Rev. Daniel C. Hoover, age 82 of Coleman, died Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service was held 2:00 p. m. Sunday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. George Frasier officiating, assisted by Rev. David Jenkins.  Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas with Rev. Bob Ferguson officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Rev. Hoover was born December 9, 1920 in Illinois Bend, Texas, a son of Dan Hoover and Beatrice Griffin Hoover.  He married Ruby Waldine Horn on February 29, 1944 in Cisco.  She preceded him in death on May 12, 2003.  He entered the United States Army on September 29, 1942 at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas and was honorably discharged on January 23, 1946.  He was stationed in Okinawa and the Philippine Islands.  He received the American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Victory Ribbon, one Service Stripe and two Overseas Service Bars.

After serving his time in the U. S. Army, Mr. and Mrs. Hoover moved to Bethany, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Bethany Nazarene College with a Ministry Degree on July 21, 1951.  He received his Local Preacher’s License in Yukon, Oklahoma on December 11, 1948, his Minister’s License on September 15, 1949 and Ordained Minister License on September 14, 1951 in Fort Worth, Texas.  He pastored in Yukon, Oklahoma as a local preacher in 1948, as pastor of Illinois Bend, Texas Church of the Nazarene from 1949 to 1952, Graham Church of the Nazarene from 1952 to 1960, Shamrock Church of the Nazarene from 1960 to 1970, Wheeler Church of Nazarene from 1963 to 1967 as a Supply Minister, Coleman Church of the Nazarene from 1970 to 1975, Vernon Church of the Nazarene from 1975 to 1977, as a Supply Minister, Baker Heights Church of the Nazarene in Abilene, Texas, Brownwood Bluffview Church of the Nazarene in Brownwood, Texas and Ballinger Church of the Nazarene as a Supply Minister.  From 1978 to 1984, he supplied ministers on vacation or between pastorates in the West Texas and San Antonio District.  He retired from the ministry in April 1976.  Mr. and Mrs. Hoover were former owners of Home Video Outlet and Mr. Hoover was a Licensed Massage Therapist.  He was also active in the Coleman Ministerial Alliance, Golden K Kiwanis and the American Legion.

Rev. Hoover is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Roy Dan and Becky Hoover of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Beatrice and Mark Phillips and Jeanne and Randy French, all of Coleman; two brothers, Herbert Hoover, and wife Kathy of Yukon, Oklahoma, Johnny Hoover of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three sisters, Evelyn Madron of Missouri, Estelle Johnston of Nocona, Texas, Myrtle Dunbar and husband J.C. of Illinois Bend, Texas; seven grandchildren, Kimberly and Joey Cupps of Santa Anna, Lisa and Gary West of Houston, Brandon Hoover of Michigan, Matthew French of Arlington, Johnnie French of Ranger, Connie and Tomas Withers of Coleman and Faith Hoover of Coleman; four great-grandchildren, Ranee and David Cupps of Santa Anna and Nicholas and Logan West of Houston.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers, Fred Hoover, Abel Hoover, Frank Hoover, Elmore Hoover, Carl Hoover, Hernon Hoover and Phillip Hoover; five sisters, Ida Wright, Lillie Sewell, Maude Phillips, Katie Hoover and Virginia Hoover; and one great-granddaughter, Samantha Jo Cupps.

Pallbearers were Dan Blackwell, Charles Hubbard, Robert Walden, James Winstead, Jayce Staggs and Les Dobbins. Honorary pallbearers included D. G. Allen, James West, Dr. M. D. Mann, William Wagner, Osie Mitchell, Don Johnson, Jimmy Simpson and Dr. Michael Bailey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gideons, c/o Mr. and Mrs. Keith Phillips, 1500 FM 568, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

S

Nap Watson, age 90, of Santa Anna passed away Thursday, October 2, 2003 at 10:55 p. m. at the Clyde Nursing Home in Clyde, Texas.  Services were Sunday at 2:30 p. m. graveside at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Sam Wilson officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

He was born Napoleon Carlton Watson on March 20, 1913 in Coleman County to the late William Booker and Lottie May Atherton Watson.  Nap was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where he attended Shields Schools and graduated from Santa Anna High School.  He married Dorothy May Hull in Santa Anna on August 3, 1942 and they celebrated 56 years of marriage.  Dorothy preceded him in death in 1999.  Nap was a stock farmer and member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include a son, Carlton and wife Myrna Watson of Baird; a sister, Billie May Schrader of Santa Anna; two brothers, Winfred Watson of San Angelo and HolIas Watson of Santa Anna; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Hospice of the Big Country.

Graveside services for Allison Brown, 73, of Coleman, were 2 p. m. Sunday in the Glen Cove Cemetery with Rev. Charles Sheffield officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  He died Friday, October 3, 2003 in Abilene.

Mr. Brown was born January 12, 1930 in Ballinger to Edgar Brown and Mattie Music Brown.  He is survived by three daughters, Patricia Ann Barrett of Coleman, Kathy Lynn Turner of Potosi and Gail Elain Stiff of Mineral Wells; two sisters, Rachel Hillurad of Colorado and Minnie Rhoads of Ballinger; one brother, Burl Brown of Cisco; six grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

Malenda Lee Barker, age 38, of Big Spring, died Saturday, October 4, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center.  Funeral service was held at 3:00 p. m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, with Rev. Rick Willis officiating.  Burial followed in the Gouldbusk Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barker was born November 14, 1964, a daughter of Jennalee Hale Murry and the late William Dwayne Murry.  She was reared in the Gouldbusk and Mozelle area and graduated from Mozelle High School.  She married Jerry Don Barker on July 20, 1991 at the First Baptist Church in Coleman.  She taught elementary school in Coahoma.  She was a member of A. T. P. and the Midway Baptist Church in Sand Springs.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Don Barker of Big Spring; two sons, Morgan Dwain Barker and William Gene Barker, both of Big Spring; her mother, Jennalee Murry of Abilene; her mother-in-law, Erlene Barker of Coleman; two aunts, Wanda Jewell of Coleman and Barbara Faulkner of Ft. Worth; one uncle, Ross Hale and wife Sharon of Gilmer, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; one sister, Tammy Lee Murry; and one brother, David Dwain Murry.

Pallbearers were Michael Jewell, Steven Jewell, Jarrell Don Hale, Mark Short, Randy Faulkner, Milton Price, Steve Shirley and Ronnie Lane.

H. R. “Sonny” Jones, age 65, passed away at his residence in Early, Texas on Saturday, October 4, 2003.  Funeral services were 2 p. m. Monday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Green officiating.  Interment followed in the Trickham Cemetery.

Sonny was born August 16, 1938 in Santa Anna, Texas to Howard and Lucile Jones.  He served in the US Navy and lived in Brown County most of his life.  He married Deborah Kathryn Shank in Mountain Home, Arkansas on January 25, 1972.  He was a retired foreman at Vulcan (White’s Mines) and was a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Deb Jones of Brownwood; children, Alice Winder and Jeremy of Brownwood, Travis Jones of Burleson, John Jones and special friend, Christina Ward of Hayesville, Kan., Raylee Jones and Jason of Zephyr; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his mother, Lucile Jones of Brownwood; brothers and sisters, Ruby Smith, Richard Jones and Angela, James Jones, Mary Kemp, all of Brownwood, and ma Gene Stakes and Carlisle of Victoria and two special young men, Joe Ontiveros and Jason Jones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Jones and a son, Hubert Ray Jones, Jr. “Spud.”

Carmen Gutierrez-Rincon, 72, of Abilene died Saturday, October 4, 2003 at an Abilene medical center.  Funeral services were 10:00 a. m. Monday at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, Abilene.  Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home of Abilene.  A prayer service was held at 7 o’clock Sunday night at the funeral home.

Carmen was born March 13, 1931 to Agustin and Vicenta Gonzales Gutierrez in Coleman County (Valera), Texas.  She attended school at Gouldbusk, Texas.  Carmen moved from Coleman to Abilene in 1975.  She was a member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church.

Carmen was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Ignacio Torres; and two sisters, Paula Castillo and Margaret Albarado.  Survivors include a daughter, Yolanda Rincon of Abilene; a brother, Manuel Gutierrez of Coleman; a sister, Pina Salinas of Austin; a grandson, Juan A. Rincon; a granddaughter, Veronica Rincon; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorials may be sent to the donor’s favorite charity.

Minnie Bea Windham, age 66 of Brownwood died Sunday October 5, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a. m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with Don Harmes officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery in Brown County under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Windham was born August 19, 1937 in Brownwood to Guy Otis and Thelma Mae Haggard Lawson.  She was a life-long resident of Brownwood and attended school there.  She married Charlie Short on March 2, 1956 in Portales, New Mexico, and he preceded her in death on July 30, 1981.  She then married Oliver Windham on October 25,1981 in Brownwood, and he also preceded her in death.  She was a waitress at Gomez’s Restaurant, and an ordained Pentecostal minister.

Mrs. Windham is survived by two sons, Otis Lynn Modgling and wife LaTresa and Monte Charles Short, both of Nacogdoches, Texas; one daughter, Pamela Kay Harmes and husband, Don of Coleman, Texas; five step-children, Sue Purcell and husband, Jerry, Kathy Richards, Neva Cristner and husband, Ray, Karen Windham, and Johnny Windham; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.  Family visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p. m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Tempest L. Vaughn, 100, of Boerne, Texas, formerly of Abilene, died October 6, 2003 in a San Antonio hospital.  Funeral service was 2 p. m. Saturday at Elliott - Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories - Abilene with Reverend Mike Greenfield officiating.  Interment followed in Elmwood Memorial Park - Abilene.

Born in Bethesda, Arkansas on May 27, 1903, she was the daughter of Granville and Elizabeth Burrow.  Mrs. Vaughn lived in Abilene for forty-five years and worked at Grissom’s Department Store and Henry’s House of Fashion.  She was a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 30 and of the Rebekahs, the ladies affiliate of the Odd Fellows Lodge.  She was a member of lmmanuel Baptist Church of Abilene.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen N. Vaughn, her daughter Bobbie Jean Cross, and eight brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two granddaughters: Vicky Adams of The Woodlands, Texas, and LouAnne Price of Weatherford, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Pat Adams of Florida, Jon Adams and of The Woodlands, Texas, and Jason Price of Weatherford, Texas; and three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Winfred Padgett, age 78 of Coleman, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2003 in Coleman. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p. . Friday at the Hale Center Cemetery with Rev. Bill Roberts officiating.  nterment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Winfred was born April 24, 925 in Hall, Texas, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Myrtle Padgett.  He married Mazelle Adams in Plainview, Texas on May 28, 1945.  He farmed in Hale County and in 1958 he started working for the Zinc Smelter in Amarillo.  In 1967 he moved to Roger, Arkansas and started making B. B. guns for Daisy Air Rifle.  He later moved to Canyon where he worked for Physical Plant for W. T. S. U.  After retiring, he moved to Coleman in 1994.  He was a member of the Baptist Church and served his country in WWII in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife, Mazelle Adams Padgett of Coleman; one daughter, Susan K. and Max Miller of Roger, Arkansas; three sons and daughters-in-law, Sammy and Kayla Padgett of Amarillo, Langley and Lisa Padgett of Port Aransas and Lee Padgett of Amarillo; one brother, Gene Padgett of Duncan, Oklahoma; four grandsons; one granddaughter; two great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; four step-granddaughters and five step-great-grandchildren.

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

J. E. “James” Sanderson, age 83, of Brownwaod died Saturday, October 11, 2003 at the Brownwood Care Center. 
Funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Monday at Davis - Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood with Revs. Thural Reed and Jason Studdard officiating.  Interment followed in Eastlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Davis - Morris Funeral Home.

Mr. Sanderson was born February 28, 1920 in Haskell, Texas, the son of Clarence and Velma Sanderson.  He was a locomotive engineer for Santa Fe Railroad and served in the United States Air Force.  He married Lola Bell Gifford in Haskell, Texas and after 62 years of marriage she preceded him in death.  He married LaVerne Gray in 2002.  He was a member of the Heartland Church of Brownwood and had been a resident of Brownwood since 1940.

Survivors include four sons, Alvin Sandersan and wife, Jackie, of Temple; Gary Sanderson of Grandview; Marc Sanderson and wife, Victoria, of Santa Anna; and Dennis Sandersan and wife, Virginia, of Early; sister, Katherine Mitchell of Haskell; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and wife, LaVerne Sanderson, of Brownwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Velma Sanderson; his first wife, Lola Bell; one brother Hazel; and one sister Pauline Reed.

C. O. Purcell, age 89, of Buffalo Gap, Texas passed away at 3:15 p. m. Saturday, October 11, 2003 in an Abilene hospital after a two week illness.  Funeral services were held at 3 p. m. Monday in the pavilion at Belle Plaine Cemetery with burial following in Belle Plaine Cemetery.  Rev. O. W. Wilson officiated, directed by Parker Funeral Home of Baird, Texas.

Mr. Purcell had lived in Buffalo Gap since 1948.  He was a heavy equipment operator and was retired from
Taylor County.  He was a Baptist and married Ila Ruby Sadler in Baird, Texas February 14, 1935.

Survivors include two daughters, Ila Mae Naron of Buffalo Gap and Jerene Holt of Buffalo Gap; one son, Orbin Leo Purcell of Brownwood; one sister, Willie Purcell of Burkett; one brother, Fred Purcell of Burkett; 11 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Belle Plaine Cemetery Association.

Linda Gail (Coffee) Adams, age 49, of Abilene, died Sunday, October 12, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with Rev. David Jenkins officiating.  Burial will be in Corpus Chnisti, Texas, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Linda was born February 19, 1954 in Odessa, Texas to Joe and Berniece Coffee.  She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1972.  She attended the University of Texas at San Antonio Dental School.  On December 10, 1988, she married Doug Adams in Coleman, Texas.  She had lived in Abilene since 2002.  She was a wife and homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Doug Adams of Abilene; her daughter, Sarah Keetin Adams of Abilene; her parents, Joe and Berniece Coffee of Coleman; two brothers, Darrell Wayne Coffee of San Antonio, Texas and Clayton Zane Coffee of Van, Texas; and grandmother, Clara Allred of Odessa, Texas.

The family requests memorials be made to Cancer Services Network, 107 Highland, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Charles “Ray” DuBais, age 82, of Ballinger, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 12, 2003.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) at the Avenue B Church of Christ in Ballinger with Charles Ball officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman.  Rains - Seale Funeral Home of Ballinger is in charge of arrangements.

Ray was born September 19, 1921 in Valera, Texas to Ira M. and Alice L. Calhoon DuBois.  He served with the US Army Air Corps during WW II.  He returned to the Coleman area and married Norma Barker on November 27, 1946.  They moved to Ballinger in 1957.  Ray was a member of Avenue B Church of Christ in Ballinger.  He was a route salesman for Mrs. Baird’s Bread for over 33 years before retiring in 1983.  He then pursued his hobbies of cow buying and goat raising.  He was preceded in death by his son, Dwayne, in 1972; his parents; brothers, Doyle and Ira C. (Chubby); and his sister, Sammie Ruth.

He is survived by his wife, Norma DuBois of Ballinger; his daughter, Princy Sneed and husband, Terry of Winters; a grandson, Stacey DuBois of Abilene; and two great-grandchildren, Kristen DuBois and Hunter Dwayne DuBois.  A sister-in-law, Erlene Barker of Coleman; several special nieces and nephews; and a host of special friends also survive.

Mary Ola Woods age 88 of Bangs, Texas passed away Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 5:41 a. m. in Quinlan, Texas.  Services will be Wednesday at 2:00 p. m. at the Trickham Union Church with Rev. Rick Justice officiating.  Interment will follow at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 until 7 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Mary OIa was born in Trickham, Texas on April 3, 1915 to the late John Wesley Dockery II and Rosa Lee Miller Dockery.  Coleman County was her childhood home where she attended the Trickham Schools and graduated in 1933 from Santa Anna High School.  Mary OIa married Elmer Woods in Santa Anna on January 18, 1941 and they celebrated fifty-six years of marriage.  Elmer preceded her in death in 1997.  She was a member of the Rocky Creek Baptist Church, a homemaker and retired from Brownwood Manufacturing in 1990.

Survivors: daughter, Jo Anna Smith of Terrell, Texas; sister, Annie Lou Vaughn of Trickham, Texas; grandson, Bruce Lovesmith of Waco, Texas; 2 nephews, John and wife Earlene Dockery of Trickham, Texas, Ray and Barbara Dockery of Paint Rock, Texas.

Daughter Margaret Lynn Woods preceded her in death in  1961.  Pallbearers: Bruce Lovesmith, Dan Dockery, John Dockery, Ray Dockery, Wesley Dockery, Rodney Guthrie.

James Houston Lively, 70, of Clyde, died Saturday, October 12, 2003 in the Clyde Nursing Home.  Services were 4 p. m. Monday at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Hall officiating.  Burial was in the Clyde Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Mr. Lively was born September 22, 2003 in Fredania to Richard Jason and Ada Ethel Sivers Lively.  He was a graduate of Mason High School.  He married Iva Dell Conway in Coleman on August 10, 1961.  They moved to Clyde from
Abilene in 1983.  He retired from McMurry University in 1996 after working over 20 years in the maintenance department.  He served in the United States Navy and was a Baptist.

He is survived by his wife, Iva Dell of Clyde; three daughters, Minnie Watson of Coleman, Janice and Joe Hardin of Del Rio, and Jamie and Jack Hayden of Clyde; one brother, Oscar Lively of Abilene; five grandchildren, Randy Irwin, Jessica Hardin, Justin Hayden, Jacob Hardin and Joshua Hardin; three great-grandchildren, JoAnna Irwin, Tonya Irwin and Elisha Irwin; and several nieces and nephews.

Berniece Casey, age 91, of Novice, died Monday, October 13, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. G. Dean Caultas officiating.  Burial will follow at the Rough Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Berniece was born April 19, 1912 in Coleman County, Texas and was a daughter of Will and Ada Windham Thompson.  She grew up in Silver Valley and attended school there.  On October 30, 1936, she married J. O. (Owen) Casey in Ballinger and he preceded her in death on August 5, 1993.  She farmed and ranched and owned Casey’s Mistletoe for over 20 years.  Berniece was a devoted member of the Novice Methodist Church and
Novice Baptist Church and played the piano for many years for both churches and had recently become affiliated with the Church of Christ.

Survivors include four grandchildren, Sandra and husband Jodie Anderson of McKinney, Texas, Tiffany Moore of Weatherford, Blayne Casey of Dallas and Jeffery Casey of Austin; four great-grandchildren, Tanner, Callie and Will Anderson, all of McKinney, Texas and Justin Moore of Weatherford; daughter-in-law, Melinda Casey of Carrollton, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Lenora and Earnest Bohannon of Coleman.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Terry Casey and Bill Casey and by one brother and one sister.  Family visitation will be held at the funeral home this morning from 10:00 a.m. until noon.

Marie Wristen age 68 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Monday, October 13, 2003 at 1:00 p. m. at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.  Services will be graveside Wednesday at 10:30 a. m. Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. Frank Taylor and Rev. Raymond Jones officiating.  Interment will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 8 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Marie was born in Chicago, IIIinois on May 7, 1935 to the late Frank and Mary Elizabeth Cikrit Larson.  She was raised in Chicago where she graduated from the Kelly High School in 1953.  Marie married Clyde “Dink” Wristen in Chicago on February 5, 1953 and they celebrated forty-nine years of marriage.  Dink preceded Marie in death in 2002.  She has been a resident of Santa Anna since 1979 and was a member of the Full Gospel Church, a homemaker and waitress.

Survivors: son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Suzette Wristen of Mount Pleasant, Texas; sister, Fran Swanson of Chicago, Illinois; sister-in-law, Nell Hipp of Santa Anna, Texas; brother-in-law, Wayne Wristen of Santa Anna, Texas; granddaughter, Amy Wristen of Mount Pleasant, Texas; Grandson, Phillip Wristen of Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Dorothy Lee Hodges, 83, died Monday, October 13, 2003 at her residence at Lohn.  Funeral services were 10:30 a. m. Saturday at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady.  Interment followed in the Marion Cemetery in Lohn, under the direction of Leatherwood Memorial Chapels.

Dorothy was born November 25, 1919 in Rockwood, Texas to James and Alma Ramsey.  She married Frank Moore Hodges in August of 1937 in Rockwood.  She married T. L. Hodges on December 26, 1950 in Menard.  She was a homemaker and a member of Lohn Baptist Church.  She was a lifelong resident of Lohn.

Survivors include sons, Frankie Hodges and wife, Beth, of Lake Brownwood, Tommy Hodges and wife, Gayle, of Mercury; daughters, Shirley Frost of Fort Worth, Sue Fry and husband, Bill, of North Richland Hills; brothers, James Ramsey of Brady, Bobby Ramsey and Pete Ramsey, both of Brownwood, Boyd Ramsey and Danny Ramsey, both of Denton, Darrell Ramsey of Fort Worth; sisters, Lena Mae Olhausen of Bangs, Jeanette Chew of Voca, Velma Poe of Sugarland, Margaret Pierce of Oregon, Fay Hill of Oklahoma, LaRue George of Brownwoad; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both spouses, two sisters, JoAnn and Edith and three brothers, Dean, Bud and Shorty.

Lori Lanett Herring Huffman, age 40, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at Brownwood Regional Hospital.  Services will be today (Thursday) at 4:00 p. m. at the First Christian Church with Rev. Art Allen and Rev. Pat McClatchy officiating.  Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Lori was born October 3, 1963 in Brownwood, Texas to Sylvia Fiveash Herring and the late Vernon "Snow" Herring.  She was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna and a graduate of Santa Anna High School.  She continued her education at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Woman’s University.  Lori married Edward Raymond Huffman in Coleman on November 16, 1991 and they had celebrated 11 years of marriage.  She was a member of the First Christian Church and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Ray Huffman of Santa Anna; daughter, Harmony Herring of Santa Anna; mother, Sylvia Herring of Santa Anna; two sisters, Lisa Herring of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Sandra Herring Harrison of Jackson, Wyoming; and several nieces and nephews.

Lori was preceded in death by her sister, Lana Lucretia Herring in 1960 and her brother, Jerry Herring in 2003.  Pallbearers will be Dale Herring, Kenneth Herring, Lea Shields, Ben Herring, Jeff Herring and Jerry Wayne Herring.

Flossie Barnes Hook, 93, of Brownwood, died Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at Oak Ridge Manor.  Funeral services were 3:00 p. m. Friday at Heartland Funeral Home in Early with Paul McClung officiating.  Interment followed at the Bangs Cemetery.

She was born March 6, 1910, in Santa Anna, Texas.  She was a sales clerk in a clothing store in Odessa before retiring and moving to Brownwood.  She was a member of Fourth and Stewart Street Church of Christ.  She married Otho “Shot” Barnes and then Vagner Hook.  Both preceded her in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Opal Bell, of Brownwood; a son, William Barnes, of Fort Worth; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and four sisters.

Antonio (Tony) Valentin Diaz passed away on October 16, 2003 in Tuttle, Oklahoma at the age of 19.  Services were held at 10:30 a. m. Saturday, October 18, 2003 at Snow Hill Baptist Church in Tuttle, Oklahoma with Rev. Todd Littleton officiating.  Arrangements were made by Eisenhour Funeral Home in Blanchard, Oklahoma.

Tony was born January 1, 1984 in Oklahoma City to Daniel Anthony Diaz and Jackie Lynn (Parks) Diaz.  He was a graduate of Tuttle High School and had just recently applied far the Marine Carps.  He worked for Sara Lee Bakery.  He was learning to play the bass guitar, but he enjoyed fishing the most.  He also enjoyed tinkering on cars and was a student at Canadian Valley Vo-Tech learning to be a precision machinist.  Tony also loved children and was very good with them.

Survivors include his parents Daniel and Jackie Diaz of the home; three brothers, Jeffery Ray Diaz of Tuttle, Daniel Anthony Diaz, Jr. of Brownwood, Texas and Dustin Lee Parks; three sisters, Kristy Denise Diaz of Minco, Oklahoma, Lisa Renee Hollinger of Granbury, Texas, Margie Lynette Diaz of Abilene, Texas; his grandparents, Jack Parks of Minco, Oklahoma and Nelda Parks of Norman, Oklahoma and Balentin and Lucy Diaz of Coleman, Texas and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Hurtado and a brother, Jeramey Ray Diaz. 

Jeramey Ray Diaz passed away on October 16, 2003 in Tuttle, Oklahoma at the age of 17.  Services were held at 10:30 a. m. Saturday, October 18, 2003 at Snow Hill Baptist Church in Tuttle, Oklahoma with Rev. Todd Littleton officiating.  Arrangements were made by Eisenhour Funeral Home in Blanchand, Oklahoma.

He was born January 20, 1986 in Oklahoma City to Daniel Anthony Diaz and Jackie Lynn (Parks) Diaz.  Jeramey was a senior at Tuttle High School and had joined the Marine Corps and was scheduled to leave for basic training an June 30, 2004.  He enjoyed skateboarding, fishing and weightlifting.  He was an avid guitar player and a whiz with computers.

Survivors include his parents, Daniel and Jackie Diaz of the home; three brothers, Jeffery Ray Diaz of Tuttle, Daniel Anthony Diaz, Jr. of Brownwood, Texas and Dustin Lee Parks; three sisters, Kristy Denise Diaz of Minco, Oklahoma, Lisa Renee Hollingen of Granbury, Texas and Margie Lynette Diaz of Abilene, Texas; his grandparents Jack Parks of Minco, Oklahoma and Nelda Parks of Norman, Oklahoma and Balentin and Lucy Diaz of Coleman, Texas and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Hurtado and a brother, Antonio Valentin Diaz.

Dorothy Faye Lawrence Bowers, age 71, of Haskell, died Friday, October 17, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.  Funeral services were 2:00 p. m. Sunday at the Church of Christ with Reverend Brett Anderson officiating.  Burial followed at Willow Cemetery, under the direction of Holden - McCauley Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bowers was born March 21, 1932 in Coleman, Texas, the daughter of the late George Bernard Lawrence and Eliza Ellen Lawrence.  She married Donald Bowers on February 27, 1954, in Coleman, Texas.  She had been a resident of Haskell County for 18 years, moving from Dallas.  She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband Dan Bowers of Haskell; three daughters, Diane Noyes of Dallas, Dolores Levine of Little Elm and Deborah Annett Smith of Balch Springs; one son, James Donald Bowers of Lillian; two brothers, Marcell Lawrence of Midland, Michigan and Euless Lawrence of Little River; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Maunine Barr Russell, age 90, of Coleman died Friday, October 17, 2003 at an Abilene hospital.  Funeral services were held at 2:00 p. m. Sunday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Interment followed in the Cross Plains Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Maunine was born September 13, 1913, in Aquilla, Texas, and was a daughter of Clark M. and Mary Eliza Hardwick Wilson.  She grew up in Callahan County and attended school at Dressy and Cross Plains.  In 1928, she married Lester Carl Barr in Cross Plains and he preceded her in death in 1981.  In 1992, she married Marvin Russell in Coleman.  She moved to Coleman in 1981 from Cross Plains, where she had lived for many years.  She was a homemaker, a member of the United Christian and Presbyterian Church and a member of the Eastern Star.  She was a volunteer at the Coleman hospital and a member of the UCPC Women.

Survivors include her husband, Marvin Russell of Coleman; two daughters, Billie Jean Guilbeau of Lafayette, Louisiana and Sandra Barr of Coleman; son, James Barr, of Coleman; stepson, Marvin Russell, Jr. of Burnet; sister, Faye Dillard, of Temple; brother, Douglas Ray Wilson, of Waco; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity or Hospice of the Big Country.

Clay Warner Gulley, age 2, died Friday, October 17, 2003 at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth.  A private service was held in his memory at Girdner-Brown Funeral Home in Abilene.

Clay was born on December 14, 2000 in Nashville, Tennessee to Rex Gulley and Lori Hindhout Gulley.  He and his family recently moved to Abilene.

He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandfather, A. W. Gulley of Valera; his maternal grandfather, Lindsey Lindhout of Oklahoma City; an uncle, Maynard Gulley; three aunts, Judy Gulley, Fran Staggs and Mikki Cox; four sisters, Whitney Linder, Lidzey Miller, Jessica Gulley and Kim Gulley; and a brother, Shon Jones.

Ronnie Dwane (Peppy) Dyer, age 63, of Coleman, died Saturday, October 18, 2003 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Valera Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ronnie was born August 19, 1940 in Coleman, a son of Jack Dyer and Thelma Smith Dyer.  He was reared in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School, Class of 1958.  He married Brenda Baker on December 4, 1964 in Coleman.  He served in the United States Marine Carps for four years.  He then enlisted in the United States Army and served 18 years, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Civil Actions Medal 1st Class, the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal as well as several other awards.  He retired from the United States Army in 1981.  He helped build the Stacy Dam in southern Coleman County, was a farmer and a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Dyer of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Kay Dyer, of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Penny and Scott Farris of San Angela and Lori and Michael Sams of Lake Brownwood; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jackie and Shirley Dyer of Seward, Alaska, Ralph and Lisa Dyer of Tuscola, Glen and Sharla Dyer of San Angelo; his twin sister, Jane Arnold of Coleman; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Courtney and Tyler Farris of San Angelo, Josh and Chelsey Sams of Lake Brownwood, Courtney Dyer of Bryan, Texas, Zach and Hunter Dyer of Coleman; father-in-law, R. L. Baker of Coleman and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Jo Ann Baker.  The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Tindol far the wonderful care she gave Ronnie while he was in the hospital.

Henry Alex "H. A." Russell, age 93, of Bangs, died Saturday, October 18, 2003 at a Bangs nursing home.  Graveside services were held Tuesday at 3:30 p. m. at the Resthaven Cemetery in Brady with Todd King officiating, directed by
Heartland Funeral Home of Early.

On August 19, 1910, Henry Alex "H. A." Russell was born in Sterling City, Texas to John Alex Russell and Mary E. Abbott Russell.  He married Emma Henton on November 10, 1928 and they had five children.  Emma passed away in April 1, 1978.  He married Maurine Seidenberger on August 25, 1979.  He was a Baptist.

He is survived by wife, Maurine Russell of Bangs; daughter, Hazel Ryan McClure of Coleman; sons, Bob Russell and wife Jody of Olean, Missouri, Shorty Russell and wife Nina of May and Bud Russell and wife Nelda of Brady.  His step-children include Sandra Wilde and husband Floyd, Steve Seidenberger and fiance Ronda, Mike Seidenberger, Becky Honophy and husband Jim, Linda and Mark Reeh.  H. A. had nine grandchildren and 16 step-grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 15 step-great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Johnny Allen who died as an infant; Gary Seidenbenger who passed away in 1990; and a grandchild, Terry Jo Russell Bunce, who died in 1998.

James W. Bomar, 83, of Winters passed away at his residence Saturday, October 18, 2003.  Graveside services were held at 2 p. m. Monday at the Talpa Cemetery with Rev. Barry Taylor officiating, directed by Winters Funeral Home.

Mr. Bomar was born September 10, 1920 in Talpa, Texas to Wesley and Annie Dial Bomar.  He married Dorothy Boatright on July 11, 1944 in Miles, Texas and they moved to Winters in in 1967.  He was a member of the “Over the Hill Gang,” a club composed of his “senior” hunting partners.  He was known to have one of the prettiest gardens in Runnels County.  Mr. Bomar retired from the Pool Company after 33 years of service.  He was a World War II veteran and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 59 years; one son, James S. Bomar and wife Bessie of Bryan; four daughters, Sharon Kirby and husband James of Rowlett, Melanie Wade and husband Donald of Winters, Cathy Springer of San Angelo and Patti Golden and husband Mark of Garland; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Weldon Bomar of Dallas; and one sister, Dot Shroeder of Ballinger.  His parents, two brothers and one grandson preceded him in death.

Marilyn Nowlin Nini, age 67, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2003 at her residence in Abilene.  Funeral services were graveside Monday at 4:00 p. m. at Coleman City Cemetery with Baker Rudolph officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Daughter of the late W. I. (Jimmy) Nowlin and Sarah D. Nowlin, she was born November 22, 1935 in Dallas, Texas.  She attended school in Coleman and then attended SMU, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.  Marilyn grew up in Coleman County where she enjoyed her time an the family ranch.  She also enjoyed traveling with her friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Taryn and husband, Scooter Morris, of Abilene; two grandsons, Tyler Henderson of Fort Worth and Reid Henderson of Abilene; and one step-grandson, Joel and wife, Jeni Lynn Morris, of Abilene.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Serenity Foundation of Texas, 150 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 or to donor’s favorite charity.

Wesley Neal “Nick” Nicholson, 74, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2003.  Funeral services are set for 3 p. m. Wednesday at Greenwood Garden Chapel in Fort Worth, with burial following in Greenwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. tonight (Tuesday) at Greenwood Funeral Home, 3100 White Settlement Road.

Nick was born July 14, 1929 in Novice, Texas.  He was a produce manager for Roy Pope Grocery and Chicatsky’s.  He was a member of Arlington Heights Church of Christ.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne Saunders - Nicholson; mother and father, Neal and Pauline Nicholson; brother, Leonard Reed Nicholson; sister, Mary Lynn Springer; and grandsons, Phillip Glenn and Anthony Earl Sherrill.

Survivors include daughters, Paula Shernill and husband, Earl and Mary Louise Bevel - Cook and husband, Roger; sons, John C. Cunningham and wife, Donna of Colorado and Lawrence “Larry” M. Cunningham and wife, Jamie of Colorado; grandchildren, Jay Glenn Sherrill, P. Lynn Sherrill, Laura Hubbard - Bayer, Daniel R. Hubbard and wife, April, Katie Cunningham and Barbara Cunningham; great-grandchildren, Preston, Brooke and Bailey Boyer and Falon and Riley Hubbard; brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Springer; and aunt, Ila Trout.

Juanita (Beal) Pritchard, age 81 of Watervilet, Michigan passed away Monday, October 20, 2003 in a nursing home in Watervilet.  Funeral services will be held in Michigan.

Juanita was born July 8, 1922 to Onie and Ezra Beal in Coleman County.  She attended Coleman schools.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harry Hart; her parents, Ezra and Onie Beal; three brothers, Felton Beal, Tim L. (T. L.) Beal and Jett Beal; and an infant daughter.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Pritchard of Watervilet, Michigan; daughter Kathy and son Tim Hart of Michigan; two sisters, Jewel Floy (Jo) Sheldon and husband Lewis of Ohio and Francine (Beal) Hughes and husband Meril of Coleman; one brother, Bobby G. Beal of lngleside, Texas; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Orville “Lyn” Burnett, age 56 of Coleman passed away October 20, 2003 at Hendrick Hospital after a courageous battle with a longtime illness.  Funeral services will be graveside at the Gouldbusk Cemetery Saturday at 2:00 p. m. with Mr. James Pniddy officiating and Mr. Terry Loyd assisting.  Burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 - 7 p. m. tomorrow (Friday).

He was bonn December 6, 1946 in Richmond, California to Frances and the late Arvill Burnett.  He resided mostly in Coleman and Santa Anna since 1976 working as a mechanic and carpenter fan Terry Loyd Construction Company.  He was loved dearly by his family and will be severely missed.  Lyn was a well-known man and a friend to many.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Burnett of Santa Anna; two sons, Mandy Lyn Burnett and Diane of South Carolina and Tim “Skip” Burnett and Vickie of Oklahoma; five daughters, Mary Price and Dee of South Carolina, Renee Urbanyi and John of Texas, Lynea Deitchman and Stanley of Florida, Francie Greenlee and Jerry of Missouri and Tanya Boyd and Bobby of Okinawa, Japan; two sisters, Brenda Crossno and Gaylen, and Kay McGee and Corky of Santa Anna; 23 grandchildren, Crystal, Julie, Brandy, Tray, Elizabeth, Gary, Daniel, Mike, Joseph, Brandon, James, Andrew, Sean, Patrick, Richard, Chastity, Elizabeth, Sabnina, Krissi, Josh, Mark, Henry and Dawn.  Also surviving are two nephews, Forrest “Butch” Cooper and Jeramy McGee; and one niece, Kathy “Kitty” Hartzell.

Lyn was preceded in death by a brother, Monty Gene in 1950; a daughter, Teresa Frances in 1970; and his grandparents Ernest and Virgie Taylor of Santa Anna.  Pallbearers will be Monty Beard, Lynn Taylor, Hippie Gene, Pe Wee Taylor, Bobby Fletcher and Michael Loyd.

John R. Prather, Jr., age 61, of Santa Anna passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 11:30 a. m. at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services were Friday at 11:00 a. m. at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. Art Allen officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

John was born August 7, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late John Robert Prather, Sr. and Effie Clyde Germany Prather.  He was reared in Atlanta where he graduated from Atlanta Public Schools.  John served his country as an Army veteran of Vietnam.  He was a lifetime resident of Atlanta where he worked as a carpenter.

Survivors include a sister, Evelyn Hill of Santa Anna.

Rita Faye Flares Warren, age 48 of Boerne, Texas (formerly of Melvin, Texas) died Wednesday, October 22, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.  Funeral services were 10:00 a. m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brady with Father Calm Mulligan officiating.  Interment followed in the Melvin Cemetery, under the direction of Leatherwood Memorial Chapels of Brady.

She was born August 13, 1955 in Brady, a daughter of Ruben Flares and Ruth (Villegas) Flares.  She was a Registered Nurse at Randolph Air Force Base for several years.  She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Melvin and had lived in Boerne for several years.

Survivors include her parents, Ruben and Ruth Flares of Melvin; former husband, Mike Warren of Converse; son, Coy Bryant Greenrock of Boerne; daughter, Chrissy Greenrock of Converse; brothers, Joe Flores and wife Kelly of Austin, Randy Flores and wife Michelle of Abilene, Ricky Flores of Clyde, Roy Flores of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister, Ruby Ann Halmon and husband Charles of Coleman; six grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.  She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Charles Flores and a sister, Rosa Lee Flores Bangs.

Troy Foster, age 76, died Thursday, October 23, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services were 2:00 p. m. Monday at the Counts Cemetery, directed by Winters Funeral Home.

He was born September 9,1927 in Littlefield and grew up near Wingate in the Happy Valley Community.  He married Billie Lee November 4, 1950 in Fort Worth.  He served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve.  Mr. Foster was a barber in AbiIene in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  He was later a line driver for Merchants Fast Motor Lines for nine years.  He moved to Novice in 1975 and returned to barbering in Winters until retiring in 2000.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Novice and the American Legion in Winters.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Foster of Novice; and daughter, Maria Jones of Blue Ridge; one son, Brett Foster of Sanger; three grandchildren, Amanda Jones of Dallas, Josh Jones of Blue Ridge and Brandon Foster of Sanger; two brothers, Eudean Foster of Abilene and Don Foster of Buffalo Gap. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one grandson.

Charles L. Groze, 82, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2003.  Graveside service was 1 p. m. Monday in Greenwood Memorial Park.  Arrangements were handled by Greenwood Funeral Home of White Settlement.

Mr. Groze was born January 10, 1921.  He was a retired Fire Alarm Installer and served in the US Navy during World War II.  He was also a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Groze; sons, Kent Groze and wife, Nancy; Britt Groze; daughter, Lynda McAdams; grandchildren, Kelly Caffey, Stephanie Gensman, Shelli Jarvis, Lan Rupard, Michelle Songquan, Cathy Parsley and
Tracy McAdams; and great-grandchildren, Logan Jarvis, Leha Jarvis, Andrea Rupard, Tray McAdams, Kayla Caffey and Mindi Hartrodft.

Mrs. Myrtle Willene Eldred, age 77, of Coleman passed away October 24, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services were graveside on Sunday at 3 p. m. at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Rev. Patrick Bennett officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Daughter of the late William Osie and OIa Myrtle Marler Green, she was born October 21, 1924 in Dallas.  On May 19, 1944, she married Ellis James Eldred.  He preceded her in death on May 18, 1977.  Myrtle had resided in the Coleman Highrise since 1992.  She was a housewife and member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Mona Sue Cortez Green, Christine Stokes and Pamala Eldred; and three sons, Rodney, Don and Michael Eldred.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter Vickie Eldred and one son Jeff Eldred.

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Mr. Joseph Roy Savage, age 98 of Coleman passed away Sunday, October 26, 2003 at Holiday Hill Nursing Center in Coleman.  Funeral services will be graveside today (Tuesday) at 2:00 p. m. at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Abilene with Dr. Charles Sheffield officiating and burial to follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mr. Savage was born March 26, 1905 in Coleman County, the son of the late James Andrew and Lillian Walker Savage.  He lived in Coleman County most of his life and was a retired landscaper and a Baptist.

He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Velma and husband Eddie Beal, Violet Row, Mrs. Joan and husband Joe Row and Mrs. Esther and husband James Watson all of Coleman; one son, Robert Savage of Alice; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two Sons and one sister.  Pallbearers will be Steven R. Row, Joe Reese Row, Dewayne Beal, Michael Gallaher, Robert Savage and Gail Clark.

Frank Watkins, 99 years, went to be with his Lord Monday, October 27, 2003 at 2:29 p. m.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Velmon Dee Roch Watkins on January 23, 1981.  Frank was living at Spring Season Nursing Center in Abilene, Texas at the time of his death.  Services will be held at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman, Texas on Friday, October 31, 2003 at 1:00 p. m.  Burial will follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery at Glen Cove, Texas.

He was a longtime resident of Coleman County (Glen Cove) and Taylor County.  In his early life, Frank was a farm hand and a farmer.  He worked at Nunleys Tire Store in Coleman and for Precinct 4 Coleman County as a Road Grader Operator for many years until his retirement.  Frank was a member of the Glen Cove Baptist Church, and attended Brookhollow Christian Church while living in Abilene.  Frank dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He always had a smile for everyone he met.  He was born to Henry and Cora Watkins in Glen Cove, Texas on September 21, 1904.  He was the oldest of thirteen children, eight of which have preceded him in death.

He is survived by three sisters, Elizabeth Rhodes of Cisco, Texas, Claire Cottrell of Kerman, California and Rena Ray of Sunnyvale, California; and one brother, Reggie Watkins of Wichita Falls, Texas.  He is also survived by one daughter, Runell Ewing of Glen Cove, Texas and one son, Phil Watkins and wife Connie of Abilene, Texas.  Also surviving their PaPa were four grandchildren, Sherri Coble and husband Ron of Thousand Oaks, California, Travis Watkins and wife Kelli of Mountain Home, Idaho, Stefanie Beaver and husband Brent of New Port Richey, Florida and Irma Wilhelm and husband Josh of Grand Prairie, Texas.  Eleven other joys in his life were his great-grandchildren, Jon, Jennifer, Amy, Brittani, Zach, Alexis, Savannah, Logan, Hunter, AbbyLynn and Emily.  Along with his family, all his many friends will miss him dearly.

Family visitation will be held tonight (Thursday) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the Glen Cove Cemetery Fund, c/o Scott Beaver, 2415 FM 2805,
Talpa, Texas 76882.  Pallbearers will be Bobby Davis, Rodney Davis, Robert Watkins, Josh Wilhelm, Brent Beaver, Ron Coble and Wade Cartwright.  Honorary pallbearers are Max Horne, Leon Whittington, Bill Laws, Carroll Hinds, Virgil Graham and Bobby McCullough.

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