Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger, June, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submitted by: Lola Withrow: lolawithrow@yahoo.com 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 & FUNERALS Sunday, June 3, 2001 Maudie Pearl Moody 1912-2001 Graveside service for Maudie Pearl Little Moody, 88, a homemaker, was to be Saturday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at the New Salem Cemetery near Honey Grove. Moody died Tuesday, May 29, 2001. Born Oct. 24, 1912, in Bells, she was a homemaker. She lived in Trenton until she married Bill Moody on Nov. 2, 1933, in Sash. A resident of Borger since 1947, she moved to Azle in 1995. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Borger and had several poems published. She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Eloise Collins; and a son, Johnny Elroy Moody. Survivors are sons and daughters-in-law, Ray Gene Moody Sr. and wife Lois Leota of Paradise, and Bill David Moody Sr. and wife Carol Ann of Okeene, Okla.; a daughter, Carol Lynn Moon of Borger; 15 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gus V. Camp 1919-2001 Graveside service for Gus V. Camp, 82, of Azle was Friday, June 1, at Paradise Cemetery in Paradise. Camp died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Azle. Born March 19, 1919, in Roosevelt, he was a retired material handler for General Dynamics (now Lockheed) with 32 years of service. He is survived by a son, Larry Camp of Azle; two daughters, Rosemary Gayle Payne and Peggy Polk, both of Fort Worth; a brother, Melvin Camp of Kerrville; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D.B. Brown 1916-2001 Service for D.B. Brown, 84, of Alvord was Friday, June 1, at Alvord Church of Christ. Brown died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Decatur. Born June 17, 1916, in De Leon to D.B. and Myrtle White Brown, he was a member of the Alvord Church of Christ and The American Quarter Horse Association. He attended school in Woodson and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He owned a bakery in North Fort Worth before going to work at Wyatt’s Cafeteria as a baker. He retired from Northrop Grumman (formerly L.T.V.) He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Brown and J.T. Brown; one sister, Lena Willingham and a son, Melton Brown. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mollie M. Brown of Alvord; daughter and son-in-law, Carlene and Ronnie Johnson of Hutchins; two stepdaughters, Quepha Truxillo and Ruby McElroy; two stepsons, Ernest Fuqua and Kenneth Fuqua; four brothers, Corbitt Brown, Walter Brown, Paul Brown and Neish Brown; a sister, Grace Strickland; three grandsons; eight great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren and nine stepgreat-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harvey Lee James 1929-2001 Service for Harvey Lee James, 71, formerly of Bridgeport, will be 3 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Bud Call will officiate. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. James died Thursday, May 31, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Sept. 6, 1929, in Goree, he was a retired machinist. He is survived by six daughters, Norma Barnard of Fort Worth, Sharlette Lester and husband Fred of Fort Worth, Paula Crist and husband Rowan of Burleson, Brenda Vaughn and husband Tony of Joshua, Donna Tynes of Fort Worth and LaFleata Fletcher and husband Johnny of Houston; three stepdaughters, Lisa, Latricia and Sonya; two brothers, Wayne and Doyle James; six sisters, Altie Mae Call, Opal Lou Zedlitz, Edith Brown, Helen Cooper, Linda Kay Large and Marlena Teer; 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Paul Sikes, Peter Sikes, Payton Barnard, Kevin Harris, James Harris and Johnny Wisdom. Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harold Ambrose Auvenshine 1924-2001 Service for Harold Ambrose Auvenshine, 77, of Decatur was Friday, June 1, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Gentry Castleman officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery. Auvenshine died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in Decatur. Born Jan. 28, 1924, in Comanche, he was a retired TxDOT engineering technician. He married Alsa Jean Cox June 16, 1947, in Decatur. He served in the Army Air Corp in World War II. He attended Tarleton State University for two years, was a member of the Knights of Pythias, a little league coach, a Boy Scout master and a Methodist. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Burt Auvenshine. He is survived by his wife, Alsa Jean Cox Auvenshine; a daughter, Nancy A. and husband Loran Nixon of Sells, Ariz.; a sister, Dorothy and husband Cecil Bell of Hereford; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and cousins. Pallbearers were Ruben Pinkerton, Jack Leake, Willie Perkins, Rodney Miller, Dennis Hudson, Pete Reeves and Geary Washburn. Honorary pallbearers were Royce Raven, Billy Garrison, Bob Nobles, Claude Elsom, Elwyn Scott and Nolan Griffith. Wise County Messenger, June 3, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 7, 2001 Diana Morton 1971-2001 Graveside service for Diana Morton, 29, of Alvord was Monday, June 4, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Gonzalo Morales officiated. Morton died Saturday, June 2, 2001. Born August 18, 1971, in San Antonio, she was a homemaker. She is survived by her father, Leandro Sauceda of Bridgeport; her mother, Lydia Amador of Decatur; her fiancee, Ray Valdez of Decatur; a son, Ronnie Morton of Decatur; two daughters, Brandy and Tavia Morton, both of Decatur; a brother, Johnny Sauceda of Bridgeport; two sisters, Sandra Alonso and Stephanie Breceda, both of Decatur; ex-husband, Donnie Morton of Decatur and grandparents Flortino and Elbire Marroquin of San Antonio. Wise County Messenger, June 7, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leiland Travis Cox Sr. 1913-2001 Service for Leiland Travis Cox Sr., 87, of Bridgeport was to be Wednesday, June 6, at Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Gary Sessions was to officiate, to be assisted by Rev. Ted LaCrone. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Cox died Monday, June 4, 2001, in Azle. Born Oct. 24, 1913, in Coffeeville, Ala., he married Mabel Lester on Aug. 10, 1935 in Tucson, Ariz. He was a deacon and trustee at the Twin Oaks Assembly of God Church in Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Cox of Azle; a son, Leiland Cox Jr. and wife Betty of Port Lavaca; a daughter, Margie Baucum and husband Don of Lakeside; five grandchildren, Bruce, Tonja, Joey, Kimberly and Lori and 13 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Floyd Bradley, Jack Weiland, Travis Van Hoose, Loyd Tennison, Danny Trammell and Dick Phillips. Wise County Messenger, June 7, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estelle Beeson Peninger 1918-2001 Service for Estelle Beeson Peninger, 83, formerly of Bridgeport, was to be Wednesday, June 6, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport. The Revs. Johnny Irish and Joe Motsenbocker were to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Peninger died Monday, June 4, 2001, in Austin. Born April 18, 1918, in Bridgeport, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milliard Peninger; a daughter, Omega June Buckner; two stepsons, Eldon and John Peninger; two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by a son, John Leroy Beeson and his wife Arlene of Austin; two daughters, Jacquelyn Watson and her husband Kennith of Temple and Glenda Kay Smith and her husband Joe of Georgetown; two stepdaughters, Lynn Brown of Arizona and Beth Peninger of New York; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were to be Wilford Buckner, Jeff Bazar, Jeffrey Buckner, Jody Carroll, Patrick Buckner and Clint Buckner. Wise County Messenger, June 7, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, June 10, 2001 Earl C. ‘Rusty’ Spencer 1921-2001 Graveside service for Earl C. ‘Rusty’ Spencer, 80, of Decatur was to be Saturday, June 9, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Jack Gatewood was to officiate. Spencer died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur. Born Jan. 9, 1921, in Decatur, he was a veteran and was a lineman at Wise Electric Cooperative. He is survived by his wife, Florene Spencer of Decatur; three daughters, Rebecca Black and Judy Sampler, both of Decatur, and Adenia Spencer of De Soto; a sister, Lilly Faye Mock of Ordway, Colo.; a brother, Bobby Sam Spencer of Azle; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clara Bell Trail 1922-2001 Service for Clara Bell Trail, 79, of Decatur will be Monday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church. Rev. Lee Roy Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Trail died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur. Born Jan. 25, 1922, in Denton, she was a home-maker. She is survived by her husband, Willie Trail of Decatur; two daughters, Barbara Jeanette Davis of Nocona and Patricia Ann Henery of New Braunfels; two sons, Frank Trail of Runaway Bay and Sammy Trail of New Braunfels; three sisters, Dorothy Alvey of Denton, Laverne McCrary of Decatur and Theo Ballard of Frisco; a brother, Wayne McGar of Decatur; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granchild. Pallbearers will be Larry Alvey, Terry Hines, Dewayne McCrary, Steve McCrary, Jerry McGar, Mike McGar and Tim McGar. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolena Field Williams 1907-2001 Graveside service for Bolena Field Williams, 93, formerly of Decatur was Thursday, June 7 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Her son, the Rev. James A. Williams, officiated. Williams died Sunday, June 3, 2001, in Round Rock. Born Oct. 10, 1907, she was a member and past president of The Owl Club, the Garden Club and a member of First Baptist Church. She was also a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Confederacy. She married Ted R. Williams Sr. in 1929. She is survived by three sons, James A. Williams and wife Barbara of Austin, Joe Williams and wife Becky of Ben Lomond, Calif. and Ted Williams Jr. and wife Evelyn of Winter Park, Fla.; two daughters, Dr. Helen Hanicak of Denton and Elizabeth Place and husband Ned of Arlington; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Milton Andrew ‘Andy’ Edgmon 1943-2001 Graveside service for Milton Andrew "Andy" Edgmon, 58, of Chico will be Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at Jim Ned Cemetery. Rev. Dan Sparkman will officiate. Edgmon died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Chico. Born April 7, 1943, in Arkansas, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force and an insurance sales representative. He married Thelma Moody on July 22, 1991, in LaPorte. He is survived by his wife, Thelma of Chico; three sons, Alan Harclerode of Bridgeport, Louis Harclerode of Dayton and David Edgmon and wife Kim of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Missy McCormack of LaPorte; a brother, Mike Edgmon of San Saba; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be James Moody, Gene Moody, Leon Moody, Dale Moody, Glenn Moody and Shorty Moody. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ollie Dell Fitzgerald 1913-2001 Service for Ollie Dell Fitzgerald, 88, of Bridgeport was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Gary Beard and Ed Norton were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wilson Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Derrell Harris, James Cooper, Joe Harris, Chad Cooper, Shane Harris and Carl Ray Jones. Fitzgerald died Wednesday, June 6, 2001, in Bridgeport. Born March 27, 1913, in Paradise, she was a member of the Church of Christ. She married J.L. Fitzgerald on March 21, 1949, in Jacksboro. She was preceded in death by her two children, J. L. Brazier Jr. and Billie Joye Harris; five brothers and her sister. She is survived by her husband, J.L. Fitzgerald of Bridgeport; one daughter, Lornella Cooper of Decatur; five grandsons, Derrel Harris, Joe Harris, Shane Harris, all of Weatherford, James Cooper of Rendon and Chad Cooper of Boyd; two brothers, T.J. King of Chickasha, Okla. and Bill King of Hamilton; a son-in-law, Truman Harris of Weatherford; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Bruce Madeley 1949-2001 Service for David Bruce Madeley, 51, of Paradise, was Friday, June 8 at Pleasant View Baptist Church. The Rev. Gary Dimmitt officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery. Madeley died Tuesday, June 5, 2001, in Paradise. Born Aug. 8, 1949, in Garland, he was a graduate of Highland Park High School and a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport. He was a rancher and a sales representative in the arts and crafts industry. He was also a member of the National Reigning Horse Association, the American Cutting Horse Association and the National Cutting Horse Association. He is survived by his wife, Arda Lee Madeley of Paradise; his parents, George Neal and Marion Augustine Madeley of Highland Park; two sons, Michael Quincy Madeley of Lubbock and David Joseph Vickery and his wife Eva of Denton; two daughters, Marion Camille Madeley of San Antonio and Jacque Yvonne Vickery of Fort Worth; a brother, Robert Neal Madeley and his wife Linda of Dallas; a sister, Camille Augustine Madeley of Tennessee; a grandson, Dennis Christian-Lain Vickery and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Michael Madeley, David Vickery, Kenneth Thompson, Quincy Milo Thompson, Brett Surrage, Rick Patterson, Jeremy Spence, Mac Madeley, Henry Patton, Dale Denney and Rusty Denney. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Col. Robert E. ‘Bob’ Tinney 1930-2001 Service for Col. Robert E. "Bob" Tinney, 69 of Wichita Falls, was Wednesday, June 6 at Hampton Vaughn Crestview Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. Burial followed at Crestview Memorial Park. Tinney died Saturday, June 2, 2001, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Born Nov. 3, 1930, in Bird Hollow, Tinney was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. He grew up on a Wise County farm and attended Alvord public schools. He attended North Texas Agricultural College before transferring to Texas Tech University where he graduated in May, 1951. He and Wanda Hubert were married in August, 1950, in Alvord. Tinney served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years and received numerous awards and decorations. Following his voluntary retirement in 1974, he and his wife lived in Wichita Falls. He operated a ranch in Wise County, and then he and his brother, T.J. "Pete" Tinney of Wichita Falls, built and operated the Enco Truckstop north of Alvord for seven years. Tinney also worked for an economic development firm in California before returning to Wichita Falls in 1995 to pursue his fishing interests. Survivors are his wife, Wanda of Wichita Falls, three children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his brother, Pete of Wichita Falls. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Wichita Falls, P.O. Box 4804, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308. Wise County Messenger, June 10, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 14, 2001 Pauline V. White 1918-2001 Service for Pauline V. White, 82, of Boyd was Monday, June 11, at Boyd Church of Christ. Steve Weeks officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery. White died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Decatur. Born Nov. 13, 1918, in Boyd she was retired from White’s Supermarket. She was a lifetime resident of Boyd where she was a member of Boyd Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.A. White, on April 15, 2000; two grandsons, Charles Christopher Cooper and Henry Perkins Cooper; and a brother, Marvin Wilson. Survivors are her son, Ronnie White of Boyd; her daughter, Paula White of Boyd; two grandchildren, Forrest and Nicole; three great-grandchildren, Chris, Alexander and Olivia; one brother, W.T. Wilson of California; and four sisters, Belva Taylor of Decatur, Vera Schaeffer and Thelma Locke of Dallas and Lavelle White of Arlington. Pallbearers were George Mayfield, Jackie Read, Ronnie Harvey, Alvin Baker Jr., Gary Munn and Jimmy Wilson. Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billy Gene Boyd 1921-2001 Service for Billy Gene Boyd, 80, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. The Rev. Rusty Hedges was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Boyd died Sunday, June 10, 2001, in Decatur. Born April 27, 1921, in Decatur, to O.E. and Edith Boyd, he married Eva Jo Carl on April 11, 1941. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II. He worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth for 25 years and then opened a real estate office in Decatur with Ralph Wren. As a young man, he signed a minor league contract with the Fort Worth Cats and later helped form the local Little League program, acting as manager for several teams. He was past master of Masonic Lodge 447. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur and the Men’s Classes. Survivors are wife, Eva Jo (Carl) Boyd of Decatur; two sons and their wives, Gary Michael and Maureen Boyd of Bourne, Mass. and Billy Carl and Cindi Boyd of Houston; two brothers, Bobby Boyd of Decatur and Jack Boyd of Plano; two sisters, Helen Paschall of Denton and Jo Ann Grissom of Weatherford; three grandchildren, Chad Boyd of San Diego, Calif. and Lambert and Austin Boyd, both of Houston and several nieces and nephews . Pallbearers were to be Donald Brown, J.E. Carson, Willard Howell, Sam Renshaw, Bill Griggs, Clint Wiley, F.D. "Buddy" Jackson and Charlie Long. Honorary pallbearers were to be Wallis Champion, Joe Forman, Red Rawlings, Hollis Stewart, Harold Walker, Wayne Williamson, Bill Stone, Herbert White and Gayland Reed. Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opal Lee Kaker Absher 1909-2001 Service for Opal Lee Kaker Absher, 91, of Bridgeport was Monday, June 11 at First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery. Absher died Friday, June 8, 2001, in Richland Hills. Born Oct. 27, 1909, in Chico, she was a retired third-grade teacher who worked at Bridgeport ISD for 27 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, advisor in the Rainbow Girls Organization, a member of the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse, PTO, WSCS and was a former member of the Bridgeport Study Club. She was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her former husband of 37 years, Garland Kaker and four brothers and sisters, Ruth, Joe, Clifton and Grace. She is survived by a son, Sneed Kaker of Richland Hills; a daughter, Amyana Kaker Brenkus of Richardson; five grandchildren, Sneed Kaker II, Michael Kaker, Tonja Kaker Bailey, Christina Leigh Brenkus and Anthony Sloane Brenkus; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family requests that memorials be made to the Building Fund at FUMC in Bridgeport. Wise County Messenger, June 14, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, June 17, 2001 Myrtle Adams 1925-2001 Service for Myrtle Adams, 75, of Bridgeport, will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 18, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Kenneth Wood will officiate. Burial will follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Adams died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, in Decatur. Born July 1, 1925, in Grapevine, she was a retired sales clerk for J.C. Penney and Company. She married Fred C. Adams on June 19, 1949, in Grapevine and was a member of Crafton Baptist Church. Survivors are her husband of 52 years, Fred C. Adams; two sons, Sam Adams and wife, C.F. Smith and wife, Christina; a daughter, Regenia Alexander; two grandchildren, Kim Alexander and Aaron Smith; and a brother, J.C. Harris of Indiana. Pallbearers will be Sam Adams, Bill Adams, Butch Smith, Bob Adams, Aaron Smith and Donnie Edwards. Wise County Messenger, June 17, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- O. Evelyn Reed 1918-2001 Graveside service for O. Evelyn Reed, 82, formerly of Boyd will be Monday, June 18, at 1 p.m. at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Grayson County. Reed died Wednesday, June 14, 2001, in Keene. Born Sept. 4, 1918, in Achille, Okla., she formerly lived in Boyd for 25 years. She was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Deborah Jordan, Jennifer Reed and Chris Reed. She is survived by her husband, J.C. Reed of Keene; a daughter, Melba Bower of Keene; two sons, Eldon Reed of Trophy Club and Weldon Reed of Weatherford; three granddaughters, Cindy Ferris, Laura Biafore and Tracy Gehlbach; four grandsons, Ray Jordan Jr., Tim Reed, Jim Reed and Ryan Reed and five great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 17, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 21, 2001 Travis Martin Blassingame 1935-2001 Memorial service for Travis Martin Blassingame, 66, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, June 20, at First United Methodist Church in Boyd. The Rev. Bill May was to officiate. Blassingame died Saturday, June 16, 2001, in Boyd. Born June 13, 1935, in Fort Worth, he was retired from Dave Bloxsom Speed-Fab-Crete Company. He enjoyed rodeo riding, carpentry and wood burning. He was a sponsor for Diamond Hill Rodeo Club, past president and coach for North Texas Pee Wee Football, coach for Diamond Hill Little League Baseball and coach and umpire for girls’ softball leagues. He was also a member of the Old Timers Rodeo Cowboy Association. He was a Seabee in the Navy during the Korean War. Survivors are his wife, Lanna Blassingame of Boyd; three sons, Benny Blassingame of Azle, David Blassingame of Joshua and Russell Sullivan Green of Boyd; a daughter, LaCrissa Cedillo of Aledo; and 10 grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sue Nivens 1902-2001 Service for Sue Nivens, 98, of Bridgeport was Monday, June 18, at Alvord First Baptist Church. Dr. Bill Dye and the Rev. Bill Cleveland officiated. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery. Nivens died Friday, June 15, 2001, at home. Born Sept. 20, 1902, in Bell County, she was a retired teacher and postal clerk. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Bridgeport and the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Nivens, in 1985 and her parents, George and Alice Raley. Survivors are a daughter, Marylou Conquest and her husband, J. Lee; three grandchildren, Steve Jones, Sue Ann Denton and Vicki Niblett; six great grandchildren; and a sister, Leona Hardee. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leonia E. Pipes 1925-2001 Service for Leonia E. Pipes, 75, of Bridgeport will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 21, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Brother Marlin Weisner will officiate. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery. Pipes died Monday, June 18, 2001, at Trinity Care Center. Born Sept. 23, 1925, in Port Arthur, she moved from Woodville to Bridgeport seven years ago. She was a member of the Baptist church. Her husband, Walter Pipes Jr., preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Viola Harris of Aurora; a son, Willie Cropper of Woodville; nine grandchildren, Ann, Bobby, Marcy, Melonie, Paul, Michelle, Deanne and Waylon; 15 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Deloris Parker of Silsbee. Pallbearers will be Bobby Garman, Clifford Varnell, Willie Cropper Jr., Wade Shannon, Waylon Cropper and Chris Shannon. Honorary pallbearers will be Cade Varnell and Drake Varnell. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lola B. Fellers 1921-2001 Service for Lola B. Fellers, 80, formerly of Decatur, will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 22, at the House of Prayer in Gainesville. The Rev. R.G. Logan will officiate. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Decatur. Fellers died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, in Columbus, Kan. Born March 9, 1921, in Wise County, she was a nurse’s aide. She lived most of her life in the Gainesville and Decatur areas but was a resident of Weir, Kan. for the last 12 years. She married James Ernest Fellers in November 1942, in Decatur. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 1981. She was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Church in Weir. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Grace Alma Keen, two children, two sisters and three brothers. Survivors are three sons, James R. Fellers and Tommy Fellers of Weir and Steve Fellers of Baxter Springs, Kan; two daughters, Ruth Stevens of Weir and Carolyn Dunn of Houston; 13 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mavis Wandalene McNair 1930-2001 Service for Mavis Wandalene McNair, 71, of Chico, was Tuesday, June 19, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Ed Norton officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery. McNair died Saturday, June 16, 2001, in Decatur. Born Feb. 22, 1930, in Brady, she was a retired teacher’s aide. She married Ken Ross McNair in April 1948, and he preceded her in death Dec. 20, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her son, Vaugh Randall McNair. McNair was a member of the Chico Widows Club and the Chico Church of Christ. Survivors are a son, Vern McNair and his wife, Kimberly of Chico; a daughter, Pamela Fern Wells of Chico; four grandchildren, Cindy, Jessica, Tyler and Austin; a brother, Larry Pate; and a nephew, Warren Pate. Pallbearers were Michael Halbert, Bobby Bible, Dwain Psencik, Johnny McDaniel, Tyler McNair and Justin Hastings. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Couch, Glinn Morrow, J.L. Fitzgerald and Charlie Grill. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean Elizabeth McBride 1922-2001 Service for Jean Elizabeth McBride, 79, of Paradise was Tuesday at Paradise First Baptist Church. The Revs. Jack Vereen, Jim McKenzie and Robert Owensby officiated. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery. McBride died Saturday, June 16, 2001, at home. Born April 9, 1922, in Cottondale, she was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Paradise. She served on the board for Cottondale and Garvin cemeteries and was a Decatur Community Hospital Auxiliary volunteer for 10 years. She was also involved in Spirit of Christmas and other fund raising efforts throughout Wise County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Paradise. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hardie McBride, in 1992 and her son, Charles Edward Davis. Survivors are a son, Larry McBride and wife, Nelda, of Paradise; a daughter, Carol Meissner and husband, Ronny, of Paradise; grandchildren, Michael McBride of Paradise, David McBride of Jacksboro, Terry McBride of Breckenridge and Shawn Meissner of Pearland; nine great-grandchildren; and two brothers, George Davis of Yuma, Ariz. and Hoyt Davis of Fort Worth. The family suggests memorials to the Piano Fund at Paradise First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers were Harold Read, Truman Read, Sonny Read, Billy Gene Read, Bobby Clemans, Lonny Adams and Don Erwin. Honorary pallbearers were Sam Erwin, Phil Haynes, Coy Cleveland, Jerry Utley and Ed Black. Wise County Messenger, June 21, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 28, 2001 J.B. Cooper 1927-2001 Service for J.B. Cooper, 74, of Boyd was Monday, June 25 at Walnut Creek Baptist Church in Reno. Mike Stanley officiated. Cooper died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Boyd. Born June 17, 1927, in Garretts Bluff, he married Delores Brownlee Cooper on February 29, 1968, in Grapevine. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a retired U.S. Postal letter carrier and a member of the Baptist church. He is survived by his wife Delores Cooper of Boyd; five sons, Gary Hunt and wife Candy of Lewisville, Jim Hunt and wife Jana of Fort Worth, Les Hunt and wife Kelly of Arlington, Wayne Cooper of Houston and Mike Cooper of Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Walnut Creek Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society. Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zula Bell Eason 1917-2001 Service for Zula Bell Eason, 83, of Alvord was Tuesday, June 26, at First Baptist Church of Alvord. Gentry Castleman officiated, assisted by Ken Cates. Burial followed at Alvord Cemetery. Eason died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Bowie. Born Oct. 18, 1917, in Wise County, she was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She married Alvis N. Eason in Bowie on Dec. 21, 1935. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by a son, C. Curtis Eason of Huntsville, Ala.; a daughter, Lue Ella Jones of Alvord; a brother, O.C. Harper of Nocona; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Pat Campbell, Ricky Tow, Eddie Grundy, Douglas Jones, Lane Eason, Larry Eason and Jason Eason. Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Edna Beck 1912-2001 Service for Mary Edna Beck, 88, of Chico was to be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Jacksboro. Beck died Saturday, June 23, 2001, in Bridgeport. Born June 26, 1912, in Bomerton, Beck was a homemaker. She lived in Chico since 1968. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; daughter, Billie Manning; son, Bobby Beck; and son-in-law, Bobby Jackson. Survivors are a son, Charles D. Beck and his wife, Patsy; three daughters, Patsy Johnson and her husband, Perry, Margaret Jackson and Gail McCain and her husband, Butch; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Bill Victors. Pallbearers were to be Richard Thomas, Russell Johnson, Les McCain, Doyle Beck, Bill Jackson and Bobby Manning. Honorary pallbearers were to be Patrick Johnson, Ricky McCain, Charles Beck and Ronnie Thomas. Wise County Messenger, June 28, 2001 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------