James A. “Jimmy” Walton

James A. “Jimmy” Walton, 74, of Sweetwater died Thursday, May 25, 2006, in his residence.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2006, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home chapel with the Revs. Lance Cypert and Cody Walton officiating.

Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mr. Walton was born on Jan. 7, 1932, in Sweetwater. He married Katie Jones on March 17, 1953, in Lovington, N.M. Mr. Walton worked for Flintkote and the City of Sweetwater for many years before retiring. He was a member of the Lamar Street Baptist Church and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Survivors include his wife, Katie Walton of Sweetwater; three sons, Faron Walton and his wife, Robbie, of Pflugerville, Mark Walton of Sweetwater and Monte Walton and his wife, Lucy, of Lubbock; five grandchildren, Jeremy Walton, Cody Walton, Austin Walton, Katlin Walton and Adan Walton; one great-grandchild, Lorelei Walton; two brothers, H.L. Walton of Abilene and Wayne Walton of Boyd; and one sister, Louise Walton of Atlanta, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lee, George, Mike, Syeous and Pat; and three sisters, Jewell, Ada and Betty.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.


Alfreda Beryl Shuler

Alfreda Beryl Shuler, 86, of Sweetwater died Friday, April 26, 2006, in the Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2006, in the Snyder Cemetery with the Rev. Larry McAden officiating.

Services will be under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweet-water.

Mrs. Shuler was born on Oct. 28, 1919, in Scurry County. She was a homemaker and member of the Greenhill Baptist Church of Snyder. Mrs. Shuler had been a resident of Sweetwater for 24 years, moving from Snyder.

Survivors include one daughter, Jerry Lou Hunt and her husband, Jerry, of Sweetwater; two sons, Lester H. Shuler Jr. and his wife, Margaret, of Clyde, and C.F. Shuler of Snyder; three grandchildren, Rebecca Kolega and her husband, Randy, of Arlington, Bobby Shuler and his wife, Johnnie, of Euless and Charles Hunt and his wife, Jodi, of San Antontio; three great-grandchildren, L.J. Shuler and Robert Shuler, both of Euless, and Megan Kolega of Arlington; two sisters, Beatrice May of Sweetwater and Jessie Lockhart of Midland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester H. Shuler, in 1956.


Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown, 85, of Sweetwater died Friday, May 26, 2006, in Sweetwater.

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in the Sweetwater Cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Nelson officiating.

Services were under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Mrs. Brown was born on Dec. 9, 1920, in Milam County. She lived in Sweetwater since 1963 and worked as a housekeeper. She also worked in the restaurant business and was a Baptist.

Survivors include her sons, Donnie Brown and his wife, Sharon, Toby Brown and Howard Dale Brown, all of Sweetwater; her daughters, Erma Williams and her husband, Lowell, Zula Jackson, Bula Brown and Debbie Brown, all of Sweetwater; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ola Williams, and four grandchildren, Bonnie, L.C., Anthony and Tony.


 

Todd Matthies

Todd Matthies, 37, died Monday, May 29, 2006, in Roby.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2006, in the First Baptist Church in Roby with the Revs. Jerry Vincent and Jeff Sedberry officiating.

Burial will be in the Roby Cemetery, directed by Adams Funeral Home in Hamlin.

Born on Sept. 9, 1968, in Abilene, Todd was the son of Shirley (Farmer) Jeffrey and the late John Matthies. He graduated from McCaulley High School in 1987 and Tarleton State University in 1991. Todd married Fonda Jeffrey on Aug. 27, 1990, in Snyder. He worked for TxDOT and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Roby.

His father and brother-in-law (Todd Wayne Jeffrey) preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife Fonda Matthies of Roby; one son, Heath Matthies of Roby; one daughter, Hope Matthies of Roby; mother and stepfather, Shirley and Billy Wayne Jeffrey of Roby; one brother, Rodney Matthies of Shelbyville, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Jana Bond (and husband, Ricky); step grandparents, Truett and Jewell Jeffrey; nieces and nephews, David Bond, Kristi Smith (and husband, Joe), Judd Bond, and Carl Bond.

Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Adams Funeral Home in Hamlin.

The family will be at 204 South Orange Street in Roby.


Joe Roy "Jiggs" Emerson

Joe Roy "Jiggs" Emerson, 85, died Tuesday, May 30, 2006 Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Sweetwater Cemetery with Rev. Mark Metzger officiating, directed by McCoy Funeral Home, Sweetwater. Military graveside rites will be performed by the Nolan County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Emerson was born January 7, 1921 in Roscoe. He was a lifelong resident of Roscoe. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army Air Corps. He was part of the Squadron of the 5th Bomber Command. After the war, he worked in the oil field, and also farmed.

Mr. Emerson was preceded in death by: three sisters, Eva Seago (6-3-1998), Aileen E. Farris (10-29-1981), and Christine Mabry (7-8-1981); and a brother, Bob Emerson (8-31-2004).

Survivors include: one brother, William H. "Bill" Emerson of Snyder; sister-in-law Elizabeth Emerson of San Angelo; five nephews, and seven nieces.


Andrew Justin (A.J.) Frizzell

Andrew Justin (A.J.) Frizzell, 22, of Roscoe died Friday, June 2, 2006, in Roscoe.

The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2006, in the Broadway Baptist Church in Sweetwater with the Rev. Orvel Brantley officiating.

Burial followed in the Lone Wolf Cemetery in Scurry County under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Mr. Frizzell was born on Nov. 11, 1983, in Sweetwater. He was a welder and worked for Mahaffey Construction.

Survivors include his parents, Randy and Rhonda Frizzell of Hermleigh; one sister, Casey Frizzell of Roscoe; his grandparents, Roger and Barbara Lawrence of Sweetwater, Don Frizzell of Colorado City, Sue Hodgkill of Amarillo; his great-grandparents, Ernest and Helen Lawrence Jr. of New Hampshire, Laurena Frizzell of Roscoe, H.A. Purser of Lampasas, and Vivian Wallace of Elko, Nev.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Codie Rene; and great-grandparents, Curtis and Gladys Lister and Luie Frizzell.

Pallbearers were Rowdy Cumbie, Luke Kuss, Conor Johnson, Chris Sorrells, James Smith, James Hearin, Austin Rinehart and Cody Hall.

 

Sweetwater Reporter, Sunday, June 4, 2006:

Roscoe man killed by train Friday

A Roscoe man was killed late Friday night when his vehicle was hit by a train west of Roscoe.

The man was identified as A.J. Frizzell, 22. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

According to those at the scene, Frizzell was attempting to flag down a train because his vehicle was stuck on the tracks.

He was run over and died because the train could not stop in time.


Novelette Kone Cook

Novelette Kone Cook, 92, of Sweetwater died Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in her residence.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories with the Revs. George Garnett and C.L. Walker officiating.

Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Cemetery.

Mrs. Cook was born on Sept. 9, 1913, in Brenham to Armstead B. and Mae Ella Kone. She married Clyde Cook on Sept. 9, 1942, in Spur. Mrs. Cook was a retired school teacher, retiring in 1979 after 44 years. She was a member of the Mount Rose Baptist Church and received her bachelor of arts from Paul Quinn College in Waco.

Survivors include one son, Robert Sweet and his wife, Linda, of Snyder; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one son.


Jack William Harris

Jack William Harris was born Jan. 30, 1913, in Abilene, to Frankie Andrews Harris and Jason Glenn Harris. He graduated from Newman High School in Sweetwater in 1930, and the University of Texas in 1934, where he met his wife, Francis. After studying law for one year, Jack passed the Texas Bar and practiced law in Sweetwater with the firm Steakley, Harris and Nunn. Jack married Francis Pfaefflin of Austin on Oct. 1, 1938. In 1942-43, he served as an examiner for the Immigration Naturalization Service. Mr. Harris served his country during World War II as a U.S. Army Military Police in India, Burma and China. At the completion of the war, Jack returned to the University of Texas where he received a degree in accounting and obtained his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. He then worked for KPMG in New York and Dallas, before returning in 1950 to Sweetwater where Mr. Harris served as a CPA until his retirement in 2000.

Jack Harris was also active in his community, teaching Sunday school and serving on the Bishop's Committee of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church. He was also active in the Rotary Club of Sweetwater, serving as president in 1957, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Francis P. Harris; his son, David Andrews Harris and his wife, Gaye, of Dallas; and his daughter, Jeannette Harris Bryant and her husband, Loren, of Sweetwater. “Grandy” is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandsons with another boy on the way: Todd Robert Harris and his wife, Laran, of New York City, and their three sons, Houston, Hank and an infant born on June 2, 2006; Caroline Bryant Livingston and her husband, Will, of Coppell, and their son, Bryant; Drew Martin Harris of Dallas, and Travis Andrew Bryant of Dallas. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Helen Harris Latimer Wilson, and an infant son, Stephen William Harris.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Sweetwater Cemetery Monday morning, June 5, 2006, at 11 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service celebrating the life of Jack W. Harris at the First Presbyterian Church. A reception will be held following the service in the parlor.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Sweetwater, 1311 McCauley Street, Sweetwater, TX 79556; Ben Richey Boys Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, TX 79602, or a charity of your choice.

The Rev. Howell Martin will officiate the services.

Services will be under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.


Helen Beatrice (Bea) Harris

Helen Beatrice (Bea) Harris, born Sept. 24, 1900 outside of Mineola to R. B. and Nellie Kuteman, died June 2, 2006.

She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, her daughter, Mary Kerbow, her brothers, Jim and Robert, and four husbands.

Bea had two children, Mary Vaughn Kerbow, Robert Murri, and daughter-in-law Ariel Murri, granddaughter, Katherine Kerbow Dickson, grandson-in-law, Temple Dickson, four great-granddaughters, Allison Baker, Angie Dickson, Priscilla Primavera, Maria Parigi, their husbands, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She loved and enjoyed her Harris family from Palo Pinto County. Her great friends, Dr. Mario and Rose Belotti contributed much to her life.

She was community leader in Aspen, Colo,, Wichita Falls and Mineral Wells. Her vivacious love of life, music, arts, and womens’ issues affected and influenced many. She was a member of the Texas Frontier Trail, Mineral Wells Women's Club, Senior Citizen Center, and the American Legion.

Among those many who will miss her are her caregiver family, Jeanine Bartlett, Debra Zink, Mary Ann Dinnwiddie, Beverly James, Shirley Rae, and Wanita Anguiano.

Quoted by her many times: “If I had life to live over again, I would tango everyday.”

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the Mineola Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bat World in Mineral Wells or a charity of your choice.


Margarita Lopez Gomez

Margarita Lopez Gomez, 76, of Sweetwater died Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in the Sweetwater Healthcare Center.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater with Jimmy Don Bennett officiating.

Burial followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Mrs. Gomez was born on June 10, 1929, in Rockspring. She married Fernando Q. Gomez Sr. on May 28, 1948, in Sweetwater. She was Pentecostal and lived in Sweetwater most of her life.

Survivors include four sons, Pete Joe Gomez of Sweetwater, Danny Gomez of San Diego, Calif., David Gomez and his wife, Judy, of Fredricksburg, Va., and Fernando Gomez and his wife, Terry, of Abilene; two daughters, Lucy Reyes and her husband, Aureilo, of Sweetwater and Tina Gomez of Corpus Christi; two brothers, Paul Lopez and Manuel Lopez, both of Sweetwater; four sisters, Enis Gongora, Francis Gutierrez and Eufemia Lopez, all of Sweetwater, and Maria Loera of Phoenix, Ariz.; 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fernando Q. Gomez Sr., on July 12, 2000; two daughters, Blanca Estella Gomez, on Dec. 13, 1954, and Helen Gedea, and one brother, Pete Lopez.

 


 

Frank I. Guess

Frank I. Guess, 82, died on Thursday, May 25, 2006.

Frank was born in Wharton on Feb. 1, 1924, to William Z. Guess and Flora Etta McNeil Guess.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret Jean Bradford Guess; sister, Eloise Switzer; and brother, William Guess.

Survivors include, daughter Lynn and husband Avery Rush of Amarillo, and their four children, Jave, Ryan and his wife, Allison, Sloan and his wife, Jennifer, and Hayden Rush; daughter Christy and husband Andy Kerr of San Antonio, and their three children, Spencer, Philip, and Paige.

He was an exceptional athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, baseball, tennis and track, winning the Frank S. Haines trophy as the Most Valuable Player at Wharton High School in 1939 and 1940. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played football, basketball, and track. He was the first freshman to play varsity football in the Cotton Bowl in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army for the next three years and was in Company I, 307th Infantry. Upon returning to UT, he earned All-Southwest Conference honors in football and All-American honors as a javelin thrower in track. After graduating with a Masters degree in Education, he coached football and track at Sherman and Amarillo High School. Following his coaching career, he worked in the real estate and insurance business.

The impact Frank had on others was significant. From the athletes he coached and with whom he played, to his friends, business associates, and family, all were touched by his generosity and compassion.

A graveside service and burial will be held in Sweetwater. McCoy Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank I. Guess Memorial Endowment Fund with the Ex-students Association at the University of Texas, P.O. Box 7278, Austin, TX 78712-7278.


 

Lonelle Ault Morton

Lonelle Ault Morton, 79, of Dallas, died Saturday, May 27, 2006.

Lonelle was born on May 13, 1927, in Blackwell to Luther and Gracie Ault. In 1949, she married William I. Morton of Sweetwater, the son of William E. and Naomi Focht Morton. In 1964, the family moved to Dallas, but remained rooted to the Sweetwater area through several relatives.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Morton; children, Bill Morton and his wife, Linda, Norma Quinn and her husband, Bryant, Kay Morton and James Morton and his wife, Diane, and seven grandchildren.


Brooklynn Marissa Guelker

Our dearest Sweet Little Angel Brooklynn went to be with her Heavenly Angels on Sunday, June 4, 2006.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater with the Rev. Vernon Baker officiating.

Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Cemetery.

Brooklynn was born on Jan. 10, 2005, in Abilene.

Survivors include her parents, Misty and Billy Guelker of Roscoe; three brothers, Brenon Moore, Branson Guelker and Braiden Moore, all of Roscoe; maternal grandparents, Doug and Marcy Rhoades of Andrews; paternal grandparents, Terry and Donna Hall of Kerrville, and Welton and Lise Guelker of Sweetwater; paternal great-grandfather, Bill Lawhon of Sweetwater; maternal great-grandmother, Dorothy Cook of Andrews; paternal great-grandparents, Ed and Nedra Lee of Sweetwater; maternal great-grandmother, Dene Rhoades of Llano; uncle and aunt, Kevin and Marcy Rhoades of Andrews; cousin, Dyssen Rhoades of Andrews, and several aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by great-grandfathers, Ed Cook, Charles Arthur Rhoades and A.W. “Cotton” Guelker; great-grandmother, Edith Lawhon, and uncle, Welton Matthew Guelker.


Donny Milton “Don” Grimes

Donny Milton “Don” Grimes, 67, died Thursday June 8, 2006, in his home. 

The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, in the Merkel First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Griffith officiating. 

Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery, under the direction of the Starbuck Funeral Home. 

Don was born Jan. 3, 1939, in Colorado City to William Troy and Bessie Lee Carroll Grimes. He married Mickie Armstrong on June 9, 1990, in Sweetwater and had since resided in Merkel. Don's main interests and occupations were in the oil field industry. He was employed with Midwestern Mud Company of Wichita Falls for many years and became well known as “Don the Mud Man.” He was the owner and operator of Big Country Welding in Merkel, where he manufactured and sold deer blinds and barbeque pits. He also had deer leases with guided hunts. 

Don's life long dream was to own a racehorse. His dream was fulfilled in the spring of 2005. He was able to attend races and watch his favorite horse, “Asmooth Sam.”

He loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren and his many, many friends. He always had time to visit and befriended everyone. He was a very kind and generous man. Everyone who knew him loved and enjoyed his unique sense of humor. 

Survivors include his wife, Mickie Grimes of Merkel; two sons, Bobby Ray Grimes of Houston and Stoney Lee Grimes and his wife, Maria, of Dallas; two daughters, Tracy Marie Bridges of Dallas and Molly Ann Grimes of Dallas; two step-sons, Tommy Southard and his wife, Sherry, of Merkel and Terry Dale Berry of Dallas; one step-daughter, Judy Lynn Nichols of Valley Mills; two brothers, Billy Ray Grimes of Big Spring and Bobby Jack Grimes of Lubbock; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melinda Don Wood, and a grandson, Lee Southard

Don dealt with his illness, bringing us all a lesson of courage, strong will and determination. He endured his battle with cancer without complaint. He was a tower of strength with a gentle touch and had a strong faith in God. He was an inspiration and will continue to inspire each and everyone who knew him. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 460l Hartford, Abilene, TX  79605.


 

Barbara Hardin

Barbara Hardin, 67, of Childress and formerly of Rotan, died Friday, June 9, 2006, in the Childress Regional Medical Center.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2006, in the Rotan First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Vincent officiating.

Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Flat Cemetery in Scurry County under the direction of the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mrs. Hardin was born on March 17, 1939, in Snyder. She married Kennith Hardin on Aug. 11, 1956, in Lovington, N.M. Mrs. Hardin was a member of the Rotan First Baptist Church and was an x-ray technician for the Fisher County Hospital and Rolling Plains Rural Health Clinic for many years before retiring.

Survivors include one son, Wesley Hardin and his wife, Twyla, of Childress; one daughter, Kimmia Strother and her husband, Jason, of Roscoe; two brothers, Jackie Tankersley and Mickey Martin, both of Rotan; one sister, Doris Bullock of Refugio; one step-brother, Clue Burnham of Stamford; and three grandchildren, Wade Hardin, Whitney Hardin and Amanda Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kennith Hardin, on Dec. 16, 2001; her mother, Mary Leona Burnham; and two brothers, James Tankersley and Ed Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.


Jeannette Frances Morris

Jeannette Frances Morris, 95, of Sweetwater died Thursday, June 8, 2006, in Sweetwater.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2006, in the Evangelical Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Wray, Dr. John C. Morris III and the Rev. William Mayo officiating.

Burial followed in the Garden of Memories under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

Mrs. Morris was born on May 19, 1911, in San Saba County. She married J.C. Morris on Oct. 26, 1932, in Sweetwater. Mrs. Morris was a member of the Evangelical Methodist Church and was the church organist. She was very active in organizing Women's Work for Evangelical Methodist Church nationally. She was also very active in children's evangelism. Mrs. Morris worked as a beautician in her early years at Wetsel's Beauty Shop. She and her husband, J.C. Morris, established the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sweetwater in 1950. Mrs. Morris was a homemaker and lived in Sweetwater since 1930.

Survivors include two sons, Dr. John C. Morris III of Tyler and Stanley Morris and his wife, Phyllis, of Sweetwater; one grandson, Dr. John Paul Morris and his wife, Debbie, of Tyler; seven granddaughters, Candace and Patrick Bourke of Furlong, Pa., Suzanne and John Swift of Sour Lake, Maura and Van Fisher of Katy, Andrea and Jeff Austin of Keller, Jelena and Mark Simpson of Frisco, LeStella Shereen Morris and Sweetwater, and Loriana Morris and her husband, Jake Decker, of Houston; and 13 great-grandchildren, Amber, Summer, Storey and Cambri Morris, Lauren and Harrison Swift, Savannah Bourke, Kayleigh and Kinsley Fisher, Macey, Morris and Molly Austin and Aiden Simpson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Morris, on March 23, 1972.

Pallbearers were Dr. John Paul Morris, Jake Decker, Mark Simpson, Brad Armstrong, Larry Howard, Allen Crawford and Jack Lawrence.


 

Leola Beatrice “Bea” Wilson

Leola Beatrice “Bea” Wilson, 87, of Sweetwater died Friday, June 9, 2006, in Sweetwater.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2006, in the Garden of Memories.

Services will be under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mrs. Wilson was born on Dec. 10, 1918, in Eskota. She married Kenneth Wilson on Oct. 2, 1944, in Sweetwater. Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Lamar Street Baptist Church and a 1935 graduate of Newman High School. She worked with her husband farming until 1962, and then worked in Sweetwater at Woolworth's, Levy's, Hixons, Joe Liner's and Latria's. She was a lifelong resident of Sweetwater.

Survivors include one daughter, Kenny Carson and her husband, Jim, of Sweetwater; one sister, Sally Marchant and her husband, Ted, of Palava; one grandson, Stephen Carson and his wife, Julie, of Corpus Christi; one granddaughter, Amanda McNew and her husband, Matt, of Wichita, Kan.; one great-grandson, Ryan Carson, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Wilson, on April 21, 1990, and two sisters, Irma Dee Johnson and Alta Mae Fitzgerald.


George Willis Hughes

George Willis Hughes, 77, of Roscoe died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in Lubbock.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2006, in the Church of Christ in Roscoe with Denny Sneed and John Morgan officiating.

Burial will follow in the Roscoe Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Roscoe.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mr. Hughes was born on Sept. 26, 1928, in Loraine. He married Frances Louise Althof on Sept. 30, 1950, in Champion. Mr. Hughes was a member of the Church of Christ in Roscoe and was a farmer. He was a driver for Chemical Express Co. for about 21 years, and also drove for Mission Petroleum for 10 years. He is a graduate of Loraine High School and a past director for Farm Bureau. Mr. Hughes was a past member of the Roscoe Lions Club and retired from trucking in 2004.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Hughes of Roscoe; one son, Willis Hughes and his wife, Dianne, of Roscoe; three daughters, Karen Davis of Fort Worth, Doris Monroe and her husband, Dale, of Roscoe and Judy Grant and her husband, Kevin, of Mustang, Okla.; one sister, Margie Green of Lubbock; one brother, C.A. Hughes Jr. of Colorado City; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda, in 1960; a sister, Zada Petty, a brother, J.T. Hughes; and his parents, C.A. Hughes Sr. and Coda Hughes.

Memorials may be made to the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department or the Loraine Ex-Student Association.


 

Monty Tom Jones

A graveside service for Monty Tom Jones, 69, of Ruidoso Downs will be held Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. at the Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene.

Mr. Jones passed away Wednesday, June 7, in Ruidoso Downs.

He was born on Sept. 25, 1936, in Hamlin. He owned and operated Sweetwater Paint and Decorating from 1972 until 1996. He moved to Ruidoso Downs from Sweetwater in 1996. He married Barbara Gillis on June 3, 1955, in Abilene.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Ruidoso Downs; a son, William Montague Jones of Abilene; two daughters, Cristi Allison of Maryneal and Tracy West of Sweetwater; and three grandchildren, Kolby Guthrie, Tyler Guthrie and Bentley Guthrie.

He was was preceded in death by a grandson, Scott Stockton.

The family has requested memorials to Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice. 


 

Wayne Hill

Wayne Hill, 75, of Sweetwater died Monday, June 5, 2006, in his residence.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2006, in the Highland Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Clower and Chaplain Darold Baldwin officiating.

Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Mr. Hill was born on July 27, 1930, in Big Spring. He married Nell Hatfield in 1965 in Canyon. Mr. Hill was a member of the Highland Baptist Church. He was a U.S. veteran, and worked as a truck driver for many years before retiring.

Survivors include his wife, Nell Hill of Sweetwater; two step-sons, Michael Pollard of Wichita Falls and Jim Pollard of Big Spring; seven grandchildren, Misty Rene Stricker of Lytle, Bucky Wayne Cook of San Antonio, Nancy Pollard, Heather Pollard and Brittany Pollard, all of Wichita Falls, Heather Yanta of San Antonio and Lance Rogers of Wyoming; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Clarice Hill; one daughter, Carla Jean Hill; one step-daughter, Trisha Hill; one grandson, Johnny Cook; and one great-grandson, Justin Mann.


 

Evangeline Menn

Evangeline Menn, 94, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2006, in Yorktown.

She was born to the late Fred Menn and Theresa Gohlke Menn on Nov. 12, 1911, in Yorktown. She married Lewis W. Menn on July 18, 1934, in Yorktown. Mrs. Menn was a retired Runge school teacher and a homemaker. She attended the First Baptist Church in Runge. She was a member of the Runge Garden Club, the Karnes County Retired Teacher's Association of Texas, a past PTA member and a member of the Runge Senior Fellowship. She was an avid gardner and loved cooking.

Mrs. Menn is survived by two sons, Donald Allee and his wife, Joan Menn, of Cuero and Harvey Ray and his wife, Janie Menn, of Runge; two daughters, Dorothy Faye and her husband, Glenn Ballinger, of Roscoe and Patricia Ann and her husband, Buford Cooper, of Buffalo. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Woody and his wife, Sharon Menn, of Austin, Sherry and her husband, Donnie Boiles, of Fort Worth, Jeff Menn of Arlington, Chad and his wife, Veronica Bal-linger, of Brownwood, Marsha and her husband, George Flores, of Bastrop, Debbie Menn of Pflugerville, and Mark and his wife, Kristy Ballinger, of El Paso. Mrs. Menn is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, Kelly and her husband, Rusty Burk, Andrew Menn, Kasey Menn, Brian Boiles, Brice Boiles, Brent Boiles, Calvin Ballinger, Paul Ballinger, Phillip Flores and Joseph Flores. She is also survived by one great-great-grandchild, Charles Burk IV.

Mrs. Menn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, Ella Lee Kirlick; one infant son and one infant daughter.

Mrs. Menn resided in Runge on her and her husband's farm since 1938.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2006, in the First Baptist Church in Runge. The Rev. Heath Powers will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery in Karnes Texas.

Her family will receive friends from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in the Rhodes Funeral Home in Runge.


 

Nellie Jo White Creel

Nellie Jo White Creel went to be with our Lord on June 5, 2006.

She was born May 2, 1926, in Coleman to George McClendon and Annie Stuckey White.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Creel Sr., and two brothers, Jim and Arthur White.

Nellie loved to sing and was instrumental in forming the “Singing Saints.” She was a member of Edmund Blvd. Baptist Church, formerly Lindell Ave. Baptist Church, for 53 years.

A loving mother and homemaker, she is survived by three children, Barbara and Ricardo Olguin of Sweetwater, Diane Creel of Colorado City and Bobby and Lonna Creel of Lubbock; one sister, Edna Mae Boone of San Antonio; grandchildren, Teresa and Randy Smith, Mary Roberts, Bobby and Shelley Pohl, Richard and Tyann Pohle, Ross Creel and Haley Rose Creel; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2006, in the Johnsons Funeral Home chapel.

Burial followed in the Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society.


Roberto Macias Cepeda

Roberto Macias Cepeda, 75, of Sweetwater passed away Friday, June 16, 2006, after a long battle with cancer.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 19, 2006, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home chapel in Sweetwater.

Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories.

Mr. Cepeda was born on Dec. 28, 1930, in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico. He married Janie G. Cepeda in 1970 in Loraine. He was a Baptist. Mr. Cepeda worked as a machine operator for ADM before retiring. He had been a resident of Sweetwater and Nolan County for 58 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Karina Cepeda and Erika Cepeda, both of Sweetwater; one son, Robert Cepeda Jr. of Sweetwater; one daughter-in-law, Erica Juarez of Sweetwater; three granddaughters, Kaprice Cepeda, Klarissa Cepeda and Karisma Cepeda; one sister, Irene Fuentes Cepeda of Mexico, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janie G. Cepeda; and one brother, Manuel Cepeda.


Gladys Cobbs

Gladys Cobbs, 96, of Temple and formerly of Sweetwater, died Friday, June 16, 2006, in Temple.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2006, in the Jayton Cemetery.

Services were under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.


Dorothy Calaway

Mrs. Dorothy Calaway, 76, of Sweetwater died Tuesday morning in a Sweetwater hospital.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006, in the Kiker-Seale Funeral Home Chapel in Colorado City with the Rev. Richard Dorsey officiating.

Burial will follow in the Westbrook Cemetery.

Mrs. Calaway was born to Brice and Stella Pendleton Hill in Colorado City on July 27, 1929. She married James Calaway on Aug. 13, 1945, in Colorado City. He preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1992, after 46 years of marriage. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the church Woman's Auxiliary. She loved to cook and quilt. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She is survived by two sons, Michael and his wife Dee Calaway of Sweetwater and Rickie and his wife Annetta Calaway of Pytoe; one sister, Joyce Bagwell of Abilene, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Emaline Campbell and Billie Ply, and two brothers, Knox Hill and G.B. Hill.

The family welcomes everyone to 1003 Pine St. in Sweetwater for visitation.


William Hank Teague

William Hank Teague, 52, of McCaulley and formerly of Sweetwater, died Monday, June 19, 2006, in Sweetwater.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater with the Rev. LeRoy O'Dell officiating.

Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery in Stamford.

Mr. Teague was born on March 23, 1954, in Sweetwater. He was a Pentecostal church member and was a truck driver. Mr. Teague lived in Sweetwater most of his life.

Survivors include two daughters, Kristie Weems of Germany and Stacy Kilgore and her husband, LeRoy, of Sweetwater; his mother, Mary Ho Harrell of Sweetwater; his fiance, Georgia Meadows of McCaulley; two sisters, Rita Chase of Sweetwater and Linda Perales and her husband, Pete, of Battletown, Ky.; two step-sons, Eric Meadows of Abilene and Steven Morton of Abilene; two grandchildren, Thomas Weems and Trinity Kilgore; and one step-grandchild, Landon Meadows.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Teague; and two daughters, Felicia Ann Teague and Peggy Sue Teague.


Beatrice M. Ramirez

Beatrice M. Ramirez, 56, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2006.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2006, in the Hillcrest Church of Christ with Mark Jones officiating.

Burial will follow in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Abilene Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ramirez was born on March 12, 1950, in East Bernard, to Albert and Alicia Morales. She was a 10 year employee of the Abilene State School and a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Raul Ramirez of Abilene; two daughters, Hope Morales and Carisa Ramirez, both of Abilene; four brothers, Albert Morales of Abilene, Robert Morales of Roscoe, Victor Morales of Sweetwater, and Leroy Morales of Houston; and seven sisters, Isabel Lara of Victoria, Susan Morales and Rebecca Morales, both of Roscoe, Rosa Morales of Sweetwater, Josephine Morales and Mary Hardin of Abilene, and Martha Dillard of Denver, Colo.

A visitation will be held from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, June 25, in the Abilene Funeral Home.

Online register book may be signed at abilenefuneralhome.com.


F. D. (Bill) Bagwell

ABILENE, TEXAS — F. D. (Bill) Bagwell, age 78, a former resident of Sweetwater, Texas passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2006 at the Sears Methodist Center.   

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at the Broadway Baptist Church with Ervin Lehrman officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater. The family will receive friends and visitors at the funeral Home, 403 Locust Street, Sweetwater, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2006.

Bill was born on October 4, 1927 in Clyde, Texas. He married Betty Joyce Hill on June 15, 1951 in Robert Lee, Texas. He worked as an Air Conditioner Specialist for Lone Star Gas for many years before retiring. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He attended Broadway Baptist Church. The Bagwell's raised thirteen (13) foster children.

He was preceded in death by: one brother, Bob Bagwell and one sister, Nevelyn Welch.

He is survived by: his wife, Joyce Bagwell of Abilene, Texas; two daughters, Donna Bagwell of Abilene, Texas and Patti Lemen of Warrensburg, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chad Hudgins, Kayce Lemen and Steven Lemen; and two brothers, Hulen Bagwell of Colorado City, Texas, and Alton Bagwell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Calvin Boyd, Arthur Ray Boyd, Richard Posey, Tommy Navarette, Charles Kreisher, and Jesse Aguilar.


Rebecca Ann Baird Smith

Rebecca Ann Baird Smith, 52, of Sweetwater died Saturday, June 24, 2006, in Abilene.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater with the Revs. Wayne Kirk and Ronnie Baird officiating.

Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mrs. Smith was born on Aug. 28, 1953, in Abilene. She married Fred Smith on June 5, 1987, in Sweetwater. Mrs. Smith was a member of the First Assembly of God in Sweetwater and a 1972 graduate of Sweetwater High School. She worked at Lawrence IGA and the Village for several years. Mrs. Smith lived in Sweetwater since 1955 and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Fred Smith of Sweetwater; one daughter, Staci Nelson and her husband, Donald, of Abilene; three sisters, Merle Borders and Mona Tyler and her husband, Kelton, all of Sweetwater, and Carla Hamilton of Abilene; and four grandchildren, Zachary, Coleton, Niklas and McKinzlee Nelson, all of Abilene.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Joyce Baird.


Elizabeth Bledsoe

 

Elizabeth Bledsoe, 91, of Fort Worth, died Saturday, June 24, 2006, in Fort Worth.

 

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2006, in the Sweetwater Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Metzger officiating.

 

The service will be under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

 

Mrs. Bledsoe was born on May 19, 1915, in Toyah. She married Paul Bledsoe on March 12, 1937, in Lubbock. Mrs. Bledsoe was a member of the Meadowbrook United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. She had lived in Fort Worth since 1959, and was also a resident of Carlsbad, N.M., and Abilene. Mrs. Bledsoe was a homemaker.

 

Survivors include one daughter, Paula Bledsoe of Fort Worth; one nephew, Fulton Van Sickle Jr.; and six nieces, Charlesa Carrigan, Joan, Annis, Ann, Cathy and Lisabeth.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Bledsoe, on Dec. 13, 1996.

 

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.


 

 

Ronald Gene Hunt

 

Ronald Gene Hunt, 58, of Sweetwater died Saturday, June 24, 2006, in Sweetwater.

 

The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories with the Revs. Mike Tomlinson and Donald Hunt officiating.

 

Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

 

Mr. Hunt was born on July 19, 1947, in Middletown, Ohio. He married Gaynell Hunt on July 2, 2005, in Sweetwater. Mr. Hunt was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, where he served the Lord. He was also a musician for the church.

 

Survivors include his wife, Gaynell Hunt of Sweetwater; three sons, Ronny Hunt and Ricky Hunt, both of Sulfur Springs, and Tanner Hunt of Amarillo; two step-sons, Dennis Burrows and his wife, Anna, and Chris McGregor and his wife, Henrietta, all of Sweetwater; two grandchildren, Dustin Hunt of Arkansas and Jennifer Hunt of Amarillo; two step-grandchildren, James Ryan Sissom and Anna Marie Sissom, both of Sweetwater; his mother, Zula Hunt of Sweetwater; one brother, Donald Hunt and his wife, Carol, of Sweetwater; one sister, Rebecca Cook and her husband, Danny, of Springfield, La.; and several nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his his father, Oscar Eldon Hunt, on Feb. 20, 1975.


Lazaro Martinez

Lazaro Martinez, 27, of Sweetwater died Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in Sweetwater.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2006, in the Sweetwater Cemetery with the Rev. William Mayo officiating.

The service will be under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mr. Martinez was born on Oct. 12, 1978, in Houston. He lived in Sweetwater the past year and was a former resident of Garland. Mr. Martinez worked in construction in Dallas, and attended Sweetwater High School.

Survivors include his mother, Gracie Vera of Sweetwater; his father, Phillip Martinez Sr. of Richmond; one brother, Phillip Martinez Jr. of Sweetwater; two sisters, Veronica Escobedo of Hobbs, N.M., and Gracie Smith of Garland; his maternal grandmother, Celina Dimas of Sweetwater; and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.


Lucille Holladay

Lucille Holladay, age 94, of Sweetwater passed away on Friday, June 30, 2006 in Austin, Texas.

Graveside funeral services, with the Reverend James Baker officiating, will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, July 3, 2006 at the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home. There will be a family visitation from 2:00 p.m., to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 2, 2006 at McCoy Funeral Home, 401 E. Third Street, in Sweetwater, Texas.

Lucille was born on January 20, 1912 in Eastland County, Texas. She was married to Clyde Holladay on July 5, 1936 in Plainview, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Sweetwater, Texas, and a homemaker. She was a member of the Broadway Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Holladay, on October 15, 2000.

She is survived by: a daughter, Patricia Littleton of Austin, Texas; a son, Ricky Holladay of Wylie, Texas; five grandchildren, Kelli and Husband, Tim Merriweather of Austin, Texas, Marc and wife, Alexandra Waggoner of Austin, Texas, David and wife, Diane Holladay of Dallas, Texas, Daniel and wife, Amy Holladay of Dallas, Texas, Kristene and husband, Tommy Miller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; two sisters, Bobbie Womack of Hurst, Texas, and Peggy Bryson of Amarillo, Texas; ten great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.


Naomi Ruth Parsons

Naomi Ruth Parsons, 78, of Sweetwater died Saturday, July 1, 2006, in the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2006, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Orvel Brantley officiating.

Burial will follow in the Roby Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mrs. Parsons was born on Sept. 23, 1927, in Roby. She was a graduate of Sylvester High School in 1945 and was a member of the Lamar Street Baptist Church. Mrs. Parsons worked as an attendant for Holiday Retirement Center and lived in Sweetwater since 1967.

Survivors include C.E. “Buddy” Parsons of Sweetwater; two sons, Gene Parsons and his wife, Sherry, of Sweetwater, and Ricky Parsons and his wife, Sylvia, of Spring; one daughter, Janie White and her husband, Russell of Medford, Ore.; one sister, Joy Whittaker of Broken Arrow, Okla.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.