Frances Berry of Coleman died Thursday, November 1, 2001 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Charles Sheffield officiating.  Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Frances was born January 16, 1921 in Cameron, Milam County, Texas and was a daughter of William Preston West and Odie Young West.  She grew up in Cameron and moved to Santa Anna at the age of eleven.  She attended school in Cameron and Santa Anna.  In October 1946 she married Curtis Ray Berry in Brownwood and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1981.  She had lived in Coleman since 1953 and was a homemaker.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Jeanie (and husband Glen) Bohannon of Baird and Sue Burleson of Coleman; three sons, Jimmie (and wife Patricia) Berry, Mike (and wife Nancy) Berry and Gary Don (and wife Carla) Berry all of Coleman; two sisters, Marie Yates of Fort Worth and Dorothy Pilkington of Brownwood; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bob Burleson.  Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mary Gilliam Sowell of Coleman died Saturday, November 3, 2001 at her residence.  Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2001 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating.  Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Sowell was born April 7, 1918 in Coleman County, Texas and was the daughter of Luther and Lela Henderson Knight.  She grew up in Coleman County and attended school at Rae.  On October 29, 1935, she married Paul Gilliam in Coleman and he preceded her in death on September 25, 1975.  She married Dr. Morris Sowell in April 1978 and he preceded her in death on December 1, 1998.  She was a supervisor at Jinright Manufacturing Company for many years and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include one son, Freddie Vance Gilliam of Rockwall, Texas; one sister, Lillian Vale Holland of Petrolia, Texas; one aunt, Era V. Collins of Coleman; three nieces; three step-daughters, Marsha Varisco of Bryan, Texas, Patty Brown of Amarillo, Texas and Julie Sowell of Taos, N.M. Memorials may be made to any Alzheimer's Organization.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p. m. until 7:00 p. m. Monday at the funeral home.

Sherrill Ragsdale of Coleman died at his residence Wednesday, November 7, 2001.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Saturday, November 10, 2001 at First Baptist Church in Coleman.  Reverend John Stanislaw, Pastor of First Baptist Church, will officiate and will be assisted by Dr. James Shields, a professor at Hardin Simmons University.  Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery, directed by Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p .m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home.

He was born in 1938 in Dallas and married Wanda Dodds in Dallas County in 1963.  They moved to Coleman County in 1970.  He was elected as Coleman County Judge and went into office January 1, 1995 and served until the time of his death.  He was Past Master and member of the Coleman Masonic Lodge and received the Golden Trowell Award.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda, of 615 W. Liveoak in Coleman; one son, Brett Ragsdale of Houston; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Ragsdale of Canton, Texas; two brothers, Sam Ragsdale of Mesquite and John Ragsdale of Canton.  Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Big Country or First Baptist Church, Box 983, Coleman, Texas 76834.

SANTA ANNA - Bictorino Diaz of Santa Anna died Friday afternoon, November 9, 2001 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 a. m. Monday, November 12, 2001 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Larry Cyr officiating.  Burial will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of arrangements.  Rosary services will be Sunday evening at 6:00 at Henderson Funeral Chapel.

He was born on December 23, 1929 in Coleman County.  He grew up and attended schools in Coleman County.  He married Juanita Vasquez in Coleman on November 5, 1949 and they have celebrated 52 years of marriage.  He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, The Holy Name Society and Cursillistas.  He retired in 1991 as a machine operator for the Santa Fe Railroad.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Diaz of Santa Anna; a daughter, Barbara Cadena of Brownwood; three sons, Bictorino Diaz, Jr. of Beaumont, Benito Diaz of Santa Anna and Vincent Diaz of Denver City; three sisters, Isabel Quiroz of Abilene, Sammie Espitia of Coleman and Elisha Diaz of Dalton, Georgia; six brothers, Balentine Diaz of Coleman, Joe Diaz of Santa Anna, Jesse Diaz of Fort Worth, Lois Diaz of California, Richard Diaz and Lupe Diaz, both of Coleman; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Cecil Gayler of Coleman died Saturday at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Midway Cemetery with Rev. Paul Smith officiating, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be from 5:30 p. m. to 7:30 p. m. Monday at Walker Funeral Home.

Cecil was born May 6, 1907 in Neutral, Kansas and married Maudie Smith in Ballinger on July 6, 1935.  He was a retired oilfield worker and a Baptist.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and J.D. Gorman of Zapata, Texas; two sons and daughters-in-law, Vernon and Martha Gaylor of Bangs and Jerry Don and Catrina Gayler of Gardendale, Texas; one brother, Raymond Gayler; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson.

Fred Dodgen of Coleman died Sunday, November 11, 2001 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Ronnie Lane officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Dodgen was born May 3, 1916 in Coleman, grew up here and attended school in Coleman.  On December 13, 1934 he married Doris Lee Duke in Brownwood and she preceded him in death on October 7, 1997.  He was a supervisor for the City of Coleman during the building of the swimming pool at the City Park and the building of the first road to Lake Coleman. He served as a member of the Civil Defense and was Baptist.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Doris Lane and Gary Spurgeon of Coleman; one son, Loyd Melvin Dodgen of Burkett; one sister, Ruby Mae Clark of Coleman; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.  Family visitation will be held today (Monday) at Stevens Funeral Home from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m.  Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.

Jack Watkins passed away Sunday, November 11, 2001 at his residence in Austin.  Services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Thursday, November 15, 2001 at First Baptist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating.  Burial will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. Wednesday at Henderson Funeral Home.

He was born Jackie Dale Watkins on January 9, 1929 in Santa Anna to the late Fred and Hester Wilsford Watkins.  Jack was reared in Santa Anna and graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1947.  He married Jean Rowe in 1948 in Santa Anna.  Jack lived most of his life in South Texas and married Margaret Cooney in Corpus Christi in 1957.  Jack was an Army veteran where he served a a pole lineman.  He was a member of the Baptist church, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge and Steward for "United Communications of America Union."  He retired in 1984 from Southwestern Bell where he worked as a switch installer.

Survivors include two daughters, Jill Mills of Conroe and Kelly Ann Watkins of New Braunfels; four sons, Jon Watkins of
Overland Park, Kansas, Patrick Dale Watkins of Pflugerville, Jody Watkins and Jeff Watkins of Kingsville; a niece, Freddie LeJeune of Stephenville; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

J. W. Quinn, Jr., age 88, of Coleman, died Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at an Abilene nursing home.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p. m. Sunday (November 18, 2001) in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Don Gibson officiating.  Burial will follow in Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Quinn was born November 18, 1912 in Coleman, Texas and was a son of the late J. W. Quinn, Sr. and Annie Pearl Franklin Quinn.  He grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School.  He attended Sul Ross in Alpine and Hardin-Simmons in Abilene.  On August 2, 1939 he married Athelene Frances Snodgrass in Coleman and she preceded him in death on July 9, 2001.  He served in the United States Air Force during World War II.  He was a rancher/stock farmer, had mining interests in New Mexico and was in the oil business.  He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Survivors include two sons, James David Quinn (and wife Shelley) and Franklin Warren Quinn, all of Coleman; one daughter, Mary Jo Quinn Reynolds (and husband John) of Sierra Madra, California; three grandchildren, Jill Marice Thornton of Fort Worth, Texas, Andrea Rene Quinn of Coleman and Chris W. Goodwin (and wife Nanniece) of Alvarado; two great-grandchildren, Zac and Zena Goodwin of Alvarado.  He was preceded in death by two sisters, Vera Faye Quinn and Veda Pearl Quinn and by one brother, John Quinn.  Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Family visitation will be 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. Saturday at the funeral home.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat - Voice, Coleman, Texas, November x, 2001, page x-B.)

Reta May McFarlin of Santa Anna died Friday night at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p. m. Monday at Henderson Funeral Chapel in Santa Anna with Dr. Clyde Majors officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. Sunday at Henderson's.

She was born in 1906 in Thrifty in Brown County.  She lived most of her life in Coleman County where she attended the Buffalo and Whon schools.  She married Riley McFarlin in Coleman County in 1923 and they celebrated sixty-four years of marriage.  He preceded her in death in 1987.  She was a member of the First Christian Church and was a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Billie and George Wheatley of Santa Anna; two sisters, Virnie Bennett of Pearland, Texas and Betty Williams of Pasadena, Texas; grandson and wife, Danny and Debbie Wheatley of Santa Anna; great-grandson, Christopher Wheatley of Santa Anna.

Reta Helberg of Brownwood, formerly of Burkett, died Friday night, November 16, 2001 at Brownwood Care Center.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a. m. Monday, November 19, 2001 at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw, pastor of First Baptist Church of Coleman, officiating.  Burial in the Burkett Cemetery.

She was born in May, Texas in 1915 and married Lewis Helberg in Burkett in 1933.  He preceded her in death in 1983.  She was a house parent at a children's home in Pyote for five years and also worked in Pecos and Monohans.  She had lived in Brownwood the last three years.  She attended the First Baptist Church in Coleman where she was a member in the early 1950's.

Survivors include one sister, Elizabeth (and husband Dan) Schaefer of Victoria, Texas; one brother, Joel (and wife Shirley) Smith of Brownwood; nieces and nephews.  Family visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home from 6:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. Sunday, November 18th.  Memorials can be made to A. L. S. Association of South Texas, Chapter 6800, Park Ten Blvd, Suite 220 North, San Antonio, Texas 78213.

BANGS - Gerald Walker of Bangs, formerly of Coleman, died in a Bangs Nursing Home Friday morning.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Sunday at Bangs Church of Christ with Michael Light officiating.  Burial will follow at Bangs Cemetery, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

He was born in 1918 in Coleman but had been a resident of Bangs since 1961.  He was the retired owner of his own barber shop in Bangs.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Walker of Bangs; a son, Stacy Walker of Bangs; a daughter and son-in-law, Glenna and Ecky Allen of Bangs; step sons, Don (and wife Bobbie) Tyler of Anton and Howard Downs of Mesquite; step daughter, Barbara (and husband Terry) Reynolds of Dallas; a sister, Grace Haggard of Little Rock, Arkansas; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.  Family visitation will be from 2:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m. Saturday, November 17th, at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.  Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, West Texas Rehab, Cherokee Children's Home or the donor's favorite charity.

Brody Cope of Austin, and formerly of Coleman, died Monday, November 19, 2001 in Austin.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Robinett officiating.

Brody Cope was born November 27, 1982 in Eden, Texas and was a son of Charlie and Marlene Cope.  He grew up in Coleman and attended school at Panther Creek, graduating in May 2001.  He played football for several years at Panther Creek and was named Defensive Lineman All-State.  He moved to Austin this year and was employed at Mammen Glass and Mirror.

Survivors include his parents, Charlie and Marlene Cope of Coleman; two brothers, Cody Cope of Austin and Tye Cope of Coleman; grandparents, Pete and Maxine Cope of Coleman; one niece, Sidney Sky Cope of San Antonio; great-grandfather, Pa Fenton of Coleman, Texas; special friends, Dee Dee Farmer and Clint Marks both of Coleman; aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dority and Tom-Tom Harding.  Visitation will be held at Stevens Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m.  Memorials may be made to UCPC Youth Ministries, 1609 S. Commercial, Coleman, Texas 76834. 

Addie Lee Newton of Coleman died Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at Oak Ridge Manor in Brownwood.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.  Dr. Charles Sheffield, pastor of Concho Baptist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Burkett Cemetery.

She was born in 1908 in Comanche County, Texas but lived in Coleman County all of her life.  She married Wiley Newton in Coleman and he preceded her in death in 1983.  She was a Baptist.

Survivors include three sons - L.D. Walker of Abilene, James Walker of Big Spring and Delano (Sonny) Campbell of Brownwood; one brother - Roy Savage of Coleman; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

Joe C. Brooke of Bangs died Wednesday, November 21, 2001, in a Bangs nursing home.  Service will be at 2 p. m. today, Friday, Nov. 23, 2001 in First Baptist Church of Bangs with burial in Bangs Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

Survivors include son, Johnnie Brooke of Bangs; and daughter, Charlsie Richardson of Cross Cut.

Billy Ashford of Burkett died at his residence on Wednesday morning, November 21, 2001.  Funeral services are will be held at 10:00 a. m. Monday at the Burkett Cemetery pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home. 

He was born in 1935 in Paris, Texas and married Wanda Rickman in 1991 in Dallas. He was a Baptist and is survived by three daughters, one son and two brothers.

Ray Walker, father of Santa Anna School Superintendent Roger Walker, died Wednesday, November 21, 2001, in Llano Hospital.  Service will be at 2 p. m. Saturday, November 24, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Cundieff officiating.  Interment will be in Llano City Cemetery.

He is survived by his only son, Roger Ray Walker and his wife, Kathy, of Santa Anna; and his grandchildren, Kista Stahl and husband, Steve, and son Brenner of Arlington, J. T. Walker of Lubbock and Matt Walker of San Angelo. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Llano.

Martha Ellison of Coleman died Thursday, November 22, 2001 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p. m. Monday, November 26, at Walker Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery. 

She was born February 13, 1943 in Hollis, Oklahoma.  She married Johnnie Hobbs in 1959.  He preceded her in death. She later married Wilburn Ellison in 1985.  She had been a resident of Coleman County since 1994 and was retired from Dry Manufacturing.  She was a Baptist. Survivors include two daughters - Patricia Brooker and Darla Dela Rosa, both of Coleman; a son - Ricky Hobbs of Baird; one sister - Betty Stapleton; six grandchildren.

Coy Brooker of Coleman, died Saturday, November 24, 2001 at an Abilene hospital.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a. m. Monday at Brown Ranch Cemetery with Rev. Don Northway officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Coy Brooker was born October 2, 1947 in Coleman, Texas and was a son of Ethel Ballard Brooker and the late W. H. "Buster" Brooker.  He grew up in Coleman and graduated from high school here.  He had previously been employed at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home and the Cole-Anna Drive-In Theatre.  He was a Baptist.

Survivors include his mother, Ethel Brooker of Coleman; three sisters, Linda (and husband Jerry) Craker of Coleman, Pam (and husband Kenneth) Thate of Burkett and Wanda (and husband Jim) Rohacek of Coleman; two brothers, Henry (and wife Sue) Brooker of Coleman and Allen (and wife Betty) Brooker of Winters; aunts, uncles; numerous nieces and nephews. Family visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p. m. Sunday at the funeral home.  He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Vivian Maureen Brooker and Doris Parker.

J. L. Van Dyke died Sunday, November 25, 2001.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.  Reverend Kermit Sorrells will officiate with burial to follow at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D. C.

He joined the U. S. Army in 1943 and served in World War II.  His courage and devotion to duty awarded him the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Silver Star.  He was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. He retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety with more than 33 years of service.  For many years, and up until recently, he could be seen at Graham Elementary School where he was a crossing guard for Travis County.

Survivors include two daughters, Neysa Van Dyke and Sherri Van Dyke; sisters - Iva Jo Copper and Margaret Mercer; one granddaughter; a host of other relatives. 

Jim Bob Thweatt of Coleman died Tuesday evening, November 27, 2001 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 30, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Gouldbusk Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Thweatt was born April 28, 1928 in Gouldbusk, Texas and was a son of Roy and Lois Thompson Thweatt.  He grew up in Gouldbusk and attended school in Gouldbusk and graduated from Mozelle High School.  On August 7, 1948 he married Bobbye Monsey in Gouldbusk and she preceded him in death on July 21, 1986.  He was a stock farmer and a member of Gouldbusk United Methodist Church.  He was a past director of the Federal Land Bank Association, past board member of the Central Colorado River Authority and a long-time member of the Mozelle School Board.

Survivors include two sons, Rusty (and wife Judith) Thweatt of San Angelo, Davey (and wife Lorri) Thweatt of Coleman; one daughter, Kim (and husband Frank) VanPelt of Coleman; one rother, Billy Roy Thweatt of Fort Worth; 12 grandchildren; one aunt, Ruth Locke of Coleman.  Memorials may be made to the Gouldbusk Cemetery Association, c/o Mozelle Williams, 212 Gould, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.  He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Thweatt in 1996.  Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Roland Jameson of Coleman, died Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2001 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating.  Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Roland C. Jameson was born December 24, 1905 in Coleman and was the son of C. B. Jameson and Helen Wilkinson Jameson.  He grew up in Coleman and attended school here.  On October 7, 1929 he married Bertha Parker in Coleman and she preceded him in death on March 2, 1972.  He married Nita Lee Miller Wilder on November 18, 1972 and she preceded him in death on December 10, 1999.  He was a stock farmer, worked for Coleman County AAA for eight years, Coleman Production Credit Association for 10 years; was an office deputy for Coleman County Sheriff's Department for 10 years and the Coleman Police Department for two years.  He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Coleman Men's Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Shirley J. Thomerson of Sterling Heights, Michigan; one grandson, Tim Thomerson of Killeen, Texas; two great-grandsons, Jeremy and Christopher Thomerson both of Killeen, Texas; step-grandson, Scott Harvey of McLean, Virginia: nephew, Hollaway "Sonny" Parker of Coleman; niece, Patricia Copeland of Durango, Colorado; great-nieces, Debbie Little and Donna Winkle both of Borger, Texas; great-great nephews, Trey Little and Dylan Winkle both of Borger, Texas; step-son, James Wilder of Midland, step-daughter, Beth Wilder Harvey of McLean, Virginia.  Family visitation will be held Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Victoria, Texas - Elsia Holbrook of Bloomington, Texas died at her son's residence in Victoria at 10:20 p. m. Tuesday, November 27, 2001.  Services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Saturday, December 1, 2001 at the Voss Cemetery Pavilion in Voss, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

She was born in 1937 in Kissimmee, Florida.  She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Santa Anna Eastern Star Chapter #247.  She was a convenience store clerk and member of First Baptist Church of Santa Anna.

Survivors include: four sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery Holbrook of California, James and Darlene Holbrook of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jeremy and Davanna Holbrook of Victoria and Joe and Lance Holbrook of Wright - Pat Air Force Base, Ohio; one sister - Myrtle Seaver of St. Cloud, Florida; four grandchildren.

Addie Bodine of Coleman, formerly of Goldsboro, died Friday, November 30, 2001 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, December 4th at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman.  Reverend Curtis Morton will officiate.  Burial will be at the Midway Cemetery near Goldsboro.

She was born in 1913 in Content, Texas and married Roy G. Bodine in Burkett in 1929.  She was a lifetime resident of the Goldsboro area, a housewife and a Baptist.

Survivors include four daughters, Mable Steele of Clyde, Bonnie Matthews of Eastland, Voncelle Wilburn of Amarillo and Carol Ann Foster of Goldsboro; two sisters, Lula Brown of Sweetwater and Georgia Mohler of San Diego, California.; 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Memorials can be made to Holiday Hill Nursing Home, Box 392, Coleman, Texas 76834. Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. Monday at Walker Funeral Home.