Betty Jean Estes, age 71, of Coleman, died Tuesday, August 3, 2004 at her residence.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a. m. Friday, August 6, 2004 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brad Davis officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Betty Jean Sluder on December 11, 1932 in Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of the late O. R. and Annie Sarah Mitchell Sluder.  She grew up in Gouldbusk and Mozelle and attended school at Mozelle.  On October 29, 1953 she married James Ernest Estes in Rockwood and he preceded her in death on June 6, 2002.  She was a homemaker and a Methodist.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Lloyd Cole of Bangs, Sarah and Kevin Kelley of Bangs, Cindy and Earl Johnson of Coleman; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Mona Estes of Abilene, Archie and Angel Estes of Bangs; 11 grandchildren, Christy and Scott Collier of Arkansas, Wayne Robbins of Huntsville, Jamie and Renda Cole of Bridgeport, Angie Cole of Bridgeport, Michael Robbins of Bangs, Tony Estes of Bangs, Brianne Estes of Bangs, Shannon Ratto of Abilene, Taylor Ratto of Abilene, Zachary Johnson of Coleman, Tyler Johnson of Coleman; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Violet and Omer Cullins of Santa Anna, Ann Slate of Hobbs, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, James and Robert Sluder; four sisters, May Evelyn Collins, Irene Collins, Ruby McIntire, Minnie Pearl Sluder; two great-grandsons.  Family visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 4, from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Wilma Irene Watson, age 74, of Coleman, Texas passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2004 at 10:15 a. m. at Coleman County Medical Center.  Services will be today (Thursday) at 2:30 p. m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Irene was born September 22, 1929 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Roy Thomas and Nora Eva Cullins Dobbins.  She was reared in Coleman Coleman and attended the Loss Creek Schools.  On June 10, 1949 she married John L. Watson in Brownwood, Texas and they had celebrated fifty-five years of marriage.  Irene was a resident of Coleman and Brown Counties all her life, a member of the Baptist Church and a waitress and homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, John L. Watson of Coleman, Texas; four daughters, Brenda Benson of Brownwood, Texas, Pam Searcy of Coleman, Texas, Karen VanPelt of Coleman, Texas and Gina Bruner of Sweetwater, Texas; two sons, Jim Watson of Coleman, Texas and Randy Watson of Las Vegas, Nevada; a sister, Mary Watson of Coleman, Texas; two brothers, Alton Dobbins of Brownwood, Texas and J. M. Dobbins of Gladewater, Texas; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers: Gary Benson, Ben Brown, Mark Bruner, Mark Burns, Brandon Hoover, Charlie Van Pelt. Honorary pallbearers include Joshua Banson, Kevin Bruner, Chase VanPelt, J. C. VanPelt, Jimmy Ray Watson.

Mary Louise (Griffith) Keeney, age 81, died August 3, 2004 in a Victoria, Texas hospital.  Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p. m. Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Friday, August 6, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.

She was born August 18, 1922 in Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of Jack and Pearl Griffith.  She grew up in Coleman County and attended school at Buffalo.  On July 8, 1939 she married J. D. Keeney in Coleman County.  Following her marriage, Louise lived in the Fort Worth area for about 45 years, moving to Port O'Connor last year.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Butler and husband James of Port O'Connor, Texas, Betty Duke and husband James of Azle, Texas and Brenda McMurtrey of Ft. Worth, Texas; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

William James "Bill" Murray, Jr., of Austin, died on Tuesday, August 3, 2004.  He was 89.  A graveside service, open to friends, was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Texas State Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:00, at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio, with Rev. Sansom Williams officiating.  Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas 78705, (512) 452-8811.  You may view memorials online at wcfish.com.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  Bill Murray was born in Coleman, Texas, on February 17, 1915, to William J. and Virginia McGowan Murray.  He graduated from Cisco High School in 1931.  He was awarded the Harmon Foundation Scholarship to Simmons College (now Hardin Simmons) in 1932, where he attended for two years.  He was appointed by Gov. Beauford Jester to the Texas State Railroad Commission, where he was the youngest member, a position he held through four state-wide re-elections, until 1963.  During his tenure on the Railroad Commission, Bill's regulatory policies led to the termination of the flaring of associated natural gas, which in turn led to the birth of the natural gas industry world- wide.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jo Newton Murray, as well as his four children, all of Austin; sister, Ann Murray of Abilene; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Bill's grandchildren.

Joan Rudolph, 56, of Coleman passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2004, while surrounded by loved ones at her home.  A memorial service was held at 10 a. m. Saturday at St. Mark¹s Episcopal Church in Coleman, with The Right Reverend Wallis Ohl and Reverend Canon David Veal of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas officiating.

Joan was born November 23, 1947, in Wichita Falls the daughter of Ann and Joe Flack.  She was raised in Houston where she was involved in many activities including equestrian riding and swimming.  She was a 1965 graduate of Memorial High School (Houston) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin.  She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  Joan married Baker Rudolph in Houston on November 21, 1970.  While living in Austin, she was an active member of the Austin Junior League.   Joan was a dedicated teacher in Austin and Coleman for 18 years.  She was an active member of St. Mark¹s Coleman where she was ordained as a priest in June 2000.   She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Fenley Flack, Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Baker Rudolph, of Coleman; three children Jennifer, Ben, and Patrick; her mother, Ann Flack (Houston), sister, Kate Scott (Houston), and brother, Joe Fenley Flack Jr. (Austin).

The family requests that memorials be made in her honor to Hospice of the Big Country, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Heart Institute, and St. Marks Episcopal Church of Coleman.

Bonnie Lou Arnold, 75, passed away August 5, 2004 at her home in Early.  Funeral services were held at 5 p. m. Sunday at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lynn Turnbow officiating.  Burial followed at the Jenkins Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.  An Internet memorial has been created for Bonnie at www.mem.com.

She was born February 2, 1929, in Brownwood, to Charles and Lillian Cones.  She grew up in and was a lifelong resident of Cross Plains.  On February 2, 1958, she married G. G. Arnold.  She had worked for MD Anderson Oil Company for 40 years.  For the last seven years she was employed by Lone Star Printing.  She was a member of Pioneer Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Garland Gale Arnold and his wife, Beth, of Waco; two daughters, Claudia Lou Clappart and her husband, Steve, of Houston and Becky Storch and her husband, Dale, of Early; a sister, Betty Hayes, of Coleman; four grandchildren, Justin, John, Deana and Teri; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, G.G. Arnold; her parents, Charles and Lillian Cones; two brothers, J.C. Cones and Eugene Franklin Cones; and a sister, Margaret Mae Cones.

Jewel Virginia Wheeler, age 88, a homemaker, passed away Friday, August 6, 2004, at Hospice House in Odessa.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a. m. today (Tuesday, August 10, 2004,) at the Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna, Texas.  She will be in state at noon on Monday at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan, in Coleman, Texas, until time of burial.  Memorials may be made to the Hospice House of Odessa, 903 N. Sam Houston Ave., Odessa, Texas 79761.  Services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa, Texas, and Stevens Funeral Home of Coleman, Texas.

She was born June 6, 1916, to Charles F. and Hattie Powers Barton.  She married Woodrow W. Wheeler on September 12, 1937, in London, Coleman County, Texas.  They moved to Odessa in 1948 from Coleman, and she was a member of the Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, and parents, two brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.

Survivors include her daughter, Shirley Cook and husband, Kenneth, of Odessa; her son, James Ralph Wheeler of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one sister, Katie Jones of Coleman, Texas; grandchildren, Karen D. Coffman and husband, Ronald L. of Midland, Kenneth L. Cook, Jr. and wife, Amy, of Odessa, Steven R. Cook and wife, Amy, of Lubbock, Latricia Arnold and husband, Monte of Arlington, Texas, Sheila Gathright and husband, LeRon, of Abilene, James R. Wheeler, Jr. of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Bryan J. Wheeler and wife, Amy of White Settlement, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren.

Roy Clark, age 90, of Burkett, died Saturday, August 7, 2004 in a Brownwood nursing home.  Graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2004 at 2:00 p. m. at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Roy Clark was born September 22, 1913 in Beattie, Texas, a son of Charlie and Mandie Clark.  He grew up in Texas and served in the U. S. Coast Guard during World War II.  On March 31, 1957 he married Wanda Lee Hardaman in Las Vegas and she preceded him in death on November 29, 1991.  Roy lived in California for many years and moved to Burkett, Texas in 1977.  He was a heavy equipment mechanic and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #12 in Pasadena, California.

Survivors included two daughters, Terri Bushnell of Burkett, Texas, Juanita and husband C. L. Davidson of Burkett, Texas; five sons, Rodger and wife Helga Rolin of Tehachapi, California, Bill and wife Frances Rolin of Bakersfield, California, Glen and wife Marlene of Tehachapi, California, Mac Rolin and Lucretia of Burkett, Texas, Tom and wife Pat Rolin of Tehachapi, California; 25 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Coffey of Burkett, Texas, Lerah Cagle of Cleburne, Texas, Madge Coffey of Granbury, Texas.

 Family visitation will be held Sunday from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p. m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Henry F. Poindexter, age 83, of Fort Stockton and former Oplin resident, died Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at an Odessa hospital.  Graveside service was held at 9:00 a. m. Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at Oplin Cemetery with D. G. Allen officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

Henry was born December 7, 1920 in Oplin, Texas, a son of the late Will and Amelia Johnson Poindexter.  He grew up in Oplin and attended school there.  He had lived for over 40 years in Fort Stockton and was a road construction worker.

Survivors include one sister, Lola Stevens of Woodward, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews.

Virginia Elver Moody, 98, a long-time resident of Coleman, Texas, passed away August 12, 2004 at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas after a brief illness.  Memorial services will be held for Virginia on Saturday, September 11, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 400 West College Avenue.  The Reverend Henry Chisholm will officiate.  For those who would like to make a Memorial Gift, the Virginia E. Moody Memorial Fund has been established at the United Christian and Presbyterian Church, 1609 Commercial Avenue, Coleman, Texas 76834.  All arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Virginia was born in Norfolk, Virginia March 2, 1906.  Her parents, Adolf S. Elver and Ingrid Marie Johanson, were both born in Sweden.  She graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1925.  She taught third grade in Norfolk for six years before she married Dr. Moody on December 26, 1931. 

Her eldest son, Charles O. Moody III, also preceded her in death on June 1, 2003.  Charles' wife Karen lives in Roswell, New Mexico.

She is survived by one brother, Harry A. Elver of Newport News, Virginia, one daughter, Ann M. DeGrassi of Dallas, two sons, Richard L. Moody of Macon, Georgia and his wife Kathy and Frederick E. Moody and his wife Ida of Edmond, Oklahoma.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Hollis B. DeGrassi III of San Francisco, California, Claire D. Meredith and husband Jim of Austin, Geoffrey Moody and wife Elena of Milan, Italy, Joy Moody of Philadelphia, Pennsyvania, Katherine M. Bohler and husband Dennis of Parker, Colorado, Paul O. Moody and wife Kacie of Cumming, Georgia, Doug Christopherson and wife Tamara of Edmond, Oklahoma, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Marjorie Harrell, age 84 of Coleman, died Friday, August 13, 2004 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services were 4:00 p. m. Monday, August 16, 2004 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harrell was born May 15, 1920 in San Saba, Texas, a daughter of Clarence Sawyer Crockett and Estella Rone Crockett.  She attended school in Santa Anna, Mozelle and Gouldbusk and married Eddie Otto Harrell on January 25, 1941 in Gouldbusk.  He preceded her in death on September 11, 1978.  She worked in the Soil Conservation office, West Ward Cafeteria and Sewing Manufacturing for 35 years and was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Harrell of Coleman, Carolyn Harkey and husband Terry of Monahans; two granddaughters, Kay Rankin and husband Hal of Monahans, Vicki Heflin and husband Brett of Monahans; four great-grandsons, Cody Rankin of Monahans, Blake, Blane, and Bond Heflin of Monahans; one sister, Faye Crockett of Midland; three brothers, Earl Crockett of Colorado Springs, Colorado, J. H. Crockett of Wills Point, Texas, Weldon Crockett of Brownwood and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Zackery Wayne Rankin, one sister, Clarene Rideout and two brothers, Maurice Crockett and Elvin Crockett.

Pallbearers were family, Terry Harkey, Ward Harkey, Hal Rankin, Brett Heflin, Cody Rankin and Blake Heflin. Honorary Pallbearer will be R. C. Atchley. 

Leon Odel "Buddy" Slate, a 27-year resident of the Orient area passed away at his home on August 14, 2004 at the age of 74.  Funeral services were held August 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Danekas Funeral Chapel.  Burial with full military honors was held at the Tahoma National Cemetery.  Danekas Funeral Chapel of Colville, Washington was in charge of arrangements.

Buddy was born on October 23, 1929 in Gouldbusk, Texas, the son of Sam Houston and Verna (Jackson) Slate.  He joined the Texas National Guard in 1947 and in 1948 joined the U. S. Air Force and served until 1952.  He then enlisted in the U. S. Navy and retired from the Navy in 1973.  He married Norma Eing in 1964 and after his retirement they moved to Port Orchard, Washington.  They moved again in 1977 to a home near Orient.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Slate of Orient, Washington; five daughters, Donna Mandak and husband Brian of Bremerton, Washington, Cheryl Anderson and friend Thomas Distler of Bellevue, Washington, Gladys Storm of Bremerton, Washington, Pamela Terrill of Fort Worth, Texas, and Verna Cooper of Saint Louis, Missouri; two sons, James Ranger of Coupeville, Washington and John Eing and wife Lilianna of Orient, Washington; brother, Lewis Slate and wife BJ of Arlington, Texas; numerous grand and great-grandchildren.  Local survivors include Lonnie and Ruby Jackson, James and Wanda Dieterich, Horace and Thelma Slate, Archie and Pat Slate and Vernon and Mary Slate all of Coleman.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son.

Mr. William Carl Bludworth, age 92, of Coleman, passed away August 15, 2004 at the Holiday Hill Nursing Center.  Funeral services will be at 1 p. m. today (Tuesday) at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman with Mr. Sam Wilson officiating and interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home. 

Son of the late Dee Bernice and Eva Lena Strickland Bludworth, he was born August 30, 1911 in Coleman County.  On October 13, 1936 he married Ima Baker.  She preceded him in death in 1991.  Carl, a lifetime resident of Coleman County, was a retired farmer and rancher and a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.  His favorite pastimes were playing his fiddle and guitar.

He is survived by his daughter, Carlie and husband Pat Justice of Coleman; sister Loucille Creek of Coleman; two brothers, W. B. of Burkett, and Buck Bludworth of Henderson. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Tina Hutchings of Haslett, Texas; Dwayne Justice of Abilene, and Patty Baker of Merkel; seven great-grandchildren: Derrek, Dakota, and Noelle Hutchings of Haslett; Lauren Sherrod of Indiana; Jared and Nathan Justice of Abilene; and Nolan Baker of Merkel.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Ruby Biehl.

Leonard Long, age 94, of Brownwood, passed away Monday, August 15, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were held at 10:00 a. m. Wednesday at Davis - Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood with Rev. R.J. Elkins officiating.  Graveside service with military honors followed at 5 p. m. at the Girard Cemetery in Girard, Texas, directed by Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

He was born September 13, 1909 in Whitesboro, Texas the son of the late David Alexander and Susan Youngblood Long.  Prior to moving to Brownwood in May 2004, he lived in Burkett, Texas, to which he had retired in 1972.  He grew up in the Kent County farm community, built trails in the Grand Canyon for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.  He was also part of the U.S. Army forces that liberated Europe in 1944 and 1945.  And in the 1950¹s he joined El Paso Natural Gas Company to work in the West Texas oil and gas industry.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Van, Bryan, Riley and Clifford, and his sisters, Louetta and Ida.

He is survived by his wife Dorothea Christine Long of Brownwood; a daughter, Diana Gail Aiken of Carrollton; a son, Leonard Rodney Long of Rockville, Maryland; and several grandchildren.

The family requests that memorials be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center at 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, Texas 79605-9989.

Graveside services for Addie Marie Coffey, 89, of Millsap will be 11 a. m. Thursday, August 19, 2004 at Glen Cove Cemetery, Coleman, Texas, Rev. Houston Hook will officiate.  She died Monday, August 16, 2004 in Weatherford.  Martin¹s Funeral Home of Granbury is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Coffey was born April 23, 1915 in Doole, Texas to George A. and Willie Frances Hickson Jones.  She married James Coffey on May 31, 1941 in Brownwood, Texas.  She was a homemaker and a member of Soda Spring Baptist Church.  Mrs. Coffey was preceded in death by her husband, James Coffey on October 29, 1994, two sisters and three brothers.

Survivors are two sisters, Lucy Whittington and husband Leon, Ruth Loge; numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin Trolinder of Coleman, formerly of Midland, died Saturday, August 21, 2004.  Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment followed at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.

He was born October 17, 1930 to Clyde Trolinder and Lela Trolinder in Hardeman and was reared and educated in Brownfield.  He served in the armed forces and retired from Allied Van Lines in 1989.  He had moved to Coleman six years ago.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Jolene Trolinder of Coleman; daughter, Debra Christa of Novice; a granddaughter; two brothers, Otis Trolinder and Delbert Trolinder, both of Midland; and a sister, Laverne Berryman of Sedona, Arizona.

Mrs. Estaleen Steward, 91, of Voss, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 22, 2004, at her residence.  Visitation will be Tuesday, August 24, 2004 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at Rockwood Baptist Church in Rockwood, with Rex Stephenson and J. D. Steward officiating, assisted by Rev. Raymond Jones.  Interment will follow in the Rockwood Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born to Charles and Etta Harrison Ferguson on January 14, 1913 in San Angelo.  She was the third of six children.  She married George Steward on March 3, 1930 in Sonora.  She was a member of Voss Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1978, sons, Bill Steward and Don Steward, daughter, Maudie Etta Stephenson, grandson, David Davidson, granddaughter, Teris Gaye Steward, great-grandson, Chevy Joe Agnew, brothers, Leon Ferguson, Garland Ferguson and Chuck Ferguson and an infant sister, Letha Eljean Ferguson.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and H. M. Duncan of Talpa, one son, T. L. Steward of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico; one sister, Vera Barker of Brownwood, 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Danny Ferguson, Greg Ferguson, Mike Ferguson, Ricky Ferguson, Michael Boren, Michael Davidson, Brent Davidson and David Douglas. Honorary Pallbearers will be other nephews and great-grandsons.  The family would like to thank North Runnels Home Health Agency and Mrs. Steward’s nurses, Cathy and Carrie, for the years of special care they gave to her and also to Hospice of the Big Country.  A big thank you also to Theresa and Ricky Agnew for making the last year of their Grandma’s life filled with extra joy.  The family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of the Big Country, Rockwood Cemetery Association or Voss Baptist Church.

Velma Chloe Martin, age 87 of Brownwood, died Monday, August 23, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Blake and Rev. Bill Merritt officiating.  Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery near Grosvenor, Texas directed by Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood.

She was born on December 29, 1916 in Grosvenor, Texas, the daughter of the late Arthur A. Martin and Isabelle McReynolds Martin.  She was a member of Grosvenor Baptist Church and later belonged to Friendship Class of First Baptist Church Brownwood.  After graduating from Grosvenor High School, she attended Howard Payne University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.  During World War II, she worked in Civil Service at Camp Bowie in Brown-wood.  Later she taught in elementary school at Grosvenor, Coleman, Brookesmith and Brownwood and became very interested in learning-disabled children with normal intelligence.  She attended the Univer-sity of Southwest Texas at San Marcos where she earned a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology.  She belonged to the National American Speech and Hearing Association and was a board member of MHMR.  She was Director of Special Education for the Brownwood Independent School District for several years; she was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association.  In 1977, the Brownwood Jaycees presented her with the "Woman of the Year" award for outstanding community service.  She was instrumental in the passage of legislation recognizing dyslexia as a disability in children of normal intelligence and dedicated many years to the development and implementation of Curriculum for the dyslexic child.  She served in education for 38 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant twin brothers, also buried at Fairview Cemetery in Grosvenor.  She is survived by many cousins and friends; innumerable students, all of whom she remembered with love, and many of whom have kept in touch for many years; and two special caretakers, Ms. Louise Medley and Mrs. Glenda Burks, both of Brownwood.

Visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

George Donald (Don) Rhone, age 74, of Granbury and long time resident of Coleman, passed away Monday, August 23, 2004 at his home.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys Rhone and his son, Ryan Douglas Rhone.  Funeral services will be held today (Thursday, August 26) at 2:00 p.m. at The First United Methodist Church in Coleman. Brother Charles Hardy of Granbury and Dr. G. Dean Coultas of Coleman will be officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Don was born October 2, 1929 in Brownwood, Texas to George D. and Gladys Anderson Rhone.  He attended Texas Tech University after graduation from High School.  Don and his brother, John (DeDe) returned home after serving two years in the Army and became partners with their father in the business.  In 1964, their father passed away suddenly, leaving the boys to "take care of business" and "keep their house in order."

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Rhone of Granbury; sons: Randy Rhone of Fort Worth, Rodger Rhone of Granbury and Rustan Rhone and wife, Kim of Dallas; one daughter: Rosanne Rhone of Granbury; one brother, John (DeDe) Rhone and wife Joyce of San Angelo; five grandchildren: Kara Witten, David Rhone, Donald Rhone, Madison Rhone and Braden Rhone.

Memorials may be made to Christ¹s Haven for Children, P. O. Box 467, Keller, Texas 76244.   Pallbearers will be Kevin Chapman, Charles Chessir, Louis Epperson, James Hunter, Sandy Neal, Larry Robinson.

Charles Donald Mitchell, age 71, passed away at his home in Houston on Monday, August 23, 2004.  Burial was Friday, August 27th in Houston.

He had been a resident of Houston since 1946. He was born in Whon, Texas on June 17, 1933 to Doug and Juanita Bible Mitchell.  His grandparents were Zack and Mary Peoples Bible.  Mr. Mitchell retired from Electrical Local No. 713 in 1989 in Houston and was a member of Cade-Rothwell Lodge 1151.

Survivors include one sister, Orva Jean Tatum of Houston; seven children; 17 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, of 38 years; his parents, Juanita Branch and Doug Mitchell and four nephews.

Lilburn Morgan, age 77, of Fort Worth and a former Burkett resident, died Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at a Fort Worth nursing home.  Graveside funeral service was held on Saturday, August 28th at 11:30 a.m. at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

Mr. Morgan was born January 7, 1927 in Burkett, Texas, a son of the late L. L. Morgan and Etta Burkett Morgan.  He grew up in Burkett and attended school there.  He was married to Billie Jo DeBusk and she preceded him in death in 1987.  Mr. Morgan lived in Brownwood for many years and moved to Fort Worth three years ago.  He had been employed in the oil field.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Allan McCurdy of Arlington, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Leonard Lynn and Elaine Morgan of Grant, Alabama; two sisters, Viron Lawrence of Arlington, Texas and Gatha Lee Naron of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by an infant son, Ricky Wayne Morgan, and a grandson, Michael Cronley.

Ms. Dorothy England Johnson of Coleman, Texas died on August 27, 2004 after a short illness.  Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday September 3, 2004 at Walker Funeral Home with funeral service at 2 p.m. on Saturday September 4, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Coleman, Texas, and burial in Coleman Cemetery.

Born to Mattie Lucretia and Robert Lee England on February 23, 1921, she was raised in Coleman and was graduated from Coleman High School in 1939.  Married at age 19 to Joseph Benyon Griffith of Corsicana, Texas, she was the mother of Carolyn Jo Griffith Gaston of Dallas, and Jay Odie Griffith of Round Rock, Texas.  A member of the First United Methodist Church of Coleman, she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She held positions of employment at J. B. Anthony and Gleason Moving in Coleman, the Cactus Hotel in San Angelo, and Sakowitz in Houston, Texas.  She resided several years at Holiday Hill in Coleman.

Ms. Johnson is survived by her daughter and son, three grandchildren, William Charles Blanton of Dallas, Jannica Griffith of Elgin, and Suzy Griffith of Round Rock, Texas.  Local relatives include Ms. Paula Anderson and her sons, Luke and Jed.  One of nine children, Ms. Johnson is survived by a younger brother Alford England and his daughters Al'An Kesler and Traci England, all of Abilene, Texas, and a younger sister Ms. Lucretia Lockett of Ozona, Texas.  Ms. Johnson is preceded in death by siblings Ralph, Sudie, Aaron, Malcolm, Blanche, and Calvin, and by husbands J. B. Griffith and Finis Floyd Johnson II.

Our beloved son, Donald Edward Starnes, Jr., went to be with our Savior on August 28, 2004, in Kerrville, Texas.  He was born June 18, 1957 and was 47 years old at the time of his death.  Funeral services will be held today (Tuesday, August 31) at 2:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with The Rev. Dr. Henry N. Chisholm officiating, Dr. G. Dean Coultas assisting and eulogy given by Jody Payne.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Donny graduated from Coleman High School in 1975, and received his B. S. degree from San Angelo State University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.  He went to the Police Academy in Austin and was a police officer at the University of Texas.  He was a member of the First Christian Church and was a junior deacon.  He played all sports in high school.  Donny received the JETS Engineering Scholarship when he graduated from high school.  He was president of the Kiwanis Key Club and received the Kiwanis Good Citizenship Award his senior year.  Also during his senior year of high school, he was voted Class Favorite.

Donny is survived by his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Don Starnes of Coleman; cousins, Larry Hector, Gary Hector, Greg Hector, Jane Taylor, Jean Coulter, Dr. JoAnn Ford, Jacki Bucci, and Patty Burkemper; and his aunt, Dorris Magness.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Close and Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Starnes.

Pallbearers will be Larry Hector, Gary Hector, Bill Coulter, Jody Payne, Bruce Ransberger and Ed Pryor.  Memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Home and School of Texas, 3600 Wichita Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76119.

Mrs. Juanita Anderson, age 97 of Coleman, passed away August 29, 2004 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Sam Wilson officiating and burial to follow in the Shields Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

The daughter of the late Albert Preston and Frances Amanda Miller Estes, she was born March 6, 1907 in Ellis County.  She married William E. Anderson in Coleman on May 29, 1926.  He preceded her in death in 1980.  Juanita had lived in Coleman for 84 years, was a retired housewife and a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Frances Smith of Coleman; one son, Foster "Andy" and his wife Kay Anderson of Stephenville; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two sons, William Kenneth Anderson in 1995 and Ronald Thurman Anderson in 1992.

Grandsons will served as pallbearers.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home this evening (Tuesday) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Lois Avants at the age of 87 passed from this life on Sunday, August 29, 2004 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  A Celebration of life service was held Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Anna with Rev. Art Allen officiating.  Interment followed at Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Family visitation was Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lois was born December 22, 1916 in Rockwood, Coleman County, Texas to the late Melvin Drake and Cora Belle Burson Bryan.  She was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where she graduated from Rockwood High School.  Lois married J. T. Avants in Trickham in 1936 and they celebrated over 62 years of marriage.  J. T. preceded her in death in 1999.  Lois was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.  She was also an L. V. N., farmer and rancher.

Survivors include two sons, Melvin Avants of Baytown, Texas and Larry Avants of Brownwood; two sisters, Cloua Joslin of Elm Mott, Texas and Jane Smith of Santa Anna; three brothers, Ray Bryan of Ballinger, Lester Bryan of Brown-wood and Sam Bryan of Arizona; two granddaughters, Debbie Cigainero of Texarkana and Melody Lykins of San Angelo; three grandsons, Brett Avants of Dallas, Cody Avants of Baytown and Bradley Avants of Dallas; and great-grandchildren, Cade and Lakyn Cigainero of Texarkana, Shelby and Corey Lykins of San Angelo and Tatum Avants of Baytown; and numerous other relatives and loved ones. Pallbearers were David Avants, Kenneth Bryan, A.W. McFarland, Vernon Scott, Lloyd Stephenson and Mike Stephenson.