Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger, January, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Thursday, January 3, 2002 Brandon Michael Dale Hothouse 2001 Graveside service for Brandon Michael Dale Hothouse, the infant child of Johnny and Anetta Hothouse of Chico, was Tuesday, Dec. 25, at Chulio Cemetery in Stilwell, Okla. Hothouse was born Nov. 27, 2001, and died Dec. 22, 2001. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Willis Hothouse, and two great grandparents, Katie Ponder and John Hothouse. He is survived by his parents, Johnny and Anetta Hothouse of Chico; a brother, Johnny III; a sister, Patricia Faye; a half-brother, Johnny Jr.; a half sister, Sheena; grandparents, L.D. and Margie Moore and Georgetta and Jimmie Thomas; great-grandparents, Hester Carroine, George and Faye Leach, James Ponder and Dollie Dawson; and several aunts and uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, Dec. 30, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Noah Warren Wilson 2001 Graveside service for Noah Warren Wilson, the infant son of Sonny and Nita Wilson of Newark, was Friday, Dec. 28, at Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. Bill Childs officiated. The infant died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, in Fort Worth. Born Nov. 21, 2001, in Fort Worth, he is survived by his parents; two sisters, Tabitha and Courtney Wilson; his grandparents, Ricky and Terrie Youngblood of Newark, Deborah Bullard of Fort Worth and Mary Wilson of Azle; his great-grandparents, Betty Youngblood and Bobby and Faye Bullard, all of Newark and numerous aunts and uncles. Wise County Messenger, Dec. 30, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, January 6, 2002 Christine Dickey 1941-2002 Graveside service for Christine Dickey, 60, of Rhome was Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, at Aurora Cemetery. Scooter Gierisch officiated. Dickey died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, in Rhome. Born Jan. 28, 1941, in Justin, she was a homemaker. She married Raymond Dickey on Feb. 26, 1971, in Durant, Okla. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Dickey of Rhome; three sons, Tony Ray Dickey of Decatur, Steve Seagraves of Arkansas and Joey Dickey of Sunset; two daughters, Cricket Walden of Forestburg and Kathey Dickey of Decatur; two brothers, Buddy Dietzmann and James Dietzman, both of Justin; one sister, Vi Gierish of Roanoke; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas Larry Sloas 1944-2002 Service for Thomas Larry Sloas, 57, of Fort Worth was Friday, Jan. 4, at Biggers Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Saginaw Cemetery. Sloas died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Aug. 20, 1944, in Winfield, Ala., he was an owner of Busby’s Nursery and loved woodworking and having barbecues with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary Busby Sloas of Fort Worth; two sons, Danny Keith Sloas and his wife Christine and James Jerome Sloas and his wife Irais of Newark; three daughters, Yvonne Kegley and her husband Dan, and Tammy Lynn Connally, both of Richland Hills and Denise Sloas of Newark; two stepchildren, Cindy Jacobs of Boyd and Shelley King of Azle; his mother, Hazel Sloas of Newark; a brother, Bill Sloas of Newark; two sisters, Deborah Morton of Newark and Linda Renee Sloas of Decatur and six grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florence Hardee 1916-2002 Service for Florence Hardee, 85, of Burleson and a native of Decatur, was to be Monday, Jan. 7, at noon at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel in Fort Worth. Hardee died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 1, 1916, in Decatur, Hardee retired from General Dynamics after 26 years as a chauffeur in the transportation department. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burleson and Esther Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Murrill Hardee in 1997, and by her brothers, Floyd, Sam and Dick Lambert. She is survived by her daughters, Mae Jolene Smith of Burleson and Marlene Henricks of Lubbock; a stepdaughter, Janet Nabours of Montague; a stepson, Tom Hardee of Saginaw; one brother, O.W. (Sonny) Lambert of Levelland; four sisters, Ruby Smith of Denton, Lorene Dickinson of Washington state, Billiee Underwood of Sanger and Betty Caraway of Midland; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evelyn Mount McCaleb 1908-2002 Graveside service for Evelyn Mount McCaleb, 93, of Chico was to be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Mount Cemetery in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox was to officiate. McCaleb died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Decatur. Born Aug. 20, 1908, in Chico, she was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Chico. She married Thomas Sherman McCaleb who preceded her in death in 1971. She was a member of the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church of Chico. She is survived by her twin sons, Ronald Pierce Eakle and Donald Paul Eakle and his wife Deanna; a sister, Kathryn Rowland; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ellen Domine and a great-grandson, Jaryd Stone Domine. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jessie Mae Autrey 1925-2002 Service for Jessie Mae Autrey, 76, of Boyd was Thursday, Jan. 3, at the First Assembly of God Church in Azle. The Rev. Ted LeCrone officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove #2 Cemetery. Autrey died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001 in Lake Worth. Born April 14, 1925, in Hollywood, Ark., Autrey was a resident of Boyd for 20 years. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Azle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Ray Autrey. She is survived by six daughters, Mavine Meason of Azle, Martha Frame and husband Mervin of Boyd, Patsy Manning and husband Ronny of Azle, Linda Jenkins and husband Louis of Boyd, Brenda Chaney of Fort Worth and Beverly Harvey and her husband Kenneth of Azle; three sisters, Annilee Conanct of Arkadelphia, Ark., Mary Easley of Seagraves, Gladys Bird of Gurdon, Ark.; her brother, Benny Smith of Seagraves; 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William M. ‘Bill’ Reynolds Jr. 1942-2002 Service for William M. "Bill" Reynolds Jr., 59, of Boyd was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. The Revs. Steve Richardson and Larry Nicholson were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Keeter Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be David Ruiz, Michael Rawlings, Gig Benton, Clay Benton, Tom Underwood, Danny Benton, Lamar Tilson and Mike Martin. Honorary pallbearers were to be Jay Erickson, Mike Wilson, Ron Miller, Konrad Gwaltney, Chon Guilez and Richard Guilez. Reynolds died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Decatur. Born Dec. 26, 1942, in Alamogordo, N.M., he had been a Boyd resident for 25 years. He married Pattie Daehnke Reynolds on Jan. 24, 1970, in Bellwood, Ill. He worked for Allied Van Lines as safety manager. He was president of the Methodist Men’s Group and the voice of the Boyd Yellowjackets for 13 years until illness forced him to retire. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Joe Gonzales. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pattie Reynolds of Boyd; a son, Max Reynolds; two daughters, LaVonne Reynolds and Natalie Walls and husband Lee; three grandchildren, Brittany Walls, Lorin Walls and Kaitlyn Reynolds and numerous cousins. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loyd Archie Smith 1915-2002 Service for Loyd Archie Smith, 86, of Alvord was Friday, Jan. 4, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Sam Redfern officiated, assisted by Brit Smith. Burial followed at Sycamore Cemetery in Wise County. Pallbearers were Perman Smith, J.R. Hampton, Clarence Lantham, Ralph May, Bobby Baccus, Bobby Harris and Herbert Taylor. Smith died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Alvord. Born July 21, 1915, in Denton County, he was a farmer. He married Myrl Lorene Thomas Dec. 24, 1936, in Denton. He was an Army veteran and a member of the Antioch Baptist Church in Aubrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers and two great-grandsons. He is survived by his wife, Myrl, of Alvord; a son, Bill L. Smith of Decatur; a brother, R.D. Smith of Porum, Okla.; one grandson, Brit Smith of Red Oak; a granddaughter, Paula Weatherly and one great-granddaughter, Brandi Nicole Moles of Balsora. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rosa Annis Rosier Batten 1915-2002 Service for Rosa Annis Rosier Batten, 86, of Bryan was to be Saturday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m. at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. The Revs. Bruce Wood and Glen Conner were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wixon Cemetery. She was the mother of Mary Nell South of Decatur. Batten died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Bryan. Born April Sept. 28, 1915, in Madison County, Batten retired from Bryan Independent School District food service and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.L. "Punk" Batten. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Nell South of Decatur, Florence Richards and husband Doug of Bryan, Deborah Hicks and husband John of Franklin and Pat Batten of Bryan; her sons, Billy Joe and wife Patricia Batten of Sugarland, L.G. "Dicky" and wife Carolyn Batten of Huntsville, George and wife Kay Batten of Kurten and Henry and wife Jamie Batten of Huntsville, James Lee and wife Sandy of the Tabor community; her brothers, Ray Samuel Rosier and wife Stazie of Dalhart, Sigal Rosier and wife Ruby of Bryan, Glenn Rosier and wife Maryann of Woodville; her sisters, Amy Kurten of the Kurten community and Mackie Bell Mitchell of Bryan; sisters-in-law, Hazel and Lena Rosier, both of Bryan; 29 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie Harold Cox 1926-2002 Service for Willie Harold Cox, 75, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Bo Blakey was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery Number 3 in Chico. Cox died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born July 7, 1926, in Chico, he had been a Bridgeport resident since 1961. He was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Masonic Lodge No. 587, Alvord Chapter and Council, and Southside Commandery No. 83 York Rite. He was former secretary of the Texas State Association of Letter Carriers. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Davis Cox in 1953, and his second wife, Dorothy Silvia Cox in 1985. He is survived by two sons, William "Bill" Cox of Killeen and Jon Cox and wife Rachel of Bedford; two daughters, Carolyn Triplett and husband Paul of Bowie and Traci Carroll and husband Jeremy of Bridgeport; two brothers, Ray Cox and wife Nelda of Bridgeport and Cecil Cox and wife Kyong of Anaheim, Calif.; a sister, Janet Canova and husband Eugene of Bridgeport; four grandchildren, Michelle Blann, Mindy Suri, Elizabeth and Corbet Cox; one great granddaughter, Sydney Blann and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nora Melear Brammer 1915-2002 Service for Nora Melear Brammer, 86, of Rhome was Friday, Jan. 4, at Rhome Church of Christ. Robert Bostick officiated. Burial followed in Aurora Cemetery. Brammer died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born April 27, 1915, in Devilla, she married B.W. Brammer Jan. 4, 1936, in Wise County. She was a member of the Rhome Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 28, 1994. She is survived by two sons, Leslie Brammer and wife Sarah and William Doyle Brammer; her daughters Deanna Green and husband Harrell, Linda Scott and Debra Blackburn and husband Joe; her brothers, Dewey Melear and Sam Melear; her sister, Ruth Seaberry; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-granchildren and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna Jo Milan 1928-2002 Graveside service for Anna Jo Milan, 73, a native of Chico will be Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m. at Chico Cemetery. Milan died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Jan. 6, 1928, in Chico, Milan graduated in 1945 from Chico High School as valedictorian. She was a member of the Edge Park United Methodist Church of Fort Worth since 1960 and was a former Sunday school teacher. She was a secretary at Wesco Refracteries until her retirement in 2000. She is survived by her three children, Janee Abrey of Dallas, Joey Milan and wife Leslie of Granbury and Paul Milan of Fort Worth; granddaughters, Shannon Milan of Arlington and Kinsey Cumba of Lubbock; a brother, Wayne Myers of Houston and a sister, LaNelle Stratton of Fort Worth. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Myrtie Maggie Sizemore Groves 1917-2002 Service for Myrtie Maggie Sizemore Groves, 84, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker and Gentry Castleman officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were J.R. Groves, Bobby Holt, Clinton Wise, Larry Wise, Roger Wise and Roland Wise. Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Bradley, Davy Donnell, David Duncan, Lee Alan Moody, Fred Thompkins and Jamey Thompkins. Groves died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, in Decatur. Born Aug. 15, 1917, in Seymour, she was a homemaker and long-time resident of Bridgeport. She married J.W. Groves on Sept. 21, 1940. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Groves in 1991; a sister, Mary Ella Sizemore Holt and five brothers, G.W., Jim, George, Jess and Frank Sizemore. She is survived by a daughter, Judy Morrow and her husband Larry of Bridgeport; a son, Gerald Groves of Bridgeport; grandchildren, Cody Morrow and Kayla Nichols and husband David; two great-grandchildren, Tiphanee and Toby Nichols and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary ‘Butch’ Kennedy 1941-2002 Graveside service for Gary "Butch" Kennedy, 60, of Boyd was to be Saturday, Jan. 5, at 1:30 p.m. in Azleland Cemetery. Kennedy died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born June 11, 1941, in Dublin, Kennedy was previously employed with a general contractor at Lockheed Martin. He was preceded in death by his father, William Perry Kennedy; mother, Otis Juanita Kennedy and brother-in-law, Billy Ray Lee. He is survived by his wife, Linda Jane Kennedy of Boyd; sisters, Anita Joyce Lee of Reno and Mary Margaret Williams and husband Roy of Boyd; brothers, Rickey Lee Kennedy and Boyce Earl Kennedy and wife Toni, all of San Angelo; his sons, Gary Wayne Kennedy and wife Karen of Benbrook, Kenneth William Kennedy and wife Dee-Dee of Fort Worth and Michael James Bullard and wife Katie of Fort Polk, La. and one daughter, Crystal Michelle Bullard of Boyd. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jettie Irene Scott 1902-2002 Service for Jettie Irene Scott, 99, of Buhler, Kan. was Monday, Dec. 31, at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, Okla. The Rev. Bob Atwood officiated. Entombment followed at Floral Haven Mausoleum in Broken Arrow, Okla. She was the mother of Ellas Jane Dizier of Decatur. Scott died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in Hutchinson, Kan. Born Sept. 28, 1902, in Uniontown, Ark. to James McClain and Rhoda Jane (Thompson) Wood, she was the first graduate at Roland High School. She continued her education at Northeastern State University at Tahlequah, Okla., where she earned her bachelor of science degree. She married Rosser A. Scott June 4, 1927, in Tahlequah. She spent most of her working life as a schoolteacher at many schools in southeastern Oklahoma, including Broken Arrow. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Owasso and had been involved in many activities at the Baptist Retirement Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rosser A. Scott in October of 1989; her son, Rosser Paul Scott in January of 1994; three brothers and four sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Ann Gregory of Buhler, Kan. and Ella Jane Dozier of Decatur; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and a daughter-in-law, Juanita Scott of Seminole, Okla. Pallbearers were Jonathan Gregory, David Gregory, Dana Scott, John Bailey Scott, Sam Sasser and Steve Sasser. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Gregory, Timothy Gregory, Rossie Scott and Tom Scott. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, January 10, 2002 Thomas Oates Rattan 1928-2002 Graveside service for Thomas Oates Rattan, 73, of Decatur was Monday, Jan. 7 at Melissa Cemetery in Collin County. Rattan died on Jan. 5, 2002 in Decatur. Born on Jan. 21, 1928, in McKinney to T.E. and Laura Frances Rattan, he was a member of the First Christian Church. He farmed in Anna after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1948. He moved to Decatur in 1959 to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and served one term as Wise County Commissioner. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Shriner and a KCCH. Rattan was preceded in death by a daughter, Victoria Sager. He is survived by his wife Karen Rattan of Decatur; a son, Andy Rattan; daughters, Mona Hurley and Rebecca Bishop; a sister, Tidge Howell and husband Bill of Cumming, Ga.; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna Jo Milan 1928-2002 Graveside service for Anna Jo Milan, 73, a native of Chico, was to be Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m. at Chico Cemetery. Milan died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Jan. 6, 1928, in Chico, Milan graduated in 1945 from Chico High School as valedictorian. She was a member of the Edge Park United Methodist Church of Fort Worth since 1960 and was a former Sunday school teacher. She was a secretary at Wesco Refracteries until her retirement in 2000. She is survived by her three children, Janee Abrey of Dallas, Joey Milan and wife Leslie of Granbury and Paul Milan of Fort Worth; granddaughters, Shannon Milan of Arlington and Kinsey Cumba of Lubbock; a brother, Wayne Myers of Houston and a sister, LaNelle Stratton of Fort Worth. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Myrtie Maggie Sizemore Groves 1917-2001 Service for Myrtie Maggie Sizemore Groves, 84, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker and Gentry Castleman officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were J.R. Groves, Bobby Holt, Clinton Wise, Larry Wise, Roger Wise and Roland Wise. Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Bradley, Davy Donnell, David Duncan, Lee Alan Moody, Fred Thompkins and Jamey Thompkins. Groves died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, in Decatur. Born Aug. 15, 1917, in Seymour, she was a homemaker and long-time resident of Bridgeport. She married J.W. Groves on Sept. 21, 1940. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Groves in 1991; a sister, Mary Ella Sizemore Holt and five brothers, G.W., Jim, George, Jess and Frank Sizemore. She is survived by a daughter, Judy Morrow and her husband Larry of Bridgeport; a son, Gerald Groves of Bridgeport; grandchildren, Cody Morrow and Kayla Nichols and husband David; two great-grandchildren, Tiphanee and Toby Nichols and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jennie Holt 1921-2002 Service for Jennie Holt, 76, of Aubrey was to be Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Cooper Creek Baptist Church in Denton. The Rev. Bobby Bryan was to officiate. Burial was to follow at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Holt died Monday, Jan. 7, 2002, in Denton. Born July 24, 1921, in Chico to Datus and Lora Nell Tompkins Gann, she was a housewife. She married H.F. Meeks on Nov. 7, 1942. She married Harold Holt on July 3, 1964, in Decatur. She was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Chico in 1939 and was a member of the Cooper Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her first husband, H.F. Meeks, her second husband, Harold Holt in 1998 and a daughter, Ann Biggerstaff. She is survived by two daughters, Nita Davis and Jean Beard, both of Aubrey; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jessie Mae Autrey 1925-2001 Service for Jessie Mae Autrey, 76, of Boyd was Thursday, Jan. 3, at the First Assembly of God Church in Azle. The Rev. Ted LeCrone officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove #2 Cemetery. Autrey died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001 in Lake Worth. Born April 14, 1925, in Hollywood, Ark., Autrey was a resident of Boyd for 20 years. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Azle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Ray Autrey. She is survived by six daughters, Mavine Meason of Azle, Martha Frame and husband Mervin of Boyd, Patsy Manning and husband Ronny of Azle, Linda Jenkins and husband Louis of Boyd, Brenda Chaney of Fort Worth and Beverly Harvey and her husband Kenneth of Azle; three sisters, Annilee Conanct of Arkadelphia, Ark., Mary Easley of Seagraves, Gladys Bird of Gurdon, Ark.; her brother, Benny Smith of Seagraves; 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christine Dickey 1941-2001 Graveside service for Christine Dickey, 60, of Rhome was Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, at Aurora Cemetery. Scooter Gierisch officiated. Dickey died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, in Rhome. Born Jan. 28, 1941, in Justin, she was a homemaker. She married Raymond Dickey on Feb. 26, 1971, in Durant, Okla. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Dickey of Rhome; three sons, Tony Ray Dickey of Decatur, Steve Seagraves of Arkansas and Joey Dickey of Sunset; two daughters, Cricket Walden of Forestburg and Kathey Dickey of Decatur; two brothers, Buddy Dietzmann and James Dietzman, both of Justin; one sister, Vi Gierish of Roanoke; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florence Hardee 1916-2002 Service for Florence Hardee, 85, of Burleson and a native of Decatur, was Monday, Jan. 7, at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel in Fort Worth. Hardee died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 1, 1916, in Decatur, Hardee retired from General Dynamics after 26 years as a chauffeur in the transportation department. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burleson and the Esther Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Murrill Hardee in 1997, and by her brothers, Floyd, Sam and Dick Lambert. She is survived by her daughters, Mae Jolene Smith of Burleson and Marlene Henricks of Lubbock; a stepdaughter, Janet Nabours of Montague; a stepson, Tom Hardee of Saginaw; one brother, O.W. (Sonny) Lambert of Levelland; four sisters, Ruby Smith of Denton, Lorene Dickinson of Washington state, Billie Underwood of Sanger and Betty Caraway of Midland; 14 grandchildren, including Rick, Steve, Mickey, Donald and Renee McMaster of Decatur; 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frances Arnold Colvin 1917-2002 Service for Frances Arnold Colvin, 84, of Fort Worth was Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Shannon North Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Colvin died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born July 15, 1917, in McAlester, Okla., she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Newark and the Newark Senior Citizens. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.L. "Brad" Colvin in 1984. She is survived by three children, Bobby Colvin of Massachusetts, Betty Gallegos and Charlotte McAlister, both of Fort Worth; two sisters, Faye Webb of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Rossie Hammerstein of San Jose, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The family requests memorials be made to Vitas Hospice, 2501 Parkview Drive, Suite 600 in Fort Worth, Texas, 76102. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Granson Rohus 1919-2002 Service is pending for Paul Granson Rohus, 82, of Bridgeport. Rohus died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 10, 1919, in Hedley, he had resided in the Bridgeport area the past 18 years. He was a retired auto body repairman and a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II. He married Derestine Hipp in 1946. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Derestine Rohus of Bridgeport; four daughters, Paula Rohus of Fort Worth, Debbie Strittmatter of Jacksboro, Judy Rohus and Joann Rohus; a sister, Kitty Chappelle of Whitney; a grandson, Derek Pryor of Antelope; a great-grandson, Bogie Pryor of Antelope and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roy Leon Maness 1940-2002 Service for Roy Leon Maness, 62, of Dalhart was Tuesday, Jan. 8 at White’s Funeral Home Chapel in Springtown. He was the brother of C.G. Maness of Decatur. Maness died on Jan. 1, 2002, in Dalhart. Born in 1940 in Weatherford, he retired from the U.S. Air Force in April 1977. Survivors include a son, William Shannon Maness of Pinney Flats, Tenn; daughters, Holly Lumpkins of Springtown and April Broyles of Jonesborough, Tenn.; brothers, C.G. Maness of Decatur, James Lloyd Maness of Littleton, Colo., Valton L. Maness and Larry W. Maness, both of Springtown; five grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jettie Irene Scott 1902-2001 Service for Jettie Irene Scott, 99, of Buhler, Kan. was Monday, Dec. 31, at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, Okla. The Rev. Bob Atwood officiated. Entombment followed at Floral Haven Mausoleum in Broken Arrow, Okla. She was the mother of Ellas Jane Dizier of Decatur. Scott died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in Hutchinson, Kan. Born Sept. 28, 1902, in Uniontown, Ark. to James McClain and Rhoda Jane (Thompson) Wood, she was the first graduate at Roland High School. She continued her education at Northeastern State University at Tahlequah, Okla., where she earned her bachelor of science degree. She married Rosser A. Scott June 4, 1927, in Tahlequah. She spent most of her working life as a schoolteacher at many schools in southeastern Oklahoma, including Broken Arrow. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Owasso and had been involved in many activities at the Baptist Retirement Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rosser A. Scott in October of 1989; her son, Rosser Paul Scott in January of 1994; three brothers and four sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Ann Gregory of Buhler, Kan. and Ella Jane Dozier of Decatur; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and a daughter-in-law, Juanita Scott of Seminole, Okla. Pallbearers were Jonathan Gregory, David Gregory, Dana Scott, John Bailey Scott, Sam Sasser and Steve Sasser. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Gregory, Timothy Gregory, Rossie Scott and Tom Scott. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vernon Delano O’Neill 1932-2002 Service for Vernon Delano O’Neill, 69, of Newark will be Thursday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Garden Chapel in Fort Worth. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at the DFW National Cemetery. O’Neill died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, in Fort Worth. He was born Aug. 2, 1932, in Wellston, Mo., to Frank and Edith O’Neill. He married Pat Moore Sept. 4, 1954. He served in the National Guard from 1948 to 1950 before joining the Air Force. As a senior master sergeant, he retired in 1977 after a successful career in the service where he earned several honors and awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal for 'meritorious achievement.' He assisted in the modifications of a pressure suit and pressurization system which gave freedom and relief to a Dallas homemaker suffering from polio. After he retired from the service, he worked as a foreman for Martin Sprocket. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Francis; a sister, Eileen and brothers-in-law Sid Moore and Chuck Moore. He is survived by his wife, Pat O’Neill of Newark; a son, William O’Neill and wife Sue of Denton; three daughters, Beth Homan and husband Bill of Anthony, N.M., Suzanne O’Neill Foxworth of Rhome and Lisa O’Neill Brogan and husband Keith of Carrollton; six granddaughters, Leigh Anne and Hailey Foxworth, Jessie and Madison O’Neill and Samantha and Megan Homan; a sister-in-law, LaVada Moore of Godley; two sisters, Mary O’Neill of Tempe, Ariz. and Kathy Trimble of Long Beach, Calif. and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests that memorials be made to Emery Lilge Hospice House, 301 Medpark in Burleson. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, January 13, 2002 Ima Gilley Coker 1912-2002 Graveside service for Ima Gilley Coker, 89, of Paradise was to be Sunday, Jan. 13, at 4:30 p.m. at Paradise Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate. Coker died Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, in Decatur. Born Oct. 12, 1912, in Reno, she had resided in the Paradise community since 1922. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She is survived by two sons, Alfred Williams and Grady Williams and wife Sharon; her daughters, Vonciel Cash, Mary Cash, Vada Skiles and husband Billy G., Dean Bouchillon and husband Bob and Trula Verner; her sister Eula Mae Key; 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilda Geralding Culpepper 1924-2002 Service for Hilda Geraldine Culpepper, 77, of Aubrey was Friday, Jan. 11, at the Mulkey-Mason/Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in Denton. The Rev. Bruce Chamberlain officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Culpepper died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Denton. Born Sept. 20, 1924, in Paducah, Culpepper graduated from Bowie High School and Texas Woman’s University. She married L.N. "Pat" Culpepper in Bridgeport Dec. 20, 1942. She retired from the Denton State School. She was a member of the Highland Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.N. "Pat" Culpepper, May 7, 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Galyon of Aubrey; a son, Danny Culpepper of Denton; her sisters, Marjorie Dean and Jimmie Payne, both of Lubbock; her brother, Kay Don Spurgin of Hereford; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melodye Toniett Brooks Stinnett 1964-2002 Service for Melodye Toniett Brooks Stinnett, 37, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Joe Richardson, Ray Cook and Melvin Castleberry were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Thomas Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Melvin Castleberry, Jerry York, Coy McIlroy, Michael Kinsey, Thomas Kinsey and Leif Peyton. Honorary pallbearers were to be Billy Wiley and Tommy David Brooks. Stinnett died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born July 25, 1964, in Bridgeport, she was a lifetime resident of Wise County and was a licensed vocational nurse at Sunny Hills Nursing Center in Decatur. She married Jimmy Stinnett on April 10, 1993, in Bridgeport. She was a member of the East Mound Church of Christ and also attended Carpenter Street Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Stinnett; a son, Joseph Edward Denney; a daughter, Amber Michele Denney; her parents, Joseph David and Carolyn Brooks; grandparents, Jena O’Dell and Annie Lee Brooks; a brother, Tommy David Brooks and his wife Michele; a sister, Carolyn Joy Brooks and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Clement Rose 1920-2002 Service for James Clement Rose, 81, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Jan. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Revs. Joe Motsenbocker and Bruce Anderson were to officiate. A graveside service will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. at Dilley Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Bill Gholson, Carlos Pitts, Marvin Parker, Ken Whitt, Bob Spence and Tommy Spencer. Rose died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, in Dallas. Born Sept. 1, 1920, in Dime Box, he was a retired U.S. Air Force major. He married Wanda Poe on Sept. 1, 1971, in Abilene. He belonged to the AARP, was a lifetime member of the American Legion and DAV. He was also a member of the Hosanna Baptist Church. Rose was preceded in death by a son, Ted Rose. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Rose; five sons, Tawn Allen Rose, Jim Rose, Charley Rose, Jimmy Wayne Kelso and Larry Don Kelso; two daughters, Beth Wills and Diane Rose; two brothers, Art Rose and Conrad Rose; two sisters, Evelyn Rose Carugno and Hansel Mills; 15 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stuart Henderson 1907-2002 Graveside service for Stuart Henderson, 94, of Decatur was Friday, Jan. 11, at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Taylor officiated. Henderson died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 28, 1907, in Kimball County, he was a rancher. He married Virginia Renshaw in 1929 at Menard. He is survived by a son, Jimmy Henderson of Decatur; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, January 17, 2002 J.W. ‘Dick’ Martin 1916-2002 Service for J.W. "Dick" Martin, 85, of Boyd was to be Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. The Rev. Steve Richardson was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Lanny Gill, Tommy Earnest, Jack Shepherd, Rusty Atkins and Brad and Chad Martin. Martin died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Decatur. Born Aug. 16, 1916, in Rush Springs, Okla., he was retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. after 20 years of service in Henrietta and was an antique dealer. Martin married Sue Myrick Jan. 31, 1973, in Waurika, Okla. He was a former city councilman and school board member in Henrietta. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 24 years, Hettie Mae Green; his brother, Orval Martin and his sister, Amy Dickerson. He is survived by his wife Sue Martin of Boyd; his son, Hardy Martin and wife Cathy of Dallas; his daughter, Jane Hulsey and husband Frank of Colleyville; eight grandchildren, Brad, Chad, Julie and Jill Martin, all of Dallas and Jaime, Heather, Lacey and Lauren Hulsey, all of Colleyville; one great-grandchild, Tyler Ray Martin; and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Valerie Tate Scott 1951-2002 A memorial service for Valerie Tate Scott, 50, of Bridgeport will be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish will officiate. Scott died on Jan. 9, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 4, 1951, in Walla Walla, Wash., she was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Scott of Bridgeport; three sons, Zachary Erwin Scott of Bridgeport, and Adam and Matthew Tate of Sumner, Wash.; daughters, April Evers and Tammy Snyder of Tacoma, Wash.; a brother, Guy Peelle of Washington; a sister, Gail Bingham of Washington and grandchildren, Eli Evers and Quinton Snyder. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Memry Funchess Cleveland 1906-2002 Service for Memry Funchess Cleveland, 95, of Paradise was to be Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Gerald Cleveland was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Paradise Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Leslie Oates, Stetson Oates, Robert Cleveland, Travis Cleveland, Nathan Cleveland and Bobby Hudson. Cleveland died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 29, 1906, in Paradise, she was a retired Paradise U.S. Post Office clerk. She married Bob Cleveland Dec. 24, 1924, in Cottondale. She was a charter member of the Paradise Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Robert Cleveland; two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Valeria Lewis of Decatur, seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LaJune Green 1920-2002 Service for LaJune Green, 81, of Round Top, the mother of Edward Green of Chico, will be Thursday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant View Baptist Church. The Rev. Gary Demmitt will officiate. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery. Green died Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, in Fayette. Born June 7, 1920, in Indiahoma, Okla., she was a homemaker. She married Cecil "PeeWee" Green on Feb. 5, 1943 in Harlingen. They were married 58 years. She was past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star and a member of the Round Top Christian Fellowship Church. She was preceded in death by three brothers, one grandchild and one son-in law. She is survived by her husband, Cecil Green of Round Top; a son, Edward Green of Chico; two daughters, Betty L. Ello of Walhalla and Sherry L. Peck of Round Top; two brothers, Ernest Lee of San Antonio and Robert Lee of Houston; a sister, Eddie Mae Hunt of Brazoria; a half-sister, Edna Marie Sawyer of Pleasanton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family requests that memorials be made to the Round Top Christian Fellowship Building Fund. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Maude Nixon 1924-2002 Graveside service for Alice Maude Nixon, 77, of Fort Worth will be Thursday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit, La. Nixon died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born March. 18, 1924, in Quitman, she was a homemaker. She married Paul Nixon in 1951 and he preceded her in death in 1981. She is survived by three sons, Kenneth Phillips, Sr. of Alvord, Larry Nixon of Fort Worth and Paul Edward Nixon of Princeton, La.; one daughter, Anna Kates of Fort Worth; two brothers, Roy Nichols of Orlando, Fla., and Jesse Nichols of Coushatta, La.; three sisters, Lucille Sheppard of Fort Worth, Ida Rieas of St. Amante, La., and Patricia Smith of Gonzalas, La.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Utoka Hudson 1917-2002 Service for Utoka Hudson, 84, of Paradise, was to be Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Gerald Cleveland and Gary Beard were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Paradise Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Jimmy Walker, Donald Fitzgerald, Tommy Fitzgerald, B. J. Fitzgerald, Bobby Shepard and Marion Weger. Hudson died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Decatur. Born Dec. 7, 1917, in Bridgeport, Hudson lived in the Paradise community for 49 years. She was the retired owner/operator of Hudson Grocery in Paradise. She married John Elmer Hudson Aug. 16, 1941, in Decatur. She was a member of the Paradise Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband, John Elmer Hudson; two sons, Johnny Hudson and wife Sue and James Hudson and wife Sharron; her grandchildren, Karen Ravon, Keith Hudson and Ashley Hudson; great-grandchildren, John Duke and Word B. Hudson and Raychel Ravon; her brother, J. L. Hoss Fitzgerald; her sisters, Dona Shepard and Pauline Shannon; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Norine ‘Mama’ Miller 1915-2002 Service for Norine "Mama" Miller, 86, of Fort Worth and formerly of the Paradise/Cottondale area, was Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Mount Olivet Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Paradise Cemetery. Miller died Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born June 18, 1915, in Marion County, Alabama, she was a homemaker. She is survived by a daughter, Diane Bryant of Fort Worth; a sister, Myrtle Barnett of Lake Worth; two grandchildren, Angie Ramos and husband Richard and Shelly Bryant-Horton, both of Fort Worth and two great-grandchildren, Chase Bryant-Horton of Fort Worth and Sunny Bryant-Horton of San Marcos. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naomi Connelley Fawver 1911-2002 Cryptside service for Naomi Connelley Fawver, 90, of Decatur, was to be Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. in Greenwood Mausoleum. Fawver died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 22, 1911, in Rocky, Okla. she was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey Fawver; a son, Bobby Glen Fawver; two sisters; three brothers and her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Russell and husband Ken of Decatur; grandchildren, Mike Russell and wife Geri, of Crowley, Tanya Holloway and husband, Derwood, of Decatur and Teena Tedford and husband Mark of Bedford; sister, Geneva Cockrell and husband, Hurlon, of Floydada; great grandchildren, Chandra, Levi, Leah, Megan and Grant; great-great-grandchild, Preston and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Margie Marie Ratliff 1928-2002 Service for Margie Marie Ratliff, 74, of Boyd will be Thursday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery. Ratliff died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Jan. 10, 1928, in Fort Cobb, Okla., she was a banker. She married Leonard D. Ratliff on Dec. 30, 1945, in Decatur. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. She went to work for what was then Continental State Bank in Boyd in the mid 1960s. She later worked for Boyd Bank, a branch of the First National Bank of Bridgeport. She was an active member of her church, serving on the building committee and helped for many years with the annual Lord’s Acre. She worked for many years to raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association and helped plan Wise County’s first American Heart Walk. She was a longtime supporter of the Wise County Youth Fair and represented her bank as a buyer in the annual Youth Fair auction. She was also involved in activities at Boyd schools, both with her children and grandchildren. She was instrumental in getting the Boyd Community Center constructed and helped raise funds for the All Wise Academic Team. She is survived by her husband, Leonard of Boyd; two sons, Wayne and wife Karen Ratliff and Robert and wife Linda Ratliff, both of Boyd; a daughter, Judy Clement of Alvord; three brothers, J.C. and Billy Wayne Stone, both of Decatur and Don Stone of Rendon; three sisters, Mary Jo Lasater of Missouri, Betty Mae Sharp of Midland and Mona Jean Mitchum of Bridgeport and seven grandchildren, Kathy, Kristen, Laura, Katie, Derrick, Logan and Austin. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, January 20, 2002 Blanche Lucille Wharton 1913-2002 Service for Blanche Lucille Wharton, 88, of Bridgeport is Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are Bryan Wayne, Bryan Blackwell, Steve Cooke, Curt Williamson, Ronnie Pewitt and Jerry Stinnett. Wharton died Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 21, 1913, in Crafton, Wharton was a homemaker and lived in the Bridgeport community since 1947. She married Howard Wharton Dec. 30, 1941, in Hollis, Okla. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wharton in August 2000. She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Whitson of Lake Worth and Linda Jones and husband Greg of Bridgeport; her grandchildren, Connie Stokes, Tammy Pewitt and husband Ronnie, Debra Williamson and husband Curt, Doug Jones and fiancee Candice; great-grandchildren, Josh, Bryan and Lauren; her sisters, Betty Williams of Fort Worth and Helen Stalling of Azle and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wanda Louise Wise Oxford 1927-2002 Graveside service for Wanda Louise Wise Oxford, 74, of Boyd was to be Saturday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m., at the Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Ronny White, Mike Crownover, Terry Spradlin, Mark Romine, Eddie Whittington and Mark Gillespie. Oxford died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 1, 1927, in Vernon, Oxford was a resident of Boyd for more than 42 years and served as city secretary for 31 years. She was a member of the Boyd Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, James Elmo Wise and W.E. Oxford and her sister, Martha Spradlin. She is survived by two daughters, Joy Patterson and husband Don of Boyd and Glenda Rasbury and husband Kenny of Boyd; her mother, Anna Belle Whittington of Boyd; three grandchildren, Jamie, Kimberly and Jeffrey; a brother, Stewart Whittington and wife Dorothy of Arlington; two sisters, Claudia Whittington of Aledo and Juanella Gillespie of Azle and numerous nephews and nieces. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teddy Joyce Harris 1943-2002 Service for Teddy Joyce Harris, 58, of Chico was Friday, Jan. 18, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. Gary Beard officiated. Burial followed at Chico Cemetery. Pallbearers were Terry Hand, Terry Harris, Lonnie Smith, Brian Smith, Michael Nix and Calvin Morales. Harris died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 21, 1943, in Athens, she was a homemaker and had lived in Chico for the past 32 years. She married D.L. Harris April 19, 1970, in Decatur. She was a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Heard. She is survived by her husband, D.L. Harris of Chico; her mother, Shirley Brown and husband Foy of Paradise; two brothers, Robert Heard and wife Roseanne of Boyd and Roy Heard and wife Charlene of Paradise; a sister, Portia Hobbs and husband Gary of Mabank; two daughters, Susan Manuel and husband Billy of Denton, Tina Thompson and husband Raymond of Chico; a stepson, Terry Harris and wife Pam of Alvord and seven grandchildren, Chaeley and Cody Bridges, Billy and Demira Manuel, Brandon Thompson and Holly and Haylee Harris. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ethel Anderle 1907-2002 Mass of Christian burial for Ethel Anderle, 94, of Windthorst was to be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst. The Rev. Gonzalo Morales was to officiate. Burial was to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Windthorst. Anderle died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, in an Archer County nursing home. Born Sept. 8, 1907, in Oklahoma, she married Eugene Anderle on Oct. 29, 1929. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1989. She is survived by six sons, Leroy and Lester, both of Windthorst, Gene of Paradise, Charles of Arlington, John of Muenster and Orville of Dexter; two daughters, Pat Zotz of Windthorst and Alberta Badgett of Lindsey; a brother, Frank Wachsman of Windthorst; a sister, Lucille Wachsman of Archer City; 47 grandchildren; 104 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birdie Sampson Elder 1914-2002 Service for Birdie Sampson Elder, 87, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Jan. 19, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Dr. Michael Parsons was to officiate. Elder died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002, in Decatur. Born Nov. 5, 1914, in Wolfe City, she was a retired teacher and counselor in the Fort Worth school district. Elder graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1929. She attended Texas Woman’s University, Texas Christian University and received her doctorate degree from the University of North Texas. She retired from the Fort Worth school district in 1979 after 35 years. She married Daniel Chase Elder March 10, 1934, in Grapevine. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband in January 1942. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Childers of Bridgeport; her son, Dan Elder and wife Van (Green) of Belton, Mo.; four grandchildren, Brent Elder and wife Lindsay of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Dana Sappington and husband Card of Joplin, Mo., Carrie Lackey and husband James of Holiday Island, Ark., Michael Chase Childers of Fort Worth; six great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Wanda Sampson of Mesa, Ariz. and a niece. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donna Marie Easley 1943-2002 Memorial service for Donna Marie Easley, 59, of Rhome is to be Monday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m., at Aurora Baptist Church. Easley died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, in Decatur. Born Jan. 12, 1943, in Dresden, Ohio, she was a teachers’ aide for Northwest Independent School District and was a member of the Catholic Church. She married Robert Easley March 8, 1961, in North Carolina. She is survived by her husband, Robert Easley of Rhome; two sons, Richard Easley and Robert Easley, Jr., both of Ohio; two daughters, Lynn Maxwell of Rhome and Michelle Koch of Ohio; four brothers, Louis, Rodney, Edgar and William Bice, all of Ohio and 15 grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dixie Barlow Clement Muir 1926-2002 Service for Dixie Barlow Clement Muir, 75, of Chico was Friday, Jan. 18, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox and Dr. John Grigsby officiated. Burial followed at Cumby Cemetery in Chico. Pallbearers were Novle Rogers, Marvin Rogers, David Curry, Kenneth Box, Clyde Fowler and Mac Gentry. Honorary pallbearers were Cecil DoByns, Gary Mason, Steve Mason, Phil Jenkins, James Miller and Wilson Springer. Muir died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born June 8, 1926, in Abilene, she was a homemaker and had resided in Chico for the past 17 years. She was a member of the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Wise County Art Association. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Carl B. Clement and Ben E. Muir; two sisters and one brother. She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Sheek and husband Kip of Grand Prairie, Billie Lasiter and husband Lanny of Chico; her stepson, Benny Muir and wife June of Forney; her grandchildren, Kip Jr., Janice, Nathan and Carlie; her stepgrandchildren Chris and Kari; three great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; her twin brother, M.C. "Buddy" Barlow and wife Dot of Abilene and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rheba Pauline Moore 1913-2002 Service for Rheba Pauline Moore, 89, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. The Rev. Gerre Joiner was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Moore died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 31, 1913, in Jacksonville, she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur. She married the late Pinkney W. Moore on Oct. 30, 1930, in Bono. She is survived by a son, Royce Moore of Decatur; eight sisters, Hortense Hodges, Johnnie Mae Cavatorta and Neva Joyce Stevens, all of Fort Worth, Mildred Kennedy of Bluffdale, Laverne Gidley and Margaret Bass, both of Everman, Billie Brittain of Seattle, Wash. and Estaline Rainwater of Hillsboro and three grandchildren, Matthew and Samuel Moore of Dallas and Andrew Moore of Decatur and a nephew. The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, January 24, 2002 Margaret Lucille Lewis 1914-2002 Service for Margaret Lucille Lewis, 87, of Cundiff was to be Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m., at the Cundiff Baptist Church. The Rev. Billy Rhone was to officiate assisted by the Rev. Milton Capps. Burial was to follow at Newport Cemetery. Lewis died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002, in Cundiff. Born July 23, 1914, in Newport, Lewis was a homemaker. She married H.H. Lewis Aug. 31, 1929, in Duncan, Okla. She was a member of the Cundiff Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, H. H. Lewis Sept. 4, 1992, and a daughter, Patsy L. Lewis June 9, 1937. She is survived by her son Elzie Lewis and wife Ann of Jacksboro; four grandchildren, Gevern Lewis and wife Ronda, Lynette Shelton and husband Ricky, Greg Lewis and wife Jenilynn and Laurie Plaster and husband Todd; seven great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Lindsey, Michael and Landon Lewis and Laken, Lanna and Leah Plaster. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Audrey Maxwell 1932-2002 Service for Nova Audrey Maxwell, 69, of Paradise was Sunday, Jan. 20, at United Pentecostal Church in Bridgeport. The Revs. Michael L. Wiltcher and Larry Lynch officiated. Burial followed at Cottondale Cemetery. Pallbearers were Chris Maxwell, Joe Maxwell, Jerry Maxwell, David Shetter, Bill Miles and Keith Caston. Maxwell died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002, in Paradise. Born July 3, 1932, in Wilberton, Okla., she was a retired nurse’s aide and a homemaker. She was a member of The United Pentecostal Church of Bridgeport. She married Kenneth Maxwell on June 7, 1952, in Yuma, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Dale Maxwell. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Maxwell of Paradise; a brother, Billy Ray; two sisters, Pauline Balister and Ola Bell; three grandchildren, Jerry, Chris and Joe Maxwell and two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Haleigh. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Jack McNiel 1930-2002 Service for Rev. Jack McNiel, 71, a native of Bridgeport and a Fort Worth resident, was Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Bible Baptist Church. Rev. Jack Slater officiated. Burial followed at Thomas Cemetery. McNiel died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born March 22, 1930, in Bridgeport, McNiel was a retired Baptist minister. He joined the Bible Baptist Church in Bridgeport July 4, 1954, and was ordained Aug. 19, 1956. He was also a pastor in Fort Worth and White Settlement. He was a former chaplain of the Westland Fire Department. He married Shirley Dean Martin Nov. 28, 1953, in Bridgeport. He also served the U.S. National Guard. He was preceded in death by his son, Mickey Lane McNiel, a brother, Cecil McNiel, and two sisters, Marjetta Crawford and Beatrice Burris. He is survived by his wife, Shirley and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blanche Lucille Wharton 1913-2002 Service for Blanche Lucille Wharton, 88, of Bridgeport is Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are Bryan Wayne, Bryan Blackwell, Steve Cooke, Curt Williamson, Ronnie Pewitt and Jerry Stinnett. Wharton died Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 21, 1913, in Crafton, Wharton was a homemaker and lived in the Bridgeport community since 1947. She married Howard Wharton Dec. 30, 1931, in Hollis, Okla. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wharton in March 2000. She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Whitson of Lake Worth and Linda Jones and husband Greg of Bridgeport; her grandchildren, Connie Stokes, Tammy Pewitt and husband Ronnie, Debra Williamson and husband Curt, Doug Jones and fiancee Candice; great-grandchildren, Josh, Bryan and Lauren; her sisters, Betty Williams of Fort Worth and Helen Stalling of Azle and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edgar Cowling 1920-2002 Service for Edgar Cowling, 81, of Bridgeport is Thursday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish will officiate. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Corey Cowling, Will Cowling, Brad Garrison, Jay Hudson, Doug Bridwell and Billy Fred Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Loyd Wood, L.B. McDonald, L.V. Selz Claude Emmons, Carl Ray Jones, Charles Wulfjin and Aaron Green. Cowling died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Feb. 23, 1920, in Bridgeport, Cowling earned a degree in agricultural engineering from Texas A&M University in 1941. He was a World War II veteran and served for many years on the Bridgeport school board, including several years as president. He served as Bridgeport postmaster for 22 years and was a rural route mail carrier five years before his retirement. He was the first chairman of the Wise County Appraisal District board of directors and helped shape the organization of the district in 1979. Cowling was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife Jane Cowling; two sons, Edgar W. Cowling of Arlington and Grady Cowling of Bridgeport; two daughters, Harriet Garrison of Bridgeport and Phyllis Cowling of Amarillo and seven grandchildren . Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beatrice Skinner 1918-2002 Graveside service for Beatrice Skinner, 83, of Decatur, was Monday, Jan. 21 at Slidell Cemetery. Ken Burnett officiated. Skinner died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002, in Denton. Born April 13, 1918, she was the business manager and owner of Skinner’s Garage in Decatur. She married Douglas Skinner on April 13, 1937, in Love County, Okla., and was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas, and a son, David Skinner. She is survived by two sons, Dwight Skinner and wife Winn, Joey Skinner and wife Laura, all of Denton; daughter-in-law, Terry Skinner of Paradise; a daughter, Martha June Skinner of Denton; a brother, James Ray Cogburn of Whitesboro; three sisters, Pearl Fortenberry of Gainesville, Mary Jo Linker of Grapevine and Jackie Goin of Aubrey and four grandchildren, Reneay Skinner, Amanda Skinner, Allison Skinner and Grant Skinner. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Ann’s Haven Hospice in Denton. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Linda Rhoten Wright 1948-2002 Service for Linda Rhoten Wright, 53, of Fort Worth, mother of Kerri Hulsey of Bridgeport, will be Thursday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. at White’s Funeral Home Chapel in Springtown. Wright died Monday, Jan. 21, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Dec. 9, 1948, in Albuquerque, N.M., she was a pharmacist’s clerk and a resident of Springtown most of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Nina Rhoten and a sister, Jimmie Blackiston. She is survived by her husband, Clayton Wright of Fort Worth; two daughters, Kerri Hulsey of Bridgeport and Kristi Wright of Fort Worth; two sisters, Carolyn Tate of Paradise and Sandra Santos of McAllen; three grandchildren, Taylor, Jordyn and Jake Hulsey and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, January 27, 2002 A. S. ‘Jeep’ Jenkins 1921-2002 Service for A.S. "Jeep" Jenkins, 80, of Paradise was Friday, Jan. 25, at Pleasant View Baptist Church. The Revs. Joey Vick and M.L. Milton officiated. Burial followed at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bud Bishop, Ben Taylor, Levi Taylor, Clayton Green, Mike Jenkins and Tommy Weatherly. Jenkins died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 30, 1921, in Chico, he was a lifetime resident of Wise County and was the retired owner of Jenkins Scrap Metal. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II. He was a former Bridgeport City Councilman. He was also a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church and a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Charlottie Jenkins; his wife, Caroline in 1975; his brother, Wesley and sisters Vera Mae Boring and Hazel Sheffield. He is survived by three sons, Albert "Bubba" Jenkins and wife Charlsa of Odessa, Joe Jenkins and wife Carol of Paradise and David Jenkins and wife Tanya, also of Paradise; two daughters, Lindsey Smith and husband Ronnie of Bridgeport and Charlotte Chapman and husband Paul of Paradise; three brothers, H.M. Jenkins, E.E. "Red" Jenkins and E.B. "Bo" Jenkins; a sister, Ruth Narramore; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eligio Mares Sr. 1911-2002 Graveside service for Eligio Mares, Sr., 90, of Decatur was Friday, Jan. 25, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Juan Jimenez officiated. Pallbearers were Omar, Onorio, Alberto and Julian Mares, Isidro Fernandez and Ruben Carrillo. Mares died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002, in Decatur. Born Dec. 1, 1911, in Mexico, he was a farmer. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Mares of Mexico; four sons, Manuel Mares, Vicente Mares, Lina Mares and Vriel Mares, all of Decatur; five daughters, Anastacia Mares and Leonon Carrillo, both of Decatur, Soledad Ceballos of Victorville, Calif., Ignacia Dominguez of Hempstead and Obdulia Mares of Gardena, Calif.; 39 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lilia Maxine Inabnett 1914-2002 Graveside service for Lilia Maxine Inabnett, 87, of Decatur was Friday, Jan. 25, at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Rusty Hedges officiated. Inabnett died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 3, 1914, in Decatur, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William T. Inabnett. She is survived by two sons, Chris Inabnett of Dallas and Bill Inabnett of Daingerfield; one sister, Virginia Sensibaugh of Gainesville and four grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred Ely Mooney 1917-2002 Graveside service for Fred Ely Mooney, 84, of Decatur will be at Rock Cemetery in Duke, Okla. Mooney died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 12, 1917, in Decatur, he was an auto mechanic in his own garage until his retirement at age 75. Mooney grew up in Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School. He entered the U.S. Army on April 11, 1941. He fought in four major battles in World War II, including Normandy and at Ardennes in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and received an honorable discharge on June 17, 1945. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Lee Blackburn Mooney; brothers, H.M. Mooney, Orus M. Mooney, Booth Mooney, Dan Mooney and a sister Ruth McCain. He is survived by a son, Fred Mooney of Double Oak; one daughter, Geri Backhaus of Rapid City, S.D.; five grandsons and one granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews in Decatur. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cecil Romonth Bracey 1915-2002 Service for Cecil Romonth Bracey, 86, of Boyd was Friday, Jan. 25, at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. The Rev. Dannie Gwinn of New Covenant Church officiated. Burial followed at Crestview Memorial Park. Bracey died Monday, Jan. 21, 2002, in Boyd. Born Dec. 17, 1915, in Haskell, Bracey retired from Sears Roebuck with more than 20 years of employment. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Bracey was also a paper carrier for Times Record News for 10 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn M. Bracey in October 1998. He is survived by his son, Eddie Bracey of Denton; his daughters, Linda Lee and husband Todd of Boyd, Celia Peters of Wichita Falls; his grandson Elvis Ray Peters, Jr. of Wichita Falls and granddaughter, Kimberly Stone of Hurst. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jimmy John Dean Jr. 1976-2002 Service for Jimmy John Dean Jr., 25, of Boyd was Friday, Jan. 25, at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd. Mark Autry and Steve Weeks officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Burch, Brent Wilson, Marty Cain, Johnny Williams, Richard Patton, Boomer Pegues, Bill McCurdy and Eddie Steel. Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Shepherd, Justin Turner, Dale Peddles, Junior Whittenburg, Jim West, John Jackson and Mark Romine. Dean died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 30, 1976, in Fort Worth to Jimmy and Pam (Gillentine) Dean, he fought a courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Boyd High School in 1994. He was an employee of North Texas Coring. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Altha Mae and Alvin "Dizzy" Dean and his aunt, Peggy Gillentine. He is survived by his parents, Jimmy Sr. and Pam Dean; his sister, Laura Dean; his girlfriend, Rene Burch; his grandparents, JoAnn and Wally Martin and Walter and Teresa Gillentine; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, January 31, 2002 John D. Florida 1910-2002 Service for John D. Florida, 91, of Greenwood was to be Thursday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at Greenwood Baptist Church. The Rev. Lawrence Burks was to officiate, assisted by David Ruark. Pallbearers were to be Roland Walker, Roland Wilson, Roland Carter, Ben Calhoun, Arnold Howard and Joe England. Burial was to be in Greenwood Cemetery. Florida died Jan. 29, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 25, 1910, in Greenwood. He was a farmer. He was preceded in death by a son, Tex Norel Florida. He is survived by his wife, Allie Belle Florida of Greenwood; daughter, Lanette McClure and husband Russell of Greenwood and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica McClure of Greenwood. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G.W. Green 1924-2002 Service for G.W. Green, 78, of Bedford, formerly of Alvord, will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ron Bird will officiate. Burial will follow in Alvord Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darrell, Donald, Jackie, Cameron, Rudy, Wade, Eudell, Terry and Ricky Green. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 31 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home. Green died on Jan. 28, 2002. Born on Jan. 27, 1924, in Ryan, Okla. to Amos Wesley and Desmer Green, he was a farmer and rancher. He married Geneva Owen on April 16, 1943, in Waurika, Okla. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was a former city councilman in Alvord. He owned and operated several businesses in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. He served in WW II in the U.S. Army Infantry and was wounded in action as his regiment crossed the Rheur River in Germany in 1945. Green received the Purple Heart and numerous other medals for his military service. He is survived by his wife Geneva Green of Bedford; daughter, Jeanne Green of Bedford; sisters, Mildred Echols and Bobbie Summerfield both of Sun City, Calif. and Vera Hodges of Mesa, Ariz. and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert ‘Bob’ Ashley 1917-2002 Service for Robert "Bob" Ashley, 84, of Decatur was Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Gene Fluker officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Pallbearers were Shawn Belknap, Walter Ashley, Brent Ashley, Kent Ashley, Joe Bob Anderson and Nim Ashley. Ashley died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 19, 1917, in Sanger, he was a retired pattern maker for Bell Helicopter. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He married Kathleen Rowland on Dec. 12, 1958, in Arlington. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ashley of Decatur; two daughters, Cheryl Tamez of College Station and Debbie Davidson of Bowie; two brothers, Walter Ashley of Denton and Joe Ashley of Decatur; three sisters, Mary Ruth Wood of El Dorado, Ark., Birdie Faye Taylor of Arlington and Reba Mercer of Farmersville; two grandsons, Shawn Belknap of Livingston and Travis Davidson of Fort Worth and four great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maggie Lois Taylor 1905-2002 Service for Maggie Lois Taylor, 96, of Alvord was to be Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. H.L. Garner was to officiate, to be assisted by Bill Cleveland. Burial was to follow at Sycamore Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Wayne Morrison, Gary Chambers, James Phillips, Danny Taylor, Billy Vernon Neal Jr. and David Ward. Honorary pallbearers were to be Ronnie Phillips, Michael Taylor, Bruce Neal and Randy Taylor. Taylor died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, in Decatur. Born Oct. 28, 1905, in Livingston, Tenn., she was a retired restaurant manager and a member of the Alvord Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by Jessie Faye Morrison and Robbie Francis Chambers. She is survived by three sons, Charles and Herbert Taylor, both of Decatur and James Taylor of Denison; four daughters, Claudine Phillips of Killeen, Betty Knight of Tioga, Billie Jean Neal of Bells and Johnnie Ward of Grand Prairie; a brother, Earnest Conner of Crossville, Ill.; two sisters, Eula Keisling of Marianna, Ark. and Roxie Keisling of Monroe, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby Pearl Baugh 1917-2002 Graveside service for Ruby Pearl Baugh, 84, of Runaway Bay was to be Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate. Baugh died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 10, 1917, in Bridgeport, she was a homemaker. She married Ernest Baugh Oct. 6, 1934, in Bridgeport. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Baugh in August 2000. She is survived by her sons, Robert Baugh and wife Leah of Louisiana, Royce Baugh of Amarillo, Ronald Baugh and wife Glenda of Athens; her daughter, Ruth Ann Duffy and husband Pat of Dumas; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leota Christine ‘Chris’ Taylor 1917-2002 Service for Leota Christine "Chris" Taylor, 84, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Taylor died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 11, 1917, in Iowa Park, she was a homemaker. She married the late Melvin D. Taylor in 1947 in Decatur. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Bud Black and a sister, Lula Hodges. She is survived by two sons, Delton Sewell and wife Gladys of Boyd and Cordell Sewell and wife Roberta of Nebraska; two brothers, Ray Blagg of Mesquite and Homer Blagg of Wichita Falls; two sisters, Maxine Blagg and Reba Shields of Wichita Falls; seven grandchildren, Dalton Jr. and Patricia Sewell of Boyd, Steve and Gladys Sewell of Nocona, Phillip Sewell of Springtown, Dana and John Elverum of Colorado, Darryl and Lynn Sewell of Nebraska, David and Brooke Sewell of Colorado and Dean Sewell of Nebraska; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kristian Cole Pratt 2002 Graveside service for Kristian Cole Pratt, the infant son of Randall Pratt and Amanda Denney of Bridgeport, was Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Thomas Cemetery. The Rev. Gary Demmitt officiated. Pallbearers were Dale Denney and Wayne Finley. The infant was born and died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, in Decatur. He is survived by his parents, Randall Pratt and Amanda Denney; grandparents, Dale and Mary Denney, Louette Koonce, David and Dale Pratt and Debbie and Steve Hedrick; great-grandparents, Kenneth and Lil Pratt, Florence and Alton Pullin and Sara and Quincy Thompson; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lillian Maxine McCarty 1913-2002 Graveside service for Lillian Maxine McCarty, 88, of Decatur will be Thursday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. The Rev. Gary Sessions will officiate. McCarty died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 24, 1913, in Klondike, she was a longtime resident of Wise County and a retired cook for Golden Years Haven in Decatur. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church No. 2. She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis McCarty. She is survived by a brother, Richard Bradford Smallwood; a sister, Ida Jean Clark and a nephew, Eddie Smallwood. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martha Ann Hall 1938-2002 Service for Martha Ann Hall, 63, of Newark was Monday, Jan. 28, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown. Burial followed at Dido Cemetery. Hall died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, in Newark. Born Aug. 9, 1938, in Newark, she was a homemaker and former Avon representative. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Davis. She is survived by her husband, Jackie Ray Hall; a daughter, Sharon Thompson and husband LeRoy; her mother, Lois Davis; two sisters, Carolyn Krebbs and Pat Lewis; a brother, Alan Davis; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------