Rebecca Jane Medlin, age 81, a long time resident of Odessa, passed away Friday, February 3, 2006 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. today (Tuesday) at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Odessa with Rev. Laura Deaderick officiating.  Services entrusted to Hubbard - Kelly Funeral Home.

She was born October 2,1924, to James and Maud (Cook) Harris in Bangs, Texas.  She was a teacher and counselor for Ector County Independent School District and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Survivors include her sons, James Medlin of Los Angeles, California, Charles W. Medlin and Robert Vance Medlin, both of Houston, Texas; and one grandson, West Medlin of Austin.

Jeff “Bucky” Buxkemper, 48, of Voss, formerly of Winters, died last Friday in a Coleman hospital.  Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 6, at the First Baptist Church in Winters with the Rev. Barry Taylor officiating.  Burial followed in the Pumphrey Cemetery.

He was born October 31, 1957, in Winters and grew up there.  He married Leah Pendergrass June 2, 1984, in Winters.  He was an oil field pumper.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing poker.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Leah Buxkemper of Voss; one daughter, Randi Larissa Buxkemper of Stephenville; parents Sue and James Spill of Winters; grandfather Doyle Pumphrey of Winters; two brothers, Rodney Buxkemper of Norton and Steven Spill of Canyon City, Colo.; and two sisters, Suzanne Spill of Winters and Lucy Glenn of Austin.

Jerry Parker, a Wyoming state legislator, college football standout, entrepreneur and educator, died February 4 in St. George, Utah.  He was 77.  The viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crandall Funeral Home, 800 Uinta Street, Evanston.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Masonic services will be conducted graveside.

Mr. Parker was born February 26, 1928 in Coleman, Texas, to Oscar and Myrtle Parker and was one of three children.  He married his life-long partner, Charlene Brixey of Cortez, Colorado, in 1952.  Mr. Parker attended San Angelo Junior College on a football scholarship, and he was named to the All-American Team in 1948.  He was recruited by the University of Wyoming in 1949, and in 1950 he played on the undefeated Gator Bowl championship team; he and his teammates were named to the Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.  He turned down several offers to play in the NFL to pursue a career in education.    He earned his bachelor’s of science and master’s degrees in education and administration while attending UW.  After a short stint teaching and coaching in Cortez, Mr. Parker became football coach and principal at Big Piney High School.  He moved to Evanston in 1958, where he worked for Uinta County School District as a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent of schools.  Among his numerous educational and athletics accolades were his inductions into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Wyoming Sports Officials Hall of Fame, of which he was part of the inaugural class of inductees, also in 1992.  He won the Wyoming Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award in 1995.  He was also cited as one of the first administrators to push for equality in girls and boys sports.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his brother, Tom Parker of San Antonio, Texas; four children, Penni Malody of Laramie, Bruce and Becky Parker of Casper, Jerri Parker of Green River and Tricia and Don Dinnel of Evanston; and seven grandchildren, Jake Sherlock, Jessee Parker, Dusty Dinnel, Matthew Parker, Kaila Dinnel and Aaron Parker.

Mr. Parker is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Bolton.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mr. Parker’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103.

Sam W. Alford, age 74, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at an Abilene medical center.  Graveside services were held on Wednesday, February 8th at 1:00 p.m. in Elmwood Memorial Park officiated by Rev. Mike Jones.  Elliott - Hamil Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Sam was born October 26, 1931, in Gouldbusk, Texas, the son of Lawrence and Maybelle Alford.  He served in the U.S. Air Force and moved from Fort Worth to Abilene 40 years ago.  Sam retired from Civil Service at Dyess Air Force Base in 1989 after 35 years.  He was a Life Member of VFW Post 6873.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Abilene; one daughter, Theresa Taft and husband, Joe, of Eldridge, Iowa; two grandchildren, Jamie Taft of College Station, Texas and Scott Taft of Eldridge, Iowa; and one brother, Venice Alford and wife, Marilyn, of Jacksonville, Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 41, Abilene, Texas 79604.

MULESHOE:  A memorial service for James Robert (Bob) Prather, 95, of Plainview, Texas (former Coleman resident and restaurant owner) is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2006 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel, Muleshoe with Don Prather, nephew, of Jefferson, Texas and George Michael Garmon of Plainview officiating.  Burial will be in Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery.  Mr. Prather died February 5, 2006 at his residence in Plainview.

He was born June 26, 1910 in Hollis, Oklahoma.  On December 22, 1932, he married Joyce Julian in Clovis, New Mexico.  Joyce preceded Mr. Prather in death on May 14, 1997.  Mr. Prather was then married to Jean Johnson on January 3, 1990.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers.  Mr. Prather was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Coleman.  He was one of the first graduates of Lazbuddie High School.  He was a member of the V.F.W. and the secretary of his Sunday school class.  Mr. Prather was the owner and operator of drive-in restaurants.  He served his country in the Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Prather of Plainview; step-son, David Wood of Crowley, Texas; two step-daughters, Deanie Lilley of Taylor, Texas and Donna Baker of Jinotega, Nicaragua; a sisters, Mary Gililland of Dalhart; six step grandchildren; seven step-greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Area Community Hospice, Inc., 3109 Ofton Road, Plainview, Texas 79072, or the donor’s choice of charity.

Ada Lois Williamson, 84, a former missionary, teacher and homemaker, died Tuesday, February 7, 2006 in Burleson.   Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church of Crowley.  Burial will follow at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington under the direction of Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home of Burleson.  Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, R. L."Tucker" and Mallie Newman; brother, Alvin Newman and husband, Osler C. Williamson.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Judson and Brenda Williamson; daughters and sons-in-law, June and Reggie Williams and Arlene and Chris Oliver; sister, Veoma Fields-Walker; grandsons, Blake, Heath, Bryce and Byron; granddaughter, Beth and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to International Missions through your local church or Community Hospice of Texas.

James Morris Byerly, 65, of Haltom City, Texas passed away February 7, 2006 in Fort Worth.  Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Friday) in Fort Worth.

James was born in Coleman on September 10, 1940 and was a graduate of Coleman High School.  He was a retired mechanic with John Deere Company.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia; his mother, Beatrice Byerly of Austin, Texas; five children, Jeannette, Lisa, Mindy, John and Mindy; four sisters and one brother, Carylon Howell of Dripping Springs, Texas, Sandy Jones of Austin, Texas, Betty Harrison of Crowley, Texas, Dennis Byerly of San Angelo, Texas and Kathryn Schneider of Stephenville, Texas; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Claude Roland Dunn, 87, of Abilene passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2006.  No services are planned.  Arrangements were handled by North’s Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street, Abilene.

Mr. Dunn was born October 20, 1918 in Stacy, Texas, to Augustus and Maggie Dunn.  He married Frances Rabon on September 18, 1938.  They moved to Abilene in 1941.  He served in the United Stales Navy Seabees from 1943-1945.  He worked as an agent for Merchants and Red Arrow Freight Lines for many years.  He was a member of the Melvin Baptist Church and a member of the VFW Post 6873.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; two sons, Ronnie Dunn and wife Judy of Mineral Wells, Texas and Don Dunn and wife Patty of Abilene; one daughter, Barbara Singleterry and husband Dale of Sanger, Texas; five grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.  Condolences can be left online at www.northsfuneralhome.com.

Mary Perdue, age 72 of Coleman and former Brownwood resident, died Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at her residence.  Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February, 11, 2006 at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

She was born Mary Ann Stiff, the daughter of William Paul Stiff and Lela Belle Simmons Stiff, on October 8, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama.  She grew up and attended school in Birmingham.  In 1976, she married Emory Horace Perdue in Dallas.  He preceded her in death on April 28, 2000.  Mrs. Perdue moved to Coleman five years ago from Brownwood.  She was a housewife and a member of Sunset Baptist Church in Brownwood.

Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Quinn of Coleman; a son, Charles Allen Golden of Belton; a sister, Peggy Zundel of Royce City, eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Nancy Prebble Gregory age 87 of Coleman, Texas passed from this life on Wednesday February 8, 2006 at 4:15 p.m. at Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman.  Services will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Interment will follow at the Rockwood Cemetery directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Nancy was born on January 21, 1918 in Coleman to the late Dave E. and Byrd Cummins Arnold.  She attended the West Ward and Coleman High School before moving to Rockwood in 1933 where she graduated from Rockwood High School in 1935.  Nancy continued her education at Draughon’s Business College in Abilene.  She married Stanley H. Gregory who preceded her in death in 1951.  Nancy resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the New Mexico State Highway Department in Santa Fe.  Upon moving to Arlington, Texas she worked in the accounting department of Jet Research Center an affiliate of Holliburton until retiring in 1980 when she returned to Coleman.   Nancy was a member of the Methodist Church. 

Survivors include two step-daughters, Ann Jones of Wake Village, Texas, and Ora Lee Thompson of Gladewater, Texas; a sister, Frances and husband Keith Featherston of Snyder, Texas; a brother, Richard and wife Hearthal Arnold of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

HALTOM CITY - The Rev. Elmer L. Kelley, 82, was reunited with his beloved wife, Faye, in the arms of God on Saturday, February, 11, 2006.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Mount Olivet Chapel, with burial to follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.

Elmer was born October 25, 1923, in Coleman to Ollie and Blanche Kelley.  He served his country proudly during World War II in the Army Air Corps.  Elmer has been God's servant for over 55 years and preached the Gospel of Christ until he met his appointment with his Master and Savior.  Elmer touched the lives of every one he met and was greatly loved and respected.

His wife of over 60 years, Faye, passed away in July 2002.  Elmer was also preceded in death by a son, Douglas; a daughter, Margie; and a sister, Dorothy.

Survivors include his children: Jo Ann Bassett and husband, Joe; Eva Ward and husband, David: Mary Baker and husband, Richard: Steven Kelley, Martha Rushing, Judy Boots and Becky Haire; siblings, Jack Kelley, Pauline Ellison, Jimmy Kelley and wife, Helen; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Lavonna Kilgore.

Funeral services for Flora May "Flossie" Gatlin, 83, of Goldthwaite were 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 15th at the Stacy-Wilkins Chapel in Goldthwaite.  Burial followed in the Rock Springs Cemetery in Mills County, under the direction of Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home.  Mrs. Gatlin died Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Goldthwaite Senior Health Center.

She was born on October 21, 1922 in Coleman to Orville Stevens and Betty Murphy Stevens.  On January 8, 1946, she was married to Haskell (Hack) Gatlin.

Survivors include one daughter, Rita Berry of Goldthwaite; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Clifford Stevens of Coleman; one sister, Grace Casey of Coleman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wanda Anderson, age 79, passed away Monday, February 13, 2006 in Abilene at The Oaks at Radford Hills.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with Bill Armstrong officiating, assisted by Max Evans.  Burial will follow in the Cross Plains Memorial Cemetery.

She was born January 5, 1927 in Cross Plains to Ben and Loma (Irvin) Atwood.  She graduated from Cross Plains High School.  Wanda married Darwin Anderson in Coleman on May 30, 1946.  She was a housewife and mother and a Baptist.

She is survived by her daughter, Vanda Anderson of Cross Plains; three sisters, Billie Patterson of Albany, Jane Hughes of Midland and Joe Watson of Abilene; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Mr. Leroy Robinson Sr., age 58 of Coleman, passed away February 14, 2006 at his residence.  Funeral services will be Tuesday February 21th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Eddie R. Hays, Jr. officiating and burial to follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Born April 17, 1947 in Greenwood, Mississippi, he was the son of Eva Mae Davis and the late J. T. Robinson.  A Coleman County resident for most of his life, Leroy was a plumber and electrical assistant.  He was preceded in death by his father, three sisters, and one brother.

He leaves to mourn his mother Eva Mae Davis of Coleman; one son Leroy Robinson, Jr.; three sisters, Lennie Grice of Greenwood, Mississippi; Marlyon Robinson of Coleman, and Ruby Lewis of Coleman; one brother, Percy Robinson of Coleman, and a host of relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Percy Robinson, Lavell Robinson, Quincy Robinson, Mosezear Randolph, Jr., and Josh Lewis.  Honorary pallbearers will be Ollie Robinson, Norris Lewis, and Glen Cowyin.  The family will receive friends Monday February 20th from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Alvin L. Bostick, 77,  passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, at a Plano medical center.  Funeral service was 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Ridglea United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, the Rev. Danny Tenney officiating.  Graveside service was 2:30 p.m. Friday in Exray Cemetery, Erath County.

Mr. Bostick was born March 26, 1928, in San Angelo to Jack and Willie Jean Bostick.  He married Viola Ruth Fulfer in 1955, in Fort Worth.  Mr. Bostick retired from Lockheed Martin, formerly General Dynamics, as an engineer, in 1993.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.  Alvin lived in Rockwood, Texas from 1929 until he graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1945.  He attended Tarleton State University for two years prior to his military service.  His father, Jack Bostick was employed with the US Postal Service as a Rural Route Carrier until he transferred to the Coleman area in the late 1940's.  His mother, Willie, worked in Grammar¹s Department Store while they lived in Coleman.

Mr. Bostick was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Viola Bostick, in 2003.

Survivors include sons, Joe L. Bostick and wife, Brenda, of Cleburne and Jim R. Bostick and wife, Kathy, of Plano; granddaughters, Rebecca, Kristin and Kimberly; brother, Ed Bostick and wife, Betty, of Henderson; a host of nephews, nieces and  other relatives; and special friends, Steve and Wanda Spriggs and David, Simone and Cameron Wright.

Mrs. Julia de la Rosa DeAnda, 97 years of age, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas.  She was a former resident of Coleman.  Her funeral was at 1:00 p.m. Monday at All Saints Catholic Church in Fort Worth with burial at Greenwood Memorial Park and rosary was at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Greenwood Chapel.

Julia was born April 30, 1908 in Del Rio, Texas and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Fort Worth.  She was also a member of the Guadalupañas and the Gursillistas.  Mrs. DeAnda lived in the Coleman area until the early 1960¹s when she moved to Fort Worth to be near her children.  She had been an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Coleman.  She was very much loved and cared for by her family and will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ramon DeAnda; her children, Ray DeAnda, Elma Ramirez, Jesse DeAnda, Abel DeAnda and Olivia Arredondo; her parents, Cecilio and Maria R. de la Rosa; her seven siblings (formerly of the Coleman and Santa Anna area), Juanita Lopez, Dolores Martinez, Manualita de la Rosa, Luz Galindo, Felix, Franciso, Jesus (Chuy), Joe, Sr. (Chama); and several nieces and nephews all of the Coleman area.

She is survived by her children, Alexander, Raymond and Celia de la Rosa and Gilbert DeAnda all of Fort Worth, and Lily Juarez of Wichita Falls; her brother, Norberto de la Rosa of Coleman; 237 grandchildren; several great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews from the Coleman, Santa Anna and Brownwood area.

Mr. Joe Dean Carnes, age 73 of Coleman, passed away February 16, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral services will be Saturday February 18th at 2 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday the 17th at the funeral home.

Son of the late Jesse Clifton and Mary Belle Crutcher Carnes, he was born in Crossroads Coleman County.  A Coleman High School graduate, Joe went on to serve in the United States Army 24th Division from June 1, 1953 to April 23, 1955.  He was stationed in Korea from September 1953 until June of 1955.  Joe went to work for the Texas Highway Department in April of 1957 and retired from the engineering department in November of 1991 after 35 years of service.  He married Miss Edith Creek on March 15, 1957 in Coleman.

Joe is survived by his wife, Edith Carnes of Coleman; one daughter, Marsha and husband Bob Ray of Coleman; one sister, Dorothy and husband Edward McCarley of San Angelo; one brother Raymond and wife Dorothy Carnes of Coleman; two grandchildren Ashley Vinson and husband Justin and Mitchel Ray and wife Becca all of Mineral Wells, Texas; and four great-grandchildren, Ivie, Blane, Grant and Brady all of Mineral Wells.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joe Flores, 76, died Thursday, February 16, 2006 at an Abilene hospital.  Prayer service was held at 7 p.m. Friday at Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope.  Funeral mass was 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Abilene.  Burial followed in the Abilene Municipal Cemetery.

Joe was born in Ballinger, Texas on April 22, 1929 to Andres and Natividad Flores.  He married Irene Suniga on July 3, 1950.  He was a roofer for 50 years and was a member of St. Frances Catholic Church.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his brothers, Alfredo “Pelon” Flores, Pete “Raton” Flares, Jose Luis “Butchie” Flores; his mother, Natividad Villarreal and step-father Domingo Villarreal.

He is survived by his children, David and Janie Flores, Robert and Debi Flores, Lupe Ann and Dale Connally, Deborah and George Rodriguez, all of Abilene and Nick and Claudia Flores of Merkel; one brother, Nicholas Flares of Utah; two sisters, Carmen Diaz and Delores “Lola” McLamore; three step-sisters, Josie Cisneros at of Abilene, Geneva Villarreal of Lubbock and Juanita Moreno of California; three step-brothers, Pascueel Villarreal of California, Rodolfo Villarreal of Coleman and Domingo Villarreal of Abilene; 23 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Xavier “Speedy” Flores, Omar Flores, Anthony Flores, John Ramirez, Antonio Tijerina and James Connally.

Bobby Ray Allcorn went to be with the Lord Saturday, February 18, 2006.  Funeral services have been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, February 21, 2006) at Bellview Baptist Church with Reverend Myron Unruh officiating.  Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.  Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701, 432-683-5555.  Memorials may be directed to Bellview Baptist Church, 1710 N. Big Spring, Midland, Texas 79701.

He was born April 12, 1952 in Coleman, Texas.  He moved to Midland in August 1979 and was a loyal employee of Ortloff Engineers since that time.  Bobby was a devoted husband and father.  He enjoyed spending time with his extended family and was looking forward to working on his "Ponderosa."  Bobby was a faithful member of Bellview Baptist Church, was active in the adult choir and served on the transportation committee for a number of years.  He taught RAs, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.  His desire was to lead children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Lena Allcorn, father-in-law, Irl A. Welch, and sister-in-law, Sharlene Forsythe.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Juanita Allcorn of Midland, Texas; sons, Charlie Worcester and fiancée, Charity, Christopher, Jeffery and Corey Allcorn, all of Midland, Texas; his father, Robert Allcorn of Coleman, Texas; his brothers, Ricky Allcorn and wife, Judy, Jimmy Don Allcorn and wife, Michelle, Gary Allcorn, all of Coleman, Texas; and Larry Allcorn of Houston, Texas; sister, Deborah Isbell of Coleman, Texas.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Maedell Welch of Midland, Texas; brothers-in-law, Mack Worcester and wife, Becky, of Midland, Texas; Clayton Worcester and wife, Terry, of Kalama, Washington; and Ricky Jackson of Midland, Texas; sisters-in-law, Joyce McCormick and husband, Gary, of Plainview, Texas; and Janette Worcester of Midland, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruthie Kelley, age 78, of Coleman, died Sunday, February 19, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral service be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruthie Kelley was born May 9, 1927 in Taylor County, Texas.  Her parents were O. R. Irwin and Bunnie Ruth Gray.  Most of her life she did ranch work and moved to Coleman in 1981.

Survivors include one half-brother, Wesley "Bud" Irwin of California; one son, Mark Leverett; niece and nephew, Dorothy Helen Wright and James Irwin both of Coleman.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sherri Ward, in 1983 and by a half-brother, Jay Irwin in 2004.

Mural Calhoon, age 85 of Coleman, passed away February 21, 2006 at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be Friday at 2 pm at the North Coleman Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Roberts officiating and burial to follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Son of the late Oscar Waterson and Nancy Ida McQueen Calhoon, he was born May 9, 1920 in Talpa.  On April 26, 1947 he married Fannie Mae Steffey in Santa Anna.  A Coleman County resident for all but 26 years, in which he resided in Clyde.  Mural was a veteran of World War II, a Baptist, and a retired postal worker.

He is survived by his wife, Fannie Mae of Coleman; Texas; and son, Robert and wife Judy Calhoon of Clyde; daughter, Nancy and husband Urban DeLima of Leander.  Also surviving are three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 23rd from 6-7 at the funeral home.

Mr. Jerry Parks, age 69 of Coleman, passed away February 23, 2006 at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services will be Saturday February 25th at 11 a.m. at the Silver Valley Cemetery with the Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Son of the late Elmer Lee and Lillie Mae Williams Parks, he was born March 29, 1936 in Oklahoma.  Jerry was a mechanic and a Christian.

He is survived by one daughter, Jo Ellen Parks of New Mexico; two sons, Donnie Parks of Beeville, and Matthew Wayne Parks of Coleman; two sisters, Shirlie Staggs of Silver Valley, and Roland and Regenia Barnett of Silver Valley; and four brothers, Truman Parks of Dublin, Jack Parks of Oklahoma, Delmer Parks of Bangs, and Lloyd Parks of Coleman.  Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Elmer Lee Parks; two sisters, Velma Mae Isbell and Minnie Louise Hyman; and three brothers, Bennie, Raymond, and Vernon Parks.

The family will receive friends on Friday February 24th from 6-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Erika M. Bucholz, 84, of Coleman County, died Thursday, February 23, 2006 at her residence.  Her body was cremated.  Arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home.

Erika M. Bucholz was born March 4, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Julius Ehrhardt and Marie Nerbel Ehrhardt.  She grew up in Brooklyn and attended school there.  From 1949 until 1995 she lived in Downey, California where she was a real estate broker.  She moved to Coleman County in 1995.

Survivors include one son, Walter Hale of Downey, California; four grandchildren, Eric Hale, Darren Hale, Nicole Hale and Darrick Hale; one brother, Walter Ehrhardt of Maryland.

She was preceded in death by a son, Arthur Hale, in 2004.

Mary Frances Kilborn, 88, of Coleman, died Friday, February 24, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 26 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating and assisted by Dr. Jeff Miller.  Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.

Mary Frances Kilborn was born January 27, 1918 in Altus, Oklahoma, the only child of Walter Alee Woods and Ethel Vetera Young Woods.  She grew up in Bowie, Texas, graduated high school there and attended business college.  On October 21, 1945 she married Charles E. Kilborn in Fort Worth, Texas.  During their marriage, they lived in Fort Worth and Breckenridge before moving to Coleman in 1966.  Mary Frances worked for the United States Employment Service in Fort Worth and was a legal secretary for Judge Robert E. Bowers in Breckenridge.  After moving to Coleman, she was a member of First Baptist Church, the Esther Sunday School Class and the Home Demonstration Club.

Survivors include her husband, Charles E. Kilborn of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Charles Stanley Kilborn, Sr. and Dannielle of Lubbock, Texas; two grandchildren, Charles Stanley Kilborn, Jr. and wife Marie Claire of Lubbock, Texas and Kara Prince and husband Keith of Grand Forks, North Dakota; three great-grandchildren, Jade Kilborn, Wade Kilborn, Kenna Prince. 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Family visitation will be held on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Billie (Bill) Russell Strickland, age 76, died Friday, February 24, 2006 at  Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.  Funeral services were 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2006 at Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with David Wallace officiating; burial followed in the Burkett Cemetery.

Born June 6, 1929 in Burkett to, the late Tom and Ollie (Zirkle) Strickland, he passed away peacefully with his family by his side.  He was a life long resident of Burkett and married Joyce Wright on June 29, 1946 in Cross Plains and they had four children.  Joyce preceded him in death on February 11, 1994.  Bill was an active member of the Burkett Church of Christ for 45 years.  He retired from oil field drilling in 1979 and began farming and ranching.  He then married Shirley Hunter on June 6, 2003.  He was a well known HAM operator.  Bill was a great historian of Burkett, Coleman County and Callahan County.  The history of Burkett will never be forgotten because of his knowledge and many stories.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of Burkett; sons, Randy Strickland and wife Deana of Cross Plains; Sam (Bo) Strickland and wife Stephanie of Burkett; daughter, Jan Baker and husband Ken of Burkett; step-sons, Randy Hunter and wife Sandy of Abilene; Ken Hunter and wife Terri of Coleman; sisters; Mary Hightower of Cisco; Tootie Rhodes of Breckenridge; brothers, Sonny Strickland of Doss; Eddie Strickland of Burkett; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce, son Jerry, and two brothers Tom and Jack.

Pete Golson, age 87, passed away Friday, February 24, 2006 at the Rising Star Nursing Center.  Funeral services were 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2006 at the Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with Max Evans officiating; burial followed in the Burkett Cemetery.

He was born on May 27, 1918 in Coleman County, Texas to Marion A. (Bud) and Lola Keller Golson.  Pete graduated from Burkett High School in 1936 where he played basketball.  He also played baseball and basketball for commercial teams.  He married Nora Lee Pope in Coleman on November 18, 1940.  He farmed and worked in the oil field and drove for Sewalt Butane Company for 31 years.

He is survived by his son Bobby Golson and wife Linda of Cross Plains; grandchildren, Glenn Golson and wife Carolyn of Lawn; Billy Golson and wife Kathy of Lawn; Scott Cupit of Waco; Kayla Rodgers and husband Joe of Waco; Stacey Pancake and husband Jody of Cross Plains; Jeremy Box and wife Debbie of Cross Plains; Rickey Box and wife Cindy of Georgetown; 13 great-grandchildren; as well numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nora, brother O’Dell, and sister Juanita.

Randolph Rubin Jewell, 93, of San Angelo died Friday, February 24, 2006 in Baptist Memorial Nursing Home.  Graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday in Fairmount Cemetery with Kris Groda of Ninth and Main Church of Christ and Red Scott with Masonic Lodge officiating.  Arrangements were by Johnson¹s Funeral Home of San Angelo.

Mr. Jewell was born June 26, 1912 in Gonzales County to William Randolph Jewell and Rena Floyd Jewell.  He married Dorothy Marie Pridemore on December 19, 1939 in Lubbock.  Randolph owned and operated a painting and papering business in San Angelo for 41 years.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge 1260, Lubbock Scottish Rite Consistory, Suez Shrine and Ninth and Main Church of Christ.

Survivors include his son, Larry Jewell and wife Pat of San Angelo; two grandchildren, Larry Jewell Jr. and wife Camille of San Angelo, Layne Jewell of New Orleans; two great-grandchildren, Jaret and Schylar Jewell of San Angelo; a sister, Vivian Bozeman of Coleman; and special friends, Jeff Cuellar and Sherry Bradford.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Shriners Hospital or Meals for the Elderly.

Eldon Bradley Nowlin, age 65, of Coleman, died Friday, February 24, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  His body will be cremated and no services are planned.  Arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home.

He was born May 26, 1940 in Electra, Texas, a son of Myrtle Doris Bradley Nowlin and Foy Earl Nowlin, Sr.  He had lived in Coleman at the High Rise for the last two years.

Survivors include two brothers, Seth Anderson Nowlin of Las Vegas, Nevada and Billy Joe Nowlin of Monahans, Texas; one sister, Judy Burrows of Fort Worth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Foy Earl, Jr., Richard and Danny Ray; two sisters, Joy Erlene and Jean.

Oscar Burks, 66, died Friday, February 24, 1006 in an Abilene hospital.  Funeral services, with Reverends Rudy Fambrough and Joel Tobey officiating, were held Monday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial followed in the Potosi Cemetery under the direction of the Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Oscar was born October 30,1939 in Baird to Captain Joe and Nellie Gould Burks.  He graduated from Wylie High School.  On June 2, 1960 he married Bessie Felton in Abilene.  Oscar worked for Coca-Cola for 25 years in Abilene and Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he retired as production manager in 1986.  Oscar’s church was important to him, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and a youth director.  He was currently a member of Ridgemont Baptist Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie Burks of Potosi; a son, James Burks and wile Rachael of Abilene; a daughter, Jan Romine and husband Mark of Coleman; seven brothers, Chuck Burks, Carroll Burks, Tommy Burks and Forrest Burks, all of Abilene, Wayne Burks of Cuero and Ricky Burks of Hutchinson, Kansas; five sisters, Lorene Price, Ludie Parks and Leann Burleson, all of Abilene, Charlotte Bishop of Breckenridge and Joan Pope of Stephenville; three grandchildren, Miles and Jared Romine and Brittany Burks, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Family Life Center Fund, 1st Baptist Church, 200 East College, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Funeral services for Madina Burleson Brown, 82, were held at noon Friday, March 3 at the Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in San Antonio.  Entombment followed in Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio, under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.   Mrs. Brown died Sunday, February 26, 2006 at the home of her daughter in San Antonio.

She was born on December 1, 1924 in Coleman County to Lena McGary Talley and E. F. Talley.

Survivors include one son, Joe Fred Burleson of Kennedy; one daughter, Patsy Kerr of San Antonio; two step - daughters, Bonnie Farren of Brownwood and Lila Roberts of Abilene; one step-son, Hugh Burleson of Corpus Christi; one sister, Veda Wallace of Arkansas; one brother, Gene Talley of Austin; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Burleson; second husband, Bob Brown; her parents; one granddaughter; and one niece.

Silas Ray Floyd, age 65, of Cross Plains, Texas passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2006 at his home.  Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, Feb. 28th) at Belle Plaine Cemetery, directed by Parker Funeral Home in Baird, Texas.  Silas was born to William J. Floyd and Beaulah (Seaton) Floyd on May 25, 1940 in Baird, Texas.  He attended school in Baird.  He served ten years in the United States Navy.  He worked in the oil field and then worked for Frito-Lay until he retired.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Floyd of Cross Plains; three sons, Frankie Floyd and wife, Charlene of Cisco, Waylon Floyd and wife, Lisa of Cross Plains and Robert Floyd of Coleman; three daughters, Theresa Baker, Lydia Palos and Esther Floyd, all of Cross Plains; one sister, Lilimae (Red) Nettles of Putnam; nine grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Floyd and Beaulah (Seaton) Floyd; two brothers, Odren Floyd and William D. Floyd; three sisters, Janice Stockton, Evadean Floyd and Wanda Arnold; one granddaughter, Naomi Ruth Pales and one grandson, Jason Thomas.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Funeral services for Calvin “Cal” Oates, age 60, of Brownwood, will be held Wednesday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jeff Pieprzyca officiating.  Visitation will be held Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Netherton Funeral Home.  Mr. Oates passed away Sunday morning at his residence.

Cal was born June 6, 1945 in Dallas, Texas.  He had been a resident of Brownwood for five years, formerly of Mills County.  He was a master brick mason and self-educated in the fields of chemical analysis, mechanics, construction and sales.  He was a true believer in the Lord Almighty.  Cal married Nancy Taylor in 1986 in Round Rock.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy T. Oates of Brownwood; daughter, Lynne Taylor Oates of Brownwood; three sons, Thomas Walker Oates of Arlington, Timmothy Walker Oates of Irving and Kevin Lee Oates of Houston; his father, Reverend Stephen Walker Oates of Waco; two brothers, Steven Eugene Oates of Waco and Bradley Walker Oates of Goldthwaite; sister Aquilla “Susie” Turner-Kerns of Bedford, Indiana; uncle Verdell “Uncle Perk” Veal and Aunt Betty Veal; numerous beloved grandchildren; the mother of his sons, Lorretta Faye Oates; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Camella Jean Huddleston Oates; namesake, Uncle Calvin Oates and stepfather Ray Kelley.

Mrs. Jo Wilson Aldridge, age 78, of Coleman, passed away February 27, 2006 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.  Funeral services will be Thursday March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Walker Funeral Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Daughter of the late Mulder Lee and Rosa Will Helms Outlaw, she was born October 22, 1927 in Lynn County, Texas.  A lifetime Coleman County resident, she was a retired sales clerk, and a member of the Baptist Church.  On June 3, 1946 she married the late Harold Wilson in Breckenridge, Texas.  He preceded her in death in 1979.  On December 1, 1991 she married Amon Aldridge and he preceded her in death in 2006.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharla Kay and Glen Dyer of San Angelo, and Carolyn and Jimmy Bartley of Coleman.  Also surviving are four grandchildren; Ronnie and Stacy Dyer both of San Angelo, Steven Monroe of Coleman, and Michael Calvin of Fort Knox, Kentucky; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer Rodgers, 88, of Coleman, died Monday, February 27, 2005 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 3 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Elmer Rodgers was born November 7, 1917 in Brown County, Texas, a son of Cy Rodgers and Joy Champion Rodgers.  He grew up in Brown County and attended school at Bangs.  In 1936 he married Mildred Forbess in Coleman and she preceded him in death on February 24, 2004.  Elmer lived in Brownwood and Fort Worth before moving to Coleman in 1946 where he was the Superintendent of the Power Plant for the City of Coleman for almost 40 years.  He served one term as President of the Municipal League of Texas and had coached Little League baseball.  He was a member of Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Patsy Jackson of San Angelo and Sharon Goble and husband Fred of Mission Viejo, California; one son, Gary Rodgers and wife Cheryl of Grand Prairie, Texas; four grandchildren, Tal Jackson and wife Deborah, Takoma Baldwin, Kristi Barber and husband Dexter, and Andy Hausenfluke and wife Christina; four great- grandchildren, Sara Baldwin, Lindsay Baldwin, Chloe Euzarruga, Tyler Hausenfluke.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, three brothers and one sister.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Woodrow Griffin, age 85, of Santa Anna passed away Monday, February 27, 2006 at 11:59 a.m. at the Brownwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Private family graveside services will be held Wednesday at the Santa Anna Cemetery.  Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Woodrow was born April 16, 1920 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Jeff Davis and Eva Lena Steffey Griffin.  He was reared in Coleman County where he attended Cleveland Schools.  On December 18, 1956 Woodrow married Leota Mae McKeegan in Hobbs, New Mexico and they celebrated thirty three years of marriage.  Leota preceded him in death in 1989.  Woodrow was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Baptist Church.  He lived several years in Lubbock where he worked as a warehouseman moving back to Santa Anna in 1970.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jane Griffin and Lila Faye Griffin; three sons, Michael Griffin, Leonard Griffin and William Griffin; and several nieces and nephews.

Lucy Belle Bohannon, 92 of Coleman died February 28, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be Saturday March 4, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday March 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lucy Belle Watters was born August 27, 1913 at Cross Cut, Texas to Thomas Y. Watters and Minnie Eular Powers Watters.  She grew up in Grosvenor, attended school in Cottonwood and moved to Coleman County in 1927.  She married Raymond Franklin Bohannon on December 20, 1934 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on July 13, 1992.  They were long-time Coleman County residents.  They resided in the Talpa and White Chapel area before moving to Gouldbusk in 1944 where they farmed and ranched.  They retired in 1981 when they moved to Coleman.  She was a homemaker and member of the North Coleman Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Glen Bohannon and wife Jeanie of Baird; Wayne Bohannon and wife Cathy of Odessa; one daughter Janice Jones and husband Pete of Bangs; one sister Lorene McElroy of Austin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ed and Dorothy Bohannon of Abilene; sister-in-law, Lenora Bohannon of Coleman; seven grandchildren, Alan Bohannon and wife Paige, Angela Burkham and husband Bob, Pam Brooks and husband Woody, Becky Knight and husband Ricky, Mike Bohannon and wife Megan, Brian Bohannon, Christopher Jones and wife Nicole; eight great- grandchildren, Teal and Tatum Bohannon, Clay and Abby Burkham, Casie and Tiffanee Stacy, Max Knight and Mikaylee Bohannon; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Arthur Watters, John Watters; two sisters, Ida Moore, Lillie Mae Patton; and granddaughter Gayle Ann Bohannon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to your favorite charity. 

Mrs. Iris Williams Fenton age 92 of Coleman, Texas passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 12:35 p.m. at the Coleman County Medical Center.  Services will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Sam Wilson Officiating.  Interment will follow with service under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 till 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Henderson Funeral Home.

Iris was born October 20, 1913 in Hermaleigh, Texas to the late James Horace and Jannie Smith Dixon.  She was raised in Rockwood, attending the Rockwood Schools and graduated in 1931 from Santa Anna High School.  On June 27, 1931 she married Roland Williams and they celebrated fifty-one years of marriage.  Roland preceded Iris in death in 1980.   She married W. F. Fenton on January 21, 1986 in Brownwood, Texas and they celebrated sixteen years of marriage.  W. F. preceded her in death in 2002.  Iris was a lifetime resident of Coleman County, a housewife and a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ.

Surivors include a step-daughter, Sue Townsend of Abilene, Texas, a step-son, W. F. Fenton, III of Lake Ivy, Texas, 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter, 1 adopted grandson, and several step grandchildren.

Iris was preceded in death by 3 sons: Jimmie Wayne Williams, Joe Bob Williams and Billy Ross Williams.

Mabel Dean Blanton, 76, a long time resident of Odessa, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at Medical Center Hospital.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2006 at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa, 601 N. Alleghaney.

She was born May 28, 1929 in Coleman County to Percy and Beulah Strickland.  She was a homemaker and a member of AA for over 25 years.  She was preceded in death by her husband Stanford "Ed" Blanton.

She is survived by her son, S.E. Blanton and wife Carolann of Odessa; daughter, Margaret Ruff and husband Craig of Aledo, Texas; brothers, Arch Strickland of Coleman County, Guinn Strickland of Fort Worth; a sister, Voncile Thomason of Coleman County; three grandchildren, Tammy Dugan, Kevin Ruff and Terri Lindley; and six great-grandchildren.