James "Rube" Lobstein, age 79, of Bangs, and formerly of Coleman, died Friday, March 1, 2002 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Wednesday (March 6, 2002) in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery near Grosvenor under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Rube Lobstein was born October 23, 1922 in Grosvenor, Texas and was the son of Willie and Leatrice Byrd Lobstein.  He grew up in Grosvenor and attended school at Cross Roads and Grosvenor.  During World War II, he served in the U. S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.  Following the service, he returned to Coleman where he lived for a number of years.  He also resided in Luling, Junction and Lake Brownwood.  At the time of his death he was living in Bangs.  In July 1977 he married Doris Taylor Day in Coleman.  He was an oil field driller and tool pusher and recently had been consulting for Santa Anna Partners.  He was a member of Georgetown Lutheran Church.  Rube was an avid Coleman Bluecat fan.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Lobstein of Bangs; one son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Carla Lobstein of Coleman; two step-daughters, Lynn Schweitzer of Georgetown and Lana (and husband Bill) Pearson of Lubbock; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters.

Pallbearers will be Mike Lobstein, Roger Schweitzer, Brian Sthultz, Trevor Sthultz, Brent Lobstein and Gary Schweitzer.  Honorary pallbearers include Randy Lobstein, Ricky Lobstein, Larry Musick, Rodney Musick, Carl Smith, Roy Buse, Alonzo Bahena, David Hyden and Darrell Wilkins.  Family visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p. m. tonight (Tuesday) at the funeral home.

Virgie Lena Adams died early Saturday, March 2, 2002 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  She was 92.  Services for Virgie Adams were held on Monday, March 4 at 2:00 p. m. at Walker Funeral Chapel with Marty Reed, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, officiating.  Pallbearers included grandsons, Robert Adams and Patrick Adams and great-grandsons James Thomas, Rick Bates, Shawn Bradford and Justin Heath.

Virgie Adams was born south of Burkett on July 11, 1909 to Archie Bart Harris and Mary Lou Colvin Harris.  She grew up around Burkett and attended school at Independence.  She was baptized in the Pecan Bayou, becoming a member of the Baptist church.  She joined Walter Virgil Adams in marriage on February 8, 1926 in Echo, Texas.  They remained married for 52 years before Walter's passing in September of 1978.  She lived in Coleman, Cross Plains, McCamey, Tombstone, Fort Worth, and Cuba, but was most recently a resident of Burkett.  She was a member of Burkett Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by a brother, Virgil Harris; her husband, Walter Adams; two grandchildren, Tim Adams and Deborah Mathews.  She is survived by three sisters: Lorene Gray of Coleman, Elsie Porter of Iowa Park, and Erma Tomlinson of Claredon (formerly of Coleman) and a brother, A. B. Harris of McCamey.  Other surviving relatives include one son, Virgil Adams of Coleman; 2 daughters, Mattie Bradford of Hasse, and Peggy Bradford of Proctor; 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Walker Funeral Home followed by graveside services and burial in the Adams Cemetery near Burkett.

Graveside services for Mrs. Annie Lee Pancake, 86, of Brownwood were held at 3 p. m. Monday in the Cross Plains Cemetery with Bob Wallace officiating under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home.  Mrs. Pancake died Saturday, March 2, 2002 at Songbird Lodge in Brownwood.

She was born October 24, 1915 in Burkett, Texas to James Oscar Colvin and Eulalah Harwell Colvin.

Survivors include two sisters, Novella Rush and Rita Sojouner of Hamlin; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and sister, Marie Eakin Perryman.

Hazel Like Patterson, age 80, died March 2, 2002 in Bonham after a short bout with pneumonia.  Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p. m. Saturday, March 16th at Laurel Oaks Memorial Park in Mesquite with Rev. Richard Harris officiating.

Hazel was born May 20, 1921 in Bluff Dale.  She was mostly a waitress and owner of cafes along Hwy. 75 from Seagoville to Dallas.  She moved to Plano where she purchased another cafe.  Following this, she went to work in the Plano ISD as a pastry cook where she later retired.  She worked at Sanger Harris in Valley View at the Cactus Café for many years.

Hazel is survived by her children and their spouses: Wanda Ragsdale of Coleman; Ken and Linda Dobbs of Plano; Richard “Dickie” Dobbs of Trenton; and David and Belinda Dobbs of Azle; grandchildren: Mike Dobbs of Garland; Brandie Dobbs of Grapevine; Brett Ragsdale of Houston; Clayton and Mat both of Plano; four great grandchildren; and sister, Hixie McDaniel of Baytown.  Memorials may be made to any Hospice organization.

N. C. Baker age 84, of Coleman, died Sunday, March 3, 2002 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. James Ford officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

N. C. Baker was born November 11, 1917 in Hamilton County, Texas and was the son of Walter and Bertha Jane Leonard Baker.  He moved to Coleman County as a young child and attended school here.  During World War II he served in the U. S. Army.  On November 5, 1972 he married Virginia Lindsey in Dallas, Texas.  He worked for many years for the Coleman ISD as a custodian and bus driver.  He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Santa Anna.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Baker of Coleman; one son, Chris Baker of Dublin, Texas; one step-son, Gary Wayne Frazier of Wilmer, Texas; one step-daughter, Beverly Ann Cordell of Tioga, Texas; two brothers, C. F. "Sammy" Baker of Coleman and Bill Baker of Lake Leon, Texas; seven grandchildren, Samantha Leann Baker and Tabitha Angelique Baker, both of Dublin; Mark Frazier and Keith Frazier of Wilmer; Christina Fuller, Sean Fuller and Tasha Marie Fuller, all of Denton County, Texas; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Bailey Fuller.

Clifford "Tippy" Kincaid, age 43, of Lake Brownwood died Sunday, march 3, 2002 at his home.  A memorial service will be held today (Thursday) at 2:00 p. m. at the New Beginnings Church in Brownwood with Rev. Kelly Crenshaw officiating.  His body will be cremated, directed by Heartland Funeral Home of Early.

Mr. Kincaid was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, the son of Clifford E. and Barbara Kincaid, Sr.  He had been a painter in the Brownwood area.  Mr. Kincaid had been a resident of Lake Brownwood since 1997, formerly of Crandon, Wisconsin.  he attended the New Beginnings Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include his father, Cliff Kincaid, Sr. of Lake Brownwood; mother, Mary Kincaid of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; brother, Golden Michael Kincaid of Lake Brownwood; numerous aunts, uncle and cousins; and special friends, Kelly and Donna Crenshaw, C. E. Boyd and Denny Powell.

Mr. Vonceal Dennis Trammell, age 80 of Coleman died at his residence 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002.  Services will be held tomorrow (Friday) 10 a. m. in Concho Baptist Church with Dr. Charles Sheffield, pastor of Concho Baptist Church officiating.  Interment will follow in Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mr. Trammell was born in Eastland County August 12, 1921 to James L. Trammell, Sr. and Ruby Owens Trammell.  He came to Coleman with his parents in a covered wagon in 1922 and remained all his life.  He married Nellie Ruth Adkins March 12, 1943.  He was a U. S. Army Medical Corps veteran member, retired shop foreman of Taylor Motor Company and member of Concho Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Ruby Trammell of Coleman; three daughters, Peggy Sue Swindall of Santa Anna, Betty Lou Bates of Waco and Mary Jo Brixey of Coleman; three sons, Virgil Edward Trammell of San Diego, Robert Dale Trammell of Midland and William Ray Trammell, Sr. of Coleman; two sisters, Pauline Strickland of San Angelo and Billie Wells of Abilene; two brothers, James Trammell Jr. of Coleman and Donald Trammell of Lufkin; 18 grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Ruth Trammell; son, Vonceal Dennis Trammell, Jr.; a granddaughter, Barbara Trammell; and a great-grandson, Micheal Johnathon Wells.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Johnny Trammell, David Trammell, Jerry Dale Wells, Jr., Daniel Paul Wells, Ronnie Fred Bates, Dennis Dewayne Bates, William Ray Trammell, Jr. and Cassidy Colt Turner.

Darrell Lee Adams, age 47, of Lake Coleman, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services were 2:00 p. m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Fred Bozeman officiating.  Burial followed in Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Adams was born May 1, 1954 in Odessa, Texas where he grew up and attended school at both Odessa High School and Permian High School.  He moved to Lake Coleman in 1985.  On December 2,1994, he married Glenda Smith in Ballinger.  He had been employed at a moving company and a machine shop before his health declined.  He attended the Church of Christ and enjoyed fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Noreen Adams of Lake Coleman; his parents, Glen and Delores Adams of Odessa; one sister, Glenda Lynn Adams of Odessa; grandmother, Helen Carter Ventress of Terlton, Oklahoma; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Nora Smith of Coleman; aunt, Orene Upshaw of Ponca City, Oklahoma; uncle, Larry Adams of Cleveland, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Donald Houlihan, Dave Simmons, Herb Hunt, Jim Eaton, Athar Jones and Christopher Bozeman.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Christine M. Puckett, age 77 of Austin, Texas died Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at Christopher House Hospice in Austin.  Funeral services were held at 1:00 p. m. Saturday, March 9th at Lucus Funeral Home in Fort Worth, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.

Christine was born in 1924 in Coleman County, the daughter of Elizer and Millie M. Hornsby.  She married Orville Meredith Puckett in Coleman County and he preceded her in death in 1984.  She was a housewife.

Survivors include daughter, Paula C. Ray of Round Rock, Texas; grandson, Christopher Joseph Ray of Las Vegas, Nevada; and one sister, Nora Snider of Coleman.  She was preceded in death by one son, Philip Joseph Puckett, four sisters and five brothers.

Ruth Hibbetts, age 95, of Santa Anna, passed away at 6:20 a. m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at Coleman Healthcare Center.  Services were held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. Rebecca Emery, Rev. Kermit Sorrells and Rev. Helen McIver officiating.  Interment followed in the Cleveland Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Ruth was born April 2, 1906 in Coleman County to the late William Lee and Willie Stacy Baugh.  She was a lifetime resident of Coleman County, where she attended the Cleveland schools.  Ruth married Robert Bruce Hibbetts on August 4, 1923 in Brownwood, Texas and they celebrated 62 years of marriage.  Bruce preceded her in death in 1985.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Cleveland Quilting Club and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Charlie Avants of Gouldbusk; two sons-in-law, Joe Wallace of Santa Anna and Alton (Buddy) Benge of Brownwood; a sister, Eula Bigham of Crescent City, California; eight grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.  Ruth was preceded in death by two daughters, Eva Nell Benge, in 1972, and Dorothy Wallace, in 1982; and two granddaughters, Tracy Benge, in 1984, and Tammy Benge Bourne, in 1994.  Pallbearers were Jeff Goodwin, Michael Goodwin, Mall Goodwin, Ty Purcell, Shay Avants, Jake Stephenson, Chase Avants, Brody Tibbetts and Tru Avants.

Jessica Lynn Mankoff died suddenly in a Dallas hospital on March 10, 2002.  A memorial service was held for her at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Dallas, Texas on March 12, 2002.

She was born April 16, 1970 in Tallahassee, Florida.  She was a web-site designer and had many friends in the business.  She will be remembered as a person with unusual compassion for both people and animals.  For years she volunteered in area animal shelters.  She will be missed.

Jessica is survived by a loving husband, Scott Mankoff, Dallas; parents Susan Philliber, Accord, New York and Bill Gustavus, Coleman; step-mother Jane Jolley, Grapevine, Texas; stepfather Bill Philliber, Accord, New York; sisters Mika Prater of Aledo, Texas, Sarah Gustavus of Austin, Texas, and Reagan and Ashley Philliber of Accord, New York; one brother, Daniel Gustavus, Grapevine, Texas.  The family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

Addie Mae McClendon, 90, of Abilene died Tuesday, March 12, 2002, at an Abilene care center.  Services will be 2 p. m. today (Thursday) at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory, with Rev. Paul Bauernfeind and Dr. Cyril Stone officiating.  Burial will be in Ericksdahl Cemetery.

Mrs. McClendon was born on September 3, 1911 in Coleman, Texas.  She was a graduate of Coleman High School and attended Texas Weslyan College in Fort Worth.  She worked as a bookkeeper for General Motors, retiring after 30 years.  She married Jack W. McClendon in Stamford, Texas on July 25, 1969 and moved to Abilene from Stamford that same year.  Mrs. McClendon was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene and held a three time life membership in the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Jack W. McClendon of Abilene; daughters, Jacqueline Plott of Dallas, Lucy Temple of Abilene, and Nancy Cox of Atlanta, Georgia; a sister, Jewel Zimmerman of Keller, Texas; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, G. K. Redding and Chora Ledora Pearson; a brother; and three sisters.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

HOUSTON: Graveside services for Theresa Bynum Green, age 77, of Houston were held at 2 p. m. Saturday in the Newburg Cemetery with Pastor Deb Schulze officiating, under the direction of Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home.  Mrs. Green died Tuesday, March 12, 2002 in Houston.

She was born March 14, 1924, in Brown County, to T. W. Bynum and Doris Lodema Ridley.  She married William F. Green on November 21, 1957 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They moved to Mineral Springs, Arkansas from Pasadena in 1983.  She was a Methodist and was affiliated with the American Red Cross, worked for the State Department Secretary Chet Brooks during World War II and U. S. Congress, Bob Eckhardt; Society St. Stephens; and Bridge Resale Shop.  She was a Pasadena Library member and performed with the Joy Singers, FBC.

Survivors include one daughter, Martha Wentworth of Pasadena; one son, David and wife, Kathleen, Green of Houston; one grandson; two sisters, Marian Kennedy of Coleman and Joyce Bynum of Sunnyvale, California and two brothers, George Bynum of Irving and Richard Bynum of Oakland, California.

Buena Cathey Pool, age 85, of Druse Memorial Lutheran Village in Brenham, Texas died at 4 a. m. Wednesday, March 13, 2002.  Funeral services were Friday (March 15, 2002) at 10:00 a. m. at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Robinett, pastor of United Christian/Presbyterian Church and Rev. Gary Jeter, pastor of First Christian Church, Brenham, officiating.  Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery.

She was born December 27, 1920 in Fisk, Texas, the daughter of William Byron Cathey and Meithel LeMay Cathey.  She married Mendel "Skinny" Pool on October 19, 1946 in Abilene.  A lifetime resident of Coleman, she moved to Brenham in 1994 to be near her sister, Jo Ann.  She was retired from the Department of Health and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Coleman.

Survivors include a sister, Jo Ann King of Brenham and a brother, Bill Cathey of Midland.

Virginia Lillard Dibrell, deeply loved mother and grandmother, passed away at age 79 in the early morning of Wednesday, March 13, 2002, in Houston, Texas.

She was born May 26, 1922 in El Paso, Texas to Raymond Allen Dibrell and Virginia Lillard Dibrell.  Virginia was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed into the Methodist-Episcopal Church South. She lived in Enid, Oklahoma and in Dallas, Seguin and Edinburg, Texas as a child.  She was very precocious and began singing publicly at age two, performing her first solo at church.  She was an active member of the Rainbow Girls, as a preteen and teenager, and became a lifelong member of The Order of the Eastern Star in the Rio Grande Valley.

Virginia graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1946, where she majored in English and History and actively pursued vocal training.  She married her 7th cousin, Carter M. Dibrell of Coleman in Weslaco on October 1, 1946.  That began her new lifelong passion for Texas A&M University.  The A&M Radio Network station, WTAW, featured her with a weekly solo program called “Virginia Sings.”   Her first son, Carter, Jr., was born in 1947.  Following Carter’s graduation from A&M in 1951, the family moved to Robert Lee. James Crockett “Jimmy,” her second son was born in 1952.  Carter began graduate study in 1953 at SWTSU in San Marcos, and Virginia started a private kindergarten and first-grade.  In 1955 the earthly life of their beloved son, Jimmy, was ended by the explosion of a defective water heater.  Virginia gave birth to her last child in 1956. Sam Carter Dibrell.  In the late 1950’s Carter and Virginia accepted teaching positions with Brenham ISD. Virginia taught junior high school, and later opened a second private kindergarten; she used and created songs to teach all curricula, and saw her young students go on to be highly successful in later grades.  Virginia tirelessly helped her husband and sons, doing research and taking dictation for papers and projects, to help them succeed and win awards; she typed well over 100 wpm on a manual typewriter.  She was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader with her husband in San Marcos and Brenham. Virginia won the KWHI (Brenham) Ms. Popularity Contest.  She was the Chairperson of the 1968 Humphrey - Muske Presidential Campaign, and was a vocal and deeply loyal Democrat.  Virginia was elected State President of the Texas Federation of A&M Mothers’ Clubs in 1970. She was a rambunctious fan of A&M basketball, keeping personal records of every game to which she listened or watched.  Virginia won the Poet Laureate of the Year award in the early 1970’s from the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs for her composition, “A Musical Trip Through Texas.”  She served as President of the Fortnightly Club in Brenham, and was active in United Methodist Women in Brenham and Houston.  Her beloved husband, Carter M. Dibrell, with whom she had a very affectionate and romantic marriage for 49 1/2 years, preceded her in death.  Virginia and Carter will always be remembered as a loving couple who gave freely to their family, friends and communities.  Virginia will also be remembered individually as a beautiful and intelligent woman, who never gave up and would always try to inspire others through dancing and singing.

Virginia Dibrell Dibrell is survived by:  Brothers, Raymond Allen Dibrell, Jr. of Sonoma, California and Joseph Marvin Dibrell of Dallas; sisters, Winifred Doris Pile of McAllen and Margaret Jane Slay of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Son, Carter Mooney Dibrell, Jr. and wife, Sue, of Texas City; Son, Sam Clark Dibrell and wife, Lisa, of Houston; Grandchildren (all Dibrells): Raymond Carter of Galveston, Jennifer Dawn of San Marcos, and Brian Christopher, Cecily Nicole, Nathaniel James and Taylor Elaine of Houston.

The first memorial service was on the morning of Saturday, March 16, assisted by Miller Funeral Services, with the Reverend Thomas Hill officiating at the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church of Houston.  Pallbearers at this first service were all of Virginia’s sons and grandsons; her granddaughters were the Honorary Pallbearers.  Virginia was brought to Coleman, Texas.  Friends and family visited from 4:00 to 6:00 p. m. on Sunday afternoon, March 17, at the Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.  The second memorial service was then held at the First United Methodist Church of Coleman on Monday, March 18, at 11:00 a. m.  The body of Virginia Lillard Dibrell Dibrell was then laid to rest next to Carter in the Coleman Cemetery.  The pallbearers at the final service were Thelbert Elkins, Winston Elkins, Sumter Weatherred, Max Horne, Bobbie Horne McMinn, Nick Taylor, Carter M. Dibrell, Jr., and Sam Clark Dibrell.  Honorary pallbearers were Jack Horne, William “Billy” Cox, Charles Cobum, Keith Coburn, Jennifer Dibrell and Cecily Dibrell.  The family requests that friends and family send donations to: The Virginia Lillard Dibrell Dibrell Memorial Scholarship for the Study of Liberal and Performing Arts, c/o First Coleman National Bank, P.O. Box 552, Coleman, Texas 76834, 915-625-2115.

Eva Mae (Ashmore) Murray, age 82, of Ballinger died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 in Shannon Hospital of San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas.  Funeral services were held Saturday, March 16, 2002.  Arrangements were by Rains-Seale Funeral Home of Ballinger. Rev. Bo Keithley of the First Baptist Church officiated.  Interment was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas.

Eva Mae was born May 5, 1919 in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas.  She was the daughter of Ivan Duncan and Eva Pauline (Gardner) Ashmore who were former residents of the Rockwood community in Coleman County, Texas.  Eva Mae graduated from high school in Rockwood.  She was in nursing for many years. Eva Mae was a member of the Eastern Star, First Baptist Church of Ballinger, and The Daughters of American Revolution.  She loved quitting with the Ballinger Quitting Club.  She married L. W. Murray on October 28, 1943 in Bryan. Brazos County, Texas. 
Preceding her in death were both parents; brothers Fred, Clydis and James; one sister, Clarice.

Survivors are her husband of the home address; one brother, William Duncan Ashmore and wife Lucile of Denver City, Texas; one sister, Neita Alice Bryan and husband Ray of Ballinger, Texas.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.  Pallbearers were J. B. Arrott, James Rose, Dub McMillan, Milton Shelburn, Larry Howe and Richard Morrish.

Roy G. Gardner, age 86, of Coleman, died Thursday, March 14, 2002 at a Cross Plains nursing home.  Funeral services were 3:00 p. m. Saturday in First Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial was in Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Roy was born November 23, 1915 in Rockwood, Texas and was the son of William Fulton Gardner and Grace McCarrell Gardner Kemp.  He grew up in Rockwood and graduated from Rockwood High School.  On December 18, 1936 he married Oveeda Esther Faught and she preceded him in death on December 31, 1970; he married Bobbie Lee Bassett Pope on November 25, 1971 and she preceded him in death on August 10, 1999.  He was a life-long resident of Coleman County and moved to the city of Coleman in the 1940’s.  He retired as parts manager for Mahan Tractor.  Roy was a long-time member of the Lions Club, served on the Coleman City Council from 1974 - 1996 where he was Mayor Pro Tem for eight years, was on the Senior Citizens Board, a member of the Triple L Club, the Coleman Aviation Club and was a longtime instructor for the American Red Cross.  He had been emcee for the Echo Jamboree and a Pee Wee baseball coach.  He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, John (and wife Lynda) Gardner of Oracle, Arizona and Glen (and wife Charlotte) Gardner of Coleman; one daughter, Beth (and husband Kenneth) Sparkman of New Braunfels, Texas; one sister, Eva Ruth Traylor of Lake Brownwood, Texas; step-children, Gail Anderson, Ken Pope, Helen Overturff and Donna Lee Franke; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; and 17 step-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Kerbow, on February 29, 2000.  Pallbearers included Monty Jack Anderson, Sid Sparkman, Logan Bell, Alan Kerbow, Aaron Forester and Rowdy Pope. Serving as honorary pallbearers was Bryant Sparkman.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Drive, Abilene, Texas 79605 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 983, Coleman, Texas 76834.

E. J. McNeese, age 66, of Santa Anna died Friday, March 15, 2002 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Mr. McNeese will be cremated; no services are planned. Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood was in charge of arrangements.

Born March 21, 1935 in Magee, Mississippi, he was a longtime resident of Santa Anna and was a Baptist. Survivors are three daughters, Retha Hyden and Janie Thompson, both of Santa Anna and Teresa French of Brownwood; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; five brothers; four sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. John Wayne Williams, age 52, of San Angelo, died Sunday, March 17, 2002 at S. C. C. I. Hospital in San Angelo.  A memorial service will be held 2:00 p. m. tomorrow (Friday) March 22 at Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Don Northway officiating.  The body was cremated.  Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Mr. Williams was born April 13, 1949 in Coleman, a son of Connie and Katherine Aaron Williams.  He moved to San Angelo two years ago after living in Abilene for many years.  He was a member of the True Vine Baptist Church.

Survivors include one sister, Mary Ann Williams of Coleman and several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Stella Mae Williams.

EARLY: Rosary for Lucia G. Tello, 47, of Early, was 7 p. m. Wednesday at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will be at Arroyo Seco, Mexico.  Mr. Tello died Monday, March 18, 2002 in Stamford.

He was born June 8,1954, in El Durazno, Atargea, Mexico to Gil and Ingsencia Guerroro Tello.  He was a waiter at La Familia Mexican Restaurant.  He worked in Stamford and Coleman for La Familia also.  He was a member of the Catholic faith and had lived in Early for the past four years.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Tello of Early; step-sons, Ramon Manzano of Early and Anastacio Hernandez of Weatherford; step-daughters, Lorran Manzano of Early and Christhal Manzano of Early; his parents, Gil and Ingsencia Tello of Mexico; five brothers, Raynaldo Tello, Vidal Tello, Leonel TelIo, Oleganlo Tello and Manano Tello, aU of Mexico; and four sisters, Maria Tello, Amparo Tello, Cesencio Tello and Efren Tello, all of Mexico.

Lucio G. Tello, 47, owner of the Mi Familia Restaurant at 215 E. Pecan, was killed in a two-vehicle accident near Stamford on March 18th.  Tello, who opened the Coleman restaurant last year at this time, was killed instantly when a car traveling northbound on Highway 277 about eight miles south of Stamford, crossed over into the other lane, striking Tello’s 1996 Chevrolet Blazer head-on.  The fatal accident occurred at about 8:20 p. m.

Tello had departed his Stamford restaurant and was on his way to Coleman. Mi Familia in Stamford began operating in December, employing five people.  The accident is still under investigation and a police report was expected to be forwarded this week.  Mi Familia in Coleman remains open for business, employing six people.

Johnie L. Slaughter, 80, of Abilene, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the VA Hospital in Kerrvilie, Texas.  Graveside services were held at 10 a. m. Saturday in Potosi Cemetery, directed by Eliiott-Hamil Funeral Home of Abilene. 

Mr. Slaughter was born May 28, 1921 in Putnam, Texas and attended public school in Cross Plains.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operation, and later in food service as a chef in the U.S. Air Force.  After 21 years of combined service, he retired from his military career at Dyess AFB in 1961.  He moved to Abilene in 1959 from New Egypt, New Jersey.  He married Jean Boyle in Coleman, Texas on February 23, 1943.  Mr. Slaughter was a member of Northwest Church of Christ in Abilene and a life member of the Veterans, of Foreign Wars, Post 2012.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Boyle Slaughter, of Abilene; a son, Johnie B. Slaughter and wife, Peggy, of Abilene; a sister, Louise King of Potosi; two grandsons; two great-grandsons; four nieces and two nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Vance Slaughter and Alice Holley Slaughter; two brothers, Bill Slaughter and Mutt Slaughter; and a granddaughter.  Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, VA Hospitals, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Ruby Trammell, age 98, on March 21, 2002, left this world to join a host of relatives and friends around God’s throne in Heaven where she will enjoy praising her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all eternity.  Services were 1:00 p. m. Sunday, March 24, 2002 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Charles Sheffield, pastor of Concho Baptist Church, officiating. Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruby was born to Scott and Ella Pickering Owens January 10, 1904 in Erath County near Morgan’s Mill, Texas.  At the age of five, her family moved to Gorman, Texas and at fourteen, Ruby joined the First Baptist Church of Gorman.  After World War I, she met and married James L. “Jim” Trammell August 28, 1920.  In 1922, they moved to Coleman, along with their firstborn son, five months of age.  They traveled in a covered wagon and the trip took three days.  Coleman has been Ruby’s home since that time.  She had been a resident of Holiday Hill Nursing Home for several years and dearly loved the people who work there and her roommate, Barbara.

Survivors include two sons, James L. Trammell, Jr. of Coleman and Donald Trammell and wife Sara of Lufkin, Texas; two daughters, Pauline Strickland of San Angelo and Billie Wells of Abilene; 21 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and 26 great- great- grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, two daughters, Peggy Henson and Betty Creek; two daughters-in-law; four sons-in-law; three grandsons; two great-granddaughters; one great-great-grandson and most recently, her firstborn son, Vonceal Dennis Trammell on March 5, 2002.

Ruby Mama, as all her grandchildren knew her, always said that she was blessed with long life because of her faith in God and hard work.  She loved her yard and enjoyed working outdoors. She was an artist at making beautiful quilts.  She enjoyed her grandchildren and had many stories to share with them.  Pallbearers were grandsons, William Trammell, Michael Strickland, Floyd Wells, Jr., Larry Beck, Ken Owens, Donald Trammell, Jr. and Doug Creek.  Honorary pallbearers included Roland Duus, Fred Knowles, Nick Taylor, Chubby Brooks and Randy Turner.  Memorials may be made to Holiday Hill Nursing Home, Coleman County Medical Center, Hospice of the Big Country, Concho Baptist Church or the donor’s favorite charity.

Rev. Clarence Ray Smith, age 75 of O’Fallon, Missouri and formerly of Coleman, died March 21, 2002 in St. Peters, Missouri.  Funeral services were held March 24th at Grace Baptist Church in St. Charles, Missouri.  Interment was at St. Charles Memorial Gardens in St. Charles, Missouri.

Rev. Smith was born July 11, 1926 in Coleman, Texas a son of Levi and Allie Smith.  He was a minister at Bible Baptist Church in St. Charles, Missouri for 13 years.  He was a member of the Lions Club in Texas, a former chaplain for St. Charles Sheriff’s Department, a member of Grace Baptist Church and was a minister at churches in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri and Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Betty S. Smith of O’Fallon, Missouri; two sons, David Ray Smith and wife Katherine of O’Fallon, Missouri and James Earl Smith of Troy, Missouri; one granddaughter, Jennifer Smith of O’Fallon, Missouri; two grandsons, Eric Smith and wife Erin of O’Fallon, Missouri and Shane Franklin Smith of St. Charles, Missouri; great-grandson, Nicholas Smith of O’Fallon, Missouri; one brother, Travis Smith of San Angelo, Texas; and two sisters, Lucille Seratte and Doris Bamber, both of Coleman, Texas.  Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Mission Fund, in care of Baue Funeral Home, 3950 West Clay, St. Charles, Missouri 63301.

Elda Mae Parmer, 68, of Abilene, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at an Abilene medical center.  Services will be today (Tuesday) at 2 p. m. in Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy. 277 South, Abilene, with Reverend Rodney Watson officiating.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

Elda Mae was born July 22, 1933 in Medicine Mound, Texas to Thomas and Sarah Mulkey.  She was a graduate of Coleman High School.  She married I. A. Parmer and was a homemaker and a member of Lytle South Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, I. A. Parmer, in 1998; and a son, Martin Parmer in 1997.  She is survived by a son, David Green of Dumas; a daughter, Kathy Tidmore of Abilene; two step-daughters, Gayle Corry of Irving and Patsy Devereaux of Arlington; and nine grandchildren.  Memorials may be sent to Hendrick Hospice, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 78604.

EARLY: J. B. Snider of Early was born February 24, 1911 in Cameron, Milam County, Texas to James S. and Stella Gray Snider.  They later moved to Coleman where he grew up.  J.B. and Ida Louise Switzer were married at the Baptist parsonage in Coleman on March 20, 1945.  He served with the 755th Tank Battalion.  J. B. wore the Purple Heart, E.T.O., Pre-Pearl Harbor, Good Conduct, and two Bronze Stars.  He and Louise moved from Big Spring to Brown County in 1955.  He was a member of Early First Baptist Church and was a retired construction worker.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Louise Switzer Snider of Early: one son, Johnny Lewis Snider and wife Elaine of Center: one daughter, Janice Rice-Sheffield and husband Phillip of Brownwood; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Eugene Snider; a son-in-law, James Rice: and six brothers and sisters.

Services were 10:30 a. m. Monday (March 25, 2002) in Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Calvin Knight officiating.  Interment followed in Eastlawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

Ed Moore, age 86, of Tom Ball, Texas passed away Sunday, March 23, 2002 at 2:30 p. m. at the Tom Ball Hospital.  Graveside services will be today (Thursday) at 11 a. m. at the Tom Ball Cemetery.

Ed was born July 6,1916 in Falls County, Texas to the late Sam and Nola Tarver Moore.  He was raised in Coleman County where he attended the Cleveland Schools.  He married Ozella Vaughn in Coleman County on October 17, 1936 and they celebrated 63 years of marriage.  Ozella preceded him in death in 1999.  Ed was retired from Amerada Petroleum.

Survivors include three sons, Kenneth Moore and Roger Moore of Tom Ball, and Marshall Moore of San Antonio; four sisters, Velda Mills of Olton, Doris Penney of Hallsville, Helen Hawthorne of Crane and Ruby Hartman of Santa Anna; several grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

James Leland Sikes, age 88, of Coleman, died Sunday, March 24, 2002 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Graveside services will be held at 2 p. m. Wednesday at Coleman City Cemetery with Rev. R. J. Elkins, retired Baptist minister, officiating.  Burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mr. Sikes was born March 3, 1914 in Fisk, Texas, a son of James Thomas Sikes and Minnie Elizabeth Jackson Sikes.  A resident of Coleman County all of his life, he attended school at Fisk.  He was retired from Coleman Butane and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  On September 18, 1954, he married Bobbie Bowles in Fisk, Texas.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jerry Burke of San Antonio; three step-sons, Emmett and Lavada Mills of Denver City, Curtis Joe and Connie Mills of Deer Beach, Florida and Ernest and Faye Mills of Coleman; and 13 grandchildren and several great- grandchildren.  Leland was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie and son, Wayne Gail Sikes.  Family visitation will be from 6 to 7 p. m. tonight (Tuesday, March 26, 2002).

Funeral services for H. W. Seals, 76, of Wilson, Texas were 10:00 a. m. Wednesday at White Funeral Home in Tahoka, with Reverend Bruce Cotton officiating.  Interment followed in the Green Memorial Park in Wilson, Texas, under the direction of White Funeral Home in Tahoka.  Mr. Seals passed away Monday, March 25, 2002 at his home.

He was born on September 19, 1925 in Coleman, Texas to the late Mr. and Mrs. Horace William and Effie Ray Halmon Seals.  He moved to Lynn County in 1941 from Santa Anna, Texas.  Mr. Seals married Glendora Elizabeth Hyde on June 5,1946 in Wilson, Texas, she preceded him in death on April 14, 1988.  He married Sherley Fisher on August 10, 1989 in Odessa, Texas.  Mr. Seals retired from farming in 1990, was a member of the First Baptist Church in Plains and served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Survivors include his wife, Sherley Seals of Wilson, Texas; one son, Roger Seals of Andrews, Texas; two step-sons Brian Moore of Odessa, Texas and Jamie Moore of Lubbock, Texas; one daughter, Donna Chandler of Midland, Texas; three step-daughters, Valorie Moore of Lubbock, Charity Moore of Odessa, Texas and Christi Moore of Lubbock, Texas; one brother, E. L. Seals of Abilene, Texas; one sister, Billie Wayne Kirbie of Brownwood, Texas; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lubbock or American Lung Association.

Harvey Schmidt, 95, of Abilene, died Monday, March 25, 2002, at an Abilene hospital.  A chapel service will be held at 10 a. m. this morning (Thursday) at Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St., Abilene, with Royce Williamson officiating.  Burial will be in Tye Cemetery.

Julius Harvey Schmidt was born in San Marcos, Texas on February 18, 1907.  He moved to Abilene 30 years ago and retired from dairy farming in the Tye area.  He attended the 5th and Grape Church of Christ.  In 1971, he married Zula Riley Dunn in Coleman, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Zula, of the home; three sons, Jerry Schmidt of Hawley, Roger Schmidt of Abilene and Rex Schmidt of Fort Phanthon Lake; one step-son, Riley Dunn of Cleburne; one step-daughter, Celeste Adams of Morrilton, Arkansas; two sisters, Zelma Garrett of Austin and Willie Hufstetler of Kerrville; 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maggie Cochran Schmidt; a son Lonnie Harvey Schmidt; his parents, Gus and Belle Schmidt; and a brother, Neil Schmidt.  If desired, memorials may be made to the Foster’s Children Home in Stephenville, Texas, c/of of 5th and Grape Church of Christ, 433 Grape St., Abilene, Texas 79601.

Herb Wood, age 77, of Coleman, died Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2002 at Elm Street Church of Christ with Joe Hailey officiating and assisted by Lyndon Key.  Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Herb was born August 5, 1924 in Blanket, Texas and was a son of Joseph Parmer Wood and Maggie Stratton Wood.  He moved to Coleman in 1932 and attended school in Coleman.  During World War II, he served in the United States Air Force.  On June 1, 1946 he married Jarvis Fawn Fowler in Coleman.  He lived in Pear Valley from 1947- 1955, moving back to Coleman at that time.  He was a self-employed roofing contractor and a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for eight years. 

Survivors include his wife, Jarvis Wood of Coleman; two sons, Alan (and wife B. J.) Wood of Cedar Creek, Texas and Donnie Wood of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Pam (and husband Bruce) Schmidt of Rowlett, Texas; two sisters, Ruby Sanges of Coleman and Shirley (and husband Franklin) Jenkins of Big Spring; sister-in-law, Nita Wood of Coleman; brother-in-law, Scott Fowler of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Gail Clemons of Brownwood, Missy Ryan of Early, Rebecca Wood of Denver, Colorado, Natalie Wood of Dallas and Michael Schmidt of Rowlett, Texas; four great- grandchildren, Jake Ryan, Katie Ryan, Ellie Ryan and Rachel Clemons; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Drive, Abilene, Texas 79605.  Pallbearers will be Jimmie Driskill, Jack Crosby, Todd Hooper, Herschel Jones, Howard Childress, Donald Williams, Raymond Carnes and Ed Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Baugh, Pete Floyd, Bill Bradshaw, Bill Casselberry, Ed Van Dalsem, Daniel Dean, David Dean, Bill Crow, James Dieterich, Roy Buse, Tommy Sloan, Bobby McGee, Jack Baucom, Warren Gafford and Gary Castleberry.

Reba Hartman, age 97, of Midland, Texas passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at 2:45 a. m. at the Trinity Towers in Midland.  Services will be Saturday at 2:30 p. m. at the Northside Church of Christ with Sam Wilson and Aaron LeMond officiating.  Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Family visitation is Friday evening from 6 until 8 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Reba was born in Minden, Louisiana on March 25, 1905 to the late Edd Lee and Jonie Ila Ash Hester.  She attended schools in Minden, Louisiana and Bee Branch in Coleman County.  Reba was raised in Coleman County where she was a resident until 1948 moving at that time to Midland.  She married Isreal Elmer Hartman in Coleman County on January 30, 1920 and they celebrated 49 years of marriage.  Isreal preceded her in death in 1969.  Reba was a member of the Westway Church of Christ in Midland and homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Winnie Blanseett of Midland; two sons, Jonie Hartman of Odessa and Edd Hartman of Santa Anna; two brothers, Walter Hester of Angleton and Edwin Hester of Houston; a sister, Gladyene Potter of Fort Worth; 24 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 16 great- great- grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Omelia Reeves in 1982 and by two sons, Ray Hartman in 1982 and R. D. Hartman in 1953.

BRADY:  Memorial services for Elton Leigh Hooten, 69, of Brady were held at 3 p. m. Saturday at the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Jeff Robinett and Richard Tatum officiating under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home.  Mr. Hooten died Wednesday, March 27, 2002 in Brady.

He was born August 12, 1932 in El Paso to Ellis Elton and Elsa (Sodke) Hooten.  He married Paula Robinett in Coleman.  They had been married for 15 years.  He was a carpenter, a guitarist, songwriter and world traveler.

Survivors include his wife, Paula, of Brady; three sons, Duke Hooten of Austin. Deck Hooten of Mason and Doby Hooten and his wife, Debbie, of Mason; two step-sons, Jeff Robinett and his wife, Vickie, of Coleman and Joel Robinett and his wife, Christy, of Lubbock; one stepdaughter, Jodi Gonzales and husband, Raoul, of Lubbock; three brothers, Terry Hooten of Mason, Robert Hooten of Keys Point, Alaska; and Christopher Hooten of Palmer, Alaska; one grandson; three granddaughters; five step- granddaughters; and five step- grandsons.

ROTAN:  Winnie Mae Donham, 77, of Rotan, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2002 in the Fisher County Hospital.  Funeral services were 3 p. m. Monday in the Rotan First Baptist Church with Reverend Werth Mayes officiating. Burial followed in the Hamlin Cemetery, directed by
Weathersbee Funeral Home.

Mrs. Donham was born June 1, 1924, in Blanket, Texas to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Dewey Meeks.  She married Buster Donham in Hamlin on August 17, 1940.  Mrs. Donham worked as a nurses’ aide for many years in the Rotan and Fisher County area.  She was a member of the Rotan First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Buster Donham of Rotan; five daughters, Linda Davis and Brenda Whitley, both of Clyde, Carol Hedden of Rotan, Mary Parker of Abilene and Debbie Stanford of Coleman; six sisters, Elita Donham, Erlene William and Lucille Farnsworth, all of Hamlin, Dorene Dawkins of Abilene, Bonnie Kidwell of Ballinger and Joy Bevins of San Angelo; 13 grandchildren; and 29 great- grandchildren.

Mrs. Beulah “Boots” Aldridge, age 96, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Friday, March 29, 2002 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.  Services were 2 p. m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. Bruce Hess and Rev. Ray Aldridge officiating.  Interment followed at Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Beulah was born September 26, 1905 in Coleman County, Texas to the late W. E. and Dora Pearl Biggs Vanderford.  She was raised in Coleman County where she attended the Longview and Santa Anna Schools.  Boots married Warren Aldridge, Sr. in Santa Anna on June 7, 1925 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage.  Warren preceded her in death in 1990.  She moved back to Santa Anna from Lawn in 1950.  Boots was a member of the First Baptist Church, a homemaker and a stockfarmer.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Warren and Marion Aldridge of Santa Anna, Texas, Dub and Ruth Aldridge of Santa Anna, Texas and Van and Sue Aldridge of Grapevine, Texas, a daughter-in-law, Freddie Aldridge of Santa Anna, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 29 great- great- grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a son, Jinks Aldridge, in 2000.  Pallbearers were grandchildren: Ray Aldridge, Don Aldridge, Martin Aldridge, Andy Aldridge, Steven Aldridge, Deborah Long, Belinda Ince, Deborah Atkins, Valorie Hall, Duane Aldridge, Vaden Aldridge and Varlyn Aldridge.

HASKELL: Levi Queston Greer, 83, died Friday, March 29, 2002, at a Haskell care home.  Funeral service was 3 p. m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Haskell with Dr. Troy Culpepper officiating.  Masonic graveside rites followed in Willow Cemetery under the direction of Holden-McCauley Funeral Directors.

Mr. Greer was born September 11, 1918 in Limestone County, Texas.  He served in the U.S. Army during WWII.  He retired from Amoco Oil Company and was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Tinka and D. W. Nelson of Coleman; one son, Joel Greer of Lubbock; five grandchildren, Tammy Kimmel and Todd Herricks, both of Weinert, Tina Adams and husband, David, of Haskell, Jason Greer of Lewisville and Jared Greer of Houston; eight great-grandchildren, Tiffany Stiewert, Ashley and Kylie Adams, all of Haskell, Joshua and Colton Kimmel, Shawn and Sara Duncan, all of Weinert, Jacob Herricks of Munday; and one great- greatgrandchild, Shelby Stiewert of Haskell.  The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country or the donor’s favorite charity.

Bernice Maude Battles (Huggins), age 93 of Las Vegas, Nevada, died March 30, 2002 in Las Vegas.

She was born September 19, 1908 in Lampasas, Texas and was a beautician and a homemaker who lived many years in Southern California and spent her last years in Las Vegas, Nevada with her daughter, Wanda.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lawson A. Battles, of Santa Anna, Texas, and also by one sister, Lillie Richardson.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Wanda M. Richter; grandson Dr. Lawson C. Richter (and wife Ann); great grandson Jared C. Richter all of Las Vegas, Nevada; three sisters, Elizabeth Marquart, Lucille Huggins and Ruth Stipe; and one brother, William E. Huggins. All of the family is from Baytown, Texas.

Mrs. Sarah Charles Stewart, age 79 of Coleman, died Sunday, March 31, 2002 at 1:15 a. m. at
Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 6th at 2:00 p. m. at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw of First Baptist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mrs. Stewart was born September 3,1922 in Novice, Texas to Richard Courtney and Vista M. Posey Courtney.  She married Carl Stewart on September 15, 1946 in Ballinger and he preceded her in death in 1998.  She lived in Coleman County all her life, was a housewife and a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Barbara Jean Hartley of San Diego, California; one son, Freddie Stewart of Coleman; six grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be members of the Downtown Sunday School.