Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES APRIL 2008

James Randolph Jones12/25/1942 -4/1/2008

 Funeral Mass for James R. Jones, Sr., 65, of Coffee City is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 10:30 AM at St. Charles Catholic Church in Frankston. Visitation will begin on Friday, April 4, with Rosary at 6:00 PM in the chapel at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Palestine.

Mr. Jones was born in Dallas on December 25, 1942 to Frank and Marie Jones. He died in Tyler on April 1, 2008.

Mr. Jones was a former President of the St. Charles financial committee, Treasurer of the Men’s Club of the St. Charles Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his father, and sister Karen Jones.

Survivors include his wife, Angela Jones of Chandler; mother, Marie Donsworth of Irving; son, James R. Jones, Jr., of Arlington; daughters and sons-in-law Paula & Stan Baucum of Midlothian, Jennifer & Randy Prescott of Arlington; brothers and sisters-in-law Joe F. & Virginia Jones of Houston, John A. & Yvonne Jones of Garland; sister & brother-in-law, Sandra & Tom Coghlan of San Antonio; four grandchildren, Logan, Harrison, Joey, & Mattie.

Pallbearers will be David Etheridge, Richard Connor, Martin Cameron, Charles Hoffman, Robert Rowe, Stan Baucum, James R. Jones, Jr., and Randy Prescott.

 

Perry King 04/15/1940 -4/4/2008

Funeral services for Perry King, 67, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville. Burial will follow in the Still Waters Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Jacksonville, with Dr. Pete Freeman presiding, under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

Mr. King passed away Monday, April 7, 2008 in Jacksonville. He was born April 15, 1940 in Grand Saline, TX, to William and Lillian King.

Mr. King was a member of Central Baptist Church and worked as a corrections officer for Texas Department of Corrections.  He also served his country in the U.S. Navy.

He was preceded in death by his father, William King, mother Lillian DeChaume, step father Bill DeChaume and brother, Dewey King.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene King of Jacksonville, daughters; Lesa Hicks and husband Don of Sherman, Teresa Stephen and husband Tom of Tyler, brothers; Rayford King and wife Jean of Jacksonville, Morron King and wife Donna of Palmer, Timothy DeChaume and wife Cindy of Palmer, sisters; Patsy Cole and husband Henry of Jacksonville, Sue Ann Simmons and husband Julius of Waxahachie, six grandchildren, numerous other relatives and friends.  

Pallbearers will be Joel Stephen, Aaron Hicks, Fred King, Tom Stephen, Don Hicks and Henry Cole. 

The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday April 8, 2008 at the funeral home in Jacksonville.

Bonnie D Woolverton 03/13/1917 -4/7/2008

Bonnie D. Woolverton was born on March 13, 1917 near Canton in Van Zandt Co., Texas, the second eldest son of Jessie Lee Woolverton and Mary Bell Terry Woolverton.  He passed away on Monday, April 07, 2008 in Frankston.

He was a farmer, oil field worker, and construction worker, retiring in 1979 from Adams Brothers’ Construction Co. in Athens.  He enjoyed most the eleven years that he grew watermelons commercially in South Texas and won several awards for his efforts.  His favorite pastime was fishing and he spent many hours on Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Palestine fishing with family and friends.  He was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elsie Goggans and Girtrue Williams; brothers, William, Emmett, A. D. and Van Woolverton.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Frankston; daughter, Barbara Bruner of Palestine; grandson, Gregory  N. Lundeen and wife Hazel of El Paso and five great-grandchildren; sister, Marie and husband Earl Clark of Wills Point; brother Coy and wife Faye Woolverton of LaRue, and many nieces and nephews.  Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews.

Graveside services will be held for family and close friends at Frankston Cemetery at 2:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 10, under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Thursday, April 10 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Lataine M Sweezy -4/8/2008

No Services are scheduled at this time.

 

  Tony Harrison 03/03/1947 -4/9/2008

Funeral services for Tony Harrison, 61, of Jacksonville, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Barbara Hugghins officiating.  Burial will follow at Griffin Cemetery, Troup.

Mr. Harrison died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in Jacksonville.

He was born March 3, 1947 in Jacksonville, TX.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville.

Tony was an honor graduate of Jacksonville High School where he lettered in basketball, football and track and he received degrees from Lon Morris College and Stephen F. Austin State University where at the latter he also received a Masters Degree in education. He was a high school teacher, then assistant principal and later principal and won national recognition for his work.

Tony was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Tarheel Association of Principals and Assistant Principals, North Carolina Association of Educators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and was a life member of the Texas State Teachers Association.  He was the recipient  of the Beaufort County Principal of the Year award in 1996, member of Phi Delta Kappa, Professional Fraternity in Education, Stephen F. Austin State University – 1972 until present, as well as many other scholastic organizations.

Mr. Harrison was preceded in death by his parents, William R. “Dub” and Edie Harrison.

Survivors are son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Tonya Harrison, Spring; daughter, Robin Collins, Lake Tawakoni; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Michelle Harrison, Spring, Ross and Pam Harrison, Grand Prairie and Keith and Donna Harrison, New Braunfels; and four grandchildren, Heather, Jessica, John, and Maegan.

 Pallbearers are Stephen Harrison, Patrick Harrison, Brent Harrison, Matt Harrison, Beall Orr and John Whisenhunt.

 The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008 at the funeral home.

Willard Hayden Neely 06/30/1922 -4/12/2008

Private graveside services for Willard Neely, age 85, of Jacksonville were held Monday, April 14, 2008 at Gossett’s Chapel Cemetery, Jacksonville.

 Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Mr. Neely died Saturday, April 12, 2008 in Jacksonville.

He was born June 30, 1922 in Jacksonville, Texas.

Earnest Newburn Durrett 7/13/1935 -4/12/2008

Funeral services for Earnest Newburn  “Earnie”Durrett, age 72, of New Summerfield are scheduled for 1:00 P.M., April 15, 2008, in the chapel of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, TX with Rev. Andy Cox officiating.

Burial will follow at McDonald Cemetery, New Summerfield, TX

Mr. Durrett died April 12, 2008 at his residence in New Summerfield.

He was born July 13, 1935 in Jacksonville to Earnest Durrett and Willie Caroline Stincephier.  He was a retired air condition technician.  He was a Baptist.

Mr. Durrett was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bob Durrett and a son-in-law, Rodney Westbrook.

Survivors are his wife, Gladys  Durrett of Rusk, a son, Ricky Durrett of New Summerfield, daughters and spouse, Belinda Westbrook,  Jacksonville,  Louise and Scott Paine, Houston, TX, a step-son and spouse, Dewayne and Jenny Chapline of Jacksonville, a sister, Dorothy Carpenter of New Summerfield and a sister-in-law, Jean Durrett of Onalaska, former spouse, Margaret Tillman of Jacksonville, Grandchildren and spouses, James Allen Hays, Laura and Jason Oakley, Ronnie and Amanda Westbrook, Devin Westbrook, Daniel Durrett, Latona Durrett, Melissa Paine, Bradley Shoemaker, Jennifer Chapline, Lauren Chapline, 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Billy Powell, Travis Carpenter, Ricky Brown, Doug Clark, Howard Bishop, Sam Pearman, Ronnie Westbrook,and Ray Harris.  Honorary pallbearer is Arlan Chamberlain.

Visitation with the family will be Monday evening, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Milton Murray 10/26/1927 -4/13/2008

 Funeral services for Milton Murray, age 80, of Bullard are scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2:00PM in the Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville.

Burial will follow at Taylor Cemetery in Gallatin.

Mr. Murray died Thursday, April 10, 2008 in Tyler.  He was born October 16, 1927 in  Atoy, Texas to James Murray and Ila Sales Murray.

Mr. Murray retired from Rusk I.S.D. where he worked in maintenance.  He was also a cabinet maker.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Mr. Murray was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Melva Murray.

Survivors are daughter & son-in-law Sherrie & James Lloyd; daughter and grandson Hollie Baker and William Baker IV.

The family will receive friends from  12:45 until service time at the funeral home on Sunday, April 13.

  Yarlin I Trawick 03/16/1912 -4/14/2008

Funeral services for Yarlin I. Trawick, age 96, of Maydelle are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with Rev. R. A. Compton and Rev. Michael Richard officiating.

Burial will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery, Quitman.

Mr. Trawick died Monday, April 14, 2008 in Tyler.

He was born March 16, 1912 in Center to William P. and Onie Fults Trawick.

Mr. Trawick was a member of the Maydelle First Assembly of God and was retired from Rusk State Hospital with 31 years of service.

Mr. Trawick was preceded in death by son, Eugene Trawick; daughter, Jurlillene Marshall; granddaughters, Caroline Crane and Sheryl Marie Trawick; and sons-in-law, Hardy Perry and Ted Marshall.

Survivors are wife of 72 years, Bethel Trawick, Maydelle; son and daughter-in-law, Noriel Gene and Verline Trawick, Maydelle; daughters and son-in-law, Lavene Perry, Grand Prairie, Marvalene Henderson, Maydelle, and Marlene and Marlin Ingram, Quitman; 22 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Michael Trawick, Allen Lee “Rusty” Scogin, Bobby Lynn Feagin, Hardie Ingram, Shannon Ingram and Marlin Ingram.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the funeral home.              

Harry Gordon Kennington 06/29/1933 -4/14/2008

Harry Gordon Kennington was born June 29, 1933, in New Boston, Texas and passed away April 14, 2008. He was the son of Elva Mae Clemens Kennington and Thomas Watson Kennington.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his sister Dixie Anna Brown and her husband George Brown and his sister Anita Buchmeyer and her husband Sam Buchmeyer.

A private family burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Texarkana, Texas, where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. His family wishes to thank the dear people at Cherokee County Mental Retardation Association and Twin Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center for their loving care of Gordon.

Bobbye Lee Morgan 12/11/1920 -4/16/2008

Graveside services for Bobbye Morgan, age 87, of Jacksonville, are scheduled for

2:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008 at Jacksonville City Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Vernon Lee officiating.

 Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

 Mrs. Morgan died Wednesday, April 16, 2008 in Jacksonville.

 She was born December 11, 1920 in Bullard  to J. P. Hesterley and Alice Cawthon Hesterley.

 Mrs. Morgan was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

 She was preceded in death by her husband James Morgan.

Survivors are son and daughter-in-law Craig and Charlotte Morgan, Jacksonville; daughter Maribel Morgan, Jacksonville; step daughter Pat Lanham, Dallas; and several great nieces and nephews.

 The family will receive friends from 6:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the funeral home.

Yvonne Smith05/25/1927 -4/17/2008

 Graveside services for Yvonne Smith, age 80, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 11:00 a. m. Monday, April 21, 2008 at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville with Bro. Mitchell McRight officiating.  Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Yvonne Bertha Smith was born May 25, 1927 in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium and died April 17, 2008 in Tyler, Texas.

Yvonne and her parents suffered under Nazi occupation during World War II. Due to the war, her high school graduation was forced to hold ceremonies in a bomb shelter. She met the love of her life and future husband, Wilburn Ray Smith, in 1944, when he served with the 743^rd Tank Battalion that liberated her village. After the war, she was employed by the Belgium Treasury Department in Brussells. She corresponded with Ray and his sister, Jonnie, for several years before immigrating to the United States.

Yvonne and Ray were married January 10, 1950 and she became a U.S. citizen that same year. She was proud to be an American. They lived in Houston and she was employed by NASA –Johnson Space Center for 25 years. She was fluent in six languages. Upon retirement to Jacksonville, she continued her love for gardening, taking pride in her beautiful rose and azalea gardens. Yvonne was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother as well as a devout Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Wilburn Ray, and her parents Nina and Jules Godfroid.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Geary Ray and Debbie Smith of Rockport, Texas and daughter, Vivian Smith of Jacksonville, Texas; three grandchildren, Eric Bertram and wife Susan, of San Antonio, Texas, Colin Smith and wife, Anna, of Austin, Texas and Cayce Smith of Austin, Texas, great grandson Steven Ray Smith of Austin, Texas; beloved sister-in-law Jonnie Campbell of Jacksonville, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are Donald Campbell, Hal Wayne Campbell, Dennis Campbell, Raymond Folmar, Winson Bearden, Vaughn Mixon, Mark Smith and Tommy Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home.  Family and friends are welcome at the family home following the service.

Jerry Lee Hassell 07/01/1938 -4/19/2008

 

 Graveside services for Jerry Lee Hassell, age 69, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Corine Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. Phillip Warren officiating.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.


Mr. Hassell died Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Jacksonville.

He was born July 1, 1938 in Cherokee County, TX. to Leonard Hassell and Mary Lou Langford Hassell.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Jacksonville and was a retired railroad brakeman.

 Mr. Hassell was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Mary Lou Hassell, sister Nell Carroll and nephew Rickey Linville.

 Survivors are wife Pat Hassell, Jacksonville; son and daughter-in-law Rocky and Charlotte Hassell, Jacksonville, daughter and son-in-law Angela and Cord Rogers, Jacksonville; sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Doodley Williams, Jacksonville; 4 grandchildren Brittany Hassell, Caleb Lee Hassell, Peyton and Preslee Rogers, all of  Jacksonville; and 1 great-grandson Kaden Lane Hassell, Jacksonville.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at the funeral home.

Allan Wayne Balch 02/28/1953 -4/20/2008
 

Allan Wayne Balch joined his Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, April 20 at the age of 55. Cherished loving memories remain forever in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and devoted wife of 34 years, Barbara Ruth Woodard Balch, who provided unconditional loving care during his illness over the last 20 months. His legacy continues with his children – daughters, Jillian Ruth Balch Dublin and husband, Dean of Sachse, Texas; Marcie Nichole Balch Splann and husband, Kyle of Nacogdoches, Texas; and son, Blake Allan Balch of Reston, Virginia; his adorable grandchildren – Jackson Bryan Dublin, 6; Julianna Ruth Dublin, 4; Walker Garrett Dublin, 2; Keelan Kyle Splann, 2 and Bailey Allan Splann, 2 months. He is further survived by his parents, J. C. and Thelma Balch of Jacksonville, Texas; father-in-law, W. D. “Jigger” Woodard of Chireno, Texas; sister, Sandra Balch Hatcher of Houston, Texas and brother-in-law, Kenneth Woodard of The Woodlands, Texas; nieces, Deborah Holloway Thompson, Wendy Holloway Wilburn and nephews, Stephen Holloway and Derek Martin. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Balch Holloway and mother-in-law, Martha Metteauer Woodard. He is further survived by several great-nieces and nephews and a multitude of wonderful friends. 

Allan was born in Dallas, Texas, February 28, 1953 and graduated from Chireno High School. He began his 34 year career in the financial services industry while majoring in Programming at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Allan served as Senior Vice President, Sales of Computer Services, Inc. (CSI). Prior to joining CSI in 2000, he held various management positions in all phases of bank data processing operations with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Affiliated Computer Services and American Data Services. He had served as president of the National Association of Bank Services, president of the Association of Financial Technology and also three terms as director.

He was a member of Jacksonville Southside Church of Christ and faithfully served as an elder, teacher and song leader. Active in the Jacksonville community, Allan was named as Vice Chairman of the Year-Economic Development by the Chamber of Commerce and also named Who’s Who of Young Business Men. His enthusiasm to embrace life to the fullest never wavered whether he was working, traveling, or spending time with his family and friends. His infectious smile and warm handshake were extended to all he met. Allan had a genuine interest in the lives of those around him and instantly connected with people from all walks of life. His gentle demeanor accurately reflected his caring sensitive spirit. He will certainly be missed by all.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 23 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, Texas at 10:00 a.m. with Mr. Pat Jones officiating with interment following in Chireno, Texas at the Lower Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Visitation services will be Tuesday, April 22 at Autry Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Serving as Allan’s pallbearers will be dear friends: Eddie Arrington, Pete Betts, Charles Humphreys, Monte Ramsey, Luke Smith, Mike Terry, Rick Turner, and Roger Warren. The family has suggested that in lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75701.

Allison Jay Willis 04/11/1930 -4/22/2008

Graveside services for Jay Willis, age 78, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2008 at Corine Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. Larry Smith officiating.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

 Mr. Willis died Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in Jacksonville.

 He was born April 11, 1930 in Limestone County, TX. to Buford Willis and Verna Sherrd Willis.

 He was a member of Sunset Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Mr. Willis was a retired Ford Motor Co. salesman and member of V.F.W. Post # 3984 in Jacksonville.

 Mr. Willis was preceded in death by his twin brother Ray Willis, his parents, and 2 sisters.

Survivors are wife Weita Willis, Jacksonville; son and daughter-in-law Jimmy and Cathy Willis, Jacksonville; brothers and sister-in-law Bill and Shirey Willis, Jacksonville; and Richard Willis, Crum; sisters and brothers-in-law Artie and Gerald Peters, Frankston, Shirley and Ken Ratliff, Frankston, and Eleanor and Steve Stephens, Kilgore; grandson Chris Willis, Jacksonville; great-grandsons Dylon and Ryan Willis, Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 at    the funeral home.

Thomas Eugene Barrow  06/24/1921 -4/22/2008

 Funeral services for Thomas E. Barrow, age 86, of Jacksonville, are scheduled for

10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Robby Arrington and Don Crawford officiating.

Burial will follow at Jarratt Cemetery, Jacksonville.

Mr. Barrow died Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in Jacksonville.

He was born June 24, 1921 in Lucedale, Mississippi.  

Mr. Barrow served in the U. S. Marine Corp. during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He received two Purple Hearts, The Navy Cross and was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Mr. Barrow was a member of the Church of Christ in Rusk.

He was a building contractor in New Orleans and owned a R.V. sales and service company for 20 years in New Orleans. He moved to Jacksonville and started Barrow Industries which he operated for 20 years.

Mr. Barrow was preceded in death by his parents Aubrey and Clyde Barrow.

Survivors are wife of 62 years Mary Elizabeth Barrow, Jacksonville; son Thomas Richard “Rick” Barrow, Dallas; daughter and son-in-law Mary Lynn and Dan Alan Ferguson, Sr., Jacksonville; sister  Maunette Risher, Alexandria, LA.; 3 grandchildren

Dan Alan Ferguson, Jr., Casey Thomas Ferguson and Jana Lynn Ferguson; and 1 great-granddaughter Kenzie Lynn Ferguson.

Pallbearers are Danny Ferguson, Casey Ferguson, Owen Risher, Mike Beard, Kent Shuttlesworth, and Jerry Morrow.

 The family will receive friends from  6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Wednesday, April  23, 2008 at the funeral home.

Danny Vayden Stevenson 04/16/1949 -4/24/2008

Memorial graveside services for Danny Stevenson, age 59, of Rowlett, are scheduled

for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Earle’s Chapel Cemetery, Jacksonville.      

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Mr. Stevenson died Thursday, April 24, 2008 in Garland.

He was born April 16, 1949 in Stamford, TX.

Mr. Stevenson served in the U. S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents James E. and Freda L. Williams and brothers Kemmy Shane Williams, Larry Gene Williams, and Kenny Rane Williams.

Survivors are special friend Hollie Jones, Rowlett; step mother Patsy Williams, Maydelle; brothers and sisters-in-law Jimmy and Debbie Williams, Rusk, Tommy and Karen Williams, Rowlett; step brothers Kelly Moore, Tyler, Randle Moore, Tyler, and Cavin Moore, Maydelle; step sister Tammie Yates, Jacksonville; nephews Adam Williams, Rusk and Rickey Williams, Rowlett; and niece Crystal Williams, Rowlett.

No visitation

Albert Frances Cheatham 12/08/1921 -4/27/2008

Services for Albert Frances Cheatham, 86 of Troup are scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 2 pm at Autry Funeral Home chapel in Jacksonville.  Services will be officiated by Pastor Ross Brunner and Reverend Tom Moore. Burial will follow at Mixon Cemetery.

Mr. Cheatham went home to be with his Lord on April 27, 2008 in Tyler following a short  illness.   

He was born on December 8, 1921 in Lindale Texas to parents Jesse and Rosella Cheatham.  He was married to Elvie Jean McElroy on August 24, 1946 in Whitehouse Texas.  Mr. Cheatham has lived in the Troup area most of his life where he was self-employed in the timber industry as a logger.

Mr.  Cheatham is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean.  Other survivors include sons and daughters-in-laws Larry and Jill Cheatham of Frankston, Robert Cheatham of Troup and Royce and Tammy Cheatham of Converse, TX.  He is also survived by daughters and son-in-laws Nelda and Mike Pool of Tyler and Angie Cheatham of Troup.   Mr. Cheatham also had a close relationship with honorary children Larry and Alicia Williams of Troup and Rita Schmig of Dallas.  He is also survived by grandchildren Larry Bob Cheatham, Lance Cheatham, LaGina Cheatham, RJ and spouse Mandy Cheatham, Liz and spouse David Peterson all of Troup.  Chad Pool,  Lyndsey Brunt and Steven Anderson of Tyler, Leigh Ann and spouse Koby Williams of Conrad MT, Kayla Anderson of Henderson,  Eric Henderson, Whitley Cheatham and JB Cheatham of Converse TX.    Mr. Cheatham had five great-grandchildren Brett, Clayton, Katie, Layla and Braden.

 Mr. Cheatham was preceded in death by brothers Mills, Clifford, and Dan Cheatham and sisters Pearl Cheatham and Lilly Womack.  He is survived by a brother, James Cheatham and wife Dorothy of Troup and three sisters, Estelle Frederick of Arp, Rozy Wyatt of Gladewater and Molly Richardson and husband Wayne of Tyler as well as numerous nieces,  nephews, friends and huntin’ buddies.

Mr. Cheatham served in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a young man and later served in the United States Army during   WWII.  He was an avid raccoon hunter who raised and trained raccoon hounds for many years. 

Pallbearers will be Larry Bob Cheatham, Cody Branscum, Lance Cheatham, RJ Cheatham, Larry Williams and JB Cheatham.  Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Pool, Jeremy Carrizales and Steven Anderson.

Mr. Cheatham was a member of the Flint Church of the Nazarene where he has attended church for over fifty years.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.

Gilbert Chester Whitaker 01/13/1925 -4/28/2008

  Graveside services for Chester Whitaker, age 83, of Dallas are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2008 at Meador Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. James Blaylock  officiating.


Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Mr. Whitaker died Monday, April 28, 2008 in Dallas.

He was born January 13, 1925 in Henry County, KY.

He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Dallas and Union of Auto Workers.

Mr. Whitaker was a retired warehouseman for Purex Corp.

Mr. Whitaker was preceded in death by his wife Fanny Lou Whitaker, brother William Forest Whitaker and nephew Johnny Purvis.

Survivors are daughter and son-in-law Diane and Don Richardson, Brunson, FL.; step sons Victor White, Dallas and Tom White, Dallas; sister Mamie Purvis, New Castle, KY.; nephews Forest Dee Whitaker, Smithfield, KY., Dale Glenn Whitaker, Smithfield, KY. and Cecil Ray Whitaker, Pendleton, KY.; nieces Judy P. Wilson, Shelbyville, KY. and Rhonda M. Carpenter, Smithfield, KY.; 7 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the funeral home.

Mary Lou Kellar 05/30/1920 -4/28/2008

Mary Lou Kellar, Writer

And Teacher, Dies

Mary Lou Nunn Kellar, 87 of Killeen, Tex., died April 28. She was the widow of Gerald Dean Kellar, who died in 2001. He was the first BMA president, and served as the president of Central Baptist College; Jacksonville College and BMA Theological Seminary, both in Jacksonville, Tex.; and Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, Miss.

Mrs. Kellar attended Jacksonville College, Baylor University and Stephen F. Austin University.  She received her masters and bachelors degrees from Stephen F. Austin and associates degree from Jacksonville College. Her teaching career spanned over 45 years, beginning in public school in 1940 in Palmer, Tex. She also taught public school at Parkwood High School, Joplin, Mo. But her passion was Christian education, having taught at Jacksonville College, Central Baptist College and Southeastern College.

She was also a writer and authored children’s Sunday School literature for the BMA for over 20 years, as well as a contributing writer to Focus magazine. She has two published books, Whither Thou Goest (a study in the book of Ruth) and Pride of Springfield, a biography of her husband.

Dr. and Mrs. Kellar retired to Ding Dong, Tex. in 1998 to make their home with their daughter and son-in-law Jerrie Sue and Tony Cleaver. Other survivors include a son, Charles Mark Kellar of Tomball, Tex.; 9 grandchildren; preceded in death by granddaughter Jennifer Huff and survived by 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held May 2 at 2 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Tex. with Don Brown, Vernon Lee and Barnwell Anderson officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Interment will be in the old city cemetery in Jacksonville.

Pallbearers are Douglas McDonnieal, James Spivey, Shelley Cleaver, Jimmy Cleaver, Wayne Beal, Ronnie O’Dell, Dr. Jack Isbell, and Dr. David Heflin.

Honorary pallbearers are Pat Ware and John Fredrick.

Memorials may be sent to the schools of the BMAA: Central Baptist College, Southeastern College, BMAA Seminary or Jacksonville College.