Wise County, TX - Obits: From the Wise County Messenger - November, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by: Lola Withrow: lola_w@pacbell.net With permission of Wise County Messenger: http://www.wcmessenger.com *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter,and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** Many thanks to the Wise County Messenger for permission to store their online obits/death notices in the USGenWeb Archives ======================================================================= AREA DEATHS & FUNERALS AREA DEATHS & FUNERALS Thursday, November 7, 2002 A.H. "Smokey Joe" Nelon 1934-2002 Service for A.H. "Smokey Joe" Nelon, 68, of Boyd was to be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Jimmy Withers was to officiate, and burial was to follow at Boyd Cemetery. Nelon died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 7, 1934, in Fort Worth, he married LaQuita Brush July 10, 1970, in Durant, Okla. He was an aircraft assembler for Lockheed-Martin and a member of the Azle Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Army and was an avid hunter. He is survived by his wife; three sons, Len Nelon Jr. and wife Ava, Chris Nelon and Travis Hammett and wife Amanda; four daughters, Lisa Nelon, Jolen Popp and husband Geoff, Rhonda Bridges and husband Tom and Teresa Killen and husband Russell; two brothers, A.G. Nelon and Darrell Nelon; one sister, Lou Autry and 18 grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Garland Lehrmann, Tom Kerr, David Maxey, Jerry Haddox, Vince Galanti and Gene Burkhart. Honorary pallbearers were to be Scott Nelon and Jason Nelon. Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ James Donald Orr 1935-2002 Service for James Donald Orr, 67, of McAlester, Okla., formerly of Bridgeport, was Monday, Nov. 4, at Arpelar Cemetery Pavilion. Raymond Wilson officiated. Burial followed at Arpelar Cemetery. Orr died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in McAlester. Born May 29, 1935, in Bridgeport, to James Hubert and Dora Bell Wilkinson Orr, he attended schools in the Bridgeport area. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the U.S.S. Boxer and the U.S.S. Hornet and was stationed in the Far East. He married Carolyn Wilson on April 11, 1959 in Durant, Okla. He worked over 26 years for Southwestern States Telephone Company, which later became GTE. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1098 and the Communications Workers of America Union, Local No. 6179. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rozella and Carl Wilson and two sisters-in-law, Sandra Wilson and Joyce Orr. He is survived by his wife; three sons and daughters-in-law, Carl and Charlotte Chaffin of Springdale, Ark., James and Thresea Orr of Checotah, Okla. and Randy Wayne Orr of McAlester; a brother, Kenneth Orr of Azle; a sister and brother- in-law, Helen and Homer Hamilton of Bridgeport; five grandchildren, Carleen Orr of Wainwright, Okla., J.D. Orr and wife Sarah of Jenks, Okla., Amber Chaffin Walters and husband Patrick of Springdale, Shaun Chaffin of Springdale and Megan Marie Orr of Fresno, Calif. and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Jerrold Mathison, Roy Roberts, Jackie Phillips, Billy Graham, Rance Graham and Frank Tadlock. Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lester Martin Whiteis 1934-2002 Service for Lester Martin Whiteis, 68, of Decatur will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville. Burial will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Whiteis died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 28, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1974 and was employed at Bell Helicopter from 1974 to 1989. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. He is survived by his wife, Mollie Whiteis; two daughters, Arlene Marie and husband Col. Robert J. Mattes of Florida and Shirley and husband Charles Cataldo of Southlake; two daughters-in-law, Michele Whiteis of Weatherford and Helen and Michael Morris and son Hayden of Azle; grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer and Michael; a stepmother, Marie Kaiser; two brothers, Larry Whiteis and John Adams and wife Kathy; four sisters, Lucille Anderson and husband Don of Bend, Ore., Claudia Smith and husband Hawley of Lakewood, Calif., Yvonne Cariveau and husband Gordon of Minnesota and Sharon McPhee and husband Neil of Massachussets and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eula Mae Mouser 1928-2002 Service for Eula Mae Mouser, 73, of Grapevine was Sunday, Nov. 3 at Memorial Baptist Church in Grapevine. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Mouser died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in Irving. Born Nov. 20, 1928, in Decatur to Charlie and Lucille Spain, she was active in her church and was a volunteer with the Grapevine Historic Society. She is survived by one daughter, Terry Dobson and husband Eddie of Grapevine; one son, Clif Mouser and wife Dianne of Waco; four grandchildren, Aaron Dobson of Grapevine, Lindsay Mouser, David Mouser and Cara Mouser, all of Waco. Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dorothy Patterson Martin 1910-2002 Service for Dorothy Patterson Martin, 91, of Weatherford was held Monday, Nov. 4, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Weatherford. The Rev. Charles Bruner officiated and burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery in Weatherford. Martin died Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, in Weatherford. Born Dec. 10, 1910, in Memphis to Carrie Lou and James Venor Patterson, she was the granddaughter of J.W. Patterson who served the District Court of Parker, Wise and Jack Counties for 27 years. Martin graduated from Decatur High School, Decatur Baptist College and the College of Industrial Art, now Texas Woman's University. She married Don Woodhouse Martin of Weatherford March 4, 1933, and they ranched in Parker County. She was a charter member and the first president of the Weatherford Organ Club and a member of the Grace First Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Patterson Moore and one brother, Dr. Thomas V. Patterson. She is survived by one brother, Fred W. Patterson of Denton; four nephews, Bill Patterson, Riley Patterson and Jim Patterson, all of Denton and Dr. L.P. Moore of Chapel Hill, N.C., and one niece, Jane Patterson Taylor of Alma, Colo. Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church in Weatherford. Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Judith Ann Hanson 1937-2001 Service for Judith Ann Hanson, 64, of Decatur will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Baptist Church in Decatur. Dr. Cecil Threadgill and Rev. Kevin Moore will officiate. Burial will follow at the Sycamore Cemetery. Hanson died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Dec. 24, 1937, in St. Paul, Minn., she married Gene Hanson on May 19, 1956 in Long Beach, Calif. She moved to Texas in 1981. During her career, she worked as a hospital administrative secretary, owned a restaurant and was self- employed as a trucking broker. She served as a school board president and on many community and church committees. She was also a member of Sycamore Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband; her children, Judene and Laura Hanson of Decatur and Harlow Hanson and his wife Ronda of Madison, Neb. and four grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, Jordan and Morgan Hanson, all of Madison. Pallbearers will be Arvel Hubbard, James Hubbard, Chuck Eubanks, Dick Mayfield, Charles Pitts and Marvin Saunders. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Velma Armstrong 1913-2002 Velma Armstrong, 89, of Bridgeport died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002 in Decatur. No service was scheduled. Born Sept. 13, 1913, in Lone Oak, she was a homemaker and a retired antique dealer. She was a member of the Navy Mothers Organization. She was preceded in death by her husband, Q.B. Armstrong; two daughters, Jo Stockdale and Billie Armstrong and a brother, Lloyd Henry. She is survived by a son, Jerry Armstrong of Arizona; a sister, Evelyn Jeter of Illinois; four grandchildren, Steve Stockdale of Fort Worth, Michael Stockdale of Arizona, Lizann Bridges of Bridgeport and Monique Armstrong-Smith of Massachusetts and four great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- De Loyd Milligan 1927-2002 Service for De Loyd Milligan, 75, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., at the River of Life Church in Decatur. Greg Mohr was to officiate, assisted by Paul Milligan. Burial was to follow at Pleasant Grove No. 1. Milligan died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, in Decatur. Born Feb. 11, 1927, in Wise County, he was a retired salesman with Mrs. Bairds. He married Nelda B. Gentry on Jan. 11, 1947, in Decatur. He was an Army veteran who served during World War II. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Cameron, Leslie and Omar Milligan and a sister, Viola Crista. He is survived by his wife; four sons, Richard David Milligan and wife Jeanie of Chickasha, Okla., Paul Loyd Milligan and wife Patsy of Decatur, Mark Lee Milligan and Max Dee Milligan, both of Fort Worth; a brother, Claude Milligan of Dallas; two sisters, Stella Riddle of Bowie and Ruth Freeman of Chino Valley, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Andy, Daniel, Brent, Sarah, Matthew and Michele Milligan, Teresa Duff and Lana Boner and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Andy Milligan, Daniel Milligan, Kenny Boner, Conner Hayhurst, Jeremiah Mohr, Luke Oyler and Robbie Surratt. Honorary pallbearers were to be Troy Rosson, Jim Alling, Jeff Alling, Jim Hopkins, Donald McMaster, Dave Drew and Gene Oyler. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie Mae Bickham 1909-2002 Service for Willie Mae Bickham, 92, of Paradise was to be Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., at East Memorial Chapel in Texarkana. Rev. Jack Matkin was to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home. Bickham died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, in Decatur. Born Dec. 29, 1909, in Queen City to Homer and Annie Coats Westmoreland, she was a member of Williams Memorial Methodist Church, Martha Class and XYZ Senior Citizens of Williams. She was a retired beautician and owner of Oaklawn Beauty Shop. She is survived by a daughter, Frances Froehlich and husband Tim of Paradise; a step-daughter, Wanda Young and husband Leonard of Hope, Ark.; a sister, Lena Blackman of Doddridge, Ark.; a sister-in-law, Delma Neil Westmoreland of Navasota; eight grandchildren, Sarah Young, Mary Benson, Sandy Zeda, James Rossitter, Debbie Miller, Jim Harrist, Corbett Martin and Wesley Martin; 10 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Murel Bolding 1919-2002 Service for Murel Bolding, 83, of Bridgeport was Friday, Nov. 1, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Bill Harmon officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Bolding died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, in Chico. Born Feb. 14, 1919, in Goree, she was a sales clerk for Green's Department Store in Bridgeport for more than 25 years. She married Ivy Bolding April 1, 1938, in the Union Point Community near Jacksboro. She was a member of the East Mound Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1969; a grandson, Scotty Williams; a sister, Kate Nooner and a brother, Charlie Beck. She is survived by two daughters, Jo Buck and husband Bud of Bridgeport and Judy Graham and husband Monte of Chico; two sisters, Maricelle McAnear and LaNell Gurnard; four grandchildren, Jimmy Williams, Traci Williams, Tara McEntire and Cooper McClung; three great-grandchildren, Jessica, J.D. and Justin and one great-great-grandchild, Alec. Pallbearers were Billie C. Green, Stacy Green, Noel Gilley, Jason Swan, Cody Gilley and Roper Gilley. Honorary pallbearers were Edward Swan, Dr. W.E. Huddleston, Randell Doty, Steve Doty, Rocky Doty and Britt Doty. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roy H. Shackelford 1927-2002 Service for Roy H. Shackelford, 75, of Decatur was to be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Mike Riley was to officiate, and burial was to follow at Paradise Cemetery. Shackelford died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, in Decatur. Born Oct. 9, 1927, in Henrietta to Curtis and Sudie (Cullers) Shackelford, he served in the U.S. Navy. He married Doris Williams June 26, 1948, in Nocona. He retired from General Dynamics and Bell Helicopter. Shackelford was a member of the Paradise school board from 1969 to 1977 and was a Master Mason and a member of the Southside Lodge No. 1114. He was a Baptist. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris Shackelford of Decatur; a daughter, Sharon Sloan and husband Ron of Perrin/Whitt; two sons, Larry Shackelford of Decatur and Mary Shackelford and wife Gina of Poolville; three grandchildren, Jake Randy and Curtis; a brother, Don Shackelford and wife Gayle of Jacksboro and a sister, Joyce Ann Breeze and husband Leon of Wichita Falls. Pallbearers were to be Larry Shackelford, Mark Shackelford, Ron Sloan, Tommy Sloan, Fritz Schanz and Mark Johnson. A final rendition of military honors for Shackelford was provided by the Wise County Veterans Group Honor Guard. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, November 10, 2002 Elise Marie Wilson 1907-2002 Service for Elsie Marie Wilson, 95, of Greenwood was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. in Decatur. Rev. Paul Williams was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Sycamore Cemetery in Wise County. Wilson died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Longview. Born April 12, 1907, in Missouri, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by one son, Darrell Wilson. She is survived by two sons, Rodney and Gaylen Wilson of Greenwood; two daughters, Joyce Marie Forgason of Hungerford and Trudy Williams of Longview; one sister, Myrtle Stephens of Decatur; 11 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pansy Nell Van Over 1915-2002 Service for Pansy Nell Van Over, 87, of Bridgeport was Friday, Nov. 8 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The family officiated, and burial followed at D-FW National Cemetery in Dallas. Van Over died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Sept. 10, 1915, in Cape Fair, Mo., she married Leonard H. Van Over April 26, 1938, in Marion, Kan. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leonard Van Over; three sons, Gene Van Over and wife Cindy of Lafaette, La., Perry Van Over and wife Lynn of Fair Fax Station, Va., and James Van Over and wife Diane of Decatur; one brother, Oral Dean Berry; three sisters, Merle Iugram, Norma Temple and Loern Glosser; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gene Van Over, Perry Van Over, James Van Over and James Elnitsky. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C.A. Shelnutt 1924-2002 Service for C.A. Shelnutt, 78, of Vernon were to be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Vernon. Rev. Philip Weitner was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park in Vernon. He was the father of Judy Bingham of Decatur. Shelnutt died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Vernon. Born June 19, 1924, in Clyde to Homer Lee and Burtie Cook Shelnutt, he married Dixie Lee Manar Aug. 2, 1942, in Quanah. He later married Cynthia McDonald Dec. 20, 1997, in Vernon. He was a graduate of Denton Valley High School in Callahan County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Vernon. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie Lee Manar Shelnutt on May 5, 1985. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Shelnutt of Vernon; two daughters, Margaret Ann Cook of Little Rock, Ark., and Judy Gail Bingham of Decatur; four brothers, Winfred Shelnutt, Marvin Shelnutt and Hershel Shelnutt, all of Electra and Glyn Shelnutt of Oklahoma City; four sisters, Thelma Hatley of Vernon, Lenora Shelnutt of Wichita Falls, Vivian Henderson of Lawton, Okla., and Alpheus Boston of Electra; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bernice Rosenburg 1917-2002 Service for Bernice Rosenburg, 85, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur. Rev. Tim Wertz was to officiate, assisted by Don Spain and Lee Roy Jackson. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery in Wise County. Rosenburg died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 21, 1917, in the Corinth community in Wise County to B.W. Boydston and Annie Boydston Cross, she married Thomas W. Rosenburg Nov. 11, 1933, in Decatur. She was a member of Eagle Drive Baptist Church in Decatur. She and her husband were the original owners of Whispering Wheels Roller Rink in Decatur from 1959 to 1980. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Rosenburg; her brother, Leonard Boydston and two sisters, Eva Cross and Anna Bess Boydston. She is survived by two daughters, Peggy Burton of Decatur and Annette Riley and husband Charles of Decatur; two sisters, Maxie Jackson of Mesquite and Johnnie Drennan of Fort Worth; six grandchildren, Connie Brawley, Carole Sandford, Carrie Burton and Candie Burton of Decatur, Soretha Riley of Michigan and Monica Slimp of Alabama; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers were to be Cecil Cross, Ronny Jackson, David Meador, Terry Drennan, Virgil Lloyd Jr., James Davis, Weldon Cauthen Jr. and Wendell Cauthen. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.C. Stone 1925-2002 Service for J.C. Stone, 77, of Decatur was Friday, Nov. 8 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur. Rev. Clyde Spain officiated and was assisted by Don Spain and Dr. Van Gardner. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Stone died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 18, 1925, in Leo to Virgil J. and Willie Mae Stone, he was a retired aircraft painter at Bell Helicopter and married Idnel Spain Feb. 17, 1947, in Decatur. He was a Navy veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge #447 and the Scottish Rite. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Lee Stone and Jack Milton Stone and one sister, Margie Marie Ratliff. He is survived by his wife, Idnel Stone of Decatur; one daughter, Janel Fuller and husband John of Decatur; one son, Jamie Stone and wife Leslie of Decatur; two brothers, Donald Ray Stone of Rendon and Billy Wayne Stone of Decatur; three sisters, Mary Jo Lasater of Missouri, Betty Mae Sharp of Midland and Mona Jean Mitchum of Bridgeport and two grandchildren, Drake and Wyatt. Pallbearers were Ed Spain, Jackie Stone, Wayne Ratliff, Robert Ratliff, Chris Burton and John Bradshaw. Honorary pallbearers were James Cates, Jamie Badger, Jim Gage, Dennis Hudson, R.L. Groves, A.C. Archer, Charles Fowler and Guy Horner. Memorials may be sent to Home Hospice of North Texas, 2201 South Farm Road 51, Decatur, Texas, 76234. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F. Dean Fox 1941-2002 Service for F. Dean Fox, 61, of Lewisville was Friday, Nov. 8 at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Roger Rhodes and Ray Wells officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Fox died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, in Lewisville. Born April 14, 1941, in Littlefield to Willis Peek and Azee Loretta Davis Fox, he married Sue Christian Sept. 4, 1965, in Uvalde. He was a member of the Lewisville Church of Christ and was a former deacon at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport. He was a past president of Optimist International and a former master of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge #587 AF and AM. Fox was a funeral director with Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport for 12 years and had been working with Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewsiville for the past three years. He is survived by his wife, Sue Fox of Lewsiville; six children, Judy Dawn Cook and husband Randy of Lakeland, Fla., Wendy Sue Hale and husband Scotty of Arlington and Gregory Dean Fox and wife Carye of Bridgeport; one sister, Sandra G. Miller of Destin, Fla.; one brother, E. Gene Fox of Sweetwater and four grandchildren, Douglas Gann, Cailin Fox, Mary Jane Cook and Emily Hale. Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital or to the Home for Aged Masons and Masonic School. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eldene Clayton Wadsworth 1924-2002 Service for Eldene Clayton Wadsworth, 78, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Rev. Johnny Irish was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Willow Point Cemetery. Wadsworth died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born May 2, 1924, in Arlington, she was a retired bookkeeper and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. She married J.B. Wadsworth June 22, 1946, in Dallas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, J.B. Wadsworth and her sister, Jeanette Denton. She is survived by one daughter, Debbie Pyron and husband Steve of Bridgeport; three sisters, Jackie Johnson and husband Marshall, Pat Franklin and Jo Fancher; one brother, Floyd Lee Clayton; two granddaughters, Shonna Samuel and Kelli Alvarez and husband Salvador; and three great-grandchildren, Mikhalia Hockenhull, D'Antae Bible and Ramiro Alvarez. Pallbearers were to be Randy Fancher, Tommy (Johnny) Denton, Loyd Wadsworth, Tommy Denton, Jim Stegall, Bobby Wharton, Joe Wadsworth and Jimmy Wadsworth. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Pewitt 1930-2002 Service for Bill Pewitt, 72, of Paradise was Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Christian- Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Chaplain Luke Oyler officiated. Burial followed at Wilson Prairie Cemetery near Cottondale. Pewitt died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, in Paradise. Born June 14, 1930, in Chico, he married Rose Marie Santana Oct. 19, 1968, in Las Vegas. He was a retired material specialist for General Dynamics and was a member of Eagle Mountain Church in Newark. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Pewitt of Paradise; two sons, B.R. Pewitt and wife Shannon of Austin and Isaac Pewitt; six daughters, Susan Haywood of Azle, Abby Slaton of Fort Worth, Teresa Conkel and husband Dale of Arlington, Lisa Krog of Keller, Melanie Stewart of Paradise, Crystal Lewis and husband Ty of Paradise and Charisma Rode Pewitt; 12 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Pallbearers were Ty Lewis, Randy Pewitt, Edgar Santos, Richard King, Dale Conkel and John Bauereisen. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Austin Sides 1914-2002 Service for John Austin Sides, 88, of Runaway Bay will be Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Charles Holland and Rev. Johnny Irish will officiate. Burial will follow at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay. Sides died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 10, 1914, in Rockdale, he had lived in Runaway Bay since 1975. He was a retired manager for General Motors and a former city councilman and mayor protem of Runaway Bay. He was a Shriner and a 32nd degree Mason at the Hella Temple in San Angelo. He was also a member of the Runaway Bay Community Church. He married Lovdia Thompson on Aug. 24, 1936. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Jack. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Ron Sides and wife Martha of Krum and Ken Sides and wife Linda of Bridgeport; a daughter, Tanya Palmer and husband Gary of McKinney; a brother, Melvin Sides and wife June of Chico; two sisters, Earlene Higginbotham and Barbara Bynum and husband John; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Austin Sides, Ryan Sides, Brian Sides, Jackie Sides, Wil Merchant, Dale Sides and Ralph Sides. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DeAlva Shelton Johnson 1925-2002 Service for DeAlva Shelton Johnson, 77, of Boyd was to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Joey Vick and Rev. Joe Motsenbocker were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Thomas Cemetery. Johnson died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002 in Decatur. Born Nov. 6, 1925, she was a housewife and a member of the Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport. She married Tom Johnson Jan. 30, 1940, in Jacksboro. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Valton and Darrell Shelton and a sister, Loetta Curtis. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Tom Johnson; two daughters, Brenda Mills and husband Jack of Tacoma, Wash., and Becky Unger and husband Joe Bob of Boyd; two sons, Carl Johnson and wife Melinda of Bryan and Ronny Johnson and wife Sharon of Boyd; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Buck Johnson, Kelly Baker, Thomas Unger, Mark Limerick, Joe Lyn Galloway, Kenneth Galloway and Lonnie Galloway. Honorary pallbearers were to be Chris Johnson, U.D. Vick, Tom Pendergrass, Willie Vick and Jonathon Dennis. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A.H. "Smokey Joe" Nelon 1934-2002 Service for A.H. "Smokey Joe" Nelon, 68, of Boyd was to be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The Rev. Jimmy Withers was to officiate, and burial was to follow at Boyd Cemetery. Nelon died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 7, 1934, in Fort Worth, he married LaQuita Brush July 10, 1970, in Durant, Okla. He was an aircraft assembler for Lockheed-Martin and a member of the Azle Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Army and was an avid hunter. He is survived by his wife; three sons, Len Nelon Jr. and wife Ava, Chris Nelon and Travis Hammett and wife Amanda; four daughters, Lisa Nelon, Jolen Popp and husband Geoff, Rhonda Bridges and husband Tom and Teresa Killen and husband Russell; two brothers, A.G. Nelon and Darrell Nelon; one sister, Lou Autry and 18 grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Garland Lehrmann, Tom Kerr, David Maxey, Jerry Haddox, Vince Galanti and Gene Burkhart. Honorary pallbearers were to be Scott Nelon and Jason Nelon. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Donald Orr 1935-2002 Service for James Donald Orr, 67, of McAlester, Okla., formerly of Bridgeport, was Monday, Nov. 4, at Arpelar Cemetery Pavilion. Raymond Wilson officiated. Burial followed at Arpelar Cemetery. Orr died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in McAlester. Born May 29, 1935, in Bridgeport, to James Hubert and Dora Bell Wilkinson Orr, he attended schools in the Bridgeport area. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the U.S.S. Boxer and the U.S.S. Hornet and was stationed in the Far East. He married Carolyn Wilson on April 11, 1959 in Durant, Okla. He worked over 26 years for Southwestern States Telephone Company, which later became GTE. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1098 and the Communications Workers of America Union, Local No. 6179. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rozella and Carl Wilson and two sisters-in-law, Sandra Wilson and Joyce Orr. He is survived by his wife; three sons and daughters-in-law, Carl and Charlotte Chaffin of Springdale, Ark., James and Thresea Orr of Checotah, Okla. and Randy Wayne Orr of McAlester; a brother, Kenneth Orr of Azle; a sister and brother- in- law, Helen and Homer Hamilton of Bridgeport; five grandchildren, Carleen Orr of Wainwright, Okla., J.D. Orr and wife Sarah of Jenks, Okla., Amber Chaffin Walters and husband Patrick of Springdale, Shaun Chaffin of Springdale and Megan Marie Orr of Fresno, Calif. and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Jerrold Mathison, Roy Roberts, Jackie Phillips, Billy Graham, Rance Graham and Frank Tadlock. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lester Martin Whiteis 1934-2002 Service for Lester Martin Whiteis, 68, of Decatur will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville. Burial will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Whiteis died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 28, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1974 and was employed at Bell Helicopter from 1974 to 1989. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. He is survived by his wife, Mollie Whiteis; two daughters, Arlene Marie and husband Col. Robert J. Mattes of Florida and Shirley and husband Charles Cataldo of Southlake; two daughters-in-law, Michele Whiteis of Weatherford and Helen and Michael Morris and son Hayden of Azle; grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer and Michael; a stepmother, Marie Kaiser; two brothers, Larry Whiteis and John Adams and wife Kathy; four sisters, Lucille Anderson and husband Don of Bend, Ore., Claudia Smith and husband Hawley of Lakewood, Calif., Yvonne Cariveau and husband Gordon of Minnesota and Sharon McPhee and husband Neil of Massachussets and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the First United Methodist Church of Boyd. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eula Mae Mouser 1928-2002 Service for Eula Mae Mouser, 73, of Grapevine was Sunday, Nov. 3 at Memorial Baptist Church in Grapevine. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Mouser died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in Irving. Born Nov. 20, 1928, in Decatur to Charlie and Lucille Spain, she was active in her church and was a volunteer with the Grapevine Historic Society. She is survived by one daughter, Terry Dobson and husband Eddie of Grapevine; one son, Clif Mouser and wife Dianne of Waco; four grandchildren, Aaron Dobson of Grapevine, Lindsay Mouser, David Mouser and Cara Mouser, all of Waco. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorothy Patterson Martin 1910-2002 Service for Dorothy Patterson Martin, 91, of Weatherford was held Monday, Nov. 4, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Weatherford. The Rev. Charles Bruner officiated and burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery in Weatherford. Martin died Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, in Weatherford. Born Dec. 10, 1910, in Memphis to Carrie Lou and James Venor Patterson, she was the granddaughter of J.W. Patterson who served the District Court of Parker, Wise and Jack Counties for 27 years. Martin graduated from Decatur High School, Decatur Baptist College and the College of Industrial Art, now Texas Woman's University. She married Don Woodhouse Martin of Weatherford March 4, 1933, and they ranched in Parker County. She was a charter member and the first president of the Weatherford Organ Club and a member of the Grace First Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Patterson Moore and one brother, Dr. Thomas V. Patterson. She is survived by one brother, Fred W. Patterson of Denton; four nephews, Bill Patterson, Riley Patterson and Jim Patterson, all of Denton and Dr. L.P. Moore of Chapel Hill, N.C., and one niece, Jane Patterson Taylor of Alma, Colo. Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church in Weatherford. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Judith Ann Hanson 1937-2001 Service for Judith Ann Hanson, 64, of Decatur will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Baptist Church in Decatur. Dr. Cecil Threadgill and Rev. Kevin Moore will officiate. Burial will follow at the Sycamore Cemetery. Hanson died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Dec. 24, 1937, in St. Paul, Minn., she married Gene Hanson on May 19, 1956 in Long Beach, Calif. She moved to Texas in 1981. During her career, she worked as a hospital administrative secretary, owned a restaurant and was self- employed as a trucking broker. She served as a school board president and on many community and church committees. She was also a member of Sycamore Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband; her children, Judene and Laura Hanson of Decatur and Harlow Hanson and his wife Ronda of Madison, Neb. and four grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, Jordan and Morgan Hanson, all of Madison. Pallbearers will be Arvel Hubbard, James Hubbard, Chuck Eubanks, Dick Mayfield, Charles Pitts and Marvin Saunders. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, November 14, 2002 Jasper H. Smith 1921-2002 Service for Jasper H. Smith, 81, of Bridgeport was Monday, Nov. 11 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel with a graveside service at Robert Branch Cemetery in Jacksboro. Henry Kaker and Georgia Fae Jackson officiated. Smith died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 25, 1921, in Jack County, he was a retired manager for Dyna Mud Oilfield Services and lived in Bridgeport since 1964. He served in World War II and married Johnnie Briscoe Dec. 21, 1946, at Union Point Community in Jack County. Smith was a member of the VFW post #8914 in Jacksboro and the East Mound Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by one sister, Elizabeth Owen. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Johnnie Smith of Bridgeport; two sons, Ronnie Smith and wife Lindsey of Bridgeport and Lacey Smith and wife Kay of Paradise; one daughter, Connie Shawn and husband Jerry of Bridgeport; one brother, Eugene Smith and wife Ruth of Euless; two sisters, Etta Jean Hensley and Florence Anderson, both of Jacksboro; 16 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers included Sandy Shawn, Dale Peebles, Jason Smith, Doug Smith, Robert Smith, Dennis Emett, Joe Bob Pierce and Jason Alvey. Memorials may be made to the Roberts Branch Cemetery Association. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ James R. Whitaker 1929-2002 Service for James R. Whitaker, 73, of Decatur was Monday, Nov. 11 at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Robert Isham officiated, assisted by Ryan Morrison and Bud Hale. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Whitaker died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, in Decatur. Born Sept. 2, 1929, in Chico, he was a machinist for General Dynamics who retired in 1991 after 42 years. He was born to Hazel B. and Arthur J. Whitaker. He became a Christian at age 14 at the Chico Church of Christ. He moved to Alvord in 1941 and graduated from Alvord High School in 1948. He married Audrey Faye Nikirk Sept. 2, 1950, in Texarkana, Ark. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956 and served as an elder at Decatur Church of Christ for 24 years. He is survived by his wife; a son, Danny Whitaker and wife Carmen of Denton; two daughters, Barbara Thompson and husband Phil of Edmond, Okla., and Phyllis DeLuca and husband Beau of North Richland Hills; one sister, June Moreau of Bellevue and five grandchildren, Bryan James Goodger, Nicole Marie DeLuca, Danny Tyler Whitaker, Brooke Ingram Thompson and Alan Altom. Pallbearers were Larry Hachtel, Kenny Hachtel, Lynn Watts, Charles Parker, Donnie Parker and Randy Parker. Honorary pallbearers were Bus Boner, Jim Walker, Pat Collins, Tom Thompson, John Scott and Ronnie Hess. Memorials may be made to Compass Hospice, 2802 Farm Road 51 South, Bldg. 2, Suite B, Decatur, Texas, 76234 or the Decatur Church of Christ Building Fund, P.O. Box 328, Decatur, Texas, 76234. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Katherine Ray Edelbrock 1951-2002 Graveside service for Katherine Ray Edelbrock, 51, of Waco was Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Goshen Cemetery in Springtown. Rev. Verl Hart Jr. officiated. Edelbrock died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in Dallas. Born Sept. 7, 1951, in Marlin, she was a tax clerk and a Christian. She married Robert Gerard Edelbrock Dec. 15, 1978, in Conroe. She was preceded in death by her husband in August 2000. She is survived by four daughters, Sarah Edelbrock of Graham and Rebekah Edelbrock, Deanna Richards and husband Greg and Jerilynn Robertson, all of Austin; a son, Timothy Ray of Austin; three brothers, Leon Ray, Jack Ray and Jesse Ray; a half-brother, Johnny Ray and two grandchildren, Wesley and Abeigh Jackson. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eva Faye Atkins 1930-2002 Graveside service for Eva Faye Atkins, 78, of Stephenville was to be Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Rev. Chet Atkins was to officiate. Atkins died Monday, Nov. 11, 2002, in Stephenville. Born Jan. 30, 1924, in Denton, to Earl C. and Jewel Moser Atkins, she was a homemaker and a member of Highland Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by a nephew, Gaylon Atkins and wife Mary Jane of De Leon; a niece, Janice McCandless and husband Daryll of Decatur; four great-nephews, Chet Atkins of Dublin, Burt Atkins of Blanket, Carl Atkins of Haslet and Camron McCandless of Decatur and two great-nieces, Christy Patton of Houston and Rain Gunthner of Ponder. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lona Margaret Provence 1923-2002 Service for Lona Margaret Provence, 79, of Decatur were Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Rev. Roy Faubion officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove No. 1 in Wise County. Provence died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Oct. 20, 1923, in Boyd, she was a retired machinist at Victor in Denton. She married Woodrow Wilson Provence who preceded her in death. She was a member of the Fundamental Baptist Church. She is survived by three sons, Eugene Wood of Boyd, Rick Wood of Midlothian and Jim Wood of Richardson; one daughter, Sue Winn of Decatur; one brother, Bill Young of Decatur; two sisters, Shirley Hayes of Decatur and Emma Lee Hill of Fort Worth; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Ronny Winn, Charlie Winn, Tony Wood, Ted Lewis, Tim Taylor and Johnny Garrett. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daisy Alene Van Meter 1909-2002 Service for Daisy Alene Van Meter, 93, of Rhome was Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Thomas Urrey officiated. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora. Van Meter died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, in Decatur. Born Oct. 15, 1909, in Cason, she was a retired teacher for Northwest High School. She married Harold Van Meter July 18, 1930, in Rhome. She was the founder and past president of the Rhome Library and a member of the First Baptist Church in Rhome. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; one brother, Claude Russell and one sister, Nell Criswell. She is survived by one son, Mike Van Meter and wife Rose of Rhome; three grandchildren, Ashley Van Meter of Humble, Vanessa Kiser of Nashville, Tenn., and Lori Van Meter of College Station and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Bobby Downe, Mays Fuqua, Tony Dickey, Dan Maeyers, Joe Wilson and Edwin Schluter. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elise Marie Wilson 1907-2002 Service for Elsie Marie Wilson, 95, of Greenwood was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. in Decatur. Rev. Paul Williams was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Sycamore Cemetery in Wise County. Wilson died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Longview. Born April 12, 1907, in Missouri, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by one son, Darrell Wilson. She is survived by two sons, Rodney and Gaylen Wilson of Greenwood; two daughters, Joyce Marie Forgason of Hungerford and Trudy Williams of Longview; one sister, Myrtle Stephens of Decatur; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pansy Nell Van Over 1915-2002 Service for Pansy Nell Van Over, 87, of Bridgeport was Friday, Nov. 8 at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. The family officiated, and burial followed at D-FW National Cemetery in Dallas. Van Over died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born Sept. 10, 1915, in Cape Fair, Mo., she married Leonard H. Van Over April 26, 1938, in Marion, Kan. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leonard Van Over; three sons, Gene Van Over and wife Cindy of Lafaette, La., Perry Van Over and wife Lynn of Fair Fax Station, Va., and James Van Over and wife Diane of Decatur; one brother, Oral Dean Berry; three sisters, Merle Iugram, Norma Temple and Loern Glosser; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gene Van Over, Perry Van Over, James Van Over and James Elnitsky. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C.A. Shelnutt 1924-2002 Service for C.A. Shelnutt, 78, of Vernon were to be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Vernon. Rev. Philip Weitner was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park in Vernon. He was the father of Judy Bingham of Decatur. Shelnutt died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Vernon. Born June 19, 1924, in Clyde to Homer Lee and Burtie Cook Shelnutt, he married Dixie Lee Manar Aug. 2, 1942, in Quanah. He later married Cynthia McDonald Dec. 20, 1997, in Vernon. He was a graduate of Denton Valley High School in Callahan County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Vernon. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie Lee Manar Shelnutt on May 5, 1985. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Shelnutt of Vernon; two daughters, Margaret Ann Cook of Little Rock, Ark., and Judy Gail Bingham of Decatur; four brothers, Winfred Shelnutt, Marvin Shelnutt and Hershel Shelnutt, all of Electra and Glyn Shelnutt of Oklahoma City; four sisters, Thelma Hatley of Vernon, Lenora Shelnutt of Wichita Falls, Vivian Henderson of Lawton, Okla., and Alpheus Boston of Electra; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bernice Rosenburg 1917-2002 Service for Bernice Rosenburg, 85, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur. Rev. Tim Wertz was to officiate, assisted by Don Spain and Lee Roy Jackson. Burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery in Wise County. Rosenburg died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 21, 1917, in the Corinth community in Wise County to B.W. Boydston and Annie Boydston Cross, she married Thomas W. Rosenburg Nov. 11, 1933, in Decatur. She was a member of Eagle Drive Baptist Church in Decatur. She and her husband were the original owners of Whispering Wheels Roller Rink in Decatur from 1959 to 1980. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Rosenburg; her brother, Leonard Boydston and two sisters, Eva Cross and Anna Bess Boydston. She is survived by two daughters, Peggy Burton of Decatur and Annette Riley and husband Charles of Decatur; two sisters, Maxie Jackson of Mesquite and Johnnie Drennan of Fort Worth; six grandchildren, Connie Brawley, Carole Sandford, Carrie Burton and Candie Burton of Decatur, Soretha Riley of Michigan and Monica Slimp of Alabama; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers were to be Cecil Cross, Ronny Jackson, David Meador, Terry Drennan, Virgil Lloyd Jr., James Davis, Weldon Cauthen Jr. and Wendell Cauthen. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.C. Stone 1925-2002 Service for J.C. Stone, 77, of Decatur was Friday, Nov. 8 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur. Rev. Clyde Spain officiated and was assisted by Don Spain and Dr. Van Gardner. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Stone died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Decatur. Born June 18, 1925, in Leo to Virgil J. and Willie Mae Stone, he was a retired aircraft painter at Bell Helicopter and married Idnel Spain Feb. 17, 1947, in Decatur. He was a Navy veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge #447 and the Scottish Rite. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Lee Stone and Jack Milton Stone and one sister, Margie Marie Ratliff. He is survived by his wife, Idnel Stone of Decatur; one daughter, Janel Fuller and husband John of Decatur; one son, Jamie Stone and wife Leslie of Decatur; two brothers, Donald Ray Stone of Rendon and Billy Wayne Stone of Decatur; three sisters, Mary Jo Lasater of Missouri, Betty Mae Sharp of Midland and Mona Jean Mitchum of Bridgeport and two grandchildren, Drake and Wyatt. Pallbearers were Ed Spain, Jackie Stone, Wayne Ratliff, Robert Ratliff, Chris Burton and John Bradshaw. Honorary pallbearers were James Cates, Jamie Badger, Jim Gage, Dennis Hudson, R.L. Groves, A.C. Archer, Charles Fowler and Guy Horner. Memorials may be sent to Home Hospice of North Texas, 2201 South Farm Road 51, Decatur, Texas, 76234. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F. Dean Fox 1941-2002 Service for F. Dean Fox, 61, of Lewisville was Friday, Nov. 8 at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. Roger Rhodes and Ray Wells officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Fox died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, in Lewisville. Born April 14, 1941, in Littlefield to Willis Peek and Azee Loretta Davis Fox, he married Sue Christian Sept. 4, 1965, in Uvalde. He was a member of the Lewisville Church of Christ and was a former deacon at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport. He was a past president of Optimist International and a former master of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge #587 AF and AM. Fox was a funeral director with Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport for 12 years and had been working with Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewsiville for the past three years. He is survived by his wife, Sue Fox of Lewsiville; six children, Judy Dawn Cook and husband Randy of Lakeland, Fla., Wendy Sue Hale and husband Scotty of Arlington and Gregory Dean Fox and wife Carye of Bridgeport; one sister, Sandra G. Miller of Destin, Fla.; one brother, E. Gene Fox of Sweetwater and four grandchildren, Douglas Gann, Cailin Fox, Mary Jane Cook and Emily Hale. Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital or to the Home for Aged Masons and Masonic School. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eldene Clayton Wadsworth 1924-2002 Service for Eldene Clayton Wadsworth, 78, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Rev. Johnny Irish was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Willow Point Cemetery. Wadsworth died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Bridgeport. Born May 2, 1924, in Arlington, she was a retired bookkeeper and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. She married J.B. Wadsworth June 22, 1946, in Dallas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, J.B. Wadsworth and her sister, Jeanette Denton. She is survived by one daughter, Debbie Pyron and husband Steve of Bridgeport; three sisters, Jackie Johnson and husband Marshall, Pat Franklin and Jo Fancher; one brother, Floyd Lee Clayton; two granddaughters, Shonna Samuel and Kelli Alvarez and husband Salvador; and three great-grandchildren, Mikhalia Hockenhull, D'Antae Bible and Ramiro Alvarez. Pallbearers were to be Randy Fancher, Tommy (Johnny) Denton, Loyd Wadsworth, Tommy Denton, Jim Stegall, Bobby Wharton, Joe Wadsworth and Jimmy Wadsworth. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Pewitt 1930-2002 Service for Bill Pewitt, 72, of Paradise was Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Christian- Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Chaplain Luke Oyler officiated. Burial followed at Wilson Prairie Cemetery near Cottondale. Pewitt died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, in Paradise. Born June 14, 1930, in Chico, he married Rose Marie Santana Oct. 19, 1968, in Las Vegas. He was a retired material specialist for General Dynamics and was a member of Eagle Mountain Church in Newark. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Pewitt of Paradise; two sons, B.R. Pewitt and wife Shannon of Austin and Isaac Pewitt; six daughters, Susan Haywood of Azle, Abby Slaton of Fort Worth, Teresa Conkel and husband Dale of Arlington, Lisa Krog of Keller, Melanie Stewart of Paradise, Crystal Lewis and husband Ty of Paradise and Charisma Rode Pewitt; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Ty Lewis, Randy Pewitt, Edgar Santos, Richard King, Dale Conkel and John Bauereisen. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Austin Sides 1914-2002 Service for John Austin Sides, 88, of Runaway Bay will be Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Charles Holland and Rev. Johnny Irish will officiate. Burial will follow at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay. Sides died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in Decatur. Born July 10, 1914, in Rockdale, he had lived in Runaway Bay since 1975. He was a retired manager for General Motors and a former city councilman and mayor protem of Runaway Bay. He was a Shriner and a 32nd degree Mason at the Hella Temple in San Angelo. He was also a member of the Runaway Bay Community Church. He married Lovdia Thompson on Aug. 24, 1936. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Jack. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Ron Sides and wife Martha of Krum and Ken Sides and wife Linda of Bridgeport; a daughter, Tanya Palmer and husband Gary of McKinney; a brother, Melvin Sides and wife June of Chico; two sisters, Earlene Higginbotham and Barbara Bynum and husband John; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Austin Sides, Ryan Sides, Brian Sides, Jackie Sides, Wil Merchant, Dale Sides and Ralph Sides. Wise County Messenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DeAlva Shelton Johnson 1925-2002 Service for DeAlva Shelton Johnson, 77, of Boyd was to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport. Rev. Joey Vick and Rev. Joe Motsenbocker were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Thomas Cemetery. Johnson died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002 in Decatur. Born Nov. 6, 1925, she was a housewife and a member of the Cuba Road Church in Bridgeport. She married Tom Johnson Jan. 30, 1940, in Jacksboro. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Valton and Darrell Shelton and a sister, Loetta Curtis. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Tom Johnson; two daughters, Brenda Mills and husband Jack of Tacoma, Wash., and Becky Unger and husband Joe Bob of Boyd; two sons, Carl Johnson and wife Melinda of Bryan and Ronny Johnson and wife Sharon of Boyd; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were to be Buck Johnson, Kelly Baker, Thomas Unger, Mark Limerick, Joe Lyn Galloway, Kenneth Galloway and Lonnie Galloway. Honorary pallbearers were to be Chris Johnson, U.D. Vick, Tom Pendergrass, Willie Vick and Jonathon Dennis. Wise County Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AREA DEATHS & FUNERALS Thursday, November 21, 2002 Dayna Rae Luna 1968-2002 Service for Dayna Rae Luna, 34, of Rhome was Monday, Nov. 18, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. Louis Horton officiated. Luna died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, in Rhome. Born Sept. 18, 1968, in Dallas, she married David Luna in 1988 in Fort Worth. She attended Grand Prairie High School and Mountain View College. She was an accountant at Administaff. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Edna Base . She is survived by her husband, David of Rhome; mother, Janice Hood of Lewisville; one son, Ryan Luna; two daughters, Rachel and Ashley Luna; two half- brothers, Randall and Damon Hawkins; three half-sisters, Pepper Cole, Sharon Beal and Pam Shepard; grandfather, Ervin Base and in-laws, Guillermo and Juan a Luna. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 21, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fredrick Lee "Fred" Walker 1946-2002 Service for Fredrick Lee "Fred" Walker, 56, of Fort Worth, a former resident of Wise County, was Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial followed at Aurora Cemetery. Walker died Nov. 16, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Aug. 25, 1946, in Decatur, he graduated from Northwest High School in 1964 and attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship. He joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Walker married Linda Kay Duncan Dec. 5, 1970. He was employed with General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington for 18 years and was a former member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 146 of Fort Worth. He is survived by his parents, Clarence "Rip" and Virginia Walker of Rhome; wife, Linda Kay Duncan Walker; brother, Ed Walker of Fort Worth; five sons, Brett Lee Walker of Grand Prairie, Brad W. Walker and wife Tangie of Garland, D. Wayde Duncan and wife Nicole of Fort Worth, Bryan K. Duncan and wife Cecilia of Saginaw and Troy D. Masters of Joshua; one daughter, Debra L. Blanchard of Fort Worth and James R. Blanchard of Cleburne; 11 grandchildren, Jason R. Blanchard of Weatherford, Darryl W. Duncan of Fort Worth, Travis S. Duncan of Fort Worth, Austin L. Walker of Benbrook, Reed W. Walker of Garland, Tanner K. Walker of Garland, Brittney L. Bryd of Cleburne, Whitney N. Duncan and Courtney D. Duncan of Saginaw, Amanda R. Duncan of Fort Worth and Tayla L. Walker of Garland; one great-granddaughter, Haley N. Byrd of Cleburne. Pallbearers were Doug East, Phillip Admire, Monty Anderson, Tony Dickey, Donovan Hughes and Larry Rockwell. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 21, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bess Carrigan Frost 1919-2002 Service for Bess Carrigan Frost, 83, of Decatur was Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth. The Rev. Thomas Brumett of First United Methodist Church in Decatur officiated. Frost died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, in Decatur. Born Jan. 2, 1919, in Searcy, Ark. she moved with her family to Sweetwater in 1927. She married B.T. Frost Nov. 29, 1939. She was a resident of Fort Worth for 58 years before moving to Decatur in July 2000, following her retirement from the science department of Fort Worth ISD. She was also a member of Ridglea O.E.S. #999. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jincy Carrigan; her husband; brothers James Carrigan and Charles Carrigan and a granddaughter, Whitney Frost. She is survived by her children, Barbara Frost Haley and husband Bob of Decatur and Robert "Bob" Frost and wife Kay of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Ashley Frost Piskorski and husband Scott of San Antonio, Stacy Hooks McNeely and husband Cliff of Roanoke, Susan Hooks Thomas and husband Rusty of Roanoke, Chad Walker of Fukuoka-Shi, Japan, Frieda Haley Davis and husband Wayne and Elizabeth Haley, all of Decatur; great-grandchildren, Trevor McNeely of Roanoke, Andrew and Justin Piskorski of Yorktown, Va., Ryan , Evan and Haden Davis and Joey Laremore, all of Decatur; brother, Taylor Carrigan and wife Charlesa of Keller; sister, Velta Carrigan Stuck of La Mesa, Calif. and sister-in-law, Katherine Penley Carrigan of El Paso. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 21, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Shawn Simmons 2002 Graveside service for Matthew Shawn Simmons, the infant child of Shawn and Melissa Simmons of Alvord, will be Monday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Bill Cleveland will officiate. Simmons died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, in Fort Worth. He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Donald and Terry Hill of Alvord, Jon and Marline Simmons of Fort Worth and Roy and Marlina Capps of Fort Worth; great-grandparents, Jo Dean Lippard of Fort Worth and Nelda Johnson of Sunset and a sister, Shelby Lynn Simmons of Alvord. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Katherine Ray Edelbrock 1951-2002 Graveside service for Katherine Ray Edelbrock, 51, of Waco, a former Wise County resident, was Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Goshen Cemetery in Springtown. Rev. Verl Hart Jr. officiated. Edelbrock died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in Dallas. Born Sept. 7, 1951, in Marlin, she married Robert Gerard Edelbrock Dec. 15, 1978, in Conroe. She was a tax clerk, having served at the Wise County tax office for several years. She was a former resident of Cottondale, Bridgeport and Chico. She was preceded in death by her husband in August 2000. She is survived by four daughters, Sarah Edelbrock of Graham and Rebekah Edelbrock, Deanna Richards and husband Greg and Jerilynn Roberson, all of Austin; a son, Timothy Ray of Austin; three brothers, Leon Ray, Jack Ray and Jesse Ray; a half-brother, Johnny Ray and two grandchildren, Wesley and Abeigh Jackson. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert P. Michela 1929-2002 Memorial service for Robert P. "Bob" Michela, 72, of Runaway Bay was to be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at St. John's Catholic Church in Bridgeport. Deacon Art Casillas was to officiate. Michela died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Colleyville. Born Dec. 28, 1929, in Iron Mountain , Mich., Bob served in the U.S. Air Force, retired as an engineer for General Electric and was a member of St. John's. He married Joslyn Middlebrook Jan. 23, 1954, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Joslyn Michela; a son, Joseph Michela; four daughters, Terri Storms, Carole Buys Michela and husband James, Diane Letts and husband Keith and Vicki Danielson and husband Darren; a sister, Joan Klein; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leonard F. 'Cookie' Cook 1923-2002 Graveside service for Leonard F. "Cookie" Cook, 79, of Sealy was Friday, Nov. 15 at Fayetteville Catholic Cemetery. Monsignor Ben Mazurkiewicz officiated. Cook died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Bellville. Born June 21, 1923, in Decatur to Thurman Foster and Bernice McCraken Cook, he was a retired technician with Gulf Oil Corp. and was a member of the Methodist church. He married Agnes Vitek Cook in Wallis May 8, 1954. He was a member of the Decatur Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Agnes Cook; one daughter, Donna McBride and her husband Joe of Houston; two sons, Kyle Cook and wife Barbara and Ken Cook and wife Helen, all of Madison, Miss.; four sisters, Martha Hickey of Crane, Bonnie Rawlings and husband U.R. of Decatur, Norma Wiley and husband Clint of Decatur and Joyce McNeil and husband Jim of Richmond and five grandchildren, Jonathan, Meredith, Foster, Kendall and Carter. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- W. Jay Stanley 1916-2002 Service for W. Jay Stanley, 85, of Fort Worth was Friday, Nov. 15 at Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Stanley died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Fort Worth. Born Dec. 16, 1916, in Decatur, he was retired from General Dynamics and was a member of the Castleberry Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Fay O. Stanley. He is survived by his son, Dan Stanley and wife Carol of Burleson; grandson, Toby Stanley of Paradise; granddaughter, Paige Blood and husband Curt of Fort Worth and great-grandson, Tristan Blood of Fort Worth. Memorials may be made to the Emery J. Lilge Hospice House, 301 Med Park Circle, Burleson, Texas, 76028. Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 18, 2002 Service for Dayna Rae Luna, 34, of Rhome will be at 2 p.m. today at Coker Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Aurora Cemetery. GRAVESIDE service for the infant Matthew Shawn Simmons of Alvord will be at 2 p.m. today at Oaklawn Cemetery. Coker Funeral Home is handling both services. SERVICE for Janice Loree Woodruff, 74, of Azle will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Briar Baptist Church with burial at Azleland Cemetery. Family visitation from 6 to 8 tonight at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. FUNERAL for Bess Carrington Frost, 83, of Decatur will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Worth with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. She was the mother of Barbara Haley of Decatur. SERVICE for Fred Walker, 56, of Grand Prairie, formerly of Rhome, will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Olivet Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth with burial at Aurora Cemetery. Family visitation from 6 to 8 tonight at Mount Olivet. He was the son of Clarence and Virginia Walker of Rhome. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 19, 2002 Service for Bernice Clark, 98, of Decatur is pending at Coker Funeral Home. She was the mother of Mrs. Don Spain of Decatur. FUNERAL for Janice Loree Woodruff, 74, of Azle will be at 2 p.m. today at Briar Baptist Church with burial at Azleland Memorial Park. FUNERAL for John David Erwin, 33, of Boyd is pending. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home is handling the latter two services. SERVICE for Bess Carrington Frost, 83, of Decatur will be at 11:30 a.m. today at Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Worth with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. She was the mother of Barbara Haley of Decatur. FUNERAL for Fred Walker, 56, of Grand Prairie, formerly of Rhome, will be at 11:30 a.m. today at Mount Olivet Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth with burial in Aurora Cemetery. He was the son of Clarence and Virginia Walker of Rhome. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 20, 2002 Service for Mattye Pennington, 80, of Alvord will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Alvord with burial in Alvord Cemetery. Family visitation from 6-8 tonight at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. SERVICE for Bernice Clark, 94, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Coker Chapel with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation from 7-8 tonight at the funeral home. GRAVESIDE service for John David Erwin, 33, of Boyd will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Paradise Cemetery. Family visitation from 6-8 tonight at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd. FUNERAL for Helen Rankin, 94, of Bridgeport is pending at Hawkins Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 21, 2002 Service for Mattye Pennington, 80, of Alvord will be at 10:30 a.m. today at First Baptist Church in Alvord with burial in Alvord Cemetery. FUNERAL for Bernice Clark, 94, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. today at Coker Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. GRAVESIDE service for J. C. Stockton, 74, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Alvord Cemetery. Family visitation from 7-8 tonight at Coker Funeral Home. FUNERAL for U. R. (Red) Rawlings, 82, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. Coker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. GRAVESIDE service for John David Erwin, 33, of Boyd will be at 11 a.m. today at Paradise Cemetery. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home is handling arrangements. GRAVESIDE service for Helen Rankin, 94, of Bridgeport will be at 2 p.m. Friday at East Bridgeport Cemetery. She was the mother of Robert Goode of Bridgeport. Hawkins Funeral Home is handling arrangements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 22, 2002 Graveside service for J. C. Stockton, 74, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. today at Alvord Cemetery. FUNERAL for U. R. (Red) Rawlings, 82, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. SERVICE for Maxine Howard, 81, of Valley View is pending. Coker Funeral Home is handling all three services. GRAVESIDE service for Helen Rankin, 94, of Bridgeport will be at 2 p.m. today at East Bridgeport Cemetery. She was the mother of Robert Goode of Bridgeport. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 25, 2002 Graveside service for Mildred Drain, 77, of Newark will be at 3 p.m. today at Aurora Cemetery. FUNERALS for Robert Lee Davis, 50, of Rhome and Jack Gilbert, 90, of Paradise are pending. Coker Funeral Home is handling all three services. SERVICE for L. D. Wingate, 73, of Azle will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church No. 2 in Keeter with burial in Azleland Cemetery. Family visitation from 6-8 tonight at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. FUNERAL for Emma Jean Simmons, 95, of Rhome, is pending. She died Saturday in Oklahoma. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 26, 2002 SERVICE for L. D. Wingate, 73, of Azle will be at 10 a.m. today at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church No. 2 in Keeter with burial in Azleland Cemetery. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home of Boyd is handling arrangements. FUNERAL for Emma Jean Simmons, 95, of Rhome, will be at 2 p.m. today at the Aurora Baptist Church with burial in Aurora Cemetery. Coker Funeral Home is in change of arrangements. FUNERAL for Jack Gilbert, 90, of Paradise will be at 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Cottondale with burial tomorrow in Austin with Coker Funeral Home in charge. GRAVESIDE service for Robert Lee Davis, 50, of Rhome will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow in the DFW National Cemetery. Coker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. SERVICE is pending at Coker Funeral Home for Cora Bell Brumlow of Decatur. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 27, 2002 Graveside service for Robert Lee Davis, 50, of Rhome will be at 11 a.m. today at DFW National Cemetery. Coker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. FUNERAL for Donald York, 58, of Bridgeport is pending at Hawkins Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 29, 2002 Service for Woodrow (Woody) Starnes, 83, of Decatur will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Coker Funeral Home Chapel with burial at DFW Cemetery on Monday. Family visitation is from 6 to 8 Saturday night at the funeral home. SERVICE for Donald Leo York, 58, of Bridgeport will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant View Baptist Church with burial in Thomas Cemetery. Family visitation is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home. FUNERAL for Dee Mueller, 67, of Aurora will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd with burial in Aurora Cemetery. Family visitation is from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------