Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES SEPTEMBER 2008

September 3, 2008

ROBERTA FAE NICHOLAS

Roberta Fae Nicholas, 92, of Scottsboro, Ala. formerly of Port Arthur and a Cherokee County native, died Aug. 25 at the Highlands Health and Rehab in Scottsboro.

She is survived by a daughter, Jeanette Fae Mitchell of Santeo, Calif.; son and daughter in law, David and Lynette Nicholas of Scottsboro; a sister, Jessie M. Hooper of Dallas; and four grandchildren.

Mrs. Nicholas was born in Cherokee County and was a member of the Port Arthur First United Methodist Church, where she served as church secretary.

Preceding her in death were her husband, William Herbert Nicholas and a brother, Dr. James V. Fisher.

A graveside service was at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Alto City Cemetery.

Local arrangements were under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

WILLIE LOUISE WINSHIP

Funeral for Willie Louise Winship, 89, of Jacksonville, was at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church at Karnes City with the Rev. Charles Gibbs officiating. Burial was in Karnes City Cemetery.

Mrs. Winship died Aug. 25. She was born June 26, 1919, in Jacksonville to William Horatio Lane and Nina Vanorden Little Lane.

She was a housewife and a Presbyterian. She married George R. Winship Sr. June 5, 1941, in Karnes City. She was an amateur radio operator and a 1937 graduate of Karnes City High School.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; and daughter, Linda Green.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, George Jr. and Nan Winship of Gallatin; son-in-law Ron Green of Rockdale; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Chris Green, Ronnie Green, Jeremy Duree, Nathan Winship, Andrew Winship and Kevin Longoria. Arrangements were under the direction of Rhodes Funeral Home of Karnes City.

GLOVER JONES
Funeral for Glover Jones, 94, of Jacksonville was at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pennel Chapel CME Church with the Rev. Tommy Starks, the Rev. Earl Franklin, the Rev. David Daviss and the Rev. Tracey Clater officiating. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Mr. Jones died Aug. 25. He was born April 1, 1914, in Cherokee County. He attended Pine Grove school. He was a member of the New Community United Methodist Church. He was retired from lawn service, a lumber mill and as a construction worker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Epsie Lacy Jones; his parents, Alex and Susan Jones; a sister; and four brothers.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Vance and Jewel Jones of Jacksonville; six daughters, Jearlene Dennis, Naomia and Earl Bowman, Ruby and Willie Nelson, Nancy and Arthur Runnels and Belinda Stewart, all of Jacksonville and Mildred Waters of Palestine; a brother, John Henry Jones of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Craig Jones, Larry Horn, Lewis Blake, Arthur Runnels Jr., Willie Nelson, Jerrell Davidson and Christopher Bowman. Honorary pallbearers were stewards of the New Community United Methodist Church and Pennel Chapel CME Church.

Williams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

RUTH CASTLE

Funeral for Ruth Castle, 74, of Alto will be today at 11 a.m. at the St. Thomas Chapel A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Burley Hudson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Thomas Chapel Cemetery.

Mrs. Castle died Aug. 28. She was born May 14, 1934 in Alto to Louise Hudson and the late Cleophus Hudson.

She was a resident of Alto and Cherokee County for most of her life. Mrs. Castle was a member of St. Thomas Chapel AME Church and worked as a cook in several Alto area cafes.

She was preceded in death by her father, Cleophus Hudson; one son, Thomas Earl "T.J." Jackson; one daughter, Renee Reggie; one brother, Frank C. Hudson; one sister, Alzata Mitchell and one great granddaughter, Jakayden Reggie.

Survivors include her mother, Louise Hudson; three sons, Curtis Jackson and Marcus Hudson, both of Alto and Burley Wayne Castle of Hubbard; one brother, the Rev. Burley Hudson of Dallas; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Mrs. Castle's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. O.T. Allen & Son is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES CARLOS MURPHY

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church in San Antonio for James Carlos Murphy. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. at the Harrison Armstrong Cemetery in Alto.

Mr. Murphy died Aug. 30. He was born in Corrigan Oct. 23, 1921, to G.W. and Norella Power Murphy. Mr. Murphy graduated from Alto High School in 1939 and the University of Texas in 1949 and became a CPA.

He served as first sergeant in the Corps of Engineers in World War II. He worked in the building products and floor covering industry. He retired in 1991 as vice-president of marketing for the Azrock Co. in San Antonio. He was a member of Colonial Hills United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Harrison Murphy, two sons, Michael Clinton Murphy and wife Donna; James Randolph Murphy and partner Eric Cogswell; and grandson Zachariah Murphy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson, San Antonio, 78230. No visitation is planned. O.T. Allen & Son is in charge of local arrangements.

August 10, 2008

SHERRY LEE TURNER

Funeral for Sherry Lee Turner, 46, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Walker Chapel Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Walles officiating.

Mrs. Turner died Aug. 29. She was born Aug. 20, 1962 in Kewanee, Ill. She was a resident of Rusk for 13 months and formerly lived in Reklaw, Arizona, and Illinois.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one infant son, Kevin Turner.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Turner of Rusk; six sons; three daughters; her mother and father-in-law, Erwin and Kathryne Turner of Reklaw and numerous family members and friends.

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

LENARD LESLEY (L.L.) WILCOX

Funeral for Lenard Lesley "L.L." Wilcox, 87, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Memorial Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Copeland and the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating. Burial was in Salem Cemetery. Mr. Wilcox died Sept. 2. He was born May 20, 1921 in Bulah to the late John William and Emma E. Hutchins Wilcox.

He was a lifelong Rusk resident, a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, and founding deacon and church treasurer for many years.

He was a retired mail carrier from the U.S. Postal Service in Rusk, former owner and operator of Wilcox Ice Company and Wilcox Tire Company. He retired from the Rusk Fire Department having served as fire chief and fire marshal. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Edna Mae Copeland Wilcox in July 2005; and a son, Lenard Ray Wilcox.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Charles and LaRue Wilcox of Rusk; daughter, Laniece Walker of Rusk; three brothers and two sisters in law, Preston Wilcox, Grady and Katherine Wilcox and Carl and Billie Wilcox, all of Rusk; four sisters and brother-inlaw, Lora Caperton of Tyler, Jane Naski of Jacksonville, Lorine Hardy of Crockett and Vernine and Bennie Odom of Conroe; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Grandsons serving as pallbearers included Ricky Wilcox, Fred Wilcox, Bryan Wilcox, Ryan Wilcox, Darryl Joyner and Dee Vancamp. Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

BOBBY LEE KINDLE

Funeral for Bobby Lee Kindle, 79, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Friday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with Bishop Gary Murray and the Rev. Benny Walker officiating. Burial was in Tecula Cemetery.

Mr. Kindle died Sept. 1. He was born Aug. 3, 1929, in Gallatin to the late John Willie Kindle and Hazel Gullion Kindle. He lived in Berryville 33 years before returning to Cherokee County in October 2004. He was a retired member of Heat and Frost Workers Local 21 Dallas, joining the union in 1952. He retired in 1990.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents and a brother Willie Eugene (Dean) Kindle. Survivors are his wife of 54 years, Glenda Sue Lake Kindle of Jacksonville; one son, Robert Kindle; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lea Anne and Mark Ousley and Kristina Kay and David Dickerson; six grandsons, William Vernon Whitely IV, Robert Andrew Kindle and wife Jana, Mackie Lee Wiggins, David Cy Dickerson, Dean Cole Dickerson, and Deason Cash Dickerson; one great-granddaughter, Riley Faye Kindle; a sister and brother-in-law, Wanda Jean and Charlie Patillo of San Antonio and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Carly Arrington, James Dunnahoe, Troy Dunnahoe, Todd Dunnahoe, Herschel Wade and Wilburn Wade. Honorary pallbearer was Richard Ivy.

KERRY WAYNE GAYLE

Graveside service for Kerry Wayne Gayle, 51, of Georgetown, was at 2 p.m. Sept. 5 at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Robby Arrington officiating.

Mr. Gayle died Aug. 31. He was born July 27, 1957, in Rusk to Shirley Maxine Hassell Gayle and Kenneth Noel Gayle. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Maxine Gayle; his sister, Kelly Dyan Gayle; and his grandparents, Tommie and Leonard Hassell.

Survivors are his father and step-mother, Kenneth and Peggy Gayle; a daughter, Kirbi Gayle; a step-daughter, Alice Wolff; two sisters, Kathy McKee and Lenee Oniell; a brother, Keith Gayle; several nieces and nephews, Casey Bedair, Billy Burton, Timothy, Erica and Bryan Oniell and Kody and Konner Gayle.

Arrangements were under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home

LEROY FOXWORTH

Funeral for Leroy Foxworth, 68, of Warren, father of TDCJ Skyview-Hodge Warden Todd Foxworth, was at 11 a.m. Friday at the Warren First Baptist Church. Burial was in Allison Cemetery. Mr. Foxworth, a native and long-time Warren resident, was an oil field pumper and owned J&L BBQ in Woodville for many years.

Survivors are his wife of 25 years, Joan Foxworth; three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Connie Foxworth of Warren, Todd and Holly Foxworth of Rusk and Joseph and Rachel Foxworth of Warren; three grandsons, Levi Foxworth of Warren, Aaron Foxworth and Tex Palmer of Rusk; two sisters and brothers in law, Ann and Roger Reese of Warren and Joyce and Lonnie Grissom of Woodville; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby and Rosie Foxworth of Vidor, Lavelle and Betty Foxworth of Warren, Larry and Sheila Neal of Warren; sister-in-law, Sherry Foxworth of Warren; numerous nieces, nephews.

INEZ WEESNER STARKEY

Funeral for Inez Weesner Starkey, 86, of Dallas, formerly of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Saturday at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with the Rev. Dr. Faulk Landrum officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park. Mrs. Starkey died Sept. 3. She was born July 9, 1922, in Dallas.

Mrs. Starkey was a member of the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church and was an elementary school librarian for more than 40 years in Timpson, Malakoff, Hudson, Madisonville, and Sulphur Springs and retired from Jacksonville ISD in 1984 after 10 years. She was also a member of Eastern Star. Preceding her in death were her husband, Norris Starkey; son, Mike Starkey; parents, Grady and Susie Weesner, and sister, Jo Trantham.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and David Townsend of Dallas; daughter-in-law, Kay Starkey of Dallas; sister, Jean Bearden of Jacksonville; granddaughter Lesley Ryan and husband Casey and great-granddaughter Elle Grace Ryan, all of Fort Collins, Colo.; and nieces Paula Jones and Patti Blakely.

Pallbearers were David Townsend, Raleigh Blakely, Jr., Charles Park, Tommy Griffin, Chad Griffin and Nick Daugherty.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Moore, Dr. Charles Creed, Earl Stout, Stuart McAnally, Jackson Chandler, Casey Ryan and Dr. Wayne Ralston.

SEABORN BASS

Funeral for Seaborn Bass, 83, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville with the Rev. Vernon Lee officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mr. Bass died Saturday. He was born Nov. 5, 1924, in Cherokee Co. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church and was a member of the Men's Bible Class. He was a retired employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad and a U.S. Army World War II veteran.

Preceding him in death was a son, Jimmy Bass. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle Bass of Jacksonville; a daughter and son-law, Charlotte and Craig Morgan, Jacksonville; a sister, Ruth Garner, Jacksonville; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Strother Bass, Dallas; three grandchildren, Andrea Hancock, Ben Bass and Amy Ison; and nine great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ben Bass, Steve Ison, Jay Hancock, John Pruitt, Bobby Johnson, and Craig Morgan.

Honorary pallbearers were- Barnwell Anderson and the Men's Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to: Texas Baptist Home, 629 Farley, Waxahachie 75165. Autry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

EDDIE PAULINE HOUSTON JOHNSON ALCORN

A memorial service for Eddie Pauline Houston Johnson Alcorn will be held at a later date. She was born June 22, 1918, to Edward Chester and Elvie Pauline Usher Houston of Alto. Mrs. Alcon was a beautician in Fort Worth from 1947-2000.

She moved to Frankston in 2001. She was a member of the Frankston United Methodist Church and the Methodist Scarlet Ladies Red Hat Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Irving Alcorn; and her daughter, Judith Ann Boulivare McClendon. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Paul David and Toni Marie Johnson of Fresno Calif.; a daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Jerry Beard of Frankston; a son-in-law, Jimmy McClendon of Wichita Falls; and two stepsons and wives, Barry and Kris Alcorn and Byron and Melissa Alcorn, all of Fort Collins; and a sister-in-law, Mary Houston of Carrollton, Ga.; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and three greatgreat grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 355, Frankston75763; The Rainbow House Food Pantry, P.O. Box 355, Frankston.

FAIRY ANN PROCTOR

Funeral for Fairy Ann Proctor, 81, Maydelle resident for 26 years, was at 11 a.m. Sept. 8 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Lee Welch officiating. Burial was in Mount Comfort Cemetery.

Mrs. Proctor died Sept. 5 in Friendswood. She was born Oct. 8, 1926, in Boxelder. She was a member of the Rusk First Baptist Church. Survivors are her husband, Paul David Proctor; daughter, Becky Stodder Price; two sons and a daughter in law, Dennis Proctor and George and Brenda Proctor; three grand-daughters, Alison Blake, Rachel Stodder and Heather Proctor; nieces and nephews.

WILLIAM MAY

Funeral for William May, 77, of Rusk was at 3 p.m. Monday in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Lee Welch and the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. May died Sept. 4. He was born March 1, 1931 in Brownfield to the late Benjamin and Vera Williams May. Mr. May was a Rusk resident for 19 years, formerly of Sherman. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rusk and a former president of The Good Samaritan for several years. Mr. May was retired from Texas Utilities after 35 years and served in the U. S. Army in the Korean War.

Preceding him in death were two sons, Randy May and Jim Wynn; daughter, Laura Waddle; four brothers and one sister. Survivors are his wife of 45 years, Marie May of Rusk; six sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Dick Peart of Fort Worth, Barbara and Warner Poston of Hillsboro, Susie and James Waller of Fort Worth, Linda and Joe Douglass of Azle, Diann and Tony Cureton of Springtown and Evelyn and Jim Duncan of Ducanville; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Glenn Cotten, Dan West, Kenneth Pye, David Blake, Earl Finley and David Long.

EARNEST G. HANVY

Funeral for Earnest G. Hanvy, 84, of Livingston, was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Pace Funeral Home with Lindell Mitchell officiating. Burial was at 1 p.m. in Brookside Memorial Park in Houston.

Mr. Hanvy died Sept. 6. He was born Jan. 24, 1924, in Alto. He lived in Houston until he retired in 1980 from Metropolitan Transit Authority after 32 years. He was a World War II veteran.

Preceding him in death were his parents, David F. and Suzy Hanvy; a son, Allen Hanvy; seven brothers and one sister.

Survivors are his wife, Pauline; two daughters and a son-in-law, Lois Wilson, Chris and Greg Van Note; six grandchildren, Jeff Wilson and wife, Ginger, Pam McDaniel, Susan McDaniel, Jennifer McDaniel, Joe Allen Hanvy and Debbie Hanvy; 12 great-grandchildren. To sign the online guestbook, go to pacefuneral.com.

September 17, 2008

JENNIFER BOOTH MUSICK

Graveside service for Jennifer Booth Musick, 25, of Maydelle will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19 at Walker Chapel Cemetery with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating.

Mrs. Musick died Sept. 11, in a Jacksonville hospital. She was born April 29, 1983, in Palestine. She was a resident of Cherokee County and the surrounding areas most of her life. Mrs. Musick was a Baptist and a housewife.

Survivors are her husband, Justin Musick of Maydelle; two daughters, Amy Musick of Maydelle and Chyanne Crenshaw of Konowa, Okla.; her parents, Terry and Cathy Booth of Palestine; a brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy and Cristin Booth of Rusk; grandfather, Houston Booth of Palestine; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bobbie and Raymond Musick of Maydelle; grandparents, Berry and Margaret Sessions of Richardson; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Deaton Goff, Don Goff, Donny Goff, Elton McCune, Brice McCune, Harold Acker Jr. and Donald Trawick.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.

CLARENCE MAYES

Funeral for Clarence Mayes, 87, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Rusk Church of Christ with Robby Arrington and the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Mr. Mayes died Sept. 8. He was born June 25, 1921, in San Augustine to Robert Terrell and Annie Weaver Mayes.

After moving to Rusk, he played independent basketball as a member of Rusk Lions Club. He coached the girls softball team, "The Buffs." During the Depression, he was a Civilian Conservation Corp Boy. He served in the Army Air Corp in World War II and was a member of the Rusk Church of Christ. Mr. Mayes retired from Rusk State Hospital after 33 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Doris Beard Mayes and Doris Sartain Mayes; daughter, Anita Joy Dill; and step son, Donnie Sartain.

Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Doris Mayes of Athens, John and Tammy Mayes of Humble; three daughters and two sons in law, Gloria Francis of Ventura, Calif., Judy and Raymond Vermillion of Rusk and Jana and Sam Snider of Frankston; two step-daughters and son in law, Gloria Cumby of Rusk and Sue and Wayne Burton of Austin; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Danny Francis Jr., Kelly Francis, Jake Vermillion, Matt Vermillion, Tim Mayes, Terry Mayes, Rusty Snider and Travis Looney. Honorary pallbearers were David Beard, Dr. Jim Largent, Kent Shuttleworth, Ray Partin, Michael Beard, Jerry Marrow, Kenny McClure and David Fulton. Memorials may be made to The Rusk Athletic Booster Club, 203 East 7th St., Rusk, TX, 75785. Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

LUCILLE FERRELL COLVIN GIBSON

Graveside service for Lucille Ferrell Colvin Gibson, 96, of Rusk was at 3 p.m., Thursday, in Resthaven Cemetery with the Rev. David Hicks and the Rev. Kenn Satterwhite officiating.

Mrs. Gibson died Sept. 10. She was born March 31, 1912, in Gallatin to Robert Lee and Henrietta Wilburn Ferrell. She was resident of Rusk for 11 years and formerly lived in Livingston and Houston. She was a Baptist and retired from Sears after many years of service.

Preceding her in death were her husbands, Allen Colvin and James Gibson.

She is survived by three nieces, Sue Williams of Rusk, Sharon Bowling of Rusk and Marilyn Konikoff of Houston; special friend and caretaker, Judy Philyaw of Rusk; many great-nieces and great-nephews; special neighbors and friends, Ken Smith and Houston and Freddye White, all of Rusk.

Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

CHARLIE CHAPMAN (CHAT) BERRY

Funeral service for Charlie Chapman (Chat) Berry, 90, of Rusk will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept.18 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland, the Rev. Charles Haley, the Rev. Phillip Warren and the Rev. Mike Bradford officiating. Burial will be in Sardis-Edgefleld Cemetery.

Mr. Berry died Sept. 11. He was born April 4, 1918, in the Sardis Community to the late Charlie F. and Margaret Sue Martin Berry. Mr. Berry was. a lifelong resident of Rusk and a member of the Sardis Baptist Church. He retired from the Rusk State Hospital after 38 years of service and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Mr. Berry had previously worked in the oil field industry for many years, a member of the Sardis Cats Ten County League Baseball Team.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Winifred Marie Berry in 1982; a son, Charlie Michael Berry; two brothers, Stanley Berry and Morris Berry; four sisters, Murl Cummins, Adolph Berry, Evelyn Dear and Edith Stark.

Survivors are two daughters, Glenda Davis of Jacksonville and Carolyn Pyle of Rusk; two sisters, Victoria Thompson of Jacksonville and Doris Whitney of Mont Belvieu; two grandsons, R. Matthew Pyle and Michael Chapman Pyle both of Rusk; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Pyle, Michael Pyle, G.M Berry, Billy Edwards, Marshall Dear and Gary Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be all members of Bull Creek Hunting Club, Guinn Kelley, Leon Lloyd Jr., Raymond Pyle Sr., Micah Bradbery and Jack Berry. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the funeral home.

ANN MALLORY

Funeral for Ann Mallory, 99, of Jacksonville, was at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Seminary Heights Church of Christ.

Mrs. Mallory died Sept. 5. She was born April 25, 1909, in Nacogdoches. She was a domestic housekeeper and a member of the Seminary Heights Church of Christ.

Preceding her in death were her husband; daughter, Mary Lois Sibley; parents; two brothers and three sisters.

Survivors are a nephew and his wife, Orata and Betty Mallory of Jacksonville; a great nephew and spouse, Mark and Sue Mallory of Jacksonville; a great-niece and spouse, Erica and Darly Castleberry of Dallas. Men of the Seminary Heights Church of Christ served as pallbearers.

OPAL FELDER BROOKS

Funeral for Opal Felder Brooks, 93, of Alto will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Cold Springs United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Randy Fitzgerald and the Rev. Dick Dobbins officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery.

Mrs. Brooks died Monday. She was born July 17, 1915, in Alto to John L. and Edna Odom Felder. She lived in Alto all of her life and was a homemaker. She was a lifetime member of the Cold Springs United Methodist Church and attended grade school in the Cold Springs community.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harmon West and Travis Brooks.

Survivors are her son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Dianne West of Alto; two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara West and Dwain Grogan and Carolyn West and Milo Reina, all of Alto; a brother and sister-in-law, Grady and Lurline Felder of Alto; eight grandchildren, Jeremy West, Joshua West, Jacob West, Brian Grogan, Laci Driscoll, Lecia Bowman, Samantha Kesinger and Matthew Kesinger; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy West, Josh West, Jake West, Matthew Kesinger, Brian Grogan, Dax Bowman and Todd Driscoll.

Arrangements were under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

September 24, 2008

HOWARD DAVIS JR.

Funeral for Howard Davis Jr., 82 of Rusk, was at 10 a.m., Sept. 19, in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Newton and the Rev. Dr. David Johnson officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Davis died Sept. 15. He was born Dec. 4, 1925, in Rusk to the late Atticus Howard and Tinnie Bell Sherrard Davis Sr. He was a lifelong Rusk resident and a member of Rusk Congregational Methodist Church. He retired in 1984 from Texas Highway Department after 37 years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Preceding him in death were his son, Danny Lee Davis in 2005, daughter-in-law, Sherry Davis and three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Armagene Davis of Rusk; six sons and four daughters-in law, Billy Davis of Jacksonville, Bobby and Becky Davis of Phoenix, Ariz., Charles and Pat Davis of Rusk, Richard and Pam Davis of Rusk, Anthony Davis of Houston and Jackie Davis of Rusk; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Ronnie Stringer of Maydelle; daughter in law, Suzy Davis of Tennessee Colony; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers were Timothy Davis, Michael Davis, Sam Bell, Robert Miller, Chris Carter and Brandt Jamail

ROBERT N. (BOB) MERRITT

Funeral for Robert N. (Bob) Merritt, 76, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Sept. 19, at Autry Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Earle's Chapel Cemetery.

Mr. Merritt, 76, died Sept.14. He was born Wednesday, Sept, 23, 1931. He grew up in Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville High School and Lon Morris College. After serving in the Korean War, he returned home to marry fellow Jacksonville native, Marjorie Reed on Oct. 15, 1955. Mr. Merritt worked in the title insurance industry. After a brief stay in several small Texas towns, Mr. and Mrs. Merritt settled in Monahans, where he owned and operated Ward County Abstract.

In 1972, he moved his family to Conroe to accept a position as manager of Conroe Title Company, until he joined the national underwriter Old Republic Title Insurance Company. He remained with Old Republic until retirement, eventually serving as its southwest regional vice-president. In 1994 they returned to Jacksonville. He was a member of the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death were his parents, Herbert Merritt and Sue Dell Merritt; and his brothers, Herbert Merritt Jr. and Lee Thomas Merritt.

Survivors are his wife of almost 53 years, Marjorie Merritt of Jacksonville; his sisters-in-law Blanche Merritt of Carlsbad, Calif. and Ruby Nell Merritt of Palestine; his children Glynna Sue White and spouse Robert White of Spring and Marianne Merritt and partner Bonnie Patton of Georgetown; and grandchildren, Bryan White, Garrett White, Reese Merritt and Savannah Merritt; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 1031 SE Loop 456 Jacksonville 75766.

ROBERT CLAYTON MCWHERTER

Memorial service for Robert Clayton McWherter, 88, of Jacksonville was at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Jacksonville First Christian Church with the Rev. R. G. Ericson officiating.

Mr. McWherter died Sept. 16. He was born Feb. 25, 1920, in Gainesville to Henry Guy McWherter and Katie Lee Munday McWherter.He attended Paris Junior College, Texas Technological University and the University of Texas at Austin where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering. His 40 years in the aircraft industry included Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, Calif., Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie and Fluidyne Engineering in Minneapolis, Minn. When WWII interrupted his education for five years he was an active fighter pilot in the South Pacific and European Theaters, followed by service in the Korean War. He held offices in his church as deacon and elder and taught Sunday School classes. Since moving to Jacksonville from El Paso in 2004 he has been a member of the First Christian Church. Mr. McWherter is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jack McWherter and Henry Guy McWherter Jr. Survivors are his wife Marianna; four daughters, Betty Kay Apodaca, Gail Kent, Mary Anna Payne and Wendy Chloe Hooper; a son, Robert William McWherter; 13 grandchildren, Todd, Brett, Katie, Scott and Will Walker, Jeff and Jason Boyce, Will Kent, Amy Pruett, Jamie Gail Carter, Josh and Tyler Payne; and 23 great grandchildren.

MAXINE ROGERS PYLE

Funeral for Maxine Rogers Pyle, 86, of Houston was at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Weches Baptist Church. Mrs. Pyle died Sept. 19. She was born June 6, 1922, in Douglas to Joseph Benjamin and OD Hamby Robers. Her parents, 12 siblings and two infants preceded her in death. Survivors are her husband of 70 years, Wayne E. Pyle; four children and spouses, Annette and Ted Watson of Austin, Donnie Sue Taylor of Houston, Larry and Nita Pyle of Houston and Ronnie and Ann Pyle of Pearland; grandchildren, Larry and Jerry Taylor, Michael Wagisbach, Rhonda Deegan, Sonda Frament, Joey, Gerald and Benjamin Pyle; and five great-grandchildren. O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home was in charge.

FANNIE MAE NAYLOR RICHARDS

Funeral for Fannie Mae Naylor Richards, 105, of New Summerfield, was at Autry Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, with Homer Harris officiating. Burial was in Laneville Cemetery.

Mrs. Richards died Sept. 13. She was born Monday, Dec. 1, 1902, in Bolivar, Tenn. to Freeland Tyson Naylor and Ella Becky Motley.

The family came to Texas by train when she was seven years old and settled in the Ponta area. Mrs. Richards married Frank Odeal Richards Aug.19, 1926. He preceded her in death in 1980 as well as two grandsons in 1978 and 1995 and a son-in-law 2001.

Mrs. Richards worked 13 years at the Peacock Basket Factory at Turney and 32 years at the Holcomb Candy Kitchen and sold Avon for 50 years.

Survivors are four sons and daughters-in-law, Amos Ray and Louise Richards of Jacksonville, O'Daniel James and Patricia Richards of Rusk, Jerry Lee and Sheryl Richards of Huffman, Tyson Odeal and Diane Richards of Sherwood; a daughter, Mable Page of Temple; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to New Summerfield Church of Christ, P.O. Box 186, New Summerfield 75780 or to a charity of choice.

A. CLARK

Funeral for Geraldine A. Clark, 76, of Alto was at 2 p.m. Sunday in the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating. Burial was in Old Palestine Cemetery.

Mrs. Clark died Saturday. She was born Jan. 5, 1932, in Gordo, Ala. to Horace Samuel and Gertie Reynolds Akin.

She and her husband lived in Houston for 28 years and have been in Alto since 2001. She was a homemaker and a member of the Alto First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Maxine Locke and a brother, Murray Akin.

Survivors are her husband, Earl B. Clark of Alto; three sons and two daughters-in law, Robert E. and Elizabeth Clark of Raleigh, N.C., Anthony E. and Linda Clark of Bedias and James E. Clark of Jacksonville; a brother-in-law, Maurice Locke of Liberty; five grandchildren, Robert E. Clark II, Saige M. Clark, Kyle Burns, Justin Lozano and Jaymie L. Clark.

Men of the Alto First Baptist Church served as pallbearers.

GEORGE TRUMAN FRAZER JR.

Graveside services for George Truman Frazer Jr., 71, of Rusk was at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at Salem Cemetery. Mr. Frazer died Sept. 16. He was born Jan. 15, 1937, in Martinez, Calif. to the late George Truman Frazer Sr. and Hazel McComas Frazer. Mr. Frazer was a resident of Rusk 16 years and formerly of Concord, Calif.. He was Catholic and retired from Montgomery Ward after many years of service.

Survivors are his wife, Mary Sue Frazer of Rusk; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Cindy Frazer of Rohnert Park, Calif. and Tim and Betty Frazer of Walnut Creek, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and David Rooks of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; five grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marian L. Fallon of Rusk and Barbara Hodge of Henderson.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

MARY SUE FRAZER

Graveside service for Mary Sue Frazer, 66, of Rusk was at 11 a.m. Monday at Salem Cemetery.

Mrs. Frazer died Sept. 19. She was born May 1, 1942, in Palestine to the late Claude and Rose McLeod Thompson. She had resided in Rusk for 16 years.

She was formerly from Concord, Calif. She was a Catholic and retired from AT&T after 30 years.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Geroge Truman Frazer Jr. on Sept. 16 and a son, Andrew S. Durigan.

She is survived by a twin sister, Marian L. Fallon of Rusk; another sister, Barbara J. Hodge of Henderson; an aunt, Virginia Green of Florence; six nieces; one nephew, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial may be made the American Cancer Society.

Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

FRANCES LANIER
Funeral for Frances Lanier, 88, of Jacksonville will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Patrick Papp officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mrs. Lanier died Sept. 22. She was born June 12, 1920, in Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Prentice C. Lanier and a grandson Robert Templeton Lanier.

Mrs. Lanier was a homemaker and a lifelong Methodist.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Judy of Tyler and Robert and Cathie of Carrollton, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Brent Allison, Shawn Montandon, Nikolai Lanier, Christopher Joseph, David Loper and Bobby Hardin.