OBITUARY ARCHIVES

   QUANAH – Larry Campsey of Quanah died on Feb. 18, 2014 in Wichita Falls. Funeral services are pending with Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.

 

   QUANAH – Avie Marie Gardner, 87, of Quanah, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 in Vernon. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at The Chapel at Smith Funeral Home with Buck Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Gardner was born May 2, 1926 to the late Edward and Lizzie Whitmire in Folsom, Okla. She married Don Gardner in April 20, 1954 in Quanah. She attended beautician school in Wichita Falls and worked and owned a beauty shop in Quanah for many years before moving to California and becoming a homemaker and mother. She taught Bible class and daycare for several years while living in California, returning to Quanah in 2002. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Gardner enjoyed painting, quilting and other crafts. She was a cook and a baker.
   She is survived by her husband, Don Gardner of Quanah; one son, Daryl Kent Gardner of Tennessee; one daughter, Alisa Ann Ramos of Idaho; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one brother, Clyde Whitmire of Quanah. She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Whitmire, and a sister, Ruby Muncrief.
   The family requests memorials to the Quanah Senior Citizens.

   Una Faye Hall, 79 of Wichita Falls, died on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. John Robertson. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Hall was born Tuesday, May 1, 1934 in Bonham. She was the daughter of the late Leonard Cox and the late Ina Hendry Cox. She married Roy Van Hall on Sept. 23, 1951 in Vernon. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2001. She had lived in Vernon since 1940. She was a operator for the Electra Telephone Company and operated the family business office for her husband, Hall Television Repair Service. She was a member of Primitive Baptist Church in Vernon.
   She is survived by four sons, Jerry Lynn Hall, Larry David Hall, Joe Tracy Hall and Jimmy Van Hall, all of Wichita Falls; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
   Pallbearers will be Charles Hall, Cameron Hall, Sean Hall, Kevin Brown, Rick Bray and Keith Shackleford.
   Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Delbert (Ed) Wilkinson, Jr., 71 of Vernon, Texas died on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at a later date.
   Wilkinson was born Monday, June 29, 1942 in Vernon. He was the son of the late Delbert Edgar Wilkinson Sr. and the late Alice Amelia Adams Wilkinson. He was married to Mary K. Green. She preceded him in death March 31, 2008. He had lived in Fort Worth for 42 years and has lived in Vernon for two years. He worked as a carpenter, He loved doing odd jobs. He served in the US Army. 1961-1963. He was a Baptist.
   He is survived by his son, James Wilkinson of Joshua; two daughters, Johnna Burrows of Grand Prairie and Jan Warrick of Crowley; four brothers, Frank Wilkinson, Orville Wilkinson, Kenneth Wilkinson and Stephen Wilkinson, all of Vernon; two sisters, Betty Hays of Monticeno, Wash., and Barbara Wesley of Cibolo, and three grandchildren.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Leo G.  Hickman, age 85, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 in Childress. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Childress Church of Christ with Dr. Mike Henderson officiating. Burial was in the Childress Cemetery.
   Leo was born Thursday, April 5, 1928 in Rockdale, Texas to Matthew and Mary Ellen (Lyle) Hickman. He and Billye married on Sept. 2, 1949 in Beaumont.
   Leo joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1956. Leo was a fourth generation law enforcement officer and had always aspired to be a Texas Ranger. He fulfilled that dream in 1971and upon his retirement was the oldest active Texas Ranger at age 72. He loved his job and was an expert marksman.
   Leo was a great husband and father who raised four children. He was a Christian man and was a member of the Childress Church of Christ. He had lived in Childress since 1971, Leo was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Lee Hickman, and one sister, Mary Ellen Hickman. Survivors include his wife, Billye Hickman of Childress; two daughters, Kay Hubbard and husband, Norman of Moody, and Jan Wrzesinski of Hurst; son, Jay Hickman and wife, Rhonda, of Childress; grandchildren, Jaron Hubbard and wife, Holly; Derek Wresinski and wife, Agnieszka; Nicholas Wrzesinski; Jacob Bass; Benjamin Hickman and Rachel Hickman, and numerous family, friends and law enforcement family.
   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Childress Regional Medical Center Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 1030, Childress, Texas 79201 or the Former Teexas Rangaers Foundation, P.O. Box 3195, Fredricksburg, Texas, 78624.

  

   Dewayne Lee Pearson, 77 of Vernon, died on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Larry Mays. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Dewayne was born Tuesday, March 17, 1936 in Lone Wolf, Okla. He was the son of the late Venor Nesberth  Pearson and the late Lola Beatrice Allison Pearson. He married Delores McNeely on Oct. 6, 1965 in Vernon. She preceded him in death on April 12, 2007. He later married Lupe Dudley on May 6, 2007 in Vernon. He retired after 20 years in the US Army as  Sgt. First Class, serving in Vietnam and receiving the Bronze Star. He was involved in law enforcement, working at Vernon State Hospital, Supervisor of Security. He loved collecting stuffed bears, mowing grass, plowing, raising miniature donkeys and horses. He enjoyed puppies and cats. He was a member of Lockett Baptist Church and a member of Vernon Masonic Lodge.
   He is survived by his wife, Lupe Pearson of the home; two step-daughters, Mamie Tully and husband Tim of Vernon, and Nancy Galves Brown and husband Joshua of Vernon; one step-son, Victor Edward Martinez of Vernon; one step-grandson, Leefe Eros Brown of Vernon.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a sister, Neda O’Rama.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Wilbarger County Humane Society.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

   QUANAH – Bernardo (Benny) Ceniceros, 50, of Altus, Okla., died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at Quanah Memorial Park with Rev. Wayne Hollenshead officiating, Interment will be under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Ceniceros was born Aug. 20, 1963 to the late Hipolito Ceniceros, Sr. and Frances Valdez in Quanah.
   He is survived by two daughters, Martika and Julia of Waco; three brothers, Lupio Ceniceros, Larry Ceniceros and Frank Ceniceros, all of Altus, Okla.; five sisters,  Elida Ceniceros of Quanah, Connie Jalamo, of Quanah, Rebecca Schenk of Piedmont, Okla., Carmen Butler of Houston, and Irene Ceniceros of Wichita Falls; four grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Hipolito Ceniceros Jr., and Arthur Ceniceros.
   Family visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014.

   Patricia Mae Lagunas, 63 of Vernon, died on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Harold Brown. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Lagunas was born Thursday, Nov. 9, 1950. She was the daughter of the late Obie Archa and the late Wanda Isham Archa. She married Seferino Joe Lagunas Jr. in 1967 in Quanah. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1998. She had lived in Vernon most of her life. She had worked for Coy’s Discount Foods and Vernon Manufacturing Co. She was a member of First Assembly of God and Eastside Baptist Church.
   She is survived by three sons, Joseph Lagunas of Oklaunion, Jeff Lagunas of Spring Branch, and Tobie Lagunas of Bartlesville, Okla.; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sister, Connie Cook on Oct. 12, 2004.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to American Heart Association
   Pallbearers will be Derrick Lagunas, Brandon Lagunas, Seth Lagunas, Dakota Lagunas, Brady Lagunas, Tyeler Lagunas, Trenton Lagunas, Trace Lagunas and Mickey Lagunas.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon  

  

   QUANAH – Ruth Milligan, 95, of Quanah, died on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 at The Chapel at Smith Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Milligan was born Sept. 19, 1918 to the late Floyd and Ollie Macom.
   She is survived by two daughters, Tempie Rodgers of Houston and Joyce Hostutler of Alamo’ one son, Don Milligan of Houston; one brother, Bill Macom of Houston; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
   Family visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Feb.13, 2014 at Smith Funeral Home.
   Memorials to the Hardeman County Museum or Meals on Wheels.

   G.T. (Jim) Barnett, 87 of Chillicothe, died on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in Chillicothe, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at Chillicothe Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Wallace Clay. Interment will be under the direction of Smith Chapel in Chillicothe.
   Jim was born Thursday, Dec. 16, 1926 just south of Chillicothe, Texas. He was the son of the late Roy T. Barnett and the late Augusta Bogard Barnett. He married Dorlene Lutz on Sept. 24, 1960 in Vernon. He served in the US Marine Corp. He was a custom harvester/farmer all of his life. He also was a school bus driver. He served on the Farmers Coop Board, Federal Land Bank, Hardeman Co. Appraisal District and Heritage Foundation. He loved playing the guitar and playing in bands. He loved his family immensely. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Darlene Barnett, of the home; his son, Jimmy Barnett and wife, Kelli, of Chillicothe; his daughter, Sherry Coffman and husband, Kevin, of Lubbock; his grandchildren,
   Haley Coffman and fiancée, Joshua Heffernan, of Snyder, Kendra Mitchell and husband, Ryan, of Snyder, Cale, Kenli and Cade Barnett of Chillicothe; great-grandchildren, Watson, Brooks and Rylan Warren of Snyder; one brother, David Barnett of Jasper; three sisters, Gerri Bell of Crowell, JoAnn White of Durby, Kan., and Margaret Brewer of Richardson. He was preceded in death by a brother, R.T. Barnett Jr.
   Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at Smith Chapel in Chillicothe.
   Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Chillicothe.

 

   QUANAH – Neda Beavers, 93, of Quanah, passed away Saturday, Feb, 8, 2014, in Vernon. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at the chapel at Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Beavers was born Nov. 18, 1920 in Hardeman County to the late G.Y. and Lizzie Marshall. She married the late T.J. Jake Beavers on Nov. 4, 1949. He preceded her in death July 1991.  She was a lifetime resident of Hardeman County. She graduated from Goodlett High School and was of the Baptist Faith.
   She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Gamble, of Quanah; one son, Gaylan Beavers of McGregor; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
   Memorials may be made to the Senior Citizens of Quanah.

 

   L.E. (Bud) Echols, 90 of Vernon, died on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Randy Echols, Brad Echols and Donnie Mayberry. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Echols was born Sunday, Nov. 11, 1923 in Electra. He was the son of the late Clomer Echols and the late Rosie Wadlow Echols. He married Alice Servatius on June 10, 1943 in Vernon. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2001. He had been a resident of Vernon since 1936. He severed in the US Army. He was a self-employed welder, and he was a horse breaker, farmer, rancher and hay hauler. He was a member of the Vernon Riding Club.  He was a Baptist.
   He is survived by three sons, Bobby Echols, Jimmy Echols and Randy Echols, all of Vernon; three daughters, Margaret Echols Anthony of Argyle, Nancy Echols Johnson of Graham and Rosa Echols Woodard of Vernon; 28 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, B.P. (Skeeter) Echols of Vernon and Glenn Earl Echols of Velma, Okla.; two sisters, Sylvia Robison Dobbs of Velma, Okla., and Laura Robison of Gillum Wash., several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter Sandy Williams; two sons, Richard and Joseph Echols; grandson Greg Mayberry; two granddaughters, Kim Edens, Stacy Echols; one great-grandson Michael Paul Echols; one brother, Olan Randal Robison and one sister, Betty Robison Acox.
   Pallbearers will be Mark Anthony, Jeff Anthony, Chris Anthony, Kenneth Edens, Cory Echols, Bobby Woodard, Zack Woodard, Bobby Echols, II, and Cody Paul Echols
   Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, or Wilbarger County Humane Society.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Natalie Alaniz, 55 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Natalie was born Sunday, July 6, 1958 in Wild Rose, Wis.  She was the daughter of Clara Mercado Herrera and the late Melchor Herrera. She married Raul H. Alaniz on Feb. 28, 1975 in Vernon. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2004. She had been a resident of Vernon since 1973. She worked in the nursery at the First United Methodist Church for 13 years.
   She is survived by her son, Raul H. Alaniz, Jr. of Vernon; her daughter, Marie Alaniz of Wichita Falls; one brother, Melchor Herrera Jr., of Yulee, Fla., four sisters, Mary Salese of Vernon, Lucy Baldwin of Gilbert, Ariz., Sarah Hinojosa of Quitaque and Gloria Estrada of Vernon; two grandchildren, Cameron Jae Alaniz of Vernon and KeAnu Kai Alaniz of Wichita Falls.
   Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Pallbearers will be Ruben Hinojosa, Brian Herrera, Richard Chavez, Nicholas Adrian Navarro, C.J. Alaniz, Samuel Alaniz, Johanthan Alaniz and Ryan Alaniz. 
   Memorials can be made to Wilbarger County Relay for Life.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Earl Wayne McKnight, 67 of Odell, Texas died on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, in Vernon. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at Bell Cemetery; Officiating will be the Rev. Wallace Clay. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   McKnight was born Friday, Oct. 4, 1946 in Vernon, He was the son of the late James McKnight and Dorothy Johnson McKnight. He married Diane Wheeler on June 25, 1973 in Virginia City, Nev. He worked for Wilbarger County Pct. 3 and the Odell Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Odell Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Diane McKnight of the home; his mother Dorothy McKnight of Neosho, Mo.; two sons, Robert McKnight of Neosho, Mo., and Michael Wheeler of Durant, Okla.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, Arnold McKnight of Neosho. Mo., and two sisters, Melba Knight and Annbell McKnight,both of Missouri. He was preceded in death by a son Aaron McKnight, one brother and one sister.
   Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Odell Volunteer Fire Department.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   CROWELL – Billy John Rader, 76, of Crowell, died on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in the Crowell Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Fox, pastor of the Western Trail Cowboy Church of Lockett, officiating. Interment will be in the Crowell Cemetery under the direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home of Crowell.
   Rader was born on May 7, 1937 in Crowell, a son of the late John and Cora Belle Fergeson Rader. He married Pinky Smith on Nov. 18, 1984 in Las Vegas, Nev.
   He was a lifetime resident of Crowell and a 1955 graduate of Crowell High School. He attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. He was a retired loan officer for the Crowell State Bank. He was a former custom harvester and a farmer. He was a Methodist and an avid golfer.
   He is survived by his wife, Pinky Rader of Crowell; two daughters, Bambi Ann Lutrick of Abernathy and Kristi Martin of Coalinga, Calif.; one son, Jon Rader of Mansfield; two step-daughters, Carla Morrow of Burkburnett and Gail Hamel of Burnet; one step-son, Kevin Hadison of Irving; two brothers, Jimmie Rader of Cornith and Lynn Rader of Round Rock; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildrem

   CROWELL – Graveside services for Gerald W. Myers, 76, who died on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Crowell, were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 in the Truscott Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Rhodes of Crowell officiating. Interment will be the Truscott Cemetery under the direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home.
   Myers was born March 20, 1937 in Truscott, a son of the late Robert Wilson and Luvinia Weatherred Myers. He married Susie Gilreath on June 20, 1963 in Las Vegas, Nev. He was a longtime resident of Crowell. He served in the United States Army. He was a retired supervisor for the Texas Department of Transportation.
   He is survived by two brothers, the Rev. Leonard Myers of Missouri and David Myers of Denton; two grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie Myers on May 19, 2010; one son, Ernie Myers on Oct. 5, 2005; a grandson, Cody Myers on Aug. 14, 1988; a sister, Wanda McGarr on April 5, 1992, and a brother, George Myers.

   LEVELLAND – Funeral services for Ivanell Fuller Carlson, 82, who died on Jan. 29, 2014 in Levelland, were held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at the Austin Street Church of Christ with Jay Kelly officiating. Interment was in the City of Levelland Cemetery under the direction of Head Duarte Funeral Home.
   Carlson was born on Sept. 20, 1931 in Sayer, Okla., a daughter of James Roe and Thelma Irene Story Fuller.  She married Richard Carlson. She worked at Cook Memorial Hospital and Covenant Hospital as a medical records clerk. She became Director of Medical Records and held that position for the next 25 years until her retirement. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and painting. She was a member of the Austin Street Church of Christ.
   Survivors include her daughter, Debra Ybarra of Lubbock; sons, Gordon Allen Blevins of Vernon, Richard Paul Carlson and Thomas Carlson, both of Lubbock; brother, James Paul Fuller of Clovis, N.M.; sister Doris Payne of Austin, 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild.

 

   Margaret Jan Ray, 80, of Burkburnett, died on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at the First Baptist Church of Burkburnett with Rev. Bill Liggett officiating. Interment will follow at Electra Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Burkburnett. 
   A daughter of the late Margaret and Ogden Givens, Margaret was born on Nov. 11, 1933, in Electra, Texas.  She worked at the Wichita Falls State Hospital for 28 ½ years prior to her retirement. Margaret was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burkburnett. Her greatest passion in life was her grandchildren. 
   Along with her parents, Margaret was also preceded in death by a brother, Monty Givens; a sister, Peggy Ariola,  and step-sister, Judy Young. 
   Margaret is survived by a daughter, Dawn Fisher and husband, Scott, of Vernon; sister, Daisy Varner of Burkburnett; step-sister, Becky Burris of Wichita Falls; step-brothers, Ralph Gum and wife, Adrienne, of Arlington, James Gum and wife, Cathy, of Houston and Ricky Gum and wife, Angelica, of El Paso; grandchildren, Codi Fisher of Stephenville and Clayton Fisher of Vernon; sister-in-law, Sally Beth Givens, of Burkburnett, and numerous nieces and nephews. 
   The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Burkburnett. 
   For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent Hospice of Wichita Falls or First Baptist Church of Burkburnett Building Fund. 
   Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.

   Mildred B. Scott, 82 of Vernon passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 in Wichita Falls.
   Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at Wilbarger Street Church of Christ, 2515 Wilbarger with Bro. Marshall Steward officiating. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home of Vernon.
   Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Mrs. Scott was born Sept. 18, 1931 in Amarillo to Milton and Caroline Boyce. Mildred has been a resident of Vernon for 80 years. She married the love of her life Leo Scott on April 23, 1947 in Vernon. They were married 59 years until his passing in 2006.
   Mildred is survived by one sister Margaret Copeland of Vernon; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ireland Scott, Jr. of Vernon; three daughters, Carolyn Steward and husband Marshall of Victorville, Calif., Leola Robinson-Biles and husband Larry of Apple Valley, Calif., and Gloria Scott-Sare and husband Nick of Chino Hills, Calif.; one son, Charlie Scott and wife Ruby of Vernon. She had eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
   Mrs. Scott has been a faithful and active member of the Wood Street Church of Christ since 1949. Her daily motto was “Be strong, God is in control of all circumstances.” She retired in 1993 from the Texas Dept. of Mental Health. She was instrumental in heading up a number of successful programs in community. After retirement, she worked for 20 years as a volunteer at the Wilbarger General Hospital Auxiliary. A few of Mildred’s favorite hobbies were studying the word of God, gardening, and collecting antiques.
   For those desiring memorials contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Foundation. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

  

   Shellie Kay Rinne, 46, of Canyon died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 in Amarillo. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday at Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel with J.J. Rinne, husband, and Marty Teitel, friend, officiating. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m., Tuesday at Wilbarger Memorial Park Cemetery in Vernon. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St. Amarillo.
   Shellie was born on April 3, 1967 in Abilene to Jessie and Glenna Gail Appleby. She was raised in Vernon and moved to Canyon in 2006. She and her husband owned Innovative Nutrition.
   Shellie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. More importantly, she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was always sharing her faith with others. She never complained during her nearly four year battle with cancer. Shellie loved gardening and breeding and raising animals.
   She married Robert Allen King in 1990. He preceded her in death in 2003. She married J.J. Rinne in 2006 in Vernon. She was also preceded in death by her mother.
   Shellie is survived by her husband, J.J.; four sons, Blade King and his wife Michelle, Thad King, Beau King and Luke King all of Canyon; one daughter, Hannah King of Amarillo; her father, Jessie Appleby of Vernon; one brother, Marty Appleby of Vernon, and three grandchildren, Caleb, Joshua and Annabelle.
   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Olivia’s Angels in care of BSA Hospice.

   QUANAH – Jim Wood, age 76, of Quanah, died on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 in Crowell. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Stacy Conner and Rev. Joseph Jones officiating, Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Wood was born July 30, 1937 to the late Wesley and Barbara Wood in Tonkawa, Okla. He married Helen Gore in 1959. He has been a resident of Quanah since 1976. He graduated from Oklahoma State University. He was a professional coach with Calgary Stampeders in Alberta, Canada. He coached for three years at Alan Hancock Junior College and nine years at New Mexico State University. He spent one year scouting for the New York Giants and ended his career as the Athletic Director for Quanah High School for over 20 years. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Helen Wood of Quanah; two daughters, Cathy Bauer of Bushland, and Laurie Fickle, Buena Vista, Colo.; two sons, Don Wood of Bushland and David Wood of Muleshoe; one sister, Tana Stufflebean of Elgin, Okla., 1 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
   Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch.

 

   QUANAH – Margie Aaron, age 84, of Quanah died on, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 in Crowell, Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 at The Chapel at Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Aaron officiating.  Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Aaron was born July 5, 1929 to the late James and Ivy Mae Dawson. She married Norman S. Aaron on Feb. 8, 1947 in Quanah. He preceded her in death in 1974. She was a longtime resident of Quanah. She graduated from Quanah High School. She was a former owner of The Meat Mart and Chief Packing Company. She was a former Rural Mail Carrier and member of the First Baptist Church.
   He is survived by one son, Ricky Aaron of Quanah; two daughters, Linda Sims of Quanah and Debbie Bivins of Quanah; one sister, Bobbie Bell of Garland; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
   Family visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.
   Memorials may be made to the Meals on Wheels and First Baptist Church.  

   A double funeral service for Rachel Denise Boatman Hawkins, 28, and Steven Hawkins, 31, both of Vernon, died on Saturday Feb. 1, 2014, will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday Feb. 5, 2014 at the Wilbarger Street Church of Christ at with Dave Winn officiating. Interment will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park. The service is under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Rachel Hawkins was born on May 9, 1985 in Vernon. She was the daughter of Billy Joe Boatman and the late Karen Denise Short Boatman. She was a 2003 graduate of Vernon High School and a graduate of the Vernon College School of Nursing where she became an LVN. She was currently working at the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon on the Spruce unit and had previously worked at Texoma Christian Care Center. She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church. She had lived in Vernon all of her life.
   Steven Hawkins was born on July 20, 1982 in Wichita Falls. He was the son of Tony Hawkins and Janice Varenhorst Hawkins. He had lived in Vernon since 2003 and was currently working for Meridian Drilling of Oklahoma City, Okla. He had previously worked at Sullivan Funeral Home/Wilbarger Memorial Park on the cemetery crew for seven years. He was a Baptist.
   Rachel and Steven Hawkins were married on Nov. 4, 2013 in Vernon.  Together the couple had five children, including three sons, Aaron Hawkins and Hunter Boatman of Vernon, and Jordan Hawkins of Frederick, Okla., and two daughters, Destiny Hawkins of Frederick, Okla. and Carlie Hawkins of Vernon, Texas.
   Rachel Hawkins is also survived by her father and step-mother, Billy and Christy Boatman of Vernon; four brothers, Billy Joe Boatman II, of Dallas, Jacob Boatman and Tyler Boatman of Vernon, and Brandon Short of Amarillo, and one sister Skyler Boatman of Vernon; maternal grandfather, Wendell Short of Amarillo; maternal grandmother Linda Trawick of S.C., and paternal grandmother, Mary Boatman of Vernon. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Norman Boatman, and her mother, Karen Denise Short Boatman in October 2013.
   Steven Hawkins is also survived by his mother, Janice Hawkins of Vernon; one sister, Julie Parks of Frederick, Okla., and maternal grandmother, Eula Mae Varenhorst of Frederick, Okla.
   Visitation will be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday Feb. 4, 2014 at the funeral home.
   Pallbearers will be David Boatman, David D. Boatman, Allen Overby, Billy Joe Boatman II, Benton Overby, Eddie Dearman and Michael Booth.
   Online condolences may be made to sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

  

   CROWELL – Hubert Durham, 80, died on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 in Crowell. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 in the Womack-Manard Funeral Home Chapel in Crowell. Officiating will be Ervin Asiatico, pastor of the Assembly of God Church of Crowell.  Interment will be in Crowell Cemetery under the direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home of Crowell.
   Durham was born on June 10, 1933 in Wylie, a son of the late Murton Dudley and Georgia Eubanks Durham. He was a longtime resident of Crowell. He was a retired auto mechanic for Jim Christanelli Ford, Inc., in Vernon. He built auto transmissions and worked for various dealerships in the Metroplex area. He was a retired custom harvester and owned and operated his own lawn service.
   He is survived by three daughters, Vanessa Harrison of Bonham,  Valerie Durham of Lewisville and Debbie Durham of Valleyview; two sons, Dwight Durham of Sanger and Gaylon Durham of Melissa; three brothers, Charlie Durham and Jerry Durham, both of Crowell, and Melton Durham of Colorado; one sister, Adeline McCurley of Crowell; 69 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at Womack-Manard Funeral Home in Crowell.
   Memorials may be made to: Crowell Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 613, Crowell, Texas 79227.

 

   Norma Jean Streit, 84, loving wife of Robert C. Streit for 66 joyful years, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 in San Antonio.  She was born in Plainview, Texas to parents Elonzo and Adelle Stroud.
   Jean and Robert were married on March 15, 1947 in Vernon, Texas and spent much of their years together following a passion for big band and country western dancing.  They belonged to the Carousel Dance Club, Starlight Dance Club, Candlelight Dance Club, and Martinez Social Club.  Bob and Jean have been members of Christ Lutheran Church since 1977.
   Jean was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.  She is survived by husband, Bob Streit; daughters, Linda Salt, husband William; Marsha Collier, Terri Gurley, husband Steve; grandson, Brian Gurley; granddaughters, Devon Higgins, Susan Buchanan, Brynn Ray, and Blair Salt; four great-grandchildren, and sister, Marge Vralsted.
   Services will be at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 at the Christ Lutheran Church, 6720 Broadway, San Antonio. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or Christ Lutheran Church.
   You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.poterloring.com.
   Arrangements are with Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas 78232; (210) 495-8221.

   Graveside services for Joseph T. Strange, 86, of Brownfield will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at the Terry County Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home. Memorial services for Joseph will be held at 2 p.m. that afternoon at Brownfield First Baptist Chapel with Randy Land and Dan Martin officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 at Brownfield Funeral Home.
   Joseph was born on Nov. 3, 1927 to Joseph Timothy Strange Sr. and Nancy Tanner in Vici, Okla. He graduated from Electra High School and then Southwestern Theological Seminary. Joseph married Janice Sullivan on May 15, 1970 in Vernon. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Joseph is preceded in death by his first wife, Blanche Evelyn Nevels on April 30, 1969, parents, Joseph and Nancy Strange, sister, Rena Taylor, and brother, Amos Strange.
   Joseph is survived by his wife, Janice Strange of Brownfield; a son, Rodney Strange of Brownfield; a daughter, Sandra Wall and husband, Dana, of Electra; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Carroll Edwin Strange of Augusta, Ga.; a niece, Colleen Martin and husband, Dan, of Dallas.

 

   LEVELLAND – Funeral services for James Weaver Logan, 78, of Levelland, who died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Levelland, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at First United Methodist Church, Levelland, with the Rev. Rusty Dickerson officiating. Interment was in City of Levelland Cemetery under direction of George Price Funeral Home.

Born on Sept. 13, 1935 in Quanah, Logan graduated from Quanah High School in 1954. He attended West Texas State College and graduated from North Texas State College in 1960. He married Mary Catherine Plunkett in 1959 in Quanah. He coached and taught school at Uvalde, Ingleside, Granger, and Vernon from 1960 to 1972. He was principal of Shive Elementary in Vernon in 1972 and 1973. The family moved to Klondike in 1973 where Logan was principal for one year and superintendent until 1987. The couple moved to Merkel in 1987, where he was superintendent and retired after 39 years in the Texas education system in 1999. In 2006, the Logans moved to Levelland. Logan was an active member of the Theta Chi Fraternity while at North Texas. He was also active in the Lions Club in Merkel as well as the Rotary Club in both Vernon and Levelland. He was the district treasurer for the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) in the Abilene and Lubbock Districts.
   Survivors include his wife of Levelland; two sons, John Logan of Levelland and Mark Logan of Texico, N.M.; a daughter, Catherine Ann Dewbre of Lubbock; two sisters, Margie Prater of Quanah and Frances Daugherty of East Port, Mich., and 10 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by four sisters and four brothers.
   Condolences may be left at www.georgepricefunerals.com.

   Bobby Dale Carter, age 72, of Quanah, died, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, in Amarillo. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Henderson officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Carter was born March 25, 1941 in Quanah to the late Fred and Ollie Belcher Carter. He lived in Quanah all of his life, joining the Army in 1959. He was a photographer overseas until 1964. He worked various jobs until going to work at Georgia Pacific in 1971, retiring in 2006. He married Sharon Knouse in June 1993. He was a member of the American Legion of Quanah and an avid member of the N.R.A. He was of the Baptist faith.
   He is survived by his wife, Sharon Carter of Quanah; one daughter, Suzy Evans of Dallas; two sons, Bobby Dale Carter Jr. of Amarillo and Ricky Carter of Quanah; six grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ollie Carter; two brothers, Richard Carter and Fred Carter Jr., and a daughter, Lisa Carter.
   Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 at Smith Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

   Weldon Ogerly, 83 of Vernon, died on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel.Officiating will be Dave Winn. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Ogerly was born Saturday, Sept. 27, 1930 in Northside. He was the son of the late Frank Ogerly and the late Minnie Thurman.
   He married Lillie Mae Duncan on April 4, 1984 in Vernon. She preceded him in death on Jan. 5, 2011. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a graduate of Northside High School. He worked for the Waggoner Ranch for 17 years, and for Osborne’s. He retired from the Vernon State Hospital as a mechanic. He was a member of Wilbarger Street Church of Christ.
   He is survived by his daughter, Jackie Ewing of Iowa Park; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday Jan. 23, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to favorite charity.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Former Vernon resident Shirley Goodrum, 78, died Jan. 8, 2014, in Aiken, S.C.
   Shirley was born Jan. 3, 1936 in Comanche, Texas to Virgil and Thelma Chancellor. Her family moved to Vernon when she was a young girl, where she spent most of her adult life. She moved to Aiken to be with several of her children after retiring from her job as head cook at the State Hospital in Vernon.
   Shirley loved to do arts and crafts. She crocheted, sewed, quilted, embroidered, made and collected dolls. She also loved to cook and was known for her delicious meals.  Most important to Shirley was that she was saved and loved the Lord. She read scripture often until her eyesight failed her, then she would recite scripture from memory. 
   Mrs. Goodrum is survived by her children, step-children, and their spouses: Jerry and Laura Goodrum of Vernon, Donna and Dan Erin of Vernon, Shirley and David Buchanan of LaPlace, La., Bill and Michelle Rider of Vernon, Ron and Mary Rider of Beech Island, S.C., Marie and Carl Trubee of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Ralph Rider and Deb Perry of Williston, S.C.
   She is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Goodrum, and two sisters, Peggy Seale and Dorothy Knight.
  At her request, Shirley was cremated. A memorial service will be held in Vernon, Texas at the Wilbarger Auditorium- Westerner Room on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Service will begin at 10 a.m. and be officiated by Shirley’s longtime friend and minister, Rev. Cain.
   In lieu of flowers the family asks that a covered dish be brought for the luncheon that will immediately follow the service and invite all to fellowship in remembrance of her.
   Online memorials may be made at sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

     FORT WORTH — Phillip E. Prescott, 74, beloved father, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014.
       Memorial service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Terrace, 1600 Texas St., 76102.
       Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Terrace Ministerial fund.
       Phillip was born March 15, 1939, in Medicine Mound to Emmett and Ona Lee Prescott. He resided in the Medicine Mound and Quanah area of the state the majority of his life. He moved to Fort Worth seven years ago to be closer to his children and grandchildren. 
       Phil was happiest when outdoors in the rural areas and never turned down a cup of coffee with his friends.
       Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Mary Ellen Prescott.
       Survivors: Children, Teresa Prescott, Donna Epps and husband, Jim, Dallas Prescott, Glen Tole and wife, Samantha, and Michele Miller; grandchildren, Austin Tole, Emma Epps, Colton Tole, Aggie Miller and Pate Miller.

MOUNT OLIVET CHAPEL
Greenwood Funerals-Cremation
2301 N. Sylvania Ave., 817-831-0511
View and sign guestbook at
www.star-telegram.com/obituaries

 

  

   The greatest man we ever knew passed away today Jan. 20, 2014. We called him Dad. Those who knew him called him Buddie.
   Buddie F. Rivers was born in Vernon in 1939 to Barney and Alberta Rivers on Feb. 25. He went on to graduate from Vernon High School in 1957, and in June of 1958 he married the love of his life, Jetone Smith Rivers. He was a life time resident of Vernon. He went on to be a proud graduate of Texas Tech University where he received a degree in engineering and got his first and only job at the Department of Transportation in Vernon where he retired after 39 years as Area Engineer. Daddy was a proud member of the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce Red Coats and a former member of the Santa Rosa Palomino Club. He was on the Wilbarger Hospital Board of Directors for 30 years, many of those years as Chairman of the Board. He tried to make a difference in the town he loved. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
   He was preceded in death of his wife of 54 years. Surviving are his children, daughter, Robbie Elliott (Stanley) of Alvarado and son, Russell Rivers (Sabrina) of Seymour; his grandchildren, BreAnna Dray (Cliff) of Fort Worth, Tarrington Rivers and Hanna Rivers, both of Seymour, and great-grandson, Colton Dray of Fort.Worth.
   A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Kelly Russell. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Wilbarger General Hospital Ladies Axillary or Seymour Hospital Pink Ladies.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

A memorial service for Keith Melton, 51 of Granbury will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb 1, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Quanah.  A reception will follow at the Quanah Country Club. 
   Keith died Dec. 24, 2013 in Fort Worth.  He was born on Nov. 13, 1962 in Quanah to Charles Kenneth Melton and Peggy Campsey Melton.
   Survivors are his children, Craig Melton and wife Jenni, daughter Jessica Melton; two grandchildren, Evan and Madix Melton;  siblings, Mike Melton and wife Sherry, Todd Melton and Elaine, Mark Melton and wife Sherri , and stepmother Jan Melton. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Peggy Melton, and nephew, Ty Melton.

   CROWELL – Ronald Ray Hubbard, 71, of Crowell, died on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Crowell.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Ron Fox. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Hubbard was born Monday, Sept. 28, 1942 in Wichita Falls. He was the son of the late Hatton Brown Hubbard and the late Eva Janice Bishop Hubbard. He married Gladys Marie Christopher on July 15, 1982. She preceded him in death on July 25, 2005. He had been a resident of Vernon, Crowell and Dallas all of his life. He served in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1964-1968. He was an automobile salesman for W. O. Bankston in Dallas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Vernon.
   He is survived by two sons, Kevin Baker of Crowell and Kim Baker of Clearwater, Fla.; a daughter, Dana Mills of McKinney; his sister, Paula Murray of Austin; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a grandson, Matthew Lee Shores Baker.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to American Heart Association.
   Pallbearers will be Kevin Baker, Kim Baker, Chuck Tarula, Jason King, K-Mac McGregor, and Mike Taylor.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Addie Edmona Foley, 53, of Wichita Falls, died on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, in Wichita Falls.
   Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 21, 2014 at Wilbarger Memorial Park with Rev. Gary Chapman officiating. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Addie was born Friday, April 29, 1960 in Clinton, Okla., she was the daughter of Lee Foley Jr. and the late Martha Schiwart Foley. She was a graduate of Vernon High School and she was a homemaker.
   Surviving are one son, Jody Martinez of Vernon; four brothers, Lee Foley III, John Foley of Dallas, Wesley Ivey of South Carolina, and Charlie Ivey of South Carolina; one sister, Charlene Haueter of South Carolina; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
   Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
   Family will be at 4033 Circle Drive, Vernon.
   Pallbearers will be Jody Martinez, Adrian Martinez, John Foley, Josh Billings, Aaron Crumbley and Noah Hernandez.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   J.W. “Buddy” Jackson, Jr., 84 of Vernon,  went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Hilda Cavazos. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Buddy was born Wednesday, March 13, 1929 in Carter, Okla. He was the son of the late James W. Jackson, Sr., and the late Catherine Zipperle Jackson. He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Herchman on June 25, 1949 in Vernon.  He moved to Vernon in1930. He was a graduate of Vernon High School in 1948 and attended Draughon’s Business School and Refrigeration School. Buddy farmed and ranched with his brother Bill for 64 years and was a former employee of Sullivan Funeral Home. He was a member and served three times as Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #655, and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star of Faith Chapter of Wichita Falls. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.
   Buddy’s greatest loves were his daughters, Jyme  D. Baker and son-in-law Casey of Porter, Texas, and Jan E. Baumann and son-in-law Mike of Vernon, Texas; his grandchildren, Kymberly, Jynefer, Scott, Royce, Ricky and Lyndsey; and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tayler, Tayte, Trayce, Jacksyn, Emri, Ciara, Chaelynn, Payzlea, Tori, Brenee, Krystalyn and Destini.
   Buddy is survived by his wife, daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews,  Valerie and James Dillard, Randy and Barbara Jackson; sisters and brothers-in law, Lavon and Gary Sneed, Sherry and Larry Wright and Diana and Larry Everson.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill Jackson on June 10, 2012.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Faith United Methodist Church or Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Whitesboro- A visitation will be held for Elizabeth “Betty” Jane (Keene) Downes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at Sullivan Funeral Home in Vernon.

   Pallbearers will be Jason Downes, Jonathan Schwartz, Justin Posey, Jimmie Joe Smithhart, Matthew Roberts, Dustin Wheat, Brandon Baugus, and Josh Smithhart.  Interment will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park.
   Betty passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at Pecan Tree Manor in Gainesville, Texas. Betty was born Dec. 11, 1942 in Vernon, Texas to Samuel Wallace Keene and Rosa Lee (Key) Keene.
   Betty will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  She  is survived by her husband of 54 years, Marvin Downes of Whitesboro, Texas; children, Duane Downes and wife Patricia of Springtown, Texas,  Jackye Sherman of Azle, Texas, Melissa Smithhart and husband Jimmy of Celina, Texas, Scott Downes and wife Nancy of Tioga, Texas, and Amy Steger and husband Richard of Whitesboro, Texas;  12 grandchildren;  18 great grandchildren; siblings, JoAnne Long and husband John of Borger, Texas; Don Keene and wife Barbara of Howe, Texas, Micki Dodd and husband Tommy of Plano, Texas, and Barbara Ainsworth of Knox City, Texas.
   She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Wallace Keene, mother, Rosa Lee Keene, and a brother, Homer Edward Keene.
   The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

   Otto Julious Obenhaus , III, 70 of Vernon, died on Thursday, Jan 16, 2014, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Paul Neuberger. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Obenhaus was born Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1943 in Vernon. He was the son of the late Otto Obenhaus, Jr. and the late Dorothy Crawford Obenhaus. He had been a resident of Vernon all of his life He was a farmer and rancher. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
   He is survived by two songs, Otto Obenhaus IV of Vernon and Travis Obenhaus of Austin; a sister, George Ann Wagner of Houston; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was
   preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Obenhaus, on Sept. 12, 2011.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan 17, 2014 Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
   Pallbearers will be Otto Obenhaus, IV,, Travis Obenhaus, Bruce Herring Michael Herring, Shane McCoy and Brandon McBroom.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   Don Barnes, 74, of Quanah, died, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, in Quanah. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at the Goodlett Baptist Church with Monte Lumpkin officiating.

   Barnes was born August 13, 1939 in Quanah to the late Raymond and Ada Jowers Barnes. He was born and raised in Quanah and worked as a truck driver for Rock Quarry and Pantex for many years. He was a dispatcher at Hardeman County Sheriff Office for four years. He served in the United States Army. Barnes enjoyed music very much. He played the guitar and other instruments.
   He is survived by two daughters, Donna Sue Jones, Albuquerque, N.M. and Dalana Johnson, Joshua; one son, Danny Ray Barnes, Tulsa, Okla.; one brother , Raymond Darrell Barnes, San Antonio;  one sister, Dayna Spradlin, Eldorado, Okla.; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Donald Glen Barnes, and  two sisters,  Doris Hobbs and Ima Jean Barnes.

   J.W. “Buddy” Jackson, Jr., 84 of Vernon, died on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at 11 a.m., at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Hilda Cavazos. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

   Jackson was born Wednesday, March 13, 1929 in Carter, Okla. He was the son of the late J.W. Jackson, Sr. and the late Catherine Zipperle Jackson. He married Ruth Herchman on June 25, 1949 in Vernon. He moved to Vernon in1930. He was a graduate of Vernon High School in 1948 and attended Draughon’s Business School and Refrigeration School. He was a farmer and rancher and a former employee of Sullivan Funeral Home. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #655 and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. He served three times as Worshipful Master for Lodge #655 and Faith Chapter in Wichita Falls. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Ruth Jackson of the home; two daughters, Jyme D. Baker of Porter and Jan E. Baumann of Vernon; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
   Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Faith United Methodist Church or Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Jovita Sanjuan, 53 of Vernon, died on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at 2 p.m.  at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel.Officiating will be Pastor Davila. Interment will be held in Mexico at a later date.
   Sanjuan was born Monday, Feb. 15, 1960 in Mexico. She was the daughter of Dominga Saldana and the late Felicano Saldana. She married Marco Sanjuan on Aug. 13, 1985 in Vernon. She had worked for Wright’s, Tyson’s and Sheppard Air Force Base, VISD, Texas Youth Commission and Congregate Meals. She was a member of Templo El Shaddia Church.
   She is survived by her husband, Marco Sanjuan of the home; her mother; Dominga Saldana; one son, Cesar Sanjuan; two daughters, Esmeralda Gutierrez and Veronica Sanjuan; one brother, Joel Sanjuan; eight sisters, Cirilia Ortiz, Josefina Sanjuan, Cathalina  Maricio Sanjuan, Adreana Sanjuan, Tele Sanjuan, Margarita Sanjuan, Marie Sanjuan, and Wadalupe Sanjuan, and five granddaughters.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

    Maggie Bee Harper, 94, of Seymour, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. Services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at 2 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Seymour with Jeff Sedberry, officiating.  Burial will be in the Benjamin Cemetery, Benjamin, Texas, under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.
   Maggie Bee was born Nov. 10, 1919 in Rhineland to Lance Owen and Bessie Shipley Mayberry.  She was the last surviving girl from a family of 12 children, seven boys and five girls. She married Richard “Dick” Harper on Oct. 1, 1943 in San Antonio.  He passed away Feb. 10, 2012. The couple moved to Seymour from Lockett in 1997. Bee worked as a beautician and was a homemaker.  She was a Baptist.  She was preceded in death by a grandson, Herbert Milton (Jake) Propps.  Everyone always gathered for Bee’s cooking, where she entertained with her quick wit, always joking and making people laugh.  She enjoyed dancing and fishing, alongside her husband, Dick.  Bee’s most important role, however, was as mother and grandmother
   Survivors include two daughters,  Judy Bland and husband, Bill, and Dickie Propps and husband, Herbert, all of Seymour; one brother,  Bobby Joe Mayberry of Paducah; three grandchildren,  Lisa Johnson, Billy Richard Bland and James Propps; seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
   Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 Monday, at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Wichita Falls.

   C. D.  (Tootsie) Frith, 93 of Vernon, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Vernon.  Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at 3 p.m.  at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Brian Pounds. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   C.D.  was born Monday, Sept. 13, 1920 in Harrold, Texas. He was the son of the late Tom Frith and the late Mattie Burks Frith. He married Frances Myers on June 29, 1947 in Vernon.  She preceded him in death on Feb. 14, 2001. He had lived in Vernon all of his life. He worked for RM Wells Plumbing Supervisor and worked as a self-employed plumber before retiring. He was a member of United States Coast Guard, United States Mounted Patrol serving oversea during WWII and he was a life time member of VFW. He was a member of Wilbarger St. Church of Christ .He loved to fish, hunt and he was a loving family man who loved his grandkids.
   He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Brackeen and husband J.W. of Vernon; grandchildren, Brian Brackeen of Vernon and Timmy Brackeen of Vernon;  great –grandchildren, Ashley Brackeen of Levelland and Kaylee Brackeen of Vernon; one brother, Buck Frith of Vernon; one sister, Opal Gibson of Guthrie, Okla.; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a son, Jerry Don Frith, in 1970, six brothers and sisters.
   Memorials can be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   David Alan Lucas, 59 of Vernon, died on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in Vernon.Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Wilbarger Memorial Park. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Lucas was born Sunday, Oct. 24, 1954 in Concord, Calif. He was the son of Minnie Jones Clark and the late Billy Ray Lucas. He had lived here for several years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp.
   He is survived by his mother, Minnie Clark of Vernon; one son, Cody M. Lucas of Massachusetts; two daughters, Amber Ray Lucas and Jamie L. Lucas, both of Massachusetts.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Pollye Roddy, 87 of Vernon, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Quanah. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Jan.  14, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Wilbarger Memorial Park. Officiating will be Rev. Kelly Russell. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Roddy was born Monday, Dec. 26, 1926 in Hollis, Okla. She was the daughter of the late Henry Rash and the late Ora Free Rash. She married Lowell Roddy on May 20, 1946 in Clarendon.  He preceded her in death on March 17, 2011. She had been a resident of Vernon since 1962. She was a member of First Baptist Church.
   She is survived by her son, Gary Roddy of Burkburnett, and one grandson. She was preceded in death by husband, a grandson Zach Roddy and a granddaughter Rebekah Roddy.
   Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. until service time at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

  

   L. Jack Rogers, Sr., 96 of Vernon, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Vernon,. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at 10 a.m., at the First Assembly of God Church. Officiating will be Rev. Brian Pounds and Rev. Phillip Weitner. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Jack was born Saturday, May 26, 1917 in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas. He was the son of the late Jesse “Jake” Rogers and the late Emily Scott Rogers. He married Henrietta “Susie” Snodgrass on Sept.  25, 1938 in Altus, Okla. She preceded him in death on Dec. 12, 2010. He was a 1937 graduate of Vernon High School and National Honor Society. He served in the US Army at the end of WWII. He was owner and operator of Vernon Redi-Mix and Rogers Concrete Contracting. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church, and he was a deacon and administrative board member.
   He is survived by his son, Lee Jack Rogers, Jr. and wife Annette of Yazoo City, MS.; his daughter, Cheryl Townson and husband Roger of Vernon; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-great – grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Lindley Roger, and 11 brothers and one sister.
   Memorials can be made to First Assembly of God Church Building Fund.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   CROWELL – Graveside services for Mary Ruth Eavenson, 87, of Crowell, who died on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 in Quanah, will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan, 13, 2014, at the Crowell Cemetery with services and interment under the direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home of Crowell. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Fox, pastor of the Western Trail Cowboy Church of Lockett.
   Eavenson was born July 9, 1926 in Foard County, a daughter of the late George Smiley and Ella Elizabeth Whitley Black. She married Earl E. Eavenson on March 7, 1950 in Benjamin. She was a lifetime resident of Foard County. She was a homemaker.
   Eavenson is survived by three sons, Tommy Eavenson of Crowell, Danny Earl Eavenson of Crowell and George  Eavenson of Choctaw, Okla.; one sister, Patty Tyree of Crowell; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Eavenson, on Jan. 10, 2000, and a son, Billy Wade Eavenson on Oct. 9, 1999.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m ., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Womack-Manard Funeral Home in Crowell.
  Memorials may be made to the Foard County Veterans Wall.

   
  

   J. D. (Jake) Jones, 78 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held Monday, Jan. 13, 2013 at 1 p.m., at Wilbarger Memorial Park. Officiating will be Rev. Toby Castleberry. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Jones was born Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1935 in Farmers Valley. He was the son of the late Donald C. Jones and Laura Vaughn Jones. He had lived in Vernon all of his life. He worked for North Texas State Hospital as custodian retiring in 2001. He was a Baptist.
   He is survived by three daughters,  Nancy Lea Perez of Vernon,  Rhonda Gail Ortiz of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Amanda Alvarado of Vernon; eight grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Jones, and a sister, Peggy Burk.
   Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to American Heart Association or Wilbarger County Humane Society.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Donna Jean Goodrich passed away in her Austin home on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2013. She was 69 years old.
   Donna was born on June 7, 1944 to Winston and Artie Mae Graham. She grew up on the Waggoner Ranch and graduated from Oklaunion High School in 1962. After graduating with an Elementary Education degree from Midwestern State University in 1966, she taught at the Emporia State Teachers College Elementary School in Emporia, Kansas, along with Sheppard Air Force Base Elementary in Wichita Falls, Texas.
   Without question, Donna’s greatest joy was her children, who remember her ability to make everyday occasions special. She became “CoCo” with the birth of her first grandson and cherished her role as a grandmother. Donna was also a loyal and loving sister and friend. She had impeccable taste and always presented the most thoughtful and beautifully wrapped gifts at just the right moments. Her love of interiors, estate sales and antiques flourished during the eleven years she worked for Katherine Edwards Interiors. She also loved to travel.
   Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Winston and Artie Mae Graham of Vernon, Texas. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Joe Szczytowski of Austin; son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Brienne Goodrich of Austin; two grandsons, Witt and Quinn Szczytowski; a granddaughter, Dean Goodrich; sister, Karen Thomas of College Station, TX; brother, Richard Graham of Rockport, TX; five nieces, Carey Graham McBride of Wichita Falls, Lisa Graham Gawenis of League City, TX, Michele Thomas Stevens of San Antonio, Shannon Thomas of Austin, Kendra Goodrich Kelly of Edmond, Okla.; and one nephew, Jeff Goodrich of Edmond, Okla.
   A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at Grace Church in Wichita Falls with Pastor Tom Rodgers officiating.
   In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Grace Church, 5214 Stone Lake Drive, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at donate.lls.org.
   Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.

 

   Ralph Brandon, 83, of Quanah, passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in Abilene. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 at The First United Methodist Church with Rev. James Greer, Rev. Wayne Hollendshead and Rev. Chris Holland officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Ralph was born May 6, 1930, in Grosbeck, TX to the late Orval and Ottiss Brandon. He married Sharon Brandon on Feb. 21, 1961 in Goodlett, TX. He was a boiler operator and fireman in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a farmer and rancher raising wheat, cotton and cows. He was a member of Farm Bureau and the First United Methodist Church, Quanah, TX.
   He is survived by: his wife, Sharon Brandon, Quanah; one daughter, Becky Wiloth and husband Mike, Albany; two sons, Clifton Brandon and wife Stephanie, Albany, and Bruce Brandon and wife Denise, Abilene; five grandchildren, Cassie Biggs and husband, Brandon; Cody Wiloth and wife, Amanda; Kye Brandon and wife, Tanya; Teagan Brandon and Colton Brandon; seven great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kaleb, Karter, Kaleigh, Emily, Brylee and Bronc; two sisters, Wanda Wilkins, Lamesa; Martha Jane Smith and husband George, Iowa Park; one niece, Diane; four nephews, Mike, Les, Steve and Mark.
   Family visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Smith Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Quanah, TX.

 

   Troy Ethan Eavenson, 94 of Seymour, died on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 in Wichita Falls. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Lloyd Daniel. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
    Eavenson was born on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1919 in Gainesville. He was the son of the late Thomas Everett Eavenson and the late Maggie Baldwin Eavenson. He married Pauline Ellis on Jan. 24, 1954 in Vernon. She preceded him in death on Feb. 1, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 in England, assigned to Air Force, maintaining bombs and fuser. He went to work for the Waggoner Estate in 1948, working there for 36 years as a cowboy and at the grain elevator. He worked the Lake Kemp Moonshine gate for many years. He attended the Western Trail Cowboy Church.
   He is survived by his son, Mike Eavenson of Seymour; two daughters, Lena Jean Foster of Longview and Lola Jane Probert of Blanchard, Okla.; one brother, Slim Eavenson of Vernon; one sister, Maggie Faye Divuvier of Lompoc, Calif.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Loyd Heath Hammonds; and three brothers and four sisters.
   Visitation will be from 1 p.m., until service time on Saturday, Jan. 4, at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials may be made to Seymour Meals on Wheels or the Hospice of Wichita Falls. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

   GLEN ROSE — Lula Belle Starnes, 83, passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Glen Rose.
   Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at Rainbow Baptist Church in Rainbow. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wiley Funeral Home.
   Mrs. Starnes was born March 24, 1930, in Floydada, Texas, to Elmer Lee Smith and Banksie Nevada King Smith. In 1960, she married Billy Starnes, Jr., and he preceded her in death in 1993. In 2001 she married Robert Lee Avery, and he preceded her in death in 2012. She had lived in Glen Rose since 1984 and was a member of Rainbow Baptist Church. Mrs. Starnes retired from Pruitt Realty in 2003 after 20 years. She enjoyed bird watching, traveling and crafting. Her church was a big part of her life. Preceding her in death were her parents, two husbands, one brother and five sisters.
Survivors: Sons, Charles Avery and wife, Barbara, of Glen Rose, Tim Starnes and wife, Phyllis, of Glen Rose, Dale Bentley and wife, Tracy, of Lorena; daughters, Dena Wilson and husband, John, of Lewisville, Tonya Cary of Euless; 11 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; seven great -great grandchildren; sister, Mary Cozart of Hale Center, Texas.

   William F. Jeter, “Coach”, 82, passed away on Dec. 28 at his home in Wichita Falls.  The family will receive visitors at Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home on Jan. 1 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.  A private burial will be held at Crestview Memorial Park on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 11:30.  Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m. that same day.
       Bill “Coach” Jeter was born on Jan. 4, 1931, in Olton, to Carl and Leota Jeter. He attended schools in Plainview and Floydada.  At Floydada High School, he was a recognized football player for the Floydada Whirlwinds and was honored as the “Best All-Around” male student.
   His college football began at Cisco Junior College in Cisco, TX.  After playing two years at Cisco, he received a football scholarship to Midwestern State University.  At MSU, he was elected team captain both years and was honored as Lord Midwestern by the student body.  He graduated from MSU with a B.S. in History and later earned a Master’s degree in Education.
   Upon graduation, he joined the Naval Air Cadets in Pensacola, FL, to fulfill his dream of becoming a jet pilot.  At the allowable time, he transferred to the Marines Air branch with further training at Chase Field in Beeville, TX.  After earning his wings, he was transferred to Cherry Point, N.C.
   Bill married Robbie Streit on Dec. 21, 1955 in her hometown of Vernon, TX.  They lived in Cherry Point for two years before he and his squadron VMF 334 were sent to Atsugi, Japan. Upon his honorable discharge, he followed his lifelong desire to coach football.  Coach Joe Golding, Athletic Director, hired him to coach for the Zundy Junior High Eagles before moving to Wichita Falls High School to coach the Rowdies. Later he became defensive line coach for the Coyotes. The high point of his high school coaching career was winning the 1969 state championship.  At the end of the game, his linemen carried him off the field on their shoulders.  While coaching, he invested his energies with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and encouraged other schools to begin huddle groups.
   Although he wasn’t ready to quit coaching, he accepted the position as vice principal at WFHS, working under his mentor and friend, Hunter Kirkpatrick.  A few years later, he became principal at his beloved “Old High.”  In 1979, he became Athletic Director for the Wichita Falls ISD. During his tenure, he supported new programs for girls’ sports such as soccer, softball, basketball, and track.  He was inducted into the Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 2001.
   “Coach” was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, moderator for the property committee, and a member of the personnel committee.  He was instrumental in bringing one of the first full-time youth ministers to the church.  He was a faithful member of the Koinonia Sunday School class.
   His greatest joy was his family. His heart was filled with love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He found pleasure also in flying his plane, playing golf, traveling, enjoying friends, watching sports, participating in church activities, and being a friend to those in need.
   Coach is survived by his wife of 58 years, Robbie; Daughter, Lyn, and husband Mike Hardage of Dallas and daughters Hannah, Mallory, and Mariel; Daughter, Susan, and husband Chris Wommack of Waco and children Alex and Chase.
   The family requests that memorials be made in his memory to First Presbyterian Memorial Fund, 3601 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308, Rathgaber Hospitality House, 1615 12th St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, Faith Mission & Faith Refuge 1300 Travis St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301
   Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.

 

   Funeral services for Jan Smith Geraci, 40 of Vernon, who died on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Wichita Falls, will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Toby Castleberry, Rev. Kelly Russell and Rev. Phillip Weitner. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Geraci was born Monday, Oct. 8, 1973 in Wichita Falls. She was the daughter of   Barbara Swaim Smith and the late James Wade Smith. She married James Joseph Geraci on Jan.10, 2007 in Lawton, Okla. She had lived in Vernon all of her life. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a homemaker.
   She is survived by her husband, James Joseph Geraci of the home; one son, Nicholas James Geraci; one daughter, Lauren Elise Geraci; one stepson, James Geraci; her mother, Barbara Ann Smith; one nephew and one niece, all of Vernon; two aunts and several cousins.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Thomas William Pope, Sr., passed away Dec. 23, 2013 in Wichita Falls.  He was born Feb. 15, 1973 in Wichita Falls to Lynn Pope and Debra Turkett.
   He was preceded in death by his brother Donald Clayton Pope, his grandmother Virginia Turkett, and grandfather William Raymond Turkett.
   Thomas is survived by his children Thomas William Pope Jr., Kimberly Gene Pope of Cleburne, and Ashlye Victoria Schackai of Wichita Falls; his mother Debra Patterson and his father Lynn Pope; a sister Kellye Schackai of Wichita Falls, and a grandchild Kayson Eli Pope.
   Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
   Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fallsfuneralhome.com.

 

   Word has been received of the death of Chris Alan Smith, age 60, of Vernon, formerly of Frederick, Okla.  Mr. Smith passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Frederick, Okla..
   A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home of Frederick, Okla..
   He was born March 24, 1953, in Lawton, Okla. to Max Alan and Sally Ann (Washburn) Smith. He grew up in and attended Frederick  schools and  graduated with the class of 1971. He attended Oklahoma State University. He worked as parts manager for B & L John Deere Tractor, Wright Foods and then Tyson Foods. He loved computers.
   He is survived by his sister: Sherri Scott and husband Russell, of Vernon;  two nieces: Stephanie Young, of Lubbock, and Katy Gamblin, of Burkburnett, and four great nieces and nephews.
   An on-line guest book and sympathy cards are available at: www.OrrGrayGishfuneralhome.com or www.Tiptonfuneralhome.com

 

   William Darrell Cape, 57 of Vernon, died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Vernon. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2013 at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Fox.
   Cape was born Sunday, Jan. 29, 1956 in Ballinger. He was the son of the late Chester Cape and the late Sarah Woods Cape. He had lived in Vernon for four years, moving from Ranger.  He worked for Jones Monument Co. for several years and Sterling Monument Co. in Eastland. He worked at the Leather Shop with the late David Fox and was owner/operated Granite Works
   He is survived by two daughters, Mary Cape and Misty Cape, both of Vernon; one brother, Daniel Cape of Abilene and one sister, Darlene Greer of Abilene as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, David H. Cape.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Jan Smith Geraci, 40 of Vernon, died on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Toby Castleberry, Rev. Kelly Russell and Rev. Phillip Weitner. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Geraci was born Monday, Oct. 8, 1973 in Wichita Falls. She was the daughter of   Barbara Swaim Smith and the late James Wade Smith. She married James Joseph Geraci on Jan.10, 2007 in Lawton, Okla. She had lived in Vernon all of her life. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a homemaker.
   She is survived by her husband, James Joseph Geraci of the home; one son, Nicholas James Geraci; one daughter, Lauren Elise Geraci; one stepson, James Geraci; her mother, Barbara Ann Smith; one nephew and one niece, all of Vernon; two aunts and several cousins.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Maude Elise (Manar) Draper was born Aug. 27, 1921 in Boswell, Okla.to J.A. and Daisy (Burkett) Manar.  She attended school and grew up in Farmers Valley, Texas on the family farm.
   During WWII, she moved to California and worked at an airplane parts factory. She returned to Chillicothe, Texas to help on the family farm. It is in Chillicothe while working at the local variety store that she met the love of her life, William C. Draper. There were married on Aug. 16, 1947. They had three children; Mike, Jane and Steve. She became a full time homemaker, but was also active and supportive in her husband’s hay/trucking company.
   She was a loving and devoted wife and mother who was totally dedicated to serving her family, friends, church and her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a member of the First Assembly of God where she taught a Beginners Sunday School class and was active in the Ladies Ministries of the Church.
   She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William Draper; her children, Mike Draper and Jeanette, Jane and Ken Robinson and Steve and Linda Draper; her 14 grandchildren and spouses: Ricky and Linda, Joe and Katrina, Yvette and Jason, P.J. and Rudy, Kyle and Amber, Kenda, Kade, Levi and Andrew; her six great-grandchildren; Kayla, Allen, Kirsten, Bert, Ava and Willow; her one great-great grandson, Karder; two sisters Carrie Taylor and Betty Strayhorn; five sisters-in-law: Laverne Rush, Berneace Lapham, Lillian Barnes, Lorene Stinson and Nora Draper and four brother-in-laws; Wayne Strayhorn, James Rush, R.D. Draper and Doug Draper, and several nieces and nephews.
   The celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013 at 3 p.m., at the First Assembly of God Church, 2430 Sand Road. Officiating will be the Rev. Brian Pounds. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 6 to 8 p.m., Monday at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   She will be deeply missed by her family and friends….but to be absent from this life is to be present with her Lord for eternity. I Corinthians 5:18.
   Pallbearers will be grandsons; Ricky Draper, Levi Draper, Joe Draper, Allen Draper, Kyle Robinson, Rudy Cardona, Kade Robinson and Andrew Draper.
   Memorials may be made to the Assembly of God building fund.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   CROWELL – Donald (Don) E. Todd, 78, died on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 in Signal Mountain, Tenn. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, dec. 31, 2013 at Womack-Manard Funeral Home Chapel in Crowell with the Rev. Tyler Looper, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Crowell, officiating. Interment will be Tuesday in the Crowell Cemetery under direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home of Crowell.
   Todd was a former resident of Quanah and longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tenn.  He was a professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he taught electrical engineering and computer science. He owned and operated Todd Engineering Company.
   Todd is survived by his wife, Judy Bean-Todd of Hixson, Tenn.; one daughter, Tonya Justice of Lagauna Niguel, Calif.; two stepchildren, Sharon Thomas of Lookout Mountain, Ga., and John Bean of Scottsdale, Ariz., as well as two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Eugene R. Todd.
   Memorials may be made to the Crowell High School in honor of the Todd Family.

Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at Womack-Manard Funeral Home of Crowell.

 

   Leonard J. Schoppa—farmer, pastor, counselor, and a much-loved husband, father, brother, and grandfather—passed away on Dec. 27 at the age of 75. He was born in Wilbarger County in 1938 and grew up on a farm near the Red River in Elliott.  In his youth, he picked and chopped cotton in these fields and helped his father both with the farming and with his construction work. From his earliest years, he was also an active member of the congregation at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harrold, where he was baptized, confirmed, served as pastor, and (most recently) as chairman of the congregation.
   In between his long years of life in Harrold and Vernon, Len served as a missionary in Japan. He left home to attend Valporaiso College in Indiana, but was called to take up the ministry, and so completed his studies at Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. He volunteered to serve as a missionary, and was sent by the Church to Japan, where he spent the first two years in Tokyo learning Japanese.
   He then founded the Lutheran Church in Oasa on the island of Hokkaido. He preached in Japanese to a small but loyal congregation and returned there in his later years to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the congregation’s founding.  He is remembered fondly by the members of this congregation.
   In 1974, upon his return from Japan, he began working as Director of Outreach for Wilbarger County, providing community mental health services to the residences of the local area. He counseled families and individuals dealing with all of the challenges of life. He continued in this role until he retired from this position in 2000.
   Starting in the 1980s, Len took over farming the old family homestead in Elliott, growing cotton and wheat and raising cattle.  He built his home on the old farm, continued farming after his “retirement,” and took particular joy in caring for newborn calves.
   Len was a devoted husband to Beverly Schoppa of Harrold, who will miss him immeasurably. He was also a generous and loving father to seven children, all of whom graduated from Vernon High School.  Many of us spent the Christmas holidays with him, and he presided as usual at Christmas dinner with words of appreciation for his wife and family, as he led us in prayer.
   He is survived by his children: Leonard J.r of Charlottesville, Va.; Laura Schoppa of Alexandria, Va.; Nathan Schoppa of Boulder, Colo.; Greg Briscoe of Harrold, Tx.; Melanie Galinger of Hebron, Ky.; Brian Briscoe of Evergreen, Colo., and Stacy Briscoe of Centennial, Colo.; by his sisters, Clara Noack of Montague, Tx.; Marilyn Rogers of Murphy, Tx., and Lydia Miller of Franklin, Tenn., and his grandchildren Melina, Isabelle, Alex, Ana, Bradley, Samantha, Michael, Matthew.
   Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harrold, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013. Visitation will be at Sullivan Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.
   Memorials may be made in Len’s name to the Memorial Fund of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Harrold, Tx.

 

   Deborah (Debbie) K.  Austin, 60 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in Fort Worth. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014  at  Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Kelly Russell.
   Austin was born on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 1953 in Austin. She was the daughter of the late Edwin Peck and the late Lucille Scribner Peck. She married Gerald Austin on Aug. 17, 1986 in Wichita Falls. She had lived in Vernon since 1961. She worked as a mental health worker and security guard at Vernon State Hospital. She was a member of the Patriot Guard. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
   She is survived by her husband, Gerald Austin of the home; two sons, Mark Austin of Seminole, Okla., and David Couch of Burleson; one daughter, Cindy Cloud of Celina; one sister, Connie Newberry of Moore, Okla., and seven grandchildren.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Funeral for Mary Jacquelyn “Jackye” Antwine, 70, of Lawton, Okla. will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at the Central Christian Church of Vernon, Texas with Rev. Jim Hall, minister of Fletcher Christian Church, officiating.
   Jackye passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, in Lawton, Okla.
   Burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.
   Jackye was born on Feb. 26, 1943, in Grandfield, Okla. to Samuel Rudell and Mary Lou Fudge Russell. She went to school in Grandfield, Okla., graduating in 1961. She was active in many extra-curricular activities including choir and band. In the band, she served as drum major her senior year. She married Jim Antwine on March 25, 1961 in Grandfield. She was an outstanding Bible class teacher, and she traveled to many places in the U.S. conducting workshops on teaching Bible lessons to pre-school children. Her life focused on loving her family and serving the Lord. Jackye touched the lives of countless families during her over 20 years of service to Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home and Sunset Memorial Gardens.
   Loving family members include her loving husband of over 50 years; daughters, Jacquelyn “Jeanye” and Phillip Mercer of Waxahachie, Texas and Jamye and Jamey Whitehorn of Lawton, Okla., and Martha Antwine of Elgin, Okla.; grandchildren, Tyler and Melissa and daughter Ellie Jaclyn Mercer of Red Oak, Texas, Jenna Mercer and Will Myrick of Lawton, Leah Whitehorn and Christopher Maple of Durant, Okla., and Ariel Whitehorn of Lawton; brothers, Samuel Russell of Lawton, Tom and Brenda Russell of Cache, Okla., Dan and Jean Russell of New York, Larry Russell of California, and sisters, Frankye Jones and Billye Gaines, both of Seattle, Wash.
   Jackye is in Heaven with her parents, her beloved parents-in-law, Bob and Lily Faye Antwine and her granddaughter, Jaclyn Hope Mercer.
   Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 2100 Sand Road, Vernon, TX 76384.
   Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at the funeral home.

 

   CROWELL – Jackie Walker, 77, of Crowell, died on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 in Quanah. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013 at Womack-Manard Funeral Home Chapel in Crowell. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Fox, pastor of the Western Trail Cowboy Church of Lockett assisted by the Rev. Tyler Looper, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Crowell.
   Walker was born Feb. 27, 1936 in Portales, N.M., a son of the late Jack and Hazel Miller Walker. He married Jo Kaemmerling on Aug. 9, 1997 in Elide, N.M. He was a longtime resident of Crowell. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crowell and served in the United States Army. He was a longtime driver of Central Express Trucking Company. He was a custom farmer and a former Foard County Deputy Sheriff.
   He is survived by his wife, Jo Walker, of Crowell; three daughters, Debra Baize of Crowell and Eryn Boehler of Abilene; three sons, Jeffrey Walker of Burkburnett, Bill Ford of Leroy, N.Y., and Mark Ford of Chanute, Kan.; one sister, Maxine Heffelfinger of Crowell; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
   Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at Womack-Manard Funeral Home in Crowell. Memorials may be made to the Crowell Volunteer Fire Department.

 

   CROWELL – David Lee Blackburn, 54, of Crowell, died on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 in Dallas. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Margaret Methodist Church with Rev. Damon Stalvey officiating.
   Blackburn was the son of Joe and Icyphene Blackburn, born on Oct. 13, 1959 in Irving.  He was a general contractor , doing carpentry work around the area. He was a disabled veteran after serving in the Army for two years. Blackburn lived most of his life in Crowell and around the Dallas area.
   He is survived by his mother, Icyphene Blackburn of Crowell; one brother, Rex Blackburn of San Antonio; two stepsons, Brian Marsh of Houston and Travis Marsh of Lubbock, as well as two aunts, nieces, nephews and great-nieces.  He was preceded in death by a brother Jerry Blackburn.
   Memorials may be made to Margaret Methodist Church or a favorite organization.

   QUANAH – Ludene Bailey, age 77, of Quanah, died, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Crowell. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at the Chapel at Smith Funeral home with Rev. Oscar Martinez and Rev. Sam Dody officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Bailey was born July 6, 1936 in Corsicana to the late A.J. and Eddie Murt Mitchell. She was a longtime resident of Quanah and a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church.
   She is survived by one son, Bobby Joe Bailey of Quanah; one brother, Billy Mitchell of Quanah; one niece and two nephews

   A memorial services for former Vernon resident Jimmy M. Fox, 82, who died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Okla., will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013 at the Western Trail Cowboy Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Fox.
   Fox had lived in Vernon for several years. He retired from the Vernon State Hospital after many years of service there. He served in the US army and four tours of duty in Korea and four in Vietnam. He served as advisor to the 251^st Vietnamese Artillery Battalion. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, he had received the Vietnam Beret, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He also received four Commendation Medals, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Airborne Wings and two General’s Aide Awards. He had the privilege of serving as General Critz’s Aide and General Palmer’s Aide. He had the honor of a visit from General Palmer one day while working at Vernon State Hospital. He was a member of the Western Trail Cowboy Church. He was an avid fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie Fox of Oklahoma City, Okla., and nephew, the Rev. Ron Fox of Vernon as well as several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Fox. 

   Clara Lee “Muff” Butcher Christine, 92, of Gillett, died Dec. 19, 2013.  She was born June 15, 1921, to Charlie Clinton Butcher and Carrie Bitely Butcher.  Muff was a homemaker and a member of Gillett United Methodist Church.
     Muff was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Tom Christine; two sons-in-law, Norman Neely and Dr. Layne Collums, Jr.  Survivors include her daughters, Betty Neely of DeWitt and Jackie Collums of Vernon, TX; four grandchildren, Christy Wells of Maumelle, Jodi Owen of Vernon, TX, and her children Molli, Ben, and Jaci, LeAnn (Chris) Thomsen of Tempe, AZ, and Ken (Robin) Collums of Abilene, TX, and their children Anna and Layne.
     Funeral services were held Dec. 21 at Gillett United Methodist Church with burial in Gillett Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Gillett Cemetery, c/o Jennifer Lowe, P.O. Box 124, Gillett, AR . 72055, or Gillett United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 88, Gillett, AR..  72055.

 

   Victor Vidal Chavarria, 46 of Vernon died on Monday, Dec.16, 2013 in Vernon, Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Pastor Ismael Ortiz. Interment will be held at Thalia Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Chavarria was born Saturday, July 29, 1967, He was the son of the late Maria Vidal Chavarria and Roman Chavarria. He had lived in Vernon for 20 years. He worked for Sharp Veterinarian Clinic.
   He is survived by his wife, Debra Chavarria of Dallas; his father, Roman Chavarria of Vernon; his son, Stephen Chavarria of Dallas; his daughter, Erica Chavarria of Dallas; three brothers, Enrique  Vidal Chavarria of Temple, Gudberto Chavarria of Vernon and Joquin Chavarria of Vernon; four sisters,  Elvira Vidal Chavarria, Estela Chavarria and Janny Chavarria, all of Vernon, and Maria Luisa Chavarria of Calfornia; two granddaughters and 26 nieces and nephews.
   Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Jewel Caroline Haynes was born to Dan and Lula Passmore in Russell, Okla. on April 8, 1934. On Sept. 8, 1950, she married Cecil Perryman, and they had three children: Larry, Linda, and Sharon. Jewel later married Bill Haynes on June 18, 1982. She lived in Oklahoma until 1985 when she and her husband, Bill, moved to Texas. Jewel passed away in Vernon, Texas on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at the age of 79.
   Mrs. Haynes is survived by her husband, Bill Haynes, of Vernon; a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Kay Perryman of Mangum, Okla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Terry Brooks of Lindsay, Okla.; and a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Mike Montgomery of Roosevelt, Okla.  There are two step-daughters: Amaryllis Mullins of Burkburnett, and Betty Smith of Portland. Jewel also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
   Jewel was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Lula Passmore; two brothers, Marshall and Lonnie Passmore; three sisters, Grace Lee Passmore, Clara Mae Smith and Vida Lee Ratliff, in addition to four stillborn siblings.
   The family request that any memorials donations be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Funeral services for Mrs. Haynes will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Vernon with Dr. Darrell Monday officiating and Rev. Kelly Russell assisting.
   Interment will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home of Vernon.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Billie Jo Levario, 73, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013.  Billie was born and raised in Vernon, Texas to Willie and Hattie Knight Swanson.  She married Juan Levario on Nov. 9, 1979. She loved to fish and to sew.  Billie was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 6873.  She loved people and never met a stranger.
   Billie was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Nelda Baker. She is survived by her husband, Juan Levario;  three daughters, Donna K. Winkles and husband, Homer, of Abilene, Cathy L. Martinez of San Antonio,  Ronda C. Phipps of Colorado; five grandchildren: DeeAnna, Robert, Brandy, Michael, and Chris; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Frances Baker of Vernon, Texas and several nephews.
   Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.

 

   Johnnie D. Barrier, 85 of Vernon, died on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at Wilbarger Memorial Park. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Fox. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Barrier was born Sunday, Dec. 2, 1928 in Vernon. He was the son of the late Dave Edgar Barrier and the late Nancy Ann Hutchens Barrier. He married Joyce Ann Rosson on April 25, 1948 in Vernon . She preceded him in death June 2, 2006. He had lived all of his life in Vernon. He was a farmer and hay hauler. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his son, Tony Barrier of Muleshoe; two daughters, Rebecca Waggoner and Kathy Hite, both of Vernon; two sisters, Velma Butler of Wichita Falls and Emma Jean Capps of Levelland; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Funeral services for Shelton Guion Clayton, II, 70 of Vernon, who died on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Wichita Falls, will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Irl Holt. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Clayton was born Monday, Feb. 1, 1943 in Vernon. He was the son of the late Shelton Guion Clayton and the late Louise Truelove Clayton. He married Carla Thomas on June 25, 1966 in Vernon. He had lived all of his life in Vernon. He was a salesman for Riddell Sports Inc., since 1979. He was owner and operator of North Texas Hardware from 1970 to 1979. He was a member of NRA, American Quarter Horse Association, and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was a member of Fargo United Methodist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Carla Clayton of the home; one son, Shelton Guion (Trey) Clayton, III of Vernon; one daughter, Angelieque Matthys of San Antonio; one brother, Anthony Clayton of Coppell; one sister, Trudy Cook of Duncan, Okla., and two grandchildren.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to Gene and Naomi Thomas Scholarship Fund at Vernon College.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Betty Jean (Russell) Box, 84, former Altus resident of Vernon, Texas, passed away on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013in Vernon, Texas.  The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at the Kincannon Funeral Home.  Private family graveside services will be held at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. 
   Betty Russell was born on March 3, 1929 to James W. and Anna (Foreman) Russell in Altus, Okla. She attended Altus Public Schools and graduated from Altus High School in 1947.  Betty and George L. Box, Jr. were united in marriage on May 30, 1947 in Vernon, Texas.  He preceded her in death in January of 1994.  She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Altus, Okla.  She loved watching her grandchildren play football and watching Texas Rangers baseball.  Much of Betty’s time was spent sewing, quilting and cooking.
   Betty is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jerry Russell and Jim Russell; infant brother, Donnie Joe Russell, and a son-in-law, Lane B. Taylor.
   She is survived by her children, Leslie Taylor and husband, William Toy, of Vernon, Texas and Mark Box and wife, Sherry, of Kingston, Okla., a sister, Kay Talbott, of Sacramento, Calif.; two brothers, Carl Russell of Kingsville, Texas and John Russell of Escondido, Calif., six grandchildren, George L. Rhett Box and wife, Leslie, Ryan Mark Box and wife, Adrienne, Reade Cotney Box and wife Sarah, Brandon Douglas Cross and wife Lillie, Lacey Jean Ownby and husband, Ken, and Timothy Lane Taylor; and 11 great-grandchildren, John Mark Box, James Rhett Box, Jessie James Box, Skylee Blake Box, Quinton Reade Box, Dyson Grant Lee Box, Adlynn Beth Box, Jacob Lee Martinez and Jordan Lane Martinez, Kaitlyn Ashley Cross and Corey Brandon Cross.
   Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com. 

   Larry Thomas Haynes, 67 of Vernon, died on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at 1 p.m.,  at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rick Rosales. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Larry was born Monday, Dec. 31, 1945 in Fort Worth. He went to school in Amarillo until the 6th grade when he moved to Vernon, where he graduated in 1964. He began dating Ruby Labeth on Jan. 15, 1974 and was with the love of his life for almost 40 years. He worked with his father then later owned Exxon Service Station, which he sold in 1975. He became a self-employed trucker driver for over 30 years until his retirement. He loved hunting and fishing on his deer lease. He also enjoyed coffee with his buddies.
   He is survived by his mother, Vynetta Rose (Cagle) States; his wife, Ruby (Labeth) Haynes of the home; one daughter, Andria Franco and husband John of Lawton, Okla., one son, Larry (Todd) Haynes and wife Amy of Frederick, Okla.; one sister, Kay Chisholm and husband Bob of Greenville, Texas; one brother, Dale Haynes and wife Betsy of Greenville, Texas; one uncle, J.W. Haynes and wife Lawanda of Vernon; six grandchildren, Cody, Chance, Justin Hagerman, Courtney and Bryce Haynes, John Franco. He was preceded in death by his father T.J. Haynes on June 25, 1982, a brother Troy Haynes on Feb. 8, 1959, a sister Rose Hopkins on Feb. 29, 2011 and his step-father Marvin States on April 1, 2008.
   Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society.
   Pallbearers will be Duane Chisholm, Todd Haynes, John Fisher, Robert Haynes, Booth Freeman, Ollie Garrett and Bobbie Haynes.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   QUANAH – Edwin (Gino) Johnson, of Quanah died on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, in Quanah. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 at Quanah Memorial Park with Sam Doby officiating. Interment is under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Johnson was born July 27, 1962. He was a longtime resident of Quanah. He graduated from Crowell High School and was a former employee of the Crowell Calif.,p Factory. He was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church in Crowell.
   He is survived by his wife, Serina Petty-Johnson; two daughters, Ashley Petty of Amarillo and Dominue Lindsey of Oklahoma City, Okla; two sons, Dareus Johnson of Quanah and Edwin Johnson of Wichita Falls; his mother, Carolyn Johnson of Pacoima, Calif.; one brother, Reggie Jackson of Venice, Calif., three sisters, Trina Childress, Los Angeles, Calif., Kamika Batch, Los Angeles, Calif., and Felicia Williams, Gardena, Calif. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rico Williams and Jose Williams.

   Presley Lamar (P.L.)  Pippin, Jr., age 76, of Archer City, Texas, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 6, 2013, at a Wichita Falls, Texas hospital.
   Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Archer City, with Roger Deerinwater, pastor, officiating.  Interment with full Military Honors will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at the Pippin & Hill Cemetery in Hopkins County, Texas under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City. 
   P.L. was born Aug. 3, 1937 in Rains County, Texas to Presley L. Pippin and Pattie Lois Gresham Pippin.
   He was retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service and then was retired from Archer County as Sheriff in 1995.
  He and Sherry (Shorty) Stanford were married Nov. 29, 2000 in Decatur, Texas.
   He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Denise Cato of Chillicothe, Texas; two sons, James Pippin of Graham, Texas, and Brad Pippin of Lansing, Kan.; two stepsons, Rusty and Dusty McCord of Archer City; one step-daughter, Phyllis Shoemaker of Dean, Texas; the mother of his children, Janice Kay Smith of Vernon, Texas; and three grandchildren, Wesley and Rebecca of Lansing, Kan. and Gwendolyn of Wheeling, W.Va. He was preceded in death by his sister, Francis Garrett, and two brothers, Jimmie and Basil (Bunk) Pippin.
   The family suggests memorials to the Archer County Sheriff’s Dept., P.O. Box 517, Archer City, Texas  76351 for specialized training for their officers.

   Shelton Clayton age 70 of Vernon, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 in Wichita Falls. Funeral services are pending at Sullivan Funeral Home.

 

   Funeral services for Ronald (Ron) E. Hamm, 79 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, in Vernon, will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Kelly Russell. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Hamm was born Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1934 in Vernon. He was the son of the late Clifford Cortez Hamm and the late Thelma Price Hamm. He married Frances Mote on July 23, 1960 in Vernon, He had lived most of his life in Vernon. He was assistant city recreation director for the City of Santa Fe, N.M., and he was a conductor for Harris Semi in Palm Bay, Fla., and the Middle School & High School I.S.S. Coordinator in Vernon. He retired from Vernon State Hospital as a Mental Health Supervisor. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Frances Hamm of the home; one daughter, Amy Hamm of Vernon; three grandchildren, and a sister, Linda Plummer of Plano. He was preceded in death by a son Mitchell Hamm in March of 2005; a grandson, Cullen Hamm-Goolsby, and a brother Larry Hamm.
   Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to American Cancer society or Wilbarger County Humane Society.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Mary Swanson Breshears Jordan 89, died Dec. 6, 2013 in McLoud, Okla. following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will be in Fargo cemetery in Fargo, Texas.
   Jordan was born July 10, 1924, in Vernon, a daughter of Thomas A. Swanson and Myrtle Shankles Swanson. She married Cloys Breshears in 1941 and later married Emmitt Jordan in 1976.
   Surviving is one sister, Eunice Boyd; a son,  Mike Breshears of Longview;  a daughter, Wanda Doolen of McLoud, Okla.; five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Emory, Willie, Carl and Earl Swanson, and  four sisters, Ima Neely, Ruby Crisp, Jewel Eason and Murl Moore.

 

   ABILENE, Texas – Former Vernon resident Ellie Edwin (Edd) Chappell, 88, passed away Dec. 1, 2013, in Abilene after a lengthy illness.
   Visitation in Abilene will be held at North’s Funeral Home Abilene, on Thursday evening Dec. 5, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Sullivan’s Funeral Home in Vernon, on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at 2 p.m. with Doug Shelley of Big Spring and David Sims of Abilene, officiating.  Interment will be at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Mr. Chappell was born July 13, 1925 in Idabel, Okla., a son of the late James Ellie and Hattie Bell Holland Chappell.  He married Mozelle Louvae Townsend on April 26, 1945, in Durant, Okla. They were married 50 years before her death Dec. 14, 1995.  Mr. Chappell married Jessie Edwards of Abilene on March 3, 2002 where they have resided since his passing.
   The Chappell family lived in Lockett during his early childhood years and later moved to Achille, Okla. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was a veteran of World War II. He was discharged in 1946 and worked as machinist in Fort Worth for many years before being ordained as a Baptist minister in 1958. Pastor Chappell served as the minister at Riverside Baptist Church in Meridian, Texas; Victory Baptist Church in Wichita Falls; Immanuel Baptist Church in Pueblo, Colo.; and Beacon Baptist Church in Fort Worth. He was the pastor at Eastside Baptist Church in Vernon from 1974 to 1993.
   He was also instrumental in establishing churches in India by sponsoring missionary Solomon Rao and his family through East Side Baptist Church. Chappell was faithful to the ministry until his retirement in 1993.  He was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Abilene. He enjoyed fishing, playing his mandolin and singing, and volunteering at the Rose Park Senior Citizen’s Center.
   Survivors include his wife, Jessie, of Abilene; a son, Derrel Chappell of Fort Worth, Texas; a daughter, Tracye Mendez, of Kyle, Texas; three step-sons, James Edwards of Abilene, Randell Edwards of Stephenville and Mark Edwards of Abilene; a step-daughter, Alice Grissom of Abilene; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and one  sister Beatrice Salyer of Austin.
   He was preceded in death by three brothers, Oran Chappell, George Chappell and Oscar Chappell, and a sister Joe Alice Livingston.
   Pallbearers will be James Prescott, Lonnie Collier, Gordon Schulz, Bill Sutton, Emmitt Moore, and Robert Vincent.
   Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice of Abilene, Rose Park Senior Citizens Center in Abilene, or Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Stanley S. Kothe of Fredericksburg passed away on Sunday, Dec. 1 in the Knopp Healthcare and Rehab at the age of 83 years.
   Stanley was born Dec. 20, 1929 in Fredericksburg, Texas to Herman and Emma Schmidt Kothe. He married Olga Woerner on Feb. 20, 1951.  He operated the Sands Motel in Vernon in the 1970s.
   He  is survived by his wife: Olga Woerner Kothe of Fredericksburg; two daughters and three sons and spouses: Darrel and Cindy Kothe of Fredericksburg, Stevie and Julie Kothe of Fredericksburg, Dennis and Jerri Kothe of Vernon, Cindy and Dale Turkett of Fredericksburg, Stannett and Kenneth Raute of Fredericksburg; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one brother and spouse: Kenneth and JoAnn Kothe of Fredericksburg.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Terry Parker
   Funeral services for Stanley Kothe were held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg. Graveside services and interment followed in the Greenwood Cemetery.
   For those who so desire, you may make memorial contributions in his memory to the Fredericksburg V.F.D. or to the charity of your choice.
   Pallbearers: Darrin Kothe, Dustin Kothe, Shane Turkett, Jonathon Turkett, Kegan Raute, Kye Raute, Kreger Raute.
   Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.
   Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg.

   QUANAH – Glenn Edwin Quisenberry, 68, of Quanah, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Joseph Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Quisenberry was born May 7, 1945 to the late Wes and Vivian Baker Quisenberry in Vernon. He married Jana Rozell July 2, 1986 in Quanah. He was a resident of Wilbarger and Hardeman Counties all of his life. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He enjoyed racing cars and was a member of the Church of Christ.
   Survived by his wife, Jana Quisenberry of Quanah; two sons, Jeff Quisenberry and Casey Quisenberry, both of, Quanah; two sisters, Glenda Boyd, Vernon and Marietta Inglish of Famers Valley; one brother,  Jimmy Quisenberry; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
   Family visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home.
   Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Thomas Sawyer Library.

 

   Lewis Dorris, 78 of Vernon, died on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Vernon. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 at 3 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Denison. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Dorris was born Sunday, May 26, 1935 in Nashville, Tenn. He was the son of the late Lilland Dorris and the late Sara Margrett Dorris. He married Florence McElfresh on March 31, 2010 in Springfield, Tenn. He had lived in Vernon since 1988. He was owner and operator of Dorris Service Company Heating & AC for 60 years. He served in the US Army Staff Sgt. serving in Vietnam, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
   He is survived by his wife, Florence McElfresh of the home; two sons, Terry Dorris of Celina, and Shawn Dorris of Vernon; two daughters, Stacey McKinney of Sherman and Shay Barker of Thackerville, Calif., two sisters, Josephine Checker and Eunice Vickers; one brother, Floyd Dorris, nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin Dorris and James Dorris, and two sisters Iren Sexton and Elizabeth Shelton.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Mr. Dale Ray Shelton Sr., age 73, of Ozark, Mo., was born June 30, 1940, in Vernon, to Oscar Ray and Helen Betty (Daniel) Shelton.  He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Nov. 28, 2013 at 12:10 a.m., on Thanksgiving Day, after battling with COPD, emphysema, and congestive heart failure.
   He leaves behind his wife of 49 years and six months, Charlotte May (Root); one son, Dale Ray Shelton Jr., and wife, Kimberly A. (Viles) Shelton; two grandchildren, Levi Charles Shelton, age 17, and Abbie Rae-Ann Shelton, age 15.
   Dale was a wonderful husband, providing Charlotte with love, compassion, and an everlasting friendship.  He loved his son, Dale Jr., very much and was his greatest fan while Dale Jr. was playing in sports.  The grandchildren, Levi and Abbie, were his sunshine.
   Dale worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a lineman and signal maintainer, retiring at the Springfield, Mo., signal shop, in 2001. He served in the U.S. Navy, and as a fireman for the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Germany.
   The visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, in Meadors Funeral Home, Republic, Mo.  The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, also in the funeral home.  Burial, with military honors, will follow the service in Brookline Cemetery, Brookline, Mo.  Online condolences may be shared at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com

   Edna Ethelene Bledsoe Gibbs, 81 of Vernon, died on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday Nov. 27, 2013 at the Wilbarger Street Church of Christ with Joe Dale Wilson officiating, interment will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Edna was born Sunday, July 17, 1932 in Avoca. She was the daughter of the late Evert Jordan and the late Mary Clevenger Jordan. She married Delroy Bledsoe on April 1, 1952. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1986. She then married Charles Gibbs on July 18, 1991. He preceded her in death on May 23, 1999. She was a 1949 graduate of Avoca High School. She graduated from Nursing School at Amherst College in Amherst in 1950. She worked as a lab tech at Christ The King Hospital. She was a member of the Lockett Extension Club and was a member of the Wilbarger Street Church of Christ.
   Surviving are two sons, Jim Bledsoe and wife Robin of Archer City and David Bledose of Childress; one daughter, Debbie Ramsey of Vernon; two brothers, Monroe Jordan of Lueders and Caroll Jordan of Fayetteville, Ark.; one sister, Flossie Jordan of Norman, Okla.; grandchildren, Damaris and Tim Horn, Heath Ramsey, Loren Anne Ramsey, Brady Bledsoe, Ethan Bledsoe, Evan Bledsoe and Jordan Bledsoe;
   Five great-grandchildren and one due in February of 2014. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Mike Jordan and Jimmy Jordan.
      Visitation will be held on Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
      Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Pallbearers will be Heath Ramsey, Brady Bledsoe, Evan Bledsoe, Ethan Bledsoe, Jordan Bledsoe and Tim Horn.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   Mrs. Donald Marsh, 84 of Vernon, died on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ben Macklin officiating. Interment will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Marsh was born on Nov.30, 1928 in McClennan County. She was the daughter of the late Rhea Blanton and the late Electa Wall Blanton. She married Donald Dean Marsh on Aug.14, 1948 in Hewitt. She had lived in Vernon since 1955. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and she was a homemaker.
   Surviving are husband, Donald Marsh of the home; two sons, Ed Marsh and Donald Marsh, Jr., both of Vernon; one daughter, Bobbi Graf of Vernon; one sister, Jean Mirick of Fort Worth;
   14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Blanton.
   Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday Nov. 25, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Lottie Moon Offering.
   Pallbearers will be Greg Graf, Brian Graf, Mark Graf, Justin Marsh, Tyler Marsh, Jason Marsh, Jordan Marsh, Jonathan Marsh, Josh Marsh and Jerod Marsh.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   QUANAH – James William Walters, 67, of Quanah, passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Quanah. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Wayne Hollenshead officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Walters was born July 15, 1946 to the late Erie and Helen Walters in Stevens Point, Wisc. He married Brenda Thompson Walters on Aug. 23, 1982 in Tulsa, Okla. He grew up in Appleton, Wisc. He moved to Texas in 1976 and has lived in Quanah since 2007. He was a machinist at Dingo for 10 years and also other various machine shops. He loved Harley motorcycles, hunting and bowling.
   He is survived by his wife, Brenda Walters of Quanah; one son, Michael Lee Walters of Fort Worth; two daughters, Niki Sue Swokowski of Appleton, Wisc., and Lacey Michelle Braziel of Bedford; two stepchildren, Denise Surles of Big Spring and Sherri Shepard, Portland, Tenn.;  two sisters, Lawana Vandenboom  of Appleton, Wisc., and Nancy Kelly of Shawno, Wisc.; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Erie Walters; his mother, Helen Walters, and three brothers, Chet Walters, Junior Walters And Freddy Walters.
   Family visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 from 6 p.m., to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home.
   Memorial may be made to the American Heart Association or Meals on Wheels.

 

   Ina Baldwin, 84 of Vernon, died on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 in Stephenville. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at the Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Toby Castleberry. Interment will be at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Baldwin was born on Saturday, Aug. 24, 1929 in Vernon. She was the daughter of the late Louis Walker and the late Bertha Baker Walker. She married Carl I. Baldwin on June 3, 1947 in Vernon. He preceded her in death on July 18, 1991. She lived all of her life in Vernon. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church where she was a teacher and director of the two and three-year-old Sunday School Class. She was a homemaker.
   She is survived by three daughters, Linda Wilson of Vernon, Donna Donohue of Stephenville and Shelia Hutson of Vernon; one foster son, Charles Ritter of Vernon; three sisters, Mary Arnold of Vernon, Louise Watson of Arizona and Thelia Brock of Vernon; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
   Pallbearers will be Ricky Baldwin, Jerry Baldwin, Leslie Denton, Kim Arnold, Ken Brock and Paul Simmons.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   Teena Kay Brown passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2013. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, at the Azle Church of Christ. 
   Teena was born in Vernon Sept. 1, 1955 to the late Harry and Lois Shannon. She was an honor graduate of the 1973 class of Vernon High School and the 1975 class of Vernon Regional Junior College. Teena retired from North Texas State Hospital after many years of service. She will be greatly missed.
   Survivors include her daughter, Meagan Urbanek of Fort Worth; son, Zack Brown of Mesquite; grandson, Eli Brown of Ardmore, Okla.; sisters, Deena Adams of Seymour and Rhonda Flores of Wichita Falls, and a niece, nephews and many other loving family members and friends.       

 

   Alvin E. Lewis, was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Chillicothe, Texas to the late Dempsey Daniel Jr. and Bertha Mae (McAdams), and passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013. Alvin enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He was a high school math teacher before becoming an automobile mechanic. Alvin was preceded in death by two brothers, Milton and Tommie, and four sisters, Lenora, Gracie, Eunice, and Maydelle.
   Those left to cherish him memory are his sisters, Hester Clark of Lubbock, Oleta McCubbin of Wichita Falls; son Michael Lewis and wife Amy of Lubbock; son David Lewis of Bismark, North Dakota; daughter Kim Lewis of Wichita Falls; daughter Melanie Lamar and husband, Larry of Fort Worth; and five grandchildren Russell, James, Joshua, Audra, and Jessica.
   Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 at the Chillicothe, Texas Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Ron Fox. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 at Smith Funeral Chapel, Chillicothe, Texas
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   QUANAH – Gene Autry Martin, 72, of Quanah, died on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Quanah. Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at The Chapel at Smith Funeral Home with Rev. John Spangler officiating.
   Martin was born Feb. 18, 1941 in Winslow, Ind., to the late Charles and Vivian Norick. He worked as a maintenance manager and CNA at the nursing homes in Quanah, Crowell and Quanah.
   He is survived by: four daughters, Donna Glover of, Quanah, Peggy Koonce, Kathy Sapler and Mary Martin, all of Princeton, Ind.; one brother, Leroy Martin of Princeton, Ind; three sisters, Mary Lewis, of Indianapolis, Ind., Delpha Jane Norick of Winslow, Ind, and Jill Wright.

 

   Lyvonne Marie Harper, 65 of Vernon, died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013 at Hurricane Cemetery in Arcadia, La. under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Lyvonne was born Friday, March 19, 1948 in Hodge, La. She was the daughter of the late Elmer Trussell and the late Louise Moreland Trussell. She was born and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from high school in 1966. She enjoyed dancing more than anything, and she was  active as an instructor for numerous weight loss organizations. She was a mortgage banker for many years, and she was a member of Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.
   She is survived by her daughter, Kala Martinez of Vernon; a sister, Una Hutchins of Grand Prairie; three grandchildren, Allison, Kelsey and Austin, all of Vernon, and nieces and nephews, Holly Hutchins of Sugarland, Mark Bramlett of Austin, Kimberly Bramlett of Austin, Gary Hutchins of Austin, and Nicole Hutchins of Austin. She was preceded in death by a son. Gary Alan Harper, in 1995.
   Memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   IOWA PARK – Troy Joe Bailey, age 74, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at his residence in Iowa Park, Texas.Services were held  at 1 pm Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at Dutton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harvey McMurry, Hospice Chaplain, officiating.  Burial was in Highland Cemetery under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home.
   Troy was born June 24, 1939 in Chillicothe, Texas to Lennie Joe and Nona Carlile Bailey.  He was a 45 year employee of the BNSF Railroad, where he worked as a railroad clerk.  He and Joan Wilson were married Jan. 28, 1961 in Chillicothe.  They have resided in Iowa Park since 1978.
   His parents and a son, David Joe Bailey, preceded him in death.
   His survivors include his wife, Joan of Iowa Park; son, Michael Bailey and wife, Vonna of Iowa Park; brother, Royce of Gainesville, Texas; 2 grandchildren, Tara Loyd and Ericka Walsh; three great-grandchildren, Madison, Bailey and Lawson, and two nephews.
  The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Wichita Falls, P.O. Box 4804, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308.
   Messages of condolence may be given at www.duttonfuneralhome.com. 

   ROCK SPRINGS, WYO. – Former Vernon resident Maria Dolores Ranjel Hebert, 54, of Rock Springs, Wyo., died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Services were held for Hebert, who had been a resident of Rock Springs since 1992.
   Hebert was born on April 25, 1959 in Vernon, the daughter of Sabas Ranjel and Augustina Longoria. She graduated from Vernon High School in 1978. She married Lynn Glover in 1982 in Vernon. He preceded her in death. She married Kenneth Joseph Hebert on June 22, 2000 in Green River. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2013.
   Survivors include her mother, Augustina Ranjel of Crowell; one son, William Hebert of Rock Springs, Wyo.; one daughter, Nikki Glover Renz of Rock Springs, Wyo; six brothers, Jacinto Ranjel of Oklahoma City, Sabas Ranjel Jr. of Wichita Falls, Augustine Ranjel of Georgia, John Ranjel and Trino Ranjel of Brigham City, Utah, and Roberto Ranjel of Vernon; seven sisters, Maria Greene of Altus, Okla., Louise Brown of Crowell, Sostenes Hernandez of Wichita Falls, Linda Ranjel of Dallas, Janie Ranjel of Maryland, Frances Jankord of Watertown, S.D. and Blanca Van Duyne of Stuttgart, Germany; three grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands; father, and two brothers, Manuel Ranjel and Pete Ranjel.
   Condolences may be sent in care of Robert Ranjel, 4430 Sand Oak, Vernon, Texas 76384 or http:/www.vasefuneeralhomes.com.

   Eddie Foy Quisenberry, 85 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Brian Pounds. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Quisenberry was born Wednesday, Jan.18, 1928. He was the son of the late David Phillip Quisenberry and the late Hettie Ann Wilson Quisenberry. He married Doris Kreig on Dec. 4, 1953 in Vernon. He was a lifetime resident of Wilbarger County. He was a farmer and truck driver for Ayes Oil Co. for several years. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and dirt work and shredding with his tractor. He served in the US Army as a sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Doris Quisenberry of the home; one son, Dennis Quisenberry of Vernon; three daughters, Brenda Eddy, Sharon Quisenberry and Karen Nice, all of Vernon; two sisters, Dorothy Gillespie of McKinney and Geraldine Lam of Security, Colo.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Gail Seale, on Dec. 2, 2007, and a son, Eddie Dale Quisenberry, on Dec. 4, 1957; three brothers Johnny Quisenberry, Wess Quisenberry, and Bud Quisenberry; six sisters, Geneva Thomas,  Bonnie Morris, Helen Monday, Betty Morris, Anona Mowery, and Lorena Lisenbee, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
   Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home. The family will be at 2106 Stadium Drive.
   Memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Wichita Falls Chapter, 901 Indiana Suite 350, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Linda Lindsey Goins, 72 of Vernon, died on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at the First Baptist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Ben Macklin and the Rev. Kelly Russell. Interment will at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Goins was born Tuesday, June 10, 1941 in Mangum, Okla. She was the daughter of the late Walter Lindsey and the late Lois Harris Lindsey. She married Bill Goins on July 17, 1981 in Lubbock. She worked at Hawkins School and Central School as a para professional teacher’s aide for 33 years for music students. She was a member of the Yamparika Club and Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of First Baptist Church and social chairman for First Baptist Church.
   She is survived by her husband, Bill Goins of the home; two daughters, Angie Boyd of Vernon and Deborah Cape of Atlanta, Ga.; one stepson, Billy Goins of Vernon; one brother, Robert Lindsey of Austin; two sisters, Shea Cotter of Arlington, and Donna Stribling of Vernon; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
   Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   LUBBOCK – Darrell King, 83, formerly of Vernon, died on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 in Lubbock. The son of Mason and Lonnie (Bunch) King, he was born October 22, 1930 near Eric, Okla. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at the Texhoma First Christian Church with Rev. Chris Hedges and Rev. Donnie Callaway officiating.  Interment will follow in the Texhoma Cemetery. Services are under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.
   King attended school in Goodwell, graduating with the Class of 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He married Imogene Curtiss on Nov. 25, 1957 in Texhoma. They moved from Texhoma to Lubbock in 1998 and attended the Shawdow Hills Baptist Church. Following seven years in the Army, King worked for the U.S. government in the helium industry.
   Survivors include his wife, Imogene King of Lubbock; five children, Diane Maples of Lone Oak, Jean King of Lubbock, Buddy King of Texhoma, Okla., Gabrielle King of Trulock, Calif., and Lesia King of Midwest City, Okla. as well as 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vicki Thies; grandson, Gary Eslinger Jr., and two sisters, Doris Ford and Janell Moore.
   The King family will greet friends Thursday evening, November 14th between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home, 122 NE 7th Street in Guymon, Okla.
   Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.

  

   QUANAH – Danny Felty, 72, of Quanah, died, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at The First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jason Stidham, Rev. Chris Holland and Ronnie Ingram officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Quanah.
   Felty was born Dec.15, 1940 in Quanah to the late Herbert and Dee Scarlet Felty. He married Linda Green Felty on Dec. 1, 1961 in Chillicothe. He was the office manager at Georgia Pacific for 30 years. He began working for the City of Quanah in 1997 as a water clerk and became the City Administrator in June 2002 until his retirement in February 2012. He was on the Quanah City Council for 17 years. He was a lifetime resident of Quanah and attended the First United Methodist Church.
   He is survived by  his wife, Linda Felty, Quanah; one daughter, Mindy Felty of Fort Worth; two sons, Kevin Felty, of Joes, Colo., and Kyle Felty of Fort Worth; one sister, Neita Brandon of Quanah and three grandchildren.
   Memorials made be made to the First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Wichita Falls.
   Family visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday.

 

   James E. Downes, 75, died in Wichita Falls on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. He fought a long and courageous battle with diabetes and the associated complications for 47 years.
   James was born June 25, 1938 in Lott, Texas to Bennie and Alice (Albert) Downes. He married Glenda Bradford on January 20, 1958.
   He graduated from Lockett High School in 1956 and Draughon’s Business College. He owned Vernon Pump Service for 31 years. He attended Amarillo College ADN Nursing Program, and West Texas A&M School of nursing, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. He at age of 57 proudly became a Registered Nurse. James retired from North Texas State Hospital. He was a member of First Baptist Church, served on the Texas State Board of Directors for the American Diabetes Association, and participated in several double blind studies for diabetes research.
   He is survived by his wife, Glenda, of the home; three children, Michael (Mike) Downes and wife Carie of Waco, Angela Bradford and husband Keith of Vernon, Cody Downes and wife Chelsea of Amarillo, and Dr. Cris and Maris Delgado of Winderemere, Fla.; six grandchildren, Misty Ulrey and husband Brad of Dallas, Ian Bradford of Vernon, Evan Bradford of Vernon, Cliff Dunham of Dallas, Chad Dunham of Waco, and Caylee Dunham of Austin; two great-grandchildren, Kairi Ulrey of Dallas and Brooklynn Bradford of Vernon; one brother, Arnold Downes, and wife Jean of Wichita Falls; three nieces, four nephews, aunts, and cousins.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Alice Downes, an infant sister, and two brothers, Calvin Downes and Charlie Downes.
   In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or Hospice of Wichita Falls.

 

   CHILDRESS – Dorothy L. Devoll, 87, of Childress died on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 in Childress. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Childress with the Rev. Johnny Robertson and the Rev. Lou Ellerbrook officiating. Interment will be in Childress Cemetery.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Childress.
   Dorothy was born on March 1, 1926 in Quanah to Kirby and Jessie Horsley Chambliss. She was raised on the family farm in Hardeman County. Being kind-heart and fun-loving, she enjoyed animals of all kinds, especially horses and dogs. She was a homemaker and a seamstress who sewed for many in the community. Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Childress.
   Survivors include daughters, Cheryl Beasley of Childress and  Sheila Wormsbaker and husband, Bryce, of Childress; four grandchildren, April Vasquez and husband, Felix, of Childress, Mercedes Day and husband, Matthew, of Lubbock, Taryn Sloan and husband, Michael, of Amarillo, and Kelcey Wormsbaker and wife, Jamie, of Lubbock, and five great-grandchildren, Synghyn Vasquez, Karch Vasquez, Ryder Wormsbaker, Gunnar Wormsbaker and Scoutlynn Day.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Virginia McDaniel, and two brothers, Dana and Julian (Bubby) Chambliss.
   Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123-1718, 

   CROWELL  – Edna Moss Fish, 86, died on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 in Crowell. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 in the First Christian Church in Crowell with the Rev. Gerald McLain, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Paducah under the direction of Womack-Manard Funeral Home, Crowell.
   Fish was born July 3, 1927 in Paducah, a daughter of the late Frank and Viola Young Moss. She married Harold Hume Fish on July 7, 1954 in Clovis, N.M. She was a 1944 graduate of Paducah High School. The day after her graduation, she and her family traveled to Seattle, Wash. to work in the shipyards. On Jan. 22, 1945, she entered nurses training and graduated from the Northwest Texas Hospital Cadet Corps in January 1948. She worked at the Paducah Hospital for 10 years, the Foard County Hospital for 21 years, and the Childress Regional Medical Center for 15 years, retiring in 2001. She actively served as a Registered Nurse for 53 ½ years. She and her husband lived on their ranch in Foard County, until moving to Paducah in 1992.
   She is survived by one daughter, Gail Fish of North Richland Hills; one son, Richard Fish of Lubbock; eight grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, David Fish on June 19, 1969, Gene Fish on Nov. 5, 1993, and Joe Micheal Fish on Jan. 8, 2013; her husband, Harold Hume Fish on May 7, 2004; a grandson, Kendrick David Fish, and two brothers Buford Moss and Leland Moss.
   Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at Womack-Manard Funeral Home in Crowell.
   Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or Hospice of Childress.

  

   Barton Kitchens, 83, passed away on Nov. 9, 2013 in Dallas. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013 2 p.m., at Eastview Cemetery with Rev. Hilda Cavazos officiating. Funeral arrangement is under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Barton was born on Aug. 11, 1930 in Vernon. He was the son of the late James Kitchens and the late Oleta Clauson Kitchens. He married Dorothy Marie Hendry on Feb. 11, 1950 in Vernon. She preceded him in death on Sept. 23, 2003. He had moved to Dallas in 1968, living in Denton before that. He was a member of the Ferndale Baptist Church and was a Journeyman/Electrician.
   Survivors include three sons: Monty Keith Kitchens and wife Donna of Dallas, Glen Weldon Kitchens of Dallas, and Bruce Lynn Kitchens of Dallas; two daughters, Sylvia Jean (Jeannie) Alverado of Vernon and Dorothy (Dottie) Mae Ramos and husband Desi of Denton; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Marie Kitchens; daughter, Brenda Darlene Mondey; three brothers, Leroy, Kelly and Delbert Kitchens and one sister, Norma Kitchens.
   Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
   Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   Greenfield, Dade County, Mo – Alan Layne Smith, 49, died in Dade County, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Nov. 25, 2013 at the Zumwalt Center, Stockton, Mo.
   Smith was born June 30, 1964 in Lamar, Mo, the son of Robert Lee and Beverly Ann (Pentecost) Smith. He graduated from Webb City High School, Webb City, Mo. and from Spartan School of Aeronautics. He worked for many years refurbishing power plants around the mid-west and worked at the Oklaunion Power Plant. He was a member of the Insulators Union Local 63 in Springfield, Mo.
   He is survived by his mother; one daughter, Amanda; one grandson; three brothers, Travis, of Greenfield, Mo, Mark, of Woodbridge, Va., and Wesley of Dallas, Ga.; several nieces and nephews, and other aunts, uncles and other relatives.
   Donations be made to American Cancer Society; http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Alan_Smith or to: Wesley Smith, 91 Murray Way, Dallas, Ga, 30157.

 

   James Lee Hollar, 86, of Dallas, died Nov. 6, 2013, with his family by his side.  He was born in Lubbock, on Aug. 1, 1927, to Isaac and Jewell Hollar.  He graduated from Vernon High School, and received a Mechanical Engineering degree from Texas Tech University. He was married to Audrey Hollar, and resided at Churchill Estates in Dallas.
   James owned a contracting business until his retirement.  He enjoyed family, hunting, fishing, and snow skiing.
   He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Hollar, and his son, James Lee Hollar Jr.  He is survived by his wife Audrey, his sister Jane Elliot, and his children, Nancy King of Austin, Susan Hollar, Cindy Underwood, and Gail Hollar of Arlington, Tim Hollar of Camas, Wash., and three stepchildren, Suzann Delaughter, Tool, Texas, Tim Vaughn, Tool, Texas, and Phil Vaughn, Thailand.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
   A visitation will be held Friday, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.  A service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. Please contact Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home for details.
   The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, at www.woundedwarrorproject.org. His passion for life was contagious, and we will all miss that big, hearty laugh.

   Funeral services for Steven Keith Fleming, 44, of Gainesville are set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville, with Dr. Eddie Chennault officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013.
   Steven was born in Kerrville on March 26, 1969 to Lemuel Edward and Barbara Louise (Crisp) Fleming. He passed away on Nov. 1, 2013 in Plano.
   Steven worked as a Gainesville Police Officer his entire law enforcement career beginning on Feb. 4, 1991.  He had 22 years and 9 months of service with the city of Gainesville. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in May 1988.  He attended the University of North Texas as well as North Central Texas College.  He graduated from Arlington Police Academy in Arlington, Texas in 1990. Steven was a member of the Texas Police Chief’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT).  He also had his PADI open water dive certification.  He held a Master Peace Officer’s Certificate, Instructor Proficiency Certificate, and was a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner. He logged over 3,500 police training hours. He served on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee with the Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) as well as the CASA Board of Directors.
   Growing up he participated in both 4-H and FFA activities, receiving the highest awards in each (4-H Gold Star Award and the FFA Lonestar Award), something he shared with his daughter, Maegan. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church, the Optimist Club, Gainesville Masonic Lodge #210, and the Fort Worth Scottish Rite. He was an avid hunter and fisherman enjoying the many deer hunting trips to the family land in Junction, Texas.
   He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kimberly Kay Fleming of Gainesville; daughter Maegan Elizabeth Fleming of Gainesville; mother Barbara Fleming-Franklin and her husband David of Howe; brother, Jimmy Edward Fleming of Chillicothe, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Janet Hunter of Vernon 
   .He was preceded in death by his father on Dec.9, 2003.
   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Steven Fleming Memorial Scholarship Fund, First State Bank, 801 E. California St., Gainesville, Texas 76240.
   You may sign the online registry at geojcarroll.com.

 

   Rev. Oliver Cleo Harper was born on Aug. 10, 1914 in Sunset to Aaron Curtis and Dora Ellen Harper and died Nov. 4, 2013.  He married Marie Delvenia Dollard in 1938 and raised two sons, John Curtis and Robert Lowell Harper.
   After graduating from TCU with a B.A., he attended Brit Divinity School and was ordained in 1951 as a Christian Disciples of Christ minister and served numerous churches in Texas for 53 years.
   As a member of the Masonic Lodge, he received the Golden Trowel Award in 2003 from Nocona Masonice Lodge #753 and was an endowed member of the Scottish Rite.  After retiring in 1976, he served a long interim ministry at Central Christian Church in Nocona during which time his beloved wife, Marie of 60 years, passed away in 1998.  Fourteen years later, he moved to Wichita Falls, where he met and married the second love of his life, Joan Kelley. They launched a wonderful new life on a ranch north of Harrold in their nineties. While at the ranch, he was inspired to write and published the book, “The Way We Were,” an inspiring account describing his journey from a lowly farm boy to a distinguished clergyman.
   He came from a large family of seven siblings, all of whom are deceased, five sisters: Florence Honor Harper, Flaura Jane Magness, Zella Elizabeth Newsom, Pauline Isabell Lumsden and Zula Belle Eason; three brothers, William Roy, Aaron Vivan,and Arley Glenn Harper, and  one deceased step-grandson, Kevin Gray.
   He is survived by his wife, Joan Elizabeth Kelley Harper; brother-in-law, Max Scheid; one step-grandson, Andrew Kelley; one step-great-great-granddaughter, Mia; one step-grandduaghter, Christine Kelley; his two sons, Robert Lowell and John Curtis Harper and wife Patricia Katherine; three step-grandsons, Keith, Kent and Kirk Gray and their wives, Cindy, Pam and Debbie Gray; three step great-grandsons, John Paul, Tyler, and Kody Gray; four step-great-granddaughters, Savanna, Taylor, Katelyn Gray and A.J. Hollub and husband Ryan; two step-great-great-grandsons, Parker and Colten Gray, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
   Graveside family services are to be held at Nocona Cemetery, Nocona, Texas on Nov. 7, 2013 at 12 p.m. under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona, Texas. The family will meet at the Jerry Woods Funeral Home and proceed to the Nocona Cemetery. Arrangements can be sent to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, 600 Clay St., Nocona, Texas 76255 (940) 825-3285.
   Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church, 3701 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 with Dr. David Hartman officiating services on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 at 1 p.m. with lunch reception following at the church hall.  Church phone (940) 692-2282.

   Martin Montez Jr., 55 of Wichita Falls, died on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 in Wichita Falls. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at New Life Baptist Church, 714 Indian, in Vernon.
   Montez was born on Nov. 3, 1957 in Vernon. He married Delores Urango on Oct. 21, 1972. He farmed and worked construction all his life. He was a Catholic.
   Survivors include his wife, Delores Montez of Wichita Falls; two sons, Joe Montez of Wichita Falls and Henry Montez of South Bend, Ind., and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ezperanza Bustamante, his parents Martin Montes Sr. and Francisca Reyna Montes, and a brother, Trino Tobar.
   Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310. Condolences may be made at www.fallsfuneralhome.com.

 

   CROWELL – Wynonah Matthews, 91, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013 in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at Womack-Manard Funeral Home Chapel in Crowell. The Rev. Tom Carter of Olton will officiate. Interment will be in the Thalia Cemetery.
   Matthews was born June 27, 1922 in Hereford, a daughter of the late George and Jimmie Hunter Hembree. She married J.F. Matthews Jr., on April 15, 1949 in Vernon. She was a longtime resident of Foard and Wilbarger Counties. She was a former teacher at the Five and One Schools. She was a former member of the Thalia Methodist Church, the First United Methodist Church of Crowell and present member of the Faith United Methodist Church of Vernon. She and her late husband were longtime farmers in the Thalia community.
   She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.F., Matthews Jr., on May 19, 2002.

Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 at Womack-Manard Funeral Home in Crowell.
Memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 2420 High School Drive, Vernon, Texas 76384.

 

         

   Former Vernon resident Paul Charles Palmer, 78, of Spring Branch, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 in San Antonio.
   Palmer was born Oct. 26, 1935 in El Reno, Okla., a son of Dewey and Beatrice Palmer. He moved to Vernon with his family in 1942. A 1953 graduate of Vernon High School, he graduated from North Texas University in 1958. He married Nancy Bishop on Aug. 25, 1958 in Denton. After attending Tulane University in New Orleans, he moved to Kingsville where he taught history and geography at Texas A&M University until his retirement in 1998 to Spring Branch. He was active in the Audubon Society and genealogy research and enjoyed reading and music.
   Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of the home; sons, Bryan and Andy of Houston and Paul of Istanbul, Turkey, six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Beatrice James of Vernon, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy; three brothers, Jack, Kenneth and D.H., and one grandson.

   Mary M. Emberlin, 71 of Wichita Falls, died on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013 at Eastview Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Toby Castleberry. Interment will be under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Emberlin was born Friday, July 3, 1942 in Roscoe. She was the daughter of the late William Mullen and the late Eveleen Ebarb Mullen. She married Alva Emberlin on May 18, 1996 in Vernon. She worked for WTU in San Antonio, transfer to the Oklaunion Power Plant, working as a operator retiring after 30 years of service w AEP/WTU. She was a Baptist.
   She is survived by her husband, Alva Emberlin, of the home; one son, Harry Kaplan, Jr. of El Paso; three daughters, Charlotte Kaplan of San Antonio, Denice Chason of Chico, Calif.,  and Carla McCoy of Wichita Falls; two stepdaughters,  Lynn Smith of Fallon, Nev., and Andrea Wade of Rowena; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Justin Time Chason; four brothers, one sister.
   Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, 2013 at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com

 

   Sharon Moses McGuire age 62 of Vernon, died Oct. 29, 2013 in Vernon. Funeral services are pending at Sullivan Funeral Home.

   Robert Vernon Tyler, 90, of Quanah, died on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2013, in Vernon. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at The Chapel at Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Monte Lumpkin officiating. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
   Tyler was born March 11, 1923, in Chillicothe to the late B.J. and Emma Loveless Tyler. He married Evelyn Annis Tyler on Oct. 15, 1949 in Kings High, Texas.  He was a lifetime resident of Hardman County and was a farmer and carpenter. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a Baptist.
   He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Annis Tyler of Quanah; two sons, Bruce Tyler of Brownfield and Keith Tyler of Amarillo; five granddaughters and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Cleaver Tyler, Kenneth Tyler, Charles Tyler and J.D Tyler, and two sisters, Jewell Ensey and Margaret Hamby.
   Family visitation will be  from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.,Thursday at Smith Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer Research.

 

   George Luther Randall, 78 of Vernon, died on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, in Vernon. Funeral service will be held Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Toby Castleberry. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   George was born Sunday, Dec. 16, 1934 in Vinson, Okla. He was the son of the late Willie Randall and the late Zada Fields Randall. He married Phyllis Duke on Dec. 3, 1953 in Vernon. He had lived most of his life in Vernon. He opened George Randall Automotive Shop in the early 1970s. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors, spending time with family and close friends telling stories. His grandson said he was the “Best man I’ve ever known.” He attended Second Baptist Church.
   He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Randall of the home; one son, Tim Randall of Durango, Colo.; two daughters, Janice Randall of Lubbock and Tracee Littlecreek of Abernathy; two grandsons, Dalton Littlecreek of Vernon and Mychal Littlecreek of Lubbock; two sisters, Mollie Simmons of Artesia, N.M. and Vertie Simmons of Artesia, N.M. and numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Willie Wayne Randall.
   Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

 

   William Bryan Wittlinger died Sept. 6, 2013. A celebration of life will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 1, 2013, at the Days Inn and Suites, 4500 Kell, Wichita Falls.
   He was born Nov. 1, 1951, in Vernon. He attended Midwestern State University. He was a songwriter and poet. He loved people and animals. He will be missed by many.
   Mr. Wittlinger was preceded in death by John Mark Wittlinger Jr. and Virginia Ellen McCaleb Wittlinger.
   Survivors include sons, Anthony Wittlinger and James Wittlinger; brother, John Mark Wittlinger III; sister, Margaret Wittlinger; grandchildren, Austin Wittlinger and Haley Wittlinger; nephews, Jack Chapman, Bill Chapman, George Chapman, Max Neal, John Mark Wittlinger IV; niece, Kay Neal; many friends and “adopted family.”

   John Edward Lutz III passed away Oct. 17, 2013 at a nursing home in Euless, Texas.  He was born in Vernon on June 4, 1932 to Juanita Mercer Lutz and John Edward Lutz Jr.  His grandparents, Maude Thurman Lutz and John Edward Lutz Sr., were early settlers/long time residents of Vernon.
   He lived most of his life in Fort Worth as did his parents. He began school in Vernon and graduated in Fort Worth, then attended UT in Austin. He was a reserve officer in the U.S. Army and participated in the Korean War. His civilian life was centered in the Real Estate Business and The Masonic Order. Survivors are sisters, Mary Virginia Kahn of Prairie Village, Kan., and Myra Lynn Akins of Fort Worth; niece, Kandyce Virginia Kahn; nephews Jon Eric Kahn, Wiley Edward Akins,  Mark Bradley Akins, and Cheney Akins. Vernon area cousins are Judson Byars, Lon Byars, Marcia Haynes and Joni Streit. Other cousins are from various locations in the U.S.
   His ashes will be interred at the National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211, telephone (214) 469-3374.  Additional information from Neptune Agent, Gary Larsen  (817) 501-1846.

 

   Rev. David Ray Fox, 55 of Vernon, died on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at the Western Trail Cowboy Church with the Rev. Ron Fox and the Rev. Josh Crow officiating. Interment will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park. The service is under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
   Fox was born Thursday, April 10, 1958 in Stephenville. He was the son of the Rev. Ron Fox and Latrelle Duckworth  Fox. He married Cathy Douglas on Oct. 30, 1976 in San Antonio. He was a graduate of John Jay High School in San Antonio and a graduate of Tarleton University with a bachelor of science degree. He was the pastor of the Western Trail Cowboy Church in Vernon. He collected pocket watches and pocket knives and worked with leather.
   Surviving are his wife Cathy Fox of the home; one son, J.D. Fox of Syracuse, N.Y.; one daughter, Chelsey Fox of Vernon; one brother, Phil Fox of Guthrie; one sister, Linda Borchardt of Vernon; his parents, Ron and Latrelle Fox; his maternal grandmother, Lucille Duckworth of Vernon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
   Pallbearers will be Ty Fox, Blake Fox, Cody Borchardt, Sarah Borchardt, Kasey Borchardt and Tanner Kieschnick.
   Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 at the funeral home.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.

   Richard Harris Meads, 59 of Springdale. Ark., died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 in Springdale. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013 at the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ark. Cremation will be handled by Nelson-Berna following the service.
   Meads was born Dec. 26, 1953 in Oak Harbor, Wash., a son of Stephen Meads and Theresa Tooley Meads
   He was a graduate of Vernon High School. He married the former Katie Gehlbach on Jan. 6, 1982 in Dallas. He was a graduate of the University of Texas and was self-employed as a Certified Public Account. He was a member of the Springdale Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of Old Wire Road Church of Christ.
   Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Katie Meads of the home; two daughters, Allison Meads of Fayetteville and Jennifer Meads of Springdale; two sisters, Denise Emerson, of Ocala, Fla. and Stephanie Jones of Wichita Falls; one brother, Dan Meads of Pottsboro, and 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.
   The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until service time on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.
   Online condolences may be made to www.nelsonberna.com.                                                                         

 

   Don Hulon Gary, age 86, died Monday Oct. 28, 2013 in Vernon after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday Oct. 31, 2013 in the Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held by nephews David and Lawrence Richie.
   Gary was born in Odell on Sept 20, 1927 to the late Donnie Otis Gary and Willie Mae Carlton Gary. He married Betty Richie on June 30, 1954 in Vernon.  He attended schools in Odell, Medicine Mound and California. He served two years in the United States Army. He received his “boot training” at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and spent 18 months in France. He served several years as a sergeant for the Vernon Police Department and captain in the Fire Department and also worked for the Sherriff’s Department. In the early 1970s he was elected Tax Assessor – Collector and served two terms. In late 1970s he began his own business as Don Gary Construction. In addition he did his own farming and raised quarter horses. He was a founding member of the Vernon Riding Club. He was a member of the Western Trail Cowboy Church.
   Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his only son Mark Randel Gary on Oct. 16, 1976. He is survived by his wife of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Lynn Gary and Lori Gay Combs, all of Vernon; one granddaughter; two step-grandchildren; a step-great-granddaughter; a step great-great-grandson; one sister, Quova Wilhelm of Irving, and a brother Dan Gary of Wichita Falls. 
   Family visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
   Pallbearers will be Jeff Bradford, Jimmy Ray Bradford, Chris Wright, Neal Daniel, Chad Jolly and Charles Jolly.
   Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Farrar, Pat Lambert, Calvin May and Keith McDaniel.
   Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or a favorite charity.
   Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com  

 

   Funeral service for former Davidson resident Obbie Tom Basinger, age 79, of Vernon, was held at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at the Jackson Funeral Home Chapel in Frederick with Rev. Les Banks and Rev. Kelly Russell officiating. Burial followed in the Davidson Cemetery under the direction of Jackson Funeral Home. Mr. Basinger passed away, Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, in Vernon.
   Obbie Tom Basinger was born Dec. 31, 1933 in Frederick, Okla. to Thomas Allie and Ethel Lorene (McClure) Basinger. He attended IXL, Frederick and Davidson Schools, where he graduated from Davidson High School in 1951. He later attended Cameron Junior College, and then transferred to Oklahoma A. & M. in Stillwater where he graduated in 1956 with a B.A. Degree in Business. Tom served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 and then served in the reserves until 1962. He farmed and ranched in the Davidson area his entire life. On Aug. 10, 1988, he and Micki (Fillmore) Polk were united in marriage at Creede, Col. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vernon. He served as a mentor with the Texas Youth Commission for many years and worked with the Gideons International.
   Survivors include his wife, Micki Basinger of the home; one son, Thomas Basinger of Dallas; one daughter, Lori Varner and her husband Keith of Frederick, Okla.; two step-sons, Eddie Polk of Garland and Rick Polk of Rockwall; two grandchildren, Brandon Varner and his wife Audra of Frederick, Okla., and Leesa Varner of Tonkawa, Okla., and two great-grandchildren, Cade and Brinley Varner.
   He was preceded in death by his parents.
   Memorial contributions may be made to the Davidson Cemetery Fund in memory of Obbie Tom Basinger.
   An online guestbook is available at: www.jacksonfuneral.net.

 

   Former Vernon resident Brock Haynes was killed in an accident in Santa Rosa, N.M., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013. Haynes was born Aug. 5, 1973 in Wichita Falls and graduated from Vernon High School in 1991. He was the son of former Vernon resident Tony Haynes and nephew of Rusty Haynes of Vernon.
   He is survived by his wife, Jana, and two children of the home in Poolville as well as two step-children.