Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger - June, 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 Sunday, June 2, 2002 Tunky Jason Stevens 1973-2002 Service for Tunky Jason Stevens, 28, of Choctaw, Okla., and formerly of Newark, was Wednesday, May 15 in Harrah, Okla. Burial followed at Blanchard Cemetery. Stevens died Monday, May 13, 2002, in Woodward, Okla. Born Sept. 7, 1973, in Bridgeport to Lester and Belinda Fair Stevens, he graduated from Northwest High School in Justin. He worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a trackman. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Riddle Stevens of Choctaw; his parents, J.B. and Belinda Saul of Choctaw and Lester and Rama Stevens of Keller; brothers, Sgt. Jimmy Stevens and wife Cindy of Devol, Okla., Rob Stevens and wife Erma of Lubbock and Jake Saul of Choctaw; his maternal grandmother, Vera Fair of Lubbock and paternal grandmother, Marguerite Stevens of Lubbock. Wise County Messenger, June 2, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jimmie Carol Schluter 1939-2002 Service for Jimmie Carol Schluter, 63, of Haslet, was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Haslet Methodist Church in Haslet with the Rev. Keith Murray officiating. Burial was to be in Fairview Cemetery. Schluter died Tuesday, May 28, 2002, in Haslet. She was born March 24, 1939, in McCamey. She was a homemaker, farmer and retired retail salesperson for J.C. Penney. Schluter graduated from Tarrant County Junior College with an associates degree and was married to the late Carl Edward Schluter. She was a member of the Haslet United Methodist Church and lifelong member of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jessie Clark. She is survived by her mother, Bethel Mae Jones of Desdemona; four sons, David Brown of Bridgeport, Lowell Brown of Fort Worth, Dee Brown of Rhome and Ricky Jones of Rhome; two step-sons, James Schluter of Azle and Mark Schluter of Rhome; two step-daughters, Gretchen Brown and Heidi Draper of Rhome; two brothers, Jerry Roe of Brownwood and John Roe of Stephenville; a sister, Donna Ford of Euless; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were to be Steve Holley, Donald Stutsmon, Mark Schluter, Mike Ford, David Ray and Lee Green. Wise County Messenger, June 2, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Alpha O’Dell 1925-2002 Service for Mary Alpha O’Dell, 76, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, May 29, at Bible Baptist Church. Dr. Bill Higgins officiated. Burial followed at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alan Young, Lynn Young, Curtis Young, Jeff Donahue, Ben Green and Ricky Green. O’Dell died Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Nov. 14, 1925, in Bridgeport, she was a retired technician for Texas Instruments and a member of the Bible Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy O’Dell; a grandson, Billy Young; a sister, Jean Green and a brother, Rayford Story. She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Young and Waynda Young; two sisters, Ozelle Cline and Grace Mayo; a brother, Cecil Story; eight grandchildren, Alan, Lynn, Connie, Leslie, Lori, Carolyn, Curtis and Jenny; 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 2, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joseph Porter Hern 1917-2002 Graveside service for Joseph Porter Hern, 85, of Fort Worth was Monday at Aurora Cemetery. Hern died Friday, May 24, 2002, in Fort Worth. He was born March 20, 1917, in Galveston to Robert and Eva Hern. He served in the Pacific during World War II with the U.S. Marines. Hern was a retired technician with Bell Helicopter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Hern; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; three sisters and one brother. He is survived by two daughters, Peggy Harvey and her husband Harold of Fort Worth and Patsy Chance and her husband Bill of Boyd; a brother, Harvey Hern and his wife Marie of La Marque; a sister, Deloris Robinson of Galveston; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to Aurora Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 253, Rhome, Texas 76078. Wise County Messenger, June 2, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AREA DEATHS & FUNERALS Thursday, June 6, 2002 Mary Lorene Cross 1910-2002 Service for Mary Lorene Cross, 91, of Decatur will be Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at the Decatur Church of Christ. Ryan Morrison will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Cross died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 21, 1910, in Jacksboro, she was a pharmaceutical sales clerk. She married the late Charles L. Cross in Quannah in 1929 and was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ. She is survived by a son, Dean Cross of Shreveport, La.; two daughters, Velma White of Decatur and Cordia Holland of Selina, Calif.; one grandson, Gary and wife Joanne Cross of Centerville, Mass., and five great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Dennis Moffit, Craig Jordan, Pat Collins, H.L. Ross, Ken Burnett, Roger Armstrong and Alvin Baker. Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Irene Yeats 1914-2002 Service for Irene Yeats, 88, of Duncanville was Tuesday, June 4, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with the Rev. Greg Smith officiating. Burial was in the West Bridgeport Cemetery. Yeats died Saturday, June 1, 2002, in Duncanville. She was born May 27, 1914, in Poolville. She was retired from Lilly’s Dept. Store in Denison. Yeats was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Denison. She married Homer Carl Yeats on May 5, 1934. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Arnold Wayne Gaston; a brother, J.D. Coffman and two sisters, Marie McCulley and Inez Jennings. She is survived by a daughter, Joyce Anderson and husband Carrol of Cedar Hill; two sons, Carl Yeats and wife Pat of Coppell and James Don Yeats and wife Vickie of Floyd Knobs, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 4 great- great-grandchildren; a sister, Jewel Cox of Channelview and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Larry Gaston, Steve Anderson, Patrick Yeats, Rhett Yeats, Don Alan Yeats, Eric Drain, Josh Drain and Clint Thorn. Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert W. ‘Bob’ Hamilton Sr. 1936-2002 Service for Robert W. "Bob" Hamilton, 65, of Chico will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie with the Revs. Larry Cox of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie, Kenneth Wood of the Crafton Baptist Church in Crafton and Eddie "Bo" Johnson of the Worship Temple Church in Chico officiating. Burial will be in the Newport Cemetery in Newport. Hamilton died June 3, 2002, in Bowie. He was born October 10, 1936, in Freer. He married Patricia "Patti" Jones on Sept. 19, 1975, in Weatherford. Hamilton worked at Nash Hardware in Fort Worth for several years before he went to work for the James Giesecke U.S. Sport Sales in Hurst. In 1989 he moved to Chico and began ranching at the Fat H Ranch. In March 1999 he founded Gospel Hall in Bowie and operated it until December 2001. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. Hamilton is survived by his wife, Patti Hamilton of Chico; a daughter, Deanie Berry of Fort Worth; two sons, Robert W. Hamilton Jr. of Anahuac and Johnny B. Hamilton of Fort Worth; seven grandchildren, Jeanene Hendriz of Alvord, Nichole Duffield of Fort Worth, Byron Berry of Fort Worth, Robert Hamilton III of Burleson, Chelsea Hamilton of Smithfield, Megan Hamilton of Coppell and Conrad Hamilton of Coppell; a sister, Mary Ropers of Burleson; a brother David Reese of Flower Mound and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be David Reese, Robert Hamilton Jr., Robert Hamilton III, Brian Duffield, Byron Berry and John Hamilton. Memorials can be made to First Free Will Baptist Church Food Bank, 505 Strong St., Bowie, Texas 76230. Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Alpha O’Dell 1925-2002 Service for Mary Alpha O’Dell, 76, of Bridgeport was Wednesday, May 29, at Bible Baptist Church. Dr. Bill Higgins officiated. Burial followed at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alan Young, Lynn Young, Curtis Young, Jeff Donahue, Ben Green and Ricky Green. O’Dell died Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Nov. 14, 1925, in Bridgeport, she was a retired technician for Texas Instruments and a member of the Bible Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy O’Dell; a grandson, Billy Young; a sister, Jean Green and a brother, Rayford Story. She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Young and Waynda Hogue; two sisters, Ozelle Cline and Grace Mayo; a brother, Cecil Story; eight grandchildren, Alan, Lynn, Connie, Leslie, Lori, Carolyn, Curtis and Jenny; 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marcella Paschall Phillips 1923-2002 Service for Marcella Paschall Phillips, 79, of Paradise will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2002 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with the Rev. Wayne Hanks officiating. Burial will be in the Cottondale Cemetery. The family will received visitors at the Hawkins Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Phillips died on Monday June 3, 2002. She was born Jan. 21, 1923, in Burkburnett to Lloyd and Ola Paschall. She graduated from Paradise High School, where she met her husband Ray. Phillips attended John Tarleton College and North Texas State Teacher’s College. She was employed by the Texas Employment Commission and retired in 1987 as manager of the West Parker office. Her retirement was spent enjoying her many hobbies and beloved grandchildren. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Ray in 1997 and a son, Paul Phillips. She is survived by a daughter, Diane Hanks and her husband Norman of Houston; a son, Kimbell Phillips of Montgomery; three grandchildren, Melissa Hanks of Houston, Scott Hanks and his wife Jenny of Seattle and Ryan Phillips of Montgomery; a brother, Jim Paschall and his wife Janice; two sisters, Patsy Gentry of Paradise and Sue Holley and her husband Marlan of Bridgeport and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Larry Phillips, Jerry Dickson, Bill Askey, David Paschall, Keith Gentry and Ronnie Krenek. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society. Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joseph Henry ‘Joe’ Clinton 1955-2002 Graveside service for Joseph Henry Clinton, 47, of Newark were held Monday, June 3, 2002, at the East Bridgeport Cemetery with Chaplain Gentry Castleman officiating. Clinton died Saturday, June 1, 2002, in Bridgeport. He was born May 1, 1955, in Fort Worth. He worked for Gearhart and Owens as a press operator in tool and dye making. He was a Baptist. Clinton was preceded in death by his father, Henry James Clinton and two brothers, James Clinton and Larry Clinton. He is survived by his mother, Josephine Clinton; one sister, Frances Allred and her husband James and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Robert Sorrell 1926-2002 Graveside service for William Robert Sorrell, 76, of Alvord was Friday, June 7, at the Alvord Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Staub officiating. Sorrell died Wednesday, June 5, 2002, in Decatur. He was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Dallas. He was a retired owner and operator of Awning Construction Co. He married Lavonia Beatrice Ashworth on June 19, 1948, in Seagraves. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II from 1944 through 1946. He was honored with a World War II Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon and Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with one bronze star. He was a Baptist. Sorrell was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Una Capps; a brother, Byron Sorrell and two sisters, Myrna Capps Moreno and Wynonah Capps Welty. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lavonia; a brother, James Harlan Capps of Yucatan, Mexico; two sisters, Helen Bolham of Garland and Curtiss L. Burks of Dallas and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Pallbearers were Charles Barton, Glen Barton, Earl Ashworth, J.W. Clark, Sam Hillin, Raymon Williams and Stacy Bassinger. Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Houston Lee Louis Veal 1918-2002 Services for Houston Lee Louis Veal, 84, of Fort Worth, was Thursday, June 6, at the Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Worth. Veal died Monday, June 3, 2002, in Fort Worth. He was born March 2, 1918, in Bridgeport. He was valedictorian and class president of the 1938 senior class of Bridgeport High School. He was a three- year letterman in football. At the age of 13, to help his family during the Great Depression, Veal worked in the two coal mines in Bridgeport on Saturdays and Sundays. It is believed that he had been one of the last surviving coal miners who worked in the coal mines that used mules underground. Veal retired in 1980 from General Dynamics where he worked as a tool planner and was vice chairman of the F.I.T.U. Union. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church. Veal was preceded in death by a son, Louis Monte Veal. He is survived by two daughters, Helen Lynch and her husband Danny of Fort Worth and Jenny Martin of Nashville,Tenn.; a son, Lee Veal and his wife Carol of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; six grandchildren, Bryan and Brea Lynch, Michael and Blake Malley, Michael Veal and Lisa Lines and two great grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles Richard Quinn 1939-2002 Graveside services for Mr. Charles Richard Quinn, 63, will be Sunday, June 9, at the West Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport at 2:00 p.m. Visiting hours were 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heartfield Funeral Home in Hearne . Quinn died Thursday, June 6, 2002, in Bryan, Texas. He was born June 18, 1939, in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He was a jailer with the Robertson County Sheriff’s Department and lived the last 20 years in Hearne, Texas. He was a Methodist. He is survived by his wife Margie Quinn of Hearne, four sons, Kenneth Voss and his wife Anna of Bryan, Robert Quinn and his wife Tina of Brunswick, Ga, Richard Quinn and his wife Sheila of Hearne, and Keith Quinn and his wife Tammy, also of Hearne; a brother, Shelby Quinn and his wife Linda of Blue Ridge, Ga; two sisters, Blanche Higgins and her husband Bill of Shelton, Mo, and Joann Kalle and her husband Andy of Morehaven, Fla; and seven grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonnie Geneva Venable 1922-2002 Service for Bonnie Geneva Venable, 79, of Holdenville, Okla., was Saturday, June 1, 2002, at the First Assembly of God in Holdenville with the Rev. Dale Jennings officiating. Burial was in the Holdenville Cemetery. Venable died Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Clute. She was born Oct. 22, 1922, in Celt, Mo. She was married to Robert H. Venable for 61 years before his death in 2000. Venable was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Wiley and Judy Pearl Webster; three brothers, Willard Webster, Warren Webster and Wart Webster and a sister Alta Whaley. She is survived by a son, Jerry Venable of Van Alstyne; two daughters, Bobbie Harrison of Alvord and Wilma Glover of Clute; five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. Pallbearers were Chris Lumpkin, Chad Lumpkin, Mike Munoz, Butch Bridges, Mark Venable and Gene Harris. Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 13, 2002 T.O. Jennings 1916-2002 Graveside service for T.O. Jennings, 85, of Rhome was held Tuesday, June 11, at Aurora Cemetery with the Revs. Lee Roy Jackson and Jimmy Withers officiating. Jennings died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Decatur. He was born July 14, 1916, in Springtown. He married Juanita Cobb Jennings Jan. 1, 1936, in Rhome. Jennings retired as an assembler from General Dynamics. He was a member of Aurora Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Jennings in December, 2001; his parents, Tommie Oliver Jennings and Naomi Darter Jennings and two brothers. He is survived by three sons, Ken Jennings and his wife Janita of Springtown, Orville Lee Jennings and his wife Linda of Benbrook and Ronnie Jennings and his wife Melinda of Peachtree, Ga.; six grandchildren, Greg, Missy, Jerry, Michael, Matthew and Gracie; six great-grandchildren and two sisters, Callie Mae Green and Faye Williams. Wise County Messenger, June 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avis Ruth Leggett 1927-2002 Service for Avis Ruth Leggett, 75, of Newark was Monday, June 10, at the Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd with the Rev. Douglas Acklie officiating. Burial was in the Aurora Cemetery. Leggett died Friday, June 7, 2002, in Fort Worth. She was born April 27, 1927, in Yantis. She was a housewife and married Charles Leggett April 24, 1948, in Mertzon. He preceded her in death in 1992. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newark. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emma Gilbreath; three sisters and three brothers. She is survived by a son, Michael Leggett; a daughter, Margaret Leggett; five grandchildren, Michelle, Andrea, Eric, Matthew and Austin; one great grandchild; a brother, Art Gilbreath and a sister, Doris Collier. Pallbearers were Tom Collier, Dicky Smith, Charles Busby, Gary Augustine, Doug Gilbreath and David Gilbreath. Wise County Messenger, June 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vesta Gulley 1911-2002 Service for Vesta Gulley, 91, of Bowie, mother of Wanda J. Perkins of Decatur was Monday, June 10, at Fry Funeral Home Chapel in Bowie with the Loyd Morris officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie. She died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Bowie. She was born March 26, 1911, in Anson. She was a longtime resident of Iowa Park before moving to Bowie 23 years ago. She was a homemaker and member of the Carter Lake Road Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband L.V. "Buck" Gulley in 1985. She is survived by three daughters, Iva Lou Bishop of Bowie, Peggy Chaney of Austin and Wanda J. Perkins of Decatur; one son, R.D. "Don" Gulley of Wichita Falls; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Jimmie Williams of Meridian and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Drew Perkins, Claude Miller, Mark McGrath, Steve LeMay, Brett Gulley and Matthew McGrath. Wise County Messenger, June 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abel Leija 1940-2002 Service for Abel Leija, 61, of Sunset was Monday, June 10, at Christian Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd with the Rev. James Hurst officiating. Burial was in the Boyd Cemetery. Leija died Friday, June 7, 2002, in Sunset He was born June 20, 1940, in Martha. He was a self-employed welder. He married Feliciana Sosa in February, 1958. Leija was preceded in death by his parents, Jo and Inez Banda Leija and a son, Michael Leija in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Feliciana Leija; six sons, Jesse Leija and wife Teresa of Boyd, Raymond Leija and his wife Carlotta of Boyd, George Leija and his wife Pam of Decatur, Paul Leija and his wife Deana of Chico and David Leija and Robert Leija and his wife Melanie, all of Boyd; two daughters, Monica Simmons and her husband James of Decatur and Alma Leija of Boyd; five brothers, Joe, Johnny, Daniel, Larry and Richard Leija; four sisters, Rosie, Maria, Paula and Irene Leija; 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Joe Leija, Johnny Leija, Daniel Leija, Larry Leija, Richard Leija and Eddie Hutto. Wise County Messenger, June 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clarice Bilbrey Tompkins 1931-2002 Service for Clarice Bilbrey Tompkins, 95, former resident of Alvord, was Friday, June 14 at the Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona. Burial will be on the Tompkins’ family ranch in Dye Mound. Tompkins died June 10, 2002, in Petoskey, Mich. She was born Aug. 9, 1906, to Pearl Eugene and Ella Maude Bilbrey in Alvord. She married Herman Wayne Tompkins on May 24, 1931, in Alvord. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene with a degree in elementary education and taught in Guthrie, Anson, Nocona and Prairie Valley for 26 years, retiring in 1972. Tompkins was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Tompkins and her husband, Herman. She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Shahinian of Grover Beach, Calif. and Ima Williams of Harbor Springs Mich.; a son, Jimmy Tompkins of Anchorage, Alaska; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 16, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carl C. Autry Jr. 1928-2002 Service for Carl C. Autry Jr., 73, of Boyd was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd with the Dr. Jack Alumbaugh, Rev. Raymond Henson and Dr. Billy McClain officiating. Burial was to be in the Friendship Cemetery in Boyd. Autry died Thursday, June 13, 2002, in Decatur. He was born Aug. 30, 1928, in Colorado City. He married Doris Hays on May 26, 1948, at Friendship Baptist Church. Aurty served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the Army, he went to work at Bell Helicopter, where he worked for 26 years as a heavy equipment operator until he retired. He also worked as a correctional officer for Wackenhut in Bridgeport. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and Boyd Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Autry. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris Autry of Boyd; a son, Judge David Mark Autry and his wife Julie of Boyd; three grandchildren, Brandon Carl, Crystal Ann and Jackie Paige Autry; two brothers, Trueman Autry of Lake Worth and Gene Autry of Jacksboro; a sister, Vera Evan of Weatherford and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were to be Billy Kemp, Eugene Grooms, Ken Steel, Johnny Barnes, Paul Liebel and Herman Smith. Honorary pallbearers were to be Charles White and Joe Dean and all the men of Victory Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church. Wise County Messenger, June 16, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 20, 2002 John Harrison Cherry 1918-2002 Service for John Harrison Cherry, 83, of Springtown, a former pastor in Cottondale, was Wednesday, June 12, at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. Burial followed at the City of Springtown Cemetery. Cherry died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Springtown. Born June 21, 1918, in Keyport, N.J., he married Mildred Mae Morris of Chickasha, Okla., on Aug. 23, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1944. He attended Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. He was a pastor at churches in Lampasas, Cottondale, Agnes and Oran. Cherry was a plumber and a volunteer fireman. He enjoyed gospel and country music, whistling, playing the harmonica, fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his wife; his mother, Blanche Foster Cherry; his father, Raymond Van Brackle Cherry and two sisters, Vera Applegate and Elena Robinson. He is survived by two daughters, Madeline Byrd of White Settlement and Martha Johnson and husband Johnny of Weatherford; two sons, John Cherry Jr. and wife Melinda of Arlington and David F. Cherry of Agnes; a former son in-law, Sammy Byrd and wife Judy of Springtown; six grandchildren, Lisa Byrd Belser and husband Caesar, John Mark Byrd and wife Alicia, Karolinda Cherry, Bart Wisdom and wife Jodi, Jeffrey Cherry and Natalie Wisdom; a great grandchild, Corey Taylor Cherry; two sisters-in-law, Cleo Mariash Lubin and Margaret Struve of Fort Worth; two brothers-in-law, Murrill Morris and wife Lois of Chickasha and James A. Morris of Fort Worth and numerous nieces, nephews and step-great- grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 20, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie R. Moore 1927-2002 Graveside service for Willie R. (Bud) Moore, 75, of Waco was Saturday, June 15, at Oakwood Cemetery. Dwight Trotter officiated. Moore is the father of Robin Trotter of Paradise. Moore died Thursday, June 13, 2002, in Waco. Born March 31, 1927, in Asa, to William Wayland Moore and Thelma Beatrice (Tadlock) Moore, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Louise Prihoda on June 7, 1969, in Big Spring. He was a member of the VFW and AmVet, and he was a deacon in the Downsville Baptist Church. He loved to fish, hunt and camp. He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Louise of Waco; two daughters, Robin Trotter of Paradise and LeeAnn Riser of Axtell; two sons, Jerry Allen Moore of Axtell and Dennis G. Moore of Bakersfield; two brothers, Norman Moore of Robinson and Kenneth Moore of San Angelo; two sisters, Betty Ann Coffee of Blanket and Sadie M. Freedman of Robinson; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, June 20, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John N. ‘Curley’ Reynolds 1916-2002 Graveside service for John N. "Curley" Reynolds, 86, of Bridgeport was Tuesday, June 18, at Dawson Cemetery in Chico. Dr. Bill Higgins officiated. The Fort Hood Honor Guard performed the flag presentation. Reynolds died Saturday, June 15, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born May 5, 1916, in Rosebud, he was a retired designer and builder of oilfield equipment for Wilson Oilfield Supply in Wichita Falls for 31 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Wichita Falls and was an instructor and Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Jane; five brothers, Charlie Allen, William Edward, James Harold, Harvey Lee and Jeffrey Reynolds and three sisters, Ruth Dorene Brooks, Mary Jane Webb and Myrtal Vesterman. He is survived by a son, Danny W. Reynolds; a brother, Alvie Reynolds; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Wise County Messenger, June 20, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AREA DEATHS & FUNERALS Sunday, June 23, 2002 Gladys Anderson 1910-2002 Graveside service for Gladys Virginia Anderson, 92, of Rhome was Thursday, June 19, at Aurora Cemetery. Steve Richardson officiated. Anderson died Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in Decatur. Born May 30, 1910, in Wise County, she was a member of the Rhome Church of Christ. She married Emmitt Aaron Anderson in Rhome in 1936 and was a homemaker. She is survived by her son, Monty Anderson of Rhome; two sisters, Patricia Rasbury of Boyd and Melba Anderson of Saginaw; three grandchildren, Mark Anderson and Matt Anderson, both of Crockett and Michael Anderson of Richardson and seven great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 23, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annie Lorina Nichols-Bergman 1926-2002 Service for Annie Lorina Nichols-Bergman, 76, of Campbell, Calif. will be Tuesday, June 25, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. She was a former resident of Bridgeport. Burial will follow at Jim Ned Cemetery near Runaway Bay. Nichols-Bergman died Sunday, June 16, 2002, in California. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Andrew Nichols and six siblings, O.C. Moody, Arlin "Bud Moody, Louis Moody, Etta Poland, William Moody, and Bloudwen Foster. She is survived by her husband, Cliff Bergman; two children, Roma Jones and Larry Nichols; three sisters, Ruth Hardin, Lois Hearne and Doris Belote; a brother, Scott Moody and four grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Jones, Megan Nichols and Ryan Nichols. Wise County Messenger, June 23, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jamie Clifton 1919-2002 Service for Jamie Clifton, 82, of Lubbock was to be Saturday, June 22, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock with the Rev. Paul Cunningham officiating. Clifton was a long-time resident of Wise County. Burial was to be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Clifton died Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in Lubbock. She was born Oct. 8, 1919, in Ballinger to David T. and Fannie Brown Eaton. She was a graduate of Decatur High School, Decatur Baptist College and the University Of Texas. She married William W. Clifton on Aug. 15, 1950. Clifton had taught school in Paradise, Bridgeport and Pampa. She was active in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Hillcrest Country Club Ladies Association and was an avid bridge player. She is survived by her husband; two sons, John H. Clifton and his wife Rhonda of Forreston and W.W. Clifton Jr. and his fiancee Shirley of Midland; two sisters, Hallie Mae Allison of Bronte and Jean Holt of Powell, Wyo. and seven grandchildren, Jacob, David, John, Lyle, George, Hannah and Caroline. Memorials can be made to the Building Fund at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3321 33rd St., Lubbock, TX 79410 or Meals on Wheels, 2304 34th St., Lubbock, Texas 79411. Wise County Messenger, June 23, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, June 27, 2002 Albert Bergen Welch 1928-2002 Graveside service for Albert Bergen Welch, 74, of Dallas was Monday, June 24, at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Decatur. Welch died Saturday, June 22, 2002. Born Feb. 15, 1928, in Paris, Ill., to Dr. Albert Summerfield and Margaret Laughlin Welch, he attended the University of Iowa and Kansas University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from the school of engineering at Southern Methodist University and was a member of Blue Key. He was retired from Lockheed Martin. He was a member of Floyd’s Faithful Sunday School Class at the Park Cities Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Busey; a daughter, Diane and son-in-law D. Harold Byrd III; a son, Charlie and daughter-in-law Carolyn Dunlavy of Houston and two grandchildren, David Harold Byrd IV and Tiffany Diane Byrd. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sons of the American Revolution, c/o Mr. Earl Thomas Smith, 5515 Falls Road, Dallas, 75220. Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tommy Dwain Elliott 1965-2002 Graveside service for Tommy Dwain Elliott, 45, of Springtown was to be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26 at Boyd Cemetery. Tony Edwards was to officiate. Elliott died Sunday, June 23, 2002, in Springtown. Born November 2, 1965, in Granbury, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a plumber’s helper. He is survived by two sons, Christopher Dwain Elliott and Tommy Dwain Elliott II; his father, Howard Dwain Elliott and wife Doris; his mother, Frankie Hujber and husband Frank; three sisters, Pamela Carnes, Vicki Reeves and Jeanette Garrett; a brother, Danny Youngblood and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Devin Royce Williams 1966-2002 Service for Devin Royce Williams, 35, of Gainesville will be Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at Clement-Keel Funeral Home in Gainesville. Burial will follow at McCurley Cemetery in Lewisville. Williams is the son of Royce O. and Wanda C. Williams of Paradise. He died Sunday, June 23, 2002, in Gainesville. Born July 6, 1966, in Denton County, he was employed at Andrew Corp. in Denton where he was a department coordinator. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shanna Rene Williams and grandparents Herman W. and Mary L. Williams. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his parents; three daughters, Kimberlin Carrie of Irving and Ashley Michelle and Leticia, both of Gainesville; a brother, Lance O. Williams of Denton; a sister, Kimberly Dawn Perryman of Paradise; three uncles; two aunts and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends and co-workers will serve as pallbearers. Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Ann Vandeventer 1946-2002 Memorial service for Mary Ann Vandeventer, 56, of Denton will be Tuesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Burleson. Vandeventer died Sunday, June 23, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 20, 1946, in Fort Worth to Bobby Lee and Mary Helen Duncan Boyd, she was a nurses aid and enjoyed painting. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Margie Marcoux, in September, 2001. She is survived by her husband, Donald; two sons, Jimmie Schumacher of Fort Worth and Johnny Schumacher and wife Kay of Burleson; a daughter, Jolene Vandeventer and husband Mike of Denton; a brother, David Boyd of Crowley; parents, Mary Helen and Bob Boyd of Decatur; a grandfather, Mervin Marcoux of Burleson and eight grandchildren, Ashley, C.J., Jonathan, Michael, Amanda and Christopher Schumacher and Tyler and Christian Vandeventer. Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jimmy Ray Bishop 1937-2002 Service for Jimmy Ray Bishop, 65, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Charles Taylor was to officiate, assisted by Gentry Castleman. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Brad Perry, Keith Climer, Sammy Brazeau and Scotty, Richard, Raymond and Ronnie Bishop. Bishop died Monday, June 24, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 18, 1937, in Greenwood, he was a retired heavy equipment operator. He married Linda Fay King on June 30, 1962, in Decatur. He was a Baptist and a member of Operating Engineers Local 819 in Fort Worth. He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Jennifer LaRue Nations of Decatur; a brother, Richard Walden Bishop of Decatur and two sisters, Lawanda Lynch of Pauls Valley, Okla. and Dorothy Brazeau of Decatur. Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, June 30, 2002 Gerald Lyle Wood 1932-2002 Funeral for Gerald Lyle Wood, 69, of Springtown was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown. Burial was to follow in Springtown Cemetery. He was the father of Penny Wheelis of Alvord. Wood died Wednesday, June 26, 2002, in Springtown. Born Nov. 4, 1932, in Altus, Okla., he was a former Airman 3rd class in the U.S. Air Force who served during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Clayton and mother, Anna Bula Wood. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Ruth; two brothers, Clois Wood and Arlis Wood and wife Suzie; five children, Hollie McCabe and husband William, Clayton Wood, Gerald L. Wood Jr. and wife Carla; Penny Wheelis and husband Gaylynn; and Allen Wood and wife Diana; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were to be Don Yocum, Gene Lowry, William McCabe, Gaylynn Wheelis, Wyatt Matlock and Greg Modesette. Honorary pallbearers were to be Bronze O’Neal and Wesley Stein. Wise County Messenger, June 30, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bailey Rennels 1906-2002 Memorial service for Bailey Rennels, 95, of Bryan, formerly of Centerville, was to be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 29, at the First Baptist Church in Centerville. Graveside service was to be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at East Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport. The Rev. Larry Ashley was to officiate. Rennels died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Bryan. Born Oct. 11, 1906, in Decatur to John L. and Minnie Lee Rennels, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a welfare social worker until his retirement. He was a member of Centerville Lodge #1291, A.F. & A.M. and was a Mason for more than 70 years. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice. He is survived by a nephew, Fred Rennels and his wife JoAnne of Bryan; a great- nephew, Logan Rennels and his wife Landa of Bryan; a great-niece, Kay Jongsma and her husband Steve of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; and a step-great nephew John Powell and his wife Georgeane of Fort Worth. Wise County Messenger, June 30, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacky J. Hogue 1936-2002 Graveside service for Jacky J. Hogue, 66, of Decatur will be Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m. at Sweetwater Cemetery. Hogue died Friday, June 28, 2002, in Decatur. Born March 22, 1936, in New Mexico, he was a retired truck driver. He married Betty Jean Hudson Dec. 28, 1963, in Decatur. He was a Baptist and a U.S. Marine veteran. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jacky Carter of Alvord and James Carter of Lewisville; a daughter, Donna Lawson of Decatur; two sisters, Bobby Wyatt of Fayetteville, Ark., and Mora Sue Roycraft of Mesquite; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 30, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruth Thompson Martin 1919-2002 Memorial service for Ruth Thompson Martin, 82, of Azle was Wednesday, June 26, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown. Burial was in Springtown Cemetery. Martin died Monday, June 24, 2002, in Azle. Born November 24, 1919, in Fredrick, Okla., she graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1937 and married J.M. "Fat" Thompson on January 13, 1940. She spent most of her life in the dairy business and in farming. She was preceded in death by her husbands, J.M. Thompson in 1974 and Windle Martin in 1994. She is survived by twin sons, Johnnie W. Thompson and wife Linda of Decatur, Lonnie C. Thompson and wife Vicki of Krum; stepson, Buddy Martin and wife Diane of Springtown; stepdaughters, Barbara Williams and husband Charles of Poolville, Helen Robinson and husband David of Peaster and Wanda Parish of Fort Worth; sisters-in-law, Hazel Gilbreath of Muleshoe, Marguerite Thompson and Iola Hart, both of Springtown and Dorothy Thompson of Lake Charles, La; 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, June 30, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------