Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger, September, 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submitted by: Lola Withrow: lola_w@pacbell.net With permission of Wise County Messenger: http://www.wcmessenger.com *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter,and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** Many thanks to the Wise County Messenger for permission to store their online obits/death notices in the USGenWeb Archives =============================================================================== To Bookmark this page: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tx/wise/obits/wisecountymessenger/2000/sept00.txt =============================================================================== Area Deaths and Funerals =============================================================================== Sunday, September 3, 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ronda Kay Prestidge 1958-2000 Memorial service for Ronda Kay Prestidge, 42, of Bridgeport was Friday, Sept. 1, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Greg Mohr officiated. Prestidge died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, in Bridgeport. Born Aug. 12, 1958, in Kingsville, she married David Prestidge on May 5, 1979 in Lefors. She was a retired United States Navy nurse. While serving in the U.S. Navy she received the National Defense Service Medal. She was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa sorority. She is survived by her husband, David Prestidge of Bridgeport; her parents, Barbara Holland of Bridgeport and Vercil Whittington of Vancouver, Wash.; two sons, Justin and Trystyn Prestidge, both of Bridgeport; two daughters, Felisha and Talea Prestidge, both of Bridgeport; one brother, Wesley Holland of Bridgeport; four sisters, Gerri Niles, Brenda Felton, Kathy Conway and Lee Ann Calcote; her grandmother, Rachel Dunlap; two grandchildren, Brenton Stice and Brialla Prestidge and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Clay 1913-2000 Service for Henry Clay, 86, of Houston, formerly of Decatur was to be Saturday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home. Burial was to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Clay died Aug. 30, 2000, in Houston. He was born Nov. 11, 1913, in Fort Worth. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of Master Sgt. He was a member of the Wise County Historical Society, the Decatur Garden Club, Cowtown Clowns, Wise County Clowns, Clowns of America and Texas Clown Association. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church. Clay received a lifetime membership as a gift from the Kunitachi Lodge #4 in Japan, where he served as worshipful master. He is survived by his wife, Clara; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Margaret and Michael Horan; two brothers, Bill J. Clay and Robert L. Clay; two sisters, Mary Hooe and Bernie Burress; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Henry Laurence 'Larry' Clay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.W. ‘Bill’ Malone 1913-2000 Service for J. W. 'Bill' Malone, 86, of Sanger, was to be Saturday, Sept. 2, at First Baptist Church in Slidell. Warren Chesser was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Slidell Cemetery. Malone died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000, in Sanger. Born Dec. 10, 1913, in Slidell, he married Marguerite Moore on May 27, 1931, in Marietta, Okla. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Trina Craddock and son, Billy Moore Malone along with two infant sons. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Malone of Sanger and two sisters, Josephone Lewis of Plano and Wanda Ruth Hancock of Decatur. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Rose Rosenburg Kerr 1910-2000 Graveside service for Alice Rose Rosenburg Kerr, 90, of Decatur, was to be Saturday, Sept. 2, at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Pallbearers were to be V.M. Claborn, Ruben Pinkerton, Eddie Grundy, Billy Joe Snider and Sonny Jackson. Kerr died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000, in Decatur. Born Feb. 11, 1910, in Decatur, she married Dennis Stimpson Kerr in Decatur in 1928. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Nadine Kerr McGovern. She was a member of the Methodist church. She is survived by a son, Dennis Stimpson Kerr, Jr., of Deming, N.M.; a brother, Frank and wife Bernice Rosenburg of Decatur; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marie Hanna Whatley 1949-2000 Service was Friday, Sept. 1, for Marie Hanna Whatley, 51, of Decatur. Whatley died Aug. 29, 2000, at her home. She was born Jan. 11, 1949, in Reserve, La. She was a parole officer in Denton County and was a Catholic. She is survived by two sons, Zach and Michael Whatley of Decatur; two daughters, Lauren and Hanna Whatley of Decatur; and three sisters, Robin Trighe of Savannah, Ga., Roseanne Ebner of Rossman, N.C. and Linda Sipos of LaPlaz, La. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, September 7, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LaRoy James Eudaly 1930-2000 Graveside service for LaRoy James Eudaly, 70, of Bridgeport, will be held at a later date at the West Bridgeport Cemetery. Eudaly died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, in Decatur. Born March 6, 1930, in Chico, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He is survived by a son, David Wayne Eudaly of Mason; a daughter, Louette Rodriquez of Odessa; a sister, Reba Fowler of Bridgeport; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Verl D. Evans 1921-2000 Service for Verl D. Evans, 79, of Runaway Bay was to be Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Larry Grubb was to officiate. A private graveside service was to follow. Evans died Sept. 4, 2000, in Runaway Bay. Born June 20, 1921, in Garnett, Kansas, he married Alma Walter on Aug. 24, 1940, in Yuma, Ariz. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Lockheed Martin Management Retirees Association. He is survived by his wife, Alma F. Evans; three daughters, Joann Perry and husband Bill, Patricia Slayton and husband Monty and Claudia Rouse; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Rose Rosenburg Kerr 1910-2000 Graveside service for Alice Rose Rosenburg Kerr, 90, of Decatur, was Saturday, Sept. 2, at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Rusty Hedges officiated. Pallbearers were V.M. Claborn, Ruben Pinkerton, Eddie Grundy, Billy Joe Snider and Sonny Jackson. Kerr died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000, in Decatur. Born Feb. 11, 1910, in Decatur, she married Dennis Stimpson Kerr in Decatur in 1928. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Nadine Kerr McGovern. She was a member of the Methodist church. She is survived by a son, Dennis Stimpson Kerr, Jr., of Deming, N.M.; a brother, Frank Rosenburg; a sister-in-law, Bernice Rosenburg of Decatur; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacky N. ‘Jack’ Martin 1929-2000 Jacky N. ‘Jack’ Martin, 71, of Springtown, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, in a Parker County hospital. Funeral was Aug. 31 at White’s Springtown Chapel, followed by burial in Springtown Cemetery. Martin, a retired plant operator for Enserch Processing in Springtown, was a lifelong resident of Parker County. He married Evelyn L. Bassham on April 2, 1955, in Boyd. His favorite pastime was playing dominoes with friends. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Evelyn L. Martin of Springtown; sons, Jacky Don and his wife Christy Martin of Azle and Joe and his wife Carrie Martin of Springtown; grandchildren, Nicolas Martin, Sarah Joan Martin and Jessica Danyel Martin; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Waymon Wright of Weatherford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Verna Lee Martin of Agnes and Fred and Ann Martin of Granbury; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Martin of Weatherford and Evelyn Martin and Ruth Martin, both of Azle; many nieces, nephews and extended family. Martin was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jason Paul Martin and Jeremy N. Martin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lois Thurmond Martin 1913-2000 Service for Lois Thurmond Martin, 87, of Denton, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Cindy Nichols Chapel of the First Baptist Church in Denton. The Rev. Cliff Feeler was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton. Pallbearers were to be Donald Dooley, Billy Joe Martin, Eddie Martin, Gary Martin, Steve Martin, Terry Martin, Tony Riley and Jimmy Thurmond. Martin died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, in Denton. Born Aug. 18, 1913, to John and Ruth Forrest, she married Elbert H. 'Bud' Martin on Nov. 26, 1936, in Boyd. He preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1997. She graduated from Texas State College for Women (TWU) in 1955. She retired from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD as an elementary teacher in 1976 after 25 years of teaching. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, the Shakespeare Club and was a lifetime member of the Texas PTA. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John Thurmond and a sister, Marcella Houston. She is survived by her son, John R. 'Bob' Martin and wife Frances of Bedford; twin daughters, Ruth Brown and husband John and May Brown and husband Randy, all of Sanger; a brother, Jim Thurmond and wife Joyce of Haltom City; grandchildren Sherry Bedinger, David Brown, Kelly Seals, Patricia Minick, Karen Ford and Craig Martin; eight great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, September 10, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary Vance Read 1969-2000 Service for Gary Vance Read, 30, of Bridgeport was Friday, Sept. 8, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery. The Rev. Johnny Irish and Truman Read officiated. Read died Sept. 5, 2000, at Lake Bridgeport. Born Nov. 5, 1969, in Bridgeport, he was a 1988 graduate of Bridgeport High School and also a graduate of The Dallas Institution of Funeral Services. He was a rancher and former owner of Area Mortuary Service. He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. He is survived by his mother, Judy Carpenter and her husband J.P.; his father, Gary Read and his wife Ann; two brothers, Michael Read and wife Stacie and Brad Read; one sister, Wendy Carpenter; grandparents, Agnes Carpenter, Pat Read, and Ralph and Juanita Chilton and one niece, Alexis Read. Pallbearers were Kelly Kennedy, Bryan Torres, Ronnie Kleam, Allen Baker, Donnie Kleam, Doug Hudson, Tommy Thompson and Scott Hale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Vance Read Memorial Fund at the First National Bank of Bridgeport to be used for local charities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monterray Birlew 1915-2000 Graveside service for Monterray Birlew, 84, of Bridgeport was Friday, Sept. 8, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Birlew died Sept. 5, 2000, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 3, 1915, in Sunset, to Glen Jones and Lori Ann (Hill) Jones, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Birlew. She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Ulin of Dallas; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Verl D. Evans 1921-2000 Service for Verl D. Evans, 79, of Runaway Bay was to be Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Larry Grubb was to officiate. A private graveside service was to follow. Evans died Sept. 4, 2000, in Runaway Bay. Born June 20, 1921, in Garnett, Kansas, he married Alma Walter on Aug. 24, 1940, in Yuma, Ariz. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Lockheed Martin Management Retirees Association. He is survived by his wife, Alma F. Evans; three daughters, Joann Perry and husband Bill, Patricia Slayton and husband Monty and Claudia Rouse; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cyril De Vera 1922-2000 Service for Cyril De Vera, 78, of Rhome, will be held at a later date following cremation. De Vera died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, in Denton. Born July 7, 1922, in Melebonn, Philippines, he worked in machinery sales. He married Dorothy Skoberg in Shanghai, China on Sept. 26, 1951. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Elk’s Club and the American Legion. He was a Roman Catholic. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; one daughter, Judy Shaw and husband Mark of Rhome; three sisters, Gertrude Barnes of Australia, Teresa Gutierrez and Frances De Vera, both of the Philippines and six grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, September 14, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Homer Smith Jr. 1954-2000 Service for William Homer Smith, Jr., 46, of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Don Burkhart was to officiate assisted by Charles Taylor. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Ronnie Bishop, Steven Warner, Gary Gregg, Dean and DaLane Bible, Byron Gibbons, Gary Fulton and Trent Morrow. Smith died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Fort Worth. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Smith. Born June 30, 1954, in Denton, he married Darenda Bible on Aug. 9, 1983, in Weatherford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Decatur Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Darenda Smith of Decatur; his parents, Lucy and Homer Smith, Sr.; his daughter, Patsy Nicole Smith of Decatur; three sisters, Judy Crider of Liberty, Glenda Ann Pigg of Chico and Sandra Morrow of Bridgeport. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie Faye Long 1940-2000 Service for Willie Faye Long, 60, of Chico, was Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. The Revs. Gary Demmitt and Bill Higgins officiated. Graveside service was to be Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Levelland Cemetery in Levelland. Pallbearers were Terry Long, Christopher Splawn, Jerry Long, Keith Long, Aaron Kramer and Kenny Kramer. Long died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Decatur. Born April 17, 1940, in Normangee, she married Harold Long on April 26, 1991, in Waurika, Okla. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church and a retired nurse. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Rochelle. She is survived by her husband, Harold Long of Chico; two sons, Rickey Strickland of Bridgeport and Jerry Thomas Strickland of Trinidad, Colo.; a daughter, Sheryl Little of Azle; stepchildren, Phillip, David, Terry and Jerry Long and Kenny Kramer, Becky Morrow and Teresa Hobbs; a sister, Jean Pittman of Bridgeport and 16 grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estalene Miller 1930-2000 Service for Estalene Miller, 70, of Bridgeport, was Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Wayne Karr officiated. Burial followed at the West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cochise Bailey, Randy Duke, Paul Veagus, Gary Karr, Neal Gipson and Tom Gipson. Miller died Friday, Sept. 8, 2000, in Azle. Born Aug. 29, 1930, in Minco, Okla., she was a member of the Knob Hill Tabernacle and treasurer for the Seniors Citizens of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Miller, Jr. She is survived by two sons, Ronnie Lee Miller and Marvin Eugene Miller; a daughter, Loretta and husband Ray Becker; three grandchildren, Justin, Zackary and Lacie; a brother, Claude Bailey; three sisters, Cleo Hammonds, Idell Swindle and Linda Duke and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Henry Renner 1912-2000 Service for William Henry Renner, 88, of Granbury, was Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Paradise Methodist Church. The Rev. Jack Vereen officiated. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery. Pallbearers were Douglas Renner, Tommy Renner, Michael Renner, Terry Renner, Ronnie Renner and William Renner, Jr. Renner died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000, at his home. Born Aug. 4, 1912, in Seymour, he was a member of the Paradise Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife Iola Renner, in 1982 and two grandsons. He is survived by his wife, Pearl Lee Renner of Monahans; three sons, Thomas Henry Renner of Alvord, Gordon Robert Renner of Crowley and William Lee Renner of Chico; one daughter, Mae Renner of Granbury; one sister, Imo Gene Martin of Douglas, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsie Geneva Groves 1908-2000 Service for Elsie Geneva Groves, 92, of Bridgeport was Friday, Sept. 15, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated, assisted by Dr. Bill Dye Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jimmy L. Carpenter, Nolan Bishop, Bobby Carpenter, R.V. Martin, J.P. Carpenter and Billy Jack Martin. Groves died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 26, 1908, in Azle to Walter and Amanda Cooper Martin, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Groves Sr. in 1991. She is survived by two sons, R.L. Groves Jr. and wife Gussie and Winford E. Groves and wife Betty; five sisters, Agnes Carpenter, Ola McDaniel, Faye Bishop, Abby Fritz and Alva Lee Measell; four grandchildren, Glenn, Larry, Karen and Chryl; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great- grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estelline H. Conner 1911-2000 Service for Estelline H. Conner, 88, of Bridgeport was Thursday, Sept. 14, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Charles Cox officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3. Conner died Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, in Decatur. Born Dec. 20, 1911, in Chico, she was a retired payroll clerk in the wholesale industry. She was a member of the Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Conner, in 1993. She is survived by three sisters, Ezda Durway of Baltimore, Md., Opal Hess of New York City, N.Y. and Juanita Gibbens of Chico and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edna ‘Menga’ Whittington 1918-2000 Graveside service for Edna 'Menga' Whittington, 81, of Newark was Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, at Boyd Cemetery. Whittington died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in Azle. Born Dec. 2, 1918, in Paris, she was a retired homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Whitt Whittington, a daughter, Tommie Ruth Whittington, brothers Marlin Knotts and R.A. Knotts and sisters Ina Hopkins and Antha Walters. She is survived by two daughters, Gayle and husband Don Melton and Wendy and husband Keith Cromer, all of Newark; a son, Russell Whittington and wife Diane of Newark; a brother, Lloyd Knotts of Kenndale; sisters, Effie Hendrix of Benbrook, Bennie Schomburg of Benbrook, Anna Ritchey of Azle, Dimple Wellborn of Quinlan; grandchildren, Richard Applewhite of Decatur, Billy Don Applewhite of Burleson, Tommy Applewhite of Lubbock, Chris Cromer and Steve Cromer of Newark, Tory McNeely of Azle; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerry Thomas Porter 1943-2000 Graveside service for Jerry Thomas Porter, 57, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Sept. 16, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Rev. Van Gardner was to officiate. Porter died Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 11, 1943, in Dos Palos, Calif., he married Debi Ashley on July 18, 1979 in Denton. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and a member of the Greenwood Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Debi Porter of Decatur; his father, J.D. Porter of Decatur; three sons, Jeff Porter of Mt. Springs and Todd and Brad Porter both of Decatur; a daughter, Marla Hill of Columbus, Ohio and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Curtis Anderson, Jackie Boyd, Sonny McCarmack, Matthew Knarr, Jay Wilson and Delmas Looney. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Raymond Lofton 1919-2000 Service for William 'Raymond' Lofton, 81, of Decatur was Friday, Sept. 15, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Decatur. Lee Roy Jackson officiated, assisted by Louis Horton. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Lofton died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 8, 1919, in Alvarado, he was a retired truck driver for Permian Corporation, a World War II Army veteran who received a Purple Heart and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Hicks Lofton; three sons, Douglas R. Hicks, Melvin G. Hicks and Ricky Williams; two daughters, Kathy Beckman and Janeth Machola; three nephews, Wayne, Ronnie and Clifford Lambert; one niece, Donna Taylor; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gabe and Joel Hicks, Ronnie and Clifford Lambert, Craig Shaw and Randy Cross. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael E. King 1952-2000 Service for Michael E. King, 47, of Harriet, Ark. will be Saturday, Sept. 23, in Marshall, Ark. King died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000, at his home. Born Oct. 27, 1952, in Lubbock, he was a welder and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971 to 1975. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. King, of Alvord. He is survived by his mother, Mary E. King of Alvord; two sisters, Deborah Sawyer of Alvord and Pam King of Westminster; three nephews and five nieces. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Ralph ‘J.R.’ Connally 1911-2000 Graveside service for James Ralph 'J.R.' Connally, 89, of Boyd was to be Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Scott Moore was to officiate. Pallbearers were to be James Connally, Sam Connally, Danny Connally, Ricky Connally, Joe Scott and Bill Wright. Connally died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000, in Bridgeport. Born May 7, 1911, in Mineola, he married Esther Martin on Dec. 22, 1927, in Hico. They had lived in Boyd since 1973. He was retired from the parts department at General Dynamics and was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd. He was preceded in death by a son, Joe David Connally, in 1963. He is survived by his wife, Esther Connally, of Boyd; four sons, Jim and Sam Connally, both of Boyd; Danny Connally of Lubbock and Rick Connally of Fort Worth; three daughters, Peggy Perkins of Boyd, Collene Scott of Brownwood and Linda Wright of Plains; four sisters, Ethel Rucker of Hico, Bertha Green of Stephenville, Hazel Kilgo of San Saba and Lucy Mae Burham of Brownwood; 19 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, September 17, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsie Geneva Groves 1908-2000 Service for Elsie Geneva Groves, 92, of Bridgeport was Friday, Sept. 15, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiated, assisted by Dr. Bill Dye Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jimmy L. Carpenter, Nolan Bishop, Bobby Carpenter, R.V. Martin, J.P. Carpenter and Billy Jack Martin. Groves died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 26, 1908, in Azle to Walter and Amanda Cooper Martin, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Groves Sr. in 1991. She is survived by two sons, R.L. Groves Jr. and wife Gussie and Winford E. Groves and wife Betty; five sisters, Agnes Carpenter, Ola McDaniel, Faye Bishop, Abby Fritz and Alva Lee Measell; four grandchildren, Glenn, Larry, Karen and Chryl; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great- grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estelline H. Conner 1911-2000 Service for Estelline H. Conner, 88, of Bridgeport was Thursday, Sept. 14, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Charles Cox officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3. Conner died Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, in Decatur. Born Dec. 20, 1911, in Chico, she was a retired payroll clerk in the wholesale industry. She was a member of the Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Conner, in 1993. She is survived by three sisters, Ezda Durway of Baltimore, Md., Opal Hess of New York City, N.Y. and Juanita Gibbens of Chico and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edna ‘Menga’ Whittington 1918-2000 Graveside service for Edna 'Menga' Whittington, 81, of Newark was Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, at Boyd Cemetery. Whittington died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in Azle. Born Dec. 2, 1918, in Paris, she was a retired homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Whitt Whittington, a daughter, Tommie Ruth Whittington, brothers Marlin Knotts and R.A. Knotts and sisters Ina Hopkins and Antha Walters. She is survived by two daughters, Gayle and husband Don Melton and Wendy and husband Keith Cromer, all of Newark; a son, Russell Whittington and wife Diane of Newark; a brother, Lloyd Knotts of Kenndale; sisters, Effie Hendrix of Benbrook, Bennie Schomburg of Benbrook, Anna Ritchey of Azle, Dimple Wellborn of Quinlan; grandchildren, Richard Applewhite of Decatur, Billy Don Applewhite of Burleson, Tommy Applewhite of Lubbock, Chris Cromer and Steve Cromer of Newark, Tory McNeely of Azle; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerry Thomas Porter 1943-2000 Graveside service for Jerry Thomas Porter, 57, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Sept. 16, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Rev. Van Gardner was to officiate. Porter died Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 11, 1943, in Dos Palos, Calif., he married Debi Ashley on July 18, 1979 in Denton. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and a member of the Greenwood Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Debi Porter of Decatur; his father, J.D. Porter of Decatur; three sons, Jeff Porter of Mt. Springs and Todd and Brad Porter both of Decatur; a daughter, Marla Hill of Columbus, Ohio and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Curtis Anderson, Jackie Boyd, Sonny McCarmack, Matthew Knarr, Jay Wilson and Delmas Looney. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Raymond Lofton 1919-2000 Service for William 'Raymond' Lofton, 81, of Decatur was Friday, Sept. 15, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Decatur. Lee Roy Jackson officiated, assisted by Louis Horton. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Lofton died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 8, 1919, in Alvarado, he was a retired truck driver for Permian Corporation, a World War II Army veteran who received a Purple Heart and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Hicks Lofton; three sons, Douglas R. Hicks, Melvin G. Hicks and Ricky Williams; two daughters, Kathy Beckman and Janeth Machola; three nephews, Wayne, Ronnie and Clifford Lambert; one niece, Donna Taylor; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gabe and Joel Hicks, Ronnie and Clifford Lambert, Craig Shaw and Randy Cross. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael E. King 1952-2000 Service for Michael E. King, 47, of Harriet, Ark. will be Saturday, Sept. 23, in Marshall, Ark. King died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000, at his home. Born Oct. 27, 1952, in Lubbock, he was a welder and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971 to 1975. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. King, of Alvord. He is survived by his mother, Mary E. King of Alvord; two sisters, Deborah Sawyer of Alvord and Pam King of Westminster; three nephews and five nieces. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Ralph ‘J.R.’ Connally 1911-2000 Graveside service for James Ralph 'J.R.' Connally, 89, of Boyd was to be Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Scott Moore was to officiate. Pallbearers were to be James Connally, Sam Connally, Danny Connally, Ricky Connally, Joe Scott and Bill Wright. Connally died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000, in Bridgeport. Born May 7, 1911, in Mineola, he married Esther Martin on Dec. 22, 1927, in Hico. They had lived in Boyd since 1973. He was retired from the parts department at General Dynamics and was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd. He was preceded in death by a son, Joe David Connally, in 1963. He is survived by his wife, Esther Connally, of Boyd; four sons, Jim and Sam Connally, both of Boyd; Danny Connally of Lubbock and Rick Connally of Fort Worth; three daughters, Peggy Perkins of Boyd, Collene Scott of Brownwood and Linda Wright of Plains; four sisters, Ethel Rucker of Hico, Bertha Green of Stephenville, Hazel Kilgo of San Saba and Lucy Mae Burham of Brownwood; 19 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, September 21, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C.D. Souther 1922-2000 Service for C.D. Souther, 78, of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. Revs. Jerry Miller and Jack Gatewood were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Souther died Monday, Sept. 18, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 31, 1922, in Cooke County, he married Aszelene Hall in Pottsboro on May 25, 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Aszelene Souther of Decatur; a son, David Souther of Forestburg; two daughters, Patricia Gage of Decatur and Clara Lois Garrett of Decatur; a sister, Mary Hazelwood of Sherman; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Larry and Matt Gage, Danny and Tommy Souther, Mike Garrett and Kenneth Wood. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daisy Mae Swift 1925-2000 Service for Daisy Mae Swift, 75, of Bellevue will be Thursday, Sept. 18, at Burgess-Fry-Owens-Brumley Funeral Chapel in Bowie. Rev. Tom Dobbs will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Swift died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in Bellevue. Born January 1, 1925, in Decatur, she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Bellevue. She was formerly a seamstress at Haggar Slacks and Bowie Manufacturing Company until her retirement in 1967. She was a member of the Bowie Chapter Number 16 Order of Eastern Star. She married L.D. Swift on July 21, 1944, in Denton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Rosa Mae Mann, and a sister, Juanita Ruth Banks. She is survived by her husband, L.D. Swift of Bellevue; two sons, James M. Swift of Bellevue and Samuel Dennis Swift of Cushman, Ark.; five brothers, C.T. Mann and Ernest R. Mann, both of Arlington, Robert J. Mann, Jr. of Haltom City, Jackie Mann of Mineral Wells and Billy Joe Mann of Decatur; one sister, Vernia Lou Meador of Decatur; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Dennis Swift of Bellevue, Tamela Jo Swift, Kevin Swift and Jeremy Swift, all of Cushman, Travis Swift, Ashley Swift and Toshie Swift, all of Batesville, Ark.; one great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.C. Hodges 1912-2000 Graveside service for J.C. Hodges, 88, of Chico will be Thursday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at Cumby Cemetery north of Chico. Chaplain Gentry Castleman will officiate. Hodges died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000, in Chico. Born May 10, 1912, in Pottsboro, he married Pauline Moore on April 14, 1975, in Fort Worth. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 908 and Knight Templar of Texas. He was also a Baptist. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Billie Banks and Patsy Edwards. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pauline Hodges; one son, Edward B. Browning and wife Connie; two daughters, Gayle Monett and husband Roy and Mary Wilkins and husband Dan; three sisters, Allee Lewie, Geneva Hostetter and Irene Tomlinson; 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Boswell 1941-2000 Service for Jim Boswell, 58, of Bridgeport was Monday, Sept. 18, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Gary Demmitt officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Boswell died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2000, at his residence. Born Oct. 12, 1941, in Bridgeport, he married Kathy Howard on Sept. 20, 1973, in Denton County. He was a member of the Bridgeport Riding Club and owner and operator of Jim Boswell Used Cars in Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Boswell of Bridgeport; three sons, Jimmie Boswell and wife Dara of Keller, Heath Boswell and wife Lisa of Bridgeport and Kelly Boswell and wife Crystal of Bridgeport; one brother, Roy Boswell and wife Gay of Bridgeport; one niece, Amy Conditt and husband Ben of Denton; and four grandchildren. Pallbearers were Clarence Pitts, Sonny Whitsitt, Earl Green, Bobby Slate, Richard Brown and Jerry Ireland. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Jean McKnight 1922-2000 Service for Betty Jean McKnight, 78, of Granbury was Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Martin’s Funeral Home in Granbury. Father Edward F. Kresowanty officiated. Burial followed at Holly Hills Memorial Park in Granbury. McKnight died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Muenster. Born Aug. 17, 1922 in Buffalo, N.Y., she married James McKnight on May 8, 1986, in Granbury. She had lived in Granbury 18 years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and the Indian Harbor Ladies Club. She served as president of the Indian Harbor Ladies Club nine times. She was a lifetime member of the Parent-Teacher Association. She is survived by her husband, James McKnight of Granbury; two sons, William R. Fernihough and wife Cynthia of Decatur and Bruce Warren Fernihough of Beloit, Wis.; a daughter-in-law, Terri Fernihough of Lubbock; a step-daughter, Jannette Hart and husband Richard of Houston; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Michael Fenihough, William R. Fernihough III, David Fernihough, Daniel Fernihough, Drew Fernihough and Chris Fernihough. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Verna Mae Coker 1915-2000 Service for Verna Mae Coker, 84, of Bedford was Monday, Sept. 11, at Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Sammy Box and Billy Lawrence officiated. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery. Coker died Sept. 8, 2000, in Fort Worth. Born Dec. 22, 1915, in McCullough County near Brady, she was a housewife and a member of the Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church. She lived in Paradise from 1978 to 1988. She was preceded in death by her husbands Buster Coker in 1985 and V.J. Lowrance in 1989. She is survived by three sons, Jim P. Coker of Wise County, Delmer C. Coker of Bedford and Jerry D. Coker of Joshua; one daughter, Mona Coker Askew of Edwards, Miss.; two brothers, R.J. Purdy of Fort Worth and Walter Purdy of Granbury; one sister, Veda Boerger of Luling; 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Tim Lowrance, James Gipson, Conald Cox, Bruce Gipson, Dewayne Baker, Wayne Howell and Gerald Hendrix. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, September 24, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Hartsell 1932-2000 Service for Bill Hartsell, 67, of Chico was Friday, Sept. 22, at the First Baptist Church of Chico. Revs. Jason Ewing and Joe Motsenbocker officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery. Hartsell died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000, in Fort Worth. Born Oct. 14, 1932 in Chico, he married Carolyn Welch on Sept. 4, 1996, in Wichita Falls. He was the owner and operator of Farm Supply Co. and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by two brothers, C.H. and Pete Hartsell, and a sister, Betty Mowery. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hartsell of Chico; a son, Wayland Hartsell of Denton; daughters Beverly Duck and husband Bobby of Denton and Celina Howerton and husband Kevin of Chico; a step-daughter, Samantha Cameron of Bridgeport; a brother, Johnny Hartsell of Denison; four sisters, Marie Molly of Chico, Florence Spencer of Decatur, Inell Hailey of North Richland Hills and Melba Whitaker of Denton; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Danny Hartsell, Lynn Hartsell, Tim Hartsell, Todd Hartsell, Phil Hailey, Mike Hailey, Walt Mowery, John Mowery and Ronny Whitaker. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne N. Lingle 1923-2000 Service for Wayne N. Lingle, 77, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Sept. 23, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Rev. Jerry Miller was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Lingle died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 12, 1923, in Breckenridge, he was a retired welder in pipeline construction. He was a World War II veteran, a Baptist and a Mason. He is survived by two daughters, Priscilla June Walker and Cyndy Grove, both of Decatur; a daughter-in-law, Cece Lisby of Decatur; a brother, Jimmy Brown of Houston; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donald Lloyd Hunt 1918-2000 Service for Donald Lloyd Hunt, 82, of Boyd was Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Chaplain Gentry Castleman officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery. Hunt died Monday, Sept. 18, 2000, in Bridgeport. Born June 7, 1918, in New Hope, he married Imogene Splawn on Aug. 28, 1946, in Fort Worth. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He was a retired custodian for the Boswell and Boyd school districts. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Deborah Kay Hunt and a brother, Alva Lee Hunt. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Imogene Hunt; a son, Edward Hunt; a daughter, Martha Buchholz; a brother, Billy Hunt; three grandchildren, Molly, Melissa and Karen; and a nephew, Jackie Hunt. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laura Bea Ridlon 1914-2000 Memorial service for Laura Bea Ridlon, 85, of Justin will be Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Justin. Rev. John Eckstein will officiate. Burial will be at Justin Cemetery. Ridlon died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2000, in Fort Worth. Born December 23, 1914, in Navo, she was a teacher and librarian for the Northwest Public School. She married Harvey Elsworth Ridlon on Dec. 29, 1935, in McKinney. She graduated from North Texas State Teachers College and was the originator of Kaglers, which later became Alpha Phi Sorority. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, and her parents, B.L. Adams and Lula Danie (Richey) Adams. She is survived by a daughter, Ann Gambill and husband Greg of Bedford; two sons, Richard Ridlon and wife Linda of DeQueen, Ark., and Roger Ridlon and wife Rebecca of El Paso; two sisters-in-law, Corinne Adams and Doris Adams, both of Justin; two granddaughters, Ashley Ridlon of DeQueen and Allison Gambill of Bedford and three grandsons, Travis Gambill and wife Jamie of Bedford, Grant Gambill of Bedford and Adam Ridlon of Arlington. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Justin or the Justin Public Library. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darlene Womack Davis 1938-2000 Service for Darlene Womack Davis, 61, of Decatur was Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Boyd Church of Christ. Steve Weeks officiated. Burial followed in Boyd Cemetery. Davis died Monday, Sept. 18, 2000, in Decatur. Born Dec. 16, 1938, in Decatur, she was the only daughter of J.C. and Mary Rushing Womack. She was a barber and a member of the Kodiak, Alaska, Church of Christ. She lived in Kodiak for a short time after living in Boyd for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Davis and her parents. She is survived by two daughters, Marie Peterson and husband John and Kathi Brittain and husband Steve; six grandchildren, Jessica and Jamie Tankersley, Brett and Brolan Gentry and Lukeus and Emma Peterson and one great grandchild, Cameron Osborn. Pallbearers were Ron Choate, George Mayfield, Alvin Bassham, Ronnie Smith, Wayne Niblett and Johnny Barnard. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, September 28, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helen Loraine Flippin 1922-2000 Graveside service for Helen Loraine Flippin, 78, of Decatur was Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. A memorial service followed at the First Baptist Church. The Rev. Jerry Miller officiated. Flippin died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2000, in Decatur. Born June 3, 1922, in Wagoner, Okla., she married Carl Flippin on Oct. 5, 1940, in Eufaula, Okla. She worked for the National Weather Service. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. She is survived by her husband, Carl Flippin of Decatur; a son, Jerel Flippin of Decatur; three brothers, Frederick Schmelzla of Wilcox, Ariz., Franklin Schmelzla of Bayfield, Colo. and Roger Schmelzla of Silver City, N.M.; one sister, Leola Murdock of Chandler, Ariz.; and three grandchildren, Josh and Mitchell Flippin and Erin Stevens. Memorials may be made to foreign missions or to the First Baptist Church building fund. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Myrtle Sarah Hendrix 1910-2000 Service for Myrtle Sarah Hendrix, 90, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd. The Revs. Darryl Hatley and Scott Moore officiated. Burial was to follow at Pleasant Grove No. 1 Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers were to be Calvin Eastwood, Jerry McEntire, Kenny Jackson, Doug Jackson, Jeff Mahue and Brad Rodgers. Honorary pallbearers were to be Tony White and John Matlock. Hendrix died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2000, in Azle. Born July 17, 1910, in Crafton, she was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Boyd. She is survived by a son, Verland McEntire of Boyd; two daughters, Peggy Eastwood of Azle and Sue Ann Jackson of Jacksboro; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Calvin Eastwood, Jerry McEntire, Kenny Jackson, Doug Jackson, Jeff Mayhue and Brad Rodgers. Honorary pallbearers were Tony White and John Matlock. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne N. Lingle 1923-2000 Service for Wayne N. Lingle, 77, of Decatur was Saturday, Sept. 23, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Jerry Miller officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Lingle died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000, in Decatur. Born July 12, 1923, in Breckenridge, he was a retired welder in pipeline construction. He was a World War II veteran, a Baptist and a Mason. He is survived by two daughters, Priscilla June Walker and Cyndy Grove, both of Decatur; a daughter by marriage, Cece Lisby of Decatur; a brother, Jimmy Brown of Houston; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annie Maye Feagans Bennett 1938-2000 Service for Annie F. Bennett, 62, of Marietta, Ga., was Monday, Sept. 25, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Powder Springs. Bishop Ron Cheney officiated. Burial will be in Cheatham Hill Cemetery in Marietta, Ga. Bennett died Friday, Sept. 22, 2000, in Marietta. Born in 1938 in Decatur, she had been a resident of Marietta since 1963. She was a foster parent for the Latter Day Saints social services organization. She was a consultant at the genealogical library at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Powder Springs. She is survived by her husband, Sanford Bennett of Marietta; three daughters, Lisa Ann Bennett and Melissa Janet Bennett of Marietta and Tauna B. Tucker of Ellijay, Ga.; a son, Nathan A. Bennett of Marietta; four sisters, Faye Locklear of Fort Worth, Dixie Elliott of Goree and Tommie Sue Feagans of Decatur, Ann Auburg of Midland; a brother, Robert Hammock of Texas and one grandson. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louie Benton Nivens 1935-2000 Service for Louie Benton Nivens, 65, of Alvord, was Monday, Sept. 25, at the First Baptist Church in Alvord. Burial followed at the Alvord Cemetery. Nivens died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2000, in Fort Worth. Born March 3, 1935, in Decatur, he married Fay Flowers in Alvord on March 5, 1958. He was a dispatcher for Pioneer Industries and a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church in Alvord. He is survived by his wife, Fay Nivens of Alvord; his mother, Helen McGee of Alvord; two sons, Ben Nivens of Grapevine and Monty Nivens of Alvord; two daughters, Judy Brown of Alvord and Becky Brown of Decatur and six grandchildren. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------