a native of Elton and a resident of Moss Bluff. He was a Deacon for First Baptist Church in Moss Bluff, member of DAV, a Sunday school teacher and chaplain for Holly Hill Nursing Home for 10 years and a purple heart recipient. Mr. LaFleur passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2007 in Mansfield. Survivors include a son, Bro. Dennis Lafleur and wife Carolyn of Stanley, Louisiana; two daughters, Donna Darlene Mills of Rusk and Cinda LaFleur of Lake Charles, Louisiana; brother, Wiley J. LaFleur and wife Lavada of Sulphur, Louisiana; 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Weeta LaFleur. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/4/2007 - 10/9/2007.

 Dora B. Lusk

 Funeral services for Dora B. Lusk, 85, of Maydelle are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Rusk with Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the funeral home. Mrs. Lusk died Oct. 29, 2007 in a Jacksonville nursing home. She was born May 22, 1922 in Palestine to the late William Rubin and Minnie Lou Kite Langston. She was a lifelong resident of Maydelle and a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Maydelle. She is survived by one son J.R. Lusk of Jacksonville; three daughters, Dora M. Johnson of Frankston, Bonnies Sides of Rusk, Darlene Lusk of Frankston; one brother, Curtis Langston of Porter; three sisters, Allie Croft of Palestine, Birdie Bowman of Muse, Mary Weaver of Palestine; five grandchildren, Kevin Lusk of Jacksonville, Connie Jackson of Nacogdoches, Lenard Sides of Rusk, Shannon Selman of Slocum, David Sides of Rusk; plus ten great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will include Jamie Ramsey, Scotty Ramsey, Shane Selman, Corey Donner, Daryn Selman, and Danny Mainer. Honorary pallbearers will be Lee Roy Selman, Tommy Tory Selman, and Jason Selman. Family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/31/2007.

 Dorothy Henderson Lyon

 She watched over the ways of her household, (Proverbs 31:27). Dorothy Henderson Lyon was born on Jan. 16, 1918 in Maydelle. She went home to heaven on Oct. 21, 2007. She devoted 70 years of marriage to her husband, William Dewey Lyon, who survives her. She cared for and nourished her children, Pat (Bill) Schumacher, of Brownsville, Delores (Gary) Barfield, of Kingwood, Leo (Darla) Lyon, of Luling, Steve (Jan) Lyon, of San Antonio, Barney (Deborah) Lyon, of Severn, Maryland and Dewey Lyon, of Niederwald. All survive her. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, two brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Fannie Henderson; brothers, Pat, Cecil, and Aubrey Henderson; sisters, Gracie Davis, Angie Johnston, and Ocie Hassell; and one great granddaughter, Julie Schumacher. Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007. Graveside services will be at the Meador Cemetery in Gallatin at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007 with Rev. Mike Bradford officiating. Pallbearers will be Curtis Schumacher, Wade Barfield, Walter Schumacher, Travis Alexandro Lyon, Travis Lee Lyon, and Zachary Barfield, grandsons of Dorothy Lyon. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/23/2007.

Jennifer “Chelle” Little

 Funeral services for Jennifer “Chelle” Little, 32, of Mixon, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Benny Brooks and Rev. Rudy Bond officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park. Ms. Little died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 in Tyler. She was born Jan. 27, 1975 in Jacksonville. Ms. Little was a Hairdresser and a Baptist. Survivors include her sons, Cody and Jacob Reeves of Troup; brothers, Ray Vestal of Baytown and Roy Vestal of Livingston; sisters, Jacqueline “J.J.” Bobbitt of Maydelle and Kimberly McAdams of Burleson; plus several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and her fiance’ C.J. Hardy of Mixon and special friend, Darrell Duitch. Pallbearers will be Travis Willis, Ray Vestal, Alvin Carney, Jeremy Singletary, Shane Bobbitt and Danny Shugart. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/14/2007 - 10/15/2007.

 Jeanette Loughmiller

 Funeral services for Jeanette Loughmiller, 75, of New Summerfield will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the Autry Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at McDonald Cemetery in New Summerfield. Mrs. Loughmiller was born on March 9, 1932 in Flat Rock, Il. She died on Oct. 3, 2007 in Pearland. Mrs. Loughmiller was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ and New Summerfield Lions Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Loughmiller and grandson, Robert Loughmiller. Survivors include her sons, Lee Loughmiller, Lynn Loughmiller and Pete Loughmiller all of New Summerfield; daughters, Cyndi Clemens of Pearland and Kay Zellers of Richmond; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Jack Blankenbeker, Robinson, Il., Benny Blankenbeker, Bill Blankenbeker and Bob Blankenbeker, all of Georgia and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Michael Davis, Herbert Davis, Rickey Brown, Jess Martin, Bruce Ivy, B.J. Potts and Phillip Waldrup.Visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8:00 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/5/2007 - 10/9/2007.

 Mrs. Grace Johnston Lowery

 Funeral services for Mrs. Grace Johnston Lowery, 95, of Jacksonville, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Autry Funeral Home with Rev. Brad Faulk officiating. Interment will be at Jacksonville City Cemetery. Mrs. Lowery died Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 in Jacksonville. She was born June 12, 1912 in Jacksonville. Mrs. Lowery was a member of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville and was a retired  Registered Nurse with a degree in nursing from Baylor University. Mrs. Lowery is Preceded in death by her husband, Fred Lowery; twin sister, Ruth Shoemaker; brothers, Carlton  and Chester Johnston. Survivors include her son; Fred Lowery; three grandchildren, Fred M. Lowery, Jr., John R. Lowery and Julie Weber; two great-grandchildren, Elaine and Hope Lowery and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be James Walston, West Smith, Fred M. Lowery, Jr., John R. Lowery, John Weber, and John Cardwell . Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/9/2007.

 Donna Bossart Lund

 Born in San Diego, Calif. on June 22, 1931, went to meet her Lord, Oct. 8, 2007, in Randle, Wash. She lived in many places and spent a short time in Jacksonville, where she attended high school. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Lund; her father, Albert Bossart Sr.; her mother, Lillian Miller; and her brother, Albert Bossart Jr. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Deanne and Roy Seymour of Randle, Wash.; her three sons, Donald, Daniel and Dennis, all of Washington state; her step-mother, Mattie I. Bossart of Houston; her four sisters, Georgia Bossart Etheridge of Jacksonville, Victoria Lunn of Pasco, Wash., Susan Cavazas of Richmond, Texas, and Cheryl Starnes of Conway, Ark.; her four brothers, Anthony J. Bossart of Scottsdale, Ariz., Stephen Bossart of Dallas, Patrick Bossart of Houston and Bryan Raber of Carson, Calif.; and many grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her loving pet dog, Edith. Services are pending, but will be held in Randle, Wash. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/12/2007.

 Sandy "mac" McDaniel

 Sandy "mac" McDaniel Graveside services for Sandy “Mac” McDaniel, 48, of Rusk, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 at West Shady Grove Cemetery, Pierce’s Chapel Community near Jacksonville. Services are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Mr. McDaniel died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 in a Tyler hospital. He was born July 7, 1959 in Rusk. He was retired from Goodyear Tire. Survivors include his wife Trisha McDaniel of Rusk; son and daughter-in-law, Kristopher and Jennifer McDaniel of Montalba; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Robert Garber of Pert; step brothers, James Ashley of Corsicana, Forest Moore and wife Terri of Gallatin; step sister, Janet Buffalo of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Nevaeh “Fred” McDaniel of Montalba, Lane and Megan Garber of Pert; several nieces and nephews.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/17/2007.

 Freda Mae Merchant 

Funeral services for Freda Mae Merchant, 98, of Maydelle, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at 2 p.m. in the Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lee Welch officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Maydelle. Mrs. Merchant was born on Oct. 25, 1908 in Thornton. She died on Oct. 3, 2007 in Jacksonville. Mrs. Merchant was a Baptist and a homemaker who loved and raised her children during an era without modern conveniences. Her large family enjoyed hearing many stories from by-gone days. Our beloved mother and grandmother enjoyed a long healthy life, lived alone and was cared for by her youngest son; Curtis, until her recent illness. She came from a generation of survivors. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; Lilly Mae McDaniel and Fred Foreman; husband, John Horace Merchant; sons, Fred Allen Merchant and Don Ray Merchant; daughters, Janet Ann Merchant and Reba Nell Glass. Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Billy and Avis Merchant of Normangee, John Thomas Merchant of Hemphill, Robert and Janice Merchant of Meridian, Doug and Kate Merchant of Eddy and Curtis and Patricia Merchant of Maydelle; daughter, Bonnie Young of Mexia; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be John Seth Merchant, Paul Hunter Glass, Michael Merchant, David McCreight, Michael McCreight, Billy John Merchant, Bobby Gene Merchant, Kenneth Glass, Zachary Curry and Aaron Curry. Visitation will begin on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/5/2007 - 10/9/2007.

 Lewis Webber Nichols

 Graveside services for Lewis Webber Nichols, 68, of Jacksonville, will be held Thursday Oct. 10, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park in Jacksonville, with Rev. Dr. Faulk Landrum officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home of Jacksonville.  Mr. Nichols died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in Jacksonville. He was born in Houston on April 9, 1939, to Talley and Ruth Bowling Nichols. Mr. Nichols was a member of First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville. He was a member of the class of 1957 Jacksonville High School. He served in the U. S. Marines, and served as Vice President of TallyHo Plastics of Jacksonville. He was a sixth degree blackbelt and had been an instructor in Jacksonville. He is survived by two sons, Lewis W. Nichols of Dallas and Eric and Ree Nichols, with the U.S. Military; two daughters, Amanda Nichols of Fort Worth, Nicki Nichols of Atlanta Ga.; his mother, Ruth Nichols of Jacksonville;  three brothers, Talley James Nichols of Jacksonville, Robert and Donna Nichols of Jacksonville, Dwight Dee and Laura Jean Nichols of Garland; two sisters,  Penny and Kenneth Sanders of Tyler, Susan and Richard Gonzalez, Las Cruces, N.M; grandchildren Rene Nichols of California, Taka Nichols of Japan.    Honorary pallbearers are James Nichols, Robert Nichols, Dwight Nichols, Richard Gonzalez and George Henry Clark, Adam L. Adams.  Visitation will be from 12-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/9/2007.

 Weona “Tommie” Nielsen

 Funeral services for Weona “Tommie” Nielsen, 86, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 in First Baptist Church Rusk with Rev. Lee Welch and Rev. Jim Goforth officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Nielsen died Oct. 7, 2007 in a Jacksonville hospital. She was born March 10, 1921 to Clarence Melton and Eula L. Walker Thompson. She spent her early life in Munday from 1947 to 1953 and then in Nederland from 1957 to 1959, Port Arthur from 1959 to 1964, Lake Jackson from 1964 to 1968, Baytown from 1968 to 1978, El Paso from 1978 to 1982 and then to Rusk in September of 1982. She retired in 1982 after 36 years as a school teacher. She received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from North Texas State College in 1942. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Rusk, the National Education Association from 1970 to 1982, Alpha Delta Kappa from 1940 to 1982, Texas State Teacher’s Association from 1947 to present, Rusk Garden Club and Rusk Thalian Club since the mid 1980’s and a charter member of the Rusk Good Samaritan organization. She is preceded in death by her husband George Nielsen; daughter, Tommie LeLugas; mother and father, Clarence and Eula Thompson; brother, Everett Thompson; sister, Inez Ragsdale. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Dianne N. and Larry R. Sinclair of Rusk; brother, Milton Thompson of Cleburne; a grandson and his wife, Russell B. and Hwee Ching Sinclair of Los Angeles, California; two granddaughters and sons-in-law, Meredith S. and her husband Misha Goz of St. Petersburg, Russia and Angel L. and her husband Vance St. Clair of Henderson; eight great-grandchildren, Alisa Goz, Pasha Goz, Kristina Goz, all of St Petersburg, Russia and Kaylii Fuller, Payton St. Clair, Gaige St. Clair, Ethan St. Clair, Ella St. Clair all of Henderson; plus numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will include Edward Hassell, Will Cumbee, JoEd Anderson, Bill Traweek, Glenn Cotten, and Kenneth Pye. Honorary pallbearers will be active and retired deacons of First Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 258, Rusk, TX 75785. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/10/2007.

 Nancy Paris Pedersen

 Memorial services for Nancy Paris Pedersen, 63, of Longview, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 at Church on the Rock with Pastor Paul officiating under direction of Rader Funeral Home, Longview. Ms. Pedersen went home to be with her Lord on Oct. 22, 2007, in Tyler. She was born July 23, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York to Frederick Robert Paris and Mary Catherine Rogers Paris. She was a member of Church on the Rock Church in Longview. She attended and graduated from Longview High School; earned her ADN from Kilgore College in 1989 and a B.A. from LeTourneau University, Longview in 1998. She worked as an RN and recently retired from Auxi Healthcare, Longview. She was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed using her motorcycle in a prison visitation ministry. She also toured Europe and the United States with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. She was an award winning photographer, taking human interest pictures as well as incredible nature photos. She was an active member of the Sons of Norway—having spent nine years there and visiting several times after moving back to the states. She loved her group of close friends that were part of her Singles Sunday school class and enjoyed the fellowship and the many activities that furthered the kindness and love for her Lord. She was preceded in death by her father in 1987 and mother in 1981. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, David and Jennie LeDeaux of San Antonio; grandchildren, Justin and Elysia, of San Antonio; and sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Rodney Kelley of Jacksonville. Memorials can be made to either Church on the Rock, Longview or Hospice of East Texas, Tyler.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/24/2007.

 Olan Pryor

 Funeral services for Olan Pryor, 85, of Jacksonville, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 2007 at Renfro Memorial Chapel in Boren-Conner Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Nunnally officiating. Burial will be held at Shady Grove Cemetery. Mr. Pryor died Tuesday in a Jacksonville Nursing Home. He was born Nov. 29, 1921 in Cherokee County. He was raised in the Jacksonville area and previously lived in Houston. He worked as an expeditor with Cameron Iron Works in Houston, spending more than 30 years with the company before retiring. He was a member of the Air Force and a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ivy Pryor and sister Judy Felder. Survivors include his wife, Nora Pryor, daughter Carla Pryor and sisters Juanita Tuscana and Wilma Magers, all of Jacksonville; sisters Nita Dover and Ophelia Williams, both of Rusk and sister Dolores Cameron of Sherman; plus grandchildren Adelle Benge of Palestine, Doris George of Jacksonville and Lena Yarbrough of Dialville. Pallbearers will be Doyle Edward George, Brent Stahelin, Dale Dover, Bobby George, Allen Yarbrough, Jr., Curtis Cameron and Kelly Yarbrough. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/25/2007.

 James Polk Richards Sr.

James Polk Richards Sr. died on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, after a brief illness. Mr. Richards is survived by his wife, Genelle Holcomb Richards; his four children: daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Ray Penn, daughter Debra Richards, son and daughter-in-law, James Polk (Jimmy), Jr. and Jan Richards, and son and daughter-in-law, R.W. (Ricky) and Cindy Richards; six grandchildren: Eric Trayce Penn, James Wesley Penn, Sarah Rheagan Penn, Joe Bryce Penn, Misty Richards and Ashlen Anne Richards; a number of nephews and nieces and extended family. Mr. Richards was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Evie Richards and his brother Chesley Richards, all of the Atoy Community. James Polk, as he was known in the community, was a long-time businessman. He and his wife ran Richards Grocery and Cafeteria on the square in Rusk for many years. James Polk served with distinction and honor in World War II and he and his wife were awarded Presidential citations for actions during the Battle of the Bulge. Richards received the Mr. Medal in Feb., 1945, for the Christmas, 1944, flight from Marseille, France, to Bastogne to help save the encircled paratroopers in the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in many capacities in the community, including many positions with the First United Methodist Church of Rusk as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was a past President of the Chamber of Commerce and past President of the Rotary Club. Mr. Richards and his wife, Genelle, were married for 59 years and have traveled extensively throughout the world. His loss will be greatly felt by his family, but his legacy and memory will endure forever. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at the Chapel at Teaberry Farm at the home of Ricky and Cindy Richards, located on 2525 O'Keefe Rd. in Jacksonville Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Rusk. Interment will be in the Atoy Community Cemetery. Pallbearers include Bryan Seldon, Richard Massingill, David Long, David Wallace, Robert Jenkins and Raymond Ross Vermillion. The honorary pallbearers will be Elmer Kennedy, Orville Graham, Levi Smallwood, Dickie McGaughey, Larry Long, Neill Holcomb, Caleb Richards, Joshua Richards, William May, Johnnie McKay and Rev. Charles Haley. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 10/4/2007 - 10/9/2007.

Iva Lou Sessions

 Funeral services for Iva Lou Sessions, 87, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clayton Douglas and Chris Kenner officiating. Interment will be in Atoy Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Sessions died Oct. 7, 2007 in a Rusk nursing home. She was born April 1, 1920 in Timpson, to the late Samuel Harrison and Minnie Lee Butler Yarborough. She was a resident of Atoy since 1932. She retired in 1981 from Rusk State Hospital after 30 years in pharmacy and medical records. She was a Baptist and a member of Order of Eastern Star Rusk/Alto Chapter 79. She was preceded in death by her husband Derius J. Sessions on Nov. 3, 2002; three brothers, Harlon, Dan, and Jeffy Yarborough; daughter-in-law, Jackie Sessions and infant grandson, Tony Sessions. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, James and Lucille Sessions of Elkhart; sister and brother-in-law, Oleta and Morris Byers of Rusk; two grandchildren, Charlotte Winkler and husband Bough of Belton, Michael Sessions of Dallas; two great-grandchildren, John Austin and Megan Winkler of Belton; a host of step grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many friends. Pallbearers will include David Sarkies, Jim Tacy, Billy Sessions, Dale Bekker, Randy Langford and Robert Sheldon. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made Hope Inc., 595 South Ragsdale, Jacksonville, TX 75766. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/9/2007.