Tony Othell Rozzlle, age 79 of Coleman, died Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. today (Thursday, March 3, 2005) at Fairview Cemetery in Brown County with Rev. Ted Willis officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Rozzlle was born June 25, 1925 in Concho County, the son of Tony Rozzlle and Elizabeth Gatlin Rozzlle.  He attended school at Millersview and married Belle McWhorter on February 24, 1957 in Lawn.  She preceded him in death on November 29, 2004.  He worked for Dow Chemical during World War II, was a farmer and rancher in Coleman County and a member of Voss Baptist Church.

Survivors include nieces, Belinda and husband Jess Dutton of Tuscola, Texas, Vicki Meeks and husband Ken of Abilene, Bobby Jennings and husband Larry of Wheeler and Gerri Rutherford and husband Hubert of Novice and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home.

Rebecca Ewing, age 78 of Ballinger and former Coleman resident, died Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2005 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ewing was born October 4, 1926 in Coleman, the daughter of Lige Fenton and Tincie Spillers Fenton.  She attended school at Hill and graduated from Mozelle High School in 1945.  She married Weldon Ewing on September 15, 1950 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on August 6, 1979.  She lived in Coleman until 1979 and moved to Abilene and later to Ballinger. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. 

Survivors include one daughter, Dana Coon of Clarksville, Georgia; one sister, Maedell Motsinger of Abilene; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Lana Jacobs, one son, Andy Ewing, and two sisters, Billie Davis and Mary Wheeler.

Davis A. Clark, Jr., died March 1, 2005 at his home in Sweetwater.  Services were 2:00 p.m. Friday with Rev. Howell Martin officiating.  Interment followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery, directed by McCoy Funeral Home.

He was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on November 10, 1911. The Clark family moved to Texas in 1913.  After his graduation from Newman High school in 1929, he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.  Upon graduating in 1933 with a degree in philosophy, Davis returned to Sweetwater and went to work for the International Harvester Company.  He married Frances Hendrick on July 18, 1941 in Coleman.  In January 1942 he volunteered to serve in the Army Air Corps, entered officer training school and after three months was commissioned as a second lieutenant.  During World War II he served first in North Africa, then Italy, France and Germany.  After the war, Davis became partners with his father in Clark Agency, a three generation business, which was started in 1898.  He served on the hospital board, Chamber of Commerce board and was president of the Sweetwater Rotary Club, maintaining a 35-year perfect attendance in Rotary until an illness in 1981.  He was one of the three original members of the Downtown Bible Class in 1946 and served as president for many years and as secretary until 2005.  He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1917.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Clark of Sweetwater; a daughter and son-in-law, Ann Clark Gay and Dr. John Gay of Topeka, Kansas; one son, William (Bill) Clark and wife, Nancy of Sweetwater; five grandchildren; a step-grandson; five great-grandchildren; and two step great-great-grandchildren.

The family requests memorials be made to Hendrick¹s Hospice Care, P. O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604 or First Presbyterian Church, Fourth and McCaulley, Sweetwater, Texas 79556.

Otis Throgmorton, age 91 of Coleman, died Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Mr. Throgmorton was born July 4, 1913 in Gouldbusk, the son of Richard Oscar Throgmorton and Elizabeth Ann Mills Throgmorton.  He grew up in Gouldbusk and attend school at Voss and Gouldbusk.  He married Thelma Howard on May 24, 1946 in Gouldbusk.  He was a rancher, Deacon and Treasurer at Voss Baptist Church for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Throgmorton of Coleman, one daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and Harold Skelton of Coleman, one son, Richard Throgmorton of Centennial, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Reta Morgan Jones, four brothers, Shirley Throgmorton, Jesse Throgmorton, Spruiell Throgmorton and Curtis Throgmorton.

Harvey Johnson, age 73 of Coleman, died Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Posey officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Johnson was born September 28, 1931 in Coleman County, the son of William L. "Bill" Johnson and Mary Ellen Francis.  He attended school at New Central and Bowen.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  He married Frances Horton on March 6, 1950 in Coleman.  He lived in Coleman all his life, was a custom hay bailer, and a Baptist. 

Survivors include his wife, Francis Johnson of Coleman, five sons, Larry Johnson and wife Donna of Coleman, Bobby Johnson of Coleman, Darrell Johnson and wife Kathy of Hawley, Earl Johnson and wife Cindy of Coleman, Jimmy Johnson and wife Denise of Coleman; two daughters, Carolyn Payne and husband Gary of Coleman, Linda Burton and husband Chris of Coleman; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruby Nell and Leon Hasserodt of Coleman, Betty and Allen Brooker of Winters; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, two sons, and three sisters, Lucille Rayburn, Marie Slayton and Lola Mae Smith.

Dock Aaron "Skeeter" Nichols, a Christian, husband, father, brother and friend went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 2, 2005.  Funeral services were Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wylie Baptist Church with the Rev. Oscar Fanning officiating and assisted by the Rev. Lee Fuller, pastor of the Wylie Baptist Church.  Burial followed at the Atoka Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family received friends on Saturday, March 5th from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at the Wylie Baptist Church.

Dock was born on August 14, 1933 to Morgan Louis and Eula Nichols in Novice.  He was happily married to Doris Anderson Nichols for 49 years.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister and brother.

He is survived by his wife Doris and their children; Morgan Nichols and wife Michele of Abilene, Beverly Minor and husband Tommy of Eldorado, Ken Nichols of Abilene, Darrell Nichols and wife Traci of Plano, Wayne Nichols and wife Tammy of Abilene; his sister, Mary Anna Dale of Coleman and many wonderful friends.  He found great joy in his 11 grandchildren; Evan, Daniel, Brandon, Brence, Timmy, Bailey, Peyton, Destanie, Zachary, Branda and Sam.  They will miss his loving spirit dearly.

He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, a civil engineer for 37 years, and a member of the Wylie Baptist Church and an ordained Deacon.  Dock¹s gentle spirit and loving heart will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Ernest E. "Junior" Williams, Jr., age 74 of Coleman, died March 3, 2005 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Don Northway officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

Junior was born February 19, 1931 in Brownwood, the son of Ernest E. Williams and Mary Margaret Welch Williams.  He attended school in Coleman and served in the United States Army.  He married Joy Sue Angel on April 6, 1957 in Brownwood.  He worked for the Martin Brick Plant as Yard Foreman and Kiln Foreman before retiring after 35 years.  He enjoyed playing dominoes and farming and was a member of Bible Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife, Sue Williams of Coleman, two sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Margaret Williams of Pottsboro, Texas, Tony and Renee Williams of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Glenda and Jeff Vaughn of Coleman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tommy and Barbara Williams of Clyde, Maurice and Mildred Williams of San Angelo; one sister and brother-in-law, Pat and James Walker of San Angelo and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by one son, Gary Lynn Williams, one sister, Lorean Kimbrell and one brother, Dewayne Williams.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Lula Marie Bains, age 85 of Midland and former Talpa resident, died Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Mabee Health Care Center in Midland.  Graveside services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Talpa Cemetery.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bains was born February 20, 1920 in Searcy, Arkansas, the daughter of William Lawson White and Doshia Jane Richardson White.  She moved to Novice as an infant and attended school at Crews and Talpa.  She married W. N. "Newt" Bains on October 26, 1940 in Winters.  He preceded her in death on July 12, 2001.  She worked as a nurse¹s aide at Holiday Hill and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in San Angelo and former member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Talpa.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Karen Bains of Rankin; one daughter and son-in-law, Ludie and Wayne Rudolph of Fort Worth; three sisters, Billye Fenton of Coleman, Leona Matthies of Crews, Wanda Henderson of Farmington, New Mexico; one grandson, Bradley Bains and wife Cheryl of Midland; two great-grandchildren, Ashley Bains and Brensen Bains, both of Midland and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Bryan White, Randell White and Frank White.

Troy Lee Rae, age 87, formerly of Santa Anna, passed away March 5, 2005 at the Temple V. A. Hospital.  Funeral services were at the Walker Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m. Monday the 7th with the Rev. Patrick Bennett with burial following at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Son of the late Alex and Johnnie Lee Williams Rae, he was born in Coleman on April 9, 1917.  He lived in Coleman until 1945 when he went to WWII.  He moved to Lubbock in 1960 and then returned to Coleman in 1990.  Troy was a retired sheet metal worker and a member of the Baptist Church.

He is survived by two daughters; Nancy and Carolyn Curry both of Hale Center; one son Jimmy Rae of Lubbock and one sister, Maxine Cowand of Mansfield. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Billie Christine Burfield, age 68 of Coleman, died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

Billie was born August 31, 1936 in Anson, the daughter of the late Harvey Carl Turner and Juanita Bernice Culpepper Turner.  She attended school in Santa Anna and married Roy Burfield on April 1, 1955 in Santa Anna.  He preceded her in death on May 11, 1999.  She lived in Abilene for 10 years and moved to Coleman 26 years ago.  She worked at Leisure Lodge, now Coleman Healthcare Center for 20 years as Dietary Service Manager and attended the Methodist Church. 

Survivors include two sons, Randy Burfield and wife Lonna of Kennedale, Ronny Burfield of Arlington; her mother, Bernice Dixon of Coleman; one brother, Rick Turner and wife Karen, of Coleman; one sister, Ann Cunningham and husband Webb of Coleman, one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clifton and Gladys Burfield of Clyde, one grandson, Shannon Burfield of Coleman; two great-grandchildren, Skyler Burfield and Ansley Burfield both of Coleman and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her father and her husband.

Arthur Wilkinson, age 80 of Coleman died Sunday March 7, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services with Military Honors will be 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

Arthur was born June 20, 1924 in Coleman, the son of John L. Wilkinson and Mabel Herring Wilkinson.  He attended school at Indian Creek and graduated from Coleman High School.  He was a Staff Sargent in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, serving in the Battle of Normandy and the Northern France Air Offensive in Europe.  He received the Air Medal with three Bronze Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, EAME Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and one overseas Bar.  He married Mary Clem Shelton in 1954 in Rockwall.  She preceded him in death on March 5, 2001.  He was a farmer and rancher and member of the Methodist Church. 

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Brenda Wilkinson of Coleman, Charles and Jill Ball of Granbury; twin brother and sister-in-law, Aubrey and Joyce Wilkinson of Austin; sister, Alice Mosteller of Austin; four grandchildren, Colt Wilkinson of Coleman, Eric Zirngible of Granbury, John Wilkinson of Coleman, Chip Ball of Granbury and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters.

Virginia Lee Petty, 23 years of age, passed away March 7, 2005 in Brenham, Texas.  Services will be Friday (March 10th) at 10 a.m. in Brenham, Texas with interment to follow in Brenham.

She was the daughter of H. E. and Charlotte Garrett Petty and was born April 30, 1981 in Houston, Texas.   A member of the Baptist church, she had lived in Houston all of her life and the last five years in Brenham, Texas.

She is survived by her father, H. E. Petty of Houston; two brothers and a sister-in-law, H. E. and Angela Petty Jr. and Cory Petty, all of Houston; one sister and brother-in-law, Leila and Pony Fricks of Spring, Texas; several nieces and nephews; her grandmothers, Dovie Garrett of Coleman, Texas and Katherine Petty of Houston; two uncles, Jim Bob Garrett of Houston and Trent Garrett of Coleman; two aunts, Beverly Chapman of Linden, Texas and Brenda Hollingsworth of Dayton, Texas; three uncles, Steve, Mike and Wally Petty, all of Houston.

Margaret Esther Murphy Dye passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at an Abilene nursing home.  Services were Friday at 1:30 p.m. at North¹s Memorial Chapel - Abilene, with Les Thomasson of Northwest Church of Christ officiating.  Burial followed in the Masonic Cemetery.

Mrs. Dye was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on February 24, 1911.  She was the fourth of ten children born to William A. and Amanda B. Sissom.  She was a lifelong resident of Abilene and the surrounding area.  She moved to Texas with her family at the age of five, traveling on a train and settling in Coleman County near Glen Cove in 1916.  She married Jack Murphy in 1944, he passed away in 1976.  She later married George Dye who passed away in 1992.  Mrs. Dye was a seamstress working at T.S. Lankford and Son¹s and sewing for the public for many years.  She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and one sister.

Survivors include one daughter, Arlene and husband Bob Johnson of Abilene; three granddaughters; one grandson; three sisters, Rachel Kerby of Santa Anna, Leona Kerby of Abilene and Lois Roland and husband John of Early. She also has 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

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

Virgie Leona Rogers, 83, passed away on March 9, 2005 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.  Family graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 11th, at Tecumseh Cemetery in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

She was born on September 19, 1921 and reared in Coleman, Texas.  She married Theo (Red) Rogers on July 7, 1941, in Abilene, Texas.  There she reared their only daughter, Julia.  Virgie managed various Merle Norman Studios for 25 years.  In 1985, Theo and Virgie moved to Oklahoma City upon retirement.

Virgie is survived by her husband, Theo Rogers; one daughter, Julia and her husband John Kirkpatrick; brother, Homer Riordan; grandchildren, Karri and her husband Chip Adams and Amanda Kirkpatrick; great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Tyler Adams.

Memorials may be made to Lion Hospice at 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 910, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112.

Mrs. Marice Nance York, 87 years of age of Carrollton, Texas passed away March 14, 2005.  Memorial services will be held today (Thursday, April 28, 2005) at 11:00 a.m. in the Bangs Cemetery with the Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Walker Funeral Home of Coleman is in charge of arrangements.

She was born March 28, 1917 in Loraine, Texas and married the late Mr. Jack M. York in Lubbock, Texas.  He preceded her in death in 1978.

She is survived by one daughter, Kelly Blake; one son, Steve M. York; one sister, Canita Fata; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Robert S. Morris, age 71, of San Antonio, Texas died Monday, March 14, 2005 at the San Antonio Methodist Hospital.  Graveside services were held Thursday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m.at San Jose Burial Park.  A memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark¹s Episcopal Church with The Rt. Rev. James Folts and the Rev. Michael Chalk officiating.  Memorials may be made to St. Mark¹s Episcopal Church, 609 S. Neches, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Born in San Antonio, Texas to Hannah Deutchman Morris Gaines and John Gideon Morris, Robert attended the Phillips Exeter Academy where he was a Prep School All-American swimmer.  Later, he went to Stanford university, where he swam on the varsity team and earned his undergraduate and master¹s degrees in architecture.  He then served his country in the U.S. Army as an officer in the field artillery and later in military intelligence.  After his military service, he moved back to San Antonio where he married Lillian Maverick Padgitt.  They were married 45 years.  A skilled and creative architect, Robert designed such varied edifices as the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, the Southwest Airlines Reservation Center in San Antonio, Saint Mary¹s Hall Chapel Theater and countless private homes.  He remodeled the Chapel House at the Bishop Jones Center of the Diocese of West Texas, Capers Hall at St. Mark¹s Episcopal Church, San Antonio, the gift store at the Alamo (where he was the staff architect for a time) and numerous other buildings and homes.  He was deeply involved in the Episcopal Church where he served on the Diocesan Development Committee, was Chairman of the Diocesan Commission of Church Building and participated on the Mustang Island Conference Center Development Committee.  He served on the Vestry and was Senior Warden at both St. Mark¹s Episcopal Church and Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio.  He held memberships in various organizations and societies.  Robert loved hunting with his father-in-law, Jim Padgitt at the family ranch in Leaday, Texas.  Together with his Padgitt family he designed renovations and restorations for several historic houses on the ranch including the oldest (1870) continuously lived in house in Coleman County.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Arthur M. Gaines, father-in-law James T. Padgitt, brother, Arthur John Gaines and sister-in-law Day Padgitt Kuntz.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lillian Padgitt Morris and his children, Catherine and Hans Helland, James and Sally Morris and Hannah Morris; brothers, John Gideon Morris, Jr., Thomas Joseph Morris, David Gaines and Michael Gaines; mother-in-law, Lillian Maverick Padgitt and sister-in-law, Jane Maverick Padgitt of Leaday; grandchildren, Sarah Helland, Will Helland, Lily Morris and Zoe Morris.  He is also survived by his great aunt Mrs. Joseph S. Morris, many Morris cousins and countless Maverick cousins-in-law. 

Edna Mae Gould Hunter, age 87 of Brownwood, Texas died March 16, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Timothy Boykin and Rev. Dick Williams officiating.  Interment followed at Bangs Cemetery.  Arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood.

Mrs. Hunter was born November 1, 1917 at Gouldbusk, Texas.  She married W. E. "Bill" Hunter at Burkett, Texas on January 4, 1932.  She was a cook at various restaurants in Brown County as well as a field worker for Girling Health Care.  She lived all of her life in Brown County and was a Methodist.

Survivors include one daughter, Billie Sue Brown and husband Charles of Belton; two sons, George H. "Bo" Hunter and wife Linda of Brownwood and Charles Irving Hunter and wife Carol of Lake Brownwood; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Clinton and Irma Cleo Bealer Gould; her husband, Bill Hunter; one son, Claud Hunter; one brother, C.C. Gould; one sister, Edith Copeland; and one great-grandson, Joey Hyden.

Mrs. Letha Armour, age 86, of Coleman, Texas passed away Thursday, March 17, 2005 in Brownwood Regional Hospital.  Funeral services were 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marty Reed officiating.  Interment followed in the Midway Cemetery.

Letha was born May 19, 1918 in Crews, Texas to Earl and Ella Clayton.  She married Frank Armour in Ballinger on December 6, 1933.  She was a housewife, a farm lady and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Letha is survived by her husband, Frank of Coleman; one sister, Laverna Bean of Clyde; along with several nieces and nephews.

Ellis E. Martin, age 87, of Coleman died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at Songbird Lodge in Brownwood.  Funeral services were 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Pallbearers were Andrew Martin, O. A. Shaw, Randall Roberson, Mark Shaw, Leo Karnes and Jason Karnes.

Mr. Martin was born May 18, 1917 in DeRidder, Louisiana, the son of Victor Martin and Pearl Levene Gray Martin.  He grew up and attended school in Louisiana.  He served in the United States Army during World War II and married Ruby Jones on December 8, 1945 in Richardson, Texas.  He moved to Coleman in 1970 and worked for Stempel Manufacturing as Mill Supervisor.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Martin; one daughter, Mary Shaw of Early; two sons, Tom Martin of Garland, Phillip Martin of Haskell; two sisters, Ethel Banta of Casa Grande, Arizona, Elsie Dew of Florien, Louisiana; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.

Vernon Whitehead, 77 years of age, the son of the late Alvie Lee and Nydia Wright Whitehead was born December 17, 1927 in Georgetown, Texas and passed away Thursday, March 17, 2005 at his residence in Coleman.  Funeral services are 2 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Helen McIver officiating with interment to follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

He was a Korea veteran in the U.S. Air Force and had lived in Coleman for the past several years.

Vernon is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Archie Slate of Coleman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Harvey and Pam Whitehead of Alaska City and Betty Whitehead of Houston; nieces and spouses, Kaye and Rick McKee of Coleman and Rebecca and James Eidson of Abilene; nephews and spouses, Chris and Denal Slate of Pipe Creek, Johnny and Sandra Slate of San Angelo, David Whitehead of Houston, Greg and Karen Whitehead and Jeff and Kim Whitehead, all of Oregon, Brad and Joy Whitehead of Maryland and several great nephews and nieces; and a special friend, Phyliss Sellers.

His parents, Alvie and Nydia Whitehead and a brother, Brad Whitehead, preceded him in death.

Gene Sprinkles, age 80, passed away March 17, 2005 at his home in Novice, Texas.  Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 .m. in Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Patrick Bennett officiating.  Interment followed at the Rough Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Ronnie Busby, James Honea, Doug Roberts, Domar Richter, Jimmy Mitchell and Van Row.

Gene was born September 22, 1924 in Novice to Sam and Emily Mae Sprinkles. He married Tomako Okumura on September 25, 1957 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.  He was a WW II veteran, a Baptist and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife Tomako; a daughter, Sue Wilson of Abilene; a son, Sam Sprinkles of Novice; three sisters, Martha Harlee, Lily Gipson and Florence Moyers; three brothers, charles, John and robert; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Graveside services for J. C. "Jack" McMillan, 72, of Bangs were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at London Cemetery.  Interment followed under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.  Mr. McMillan passed away Saturday, March 19, 2005 at a Brownwood nursing home.

He was born July 20, 1932 in London, Texas, the son of Jack and Odell McMillan.  He had been a resident of Bangs since 1990, formerly of Coleman.  He was a member of Rolling Acres Baptist Church.  He was married to Paula Rice in 1964 in Villa Acuna, Mexico.

Survivors include his wife, Paula McMillan of Bangs; three sons, Steve McMillan of Coleman, Douglas McMillan of Coleman and Mark McMillan of San Jose, California; one daughter, Sharon McMillan of Bull Verde; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

SAN ANGELO: Joye Allison Gehring passed away on Friday, March 18, 2005.  Services celebrating her life were 2 p.m. Monday, March 21st at Johnson¹s Funeral Home in San Angelo with Rev. Chester McCown officiating.  Burial was in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Joye was born on February 25, 1935 in Gladewater, Texas to W. B. and Roxie Allison.  Her early years were spent in Santa Anna, Texas where she graduated from Santa Anna High School.  She married George F. Gehring of Oakdale, Louisiana on May 25, 1961 in Brownwood.  Most of their married life was spent in San Angelo where they were employed by and retired from General Telephone Company.  Joye was a member of Telephone Pioneers and Southland Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, W. B. and Roxie Allison; and a brother-in-law, Robert N. Baker.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Louise Baker; her daughters, Bennie Jean Lubke and Allison Marlene Chenault; son-in-law, David Lubke; grandchildren, Leslee and Lyndee Kiesling, Austin, Stephen and Janna Chenault, Lindsay Ann and Bobby Constantine and Jon David Lubke; and great-grandchildren, Kameron Lubke, Broque and Aleha Constantine.  Local survivors are Herma Jean and Cecil Johnson, cousins.

The family requests any memorials be made to VistaCare Hospice of San Angelo.

Lola Daylong, age 78, long-time Austin resident and former Coleman resident, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Methodist Golden Age Nursing Home in Lockhart.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, March 22, 2005) at the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Daylong was born September 8, 1926 in Coleman County, the daughter of Alonzo McMann Barnett and Melissa Elizabeth Lawrence Barnett.  She married A.G. "Garland" Daylong in September, 1945 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on January 9, 2005.  She operated an in-home daycare center for many years while living in Austin.

Survivors include three sons, James Michael Daylong, Patrick Lynn Daylong, Timothy Curtis Daylong; one daughter, Mary Beth Daylong; one sister, Mary Joyce Bishop; six grandchildren, Haley Daylong, Sean Daylong, James Daylong, Dean Daylong, Andrew Daylong, Robin Daylong and one great-granddaughter, Raynee Ember Dunnick. 

Graveside services for J. C. "Jack" McMillan, 72, of Bangs were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at London Cemetery.  Interment followed under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.  Mr. McMillan passed away Saturday, March 19, 2005 at a Brownwood nursing home.

He was born July 20, 1932 in London, Texas, the son of Jack and Odell McMillan.  He had been a resident of Bangs since 1990, formerly of Coleman.  He was a member of Rolling Acres Baptist Church.  He was married to Paula Rice in 1964 in Villa Acuna, Mexico.

Survivors include his wife, Paula McMillan of Bangs; three sons, Steve McMillan of Coleman, Douglas McMillan of Coleman and Mark McMillan of San Jose, California; one daughter, Sharon McMillan of Bull Verde; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth Long, age 97, of Coleman (formerly of Goldthwaite) passed away Monday, March 21, 2005 at Coleman.  Funeral services were 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Stacy-Wilkins Chapel in Goldthwaite with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating.  Burial followed in Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery.

She was born December 28, 1907 in San Saba County, Texas to Landy Ellis and Myrtle Johnson Ellis.  On October 27, 1929, she was married to Loy Benjamin Long in Mills County, Texas.  She had been a lifelong resident of Goldthwaite until three years ago.  She was a member of First Baptist Church and a homemaker.

Survivors include one granddaughter and husband, Deaun and Jay Dalton of Coleman County; one grandson and wife, Randy and Deborah Long of Coleman County; two great-granddaughters, Charliese and Lee Castleberry of De Leon and Jessica Long of Austin; one great-great-grandson, Kayden Castleberry of De Leon; a daughter-in-law, Betty Hafner of Coleman; and a sister, Fay Sowders of San Angelo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and one son, Bennie Bob.

Helen Fetto Cheaney, born August 1, 1919 in Buffalo, New York, died March 21, 2005.  Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Father Obie officiating under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  Interment will follow.

She is predeceased by her husband, O. L. (Jack) Cheaney.

She is survived by her son, Robert Cheaney, his wife Sharon and his two sons, Joey and Chris; her daughter Nancy Jackson and her two daughters, Jill and Abby; and her daughter Barbara Cheaney and her husband, Bruce Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association.

Cleburn O. Lilly, 77, died Monday, March 21, 2005 in Anson.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel in Abilene with J. F. Lilly of Brady officiating.  Burial followed in the Hamby Cemetery.

Mr. Lilly was born September 30, 1927 in Taylor County, the son of H. P. and Jewel Bryant Lilly.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked as a pasteurizer for Borden for 35 years, retiring in 1980.  He was a member of the Hamby Church of Christ and the AARP.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of Abilene; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Mike Smith of Coleman and Darline and Harold Vest of Stephenville; two step-daughters, Sue Byrd and Joy Horrell, both of Abilene; one step-son, Danny Morehead of Prescott, Arizona; six sisters, Flora Yawn, Frances Copher, Dorothy Bullard, Dona Ramos, Olivia Wood and Brenda Lathrop; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

His parents, his wife, Dora Lilly, one sister, one brother and a stepson preceded him in death.

Robert Reed, age 72, of Coleman, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 6:35 p.m. at his residence in Coleman.  Private family graveside services will be held at the Coleman City Cemetery with Joe Hailey officiating.  Memorial services will be announced at a later date.  Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman is in charge of arrangements.

Robert was born in Big Spring, Texas to the late Asa Walker and Nina Jewel Brummett Reed.  On April 4, 1952 he married Opal Bishop in Corpus Christi, Texas and they have celebrated fifty-two years of marriage.  Robert is a petroleum engineering graduate of Texas A&I where he was a member of Sigma Tau.  He was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ and a member of the Safari Club.  Robert retired as a petroleum engineer from Atlantic Richfield.

Survivors include his wife, Opal Reed of Coleman, Texas; three sons, Owen Walker Reed of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emeris, Kyle Shannon Reed of Coleman County, Texas and Boyd Nelson Reed of Lucas, Texas; two grandchildren, Katelyn Reed and Austin Reed; a sister, Claudia and husband Bob Headley of Whitehouse, Texas; an aunt, Willo Dean Cipriani; cousins, Barbara Forney, Billie Ruth Gill, Tom Germany, Eunice Choate, Carroll Reed, Horace Smith, Curtis Germany, nephews, Dee Headley and Steve Headley.

Family requests memorials be made to CCMC Auxiliary, World Christian Broadcasting, 605 Bradley Ct Franklin, Tennesssee 37061, Joy Station Tuesday School of Elm Street Church of Christ, or Hospice of Big Country - Abilene.

Billy Morris, age 44, of Santa Anna passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 10:00 p.m. at his residence in Santa Anna.  Services were Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Northside Church of Christ with Sam Wilson officiating.  Interment followed at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Billy was born February 15, 1961 in Brownwood, Texas to Ima Louise Hoffman Morris and the late John Thomas Morris.  He was reared in Santa Anna where he attended the Santa Anna Schools.  In 1989 Billy married Deanna Boatright in Coleman, Texas.  Billy was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna, living in New Mexico a few years.  He was a member of the Northside Church of Christ and employed in oilfield well service.

Survivors include his wife, Deanna Boatright of Santa Anna, Texas; two step-sons, Michael Malaer and Thomas Malaer, both of Coleman, Texas; his mother, Louise Hoffman Morris of Santa Anna, Texas; five sisters, Carolyn Whittle of Brownwood, Texas, Rita Harris of Ozona, Texas, Tammery Morris of Santa Anna, Texas, Donna Bell of Ozona, Texas and Johnlene Kennedy of Coleman, Texas; three brothers, Donald Makuta of Roswell, Georgia, Kenneth Makuta of Brownwood, Texas, and John Morris of Santa Anna, Texas.

Billy was preceded in death by four brothers, Larry, Butch, Ricky, and Mike Makuta.

Mary Jo Gregg Schulle Teel, age 81, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, March 26, 2005.  Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. today (Tuesday) at Eastside Church of Christ in Duncan, Oklahoma, with Ron Strough officiating, assisted by Cliff Werhan.  Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Santa Anna Cemetery.  Don Grantham Funeral Home, Inc. of Duncan, Oklahoma is in charge of arrangements.

Born May 16, 1923 in Santa Anna, Texas, she was the daughter of Joseph Jackson Gregg and Clara Una Buchanan Gregg.  She was a beauty operator for 30 years, retiring in 1981.  She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Eastside Church of Christ.  She enjoyed working with the Rainbow Girls and was an avid reader and loved journalism and crocheting.  Her first husband, Will E. Schulle preceded her in death on February 12, 2002; and her second husband, Roy E. Teel, preceded her in death on February 21, 1999.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Marge and Phil Landrum of Duncan, Oklahoma; one sister, Eris Muennink of Bishop, Texas; two grandchildren, Lisa Michelle Landrum of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Phillip Shawn Landrum and spouse Marilyn of Pottsboro, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Austin Phillip Landrum and Christian William Landrum of Pottsboro, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Jackson Phillip Schulle on September 19, 1962.  Pallbearers will be Paul McElroy, Burl Wire, Don Hall and Barry Foster.  Memorials may be made to Columbine Church of Christ: Attention: Missions Vanuatu, Eric and Shawnda Brandell, 7453 South Zephyr Court, Littleton, Colorado 80128.

Luther May, age 81, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the Songbird Nursing Home in Brownwood.  Memorial services were Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Anna with Gary Boyd and Kathy Monroe officiating.  Burial will be at the Fairmont Cemetery in Chatham, New Jersey.  Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Luther was born in Comanche County, Texas on August 15, 1923 to the late John Zebidee and Katherine McGowan May.  He attended the Sydney Schools and Draghans Business College and married Janet Budd in Chatham, New Jersey and she preceded him in death in 1991.  Luther has been a resident of Santa Anna since 1976 where he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.  By profession he was an insurance and real estate agent retiring in 1976.

Survivors include a sister, Marie Winfrey of Sundown, Texas; a local nephew, Gary Patterson of Santa Anna, Texas; one niece and five nephews.

Ila Kirby, age 86, of Coleman, died Monday, March 28, 2005 at an Abilene hospital.  Funeral service was held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Schoneman officiating.  Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Ila Jones on February 22, 1919 in Gouldbusk, Texas, a daughter of Albert and Addie Berry Jones.  She grew up in Coleman and attended school at Coleman Junction.  On June 27, 1936 she married Zack A. Kirby, Jr. in Coleman and he preceded her in death on November 13, 1974.  Following her marriage, Ila and Zack owned and operated service stations on Concho Street and later on N. Neches Street.  Ila later worked for a number of years at Jinright Sewing Factory and then at Coleman High School cafeteria.  She attended Central Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Haffley of Coleman, Loretta and husband Lewis Epperson of Glen Cove, Texas; one son, Ted and wife Cathye Kirby of Early, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Duane Carnes of Coleman, Mark Carnes of Overton, Texas, Carla Robinson of Coleman, Melissa Baker of Coleman, Scott Kirby of Frisco, Maribeth Mayo of Brownwood, Travis Kirby of Early, Crystal Kirby of Early, Justin Epperson of San Angelo, Zackary Epperson of San Angelo; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Betty Jones of Coleman and two brothers-in-law, James Wilson of Lebanon Junction, Kentucky and Claud Kirby of Sargent, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son - Johnny Kirby, daughter - Betty Carnes, granddaughter - Cindy Parker, two great-grandchildren - Arlen and Andrea Carnes, three brothers - J. T., Ike and Glenn Jones, two sisters - Thelma Drake and Tommie Wilson.  Pallbearers were her grandsons, Duane Carnes, Mark Carnes, Travis Kirby, Scott Kirby, Justin Epperson, Zackary Epperson.

Mrs. Edrene Hodges Tucker, 77 years of age, formerly of Coleman, passed away March 28, 2005 in Ft. Worth, Texas.  Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Rockwood Cemetery with Rev. Marvin Hale, pastor of the Northside Baptist Church of Santa Anna officiating.  Interment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Edrene was born December 27, 1927 in Rockwood, Texas and attended Rockwood Schools.  She graduated from Lohn High School.  She spent her early life in the Rockwood area and Coleman, working for Perry Brothers, J. E. Stevens Hardware, and Stevens Funeral Home while in Coleman.  She was an insurance clerk and moved to Mansfield several years ago and was a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Ellen Holmes of Crowley, Texas; one son, Eddie Joe Hodges of Mansfield, Texas; four sisters, Mrs. Neily V. Bell of Lubbock, Mrs. Arliss L. Garner of Brownwood, Mrs. Edith A. Norris of Midwest City, Oklahoma and Mrs. Ludy Jane Bryan of Santa Anna; one brother, Collis T. Crutcher of Marshall; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, one brother and one sister.  Memorials may be made to the American Heart and/or the American Cancer Associations. 

Vera West died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 in a Graham, Texas hospital. S he was 89.  Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the Gouldbusk Cemetery in Gould-busk, Texas.  McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

She was born July 30, 1915 in Coleman County, Texas and moved to Graham in 2004 from Coleman.  Mrs. West was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley West.

Survivors: two daughters, Glenda Benton of Fort Worth and Gwen Neves of Graham; six granddaughters, Rebecca Diaz of Arkansas, Melissa Pettit and Tracy Neidholt, both of Fort Worth, Mona Watts of Coleman, Sharri Ashley and Tiffany Searcy, both of Graham; 13 great grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Barbara Dykes, age 62 of Coleman, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Barbara Sue Davis on April 19, 1942 in Oklahoma, the daughter of Henry Davis and Mildred Glaze Davis.  She graduated from high school in Monahans and attended Beauty School.  She moved to Coleman in 1980 from California.  She was a homemaker and a resident of Holiday Hill Nursing Home where she enjoyed all their activities.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Britt and Shirley Bartell of Coleman, two grandsons, Britt Steven Bartell and Douglas Scott Bartell both of Coleman; one granddaughter, Tara Myers of Coleman,one great-grandson, Clayton Fain of Coleman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Scott Bartell and one daughter, Susan Bartell.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.