Elsworth Brandon, age 93, of Coleman, died Friday, July 1, 2005 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Graveside funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Donald Ross Williams officiating.  Interment will be in Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Elsworth Brandon was born November 11, 1911 in Brown County, Texas, a son of the late W. A. Brandon and Lou English Brandon.  He grew up in the Plainview community near Santa Anna and graduated from Santa Anna High School.  On January 6, 1936 he married Alaire Sewell in Coleman and she preceded him in death on August 30, 2003.  He was a car salesman for Taylor Motor Company for over 40 years and a member of the Church of Christ.

Surviving are seven nieces and five nephews, including local survivors Lolette Rowe of Coleman, Oma Dean Horner and Alwyn Jacobs both of Santa Anna. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4901 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.  He was preceded in death by his son, Bobby Wayne Brandon.

Dr. Charles Armbrust, Jr., a cardiologist and founder of the Medical Clinic of Houston, died recently.  He was 88.  Burial was at Memorial Oakes Cemetery in Houston.

At St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Armbrust headed the internal medicine section from 1962 to 1980 and was chief of staff 1972 to 1975. Armbrust, most of whose career was spent before the days of invasive heart surgery, was a diagnostic cardiologist, said his daughter, Deborah Habig, of New Orleans.  In 1968, Armbrust joined a few other physicians in establishing the Medical Clinic of Houston at 1707 Sunset.  Today, the clinic has more than 30 physicians and also operates a facility in the Texas Medical Center.  "He was like a true old family doctor," Habig said.  "He knew his patients as dear friends as well as patients.  He was a caring doctor."  During World War II, Armbrust served in the Army Medical Corps in the Pacific, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.  He headed a clinic in New Guinea and also served in the Philippines and Australia.  In Australia in 1943, Armbrust met and married Neewah Bob Turney, a social worker with the American Red Cross and a native of Whon in Coleman County.  She died in 2003.  She was the daughter of Bert and Hettye Shields Turney and the sister of the late Rex Turney of Santa Anna.  Charles Andrew Armbrust, Jr. was born October 2, 1916, in San Antonio to Charles Armbrust and Jeanette Marshall Armbrust.  He graduated in 1933 from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio.  In 1936, Armbrust earned a bachelor of science degree from St. Mary's University and in 1940 a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine.

Besides Habig, survivors include a son, Charles Andrew Armbrust III, of Houston and another daughter, Elizabeth Virginia Armbrust, of Seattle.

James Samuel (Jim) Williams, Jr. entered the church triumphant July 5, 2005, from his home in College Station, Texas surrounded by his loving family.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown.  Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church Pre-School or any Hospice Care or the donor¹s favorite charity.

Jim was born February 26, 1930 in Iraan, Texas to James and Olivia Sloan Williams and moved with his family when he was six years of age to Monahans, Texas.  He graduated from Monahans High School in 1947.  He was a graduate of his beloved Texas A&M University class of 1951.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Japan.  In 1956, Jim married Lena Turner in Coleman, Texas where he was the Assistant County Agent.  He was also the County Agent in Real County before returning as County Agent in Coleman County and later owned his own Agri-business.  In 1976, he began work in Agri-business in Williamson County and lived in Georgetown for 26 years.  When he and his wife retired they made their home in College Station.  While living in Coleman, Mr. Williams was a member of the Coleman Rodeo Association, school board and hospital board and was active with many youth activities.

He is survived by his wife; his mother, Olivia Williams Puryear of El Paso; two daughters, Katha and Robert Fields of Kingwood; Charlotte and Scott Purl of Eustace, and his son, Sam and Kim Williams of College Station.  He is also survived by two sisters, Dwade and Don Engle of Kerrville; Joan and Chuck Luiano of El Paso; and seven grandchildren.  Local survivors include R. O. and Lois McCarty and Chuck Turner, all of Coleman and Henry Turner of Abilene.

Delverne Vail, age 81, of San Antonio, Texas passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2005.  The family received friends Wednesday, July 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. p.m. at Porter Loring.  Graveside services were held Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. inSunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Hwy.  The Rev. Duane Farris officiated.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 8115 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, Texas or the American Heart Association, 8415 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.  Arrangements were with Porter Loring Mortuary.

She was born on November 22, 1923 in Sperry, Oklahoma.  Delverne received her college degree in teaching from Oklahoma College for Women.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, W. Ross Vail; two sons, Randy, of San Antonio, and Steve, of Coleman; grandchildren, Matthew and Anna.

Curtis E. Holland passed away in his home in Fort Worth, Texas on July 8, 2005 following a long illness.  A memorial service was held July 12, 2005 at Cleburne, Texas under the direction of the Crosier Person Mayfield Funeral home. 

He was born on March 30, 1924 in Shields, Texas to Orron and Laura Holland.  Curtis Holland was a resident of Cleburne, Texas for many years.  He retired from Santa Fe Railroad prior to working for the Pontiac Buick dealership as a mechanic in Cleburne before full retirement.  Curtis was a veteran of WW II serving in the army from 1942 until 1945.  He was a Cpl in the 4th Infantry serving in France and was awarded a Purple Heart.

He is survived by a dear friend and companion, Nelta Madearis of Fort Worth, Texas, one son, Curtis Holland, Jr., one daughter, Loretta Holland of Austin, Texas, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Virgie Morgan of Santa Anna, Texas, Ada and William Stratemeyer of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Doris Jean and Herb Beckwith of Arlington, Texas, and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Nan Holland of Wylie, Texas, Johnny and Janis Holland of Taft, Texas, Ben and Carolyn Holland of Burleson, Texas, and a sister-in-law, Nell Thompson of North Pole, Alaska.  Curtis is also survived by 35 nieces and nephews, 34 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 17 great great nieces and great great nephews.

His wife Dorothy Holland, his parents, Orron and Laura Holland, 2 brothers, Harvey Holland and Roy Holland, and 2 sisters, Annie Ruth Hoeshaw and Grace Lois Griffin, preceded Curtis Holland in death.

Tommie Vaughn of Houston passed away on Friday evening, July 8, 2005.  A private grave side service for the family to attend was conducted on Tuesday, July 12th at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.  A memorial service was conducted at 11 o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, July 12th in The New Church of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston with the Rev. John R. Bentley Jr. and Rev. George Aurich as officiants.

Born on March 12, 1918 near Brownwood, he was the son of Mabel and Tom Vaughn.  Tommie grew up on a cattle and sheep ranch near Trickham, Texas, which was founded by his great-grandfather in 1874.  He graduated from Brownwood High School and attended Texas A & M University on an athletic scholarship, receiving a BA degree in Marketing and Finance in 1941.  He served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Captain.  In June 1946, he opened his first Ford dealership in Granbury and in February 1950, he moved the dealership to Glendale, California.  In 1956, he opened Tommie Vaughn Ford in Houston where the dealership remains today.  He served as chairman of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association, was a member of the Ford Dealer Council and was honored by TIME magazine as one of the nation's most distinguished automobile dealers.  Tommie became a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1957 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1961.  He served as vice president of the show from 1969 through 1971 and the president and chairman of the board from 1972 to 1978.  At the time of his death, he was a lifetime member of the HLS&R Executive Committee.  During his tenure as president at the HLS&R, he was instrumental in forming the World Championship Barbeque Committee.  Active in his local community, Tommie was elected to the Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Heights Chamber of Commerce.  He was also a member of the Shriners Jesters' Houston Court 136.  Tommie was inducted into the Texas A & M Athletic Letterman's Hall of Fame and was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumni at the university.  He was also awarded for his athleticism and was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame and the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions in Brownwood.  Tommie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Vaughn.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Helen Jean Kiker; daughters, Kay Holloway and husband Bob, and Jeanie Janke and husband Jim; grandchildren, Alicia Wynn, Andrea Chapman and husband Bert of Atlanta and Kyle and Kirby Janke.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family suggests memorials in Tommie's name be directed to the 1939 National Championship Sustaining Fund, c/o Texas A & M Letterman's Association, P. O. Box 5346, College Station, Texas 77844-5346; or to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070.

Bessie Turney Parker passed away at her home in Coleman, Texas at age 85 on July 9, 2005, after a lengthy illness.  Funeral services will be Friday, July 15, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Coleman. Rev. Gary Boyd, Rev. Roger Hammond and Rick Marshall will officiate.  Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

She was born January 5, 1920, in rural Cherokee County to Miry and Minnie Smith Turney.   Both parents preceded her in death in 1972 and 1985, respectively.  At age 16, she graduated from Jacksonville High School.  She received her degree in August, 1939, in Home Economics Education from TSCW (Texas State College for Women) and arrived via bus in front of the old Coleman Hotel, met the school board at Novice High School, and began teaching home economics there at age 19, October, 1939.  She taught boys and girls for seven years.  On September 7, 1940, she married David E. Parker in the Novice Methodist Church.  They resided in Abilene prior to and during the first part of World War II.  During that time, they also lived in Washington State, Long Beach, California, and finally in Pasadena, Texas.  Their final move, via cattle truck, was to Coleman in March of 1945, when David established Coleman Plumbing and Supply, which he operated for approximately 44 years.  He passed away in August, 1989.  Bessie practiced and taught the art of homemaking.  In August, 1954, she accepted the position of County Home Demonstration Agent for Coleman County (employed by Texas Agricultural Extension Service) and served the people of Coleman County for 25 years until retirement in 1980.  During her service to the county, she received the first Coleman County Woman of the Year Award in 1961 and in 1980, she was recognized for Faithful and Meritorious Service to the people of Texas by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas at Texas A & M College.  She also received the National Award for Superior Service (As a home economist, she reached more than half of the county’s total population with food and nutrition information).  She worked with a club membership of 150 women throughout the county.  She remained active in county home demonstration work, served on numerous committees and women’s auxiliaries, and as a Sunday School teacher for 4-year olds for many years at First Baptist Church.  Bessie dearly loved the students she taught in high school and the many women she was privileged to share time with throughout the county.  She truly believed Coleman was a good place to have lived, worked, and raised her children.

Bessie’s legacy:  Daughter Peggy Parker Spruiell of Dallas, Texas, granddaughter Misti Spruiell Nelson and husband Mark, great grandchildren Parker and Kylie of Parker, Texas.  Son Richard E. Parker, DVM and wife Quixie of Crowley, Texas, granddaughter Paige Parker Williams and husband Larry, great grandchildren Madeleine, Camille, and Parker of Denton, Texas; grandson Lee M. Parker and wife Polly, and great grandchild Caroline of Fort Worth, Texas; grandson David D. Parker of Austin, Texas.  Daughter Penney Parker Smith of San Angelo, Texas and granddaughter Jennifer Helen Smith of Lewisville, Texas.  Sisters-in-law are Rita Foster of Lawton, Oklahoma and Ruby Lowe of Irving, Texas.  Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2005, at Stevens Funeral Home.  The family requests that memorials be made to Coleman County Extension Education Association and Hospice of the Big Country.  Bessie was loved and faithfully cared for by Wendy Herrod, Leona Carpenter, Roxie Brown, Linda Hallford, Dolly Jackson, and Connie Jauregui and loving "saints" of Hospice of the Big Country.  Pallbearers will be Charlie Grohmann, Joe Duncan, Wayne Snider, Tommy Sloan, Charles Robert Taylor, and Sammy Pate.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Chellie Atchley, John Rathmell, Tommy Jamison, Kenneth Newman, and Thelbert Elkins.

Bonnie Edith Parsons, age 78, of Lake Brownwood died Saturday, July 9, 2005 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were 3 p.m. Monday, July 11th at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Allen officiating.  Burial followed in Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, directed by Heartland Funeral Home.

She was born on November 6, 1926 in Trickham, Texas to the late James Horace Goodgion and Bessie Dot Williams Goodgion.  She was married to Newell Burl Parsons on January 14, 1943, in Brownwood.  She was a Baptist and an active member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church in Brownwood where she served as Hostess for many years.  She was active in the Coggin Quilters as well as the Lake Brownwood Dam Fire Department Quilters.  She had been a resident of Brown County since 1946, and was formerly of Coleman County.

Survivors include her husband, Newell Burl Parsons of Lake Brownwood; three sons, Troy Parsons and wife Cindy of Lake Brownwood, Ricky Parsons and wife Peggy of Brownwood, and Ivan Parsons of Brownwood; one daughter, Linda Parsons of Bangs; two brothers, J. L. Goodgion of Brady and Billy Wayne Goodgion of Brownwood; her grandchildren, Kaci, Jimmy, Jason, Stephanie, Katherine and Sayla; her great-grandchildren, Kristen, Tyler, Kailey, Dennis, Sterling, Jasmin, Kassidi and Kason; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Kenneth Parsons; one grandson, Kent Parsons; two sisters; and three brothers.

Dr. Scot H. Edington, age 66, of Burkett, passed away Friday, July 10, 2005 in Coleman.  Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at First Baptist Church with Ronnie White officiating; burial will be at Burkett Cemetery.

Scot was born June 15, 1939 to Charlie Howard and Juanita (Chambers) Edington.  He grew up on the family ranch at Burkett.  He married Lynda Kay Tyler on August 1, 1959 at the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.  He first started teaching school at Cross Plains in 1961.  He was a secondary teacher and coach from 1961 - 1966.  He then became the high school principal from 1966 - 1976.  He became superintendent from 1976 - 1981.  He taught math at Coleman from 1981 - 1982.  He started working at Region 14 Education Service Center in Abilene in 1982.  He started out as an Administrative Technical Assistance Specialist.  In 1990 he became School Operations Component Director.  He retired in August 2003.  He was a wonderful teacher that cared about and loved his students.  He loved telling old stories that happened with his “kids.”

He is survived by his wife Lynda; his son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Debbie Edington, who reside on the family ranch; his daughter and son-in-law Toni and Truet Hart, who reside in Eastland.  He loved to spend time with his grandkids and was especially proud of them; Zach and wife Mandi Edington of Coleman, Stephanie Edington of Burkett, Tyler Hart and Tori Hart of Eastland.  He is also survived by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Valeta and Jimmy Brown of Cross Cut.

Pall bearers will be his nephews:  Randy Jones of Early, Rodney Jones of Frisco, Nathan Jones of Crawford, Eric and Mark Tyler of Brownwood, Matt and Cody Reed of Cross Plains, and Chris and Jody Brown of Frisco.

Osa V. Byerly, age 92, long-time Coleman resident, died Monday, July 11, 2005, in Port Arthur, Texas.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Byerly was born August 9, 1912 in east Texas, the son of Seth Byerly and Lonnie Segrest Byerly Hall.  He moved to Coleman in 1925 and married Lula Catherine Slate on September 27, 1933 in Rockwood.  He worked for Coleman Steam Laundry for many years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Audria Byerly of Orange, Texas, Dale and Lynn Byerly of Dayton, Tennessee, George and Pat Byerly of Granbury; one daughter, Glynda Marrow of San Antonio; one sister-in-law, Beatrice Byerly of Austin; nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Joyce Gillespie, one brother, Herman Byerly and one sister, Sethie Mae Dunn.  Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association.  Family visitation will from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Graham Fitzpatrick, age 85, of Whon, Texas passed away Monday, July 11, 2005 at his residence in Whon.  Services will be today (Thursday) at 10:30 a.m. at Rockwood Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Interment will follow at the Whon Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Graham was born on December 31, 1919 in Carrizozo, New Mexico to the late Edward and Nellie Pauline Orothfer Fitzpatrick.  He was reared in New Mexico where he attended schools and later served in the Navy during World War II.  On January 19, 1945, Graham married Imogene Snowden in Brady, Texas and they celebrated forty-eight years of marriage.  Imogene preceded him in death in 1993.  Graham was a resident of Whon for fifty-seven years, a member of the Baptist Church, and retired stockfarmer.

Survivors include a son, Don and wife Barbara Fitzpatrick of Roswell, New Mexico; son-in-law, Jackie Bullion of Glen Rose, Texas; a sister, Kathleen Holman of Longview, Texas; three half sisters, Evelyn Dobbs of Roswell, New Mexico, Cheri Williams of Ft. Worth, Texas  and Mary Ann Odell of Nogal, New Mexico; four half brothers, Bill Fitzpatrick of Roswell, New Mexico, Eddie Fitzpatrick of Roswell, New Mexico, Joe Fitzpatrick of Odessa, Texas and James Fitzpatrick of Nogal, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graham was preceded in death by daughter Cheryl Bullion in 1994, son Neil Fitzpatrick in 2002 and grandson Brance Fitzpatrick in 1978.  Pallbearers will be Troy Abernathy, David Herrod, Randall Lovelady, Bill Martin, Paul Martin, and Jim Rice.  Honorary pallbearers include John Dockery, Bruce Estes, Delburn Rice, Wendall Rice, and Loyd Rutherford.

Jewell Christine Phariss Mittel passed away on July 12, 2005 in Vasalia, California at the Casa Grande Retirement Home.

She was the wife of the late Edward E. Mittel and the daughter of the late Samuel Marion Phariss and Mary Caroline Brown Phariss who reared their family of 13 children and are buried at Glen Cove, Texas.  Mrs. Mittel lived at Glen Cove until the 1940¹s when she and Edd and Sam Dewayne moved to California where Dewayne was later killed in a car wreck.  She was born January 27, 1904 which would have made her 101 years old and the last survivor of Samuel and Mary¹s family.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews including local relatives.

In loving memory of LoRena Jean Stovall Farris.  She returned to her heavenly Father after a long illness on July 12, 2005, with family and friends by her side.  Graveside services will be Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Kelly Crenshaw officiating at the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Refreshments following services at the Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

LoRena was born on September 8, 1944 in Coleman, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard "Dude" Stovall and Ellen May Jewel Stovall.

LoRena is survived by three brothers, Randolph Stovall of El Paso, Texas, Jerry Dale Stovall of Mesquite, Texas and Daniel Ray Stovall of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three daughters, Tracellen Templin-Kelly of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Angelea Jean Vokt of Austin, Texas, Jere Lynn Dowell of Flower Mound, Texas; six grandchildren, Amber Nicole West of Dallas, Texas, Ian Kelly of Amarillo, Texas, Kristine Yvette Diaz- Naven, Ashlyn Mae and Ryland Eric Vokt all of Austin, Texas and Ciara Madison Dowell of Flower Mound, Texas.

Mom's loving and beautiful spirit will live on through us.  She was greatly loved and will be missed.

S

Delmas "Del" Perry Ballard, Sr., another of "The Greatest Generation" has flown into the wild blue yonder heavenward after a 15- year battle with multiple myeloma July 13, 2005. Services at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2005 at Restland Wildwood Chapel, Rev. Billy Ballard officiating.  Interment followed at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas.  Restland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers were Anthony Fant, Donnie Fant, Joe Worley, Mark Mauer, Joshua Taylor and Anthony Trevino.

Born August 4, 1922 on Brown Ranch Fisk, Texas, Coleman County.  Born the second of six children, to Perry Roscoe Ballard and Mary Rennie (Lambright) Ballard.  He graduated Mozelle High School in 1940.  After joining the Air Force in 1942, he then soon graduated from Boeing School of Aeronautics in March of 1943 as an airplane mechanic.  He served in World War II in Europe from June of 1943 to January 1946.  A member of American Legion, member of Sons of Herman, former President of Dallas Bowling Association, former President of Southern Bowling Congress and a 50-year league bowler.  He was of Baptist faith.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Ethel Brooker, Winnie Pauline Hester, Ealder Faries.

Survivors include his wife, Frances H. Ballard of Garland, Texas; daughters, Dorothy Fant and husband Tony of Garland, Texas, Cathy Madrid and husband Robert of Jefferson, Texas; sons, David Ballard of Gilbert, Arizona and Del Ballard, Jr. and wife Carolyn of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandchildren, Theresa Worley and husband Joe, Kathy Mauer and husband Mark, Anthony Fant and wife Tabetha, Donnie Fant and wife Misty, James Ballard and wife Deann, Savannah and Keith Madrid, Alyssa Ballard; great-grandchildren, Joshua Taylor, Denna Trevino and husband Anthony, Angela Mauer, Destini Fant, Sarah Worley, Joshua Worley and Jessica Worley, James and Cheyenne Ballard, Hayley Fant, Christopher Fant; great-great-grandchild, Kason Trevino; sister, Jewel Crenshaw of Lubbuck, Texas; brother, Herschel Ballard and wife, Teddie of Gouldbusk, Texas; special friends, Mary and Charlie Sarao, and Drain Dr. Staff and special neighbors, Henry and Louise Trotter.

John Samuel "Sam" Fullingim, age 69, of Georgetown, passed away July 14, 2005 in Round Rock.  Funeral services were Saturday, July 16th at the Coleman City Cemetery with Murphy Phillips, pastor of the Main Street Church of Christ in Weatherford, officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, family and friends contribute to the charity of their choice.

Son of the late Ford and Bernice Duncan Fullingim, he was born March 4, 1936 in San Antonio.  On August 13, 1968 he married Billie Marie Garrett in Dallas.  Sam was a real estate broker and had lived in the Georgetown area since 1972.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Marie Garrett Fullingim of Georgetown, one sister Mary Leas of Lubbock, and one brother Richard Mallett of Plano.  Other surviving relatives include two nieces and one nephew.

Dovie Leona McCullar, age 91 of Lake Dallas, Texas, died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at a Plano hospital.  A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July, 19, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  The body was cremated.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was the last of 12 children born to Alex Kimble Clevenger and Maggie Louiza Counts Clevenger.

Survivors include two grandchildren, David Collins of Richardson and Leslie Walker of Fort Worth.

Mark Kevin Welch, age 48 of Abilene died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mark was born January 30, 1957 in Abilene, the son of Gerald Welch and Mary Lee (Jery) Compton Morris.  He grew up in Abilene and Coleman and attended Texas Tech University.  He worked as an automotive salesman.

He is survived by his father, Gerald Welch of Coleman; mother, Jery Morris of Silver Creek, Georgia; one brother, Mike Welch of Odessa; one sister, Michelle of Silver Creek, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.

Rodney Dewayne Leatherman, Sr., age 43 of Coleman, died Sunday, July 17, 2005 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2005 at Brown Ranch Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

Rodney was born August 11, 1961 in Houston, the son of R. K. Leatherman, Sr. and the late Gene LaVerne Heaton Leatherman.  He grew up in Houston and attended school in Houston and Mozelle.  He married Debbie Christian in 1978 in Coleman.  They later divorced.  Rodney was a truck driver and attended the Full Gospel Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Sarah Marie Leatherman of Waco; two sons, Rodney Dewayne Leatherman, Jr. of California, Dustin Shane Leatherman of Colorado; his father, R. K. Leatherman, Sr. of Fisk; one sister, Robin LaVerne Sims and husband Eddie of Tomball; two brothers, Robert Kenneth Leatherman, Jr. and his wife Diana, of Coleman, Randal Gene Leatherman, Sr. of Coleman; uncle, J. D. Leatherman and his wife Betty, of Houston, four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother.  Family visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Dorothy Allene Ray McClain passed away July 19, 2005 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas at her daughter¹s residence.  Funeral service was held July 26, 2005 in the First United Methodist Church in Gadsden, Alabama.

Born March 8, 1925 in Ballinger, Texas, she was the daughter of Truman Ray and Louise Batsell Ray.  She graduated from Talpa High School.  Dorothy lived most of her life in Gadsden, Alabama where she was employed by the Mountain View Hospital and was business manager of the McClain Drug Stores in Alabama and Texas.  She was the former president of the Pilot Club and a member of the Order of The Eastern Star.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard T. McClain, her parents, Truman and Louise Batsell Ray, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Batsell.

Survivors include one son, Johnny Ray McClain; one daughter and husband, George and Penny McClain Batten; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Katie Satarino of Dallas.  Local survivors are cousins, Betty Brown of Coleman and Dokie Bledsoe of Valera.

Viola Pond, age 91, former Glen Cove resident, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 in San Angelo.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Donald Seigler, her son-in-law, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

She was born Viola Mildred Reeves on January 14, 1914 in Marysville, Cook County, Texas, a daughter of Arbin M. Reeves and Lillie Mae Wood Reeves.  She grew up and attended school in Marysville.  On July 28, 1929 she married Rev. Thurman L. Pond in Marysville and he preceded her in death on February 5, 1999.  Mrs. Pond was a pastor's wife for almost 70 years and lived in various places in West Texas and New Mexico.  She was a leader and long-time member of the WMU and was a member of Glen Cove Baptist Church.  She moved to Baptist Memorials in San Angelo in April 1998.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Doris Jean and Don Seigler of San Angelo; three sisters, Sue Stewart and husband Albert of San Angelo, Esther Pearl Hardin of Jal, New Mexico and Jessie Fay Cole and husband Ray of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter-in-law, Dottie Pond of Glen Cove, Texas; three grandchildren, Gerald Leslie Pond of Glen Cove, Texas, Terry Dale Seigler of Springdale, Arkansas and Timothy Don Seigler of Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sons, Doyle Ray, Leslie Lemoin and Walter Pond; three brothers and four sisters.  Memorials may be made to Baptist Memorials Hospice, 903 N. Main, San Angelo, Texas 76903.  Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Hiram Eugene Thomas, age 50, died July 21, 2005.

He was born October 24, 1954 in Overton, Texas to the late Herbert Thomas Sr. and Ruby Pearl Thomas.  He was reared in Tyler.  He and his wife were former residents of Coleman.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Croft Thomas of Branson, Missouri; four step-children, Paula Thomas of Corsicana, Texas, Rocky Lindley of Canton, Michigan, Brian Lindley of Branson, Missouri and Rachel Owens of Bedford, Texas.  Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Conny Thomas of Henderson, Texas, Lillian Smith of Tyler, Texas, Alta Thomas Smyrl of Houston, Texas, Herman Thomas of Troup, Texas (Hiram¹s twin brother), Dorothy Thomas Hernandez of Houston, Texas, Lecy Thomas Ybarra of Alvin, Texas and Tammy Thomas Josias of Canton, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Herbert Thomas, Jr., Richard Thomas, Haroldine Thomas Castilaw and Karolyn Thomas Baggett.

Dorothy Dillingham, age 87, died Friday, July 22, 2005 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 24th in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Alan Wallace officiating, assisted by Rev. Raymond Jones.  Burial followed in the Shields Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Dorothy Louise Akins on April 25, 1918 in Trezevant, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Joeseaphus and Edna Belle Fields Akins.  She grew up in the Santa Anna area and graduated from Santa Anna High School.  On November 18, 1938 she married Jack Pershing Dillingham in Santa Anna and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1983.  Dorothy worked at the Santa Anna National Bank for 36 years, retiring in 1990 as an Assistant Vice President.  She was also a farmer, rancher and sheepherder.  Dorothy was a Christian and a member of Gouldbusk Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack Paul and Evelyn Dillingham of Santa Anna, Texas, John Michael and Diann Dillingham of College Station, Texas; four grandchildren, Andrew Paul Dillingham of Santa Anna, Texas, Sandi Renae Dillingham Buchanan and husband Matthew of Lubbock, Texas, John Mark Dillingham and wife Kim of Pearland, Texas, Audra Britt Dillingham Paty and husband Brad of Duncanville, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Jade Coletan Buchanan, Mattisan Briquell Buchanan, Conlan Quinn Buchanan, all of Lubbock, Texas, Kara Lynn Dillingham of Pearland, Texas; three nieces, Sheila Simmons, Cynthia Henson, both of Weatherford, Texas, Margaret Neal of Bedford, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a grandson, Troy Michael Dillingham. 

Funeral services for Julia R. Ortegon, age 76, of Brownwood were held at 10 a.m. Monday at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early.  Burial followed in the Winchell Cemetery in Brown County.  She died Friday, July 22, 2005 at a Brownwood nursing home.

She was born June 19, 1929 in Menard, Texas.  She was married to Ruben Ortegon in Menard on February 14, 1949.  He preceded her in death on July 2, 1994.  Mrs. Ortegon was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary¹s Catholic Church in Brownwood.  She had been a resident of Brown County since 1954 and was formerly of Menard.

Survivors include two sons, Ruben Ortegon and wife Jeanie of Brookesmith and Robert Ortegon of Brownwood; two daughters, Betty Byars and husband Jim of Rising Star and Patricia Hernandez and husband Julian of Brownwood; one brother, Robert Rodriquez of Irving; three sisters, Pauline Dela Rosa of Coleman, Lorene Guevarra of Blanket and Susie Hughes of Lake Brownwood; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Martha Rodriquez and a sister, Martha Soto.

Delores "Nanaw" Tankersley, 76 of Eastland passed away Sunday morning, July 24, 2005.  Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Daugherty Street Church of Christ with Larry Roberts officiating.  Burial will follow at Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.

Nanaw was born on February 15, 1929 in Coleman, Texas to Lemmie and Jeanette (Coleman) Lewis.  She married Weldon Tankersley on March 31, 1951 in Breckenridge and had resided in Morton Valley since the 1950's.  She was a homemaker, member of the Lakeside Country Club Lady¹s Golf Association, and member of the Daugherty Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include her daughters, Thresa Tankersley-Huff of Eastland, Melissa Lynn Little and husband, Ray Neal of Eastland, brother Harold Davis of Robert Lee; granddaughters, Emily Renea Little of Abilene and Lauren Kendall Huff of Eastland; great-granddaughter Kourtney Michelle Peacock of Abilene and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Weldon on March 13, 1995 and sisters, Jessie Mae Henry, Earlena Livingston and Ethel Lee Tiner.

Darrell Wayne Johnson, age 48 of Hawley, passed away Monday, July 25, 2005 at his home from cancer.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. today (Thursday, July 28, 2005) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Posey officiating.  Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Best known as "Tot" and "Big Boy," Darrell was born April 24, 1957 in Coleman, the son of Harvey and Frances Horton Johnson.  He grew up and attended school in Coleman.  He married Kathy Baldock on December 1, 1978 in Coleman.  He worked at Dal-Tile and in the oil field as a floor hand.  He lived in Brownwood before moving to Hawley.  He was a loving husband, Daddy and PaPaw and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Johnson of Hawley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Veronica and Wade Tucker of Hawley, Chrystle and Richard Steffey, Jr. of Coleman; four brothers, Larry Johnson and wife Donna, of Coleman, Bobby Johnson of Coleman, Earl Johnson and wife Cindy, of Coleman, Jimmy Johnson and wife Denise of Coleman; two sisters, Carolyn Payne and husband Gary, of Coleman, Linda Burton and husband Chris, of Coleman; two granddaughters, Shantel and Christy Steffey of Coleman; several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father on March 2, 2005, his mother on April 5, 2005, one sister and two brothers.

Pheriaba A. Farmer, age 96, died Monday, July 25, 2005 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 27th in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating.  Interment will be in Coleman City Cemetery.

She was born Pheriaba Anita Shields on August 15, 1908 in White Chapel, Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of the late William Campbell (Cam) Shields and Bertha Hamilton Shields.  She grew up in Novice and graduated from high school there.  She graduated from college and taught school at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.  On August 4, 1929 she married James Lee Farmer and he preceded her in death on August 15, 2000.  Pheriaba was a member and past matron of the Eastern Star, a member of Retired Teachers Association, AARP and a former Delta Kappa Gamma member.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Chapel Sunday School Class.

Survivors include one brother, Charles Shields of Sun City, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Doris M. Shields of San Antonio, Texas; five nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Eastern Star, c/o Brenda Honea, 702 W. Walnut, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Douglas Edward Tompkins, age 59, died Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.  A memorial service will be held Friday, July 29, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman.

He was born November 9, 1945 at Santa Anna, Texas to Clarence Elbert Tompkins and Minnie Nancy Chew Tompkins.  He was a Baptist and a Veteran.

Doug is survived by a daughter, Cathy Ann Tompkins of Brownwood; a son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Ronda Tompkins of Brownwood; four grandchildren, Sheri Tompkins, Daniel (Shotgun) Tompkins, Ashton and Jordon Stanley, all of Brownwood; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ernest and Jacklyn Tompkins of Brownwood, Delbert and Vickie Tompkins of Andrews, Walter and Debbie Tompkins of Bangs; and a great-grandson, Caleb Fulton.

On Thursday evening, July 28, 2005, Joe Lavon Hallmark left us to be with the Good Lord.

Joe was born to Debrah and Dewight Hunter in Houston, Texas.  He lived in Ballinger at the time of his home going to the Lord.  Joe graduated from Bronte High School.  On December 3, 2003, he was preceded in death by his grandfather.

Survivors include his father, Dewight Hunter of Glen Cove; a mother Debrah of Brownwood; Uncle Mike and his wife of Coleman, Aunt Judy and her husband of Brownwood; his god parents, Dewayne and Angie Monroe, both of Valera; his grandmother that he loved very much of Bangs; a wife, Shena; one step-son SemaJae Jackson; and his daughter, Avianna, all of Ballinger.  Joe also left behind some very special friends that will miss him dearly, Eric Pena of Ballinger, Brandi Monroe of Valera and Jacob of Brownwood.

"Serenity Prayer" ---  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.  Courage to change things I can and wisdom to know the difference.  The family would like to extend special thanks for the invaluable support given to us by our friends and well wishers who sent cards and flowers and did everything they could to comfort us.

Winnie Mae Lane, age 87 of Bangs, Texas passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elm Street Church of Christ with Joe Hailey officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

 Winnie was born October 24, 1917 to Luther Austin Kile and Ulala Mahala McQueen Kile.  She married the late Jim Rice (J. R.) Lane on September 2, 1938.  She worked as a general business operator and had worked for the Texas Youth Commission in Brownwood as a house parent for 10 years.

Winnie is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Gib Young of Lubbock; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Danny and Sally Lane of Coleman County, Jim Lane of Kingwood, Ward and Pat Lane of Dallas and Rick and Barbara Lane of Aledo; one brother, Curtis Kile of Coleman; six grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law, Rebecca and Steve Kokkinakis, Mark Lane, Cathey and Keith Vinson, Kimberly Lane, Marguerite Lane and spouse Rob Pearce, Lane and Angela Young.  Also surviving are four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter-in-law, Cindy Lane, and four brothers, Wesley Kile, Luther Kile, Wayne Kile and Ben Kile.  Family visitation will be today (Tuesday) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home.  The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to either the West Texas Rehab or the Coleman Senior Center.