lrvena Marie Lancaster, age 79, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at 11:38 p. m. at Coleman County Medical Center.  Services were Saturday at 2:30 p. m. at the First United Methodist Church of Santa Anna with President D. T. Crockett officiating.  Interment followed at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Marie was born in Knox County, Texas on March 21,1924 to the late Roger William and Ethel Rose Jackson Matthews.  She was reared in Brown County where she attended the Bangs Schools.  Marie married Wilbur Cosper in Silver City, New Mexico in 1945 and he preceded her in death in 1974.  On September 1, 1979, Marie married Virgil Lancaster in Santa Anna and they had celebrated 24 years of marriage.  In 1944, Marie moved to Snowflake, Arizona where she resided until 1978, then moving to Santa Anna.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Eastern Star.  She was a bookkeeper and a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil Lancaster of Santa Anna; two daughters, Jean Marie and husband Bill Clyde of Anchorage, Alaska and Sherry Ann and husband Tom Byars of Snowflake, Arizona; a son, Carl Allen and wife Sherry Cosper of Taylor, Arizona; step-daughter, Lynn Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas; step-son Phillip Johnson of Fort Worth; six sisters, Jeanette Brook of Santa Anna, Mavis Sellers of Coleman, Shirley Leach of AzIe, Billie Ruth Woods of Granbury, Margaret Coins of Orville, California and Evelyn Dillingham of Santa Anna; two brothers, Roger W. Matthews of Jefferson, Oregon and Truman Matthews of Burkett; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Marie was preceded in death by twin sisters, Mertel and Martic Matthews in 1917 and one brother, W.D. Matthews in 1993.

Pallbearers were Russell Chambers, Roger Matthews, Bill Tucker, Dub Woods, Joey Cosper, Tim Matthews, Tony Tucker and Mike Woods.  Honorary pallbearers included Tom Byars, Matthew Cosper, Lee Mason, Daniel Clonts,
Rich Erickson, Lynn Stephens and Dwight Matthews.

Ruth Donica, age 89, of Coleman, died Friday, December 2, 2003 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday at North Coleman Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Roberts officiating.  Private interment followed in the Gouldbusk Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruth was born March 19, 1914 in Pittsburg, Kansas, and was a daughter of Ernest and Bertha Harmbuckle Powell.  She married John Miller in 1941 in Corpus Christi and he preceded her in death on February 8, 1975.  She married Floyd Donica in 1979 in Coleman and he died on April 1,1996.  She lived in Odessa from 1945 - 1970, when she moved to Coleman.  She was a member of North Coleman Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for many years.

Survivors include one step-son, Ronnie Donica of Coleman; eight grandchildren, Tammy and husband John Casey of Coleman, Joe and wife Jamie Donica of Early, David Donica of Allen, Texas, Stephanie Donica of Kermit, Travis Donica of Coleman, Mike, Darrell and Cody Fikes, all of Coleman and seven great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Travis Donica, Darrell Fikes, Cody Fikes, John Casey, Roger Thate and Dwight Hunter.  Memorials may be made to North Coleman Baptist Church, 905 N. Neches, Coleman, Texas 76834.

LilIie Rathmell Poweski, 82, a long time resident of San Angelo, passed away on December 2nd, 2003.  Graveside Services will be 11:00 am. today (Thursday, December 6, 2003) at Cook - Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.

She was born in Coleman, Texas on April 27, 1920 to parents, Barney and Gertie Baker Rathmell.  LiIIie married John P. Poweski on July 7, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio.  She was a member of the Military Officers’ Association and First Presbyterian Church.  Lillie was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Poweski; son, Joseph J. Poweski, two brothers, two sisters and her parents.

She is survived by brothers, John E. Rathmell of San Antonio and Bill Rathmell of San Angelo, and sister, Bennie May (Hail) Gay of Coleman.

Annie Lee McFarlin, age 92, of Coleman died Friday, December 5, 2003 at her residence.  Funeral services were 2:00 p.m. Monday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating.  Burial followed in the Bangs Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Annie Lee was born December 22, 1910 in Brown County Texas and was a daughter of the late Thomas Edgar and Mary Schulze Avants.  She grew up in Brown County and attended school at Whon.  In 1935 she married Henry Elmer McFarlin and he preceded her in death in April of 1984.  She lived in Whon, moved to Odessa and then to Hamlin, where she lived for a number of years.  She moved to Coleman in 1997.  She worked in the dietary department at the nursing home in Hamlin.  While living in Hamlin, she was a member of First Baptist Church and joined Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, A. W. McFarlin and Jorene, of Coleman; daughter-in-law, Sharon McFarlin Vickery of San Angelo; three grandchildren, Cindy and Jon Achilles of Gilbert, Arizona, Dana and Russell Hamilton of Idalou, Texas and Leo C. McFarlin, Jr. of Alexandria, Virginia; two step-grandchildren, Carolyn Rich of Ada, Oklahoma and Robert Graves of Caddo Mills, Texas; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Belle Farris of Coleman and Ella Mae Watson of Silsbee, Texas; two brothers, Aaron Avants of May, Texas and Charlie Avants of Gouldbusk, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two sons, Billy Ray McFarlin in 1940 and Leo McFarlin in 1984.

Pallbearers were Russell Hamilton, Jon Achilles, David Avants, Larry Avants, Melvin Avants and Curt McFarlin.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Ms. Carolyn Stenix Williams, age 61 of Coleman, passed away December 7, 2003 in San Angelo.  Funeral services will be grave-side today (Thursday) at 2 p. m. at the Coleman City Cemetery with the Rev. Rayford R. Simon officiating and burial to follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Born in Coleman on January 21, 1942, she returned to Coleman County in 1987.  Carolyn was a caregiver and a Methodist.

She is survived by her son, Greg Stenix of Coleman and one brother, George D. Williams of San Angelo.  Among those preceding her in death was her mother, Thelma
Knox.

Robert Lee Howard, age 33, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2003 in Abilene.  Graveside services will be 10:30
a.m. today (Thursday) at the Hawley Cemetery with Reverend Truman Davis officiating, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.

Robert was born January 5, 1970 to Curtis (Tiny) and Kay Howard in Anson.  He graduated high school in Novice, Texas.  He worked as a roofer.

Survivors include his wife, Kim Gwinn; his daughter, Kaylynn Howard; son, Brandon Howard; step-sons, Jason Gwinn and Jeremy Gwinn; parents, Tiny and Kay Howard; brothers, Scottie Pope, Billy Howard and wife Jamie, Curtis Howard, Vurtis Howard and friend, Ted Reigel; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis Street, No. 10, Abilene, Texas 79603.

Mary Hoopes Wallace, 86, of Robinson, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple after a short illness.  Services will be at 10:30 this morning (Thursday) at Robinson Drive United Methodist Church, 2801 Robinson Drive, with the Rev. Mike Efird officiating.  Burial will be at 4:30 p. m. today at Santa Anna Cemetery with Bellmead Funeral Home of Bellmead, Texas in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Wallace was born on July 5, 1917 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Chester and Daisy Hoopes.  She married Scott Wallace on December 23, 1937.  He preceded her in death on November 8,1985.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Stacey Young.  Mrs. Wallace was a member of the Sunshine Sunday School Class and Robinson Drive United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her son, Scott and Patsy Wallace of Dayton; her daughters, Barbara and Don Fox of Channelview, Suzanne and Charles Young of Robinson, Margaret and Rick Staley of Pasadena, Janenne and Mark Gracey of Houston.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 
If you choose to do so, memorials may be made to her church or to the Meals on Wheels program of the Central Texas Senior Ministry.

Howard Ray Kilgore, age 77 of Coleman died Wednesday, December 10, 2003.  Graveside services with Military Honors were 4:00 p. m. Sunday, December 14, 2003 at the Talpa Cemetery, with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Kilgore was born December 2, 1926 in Iowa Park, Texas, a son of Edward Kilgore and Anna Faye Burnam Kilgore.  He was reared in Talpa and graduated from Talpa High School in 1945.  He served in the United States Army and received the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.  He returned to Coleman in 1946.  He married Geneva Hinds on January 5, 1947 in Coleman.  She preceded him in death on January 10, 2002.  Mr. Kilgore attended Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was a barber, bookkeeper and insurance estate manager.  He moved to Fort Worth in 1988, returning to Coleman in 2002.

Survivors include one daughter, Paula Burch of Arlington; two sons, Robert (Bob) Kilgore of Grand Prairie, Ellis Kilgore of Arlington; one sister-in-law, Glenda Klassen of Ft. Davis, Texas; one brother-inlaw and sister-in-law, Carroll and Addle Hinds of Glen Cove; five grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International.

William Cecil Strickland, 69, died December 10, 2003 in Castroville, Texas.  Funeral Service was held Monday, December 15, 2003 at 3:00 p. m. at Harlandale UMC located at 6025 South Flores, San Antonio, Texas.  Interment was held December 16,
2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Victoria, Texas.

A retired United Methodist minister with the Southwest Texas Conference, William was born May 24, 1934 to Thomas and Ruby Strickland in Burkett, Texas and .  He graduated from McMurry College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1955, a Bachelor of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology in 1958 and a Doctorate of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology in 1985.  During his years at Perkins, he served First United Methodist Church as a youth minister and the Wesley UMC, Hugo, Oklahoma.  His first appointment out of seminary was to the New Mexico Conference and to University UMC, Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Other appointments have included Lordsburg, New Mexico, Texico - Farwell, New Mexico, Asbury UMC, Odessa, Texas; and First UMC Portales, New Mexico.  From Portales, New Mexico, he entered the Clinical Pastor Education Program at St. Luke’s Hospital, Houston, Texas.  After one year with the CPE Program, he was appointed to the United Methodist Reporter in Dallas for fifteen years.  In 1986, he was asked to move to the Southwest Texas Conference to start a new church in Castroville, Texas.  From Castroville, he was appointed to Harlandale UMC, San Antonio, Texas and then was appointed as Chaplain with the Methodist Healthcare System.  He spent his final four years at Los Angeles Heights UMC, San Antonio, Texas.  He served on numerous conference boards and committees as well as agency boards and committees during his forty-five years in the ministry.  Dr. Strickland was instrumental in working with the Harlandale ISD to begin the Frank Tajeda Academy previously called Burger King Academy.  He was also involved in real estate and was licensed with the State of Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Heinrich Strickland, four children Thomas and wife Tracy Strickland, William Strickland and Angela Strickland, and Diana and husband Bill Bridgman along with five grandchildren Cody, Joshua, Tori, Nathan, and Irvin. He is also survived by four sisters, Bonita Sheedy, Zelma Strickland, Bobbie Strickland, and Anita McCoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, do Mary Brouillette, P. O. Box 750133, Dallas, Texas 75275.  Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.

Julia Eva Smith, age 68 of Coleman died Thursday, December 11, 2003 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p. m. Sunday, December 14, 2003 at First United Methodist Church in Coleman with Dr. G. Dean Coultas officiating.  Burial was in White Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home of Coleman.  Services included a selection of beautiful music arranged by Ann Hargett including “Ave Maria,” “Hymn of Promise,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”  Pallbearers were Royce Young, Mike Edington, Henry Dodson, Bob Edington, Rocky Rutherford and Jay Davis.  Honorary Pallbearers were the students she has taught - both past and present.  Special thoughts about Julia were shared by Barbara Cox, Lorene Halfmann, Laci Burdick and Lorrie Payne.

Mrs. Smith was born August 18, 1935 in Gouldbusk, daughter of C. B. Draper and Decima Hill Draper.  She was raised in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard Payne University with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in English.  She married J.B. Smith on July 29, 1954 at First United Methodist Church in Coleman.  She taught mathematics at Coleman High School for 33 years.  She was a dedicated wife, mother and teacher.  Her Family extended beyond her biological Family to her students and the faculty with strong commitment and dedication.  A part of her will be with each student she has taught and her legacy will be passed on for generations to come.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Dunson Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her husband, J. B. Smith of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Michael Lagow of Dallas, Malinda and Charles Carter of Bastrop; one brother and sister-in-law, Charlie B. and Lucille Draper, Jr. of Richland Springs; one granddaughter, Krista Carter of Bastrop and U.T. Arlington; one Aunt, Cherry June Hill King of Midland; nieces and nephews, Kathy Draper McCarty of Henley, Texas, Charlene Draper Lindsay of Richland Springs, Texas, Teddy Draper of Dripping Springs, Texas, Gary Draper of Richland Springs, Texas, Joe Robinson and Larry Robinson both of Coleman, Judy Robinson Rasbury of Mesquite Texas and numerous great nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Barbara O’Gorman.

A scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Julia Smith.  Memorials may be sent to: Julia Smith Scholarship Fund, c/o Coleman County State Bank, P. O. Box 940, Coleman, Texas 76834.

On behalf of Julia’s Family - thank you for your Prayers, Love and Support during this time.  We are very humbled with this outpouring.  Our “Coleman County Family” has always been there for us over the years.  We are so blessed to be part of this incredible community.  We know this has been hard for each of you too - and especially for Coleman High School.  Mother was such a pillar of the community.  She loved teaching.  Her students were her children.  She loved and cared so dearly for each one.  We knew so much about her children over the years - she shared wonderful stories - special accomplishments and also correspondence from former students.  She always glowed - it made her so happy.  We are so proud of her - she made such a difference in so many lives.  Thank you again - we Love you ALL, J. B., Malinda and Brenda

Dear Friends,

I am writing you to express a deep and sincere gratitude for having known and been taught by Julia Smith.  All of her students know her simply as “Mrs. Smith,” for as you know there is only one Mrs. Smith.  That name has loomed large at Coleman High School for decades.  For as we entered her classroom for the first time, as legend has it, we were to abandon all hope of ever leaving her class without homework, again.  It only took about a week to realize that the legend was true.  Mrs. Smith was, however, a task master with a purpose. We learned a lot of math, but even more importantly, learned that the work never ends, that there’s always still more to learn, and that if we just get started we’ll eventually get there.  I don’t remember much from math class anymore.  I don’t know the difference between sine and cosine, and I couldn’t mathematically prove my way out of a brown paper bag.  But I do remember the overhead projector and a bottle of naptha, and the smudges of grease pencil on Mrs. Smith’s right hand.  And how she would tell us stories about J. B., then she’d get tickled, stick her head out straight at you and laugh ... and laugh hard ‘til she was red in the face. We laughed a lot.

If you’ve known Mrs. Smith for any time at all then you know how selfless she is. She was always willing to help when there was work to be done.  During my last semester in high school, she took her off period to teach me calculus everyday.  Thankfully, I’m not doing much calculus anymore, but the time spent with Mrs. Smith saved me countless hours of frustration later on.  One of my proudest moments was being able to come back to Mrs. Smith two years later and tell her how to do a calculus problem that the two of us could never figure out.  We eventually figured out that you have to derive everything related to time.  So, I’m doing that today. And when I relate everything to time, now; I realize that it won’t be that long until we all see Mrs. Smith, again...and laugh.
God Bless, David L. Tyson, MD - CHS Class of 1987

Ruby Cate, age 87, former Coleman resident, died Thursday, December 11, 2003 at a Waco nursing home.  Funeral service was held at 10:00 a. m. Monday, December 15, 2003 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Hammonds officiating, assisted by Rev. Gary Boyd.  Burial followed in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruby was born January 5, 1916 in Novice, Texas and was the daughter of Pete and Cleo Sneed.  She grew up in Novice and attended school there.  On June 6, 1936, she married Charles Ernest Cate in Coleman and he preceded her in death on September 3,1981.  Ruby worked as office assistant for Dr. A. M. Fischer for six years and for Dr. M. F. Weaver for 12 years until his retirement.  She became office assistant for Dr. John P. Tyson and when he moved his practice to
Denison, she and her husband relocated to Denison and she worked with him for 12 years.  She returned to Coleman in 1981 and while living in Coleman was an active member of First Baptist Church.  Due to failing health, she moved to Waco in 1996.

Survivors include one sister, Cassie Davis of McGregor; two nieces and their husbands, Ruby Jo and Charles Crelia of Waco, Texas and Judy and Jim Story of Columbus Texas; great nieces and nephews, David Crelia, Dana and husband Willie McFarland, Stephen Story and Carol Story; great-great nieces and nephews, Jasmine, Justin, Tyler, Kenny and Bryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and an infant.  Pallbearers were Ernest Cadenhead, David Crelia, Jim Story, Bill Sneed, Lucien Love and Paul Wheat.

Funeral services were held for Lois Baird, 74, of Merkel on Sunday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Interment followed in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Lois was born March 29, 1929 to James and Thelma Musick in Lawn, Texas.  She lived most of her life in Taylor County.

She is survived by two daughters, Brenda and Diane; two sons, Craig Griggs of Austin and Carl Griggs of Abilene; six sisters, Vera Claire Lewis of Abilene, lvagene Caravas of San Bernardino, California, Nettie Earlene Fowler of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lola Fay Johnson of Abilene, Shelby Joy Musick of Orange Park, Florida and Charlon Besma Cardenas of Piano; two brothers, George Kennith Musick of North Carolina and James Houston Musick of Abilene.  She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Patrick, Buel Edward and Hovey Donald Musick.

Lois O. Baird - born 29 March 1930 - died 11 December 2003 - Social Security #458-38-4663. (Social Security Death Index)

Billie Ruth Stone, age 73, of DeKalb, Texas died Friday, December 12, 2003 at Texarkana Texas Hospital.  Funeral services were 2:00 p. m. Sunday at Austin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb with Rev. Ronnie Pipes officiating.  Burial followed at 4 p. m. Monday at Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home of DeKalb.

Mrs. Stone was born February 17, 1930 in Coleman County, Texas.  She was a legal secretary and a member of Austin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Order of The Eastern Star - Hermleigh, Texas Chapter.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Karen Stone of Dallas and Mitch and Rhonda Stone of DeKalb; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Phillip Stokes of Fort Worth; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Don and Doris Miller of Midland and Jean Miller of Mohave Valley, Arizona; one sister, Mary Davis of Coleman; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Aubrey Stone, February 13, 1997, and by a brother, Bob Miller, August 2,1998.  Memorials may be made to the Austin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, Rt. 3, DeKalb, Texas 75559.

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Jack Webb, age 89 of San Angelo, died Saturday, December 13, 2003 in Meadowcreek Nursing Home.  Funeral service was held at 4:00 p. m. Monday, December 15th in Johnson¹s Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ben Hubert of First Christian Church officiating.  Burial followed in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.  The Henson class served as pallbearers.

Jack was born on September 20, 1914 in Coleman, Texas to Homer and Maggie Ethel Tabor Webb.  He was a graduate of Coleman High School.  He married Evelyn Marie Koenig in Brady on September 6, 1941.  Jack was a manager for the Concho Valley Electric Co-op where he worked for 39 years.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; three children, Mike Webb and wife Kathy of Austin, Nan Gray and husband Greg and Danny Webb and wife, LeeAnne both of San Angelo; five grandchildren, Stephanie Collins and husband Wayne, Scott Webb and wife Ann, Shea Webb and Ryan Webb; one great-grandchild, Katlyn Webb; two brothers, Garland Webb of Fort Pierre, South Dakota and James Webb of Elgin, Texas; two sisters, Oleeta Rush of Coleman and Billie Jean Taylor of Ida Lou.

Funeral services for Edna Ruth Thate, age 83 of Burkett, were held Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 2:00 p. m. at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Mrs. Thate passed away December 14, 2003 at the Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman, Texas.

She was born August 8, 1920 in Gorman, Texas.  She was a lifetime resident of Coleman
County.

Mrs. Thate is survived by two sons, Roger Thate of Burkett and Kenneth Thate of Burkett; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Yolanda Guerrero will be today (Tuesday) at 2 p. m. at the Santa Anna Assembly of God Church with Rev. James Ford officiating.  Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Yolanda passed away Sunday, December 14, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.

She was born to Gabriel and Tomasa Montalve on December 6, 1930.  She married Joe Guerrero, Sr. on February 12, 1951 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Yolanda is survived by her husband, Joe Guerrero, Sr. of Coleman; two daughters, Dora and her husband Arnold Ramirez of Coleman and Rachel and her husband Thomas Johnson of Clyde; four sons, Raul Guerrero and wife Leticia of El Paso, Benny Guerrero and wife Olga of Santa Anna, Joe Guerrero, Jr. of Coleman and Danny Guerrero and wife Jamie of Coleman; one brother, Willie Quintero; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Saul Ramirez, Albert Zepeda, Benny Joe Guerrero, Chris Guerrero, Michael Guerrero and Steve Guerrero.

Graveside services for Sherman Dale Thompson, age 59 of Moran, will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:00 a. m. at the Moran Cemetery with Rev. Doug Stenberg officiating.  Burial will be directed by Morehart Mortuary.  Mr. Thompson passed away early Sunday, December 14, 2003 at his home in Moran.

Sherman Thompson was born on February 12, 1944 in Abilene, Texas to parents Joe Carrol Thompson and Emma Roberta Denson Thompson.  Sherman grew up in Albany and Coleman.  He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict.  He spent the majority of his life in the oilfield and also worked in the gold mines of Nevada. Sherman married Sydni Ratcliff on June 10, 1971 in New Mexico.  Sherman and Sydni moved to Moran upon his retirement in 2002.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe Neal Thompson.

Sherman is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sydni; three sons, John George Thompson, Edward Barham Thompson and Christopher Dale Thompson; two daughters, Shawna Smith and Delena Jo Heineman; two grandsons, Ian Xander Brown and Cody Daniel Shaffer; and a special daughter, Jackie Shaffer; two sisters, Carolyn Sue Spearman of Katy and Mary Ellen Ditto of Houston; also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice and may be left at Morehart Mortuary.

Mr. F. Nick Taylor, age 67 of Coleman, passed away December 15, 2003 at Abilene Regional Hospital.  Funeral services will be today (Tuesday, December 16th) at 3:30 p. m. at the Walker Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Born March 23, 1936 in Coleman, he attended school in Coleman.  After graduating from Coleman High School in 1954, Nick attended TCU where he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelors Degree in Business.  He continued to be very active alumni, serving on numerous committees and boards.  Nick moved back to Coleman to join Taylor Motor Company (the family business) in 1959.  In 1972, Nick took over the company and continued his devoted love for the car business until his retirement in 1995.  In 1974, Nick actively pursued a boxing program for youngsters in Coleman County.  He was president of the club for its entire existence, during which time the club was very active, competing in many major competitions.  In 1982, Nick served as Coleman City Councilman and became a Rotarian in 1991.  In 1993, he served as president of the Coleman Rotary Club. Nick was a member of the Coleman Rodeo Association for over 30 years, serving as president for three years.  Three years ago, a group of concerned citizens started an organization known as 'Keep Coleman
Beautiful."  Nick served as the club's first president.  His abilities as a fund-raiser assisted their efforts greatly in their goal to clean up Coleman.  Nick was a member of the First Baptist Church of Coleman.  He will be remembered for his quick wit, as a loving husband, devoted father, and as the truest of friends.

Survivors include his mother Virginia Taylor of Coleman; his wife, Sharlene of Coleman; one daughter, Michelle and husband Darrell Hillock of Arlington; two sons Brett Taylor of Seattle, Washington, and Michael and his wife Ranee Taylor of Coleman.  Also surviving are three grandchildren; Chase, Devin, and Emily Taylor, all of Coleman.  Nick is also survived by numerous other family members and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his dad F. W. "Dink" Taylor.

The family will receive friends this morning from 10 to 11:30 at the funeral home, after which the casket will be closed and not reopened.

Henry O’Neil Barton, age 68 of Mineral Wells, formerly of Brown-wood, died Monday, December 15, 2003 at Palo Pinto General Hospital.  Graveside service was held at 10:00 a. m. Friday, December 19, 2003 at Eastlawn Memorial Park with Bro. Ruben Packer offciating.  Burial followed at Eastlawn Memorial Park.  Davis - Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood was in charge of arrangements.

Henry was born May 11, 1935 in Brown County, Texas.  He was a Master Electrician and a Baptist.  He was in the Naval Reserves.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Barton; one son, Gary Barton and wife Pati; one daughter, Elizabeth Mayer and husband Thomas; five step-children, Bobby Shirrel and wife Peggy, LaFonda Dawson and husband Carl, Jimmy Shirrel, Teresa Hamer and Christine Bower and husband Kevin; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce Hensley DeLay, age 73 of Coleman, died Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Community Medical Center in San Angelo.  Funeral service was held at 10:00 a. m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home with Joe Halley officiating.  Burial followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. DeLay was born January 18, 1930 in Santa Anna, a daughter of ZoIlie LeRoy Wilson and Loys Montgomery Vercher Wilson.  She grew up in Santa Anna, Coleman and Bangs and graduated from Bangs High School.  She married Graham A. (Tode) Hensley in 1950 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death in 1977.  She later married ZelI DeLay on April 22, 1981 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He preceded her in death in February, 1996.  She lived in Knoxville, Tennessee for 15 years, retired from the Coleman T. V. Cable Company in 1980, and was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include two step-daughters, Norma Jean Richards of Haskell and Judy Bowman of Knoxville, Tennessee; one sister, Millie Robbins of Bangs; two step-grandchildren, Scott and Brady Henshaw; one step-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews, including Glenda Hollabaugh of San Angelo and Doris McCulloch and Chrystal Jennings, both of Coleman.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Pallbearers were Don Southern, Cecil Day, Ed Van Dalsem, Ed Jennings, Bob Farley, Nicky McCulloch and Mickey McCulloch.  Honorary pallbearers were Elders from the Elm Street Church of Church, Donald Williams, Lyndon Key, Bill Crow and Roy Buse.  Memorials may be sent to the Elm Street Church of Christ, 216 West Elm Street, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the Santa Anna Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 670, Santa Anna, Texas 76878.

Harrison A. 'Ted' Callaway passed away on December 17, 2003.  Funeral services were 1:00 p. m. Saturday at Davis - Morris Funeral Home Chapel.

He was born November 14, 1908 between Cisco and Moran and was one of 15 children of Robert and SteIIa Callaway.  He had been a resident of Brownwood for 36 years.  Ted married Belle Hollingshead on August 2, 1929 and had two sons, Gerald and Dan.  He worked for many years as a plumber and owned a business in Clyde where he also worked a 60 acre farm east of town.  He retired from the Clyde school system, where he worked as maintenance superintendent, bus driver and served on the Board of Trustees.  Ted was active in the Boy Scouts, serving as Scoutmaster and attained the rank of Eagle.  He saw his two sons and three grandsons also achieve the same rank.  He was also involved in the Lions Club and was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star.  He was a member of Rocky Creek Baptist Church for many years.

Ted was preceded in death by Belle Hollingshead Callaway, wife of 53 years; Edith Kimbrell Callaway, wife of 14 years; and infant daughter, Ruth AIlene.

Survivors include three siblings, Naomi Dennis of Phoenix, Arizona, Opal Mann of Collins, Mississippi and H. H. ‘Shorty’ Callaway of Cisco.  He is also survived by two sons, Gerald ‘Jerry’ Callaway and wife Linda of Brownwood and Dan Callaway and wife Sharon of Pflugerville.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Sherry Scott and husband Ray of Abilene, Renee Brown and husband Terry of Coleman, Brian Callaway and wife Mandy of Brownwood, Danny Callaway and wife Jan of Round Rock and Scott Callaway of Austin.  The seven great-grandchildren are Misty Hale of Abilene, Dustin and Shaina Brown of Coleman, Caleb and Aaron Callaway of Brownwood and Zachary and Emma Callaway of Round Rock.

Pallbearers were Ray Scott, Terry Brown, Brian Callaway, Danny Callaway, Scott Callaway and Dustin Brown.

Charlie McFadden of Crane died Thursday, December 18, 2003.  Funeral services were held at 2:00 p. m. on Sunday, December 21, 2003 in the Cross and Crown Church with Reverend Jim Hester officiating.  Burial followed in the Crane County Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Shaft er-Nichols Funeral Home of Crane.

Charlie was born on December 28, 1929 in Crowell, Texas.  He was a 1948 graduate of McCamey High School, and was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the Marine Corp from 1948 to 1952.  He married Ann Waterhouse on February 28, 1953.  He later married Sherian Buckley on July 24, 1971.  Charlie was an important part of the realm of rodeo from competitor, judge, director, pick-up man and coach.  He was a rancher, cowboy, and rodeo was his passion.  He was loved and respected by all of those who knew him.  He will be missed.  Charlie was a longtime resident of Crane County and was a member of the Crane Christian Church, the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and was a ASCS Board Member.  He was a Texas High School Rodeo Director.  Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia McFadden Stribling; one son, Ray McFadden; his father, Earnest McFadden; his wife, Sherian McFadden; and his sister, Della McFadden.

He is survived by two sons, Clay McFadden and wife Nina of Lamesa, Texas and Cory McFadden and wife Leigh Ann of Coleman; two daughters, Julie Hardcastle and husband Sam of Crane and Alison Davis and husband Shawn of Lampasas, Texas; one brother, Les McFadden; grandchildren, Cody McFadden and wife Amber, Carter McFadden, Austin Hardcastle, Charlie Ann Hardcastle, Cade Davis, Nicole Welch and Jaylon Welch; and special friend, Barbara Chandler of Crane.

Versal M. Smith, age 84, of Coleman, died Friday, December 19, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral service was 2:00 p. m. Monday at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Marty Reed officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Versal was born June 20, 1919 in Jasper, Arkansas and was a son of William and Cecilia Haynes Smith.  He grew up in Arkansas and at the age of 13 went to work for the CCC for 5 years.  He served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operations where he received five bronze stars and a Purple Heart.  Versal married Mary Evans in October 1942 in Brownwood, Texas and she preceded him in death on May 21, 1970.  He married Barbara Gregory on November 6, 1972 in Miami, Oklahoma.  He worked at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas as a riveter and moved to Coleman in the 1960’s.  He was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Coleman and a member of the VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Smith of Coleman; daughter, Toni and husband Jack Willson of Wichita, Kansas; son, Mike D. Smith of Wichita, Kansas; four step-children, Barbara Jean and husband Bill Rorabaw of Burkburnett, Ronnie Jourdan of Andrews, Brenda and husband Johnny Christian of Coleman and Rodney and wife Susan Jourdan of Andrews; nine grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; one brother, Willis Smith of Grove, Oklahoma; four sisters.

Pallbearers were Dewayne Keith Jourdan, Charles Hipkins, Rodney Jourdan, Larry Willson, Joseph Schmidt and Macky Bates.  Honorary pallbearers included Earnest Shifflett, Charles Gregory and Bill Rorabaw.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Mrs. Lois McWhirter, 93 years of age and a lifetime resident of Coleman and Coleman County, passed away Sunday evening, December 21, 2003 at Holiday Hill.  Funeral service will be at 2:00 p. m. Friday, December 26, 2003 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Billy Roberts officiating and interment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Lois was born April 23, 1910 in McCulloch County, Texas and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Lafette and Vivian Ford.  She married Sherman H. McWhirter and he preceded her in death in 1977.  Mrs. McWhirter was a charter member of the North Coleman Baptist Church and has continued her membership all of this time.

She is survived by two daughters, Garnalee Marshall of Santa Anna, Texas and Edna Thomas of Coleman; one son, Ronald McWhirter of Coleman; 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Family visitation for friends will be Friday from 12:30 p. m. at the funeral home until time for the services.  Memorials may be sent to the North Coleman Baptist Church.

Delinda Jane Fulcher Smith, age 95, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 1:30 p. m. at the Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman.  Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a. m. at the First Baptist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. John Stanislaw and Rev. Raymond Jones officiating.  Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Delinda was born in Brady, Texas on April 5, 1908 to the late Nathaniel Altmon and Pearl Duncan Fulcher.  She was a lifetime resident of Coleman County and attended the Loss Creek and White Chapel Schools.  On August 27, 1925 Delinda married Robert Coleman Smith in Coleman, Texas and they celebrated forty-five years of marriage.  Robert preceded her in death in 1970.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Santa Anna where she was treasurer and member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class for many years and she was a homemaker.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Lena and Haskell Clevenger of Fisk, Texas; Joyce and Jack Mobley of San Marcos, Texas; two daughters-in-law; Jane Smith of Santa Anna, Texas; Mary Smith of Santa Anna, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson.

Delinda was preceded in death by two sons, Floyd Smith in 1978 and Robert Smith in 2001; brother, Nathaniel (Buck) Fulcher in 1974; and great-grandson, Samuel Casey in 2000.  Pallbearers will be Gary Clevenger, Cory Doucet, Robert Cline Smith, Bryan Ballard, Bill Smith and Mike Mobley.  Honorary pallbearers include grandchildren, great- grandchildren and greatgreat- grandson.

Mrs. Maurine J. Gilliam, 89 years of age and a resident of Kermit, Texas since 1992, passed away in Kermit after a short illness on Sunday, December 21, 2003.  Funeral services will be Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 11:00 a. m. at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Bill Campbell from Gorman, Texas officiating.  Interment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mrs. Gilliam was born December 6, 1914 in Coleman County, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William and Cora Henderson Gray.  She was married to Mr. W.E. (Buster) Gilliam in Eastland, Texas on April 27, 1935 and he preceded her in death in 1992.  She was a graduate of Coleman High School and was a member of the Baptist Church.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Reta Wills of Kermit, Texas; one son, Jerry G. Gilliam of Richardson, Texas; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. 

Family visitation will be held at the funeral home in Coleman on Friday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 p. m.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and one sister.

Gilbert P. Pfluger, age 91, passed away Monday, December 22, 2003 at 4:34 p. m. at Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman.  Graveside services will be Friday at 2:30 p. m. at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. James Ford officiating under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Gilbert was born on May 22, 1912 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Paul F. and Alma Ida Wentland Pfluger.  He was a lifetime resident of Coleman County and attended the Turner Ranch Schools.  Gilbert was a member of the Lutheran Church and the Woodman of the World and was a stock-farmer.

Survivors include cousins.

Ruth Williams McGill, age 94, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2003 in Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas following a brief illness.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p. m. on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at the Chapel of the Angels at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery.

Born Patsy Ruth Williams on October 22, 1909 in Cross, Texas, to Dr. William G. and Mellie Frances Taylor Williams, formerly of Rockwood.  A resident of Houston since 1930, she had made her home in Pasadena, Texas since 1974.  After graduating from Menard High School, she attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood and Sam Houston State College in Huntsville.  She married Lonnie Oral McGill in 1934 in Houston, Texas.  He preceded her in death in 1967. Ruth retired from Sakowitz Department Store in 1974.  She was a long time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Houston and the Magnolia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  After her retirement, Ruth enjoyed travel, genealogical research, and visits and games with triends and family.

Survivors include her son, William T. (Bill) McGill, of Pasadena; a sister, Dorris Richardson of Hillsboro, Texas; a stepdaughter, Mary Alice Nichols of Mountain View, Missouri.  Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.  Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Loyd M. Taylor, age 87, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Monday, December 22, 2003 at 10:50 a. m. at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services will be Wednesday at 2:30 p. m. at the Gouldbusk Cemetery with Rev. Marvin Hale and Rev. Gene Roberts officiating.  Interment will follow with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of arrangements.  Family will receive friends tonight (Tuesday) from 6:30 until 7:30 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

He was born Loyd Melvin Taylor in Gouldbusk, Texas on March 20, 1916 to the late William F. and Junetta Taylor.  Loyd was reared in Shields, graduating from the Shields Schools.  He was a veteran of World War II serving as a corporal with the Army Air Force.  On May 5, 1941, Loyd married Lola Belle Horton and they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Lola preceded him in death in 2001.  He had been a resident of Santa Anna since 1972 moving there from Mineral Wells and was a member of the Congregational Methodist Church.  Loyd worked as a safety inspector for Southern Airways of Texas and also in automobile body work.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Elwayne and Shirley Taylor and Lynn and Jana Taylor, all of Santa Anna; two sisters, Opal Bomba of Santa Anna and Ava Dale Kilgore of Midland; two brothers, Frank Taylor and Wilburn Taylor, both of Santa Anna; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, two brothers and one grandson.

Pallbearers will be Vein Hauk, Corky McGee, Gaylan Puckett, Dewey Snodgrass, Everete Taylor and Eddie York.

Mrs. Madeline Pitts Crabaugh, 89 years of age, of San Marcos, Texas passed away December 23, 2003 in St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma.  She will lie in state in Coleman at Walker Funeral Home Monday evening with family visitation from 5 to 7 p. m. with services Tuesday 10 a. m. graveside in Coleman City Cemetery at the pavilion.

She was born June 14, 1914 in Knickerbacker, Tom Green County, Texas.  Madeline was the daughter of the late Harley and Louisa Jameson Davis, living in Coleman until 1965 and at that time moved to San Marcos.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of San Marcos, Texas.

Madeline is survived by four daughters, Louetta Pills Carroll of Lake Jackson, Texas, Sara Jo PillsTrammeil of Lufkin, Texas, Martha Pitts Drake of Richardson, Texas and Helen Pills Shepherd of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two sons, W. Ed Pitts, Retired Lt. Col. of Idaho Falls, Idaho and John H. Pills of Richwood, Texas; one sister, Margerie Thompson Oney of Llano, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mildred Martin Pauley, 90 years of age and a lifetime resident of Talpa, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2003 in Heritage Oaks Estate Nursing Home of Ballinger.  Funeral services were 2:00 p. m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in the Talpa Cemetery.

Mildred was born October 29, 1913 in Talpa, Texas and was the daughter of the late Homer W. and Susan Kathryn Douglas Dodds.  She was a member of the Methodist Church.  Mildred married the late Ross Martin on May 19, 1934 and he preceded her in death in 1970.  She later married Russell Pauley and he preceded her in death in 1975.  She was a ranch lady and city secretary for Talpa and Dell City, Texas for many years

Survivors include one sister, Vena Bob Gates of Talpa; three nephews, six great nieces, three great nephews and one great-great nephew.

Gertrude French age 89 of Santa Anna passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 6:58 p. m. at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Services will be Saturday at 11:00 a. m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw and Rev. Bruce Hess officiating.  Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Gertrude was born in Ballinger, Texas on September 7 ,1914 to the late Pleasant Earl and Lucy Angeline Brandstetter Hill.  She was raised in Ballinger attending the Ballinger Schools and graduated from Whon Schools in Coleman County.  Gertrude married William Russell French June 30, 1934 in Liberty, Coleman County, Texas and they celebrated 40 years of marriage.  William preceded her in death in 1974.  A resident of Coleman County for seventy-seven years.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Dorcas Sunday School Class and was a food supervisor retiring in 1991.

Survivors include two daughters; Willene Tomme of Bangs, Texas and Geraldene Smith of Tyler, Teas; one son, Boyd French of Wichita Falls, Texas; one sister, Hazel Jackson of El Paso, Texas; 7 Grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie Tidwell and Mildred Jones, three Granddaughters; Yvonne French, Melinda Gray and Meressa Gray; one grandson, Jesse Keith Tomme.  Pallbearers will be grandsons, and great grandsons.

Beatrice Cupps of LaMarque, Texas, formerly of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2003 in LaMarque.  Graveside services were Monday at 11:00 a. m. at the Cleveland Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Born Beatrice Dunlap on November 13, 1923 in Oklahoma to the late William Oliver and Lola Frances Jennings Dunlap, she was reared in Oklahoma attending school at Konawa, Oklahoma.  Bea moved to Odessa and met and married Lee V. Cupps in Lovington, New Mexico on June 2, 1951 and they celebrated 47 years of marriage.  Lee preceded her in death in 1998.  They lived in Hobbs, New Mexico until moving to Cleveland, Texas in 1963.  She was a member of the Baptist Church and a housewife moving to Texas City in 2000.

Survivors include a sister - Naydine Prewitt of Odessa, Texas; two brothers Cloyd Ray and wife Penny Dunlap of Texas City, Texas; Jimmie and wife Kathy Dunlap of Santa Fe, Texas; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Bertha Bowland, formerly of Coleman, died Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at a Georgetown nursing home.  Funeral services were 11:00 a. m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating.  Private burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bowland was born August 3, 1909 in Brady, a daughter of Charlie Smith and Pearl Gillmore Smith.  She attended school in Lohn.  She married T. A. Bowland, Sr. on November 9, 1927 in Brady.  He preceded her in death on May 21, 1981.  She moved to Coleman in 1936, Burleson in 1978 and to Georgetown in 1993.  She was a homemaker and a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include two sons, T. A. Bowland, Jr. and wife Dorothy of Burleson, Lewis Bowland of Austin; one brother, Charles Smith of Bandera; one sister, Winona Chadwick of Carlsbad, New Mexico; four grandchildren, Bob Bowland and wife Tern of Fort Worth, Tab Bowland and wife Lesa of Granbury, Paul Bowland of Austin, Amy Garrett and husband Chris of Dripping Springs; five great-grandchildren, Brad Bowland of St. Paul, Minnesota, Whitney Bowland of Fort Worth, Amber Coffee of Murpheesboro, Tennessee, Mason Garrett of Dripping Springs, Blake Bowland of Fort Worth; six great-great-grandchildren, Grace, Isabella and Wyatt Bowland, all of St. Paul, Minnesota, Trevor and Spencer Bigham, both of Murpheesboro, Tennessee, Julie Garza of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

Charlie Pruneda Florez, Jr., age 79 of Melvin, Texas, a brother of Adelita Castanuela of Coleman died Thursday, December 25, 2003 in San Angelo, Texas.  Rosary was 7 p. m. Sunday at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady. Funeral service was 10 a. m. Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brady with the Rev. Louis Moeller officiating.

Charlie was born on April 2, 1924 in Fredericksburg, Texas, to parents Carlos Flores Sr. and Reynalda Pruneda Flores.  He married Margarita Torres on September 23,1942 in Rock Spring, Texas.  He was a federal government employee most of his working life, retiring as a manpower coordinator for West Central Texas Council of Governments.  He opened Charlie’s BBQ in Brady in the early 1980’s.  He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II.  He was active in the Cursillo movement in the Catholic Church for over 40 years and was the former mayor of Melvin, Texas.  Charlie was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Melvin, Texas and was a lifelong area resident.

Survivors include his wife, Margarita Florez of Melvin, Texas; sons, Charlie Flores and wife, Dora, of Melvin, Texas, Jerry Flores and wife, Yolanda, of San Angelo, Texas, Alex Flores of Brady, Texas, Joe Wayne Flores and wife, Flossie, of Denver City, Texas and Bobby Flores and wife, Gloria, of Ulysses, Kan.; daughter, Judy Garcia and husband, Joe, of San Angelo, Texas; brothers, Ruben Flores and wife, Refugia and Alfredo “Fred” Flores, all of Melvin, Texas and Samuel Flores and wife, Esther, of Brady, Texas; sisters, Reynalda Gonzales of Brady, Texas and Adelita Castanuela of Coleman, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; two brothers and two sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church.

A memorial service for Mrs. Lewis Parker Cole will be held at 1:00 p. m. Friday, January 2, 2004 at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Texas, with her nephew, Reverend Glen Foster officiating.  Mrs. Cole, 90, of Pineville, Louisiana, died Sunday, December 28, 2003 in Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, Louisiana.

Mrs. Cole was a graduate of North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.  During early 1930’s she taught public school at Talpa Grammar School.  She then resided in Shreveport, Louisiana for 40 years where she was a very active member of Caddo Heights United Methodist Church.  She taught Sunday School for many years and was a second grade school teacher at Agnew Town and Country Day School.  She moved to Pineville in 1983 and became a member of First United Methodist Church in Pineville, Louisiana.  Mrs. Cole was a daughter and granddaughter of early 1900
Coleman County families. J. C. Lewis served as County Tax - Assessor Collector.  His son, Frank Lewis served as County Judge.  James M. Parker served as County Commissioner.

Mrs. Cole was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence A. Cole; her daughter, Mary Ann Cole LeBrocq; her parents, Howard and Edna Lewis Parker and her brother, Jack Parker.  A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, she is survived by her son, Robert H. Cole of Pineville; her sister, Jane Carroll of Jacksonville, Texas; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her cousins, Forrest Parker Johnson of Coleman and Frances Parker Carroll of Salado, Texas.

Houston C. Cullins, age 89 of Coleman died Sunday, December 28, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be 2:00 p. m. today (Tuesday) December 30, 2003 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Houston was born September 29, 1914 in Coleman County, a son of Guy H. Cullins and Linnie Scott Cullins.  From the age of four, he was reared by his father and stepmother, Lelia Mae Smith Cullins.  He attended school in Coleman and graduated from high school at Loss Creek.  He played basketball and was on the track team while in school.  He served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving the American Defense Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Medal and E.A.M.E. Ribbon with four bronze service stars.  He managed several variety stores, including Perry Brothers in Coleman, was a cattle buyer and owned Little Green Acres Nursery in Del Rio before retiring in 1982.  He was an avid outdoor sportsman and member of Loss Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Dorothy Cullins of Kerrville; three sisters, Edna Burkett of Andrews; Sarah Boyle and Ruth Craft both of Coleman; eight nieces and nephews and several cousins.

Jo Ella Smith, age 79, of Bangs, died Monday, December 29, 2003 at Care, Inc. in Brownwood.  Funeral service will be 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, December 31, 2003 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ruben Packer officiating.  Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Jo Ella Smith was born September 27, 1924 in Liberty, Coleman County, Texas and was the daughter of Felix and Ida Gertrude Manning Smith.  She grew up in Santa Anna and attended school there.  On November 10, 1939, she married William Charlie Smith in Santa Anna and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2003.  She lived in San Antonio for 35 years and moved to Bangs in 1989.  While living in San Antonio she worked as a nurse in a doctor’s office and was also a homemaker.  She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Naron of Moody, Texas and Shirley and husband Aubrey White of Temple, Texas; one son, William Clyde and wife Louise Smith of San Antonio; one brother, James Smith of Bangs; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Family visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. at the funeral home.

Wilbur H. Elkins, age 93, of Coleman, died Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be 11:00 a. m. Friday, January 2, 2004 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Don Northway officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Wilbur H. Elkins was born February 5, 1910 in Coleman, Texas and was a son of the late John M. Elkins, Jr. and Maggie
Alexander Elkins.  He grew up in Coleman and attended school at Silver Valley and Coleman.  During World War II, he served in the United States Marine Corps with the 2nd Division in the Southern Pacific.  On February 2, 1946 he married
Annie Marie Harrell Phillips in Valera and she preceded him in death on November 9, 2002.  For over 40 years, he was a wholesale and retail distributor for Mobil Oil.  He was a member of Bible Baptist Church, Disabled American Veterans, Men’s Downtown Sunday School Class and the Evening Lions Club.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Garland and Elaine Phillips of Austin; one daughter and son-in-law, Melba and Don Marrs of Houston; four grandchildren, Cindy Kindschuh, Karen Firenza of Houston, Alan and Byron Phillips of Austin; eight great-grandchildren, Maggi Kindschuh, Alex Kindschuh, Kristin Firenza, Matthew Firenza, Amanda Firenza, Kristin Phillips, Cody Phillips, Tanner Beau Phillips; three brothers, Thelbert and wife Ruth Elkins of Coleman, Winston and Evelyn Elkins of Coleman and Sam and Colleen Elkins of Bisbee, Arizona.

Memorials may be made to Holiday Hill, 245 Highway 153, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Men’s Downtown Sunday School Class, c/o Thelbert Elkins, 903 S. 2nd Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.  Family visitation will be held tonight (Thursday) from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. A. C. Pierce, age 78 of Valera, passed away December 31, 2003 at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Services will be January 2, 2004 at 2:00 p. m. graveside in the Gouldbusk Cemetery and interment to follow under direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Son of the late Richard and Sally Sermons Pierce, he was born in Oklahoma on November 29, 1925.  On July 16, 1955 he married Louella Boyd in Hobart, Oklahoma.  Mr. Pierce was a resident of Coleman County since 1957, and he was a trucker.  He is survived by his wife Louella Pierce of Valera; one son, Jack and wife Davida Pierce of Raton, New Mexico.  Significant friends including Cindy and James Pelton of Santa Anna; Troy and Mindy Pierce of Hewitt, Texas; and Casey and Shannon Pierce of Raton, New Mexico.  Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, and one great- greatgrandchild.