MERKEL: Nina Lois Seymore, 92, mother of Larry Seymore of Coleman, died Monday, December 5, 2005 in a local hospital.  Services were 2 p.m. Wednesday at Merkel Church of Christ with Larry Gill officiating.  Starbuck Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lois was born July 19, 1913 in Taylor County to George L. and Mattie Dudley Anderson.  She grew up in Mulberry Canyon and attended Butman School.  She married Tom Seymore on February 4, 1930 in Merkel.  He preceded her in death on January 2, 1992.  Lois was a member of the Church of Christ.  She was a homemaker and seamstress.  She worked at the Merkel School Cafeteria and owned and operated Lois' Dairy Land.  She also sold Niagara therapy pads and chairs.

Survivors include three daughters, Billie Patterson and husband Bill of Big Spring, Janell Spradling and husband Frank of Allen, Debi Smith and husband Robert of Tuscola; one son, Larry Seymore and wife Donna of Coleman; 11 grandchildren, Vicki Walker, am Beal, Ricky Patterson, Sherry Gibbs, Tom Spradling, Randy Smith, Sheila Vice, Clif Smith, Gina Renee Seymore, Dana Davis, Darby Haynes; 16 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; a daughter, Jo Ann Smith; two grandsons, Wendell Scott and Chad Kendell Seymore; a great-grandson, Dylan Travis Haynes; and two sisters, Ila Mae McLean and Jewell Butman.  Memorials may be made to Merkel Cemetery Association, 201 Edwards, Merkel, Texas 79536.

Virginia Baker, age 71 of Coleman, died Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at Golden Age Manor in Dublin.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 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.

She was born Virginia Fay Lindsey on May 12, 1934 in Dallas, the daughter of Paul Albert Lindsey and Ola Mae Birkert Lindsey.  She grew up and attended school in Dallas.  She married N. C. Baker on November 5, 1968 in Dallas and he preceded her in death on March 3, 2002.  She worked as a photo finisher while living in Dallas and moved to Coleman in 1975 where she worked at the Tile Plant.

Survivors include two sons, Chris Baker of Dublin, Gary Wayne Frazier of Wilmer; one daughter, Beverly Ann Cordell of Tioga, Texas; one half-sister, Joan Malone; seven grandchildren, Samantha Leann Baker and Tabitha Angelique Baker both of Dublin, Mark Frazier and Keith Frazier both of Wilmer, Christina Fuller and Sean Fuller both of Denton County, Tasha Marie Fuller of Corpus Christi; four great grand-children and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Lindsey and a great-granddaughter, Bailey Fuller.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Funeral services are pending at Boaz-Mitchell Funeral Home in Ennis, Texas for Gina Mohammed, age 36.  She passed away December 7, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Local survivors include her dad, Bob Lumpkin of Coleman; her sister, Cindy Dempsey; and her daughter, Shawna Uresti, age 10 of Lake Coleman.

Carl P. Matthews, age 82, of Coleman, died Friday, December 9, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rodney Martin officiating.  Private interment will be held at the Gouldbusk Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas. 

Carl P. Matthews was born July 12, 1923 in Leaday, Coleman County, Texas, a son of Joe and Vivian Cohea Matthews.  He grew up in Leaday and graduated from Mozelle High School.  On March 16, 1946 he was married to Delma Martin.  He lived in Odessa for many years where he was a production foreman in the oil and gas industry.  He moved to Coleman in 1986 and was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Delma Matthews of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Sherry Matthews and David Dismukes of Waco, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Ted Matthews and wife Betsy King of Anson, Texas; one grandson, Matthew King; two brothers, Lester and Willie Matthews both of Coleman; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death his parents and a sister, Ruth Row.  Family visitation will be held on Saturday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Leta Ragsdale Parker, 97, passed away Friday, December 9, 2005 at The House of Ruth in Denison.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 12th at First Baptist Church in Santa Anna.  Interment followed at the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home of Denison.

Mrs. Parker was born November 4, 1908 in Jarrell, Texas to William and Leona (Hair) Ragsdale.  Leta married Aubrey Parker on May 24, 1936 in Bangs, Texas.  She graduated from Mary Hardin Baylor.  Mrs. Parker taught school for 31 years in Santa Anna and Novice, Texas.  She was always a teacher whether in school, Sunday school or neighborhood schools.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Denison.

Mrs. Parker is survived by her daughter, Cyndy Hancock and husband, Glenn of Denison, Texas; grandson, Bryan Hancock of Denison, Texas; great-grandchildren, Samantha Wilson Hancock and Nathan Wilson Hancock, both of Denison; sister, Ara Belle Conner of Austin, Texas.

Leta was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey Parker and granddaughter, Leann Hancock.

Funeral services for Dr. Clyde R. Majors, 79, of Brownwood were held at 10 am. Saturday, December 10, 2005 in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Dr. Adrian Coleman of Temple, Texas officiating.  Interment followed at 4 p.m. in the Salty Community Cemetery, outside of Thorndale, Texas, under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood.  Dr. Majors died Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at Brownwood Regional ,Medical Center,

He was born April 24, 1926 in Akron, Ohio to Verlie and Clyde Emerson Majors.  On July 31, 1947, he married Dora Belle Ellis of Yuma, Arizona and they had celebrated 58 years of marriage.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy in Hawaii.  Over the years, he learned and spoke seven different languages and enjoyed getting to speak them when he could with others.  He was a member of both Brownwood #116 and Comanche #310, OES; three Masonic lodges (serving as past master of two of them); three chapters, three councils; three commandries (serving as past “head head” of all these), the Scottish Rite and several others.  He earned a doctorate in theology and was chaplain and district deputy of the Grand Lodge of Texas.  He retired after 13 years as professor of theology and philosophy at Howard Payne University.  After his retirement, he became pastor of two churches that he loved and lived for, Trickham Union Church and First Christian Church at Santa Anna, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Dora Belle Majors of Brownwood; his son, Joseph B. Majors and fiancee Marilyn Wood of Brownwood; and his daughter, Melinda Stock and husband Wayne of Taylor, Texas; four grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; a sister-in-law Nancy Majors of Cypress; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Joseph B. Majors, Jay Simpson, Charlie O. Majors, Jr., Hopper Hilliand, J. C. Canada, Wayne Stock, Felton Martin and Elvis Cozart.  Honorary pallbearers included Frank Wallace, Don Pritchard, J. D. Sellers and George Wheatley.

Funeral services for Eunice Huff of Austin were held Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at the Westover Hills Church of Christ in Austin.  A private family graveside service followed.  Her grandsons served as pallbearers.  Those desiring may make contributions to Abilene Christian University, Medina Childrens Home or Wold Bible School.  Arrangements were under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home of Austin.

She was born to John Hardy Swope and Luveney Sprott Swope on January 19 1909 in Killeen, Texas.

Survivors include her sister, Eva Lee Swope of Temple and her children, Norma Gordon, Richard Lynn Huff, David Huff and Les Huff and their spouses, children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Her life was dedicated to the tireless rendering of services to so many wherever she lived, from Killeen to Abilene, Coleman, Belton, Temple, Salado and Austin.  She added a notable dimension of service to Abilene Christian University and Medina Childrens Home with her husband and to his successful insurance activities.  She was active in the community, volunteering to work in area hospitals and in the efforts of the World Bible School.

She was preceded in death by her brother Charles; a sister Millie Allen and her husband of 70 years, Leslie G. Huff, Sr.

Jewell Leonard “J. L.” Stracener, 85, of Abilene died Sunday, December 11, 2005.  Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at North’s Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange Street in Abilene, with burial at Elmwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be today (Thursday) at North’s from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Stracener was born August 18, 1920 in Blackwell, Texas to Hester and Della Stracener and was reared outside of Novice, Texas.  He married Margaret (Margo) McCrite in 1944 and they resided in Abilene for 35 years.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1942-1972 both in WW II and two tours of duty in Viet Nam.  He was decorated with many medals before his retirement at Dyess Air Force Base.  Being an avid fisherman, he held a lifetime membership to Honey Hole Magazine and authored an article chronicling his fishing career.  He was awarded hundreds of fishing trophies, including “World Fishing Championship” and he was in the top ten in the state for Pro bass for over ten years.  He enjoyed the Abilene BASS Club and reading BASS Masters, Field and Stream and DAV (Vets).

Mr. Stracener is survived by his wife Margaret; two daughters, Carol Robertson of Abilene and Judy Blanchard of Arlington; four sisters: Darlene Taylor of Abilene, Delsi White of Abilene, Helen White of Novice and Lenora Coharc of Del Rey, California; two brothers, Joe of San Angelo and Jimmy of Abilene; and five grandchildren.

Don Duncan, age 75, of Coleman and former Abilene resident, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at his residence.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating.  Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Don Duncan was born August 23, 1930 in Coleman, Texas, the son of Ralph and Daisy Duncan.  He grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1947.  He graduated from University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Don lived in California before moving to Abilene where he lived for a number of years.  While living in Abilene he owned and operated a public relations firm and was a graphic designer.  He was a member of First Christian Church and the Kiwanis Club in Abilene.  After moving to Coleman he was a member of the United Christian and Presbyterian Church where he was the choir director.  For the past several years he was the organist at the First United Methodist Church in Coleman.  Don had also worked at Dillards in Abilene in the Men's Department.

Survivors include one cousin, Betty Garrett of Coleman; special friends, Marylea Henderson of Waco, Pat Henderson Fritz of Houston, Merle McClellan, Virginia Taylor, Margie Duncan all of Coleman, Betty and Bob Thrasher of Temple, M’Lane Ellis and children of Cross Plains.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Choir Fund, P. O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Graveside services for D. L. Ethridge, 91, of Brownwood were held at 4 p.m.  Saturday at Eastlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Bill Allen officiating.  Services were under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.  Mr. Ethridge died Friday, December 16, 2005.

He was born October 22, 1914 and had been a resident of Brownwood for 50 years.  He was a retired truck driver for Central Freight Lines and was a member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.  He was married to Ollie McNutt Ethridge on September 13, 1986 in Brownwood.

Survivors include his wife, Ollie Ethridge; a daughter, Juanita Aaron and husband Bobby; a stepson, Glen Bean and wife, Betty; a step-grandson, Tony Bean and wife Laura; a step-daughter, Judy McDorman; his step-sons, Wayne Moore and wife Terri, Mike Moore and wife Annette, and Travis Moore and wife Elise; and several ste-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Ethridge was preceded in death by his first wife, Linney Ethridge; a stepson, Joe Bean; and his son, David Lee Ethridge.

Mrs. Thelma Sue Ward, age 93, of McKinney, Texas, passed away December 17, 2005, in McKinney.  A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, December 20, 2005), in the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel with Dr. Jeff Warren officiating.  To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community North Baptist Church Building Fund, 401 Erwin Street, McKinney, Texas 75069.

She was born August 31, 1912, in Brown County, Texas, to Jesse and Febba (Selph) Snow.  She attended school in Echo, Lost Creek and Howard Payne College.  Mrs. Ward was a nurse for 22 years and a scientific-reflexology therapist.  She was an administrator for Leisure Lodge in Coleman, Texas, and won the "Friendliest Most Courteous" award in Borger, Texas.  She taught young people in Sunday School for 40 years and was an Outreach leader, and she was a member of First Baptist Church in McKinney.

She is survived by her children, Ed Rinn and wife, Marianne of McKinney, Texas, and Sue Locke and husband, Don of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; grandchildren, Ed Rinn, Jr. of Dallas, Texas, Angela Lowe and husband, Paul, and Carl Rinn all of McKinney, Starla Hixson of Allen, Texas, Sheila Watson and husband, Brad of California, and Sharon Dodson and husband, Tim of Kentucky; great-grandchildren, Nathan Lowe and Zachary Lowe of McKinney, Texas, Alissa Adkins and husband, Cole of Norfolk, Virginia, Jennifer Vicks and husband, Matt and Joshua Rinn all of Plano, Texas, Elizabeth Dodson, Rachel Watson, Tyler Dodson, Sarah Watson and Anna Watson; sister, Edna Moore of Coleman, Texas.

Her parents; two husbands; one child; five sisters; and two brothers preceded her in death.

Jeannine (Neenie) Sawyer of Brownwood passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2005.  Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 22nd, at Davis-Morris Funeral Home in Brownwood with interment to follow at Santa Anna Cemetery.

Born September 1, 1929 in Santa Anna, she was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Opal Stockard and her husband B. H. Sawyer.

Survivors include daughter, Karen Griffin and husband Jim of Frisco, Texas; son, Joe McCluskey and wife Luann; daughter, Lesa Sansom and husband Tommy and sons Mike and Billy Sawyer, all of Brownwood; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue Jeffrey of Albuquerque, Virginia Powell of Coleman and Beverly McFadden of San Angelo; and a brother, Leroy Stockard of Abilene.

Graveside funeral services for Margie Radle, 66, of Brownwood were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Pastor Art Allen officiating.  Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood was in charge of arrangements.  Mrs. Radle passed away on Monday, December 19, 2005 at Cross Country Nursing Home.

She was born on September 29, 1939 in Coleman County.  She was married to Charles H. Radle in Brownwood and was a lifelong resident of Brown and Coleman Counties.  Margie was a secretary for TWT Molding and a member of First United Methodist Church of Santa Anna.

Survivors include one son, Charlie Radle and wife Julie of Brownwood; and four grandchildren, Josh Radle, Acala Radle, Charlie Radle Jr. and Matthew Radle.

Dana Jan Meador Castleberry, age 42, died Monday, December 19, 2005 in Dallas.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel in Abilene with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Dana was born December 13, 1963 in Brownwood and graduated from Hawley High School.  She worked for Albertson’s on South 14th in Abilene for 13 years and was currently employed with Andy Anderson Van Lines.  She was a very active member of the South Abilene Softball Association.

Survivors include her husband, Randall Castleberry of Abilene; her children, Randa Dawn Castleberry, Stephanie Castleberry and Nicholas Castleberry, all of Abilene; her father and step-mother, Don and Jo Meador of Hawley; her mother, Mary Jane Meador of Abilene and mother, Doris Haak of Santa Anna; four sisters, Donna Dobbins of Santa Anna, Dena Jones of Hawley, Dawn Parvin of Tennessee and Stephanie Haak of Santa Anna; three brothers, Christopher Meador of Lynndale, Vernon Haak and Kenneth Haak, both of Wichita, Kansas; and one granddaughter, Hayley.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dana Meador Castleberry Benefit Fund,, account #01110012158 at First Financial Bank.

Eula Marie Bigham, 95, passed away December 20, 2005, in Crescent City.  Visitation for Eula Marie Bigham will be Tuesday noon to 5 p.m. at Wier's Mortuary Chapel.  Services will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Wier's Mortuary Chapel, with interment following at the IOOF Memorial Cemetery.

She was born June 9, 1910, in Cleveland Community, Coleman County, Texas to William Lee and Willie Stacy Baugh.  Mrs. Bigham was a past member of the Jesus Name Pentecostal Church and a 30-year owner/operator of a local retail store.  Eula enjoyed quilting things for her family, gardening and ceramics.  She lived for her family.

She is survived by sons Harvey Bigham of Crescent City, Donald Bigham of Crescent City and Bill Bigham of Eureka; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mrs Dick Baugh of Santa Anna, and many neices and nephews in this area.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Bigham; sons Jack and Bob; daughter Lareca Reynolds; four brothers, and seven sisters.

The family asks that any contributions be made to a favorite charity.  Arrangements are under the direction of Wier's Mortuary Chapel.

Mary Ruth Harris, age 94 of Dublin, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at Golden Age Manor in Dublin.  Graveside services were Friday, December 23, 2005 at Purves Liveoak Cemetery with Dean Bradley officiating.  Services were under the direction of Harrell Funeral Home in Dublin.

She was born Mary Ruth Boatright on November 3, 1911 in Lorena, Texas, the daughter of Walter Boatright and Florence Tolbert Boatright.  She married Olie L. Harris on November 6, 1934.  He preceded her in death on July 7, 1969.

She is survived by her brothers Howard Boatright of Midland, Jack Boatright of Dublin; her sisters, Wanda Austin of Arlington, Dorthea Stracener of Dublin; her special nephew and his wife, Ronald and Nancy Echols of San Antonio; numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins including local survivors, Louise McClellan, Bobbie Smith, Betty Day, Vernon Slate and Carrol W. Boatright all of Coleman, Ken Smith of Valera, Bill Conner of Santa Anna and Bettye Busbee of Rising Star.

Services for Mrs. Betty S. Jones, 77, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Gulfport, Mississippi and Memphis, were held, at the Hernando Funeral Home Chapel followed by burial at the Hernando Memorial Park Cemetery.  Mrs. Jones, a retired social worker and loving mother, died December 21, 2005 at the St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa.

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Hugo, Oklahoma and of the Rebecca Organization.

She is survived by her husband, Billy G. Jones of Tulsa; six daughters, Deana Anderson, Coleman, Texas, Naomi Ables, Burlington, Kentucky, Leomi Smith, Oxford, Mississippi, Sandy McGregor, Hernando, Billie Stanley, Gulfport, Mississippi and Ginger Beard of Tulsa, Oklahoma and one brother, Harold Slape of Dallas; 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Ruby June Henderson of Odessa, 75, died December 22, 2005 at her home.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday December 27, 2005 at Mission Dorado Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas with  Reverend Bob Bratcher officiating.  Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  There will be a Family Visitation Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Frank Wilson funeral home.  Arrangements are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

She was born on September 27, 1930 to E. A. Humphries and Earlene Swan Humphries in Pecos, Texas.  Ruby graduated from Santa Ana High School in Santa Anna, Texas in 1948.  She then married Fred C. Henderson on August 27, 1948 in her parent's home.  They just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past August.  Ruby was in partnership with her husband at Henderson Texaco (University and  Grandview), Bee Bee's  Fine Apparel (Midland and Odessa), then later real estate and  insurance.  Among her many talents she was also an accomplished artist, author and singer.  Blessing her family with precious memories through her creative talents.  Ruby was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, D. L. Sides. 

Ruby is survived by her loving family: husband, Fred; daughter and son-in-law, Candace and Ronnie Greenroad of Seminole,Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Donna Henderson of Plano, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Chryl and Fred Vestal of Odessa, Texas; step-mother, Hazel Humphries of Arlington,Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Mary Humphries of Merced, California; brother and sister-in-law, Buster and Cathy Humphries of Arlington, Texas; 10 Grandchildren; 4 Great Grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Henderson, Mark Henderson, Steve Henderson, Phil Henderson, Forrest Henderson, Tommy Johnson, Jeff Henderson, and Michael Henderson.

Cleo Christene Calhoon Carson died Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee.  West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements. She was laid to rest in the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee.

She was born July 5, 1950 in Coleman where she attended school.  In 1966, she moved to Brownwood where she graduated from high school.  She was a member of the United Pentecost Church and had worked 22 years at Tennessee Tufting (Springs Industry).

Survivors of Nashville, Tennessee are her husband, Donnie H. Carson; daughter, Amy Louise Carson; son, Johnnie Joe Carson of Sevierville, Tennessee; grandchildren of Nashville, Gary Forest Stoughton, Brittany Wallachia Stoughton and Alyssa Danielle Rena Dearforoff; brothers, Donnie Joe Calhoon of Coleman and James Edward Calhoon of Brownwood; sisters, Judy Oxford of Brownwood, Dorothy Blake of Nashville and June Hall of Brownwood; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Louise Tomlinson Calhoon; grandparents, Sam and Elizabeth Calhoon, Bert and Cumine Tomlinson and Joe Chrane.

Ella Brown, age 94, of Coleman, died Friday, December 23, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Patrick Bennett officiating.  Burial will follow in the Talpa Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Ella Pitts on January 10, 1911 in Mullin, Texas, a daughter of R. D. Pitts and Sally Dora Snow Pitts.  At age 5 she moved with her family to Talpa where she grew up and attended school.  On December 10, 1932 she married Joe Brown in Coleman and he preceded her in death on August 29, 1990.  Ella lived in the Dallas - Fort Worth area for many years before returning to Coleman several years ago where she resided at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  She was a Presbyterian.

Survivors include six children, Shirley Johnston of Santa Anna, Texas, Betty Thomas and husband Hyx of Coleman, Dorene Whitaker and husband Carl of Grand Prairie, Texas, James W. Brown and wife Doris of Garland, Texas, Becky Sierakowski and husband Robert of Saratoga, Wyoming, Judy Nachtigall and husband Ronny of Hico, Texas; one brother, J. D. Pitts of Odom, Texas; one half-brother, George Pitts and wife Peggy of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Jay Brown, and a daughter, Sally Brown; one grandchild and one great- grandchild.

Family visitation will he held on Monday, December 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Clara Cupps, age 84, of Trickham, Texas passed away Saturday December 24, 2005 at 10:10 a.m. at the Songbird Lodge in Brownwood.  Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Cleveland Church of Christ with Jack Bryant and Jeffrey Brooke officiating.  Interment will follow at the Cleveland Cemetery directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Clara was born July 18, 1921 in Coleman County, one of thirteen children to the late August Ernest and Rose Genz.  She was raised in Coleman County where she attended the Santa Anna Schools.  On November 24, 1937 Clara married Rachel William Cupps in Santa Anna and they celebrated sixty-three years of marriage.  R. W. preceded her in death in 2000.  Clara was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where she was a member of the Cleveland Church of Christ and Trickham and Cleveland Quilting Clubs.  She was a homemaker and wrote the Cleveland News for Santa Anna News from 1972 to 1982.

Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn and husband Ernest Covey of Lake Brownwood, Texas; Patsy and husband Brown Brooke of Coleman, Texas; one son, Billy Don and wife Diane Cupps of Beaumont, Texas; one sister, Lucille Teeters of Bangs, Texas; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by four sisters and seven brothers.

Wayne L. Cagle, age 86, of Coleman, died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 24, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating.  Burial will follow in the Winchell Cemetery, Brown County, Texas, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Wayne was born June 29, 1919 in Cherry Hill, Arkansas, a son of Plez and Edna McBee Cagle.  He grew up in Arkansas and attended school there.  Wayne lived in Brownwood for a number of years where he worked as the Materials Manager at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  On May 26, 1984 he married Sybil Watson in Coleman and had resided here since that time.  He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sybil Cagle of Coleman; one son, Gerald Cagle of Mobile, Alabama; two daughters, Faye Macik of Elkhart, Indiana and Donna Buchanon of Orland Park, Illinois; three step-children, Becky Ellison and David Watson both of Waco, Texas and Doug Watson of Salt City, Utah; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Edina Martin of Mabank, Texas, Sara Brooks of Tye, Texas, Mary Berry of Salado, Texas and Jane Egger of Brownwood, Texas.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, Willie Cagle, Raymond Cagle, Gene Cagle and Pauline Whitley.

Family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A. B. Harris, Jr. 81 of McCamey, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2005 in the McCamey Convalescent Center.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Earl Richardson Officiating.  Burial will be held at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2005 at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home of McCamey.

Mr. Harris was born on August 12, 1924 in Burkett, Texas.  He had lived in McCamey since 1979, moving from San Antonio.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.  He retired from the military, serving the Navy and the Army in World War II and Korea, with rank of Sgt. 1st Class.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Harris on December 7, 1977.

He is survived by his two sons, Allen B. Harris of McCamey, and Rocky Harris and his wife Kathy of Killeen, Texas; a daughter, Tenia Idell and husband James, Sr. of McCamey; two sisters, Lorene Gray and Erma Tomlinson both of Coleman, Texas; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Vollygean Johnson Pepper, age 73, of Angel Fire, New  Mexico (formerly of Mississippi County, Missouri, passed  from this earth on December 25, 2005, at St. Vincent Hospital, Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Our  beloved Mother and friend has gone to be with her Lord.  Funeral services will be held today (Thursday December 29, 2005) at 10 a.m. in the Shelby Chapel with Bro. Mike Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery near East Prairie.  Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie, Missouri is in charge of arrangements.  The family requests that memorials be made to the Moreno Valley Church of Christ, Eagle Nest, New Mexico.

She was born July 6, 1933 in Mississippi County, Missouri  to the late Narvel "Bob" and Bessie Elizabeth Estes Johnson.  She attended school at Dorena, Anniston and  East Prairie, Missouri.  On December 22, 1951, she married A. J. Pepper of Brownwood, Texas.  They were married 25 years.  She was an active member of the Moreno Valley Church of Christ.  She was a homemaker, caregiver and a Certified Nurses Aide.  She  lived at the Angel Fire Apartments, where she was known  as "Grandma" to everyone.  Ms. Pepper was an excellent cook and seamstress.  She sewed for the  public and baked bread.  She didn't ask for much, but gave everything she had.  She loved the mountains and outdoor activities, especially fishing with her grandkids.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Narvel "Bob"  Johnson and Bessie Elizabeth Estes Johnson; two brothers, W. T. Johnson and a baby brother, Shannon, all of East Prairie, Missouri.

Survivors include three daughters, Veda and Gene Christian  of Coleman, Texas, Monda and husband Donnie Milton of  Denver City, Texas, Bobbie and husband Howard Preston of  Brownwood, Texas; three sons, Joe Pepper of Angel Fire, New Mexico, Jimmie Pepper of Brownwood, Texas and Jay Pepper of Eagle  Nest, New Mexico; one sister, Faustine Hatley of East Prairie, Missouri; seven granddaughters, Becky, Tonya, Angie, Mandy, Anastasia, Monica and Jazmine; and  three grandsons, Cody, Aaron and Ryan; four great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons.  She is also survived by two nieces and three nephews, Joyce, Pam, Bobbie Wayne, Neal and Digger, all of Missouri; four great nieces and six great nephews; two great-great nieces and five great-great nephews; and one great-great-great  nephew.  Ms. Pepper is also survived by many cousins and friends, especially the Pinkerton family of Phoenix,  Arizona.

Alford England, age 79 of Tuscola, died Monday, December 26, 2005 at Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center in Abilene.  Graveside services with Military Honors will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Paul Blankenship officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.

He was born Alford England on February 2, 1926 in Coleman, the son of Robert Lee England and Lucretia Bailey England.  He grew up and attended school in Coleman.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in the Naval Reserves for 11 years.  He married Patsy Price on August 17, 1947 in Coleman.  She preceded him in death on September 22, 2001.  After working for Southwestern Bell for 23 years, Alford retired and moved to Tuscola.  He was a member of the Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Al’An England Kesler and husband Michael, of Tuscola, Traci Kai England of Abilene; one sister, Lucretia Lockett of Big Spring; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Annabelle and Elvis Seleman of The Woodlands, Joe Sealy and Deenie Price of Crosby, Fran Price of Houston; three grandchildren, Austin England Kesler and Braden Del Kesler both of Tuscola, Kyla Kelco of Clarkston, Michigan; two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Kara Kelco of Clarkston, Michigan and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, Ralph England, Sudie Wilkins, Malcolm England, Aaron England, Calvin England, Dorothy Johnson and Blanche Green.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Raymond Bates, age 86 of Bluffton, Texas, died Wednesday, December 27, 2005 at Care Inn of Llano.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2005 at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion in Santa Anna, Texas.  Funeral services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.

He was born Raymond Felix Bates on April 26, 1919 in Franklin, Texas, the son of Jack Bates and Ada Pipin Bates.  He grew up and attended school in Santa Anna.  He served in the United States Army during World War II.  He married Lula Mae Waldon on January 10, 1939 in Santa Anna.  She preceded him death on January 10, 1990.  He later married Robbie Martin.  She also preceded him in death.  Raymond moved to west Texas in 1939 and later to Andrews in 1955.   He worked for Haliburton for many years and retired in 1976 as Camp Manager.  He later worked as a consultant for Vogel Independent Oil Corporation for several years and was a member of Buchanan West Baptist Church at Buchanan Dam, Texas.

Survivors include one son, Don Bates of Bluffton, Texas; one granddaughter, Jamie Bates of Andrews; two great- granddaughters, Jessica Bates and Breanna Bates, both of Odessa and one great-grandson, Dennis Bates of Midland; one granddaughter-in-law, Debbie Bates of Odessa.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Mark Bates.

Edde May Abbe Faubion, age 82, of Coleman, died Thursday, December 29, 2005 in Coleman.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Hetzel officiating.  Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Edde May was born September 12, 1923 in Temple, Texas, a daughter of Charles S. Puett and Flo Gladys White Puett.  She grew up in Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School.  In 1942 she married Bill R. Abbe and he preceded her in death in 1993.  While living in Dallas, Edde May was an insurance supervisor for Marsh and McLennan for 16 years.  After retiring she moved to Arizona and then to Coleman in 1996.  In 1997 she married Carl Faubion and he preceded her in death in 2001.  She was a member of the Coleman Hospital Auxiliary and the First United Methodist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include two daughters, Shariann Wallis and husband Dub of Coleman, Texas and Jeannette Alexander and husband Gene of Bedford, Texas; step-children, Danny Faubion and wife LaWanda of Midland, Texas and Charlotte McQueen and husband Pat of Early, Texas; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. 

Memorials may be made to the Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary, 310 S. Pecos, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.  Family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Lee Spruiell Anderson,  95 years of age, a lifetime resident of Coleman and Coleman County passed away on December 30, 2005 in Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Brown Ranch Cemetery with Rev. James Posey officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

Born October 21, 1910 in Shields, Texas, he was the son of the late George Washington and Mary Gregory Anderson.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.  Spruiell had worked for Coleman ISD and Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

He is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Lorene and R. B. Rutherford, Louise and John Montgomery and Donna and Larry Johnson, all of Coleman, Sharon and Ron Wells of Cassoday, Kansas and Lanell and Bobby Morgan of Grapevine, Texas; one son, Weldon "Shorty" Anderson of  Coleman; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Charles Lee "Charlie" Johnson, age 58, of Waxahachie died Friday evening, December 30, 2005 in Dallas.  Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006 in the Chapel of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home.  Interment followed in the Rough Creek Cemetery in Novice, Texas.  Arrangements were under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

He was born June 19, 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Lee and Iris Johnson.  Charlie graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1965 and served in the National Guard for 12 years.  He worked for Owens Corning for the last 39 years.  Charlie was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

He is survived by his wife Annette; children, Corey Lee Johnson and his wife Christi of Novice, Texas and Christopher Johnson of Waxahachie; two grandchildren, Hunter and Ethan Johnson of Novice, Texas; his  mother, Iris Johnson of Waxahachie; brother, Brett Johnson and his wife Cindy of Humble, Texas; sister, Ami Jo Ranton of Waxahachie and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lee A. Johnson in 1991.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Scottish Rite Children¹s Hospital.  To view an online obituary or leave the family a personal tribute, visit the funeral home¹s web site at www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Richard Rochester Lee was born in Fort Worth, Texas on September 20, 1924 to his parents, Robert Edward Lee and Charlotte Rochester Lee.  The Lee family, including Richard, brother Robert Edward Lee, Jr. and sister Anne Lee moved to Coleman, Texas where his father worked as an independent oil operator.  He graduated from Coleman High School in May 1941 and attended the University of Texas, Austin, Texas from September 1941 until January 1943 when he entered the United States Army Air Corps.  He graduated from the U.S. Army Air Corps Flight School at Marfa, Texas on April 15, 1944.  He trained in South Carolina, Nebraska and Illinois in B-52’s and C-47’s.  Richard served in China, Burma and India flying C-47’s across the ("Hump") Himalayan Mountains from December 1944 to October 1945 with the 1st Air Command Group.  He received the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the American Theater Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal.  Richard received an Honorary Discharge from the Army Air Corps in November 1946 at the rank of Captain.

Following the Korean War, Richard returned to Coleman and was employed by Coleman Mutual Life Insurance Company in July 1952.  In 1955 Richard helped organize Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.  In 1955 the company was merged with Coleman Mutual Life Insurance Company and sold in February 1964 to the Halliburton Company of Dallas, Texas.  Richard and his family moved to Dallas in August of 1967.  He became President and Chief Executive Officer of Life of the Southwest in March 1969 and retired from Life of the Southwest in 1989.  Under Richard’s leadership, L.O.S.W. flourished and achieved an "A+" industry ranking.  Richard was also active in the insurance industry serving as President of the Texas Legal Reserve Officials Association and as a member of the Texas Insurance Guaranty Board. 

Richard was well known as active outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and camping.  He was known and recognized in the Central Texas areas of Coleman, Brown and Callahan counties for developing guided dove hunting on a professional, profitable basis.  He organized "Executive Hunts" in 1990 and subsequently "Executive Outfitters" which has served as the standard for safe, high-quality guided hunting for doves and other species within the Central Texas area.  Executive Outfitters was sold in January 2001 at which time Richard retired, although he continued to serve as a consultant to the company until his death.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Cobb Lee, two sons, Richard Rochester Lee, Jr. and Samuel R. Lee, both of Dallas, five grandchildren; Austin Talbott Lee, Parker Allen Lee, Meredith Marie Lee, Robert (Bobby) McKinsey Lee and Shauna Martin, and two great grandchildren, Ryan and Samantha Martin.  He is also survived by his sister Anne Lee of Dallas.

Richard donated his body to Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Texas 4-H Center on Lake Brownwood, TX, RR1 Box 527, Brownwood, Texas 76801, phone 800-432-8342, (325) 784-5482 or The Coleman County Youth Activity Center, 100 Commercial Avenue, Coleman, Texas 76834.  Arrangements were handled with Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.