Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger, April, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ======================================================================= AREA DEATHS AND FUNERALS Thursday, April 1, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Victor Ronald ‘Ron’ Paschall 1934-2001 Service for Victor Ronald "Ron" Paschall, 67, of Bridgeport was Monday, April 2 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Revs. John Conway and Rudy Owens officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Paschall died Thursday, March 29, 2001, in Azle. Born Jan. 13, 1934, in Cottondale, he was a lifetime resident of Bridgeport. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a retired regional manager in the pipeline division of Lone Star Gas. He was a member of the Runaway Bay Baptist Church and was past president of the Springtown Optimist Club and Fort Worth Friendship RV club. He married Patsy Robertson on Nov. 17, 1978, in Colleyville. He was preceded in death by his brother, Maurice and a sister, Sandra. He is survived by his wife, Patsy D. Paschall; two sons, Anthony Dean Paschall and Weldon Bruce Paschall; three daughters, Beverly Ann Sharp and husband Art, Rhonda D. Esquivel and husband Lolly and Tamara G. Johnson and husband Randall; two brothers, Bill and Ralph Paschall; two sisters, Marilyn Davis and Margaret Wood; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Derl Lynn Robertson, Ricky Robertson, David Paschall, Phillip Martinez, Jeff Wood and David Wood. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank E. Reardon 1938-2001 Graveside service for Frank E. Reardon, 62, of Decatur was Monday, April 2 at Vashti Cemetery in Vashti. The Rev. Bruce Anderson of Hosanna Baptist Church in Bridgeport officiated. Reardon died Saturday, March 31, 2001, in Decatur. Born July 19, 1938, in Abilene, he was a retired automobile mechanic. He was a Baptist. He married Charlene Cross on Jan. 1, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nev. He was a longtime resident of Shafter, Calif. before moving to Decatur five years ago. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Reardon; mother-in-law, Estelle Cross of Decatur; a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Glenda Cross of Ringgold; two nieces, two nephews, a great niece and a great nephew. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pauline L. Brown 1912-2001 Graveside service for Pauline L. Brown, 88, of Chico was April 3, at the Alvord Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Joe Motsenbocker. Brown died Sunday, April 1, in Decatur. Born Nov. 29, 1912, in Kentucky. Brown was a retired manager of Edmonson’s Fried Chicken in Fort Worth. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Fort Worth. She was preceded in death by her husband, B.C. Brown in 1965; her son, Ronnie Baker and sisters Dessie and Bertha Mae. She is survived by her sons Johnny G. Brown and wife Brenda of Chico; six grandchildren, Craig and Shelby Brown, Ron, J.D., Lisa and Michael Baker; two great-grandchildren, Jacob Baker and Tyler Cotton; and brother, Cecil Screws. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Theodore Benjamin Slayton 1921-2001 Service for Theodore Benjamin Slayton, 79, of Chico was to be Wednesday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers were to be Richard Slayton, David Slayton, Gary Myrick, Tommy Slayton, Gary Myrick, Jr. and Robert Holland. Slayton died Saturday, Mar. 31, 2001, in Chico. Born Aug. 26, 1921, in Dallas, he married Pixie Mae Payne on Oct. 27, 1941, in Dallas. He was a member of VFW #9223 in Riverside, Calif. and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Baptist church and a carpenter. He is survived by his wife, Pixie Slayton of Chico; two sons, Richard Slayton of Riverside and David Slayton of Shreveport, La.; four daughters, Janice Frisby and Veta Fay Nebeker of Chico, Theda DeWitt of Lancaster, Calif. and Mary Diane Myrick of Riverside; a brother, Melton Slayton of Chico; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harold ‘Rusty’ Bost 1926-2001 Service for Harold "Rusty" Bost, 75, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Boyd. Steve Weeks was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery. Bost died Sunday, April 1, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Jan. 15, 1926, in Rhome, he married Doris Gene Crumpton on Jan. 1, 1947, in Fort Worth. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy as a hospital corpsman. He was a member of the Boyd Church of Christ, Wise County Historical Society, the Rockwell Historical Society and a 20-year board member of the Aurora Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was preceded in death by two infant children and two sisters, Helen Ford and Jane Guinn. He is survived by his wife, Doris Gene Bost; a daughter, Leeann Brinsfield and husband Brooken; a son, Richard Bost and wife Linda; two brothers, Edward Bost and Manson "Pete" Bost; one sister, Francis Barney; five grandchildren, Shawn, Samantha, Steven, Blake and Chad; one great-granddaughter, Ashley and three step-grandchildren, Jay, Mindy and Jessie. Pallbearers were to be David Ford, Terry Ford, Steve Barney, Ladd Clark, Jim Shively and Kenneth Kilpatrick. Honorary pallbearers were to be men of the Boyd Church of Christ. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard D. Rogers 1924-2001 Memorial service for Richard D. Rogers, 76, of Paradise was to be Thursday, April 5, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Rogers died Monday, April 2, 2001, in Benbrook. Born April 8, 1924, in Ft. Worth, Rogers worked in inventory control for Lennox Air Conditioning. A U.S. Army veteran, he married Christine Elen Lynch on June 11, 1946, in Weatherford. He is survived by his wife, Christine Rogers; a son, Ronald D. Rogers of Liberty, Miss.; three daughters, Linda R. Fuller and Nancy Rogers of Paradise and Regenia D. Westbrook of Westlake, La.; a brother, Raymond L. Rogers of Alvarado ; a sister, Gussie L. Curry of Burleson; 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Belle Wilde 1917-2001 Service for Mary Belle Wilde, 84, of Decatur was Tuesday, April 3 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Jerry Miller officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Wilde died Sunday, April 1, in Decatur. Born March 31, 1917, in Wichita Falls, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. She is survived by her husband, B.J. Wilde of Decatur; a son, Bill and wife Kerry Wilde of Trinity; a daughter, Holly Laird of Decatur; a sister, Bernice Lawson of Wichita Falls; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ollie Geneva Kelley 1913-2001 Memorial service for Ollie Geneva Kelley, 87, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, April 3, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Richardson officiated. Burial followed at the Cottondale Cemetery. Kelley died Saturday, March 31, at her home. Born June 19, 1913, in Durant, Okla., Kelley was a lifetime Wise County resident. She was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Kelley married J.M. "Jim" Kelley on Dec. 17, 1931. She was preceded in death by her husband J.M. "Jim" Kelley, son Jimmy Kelley, two brothers, Allen and Lee Cobb and sister Earlene Bower. She is survived by daughters Billye Sellman and husband Collis of Corpus Christi, Linda Garrett of Bridgeport; five grandchildren, Steve Sellman, Kelley Rogers, Jennie Conditt, Dwayne Garrett and Timothy Garrett, six great grandchildren and her niece Carla Sloan of Whitney. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ray Eugene Perkins 1921-2001 Service for Ray Eugene Perkins, 79, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, April 4, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur at 11 a.m. Ron Bird was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Steve Perkins, Paul Perkins, Rusty Perkins, Randy Eyster, Jack Tucker and Jay Higgs. Perkins died Monday, April 2, 2001, in Decatur. Born Dec. 27, 1921, in Hall County, he married Imogene Farley Perkins on Sept. 20, 1941. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He was a retired electrical service technician. He is survived by his sons, Mike Perkins of Fort Worth and Sherry Perkins of Decatur; a sister, Lois Melton of Memphis, Texas; eight grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, April 8, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsie Mae Bogan 1917-2001 Service for Elsie Mae Bogan, 83, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, April 7 at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel in DeQueen, Ark. Burial was to follow at Red Man Cemetery in DeQueen. Bogan died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, in Dallas. Born Aug. 30, 1917, she was a member of the Holiness Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Bogan and three brothers, Amos, Calvin and Donald Brake. She is survived by four sons, Wayne Bogan and wife Shirley, Gerald Bogan and wife Cecilia, David Bogan and wife Cindy and Ricky Bogan and wife Juana; two daughters, Verna Cypert and husband Robert and Mary Underhill and husband Bobby; four brothers, Floyd, Harlon, Darrell and W.C. "Dub" Brake; two sisters, Vila Sloan and Mildred Wilkinson; 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ernest Howard Woolf 1958-2001 Service for Ernest Howard Woolf, 43, was Thursday, April 5, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. The Rev. Lee Roy Jackson officiated. Woolf died Tuesday, April 3 in Dallas. Born Feb. 27, 1958, in Grapevine, Woolf was a painter. He is survived by his father Olan Howard Woolf and mother Virginia Belew Winstone of Decatur; two brothers, Roy Woolf of Lewisville and Danny Woolf of Grapevine; two sisters, Beverly Neal of Lewisville and Judy Young of Decatur. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Velma Davenport 1900-2001 Funeral for Mary Velma Davenport, 101, of Denton, was to be Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur followed by burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. Dr. William C. Crouch was to officiate. She died Friday, April 6, 2001, in Denton where she had moved in recent years after living in Decatur since 1910. Davenport was born March 18, 1900, in Rhome. She married Fred Arnold Davenport. He died in May, 1938, near the end of his second term as Wise County judge. Velma was appointed to complete his term, thus becoming Texas’ first female county judge. "I was just a figurehead," a modest Davenport said in a Messenger interview in 1984. "It was lots of fun except I felt ignorant." She graduated from Decatur Baptist College and attended Texas Christian University and the University of Texas. She taught school for several years and was the first paid employee of Wise Electric Cooperative. She worked for Wise Electric for 31 years, the last 20 as office manager. She is survived by a son, F.A. Davenport of Wichita Falls; a daughter, Molly Hull of Denton; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Hoyl; a sister, Gabie Sue McCaleb and a brother, David Carl Carpenter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas Lee ‘T.J.’ Jordan 1982-2001 Service for Thomas Lee Jordan, 18, of Decatur was Wednesday, April 4, at First Assembly of God Church in Decatur. Don Henderson officiated. Jordan died April 1, 2001, at his home in Cortez, Colo. Born Aug. 3, 1982, in Decatur, he is survived by his father, Tom Jordan of Cortez; his mother Lisa and stepfather Steve DeKruger of Cortez; his grandfather Erring Maroney of Decatur; his grandmothers, Veronica "Ronnie" Jordan and Donna Voorhees Johnson; his sister Amber Jordan; a niece; a nephew; several uncles, aunts and cousins; his stepbrothers, Justin DeKruger, William DeKruger and a stepsister, Kayla Rae DeKruger. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Wayne Glover 1947-2001 Service for Robert Wayne Glover, 54, of Clute, was Saturday, March 31, at Brazosport Christian Center. Pastor Scott Hayes officiated. Glover, formerly of Wise County, was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Eagles and Brazoria County Red Cross and Brazoria County REACT. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Evelyn Glover. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Glover; a daughter Susan Watson and husband Mike of Clute; step-daughter, Celeste Harris and husband Gene of Clute; a son Lewis Glover and wife, Lisa of New York City; step-sons, Chad Lumpkin and wife Bonnie of Houston, Chris Lumpkin and wife, Joanne of Santa Fe, Greg Lumpkin and wife, Sabrina Angleton; two sisters, Pat Bennett and Sandra Wisenant, both of Decatur; grandchildren, Kasey Baker, Chelsie and Caylie Harris, Cole and Cody Lumpkin, Katlyn Arana, Caleb and Hope Smith. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Velma Ruth Gaston 1925-2001 Memorial service for Velma Ruth Gaston, 75, of Boyd was Friday, April 6, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church #2. Raymond Henson officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Gaston died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born April 8, 1925, in Wise County, she was retired and a resident of Sunny Hills Nursing Center in Decatur. She married the late James Arthur Gaston on Aug. 31, 1946 in Weatherford. She is survived by her son, Johnny Gaston of Boyd; daughter Viola Reynolds of Springtown; two brothers, Charles Wolfe, Jr. and George Wolfe of Boyd; two sisters, Gladys Keene of Boyd and Mildred Hinkle of Springtown; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, April 12, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James S. Ashmore 1950-2001 Graveside srvice for James S. Ashmore, 50, of Azle was to be Wednesday, April 11 at 2 p.m. at Boyd Cemetery. Rev. Kenneth Johnson was to officiate. Ashmore died Sunday, April 8 in Azle. Born July 4, 1950 in Fort Worth, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He received the Vietnam service medal, the Army Commendation medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was a member of VFW Post 2137, Moose Lodge 2113 and a member of District 21 Honor Guard. As a cook, he achieved the status of Executive Chef. He is survived by his mother, Judy B. Ashmore; a brother, John T. Ashmore; a sister, Candy Gant; a niece, Jennifer Collins and husand Ed and their sons Brandon and Cody; another niece, Lynn Santillian and husband Lonnie and their daughter Megan and many friends. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe Arnold Welborn 1956-2001 Service for Joe Arnold Welborn, 44, of North Richland Hills, formerly of Wise County, was to be Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at Lucas Funeral Chapel in Hurst. Burial was to be at Bear Creek Cemetery in Euless. Welborn died Saturday, April 7, 2001, in North Richland Hills. Born October 25, 1956, in Fort Worth, he graduated from Grapevine High School in 1975. He had been employed at Ogden-Allied for the past 21 years. He married Juliet Sneddon on April 28, 1984. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Campbell Welborn. He is survived by his wife Juliet; four daughters, LaCinda of Newark and Jessica, Joyce and Elizabeth, all of North Richland Hills; his mother, Geraldine Welborn of Bedias; three sisters, Melody Kelley and husband Mark of Lewisville, Stella Clower and husband Chuck of Lewisville and Monica Lee and husband David of Bedias; a brother, James Welborn and wife Angela of Bedford; three grandchildren, Shane, Halie and Brooklyn Poteet, all of Newark; six nieces, four nephews and one great-niece. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mattie Lou ‘Bryan’ Harlow 1933-2001 Service for Mattie Lou "Bryan" Harlow, 67, of Mabank was to be Wednesday, April 11, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Bill Woolaver was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery. Harlow died Sunday, April 8, 2001, in Tyler. Born July 4, 1933, in Tira, she was a line worker for Maxim Medical. She had been married to the late Otto Z. Harlow and was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by three sons, Ron Cheek of Palestine and Jerry and William Cheek, both of Pottsboro; a daughter, Stephanie Biven of Tyler; two brothers, John Bryan of Idabell, Okla. and Wayne T. Bryan of Bloomfield N.M.; two sisters, Dorothy Whittington of Arlington and Ruth Woolaver of Decatur and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be John Bryan, Jr., Ben Brown, Aubry Bryan, Wyatt Cheek, Ed Whittington and Wayne East. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glenda June Hedden 1944-2001 Service for Glenda June Hedden, 56, a former resident of Decatur, was to be Monday, April 9, at Peace Lutheran Church. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery. Hedden died Thursday, April 5, 2001. Born June 21, 1944, in Decatur, she was preceded in death by three sisters and her parents. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, William Hedden, Jr. of Arlington; a son, William Hedden III and wife Leslie of North Richland Hills; a daughter, Kim Hedden Russell and husband Curtis of North Richland Hills; a sister, Clarice Behrends of Fort Worth and two grandchildren, Taylor White and Skyler Hedden. The family requests that memorials be made to Community Hospice of Texas in Fort Worth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Renno Kyle Robertson 1921-2001 Service for Renno Kyle Robertson, 80, of Rhome, was Tuesday, April 10 at the Shannon North Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington. Robertson died April 6, in a local hospital. Robertson served in the Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. He retired as a Lieutenant from the Fort Worth Fire Department after serving 30 years. He was a 1938 graduate of North Side High School. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lula Reames Robertson. He is survived by two sons, Paul Robertson and wife Colleen of Fort Worth and Charlie Robertson and wife Maryla of Rhome; daughters, Janice Gautreaux and husband Mike of Houston and Helen Hopkins and husband Mark of Rhome; a nephew; 10 grandchildren, Janet Ponder Remchuk, T.K. Ponder, Susan Ponder Cotter, Amy Ponder Raymon, Heidi Robertson, Deborah Robertson, Nikki Robertson Cantrell, Kyle Robertson, Courtney Hopkins, Amanda Hopkins; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, April 15, 2001 Marjorie F. Reedy Cater 1937-2001 Service for Marjorie F. Reedy Cater, 63, of Paradise was Friday, April 13, at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells. Burial followed at Indian Creek Cemetery in Mineral Wells. Reedy died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, in Decatur. Born Sept. 17, 1937, in Mineral Wells, she was a member of the Tallgrass Prairie Chapter of the Audubon Society and attended the Hilltop Assembly of God in Boyd. She held an associate degree in horticulture. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jimmy Reedy. She is survived by three sons, Mark Allen Cater of Burleson, Scott Layne Cater and Sandy Keith Cater of Covington; a daughter, Lani Michelle Cater of Paradise; a brother, Gerald Reedy of Weatherford; two sisters, Kaye Boyd and Janice Lee of Paradise; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and father of the children, Bobby Jack Cater of Valley Mills. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Leroy Hamner 1940-2001 Graveside service for Michael Leroy Hammer, 60, of Bridgeport was Friday, April 13, at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Matthew Hamner officiated. Pallbearers were Wendell Bunn, Billy Taylor, William Renner, Danny Pemberton, Don Copeland and Eddie Piercy. Hamner died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at his home. Born Oct. 13, 1940, in Edinburg, Ind. he was a truck driver and had lived in Wise County the past 17 years. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Hamner. He is survived by two sons, Mitch Hamner and wife Alicia of Bridgeport and Casey Hamner and wife Donna of Decatur; three brothers, Marvin Hamner of Plano, David Hamner of Howe and Donald Hamner of Chico; a sister, Judith Hamner of Sylmar, Calif.; six grandchildren, Justine, Madeline, Christian, Macie, Tony and Shaela and numerous nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Huling Holt 1949-2001 Memorial service for Robert Huling Holt, 52, of Chico was to be Saturday, April 14, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church of Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox was to officiate. Holt died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, in Wise County. Born Feb. 9, 1949, in Bridgeport, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a former employee of Electro Tex of Dallas where he worked in the parts department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and O’Nell Holt. He is survived by a brother, Fred Holt and wife Peggy of Euless; a sister, Jody Murphy and husband Jake of Jacksboro; three nieces, five nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George A. ‘Buck’ Hagg Jr. 1923-2001 Service for George A. "Buck" Hagg, Jr., 77, of Decatur was to be Saturday, April 14, at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial was to follow at Greenwood Memorial Park. Hagg died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Sept. 29, 1923, in River Oaks, he was a resident of Decatur since 1986. He was an electrician and a member of the local IBEW No. 116 for 59 years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Ruth Osborn in 1996. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Louise "Cookie" Hagg; a son, George A. "Andy" Hagg III of Decatur; a daughter, Deborah Morris of Arlington; four grandchildren, J. and John Morris, both of Arlington, Rebekah Potter and Ryan Osborn, both of Decatur; a son-in-law, Randy Osborn of Decatur; a great-grandson, Jacob Potter of Decatur; a sister Betty Bogart of Saratoga, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AREA DEATHS AND FUNERALS Sunday, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rachel Hickey 1922-2001 Service for Rachel Hickey, 79, of Crane was Wednesday, April 18 at the Crane County Cemetery. Hickey died Monday, April 16, 2001, in Crane. Greogroy Allen Van Court, her grandson, officiated. Born Mar. 29, 1922, in Decatur to W.C. and Dannie Shults, she married Jack G. Hickey in 1938. He died in 1999. She is survived by a brother, Dan Shults of San Antonio; two daughters, Dannes Boyd and Jackye Van Court and husband Frank of San Angelo; five grandchildren, Kirsty Teel and husband Jennings of Mason, Kelly Rogers and husband Robbie of Andrews, Dan Boyd and wife Sharla of Lubbock, Gregory Van Court of Austin, David Van Court and wife Cohen of Georgetown and three great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lillie Mae Meeks 1908-2001 Service for Lillie Mae Meeks, 93, of Chico was Friday, April 20, at the First Baptist Church in Chico. The Rev. Gerald Cox officiated. Burial followed at Cundiff Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jess Wilkins, Richard McLeod, Doug Bowyer, Bruce Wester, Bob Brown and Nobie Tucker. Meeks died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in Bridgeport. Born Mar. 19, 1908, in Jones County, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Chico, the Chico Quilting Club and the Chico Senior Citizens. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Dean, W.Z. "Monk", Robert and Jim Griffin and by her husband, Eschol Meeks who died May 12, 1963. She is survived by a brother, Steve Griffin of Dumas; four sisters, Emma Lou Morrow of Wizard Wells, Melba Brown of Childress, Bonnie Murphy of Lubbock and Goldie Hoffman of Rhome and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chico Library. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benn Hill Kirby 1921-2001 Benn Hill Kirby, 79, of Decatur died April 15, 2001, in Decatur. Born Oct. 15, 1921, in Grand Prairie, he worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad in the computer room. He was a veteran of the Army Airforce and served in World War II. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Kirby and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clinton Dale ‘Clint’ Brown 1975-2001 Service for Clinton Dale "Clint" Brown, 25, of Decatur will be Monday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery. Doug Vaughn will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, April 22, at Coker Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. Brown died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Dallas. Born Dec. 20, 1975, in Bridgeport, he was a server/trainer for Applebee’s restaurant. He attended Tarrant County Junior College and was a member of Bell Baptist Church in Decatur. He is survived by his father and step-mother, Alvin and Joan Brown of Sulphur, Okla.; his mother and step-father, Charlotte and David King of Alvord; one brother, Joey Brown of Decatur; a niece; a sister, Elicia King of Castle Rock, Colo.; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Pryor of Decatur, James King, Sr. of Alvord, Nevada Owens of Sulphur, Okla.; a great grandmother, Eula Sanford of Decatur and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ila Lorene Watts 1909-2001 Service for Ila Lorene Watts, 91, of Decatur was to be Saturday, April 21, at Mount Zion Baptist Church. The Rev. Ron Bird was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Jonestown Cemetery. Watts died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Decatur. Born December 25, 1909, in Wise County, she was a homemaker and a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church. She is survived by a brother, Melvin Watts of Watauga; a sister, Mamie Matney of Decatur; five nieces and three nephews. Pallbearers were to be Jackie Rutledge, Rex Frye, Homer Matney, Jr., Eddie Matney, Lynn Cook and Wayne Watts. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Wesley Odom 1948-2001 Service for James Wesley Odom, 52, of Rhome was to be Sunday, April 22 in Forest, Miss. Odom died Tuesday, April 17, 2001. Born Sept. 27, 1948, in Hillsboro, Miss. he married Olivia Guerra on Oct. 16, 1970, in Selma, Ala. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a truck driver for Southwestern Transportation. He is survived by his wife, Olivia Odom; his mother, Tera Huges Odom of Forest, Miss.; two sons, James Wesley Odom II and Charles Odom, both of Rhome; a daughter, Ann Marie Odom of Rhome; two brothers, Flectcher and Ricky Odom of Forest and two grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason Dale McBride 1975-2001 Memorial service for Jason Dale McBride, 25, of Bridgeport was Friday, April 20 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Honorary pallbearers were Dale McBride, Larry McBride, Gary McBride, Gale McBride, Barton McBride, Lamar McBride, Edward McBride and Domingo Garcia. McBride died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in Decatur. Born Oct. 29, 1975, in Tulia, he was the owner/operator of McBride Trucking. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Parker McBride. He is survived by his wife, Nadine McBride; his parents, Dale and Deborah McBride; a son, Damon Dale McBride; a brother, Edward Lance McBride and wife Lisa; a sister, Sheri Ann Garcia and husband Domingo and his grandparents, RosaLee McBride and Earl and JoAnn Smith. Wise County Messenger, April 22, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grady Leon Stone 1948-2001 Service for Grady Leon Stone, 52, of Boyd was Tuesday, April 24 at the First Baptist Church in Justin. Burial followed at Eakin Cemetery in Ponder. The Rev. Jimmy Withers officiated. Pallbearers were Tim Taylor, Lyn Cordell, David Smith, Kerry James, Steve Wagner and Rick Wood. Stone died Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Boyd. Born Nov. 21, 1948, in Decatur to Hayward and Lucille Scaff Stone, he attended Justin Elementary School, Northwest High School and Cooke County Junior College. He married Alice Swafford Tice in Boyd on Dec. 3, 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Justin. He was a service specialist for Lone Star Gas and also worked for Moore Salvage in Justin. He is survived by his wife, Alice and his mother, Lucille Stone, both of Boyd; two daughters, Cathy and husband Scott Vass of Nashville, Tenn. and Cheryl and husband Shane Thompson of Decatur; his sons, Brent and wife Morie Stone and their son Trevor of Fort Worth, Randy and wife Ann Tice of Fort Worth; a sister, Linda and husband Doug Whitworth of Boyd; a brother, Harvey and wife Jan Stone of Rockdale; a grandson, Trevor Stone of Fort Worth and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel Shane Barfield 2001 Graveside service for Daniel Shane Barfield, of Rhome was Saturday, April 21 at Ridgeview Memorial Park in McKinney. He died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at Medical Center of Plano. Born April 17, 2001, in Lewisville, he was the infant son of Robert and Mary Barfield of Rhome. He is survived by his parents; his grandparents, Mark and Debbie Punzo of Lubbock and Harold and Alice Pipkin of Monahans and his great-grandfather, Howard Hughes of Lubbock. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clinton Dale ‘Clint’ Brown 1975-2001 Service for Clinton Dale 'Clint' Brown, 25, of Decatur was Monday, April 23 at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial was in Paradise Cemetery. Doug Vaughn officiated. Brown died Thursday, April 19, 2001, in Dallas. Born Dec. 20, 1975, in Bridgeport, he was a server/trainer for Applebee’s restaurant. He attended Tarrant County Junior College and was a member of Bell Baptist Church in Decatur. He is survived by his father and step-mother, Alvin and Joan Brown of Sulphur, Okla.; his mother and step-father, Charlotte and David King of Alvord; one brother, Joey Brown of Decatur and his daughter, Brittany; two step-brothers, J.D. and Joey King; a sister, Elicia King of Castle Rock, Colo.; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Pryor of Decatur, James King, Sr. of Alvord, Nevada Owens of Sulphur; a great-grandmother, Eula Sanford of Decatur and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlie Byrd 1937-2001 Service for Charlie Byrd, 63, of Springtown was Tuesday, April 24 at Outreach of Love Church. Burial followed at Opal Cemetery in Wise County. Byrd died Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Oct. 11, 1937, in Fredricksburg, he was an installation foreman for DuPont Flooring Systems. He had lived in Springtown for the past 23 years. He married Cathy Sloan on June 15, 1978. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 and was a member of Outreach of Love Church. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of Springtown; a son Ronnie Byrd of Decatur; a daughter, Lisa Holloway of Benbrook; two stepsons, Eddie and Gordon McDaniel, both of Durant, Okla.; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Holloway and Brenan Holloway, both of Benbrook, Autumn Fall of Kingston, Okla., Trey McDaniel of Durant, Carlie McDaniel of Springtown and Casey McDaniel of Durant; three brothers and three sisters. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pauline Hines 1924-2001 Service for Pauline Hines, 76, of Rhome was Tuesday, April 24 at the Rhome Assembly of God Church in Rhome. The Rev. Mike Stephenson officiated. Burial followed at the Aurora Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremy Hyatt, Mike Baker, Ricky Hyatt, Bud Daugherty, Kevin Drake and David Hines. Hines died Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Decatur. Born Aug. 19, 1924, in Fairview, she was a member of the Rhome Assembly of God Church and a dispatcher for the Rhome Fire Department. She is survived by two sons, Joe Paul Hines and Lawson Hines and wife Crystal; five daughters, Ollie Daugherty, Dorothy Hyatt, Kathy Harris, Karen Meadors and husband A.T. and Nancy Corbin and husband Adam; two brothers, J.C. Rexroat and Titus Rexroat; a sister, Dorothy Eldridge; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Franklin D. Marsh 1939-2001 Memorial service for Franklin D. Marsh, 62, of Rhome was Tuesday, April 24 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Marsh died Sunday, April 22, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Mar. 17, 1939, in Ranger, he was retired from AT&L Industries where he worked as a machinist. He served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by two sons, Gary Marsh of Austin and Franklin D. Marsh, Jr. of Big Spring and five grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bobby Gene Whitehead 1938-2001 Graveside service for Bobby Gene Whitehead, 63, of Krum was Monday, April 23 at Aurora Cemetery. Whitehead died Friday, April 20, 2001, in Dallas. Born March 4, 1938, Whitehead was a retired carpenter. He was preceded in death by his son, Micheal Leonard Whitehead. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Christine Brewer of Krum; two brothers, James and William Whitehead, both of Rhome and one granddaughter, Kaitlin Joy Brewer of Krum. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred L. Partin Sr. 1913-2001 Service for Fred L. Partin, Sr., 87, of Chico will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. Graveside service will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth. Partin died Monday, April 23, 2001, in Chico. Born July 28, 1913, in Parker County, he was co-owner of a retail business for 12 years and an Armour and Company employee for 25 years. He was a Methodist and a 57-year Mason. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruby Partin of Chico; three sons, Fred L. "Lanny" Partin, Jr. and wife June of Euless, Walt Partin and wife Brenda of Chico and John Partin and wife Nelda of Van Alstyne; a daughter, Gerry Gilbert and husband Richard of Llano; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Kelly Gilbert, Tim Partin, Kevin Partin, John Moren, Grant Moren and Frank Wier. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Partin and Will Partin. The family requests memorials be made to the Chico Children’s Clothing Fund, Decatur Home Hospice or Morris Memorial United Methodist Church. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Cason Spiess 1934-2001 Service for Betty Cason Spiess, 66, of Whitney, formerly of Boyd, was Monday, April 23 at the Benbrook Funeral Home. Burial followed at Skyvue Memorial Gardens in Fort Worth. Spiess died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at a local hospice. Born Nov. 7, 1934, in Red River County, she was a retired welder for Delta Crafts. She was a resident of Boyd and Weatherford before moving to Whitney. She was preceded in death by her parents Delbert and Alene Smith, and brother, Delbert, Jr. She is survived by four daughters, Linda, Sandra and husband Tim, Jackie and husband Ronnie, Terry and husband Jeff; six sons, Bill and wife JoAnn, Jimmy, Mike and wife Regina, Russell and wife Donna, Keith and Mark; two brothers, Ray Glen and Jerry; three sisters, Cora Mae and Eunice, both of Boyd and Helen; 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daile Estelle Dixon 1914-2001 A private service for Daile Estelle Dixon, 87, of Alvord will be Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Dixon died Monday, April 23, 2001, at her home in Alvord. She was born Feb. 21, 1914, in Jet, Okla. She is survived by her sons, Larry Dixon, Robert Dixon and wife Shirley, Michael Dixon and James Dixon; a daughter, Phyllis Blain and husband Harold; a brother, Sonny Thomas; a sister, Billie Jean Weinholz; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, April 26, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, April 29, 2001 Ben Eugene Tolle 1931-2001 Service for Ben Eugene Tolle, 69, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Burial was to follow at the East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Dr. L.V. Selz, Dr. William E. Huddleston, Jack Weiland, Howard Meyers, Carl Ray Jones and Miles Pearce. Tolle died Thursday, April 26, 2001, in Decatur. Born Sept. 12, 1931, in Breckenridge, he was a long-time resident of Bridgeport. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean conflict. He was retired from auto sales. He married his wife, Paula, on July 26, 1974, in Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife, Paula Tolle of Bridgeport; two daughters, Virginia Stone and husband Robert and Lynn McLauchlin and husband Steve; two sons, David Tolle and wife Connie and William Tolle; a sister, Beverly Ann Swisher; and grandchildren, Robert, Leslie and Sydney Stone, Stephen and Emily McLauchlin and Alexis Tolle. Wise County Messenger, April 29, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marilyn Keener 1936-2001 Service for Marilyn Keener, 64, of Haltom City was Thursday, April 26, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Norman Abernathy officiated. Burial followed at Anneville Cemetery. She was the mother of Terri Ellis of Boyd. Keener died Sunday, April 22, 2001, in Haltom City. Born Aug. 26, 1936, in Denton, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Al, Bill and Jack Little. She is survived by a son, Steve Keener of Fort Worth; a daughter, Terri Ellis and her husband Steve of Boyd; a sister, Katherine Moore of Seymore; three grandsons, Tommy Ellis and Keith and Christopher Hulsey; one great grandson, Samuel Hulsey; two nephews and two nieces. Pallbearers were David Birdwell, Steve Britt, Brian Britt, Ben Whatley, Jason Hays and Raymond Hays. Wise County Messenger, April 29, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Homer Charles Riley 1918-2001 Service for Homer Charles Riley, 82, of Sanger was to be Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Greenwood. Dr. E.L. McNeal was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Riley died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, in Denton. Born Aug. 1, 1918, in Greenwood, Riley moved to Sanger to manage Riley Propane Company, then became manager of Enderby Gas Company. He served as Past Master of Masonic Lodge #418 and Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Sanger. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Riley of Sanger; two sons, Charles Riley and wife Annette of Decatur and Hoyt Riley of Sanger; a brother, Evert L. Riley of Aubrey; two granddaughters, Monica Slimp and husband Johnny of Decatur and Saretha Riley of Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Cori Slimp, James Riley and Zachary Tipton. Wise County Messenger, April 29, 2001 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------