Ector Co. TX - Obits from the Odessa American Online, June 1-15 2003 Thanks to the Odessa American Online, http://www.oaoa.com/ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------ [010102obitbner.gif] Saturday, May 31, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060103blackmon.jpg] Edith H. Blackmon ODESSA Edith H. Blackmon, age 74, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Odessa Regional Hospital. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Robert L. Bratcher officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Edith was born April 16, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Hugo and Elsa Hezel. She married Bill J. Blackmon on September 4, 1949 in Vernon. They came to Odessa that same year. She enjoyed playing bridge with her bridge club. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary at MCH and she also enjoyed crocheting. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of many years, Bill J. Blackmon; her sons, Mark D. Blackmon of Grand Prairie and Brent A. Blackmon and his wife Tina J. of Odessa; daughters, Sheralyn Blackmon of Odessa, Janie A. Shannon and her husband Victor Antolik of San Antonio and Billie J. Clark of Odessa; a sister, Ethel Anderson and her husband Eyster of Odessa; and nine grandchildren; Derek, Dustin, Lynsey, Ashley, Brandon, Courtney, Jordan, Camryn and Victoriana. Services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [060103laffoon.jpg] Jane Laffoon IRAAN Jane Laffoon, 71 of Iraan, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, May 30, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Iraan United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joel Barrett officiating. Burial will follow in the Restland Cemetery. Arrangements by Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home. Jane was born on September 2, 1931 in Colorado City to James and Opal Coles. She married Charles Laffoon on May 25, 1952 in Alpine. Jane had lived in Iraan since 1956. She taught school for 28 years in the Iraan-Sheffield schools and touched the lives of many as she loved working with children. Upon retirement in 1994, she continued teaching as a substitute teacher in Iraan, she worked with the young men at the TYC in Sheffield, and helped initiate an afternoon childrens ministry at the Iraan Methodist Church. Jane was active in the Delta Kappa Gamma, Iraan Archaeological Society, Mildred Parker Garden Club, and was a longtime and active member of the Iraan United Methodist Church. Jane was a devoted grandmother and truly enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as Granna. Jane was a special lady and was always willing to help others in need. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and former students. She was preceded in death by her father, James Coles; and in 1997, a daughter, Kim Neil. She is survived by her husband, Charles Laffoon of Iraan; daughter, Amy Daniels and her husband Steve of Midland, Texas; son, Kye Laffoon and his wife, Marsha of Katy, Texas; mother, Opal Coles of Iraan; and four grandchildren, Scott Laffoon and Jarret Laffoon, both of Katy and Jordan Daniels and Taylor Daniels, both of Midland. Memorials can be made the Iraan United Methodist Church , or to Hospice of Midland 911 W. Texas Ave., Midland, Texas 79701. [060103pisana.jpg] Rosenda M. Pisana Rosenda M. Pisana, 95, a housewife, of Odessa, died Friday, May 30, 2003, at Hospice House in Odessa. Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. today at the Peaceful Garden Funeral Home Chapel in Pecos. Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Pecos. She was born March 1, 1908, San Rafael, Durango, Mexico. She was a longtime resident of Odessa and a Catholic. She was preceded in death by her husband, Domingo Pisana Sr. and daughter, Maria Martinez of Pecos. She is survived by; her children, Domingo Pisana Jr., of Roswell, N.M., Monico Pisana of San Antonio, Manuel Pisana of Fort Worth, Eusebio Pisana of Grand Prairie, Bill Pisana of Austin, Paula Rubio and Gabina Hernandez, both of Pecos, Juanita Acosta of Carlsbad, N.M., Candida Chavez, Cecilia Garcia, Christina Guerrero, all of Odessa, and Linda Minjarez, of Mesquite; 71 grandchildren; 160 great-grandchildren and 104 great-great-grandchildren. [060103Pleasant.jpg] Teddy E. Pleasant ODESSA Mr. Teddy Pleasant passed away Friday, May 30th after a lengthy battle with cancer. Services for Teddy Pleasant, 68, of Odessa, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Griffin Jones officiating. Mr. Pleasant was born June 14th, 1934, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Edgar and Addie Pleasant. Mr. Pleasant was an active member of Temple Baptist Church for over 40 years where he drove the church bus, taught Sunday school and was an usher. Teddy retired from the U.S. Postal service with 36 years of service. After his retirement he opened the Outdoor Shop where he met many great friends and sold hunting equipment. Teddy was an U.S. Army veteran, 32nd degree mason and an active member of the NRA. Teddy loved to fish and hunt. Most of all Teddy will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and papa. His faith in God and his family were his true joys in life. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Claudine Pleasant; son, Eddie Pleasant and wife Roxanne; daughter, Connie Coots and husband Pat Coots; a brother, Fred Pleasant and wife Dorothy; mother-in-law Jewell Dudley; seven grandchildren: Britni Coots, Courtni Coots, Crystal Topper, Rodney Topper, Blake Hoelscher, Lindsey Pleasant and Tyler Pleasant. He was also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. His mother and father, Addie and Edgar Pleasant and a sister, Shirley Elliot, preceded him in death. Funeral arrangements are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [060103wylie.jpg] W.A. Andy Wylie ODESSA Andy Wylie, 78, of Odessa, died Friday, May 30, 2003, at Hospice House of Odessa. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Emmett Barnard officiating. Services under direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. He was born in Ranger, Texas November 12, 1924 and moved to Hobbs, N.M. in 1937. Andy graduated at the age of 16 from Hobbs High School. At age 18 he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees Division and served during World War II. After leaving the service, he attended Texas Tech University for two years. Andy retired in 1987 from NL Acme Tool. He had been a fishing tool supervisor for a number of years. Andy also was a gold pro at Glendive Country Club and Miles City County Club in Montana. He was also state golf champ of North Dakota. Andy was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Williston, N.D. and the Al Bedoo Temple in Billings, Mont. Up until the time of his death, he was an active member of the Sunset Country Club. He played with the Senior Swingers Golf Group every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Evelyn Wylie of Odessa; his son, Michael Andrew Wylie of Santa Rosa, N.M.; his daughter, Jimmie Catherine and husband Jimmy Ray McKinney and their three children, Jamie DLynn, Jimmy Ray Jr. Bubba, and Joni Cae. He is also survived by 4 other grandchildren and one great-grandchild of Wyoming. The family suggests memorials to: Home Hospice, 516 N. Texas, Odessa, TX 79761. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Monday, June 02, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060203pleasant.gif] Teddy E. Pleasant ODESSA Mr. Teddy Pleasant passed away Friday, May 30th after a lengthy battle with cancer. Services for Teddy Pleasant, 68, of Odessa, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Griffin Jones officiating. Mr. Pleasant was born June 14th, 1934, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Edgar and Addie Pleasant. Mr. Pleasant was an active member of Temple Baptist Church for over 40 years where he drove the church bus, taught Sunday school and was an usher. Teddy retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 36 years of service. After his retirement he opened the Outdoor Shop where he met many great friends and sold hunting equipment. Teddy was an U.S. Army veteran, 32nd degree mason and an active member of the NRA. Teddy loved to fish and hunt. Most of all Teddy will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and papa. His faith in God and his family were his true joys in life. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Claudine Pleasant; son, Eddie Pleasant and wife Roxanne; daughter, Connie Coots and husband Pat Coots; a brother, Fred Pleasant and wife Dorothy; mother-in-law Jewell Dudley; seven grandchildren: Britni Coots, Courtni Coots, Crystal Topper, Rodney Topper, Blake Hoelscher, Lindsey Pleasant and Tyler Pleasant. He was also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. His mother and father, Addie and Edgar Pleasant and a sister, Shirley Elliot, preceded him in death. Funeral arrangements are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Tuesday, June 03, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060303bower.gif] Troy Bowers ODESSA Mr. Troy Bowers, 81, passed away Sunday, June 1st, after a lengthy stay at the hospital. Graveside services for Troy Bowers will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Bowers was born November 8, 1921 in Abernathy, TX to U.C. and Mae Bowers. Troy served his country in the Army Air Corp, where he was the pilot of a P-38 Lightning in WWII. Troy was a regional Sales Manager for Amarillo Hardware for 40 years until his retirement. He served the American Legion for 43 years. Troy had many friends, and he loved to play golf, fish, and work in the yard. Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Melba Bowers; son, Ron Bowers and wife Debbie; grandsons, Brandon Bowers and wife Sandi; Brett Bowers and wife Norah; Shane Bowers; granddaughters, Leah Bowers; Paige Eichnan; great grandkids; Arielle, Blaise, Blaire, Noelle, and Brady Bowers, Raven, Annabelle, and Emma Eichnan. Services are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. [060303herrera.gif] Urbano Herrera ODESSA Urbano Herrera, age 61, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. Urbano was born May 25, 1942, in El Mulato, Mexico, to Timoteo and Maria Herrera, who both precede him in death. He was employed by Medical Center Hospital for 12 years and owned UH Construction. He was an active member of the World Wide Church of God for 22 years. Urbano is survived by his wife of 40 years, Aurora Herrera of Odessa; daughter, Elma Herrera of Midland; sons, Enrique Rick Herrera and his wife, Shauna, of Odessa, Hector Herrera and his wife, Shelby of Midland; six grandchildren, Sarah, Analeisé, Stefano, Emily, Megan and Ava; four sisters, Socorro Rubio and Amelia Miramontes of California, Rosa Herrera of Reno, Nev., and Sandie Kelly of Odessa; two brothers, Carlos Herrera of Pecos and Pilo Herrera of California. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Martinez Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Jesse Soto presiding. Burial will follow at Ector Cemetery. Arrangements by Martinez Funeral Home. Clyde Moore ODESSA Clyde Moore, 71, of Odessa passed away Monday, June 2, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital. He was born July 8, 1931, in Tulsa, Okla. He married Ivy Qualls May 21, 1951, in Morrilton, Ark. He served four years in the U.S. Navy and was a graduate of Centenary College in Louisiana. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and also a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. He was an avid golfer. Mr. Moore worked for Sewell Ford for 12 years, he loved his job and never intended to retire. His family was most important to him and he loved the people at Sewell Ford. He is survived by his wife, Ivy Moore of Odessa; son, Gwin Taylor Moore and wife Kim of Memphis; Tenn.; mother, Frances Moore of Shreveport, La.; brother, Roger Moore and wife Eleanor of Shreveport; five grandchildren, Susan and E. W. Weathersby of Dallas, Anne and Dennis Smith of Memphis; Robert Clyde Moore and Page Casey of Dallas, Alex Southerland of Memphis and Katherine Taylor Moore of Memphis; two great-grandchilden, Woodson Weathersby and Nora Smith. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Anne Acreman and the loving family of Sewell Ford. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at the McNew Cemetery in Greenbrier, Ark. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Victory Ranch, a christian youth camp for inner city children, P.O. Box 599, Bolivar, TN 38008. Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [060303runyan.gif] Robert Runyan ODESSA Mr. Robert Runyan passed away Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital after a short illness. Graveside services for Mr. Runyan will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Runyan was born May 29, 1913, in Wichita, Kan. He will always be remembered as Pop, a name he was given by his first grandchild, Teresa Kathleen Hicks. Mr. Runyan was a third degree Master Mason, Lodge #63, Hobbs, N.M. He retired from Gulf Oil Company, now Chevron, in 1973 after 38 years of service. Mr. Runyan was dedicated to his family. Mr. Runyan was an avid sportsman all of his life. He expressed a strong faith in God. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lois Darling Runyan of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara Boyland of Odessa, Karen Rhea and husband, Jerry, of Fort Davis, and Sondra Fowler and husband, Pat, of Odessa. Mr. Runyan loved and nurtured his grandchildren, Teresa Kathleen Hicks (deceased), James Robert Fowler of Gardendale, Leon Douglas Fowler and wife, Sandra, and Judith Rhea of Fort Davis. His great-grandchildren include Megan Elizabeth Fowler, Dustin Paul Fowler, Tristan Bryce Fowler, Alex Coffman and Brittani Coffman. Mr. Runyan also leaves behind two sisters and a brother, Leona Ludwick of Raymond, Kan., Vera Bloomer of Ogden, Utah, and Gene Runyan of Rogers, Ark. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [060303valdez.gif] Ester A. Valdez ODESSA Services for Ester A. Valdez, 91, of Odessa will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Garza and Rev. Maria Hernandez officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Valdez died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at her residence. She was born January 7, 1912, in Ozona, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roman G. Valdez; her son, Jaime A. Ramirez Sr.; brothers, Pedro Alba, Solomon Alba and Jose Alba; and sisters, Lupe A. Munoz, Eulogia A. Gomez and Maria A. Gonzales. Mrs. Valdez was a very Christian lady and a member of Templo Betania Assembly of God Church. Survivors include her daughters, Ester Esperanza Flores of Youngsville, N.C., Rosa R. Garcia of Odessa, Eloisa V. Flores of Midland and Margaret Shannon of Odessa; daughter-in-law, Edna M. Ramirez of Odessa; sister, Carmen Trujillo of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Beatrice Garza of Odessa; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons, Jaime M. Ramirez Jr., Roland Ramirez Sr., Devon Subia, Phil Castro III, Arnold Flores and Ray Diaz. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Wednesday, June 04, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060403chesshir.gif] Garland Lewis Chesshir BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. Garland Lewis Chesshir, 74, of Blue Springs, Mo., died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. He was born August 16, 1928, in Quanah, Texas. He was a member of Cornerstone Church, Blue Springs, Mo. He worked for the Rexene Company in Odessa, Texas. He loved all sports and being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was married to Sandra Steele Chesshir March 21, 1964. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Cornerstone Church at 301 SE AA Highway, Blue Springs, Mo. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, June 4, 2003. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Chesshir of Blue Springs, Mo.; sons, Kurt Edwards of Odessa, Texas, and Daniel Chesshir of Blue Springs, Mo.; brother, J.D. Chesshir of Amarillo, Texas; and grandchildren, Brittany Briggs, Neil Chesshir, both of Blue Springs, Mo., and Sabra Warriner of Spokane, Wash. Services entrusted to Webb-Freer Funeral Home. Thelma Lassie McNabb GOTHA, Fla. Thelma Lassie McNabb, 75, of Odessa and formerly of Jamesburg, N.J., passed away Sunday, June 1, 2003. She was born August 31, 1927, in Kinston, N.C. She was a housewife and attended Asbury United Methodist Church. Mrs. McNabb is survived by her daughters, Susan Pellino and husband, Bill, of Robbinsville, N.J., and Tracy Campbell and husband, Randy, of Odessa, Texas; and her grandchildren, Amanda Schechter, Sarah Pellino, Ryan Campbell, Jeremy Campbell and Andrew Campbell. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home of Orlando, Fla. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Thursday, June 05, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060503Lewis.gif] Tryon E. Bud Lewis ODESSA Tryon E. Bud Lewis, age 92, passed away on June 4, 2003 at the Home Hospice Facility in Odessa, Texas. A member of a pioneer West Texas ranching family, Mr. Lewis was born in Ft. Stockton, Texas on April 9, 1911. His family moved to McCamey, Texas during the Oil Boom of the 1920s. Mr. Lewis, a gifted athlete, graduated from McCamey High School and later attended Texas A&M University. He married Erma Lea Beauchamp on March 8, 1941. They had three children: Barbara, Ann Elizabeth Betsy, and Tryon D. Mr. Lewis occupation in the oil exploration industry took the family throughout the Western United States. The family moved to Odessa in 1952. After Mr. Lewis retired from Great Western Drilling Co., he and his wife moved to Fort Stockton in 1980. They were members of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Stockton. Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erma Lea; by his children: Barbara Southern and husband Tom, Ann Elizabeth Smith, and Tryon D. Lewis and wife, Trudy; by his grandchildren: Wes and Cody Smith, Michellea David, John Wesley Southern, and Eleanor and Annie Lewis; and by his great-grandchildren: Kayla, Wes, and Drayton Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Tryon and Myrtle Lewis, his brothers Temple, Ted, and Bill Lewis, and his sister Loise Fields, and his son-in-law Wesley Smith II. Funeral arrangements are pending with Fort Stockton Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Stockton on Friday, June 6th at 10 a.m. [060503McAdams.gif] Giles Chadwick Mac McAdams ODESSA Giles Chadwick Mac McAdams, 89, of Odessa passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Parks Methodist Retirement Village. He was born December 15, 1913, to B.H. and Frances McAdams in San Antonio. He married Elma Bush March 15, 1935, in Lawn, Texas. He began working for Phillips Petroleum Co. October 3, 1938, in Hobbs, N.M. He retired after 40 years of service. Mr. McAdams was preceded in death by his two sons, Charles Benjamin McAdams, born June 26, 1939, in Santa Anna, Texas, and Giles Rodney McAdams, born Sept. 29, 1943, in Crane. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elma of Odessa; granddaughters, Frances Jordan of Fort Worth, Paige Torbett and husband, Chris of Irving, Texas, Tana McAdams of Flagstaff, Ariz., Michele Barrow and husband Brandon of Midland; and seven great-grandchildren. The family will meet with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Curtis Brewer officiating. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. at the Dewey Cemetery in Lawn, Texas. Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Friday, June 06, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060603Alcantar.gif] Gregorio Munoz Alcantar ODESSA Gregorio Munoz Alcantar, 59, of Odessa, went home with the Lord on Tuesday, June 3, 2003. He passed away at Hospice House of Odessa. He was born November 17, 1943, in Miguel Benavides, Chih., Mexico. He married Herminia Tijerina Peña on February 15, 1975. He was a devoted husband, proud father and loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He will always be remembered as a kind man with an amusing sense of humor. He was a faithful Catholic. His parents, Lucio and Emilia Alcantar, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Herminia, of Odessa; daughters, Imelda Tarango and Cristina Alcantar, both of Odessa; son, David Alcantar of Odessa; brothers, Eufemio Alcantar and Domingo Alcantar of Odessa, Ricardo Alcantar and Candelario Alcantar of Presidio, Texas, and Jose Alcantar of Ojinaga, Chih.; sisters, Maria Padilla, Guadalupe Natividad and Genoveva Levario, all of Ojinaga, Chih.; five grandchildren, Crystal, Andrew, Adrian, Kevin and Brianna; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 6, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church with Father Gilbert Rodriguez officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Daddy/Guelo, we know you will continue to take care of us from Heaven, like you always have. You will always be our hero, our angel, and our best friend. You will be in our hearts forever, until we meet again. God bless you. Your children and grandchildren who will always love you. Services entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home. [060603McAdams.gif] Giles Chadwick Mac McAdams ODESSA Giles Chadwick Mac McAdams, 89, of Odessa passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Parks Methodist Retirement Village. He was born December 15, 1913, to B.H. and Frances McAdams in San Antonio. He married Elma Bush March 15, 1935, in Lawn, Texas. He began working for Phillips Petroleum Co. October 3, 1938, in Hobbs, N.M. He retired after 40 years of service. Mr. McAdams was preceded in death by his two sons, Charles Benjamin McAdams, born June 26, 1939, in Santa Anna, Texas, and Giles Rodney McAdams, born Sept. 29, 1943, in Crane. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elma of Odessa; granddaughters, Frances Jordan of Fort Worth, Paige Torbett and husband, Chris of Irving, Texas, Tana McAdams of Flagstaff, Ariz., Michele Barrow and husband Brandon of Midland; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Roland McAdams and wife, Ocellia, of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews. The family will meet with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Curtis Brewer officiating. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. at the Dewey Cemetery in Lawn, Texas. Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [060603Lujan%20&%20Gabaldon.gif] Socorro Lujan and Marcelo Gabaldon, Jr. MIDLAND Socorro Lujan, 48, and Marcelo Gabaldon Jr., 20, formally of Midland died Sunday, June 1, 2003, in Anthony, N.M. from injuries sustained in a house fire. Socorro was born June 29, 1954 to Gorgonio and Socorro Lujan in Ojinaga Chihuahua, Mexico and Marcelo was born to Marcelo Gabaldon, Sr. and Socorro Lujan on Feb. 14, 1983 in Midland, where he attended elementary schools. They later moved to Anthony, New Mexico, where they had lived for the last 10 years. Marcelo was a 2002 graduate of Gadsden High School and worked in the gas industry at the time of his death. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, June 6, 2003, at Our Lady of San Juan Catholic Church with Father Thomas C. Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven North Memorial Park. Survivors include Marcelos father, Marcelo Gabaldon Sr. of Midland; Socorros parents, Gorgonio and Socorro Lujan of La Esmeralda, Mexico; his sisters and her daughters, Cristina Gabaldon of Midland, Neiba and her husband, Daniel Triana of Anthony, N.M.; Marcelos grandparents, Gorgonio and Socorro Lujan of Esmeralda, Mexico, Carlos and Timotea Gabaldon of Midland; his great-grandmother and her grandmother: Tomasita Lujan of Ojinaga Chihuahua, Mexico; his uncles and aunts and her brothers and sisters, Rene Lujan of Austin, Lorenzo Lujan of La Esmeralda, Mexico, Minerva Lujan of Odessa, Silvia Hernandez of Midland, Reyna Lujan of Chihuahua, Mexico and Sandra Maldonado of Abilene; his nephews, nieces and her grandchildren, Xavier Lozano, Ariel Triana, Uriel Triana, Lucero Lozano and Prizma Lozano. Services are entrusted and in the care of Reyes Funeral Home. [060603Mahler.gif] Jimmie Otto Mahler Sr. ODESSA Jimmie Otto Mahler Sr. passed away on June 2, 2003, at his residence. He was born on June 6, 1924, in Windthorst, TX, to August Otto Mahler and Willie Mae Mahler. He came to Odessa in the late 50s from Archer City. He married Mildred Johnston on Dec. 19, 1973, in Odessa. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. He enjoyed selling snow cones, fishing, and talking about truck driving. Services are scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2003, at 2:00 P.M. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Bishop officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Mahler was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters. Mr. Mahler is survived by his wife Mildred Mahler of Odessa; son Jimmie Otto Mahler Jr. and wife Kathy of Odessa; step-son Fred Haney of Odessa; step-daughters; Judy Turner and husband Ron of Odessa; Lois Hankins and husband Joel of Odessa; Roberta Lang of Odessa, Mary Lou Haney of California; brothers Kenneth Mahler and wife Almeda of Wichita Falls and Baldi Mahler of Wichita Falls; grandchildren Vivian, Cass, Chris, Mike, Jennie, and Lonnie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Fred Haney, Ron Turner, Joel Hankins, Craig Kwiatkowski, Kenneth Turner, Butch Taylor, and Charles Hankins. He was also loved and cared for by many home care providers. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. [060603Heathington.gif] Donna Sue Sewell Heathington ODESSA She will be with us always, Donna Sue Sewell Heathington, 59, of Odessa passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital. She was born January 1, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Bob and Ocie Sewell. She married Art Heathington March 10, 1981 in Odessa. She was a housewife and a Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bobby Sewell, Lonnie Sewell. She is survived by her husband, Art Heathington, sons, Max Mays and wife Misty of Odessa, Mike Darden and wife Robbie of Spring Field, Missiouri, Kelly Heathington and wife Heather of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jeff Heathington of Dallas; daughters, Tamee Narvaiz and husband Juan of Odessa, Stacee Reed and husband B.K. of Prosper; brothers, Dusty Sewell and wife Sherry of Odessa, Billy Sewell and wife Jodie of New Mexico, James Sewell and wife Shirly of Mississippi, James (Thumper) Sewell of New Mexico; sister, Peggy Taylor and husband Gean of Southlake; grandchildren, Derrick, Krystal, Jonathan, Brooklynn, Maley, Brittani, Matthew, Michael, Nathan, and Mason. Pallbearers will be: Michael Long, Ricky Long, B.K. Reed, Harrel Burch, Eric Petsch, Ronnie Nelson. A loving wife , mother, sister, grandmother and a friend to all. She lived life to the fullest with the enjoyment of going to La. to hear the sounds of tu-ching,tu-ching- tu-ching. Her beautiful laughter and her bright shiny eyes will always be dearly missed. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2003, at Odessa Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Samuel Calk officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Services by Odessa Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Saturday, June 07, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060703joe.jpg] Joe Morris Suggs ODESSA Joe Morris Suggs, 78, of Odessa died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, in Pecos, Texas. Joe, his wife Gladys Atkinson Suggs and daughter Eileen Suggs Cook were involved in a motor vehicle accident as they were returning from a trip to California. Services are currently on hold pending the recovery of his wife, who is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at Medical Center Hospital. Future services will be at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa. Survivors include his wife, Gladys A. Suggs; brothers, Bill Suggs and Jerry Suggs; sister, Mary Nell Hodkin; daughters, Jane Suggs and Eileen Suggs Cook; son, Joe M. Suggs Jr.; and grandchildren: Brian Cook and his wife Denver, Brent Cook and his wife Rachel, and John Seitz Jr. Richard Kennison HURST Richard Kennison, 67, passed peacefully away in his home on Monday, June 2, 2003, after bravely facing colon cancer. Frieda, his wife of 38 years, was waiting (impatiently) in heaven for him. He was born in Pitcher, Oklahoma on April 25, 1936 to Richard and Florence Kennison. He is survived by daughters Johnna Miller and husband Tracy of Colleyville, and Johnette Cloud and husband David of Carrollton. His grandchildren Grant, Noah and Emily-Grace Miller and Matthew cloud will miss their favorite fishing buddy. We pray this life cut needlessly short will encourage others to have routine colonoscopy beginning at age 50. We learned so much about Gods power to heal and forgive in your final days, Daddy. He held your hand when you didnt have the strength to hold His. You were loved and will be sincerely missed. Services are under the direction of Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa. Bonnie Matheny ODESSA Bonnie Madeline Matheny of Odessa died Thursday, June 5, 2003 at Hospice House of Odessa. She was born April 28, 1921 in McAlester, Oklahoma to William Oscar and Lena Abbott. She married James Austin Matheny on June 8,1940 in Pampa, Texas. She was a retired LVN. She was a member of the North Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses in Odessa. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa with Burt Cole officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sons, Bill Matheny and wife Ellen and Steve Matheny and wife Cindi of Oklahoma and Tim Matheny and wife Susie of Odessa; daughters, Bonnie McElvaney and husband, Frank, Ella Cooper and husband, Bob and Polly Dietz and husband Rick all of Odessa, and 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Sunday, June 08, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [060803Mendoza.jpg] Oscar Mendoza Odessa Oscar Mendoza died Thursday, June, 5, 2003 at his residence in Odessa at age 20 years. He was born to father Victor Mendoza and mother Maria Clark Mendoza. He was Christian and in the National Guard. Services will be held Monday at Martinez Funeral Home with Pastor Guillermo Morales officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Survivors: Son, Isaiah Paz of Odessa; grandfather, Cruz Clark and grandmother, Josephine Clark, both of Corpus Christi; grandfather, Refugio Mendoza and grandmother, Maria De Jesus Mendoza, both of Odessa; sisters, Elizabeth C. Mendoza, Rebecca C. Mendoza, both of Odessa and Emily C. Mendoza of Corpus Christi; brothers, Raymond Clark of Corpus Christi, Victor Mendoza Jr. of Omaha, Neb., and David Mendoza and Noel C. Mendoza, both of Odessa. Oscar is a person we all cared for, the one we always told to be careful. A loved one. Now that you are gone, we will no longer se you, see that smile, that smile that made every flower bloom, that smile that put a smile on our faces. And even though we all know you are in a better place, we all cry. We cry because you were and will always be a loved one. May the Lord be with you In our loving memories of Oscar C. Mendoza. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Tuesday, June 10, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061003doris.jpg] Doris Rachel Beckham ODESSA Doris Rachel Beckham, 63, of Odessa died Sunday, June 8, 2003, at her residence. She was born September 1, 1939, in Haskell, Texas. Rachel married William L. Beckham Jr. August 1, 1957. Mrs. Beckham was a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church and a devoted loving wife, mother and homemaker. She is survived by her husband, William L. Beckham Jr. of Odessa; son, Donald Wayne Beckham and daughter-in-law, Jeri Beckham, of Justin, Texas; daughter, Robbie Janell Phillips and son-in-law, Kenneth Phillips, of Odessa; sister, Hazel Moore of Bixby, Okla.; brothers, Lyndon Hudgens of Andrews and Eugene Sanders of Portage, Ind.; grandchildren Misty Janell Heifner, Jeremy David Heifner, Carolyn Diana Beckham Matthew William Beckham; step-grandsons, Justin Cupp and Jared Phillips; great-grandchild, Stormy Nichole Wofford; and many wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at Chapel Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Law officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Odyssey Hospice or Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [061003patricia.jpg] Patricia Pauline Simpson ODESSA Patricia Pauline Simpson, age 74, died Sunday, June 8, 2003, at Hospice House in Odessa. She was born Sept. 5, 1928, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Homer Forrest Fox and Dorothy McAninch Fox. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Patricia moved to Odessa in 1937. She married Kenneth Simpson June 1, 1946, in Odessa. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Simpson of Odessa; son, Ken Simpson of Houston; daughters, Sue Hoover of Austin and Micki Lawson of Albuquerque, N.M.; brothers, Ken Fox of Gladewater and Robert Fox of Kansas City, Kan.; sisters, LaVern Fox of Odessa, Michelle Mahan of Odessa and Lori Blake of Eustis, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [061003mary.jpg] Mary Ruth Downs ODESSA Mary Ruth Downs, 81, of Odessa died peacefully at home on Monday, June 2, 2003, with her friends and family by her side. She was a member of Caprock Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses in Odessa. Memorial services have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at the Kingdom Hall, off Loop 338 at 11th St., with Brother Clint Deborde officiating. [061003alolene.jpg] Allene Adams Brooks ODESSA Graveside services for Allene Adams Brooks, 72, of Odessa will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Services under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home. She passed from this life June 8, 2003, at her residence. Mrs. Brooks was born March 26, 1931 in Crowell, Texas, to Robert Alton and Leo Dale Beggs. She married D.W. Brooks September 10, 1950, in Jal, N.M. He passed away January 5, 1981. She has been a resident of Odessa since 1961, moving from Kermit and she was a Baptist. Survivors include three sons, Dennis Brooks and wife, Juanita, Rodger Brooks and wife, Mariana, and Craig Brooks and wife, Tojia; three daughters, Cheyrl Clement and husband, Larry, Stacy Yarbor and husband, Doug, and Roxanna Mitchell and husband, Ricky, all of Odessa; one sister-in-law, Jenna Beggs of Kermit; 22 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. Mrs. Brooks was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, Leon Beggs and O.J. Polk, and one grandson, Jessie Stringer. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Hendrickson and Home Hospice. Memorials are suggested to be sent to the Hospice House of Odessa. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Pallbearers for the service will be Dennis Brooks, Terry Yarbor, Felipe Torres, Michael Coston, Tony Brooks, Eddie Brooks, and Danny Dugger. Honorary pallbearers will be James Patterson, Gary Leonard, Michael Lipsey, and Eric Jarrell. [061003julia.jpg] Julia Loretta Peters HOUSTON Today, June 5, 2003, at 10 a.m., our mother, Julia Loretta Peters, graduated into eternity and entered in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is already dearly missed. Instead of struggling with the constant pain brought on by cancer, she is now dancing on the streets of gold with Dad and is now seeing for herself what God tells us in his word that no eye has seen and no mind has conceived. Mrs. Peters is preceded in death by her husband, David Peters. She is survived by her sons, Walter Peters and wife, Cathy, of Georgetown, Texas, and Alan Peters and wife, Mechele, of Midland, Texas; brother, Ronald Gilbert and wife, Barbara, of Odessa, Texas; grandchildren, David Peters, Mandi Murphy, Paul, Sarah and Stephen Peters. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2003, at the Chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas, with Minister Lamar Thomas officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Lone Star Hospice Foundation, 1212 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78664, (800) 332-3982. They were a big blessing to Mom and the family over the last several months of her life. Or to: The Shepherds Way Church, 1225 Eagle Lake Road, Sealy, TX 77474-3103, (979) 885-1225, designate Radio Ministry. This ministrys initial funding was provided by Mom and Dad in the last months of Dads life. Our peace and joy comes from knowing that she no longer suffers pain but now laughs with joy. She has no tears but has a glowing smile. Please keep us in your prayers. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Wednesday, June 11, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061103hallmark.jpg] Rooks H. Hallmark ODESSA Rooks H. Hallmark, 84, passed away Monday, June 9, 2003. He was born and raised in Tyler, Texas. He married his wife, Ruth, on June 9, 1947, and celebrated 54 years of marriage together. After moving to Odessa, he owned and operated Hallmarks Watch Repair in Odessa from 1958 until his retirement in 2001. He was proud to have been a Marine Veteran of WWII and a member of Temple Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; son, Ronald Hallmark of Tyler, Texas; daughter, Betty Roberts of Odessa, Texas; sister, Omega Snyder and brother, John Hallmark, both of Tyler, Texas. He is survived by daughter, Bobbie Parisher of Fort Worth, Texas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. We love you PePa and will miss you. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. June 12, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Johnny Thomason. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [061103rooks.jpg] Joel Gregory Streger ODESSA Joel Gregory Streger went to be with his Savior Monday, June 9, 2003. Funeral services for Mr. Streger, 37, are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Dean Kelm officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Streger was born March 28, 1966, in Houston, Texas, to his parents, James C. and Doris Brewington Streger. He came to Odessa in 1983 from LaGrange, Texas. He graduated from Odessa High School. He was a maker of gaskets in the oil and gas industry. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Tommie Streger of Odessa; his son, Gregory Streger of Odessa; his daughter, Savannah Streger of Odessa; his mother, Doris Streger of Odessa; his brother, Bill Streger and wife, Carolyn, of Memphis, Tenn.; three nephews, Jason, Kyle and Bryce Streger, all of Memphis. The family requests memorials be made to Medical Community Credit Union, account No. 38282, in memory of Joel Gregory Streger. Funeral services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [061103pamela.jpg] Pamela Joyce Crisp LUBBOCK Pamela Joyce Darrough Crisp, 50, of Lubbock, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2003, at MCA Hospital in Lubbock after a valiant battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at First United Pentecostal Church in Wolfforth, at 12 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003. She was born in San Diego, California, grew up in Odessa, Texas, and had lived in Lubbock for the past thirty years. Pam was a great lover of animals. She raised horses and adopted numerous animals of all kinds. Pams vibrant personality and love of life will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Pam is survived by husband, Larry Webb of Lubbock; son, Allen Crisp of Minnesota; daughter, Angela Crisp of Dallas; grandson, Aaron Crisp of Odessa; brother, Vic Darrough of Dallas; cousin, Ronnie Lang of Lubbock; and more friends and admirers than we have room to list. [061103kathy.jpg] Kathy Jane Eicher ODESSA Kathy Jane Eicher, 48, went to be with her Lord on June 9, 2003. She had battled courageously against cancer for seven months. Kathy was born in Roswell, N.M., September 29, 1954. Her family moved to Kermit in 1965 and to Odessa in 1966. She was a 1972 graduate of Permian High School. Kathy loved children and dedicated 31 years of her life to their care and education, teaching them practical life skills, academic basics, and Christian values. She was the co-owner of Aladdins Castle Learning Center and former owner of Sandcastle Learning Center. As teacher, coach and director to thousands of children she was kind but stern, a practitioner of tough love. She was an active member of the National Child Care Association, Texas Licensed Child Care Association, and the Permian Basin Licensed Child Care Association, which she served as President 1997 to 2001. She also served as an Odessa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for several years. Kathy loved life and touched many lives in her short time here on earth. She was a great mom to her adopted children, son John Craig and daughters Chynna and Emerald, and she was very proud of them. She was an avid golfer. An extremely creative person, she was good with her hands. She could fix just about anything. She was a generous, giving person who loved to take in strays, human or animal. Kathy had strong views on many issues. She was a pro-life feminist who believed that a woman can accomplish anything that a man can do, but she also appreciated chivalry. She was an outspoken proponent of and role model for adoption. Kathy was the baby sister of a large, close knit, loving family. She cherished each one and had nicknames for most. Their nickname for her was Saken Jane, given by younger brother Monte. Kathy Jane will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son, John Craig Eicher and his wife, Kristi, of Odessa; by her parents, Ike and Tiny Eicher of Gardendale; by two sisters, Dana Myers and husband, Ron, of Gardendale and Paula Smart of Odessa; by three brothers, Mike Eicher and wife, Sharon, of Gardendale, Richard Eicher and wife, Connie, of Gardendale, and Monte Eicher of Odessa; April Terrell and two daughters, Chynna and Emerald Terrell, all of Odessa; by 14 nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and nephews; and by many devoted friends. She leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of many, many children. The family will receive visitors at Hubbard Kelly Funeral home 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. Services will be held at Temple Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Thursday with Kyle Rodgers officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society. Pallbearers will be Russell Battenfield, Weylon Kenney, Rick Eicher II, Ron Meyers Jr., Shea Culver, Brady Culver, Paul Wyman and Darren Fentress. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Romaka, James Kennedy, Jarrod Eicher and Jake Eicher. I thank you all for the love that each of you has shown, But now its time to travel on alone. So grieve awhile for me if you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust in the Lord. Its only for a time that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I wont be far away, for life goes on, So if you need me, just call, and Ill come. Though you cant see or touch me, I will be near, With all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, Ill greet you with a smile and say, Welcome Home. To those I love and those who love me: When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears Be thankful for our beautiful years. I gave to you my love and care. You can only guess How much all of you gave to me in happiness. [061103trever.jpg] Trever Lightfoot ANDREWS Services for Trever Lightfoot, 20, of Scottsdale, Ariz., formerly of Midland, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003, in McNett Funeral Home Chapel in Andrews. Rev. Ted Short will officiate. Burial will follow in the Andrews North Cemetery under the direction of McNett Funeral Home. Trever died in Andrews on June 9, 2003. He was born on Aaugust 19, 1982, in Andrews. Trever graduated from Andrews High School. He was a Plumber and a Baptist. Survivors include his parents, Larry and Bertha Lightfoot, Midland, Texas; companion, Sarah Saplis passed away in the same auto accident with Trever; daughter, Koralyn Saplis Lightfoot of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brothers, Charlie Lightfoot of Midland, Jody and wife, Carolyn Buck, of Round Rock, Texas, Rodney and wife, Paige Buck, of Grapevine, Texas; sisters, Tanya and husband, Staven Day, of Keller, Texas, Shannon Lightfoot, Sherry Lightfoot and Shelly Lightfoot, all of Waynesboro, Miss. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to NBA Bank in Andrews where a fund has been set up for his one year old daughter, Koralyn Saplis. [061103jonathan.jpg] Jonathan Bubba Viscaino ODESSA On Saturday, June 7, 2003, our beloved Bubbaloo, 12, died in Andrews, Texas. He was born on April 7, 1991, in Odessa, Texas. Bubba was dearly loved and cherished by all those around him. His enormous heart and infectious smile captivated anyone who met him. Always friendly and charming, he was the first to volunteer to help anyone who needed it. He loved playing video games and hanging out with his friends and family. Jonathan was an extremely smart young man. Throughout his school years, he received numerous awards for academic achievement including A Honor Roll, The Presidents Award of Excellence and Accelerated Reading. He will be missed and loved for eternity. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, LoLo Molina of McCamey. He is survived by his mother, Sylvia Viscaino; stepdad, Jose Zabata; sister, Eva Chacon; brother, June Viscaino; sister-in-law, Edith Viscaino; nephews, Karina and Luis Chacon and Isaac Rey Viscaino; aunts and uncles, Rosa Barragan, Esther Gonzales, Gilbert Barragan Sr., Raul Rodriguez Sr. and Sammy Molina of California; grandmother, Eva Molina; cousins, Raul Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez, Amy Barragan, Gilbert Barragan Jr., Melissa Bulorra Barragan, Jennifer Gonzalez, Roddy Cabrerra, Renee Cabrerra, Olga Molina, Austyn Renteria, Rebekah Renteria, Gabriel Rey Renteria and Sonya Calderon; and best friends, Irwin and family, Crystal, Lance, Larry, Tommy, Johnny, Christa, Victor Walker and others. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003, at the Apostolic Church on 25th and Adams in Odessa with Angel Alvarado officiating. Visitation will continue through Wednesday all day at the church. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Thursday, June 12, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061203brown.jpg] Virginia L. Brown AUSTIN Virginia L. Brown, age 75, of Austin, Texas and formerly of Waco, passed away Monday, June 9, 2003. She was a member of Rehoboth Primitive Baptist Church where she served as Deaconess and Chairlady of Pastoral Banquet and also a member of the Eastern Star and formed the St. Johns Community Association. Virginia retired from the City of Austin prior to her homegoing. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Joiner and husband, L.J., and Carol A. Brantley and husband, Leonard, Valery Williams, Shawn Cumberlander and husband, Edward Sr., Sandra Brown, Lovie Brown, all of Austin; sons, Calvin Brown Jr. and Renee and Craig Brown and Brenda Collins, all of Austin; sisters, Lillian Jackson, Wanda Dupart Robinson, and Ruth Robinson, all of Waco; brothers, Ernest Robinson and John D. Robinson, both of Odessa, Morris Robinson of Waco, and P.J. Robinson of Portland, Oregon; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her dear friend and companion, Reverend Fred Williams; close friends, Sister Aurelia Woods, Sister Jessie Mercer, Sister Annie Robertson; and others. Mrs. Brown will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2003, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at St. John Tabernacle Church, 7501 Blessing Avenue with Reverend Riley Armstead officiating. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 149100, Austin, Texas 78714-9100. Please join us in honoring our loved one by visiting our Memorial at www.cookwalden.com. Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752, (512) 454-5611. Bonnie Maree Cearley EARLY Bonnie Maree Cearley passed away at 11:30 p.m. June 9, 2003, at Brownwood Regional Hospital following a short illness. Bonnie was born in Weatherford, Texas, on April 10, 1911, to N.W. and Lorena (Bradley) Allphin. Bonnie graduated from Abilene Christian Academy and attended Abilene Christian College. She married John F. Cearley November 28, 1932, in Lovington, N.M. John was the son of pioneer Garza county settlers, O.R. and Agnes Cearley. John and Bonnie lived in Post, Texas, where their children were born, until July 1948 when the family moved to Fabens, Texas. They lived there until 1957 when they moved to Pecos, Texas. While living in Post, Bonnie began working as a news writer for the Post Dispatch during World War II. She and the publishers wife published the weekly newspaper for three years while the publisher was overseas in the Navy. Later she continued her newspaper career at the Pecos Daily News beginning in 1962 and later working as Womens Editor for the Pecos Enterprise. Even after retirement, she continued to write columns for the Golden Age supplement for the Enterprise. Bonnie was very active in many civic and cultural organizations. She was a fifty-year member of the Texas Federated Womens Clubs, serving as western District President in 1979-1980 and has served in many other state board positions. She was a member and past president of the Pecos Modern Study Club, she was also a member of the Pecos Business and Professional Womens Club and was very active in various areas of that organization. She was named their Woman of the Year in 1980. She was a member of the Womens Division of the Chamber of Commerce and later a member of the Chamber Gold Coat organization. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, currently a member of the Monahans Chapter. She has been a Sunday school teacher, member of the Texas Press Association, Board Member of the Texas Press Association, Board Member of the Beautify Texas Council and Board Member of the Reeves-Loying Unit of the American Cancer Society. She was a long time member of the Fourth & Bois d Arc Church of Christ in Pecos. Since moving to Early, Texas, in 1995 with her daughter and son-in-law, she joined and was currently serving as Chaplain for Welcome W. Chandler Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She attended church at the Early First Baptist Church and very much enjoyed their Senior group. She also loved her Monday bridge group and looked forward to playing each week. Bonnie felt that whatever her achievements, she got the most satisfaction from the love of her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the making of new friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, John, in 1981; and a son, Ralph, in 1935. She is survived by a son, John Allan Cearley, Sr. and his wife, Janie, of Liberty Hill, Texas; a daughter, Marthana Hudson and her husband, Coy, of Early, Texas; five grandchildren, John Glenn Hudson of El Paso, Texas, Coy Brendan Hudson and his wife, Rebecca, of Corsicana, Texas, Christine Feldmann of Corsicana, Texas, John Allan Cearley Jr. and his wife, Michelle, of Liberty Hill, Texas, Nathan Cearley of San Marcos, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Julie Feldmann of Blooming Grove, Texas, Whitney Hudson of San Antonio, Texas, Ian Thornas Hudson of Arlington, Texas, Garrett Ransom and Brenna Leigh Hudson of Corsicana, Texas, and John Jacob Cearley of Liberty Hill, Texas. She is also survived by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Stanley Butler of Post, Texas, and several much loved nieces and nephews. The funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Early at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, with pastor Eddie Ailshie officiating. Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Heartland Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Terrace Cemetery in Post, Texas at 1 p.m. June 13. Visitation will be held at Hudman Funeral Home prior to the graveside service. Pallbearers will be grandsons, John Glenn Hudson, Coy Brendan Hudson, John Allan Cearley Jr., Nathan Cearley, Ron Feldmann, and nephew, Graydon Howell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Ferguson, Dalton Moseley, George Hine and Dennis Moseley. [061203kathy.jpg] Kathy Jane Eicher ODESSA Kathy Jane Eicher, 48, went to be with her Lord on June 9, 2003. She had battled courageously against cancer for seven months. Kathy was born in Roswell, N.M., September 29, 1954. Her family moved to Kermit in 1965 and to Odessa in 1966. She was a 1972 graduate of Permian High School. Kathy loved children and dedicated 31 years of her life to their care and education, teaching them practical life skills, academic basics, and Christian values. She was the co-owner of Aladdins Castle Learning Center and former owner of Sandcastle Learning Center. As teacher, coach and director to thousands of children she was kind but stern, a practitioner of tough love. She was an active member of the National Child Care Association, Texas Licensed Child Care Association, and the Permian Basin Licensed Child Care Association, which she served as President 1997 to 2001. She also served as an Odessa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for several years. Kathy loved life and touched many lives in her short time here on earth. She was a great mom to her adopted children, son John Craig and daughters Chynna and Emerald, and she was very proud of them. She was an avid golfer. An extremely creative person, she was good with her hands. She could fix just about anything. She was a generous, giving person who loved to take in strays, human or animal. Kathy had strong views on many issues. She was a pro-life feminist who believed that a woman can accomplish anything that a man can do, but she also appreciated chivalry. She was an outspoken proponent of and role model for adoption. Kathy was the baby sister of a large, close knit, loving family. She cherished each one and had nicknames for most. Their nickname for her was Saken Jane, given by younger brother Monte. Kathy Jane will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son, John Craig Eicher and his wife, Kristi, of Odessa; by her parents, Ike and Tiny Eicher of Gardendale; by two sisters, Dana Myers and husband, Ron, of Gardendale and Paula Smart of Odessa; by three brothers, Mike Eicher and wife, Sharon, of Gardendale, Richard Eicher and wife, Connie, of Gardendale, and Monte Eicher of Odessa; April Terrell and two daughters, Chynna and Emerald Terrell, all of Odessa; by 14 nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and nephews; and by many devoted friends. She leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of many, many children. The family will receive visitors at Hubbard Kelly Funeral home 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. Services will be held at Temple Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Thursday with Kyle Rodgers officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society. Pallbearers will be Russell Battenfield, Weylon Kenney, Rick Eicher II, Ron Meyers Jr., Shea Culver, Brady Culver, Jarrod Eicher and Darren Fentress. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Romaka, James Kennedy, Paul Wyman and Jake Eicher. I thank you all for the love that each of you has shown, But now its time to travel on alone. So grieve awhile for me if you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust in the Lord. Its only for a time that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I wont be far away, for life goes on, So if you need me, just call, and Ill come. Though you cant see or touch me, I will be near, With all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, Ill greet you with a smile and say, Welcome Home. To those I love and those who love me: When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears Be thankful for our beautiful years. I gave to you my love and care. You can only guess How much all of you gave to me in happiness. [061203olon.jpg] Olon Lee Riley PAMPA Olon Lee Riley, 80, of McQueeney, Texas, died Wednesday, June 11, at his sons residence in Midland, Texas. He was born June 9, 1923, in Gerty, Oklahoma, to Jessie and Carrie Riley. He graduated from Pampa High School in 1941. He worked for Phillips Pipeline Company for 27 1/2 years and later became self-employed as a pipeline inspector. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Isom Masonic Lodge in Borger. He was a volunteer for the McQueeney Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Carrie Riley and one sister, LaNora Stidham. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Riley of McQueeney, Texas; one son, Steven Riley and his wife, Deborah, of Midland, Texas; two daughters, Cheri Riley of Houston and Rhonda Riley of Santa Rosa, Calif.; three step-sons, Ron Webb of San Anselmo, Calif., Don Webb of Long Beach, Calif., and Richard Webb of Blooming Grove, Texas; one brother, Samuel Riley of Atwood, Okla.; one sister, Bernice Musgrave and her husband, Paul, of Pampa, Texas; six grandchildren, Coy Riley, Jeni Riley, Bubba Glasscock and Tammy Autry, all of Midland, Dollye Martinez and her husband, Armando, of Odessa, Texas, and Cheri Steele and her husband, Shawn, of Coppell, Texas; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Corey Autry and Danielle Autry of Midland, Texas, and Isaac Martinez and Caitlyn Martinez of Odessa, Texas; three step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 14, at Memory Garden in Pampa, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home in Pampa, Texas. [061203velma.jpg] Velma Sutherland ODESSA Funeral services for Velma Madeline Sutherland, 83, of Odessa, are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clydel Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. She passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital. Mrs. Sutherland was born September 30, 1919, in Wilson, Texas, to her parents, W.B. and Lula A. Baker Marrs. She came to Odessa in 1952. She married J.M. Sutherland Jr. in January 1939 in Ralls, Texas. She was a homemaker and a member of Northside Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling with her family and loved gardening, cooking and sewing. She enjoyed football, baseball and the Dallas Cowboys. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Eubanks and husband, Don, of Odessa; her two grandchildren, Derrill Eubanks and Dana Eubanks-Sowell; and her three great-grandchildren, Kasey Eubanks, Landan Eubanks-Sowell and Karly Eubanks. The family wants to express their thanks to all her caregivers. Funeral services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [061203lee.jpg] Kyle Lee Lange ODESSA Kyle Lee Lange, 38, passed away Friday, June 6, 2003, at his residence in Odessa. He was born July 15, 1964, to Ray and Donna Lange of Odessa. His parents preceded him in death. Kyle married Alicia Snowball in 2000 in Odessa. He was a roughneck at Matlock Drilling. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Survivors include his wife, Alicia Lange of Odessa; daughters, Crystal Ann and Rosie Marie Navarette, both of Odessa; and brothers, Lonnie Lange and wife, Betty, and their children, Cody and Ashley, and Terry Lange and wife, Debbie, and their children, Matt, Scott and Ricky Lange and David Durall, all of Odessa; and many friends and loved ones. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Pyron, Charles Pyron, George Baley and Gary Sellers. Services are under the direction of Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Friday, June 13, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061303nelle.jpg] Nelle Moore ODESSA Funeral services for Nelle Moore, age 95, of Odessa are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. She passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital. Mrs. Moore was born June 30, 1907, in Seymour, Texas, to her parents, Lindsay H. and Oda Ogden Jamison. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith. She married Jesse F. Moore on October 12, 1926, in Coleman, Texas. She was preceded in death by her son, Lynn Moore on September 11, 2001. She is survived by her son Jesse B. Moore of Odessa; and her sister, Roxie Evans of Graham, Texas; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [061303floyd.jpg] Floyd Stephens ODESSA Floyd Stephens of Odessa died June 11, 2003, at Regency Hospital. He was born August 26, 1911, to Maude Walls and Rogers Stephens in Center, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Belmont Baptist Church with Revs. Brian Saffle and Kerry Peacock officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Floyd moved to Roscoe, Texas, in 1923. He graduated from Roscoe High School in 1932. He married Leta Brown, his high school sweetheart, November 20, 1934. He farmed near Roscoe from 1934 to 1937. He worked for Texas and Pacific Railroad from 1937 to 1946 as a section foreman. He was deferred from WWII military service due to his job, keeping the troop trains moving. He lived in various places from Lorraine to Odessa on T&P railroad sections. In 1946 he moved to Goldsmith, and started working for Shell Pipe Line. He lived in Goldsmith, Wink and Odessa, working for Shell 30 years as a pipeliner, gauger, etc. He retired in Odessa in March 1976. He was a Mason for 60 years and a member of Odessa Lodge 955, holding many offices. He was baptized in 1932 and was a member of Belmont Baptist Church for 47 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Leta Brown Stephens; three daughters, Glenda Hudson of Odessa, Ann Matthews and husband, Larry, of Carrollton, and Joyce Wiersma and husband, Glenn, of Odessa; son, Ronald Stephens and wife, Marjorie, of McAllen; seven grandchildren, Stacey Nobles of Llano, Suzan Sands of Odessa, Marshall Matthews of Carrollton, Beth Mathis of Odessa, Mary Pace of Krum, Ronnie Stephens of Austin and Dwight Stephens of Frederick, Md.; eight great-grandchildren, Kenneth Thomas, Tommy Thomas, Preston Matthews, Bryce Mathis, Garrett Matthews, Jacob Nobles, Emily Mathis and William Matthews; also, many special friends, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Belmont Baptist Church or Door of Hope Mission in lieu of flowers. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Medical Center Hospital for their wonderful care and support, also to our many friends for their prayers and kindness. He had a long and wonderful life. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [061303rita.jpg] Rita Lorraine Muncy Webb MIDLAND Rita Lorraine Muncy Webb, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at a local hospital. She was born December 13, 1958, in Houston, Texas to Delwyn Russell and Gwendolyn King Russell. Rita was reared and educated in Odessa, Texas, and graduated from Odessa High School in 1977. She was an employee of Russ Chemical Company in Odessa. She was preceded in death by her father, former husband, Bobby Muncy, and her grandparents, Tula and Herman Russell and Verna and Ryan King. Rita is survived by her mother, Gwen Russell of Odessa, Texas; son, Chad Muncy and daughter, Raina Webb, both of Midland, Texas; sister, Holly Garza and her husband, Chino, of Mesquite, Texas; nephews, Jared and Jason Garza of Cincinnati, Ohio; and multiple aunts, uncles and their children. The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Friday, June 13, 2003 between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Hwy. Midland, Texas. Pallbearers will be Jared Garza, Jason Garza, Chino Garza, P. T. Webb, Julian Hudgins and Randy Hutto. Natalia Neddie Molinar PECOS Natalia Neddie Vasquez Molinar, 41, went to be with her Savior on June 10, 2003. She passed away at St. Lukes Hospital in Houston after a courageous battle against cancer surrounded by her loving family and dear friend, Peggy Salcido. So the byways will be more lonely now, from the interstates to the back country roads as Neddie made the last final trip on her journey back home to be together once again with her loved ones in Pecos. Neddie was born in the West Texas town of Presidio on April 14, 1962, to Mariela Calif and Baltazar Vasquez and raised by her adoptive grandmother, Natividad Dominguez in Pecos, Texas. She married Mike Molinar on November 10, 1979, in Pecos, Texas, and celebrated 24 years of marriage together. The joy of her life was her two beautiful daughters, LaCrishna and Dee Dee and grandson, Lane. She was a staff member of the Pecos Independent School System for 19 years as a P.E. Coach and then as a Parental Involvement Assistan. During her education career, she was recognized as Educator of the Month and was secretary for the PTA. She absolutely loved her profession. Neddie attended Odessa College and was a member of Santa Rosa Catholic Church. She was on this earth for only 41 short years, but she lived a life with such zeal that it seems like she was with us for an eternity. Neddie was an optimist, a doer and above all, a person who everyone knew her could undoubtedly call her a friend. She was there for all times, the good and the bad, and ready to lend a helping hand, praise with a kind word or share her familys bounties. She always gave so much of herself without asking anything in return except friendship. Neddie loved to decorate and was always happy to help her friends and family members with their own home projects. She was always ready to help the less fortunate, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas and as best as she could afford, tried to make someone elses suffering more bearable. She loved to play racquetball, go biking in the long spring late afternoons and visit relatives and friends. She enjoyed sewing, creating wonderful desserts, listening to all those fabled Motown Classics and supporting the Dallas Cowboys. She took pleasure in making the Pecos High School All Sports Banquet a great success and was always an active vounteer in all school functions, particularly those related to sports. Neddie was the luckiest person in the whole world. She had it all, the best husband, the best daughters, the best family, the best friends, who she adored and the best town to live in. Neddie was the best friend a person would ever want. She truly cherished her friends and loved to simply share happy moments with them. She leaves behind many wonderful memories as everyone who knew her was touched in a positive way by her wonderfully joy of living. Neddie was the number one sports fan and team booster in Texas. She was always ready for those legendary out of town trips to support the home team. She and her dear friends would load up their vehicles and caravan to many near and distant destinations for an always-important game. The simple pleasure of being together as their steel chariots ate up hundreds of Texas miles is what made Neddie and her comrades in sports so happy, always planning, strategizing and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. But no matter what the outcome, she and friends were always ready for the next game and excursion thereto whatever that might be. It should not be a surprise therefore, to know that dear Neddie, immediately after surviving radical heart surgery, and still in the ICU at Odessa Medical Center inquired of her visiting friends as to what the score was between the Presidio and Pecos baseball game. Indeed, she was the most loyal and best fan any team would ever have. Yes, Neddie came back home one last time. Neddie was preceded in death by her mother, Mariela Calif Vasquez in 1963. Neddie will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Mike Molinar of Pecos; daughters, LaCrishna Molinar Zapien and husband, Mario Zapien, of Alpine, and Dee Dee Molinar of Alpine; by her father, Baltazar Vasquez of Pecos; by her parents-in-law, Delma Molinar and husband, Raul Molinar of Pecos; by her sister-in-law, Monette Molinar and Frank Hernandez of San Angelo, Texas; by her brother-in-law, Rene Molinar and wife, Belinda, of Odessa; by her grandson, Lane Zapien of Alpine; by her niece, Brittany Molinar and nephew, Quincy Molinar, both of Odessa; and by her half sister, Hazel Herrera of Pecos; and her many beautiful friends and her adoptive families of the Dominguez and Vasquez. A rosary will be held at Pecos Funeral Home at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2003. The funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church. Graveside services following. Pallbearers will be Genaro Rodriguez, Bobby Herrera, Daniel Hernandez Jr., Russ Salcido, Robert Dominguez and Manuel Rodriguez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Neddies beloved friends, Peggy Salcido, Florinda Gallegos, Emma Aguilar, Terry Terrazas and Lucilla Valenzuela. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Saturday, June 14, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061303nelle.jpg] Nelle Moore ODESSA Funeral services for Nelle Moore, age 95, of Odessa are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. She passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at Medical Center Hospital. Mrs. Moore was born June 30, 1907, in Seymour, Texas, to her parents, Lindsay H. and Oda Ogden Jamison. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith. She married Jesse F. Moore on October 12, 1926, in Coleman, Texas. She was preceded in death by her son, Lynn Moore on September 11, 2001. She is survived by her son Jesse B. Moore of Odessa; and her sister, Roxie Evans of Graham, Texas; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [061303floyd.jpg] Floyd Stephens ODESSA Floyd Stephens of Odessa died June 11, 2003, at Regency Hospital. He was born August 26, 1911, to Maude Walls and Rogers Stephens in Center, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Belmont Baptist Church with Revs. Brian Saffle and Kerry Peacock officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Floyd moved to Roscoe, Texas, in 1923. He graduated from Roscoe High School in 1932. He married Leta Brown, his high school sweetheart, November 20, 1934. He farmed near Roscoe from 1934 to 1937. He worked for Texas and Pacific Railroad from 1937 to 1946 as a section foreman. He was deferred from WWII military service due to his job, keeping the troop trains moving. He lived in various places from Lorraine to Odessa on T&P railroad sections. In 1946 he moved to Goldsmith, and started working for Shell Pipe Line. He lived in Goldsmith, Wink and Odessa, working for Shell 30 years as a pipeliner, gauger, etc. He retired in Odessa in March 1976. He was a Mason for 60 years and a member of Odessa Lodge 955, holding many offices. He was baptized in 1932 and was a member of Belmont Baptist Church for 47 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Leta Brown Stephens; three daughters, Glenda Hudson of Odessa, Ann Matthews and husband, Larry, of Carrollton, and Joyce Wiersma and husband, Glenn, of Odessa; son, Ronald Stephens and wife, Marjorie, of McAllen; seven grandchildren, Stacey Nobles of Llano, Suzan Sands of Odessa, Marshall Matthews of Carrollton, Beth Mathis of Odessa, Mary Pace of Krum, Ronnie Stephens of Austin and Dwight Stephens of Frederick, Md.; eight great-grandchildren, Kenneth Thomas, Tommy Thomas, Preston Matthews, Bryce Mathis, Garrett Matthews, Jacob Nobles, Emily Mathis and William Matthews; also, many special friends, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Belmont Baptist Church or Door of Hope Mission in lieu of flowers. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Medical Center Hospital for their wonderful care and support, also to our many friends for their prayers and kindness. He had a long and wonderful life. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. [061403milton.jpg] Milton D. Shirley MIDLAND Milton D. Shirley, 74, of Odessa, died Thursday, June 12, 2003, in a local hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa with Rev. Cheryl Homsher, associate pastor, officiating. He was born on April 21, 1929, in Portales, New Mexico, and married Mary Ann Teague on February 4, 1977, in Nevada. Mr. Shirley enjoyed hunting, golf and reading. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was a Member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Shirley of Odessa; two daughters and sons-in-law, Vicky and Darrell Norris of Odessa and Jackie and Stanley Thatcher of Terrell; one son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kelley Howard of Odessa; one sister and brother-in-law, Shirlee and Lynn Avis of Houston; three grandchildren, Jason Norris and his wife, Rebekah of Houston, Brittany Howard of Coleman, and Chad Howard of Odessa; one niece, Marty Wilson and husband, Steve, of Bay City, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be made to Hospice House of Odessa, 903 N. Sam Houston St., Odessa, Texas 79761 or Parkinsons Foundation, 640 W 168th St., New York, New York 10032. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster. [010102obitbner.gif] Sunday, June 15, 2003 Permian Basin Obituaries Obituaries Index Home _________________________________________________________________ [061503bledsoe.jpg] Lawrence Cain Bledsoe Mr. Lawrence Cain Bledsoe, born May 11, 1931 in Stranger, Texas (Falls County) to George Bledsoe Sr. and Rebecca Ann Walls Bledsoe, crossed over to a new dimension on June 11, 2003 at Medical Center Hospital. In his 72nd year of life, Mr. Bledsoe succumbed to a brief illness. He, along with his family, moved to Odessa in the 1940s. he attended Douglas Elementary and graduated from Blackshear Junior Senior High School. He was one of the first blacks to attend Odessa College. He was a United States Army veteran having served in the Korean Conflict and received an honorable discharge. He and his brothers and their father operated one of many black-owned businesses at that time, a service station located on Myrtle and Tom Green Streets. He had a love of singing along with his brother, Charlie, would croon the tunes of Billy Eckstein. On Sept. 4, 1955, he was united in matrimony to Vinia Jean Swoops and they were married for 47 years. In August 2002, his wife preceded him in death. Lawrence was a dedicated employee of Odessa Spring and Axle Company and retired after 17 years. He was later employed by the Ector County Road and Bridge Department as a clerk and retired after 10 years. In November of last year he retired from the Ector County Independent School Transportation Department as a bus driver. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Chapa Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Greater St. John Baptist Church with the Rev. Roy Gentry officiating and the Rev. R. S. Sutton, eulogizer. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors. He was preceded in death by both parents and his wife, Jean, brothers; George Bledsoe Jr. and Charlie Bledsoe; and sisters, Ella Mae Washington and Velma Torres. He is survived by sister, Myrtle and husband Austin Jones of Odessa; son, LaVincent Bledsoe of Odessa; granddaughter, Nakiba Worley of Lewisville; sisters-in-law, Jackie and husband Lee Hammond, Billie Swoopes and Patsy Bledsoe, all of Odessa; brother-in-law, Mack Swoopes of Odessa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Mr. B was loved by many and will truly be missed. Services entrusted to Chapa Funeral Home. [061503Mosqueda.jpg] Raul M. Mosqueda ODESSA Raul M. Mosqueda, age 102, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2003, at his home in Chicago, Illinois, after a short period of being diagnosed with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary A. Mosqueda of Odessa, who died in May of 1972. He is survived by his daughter, Liz Whitney of Dallas, Texas; Maria V. Mosqueda of Chicago, Illinois; Thaddeus J. Mosqueda of Minnesota; Mary J. Puetz of Odessa, Texas; Michael Mosqueda of Texas and Mary Bonita Izaguirre of Illinois; 11 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. Private graveside services of burial of ashes will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2003, at Ector County Cemetery Eastside. Officiating Christian burial will be Fr. Francis Frey retired Catholic priest in resident at St. Marys Catholic Church, Odessa, Texas. Mr. Raul M. Mosqueda was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 15, 1900. Before moving to Chicago, he was a long time resident of Odessa/Midland, Texas. Long time surviving friends are welcomed to attend but after burial service, his children request private time to grieve at graveside. Please honor their request. [061503Ray.jpg] Naomi Mae Ray Funeral services for Naomi Mae Ray, 84, of Odessa, are scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Hull officiating. She passed away Friday, June 13, 2003, at Hospice House in Odessa. Mrs. Rae was born June 3, 1919 in Ada, Okla. to her parents, France and Nancy Hooten Waters. She married William Carter Ray on Oct. 4, 1936 in Colgate, Okla. They moved to Odessa in 1952 from Ada. She was a retired interior decorator from Sears, a member of University Park Baptist Church and an Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980 and her son, Terry, in 1991. She is survived by her two sons, Ronald Ray and wife, Dian, of Midland and Rocky Ray of Odessa; daughter, Marsha Williams and husband, Larry of Odessa; her long-time dear friend, Johnny Brice of Odessa; brother-in-law, E.K. Ray and wife, Lucille of Odessa; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Michael Ray, Jason Ray, Ron Chestnut, Cain Chestnut, Carter Ray and Adam Ray. Funeral services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. [061503Roberts.jpg] Eva Roberts ODESSA Eva Belle Roberts was born March 7, 1909, in Joplin, Mo., and passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2003, in Garland, Texas. Eva married Arthur Roberts in 1928 in Chickasha, Okla. He preceded her in death in April, 1967. She is survived by four children, George Roberts, Mary Smith and husband, Robert, Gladys Henson and husband, John, and Gene Roberts and wife, Jean; brother, George Harding; sisters, Jeanette Harding and Sylvia Harding; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2003, in the Grove Hill Chapel in Dallas. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa. Arrangements by Grove Hill Funeral Home of Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Luekemia Foundation. [061503valenzuela.jpg] Graciela Valenzuela Graciela Valenzuela, of Odessa, died Friday, June 13, 2003 at her residence. She was born Feb. 1, 1924 in Berrendo, Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas. Ms. Valenzuela was a member of St. Martins Catholic Church and was a homemaker. She is survived by her son, Dolores Valenzuela Jr. of Odessa; daughters, Rosa Galvan, Cruz Parra, Bertha Coloni and Melli Saucedo, all of Odessa; brother, Juan Marquez of Guadalajara, Mexico; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. Our deepest thanks to all the staff of Home Hospice for all their support during our time of need, most especially to Cheryl, who was there from the first day until the end. Thank you to Dr. John Whitten for the many years of loving care. To nurses unlimited and to our dearest friend Francisca Rodriguez for always being there to care for our mother. The family of Graciela Valenzuela _________________________________________________________________ Top | Obituaries Index | Home Copyright © 1999-2003 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster.