Claud Connor Barrington, 78, formerly of Brownwood, Texas, passed away at his home in Crosby, Texas on the morning of July 1, 2006.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 11 a.m. at Greenleaf Cemetery,  Brownwood, Texas with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

He was born in Coleman County, Texas on January 8, 1928 to Marie and Cecil Barrington.  An alumnus of Texas Tech and an accomplished and respected engineer retiring from FMC, he led an interesting and fulfilling life.  As part of his work he enjoyed traveling to many places including Scotland, Singapore and Hong Kong.  His favorite pastimes included flying, photography, diving, watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders, playing chess, debating politics and spending time with friends and family.  Claud was a loving father, grandfather and faithful friend.  His life has greatly impacted others and he will be missed.

He is preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Anna McReynolds.

He is survived by his three children, Vicki Louise Campbell of Concan, Texas, Donna Gay Womack of Crosby, Texas and George David Barrington of Channelview, Texas, sisters Flora Young, Rita Faught, and Margaret Day, brother Charles Ray Barrington, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Crosby from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 6.

Art Tanner, 60, of Andrews and formerly of Coleman, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2006 in a hospital in Amarillo, Texas.  Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel in Andrews with John Oliver officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of McNett Funeral Home of Andrews.

Mr. Tanner was born January 22, 1946 in Calhoun, Louisiana.  He married Lois Clark on October 2, 1969 in Rustin, Louisiana.  They moved to Andrèws for the first time over thirty-seven years ago from West Monroe, Louisiana.  Mr.
Tanner worked in the oil field and then retired with Kirby West.  He was an active member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  He was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas Arthur Tanner in 1985 and Jonathan Tanner in 1974.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Tanner of Andrews; one daughter, Amanda Loyd of Andrews; three brothers, E. L. Tanner of Eros, Louisiana, Preston N. Tanner of Andrews and Paul Tanner of Georgia; five sisters, Bertha Mae Powell, Bobbie Faye Demoss, Joyce Allbritton and Floy Mercer all of Louisiana, and Pauline Halsey of Alabama; several nieces and nephews.

Morris D. Mann, M.D. of Coleman died Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Miller officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Dr. Mann was born December 9, 1920 in Fort Worth, the son of Owen Duke Mann and Lucy Morris Mann.  He graduated from Brady High School in 1937, the University of Texas at Austin in 1941 and Southwestern Medical Foundation Medical School in December, 1944.  He married Sue Moseley on June 2, 1943 in Brady.  During World War II, he served a nine month internship at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Medical Corps from 1945 to 1947.  After being discharged from the United States Air Force, Dr. Mann served a one year rotating residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fort Worth.  In 1948, Dr. Mann and Sue moved to Coleman and started a medical practice, that he continued for 44 years.  Dr. Mann was honored as being named Coleman’s "Citizen of the Year" in 1965, was awarded the highest leader award, the Silver Beaver, from the Boy Scouts, served as president of the school board, was past president and the last charter member of the Rotary Club, received the Bluecat Top Cat award for his work as team physician for 28 years, served on the library board and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in the broadcasting of the morning worship service over the local cable network for many years.  When Dr. Mann closed his office in 1992, then Coleman Mayor Woody Maddox proclaimed Sunday, October 11 as "Dr. Mann Appreciation Day."  During this celebration, several people made presentations to Dr. Mann and Sue.  These included two antique lights that are now erected in front of the hospital in their honor.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Mann of Coleman; five sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Sue Mann of Austin, Charles and Gloria Mann of Lampasas, Tom and Candy Mann of Coleman, Bill and Pat Mann of Coleman and Jim and Carol Mann of Arlington; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Dorothy Mann of Brady, 14 grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Zachary.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Mary Lou Harrison, 80, of McCamey passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 in the Crane Memorial Hospital in Crane. Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2006 in the Resthaven Cemetery in McCamey with Reverend Jodie Windbigler officiating.  Arrangements were under the direction of Shafler-Nichols Funeral home of McCamey.

Mrs. Harrison was born on November 22, 1925 in Odessa, Texas.  She was a homemaker and a Methodist.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Harrison; her son, Larry Wayne Harrison; and two grandsons, Jonathan and Michael Harrison.

Survivors include three daughters, Carrie Mixon of Coleman, Texas, Doris Babb of Cassleberry, Florida, and Teresa Bentley of Coleman, Texas; three sons, Don Harrison of Lubbock, Texas, Lou Allen Harrison of Oologah, Oklahoma, and David Harrison of Coleman, Texas; a brother, William Curtis King of Anthony, Texas; eight grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren; and a special friend, Joanne Darby of McCamey.

Alfonso Torres Sanchez, 64, of Coleman died Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Sanchez was born July 12, 1941 in Munzquiz, Coahaulia, Mexico, the son of Dionico Sanchez and Delores Torres Sanchez.  He grew up in Mexico and attended school there.  He married Lydia Rosales in 1966 in Coleman.  He worked for Santa Fe Rail Road and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lydia Sanchez of Coleman; two daughters, Beatrice Bales and Irene Sanchez both of Coleman; two sons, Alonso Sanchez of Coleman, Alfonso Sanchez, Jr., of Rusk; two brothers, Victor Sanchez and Rudy Sanchez both of Coleman; four sisters, Mary DeLeon of Santa Anna, Delores Mendoza, Linda Nunez and Aurelia Rosales all of Coleman; one uncle, Pedro Sanchez of Abilene, eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Lucy Sanchez.

Floyd D. Baker, 93, of Brownwood died Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. July 7th in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Roy McNeely officiating. Interment followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery.

He was born June 11, 1913 in Brown County, the son of the late Silas S. and Viola Penelope Willis Baker.  He married Lucy B. Lancaster on March 8, 1944 in Coleman County.  He served four years active duty with the U.S. Army serving during World War II and later served 25 years in civil service at Fort Hood.  He later owned a watch repairing business.  He had lived in Brownwood since 1991, moving from the Copperas Cove and Fort Hood area.  He attended the Assembly of God church.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy Baker of Brownwood; one son, Jerry Baker of Brownwood; two grandsons, David Schiff and his wife Bonny of Brownwood, and Kevin Baker, also of Brownwood; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Eugene Baker of Brownwood; and two sisters, Nancy Pelham and Pearl Hattaway, both of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bill Baker; a brother, A. J. Baker; and one sister, Estelle Sheppard.

Carter Graves, 83, of Coleman, died Thursday, July 6, 2006 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2006 at Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.

Mr. Graves was born April 5, 1923 in Waco, the son of James W. Graves and Mable Ratliff Graves.  He moved to Coleman with his family in 1929.  During World War II, he served in the United States Army, earning the EAME Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, American Theater Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.  He married Ever Dee Saddler on September 11, 1945 in Coleman.  She preceded him in death in August, 1983.  He worked at First Coleman National Bank and Allen and Allen Insurance as a janitor for many years.  He was a member of the Disabled American Veteran’s, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include three daughters, Marva Ann Baker and husband, Tony, Jr., of Coleman, Patsy Kay Baker and husband, Nathaniel, Barbara Graves of Coleman; one son, James Willie Graves and wife, Teresa, of Santa Anna; seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter and one grandson.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be sent to the C. H. Hale Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc., 1000 Post Street, Box 2, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Oleta Wilson Thate of Coleman, died Friday, July 7, 2006 at Abilene Regional Hospital.  Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating, assisted by Joe Pope.  Burial was in the Burkett Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Thate was born July 1, 1912 in Silver Valley, the daughter of B. M. Wilson and Hettie Elizabeth Jones Wilson.  She attended school at New Central and graduated from Coleman High School in 1930.  On May 21, 1931, she married Richard Clyde Thate.  They farmed and ranched in the Burkett area, raising Registered Rambouillet Sheep and Angus Cattle, were members of the Farm Bureau Breeder Feeder Association and the National Rambouillet Sheep Breeder’s Association.  Mrs. Thate was active in the Live Oak Home Demonstration Club, serving as president until they disbanded in 1942, when several members went to work in defense plants during World War II.  She was also a member of the Cross Plains Garden Club, until the death of her husband on February 25, 1984, when she moved to Coleman.  She has been a member of the Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary since 1986 and a member of the Church of Christ since the age of 14.

Survivors include two nieces, Virginia Bethke and husband Monroe and Joyce Anderson and husband Mac, all of Coleman; two nephews, Ben Scott and wife, Debbie of Coleman, David Scott and wife, Amy of Christoval, one sister-in-law, Marjorie Wilson of Coleman; several great nieces and great nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, G. W. Wilson, Ben Wilson and one sister, Billie Louise Scott.  Memorials may be made to the Elm Street Church, Hospice of the Big Country or the donor’s favorite charity.  Pallbearers will be Ben Scott, David Scott, Mac Anderson, Monroe Bethke, Jodie Anderson, Reave Scott and John Straughan.  The family would like to thank her caregivers: Rosa De Los Santos, Pat Allen, Bobbie Kirby, Barbara Brown and Hospice of the Big Country.

Martha E. Pooler passed away on Friday July 7, 2006, at Momingside Manor in San Antonio.  Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9th at Sunset Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Morningside Ministries.

Martha was born January 26, 1923 in Elgin, Texas to the late John T. and Bessie (Hunt) Williamson.  She grew up in Coleman, and graduated from Coleman High School before moving to San Antonio.  She worked for many years at Shades of Green Nursery in San Antonio enthusiastically bringing the joy of life and plants to all of her customers.  She retired in 1993.  She died peacefully surrounded by her plants and her beloved animals.  She will be missed by all who benefited from the light of her life.  She was preceded in death by her husband Orvis.

She is survived by her son Jim Raffel and his wife Nancy LeMay; her daughter Roberta Churchin and husband Edward; her grandson Peter Raffel all of San Antonio; and a nephew, Jan Larson of Coleman.

Funeral services for Marie A. DeAnda, age 90, of Brownwood were held Monday, July 10, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood with Rev. Salvador Trevino officiating.  Interment followed at Greenleaf Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.  Mrs. DeAnda passed away on Friday morning, July 7, 2006 at Oakridge Manor Nursing Home.

Marie was born October 2, 1915 in Sylvester, Texas.  She was the daughter of the late Alejandro and Leocadia Jaramillo.  She married Richard DeAnda in Coleman, Texas.

Survivors include her seven children: Minnie Lopez of Brownwood, Hope and Joe Torrez of Granbury, Richard and Janie DeAnda of Brownwood, Esther Bien of Dallas, Leroy and Anita DeAnda of Lubbock and Robert and Barbara DeAnda of Grand Prairie; one sister, Dalia Villareal of Monterrey, Mexico; and one brother, Guillermo Jaramillo of Monterrey, Mexico; 24 grandchildren 34  great grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; one son-in-law, John Lopez; three grandsons, Michael Lopez, Thomas Ynostrosa and J. Bien; four brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Francis Mirl Cox McWhirter, 57 years of age, passed away July 8, 2006 at her residence in Coleman.  Services will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) July 12, 2006 at 10:00 am. at the Rockwood Cemetery with Rev. Billy Roberts officiating and interment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was born December 22, 1948, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin and Lola Frierson in the Whon area in the southeast part of Coleman County, and had lived in Coleman County most of her life.

Survivors include her husband, Ronnie McWhirter of Coleman; two daughters and one son; one sister, Cleo Coronado of Coleman; two sisters in Christ, Mona Green Cortez and Anna St. Clair Johnson both of Coleman; several nieces and nephews.

Willie Imogene Nixon Gerth, 81, died Sunday, July 9, 2006 in San Angelo.  A graveside service was held in Junction Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2006.  Arrangements were under the direction of Gentry-Fife Funeral Home of Junction.

She was born in Talpa, Texas on February 4, 1925 to William Thomas Nixon and LuIa Mutanax Nixon.  She is predeceased by her husband Richard Gerth.  She lived in Junction prior to her move to San Angelo in 2001.

Survivors include one son, Jim Weldon Hamilton of San Angelo; one daughter, Mary Elaine Dixon of Piano; brothers, Harold Nixon and Dwayne Nixon both of Abilene; sister, Janice Dickson of Valera; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

W. A. (Steve) Stevens, 82, of Coleman, died Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Stevens was born October 30, 1923 at Camp Colorado, in Coleman County, the son of Leonard W. Stevens and Frank Marion Alexander Stevens.  He grew up and attended school at Camp Colorado.  He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946.  He married Iva Mae (Blackie) Taylor on June 12, 1946 in Coleman.  He worked at Elkins Service Station, Dry Manufacturing and Taylor Motor Company until retiring in 1985.  He attended Community Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Blackie Stevens of Coleman; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Brenda Stevens of Brownwood, Gary and Doris Stevens of Clyde; one daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Larry Phillips of Odessa; two grandchildren, Christie James of Coleman, Justin Stevens of Brownwood; three great-grandchildren, Riley James, Dalton James and Hailey James, all of Brownwood and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Alva "Buster" Ferguson, 85, of Corsicana (formerly of Brownwood) died July 12, 2006 in Corsicana, Texas.  Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2006 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood with Brother Rick Justice officiating.  Interment followed at Eastlawn Memorial Park.

He was born June 17, 1921 in Brownwood.  He was married to Dorothy Irlene Wyatt in Coleman, Texas, in 1939.  He served in the U.S. Navy and owned and operated a carpet cleaning business.  He was a member of Rocky Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry Ferguson and wife Linda of Overland Park, Kansas and Billy Ferguson and wife Laurie Of Avalon, Texas; a granddaughter, Shawna Ferguson; a grandson, Dustin Dickerson; a great-granddaughter, Heather Hanna; three sisters, Jewel Elkins and husband Cecil of Brownwood, Barbara Brown and husband Don of Weatherford and June Hollingshead and husband Ray of Georgetown; and a brother, Ed Ferguson and wife Jean of Mullin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Irlene Ferguson; a daughter, Max Ann Cantrell; and three brothers and three sisters.

Mr. James C. Wolf, 81 years of age, passed away in the Brownwood Regional Hospital on July 13, 2006.  Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2006 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Pastor Jerry Chastain officiating.   Interment followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Mr. Wolf was born March 14, 1925 in London, Texas.  He married Hazel Bennett in Lovington, New Mexico on December 28, 1950.  They had lived in Coleman most of his life and he was a truck driver and a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Wolf of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Mike Staha of San Antonio; three sons, Larry Luvaul of San Angelo, Jeff Wolf of Coleman and Douglas Wolf of Dalhart, Texas; one brother, Junior Wolf of Black, Texas; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Leon Wolf; two brothers, Fred Wolf and Edgar Wolf; and two sisters, Ruby Pearl and Gertrude Sutton.

S

SAN ANGELO - Robert “Max” Nixon passed away on Friday, July 14, 2006.  His funeral will be at 10:00am Tuesday, July 18, in Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo, followed by burial at 2:00pm in Glenrest Cemetery in Big Lake.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at Johnson’s Funeral Home.

He was born to Roy and Ella J. Lasseter Nixon in Santa Anna, Texas, on March 29, 1930.  He was a 1947 graduate of Centennial High School in Coleman County.  Max was a member of First Baptist Church of Bronte and was a bookkeeper by profession.  He also actively participated in the Nifty 50’s Group from Reagan County High School in Big Lake.

Max’s parents; his brother, Curtis Realigh and sister-in-law Doris Nixon; and his sister, Jean Nixon Gardner and her son Bob Gardner, all preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children, Nancy.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret Nossent Nixon; and his daughters, Terry Pool and Edie Joyce and her husband, Mike Joyce, all of San Angelo.  He is also survived by stepchildren Debbie Young of San Angelo, Michael Young and his wife, Sonja Young, of Carlsbad, and Valerie Jones and her husband, Billy Jones of Bronte; iece Leslie Gardner Smith; two nephews, Michael Nixon and his wife, Martha Nell of Valera, and Steve Nixon and his wife, Margaret of Monahans; and sister-in-law Ann L. Nixon of Seguin.  He also leaves grandchildren Renae Stolly and her husband, Jason of Frisco, and their two children, Jack and Nina, Dacey Roohani and her husband, Bobby of Randallstown, Maryland, Cpl. Robert Chace Adair, presently on active duty in the Marine Corps, Kristin Blake Adair, Haley Joyce of San Angelo, Megan Young of Carlsbad, and Leah and Ryan Jones of Bronte.

A Texas woman died after her brakes failed and she crashed while coming down the Pikes Peak Highway Thursday night.  The driver, Nelda Joevelyn Trent, 66, of Grand Falls, died at Penrose Hospital early Friday (July 14, 2006).  A passenger, Karen Trent, 41, her daughter, was treated and released at the hospital.  They were coming down from the summit around 7 p.m. when the overheated brakes went out above Glen Cove, between mile markers 13 and 14, said Colorado Springs police Lt. Rafael Cintron.  Pikes Peak Highway Ranger Milinda Carnahan said the four-door Chevrolet sedan, instead of going over the edge of the road, crashed into the side of the mountain.  The car flipped onto its roof.  Police said both women were wearing seat belts and stayed in the car until emergency officials arrived.  The driver was flown to the hospital by helicopter.  An autopsy Friday determined she died of head injuries, according to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.

Brake failure is a constant concern for officials who monitor the toll road, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come for the unique experience of driving to the top of a 14,115-foot mountain.  Many of them aren’t used to driving on mountains, so highway rangers operate a brake check at Glen Cove.  In the summer, Carnahan said, several drivers each hour are told to pull over at that checkpoint because their brakes are hotter than 300 degrees.  Thursday’s crash occurred above the brake checkpoint.  Though people are killed each year in crashes on the highway - which in many places is unforgiving, with no guard rails and steep drop-offs - brake failure had not caused a serious wreck since a tourist van crashed near mile marker 11 in August 1999.

Jo Evelyn Trent of Seminole died last week (July 14, 2006) of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She was the widow of Wayne Trent and the daughter-in-law of Annie Merle Trent of Coleman.  Jo Evelyn’s daughter, Karen Trent, was also injured in the accident  and was hospitalized.

Mercedez Metallica Frausto Dillard, infant, passed away on July 17, 2006 at 2:15 a.m. at Brownwood Regional
Medical Center.  Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 19, 2006 at the Santa Anna Cemetery.

Survivors include her mother, Maria L. Frausto; her father, David Dillard; two brothers, Christian Suarez and Pedro Alejandro Dillard; one sister, Odalys Suarez; grandparents, Guadalupe and Modesta Frausto and Rosa Dillard and Cotton Dillard; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ronny Kading of Coleman died Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home with Sam Earp officiating, assisted by Dr. Jeffrey Miller.  Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ronny was born March 8, 1944 in Pasadena, Texas, the son of Velma Jean Ray Kading and the late D. C. (Dick) Kading.  He grew up in Coleman, attended school in Coleman and graduated from Talpa-Centennial High School in 1962.  Ronny served in the National Guard for eight years.  For over 25 years, he was a self-employed dairy farmer and was active in ranching his entire life.  He also owned and operated a commercial parakeet operation.  He married Lana Earp Korzenewski on March 9, 1996 in Coleman.  After marrying Lana, Ronny was always willing to help at the funeral home in any way possible.  In 2003, he and Lana purchased the Petal Patch Flower Shop.  Ronny was an avid motorcycle rider and spent many enjoyable hours riding with his motorcycle buddies.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, D. C. Kading, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Ray and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kading.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2006 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Carroll Quinton Billings, 83, of Abilene passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at his residence.  Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2006 at St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene with Rev. John Sanders officiating.  Burial followed in the Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home.

C. Q. was born on September 4, 1922 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Carroll A. and Lucy (Hall) Billings.  He graduated from Coleman High School and attended John Tarleton State College.  He moved to Abilene from Coleman in 1952 and was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and a member of the Big Country Emmaus Community.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946; and retired from the Abilene Police Department after 25 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lanell Billings in 1987; his second wife, Lucille Billings in 1996; and a sister, Margaret Withers.

Survivors include a son, Jon Billings and wife, Pam, of San Antonio; Lucille¹s daughters, Joyce Jones and husband, Jansen, of Albany and Marilyn Howk and husband, Fred of Grand Prairie; a brother, Clovis Billings and wife, Claris, of Coleman; grandchildren, Brian and Lanisa Billings, Greg and Jay Jones, Kami and Brandon Howk; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3100 Barrow St., Abilene, Texas 79605.

Margie Sue Savage, 66, of Lockney died Thursday July 20, 2006 at Lockney Heath and Rehabilitation Center.  Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Lockney.  Reverend Harold Abney officiated and Revered Brian Adams assisted.  Burial was held in the Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney.

She was born January 27, 1940 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Henry and Lela Wayne (Arnold) Creek.  She was reared at Fisk, in Coleman County and attended Brown Ranch and Mozelle schools.  She moved, after eighth grade, to Coleman with her parents and attended Coleman High School, graduating in 1958.  She further extended her education at Abilene Christian College (now University).  She was a teacher¹s aide for 30 years in Lockney.  She married Jesse Savage on December 24, 1973 in Lockney.  She enjoyed oil wall painting and was a member of the First Baptist Church  of Aiken.

Survivors include her husband, Jesse Savage of Lockney; two sons, Jeff Stansell of Austin, Texas and Kent Stansell of Panhandle, Texas; one daughter, Susan Emert of Haskell, Texas; one sister, Glyneth Petty of Myrtle Creek, Oregon; seven grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  Many relatives still reside in Coleman County, including an uncle, J. B Creek; an aunt, Ernestine Arnold; and cousins, Edith Carnes and Carolyn Perkins, all of Coleman.

The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice Hands of Lubbock, 1102 Slide Rd., Suite 3, Lubbock, Texas 79416 or to the donor¹s favorite charity.

Novella ‘Sug’ Stearns, age 88 of Trickham passed away Saturday, July 22, 2006 at the Westview Manor in McGregor, Texas.  Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Trickham Union Church with Rev. Pat McClatchy officiating.  Interment will follow at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Sug was born October 1, 1917 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Walter Clinton and Millie May Storey Sharp.  A lifetime resident of Coleman County she attended the Eureka and Santa Anna schools.  On September 30, 1934 Sug married Granville King Stearns in Santa Anna and they celebrated fifty-three years of marriage.  G. K. preceded her in death in 1987.  She was a member of the Trickham Baptist Church serving as secretary for 50 years, the Trickham Quilting Club and Trickham 84 Club.  Sug was a stockfarmer and homemaker.

Survivors include:  a daughter-in-law, Monyene Stearns of McGregor, Texas; a granddaughter, Sabrina Pugh of McGregor, Texas; a grandson, Clint Stearns of Bellmeade, Texas; three great granddaughters, Tatia Stearns, Jessica Stearns and Kyla Pugh; a niece, Sue Robinson of Livermore, California; a nephew, Ronald Sharp of Orinda, California; a sister-in-law, Helen Sharp of Alameda, California.

Sug was preceded in death by her son Sherman Stearns in 2005 and sister Thelma Sharp and brother Wilburn Sharp.

Isaac Floyd Keeney, 62, of Coleman died Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside services will be 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2006 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Keeney was born march 7, 1944 in Coleman, the son of Ike Keeney and Ellie Mae Short Keeney.  He grew up and attended school in Coleman.  He married Doris Jeannette Low on July 5, 1974 in Coleman.  He worked in sales and was also an electrician and plumber.  He was a Baptist.

Mr. Keeney is survived by his wife, Jeannette Keeney of Coleman, two sons, Sam Croft of Fort Worth, Jason Keeney of Coleman; five daughters, Lisa Dyer of Coleman, Jerrie Strength of Gatesville, Penny Boatright of Coleman, Christie Keeney of Coleman, Camilla Mason of San Antonio; two sisters, Carolyn Boyles of Coleman, Nancy Bevilles of Sawyer, Oklahoma; 16 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers will be grandsons: Michael Dyer, Kevin Tate, Weston Boatright, Brandon Tate, Charlie Boatright and Brian Tate.

John Leonard Ehrler, 97, died Sunday, July 23, 2006 in Weatherford, Texas.  Services were  2 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with Rev. Sam Arp officiating.  Interment was in Elmwood Memorial Park.  Pallbearers were Steve Philley, Miles Philley, Mike Steward, Chris Barry, Mark Barry, and Chad Barry.

The son of Minnie Lee (Jones) and John Ehrler, he was born on October 4, 1908 in Coleman, Texas, where he attended school.  John married Naoma Steward on December 24, 1949 in Dallas, Texas and in 1950, moved from Dallas to Abilene.  He retired after 25 years with Mayflower Moving and Storage for which he was a warehouseman.  John was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church in Abilene, and served in the National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one brother; and two sisters.

Survivors include two sons, John Leonard Ehrler Jr. and wife Ginger of New Braunfels, Texas and Kenneth Lee Steward and wife Billy Jean of Dallas, Texas; and two daughters, Barbara Philley and husband Miles Curtise of Abilene, Texas and Linda Barry and husband Hugh of Powderhorn, Colorado; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Patsy Landers Berry, 77, of Coleman died Sunday, July 23, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey 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 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

She was born Patsy Charlene Landers on March 21, 1929 in Littlefield, the daughter of Charles Urban Landers and Lucille Sykes Landers.  She grew up in Oklahoma and Texas, graduating from Novice High School in 1946.  She married Ross Ballard "John" Berry on April 2, 1947 in Brown County.  He preceded her in death on February 3, 2005.  She worked as a secretary for many years.  She moved to Abilene in 1968 from Coleman, moving back to Coleman 2004.  She was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include her children, Johnny Carroll Berry of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Fuller of Tuscola, Charles Anthony "Tony" Berry of El Paso, Patricia Elaine "Patti" Scott of San Angelo; three sisters, Sybil Berry of Coleman, Pauline Stanley of Coleman, Nan Miller of Royce City; one brother, Charles Jack Landers of Auburn, Indiana; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.  Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Travis Rhoads, Billy Scott, Chase Berry, Jonathan Berry, Clint Burkey and Blake Vincent.

Jo Littleton, age 87, of Coleman passed away July 27, 2006 at the Coleman Health Care Center.  Funeral Services will be Saturday July 29, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walker Funeral Chapel with Joe Hailey, pastor of the Elm Street Church of Christ, officiating.  Committal services will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.  The family request memorials are made to the Coleman Senior Center or the Elm Street Church of Christ of Coleman.

Daughter of the late Virgil and Francis Altizer Gordon, she was born October 6, 1918 in Longworth, Texas.  On August 6, 1960 she married Grady Littleton in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on March 22, 1980.  Jo was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ and she served in the Coleman Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by one sister, Johney Dell and her husband Leonard Williams of Abilene; niece, Georgene and her husband Randall Saverance of San Angelo; nephews, Gordon and his wife Debra McCullough of San Marcos, and Ray Max and his wife Jo Ann Williams of Garland.  Also surviving are great and great-great-nieces and nephews; Denise, Victor, and Owen Grant of Colleyville; Kimberly, Kevin Kailee, and Kelsey Gunn of Cedar Hill, Texas; Kevin, Shanna, Hayley, Coleton, and Weston Saverance, and Emilee and Michael Brinlee all of San Angelo.

Era V. Collins, 101, of Coleman died Friday, July 28, 2006 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, August 1, 2006) at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Collins was born December 8, 1904 on the family ranch near Echo, the daughter of William Cowan Henderson and Effie Jane Keller Henderson.  She attended a small school near the ranch and graduated from Coleman High School in 1921.  She married Clyde M. Collins on June 9, 1923 in Coleman.  He preceded her in death on August 7, 1977.  She loved cooking and entertaining for her family and friends.  She was an excellent gardener, growing strawberries and other fruits and vegetables and many varieties of flowers.  After many years of aiding Clyde in the neighborhood grocery store, they moved to Snyder, where she was president of garden club and judged many flower shows.  In 1974, they returned home to Coleman.  She was a member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Coleman.

Survivors include her daughter, Janice Roberts of New Braunfels; her son, Jack Collins of Houston; her grandchildren, Pam Blackwell of New Braunfels, Phil Collins, M.D. and wife Cecilia of Austin, Diane Daniels and husband Mike of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Bryan Collins and wife Nina of Virginia, Jim Collins and wife Kathy of -grandchildren, Nicole Jennings, Courtney Abernathy, Callie Collins, Delaney Collins, Erin Collins, Broderick Collins, Christopher Collins; one great-great grandson, Dillin Abernathy and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Patsy Collins, one son, Fred Collins, six sisters and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent Holiday Hill Nursing Home, 245 State Hwy 153, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the donor¹s favorite charity.

Era V, with great difficulty, gave up her home and car and moved to Holiday Hill in March, 2004.  The family wishes to offer the Staff of Holiday Hill their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their devoted and loving care of Era V.  Through Era V's love of her dogs, Chris, Kim and Buffy, she became endeared to Lynn Thompson, her angel and caretaker throughout her later years for which the family will be forever thankful.

Raymond C. "Ray" Turnbow, I, age 69 of Houston, passed away July 28, 2006.  Visitation will be Tuesday, August 1, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home-Champion Forest in Houston.  Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Klein Funeral Home Chapel-Champion Forest.  A second visitation will be Friday, August 4, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman.  Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion.  Pallbearers will be grandsons: Zachary, Nicholas, Joshua, Jason, Tyler and Jordan.

Ray was born September 15, 1936 in Andrews.  He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and had been employed in Railroad/Transportation management for many years.  He was an avid golfer and fisherman, but his truelove was being a husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Naoma Yvonne Morgan Turnbow, parents Arthur and Hattie Turnbow and six siblings.

Surviving are his sons, Raymond "Chay" Turnbow, II and wife Yvonne, Gary Turnbow and wife Michelle, Jeff Turnbow and wife Anita, Steve Turnbow and wife Sherry, grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Joshua, Jason, Taylor, Tyler, Chealsea, Jordan and Hanna; mother-in-law, Lucille Morgan; brother, Alfred Turnbow; sister, Edith Brawley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and many friends.

Ray was a very generous and giving man, contributing to numerous charitable causes and events.  For those desiring, contributions many made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Larry Dale Dooley, 62, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died Saturday, July 29, 2006, at his home, after a long struggle with cancer.  He was cremated.  A memorial service will be held Friday, August 4, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Rogers, Arkansas.  Stockdale Funeral Services, of Rogers, Arkansas is in charge of arrangements.

Larry was born March 9, 1944 in Kingsville, Texas.  He graduated Kingsville High School.  He worked for many years for C. R. Anthony.  When it dissolved, he began working for Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club as a buyer.

Survivors include his wife Jacqui of the home, two sons, Cary Dale and his wife, Tiffany of Edmund, Oklahoma; and Christopher and his wife Brandy of McKinney, Texas; one brother; his mother, Virginia Dooley Paulk and his step-father, Willis Paulk; 5 grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bobbie Horn of Brownfield; and several nieces and nephews.  Local survivors include his father-in-law, Cliff Horn; step-sister-in-laws, Judia Terry of Coleman and Anita Calk of Silver Valley.  He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard McFadden "Bill" Dooley, in 1975.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice or your local hospice.

SAN ANGELO- George Edward (Ark) McCarley, 85, passed away Sunday, July 30,
2006, in Shannon Hospital, after a brief illness.  Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, August 3) at Johnson¹s Funeral Home with the Rev. Ken Dahlberg officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.

George was born February 21, 1921, to Burk and Mable McCarley in Gifford, Arkansas.  His family eventually moved to Coleman, Texas where George met the love of his life, Dorothy.  On July 3, 1940, he married Dorothy Belle Carnes.  To this union was born one daughter, Georgia Belle, and three sons, George Edward Jr., Jack Armon, and William Lloyd.  Following their marriage, the McCarleys lived in Coleman for two years before moving to San Angelo in 1943.  During World War II, George served in the third army under General Patton and took part in the Normandy Invasion.  While in Europe, whenever an opportunity presented itself, George would travel by bicycle and saw much of Germany and France.

George is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorothy Belle McCarley of San Angelo; son Jack Armon McCarley of San Angelo; son and William Lloyd and his wife Marilyn of San Angelo; his grandsons Burk McCarley and wife Christy, Jack McCarley Jr., and John Plum; granddaughters Rachelle Healer and husband David, Letitia Lack and husband Mark, Jennifer McCarley, Alice Hildebrand and husband John, and Andrew Logan; great-grandchildren Monica Garcia and husband Adam, Kristen and James McCarley, Jordan, London, and Paris Lack and Laqrisha and Anthony Roland; and great-great grandchildren, Maddie and Hunter Garcia and Crystal Roland.  He is also survived by brother Marvin McCarley and wife Pat, sister Hazel Griffis of California, sisters and brothers-in-laws Molly and Ted Wilson of  California and Dolly and Bill Sweet of Nevada, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Raymond Carnes of Coleman, sister-in-law Edith Carnes of Coleman, a special uncle Stan George and wife Lois and numerous special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Burk and Mable McCarley, infant daughter Georgia Belle McCarley, son George Edward McCarley Jr., brothers Pearly and Henry McCarley, sister Esther Newton, daughter-in-law Sarah McCarley, brother-in-law Donald Ray Carnes and wife Betty, brother-in-laws Joe Dean Carnes, Fritz Carnes, and Vernon Carnes.

Pallbearers will be Ken Fry, a long time friend and fishing buddy, his grandsons, Burke McCarley, Jack McCarley Jr., Mark Lack, and Andrew Logan, and great- grandson, James McCarley.

The family requests that memorials be made to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houson Harte Expressway, San Angelo, Texas 76903 or to a charity of your choice.

Del M. Sackett Goeres of Austin, passed away on July 31, 2006.  A memorial service will be scheduled near her old home on the Blanco River at a later date.  Weed - Corley - Fish Funeral Home of Austin was in charge of arrangements.  Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com.

Born in Coleman, Texas on September 12, 1921, she was the daughter of Jewell Hughes Mitchell and Viron Dell Mitchell.  She spent much of her early years on her family¹s ranch near Novice, Texas.  She was an artist, a writer, a musician, a newspaper editor, a commercial fisherwoman, and a cook in her husband¹s logging mill in Cordova, Alaska.

She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Eric Sackett, who was killed in Dong Pong, Vietnam in 1966;  and her daughter-in-law, Rae N. Witter-Sackett.

She is survived by her son Frederick (Fritz) Sackett; her sister-in-law, Patsy Sackett; her niece, Tamara Crockett Mills and nephew John Allen Crockett.  She is also survived by four step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren; and Bill and Mary Godden, part of her extended family.