GRUVER: Douglas Lynn Frick, 53, died Monday, September 2, 2002.  Services were held Wednesday, September 4 in Gruver School Auditorium with Rev. Jerry Moore officiating.  Burial was in Gruver Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Mr. Frick was born October 11, 1948 in Comanche.  He had lived in Gruver for 23 years, moving from Cooper.  He married Peggy Smith in 1970 at Balko, Oklahoma.  He was a coach and a teacher.  He was a 1967 graduate of Coleman High School and a 1972 graduate of West Texas State University.  He coached for 28 years at Allen, Booker, Cooper and Gruver.  Douglas had coached at Gruver since 1979 and was head football coach there from 1992 - 2002.  He was a member of Texas High School Coaches Association.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Aaron Douglas Frick and wife, Kristi, of Lubbock and Max Taylor Frick and wife, Wendy, of Breckenridge; a daughter, Bonnie Lynn Frick of Gruver; his mother,’ Ouida Frick of Bartonville; a sister, Charlotte Mullins of Bartonville; a brother, Ronnie Frick of Bartonville; his mother-in-law, Bonnie Smith of Spearman; a granddaughter, Hannah Frick of Breckenridge; and a grandson, Caleb Frick of Breckenridge.

The family suggests memorials be made to GHS Weight Room Fund, P. O. Box 650, Gruver, Texas 79040.

The community of Gruver may never be the same.  Not after Monday.  Doug Frick, who coached Gruver High football for 23 years and led the Greyhounds to the 1997 quarter-finals and 1998 regional round of the play-offs, suffered a heart attack and died at his home Monday evening.  He was 53.

“I saw him on Monday afternoon and he was in high spirits,” said Gruver assistant coach Steve Myatt, who worked with Frick for 12 years before his retirement in 2002.  “He came over (to my house) and picked me up and took me to see the 61-inch TV he’d just bought his wife, Peggy.  I was shocked when I heard what happened.”

After coaching stints in Allen, Booker and Cooper, Frick arrived in Gruver in 1979 as an assistant coach.  He ascended to the head coaching position in 1992 and put together a 51-51-2 record during a 10-year span.  Perhaps his greatest achievement on the field came during a bi-district showdown between Gruver and Springlake-Earth in 1997 at Tulia. Ranked No. 8 in Class 1A and blessed with Division I recruit James Williams at quarterback, the Wolverines came into the contest as the heavy favorite.  But the Greyhounds, led by junior quarterback Jim Potts, managed to shut out Springlake-Earth 6-0 in a driving snow storm.  “I remember Coach Frick giving the pep rally speech before that game and he was so nervous he could barely, speak,” said Potts, now a senior at West Texas A&M.  “Our team never got a lot of respect.  He told us we could beat that team, even though nobody thought we could.  He never had it in his mind that we were going to lose.”

Potts received word of his former coach’s death early Tuesday morning and couldn’t help but think of Frick’s immediate family, which included his wife, Peggy, two sons, Aaron and Max, and a daughter, Bonnie.  He had two sons who played for him, but he really had hundreds of sons who played for him over the years,” Potts said.  “He was that kind of father figure to those who played for him.”  Frick is remembered by many of his former colleagues in District 1-1 A, including Booker head coach Ron Pinckard.  “My observation was that Coach Frick could rally his kids behind him in any situation,” Pinckard said.”  “He was always kind to us, even when we didn’t play our best or when I didn’t prepare my team as well as I could’ve.”  “He wasn’t going to try to fool you wish anything, he was just going to get his kids to out-hustle you.  This is a sad day in the Panhandle.  He was a great man.  There are lot of people who are better for Icnowing him.”

Former Gruver lineman Israel Azrate, a current freshman at WT, saw Frick at a Greyhounds’ scrimmage almost two weeks ago.  There were no indications that his health was in jeopardy, Azrate said.  Azrate’s fondest memory of Frick was his pre-game speech before his last Gruver-Booker game, a contest the Greyhounds won 28-16.  “Against Booker my senior season, he told us it would be our last game and that it was time to give all we had,” a grief-stricken Azrate said Tuesday.  “We ended up winning that game.  He taught us a lot, but most importantly he taught us to be a family and to trust one another.  He cared about his players, even after high school.  He always asked us if we needed anything.  Even it you’d been gone (from Gruver) for awhile, he always wanted to help.  He was always trying to make us better players in football and in life.”

Off the field, friends descried Frick as a dedicated father and husband.  Myatt said Frick loved Peggy, Max, Aaron and his only daughter, Bonnie, an eighth-grader at Gruver.  Gruver held a special place in his heart, too.  “He came to Gruver and found a home. He thought he’d found heaven,” Myatt said. “He missed coaching, he missed it terribly.  He turned down a job at Texhoma so he could watch Bonnie play basketball at Gruver.  “As a person, I never once heard him brag on himself.  He always bragged on his boys.  Any boy related to the program was special.  He wanted every boy in school to play football, even if he didn’t have the most talent.”

Frick’s memorial, service was held at 3:30 p. m. today (September 4) at the Gruver High School auditorium with Rev. Jerry Moore officiating. He will be buried at Gruver Cemetery.  The family requests memorials be sent to the Gruver High School weight room fund, Box 650, Gruver, Texas 79040.

Word has been received of the recent death of Mrs. Reba Henderson - Teague of Odessa, a Coleman County native.  She passed away in a care center September 3, 2002 and burial in Odessa, September 6, 2002.  Mrs. Teague was the daughter of the late John Bunyan and Lois Gamble Henderson and the wife of the late Raymong Teague.

She is survived by three daughters and one sister, Mrs., Eva Lou Elkins of Odessa.  She was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Glenn (Bob) Henderson.

Memorial services for Dan E. Paschall, 56, of Santa Anna, Texas will be, held at 2 p. m. today (Tuesday) in Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, Sunnyvale, Texas.  Funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Thursday in the Bangs First Baptist Church, with Dr. Lee Evans officiating.  Interment followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Davis- Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood.  Mr. Paschall died Tuesday, September 3, 2002 in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born August 24, 1946 in Mesquite, Texas to J. P. and Emma Viola Potter Paschall.  He was a full-time independent insurance, adjuster, Baptist minister and pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Comanche County.  He was retired from the U. S. Navy after 17 1/2 years and was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Comanche County.  He had lived the past four years in Santa Anna.  On May 23, 1997, he and Sharon Sturgeon were married in Sunnyvale, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Paschall of Santa Anna; children, Dan Eddie Paschall, Jr. and wife Veronica of Allen, Laurie Palmeri and husband, Tom of Mesquite, John Sturgeon and wife, Ann of Santa Anna, James Sturgeon and wife, Tern of Robert Lee, Jason Sturgeon and wife, Amanda of Deer Park; 11 grandchildren, Shelby and Codie Sturgeon of Santa Anna, Megan, Morgan and Maddison Sturgeon of Robert Lee; Crystal, Erica, Gabrielle, Hunter and Samantha Palmeri of Mesquite; Micah Sturgeon of Deer Park; his mother, Viola Paschall of Mesquite; sisters, Dorothy Ann Sullivan of Mesquite, Cynthia Moore and husband, Omer of Meridian, LaVeta Putman and husband, James of Rockwall, Deborah Havens and husband, Terry of Mesquite;. 40 nieces and nephews; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cliff and Mildred Broyles of Garland; brother-in-law, Owen Broyles and wife, Melba of Edmond, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Paula Wilt and husband, Tom of Greenville.  He was preceded in death by his father, J. P. Paschall.

Joseph E. Woodin, age 79, of Coleman, Texas died Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at his home in Coleman, Texas.  Services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Monday at Walker Funeral Home with Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Masonic graveside rites will follow conducted by Coleman Lodge #496, at Coleman City Cemetery with Walker Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Woodin was born October 19, 1922 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He was a member of Coleman Masonic Lodge and a Past Master of Coleman Masonic Lodge #496.  He served in the 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division in WWII, Pacific Theater and was twice decorated.  After discharge from the Marine Corps, he joined the U.S. Army and requested assignment with the 504th Parachute Regiment.  Subsequently, he requested and received assignment to Special Forces and upon completion of two years training was assigned to Special Ops, 24th lnf Div., Korea.  After completion of service, Mr. Woodin finished college and received an AS degree and worked as an electronic engineer for Hughes Aircraft and the Boeing Company on the Titan and Minuteman ICBM systems.  Before moving to Coleman in 1987 he ranched in New Mexico and then in Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Norene T. Woodin of Coleman; two daughters, Mrs. Sandra K. Lacy, RN, of Coleman and Dr. Pamela L. Allen of Falls River Mills, California; son-in-law, Aurthur Allen of Falls River Mills, California; brother, Dr. James Woodin of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two sisters, Barbra DeMoore of Marshall, Michigan and Norma J. Sherman of White Plains, New York; and one grandchild, Joseph C. Lacy of Coleman, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Lamar Hamon, James Honea, Joe Ray Harris, Bill Hightower, Jim McAnally and Wade Turner.  Family visitation will be Sunday from 6 p. m. to 7 p. m.  Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice.

William P. “Bill” Franklin died at his home Saturday, September 7th, 2002.  Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 10) at the United Christian and Presbyterian Church, 400 West College, in Coleman.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12th at the First Presbyterian Church in Midland.  Dr. Jerry Hilton will officiate at both services.

Franklin was born on January 6th, 1933 in Las Vegas, New Mexico and grew up in Midland, graduating from Midland High School in 1951.  He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1955, and received his law degree in 1958 from the University of Texas School of Law.  In 1960, Bill married the former Kaye Hale of Midland.  Bill and Kaye have two daughters from their 42 year marriage: Tracy Franklin Watts of Alexandria, Virginia and Molly Franklin of Dallas.  After graduating from law school, he joined the Midland National Bank in its trust department.  He managed the trust division until 1970, when he moved into the commercial division and was named manager of lending.  He was elected executive vice president in 1972 and president in 1982.  Two years later, he was named chairman, chief executive officer, and president.  He retired in 1996, having completed 38 years of continuous service with the same bank, through numerous changes in the bank’s ownership during that period of time.  Franklin was active in Midland community and civic affairs having served as president of the Midland Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Midland, the Midland YMCA, and Midland Country Club.  He served as a director of the Texas Research League and as a member of the Board of Governors and Executive Committees of both the Midland Memorial Foundation and the Permian Basin Area Foundation.  He served as a trustee of the Fasken Foundation of Midland for almost 25 years and was active in leadership capacities with the Midland Jaycees, the Museum of the Southwest, and the High Sky Children’s Ranch. Franklin was Young Man in 1964, Boss of the Year in 1976, and in 1993 was recipient of Rotary’s Vocational Service Award.  He was devout in his faith as a Christian and served in many areas of service to his churches in Midland and in Coleman.  Earlier this year, the Permian Basin Area Foundation noted his years of distinguished service with a reception in his honor and presented him with a pocket watch which represented “the timeless value of his volunteer service to the Midland community and the West Texas region.”  Franklin always lived by a creed he learned while active in the Midland Jaycees  - “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”

In 1996, the Franklins moved to Coleman, Texas where he resumed his practice of giving to the community.  He served on the boards of the Community Foundation of Abilene, the Coleman County Rodeo Association, and as president of the Coleman County Foundation.  He was a member of the Coleman Rotary Club.  Long time friends of Franklin’s described him with common observations.  Tim Thompson of Midland said, “When I think of Bill Franklin, several words and phrases come to mind: he was a Christian, a man of integrity, honor, loyalty and compassion.  He was energetic, a good judge of character, and had an acute business sense, all supported by a wonderful sense of humor.”  Martin Allday, formerly of Midland and now of Austin, spoke of Franklin.  He said, “Bill was among the real heroes of Midland who have given their time, talent and love to this community.  His vision, character, humor, generous spirit and willingness to serve represent everything that has made Midland so special.”

Bill Franklin is survived by his wife, Kaye of Coleman; daughters, Tracy Watts and her husband, Bob of Alexandria, Virginia, and Molly Franklin of Dallas.

Memorials may be directed to the Coleman County Foundation (P. O. Box 700, Coleman, Texas 76834), the Permian Basin Area Foundation (P. O. Box 10424, Midland, Texas 79702) or to a charity of the donors.

Mrs. Velma Leona Baker Slate, 90, of Salinas, California died September 9, 2002 in Salinas.  Funeral services will be graveside tomorrow (Friday) at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with interment to follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was born August 25, 1911 in Bea Branch, Texas to the late James A. and Mary Tennison Havner.  She married Melvin Olen Baker November 11, 1931 in Liberty, Texas.  He preceded her in death in June of 1961.  On October 22, 1967, she married John William (Dudley) Slate.  Mr. Slate preceded her in death in March of 1972.  Mrs. Slate was retired and a member of Grace Temple in Salinas.  She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Dorene Gee and husband David of Salinas, California; one son, Billy Gene Baker and wife Juanita; eight grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren.  One son, Melvin Olen Baker, preceded her in death.

Hal Mitchell Beck was born July 31, 1922 in Valera, Texas and passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home September 10, 2002.  Graveside service will be held today (Thursday) at 10:00 a. m. at the Valera Cemetery with his niece, Jan Woodall officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Born into a pioneer Coleman County ranching family to George J. and Maude Mitchell Beck, Hal lived his entire life on the ranch where he grew up and then raised his own family.  After attending Sul Ross State University and serving as a distinguished veteran of World War II, he returned home and soon met and married Norma Dorrice Hedgpeth on August 3, 1946.  Their 56 years together provided their children and others a loving example of the word “commitment.”

He is survived by his wife, Dorrice Beck; three children, Cherry Beck Wells and husband Jim Roy of Friona; Cindy Beck Maedgen and husband James of San Angelo; and Hal Zane Beck and wife Paula of Tyler.  He is also survived by his brother, Rex Beck and wife Pat of Valera; and three grandchildren, Jason Clay Wells of Friona, Dara Wells Knobloch and husband Keith of Houston; and Brody Beck Maedgen, also of Houston; niece, Jan Woodall and husband Danny of Merkel.

Those wishing to send memorials can make them to West Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehab, or a charity of choice.  Hal Beck left an invaluable legacy to his loving family and all who knew him as a good and honest man, slow to anger, quick to laugh and always ready to help others -- a man small of stature but huge in heart and spirit.

Truett Alford, age 90, of Coleman, Texas passed away September 12, 2002 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Memorial services were 10 a. m. Monday at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman with John Stanislaw officiating, assisted by Bruce Harris.  Private interment will be held at Coleman City Cemetery.

He was born November 28, 1911 in Santa Anna, Texas to the late William and Willella Sanders Alford.  He married Mary Jo Smith on June 30, 1934 in Coleman, Texas.  Mr. Alford was a Baptist and a retired Electric Control Operator.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; one daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Don Brown of Grosvenor, Texas; and one sister Mrs. Velma Armstead of Phoenix, Arizona.  Also surviving are four grandchildren, Donna Daigle, Roxanne ‘Woodman, Pat Karacostas and Mike Brown.  He was preceded in death by one son, Robert.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country.

Ivy Dobbins Pittard, age 92, of Coleman died Saturday, September 14, 2002 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a. m. today (Tuesday) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Northway officiating.  Committal service will be held at 2:00 p. m. today at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Abilene.  Services are under the direction of. Steven Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pittard was born August 3,1910, a daughter of John Doris Cullins and Mary Jane Elizabeth Benson Cullins.  She grew up in Coleman and attended school at Loss Creek.  She married Roland H. Dobbins on December 10, 1931 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on December 28, 1980.  She later married Edwin Pittard on June 2, 1988.  He preceded her in death on August 1, 1991.  Mrs. Pittard was a homemaker and a member of Bible Baptist Church.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, including Dorothy Farris, Mary Watson, Irene Watson, Louise Howard, Mavis Stoup, Wilbert Dobbins, and L.H. Cullins, all of Coleman.  She was preceded in death by her six brothers, Willie Cullins, L. Z.. Cullins, Ollie Cullins, Elbert Cullins, Clarence Cullins and Luther Cullins.  Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605 or Bible Baptist Church, 1015 South Commercial, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Clifford Randolph Saverance, 87 passed away Monday, September 16, 2002 in an Abilene hospital.  Graveside services will be 11:00 a. m. Wednesday at Elmwood Memorial Park with Reverend Johnny Robertson officiating, under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy. 277 South, Abilene.  A visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p. m. today (Tuesday, September 17) at the funeral home.

Mr. Saverance was born August 25, 1915 to Jess and Annie Saverance in Goldsboro, Texas.  He attended school in Goldsboro and Novice Texas.  He married Wauree Bates on February 29, 1936 in Coleman, Texas.  Mr. Saverance worked in ranching and as a heavy machine operator until his retirement in 1980.  After retirement he and Wauree moved to Clyde from Coleman.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clyde; and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Survivors include: his wife, Wauree of Childress, Texas; three daughters Shirley and Robert Johnson of Childress, Texas, Patsy and Lewis Reyher of Manhattan, Montana, Peggy and Gene Bland of Clyde, Texas; one son, Randall and Georgene Saverance of San Angelo, Texas, a son-in-law Jim and Anne Ward of Delta, Colorado; one sister, Lurlene and Alvin Bushon of Kermit, Texas; a sister-in-law Modene Saverance of Coleman, Texas; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of friends, and his beloved pet Cinnamon.  A daughter Nancy Ward preceded him in death.

Frances Rebecca Howell Brink was born March 5, 1918 in Santa Anna, Texas to Bert Francis and Nellie Aletha Howell.  She attended school in Rankin, Texas and graduated valedictorian of her senior class.  She briefly attended Mary Hardin Baylor College before entering The University of Texas at Austin.  In 1941, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and became an avid life-long supporter of the Texas Longhorns.

On December 26, 1941 Frances married Eddie Brink in Coleman, Texas.  Shortly after, while he was stationed in the Philippines, she moved to San Antonio and worked at Fort Sam Houston Army Base.  When the war ended, Frances and Eddie moved to Austin and she began working in the university registrar’s office while Eddie attended the College of Pharmacy.  Upon his graduation, they returned to Coleman where they lived for almost fifty years.  Together, working side-by-side, they were able to open Brink’s Pharmacy and served the Coleman community for over thirty years.  Frances was a leader in the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Coleman Little League program and numerous school and church organizations. She supported her children in all their activities, was an avid reader and loved to restore antiques.  In 1975, both Frances and Eddie were confirmed into the Episcopal Church at St. Mark’s in Coleman.  In 1992, after retiring from Brink’s Pharmacy, Frances and Eddie returned to Austin living close to their daughter and her family.  Shortly before her death, Frances had moved to Denver City, Texas to be near her son and his family.

Frances Brink was a devoted wife and mother and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Eddie Brink and her first grandchild, Rachel Poldrack.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Steve Poldrack and granddaughter, Leah Poldrack of Austin; granddaughter, Stephanie (Poldrack) Cowan and her husband, Kyle Cowan of Kyle, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Edwin and Christy Brink and grandsons, Jacob and Jaston of Plains, Texas; two sisters, Aletha Barsanti of Montgomery, Alabama and Fleda Notzon of San Antonio; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many special friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 21, 2002 at Walker Funeral Home at 11:00 a. m. with Ralph Terry officiating.  Interment will follow in Coleman City Cemetery under direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mrs. Louise Gordon, age 80, of Coleman, formerly of Valera, passed away September 19, 2002 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Services were 2 p. m. Saturday at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrels officiating, with interment following, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Louise was born May 11, 1922 in Coleman to the late John and Sara Jane Bomar.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a lifetime Coleman County resident, and a retired Postmaster.

Mrs. Gordon is survived by one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Judy Gordon of Valera and two grand sons and grand daughters-in-law, J. C. and Corinne Gordon of Dallas and Quanah and Adrienne Gordon of Valera.  Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, James, Michael and Syrena.

Billie Louise Horton, 80, died Thursday, September 19, 2002, at an Abilene medical center.  Funeral services were 2:00 p. m. Saturday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.  Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Billie was born to William Allen and Edith Gertrude Gillaspie Farmer on May 15, 1922 in Novice, Texas.  She was a 1941 graduate of Novice High School and moved to Abilene from Novice in 1941.  She was a retired phone operator, having worked for Doctors’ Exchange for ten years.  She married T. J. “Buster” Horton in San Angelo on September 2, 1946.  She was a Baptist.

Mrs. Horton was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Lois Holloway, Christine Herrington, Jewell Ray, Mildred Connally, Thelma Windham and Beulah Turner; and a brother, William A. Farmer.  Survivors include her husband, T. J. “Buster” Horton of Abilene; two sons, Tommy Lee Horton of Abilene and Bobby Gene Horton of Potosi; a sister, Reba Everett of Abilene; three grandchildren, William, Kristi and Gory; and a great-grandson, William.

James Edward Scott, age 82 of Santa Anna, died Saturday, September 21, 2002 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a. m. Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Ralph Terry officiating.  Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Scott was born October 27, 1919 in Richmond, Virginia, a son of Charles Scott, Sr. and Thelma Craig Scott.  He was raised and attended school in Richmond.  He married Frances in 1941.  She preceded him in death.  He later married Hazel Hines in 1951 in Georgia.  She died June 6, 1968.  He then married Dorothy Pauline Vanpelt Dillard on April 2, 1973 in Coleman.  He had lived in Santa Anna for the past 29 years, having moved from California.  He was a oilfield pumper, painter and a truck driver.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coleman.

Mr. Scott is survived by his wife, Pauline Scott of Santa Anna; four sons, James Edward Scott, Jr. of California, Larry Scott (and wife Mary) of California, Carl Scott (and wife Evanedy) of Sealy, Texas, Paul Scott of Coleman; three daughters, Marie Moore of Richmond, Virginia, Tina Scott of Dayton, Ohio, Patricia Scott of Santa Anna; four stepchildren, R. B. Dillard (and wife Debra) of Santa Anna, Darrell Dillard (and wife Cora) of Santa Anna, Eddie Dillard (and wife Phyllis) of Santa Anna, Dorothea Flemming of Early; one brother, Bernard Scott of Richmond, Virginia; 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilmore Scott and Charles Scott, Jr. and one sister, Margaret Scott Parker.

Family visitation will be held from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. Monday, September 23, 2002 at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Brad Isom, James Ingram, Van Row, Kyle Wood, Kevin Wood and Robert Puckett.

Funeral services will be held for Billie Bell, Jr. Saturday, September 28, 2002 under direction of Gooden Funeral Home in Rosenburg, Texas.  Mr. Bell died September 21, 2002 in Rosenburg at 1:05 p. m.

Billie Bell, Jr. was born April 5, 1926 to the parentage of Pinkie Randall and Billie Bell, Sr. of Brenham.  There he lived with his parents and six older sisters.  In 1946 he moved to Coleman where he lived and worked.  He was employed by Swift and Company Oil Mill, Earle Smith Jewelers, Brink’s Drug Store and Bowen Drug Store (formerly Mays Drug Store) for a number of years.  On December 15, 1946 he married Gloria Lee Benson (Brown).  To this union five daughters and one son were born and include Mrs. Ethilene Jones of Abilene; Mrs. Edna White of Dallas; Mrs. Effie Hall of Dallas (who preceded him in death August 2001); Mrs. Gloria Ridgway of Abilene; Mrs. Jorma Wilmes of Austin; and son, Mr. Billie Bell, Jr. Ill of Abilene.

He is survived by his daughters, son, two step-daughters, Mrs. Jasmine Thomas and Mrs. Holley Carr both of Dallas and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Burkett man lost his life in a one-vehicle accident on Texas Highway 206, 4.6 miles northeast of Echo on Sunday, September 22 at 4:45 a. m.  Leifton Wayne Hunter, 22, was driving a 1997 Ford Explorer and traveling southwest on Highway 206 when the vehicle ran off the road to the right and struck a concrete culvert.  The vehicle crossed County Road 468 and slid to the left, overturning numerous times.  Hunter was ejected from the vehicle.  He was transported to Coleman County Medical Center by the Coleman EMS and pronounced dead at 6:04 a. m.  Investigating DPS officer was James O’Shields and he was assisted by Coleman EMS, the Coleman VFD, a deputy from Callahan County and the ambulance service from Cross Plains.  According to officer O’Shields, no seat belt was secured at the time of the accident.

Leifton Wayne Hunter, 22, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 22, 2002.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cross Plains.  Services will be at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the First Baptist Church in Coleman with minister Joe Coppinger officiating. Interment will be at the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  Family visitation was Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 p. m. at Walker Funeral Home.

Leif was born to Ken and Tern Hunter on June 22, 1980 in Coleman, Texas.  Raised in Burkett, Texas, he attended Cross Plains Schools and was currently attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville where he was a senior studying veterinarian medicine.  Leif enjoyed life, hunting, fishing, sports, farming and family.  He was very competitive in all that he did and always made people smile.  He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his parents, Ken and Tern Hunter, and one sister, Kristin Hunter, all of Burkett; grandmother, Shirley Hunter of Burkett; grandparents Roger and Joyce Klingberg of Cross Plains, Texas; Aunt Bobbie Dodson of Coleman; one uncle, Randy and Aunt Sandy Hunter of Abilene; aunt Tammy Klingberg of Arlington; aunt Joy and uncle Jamie Dixson of New Braunfels; cousins Chase and Kailea Hunter of Abilene; great- grandmother, Opal Grant of Quinlan, Texas; and great- grandfather, Rudolph Klingberg of Sweden.  Leif is preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Hunter, great-grandparents Gene and Lola Dodson, and great-grandparents A. B. and Ruby Hunter.

Pallbearers will be Howard Edington, Tommy Saunders, Allen Phillips, Mike Winfrey, Joe Kemp and Tony Wyatt.  Honorary pallbearers will include Monty Richards, Howard Phillips, and all of his brothers.

Alejandro Frausto, Sr., age 92, of Santa Anna passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 3:35 a. m. at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Services were Wednesday at 4:00 p. m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Larry Cyr officiating.  Interment followed at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Rosary services were 8 p. m. Tuesday at Henderson Funeral Home.

Alejandro was born in Coleman, Texas on February 28, 1910 to the late Fraustino and Fraustina Rodriquez Frausto.  He married Teresa Perez in Mexico on January 19, 1939 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage.  Teresa preceded him in death in 1995.  Alejandro was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society.  Alejandro was a sheep shearer.

Survivors include three daughters, Elida Espinosa of Idaho, Eva Siller of Santa Anna and Minerva Rosalez of Abilene; six sons, Lupe Frausto, Vicente Frausto, Alex Frausto, Jr., John Frausto and James Frausto, all of Santa Anna and Joe Frausto of Fort Worth; 41 grandchildren; and 53 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Alex Frausto III, Mark Frausto, Vicente Frausto, Jr., Vicente C. Frausto, Manuel Frausto, Rueben Rosalez and Lupe Frausto, Jr.

DE LEON: Funeral services for Olin Eugene Stewart, 72, of De Leon were held at 10 a. m. Saturday at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel with Charlie Grossman officiating.  Burial followed in the Comanche County Gardens of Memory, under the direction of Nowlin Funeral Home.  Mr. Stewart died Wednesday, September 25, 2002 in De Leon.

He was born March 11, 1930, in Coleman, to the late Joe Henry Stewart and the late Maggie Mae Pate Stewart, and married Esther Dushkin Stewart on March 15, 1954, in Anchorage, Alaska.  He had been a resident of De Leon for 18 years, moving from San Angelo.  He was a member of the De Leon VFW, American Legion and AMVETS and was a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Esther Stewart; son, Henry Stewart of Abilene; son, Roger Stewart of Abilene; son, Johnny Stewart of De Leon; son, Bobby Stewart of Brownwood; daughters, Patricia Stewart of Florence and Evelyn Fitzgerald of North Richland Hills; brother, Herman Stewart of Oregon; sisters, Mary Lou Smith, Ada Mae Grossman, and Alice Barker; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Henry Stewart; mother, Maggie Mae Pate Stewart; brothers, Lewis and Earl Stewart and sister, Eunice Monroe.

Elsie Bull Smith, age 78, of Coleman passed away Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 12:30 a. m. at the Specialty Hospital in Austin.  Services were graveside Saturday at 11:00 a. m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Donald Ross Williams and Lyndon Key officiating.  Interment followed at the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Elsie was born November 22, 1923 in Coleman, Texas to the late Robert Bruce and Grace Viola Snedegar Clark.  She was reared in Coleman where she attended the Coleman Schools.  Elsie married John Edwin Bull in Coleman on September 30, 1939 and he preceded her in death in 1975.  She married E. E. (Bud) Smith in Austin in March of 1979 and Bud preceded her in death in 1994.  Elsie lived in West Texas moving back to Coleman in 1975.  She owned and operated Little Bo Peep children’s store from 1976 until 1985.  She was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ and moved to Austin in 1994 where she has since resided.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Sandra Bull of Austin; grandson, Ryan Edward Bull of Washington, D. C.; four sisters, Thelma and husband Cecil Hobbs of Midland, Dorothy Tunis of Sedalia, Missouri, Jean and husband Sherwood Downey of Coleman, Barbara and husband Bob Farley of Coleman; sister-in-law, Ruby Arms of Coleman; niece, Freda Burton of Coleman; and numerous nieces and nephews outside of Coleman.  Pallbearers were Bob Farley, Brett Farley, Scott Farley, Mike Downey, Pat Downey and Randy Upton.

Thomas F. DeLeon, age 67, of Santa Anna, died Thursday, September 26, 2002 at an Abilene hospital.  Funeral Mass was held 10:00 a. m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Cyr officiating.  Burial followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Thomas F. DeLeon was born March 7, 1935 in Santa Anna, the son of Nestor DeLeon and Antonia Frausto DeLeon.  He grew up and attended school in Santa Anna.  On October 1, 1960, he married Mary Jesus Sanchez of Brownwood.  He was retired as a track supervisor for Santa Fe Railroad.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society, Crusillista and served as an usher for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jesus DeLeon of Santa Anna; three sons, Ernest DeLeon, Tommy DeLeon, Jr. (and wife Deborah) and Chris DeLeon, all of Santa Anna; two daughters, Alice (and husband, Rusty) Buzzard of Yorktown and Adel (and husband Duwayne) of Coleman; two brothers, Alex DeLeon and Raymond DeLeon, both of Santa Anna; sister, Elvira Falan of San Antonio; and 12 grandchildren - Angelica DeLeon, Austin Buzzard, Branson Buzzard, Colton Buzzard, Dalton DeLeon, Shelbie DeLeon, Dylan Buzzard, Mercedes Taylor, Kassandra DeLeon, Darrian Hunter, Ashley Mireles and Brady Hunter.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Anita Martinez, Grace Perez, Hermina MulIin; three brothers, Cruz DeLeon, Nestor DeLeon, Jr. and Aurelio DeLeon; and a grandson, Joseph DeLeon.  Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 303 East College Avenue, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Ernestine Stamper, age 53, of Coleman, died Friday, September 27, 2002 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Monday at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating.  Burial followed in the Melvin Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ernestine was born November 1, 1948 in Brownfield, Texas and was a daughter of Rodolfo and Adelita Flores Castanuela.  She grew up and attended school in Dimmitt.  On April 6, 1973, she married Vernon Stamper in Brady.  She had lived in Coleman since 1972.  She had been employed for the last 19 years as the secretary for the Director of Nurses at Coleman County Medical Center.  She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon Stamper of Coleman; five daughters, Gina Jones and husband Doug) of Cleburne, D’Lise Burkett (and husband David) of Leander, Margo Stamper, Rene Stamper and Desi Stamper, all of Coleman; her mother, Adelita Castanuela of Coleman; a sister, Teresa Cabrera of Houston and three grandchildren, Brennan Jones, Jake Stamper, Will Burkett.

FORT WORTH: Funeral services for Billie McCormick, age 75, of Fort Worth, were held at 10:30 a. m. Monday at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington.  Burial followed at 4 p. m. at Burkett Cemetery. Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Mrs. McCormick died Friday, September 27, 2002 in Fort Worth.

She was born December 6,1926 in Burkett, the daughter of Ona and Bert Evans. She married L. S. McCormick on December 21, 1940.  She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, L. S. McCormick; three daughters, June liner and husband, John, of Fort Worth, Leah Ann Greer and husband, Sam, of Lake Brownwood and Sandra Biehl and husband, Jerry, of Early; son Lloyd S. McCormick and wife, Rhonda, of North Richland Hills; brother, W.H. Evans and wife, Barbara, of Sinton; sister, Betty Chatham of Abilene; sister, Joan Burton of Abilene; sister, Jeannie Youngquist and husband, Jim, of Stamford. 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Leah Naomi Montgomery; and brother, C. C. Evans.

FORT WORTH: Funeral services for L.S. McCormick, age 81, of Fort Worth, were held at 10:30 a. m. Monday at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington.  Burial followed at 4 p. m. at Burkett Cemetery. Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Mr. McCormick died Saturday, September 28, 2002 in Fort Worth.

He was born January 17, 1921 in Eola to Vesta and L. S. McCormick, Sr.  He and his wife were charter members of Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ.  He retired from Bell Helicopter with more than 30 years of service.

Survivors include three daughters, June liner and husband, John, of Fort Worth, Leah Ann Greer and husband, Sam, of Lake Brownwood and Sandra Biehl and husband, Jerry, of Early; son Lloyd S. McCormick and wife, Rhonda, of North Richland Hills; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie McCormick; his parents; and two sisters.

William Thomas Buster” Watson, age 92 of Silver Valley, died Monday, September 30, 2002 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Services will be at 2:00 p .m. Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey off ciating. Burial will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery.

Mr. Watson was born September 25, 1910 in Richland, New Mexico, a son of Thomas Oscar Watson and Mary Elizabeth Lowry Watson.  He grew up in New Mexico and moved to Trickham as a child where he also attended school.  On November 7,1931 he married Opal Townsley in Eastland County, Texas and she preceded him in death on September 13, 1957.  He had lived in Silver Valley since 1944 and was a stock farmer.  He was a member of Novice Church of Christ and Coleman County Farm Bureau.

Survivors include three children, Barbara Young (and husband Andy) of Coleman, William Don Watson (and wife Marie) of Tuscola and Opal Lynn Matlock (and husband Dale) of Morgan Mill, Texas; two sisters, Alice McGraw of Odessa and Marcia Ann Watson of Abilene; four brothers, Allison M. Watson of Norman, Oklahoma, Thomas Oscar Watson of Elmore City, Oklahoma, James H. Watson of Lake Buchanan, Texas and Rich L. Watson of Grape Creek, Texas; ten grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the American Cancer Society.  Family visitation will be held this evening (Tuesday) from 5:00 to 7:00 p. m. at the funeral home.