December 2007 Coleman County, Texas Obituaries

Coleman County, Texas Obituaries for December 2007

December 1, 2007

Marian Geneva Arredondo, 70

Marian Geneva Arredondo, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 4:35 a.m. in LaMarque, Texas. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion with Sam Wilson Officiating with interment to follow under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 until 7 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home. Pallbearers are her grandsons.

Geneva was born December 31, 1936 in Coleman County, Texas to the late James Edward and Letha Mae McIntire Watson. She was a lifetime resident of Santa Anna where she attended the Santa Anna schools. Geneva was a member of the Church of Christ and beautician and worked with Home Health Care.

Survivors include three sons, Kenneth and wife Sylvia Miller and son Kenneth Miller Jr. and wife Rhonda and their son Conner Blake Miller; daughter Jennifer and husband Joseph Kasavage and son Joseph Michael III, Robert and wife Lori Singleton and daughter Cheri and husband Gerardo Briseno and Jerry and wife Monica Arredondo and children David, Dylan and Devon; sister, Sadie Hendrix of Flint, Michigan.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 4, 2007, page x.)

December 2, 2007

Jake McCreary, 84

Jake McCreary, of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the Abilene Regional Medical Center. Services will be Tuesday December 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rockwood Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Lee officiating with interment to follow in the Rockwood cemetery directed by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Monday at Henderson Funeral Home.

Jake was born April 8, 1923 in Rockwood, Texas to the late Jake McCreary Sr. and Gussie Box McCreary. He was a lifetime resident of Coleman County where he was a 1941 graduate from Rockwood High School, and attended Texas A&M. On December 8, 1945 he married Sammie McIlvain in Fort Worth and they celebrated fifty eight years of marriage. Sammie preceded him in death in 2004. Jake was an army veteran of World War II serving in Cecily and Italy receiving a Purple Heart and numerous other awards. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Jake was a member of the Coleman Rodeo Associaton, Santa Anna Lions Club and American Legion Post 0345 Texas. Jake was a stock farmer and Coleman County Commissioner for Precinct 2 for many years.

Survivors include, two daughters and son-in-laws, Leslie and husband Mickey Davidson of Big Lake, Texas and Sharon and husband Bobby Lee of Cisco, Texas; two sisters, Claudia Rutherford of Santa Anna, Texas and Billie Eckles of Duncanville, Texas; grandchildren, Trent and wife Kendra Davidson of Big Lake, Texas, Tyler Davidson of San Angelo, Texas, Trace Davidson of Big Lake, Texas, J. J. and wife Mandy Lee and son Gavyn of Cisco, Texas, Jenna and husband Lee Wood of Cisco, Texas; nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Jake was preceded in death by Brother Sealy McCreary and Step Father Demby Wise.

Pallbearers were Montie Guthrie, Lane Guthrie, Rob Chaney,Tom Bell, Roy Rhodes, Gaylon Pickett. Honorary Pallbearers were Montie Guthrie Sr., Jim Everett, Bob Rutherford, Joe Riley, Tommy Winfrey.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 4, 2007, page 12.)

Margaret J. McDonald, 68

Margaret J. McDonald, of Coleman, died Sunday, December 2, 2007 at an Abilene hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in the Santa Anna Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Margaret J. McDonald was born July 2, 1939 in Madisonville, Texas, the daughter of Monnie Lee Franklin Andrews and the late Raymond Howard Andrews. She grew up in east Texas and moved to Coleman over 50 years ago. She married Newton Carl McDonald, Jr. on January 8, 1967 in Coleman. He preceded her in death on January 31, 1998. She worked in the Dietary Department at Coleman County Medical Center for over 20 years and attended Concho Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children, Gary McDonald of Abilene, Vickie Owen of Coleman, Anita Monroe of Bangs, Lee Ann Brooks of Snyder; her mother, Monnie Lee Andrews of Coleman; her brother, Howard Ray Andrews of Coleman; grandchildren, Lesli Jones of Coleman, Shea Keith of Abilene, Brandon Owen of Coleman, Zackary McDonald of Snyder, Jeremy Monroe of San Angelo, Lauren Brooks of Snyder and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and her husband.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 4, 2007, page 12.)

Margaret J. McDonald

December 3, 2007

Fred W. Coffee, Sr., 92

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 11, 2007, page 14.)

December 4, 2007

Louise Herring Clark, 87

Louise Herring Clark passed into eternal life Tuesday, December 4, 2007 in Lubbock, Texas. Graveside service was 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2007 at Parklawn Memorial Gardens with Bro. Ken Horn officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Lemons Funeral Home.

She was born Vista Louise McCune on August 11, 1921. She married Charles Herring on June 4, 1940 in Wichita Falls, Texas. They moved their family to Plainview in 1954. He preceded her in death in September of 1980. She married Thomas (Ed) Clark on April 15, 1981 in Plainview and he preceded her in death in January of 1999. Louise spent the biggest part of her life in the nursing field and was a longtime member of the Calvary Baptist Church.

Louise is survived by two sons Gary Herring and his wife Inez of Coleman, Texas and Richard Herring and his wife Pat of Nazareth, Texas; two daughters Patricia Drexler and husband Charlie of Midland, Texas and Janice Wesley and husband Dean of Lubbock, Texas; brother Galen McCune and wife Barbara of Fort Worth; two sisters Imogene Davis and Norma Stark, both of Fort Worth; numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 11, 2007, page 14.)

December 5, 2007

Bonnie Joann Fain, 74

Bonnie Fain, 74, of Coleman, died Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2007 at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment, 8025 N. FM 2125, Brownwood, Texas 76801.

Bonnie Joann Fain was born December 9, 1933 in Gouldbusk, the daughter of Johnny Row and Mary Alice Garrett Row. She grew up in Gouldbusk and attended school at Mozelle. She married Bill Fain July 12, 1957 in Vernon, Texas. She was homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Fain of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Lynn Schumacher of Bangs; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Beverly Fain of Brownwood, Dale and Kathleen Fain of Scotland; two sisters, Janie Hemphill of Coleman, Donna Haynes and husband, Jerry, of Odessa; one brother, Horace Row of Deming, New Mexico, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Linda Jo Fain, a brother, Bobby G. Fain and one grandson, Travis Neil Fain.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 6, 2007, page 13.)

December 6, 2007

Sadie Hendrix, 78

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 13, 2007, page 12.)

Gretchen Horton Thomas, 44

Gretchen Horton Thomas went home to be with her Lord on December 6, 2007. She was buried at Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

She was born in Jacksonville, Texas and lived in Houston, Texas most of her life. She was the youngest daughter of Wayne and Evangeline Mulroy Horton, former residents of Santa Anna. Gretchen graduated from Sam Houston University, Huntsville, Texas and was a stay at home Mom. Gretchen accepted the Lord Jesus as her savior early in her life and was a member of Westbury Baptist Church, Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Berniece Mulroy and Emmett and Lillie Horton, former residents of Santa Anna.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Lee Thomas; children, Amanda Lee Thomas, 15, Evan Wayne Thomas, 12, and Jackson Key Thomas, 10; her parents; siblings, Stephenie Burianek, Jennifer Rachac and Timothy Mulroy Horton and their respective families and a favorite Uncle and Aunt, Bill Mulroy, Jr. and Zona Douglas Mulroy; her Father and Mother-in-Law, Phil and Sherilyn Thomas, and their family of Michigan.

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

December 7, 2007

Norma Wilcox Parks, 80

Mrs. Norma Wilcox Parks, of Bronte, Texas, passed away Friday, December 7, 2007 at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo at the age of 80. A Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, at Tenneyson Baptist Church in Tenneyson, Texas.

A local survivor is a daughter, Nancy Parks Turner and husband Donald Turner. She is also survived by: a daughter, Dorothy Speary of Bronte; a son, Frank Parks Jr. of Cordelle, Georgia. Mrs. Parks was preceeded in her passing by a daughter, Velda Parks Hargrave and one son, Edmund Parks.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 11, 2007, page 14.)

Patricia "Pam" Hicholds, 53

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 13, 2007, page 12.)

December 8, 2007

Lonnie Lee Smith, 66

Lonnie Smith, of Hemphill, Texas, formerly of Coleman died Saturday, December 8, 2007 at Lake Jackson. Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coleman. Reverend Dick Schultz and Reverend Toby Bowers will officiate. Burial will follow at Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home of Irving. Family received friends 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the church.

Born on September 30, 1941, in Coleman, Texas to Luke and Virginia "Shorty" Albaugh Smith, Lonnie grew up in Coleman and was a former Bluecat. After a brief period in California he returned to Coleman where he initiated a boxing club. Later he moved to Lake Jackson where he was employed by Dow Chemical in the Security, Fire, and Medical Unit at Oyster Creek Division. In 1989 he moved to Hemphill and worked for ten years for the Hemphill ISD. At the time of his death Lonnie was employed by the Shelbyville ISD. A lifetime carpenter and faithful husband to his wife Pat of forty-six years, Lonnie was a loving and caring father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to all he met.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; sons, Eddie Karl Smith and wife Sara of Bay City, Lonnie Keith and wife Lara of Lake Jackson; daughters, Twyla Byrd and husband Don, Trena Bennett and fiancé Phil Arredondo all of Lake Jackson; brothers, Ben Smith and wife Cynthia of Louisiana; Michael Smith and wife Cathy of Sweeny; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Rodger Bowers and wife Joy of Sweeny; sisters-in-law, Margie Crain, Gerry Mitchell and husband Ocie of Coleman, Jane Speers of Angleton, Avelene Bowers of Coleman, Dean Bowers of Louisiana and Beverly Bowers of Bangs; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 11, 2007, page 14.)

Elton Jay Garcia, Jr., infant

Elton Jay Garcia, Jr., infant son of Monica Sanchez and Elton Jay Garcia, died Saturday, December 8, 2007 in an Abilene hospital. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coleman with Rev. Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow in the Glen Cove Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman. Prayer service will be held Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.

Survivors include his parents, Monica and Elton Jay Garcia of Winters; maternal grandparents, Jose and Julia Sanchez of Winters; paternal grandparents, Rebecca and Emilio Martinez of Winters and Santos Juan Garcia of Abilene; two sisters, Tailor LaShea Garcia and Jaliegh Garcia both of Ballinger; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 11, 2007, page 14.)

Col. William D. Atkins, USAF, Ret., 69

Bill "Gonzo" Atkins slipped the surly bonds of earth Saturday, December 8, 2007. Visitation will be on December 14, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. and funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Georgetown. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Bill's memory to the West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, Texas 76904-9989. Arrangements by Cook - Walden / Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628.

In October of 1938, his parents, Bill and Delia Atkins, chose him and gave him their lifelong love. Bill was an independent soul who dearly loved his family, his friends, his Air Force comrades, his country, and flying fighter airplanes. He was extremely proud that he went from being a private in the Marine Corps to being a colonel and a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He was blessed with an iron will, a priceless sense of humor, a make-it-happen attitude. Bill spent 3 years in the Marine Corps achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was in the Air Force for 22 years. His medals include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster, Air Medal w/11 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device w/1 oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/5 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon w/1 oak leaf cluster, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon w/3 oak leaf clusters, AF Longevity Service Award w/5 oak leaf clusters, Small Arm Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. While flying the T-37, the T-38, the T-33, the F-100, and the F-4, his jobs included Instructor Pilot, Flying Safety Officer for 3 squadrons and PACAF, 3rd TFS DO, 3rd TFW Chief of Stan Eval, 36th TFS Commander, 51st TFW Assistant DO, 5th AF Director of Fighter Ops, and HQ 12th AF Deputy IG. He was presented Chinese flying wings while in Taiwan.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jo, who he said was the "wind beneath his wings;" his beloved daughter, Sherri Gonzales and her husband, Victor; and his beloved daughter, Debbi Atkins. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Tony Gonzales, Erica Atkins, and Jesse Gonzales who lit up his life.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 13, 2007, page 12.)

Col. William D. Atkins

December 9, 2007

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

December 10, 2007

John Henry Buford, 80

Services are pending for Henry Buford of McAlester, Oklahoma.

Local survivor are two sisters - Mary Griffin and Pat Freeman; two nieces Mary Ann Bowers and Sharon Walters; one nephew Billy D. Griffin.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

Sherry G. Dobbins, 36

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

December 11, 2007

James (Jim) Ballard, 85

James (Jim) Ballard, age 85, of Coleman, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 14, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Ballard officiating and assisted by Rev. Bill Schoneman. Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Loaves and Fishes, P. O. Box 105, Coleman, Texas 76834.

James (Jim) Ballard was born May 8, 1922 in Fisk, Coleman County, Texas, a son of Chester Newton Ballard, Sr. and Etta A. Frazier Ballard. He grew up in Coleman County and graduated from Mozelle High School. From 1942-1946 he served his country in the United States Army. Jim moved to Pasadena, Texas in 1950 where he worked for Champion International, retiring in 1987. After his retirement, he moved to Coleman and had lived here since that time. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and a regular for breakfast at Owl Drug Store six mornings a week.

Survivors include six sisters, Melba Wesson of Brownwood, Allene Cope of Coleman, Aleta Trigg and husband James of Corpus Christi, Clara Row and husband Buck of Midland, Jean Groze of Fort Worth, Joan Stanton and husband Don of Silsbee; three brothers, Rev. Bill Ballard and wife Barbara of Big Spring, Chester Ballard of Brownwood and Wiley Ballard and wife Carol of Midland; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester N. Ballard, Sr. and Etta Frazier Ballard; one brother, Courtney Ballard; two sisters, Roseleen Metts and Mary Williams.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 13, 2007, page 12.)

Mattie Amanda (Janie) Davis, 74

Mattie Amanda (Janie) Davis, of Coleman, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at her residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2007, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mattie Amanda (Janie) Davis was born March 28, 1933, the daughter of Robert Coffee and Myrtle Annie Jacobs Coffee. She grew up and attended school in Rising Star. She married Earl F. Davis on February 4, 1957 in Lovington, New Mexico. She was a housewife and a Baptist.

Survivors include her children, Rena Croft of Coleman, Melissa and Sammy Cortez of Coleman, Buddy and Patty Davis of Coleman; three sisters, Lillie Mae Brown of Comanche, Melba McBride of May, Myrtle Storey of Brownwood; grandchildren, Charlie and Misty Croft of Coleman, Rusty and Christina Croft of Abilene, Sabrena Croft of Coleman, Jacob Cortez of Coleman, Ashley and Rusty Holloway of Coleman, Dustin Lamadrid of Coleman, Johnathan Lamadrid of Coleman, Kayla Harris of Baird, Joel Lamadrid of Coleman; Daniel Lamadrid of Coleman; eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Mary Malloy Pocius.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2007 at Stevens Funeral Home.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 13, 2007, page 12; and
Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

Mattie Amanda (Janie) Davis

December 12, 2007

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

December 13, 2007

Donal Burkey, 70

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

December 14, 2007

Rev. Curtis Eugene Morton, 86

Rev. Curtis Eugene Morton, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Odis C. and Ida Jackson Morton, passed away in the Brownwood Regional Medical Center on December 14, 2007. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16 and Monday, December 17 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 17, in the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Glen Cove Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. David Williams officiating.

Born February 6, 1921, he was married to the late Patricia Brandstetter November 4, 1950 and she preceded him in death in 1993. He surrendered to preach the Word of God in 1951 and preached in many churches. He later married the late Margaret Louise Dawkins December 15, 1996 and she preceded him in death in 2006.

He is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law and one daughter and son-in-law, Curtis Wayne and Wanda Morton and Sherman Allen and Lorima Morton, all of Glen Cove; Farion Keith and Laurie Morton of Brady, David Wade and Christie Morton of Llano; daughter Patricia Darlene and Dwain Batla of Wingate; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 step-daughters, Betty Dawkins of San Angelo and Amanda Dawkins of Brandon, Texas; 3 step-children, 1 step-great grandchild; two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

December 15, 2007

Dick Evans, 80

Dick Evans of Santa Anna, Texas passed away Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. at the Rising Star Nursing Home. Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel in Santa Anna with Rev. Dave Fair officiating. Interment will follow at the Rocky Creek Cemetery with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 p.m. Tuesday at Henderson Funeral Home.

He was born Spencer Dick Evans on April 2, 1927 in Brown County to the late Elmer C. and Jesse Dickey Evans. Dick attended Brown County Schools and received Associate Degrees from Cisco Jr. College and Abilene Christian College. He was raised in Brown and Coleman Counties and was a resident of Santa Anna the past twenty-five years. Dick was a Naval veteran of World War II and Korea and a lifetime member of the VFW 4372. He was a member of the Baptist Church and stock farmer and retired in 1977 from Southwestern Bell.

Survivors include three sons, Weldon Evans of Odessa, Texas; Garry Evans of Andrews, Texas; Robert Evans of Houston, Texas; brother, Bobby Evans of Bluff Dale, Texas; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by three sons, Dickey, Calvin and Larry Evans.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, December 18, 2007, page 21.)

December 16, 2007

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

December 17, 2007

Ernest Boyd Thompson, 99

Dr. Ernest Boyd Thompson died December 17, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. A burial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on January 9th at the Coleman City Cemetery with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Graveside services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12th at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 580 Hilgard Avenue in Los Angeles, California.

He was born in Coleman, Texas on March 23, 1908 to William Solomon and Nellie (Cahill) Thompson, and was the youngest of eight children. Boyd married Marjorie Freeborn of Alhambra, California, on June 30, 1933. They were married for 72 years, residing in Los Angeles. He attended University of Southern California, earning a D.D.S. degree in 1931 and practiced dentistry for 52 years. A Lt. Commander in the Navy from 1943-1946, he was stationed in Long Beach, CA, serving as a dentist. He was well known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He loved golf and was a member of Bel-Air Country Club for 50 years. He also loved the USC football team, attending the games for many years. Family was very important to Papa . He loved visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved telling them stories of his boyhood in Coleman. oyd was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by daughter Carol Thompson Miller of San Diego, son Barry and daughter-in-law Lynne Thompson of Ridgecrest, California; five grandchildren, Teresa Harn, Forrest Miller, Amelia Ausman, Vince Thompson, and Sheryl Timberlake; and eight great-grandchildren, Juliana, Sarina, and Zachary Harn; Evan, David and Courtney Ausman; and Boden and Colby Thompson; his niece Retamay Gaines, of Coleman, Texas, nephew Timothy C. Thompson, Sr. of Midland and Coleman, Texas, and grand-nephews Tim Thompson, Jr. of Houston and Ford Thompson of Austin, Texas; and nephew Ted Thompson of Kaufman, Texas. His wife Marjorie and all seven siblings preceded him in death.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, January 8, 2008, page 10.)

Ernest Boyd Thompson

December 18, 2007

Edna Mae Dunnam Bunt, 91

Edna Mae Dunnam Bunt, of Coleman, Texas passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 5:30 a.m. at Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Services will be Friday 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Squaw Creek Cemetery in Rainbow, Texas with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman. The family will receive friends Thursday 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home. Family requests donations to Coleman Meals on Wheels, Box 785, Coleman, Texas 76834 or Peace Valley Healing Center, Box 979, Boulder, Montana 59632-0979.

Edna was born February 21, 1916 in Houston County, Texas to the late Andrew Burnydot and Minnie Ann Brown Dunnam. She graduated from Snyder High School and attended Texas Weslyan College. On May 15, 1938 Edna married Little Joe Bunt in Fort Worth, Texas and they celebrated fifty-five years of marriage. Joe preceded her in death in 1993. Edna has been a resident of Coleman since 1962 where she was a member of the First Baptist Church serving on the benevolence committee and teaching the Rebecca Sunday School class for many years. She was a charter member of the Coleman Aviation Club, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Friends of the Library, and a charter member on the Board of Directors of Coleman’s Meals on Wheels. Edna had retired in 1981 from the State of Texas where she worked as a social worker.

Survivors include two daughters, Vanita and husband Junious Arrant of Monroe, Texas; and Diana Sue and husband Richard Garai of Lewiston, Idaho; daughter-in-law, Vicki Bunt of Waco, Texas; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.

Edna was preceded in death by son, Joe Monroe Bunt in 2007.

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

Edna Mae Dunnam Bunt

December 19, 2007

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

December 20, 2007

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

December 21, 2007

Billie Wise Eckles, 78

Billie Wise Eckles died on December 21, 2007 in her home in Duncanville, Texas after a short battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family at the end of her life. Graveside services were held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, Texas on December 22, 2007.

She was born on October 6, 1929 to Gussie Box Wise and Denby Wise in Coleman County, Texas. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, she found a career in public education as a teacher for 32 years. Early in her career she taught business related classes and art. She ended her career as the librarian of Lakeview High School in San Angelo. She was married to Jesse O. Eckles, Jr., an assistant principal at San Angelo High School. Following the death of her husband in 1986, she retired from the San Angelo Independent School District and moved to Duncanville, Texas to be near her daughter. Billie was an avid bridge player, collector of antiques and ardent sports fan. Apart from her varied interests, she was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Eckles Camp and her son-in- law, Steven S. Camp of Duncanville, Texas; her grandchildren, Steven Scott Camp, Jr., Dawn Amanda Camp and Jessica Dean Camp of Duncanville, Texas; her sister, Claudia Rutherford of Santa Anna, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse O. Eckles, Jr. and by her brother, Jake McCreary.

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

December 22, 2007

Alejandro DeLeon, Sr., 77

Alejandro DeLeon, Sr., of Santa Anna, died Saturday, December 22, 2007 at his residence. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coleman with Rev. Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow in the Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman. Prayer Service (Rosary) will be held on Sunday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.

Alejandro DeLeon, Sr. was born February 1, 1930 in Santa Anna, Texas, a son of Nester DeLeon and Antonia Frausto DeLeon. He grew up in Santa Anna. In 1950 he married Amelia Martinez in Coleman. He was a retired machine operator for the Santa Fe Railroad. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia DeLeon of Santa Anna; three sons, Bobby DeLeon and wife Cheryl of Lakeland, Florida, Eddie DeLeon of Santa Anna, Alex DeLeon, Jr. and wife Shana of Santa Anna; one daughter, Mary Patrick and husband Perry of Santa Anna; one brother, Raymond DeLeon and wife Ofelia of Santa Anna; one sister, Avida Felan of San Antonio; 20 grandchildren, including four who were raised by their grandparents - Bobby, Delia, Tony and Danny DeLeon; 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Tony Adam DeLeon in 1956; four brothers and three sisters.

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

December 23, 2007

Rebecca Turner Garrett, 89

Rebecca Turner Garrett of El Paso, Texas passed away on December 23, 2007 at home with her family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 11 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Santa Anna. Becky always considered Santa Anna her home. She and her husband chose to be buried in the Santa Anna Cemetery, in the same soil as her family and the friends of her youth.

She was born in Santa Anna on January 26, 1916 to Mary Knox and J. Frank Turner. Her father, who owned a cotton gin, came to Santa Anna with his family in 1885. Her mother taught school in Santa Anna and the surrounding areas. Becky graduated from Santa Anna High School, attended Sul Ross and Texas Tech Universities, and earned a B.A. in English from Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso). In 1946, she married H. Dodson Garrett, M.D. and they made their home in El Paso where they were members of First Presbyterian Church. Active in many community organizations, she served as president of the El Paso County Medical Society Auxiliary in 1957 and was instrumental in establishing the Burges House Commission of the El Paso County Historical Society.

Becky leaves a daughter, Cindy Milazzo and her husband Marco, a son, Bert Garrett, M.D. and his wife Judy, grandsons Sam, Max and Joe Garrett, great-grandson Alex Garrett, and many nieces and nephews. She joins her husband, parents and siblings, James and John Turner and Betty Sue Garrett, who preceded her in death.

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, January 15, 2008, page 12.)

Rebecca Turner Garrett

December 24, 2007

Catherine Geannette Valdez, 85

Funeral services for Catherine Geannette Valdez, age 85, of Lampasas, formerly of Brownwood, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 27, at Netherton Funeral Home with Reverend Alan Wallace officiating. under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Rockwood Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening at Netherton Funeral Home. Mrs. Valdez passed away Monday morning at a nursing home in Lampasas.

Mrs. Valdez was born in 1922 in St. Etienne d’Loire, France where she was a member of the forced labor program during World War II. She met Estaban (Steve) Valdez, Sr. and they were married in 1945. They moved to Rockwood, Texas in 1948, where they settled and raised 13 kids. They later moved to Brownwood. Mrs. Valdez went into the nursing field as a CNA, Med Aide, then to an LVN in a local nursing home. She was an active member of the Senior Citizens Center. She attended Southside Baptist Church. In 2004, Mrs. Valdez moved to Lampasas with daughter, Juanita Ischy. There she was a member of the Lampasas Senior Center. In 2005, she moved into Spring Oaks Nursing and Rehab, where she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Valdez enjoyed dominoes, Bingo and attended church on Sunday Mornings.

She leaves eight boys, Frank and Mary Valdez of Brownwood, Steve and Betty Valdez of Brownwood, Ray and Margie Valdez of Brownwood, Raymond and Terry Valdez of Early, Reuben and Tony Valdez of Snyder, Marty and Donna Valdez of Rhome, Danny and Brenda Valdez of Brownwood and Jimmy and Teri Valdez of Bangs; four daughters, Juanita and Ron Ischy of Lampasas, Suzy and Dennis Traweek of Bangs, Linda Shackelford of Brownwood and Leray Valdez of Lampasas; 22 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and numerous family members in Lyon and Paris, France.

Mrs. Valdez is preceded in death by her husband, Estaban (Steve) Valdez, Sr.; son, John Valdez, great grandson Seth Snyder and her parents, Louis and Antionette Dumas of Lyon, France.

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

Catherine Geannette Valdez

Anna Lee Hyer Dillard, 78

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(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, January 3, 2008, page 10.)

December 25, 2007

Arch Strickland, 87

Arch Strickland, of Gouldbusk, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29 in Gouldbusk Baptist Church with Rev. Alan Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in the Voss Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

Arch Strickland was born October 11, 1920 in Gouldbusk, a son of Percy Lee Strickland and Beulah Gertrude Loggins Strickland. He grew up in Coleman County and attended school at Voss and Mozelle. He served in the United States Navy. In 1950 he married Lillian Waters in California and she preceded him in death in 1980. Arch worked as a Harbor Pilot and Tugboat Captain in the Los Angeles Harbor, living in Wilmington, California and San Pedro, California. He married Nancy Machen in 1997 in Orange County and they moved to Coleman County in 1998. He was a member of the Gouldbusk Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Strickland of Gouldbusk; two daughters, Jan Messineo-Robbins and husband Marty of Gouldbusk and Amber DiMercurio of Round Rock; one brother, Guinn Strickland and wife Lupe of Fort Worth; three grandchildren, Joey Messineo of Atascadero, California, Cynthia Resnick of Las Vegas, Nevada and Melanie Fabian and husband Gary of Round Rock; four great-grandchildren, Amber Hill and husband David, Crystalyn Sanders, Miranda Flores and Alannah Fabian; one great-great grandchild, Amelia Hill; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Gary Strickland and Danny Strickland; two brothers, Wayne and Cecil Strickland; three sisters, Voncile Thomason, Mable Blanton, Rita Grusendorf.

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

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

Arch Strickland

December 26, 2007

Carolyn K. Boyle, 61

Carolyn K. Boyle, of Coleman, passed away at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene on Wednesday, December 26. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Louise Strength officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.

She was born June 5, 1946 in Coleman to Isaac Keeney and Ellie Mae "Short" Keeney. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She had worked many different jobs but being a friend was her best past time. Carolyn was preceeded in death by her parents, her husband Joe Ray Boyle in 1990 and a brother, Isaac Floyd Keeney.

She is survived by two sisters, Nancy and husband Bobby Bevills of Sawyer, Oklahoma and Carolyn and husband Joe Wheeler of Abilene; special friend and companion, Richard Lee Smith of Coleman; numerous nieces and nephews; two very special little men, Sage and Kolton Keeney.

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

December 27, 2007

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

December 28, 2007

Martha Ann Upchurch, 69

Martha Ann Upchurch, age 69, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away Friday, December 28, 2007, in a Fort Worth hospital. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2007, in the First United Methodist Church of Baird with Rev. Sandra Keith officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna, Texas. Services are under the direction of Parker Funeral Home in Baird, Texas. A visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Martha Ann was born on January 7, 1938, in Baird, Texas, to Herman W. "Hernie" and Mary Darby Martin. She attended Baird schools and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1956. She also graduated from Draughn’s Business College in Abilene, Texas. On August 30, 1957 Martha Ann married Wamon Upchurch. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. They had lived in Fort Worth, Texas, for the past 40 years.

She is survived by her husband, Wamon Upchurch of Fort Worth, Texas; one daughter, Ann Shackelford and husband Roy of Comanche, Texas; two sons, Cris Upchurch and wife Diane and Mike Upchurch and wife Yondi, all of Fort Worth, Texas; one brother, Robert Martin and wife Minnie of Menard, Texas; three grandchildren, Josh Upchurch of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dalton Shackelford and Devon Shackelford, both of Comanche, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 grandson, Derek Shackelford.

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

Martha Ann Upchurch

December 29, 2007

Orval Mow, 73

S

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, January 3, 2008, page 10.)

December 30, 2007

Neta Joyce Clark Erickson, 78

Neta Joyce Clark Erickson, of San Angelo, died December 30, 2007, at Triumph Hospital. She is the mother of Panther Creek basketball coach Ennis Erickson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008, in the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Paul Shero officiating. Family visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Interment will be at 5 p.m. On Wednesday, January 2, 2008, in Clifton Cemetery located in Clifton, Texas.

Neta was born January 12, 1929, in Haskell County to Jim and Christine Clark. She grew up in Haskell County and moved to Loop, when she was nine, where she graduated from high school. She attended San Angelo Junior College before transferring to Texas Tech where she graduated with a home economics degree. She taught school at O’Brien and Dawson School in Welch, where she met and married Thilman Eugene Erickson in Loop on July 19, 1958. They both taught at Loop one year before Thilman was hired at Christoval in the fall of 1959. In the years that followed she was a loving mother and homemaker. In the fall of 1981 she began working at the Bridal Boutique and later worked at Korona Fabrics. In the fall of 1986 upon his retirement they moved to San Angelo. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. S he enjoyed grandchildren’s birthday parties, as well as watching their sport games, dance recitals, plays, band competition, drumline performances and choir performances. She liked sewing for herself and her grandchildren. She enjoyed family reunions and get-togethers as well as genealogy including discovering family gravesite and cemeteries. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and especially her bluebonnets. A hobby of hers was collecting unique turtles of which she had about 20. She always sent cards to people for a variety of reasons and always for her family’s birthdays and anniversaries. She was a longtime member of Southgate Church of Christ.

Neta was preceded in death by her husband, Thilman, her parents, her brother Darrel Clark and two granddaughters, Trena Jo Baugh and Allison Ruth Baugh.

Left with precious memories are her two daughters and sons-in-law, Tresa and Craig Davis of Plano and Dena and Tim Baugh of Greenwood, a son, Ennis Erickson of Valera, four grandchildren, Marc Davis of Plano, Laura Anastasio and husband John of Midland, Eric and Breann Baugh of Greenwood, sisters Glenda Smith and husband Homer of Loop, Earlene Wright of Shallowater, brothers Raburn Clark of Skellytown and Dwain Clark of Mean, Arkansas, sisters-in-law Linda Derrick of Kermit and Amie Laurence of Valley Mills and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Neta Joyce Clark Erickson

December 31, 2007

Lake Brownwood Man Shot and Killed in Coleman Residence

Coleman Police ended 2007 with a murder investigation, the first one since February 10, 2007 when a man was stabbed at a Coleman night club and later died. According to Coleman Police, it started with a 911 call at 1:34 a.m. Monday, December 31, from Sandra Harmes who said she had been shot at a residence at 1101 North Neches Street which is on the north side of Coleman. Police arrived to find Harmes wounded and James W. Smith, 68, of Lake Brownwood, dead.

Jimmie Hobbs, Coleman County Judge, ordered an autopsy in Dallas. Harmes was taken to Coleman County Medical Center and later airlifted to a San Angelo hospital. As the investigation unfolded Monday morning, police say they developed a "person of interest" which led them to his residence at 603 West Liveoak Street, just before noon. Police were joined by the Coleman County Sheriff's Department and surrounded the apartment, making telephone contact with the man. Police tell colemannews.com they became concerned about the man's welfare and made the decision to enter the residence. He was taken, without incident, by ambulance to Coleman County Medical Center and later transferred to an Abilene hospital.

Funeral services for James. W. Smith were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion, directed by Stevens Funeral Home.

(Colemannews.com, January 1, 2008.)

James W. Smith, 68

James W. Smith, of Lake Brownwood, died Monday, December 31, 2007 in Coleman. Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Joe Hailey officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

James W. Smith was born December 23, 1939 in Coleman County, Texas, a son of James Cecil Smith and Myrtle Jo Trull Smith. He grew up in Coleman and attended school at Centennial and Coleman. In 1987 he married Donna Jean Davis and moved to Lake Brownwood that year. He had previously lived in Coleman. He was an oilfield consultant and a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Smith of Lake Brownwood; one son, Michael and wife Synda Smith of Coleman; two daughters, Cynthia and husband Ted Merryman of Clyde and Sonya and Mike Lee of China Springs; one step-son, Rick and wife Lori Rogers of Carlsbad, NM; two sisters, Jo Chapman of Coleman and Ann and husband John Kinsey of Venus; one brother, Jerry and wife Sandra Smith of Schulenburg; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandson; five step-great grandchildren; an aunt, Louise Smith of Coleman.

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

(Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice, Coleman, Texas, January 3, 2008, page 10.)

Prime Suspect Named in Coleman Murder

The Coleman Police Department has released the name of their prime suspect in a murder which happened in Coleman on Monday, December 31. Although charges have not been filed, Edward Mack Kile, 66, of Coleman, is suspected of shooting and killing James W. Smith, 68, of Lake Brownwood in the residence of Sandra Harmes at 1101 N. Neches in Coleman. Harmes was shot in the neck area and is recovering in a San Angelo hospital, said Les Cogdill, Detective Sergeant of the Coleman Police Department. According to Cogdill, Kile is still hospitalized in Abilene after he tried to harm himself at his residence on West Liveoak at noon Monday, December 31st. Police and sheriff's officers intervened. He was taken by ambulance to Coleman County Medical Center before being transferred to Abilene. Cogdill said police have not located the weapon used as of yet and said their investigation is ongoing.

(Colemannews.com, January 2, 2008.)

Murder Suspect Arraigned in Coleman, Weapon Found

The man accused in the murder of James W. Smith was formally charged Thursday afternoon with 1st Degree Murder and 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Edward Mack Kile, 66, of Coleman, was released from Hendrick Medical Center into the custody of Taylor County deputies Thursday who turned him over to Les Cogdill, Coleman Police Detective Sergeant. Cogdill took Kile before Nance Campbell, Coleman County Justice of the Peace, at 1:20pm in the Coleman County Courthouse. Campbell set bond at $100,000 on the murder charge and $50,000 on the aggravated assault charge. Kile was then placed in the Coleman County Jail.

Coleman County Sheriff Deputy, Vickie Plummer, is credited with locating the murder weapon police believe Kile allegedly used to shoot and kill James W. Smith and wound Sandra Harmes. Harmes continues to recover in a San Angelo hospital. Deputy Plummer found the weapon, a .22 rifle, in the 1300 Block of Peach Street in west Coleman around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Cogdill said. The gun will be sent to Austin for ballistic tests, Cogdill said.

(Colemannews.com, January 3, 2008.)

James W. Smith

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