Dorothy Hamilton, age 87, of Coleman, died Thursday, April 1, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p. m. Saturday, April 3, 2004 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with James Paul Bailey officiating.  Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Dorothy May Carroll on December 23, 1916 in Valera, Texas, a daughter of the late Wortham Aubrey Carroll and Mary Ann Moser Carroll.  She grew up in Valera and graduated as Valedictorian from Valera High School.  On June 14, 1939 she married Jesse Dudley Hamilton and he preceded her in death on April 4, 1999.  Dorothy worked at the Valera Bank, the Coleman Flying School, over 20 years at the County State Bank and nine years at First Coleman National Bank.  She was Methodist and a member of the Abilene Women¹s Bowling Association.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Wilfred "Les" Lester of Abilene, Texas and Patricia and Nance Campbell of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Kim Hamilton of Huntsville, Texas; five grandchildren, Jay Lester and wife Lisa of McKinney, Texas, Josh Lester and wife Jennifer of Katy, Texas, Chance Campbell and wife Jackie of Austin, Texas, Clay Campbell and wife Aislynn of Corpus Christi, Texas and Mandie Hamilton of Huntsville, Texas; four great-grandsons, Michael Lester and Brian Lester of McKinney, Texas, Jackson Lester of Katy, Texas and Courtland Campbell of Corpus Christi, Texas; two sisters, Vyron Hudgins of San Angelo, Texas and Nita Cook of Lovington, New Mexico; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Weldon Hamilton and wife Estelle of Coleman, Randall Hamilton and wife Nell of Big Sandy, Texas and Aleene Jones of Coleman, Texas; nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnnie Carroll and Tony Carroll and three sisters, Jo Dubois, Myron Shuttlesworth and Pat Sparks.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604. 

Mary Alice Kelley, 68, of Houston, Texas, went home to glory on April 1, 2004, after a battle of many years with several diseases.  On April 7th a memorial service celebrating her life and devotion to the Lord and quiet acceptance to a life of pain was held at the Fairmont Central Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas under the direction of Dr. Mark Young of Dallas Theological Seminary, the son-in-law of Mary's sister. Friends from four churches where Kenneth had served as Music Minister over the past 40+ years took part in remembering and celebrating her life.

She was married for 48 years to Kenneth Kelley, native of Coleman and son of the late Elry and Amanda Kelley and brother of Myrna Loy Steward.  Mary was the daughter of the late R. H. and Mary Belle Hicks of the Panama Canal Zone and St. Petersburg, Florida.  Mary was a Registered Nurse but because of the illnesses had been unable to work for many years. 

In addition to Kenneth, she is survived by a sister Dorothy (and Bob) Chapman of North Carolina; a son Mark (and Hope) Kelley of Wheaton, Illinois; a daughter Marcia (and John) Driskill of Houston; and a daughter Joy (and David) Cardenas of Friendswood, Texas; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Robert Warren Gafford, Chief Master Sergeant, Retired, USAF, departed this life on April 2, 2004 at the age of 89.  Graveside services were held at the Silver Valley Cemetery at 4:00 p. m. Saturday, April 17, 2004. 

He was born to Joel and Emma Gafford on December 15, 1914 in Silver Valley, Texas.  He honorably and faithfully served his country during WWII, serving as an infantryman in France and Germany; he also served his country during the Korean and Viet-Nam conflicts.  He retired from the Armed Services with over twenty-nine years as a member of the U. S. Army and the U. S. Air Force. He received numerous military decorations and awards during his career but the one he was the most proud of was his Combat Infantry Badge.  He was a former President of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA).  He was also a 32nd Degree Mason.  He was an avid golfer and bird hunter.  He loved life, and with Ginny they lived it to the fullest.  He had a remarkable ability to love and to be loved by all of those that he came to know and who came to know him; he touched innumerable people.  Well Done, Daddy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Ginny and their three daughters and sons-in-law, Salli and Chuck Flesch of San Antonio, Texas, Judy and Dave Horner of Greensboro, North Carolina and Sandy and Tom Brown of Palm City, Florida; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grand-children.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice, 1201 S. W. Indian Street, Stuart, Florida 34997.

Mattie Louise McCrary, 78, of Georgetown, formerly of Hutto, Texas passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004 in Georgetown.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p. m. at the Hutto City Cemetery with Mark Ramsey officiating.  Arrangements are by The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas.

She was born November 28, 1925 in Slaton, Texas to Frank W. and Mattie E. Hamm Smith.  She married Willie A. McCrary on March 26f, 1946, who preceded her in death on November 13, 1992.  She had a business degree and was a Licensed Vocational Nurse.  She retired from the Northwest Mediplex in Austin, Texas.

She is survived by her son, Roy L. and his wife Susan of Bastrop; daughter Martha Tumlinson and her husband Rick of Liberty Hill; son Billy and his wife Joan McCrary of Austin; and a sister Bonnie Dyer of Gadsen, Alabama; eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.  She was prededed in death by a son, Ronnie Chesser.

Karveletta O. Sarles, age 97, a resident of Austin for 13 years, died Saturday, April 3, 2004.  Funeral services were held at 3:00 p. m. on Saturday, April 10, 2004 at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville and burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville.  Arrange-ments were under the direction of Harrell Funeral Home.

Karveletta was the first born of Mary and Carvel Olsen on June 22, 1906 in Waco.  She grew up in Corsicana and attended Trinity University in Waxahachie, where she graduated in 1926.  She married Harry Sarles of Gainesville on June 6, 1927.  Through the years, she and Harry served several Presbyterian churches, including the church in Coleman from August 1972 until February 1977.  Harry preceded her in death in 1991 and Karveletta moved to Austin to live with her daughter and son-in-law.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Harry Eugene Sarles.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Martha Sarles; daughter, Marilyn Rutherford, both of Austin; grandson, Harry E. Sarles of Dallas; granddaughters, Deborah Zbeida of Richardson, Linda Dela-houssaye and Kristina Webb both of Austin; grandsons, Keith Alan Rutherford of Houston and Kyle Wayne Rutherford of Atascadero, California; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Children¹s Home and Services, 4407 Bee Cave, Austin, Texas 78746.

Obituary to be added

Graveside funeral services for Glorris A. Wolford, 79, of Brownwood were held at 2 p. m. Wednesday in Greenleaf Cemetery with Rev. Ellis J. Villareal of Milton Avenue Baptist Church officiating.  Services were under the direction of Davis - Morris Funereal Home of Brownwood.  Mrs. Wolford died Tuesday, April 6, 2004 in Brownwood.

She was born on February 3, 1925 in Coleman County to Alfred and Gertie Williams Furry.  She married Dale Wolford in Texarkana, Arkansas on May 7, 1944.  Dale worked at Bangs Nursing Home for 17 years as an administrator.  She was a member of Milton Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Pat Lemmons and husband, Travis, of Mansfield; son Bob Wolford and wife, Deborah, of San Saba; two grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a sister, Geraldine Patton.

Edgar Greaves, age 85, of Abilene, passed away April 7, 2004 at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were Saturday at 10 a. m. on April 10th at Walker Funeral Chapel with Rev. Paul Smith officiating.  Burial followed at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman. 

Son of the late Earl and Dora McBride Greaves, he was born March 12, 1919 in Coleman County at Camp Colorado.  On February 12, 1942 he married Dorthy Wade in Coleman County.  She preceded him in death in 1998.  A resident of Coleman County nearly all his life, Ed was retired from the U. S. Corps of Engineers, a veteran of WWII, and a Baptist.

He is survived by one daughter Anita Foster and husband Steve of Abilene; one son Dale Greaves and wife Becky of Coleman: Geneva Baxter of Talpa, Nellie Royall of Dublin, and Wanda Baxter of Hawley.  Grandchildren include; Pamela and Tom Wolinski of Santa Fe, New Mexico: Cindy and Joe Herridge of Fort Worth; Dusty and Kristi Greaves of Coleman; David and Marla Foster of Eastland, and Stephanie and Stacey Johnson of Abilene.  Great-grandchildren include Sofia Wolinski of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Gabriele Herridge of Fort Worth Shelbi and Kade, and Blake Greaves of Coleman; Skye and Brynna Foster of Eastland; and Payton and Atley Johnson of Abilene.

Ed was preceded in death by four brothers: Clifford, Mark, Raymond, and Leslie Greaves.

Nina Pearl McGahey age 82 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 3:40 p. m. at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Services were be Saturday at 2:00 p. m. at the Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Raymond Jones officiating.  Interment followed at the Santa Anna Cemetery directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Nina Pearl was born on February 9, 1922 in Coleman County, Texas to the late James Miles and Edna Elsie Gunn Nichols.  She was raised in Coleman County attending the Coleman Schools.  On December 26, 1939 Nina married Aura Linton McGahey, Jr. in Coleman and they celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage.  A. L. preceded her in death in 1997.  Nina has been a resident of Santa Anna since 1986 and she was a member of the Pentecostal Church and a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Vasquez of Brownwood; a sister, Louise Peavy of Houston, Texas; a brother, Leroy Nichols of Big Spring, Texas; a sister-in-law, Doris Green of Corpus Christi, Texas; a brother-in-law, Bill McGahey of Alpine, Texas; five grandchildren, Anthony Long of Gladewater, Texas, Jason Long of Houston, Texas, Richard Long of Brownwood, Texas, Victoria Vasquez and Kristen Vasquez, both of Odessa, Texas; and two great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Anthony Long, Jason Long, Richard Long, Thomas Long, Ronnie Reece and Terry Green.

Darwin Lovelady of Brownwood, Texas, formerly of Santa Anna, passed away Friday, April 9, 2004 at 8:45 a. m. at the Brownwood Care Center.  Services were Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 2:30 p. m. at the Rockwood Baptist Church with Rev. Marvin Hale and Rev. Jeff Dean officiating.  Interment followed at the Rockwood Cemetery directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Darwin was born on December 1, 1918 in Whon, Coleman County, Texas to the late Oscar Culberson and Ava Lee Smith Lovelady.  He attended Whon Schools and graduated from Rockwood High School in 1938.  On May 20, 1947 Darwin married Billie Baker in Brownwood and they celebrated fifty-six years of marriage.  He was a veteran of World War II serving with the Army Air Corps.  Darwin was a lifetime resident of Coleman County living in Brownwood the past three years and he was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was a stockfarmer, worked in Aircraft Manufacturing, employed with Coleman County Precinct #2 for seven years and retired in 1980 from the City of Santa Anna where he was Water Superintendent.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Lovelady of Brownwood, Texas; son, Randal and wife Ronda Lovelady of Brownwood, Texas; three granddaughters, Stephanie Lovelady, Melanie Bradshaw and Alicia Lovelady, all of Brownwood, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren.  Darwin was preceded in death by son Larry Gene Lovelady in 1950.

Pallbearers were Ricky Beal, John Brindley, Ronnie Cooper, Tommy Culpepper, Lonnie Lowry, Bill Stearns.

Treva Mae Richardson, age 77 of Lampasas, died Sunday morning, April 11, 2004 at her residence in Lampasas.  Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 10:30 a. m. at Lometa City Cemetery with Brother George Wheeler officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Dodson-Sneed Funeral Home of Lam-pasas.

Mrs. Richardson was born on August 7, 1926 in Coleman County, Texas, the daughter of James Buster Zachary and the former Dora Dowdy.  She married Leonard Bryan Richardson on October 8, 1978 in Brownwood, Texas.  Mrs. Richardson had worked as a nurse¹s aide, and had run a day care facility from her home.  She belonged to the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard B. Richardson of Lampasas; two daughters, Ruth Lowe and Carolyn Morgaridge, both of Lampasas; two sons, Jimmy Leach of Houston and Gary Leach of Louisiana; five sisters, Jan Reims of Victoria, Texas, Birtie Hathcock of Brownwood, Wanda Beauchamp of Granbury, Ruby Thames of Abilene and Mary Steffey of Coleman; five brothers, Cecil Gober and William Gober, both of Brownwood, Tommy Gober of Marble Falls, Billy Gober of Lometa and Jimmy Boring of Missouri; nine grandchildren, Keith Leach, Jeri Norris, Loren Norris, Angela McElrath, Eric Ross, Carrie Ross, Anna Ross, Gary Leach Jr., Tashana Leach.

Mrs. Richardson was preceded in death by one granddaughter and one sister.  Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Foundation or VistaCare Hospice.

The Coleman Police Department is currently investigating the death of Domingo Soto.  Mr. Soto, age 41, a Coleman resident, was assaulted at a local residence on Sunday, March 28, 2004.  After emergerncy treatment at the Coleman County Medical Center, he was CareFlighted to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas where he succumbed to his injuries.  An autopsy has been ordered.  The case is currently under investigation by the Coleman Police Department, Coleman County Sheriff's Office, and the Coleman County District Attorney's Office.

Domingo Soto, Jr., age 41, of Coleman, Texas passed away Wednesday at 9:00 a. m. at the Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.  Services were Saturday at 10:00 a. m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Larry Cyr officiating.  Interment followed at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.  Rosary was Friday at 8:00 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel.

He was born Domingo Carmona Soto, Jr. on August 1, 1962 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Domingo Carmona Soto, Sr. and Sofia Diaz Soto. Domingo was a lifetime resident of Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1980.  He continued his education receiving a marketing degree from Texas State Technical Institute.  Domingo was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had been employed in marketing with Shoppin Baskit of Coleman.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Jurado of San Antonio, Texas; four brothers, Robert Ruiz of San Angelo, Texas, Ricky Salinas of Abilene, Texas, Albert Rodriquez of Coleman, Texas and Daniel Soto of Pasadena, Texas; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Domingo was preceded in death by a sister, Janie Hernandez in 2000 and by a brother, Roy Salinas in 2004.  Pallbearers were Boyd Lee Diaz, Felix Diaz, Richard S. Diaz, Chris Espitia, Armando Flores, Mario Guel.

Lee Roy Hodges, age 66 of Tuscola, died Friday, April 16, 2004 at his residence.  Services were held at 10:00 a. m. on Monday, April 19, 2004 at First Baptist Church with Reverend Burtis Williams officiating.  Burial followed in Tuscola Cemetery under the direction of Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home.

Lee Roy was born in Tuscola to Tommy and Ila Hodges on May 21, 1937.  At an early age he moved to Arizona and returned to Tuscola in 1944 where he lived until his death.  He became a professional rodeo calf roper, retiring in 1980.  He also worked as an oil well driller and a racehorse trainer.  He was a member of RCA (Rodeo Cowboys of America, now PRCA) and First Baptist Church in Tuscola.  Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Iva Jean Spears Hodges of Tuscola, whom he married December 14,1993; three daughters, Mina Kay Wilson of Coleman, Michelle Renfro and husband Clay of Sachse, and Lesa Walker and husband Ray of McAllen; two sons, Robbie Lee Hodges of Moses Lake, Washington and Randy Vernon of Snyder; two sisters, Sherry Kitchens Marshall and husband Mark of Tuscola and Drenda Kay Hodges Willis of Abilene; six grandchildren, Heath Wilson and wife Rebecca of Odessa, Nance Wilson of Coleman, Victoria Wilson of Irving, Tyler Berry of Sachse and Casey Walker and Logan Walker both of McAllen; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. 

Obituary to be added

Graveside services with Military Rites for Claud William Hunter, 71, of Bangs, were held at 4 p. m. Tuesday at the Mukewater Cemetery in Brown County with Revs. Ricky McClatchey and Brad Davis officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.  Mr. Hunter died Sunday, April 18, 2004, in Lubbock.

Claud was born on December 14, 1932, in Echo, Texas.  He was a retired teacher and coach; he had coached at Early, Brookesmith, Abernathy, Panther Creek and Zephyr.  Mr. Hunter was also a rancher.  He survived the Korean Conflict while serving in the United States Air Force.  A resident of Brown County for most of his life, he was also a member of the Concord Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Edna Mae Hunter of Brownwood; two daughters, Josie Pebsworth and Jay, of Tahoka and Sylinda Meinzer and Wyman, of Benjamin; four grandchildren, Sara Spivey, Hunter Blasingame, Maggie Seidenberger and Jordan Blasingame; one great-grandchild, Nichole Spivey; two brothers, Bo Hunter and Linda, of Brownwood and Charlie Hunter and Carol, also of Brownwood; one sister, Billie Brown and Charlie, of Temple and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Tommy Cole, 64, of Brownwood, were held at 3 p. m. on Sunday, April 18, 2004 at Christ Chapel with the Rev. L. R. Blackstock officiating.  Interment followed in the Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood.  Mr. Cole passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

He was born August 14, 1939 in Brownwood, the son of the late Cecil and Winnie Cole.  He had been a resident of Brownwood all of his life.  He was a member of Christ Chapel, was a veteran of the U. S. Army and was employed at PF&E Oil Company as a truck driver.  He married Connie Mathis on August 30, 1991 in Brownwood.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Cole of Brownwood; four sons, Jackie Cole of Houston, Stanley Cole of Coleman, Johnny Mathis of Brownwood and Joe Mathis of Brownwood; four daughters, Michelle Cole of Reisel, Texas, Patricia Stein of Marlin, Texas, Sonia Welch and Tonya Frame, both of Brownwood; two brothers, Cecil Cole of Brownwood and Bill Cole of White Settlement; and 16 grandchildren.  Memorials may be made in the form of a donation to Christ Chapel Church Building Fund.

Mr. Walter B. Moore, age 77 of Coleman, passed away April 19, 2004 in the Brownwood Songbird Nursing Home.  Graveside services were held Wednesday, April 21, 2004 in the Stacy Cemetery with Rev. John Stanislaw from the First Baptist Church of Coleman officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mr. Moore was born October 18, 1926 in Ysleta, Texas, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Victor Moore.  He had lived in Coleman most of his life.  He married Ms. Barbara Rogers Cash on September 26, 1959 in Coleman.  Walter had prepared income tax forms for the public and worked for the Texaco Company for 30 years.  He was a veteran and a member of the First Baptist Church of Coleman.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Moore of Coleman; three sons, Glenn Moore and wife Estrella of Coleman, Morris Moore and wife Tina of Early and John R. Cash and wife Beverly of Freeport; one daughter, Nancy Worley and husband Steve of Trophy Club, Texas; one sister, Mary Sue Rogers and husband W. A. of Longview, Texas; one brother, Fred Moore of Carrollton; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Frances Jones Strauss, a Battle of San Jacinto descendent and Daughter of the Confederacy, passed away Monday, April 19, 2004 at 2:15 p. m. at The Forum in Houston, Texas.  Services will be today (Thursday) at 1:00 p. m. at the Bellaire United Methodist Church in Houston with Rev. Isabell Mopsy' Andrews officiating.  Graveside services and interment will be Friday at 2:00 p. m. at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. Arthur Allen officiating.  Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Frances was born the ninth of ten children to the late James Samuel and Minnie Ann Williams Jones on September 3, 1914 in Santa Anna, Texas.  She was reared in Santa Anna graduating from Santa Anna High School.  She continued her education at Stephen F. Austin University and received her bachelor degree from Sam Houston State.  On June 28, 1934, Frances married Ozro Polk Strauss in Santa Anna and they celebrated forty-five years of marriage.  Ozro preceded her in death in 1979.  A longtime resident of Houston, she was a member of the Bellaire United Methodist Church and Seekers Class, the College Women¹s Club and Retired Teachers Association.  Frances retired in 1980 after teaching 2nd grade 30 years at Grissom Elementary in Houston ISD.

Survivors include a daughter, Meta and husband Harry Dillashaw; a son, David and wife Sandy Strauss; grandchildren, Elizabeth Grivas, Christine and husband John Curry, Bart Dillashaw, Andy and wife Rene Strauss, Jeff and wife Tamara Strauss, Peyton and wife Julie Strauss, Kristen Strauss, Skip and wife Marissa Ames, Matt and wife Dana Ames; two great-granddaughters, Emma Curry and Danielle Strauss; second daughter, Jan Kirby; numerous nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers.  Pallbearers include Andy Strauss, Jeff Strauss, Peyton Strauss, Bart Dillashaw, Skip Ames, Matt Ames.

GODLEY - Billy Jack Copeland, 49, formerly of Clyde, died Monday, April 19, 2004. Services are 10 a. m. Thursday at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Leda Grace Crowder, age 94, passed away April 20, 2004 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p. m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Leda was born October 19, 1909 to the late Thomas and Herveriette Wardlow.  She married Willie Crowder on December 10, 1929 in Fredricks, Oklahoma and he preceded her in death.  Leda was a member of the Assembly of God.

She is survived by three daughters, Juanita Baker of Coleman, Marry Ann Herring of Lometa and Velva Dean Crawford of Garland; three sons, Harold Guinn of Coleman, Jim Leonard of Brigham City, Utah and Freddie Paul of Coleman; 13 grandsons and 10 granddaughters; 45 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Gerald Lynn Crowder. Family visitation will be this evening (Thursday) from 6-7 p. m. at the funeral home.

Rosa Mae Bass, age 90, a resident of Kerrville for four months, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2004.  She was a prior resident of Santa Anna, Texas.  Services were held Monday, April 26, 2004, 10:00 a. m. at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, officiated by Rev. Frankie Enloe. Graveside services followed at 1:15 p. m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, officiated by Mr. Ron Briley.  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.

Mrs. Bass was born December 23, 1913 in Killeen, Texas to Joe A. and Florence E. (Bouchelle) Griffin.  Mrs. Bass was a Deputy Tax Assessor for Coleman County, Texas.  She was a member of First Baptist Church in Santa Anna, Texas and served as secretary for a number of years.  She was also Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star of Santa Anna.

Survivors include her two sons, James B. Bass and wife, Renia Francis Bass of Kerrville and Dean Bass and wife, Suzanne Bass of Santa Anna, Texas; niece, Coyita Wheatley; grandchildren, Connie Lyons, Richard C. Bass, Wade Bass, Joe Bass, Bill Smith, James Bass, Pamela Jean Bass, Suwanne Smith, Lucinda Price, Robbin Roberts; great-grandchildren, Amberlea Lyons and Jamie Hayes and eleven additional great -grandchildren; and three great -great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bass in August, 1974.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Santa Anna, Texas.The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolences" link. 

Garland Webb, age 87, of Ft. Pierre, South Dakota passed away Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Maryhouse Nursing Home in Pierre.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a. m. Wednesday at the Community Youth and Involved Center in Ft. Pierre.  Burial will follow in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.  Isburg-Hofmeister Funeral Chapel of Pierre, South Dakota is in charge of arrangements.

Garland Webb was born to Maggie and Homer Webb in Coleman, Texas November 30, 1916.  He loved the life of a cowboy and when not in school he worked on area ranches.  He married Maxine Graham of Fisk, Texas in 1941.  The couple moved to Marfa, Texas and worked until Garland joined the Army in 1942.  After a beginning in the infantry, he transferred to the First Cavalry Mule Pack Company at Fort Bliss, Texas.  He boarded a ship to Australia where he helped load, ship and care for mules and pack horses used to supply the allied troops in the jungle areas.  As a technical sergeant he saw WW II action in India, Burma, New Guinea and Admiralty Island.  He returned at the close of the war after being overseas for more than three years.  In the summer of 1947, Garland left Texas and headed to Faith with a train load of cattle for the Miller Cattle Company.  In 1948 he moved his family to South Dakota and settled in the Faith/Bixby area.  In the 1950¹s he moved to Fort Pierre, working for local ranchers and later ranching on his own west of Fort Pierre.  He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine in 1991; his parents; two sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include two sons, Billy Mac and wife Nance of Fort Pierre and Joe Bob and wife Anna of Vancouver, Washington; four granddaughters, Wendy and husband Ryan Knox of Frisco, Texas and Michelle, Valerie and Janelle Webb of Vancouver, Washington; a brother, Jim and wife Marje of Elgin, Texas; and two sisters, Oleeta Rush, originally of Coleman, Texas and Billie Jean Taylor and husband Norris of Idaloo, Texas, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dewey M. Mitchell, age 79, of Coleman passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 2:40 p. m. at his residence in Coleman.  Services will be graveside at the Highland Memorial Gardens in Terrell, Texas Friday at 3:00 p. m. with Rev. Casey Perry officiating.  Services are under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Dewey was born March 12, 1925 in Conehatta, Mississippi to the late Percy Rue and Dollie Yeager Mitchell.  He was reared in Conehatta where he graduated from Conehatta High School and continued his education at Clark Memorial College.  On January 8, 1966, Dewey married Esther Irene Warren in Terrell, Texas and they have celebrated thirty-eight years of marriage.  He had been a resident of Coleman since 1981 moving from Gilmer, Texas.  Dewey was a member of the Burkett Baptist Church and professionally was a real estate agent and Baptist Minister.

Survivors include his wife, Esther Mitchell of Coleman, Texas; three sons, Larry Mitchell of Grand Saline, Texas, David Mitchell of Wills Point, Texas and James Michael Mitchell of Tyler, Texas; three step-daughters, Linda Foreman of Coppell, Texas, Wanda Robertson of Elmo, Texas, and Janis Flanagin of Joplin, Mississippi; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.  Dewey was preceded in death by a step-son, Joe Pedigo in 1995 and a brother, Hugh Mitchell in 1999.

June Elkins, 71, died Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at her residence in Abilene.  Funeral services were 3 p. m. Friday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with Rev. Alma Roberts and Jesse Elkins officiating.  Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park.

June was born to Ruby Love (Hester) and L. Birtle Yates on May 14, 1932, in Coleman County, Texas, where she married Retus Elkins on October 1, 1949.  She moved from Coleman to Abilene in December, 1959.  Mrs. Elkins was a homemaker and a member of First Church of God in Abilene.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Vermell White and Katherine Anderson.

Survivors include her husband, Retus Elkins of Abilene; a son, Randy Elkins and wife, Diane of Holliday, Texas; a daughter, Rhonda Elkins and Dennis Harvey of Abilene; a brother, L. B. Yates of Beaumont, Texas; sisters, Dorothy Robbins of Stratford, Texas, and Verdell Armstrong of Oregon; four grandchildren, Melia Sheppard, Chandra Anderson, Cassie Linley, and Alonna Linley; and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Woodrow Rugles Vinson, age 85, of Abilene, died Wednesday, April 28, 2004 in an Abilene hospital.  Graveside services were held at 1:30 p. m. Saturday at Elmwood Cemetery with Don Cauble officiating, directed by North¹s Funeral Home.

Mr. Vinson was born and reared in Coleman County, Texas where he attended Concho and Rockwood schools.  He was a veteran of the Army serving in WW II.  He also served in the European Theatre, the 9th Armored Division and was a private first class earning two bronze stars with a combat infantry badge.  He was discharged February 25, 1945 and was in the National Guard for 11 months.  Mr. Vinson worked for Abilene Casket in 1948, then again from 1963 to 1969, and Progress Casket from 1971 to 1982 and Gibson¹s Department Store from 1969 to 1971, and at North¹s Funeral Home for five years.  He was preceded in death by his wife Maurine, four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary Beth Rohwer or Ogden, Utah and Peggy Elaine Riggs of Golden Valley, Arizona; five step-sons, Rex Hollifield of San Bernardino, California, Clyde Merriman of West Virginia, Carrol Dean Brown of Cleburne, Texas, Hershel Brown of Crowley, Texas and Gary Brown of Houston, Texas; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma Joeris of Abilene, Beth Vinson of Abilene, Reba Adams of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Phillip Estrada Zendejas, fondly known as "Pee Wee," 83, of Abilene, died Wednesday, April 28, 2004 in an Abilene hospital.  Services were held at 10:00 a. m. Saturday at the First Mexican Baptist Church with the Reverend Paul Vasquez and Reverend David Garza officiating.  Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by North¹s Funeral Home.

Mr. Zendejas was born in Gouldbusk, Texas and was reared in Coleman.  He moved to Abilene in 1951 and married Nellie Ramirez on November 11, 1945 in Coleman.  He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during WW II.  He was employed by Greyhound Bus Lines for over 30 years retiring in 1983.  He was a member of Primera Iglesia Bautista where he was an ordained minister.  His wife, parents, one sister and two brothers preceded him in death.

Survivors include his two sons, Phillip R. Zendejas and Nelly of Austin and Robert and Bonnie Zendejas of Houston; one daughter, Mark and Rita Gonzalez of Abilene; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Josephine Ramirez of Abilene and Louisa Salas of Coleman.

Memorials may be made to Pastoral Care and Counseling of Abilene.

Doyle Kenneth "Tad" Lee, age 74, of Odessa, Texas passed away Thursday, April 29, 2004 at his residence in Odessa.  Services were Monday at 10:00 a. m. at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel in Odessa.  Graveside services were Monday at 5:00 p. m. at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of local arrangements.

Tad was born July 29, 1929 in Red River, Texas to the late Walter C. and Myrtle Matilda Hastings Lee.  He married Virginia Wristen and she preceded him in death in 2000.  Tad was a veteran of World War II serving his country with the U. S. Air Force.  He was an active member of the Belmont Baptist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion.  Tad had worked as a toolpusher in the oil field and was a self-employed truck driver until his retirement.  He loved working in his yard.

Survivors include two daughters, Anita and husband Daryl Rogers of Greenwood, Texas and Janet Renea Deaton of Santa Anna, Texas; three sisters, Mabel Henry, Delura Hutson and Juanita Hastings, all of Bagwell, Texas; a brother, Troy Lee of Clarksville, Texas; four grandchildren, Gaylon Rogers, Tonya Robinson, Ryan Jeter and Bryan Perry; and two great-grandchildren, Devin and Dana Jeter.

Funeral services were held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 1, 2004 for Eva Nelle Arrant - Hefner, a Shields, Texas native and a former Santa Anna resident.  Mrs. Hefner, age 89 years, passed away April 29, 2004 in Albuquerque with services held at the Charles T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel with the Rev. Dick Donaho officiating.  Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park.

Eva Nelle, the eldest of five children, was born March 11, 1915 to the late James Howard and Virgie Walker Arrant.  She attended school at Shields and was a 1933 graduate of Santa Anna High School, and the Sealy School of Nursing.  She entered into the nursing profession at the Sealy Hospital which later became the Santa Anna Hospital for many years, until moving to Lubbock, Texas in 1951.  She then was employed as a Laboratory Technician at Texas Tech until retirement.  She was married to Hayes Hefner on March 24, 1936 and they celebrated 68 years of marriage.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lubbock, moving to Albuquerque in 2003.

Survivors include her husband, Hayes and daughter, Kay Campbell both of Albuquerque; one sister, Mrs. Ida Ellen (Zolly) Oakes of Hobbs, New Mexico; two grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Bill and Garland Arrant.

Nettie McAlister, age 82, of Coleman, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 30, 2004 at 5:40 a. m., after a courageous battle with cancer.  Funeral service was 4:00 p. m. Saturday, May 1, 2004, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Charles Sheffield officiating, assisted by Rev. Daniel Stovall.  Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Nettie Croft on August 15, 1921 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Jim and Ella Loflin Croft.  She grew up and attended school in Coleman.  On March 16, 1940, she married Carl McAlister in Coleman and he preceded her in death on April 6, 1986.  She was a life-long resident of Coleman, worked at The Man¹s Shop for several years and was a homemaker. Nettie was a long-time member of the Concho Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Rita McAlister of Coleman; one granddaughter, Dee Dee Falls of Plano, Texas; two step-grandchildren, Travis King of Arlington, Texas and Vanessa Richards of Prattsville, Arkansas; three great-grandchildren, Drey Richards, Colt Richards and Tristan Falls.

Nettie was preceded in death by 14 brothers and sisters.  Memorials may be made to Holiday Hill Nursing Home, 245 State Highway 153, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Hendrick Hospice, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Funeral services for Vera Davidson, 87, of Coleman were Monday, May 3, 2004 at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman with Louise Strength officiating.  (Vera Davidson died April 30, 2004.)

Mrs. Davidson was born June 3, 1916 in Santa Anna, Texas to J. W. and Artie B. Slayton. She had lived in Coleman County since 1965 and was a Baptist. Survivors include: one daughter, Elaine and Don Easton of San Angelo and one sister, Lorean Casey of Coleman. She is also survived by two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Zelpha Smith, age 44, of Abilene, Texas passed away Friday, April 30, 2004 at 10:05 a. m. at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Services will be 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at First Baptist Church of Santa Anna with Rev. Eddie Jordan and Rev. Leo Scott officiating.  Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna in charge of arrangements.  Family will receive friends today (Tuesday) from 7:00 till 8:00 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Zelpha was born on November 14, 1959 in Mozelle, Coleman County, Texas to Daniel Terrell and Judy Jackson. She was a lifetime resident of Abilene where she attended Abilene Schools.  She was a member of the New Light Baptist Church and a home health caregiver.

Survivors include special friend, Joseph Coleman of Abilene, Texas; her mother, Judy Jackson of Santa Anna, Texas; her father, Daniel Terrell of Rockdale, Texas; six sisters, Brenda Richards and Patricia Coleman, both of Santa Anna, Texas, Danette Wright and Mary Miller, both of Coleman, Texas, Vera Austin and Alma Jean Sims, both of Abilene, Texas; three brothers, Herbert Jackson of Brownwood, Texas, E. A. Sims of Ft. Worth, Texas and Charles Simms of Odessa, Texas; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Brooks, Al Brown, Earl Garrett, Rev. John Knight, Michael Thomas, and Steve Thomas. Honorary pallbearers include T. J. Diaz, Kenneth Harvey, Jackie Kirven, Johnny Kirven, Lonnie Kirven, and Michael Kirven.