March 2007 Coleman County, Texas Obituaries

Coleman County, Texas Obituaries for March 2007

March 1, 2007

Mrs. James S. (Christine) Jones, 91

Mrs. James S. (Christine) Jones age 91 of Richardson, Texas passed away Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 5:30 a.m. at the Richardson MedicalCenter. Graveside services will be Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Anna Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating with interment following under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna.

Christine was born May 16, 1915 in Maybank, Texas to the late John Quincy and Willie Mae Varnon Murphrey. She was raised in Dallasgraduating from Forrest Avenue High School in 1933. On August 24, 1940 Christina married James S. Jones, formerly of Santa Anna, in Dallas and they celebrated fifty eight years of marriage. James preceded her in death in 1998. She was a resident of Memphis, Tennessee for 30 years moving to Richardson in 1976. Christine was a member of the Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Garland and a housewife.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Angie Jones of Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Judi Jones and Linda Hubbard of Richardson, Texas; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Christine was preceded in death by two sons, John Moody and Curtis Edward Jones and one daughter, Christy Sue Jones Hay.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17.)

Ray Beard, 92

Ray Beard of Coleman passed away Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 1:20 p.m. at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood. Services will be Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Henderson Funeral Chapel with Sealy Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Ray was born September 19, 1914 in Lorena, Texas to the late Samuel Robert and Georgia Bell Springfield Beard. He was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where he attended schools. Ray married Opal Baker in Santa Anna and she preceded him in death in 1983. He married Jane Campbell in Coleman and she preceded him in death in 2003. Ray was a member of the Community Baptist Church and a retired truck driver.

Survivors include four daughters and son-in-laws, Wanda and Tommy McGowen of McAllen, Texas; Ima and Jack Smith of Odessa, Texas; Bonnie and James Medford of Blackwell, Texas; Vonda and Rod Brown of Lubbock, Texas; two brothers, Woody Beard of Arlington, Texas; and Bobby Beard of Houston, Texas; two special nieces, Candy and husband Tom Mann of Coleman, Texas and Jan Day of Coleman, Texas; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by two sons, Gerald Dean Beard and Jimmy Ray Beard and three brothers, Coy Beard, Billy Beard and Harold Beard and a sister, Daethine Yates.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17.)

Jack "G-Pa" Stewart, 80

Jack Stewart passed away Thursday, March 01, 2007 at Hospice House in Odessa, Texas at the age of 80. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 3007 at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. A graveside service will follow in Alice, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Home Hospice of Odessa. Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

He was born in his family’s country home near Voss, Texas in Coleman County on July 22, 1926 to J. T. and Pinkie Stewart. Jack had been in Odessa since 1959 and made his home on Maple Avenue where he had lived with his loving wife and life partner Dicie Stewart since 1962. In his early years Jack grew up hunting and playing with his family in the creeks and fields near Voss, and started 1st grade at the one room Voss schoolhouse. While Jack was in elementary, the family moved to the boomtown of Freer, Texas. While in Freer, Jack went to school and also worked with his father on several projects, including helping at the family gas station, construction work on the Falcon Reservoir, and water well drilling, where Jack developed a passion for mechanics and construction. Following graduation from Freer High, Jack spent four years in the Army from 1943 to 1947. During his Army time, Jack was stationed in various parts of France, Germany, and Austria. After being discharged from the Army, Jack returned home and worked several jobs in the Freer oil patch as a contract electrician, roustabout, and roughneck. It is also in Freer where he met and ultimately married Dicie Smith on June 22, 1952. Jack and Dicie built their first home in Freer, but soon after the construction was finished, Jack’s new employer, Atlantic Refining Company, transferred the couple to Corpus Christi, Texas. While in Corpus, Jack attended Del Mar College, and Corpus Christi University to get his Engineering Technology degree. Jack also developed a passion for fishing. Jack spent many days and nights patrolling the Texas Gulf Coast for game fish, and ultimately got hooked on Tarpon fishing. While fishing on Bob Hall Pier near Corpus, Jack caught many Tarpon, and ultimately set the Tarpon state record in the mid 1950’s, a record that lasted 30 years. In 1958 Atlantic transferred Jack to Odessa where he and Dicie, and their only child Steve set permanent roots. Jack and Dicie were very active in Odessa through Jack’s working years until his retirement from ARCO in 1987. Following retirement, he and Dicie enjoyed life playing golf, traveling to their lake house on lake Amistad, and socializing with family, close friends, and business associates. Jack had many hobbies and activities, but his favorite pass time was his beloved granddaughters, Lauren and Jessie. His "girls" as he called them were the light of his life and gave him much joy as “G-Pa” watched his girls grow from baby’s to youngsters, to teenagers, and on to beautiful young women. Dicie preceded Jack in death, and he sat closely with her throughout her illness until her death in 1997.

Jack is survived by his son and his wife; Steve and Julie Stewart of Houston, granddaughter Lauren Stewart of Corpus Chirsti, and granddaughter Jessie Stewart of Odessa. He is survived by one sister Jean Dollins a long time resident of Freer, Texas; and brother Jerry Stewart of Bandera, Texas.

Jack was the oldest brother of five children; he was preceded in death by his older sister Willie Edna Clarke of Amarillo, Texas and younger brother Ray Stewart of Carrollton, Texas.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17.)

Jack "G-Pa" Stewart

March 2, 2007

Arliss Garner, 81

Funeral services for Arliss Garner, age 81, of Brownwood will be held at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, March 6th) at Abundant Life Church with Rev. Travis Priddy officiating. Interment will follow at Rocky Creek Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home of Brownwood. Mrs. Garner passed away Friday evening, March 2, 2007 at a Brownwood nursing home.

Arliss was born January 10, 1926, in Coleman County, Texas, the daughter of the late A. L. and Rutilla Crutcher. She had lived in Brown County since 1965 and had been employed by Brownwood ISD for over 30 years. Arliss married W. E. "Sleepy" Garner on July 22, 1944, in Flagstaff, Arizona.

She is survived by four children, Gene Garner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Randy Garner of Brownwood, Diane Booth and husband, Mike, of Brownwood and Barbie Young of Brownwood; grandchildren, Christy and Jeremy Moore, Tim Broun, Chris Hathcock of Brownwood and Dorothy and Shasta Garner; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Neilly Bell of Lubbock, Edith and Vernon Norris of Midwest City, Oklahoma and Ludy Bryan of Santa Anna; one brother, Collis and Vonna Crutcher of Marshall; one sister-in-law, Pat Garner of Seymore; a wealth of friends and beloved pets, Sweetie and Sammy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Sleepy Garner; sisters, Lagatha Andrews and Edrene Tucker; and brother Luke Gail Crutcher.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17.)

March 3, 2007

Ed Pinnell, 67

Ed Pinnell, age 67, died Saturday, March 3, 2007 in Austin, Texas. Funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. Bob Miller officiating and assisted by Rev. John Stanislaw. Burial will follow in the Gunsight Cemetery near Cisco. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ed Pinnell was born December 10, 1939 in Amarillo, Texas, a son of the late Roscoe Lee Pinnell and Ola Ruth Wells Pinnell. He grew up and attended school in Adrian. On August 6, 1958 he married Judy Tomlinson in Amarillo, Texas. He lived in Channing, Texas for twenty years before moving to New Mexico. He moved to Coleman County two years ago. He was a cowboy and a rancher and a member of First Baptist Church in Channing.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Pinnell of Talpa; two sons, Mitchell Pinnell and wife Karen of Montgomery, Rocky and wife Kandy Pinnell of Sadler; two daughters, Janie Adair and husband Rich Hanz of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Karen Tate and husband Ron of Missouri City; eleven grandchildren, Brian, Jennifer and Stefanie Bair, Jeremy, Tye and Julie Adair, Amber, Sara, Justin and Clay Tate, Emily Pinnell; one brother, Phillip Pinnell and wife Cynthia of Plainview; two sisters, Judy Chism of Amarillo, Linda Polhmeier and husband Greg of Amarillo; mother-in-law, Suzy Tomlinson of Baird; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17.)

Ed Pinnell

Billy Clyde Morris, 82

Billy Clyde Morris, 82, of Lubbock went to be with his Lord in heaven Saturday, March 3, 2007. Services were 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Stallsworth officiating. Burial followed in the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Rix Funeral Directors.

Billy was born November 8, 1924 in Coleman. He graduated from Coleman High school in 1943. He served his country in the US Navy during WW II. He married Bettye Lane on Oct. 30, 1945. She precedes him in death. Billy was in the paint manufacturing business for 36 years. He retired in 1989 and was co-owner of Building Supply Center. He was a lifetime member of Hub Lions Club after serving 42 years with a perfect attendance award. Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman. He married Alice Simpson on December 12, 1990. After his retirement he loved to travel and restore old cedar chests.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; a daughter, Judy Morris Reeves and husband Don; a son, Steven Morris and wife Debbie all of Lubbock; granddaughter, Tiffany Boling Burrell and husband Kevin of Leander and great granddaughter, Sydney Boling of Scottsdale, Arizona; a sister, Juanita Holmes of Austin; three step-children, Cheri Salley and husband Jim of Midlothian, Virginia.; Jan Mitchell and husband Frank of Burleson and Richard Simpson of Phoenix, Arizona; 16 step grandchildren; and 27 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A grandson, Morris Lance Boling also precedes Billy in death. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Vista Care Hospice, or a favorite charity.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 8, 2007, page 13.)

Billy Clyde Morris

Larry N. Jeffcoats, 55

Larry N. Jeffcoats, age 55, of Brownwood, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2007. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 9th, at Davis-Morris Chapel in Brownwood with Bill Slaymaker officiating. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Davis - Morris Funeral Home. Family visitation is tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Born June 7, 1951 in Coleman, Texas, he was the son of Narvis and Cleo Bell (Merryman) Jeffcoats. He was employed as a railroad conductor and was married to Macie Korenek. He was dedicated to local youth baseball teams and an avid coach in many areas of the Brownwood Baseball Association.

Survivors include his wife, Macie (Korenek) Jeffcoats; sons, Larry Dru Jeffcoats and wife Angela, Aaron Smith and wife Collett, Brandon Jeffcoat and wife Norma, Ben Smith; six granddaughters and one grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Narvis and Cleo Bell Jeffcoats.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 8, 2007, page 13.)

March 4, 2007

Leon Wayne Griffin, 70

Leon Wayne Griffin, age 70, of Fisk, died Sunday March 4, 2007 in Fort Worth. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kent McMillan officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Leon Wayne Griffin was born September 1, 1936 in Santa Anna, Texas, the son of Leslie Bryan Griffin and Irene Bell Lockhart Griffin. He grew up in Fisk, attended school at Brown Ranch and graduated from Mozelle High School. He served in the United States Army. In 1962 he married Billie McMillan in Coleman. He lived in Pasadena, Texas for 15 years and returned to Coleman County in 1980. He was a welder and a rancher. He was Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Griffin of Fisk; one daughter, Marcy Otts of Fisk; one son, Bryan and wife Kristi Griffin of Coleman; five grandsons, Yancy Otts, Griffin Otts, Ethan Griffin, Devin Griffin, Damon Griffin; uncles, Alvis Griffin of Bangs and Floyd Broyles of Coleman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill McMillan, Foster and wife Roxann McMillan, Ken and wife Valerye McMillan, Greg and wife Ella Mae McMillan, Bret McMillan, Jack Hallonquist, Jim Reeves, Fran and Charles Spradlin; several cousins including Linda and Melvin Lawrence of Coleman; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Geneva Hallonquist.

Memorials may be made to Brown Ranch Cemetery, c/o Graham Cathey, 161 PR 3561, Coleman, Texas 76834.

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

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 6, 2007, page 17; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 8, 2007, page 13.)

Leon Wayne Griffin

March 5, 2007

Robert Dayton Winstead, 59

Robert Dayton Winstead, age 59, of Odessa, died Monday, March 5, 2007 at his residence. The body will be cremated. Arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

He was born July 29, 1947 in Coleman, Texas, a son of George Winstead and Patsy Dodson Winstead. He grew up in Midland and attended school there. He was employed for many years for an oilfield fishing tool company. He was married to Alice Turner Winstead and she preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Patsy Winstead of Coleman; two brothers, J. D. and wife Bonnie Winstead of Longview and Ed Winstead of Colton, California; aunt and uncle, Ann and Max Jameson of Coleman; several cousins.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 13, 2007, page 11.)

March 6, 2007

Gene Dickerson, 81

Gene Dickerson, 81, died Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Coleman Healthcare Center in Coleman, Texas. Funeral services are pending with Hammons Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas. Local arrangements were made by Stevens Funeral Home.

Gene Dickerson was born August 25, 1925 in Wellington, Texas, a son of the late Vollie and Myrtle Lewis Dickerson. He grew up in Littlefield, attended school there and served in the United States Navy. Gene was a truck driver for many years. On November 2, 1977 he married Doris Franklin Isbell in Littlefield. He lived in Littlefield until moving to Coleman three years ago. He was non-denominational and attended Trinity Fellowship.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Dickerson of Coleman; four daughters, Jerri and Gerald Daniels of Littlefield, Jeanette and Delton Boyd of Price, Utah, Sue and David Stevens of Dimmitt, Lavelle and Mackie Walters of Coleman; five sons, Mickey and Edith Cutrer of Magnolia, Mississippi, Bo Stinson of Price, Utah, Darrelle and Marye Isbell of Lubbock, Dannie Isbell of Hereford and Jimmy and Lois Isbell of Coleman; 25 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Francis of Levelland, Wanda Martin of Edgewood, Barbara Pear of Lubbock, Peggy Rainey of Potosi; one brother, Charles Dickerson of Littlefield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother C. E. Dickerson and three great-grandchildren.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 8, 2007, page 13.)

Corey Dane Finlay, 49

Corey Dane Finlay, 49, of Brady died Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in Brady. Graveside services were held Thursday, March 8th at 2 p.m. in the Lohn Cemetery, under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home, Virgil Webb officiating.

He was born November 27, 1957 in San Angelo to William (Bill) and Madeline (Madge). He was a Texas A&M graduate and a seismologist, working for Western Geophysical in Houston until returning to Brady for health reasons. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by his mother, Madeline (Madge) Finlay of Brady; one aunt, Billie Butler and husband, Kermit, of Sun City, Arizona; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Finlay.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

March 8, 2007

Joe G. Mitchell, 85

Joe G. Mitchell, 85, of Coleman, died Thursday, March 8, 2007 at his residence. Graveside services were 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2007 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Joe G. Mitchell was born July 20, 1921 in Coleman County, the son of Oscar Newton and Eva Roberta Dawson. He served in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946. He married Lola Mae Smith on June 1, 1947 in Arlington. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2000. Joe was employed by Texas Electric Service Company in Big Spring for 35 1/2 years as an electrician high voltage installer. While living in Big Spring he was a long-time coach for Little League. He moved to Coleman in 1992, was a member and deacon at Concho Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, David Mitchell and wife Kay of Pearland, Texas; two granddaughters, Kim Stoeck and husband Chris of Pearland, Texas and Jamie Mitchell of Missouri; two great- grandchildren, Braeden Stoeck and Caleb Stoeck both of Pearland, Texas; several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife and a brother, Aubrey Dean Mitchell.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 13, 2007, page 11.)

Joe G. Mitchell

March 9, 2007

David Ray Croft, 60

David Ray Croft passed away March 9, 2007 at his home in Oceanside, California. No services were held. His body was cremated.

David Croft was born January 22, 1947 in Coleman to Roy E. and Dorothy (Bennett) Croft. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1965. He traveled the United States, as he loved the outdoors. He worked as an electronics technician for the Xerox Corporation in Chicago, Illinois from 1966 to 1975, with an interlude in the Army from 1967 to 1969, serving in Viet Nam, mainly in Saigon, Pleiku, Da Nang, and various locations of the Central Highlands. After leaving Xerox, he drove trucks from Dallas to Houston, started carpentry businesses in Chicago and Austin, worked on pipelines in Georgia, the Carolinas and Texas. After returning to Coleman for a year, David moved to northern California. There he prospected for gold and even wrote a book on gold prospecting. In recent years, he obtained water rights for generating electrical power in northern California.

Survivors include his wife Ellen of Oceanside, California; mother Dorothy (Mrs. R. E.) Freeman of Port Aransas; one sister Kay (Mrs. Richard) Straach of Port Aransas, one son, Adam of Illinois, a step-daughter, Alix of California, three nieces; two aunts, Sue Myers and Hazel Wolf of Coleman; and many cousins.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

David Ray Croft

Melba Joyce Titsworth Moore, 75

S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 15, 2007, page 16.)

Vyron Carroll Hudgins, 92

Vyron Carroll Hudgins, 92, of San Angelo passed away Friday, March 9, 2007 in a local nursing home. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 11, 2007 at the Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 12, 2007 at the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel, with Rev. James Paul Bailey of Lawrence, Kansas officiating. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., in the Valera cemetery.

Vyron Carroll Hudgins was born May 19, 1914, in Valera, Texas. She was a twin daughter of Wortham and Mary Carroll who had eight children. Nita Carroll Cook of Lovington, New Mexico is the only remaining sibling and two sisters-in-laws, Olga Carroll, of Livermore, California and Dorothy Hudgins of Fort Worth, Texas. Vyron married William Homer Hudgins in 1933 and they had five children. The first child Wortham Perry Hudgins died at birth and Annie Marlene Hudgins was born in 1935 and died in 1941.

The surviving children are Marcus Rex Hudgins and wife, Vae Rena of Cleburne, Texas; Mary Evelyn Monti and husband, Frank of San Angelo; Jerry Lynn Hudgins and wife, Suzette of Kingwood, Texas. She has 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vyron was a dedicated wife, homemaker and an excellent seamstress.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 13, 2007, page 11.)

Vyron Carroll Hudgins

Grace Walker Haggard, 91

S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

Ofleta Carraway, 72

Ofleta Carraway, 72, of Coleman, died Friday, March 9, 2007 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2007 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. S ervices are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ofleta Carraway was born December 28, 1934 in Menard, Texas, the daughter of Lee and Vinnie Hawkins Davis. She grew up and attended school in Menard. In 1962, she married Evan Carraway in Menard. He preceded her in death in August, 1991. She moved to Coleman in 1977 and worked part-time as an aide for home health and hospice.

She is survived by three sons, Ira Carraway and wife, Tina, of Coleman, Larry Gibbs of Rankin, Lee Carraway of Coleman; one daughter, Jamie Guerrero and husband, Danny of Coleman; two brothers, Henry Davis of London, Texas, Gary Davis of Georgetown; four sisters, Margie Crowder of Coleman, Etta Durham of Odessa, Patricia Armstrong of San Angelo, Darlene Davis of San Angelo; 10 grandchildren, Dondi Gibbs, Brandon Griffin, Lee Griffin, Jennifer Griffin, Jana Carraway, Kavin Bowers, Kyle Kemp, Curtis Lee Carraway, Jonathan Carraway, Candice Carraway; five great-grandchildren, Alexis Yarbrough, B. J. Griffin, Genesis Griffin, Jordan Hale, Camen Hale and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Bernie Griffin, two brothers, Ben Davis, Wilburn Davis and one sister, Mable Lee Cockrell.

Family visitation will be Sunday, March 11, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brandon Griffin, Lee Griffin, Kavin Bowers, Kyle Kemp, James Fuller and Curtis Carraway.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March x, 2007, page x.)

March 10, 2007

Laurane Kelley, 65

Laurane Kelley of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. at her residence in Santa Anna. Services will be Wednesday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Chapel with Rev. James Anderson officiating. Interment will be at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Evart, Michigan.

Laurane was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 23, 1941 to the late Ray and Nellie Marie Moot Oles. She was raised in Lansing, Michigan graduating from the Section High School. She married Ralph Estes Kelley in McCamey, Texas and he preceded her in death in 2001. Laurane has been a resident of Santa Anna since 2004 and was a Baptist and retired waitress and homemaker.

Survivors include two daughters, Kay Oles of Evart, Michigan, and D'Ann Rodriguez of Grosvenor, Texas; five brothers, David Oles of Michigan, Leonard Oles of Bull Head City, Arizona, Clifford Oles of Michigan, Calvin Oles of Michigan, Gerald Oles of Michigan; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurane was preceded in death by her brother Virgil Oles in 1988.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 13, 2007, page 11.)

Annie Viola "Bo" Sansom, 85

Miss Annie Viola "Bo" Sansom, 85 years of age, was a longtime resident of Novice Texas. She passed away in Fort Worth on March 10, 2007. Services will be held in Walker Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Midway Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

She was born September 19, 1921 in Placid, Texas. She was a graduate of Content High School in 1939 and went on to work for General Dynamics where she retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

She is survived by her sister, Fleona O'Neal of Abilene and sister- in-law, Lucy Sansom of Goldsboro; her special friend and caregiver Kim Patterson; three nieces, Debbie Beard, Brenda Garrell and Jo Anne Green; two nephews, Ronnie O’Neal and Glen Sansom; four great nieces; five great nephews, one great-great nephew and two great- great nieces.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 13, 2007, page 11.)

Mary Shaw, 53

Mary L. Shaw, age 53, of Early died Saturday morning, March 10, 2007 at her home following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Brownwood with Pastor Lynn Rice officiating. Burial will follow in the Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Heartland Funeral and Cremation Service of Early.

She was born November 2, 1953 in Garland, Texas the daughter of the late Ellis and Ruby Jones Martin. She grew up in Garland and later moved to Coleman where she graduated from Coleman High School. She attended L.V.N. nursing school and graduated in 1974. She worked for CMS Healthcare and Brownwood Healthcare as a nurse. She moved to Early in 1973 and later married O. A. Shaw in Coleman on January 30, 1976. She was a ray of sunshine to everyone she met. She taught Sunday School at Jones Chapel Baptist Church for several years where she was a member for a number of years and later became a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church. She enjoyed painting, ceramics and woodworking.

She is survived by her husband, O. A. Shaw of Early; two daughters, Laura Roberson and husband Randall of Early and Melody McCutchens and husband Daniel of Brownwood; two grandchildren, Alex Roberson of Early and Melody (Mellie) McCutchens of Brownwood; two brothers, Tom Martin of Garland and Phil Martin and wife Laela of Haskell; and numerous other family members.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March x, 2007, page x.)

Virgil Ray Fletcher, 93

Virgil Ray Fletcher, age 93, of Bangs died Saturday morning, March 10th, 2007 at the Bangs Nursing Home where he resided. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion, under the direction of Heartland Funeral and Cremation Services of Early.

Virgil was born June 10, 1913 in Coleman County, the son of the late Robert Leggett and Ida Mae McCloud Fletcher and grew up near the Buffalo Community. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He married Bettie Thelmer Gannon on April 22, 1945. She preceded him in death on September 20, 2005. He had lived all of his life in the Brown and Coleman County area and worked for several auction barns most of his life.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Fletcher of Brownwood; two grandchildren, Michael Wayne Fletcher of Bastrop and Jennifer Elaine Fletcher Hamrick of Allenstown, Pennsylvania; and a nephew, Noel Fletcher of Brownwood.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Sam, Alfred and Robert L. and a sister, Emma Abner.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March x, 2007, page x.)

March 11, 2007

Alton Sealy Williams, 92

Alton Sealy Williams, 92 years of age, passed away March 11, 2007 in Coleman County Medical Center. Services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in Central Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Shoneman officiating. Interment will follow at the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

He was born August 31, 1914 in Santa Anna, Texas and married Earon Ruth Monroe on February 22, 1940 in Coleman, where he resided and worked as an automobile mechanic. He was a dedicated husband, father and member of Central Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, a daughter, two granddaughters and one brother.

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine and son-in-law, Jeff Gray of Fort Worth and two sons and daughters-in-laws, Butch and Earlene Williams of Coleman and Wayne and Virginia Williams of San Angelo; his special friend and caregiver Kathy Lanham; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March x, 2007, page x.)

March 12, 2007

Ruth Davidson Whittington, 80

Ruth Davidson Whittington, age 80, of Glen Cove, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 16 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Sam Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Ruth was born August 4, 1926 in Westbrook, Texas. She moved to Coleman County as a child and attended school at Novice. After leaving school she worked in Winters for a time before marrying Ed Maurice Whittington on December 20, 1944 in Coleman. Following their marriage, they lived in Giddings, Texas for 20 years and returned to Coleman County in 1976. While living in Giddings she worked as a lunch clerk for Giddings ISD but most of all she was a wonderful mother and homemaker. In Giddings she was a member of the Lions Club and several women's clubs. She was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ in Coleman.

Survivors include her husband Ed Maurice Whittington of Glen Cove; two daughters, Glenda and husband Floyd Friedrich of Giddings; Norma and husband Dennis Walch of Cypress; one son, Gary Whittington and fiancee Dianne Terrell of Waller; step-brother, Billy Proctor of Grandbury; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lori Walch, in 1992.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 15, 2007, page 16.)

Gladys M. Hale, 90

Gladys Hale, age 90, of Carbon, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2007. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday March 15, 2007 in the Summers-Bakker Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Murray Cemetery with Pastor Harry Grantz officiating.

Mrs. Hale was born on December 23, 1916 to James Collie Nance and Anna Mae (Truman) Nance in Bomerton. She married Marvin James Hale in Cisco on April 1, 1939. The Hales were blessed with two daughters, Patsy and Peggy Hale. Gladys enjoyed being a homemaker and was a member of the Carbon Baptist Church. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of over 57 years Marvin Hale in August of 1996.

Gladys is survived by her daughters; Patsy Bryant and husband Charles of Novice and Peggy Stephenson and husband Charley of White Settlement; her brothers, Raymond Nance of Abilene and Bill Warren of Wichita Falls; her sisters, Jimmie Ervin of Abilene and Jessie Chappell of Abilene; grand-children, Kevin, Karen, Kelly, Kristen, and Tonya; and great-grandchildren, Reagan, Clayton, Kaylee, Dylan, Hannah, Cole, and Drake.

She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 15, 2007, page 16.)

Gladys M. Hale

Jack Kenneth Hudson, 80

S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 15, 2007, page 16; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

Florence Boyd Howard, 91

S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

March 14, 2007

Ruth Elaine Gillespie Brooks, 86

Ruth Elaine Gillespie Brooks left the pain and struggles of this life behind and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 14, 2007. A service in celebration and gratitude for the life of Ruth Elaine Gillespie Brooks was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Marshall officiating and assisted by Rev. John Stanislaw. Eulogy will be given by Drew Hubbard, one of Ruth's grandsons. Burial followed in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 983, Coleman, Texas 76834.

She was born Ruth Elaine Gillespie on September 22, 1920 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Frank H. and Hazel Leta Keesee Gillespie. She was a life-long resident of Coleman. She graduated from Coleman High School in 1937 and married James V. Brooks on September 19, 1937. He preceded her in death on January 4, 1992. She was a homemaker and a former member of the Rebekah Lodge. Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church and the Esther Sunday School Class. Ruth was a loving person and beloved by all who knew her. She always had good things to say about others. Ruth truly mirrored Christ in all areas of her life.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Jimmie Ruth and Jerry Hubbard of Coleman, Brenda Elaine and Gerald Wisener of Coleman; two sons and daughters-in-law, Frank Vernon and JoAnn Brooks of Big Spring, James Steven and Bobbie Ann Brooks of Corpus Christi; eleven grandchildren, Drew Anthony Hubbard and wife Barbara of Coleman, Duane Brooks of Mertzon, Stefani Hughes of Whitehouse, Melissa Farr and husband Britt of San Angelo; Nicole Thorp and husband Kevin of Knickerbocker, Katherine Brooks and husband Billy of Brownwood, DuAnn Jones and husband Randy of Early, Todd Brooks and wife Melissa of Kerrville, James Brooks and wife Jana of Mertzon, Shelly Haines and husband Randy of Corpus Christi, Michell Atkinson and husband John of Odem; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three brothers, Troy Gillespie, Wylie Gillespie, Bud Gillespie.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

Ruth Gillespie Brooks

March 15, 2007

Berlie Allen Dunn, 87

Berlie Allen Dunn peacefully passed from this life to be with his Lord and beloved wife on March 15, 2007. Funeral services were held Monday, March 19, 2007 at Kelview Heights Baptist Church. Interment followed at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland. Pallbearers were the deacons of the church. Honorary pallbearers were Johnie Gray, Earl Brinlee, Bill Felsinger, Chuck Collier, Smokey Hurst, Chuck Luckett, and Charlie Lytle. Arrangements were under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas.

He was born on February 8, 1920, in Coleman County to George Henry Dunn and Sarah Ann Shamblin Dunn. He attended area schools and graduated valedictorian of Coleman High School in 1938. On June 22, 1941, he married the love of his life Opal Geneva Jackson. They were married for 62 years before her death in 2005. He was always a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Nothing took precedence over his family and his Lord.

In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps where he served his country in Italy during WWII as a B-24 Liberator mechanic. After the war, he lived in Coleman. In 1949, he joined the Texas Department of Public Safety and moved the family to Midland. He was later transferred to Abilene where he was a Driver's License Examiner. In 1957, he came back to Midland to be the first Regional Adjutant. He retired from the DPS after 31 years. He then served on staff at Kelview Heights Baptist Church for several years.

He has been a faithful and integral part of Kelview Heights Baptist Church for the last 40 years serving as treasurer, chairman of the deacons, Sunday School teacher, College Career Leader, and staff member. His Lord defined every area of his life: his home, his job and his friendships. His marriage served as a model of a Godly home for all those who knew him. He was a true servant leader. He was a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, nurturing his grandchildren well. Berlie was a true friend to hundreds of people from high school, war time, and DPS buddies to generations of friends from his church. He seemed to always find a connection to Coleman with anyone he met. He was a consummate story teller up until just weeks before his death, mesmerizing those around family, friends and caregivers in the rest home with his tales of the past. He dearly loved those who so meticulously cared for him at Manor Park Mabee Center. His humor made him a fun person to be around to all generations. We will all miss our Pop.

He is survived by one brother George Henry Dunn and wife Wanda of Grand Prairie, his two sons, Jerry Dunn and his wife Deanna of Midland, Eddie Dunn and his wife Debbie of Plano; two grandsons and their families, Kirk Dunn and his wife Leslie and beloved great-grandchildren Blake and Blair of Midland; Rusty Dunn and his wife Heather and beloved great-granddaughters Aubrey and Avery of Odessa; two granddaughters, Kristen and husband Bryan Hager of Jacksonville, Florida; and Rhesa and husband Wade Dunn of Stanton; several sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and a multitude of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Raymond Dunn, sisters, Cleo Dunn, Velma Helton, and Doris Tillman.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

Berlie Allen Dunn - 2006

March 17, 2007

Voncile Thomason, 82

Voncile Thomason, age 82, entered the arms of her heavenly Father, Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Sagecrest Alzheimers Care Center in San Angelo. Services celebrating Voncile's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow in the Voss Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

Voncile was born June 13, 1924 in Voss, Texas, daughter of the late Percy and Beulah Loggins Strickland. She grew up in Voss and attended school at Voss and Mozelle. On April 1, 1940 she married Roland K. Thomason in Coleman. They were strong partners who worked side-by-side in all endeavors. Upon the incapacitation of Roland in 1975 and her son's death in 1977, Voncile continued to successfully manage their farm and ranch operations. For over 25 years she was a member of the Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and was appointed a Director in 1992 and an Honorary Director for Life in 1999. She was a life-long resident of Coleman County, living northwest of Voss until 1945, then moving three miles west of Mozelle. She lived at her homeplace until entering Sagecrest in San Angelo in February 2006. Voncile Thomason was a strong, determined, Christian woman who will be remembered for, her courage, strength, faith and love. She will live on in our hearts.

Survivors include three daughters, Wyvonne Autrey of Katy, Texas, Charlotte and husband Gerald Dawson of Mansfield, Texas, Charlene and husband Jack Self of San Angelo; two brothers, Arch Strickland of Gouldbusk and Guinn Strickland of Fort Worth; four grandchildren, David Autrey, Paula Autrey Vick, Todd Dawson and Tenille Thomason Metzler; eight great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law, Tammy Crowder.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Roland K. Thomason on July 6, 1986 and son, Keith Thomason in November 1977; two brothers, Cecil Strickland and Wayne Strickland; two sisters, Mabel Blanton and Reta Grusendorf; son-in-law, Dean Soderberg.

Family visitation will be held Monday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

Niece and nephews serving as pallbearers will be S. E. Blanton, Debra Keisling, Michael Nichols, Charles Nichols, Monty Strickland, Cliff Strickland. Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Reyes, Salvadore Reyes, Little Henry Reyes.

The family sends its deepest appreciation to the staff of Sagecrest and Baptist Memorials Hospice for the loving and professional care our Can Do Woman received day in day out while a resident at Sagecrest.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

Voncile Thomason

March 18, 2007

Haskell Clevenger, 87

Haskell Clevenger of Fisk, Texas passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. at the Coleman County Medical Center. Services will be Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Chapel in Coleman with Joe Hailey officiating. Interment will follow at the Brown Ranch Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 7 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Haskell was born February 10, 1920 in Taylor County, Texas to the late Author Earnest and Dovie A. Elkins Clevenger. He was raised in Coleman County attending the Cotton School on Morris Ranch. Haskell served his country during World War II with the Army, Co. B, 142 infantry, 36th division. On May 19, 1945 he married Lena Smith in Coleman and they celebrated fifty-one years of marriage. Haskell was a member of the Church of God and the DAV. He retired in 1984 as a drilling consultant.

Survivors include his wife, Lena Clevenger of Fisk, Texas; one daughter, Lorna Clevenger of Berlin, Germany; two sons, Fred Clevenger of Kissimmee, Florida, Gary Clevenger of Wichita Falls, Texas; three sisters, Paulene Ferguson of Granbury, Maggie Hayes of Phoenix, Arizona, Bettie Culps of San Angelo, Texas; 4 grandchildren: Tanya Clevenger, Lena Clevenger, Amanda Clevenger, and Travis Clevenger; several nieces and nephews.

Haskell was preceded in death by one sister and two brothers.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 20, 2007, page 18.)

March 19, 2007

James Dugan "J. D." Barnett, Jr., 71

James Dugan (J. D.) Barnett, 71 years of age, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007 at the Laredo Medical Center, Laredo, Texas. Funeral services will be Friday, March 23, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. with Alvin McMeans officiating, in Walker Funeral Home Chapel with the Texas Parks and Wildlife as color guard. Interment will follow in the Rough Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

He was the son of the late James Dugan Sr. and Opal Gorman Barnett, was born January 9, 1936 in Novice, Texas. J. D. was a graduate of Novice High School in the 1954 class. He was married to Darlene Fay Gayler in Coleman on June 14, 1955. He was a member of the 36th Div. National Guard of Coleman for eight years. They moved to Zapata, Texas 44 years ago and he had retired after 36 years of employment as a Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Gorman of Zapata, Texas; two daughters, Gay Fay Oxford of Lytle, Texas and Joy Lynn and son-in-law, David Oxford of Germany; one sister, June Rogers; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Family visitation will be today (Thursday) at Walker Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

March 21, 2007

Glenn Thomas, 76

Glenn Thomas, age 76, of Coleman, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 23 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Baker Rudolph and John Walthall officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery with graveside rites conducted by Rev. John Stanislaw. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Glenn Thomas was born December 19, 1930 in Coleman, Texas, the son of Clyde Gordon Thomas and Bessie Bailey Thomas. He grew up and attended school in Coleman. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and was in Korea during the Korean Conflict. On June 18, 1955 he married Wanell McClellan in Coleman. He and his father owned and operated a seed and feed business in Coleman. For 25 years Glenn Thomas served as the County Clerk for Coleman County, retiring in 1994. He had previously served on the Coleman Volunteer Fire Department, Coleman Noon Lions Club, Coleman Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of Overall-Morris Memorial Hospital. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Men's Downtown Sunday School Class. Glenn enjoyed his coffee drinking buddies, his grandchildren and playing "42."

Survivors include his wife, Wanell Thomas of Coleman; three sons, Jerry and wife Annie Thomas of Midland, Gary and wife Donna Thomas of McKinney, Mike and wife Cyndi Thomas of Forney; three grandsons, Garrett and wife Juliana Thomas of Wylie, Jarrad Thomas of Provo, Utah, Luke Thomas of McKinney; two granddaughters, Brittany and Kyndra Thomas both of Forney; great-grandson, Garrison Thomas of Wylie; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nell Hamilton and Linda Sue Sparks.

Pallbearers will be Garrett Thomas, Jarrad Thomas, Luke Thomas, Brittany Thomas, Kyndra Thomas, Juliana Thomas, Mac Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Members of the Men's Downtown Sunday School Class, Barney Ransberger, Bill Bradshaw, W. H. Gorman.

Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 22, 2007, page 16.)

March 23, 2007

Oleeta Webb Rush, 88

Oleeta Webb Rush of Coleman County passed away in Irving, Texas on Friday, March 23, 2007. Family visitation was held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at Walker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 2:00pm Wednesday, March 28, at Walker Funeral Home with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial followed at Coleman City Cemetery. Memorial can be made to the Coleman Public Library.

She was born January 30, 1919 in Coleman County, daughter of the late Homer and Margaret Webb. Oleeta lived in Coleman all of her life, was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Coleman and a housewife. She married the late Ned Rush in Coleman on June 25, 1939 and he preceded her in death in 1987.

Survivors include five daughters and sons-in-law, Merrily and Scott Whitaker of Houston, Mellody and Donny Sinclair of Irving, Carol Rush of Houston, Cathy and Toby Bill of Austin and Meg Rush of Kaufman; one sister, Billie Taylor of Idalou; one brother, Jim Webb of Elgin; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

Brunita Ramon Salame', 81

Brunita Ramon Salame', 81, died Friday, March 23, 2007 in Granbury. Graveside service were held at 11 a.m. Monday in Fort McKavett Cemetery in Menard. Wiley Funeral Home of Granbury was in charge of arrangement.

Brunita Salame' was born October 6, 1925 in Fort McKavett to Sylvestre and Cliofas Deanda Ramon. She married Daniel Salame' in 1947 in Fort McKavett. She was a seamstress and homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2001, a son, Eckzar Salame' Sr. and by two brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include one daughter, Carmela Clark of Granbury; sons, Ruben Salame' of Granbury and Daniel Salame' of Stephenville; brothers, Amalio Ramon of Azle, Joe Ramon of Perris, Calif. and Gilbert Ramon of Coleman; sister, Lupe Rodriguez of Londan, Texas; grandchildren, Tina Saiks, Eckzar Salame' Jr., Wesley Clark, Holly Clark, Aaron Howard-Salame' and Daniel Howard-Salame'; great-grandchildren, Shane Saiks, Stephanie Saiks and Paul Saiks; several nieces and nephews.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

March 24, 2007

Gary Spurgeon, 58

Gary Spurgeon, age 58, of Coleman, died Saturday, March 24, 2007 in Nolan County, Texas. Graveside funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 26 in Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Ronnie Lane officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Gary Spurgeon was born July 10, 1948 in Post, Texas, a son of the late Hubert Charles Spurgeon and Lula Mae Murry Spurgeon. He grew up in many towns in Texas including Odessa, Post and McCamey. He served in the United States Army. On November 11, 1978 he married Doris Dodgen Lane in Coleman. Gary worked most of his life in oil field related businesses. Since September of 2006 he had owned and operated D & G Escort Services, a pilot car company.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Spurgeon of Coleman; three daughters, Tammy Taylor of Olathea, Colorado, Kellie Spurgeon of East Texas, Lori Dempsey of North Kansas City, Missouri; one son, Ronnie Lane of Odessa; grandchildren, Josh Dempsey of Coleman, Stephanie Dempsey of Coleman, Kristin Lane of Canyon, Alyssa Lane of Odessa, Macee Lane of Odessa, Savanna Metzger of East Texas, Gary Steven Sikes of East Texas; eight brothers and sisters, Joan Holley of Morgan, Texas, Pat Bonds of Laguna Park, Texas, Danny Spurgeon, Larry Spurgeon, Ricky Spurgeon all of Athens, Texas, Sammy Spurgeon of Shepherd, Texas, Randy Spurgeon of Texas, Janie Spurgeon of Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephews.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

John Loyd, 83

John Loyd of Mozelle, Texas passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 5:25 a.m. at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood. Services will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 until 7 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

John was born in Mozelle on February 24, 1924 to the late William John and Lennie Lenora Allen Loyd. He was a lifetime resident of Coleman County and graduate of Mozelle High Schools. On November 6, 1949 he married Inez Evans at Indian Creek, Brown County, Texas and they celebrated fifty-one years of marriage. Inez preceded him in death in 2001. He was a tradesman in the construction business, owning a house construction business and a plumbing business and in later years a mesquite furniture business.

Survivors include, children, Shelia and husband Jim Campbell of Guffey, Colorado, Sharon and husband Gary Woodcox of Valera, Terry and wife Michelle Loyd of Coleman, and Jacqueline (Jac) and husband Marshall Bowman of Coleman, Texas; two sisters, Stella Mae Loyd of Coleman and Dorothy and husband James Hamilton of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; 15 grandchildren, Katy Campbell, Jill Campbell, Darrell Woodcox, Dejsha Splattstoesser and husband Andy, Andrew Woodcox and wife Jeannette, Connie Woodcox, Michael Loyd and wife Amy, Stephen Loyd, Codi Perdue, Kelly Loyd, Jessi Loyd, Mark Loyd, M. J. Loyd, Charley Bowman and Cojo Bowman; 8 great grandchildren, Devon, Stetson, Shila and Tyson Woodcox, Devin, Rebekah and Monica Splattstoesser and Hunter Woodcox; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandsons. John was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Winfred Loyd and Eugene Loyd.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

March 25, 2007

Bictorino Vasquez Diaz, Jr., 56

Bictorino Vasquez Diaz, Jr. age 56 of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Sunday, March 25, 2007 in an automobile accident on FM 1176 south of Santa Anna. Services will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Interment will follow at the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Rosary will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home.

Bictorino was born July 9, 1950 in Santa Anna, Texas to Juanita Vasquez Diaz and the late Bictorino Gonzalez Diaz. He was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna where he attended the Santa Anna Schools. Bictorino was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and worked in maintenance.

Survivors include his mother, Juanita Diaz of Santa Anna, Texas; one sister, Barbara Cadena of Brownwood, Texas; two brothers, Benito Diaz of Santa Anna, Texas; Vincent Diaz of Denver City, Texas; several nieces and nephews.

Bictorino was preceded in death by his brother Billy Diaz.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 29, 2007, page 11.)

Dr. Charles Curry Eaves, MD, 87

Dr. Charles Curry Eaves, M.D., Tucson, Arizona (formerly of Houston), retired, passed away on March 25, 2007. Dr. Eaves was buried in El Paso, Texas.

Born on November 19, 1919 in the small Texas community of Santa Anna, Texas, Dr. Eaves began a military and medical career that spanned several decades of service to his country and to man. According to the 1920 census record, his father was Superintendent of School at Santa Anna and his grandfather was a minister. After graduating from Texas A&M, his military career began by enlisting as an officer in the Navy, serving on the battleship Indiana, which saw action in World War II. After completing six years in the Navy, he moved to Houston and entered Baylor Medical School where he earned a Doctor of Medicine degree. During medical school, he proudly served as a Houston police officer. Joining the U.S. Army as a medical doctor, Dr. Eaves quickly rose to the rank of Colonel and worked in various military hospitals in Europe and Asia. In 1957, he received a Masters of Science degree in Surgery. In 1968 he earned a Masters of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. While serving in the Navy, Curry met and married his wife, Ruth of New York. One of Curry and Ruth's favorite military assignments was in Arizona at Ft. Huachuca. They took their last cross country trip in 2003 back to Tucson to be close to their daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Alan Jeffcoat.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; the oldest son, Dr. Greg Eaves and wife Dr. Karen Prager of Dallas, Texas; Dr. Charles C. Eaves Jr. and wife Chrystl and grandchildren Savannah, Sally, Rebecca and Charlotte from Lakeland, Florida; Sally Jeffcoat and husband Alan Jeffcoat of Tucson, Arizona.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, April 3, 2007, page 16.)

Dr. Charles Curry Eaves

March 26, 2007

James W. "Dub" Benson, 85

James W. "Dub" Benson of Lake Coleman died March 26, 2007 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at Community Baptist Church with Rev. Sealy Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery, under direction of Walker Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Community Baptist Church of Coleman.

James was born June 4, 1921 in Rising Star, son of James and Ollie Benson. He had lived at Lake Coleman many years. He had retired from the Gulf Oil Company and was a member of Community Baptist Church.

Survivors include her wife, Jo Benson of Lake Coleman; his daughter, Jennie Ruth Bouchtel of Odessa; three grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

about March 26, 2007

Dr. Paul P. Hicks, DDS, 92
S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 27, 2007, page 13.)

March 29, 2007

Wayne Chamberlain, 73
S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 3, 2007, page 16.)

March 31, 2007

Winnie Undean Steffey, 94
S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, March 3, 2007, page 16.)

Bill Gary, 80

Bill Gary of Goldsboro, passed away Saturday evening at Runnels County Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home in Ballinger. Funeral Services will be held graveside at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Atoka Cemetery in Coleman County. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Family Funeral Home in Ballinger. Visitation was held Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.

Billy Jack Gary was born August 3, 1926 outside Junction, Texas to James Pearce Gary and Eva Mae Phillips. Mr. Gary was a direct descendant of Davy Crockett and a member of a long line of west Texas ranchers. At age 25 Bill met and married Marlene Thomas of Fort Worth. Together they raised 5 children. Always dedicated to family and hard work, Bill moved his family around Texas ranching and working at various jobs, but eventually returned to his roots in the west Texas area where he spent the last 26 years ranching in Coleman and Concho counties.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene Gary of Goldsboro, his sons, Bill Gary of Midlothian,Texas, Odis Gary and wife Julie of Ballinger, and Jason Gary and wife Beth of Fort Worth; two daughters, Jacqueline Gary and Charlie Turner of Noodle, Texas, and Kaylene and Jim Lavene of Rockwall, Texas; grandchildren, Brittany Gary of Oakland, California, Lauren and Landon Lavene of Rockwall, Texas, Megan Gary of Midlothian, Texas, Meagan Knisley of Fort Worth and Jarod Knisley of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mr. Gary is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, April 5, 2007, page 13.)

Bill Gary

Coleman County Obituaries Index	Coleman County Genealogy and Local History Index	Coleman County Cemetery Inscriptions	Coleman County Census Records	Coleman County Family Genealogy Links
Coleman County Search Engine			Send additional links, comments or suggestions to: *The Coleman County Historian*

This page last updated on April 15, 2007