obituaries, Nolan Co., TX, page 1

Nolan County Obituaries

TXGenWeb Project

Ruby W. Ensminger

Ruby W. Ensminger, 90, of Sweetwater died Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, in the Nolan Nursing and Rehab Center.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, in Slater's Chapel Cemetery with Mike Ensminger officiating.

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

She was born on Oct. 25, 1913, in Haskell. She married Oscar Ensminger on Oct. 17, 1931. She was a resident of Nolan County and a member of Normandy Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Buchanan of Abilene and Gloria Jean Egger and husband, Oran, of Tuscola; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Ensminger, and her parents, Oscar and Mamie Smith Maynard.

Betty Jo Ensminger

Betty Jo Ensminger, 85, died Friday, April 25, 2003 at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Ensminger officiating. Burial will follow at Nolan Cemetery.

Betty Ensminger was born Dec. 21, 1917 in Fort Worth. She married James F. (Jeff) Ensminger Jan. 13, 1938 in Colorado City. She was a member of Lamar Street Church of Christ. She was also a retired teacher having taught in Brownlee, Estancia, NM and Moriarty, NM. While in New Mexico, she was a county assessor for two terms in Torrance County.

Survivors include two sons, James F. (Jaky) Ensminger, III and wife Rosalee of Santa Maria, Calif., and Ronald Ensminger and wife Pat of Moriarty, NM; daughter, Zada Beth Barnes of Sweetwater; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Laura Thornton and husband Bill of Tuscola; two sistera-in-law, Maurine Ensminger of Nolan and Ruby Ensminger of Sweetwater; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her huband Jeff Ensminger and one grandson, Bryan Ensminger.

Memorials can be sent to Nolan Cemetery at Box 72, Nolan, Texas 79537.

Ruth Olivia Finch

Ruth Olivia Finch, 85, of Sugar Land, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 at Mariner Healthcare of First Colony.

A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at First Baptist Church of Sugar Land.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Benton Finch and Mike Ensminger officiating.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003.

Burial will be at Nolan Cemetery in Nolan.

She was born Aug. 18, 1917, in Rosebud. She married Norman L. Finch on June 9, 1935 in Abilene. She had lived in Sugar Land for the last 33 years. She was raised in West Texas by a Christian family and lived in the Nolan area. She was a avid artist and musician, and also the loving matriarch of the Finch family.

Survivors include four children, Beal Finch of Sugar Land, Dale Finch and wife Mary of Sweetwater, Mary Jane Wickersham and husband, David of Allen, and Arnold Finch of Thompsons; seven grandchildren, Lisa Trevino, Norman Finch, Kara Bruskas, Shannon West, Heather Johnson, Amanda Finch and Truett Finch; and 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Norwood of Snyder; two sister-in-law, Maurine Ensminger of Nolan, and Stella Lucas of Texas City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman L. Finch and a son Larry Neal Finch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the fire department of Sugar Land, the First Baptist Church of Sugar Land and the Heart Association.

Pallbearers will be Mike Ensminger, Benton Finch, Truett Finch, James Hanks, Billy Russ, William West, and David Wickersham.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Bonds, Dave Bruskas, Gene Finch, Norm Finch, Tommy Finch, Bill Smith and Don Trevino.

THE NAPA REGISTER (10/28/2005) Napa, California:

Willie Lee Healer Sr.

Friday, October 28, 2005 1:41 AM PDT

NAPA - Willie Lee Healer Sr. departed on his final fishing trip Oct. 23, 2005 in Napa, CA. Lee was born in Waco , Texas on April 9, 1934. One of seven children born to Oscar V. Healer I and Myrtle, Lee was predeceased by brothers Royce, Tommie, Barb and Dwain Healer and sister ImoJo Humphreys.

Lee had just returned from serving with the 6th Infantry in Berlin , Germany when he met his wife, Shirley at the A&W Root Beer Stand on Silverado Trail in 1958. He was working at the Green Frog Market in Napa and Shirley lived in Crockett, so she would drive to Napa every day he worked, to have lunch with him. It soon became apparent they couldn't live without each other, so they were married at the W. Santa Rosa Baptist Church on Aug. 23, 1959. They lived in Vallejo where he served as an officer in the PTA and Little League Organizations and was a leader for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He gave much of his time and talent to the Beverly Hills Elementary School where he started the first talent show for the children. In 1964, he moved his family to the town of Napa where he was to spend the rest of his life.

Lee earned his bachelor's from Heald's Business College . In 1977, he opened Lee's Quality Meats in Napa , working with his two sons, Oscar and Tommy. During this time he served on the executive board of the Butchers Union #532. Upon retirement, he pursued his love of fishing and treasure hunting but chose to return to the workforce by pursuing a second career in motel management. After many successful years in this, he tried to retire once again but found his love of people and of working stronger, so he found his third career working at Steele Park Resort where he welcomed guests at the front gate. He quickly became known for his signature white cowboy hat and big Texan smile and "howdy" to all who met him.

Lee was deeply loved and respected by his family. He devoted his life to his children and wife -- never asking anything for himself. He was an exceptional and generous husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered as a quiet, warm and gentle man who was concerned with just about everyone who crossed his path.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley; sons, Oscar V. Healer II and wife Marianne, Tommy F. Healer and wife Debi and Willie Lee Healer Jr., all of Napa, Steven Healer of Vacaville and daughter Becky Bailey of Dixon; sister Laverne and nephew Roy John of Jayton, Texas; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his children, Marilyn and Mark and grandson, Scott Healer.

Friends are warmly invited to a celebration of Lee's life to be held in the chapel at Tulocay Cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. and to share stories and refreshments immediately following the services.

Sweetwater Reporter

Sunday, October 24, 1937

MOSLEY RITES SATURDAY

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the First Christian Church for Mrs. Mary Frances Mosley, 72, who died at 3:30 a.m. Friday at the home of a son, Jean Mosley.

Mrs. Mosley was a long-time resident of Sweetwater and this area, settling in Eskota in 1887.

The Rev. Thomas Lenox was in charge of her last rites.

Two sons and three daughters survive, including Mrs. D. K. Edwards, Sommerville; Mrs. Bill Gardner and Mrs. C.A. Anderson, Jean Mosley, Sweetwater, and R. J. Mosley of Fort Worth.

Two brothers and two sisters, Brack Mitchell of Sweetwater; A. L. Mitchell, Cisco; Mrs. A. L. Green, Mineral Wells; and Mrs. Sam Lovelace, Verdon, Okla., and 45 grandchildren also survive.

Yates Funeral Home was in charge of interment in the Sweetwater Cemetery.

Abraham "Quate" Soto Lomas

June 19, 1935 -

September 12, 2004

Abraham "Quate" Soto Lomas, 69, of Sweetwater, Texas, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2004 at a local nursing home. He was born June 19, 1935 in Del Rio, Texas.

He was a rancher and construction worker before retiring. He moved to Sweetwater in 1971.

He married Juanita Hernandez in 1954 in Del Rio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Abraham Lomas Sr. on April 4, 1981; a daughter, Rosa Elva Lomas on May 15, 1977; and two brothers, Raul Lomas on February 4, 1999 and Gustavo Lomas on December 28, 2002.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Hernandez Lomas of Sweetwater, Texas; mother, Inosencia Lomas of Sweetwater, Texas; a sister, Adela Lomas Mu?oz of Sweetwater, Texas; nine sons, Richard Lomas and wife Evangelina, Baldemar Lomas and Eloy Lomas and wife Mary, all of Roscoe, Texas; Steve Lomas of Champion, Texas; Joe Lomas, Alex Lomas, Carlos Lomas and Art Lomas and wife Sylvia, all of Sweetwater, Texas; and Harvey Lomas of Lake Jackson, Texas; 30 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2004 at Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow at the Sweetwater Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richard Lomas Jr., Brian Lee Lomas, Eloy Lomas Jr., Joe Lomas Jr., Michael Anthony Lomas, Alex Lomas Jr., Donald Lomas and Anthony Lomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Lee Lomas, Jacob Mora Lomas and Art Jay Lomas.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home.

Pascual Acuna

Trent-Pascual Acuna, 87, died Monday, June 21, 2004, in a local hospital.

A rosary will be said Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel. A mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Merkel with Father Michael Rodriguez officiating. Burial will follow at Trent Cemetery.

Acuna was born in Villa del Paraiso, Mexico on May 17, 1917. He lived in Trent and retired from T&P Railroad, after working for 27 years. Prior to the railroad career, he was in highway construction employment. Acuna was a member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Merkel.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Adela Acuna of Trent; four daughters, Felipa "Phyllis" Martinez of Abilene, Julia Leal of San Antonio, Petra "Patsy" Byrd and husband, Denver, of Rochester and Lupe Adames and husband, Aurelio, of Sweetwater; four sons, Manuel Acuna and wife, Mary, of Abilene, Jesse Acuna of St. Louis, Mo., Si Acuna and wife, Maria, of Sweetwater and David Acuna and wife, Susan, of Abilene; one sister, Ruby Acuna of Trent; two brothers, Louis Acuna of Trent and Jesse Acuna and wife, Mary, of Brownwood; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Ray Anthony Adames

Ray Anthony Adames, 29, of Sweetwater died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004 at August Health Care in Lubbock.

Rosary services will be Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7:00 p.m. at McCoy Chapel of Memories. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Michael Rodriguez and Father Sam Homsey officiating. Burial will follow at the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

Adames was born on Dec. 20, 1974 in Sweetwater and married Teresa Kenny.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a 1993 graduate of Sweetwater High School. He worked for Kirby Vaccuum Company since graduation and was a lifelong resident of Sweetwater.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Adames of Abilene; his daughter, Sophia Rae Adames of Abilene; his parents, Ray and Josie Adames of Sweetwater; his brother, Jamie Adames and wife Teresa of Sweetwater; two sisters, Melisa Ganoa and husband Vince of Colorado City and Mindy Adames of Sweetwater.

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Alvis W. Adams

Alvis W. Adams, 88, of Sweetwater, died Monday, May 3, 2004, at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frankie Santiago officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Adams was born Jan. 21, 1916, in Paducah and married Theda Rasco Oct. 19, 1935, in Roscoe. She preceded him in death on April 3, 1990. He married Ruby Jackson June 22, 1991, in Sweetwater. Adams was a member of Lamar Street Baptist Church and had worked for Gulf Oil Company and Pantex Corporation for many years before retiring. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Lee Adams of Sweetwater; one son, Mackie Gene Adams of Tyler; one daughter, Sue Simon of Dallas; one stepson, Jimmy Jackson of Bismark, Ark.; two step daughters, Juanetta Franklin of Brownwood and Debbie McGowan of Sweetwater; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William W. Adams and Addie Rebecca Adams; his first wife, Theda Rasco Adams; one brother; and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be Ron Atkins, Allan McGowan, Aric McGowan, Eli Cunningham, Paul Adams and Chris Franklin.

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Pedro Robledo "Pete" Aguilar Sr.

Pedro Robledo "Pete" Aguilar Sr., 68, of Sweetwater died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in Sweetwater.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Clement Onwunta officiating.

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

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A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004, in the funeral home.

Francis Evelyn Blackwell

Francis Evelyn Blackwell, 89, of Blackwell died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, in the Sears Methodist Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, in the Blackwell Baptist Church with the Rev. John Curry officiating.

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

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She was born on Nov. 8, 1915, in Arlington. She married James Ellison Blackwell on July 2, 1931, in Fort Worth. She lived in Blackwell since the 1980s, moving from Lubbock. She was a member of the West Minister Presbyterian Church in Lubbock and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, James E. Blackwell of Blackwell; one son, Robert E. Blackwell of Knoxville, Tenn.; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Myrtie Goodwin, and a brother, Alvin Goodwin.

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Ellen Delores "Dee" Couch

Ellen Delores "Dee" Couch, 72, of Sweetwater died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, in the Abilene Regional Hospital.

No funeral services are planned at this time. Mrs. Couch was cremated.

She was born on March 10, 1932, in Franklin County. She was a bookkeeper at different motels and lived in Sweetwater for the past 13 years.

Survivors include one daughter, Laverne Daniels of Abilene; two brothers, Wesley Couch of Sweetwater and Bobby Couch of Weatherford, and two grandchildren.

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Mrs. Royce T. "Billie" Ferrell

Mrs. Royce T. "Billie" Ferrell, 76, of Sweetwater died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2004, in the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater.

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

She was born on Dec. 4, 1928, in Westbrook. She married Royce T. Ferrell on Nov. 25, 1950, in Stamford. She was a Christian housewife and mother. She lived in Sweetwater for the past 42 years and was a member of the Lamar Street Church of Christ. She was a past member of the Home Demonstration Club.

Survivors include her husband, Royce T. Ferrell of Sweetwater; one son, David Ferrell of Enid, Okla.; two sisters, Marion Rushing of Keifer, Okla., and Beverly Holder of San Antonio; one brother, Doyle Conaway of Garland; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Hazel Conaway.

Memorials may be made to the Lamar Street Church of Christ or Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

Marjorie D. Lewis

Marjorie D. Lewis, 80, of Sweetwater died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, in the Nolan Nursing and Rehab Center in Sweetwater.

Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sweetwater with the Rev. Ron Kelley officiating.

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

She was born on Jan. 1, 1924, in Wichita Falls. She married Dr. Jack Lewis on June 17, 1942, in Wichita Falls. She was a member of the Highland Heights United Methodist Church and lived in Sweetwater since 1949. She was a homemaker and worked for Levy's Department Store.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Jack Lewis of Sweetwater; two sons, Dennis Lewis of Dallas and Dr. Bryan Lewis and wife, Carmen, of Sweetwater; and three grandchildren.

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Madlyn Wilson

Madlyn Wilson, 80, died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, in a Denison nursing center.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, in the White Church Cemetery in Taylor County with the Rev. Curtis Bentley officiating.

Services will be under the direction of the Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel.

She was born on March 21, 1924, in Blair. She married Talma A. Wilson on March 9, 1942, in Trent. She attended school in Blair and graduated from Merkel High School. She was a Methodist and worked in the pharmacy at Cogdell Memorial Hospital in Snyder for 15 years. She was a longtime resident of Snyder and Comanche.

Survivors include four sons, Bobby Wilson and his wife, Debra, of Saudi Arabia, Jim Wilson of Sherman, Jerry Wilson and his wife, Sherry, of Estes Park, Colo., and Billy Wilson of Hempstead; one sister, Johnnie Wade and her husband, Brandion, of Merkel; one brother, Orvel Brown and his wife, Bonnie, of Sweetwater; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Ola Mae Allen

Ola Mae Allen, 92, of Lubbock died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in Lubbock.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the McAdoo First Baptist Church with the Rev. Robby Harris officiating. Burial followed in the McAdoo Cemetery under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Crosbyton.

Pallbearers were Billy Douglas McKelvey, Bobby Ray McKelvey, Andy Kochis, David Kochis, Danny Kochis and Bill Short.

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Josiah Samuel Diaz

Josiah Samuel Diaz, 18-days old, of Sweetwater died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, in the Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, in the Sweetwater Cemetery with Bro. Tim Wallach officiating. Services will be under the direction of Cate Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

He was born on Sept. 24, 2004, in Lubbock.

Survivors include his parents, Sammy Diaz and Alma Flores of Sweetwater; one brother, Devin Flores of Sweetwater; two sisters, Cassandra Diaz and Anissa Diaz, both of Sweetwater; and his grandparents, Paul and Diane Pena of Post and Earl and Emma Cross of El Paso.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Justin Diaz.

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K.P. Lofton, Jr.

K.P. Lofton, Jr., 87, of Sweetwater, died Sunday, April 11, 1004, at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Ensminger officiating. Burial will follow at Pyron Cemetery under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Lofton was born Sept. 7, 1916, in Fisher County, and married Lillie Mae Kinney in 1938, in Snyder. He resided in Hermleigh as a farmer until 1994, when he retired and moved to Sweetwater. Lofton was a former member of Hermleigh Church of Christ, and most recently a member of Normandy Avenue Church of Christ, Sweetwater.

Survivors include his wife, Lillie Mae of Sweetwater; one son, Kenneth Wayne Lofton and wife, Peggy of Sweet-water; one daughter, Pat Lil-lard and husband, Tommy of Mart; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one nephew, Monte Dorden.

He was preceded in death by his father K.P. Lofton, Sr.; his mother, Ethel Lofton; one brother, Vernon Lofton; and one sister Era Dorden.

Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center of Abilene, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, TX 79605-9989 or the Normandy Avenue Church of Christ Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1271 Sweetwater, TX 79556.

Pallbearers will be Ronny Payne, Ryan Payne, Fred Bilbo, S.C. Head, Don Suggs and Philip Teague.

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Orval E. Bailey

Orval E. Bailey, 76, of Sweetwater died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004, in his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Randy Tenery officiating.

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

He was born on March 3, 1928, in Chillicothe. He married Cecil Lee Dunlap in December 1985 in Ballinger. He was a butcher and worked for Brooks Packing Co., Pace Packing Co., and Riddle Packing Co. He lived in Sweetwater most of his life.

Survivors include one daughter, JoAnn Creek of Sweetwater; two sons, Jimmy Bailey and wife, Delanie, and Donald Bailey and wife, Debbie, all of Sweetwater; four sisters, Rachel Roley and husband, Eddie, and Oleta Bredemeyer and husband, Jerry, all of Sweetwater, Marie Jones and husband, Gary, and O'Dean Archer, all of Lubbock; three brothers, Marvin Bailey and Archie Bailey, both of Sweetwater, and William D. Bailey of Snyder; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife on July 26, 1992; and his first wife, Anna Merle Bailey, and one sister.

Frank E. Barton

Frank E. Barton, 66, of Sweetwater died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, in the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Jimmy Don Bennett officiating.

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

He was born on Jan. 26, 1938, in Dufo. He married Mary Bailey on Aug. 28, 1959, in Abilene. He was a member of the Faith Harvest Pentecostal Church for the past four years. He lived in Sweetwater the past 41 years. He worked at Stars Drive Inn for many years, and worked at T&A Truck Stop for 10 years as the kitchen manager. He also worked for Sweetwater Cotton Oil Mill for 20 years before retiring in 2000.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Barton of Sweetwater; four sons, Frankie Eugene Barton of Abilene, Timothy Wade Barton and wife, Janie, Jonathan A. Barton and Ricky Lee Barton, all of Sweetwater; one daughter, Christina M. Barton of Sweetwater; two brothers, Robert Barton and Alvie Barton Jr., both of Odessa; two sisters, Ruby Newton of Snyder and Gladys Fikes of California; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Wayne Barton in 1967, and a brother, sister, father and mother.

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Jose Cuellar Sr.

Jose M. Cuellar Sr., 68, of Sweetwater died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004, in the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Michael Rodriguez officiating.

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

A rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, in the funeral home chapel.

He was born on April 16, 1936, in Karnes City. He married Rachel Gutierrez on May 25, 1991, in Sweetwater. He worked for U.S. Gypsum for many years before retiring. He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a member of Crusillista and Santo Nombre.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel Cuellar of Sweetwater; two sons, Robert Cuellar Sr of Victoria and Joe Cuellar of Lakeview; one daughter, Sylvia Abrigo of Roscoe; three stepsons, Robert Peter Cardoza Sr. and Jerry Cardoza Sr., both of Sweetwater, and Joe Ceballos of Abilene; one stepdaughter, Mary Ceballos of Sweetwater; 12 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Juanita Moncada of Sweetwater and Maria Guerra of Corpus Christi; and four brothers, Epifano Cuellar Sr. of Ralls, Juan Cuellar of Merkel; Ralph Cuellar Sr. and Manuel Cuellar Jr., both of Roscoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Julia Cuellar, and one brother, Martin Cuellar.

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Madeline Hale

Madeline "Tootie" Hale of Eastland, formerly of Sweetwater passed away on Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at age 91.

Tootie was born on Oct. 29,1913, to Hub and Bama Hall at Palava in Fisher County.

She and her husband, O.C. "Spot" Hale, were longtime residents of Sweetwater where she was a bank teller, owner-operator of several service stations and later served the citizens of Sweetwater as owners of Mercury Ambulance Service.

Toot and Spot moved to Eastland in 1988 to be with their daughter, Sandy and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, in the Daugherty Street Church of Christ in Eastland with Larry Roberts and Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Burial will follow in the Eastland Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hale is survived by her husband of 72 years, Spot Hale, daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Roger Stephenson, three grandsons and their families, Brad and Mindy, Brett, Lori, Kyle, Will, Tip, Sean, Ryan and Taylor; and friend and caregiver Jan Cate.

'Curtis R. Barnett

Curtis R. Barnett, 83, of Sweetwater died Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, in the Hendrick Medical Center.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in the Garden of Memories Cemetery with Larry Fluitt officiating.

Services were under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Pallbearers were Dale Burnett, Robert Morgan, Brook Burnett, Burt Burnett, Curt Crisp, Bradley Rasberry and Blake Burnett.

Honorary pallbearers were Shea Burnett, Blair Burnett, Jaxon Burnett and Jagger Burnett.

Gilbert Vera

Gilbert Yanez Vera, 70, of Sweetwater died Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, in his residence.

A devotional service was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home in Sweetwater.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in the Lamar Street Church of Christ. Burial followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery.

Al Williams officiated the service.

Pallbearers were Rudy Vera, Armando Baez, Hector Vera, Tomas Serrano, Sammy Vera and Joe Garza Jr.

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Robert Wallis

Robert Ghel "Bob" Wallis, 78, of Sweetwater died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, in the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater.

Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in the Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Michael Rodriguez and the Rev. James Baker officiating. Burial followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

A rosary service was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, in the funeral home.

Pallbearers were Jerry Huffman, Dr. Jerry Smola, Tony Lara, Joe Wright, A.J. Scott and Dewey Baxter.

Honorary pallbearers were Eddie Neitzler, Larry Smith, Millard Brown, Wayne Hagood, Don Brock, Glen Hornsberger, Bobby Lecroy, Tommy Lecroy and Bobby Lecroy.

Military graveside rites will be performed by the Nolan County Honor Guard.

Jack Hobbs

Jack Hobbs, 83, of Sweetwater died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home chapel in Sweetwater.

Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery with the Rev. Orvel Brantley officiating.

Wid Trammell Crawford

Wid Trammell Crawford, 42, of Georgetown died July 12, 2004, in the Georgetown Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater. The Rev. Bruce Parsons will officiate the service.

A private burial will be held at the Ranch Family Cemetery.

Family visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until time of service Saturday in the McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

Audrey May Farris Beights

Mrs. Audrey May Farris Beights, 89, of Loraine, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at Loraine First Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Waddell officiating. Burial will follow at Loraine Cemetery under the direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.

She was born to Schyler Alfonso and Clara Maud Hallmark Farris on April 23, 1914, in Fort Worth. She graduated from Merkel High School in 1932. She married Ira Lawson Beights in December 1935, in Colorado City. She was a lifelong member of the Loraine First Baptist Church and a resident of Mitchell County for 66 years.

Survivors include one daughter, Rachel Ellen Watson and husband Chuck; three sons, Ira Frank Beights, Larry Steven Beights and wife Paula and Weldon Farris Beights and wife Connie Jo; one sister, Hasseltine Compton; five grandchildren, Donna Jean Dunkle, Kelly Dawn Andrews, David Wayne Watson, Jay Adam Watson and Joshua Lynn Beights; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ira Lawson Beights on August 25, 1992; one daughter, Clara Jean Beights; one grandson, Franky Sanford Beights; and one daughter-in-law, Fay Nell Beights.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society

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Death Notices 12/25/03
Victor Joe Beinhauer, 89, of Hermleigh died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at Rolling Plains Hospital in Sweetwater. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home Chapel in Snyder.

WILSON CO., TX NEWS:

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SAM BENNETT HELD ON SATURDAY, OCT. 1

Last rites for Mr. Sam Bennett, 82, life-long resident of Limestone county who died Friday afternoon, Sept. 30, were held from the First Methodist Church, Saturday,Oct.1, at 3 p.m. Services were conducted by the Rev. J.J. Creed of Waco, a former pastor of the local church, assisted by Rev. David Irvin and Rev. J.B. Weathers. Internment was in the Mexia Cemetery under the direction of the McElroy Funeral Home.

Mr. Bennett, who had been in failing health for several years, was a member of the First Methodist Church, a true Christian devoted husband and father, a sincere friend.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Henry J. Bennett of Coolidge, and Raymond Bennett of Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Ann Hudson of Datura, and Mrs. Pauline Oliver of Winters; two brothers, Mr. Jim Bennett of Sweetwater, and Mr. W.J. Bennett of Loraine, Texas; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. Two daughters preceded him in death.

Active pallbearers were his nephews: Douglas Hancock, Byron Hancock, Ernest Hancock, Joe Wallace Hancock and Clay Hudson.

Out-of-town relatives and friends from Waco, Dallas, Mexia, Groesbeck, Eureka. Wortham, Malone and Datura attended the services.

Billy Dale Callaway

Billy Dale Callaway, 51, of Sweetwater died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in the Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Dale Snyder officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in the Aspermont Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

He was born on June 25, 1953, in Big Spring. He married Cynthia Parker on July 31, 1982, in Aspermont. He was a Baptist and worked for Lee Medical Supply and Hendrick Medical Center as a surgery attendant for five years. He was a graduate of Sweetwater High School. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. He played in the band "Bitter Creek" for over 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Lee Callaway of Sweetwater; one son, Hayden Callaway of Sweetwater; his mother, Reba Sellers of Abilene; one sister, Karla Scifres of Austin; one brother, Johnny Callaway of Sweetwater, and his father-in-law, Milton Parker of Hamlin.

He was preceded in death by his father, William H. Callaway.

Charles Robert "Charlie" Berry

Charles Robert "Charlie" Berry, 82, of Sweetwater died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, in his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in the McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater with the Rev. Orvel Brantley officiating.

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

He married Fay Birdsong on July 7, 1981.

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Mary Berryman

Mary Berryman, 87, of Ballinger, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004.

Family visitation was held from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at Rains-Seale Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, at First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Ferris Akins and Rev. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow at Old Runnels Cemetery under the direction of Rains-Seale Funeral Home.

Berryman was born Sept. 18, 1916, in Clark County, Miss. to Leavie Gipson and William S. Brown. She was the first woman elected to public office in Nolan County and served three terms as county clerk. Berryman married A.D. (Bo) Roy, who was Chief of Police in Sweetwater, May 12, 1940. He died Nov. 29, 1949. She married Frankie E. Berryman June 17, 1956, and moved to Ballinger. Berryman was a sales manager for World Book Encyclopedia for 25 years. During that time she earned numerous awards such as the Quota Maker Achievement Award and the District Pacesetter Award, along with being named Outstanding Area Manager and All-Pro Manager. Berryman was a long-time member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Ballinger. She served on the Carnegie Library of Ballinger Board of Directors and she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce and the County and District Clerks Association of Texas.

Survivors include her husband, Frankie Berryman of Ballinger; two sons, Don Roy and wife, Rhonda of Mt. Pleasant and Tom Roy and wife, Linda of Weatherford; grandchildren, Chip Roy of Washington, D.C., Emily Roy and Luke Roy, both of Lubbock and Matthew Roy of Weatherford; one sister, Leta Stephens of Odessa; and several nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers along with Kelly Shepard Roy, wife of Matt Roy and Carrah Key, fianc/ of Chip Roy.

The family suggests memorials to Ballinger Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Carnegie Library of Ballinger or West Texas Rehab.

Berryman was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Verda Adair and Eva Pinter; and three brothers, Eddie Brown, W.L. Brown and R.J. Brown.

Stan Bilbrey

Stan Bilbrey, 55, of Sweetwater died Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, in the Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, in the Sweetwater Community Church with the Revs. Randy Tenery and Charles McLaughlin officiating.

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

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004, in the funeral home.

He was born on Oct. 28, 1949, in Ballinger. He married Barbara Miller on July 11, 1970, in Ballinger. He was a member of the Sweetwater Community Church and lived in Sweetwater since 1991. He was a former resident of Cleburne. He came to Sweetwater as manager of Bealls Department Store and retired after 17 years. He was manager of Blockbuster Video the past five years. He graduated from Ballinger High School and attended San Angelo State University.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Bilbrey of Sweetwater; one son, Chase Bilbrey and wife, Tina, of Dallas; his mother, Effie Bilbrey of San Angelo, and one grandson, Korbin Bilbrey of Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bilbrey; and one brother, Kenneth Bilbrey.

Pallbearers will be George Sweatt Sr., Terry Pittman, David McDonald, Kevin Flanagan, Nemisio Galindo and Norman Hooper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Pam Steakley, Renee Rowan, Rudy Rivera and Tommy Thompson.

Charles Billings

BROWNWOOD--Charles Billings, 42, died Monday, July 26, 2004, in Brown County.

The family received friends on Thursday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Netherton Funeral Home in Brownwood.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Justiss officiating. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.

Billings was born Aug. 14, 1961, in Brownwood to Verlan R. and Dorothy Billings. He married Elsa Zuniga Aug. 10, 1983, in Rotan. Billings had been a resident of Brownwood most of his life and was a member of Maranatha Pentecostal Church.

Survivors include his wife, Elsa Billings of Brownwood; two sons, Christopher Charles Billings and Patrick Billings, both of Brownwood; his mother, Dorothy Billings of Brownwood; two brothers, Nathan Billings and Fred Billings, both of Brownwood; and one sister, Brenda Billings Howell and husband, Ron, of Sweetwater.

He was preceded in death by his father, Verlan R. Billings.

Ora Inez Reed Heath

Ora Inez Reed Heath, 94, of Roscoe, died Tuesday, July 27, 2004, at Roscoe Healthcare Center.

A family visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 30, at McCoy Funeral Home in Roscoe.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at First Baptist Church of Roscoe with the Rev. Jim Townsend and the Rev. James Hanks officiating. Burial will follow at Roscoe Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home in Roscoe.

Heath was born July 27, 1910, in Carol County, Ga. She married Floyd Reed July 4, 1925, in Nolan County and later married Leo Heath Nov. 15, 1976, in Snyder. Heath was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Roscoe. She lived in Snyder for 18 years and then in Sweetwater and in Roscoe. She had worked for area nursing homes for 14 years and also cooked for Cowboys on the Ranch.

Survivors include one daughter, June Schwarz and husband, Raymond, of Loraine; one son, Jerry Reed and wife, Betty, of Roscoe; four grandchildren, Larry Schwarz and wife, Linda, Dolores Cox and husband, Wess, Kevin Reed and wife, Lisa, and Regina Reed; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; seven sisters; and two brothers.

Lorenna Bird

SWEETWATER -- Funeral services for Lorenna Bird, 83, of Sweetwater, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the First Baptist Church of Sweetwater with the Revs. Harvey Tingle and Billy Oliver officiating. Interment will follow in Slater's Chapel Cemetery in Nolan under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bird died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Feb. 1, 1920, in Hylton, Texas. She married John William Bird on Dec. 19, 1936, in Sweetwater. She was a member of the Nolan Baptist Church from 1943 to 2001, where she was very active in teaching Sunday School and working with the G. A.'s and young people. She also served and worked at T.S.T.C. with the B.S.M. for 10 years where she was recognized with an award for her service. She was a lifelong resident of Nolan County and a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Loretta McCain of Midland; two sons, Donal Bird and wife, Marjorie of Brownwood and Barron Bird and wife, Betty, of Sweetwater; one sister, Dale Moore of Sweetwater; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Lovell, Waymon Sowell, Thomas Hyde, Earl Lewis, Jerry Williams and Gene Elston. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Bird on April 16, 1984.

Mrs. E. E. Graham, died 5/09/1939

RITES TODAY FOR MRS. GRAHAM, 68

Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock this afternoon for Mrs. Lizzie May Graham, 68, who died suddenly at her Roscoe home at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

She had been a resident of Roscoe since 1909.

Rites were concluded at the Church of Christ, the pastor and the Rev. G. W. Parks, of Roscoe, officiating. Burial was made in the Roscoe Cemetery directed by Johnston Funeral Home.

Surviving are six sons, Felton, Lewis, Fred, Elsworth, Edward, all of Roscoe, and Merritt of McAdoo, Texas; and one sister, Mrs. Lula Hafner, of Tuscola.

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