May 2007 Coleman County, Texas Obituaries

Coleman County, Texas Obituaries for May 2007

May 2, 2007

Mary McWilliams

Mary McWilliams, 64, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2007. A private family burial service will take place at Talpa Cemetary on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Following the burial service, a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rob Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2007.

Mary was born in Coleman, Texas on January 27, 1943 and graduated from Coleman High School. She married Kenneth Craig McWilliams, Jr. in Novice, Texas in 1963 and enjoyed 33 blessed years of marriage until his death in 1996. While married, she and her husband lived several years in Winters and then settled in Abilene, Texas to raise their family. Mary's career included 30 years working for the Abilene Independent School District, first at Fannin Elementary and later as Assistant to the AISD Deputy Superintendent. Upon her retirement, she worked for two years at the Nonprofit Resource Center of Abilene. Her hard work and dedication were reflected in every facet of her life.

Mary's children, grandchildren, family and close friends will always remember her as "a giver." This spirit of serving was evident in her deep love for her two daughters, Barbara and Marion, her five precious grandchildren, who knew her as "Moppy," and her beloved sister Betty. Mary always had time ... time to give to her family, time to help an elderly neighbor, time to devote to those in need. Mary enjoyed the study of God's Word in a ladies group she hosted in her home, but most of all she lived the words of the Bible she loved. Her optimistic outlook on life and her beautiful smile will always be remembered and still shines through the eyes of her children and grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Craig McWilliams in 1996, and her brother Bill Cardenas.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara McLeod and her husband John of Abilene, Marion McWilliams Drake and her husband Andy of Berkeley, California; one sister, Betty McWilliams of Abilene; a special sister-in-law, Jo Lynn Bragg of Hondo; five grandchildren, Matt McLeod, Austin McLeod, Marshall Drake, Lucas Drake, and Ella Drake. She is also survived by five nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Highland Church of Christ Youth Mission Trips, 425 Highland Avenue, Abilene, Texas 79605.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May x, 2007, page x; and

and additional obituary from Hamil Family Funeral Home website.)

Mary McWilliams

May 4, 2007

Bettye B. Cullins, 79

Bettye B. Cullins, 79, of Wichita Falls, Texas, formerly of Coleman, passed away peacefully at her home on May 4, 2007. Funeral services were held Monday, May 7, at Hampton Vaughn Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, with her son-in-law, Rev. Randy Osborn, officiating. Interment was at Crestview Memorial Park.

Bettye was born on Dec. 11, 1927 in Alexander, Texas to Charley and Cora Blanton. Charley taught school and coached at various schools; therefore, the family moved often. She met Arnold Cullins while attending Mozelle High School. Upon Bettye’s graduation as valedictorian of Santa Anna High School, she and Arnold were married on November 26, 1944, a union that would last for over 62 years. After living in California during Arnold’s stint in the Army Air Corp at the end of World War II, they moved back to Coleman County, where Arnold resumed his oil field work, and Bettye worked for Allen & Allen Insurance. They lived in Coleman for over 20 years, and their three children, Karen, Pam and Scott, were born there. In 1967, they moved to Wichita Falls. Bettye was very active in the First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls and its women’s ministries and Bible studies. She was a faithful volunteer at Interfaith Ministries, distributing food and goods to people in need.

Bettye is remembered by all as a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and faithful friend.

She is survived by her husband, Arnold, of Wichita Falls; mother, Juanita Blanton Scott of Fort Worth; children, Karen Grogan and husband, George of Flower Mound, Texas, Pam Osborn and husband, Randy of Henrietta, Texas, Scott Cullins and wife, Julie of Woodstock, Georgia; sisters, Frankye Mitchell of Fort Worth, and Carol Williamson of Garland; grandchildren Calvin, Dan, Eric, Lauren, and Kirk Grogan, Alisha and Zack Osborn, and Sara Cullins.

The family invites you to leave a remembrance of Bettye or a word for the family at www.mem.com.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies… Proverbs 31:10

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 29, 2007, page 10.)

Bettye B. Cullins

May 12, 2007

Albert Lee Taylor, 84

Albert Taylor of Coleman, died Saturday, May 12, 2007 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Roberts officiating, assisted by Grady Sanders. Burial will be 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. Monday, May 14, 2007 at the funeral home.

Albert Lee Taylor was born March 22, 1923 in Palo Pinto, Texas, the son of Joshua Bartlett Taylor and Annie Lee Kimbrough. He married Dorothy Pearl Jerden on March 13, 1947 in Seminole. He served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1961 during World War II and Korea, receiving the American Defense Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Philippine Defense Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart. After retiring from the United States Army, Mr. Taylor farmed in Divide and moved to Coleman in 1971, where he worked for Martin Brick Plant. He also worked for Swift Packing in San Angelo and Brownwood. He was a member of the Ex-Prisoner of War Club in Abilene, American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and North Coleman Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Taylor of Coleman; four children, Ronald Andrew Taylor and wife, Connie, of San Angelo, Charles Michael Taylor and wife, Vicki, of Garland, Catherine Thompson of Coleman and Kenneth Taylor of Abilene; one sister, Lucille "Tommy" Jenkins of California; two brothers, Newell Taylor of Bangs, Odis Taylor of Seminole; 10 grandchildren, Andrea Rodgers and Stefanie Dye, both of San Angelo, Jonathan Taylor of Mississippi, Penny Smith, Patricia Lopez and Crystal Hatcher, all of North Carolina, Stephen Taylor of Coleman, Angela Turner of Arkansas, Bobby Turner of Garland, Gabriel Taylor of Cleburne; 24 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 15, 2007, page 13.)

Albert Taylor

May 19, 2007

J. D. Kline, 91

J. D. Kline of Powderly, Texas passed away May, 19, 2007 at Paris Regional Hospital. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating with burial to follow at the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Son of the late John and Myrtle Burton Kline, he was born in Rockwood on November 8, 1915. On November 8, 1936 he married Gretta Mae Switzer in Santa Anna. She preceded him in death in 1998. A longtime Coleman County, resident, J. D. was a Methodist, and a retired 35 year employee of Dominy Oil Company.

Survivors include one daughter, Jean Morris of Powderly. Also surviving are two granddaughters; Judy Melvin and Janet Williams, both of Bangs; seven great-grandchildren, Jessica, Justin, Crystal, Cadie and Cjay Melvin, and Isiah, and Jeshia Hicherson.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 22, 2007, page 15.)

May 21, 2007

Annelle Shield Clark, 87

With loved ones at her side, Vera Shield Clark, 87, died courageously of natural causes on May 21, 2007 at her grand-daughter's home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Markers will be placed in the Bell Cemetery near Winneconne, Wisconsin and the Santa Anna Cemetery in Texas.

Annelle was born in Santa Anna, Texas on March 22, 1920 to Vera Lillian Keller Shield and Hubert Io Shield. She was married to James A. Clark, whom she met while he was stationed at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas during World War II. Annelle graduated with a degree in English from Howard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas. Her language skills made her a valuable secretary in Texas and later at Kimberly - Clark Corporation in Neenah, Wisconsin. Following a few years in Detroit, Michigan after the war ended, she moved with her husband and young daughter to the Clark family farm on the shore of Lake Winneconne near Larsen, Wisconsin. After forty-four years of marriage and a divorce in 1987, she returned to Santa Anna, Texas where she lived in her family home until her health deteriorated in 2001, at which time she moved to Utah to be closer to her daughter's family. Annelle was an intelligent, warm, generous, fun woman, indeed quite a character.

In Wisconsin she enjoyed snowy Christmases, aurora borealis, autumn leaves, basswood trees, and walks in the west woods at the farm. In Texas, she enjoyed driving through the countryside with friends looking for blue bonnets and eating peach cobbler, chocolate pie and pit barbeque. Wherever she lived, she apprecitate birds (especially cardinals), wildflowers and sunsets.

She shared her love of nature, traveling and learning with her children, Judith (Donald) Adolphson, Salt Lake City and James A. Clark, Jr., Milwaukee as well as her four grandchildren. She is also survived by five lively great-grandsons. She was prededed in death by her parents, her sister, Bess Inez Shield, and former husband.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, June 26, 2007, page 3.)

May 22, 2007

Archie Tucker, 92

Archie Tucker, 92, of Santa Anna, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Coleman Healthcare Center. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007 at the Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion, with Rev. Marvin Hale officiating. Burial will be in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Archie Tucker was born January 18, 1915, in Coleman County, the son of Sebird Fletcher Tucker and Winnie Laura Davis Tucker. He grew up and attended schools in Coleman County. He married Frances R. Close on December 22, 1980 in Coleman. She preceded him in death on February 22, 1989. Mr. Tucker lived in Coleman County County all of his life and was a farmer and rancher.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Betty Tucker and Tony and Geraldine Tucker, all of Santa Anna, three sisters, Ruth Greer of Arkansas, Marie Hutchingson of Dumas, Vivian Price of Greenville; nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 24, 2007, page 18.)

Norma Creel Middleton, 70

Norma Creel Middleton, 70, of White Chapel, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at her residence. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Norma Creel Middleton was born June 21, 1936 in Coleman, the daughter of Ed Creel and Ruby Tomlinson Creel. She grew up and attended school in Coleman. She married Charles Armstrong on May 15, 1951. He died October 29, 1999. She later married Johnnie Cecil Middleton on January 3, 1970. He preceded her in death on December 13, 1997. She was a bookkeeper and a member of Valera Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Perry Don Armstrong of Sweetwater, Danny Armstrong and wife, Lindi, of Coleman; one daughter, Marcia Armstrong of Coleman; one step-daughter, Betty Laws and husband, Grady, of Glen Cove; two step-daughters-in-law, Carolyn Middleton Hammonds of Coleman, Martha Middleton of Abilene; one brother, Alfred Creel and wife, Jean, of Early; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two step-sons, Johnnie C. Middleton, Jr., Terry Middleton, two brothers and one sister.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 24, 2007, page 18.)

Betty Jerline Baxter, 71

Betty Jerline Baxter, age 71, of Cross Plains passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Rising Star. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today (Thursday, May 24th) at Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains with Matt McGowen officiating. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Cemetery.

She was born March 18, 1936, in Burkett, Texas to Benjamin D. and Elsie Mae (Harris) Porter. She married Harold Baxter in Lovington, New Mexico on May 21, 1955. Betty was a homemaker and mother and worked at the Colonial Oaks Nursing Home for 17 years, then worked for the grocery store for a year. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by her daughter, Deana Terstegge and husband Joe of Cottonwood; brothers, W. B. Porter of Odessa, Billy Porter and wife Judy Porter of Cross Plains; sister, Bonnie Illingworth and husband Bobby of Iowa Park; two grandchildren, James Lynn and Kathleen and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold and brother, Tommy Porter.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 24, 2007, page 18.)

May 24, 2007

Jean - Pierre Rondot, 60

Jean-Pierre Rondot passed away Thursday, May 24, 2007 at St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, California. His home was in Corona, California. Cremation services were held on Tuesday, May 29, in Fullerton, California.

Jean-Pierre was born February 19, 1947 in Monterey Park, California to Edward E. and Edna "Teddy" Davis Rondot. His mother was a Coleman native, and he visited Coleman many times, living here for a period of several months during the seventh grade. He graduated from La Crescenta High School in La Crescenta, California in 1964, later pursuing a career in automobile sales. His hobby was building remote-controlled airplanes, both gliders and fuel-powered, and flying them in competitive events.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Corona, California; a daughter, Teri Martinez of New Braunfels; a sister, Cherie Bugg of Newalla, Oklahoma; two half-sisters, Elaine Adams of West Covina, California and Sandra Stephens of Burleson; an uncle, Darrell Croft of Coleman, two aunts, Kate Thomason of Cherokee, Alabama and Ann Davis of Harrah, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, June 5, 2007, page x.)

May 25, 2007

Leonard Ehrler, Jr, 78

Leonard Ehrler, Jr. of New Braunfels passed away on May 25, 2007, at the age of 78. Memorial services were held on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at the New Braunfels Presbyterian Church in New Braunfels, Texas. In lieu of flowers the family requests you spend some time with your family in a neighborhood park. Leonard's body was donated to medical science.

He was born in Coleman, Texas and graduated from Coleman High School in 1947 where he also grew up and was an Eagle Scout. Leonard received a football scholarship and was a Junior College All American at Austin College in 1950. He coached High School Football in Slaton, Texas and Crosbyton, Texas in the mid to late 1950's. Leonard earned a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture/Park Administration at Texas Tech in the early 1960's. He worked in the Parks Department in Lubbock and Denton, Texas and was Director of Parks and Recreation for the Cities of Boulder, Colorado and Austin, Texas. Leonard was the former President of the Texas Recreation and Park Society and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation.

Leonard was preceded in death by his son Russ Ehrler.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Sally Hamana; sons, Carl Ehrler and Mark Wilson and Lisa; daughter-in-law, Pat Ehrler; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, July 10, 2007, page 11.)

Marcia Holder, 71

Marcia Holder of Coleman passed away Friday, May 25, 2007 at 5:55 p.m. at the Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Joe Hailey officiating. Interment will follow with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman.

Marcia was born August 6, 1935 in Wellington, Kansas to the late Herbert Ray and Dorothy Tracy Holder. She was a graduate of Waylon Baptist University and member of the Baptist Church. Marcia was a financial analyst retiring from Texas Instruments. She had been a resident of Coleman since July 2005 moving here from San Angelo.

Survivors include her friend, Debra Bassilion of Midland, Texas; 2 daughters, Dorothy Jo Chandler of Coleman, Texas and Melissa Jordan Holder Bassilion of Midland, Texas; 2 sons, Ray and wife Mary Pauline Bartholomew of Coleman, Texas; Marshall and wife Venessa Bartholomew of Coleman, Texas; 2 sisters, Vickie Jo Wright of Memphis, Tennessee; Carol Grisham of Memphis, Tennessee; 1 brother, Herbert Ray Holder, Jr. of Seguin, Texas; numerous grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 29, 2007, page 10; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, May 31, 2007, page x; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, June 5, 2007, page 16.)

Marcia Holder

May 30, 2007

Betty Ann Henderson, 77

Betty Ann Henderson, age 77, entered into rest Wednesday, May 30, 2007 in Del Rio, Texas. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 31, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home Chapel of Remembrance. Family received friends and family from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Celebration of life was held Friday, June 1, 2007 at 10 a.m. in First Christian Church, 2101 North Main Street. Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery.

She was born on January 15, 1930 in Santa Anna, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore James and Louise Boyd McCaughan and sister, Margaret Karthauser. She will always be remembered for her enduring faith, strong will and her comforting guidance and wisdom. She was a member of First Christian Church and found pleasure in reading and studying the Bible. She always enjoyed life to the fullest and loved bragging about her children and grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan whose favorite team was the San Antonio Spurs. Her other hobbies included playing cards with the girls, sharing her cooking with others and spending time with her beloved dog, Tino.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Diane and husband, Richard Guzy, Liz and husband, Lonnie Ricks and son, Rob and wife, Sharon Henderson. Also left to cherish her memory are cousin, Sharon and husband, Tom Barrett; five wonderful grandchildren, Michelle and husband, Philip George, Sarah Henderson Christel and husband, Lars Gustafson, Ryan and wife, Julie Ricks, Beth Guzy and fiancée, Caleb Sallee and two amazing great-grandchildren, Caden and Tyler George.

The gentlemen left with the honor of pallbearer are Lonnie Ricks, Richard Guzy, Ryan Ricks, Philip George, Roland DeLeon and Caleb Sallee. Honorary pallbearers are Burt Stidham, Rick Isenhour, Lars Gustafson (not present) and Greg George.

In lieu of flowers, contribution to the First Christian Church, West Texas Boys Ranch or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, June 14, 2007, page 17.)

Betty Ann Henderson

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This page last updated on June 26, 2007