Martha Deal, age 83, of Coleman, died Saturday, August 5, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 11:00 Tuesday at First Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and assisted by Rick Marshall.  Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Monday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Martha Mae Dalton on March 18, 1923 in the Elliott community in Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of T. J. Dalton, Sr. and Mattie Jones Dalton.  She grew up in Mozelle, attended school at Elliott and graduated from Mozelle High School.  She attended McMurry College in Abilene for a short while.  On May 29, 1947 she married B. J. Deal at the Baptist parsonage in Coleman.  Following their marriage, they lived in Gouldbusk for three years and then various towns in Texas, moving to Coleman in 1972.  She was a homemaker, a member of First Baptist Church and the Esther Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her husband, B. J. Deal of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Don Taylor of LaPine, Alabama; two grandchildren, Kevin Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana and NeOma Ruckel of Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Brandon Taylor, Jessica Taylor, Elizabeth Ruckel and Harrison Ruckel; one brother, N. T. Dalton and wife Yoshiko of Cheney, Washington; sister-in-law, Georgia Lynn Dalton of Mozelle; brother-in-law, Leland Martin of Brownwood; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother T. J. Dalton, Jr., infant brother, Charles Morris Dalton; two sisters, Dorothy Martin and Sammy Joyce (Dolly) Harless.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Buford Branton, 60, of Coleman, died Sunday, August 6, 2006 at his residence.  No services are scheduled.  His body will be cremated and interred at the Knox City Cemetery.

He was born George Buford Branton on September 25, 1945 in Knox City, the son of George Milton Branton and Emma Parsons Branton.  He grew up and attended school in Knox City and Abilene.  He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He moved to Coleman in 1985 and was a retired truck driver.

Survivors include his children, Connie Engler, Wanda Sue Branton, Susan Branton, Buforinia Branton, Susan Branton; one brother, Claud Branton and wife, Sandra of Freeport; two sisters, Georgiana Baldwin of Logansport, Indiana, Wanda Jean Clemons and husband, Jack L. of Logansport, Indiana; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lucille Willey Phillips, age 89, of Belton, went home to the arms of Jesus after a short struggle with cancer on August 6, 2006.  At the time of her stepping through Heavens door, she was surrounded by her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  At Lucilles request, no service will be held, and a private cremation followed with her ashes to be scattered over Marion Cemetery in the Lohn area.

Lucille was born Lucille Strickland in Richland Springs Texas on December 19, 1916.  In 1936 she married Rice W. Willey and they farmed in the Waldrip/Lohn Valley.  Rice died in 1945.  In 1948 Lucille married Hollis B. Phillips of Brady and they farmed in the same valley.  They lived in the Lohn area until 1974 and they sold the family farm and bought a farm in the Bonita Valley of Arizona.  In 1977 Hollis retired from farming and after a while they settled in Granite Shoals Texas.  They lived there until Hollis’ death in July 1993, at which time Lucille moved to Brownwood and the next year to Belton.  Lucille loved her children and their children.  She cared for many senior citizens in the Lohn area while raising her kids.  She enjoyed visiting, quilting, reading and was also a freelance writer.

Lucille is survived by her long time companion, Wesley Franks, of Belton, her three sons, Glenn Ray (Carol) Willey of Flatonia, Jeff B. (Mary Beth) Willey of Littlefield, R.C. (Becky) Willey of Blanket.  She is also survived by five daughters, Nelda Blair of Belton, Karen Dutton of Euless, Carmen Melton of Bedford, Wanda Lancaster of Fort Worth, and Kittie Preas of Bonita, Arizona.  Lucille had 18 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren as well as great great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Glenna Fay Willey, three great son in laws, Jack Dutton, James Blair and Terry Preas.

Glyn Oliver Downey, 91 years of age, passed away in Coleman at his residence on August 8, 2006.  Services were Saturday at 10 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Masonic graveside services followed at the Gouldbusk Cemetery Pavilion.  Interment followed in the Gouldbusk Cemetery, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.  Masons served as pallbearers.

He was the son of the late Patrick Wesley and Fannie Fern Wilson Downey, was born September 12, 1914 in Leaday, Texas.  Glyn was a graduate of Gouldbusk High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1937, serving at Randolph Field, San Antonio.  He married Emma Nell (Sing) Griffith in Gouldbusk on October 6, 1940.  After serving in WW II, he was stationed at Chenault A.F.B., Illinois, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Hondo AFB, Texas, Chambley AFB, France and Travis AFB, California.  He retired in 1964, after 30 years in the Air Force and moved back to San Angelo where he was originally an employee of  Mooney Aircraft which is a Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, where he was production foreman.  After his second retirement, he returned to Gouldbusk where he farmed and ranched, moving to Coleman in 1995.  He was a deacon at College Hills Baptist Church of San Angelo and the Gouldbusk Baptist Church.  He was a 50 year plus member of the Coleman Masonic Lodge No. 496.

Survivors include his wife, Emma Nell (Sing) Downey of Coleman; one daughter, Beth Sexton of Coleman; one son, Don Downey of San Angelo, Texas; two sisters, Patsy Bartley of Coleman and Doris Dehnel of San Angelo; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Malcolm and Zelma Downey and Sherwood and Jean Downey, all of Coleman.

One brother-in-law and one sister-in-law have preceded him in death. 

Benny Barker, age 60, of Lake Ivie, died Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Pat Horner and Brother Scott Shamburger officiating.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Benny Barker was born December 22, 1945 in Coleman, Texas, a son of Eddie Mae Threadgill Barker and the late Lewis Barker, Sr.  He grew up in Coleman where he attended school.  He served in the U. S. Army from 1966-1971 and was in Viet Nam for 1 1/2 years.  On February 17, 1968 he married Deborah Berry in Coleman.  Benny lived in Hale Center for two years and Liberty Hill for three years.  He worked in the oil field in Alaska and Saudi Arabia and for the City of Coleman for a number of years.  In 1995 he moved to Lake Ivie.  He loved to fish.  He was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Barker of Lake Ivie; two daughters, Ali Birdwell and husband Jason of Coleman; Jessica Shaer and husband Hassan of Baytown; his mother, Eddie Mae Barker of Coleman; seven grandchildren, Jacob Birdwell, Hannah Birdwell, Ezekiel Birdwell, Luke Birdwell, Benjamin Shaer, Samuel Shaer, Seth Shaer; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Barker, Sr. and his brother, Lewis Barker, Jr.

Memorials may be made to any Viet Nam Veterans organization or the VA Hospital in Kerrville, Texas.

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R. L. Baker, age 81, of Coleman and long-time Valera resident, died Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held Monday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. L. A. Caldwell officiating.  Burial will follow in the Valera Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

R. L. Baker was born December 28, 1924 in Hamilton, Texas, a son of Lark Baker and Esther Stubbelfield Baker.  He grew up in Hamilton and Santa Anna and attended school in Hamilton.  Mr. Baker served in the U. S. Army during World War II.  On June 28, 1943 he married Jo Ann Williams in Coleman and she preceded him in death on February 5, 2003.  Mr. Baker retired from Coleman County Precinct Three as a heavy equipment operator.  He was Pentecostal.

Survivors include five daughters, Carolyn and husband James Leonard of Brownwood, Brenda Dyer of Coleman, Linda and husband Lee Moore of Santa Anna, Gwen and husband Colin Hobbs of Valera, Patricia Smith of Coleman; two sons, Randy and wife Pam Baker of Coleman, Gary Dan and wife Judy Baker of Brownwood; 16 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Katherine Parsley of Midland, Lucille Botard of Hughs Springs, Wilma Chappel of Brownwood; one brother, R. V. Baker of Bangs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a grandson, Gary Lee Moore, a daughter-in-law, Shirley Baker, a son-in-law, Dwane Dyer, two sisters and three brothers.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Chuck Draper, 79, of Richland Springs, Texas, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2006 in Brownwood, Texas.  Funeral services were held Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. at the Richland Springs First Baptist Church, with Rev. Barry Fikes officiating and Dr. Robert Smith assisting.  Interment will follow at the Bowser Bend Cemetery, San Saba County.  Funeral services were under direction of the Howell-Doran Funeral Home San Saba, Texas.

He was born August 20, 1926 in Voss, Texas, the son of Charlie Barton Draper, Sr. and Minnie Ola Strickland Draper.  Prior to his ranching in Richland Springs, Chuck spent 37 years in various positions working with Southwest-ern Bell Telephone and was a supervisor when he retired.  He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps during World War II.  On August 9, 1948, Chuck Draper and Ida Lucille Durdin were married in Kirbyville, Texas.  They were members of the Richland Springs First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ida Lucille Durdin Draper; two daughters, Kathy McCarty and her husband Ronnie and Charlene Lindsay and her husband Gary; two sons, Teddy Draper and his wife Pam and Gary Draper and his wife Elisa; grandchildren, Laura Jenkins and her husband Lewis, Wayne McCarty, Cherie Carrillo and her husband Mark, Christa Kraatz and her husband Dusty, Jared Draper, Joshua Draper and his wife Katrina; great-grandchildren, Blake Jenkins, Joseph Carrillo, Kayla Carrillo, Tatum Carrillo, Hunter Carrillo, and Sebastian Draper; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Barton Draper, Sr.; his mother, Minnie Ola Strickland Draper; sisters Ola Dee Duckworth, Ima Jean Scarbough, Julia Smith, Barbara Ogorman, Bama Draper Burnett, Lenna Bess Draper, S.J. Draper, Gail Draper, Pete and Leck Smith, Nita Honea, and Nina Andrews.

Serving as pallbearers were Allen Spence, Ronnie Wright, Jay Pittman, Jr. Evans, Wayne Powell, and Rusty Alderson.  Those serving as honorary bearers were Richard Wright, Aubrey Spence, Buck Haydon, Doug Buchholz, and Shot Glosson.  The family requests that memorials be made to the Richland Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund or to the San Saba County Volunteer E.M.S.

Sambo Massey, age 54, of Abilene and former Coleman resident, died Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center.  Visitation will be held on Friday at 5:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. 

He was born June 28, 1952 in Sacramento, California, a son of Billy Jack and Mary Leo Bowers Massey.  He grew up in Coleman where he attended school. He worked in the oil field and attended North Side Baptist Church in Abilene.

Survivors include two sons, Abel Massey and Billy Massey both of Fort Worth; one daughter, Mary Massey of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Claudia Massey, Trey Martinez, Dakota Mitchell, Landon Massey, Logan Massey, Hunter Massey, Michael Brown, Heavenly Brown; four sisters, Nancy Aguirre of Houston, Jan Frazier of Angleton, Cordelia Montgomery of Gonzales, Judy Strength of Coleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tommy Massey.

SANTA ANNA - W. S. ''Sam'' Tomlinson died Thursday, July 13, 2006. Services were at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Netherton Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood.  Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery.

Emma Watson, age 85, of Coleman, died Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Frasier officiating and assisted by Rev. Derek Triggs.  Burial will follow in the Leaday Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Emma Joy Blair on January 10, 1921 in Concho County, Texas, a daughter of Frank and Flora Winkle Blair.  She grew up in Concho County and attended school at Liberty Hill and Millersview.  She was married to Anon Fenwick; he preceded her in death in 1946.  She later married Raymond Watson and he died in 1965.  Mrs. Watson moved to Coleman in 1961 and was employed at the sewing factory.  She was raised a Baptist but had attended the Nazarene Church for the last several years.

Survivors include two daughters, Joyce and husband C. R. Dalton of Coleman, Kay and husband Kenneth Foote of Odessa; five grandchildren, Tammy Blair of Lake Ivie, Becky Hatchett of Lamesa, Michael Barkemeyer of Coleman, Gregory Barkemeyer of Norfolk, Virginia, Letitia Palmer of Odessa; eleven great-grandchildren, Wesley Lowe, Camden Lowe, Brady Hatchett, Sheldon Lowe, Cassandra Barkemeyer, Ashlee Wells, Justin Barkemeyer, Alana Barkemeyer, Joshua Barkemeyer, Kasen Palmer, Zachary Barkemeyer; one sister, Adella Walden of Coleman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Louie Blair and Gerald Blair.

Family visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Charley May Richardson Freeman, age 79, of Lake Weatherford and formerly of Coleman, died Sunday, August 13, 2006 at a Fort Worth Hospital.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 17 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Roberts officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Charley May Medcalf on May 17, 1927 in May, Texas, the daughter of Lee Roy and Ruth Anderson Medcalf.  She grew up in Brown and Coleman Counties and attended school at Santa Anna and Buffalo.  On May 20, 1944 she married J. P. Richardson in Santa Anna and he preceded her in death on March 10, 1987.  She married A. L. Freeman on August 1, 1992 in Coleman, Texas  Charley May lived in Coleman for many years, moving to Ft. Worth in 1992 and to Lake Weatherford in 2005.  She was a homemaker.  While living in Coleman, she was a member of North Coleman Baptist Church and at the time of her death was a member of First Baptist Church in Willow Park.

Survivors include her husband, A. L. Freeman of Lake Weatherford;  one daughter, Ruth Ann and husband Mark Godfrey of Jarrell, Texas;  three sons, Max and wife Ann Richardson of Coleman, Charles Richardson of Midland, Bobby Richardson of Godley;  one step-son, Leslie and wife Melinda Freeman of Fort Worth;  one step-daughter, Linda and husband Jeff Bigham of Benbrook;  One brother, Robert and wife Dean Bouchillon of Paradise;  ll grandchildren;  7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, and a granddaughter, Kim Jackson.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Boys Ranch or the donor's favorite Charity.

Arvel Cullins passed away on August 14, 2006, leaving behind a loving family.  Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16 at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and assisted by Rick Marshall.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Coleman, Texas or the donor’s favorite charity.

He was born September 15, 1925 on the Overall Ranch south of Valera.  He attended Coleman and Mozelle schools, then graduated from Centennial.  Immediately after graduating from high school he joined the Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.  Before moving to Coleman, the family lived at Lawn, Texas for 8 years, where Arvel was employed as a telegraph operator for the Santa Fe Railroad.  Later, he went to work for Lone Star Gas, retiring after 32 years as a district superintendent.  He was totally dedicated to his job, making sure every one had heat during cold, icy winters.  Later in life he and Lorena enjoyed traveling the country in their trailer home, visiting family and friends.  Arvel loved the Lord and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Coleman, where he served as deacon for the past 44 years and was a member of the Challenge Sunday School Class.

Arvel is survived by his wife Lorena Simmons Cullins, whom he married 63 years ago on March 21, 1943.  He has one daughter, Sherry Roberts, and son-in-law, John of Granbury.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Randy Roberts and Rhonda Anderson and husband Tommy, both of Flower Mound, five great-grandchildren, Collin, Kelsey, Ryan, Miranda, Jake. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Edna Cullins.

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Patsy Ruth Jamison Miller, age 81, of Coleman died August 16, 2006 at her home in Coleman.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 21 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Leonard Radde officiating and assisted by Dr. Jeffrey Miller.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Patsy J. Miller was born June 27, 1925 in Amarillo, Texas, the daughter of Tom E. Jamison and Clarence Dodd Jamison.  She grew up in Coleman, graduated from Coleman High School and Texas Tech University.  Patsy was raised in and a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of the Dunson Sunday School Class.  She married J. P. "Bub" Miller, Jr. on May 15, 1946 in Fort Worth, Texas.  They moved to South Dakota in 1947 where they owned and operated Miller Ranch until 1972.  When they first moved to South Dakota they had no running water or electricity and Patsy learned to make do with the situation.  She and Bub were instrumental in getting rural electricity to that area of South Dakota.  Patsy started teaching at Cooper Country School in 1953 and taught in the Meade County School District in Sturgis, South Dakota until 1965.  She was the Rural School Principal for several years.  They moved back to Coleman, Texas in 1972.  Patsy worked at the Coleman County State Bank for many years.  She was also the founder and first president in 1974 of the Circle C Cowbelles (now Circle C Cattlewomen).

Survivors include two sons, John P. Miller of Red Owl, South Dakota and Tom C. Miller and wife Vivian of Red Owl, South Dakota; grandchildren Thomas Ryan Miller, Jeff D. Miller and wife Ashlee of Coleman, Mary Catherine Miller of Rochester, New York, Noelle Heinert of Powell, Wyoming; great-grandchild Baxter Heinert; two sisters-in-law, Ann Hargett and husband James of Coleman and Billie Marie Miller of Coleman; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. P. "Bub" Miller, Jr., her parents and brother, Tom Jamison.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Choir Fund, P. O. Box 852, 500 W. Live Oak Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

S. G. Christian, 74, of Coleman died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with James Bailey officiating, assisted by Bob Garner.  Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. at the Richland Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Christian was born January 25, 1932 in Richland Springs, the son of D. N. Christian and Edna Marie Carrell Christian.  He grew up and attended school in Richland Springs and served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1953.  On July 5, 1963, he married Ruth Ann Henderson in Coleman.  He worked for Shell Pipeline, retiring after 25 years and moved to Coleman in 1994, where he invented and marketed the Bodoodle.  He was an avid hunter and in 2005 was inducted into the Bow Hunter’s National Hall of Fame.  He also enjoyed playing the banjo.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Christian of Coleman; his children, Brenda Perrone and husband Joe, of Hammond, Louisiana, Sherry Rainey of Coleman, Lee Ann Crnko and husband Joe, of Spring, Kathy Rindhage and husband Mike of Friendswood, Danny Christian and wife Brenda of Lakewood, Florida; one brother, Gene Christian and wife Veda, of Coleman; grandchildren, Joey Perrone, Jeff Perrone, Heidi Veverica, Heather Perrone, Carson Rainey, Emily-Kate Crnko, Garrett Rindhage, Rae Ann Rindhage, Jessica Christian, Dori Christian; six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Dortha Janice Dickson of Valera died August 19, 2006 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.  Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 from 7 to 8 p.m.  Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at the Valera Cemetery Pavilion.  Pastor Arthur A. Allen will officiate, assisted by Rev. Kermit Sorrells, and services will be under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

Mrs. Dickson was born April 18, 1923 in Glen Cove to the late William Thomas Nixon and Lula Louisa (Mulanax) Nixon.  She grew up in Valera and graduated second in her class at Centennial High School in 1939.  She worked at the Coleman Flying School after graduation, where she met Billy Jack Dickson.  They married in 1945 in Austin and celebrated 60 years together on September 16, 2005.  They returned to Coleman County in 1980 after living for many years in San Angelo, Greenville, Hondo, San Antonio, and they attended Valera Methodist Church.  Mrs. Dickson was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker who also enjoyed sewing, reading, music, and gardening, and she worked daily along side her husband on their Valera farm and orchard for over 20 years.  She especially loved to take something old and improve it.

She leaves behind a loving family including: her husband, Billy Jack Dickson of Valera; four children, Connie (Clif) Hill of Mobile, Alabama, Jerry (Nancy) Dickson and Mark (Becky) Dickson of San Antonio, and DeeAnn (Bruce) Looney of Fredricksburg; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Melba) Nixon and Dewayne (Tommie) Nixon of Abilene; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mrs. Dickson was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Imogene (Nixon) Gerth, and a granddaughter, Summer Dawn Dickson.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, Abilene.

Otellia "Tela" Simonton, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 83 Sunday evening, August 20, 2006 at her residence in Coleman, Texas.  Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery, Fisk, Texas.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Tela was born June 7, 1923 in Fisk to William and Lena Jones.  She married Fred Simonton on December 3, 1940.  He preceded her in death on November 26, 2004.  They lived in Coleman County their entire lives.  She was employed for many years with the Mozelle School.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, one sister and her husband of almost 64 years.  She leaves behind five children, Wahlasha Richards of Coleman, Spencer Simonton and wife Cynthia of Bedford, Nicky Simonton and wife Donna of Fisk, Fredye Utley and husband, Lindy of Paducah and Debbye Proctor and husband Bill of Burnett.  Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be sent to West Texas Rehabilitation Center or Hendrick Hospice.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Hendrick Hospice of Abilene for their kindness and support during Tela’s brief illness.

Linda Mae Meece, of Coleman, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2006.  Graveside services for Linda, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Brownwood with Reverend Jeff Moore officiating.  Interment will follow under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Netherton Funeral Home.  Linda passed away Monday morning at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

Linda was born on November 9, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan to Frank and Dorine Mannuzza of Washington.  She had been a resident of Coleman and Brown Counties for most of her life.  She was a very loving mother and a very loving grandmother.  She also had just recently become a great grandmother.  Her grandchildren knew her as Memaw.  Linda was a homemaker and especially enjoyed crocheting where she had made several things for her friends and family and earned several first place ribbons for her work.  Linda was also a special friend to everyone who knew her.  She will be missed greatly by her children and grandchildren and friends.

Survivors include her children and their families: Lisa and Kirk Cavanaugh of Coleman, and their children, Chelsea, Cody and Tiffanie and their son, Hagen; Sheila and Jeff Greer of Early, and their children Josh and Austin; Dianna Krischke and Robin Hogue of Early, and their children, Kris, Tiffanie, Chelsea and Chase; Michael and Linda Krischke of Liberty Hill, and their children, Jimmy, Jody, Lane and Cassidy; and a sister Mary Roberts of Washington.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorine Mannuzza and her brother Jerry Mannuzza.  The family would like to thank the ICU Staff at Brownwood Regional Medical Center for the care provided to Linda during her stay.  Also a special thank you to Dr. Narendra Nigalye, and Dr. Dan Locker for the loving care and support they gave her.

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John Campbell, of San Antonio, died Sunday, August 27, 2006 in San Antonio.  Memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Antonio.  Graveside committal service will be held in the family plot on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Texas under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

John Campbell was born August 15, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Harry G. Campbell and Mary Estelle Burleson Campbell.  He grew up in San Antonio where he attended San Antonio College, UTSA and St. Mary's.  John was employed at Southwest Research for 28 years as a Senior Engineering Technologist.  He designed and help build a new piece of equipment that gauged metal fatigue under extreme conditions.  He also did work on the Space Shuttle tiles, testing on design specs for the first Stealth bomber and the Mars rover.  He had earned a Kempo Black Belt, with the thesis titled "A Method to Study and Quantify the Physics and Power of Striking Blows."

Survivors include two sons, Thomas Campbell and Ryan Campbell both of San Antonio; three cousins, Mike Burleson of Burnet, Kelly Burleson of Dripping Springs and Andrea Burleson of Barrington, Illinois; one aunt, Toni Burleson of Burnet and a second cousin, Flip Flippen and family of College Station.

Russell Dean Johnson, age 53, died at his home in Coleman County on August 28, 2006 while battling cancer.  Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31 at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and eulogy given by Mark Sanderson.  Burial will follow in the Silver Valley Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be Wednesday 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Russell Dean Johnson was born June 24, 1953 in Parker County, Texas, a son of Minor Johnson and Nancy Curtis Johnson.  Russell was raised by Ed and Patsy Graves on the Walking 3 Ranch in Coleman County.  He graduated from Novice High School in 1971 and attended Tarleton State University.  On July 21, 2001 he married Donna Perry Carter in Coleman.  Russell was a rancher and a member of the Coleman Rodeo Association.  He was a member of the United States Team Roping Association and won the National Finals in October 2005.  He was a former member of the Novice School Board.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Johnson of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and John Merrill of Coleman; three step-daughters, Kristina Carter, Lindsay Carter both of Austin and Chelsea Carter of Abilene; one grandson, Jansen Merrill of Coleman; two brothers, Fred Johnson and wife Kim of Coleman, Roy Johnson of College Station; one sister, Minor Jean Johnson of Stephenville; several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79602.

Lorene Gray, age 90, of Coleman, died Thursday, August 31, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeffrey Miller officiating.   Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Family visitation will be held on Friday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Lorene Gray was born October 5, 1915 in Burkett, Texas, a daughter of Arch B. Harris and Mary Lou Colvin Harris.  She grew up and attended school in Burkett.  On November 5, 1934 she married Lon M. Gray in Coleman County and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1997.  Lorene lived in Burkett until 1979 when she moved to Coleman.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Chapel Sunday School Class, the Bettie Morris Circle and the Chancel Choir.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Don and Colleen Gray of Hurst; one daughter, Sue Frizzell of Coleman; five grandchildren, Martha Terry of Keller, David Gray of Hurst, Tammy Edgerton of Victoria, Randy Price of Azle, Tracy Price of Lawton, Oklahoma,  currently serving in the military in Kuwait; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Irma Tomlinson of Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Virgie Adams and Elsie Porter; one brother, A. B. Harris.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Coleman, Texas, or the Coleman County Humane Society.