Oplin Saunders, age 94, died Monday, April 2, 2001 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services are to be held today (Thursday, April 5) at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Dean Coultas officiating.  Burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.   Family visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home.

Oplin Saunders was born March 6, 1907 in Sterling County, Texas.  He moved to Coleman shortly thereafter, and lived here for the remainder of his life.  Oplin attended Coleman schools and gfaduated from Coleman High School in 1924.  He graduated from Baylor University School of Pharmacy in 1926.  Oplin was a member of the Coleman Rodeo Association; the Coleman Kiwanis Club; the Texas Pharmacy Association; and the First United Methodist Church.  He owned and operated the Owl Drug Store from 1941 to approximately 1976.  He married Helen Joiner of San Marcos, Texas in 1941.  She preceded him in death in 1995.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Saunders; and three brothers, Tommy, Donald, and Warner Saunders.

Oplin is survived by his son, Bill and wife Betsy, of Arlington, Texas; his granddaughter, Kelly, also of Arlington; his grandson, Brian and wife Ashley of College Station, Texas; his sister, Doris Saunders of Fort Stockton; one niece, Helen Ann Munk of Houston; and three nephews, Tommy Saunders of Coleman, Walter Munk of Staples, Texas; and William Munk of San Rafael, California.

The family requests memorials be made to the “Keep Coleman Beautiful” Fund, 2302 Commerèial Avenue, Coleman, Texas or the First United Methodist Church.  Pallbearers include Nance Campbell, Bill Sneed, Tommy Saunders, John
Richards, Nick Taylor, Jimmy Hemphill, Sumpter Weatherred, Lucien Love and Charles R. Taylor.  Honorary pallbearers are Max Home, Zeno Hemphill, Dr. Morris Mann, Jim Stokes, Richard Steffey and Tom Richards.

Elizabeth Grady Walker Pegram, age 85, of Granbury and formerly of Coleman, died Monday, April 2, 2001 at Glen Rose Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am. Friday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dean Coultas officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pegram was born October 7, 1915 in Coleman, the daughter of Milton Walker and Katherine (Kitty) Grady Walker.  She was reared in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1932 and attended C.I.A. (now Texas Woman’s University) in Denton.  She married Lonner L. (Mike) Pegram in 1935 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death in 1993.  She was interested in the history of the Texas Rangers because her grandfather, Caleb Gray was a Texas Ranger.  She had lived in Granbury for the last 30 years where she was a homemaker and a Methodist.

She is survived by two daughters, Libby Cleveland of Dimmit and Ann Ballard of Granbury; two sisters, June London and Patricia Egan, both of San Antonio; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be all day today (Thursday) at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the donor’s favorite charity.

Albert Thomas McCulloch, age 88, of San Antonio, died Monday, April 2, 2001.  Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Porter Loring Chapel, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio.  Funeral services will be 10:15 a.m. Friday at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church with graveside services to follow at Coleman Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.  Peter Loring Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. McCulloch was a retired electrician and had been a member of International Brotherhood Electrical Workers since 1942.  He received a Bronze Star after serving as a glider pilot in World War II.  He was a member of the V.F.W.

Survivors include his wife, Simonne McCulioch; a son, Jim McCulloch of Houston; three grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Garilyn Powell Kline, age 53, of Ashuelot, New Hampshire, died Monday, April 2, 2001, at her home following a lengthy illness.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Floy Kelly officiating.

Garilyn Powell Kline was born October 20, 1947 in Santa Anna, Texas and was the daughter of Richard S. and Virginia Stockard Powell.  She attended schools in West Texas and graduated from Abilene High School in 1965.  Mrs. Kline was a volunteer at the Hospice in Keene, New Hampshire and the American Cancer Society.  She also volunteered at the
Hasbro Children’s Hospital Nursery in Rhode Island and was an active children’s advocate. S he was married to Richard J. Kline on May 3, 1981.

Survivors include her husband, Richard J. Kline of Ashuelot, New Hampshire; one son, Corben S. Wilson of Austin, Texas; one step-daughter, Carrie L. Snell of Cedar Falls, lowa; one step-son, Kevin S. Kline of New Orleans, Louisiana; her parents, Richard S. and Virginia Powell of Coleman, Texas; two grandchildren, Triston Snell and Chase Kline.

Memorials may be made to the Volunteer Group at Hospice at HCS, 69L, Island Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431.

D. H. Grounds, age 88, of San Angelo, died at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at Regency House in San Angelo.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Reynolds of Sierra Vista Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Talpa Cemetery.

Born February 26, 1913, in Grayson County, Texas he was the son of Charles Haygood Grounds and Alberta Grounds.  On May 31, 1932, he and Lois Dietz were married in Crews, Texas.  She preceded him in death.  Mr. Grounds had served as Superintendent of ~Schools at Mozelle, Centennial and Talpa.  He completed his career as head of the Small Schools Coop in San Angelo.  In 1981 he was awarded honorary life membership by the Texas Assoc. of School Administrators for 30 years administrative service.  He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge in San Angelo and Brownwood.  Mr. Grounds attended Sierra Vista Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Petie” Bean Grounds of San Angelo; daughter, Jean Massey and husband Marvin of Houston; step-daughter, Ann Calahan and husband John of Stephenvilie; a son, Dan Grounds of San Angelo; step-sons Gilbert Bean of San Angelo and Jackie Bean of Bluffton; two sisters, Hazel Mae Bragg of San Angelo and Ann Branscum of DaIIas; 11 grandchiidren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ira and Frank.  Family visitation will be Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Alice Jacquelline Alvarez, age 71, 2405 Camelot Circle, Austin, Texas passed away on April 4, 2001 at 6:30 a.m. at her residence.  Services will held on April 6, 2001 (Friday) at 3 p.m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion.  Interment will be at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mrs. Alvarez was born November 28, 1929 in Coleman, Texas.  She attended Coleman High School and worked as a Medical Transcriptioness.  Alice was a member of the Baptist Church.  Her parents were Frank Orr Sr. and Octavia Dobbins who preceded her in death.

Survivors include one son, Jeff Townsend of Austin, Texas; sisters; Nancy Lou Barnes of Cross Plains, Texas; Mickey J. Orr of Austin, Texas; brothers, Frank Orr, Jr. of North Richland Hills, Texas and Bobby Orr of Douglasville, Georgia.

Family visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until services.

Funeral services for Fred T. Davis, 76, of Coleman, were 2 p.m. Monday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Jenkins, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating.  Interment followed in Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Mr. Davis died at 10:15 p.m. Friday April 6, 2001 at Coleman County Medical Center.

Born December 15, 1924, in Coleman, he was the son of Ben Davis and Nettie Funderburgh.  He married Jean McDonald in 1943 in Breckenridge.  She preceded him in death in 1971.  A life-time resident of Coleman, he was a retired oil field worker.  Mr. Davis served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a Baptist.

He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Scotty Lane of Abilene, Sharon and Michael Mayo and Carla and Gary Berry, all of Coleman; one sister, Katie Thomason of Cherokee, Alabama; four grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Tommy Sumners, Morris Mayo, Roy Rhoads, Wayne and Max Jones and Doug Roberts.

Billy Carlton Bartley, 79, of Coleman, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2001, at his home in Coleman.  Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Kermit Sorrells and the Reverend Helen
Mclver officiating.

Mr. Bartley was born July 5, 1921, in Dike, Texas to Elijah Riley and Lillie Esther Bartley.  He married Patsy June
Downey on July 26, 1947, at the First Baptist Church in Coleman.  Mr. Bartley received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas State Teacher’s College in 1943.  He then received a Masters of Education degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1956.  Billy was active in the field of education for 37 years serving in the positions of teacher, coach, and principal.  Twenty-seven of these years were spent in Coleman.  Mr. Bartley began sharing his musical gifts with others at the age of 15 when he became active in revival singing.  He also performed in a gospel quartet, which produced radio broadcasts.  Billy was later accompanied by his wife, Patsy, who sang and played the piano and organ.  Mr. Bartley was choir leader at Trinity United Methodist Church in Coleman for 47 years.  He was a member of the Gideon organization for 35 years and also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for 60 years.  Mr. Bartley was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Hayden, Louis, and Vessie; and also by two sisters, Gladys and Edith.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Bartley, of Coleman, four sons and daughters-in-law, Mickey and Alyce Bartley of Goldthwaite, Jimmy and Carolyn Bartley of Coleman, Rickey and Rachel Bartley of Mesa, Arizona, and Tracey and Kay Bartley of Longview.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Christine Glenn of Sulpher Springs, and Mozelle George of Mesquite; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening, April 11 at Walker Funeral Home.

Lela Frances Brown, age 88, of Stacy, Texas, died at 10 a. m. Saturday, April 7, 2001 in San Angelo, Texas.  Services will be held at 2:30 p. m. Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Boyd, retired Baptist minister, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Stacy Cemetery, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mrs. Brown was born October 7, 1912 at Home Creek, near Santa Anna, and was the daughter of Sam Squyres and Erma Bledsoe.  She married John Brown on October 14, 1933 in Gouldbusk, Texas.  He preceded her in death.  A lifetime resident of Coleman County, she was a housewife and member of First Baptist Church of Coleman.

Survivors include two sisters, Faye Wheeler of Coleman and Katherine Hopper of San Angelo.  Pallbearers include Jim Howard, Ricky and Greg Ke1ling, Melvin Steadman, Harold Jewell and Rogers Bowers.

Mrs. Bonnie Strickland, age 66, of Snyder, died at 5:38 p.m. April 8, 2001 at Lubbock Methodist Hospital.  Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Burkett Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrells, retired Methodist minister, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Born January 17, 1935 in Burkett, she was the daughter of Delbert Boyle and Sarah Emma Burkett.  On May 22, 1953, she and Tommy Strickland were married in Burkett.  He preceded her in death in 1999.  She was a housewife and a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Lin Boch of Midland, Donna Garvin of Snyder and Daphne Blevins of Dalhart, and son-in-law, Glendal Garvin of Stanford; one brother, Arthur Boyle of Brownwood; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson.  Visitation will be tonight (Tuesday) from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

William Jackson “Jack” Rylant, Sr. of Lampasas, Texas died Monday, April 9, 2001 at Metroplex Hospital.  Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. in Briggs Gamel Funàral Home Chapel, Lampasas, with Minister Kevin Haynes officiating.  Interment will follow in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet County with military honors.  Arrangements are under the direction of Briggs Gamel Funeral Home of Lampasas.

Born October 8, 1922 in Baird, Oklahoma, he was the son of William Andrew Rylant and Jaza C. Wade Rylant.  His wife is Dorothy Medcalf, formerly of Coleman.  Mr. Rylant was a retired warehouse supervisor for GTE.  He served in the Coast Guard during WWll in the Atlantic and Caribbean Theatres on submarine destroyers.  He was a member of Lampasas Men’s Golf Association and was a Baptist.  He had been a resident of Lampasas since 1994; prior to that he had lived in Hobbs, New Mexico and Earth, Texas.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy “Dot” Rylant of Lampasas; sons, William J. Rylant Jr. and wife Linda of Corpus Christi, Arboth Rylant and wife Andrea of San Angelo, Dennis Rylant and wife Nina of Shelton Township, Michigan; daughter Becky Rylant of San Antonio; step-daughter, Mary Ann Slavin and husband Patrick of Elgin; and step-son Lynn Morgan and wife Amy of Nobles, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose, in 1982, and four brothers, Andy, James, Tom and Calvin.  Memorials may be made to the kidney or heart foundation of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Jerry Alvin "Pops" Hagler, age 65 of Dumas, Texas died April 10, 2001.  Services will be held 2:00 p. m. Friday, April 13, 2001 at First United Methodist Church in Dumas with Rev. John Wagoner pastor of First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will be in Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Dumas under direction of Morrison Funeral Directors.

Mr. Hagler was born February 6, 1936 in Coleman.  He married Carolyn Monroe February 10, 1956 also in Coleman and had lived in Dumas since 1964.  He was a volunteer for Babe Ruth, past president of Dumas League, retired from Diamond Shamrock as an operator after 32 years and was a former longtime Coleman resident.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Dumas; two sons, Lance Hagler of West Point, Virginia and Tracy Hagler of Amarillo; two daughters, Sherri and Mike Perkins and Christy and Kerry Garrison all of Dumas; two brothers, Glenn Hagler of Coleman and Jimmy Hagler of Clyde; and one sister, Nelda Hunter of Putnam.  Three granddaughters, Alysa Perkins, Krystle Perkins and Kelsey Garrison all of Dumas also survive.

Memorials may be made to Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Activity Fund, 302 East 2nd, Dumas, Texas 79029.

Jim Leavell, age 89, of Coleman died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at Coleman County Medical Center.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Elder Jim Graves officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Jim Leavell was born May 7, 1911 in Coleman, a son of Robert Ingram Leavell and Beaulah Zella Jones Leavell.  He grew up and graduated from Coleman High School.  He married Christine Dancer in 1935 in Coleman.  She preceded him in death in 1989.  Jim lived in California where he worked for Roir Aircraft as a welder.  After retiring, he moved back to Coleman in 1982 and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Survivors include one son, Jack Leavell of La Porte, Texas; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Z. W. Leavell in 1951, and one sister, Ola Thomas, in September, 2000.  Memorials may be made to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P. O. Box 839, Abilene, Texas 79608.

Funeral Services for Austin Raymond Watts, age 91, of Santa Anna, Texas will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at the Davis-Morris Fur/eral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in McGirk Cemetery in Hamilton County.  Arrangements under the direction of the Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

Austin Raymond Watts was born May 19, 1909 to William Luther and Libbie Ann Beckle Watts in Mills County, Texas.  He was raised on the family farm with five brothers and two sisters where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family.  Austin left to join his family with the Lord April 8, 2001 at 10:15 p.m.  He left many family and friends to cherish his memories.  Austin married Elsie Jane Self at Trent, Texas on November 25, 1928.  Together they shared 35 years, 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.  She preceded him in death on March 4, 1988.  He provided for his family by going on cattle drives, working on ranches and in the West Texas Oil Fields. He lived and loved the Cowboy life and passed this on to his family.  Austin was often referred to as the “poor man's Will Rogers.”  His talent for writing poetry is a source of pride to his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: 2 sons and daughters-inlaw, Bill and Dolores Watts of Sanger, Texas, A. L. and Joy Watts of Santa Anna, Texas; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Iva and Lee Patterson of Sanger, Texas, Margie and Eldon Jones of Nocona, Texas.  One sister, Betty Harris of Hamilton, Texas.  He had 7 step-children, 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 8 great great grand-children.

He was preceded in death by his wives Elsie Jane, Jesse and Velma; one daughter, Audie Jane her husband Charles Snalum; one grandson, Mike Jones.  Austin Watts was a true cowboy and one of the last of his time.  His stories of days gone by will be missed by all.

Jerry Wayne Sikes, age 59, of Abilene died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, in an Abilene hospital.  Services were 10 a.m. Saturday at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories with Rev. Mike Chancellor officiating.  Burial was in the Hamlin Cemetery.

Mr. Sikes was born in Coleman and moved to Abilene in 1950.  He was a manager for Super Duper Grocery Stores for six years and later worked at Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries for 10 years.  He married Janice McCracken in Stamford on January 16, 1970.  He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; two sons, Brian and Corey Sikes, both of Abilene; a daughter, Trade Henry of Rockwall; his mother, Delilah Sikes of Abilene; three brothers, Arnold T. Sikes of Tyler, David Glenn Sikes of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Charles Lee Sikes of Livingston; a sister, Mary Ann Sikes of Abilene; and five grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Grace McClatchy Newman, 95, died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, at her daughter's home in Austin.  Funeral services were held at 11 am. Saturday, April 14, at the Immanuel Baptist Church in San Angelo with Rev. Byron Orand officiating.  Burial followed in the Lawnhaven Memorial Garden, under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.

She was born near Trickham, in Brown County, on January 3, 1906 to Homer and Mary Frances McClatchy.  She married Frank Newman in Schleicher County on January 23, 1927.  They first moved to San Anelgo in 1946, and after ranching in Alpine and Marfa, returned to San Angelo in 1957.

Survivors include a daughter, Frances Highsmith of Austin; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Wanda; and siblings Dwight, Cecil and Jack McClatchy and Mabel Younger.

Funeral services for Robert C. (Bob) Stearns, age 73, of Rising Star were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. R.J. Elkins officiating.  Interment followed, at Trickham Cemetery, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early.  Mr. Stearns passed away Friday, April 13. 2001, at a Fort Worth hospital.

He was born November 21, 1927, in Coleman County, Texas.  He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was retired from Halliburton Oil Company in Abilene after 32 years of employment.  He had been a resident
of Rising Star since January 1986 and was formerly of Snyder.  On January 14, 1945, he and Elizabeth Medley were married at Brookesmith. Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Stearns of Rising Star; a son, Dale Stearns of Brownwood; a daughter, Brenda Spraggins of Rising Star; his mother, Florence Stearns of Trickham; two sisters, Alice Wells of Coleman and Verna Bolton of Trickham; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert B. Stearns, and a sister, Francis Fleming.

Loy Lajuan (Brevard) Whitley, age 88, of San Angelo and formerly of Coleman, died Friday, April 13, 2001, at Baptist Memorial Center in San Angelo.  Graveside funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Glen Cove Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Whitley was born April 12, 1913 in the family home near Crews, Texas in Runnels County.  Loy and Ed made their homes starting in Crane, Texas, Goldsmith, Texas, Novice, Texas, Andrews, Texas, Vadita, New Mexico, Pinehurst, Idaho, and finally, in Coleman, Texas.  Her husband of 59 years, William Edgar Whitley, preceded her in death on March 27, 1993.

She was one of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Brevard, three of whom still survive Maggie Ruth Stokes of Talpa, Texas, Naomi Berry of Andrews, Texas and Lawton Brevard of San Angelo, Texas.  She and her husband had one son, Edgar Wendel Whitley, now living in Island Park, Idaho.  They had four grandchildren, two living in Las Vegas, Nevada, one in Salt Lake City, Utah and one in Moreland, Idaho and five great-grand-children.

Funeral services for Wanda Loyd, age 74 of Brownwood were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home
Chapel, Brownwood, with Dr. J. A. McDaniel officiating.  Interment was in Bangs Cemetery.  Mrs. Loyd died at 12:10 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2001 in Brownwood Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness.  Davis-Morris Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

She was born July 21, 1926 in Whon, Texas to John la and Velma Lou Vardeman Page.  She married William Merle Loyd in Brownwood on September 20, 1947.  He preceded her in death.  She was a Baptist and a TBN member.

Survivors include one daughter, Cynthia Lou Driver of Bangs; four sons, Merle David Loyd and Terry Lynn Loyd of Austin, and Jerry Don Loyd and John Alan Loyd of Brownwood; six grandchildren; and one nephew, Bill Freeman of Bangs.

She was also preceded in death by her parents: one sister, Johnnie Freeman; and one brother, C. E. Page.

Buel (Bill) Musick, age 79, of Abilene, died Monday, April 16, 2001, at 4:15 p.m. at his home.  Funeral services were held at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon at Walker Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial followed in the Coleman Cemetery.

He was born July 26, 1921 in Lawn, Texas to James Musick and Thelma Counts.  On August 4, 1945, he and Dorothy Fay Smith were married in Brownwood, Texas.  He had lived his early life in Coleman and in Abilene since 1968.  He served in World War II in the 36th Div. Co. B, was a retired oil field worker and a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Musick, of Abilene; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Patti Musick of Santa Anna and Larry and Helen Musick of Clyde; seven sisters, Mrs. Shelby Covey of Orange Park, Florida, Mrs. Charlon Cardenas of Plano, Mrs. Vera Lewis and Lola Johnson, both of Abilene, Mrs. Gene Caravas of San Bernardino, California, Mrs. Lois Baird of Merkel and Mrs. Earlene Fowler of Las Vegas, Nevada; three brothers, George Musick of Dunn, North Carolina, Houston Musick and Jerry Musick, both of Abilene; five grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Donald Musick, Jerry Smith, Mike Lobstein, Donald Wayne, Priddy, Carl Smith, Kay Smith.  Honorary pallbearers included Randy Lobstein, Ricky Lobstein, Kip Smith, Shane Smith and Rex Priddy.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Funeral services for Lou Featherston, age 99, of Grand Prairie and formerly of Brownwood, were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood with Rev. James Gilbert officiating.  Interment followed in the Trickham Cemetery.  She died Monday, April 16, 2001, in a nursing home in Grand Prairie.  Davis-Morris’ Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Louisa Rachel (Lou) Featherston was born November 11, 1901 in Trickham.  She spent most of her life in the teaching profession.  Her first teaching job was at “Donkeyville” in Coleman County, where she rode a horse to school.  She graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock in 1931.  After her retirement from many years of teaching, she served six years as a house mother at the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Waxahachie.  All her life she was a dedicated worker in the Presbyterian Church.  During World War II she took time out from teaching to operate the family ranch and raised Rambouillet sheep.  She was also an official “spotter” for warplanes that flew overhead.  She was one of the original organizers of the Trickham Cemetery Association, which is still in operation today.

She is survived by four nieces, Mrs. Mary Lou Storm of Brownwood, Mrs. Lois Sheehan of Burleson, Mrs. Pat Grubbs of Grand Prairie and Mrs. Lorene Rice of Santa Anna; two nephews, Keith Featherston of Snyder and Ben Mclver of Hempstead; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mrs. John (Evelyn) Curry, age 87, of Temple, former longtime Coleman resident, died at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at Scott and White Hospital in Temple.  Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday in Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro, Texas with Dr. Thomas Allen of Grace Presbyterian Church, Temple officiating.  Walker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Born December 26, 1913, in Hill County, Texas, she was the daughter of Julieus B. Crowell and Emma Fewell.  She and John Curry were married December 15, 1945 in Ballinger, Texas.  He preceded her in death in 1979.  She
moved to Coleman in 1947 and to the Temple area about 15 years ago.  Mrs. Curry was a longtime secretary for Lone Star Gas Company in Coleman and a member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Temple.

Survivors include two brothers, Harold Crowell of Milford and Louie Crowell of Rogers; three nephews; two nieces; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. this evening (Thursday) at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church of Temple, Texas.

Austin Basil Miller, age 56, of Lake Brownwood, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at his residence.  Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Friday at Coleman Cemetery PaviIion, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Miller was born January 4, 1945 in Artesia, New Mexico, a son of Frank MiIler and Lee Ella Journey Miller.  He attended schools in Coleman and joined the Navy in 1964, retiring in 1984.  He married Anna Louise Brown in 1965 in Coleman.  He owned and operated Lake Bridge Flea Market at Lake Brownwood and was a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Anna Miller, of Lake Brownwood; one son, Larry David Miller of Webb City, Missouri; two daughters, Teresa Miller of Brownwood and Debra Miller of Webb City, Missouri; two brothers,  Herman Miller of Lake Brownwood and James Miller of Eunice, New Mexico; two nephews, Louie Purcell of San Antonio and Harold Dean Purcell of Breckenridge; and four grandchildren, Crystal Miller, Loran Miller, Brittany Miller and Larry David Miller II, all of Brownwood.

Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. 

LaVerne Rhodes Bohannon Lindley, age 86 of Coleman passed away Saturday, April 21, 2001 at Coleman Healthcare Center.  Funeral services will be held today (Tuesday) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Theron H. Chapman of Midland officiating.  Burial will follow in Fulton Cemetery in Walnut Springs under direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lindley was born April 14, 1915 in ,Walnut Springs, Texas, a daughter of Robert L. Rhodes and Sally Ownby Rhodes.  She was reared and attended schpols in Walnut Springs.  She married J. B. “Trump” Bohannon in 1933.  He preceded her in death in 1934.  She later married Perry A. Lindley on December 24, 1963 in Abilene.  She had lived in Coleman since 1966 and was a member of United Pentecostal Church where she and her husband served in the ministry for a number of years.

Survivors include her husband, Rev. Perry A. Lindley of Coleman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy K. and Ozell Rhodes of Hico and J. Deane and Dorothy Rhodes of Amarillo; three sisters, Guytie May Nolan of Coleman, Lorene Berry of Morris, Oklahoma and Frankie Seale Allen of Brownfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews Dale Rhodes, Max Rhodes, Bobby Berry, Asa Wayne Rhodes, Gaylon Chapman and Gene Allen.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Lindley to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79603.

Oleta Irene Merryman Harper Sanders passed away at 11:40 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2001 at Angelo Community Hospital.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Flo Perez officiating.  Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Oleta was born at Burnt Branch in Callahan County, Texas on December 14, 1913 to Drew and Ivy Merryman.  She lived and worked in Coleman most of her life; the last few years she resided in San Angelo, Stanton and Eden.  She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Eden.  Oleta married A. D. Harper in 1937 and he preceded her in death in March 1938.  She married W. A. “Willie” Sanders on September 14, 1946; he preceded her in death on February 23, 1986.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters - Louise McClure, Cleo Jeffcoats and Bennie Jo Mulligan and one brother, John D. Merryman.

Oleta is survived by her three children, Fred Harper and wife Lu of Springfield, Missouri, Ronnie Sanders and wife Carol of Eden and Vickie Walton and husband Gary of Brownwood; eight grandchildren, Cindy Magenot, Kimberly Williams, Ross Harper, Michael Sanders, Timothy Sanders, Eric Sanders, Shalley Walton and Kimberly Walton; five great- grandchildren, Dee Ann Gentry, Megan Sanders, Kristen Garcia, Beau Sanders, and Taylor Sanders; one sister, LaNelI
McClure and one brother, Bill Merryman, both of Coleman; several nephews, nieces and cousins.

She enjoyed all her friends at the Concho Care Center and the family is very thankful for the wonderful love and care she was shown by the staff and residents.  Family visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Eden EMS, P. O. Box 268, Eden, Texas 76837.

Gwynne White, age 92 of Westminister, California died at 1:00 p.m. at his home on Sunday, April 22, 2001.  Graveside services will be held Friday April 27, 2001 at Westminister Memorial Park in Westminister, California.

Gwynne White was born January 19, 1909 in Coleman.  He was the son of Thomas B. White and Sarah Walker White.  He graduated from Coleman High School in 1925 and from the University of Alabama and was employed with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation as an engineer in Oklahoma and and California for forty years.  His wife, Ruth, brother and sister-in-law, M. T. and Elizabeth White and nephew, Dr. M. T. White, Jr. preceded him in death.

Survivors include son, Bill White of Ontario, California; great nephews, Tommy White of Allen, and Ricky White of Coleman; great-great nephews, Jerry White and Steve White of Lubbock; great-great nieces, Mitzi White of Allen, Dawn White of Lubbock and Alicia Sanders, Lauren White and Jennifer White of Coleman; and cousins, Adie Rose Gilliam and Bobbie Warren of Coleman.  Three nieces in California also survive.

Memorials may be made to Salem Christian Home, 1056 East Philadelphia Street, Ontario, California.

Orene Harris Peacock, age 90, of Abilene and former long-time resident of Coleman, died Monday, April 23, 2001, at an Abilene nursing home.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with James Bailey offciating.  Burial will follow at Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Peacock was born September 8, 1910 in Novice, Texas and was a daughter of George and Nora Brown Harris.  She grew up in Houston and attended school there.  On August 25, 1932, she married Tim Peacock in Gouldbusk and he preceded her in death in 1953.  She moved to Coleman in 1944 and moved to Abilene in 1999.  For many years she was the elevator operator at Coleman County State Bank and later worked part-time at Tyson Jewelry Store.  She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, William “Dub” Peacock and Margaret Peacock of Abilene; one grandson, Michael Peacock of Abilene; one sister-in-law, Eunice Walker of Montgomery, Texas; nieces, Nora Neal and Neil Harris, both of Montgomery, Texas; several great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Hazel Peacock in 1943.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 3113 Oldham Lane, Abilene, Texas 78602.

Mrs. Clinton Estes, age 71 of Houston died Monday, April 23, 2001 in Houston.  Services will be held Saturday, April
28 at 1:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Chapel in Houston.  Services will be under direction of Brookside Funeral Home.

Mrs. Estes was born October 25, 1929 in Houston.  She was a member of Mt. Houston Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Estes and sister, Eleanor Cargill.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Jessie Mankins of Coleman; brothers-in-law, J. D. Estes of California and Robert Estes of McGregor, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home.

Mr. W. C. “Dub” Burns, age 69 of Santa Anna passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2001 at 7:30 am. in Bangs Nursing Home. 
Services were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Reverend John Stanislaw pastor of Coleman First Baptist Church officiating.  Interment followed in Coleman City Cemetery under direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mr. Burns was born April 6, 1932 in Burkett, Texas a son of Claud and Ivy Neff Burns.  He graduated high school, was a retired oilfield worker, a Korean War veteran and had lived his life in Coleman County.

Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, James and Patsy Burns of Abilene; one niece, Pam Curoe; one great niece and nephew, Lauren and Colin Curoe; and cousins, R. L. Rankin family of Coleman.

A. J. Terry, age 63, of Brownwood, formerly of Santa Anna, died Tuesday, April 24, 2001 in Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Greenleaf Cemetery with Mike Wilson officiating.  Heartland Funeral Home of Early was in charge of arrangements.

He was born May 31, 1937, the son of the late Curtis and Lizzie Ruth Terry.  He worked as a driller in the oilfield and
had been a resident of Brownwood for a short time, moving from Coleman County.

He is survived by two daughters, Duanna Serrano of Houston and Cynthia Galvan of San Angelo; a sister, Sally Ruth Bearden of Henderson; his aunt, Eura Lee RoyaIl of Coleman; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Vicky Sue Terry and a brother, Carl William Terry.

Ewing A. Fuller, age 80 of Portales, New Mexico, formerly of Crews, Texas died April 24, 2001 In Portales, New
Mexico.  Funeral services were held April 26th at Calvary Baptist Church in Portales and burial was in the Portales
Cemetery.

He was born October 29, 1920 in Ballinger to Arthur and Susie Fuller.  He graduated from Talpa High School, served in World War II, his last assignment overseas being in the Occupation of Germany.  He married Louise Berry in Crews on April 6, 1946.  They lived at Crews until moving to Portales, New Mexico in 1948.  He was a member of lmmanuel Baptist Church in Portales.

Survivors include his wife, Louise, of Portales; four sons, Thomas, Darrell, Jeffrey and Greg; three daughters, Becky McCauley, Charlotte Gomez and La Wanda Wortham; one sister, Sue Fuller of Fort Worth; twenty grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.  Local survivors are Obed Fuller and Margie Dodson of Coleman and J. C. Fuller of San Angelo, and a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Eula Mary Smith, age 93, were 11 a.m. Saturday at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with
Rev. Lee Evans of Bangs First Baptist Church officiating.  Walker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  She passed away recently in the Houston area, Harris County, Texas.

Mrs. Smith was born June 23, 1907 in Gouldbusk, Texas to John and Mary Frances Mask.

Survivors include her husband, Cecil Smith; daughter Patricia Smith of Houston; one sister, Nina Owens; a bother, James Mask; three grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jo France Neville, 75, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Graveside sevices were 2 p.m. Friday at Greenleaf Cemetery with Rev. A. L. Creel officiating.

She was born September 3, 1925 in Rockwood, Texas to the late Joe Elmer and Fannie Frank Cooper Richardson.  She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Chapel.  Mrs.  Neville was the widow of Melvin R. Neville.  She had lived most of her life In Brown County.

Survivors include Ada Smith of Las Cruces, New Mexico; sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jeanita Ann Watson, age 56, of Coleman, died at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2001, at her home.  Services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. G. Dean Coultas, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in the Coleman Cemetery.

Born August 22, 1944, in Winters, Texas, she was the daughter of John Trout Whittenberg and Vera Mae Wessell.  On August 2, 1963, she and Randall Watson were married in Winters, Texas at St. John Lutheran Church.  She was a graduate of Winters High School and had been a resident of Coleman County since 1963.  She was owner and operator of Jeanita’s Beauty Shop for many years.  She was a Methodist.

Survivors include her husband, Randall Watson, of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Lorri and Anthony Smith of Novice; one son and daughter-in-law, Terry Wayne and Kaci Watson of Coleman; a sister, Linda Kay Bethel of Winters; and six grandchildren, Zayne Riggins, Mason Smith, Mackenzie Smith, Ben Watson, Fara Watson and Brooke Watson.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Pauline Eubank, age 82, of Santa Anna passed away April 26, 2001 at 5:15 p.m. at Twilight Nursing Home in
Bangs.  Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Kermit Sorrells and Rev. Rebecca Emery officiating.  Interment followed at the Santa Anna Cemetery, with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of arrangements.

She was born June 1, 1918 in Coleman County to the late Mitchell David and Jennie Warren Cole Eubank.  Pauline was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna where she attended Santa Anna High School.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Nitia Daniel Circle.  Pauline worked at J. C. Penney in Coleman and then was co-owner and operator with her sister of the G & F Hardware Store from 1961 until retiring in 1983.

Survivors include a niece, Betty Moore of Fort Worth; five nephews, James Eubank of Santa Anna, Max Eubank of
Abilene, Edwin Eubank of Lake Kiowa, Texas, Kenneth Eubank of Lake Boynton, Florida and Elmo Eubank, Jr. of Austin; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Rob Cheaney, Rodney Dean, Jim Eubank, Josh Eubank, Eddie Jones and Ray Jones.

Almarene Wester Love, age 73, of Coleman, died Friday, April 27, 2001, at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Dean Coultas officiating.  Burial followed at Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Love was born March 2, 1928 in Coleman County, Texas and was a daughter of Wes and Billie Bryant Davis.  She grew up in Coleman County where she attended school at Folk, Burkett, Loss Creek and graduated as Valedictorian from Coleman High School.  On May 18, 1946, she married Buddy Wester In Coleman and he preceded her in death in 1984.  She married Lucien Love on May 28, 1994.  She was a homemaker, a member of First United Methodist Church and formerly a member of First Baptist Church.  She was a member of NARFE, Triple L, and Coleman Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include her husband, Lucien Love of Coleman: two daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and James Hodges
of Clyde and Teresa and W. H. Blackburn of Abilene; two grandsons, Ramey (and wife Christy) Burke of Irving and Cody Hodges of Clyde; two step-children, Clay Love (and wife Sherrie) of Talpa and Molly Autry of Coleman; five step-grandchildren, Todd Blackburn and Robin Blackburn, both of Abilene, Cole Love of Talpa, Leah Autry of Lubbock and Evan Autry of Coleman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Clinton and Catherine Davis of Many, Louisiana and Tom and Billie Davis of San Angelo; four sisters, Willa Faye Pauley of Talpa, Juanita Mills of Ozona, Wanda McDorman of Abilene and Charlene Mobley of Midland.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, Weldon Davis, Dee Davis, Press Davis and Doris Fenton.  Pallbearers were Ramey Burke, Cody Hodges, Cole Love, Evan Autry, Jay Davis and Tim Mercer.  Honorary pallbearers were members of N.A.R.F.E.  Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

Services for a Santa Anna native were held Sunday, April 29, 2001 in Comanche for Edith Faye Atkinson Hill, age 94 at Hall and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment was in Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, Texas.  She died Friday, April 27, 2001 in Western Hills Care Center.

Mrs. Hill was born December 11, 1906 in Santa Anna to the late Needham Elisa and Nancy Bartield Turner Atkinson.  She married Walter Hill Saptember 28, 1926 in Bolton.  He preceded her in death.  She was a member of First Baptist Church and a 1926 graduate of Santa Anna High School.

Survivors include one son, Dr. William A. Hill and wife, Minnie of Comanche, three grandsons, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Elila B. (Zilla) Baker, age 91, of Morgan City, Louisiana and formerly of Coleman, Texas, died Saturday, April 28, 2001, in Louisiana.  Funeral services were held at 11 am. Monday at Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Jack Cosby officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Baker was born October 4, 1909 in Coleman, Texas and was a daughter of George Bernard Lawrence and Eliza Ellen Hudson Lawrence.  She was married to Henry Edward Baker on October 14, 1933 in Brownwood, Texas and he preceded her in death in 1955.  Mrs. Baker lived in Coleman until 1967 when she moved to Brownwood and then to Morgan City, Louisiana in 1976.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Don (Dorothy Baker) Abney of Patterson, Louisiana; one granddaughter, Mrs. Augustine (Donna) Carmello of Patterson, Louisiana; one grandson, Michael Ray Abney of Morgan City, Louisiana; one great-grandson, Joshua Lee; three great-granddaughters, Rachel Marie, Cheyenne Nicole and Alexandra Rae; one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Lawrence Bowers of Haskell, Texas; two brothers, O. M. Lawrence of Midland, Michigan and E. O. Lawrence of Little River, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A very special lady who will be missed immensely!