Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Jimmy Dell ‘Tom Cat’ Williams
Apr 20, 1939 - May 17, 2005

Jimmy Dell “Tom Cat” Williams, 66, of Tyler passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Greater Renfro Memorial Church of God in Christ with Elder William Lewis Jr. officiating and Elder Myron Williams as eulogist. Interment will follow Woodland Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Mr. Williams was born April 20, 1939, in Corsicana.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Williams; and two brothers, George Williams and Lewis Williams.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Regina Williams of Dallas; six grandchildren; sister, Rosie V. Williams of Corsicana; brother and sister-in-law, John Sr. and Mary Williams of Dallas; nieces, Sheila Hendrix, Jacqueline Sewell and Hope Jones, all of Dallas, and Michelle (Henry) Jackson and Lecretia Williams, all of Corsicana; nephews, John Williams Jr. of Dallas and Myron (Kim) Williams Sr. of Trinidad; cousin, Mary Alice Jones of Corsicana; and extended family, Theodore and Georgie Royce and Cookie.
Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

James Roy McCombs
Jan 17, 1951 - May 1, 2005

James Roy McCombs, 54, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, May 21, 2005 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Corley Funeral Home.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Chapel wit the Rev. Mike Alexander officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Mr. McCombs was born Jan. 17, 1951 in Rotan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a diesel mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ruby McCombs.
Mr. McCombs is survived by his wife, Ronda Lea McCombs of
Corsicana; son, Kyle McCombs of Corsicana; daugher, Sherry Phillips of Cheyenne, Wyoming; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Bonnie McCombs of Kissimmee, Fla., Leon and Becky McCombs of Portland, Texas, David and Mary Anne McCombs of Page, Texas and Terry McCombs of Bastrop; sister, Sandy Cofer of Athens; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Notes:

Katie Lowe (Richardson) Farmer
Jul 29, 1913 - May 22, 2005

Katie L. Farmer, 91, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, May 22, 2005 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m Tuesday at Corley Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Scott officiating.

Mrs. Farmer was born July 29, 1913 in Corsicana. She was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin W. Farmer.

Mrs. Farmer is survived by daughters, Geraldine Hilbert of Cleburne, Martha Nichols of Corsicana and Mary Lee of Corsicana; sisters and brother-in-law, Sybil Sims of Clute and Loree and Johnny Dagley of Pearland; granddaughter, Katy Hilbert of Cleburne; grandson, Rickey Nichols of Corsicana; and great-granddaughters, Kambell Scheu of Cleburne, Amber Canfield of Wortham, and MacKenzie Gonzales of Wortham.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Justin R. Wiese
Aug 12, 1995 - May 22, 2005

Justin R. Wiese, 9, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, May 22, 2005, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Bishop Eddie Jones and Dr. Gary Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Humphries, Jacob Eldridge, Brian Jennings, J.R. Snowden, Chris Montgomery and Ronnie Lucas. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Wiese, Jerold Wiese, Charles Lucas, Stephen Lewis, Eddie Ray Wiese, Joey York, Jeremy Combs and Matthew Beamon.

Justin was born Aug. 12, 1995, in Corsicana to Richard and Brandi Lewis Wiese. He was a fourth grader at Carroll Elementary where he was a very good student. He loved football, horseback riding, and riding his dirt bike.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jackie L. Elam; great-grandfather, Billy W. Dechaume; and great-grandmother, Bobbie Rimer.

Survivors include his parents, Richard and Brandi Lewis Wiese of Corsicana; brothers, William Wiese and Richard Wiese, both of Corsicana; sister, Maegan Wiese of Corsicana; grandparents, Eddie and Lanell Wiese of Waco, Stephen Lewis of Cross Roads and Lonnie and Betty Baker of Corsicana; great-grandparents, Jeanette Dechaume of Corsicana; and a number of aunts and uncles.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

Roydene (Langley) Redding
Dec. 28, 1924 - May 24, 2005

Roydene L. Redding

Roydene L. Redding, 80, of Oakwood passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2005, in Oakwood.

Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Chapel.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Fairfield with Monsignor Sam Metzger officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 N. Davis Dr., Arlington.

Pallbearers will be Robert Brown, Joseph Brown, John Carroll, Bill Drozd, Kevin Graves and Scott Hicks.

Mrs. Redding was born Dec. 28, 1924, in Rice. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Fairfield and the Associates of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

She was preceded in death by her husband, L. T. “Buck” Redding; son, John Redding; brother, William Damien Langley; and parents, William and Clara Langley.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Robert Brown of Oakwood; son and daughter-in-law, Ernest and Kathi Redding of Lubbock; son and wife, Richard Carel and Kayla McCandless of Lubbock; sisters, Clara Ann Langley of San Antonio and Clara Marquita Emerson of New Summerfield; sister and brother-in-law, Laura Marie and William Weldon of Garland; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Betty Langley of Ennis; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Faye Berry
abt 1905 - May 12, 2005

DAWSON - Mrs. Faye Berry, 100, of Dawson, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2005 at her home.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 13 at First United Methodist Church of Dawson with interment to follow in Dawson Cemetery.
Wade Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Waco Tribune

Claude A. Hollingsworth
Dec 29, 1924 - May 1, 2005

Claude Hollingsworth

Claude "Sleepy" Hollingsworth, 80, of Union Grove, Texas, formally of Waco, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2005.  Chapel services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2005, at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors, with the Rev. Leser Adams officiating.  Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Dresden Cemetery, in Navarro County.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Mr. Hollingsworth was born Dec. 29, 1924 in Corsicana to Claude and Maudie (Swaner) Hollingsworth.  He served in the US Navy during WWII, in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1943-1945, and he loved and raised cattle most of his adult life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, J. O. Hollingsworth.
He is survived by son, Sam Hollingsworth, of Hawkins, Texas; daughter, Sissy Gilbreath and husband Gordon, of Hallsville, Texas; brother, Jim Hollingsworth and wife, Mary, of Waco; sister, Shirley and husband, J. R. Frields, of Waco; grandchildren, Cristy Horn and Justin Littrell and numerous nieces and nephews.
Connally/Compton

Notes:

Lee Roy Fade
Jul 17, 1928 - May 25, 2005

Lee Roy Fade, 76, of Corsicana was called to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 25, 2005. He was born July 17, 1928, in Henderson County to Charles Leonard Fade and Thelma Herbrough Fade. He was a longtime active and board member of Calvary Worship Center of Corsicana. He retired from the City of Corsicana in 1990 after 29 years of service. He was also part of a large loving family that will greatly miss him.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Corley Funeral Chapel with Dr. Gary W. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Doyle Faughn, Clay Faughn, Tod Berry, Timothy Berry, Garland Warren and Rickey Jamison. Honorary pallbearers will be board members of Calvary Worship Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leonard and Thelma Fade; brother, Floyd Fade; and sisters, Lilac Warren and Mattie Rachel.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Geneva Faughn Fade of
Corsicana; daughter, Jackie Thoune Williams of Corsicana; son and daughter-in-law, John Lee and Michelle Jenkins of Corsicana;
granddaughter, Laura Ann Thoune of Dallas; grandson, William Billy Thoune of U.S. Army in Germany; great-granddaughter, Breanne Michelle Jenkins of Corsicana; great-grandson, Hagen Lee Jenkins of Corsicana; brothers, Alton Fade of Houston and Roy Wayne Fade and wife Charlotte of Chester; sisters, Marie Crow, Lois Gamblin and husband Bill and Gertie Karocastas, all of Texas City; brothers-in-law and wives, Howard and Frances Faughn of Kerens and David and Barbara Hamel of Blum; sister-in-law, Teresa Berry of Pasadena; and a host of other relatives.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Worship Center Building Fund, 1364 N. Beaton St., Corsicana, TX 75110.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Clovis Herschel Hunter
Nov 30, 1915 - May 26, 2005

C. H. (Hurshel) Hunter

C. H. (Hurshel) Hunter, 89, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, May 26, 2005, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held form 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel with Brother Darin Wood officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Mr. Hunter was born Nov. 30, 1915, in Richland. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army. He also served in the National Guard. He was an active longtime member of Memorial Baptist Church, serving as church treasurer. He also taught Sunday school for over 40 years. He loved his church family and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, W. M. Hunter; mother, Bertha Hunter; brother, Clyde Hunter; sisters, Gladys Holloway Currington, Evelyena Jones and Essie Richards; and daughter-in-law, Laurill Hunter.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Louise Hunter of Corsicana; daughters, Andrea Richards and husband Derwood and Clowie Lewis and husband Raylon, all of Corsicana, and Shirley Donnerstag and husband Bernie of Waco; son, Larry D. Hunter and wife Patricia of Corbet; grandchildren, Stephen Lewis, Byron and Sabrina Albrecht, Keith and Lindsay Lewis, Brandi Richards and Andrew Albrecht; great-grandchildren, Tyler Lewis, Dakota Lewis, Austin Albrecht, Justin Chaney and Reagan Chaney; sisters, Dollie Brown and husband Wayne of Tyler and Odessa Wiswell and husband W.W. (Bill) of Wichita Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

A. P. Gibson

GIBSON - Corsicana, Texas, Nov. 2. - A. P. Gibson, 75 years old, who has been an inmate of the I. O. O. F. Home here for a number of years, died late Tuesday afternoon and the remains were sent to La Grange, Ga., where the deceased has a brother living and where burial will take place. He was a member of the Mansfield (Tarrant County) I. O. O. F. Lodge and came to the home from that place.

Notes:

John Patrick Garitty
Apr 4, 1893 - Jul 6, 1938

 

John Garitty Funeral Service at Corsicana
Special to the News.
CORSICANA, Texas. July 8. - Funeral rites for John P. Garitty, 45, Corsicana civic, financial and political leader and sportsman, who died unexpectedly at his home Wednesday night, were held Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The services were conducted by Monsignor V. Graffeo.  Interment was at Catholic Cemetery.

Notes:

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Johnny Garitty, Who Expired Thursday, Great Aggie End

Of the many fine instances of defensive end play in the story of Southwestern football, none outranks the work of John Garitty and Jim Kendrick against Texas at College Station in 1915, the year that the State University resumed athletic relations with Texas A. & M. after three years of separation over differences in policy in football. The Aggies of 1915 were not regarded as a formidable team. They were out of the championship running while the Allerdice-coached Longhorns were the great offensive machine of the State that year. At College Station, nevertheless, the Aggies defeated Texas, 13-0, making one first down against twenty-two, and the lone first down was a touchdown. The other Aggie points were made on the kick following touchdown and two long field goals booted by Lee (Fanny) Coleman of Fort Worth.

The story of the game lay in the great punting of Warren (Rip) Collins, the field goal kicking of Coleman, and the phenomenal wing play of Garitty and Kendrick. Time and again, either end held up Allerdice's five-man interference while the other came around and tackled the ball carrier from behind. Both were demons on covering the punts, which fact is painfully recalled by Dr. Ray Williams, now of Dallas, who played safety for Texas most of the afternoon.

Garitty, an outstanding businessman of Corsicana, died Thursday. Coleman died several years back. Garitty and Kendrick were both in war service and Kendrick, a reserve Captain in charge of a CCC camp, lost an arm in an accident a year or so ago, one in which he displayed such heroism that Congress gave him the status of a retired Captain. Kendrick also starred at end in 1916 on the Second Texas Infantry football team in border service, usually regarded as the most remarkable football team ever gathered in this section. Collins, later a Dallas and big league baseball star, still lives in Austin.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 8 Jul 1938, section 2, page 3
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

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John Garitty, Sportsman and Official, Dies

Special to The News.

CORSICANA, Texas, July 7. -- Funeral services for Police and Fire Commissioner John P. Garitty, 45, who died at his home Wednesday night, will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Friday at 10 a.m.
Garitty, a native of Corsicana, was graduated from Corsicana High School, where he was a leading athlete and later was an all-conference end on Texas A. & M. College's football team, being captain in 1915. He was a Southwest Conference football official several years. He was sponsor of the Red Horses, independent basketball and baseball clubs here, and at his death was vice-president and chairman of the athletic committee of the Corsicana Dads' Club.
Garitty, a member of the City Commission, had served several terms. In addition to his civic and political activities, he was a director of the First National Bank of Corsicana.

For years Garitty had been a member of the Corsicana Lions' Club and served two years as its president. He was a member of the American Legion. He served overseas as an officer during the World War and held a reserve officer's commission at his death.

A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Garitty, pioneer residents of Corsicana and Navarro County, Garitty is survived by his wife, one son, John Garitty Jr., Corsicana; two brothers, J. N. Garitty, Corsicana, and Bennie Garitty, Dallas, and three sisters, Mrs. Michael S. Hunt, Waco; Mrs. Leo Loney and Mrs. Paul B. Keith of Corsicana, and other relatives.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 8 Jul 1938, section 2, page 3
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

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John Garitty Funeral Service at Corsicana

Special to the News.

CORSICANA, Texas. July 8. - Funeral rites for John P. Garitty, 45, Corsicana civic, financial and political leader and sportsman, who died unexpectedly at his home Wednesday night, were held Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The services were conducted by Monsignor V. Graffeo. Interment was at Catholic Cemetery.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 9 Jul 1938, section 2, page 3
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

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News From The Fairways

By Reynolds Smith

When Johnny Garitty of Corsicana passed to the land beyond this State lost one of it's [sic] grandest personalities and greatest sportsmen. Those of us who were fortunate enough to make the popular Corsicana Invitation tournament each year knew well the man who provided every need - the man who left nothing undone for the comfort and enjoyment of the guest. Every day the golfer could expect a pleasant greeting from Johnny Garitty. He never failed.

We can best remember the clownish antics of this man at the regular driving contest which preceeds [sic] every Corsicana Invitation meet. With a necktieless shirt and a big chaw in his mouth old Johnny could make more comic attempts at hitting a tee shot than Ezor or Joe Kirkwood could manufacture in years. Making the other fellow merry was his mission in life.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 10 Jul 1938, section 4, page 3 -- Only an excerpt of the entire column
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

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Johnnie Garitty Paid Tribute at Memorial Rites

Special to The News.

CORSICANA, Texas, July 12. -- The Lions' Club, of which the late Johnnie P. Garitty had been a long-time member and president for two successive years, devoted Tuesday's regular meeting to a memorial service to his memory. Luther A. Johnson, a life-long friend of Garitty, delivered the principal tribute, and other expressions were made by Past Presidents Sydney Marks, Lowry Martin and W. P. McCammon, and by Secretary R. A. Caldwell, who read the club's resolutions.

Upon the motion of Martin, Johnnie Garitty Jr. was voted a lifetime honorary member of the Lions' Club.

Visitors at the meeting were Johnnie Garitty Jr., Bennie Garitty, Dallas; Jim Nick Garitty, Tommie Drummond, Waco; O. F. Allen, Civitan Club president; C. S. Dickens, Rotary Club president; F. C. Paul, Jimmie McCammon, Allyn (Rip) Lang, David Donovan, St. Paul, and C. M. Lyles, Beaumont.

Out-of-town visitors introduced commented upon the late Mr. Garitty's life and his activities as a Lion. F. W. Smith, program committeeman, said the committee was fortunate to get a lifelong friend of Mr. Garitty's to pay tribute to him, and then introduced Mr. Johnson.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 13 Jul 1938, section 1, page 4
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

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FUNERAL SERVICES HELD HERE FRIDAY FOR JOHN P. GARITTY

HUNDREDS ATTEND LAST RITES FOR PROMINENT CORSICANA CITIZEN

Funeral rites for John P. Garitty, 45, Corsicana civic, financial and political leader and sportsman, who died unexpectedly at his home Wednesday night were held Friday morning at 10 o’clock from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The services were conducted by Monsignor V. Graffeo. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery.

Hundreds of sorrowing friends attended the rites, while numerous telegrams and messaged of condolences were received by the family, attesting his popularity gained through years as a business executive, football official and civic leader.

Garitty was captain of the 1915 Texas A. and M. College football team and was one of the greatest grid heroes in the long and illustrious history of Aggieland. After finishing his college career, he went to the world war as a lieutenant of the 343rd Machine gun company, Ninetieth division. He had been promoted to a captaincy but was discharged as a first lieutenant before his commission arrived.

City Official.
At the time of his death, he was police and fire commissioner of Corsicana. He was a past president of the Corsicana Lions club and had served on the Red Cross Board and had directed several of its campaigns.

Garitty was sales agent for the Magnolia Petroleum company for this territory and was a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank.

He was sponsor of the Red Horses independent basketball and baseball aggregations, and was vice-president and chairman of the athletic committee of the Corsicana Dad’s club.

Johnny was a golfer and was a member of the tournament committee of the Corsicana Country Club which had charge of the annual Corsicana invitation tournament, one of the outstanding sports events of the year. he was one of the staunchest and most enthusiastic supporters and advisors for Corsicana high school athletics. He frequently was the main speaker at the pep rallies at the high school on the eve of important and crucial football engagements and was extremely popular with the high school students.

A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Garitty, pioneers of Corsicana and Navarro county, Mr. Garitty is survived by his wife, a son, Johnny Garitty, Jr., Corsicana, and Bennie Garitty, Dallas; three sisters, Mrs. Michael S. Hunt, Waco, and Mrs. Leo Loney and Mrs. Paul B. Keith both of Corsicana and other relatives.

Honor Memory.
The departments of the city hall were closed until noon Friday upon order of Mayor J. S. Murchison.

The First National Bank was closed Friday morning from 9:30 to 11 o’clock. The sales department of the Magnolia Petroleum company at the refinery south of Corsicana was closed during the funeral.

Several hundreds of friends were required to remain outside of the church after all available accommodations were taken.

Scores of former residents of Corsicana who now reside at distant points were here for the rites, while all walks of life were represented in the throng present to pay their last respects to the memory of this popular Corsicanan.

Active pallbearers were Mayor J. S. Murchison, J. H. Roberts, W. A. Lang, Randolph Jackson, Charles Davis; Guy Tate, James Wallace and Doak Roberts of Dallas.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the police and fire departments and friends of the family.

Many From Other Cities.
Included in those here for the rites were Dutch Hohn, extension service, Texas A. and M. college; S. A. Lipscomb, druggist, College Station; J. W. (Dough) Rollins, member of the coaching staff, Texas A. and M. College; E. W. Hooker, athletic business manager, Texas A. and M. College; C. W. Wofford, Waco, district manager, Magnolia Petroleum company; John. K. Moore, assistant manager, Waco; John F. Adams, Dallas; Don Gladney, right-of-way and claims department, Magnolia Dallas; W. M. Maddox, traffic manager, Magnolia, Dallas; Emmett Wilkerson, Dallas, legal department, Magnolia; Tyree Bell and Gene Bedford, Dallas; Capt. Baily, vice-commandant Hensley Field, Dallas.

A. G. Falk, assistant district manager, Dallas; Joe Thorp, Dallas; O. C. Flanagan, Dallas; Homer Watson, Dallas; Ed Ray, Dallas; Truman Bragg, Waco; E. P. Simmons, Waco; F. S. Smith, Waco; R. S. Plemons, Waco; L. Y. Newman, Waco, all of the Magnolia company; Zebbie Howell, football coach, Honey Grove; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Thomas, Sulphur Springs; Joe Pleas and Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Wells, Hubbard; numerous oil men from East Texas and others.

Many persons attending the rites went directly to the cemetery and did not go to the church. A large crowd was at the cemetery when the procession reached there, paced by city traffic and Texas Highway patrolmen on motorcycles.

In order that all members of the police department might attend the rites, Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse pinch-hit for Police Chief Bruce Nutt at the police department office while his deputies and Clarence Powell, constable, and other county officers patrolled the streets and answered calls.

Sutherland - McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:

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POPULAR SPORTSMAN, BUSINESS MAN AND CIVIC LEADER DEAD

TO HOLD FUNERAL SERVICES FOR JOHN P. GARITTY AT 10 A.M. FRIDAY

John P. Garritty, aged 45 years, died at his home, 2110 West Sixth avenue, Wednesday night at 11:45 o’clock. Funeral services will be held from the Church of the Immaculate Conception Friday morning at 10 o’clock with interment in the Catholic cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Monsignor V. Graffeo.

Mr. Garitty was a native of Corsicana. He graduated from Corsicana high school where he was a well-known athlete and later was an all-conference end at Texas A. and M. College, being captain in 1915. He was a Southwest conference football official before retiring from that work several years ago. He was sponsor of the Red Horses, independent basketball and baseball clubs here, and at the time of his death was vice president and chairman of the athletic committee of the Corsicana Dad’s Club.

Mr. Garitty has long been known as one of the most enthusiastic and active supporters of Corsicana high athletics.

Member City Commission.
Mr. Garitty also was a member of the city commission and police and fire commissioner. He had served the municipality several terms as a member of the City Dads.

In addition to his civic, political and financial activities, he was the sales agent for the Magnolia Petroleum Company with headquarters in Corsicana. He was a director of the First National Bank of Corsicana.

For years Mr. Garitty had been a member of the Corsicana Lions Club and served two years as its president. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the citizenship committee of that organization.

Served Overseas.
Commissioner Garitty was a member of the American Legion. He served overseas as an officer in the U. S. Army during World War and held a reserve officer’s commission at the time of his death.

He was discharged as a first lieutenant in the 343rd Machine Company, Ninetieth Division. He had been promoted to a captaincy but the commission had not arrived when he was discharged.

Mr. Garitty had been ill with malaria fever since Saturday, but his condition was not regarded as serious until a few minutes before his death.

A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Garitty, pioneer residents of Corsicana and Navarro county. Mr. Garitty is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Garitty, a son, Johnny Garitty, Jr., Corsicana; two brothers, J. N. Garitty, Corsicana, and Bennie Garitty, Dallas; three sisters, Mrs. Michael S. Hunt, Waco; Mrs. Leo Loney and Mrs. Paul B. Keith, both of Corsicana, and other relatives.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home is directing the arrangements.

Mayor J. S. Murchison stated Wednesday morning that all departments of the city hall would be closed until noon Friday. The flag at the city hall was ordered places at half mast in respect to Commissioner Garitty’s memory.

 Notes:

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JINX TUCKER PAYS HIGH TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF JOHNNY GARITTY

The following is the tribute written by Jinx Tucker, sports editor, Waco News-Tribune and Times-Herald, dean of Central Texas sports writers, relative to the death of Johnny Garitty, Corsicana official and sportsman, and former immortal Texas Aggie grid star and captain:

“Johnny Garitty is dead. He died after a short illness at his home in Corsicana Wednesday night.
*******

“That was about all that the brief dispatch said. After making mention he was 45 years of age.
*******

“Nevertheless it was an announcement that stunned football followers in every section of the state. It meant that another football immortal had gone Across the River—long before his time.
*******

“We admired Johnny Garitty as a football player 23 years ago; we admired him as a sportsman and as a man long after his active football days were over. Oftentimes we were on the other side of the fence in sports debate, did not agree with Garitty, and oftentimes, by the same token, he did not agree with us.
********

“But because we always knew that Garitty was conscientious, that he was four-square to the world, and knew not the meaning of the word, hypocrisy, he always carried our utmost respect, and 90 percent of the time the views of Garitty on any gridiron subject were our views. For Garitty grew up with the game. His views were mellowed by rich experience, and he learned the game the hard way, he always expected the most from any gridster. Garitty was a great football official—one of the best the Southwest conference had ever had—but he quit, not when he felt that he was growing too old to give his best efforts, but right at the time when he was at his peak in that capacity. He quit officiating, tossed aside hundreds of dollars in easy money, because he felt that as an official, he could not please everybody, and that as an official he was losing friends. We know of no other man that could better afford to lose a few friends than could Garitty, because he had ten-fold more than the average person, but as Garitty ones put it to us, when he informed us of his plans to retire; “The friendship of one man is of far more value to me than all the money that the officiating game can bring.”
********

“There are hundreds who did not know Johnny Garitty, who will brush a tear from their cheek as they read of his death. The hundreds to whom we refer, knew Johnny Garitty for what he did in one football game—the game that made him a football immortal. Garitty did not have the physique to be a great gridster. He played an end position for Texas A. and M., and save, on the particular occasion to which we have reference, he was just a good end for his size. He did not weigh over 150 pounds, was fairly short in stature.
*********

“But there came one eventful day in November of 1915 when Texas A. and M. wanted to win one football game more than it had wanted to win any other in its long grid history. For the first time in the history of relations between Texas University and Texas A. and M., the two arch rivals were to meet on College Station soil. The rivalry between the two teams had become so bitter that relations were severed after the game in 1911. They were meeting in 1915 for the first time in four years under a new home-and-home agreement. Texas was the overwhelming favorite that year. for instance, it had won from Rice, 5 to 0, and Rice had defeated A. and M., 7 to 0.
*********

“Johnny Garitty loved Charley Moran, the Aggie coach, during the bitter feud between Texas and Texas A. and M. He felt that Texas University had forced the departure of Moran from Aggieland, and this young man with indomitable courage, and bulldog spirit joined hands with his mate at end, Jim Kendrick of Waco, and the Aggie punting back, Rip Collins to give A. and M. its greatest football holiday of all time.
**********

“Rip Collins would send zooming punts into the air, long 70 yard spirals that would sail gracefully as if waiting for Garitty and Kendrick to race down under them. Garitty, not human for the day, inspired to fighting heights that made his muscles never tiring, and his entire being oblivious to all but the game, would sail down the field with the speed of a deer, gain momentum with each stride and the 150 pounds no doubt seemed to be 1500 to jittery Texas safety men as they waited to catch the punts. Oftentimes during that heated struggle, these demonical A. and M. wings would get to the safety man before the ball, dare him to try to catch it, and seldom during the game one of the punts caught. They were always fumbled with the alert Garitty pouncing on them with such frequency as to finally give A. and M. a glorious 13 to 0 victory, and the football world its most sensational upset of the year. Johnny Garitty became an immortal that day, and the rabid A. and M. fans who were just as desirous of victory on that day as Garitty, but who never had the pleasure of meeting that fine affable sportsman, are those who are wiping that tear from their cheek as they read of his death today. They however, are fortunate in the fact that to them, Garitty will live on, and on, as they look back upon that mid-November afternoon, remember how he typified and glorified the fighting spirit of Texas A. and M.
*********

“We also knew Johnny Garitty s the football hero of that memorable day of 1915, but knew him later—knew him then as a sportsman, as one to go when seeking advice of the proper sort on perplexing grid problems.
********

“We know if there is a just God, Johnny Garitty has moved on to a better place in which to live. For considering the kind of life that he has lived on this earth, and the courage he displayed in tucking every obstacle in the game of football, the war game, and the game of life, his reward has to be as high as any that can be offered. Still we can do naught but feel despondent in his loss, if not for Garitty, then for ourself, for while Garitty no doubt has attained far more than this short span of earth can offer, we have lost one of our best friends—a friend who has been put to the test and not found lacking.”

Notes:

Mrs. John P. Garitty Passes in Corsicana

CORSICANA, Texas, Jan. 13. -- Mrs. John P. Garitty died here Friday. A funeral service will be held at the Catholic Church Monday morning.

Reared in Commerce, and resident of Dallas prior to coming to Corsicana about twenty years ago, Mrs. Garitty was the wife of the late John P. Garitty.

Survivors include her son, Lt. John P. Garitty; mother, Mrs. Rose Donovan, Corsicana; and two brothers, R. E. Donovan, Matador, and David S. Donovan, Commerce.

Notes:

  • Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan 1945
  • Submitted by Matt Cross

Mary Caroline "Carrie" (Wilson) George
Jul 6, 1867 - Apr 11, 1926

Mrs. Carrie George is Buried at Corsicana
Special to the News
CORSICANA, Texas, April 13. - Mrs. Carrie George, 60 years old, native of Navarro County, died Sunday morning at a sanitarium at McKinney and the body was brought to Blooming Grove, where the funeral took place at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. The services were conducted at the family home by the Rev. B. R. Wagner, pastor of the Blooming Grove Methodist Church, and the Rev. A. L. Johnston, pastor of the Blooming Grove Baptist Church.
Mrs. George was born at Cryer Creek, Navarro County, in 1866 and has made her home in this county all of her life. She was Miss Carrie Wilson before her marriage to J. M. George, Feb. 26, 1889. She is survived by the following children: B. W. George, Corsicana; J. M. George, Blooming Grove; Mrs. E. L. Wright, Loving, N. M.; Mrs. Roy Morgan, Corsicana; Jewell Derwood and Allie George, all of Blooming Grove; two brothers, Jode Wilson, Memphis, Texas, and Gid Wilson, Blackwell, Texas.
Following were the active pallbearers; Beauford Jester, Judge Hawkins Scarborough, Wayne Howell, J. N. Edens Jr., Douglas Johnson, Evans Richards and S. E. Gains of Blooming Grove.
All offices at the courthouse in Corsicana were closed Monday afternoon for the funeral of Mrs. George. Her son E. W. George, is County Attorney of Navarro County.

Notes:

  • View Obituary Clipping
  • Submitted by Dana Stubbs
  • Apr 13, 1926
  • Carrie George, died Apr 1926
  • I believe her husband name is actually Dr. Isaac Newton George, Jr. ...elw

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MRS. CARRIE GEORGE NATIVE OF NAVARRO IS BURIED MONDAY

MOTHER OF COUNTY ATTORNEY GEORGE DIED IN M’KINNEY SANITARIUM

Special to the Sun.
Blooming Grove, April 12.—Mrs. Carrie George, age 60 years, native of Navarro county, died Sunday morning at a sanitarium at McKinney and the remains were brought to Blooming Grove where the funeral took place at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. The services were conducted at the family home by the Rev. B. R. Wagner, pastor of the Blooming Grove Methodist church, and the Rev. A. L. Johnston, pastor of the Blooming Grove Baptist church.

Mrs. George was born at Cryer Creek, Navarro county, in 1866 and has made her home in this county all of her life. At an early age she identified herself with the Methodist church in which she took a prominent part in all of the church activities. She was Miss Carrie Wilson before her marriage to J. M. George, Feb. 26, 1889. She is survived by the following children: B. W. George, Corsicana, J. M. George, Blooming Grove; Mrs. E. L. Wright, Loving, N. M.; Mrs. Roy Morgan, Corsicana; Jewell, Derwood and Allie George, all of Blooming grove; two brothers Jode Wilson, Memphis, Texas; Gid Wilson, Blackwell, Texas.

The following were the active pallbearers: Beauford Jester, Judge Hawkins Scarborough, Wayne Howell, J. N. Edens, Jr., of Corsicana; J. O. McSpadden, Jr., Douglas Johnson, Evans Richards and S. E. Gains of Blooming Grove.

Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Corsicana Bar Association and the business men and merchants of Blooming Grove.

All departments of the county courthouse closed Monday at noon except the sheriff’s office, out of respect for the funeral of Mrs. Carrie Wilson George of Blooming Grove, mother of County Attorney Ballard W. George. A number of the courthouse attaches attended the funeral at Blooming Grove.

Notes:

Ralph Beaton
Oct 3, 1853 - Sep 7, 1922

Ralph Beaton
Oct 3, 1853 - Sep 7, 1922

BEATON FUNERAL WILL TAKE PLACE SATURDAY MORNING AT 10 O’CLOCK FIRST METHODIST

Funeral services for Ralph Beaton, who died yesterday afternoon at 3:25 o’clock after an illness of several weeks, will be held at the First Methodist Church on Saturday morning at 10 o’clock.

The Rev. D. K. Porter, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will conduct the services, assisted by Rev. C. R. Wright of Fort Worth, a former pastor here.

The active pall bearers will be as follows: Victor Nagglar, John Mays, Aaron Ferguson, D. N. Rice, Joe Simkins, C. T. Banister, Charles Jester and Lee Jester.

All of Mr. Beaton’s many friends will be considered honorary pallbearers.

When Ralph Beaton, citizen, patriot, and gentleman, passed away yesterday, Corsicana suffered an irreparable loss. The entire citizenship of this community joins with the rest of the state in mourning his untimely death. A man who placed the welfare of his state and community first and that of himself second, he made a record as a citizen which will be equaled by few and excelled by none.

Those who knew him best declared today, in expressing their sorrow over his death, that in the long and useful life which he has spent in this place, never once has he been known to be on any but the progressive side of a public question. When the time came that a matter of importance was before the city for action, Mr. Beaton always came forward with his sage advice and wise counsel, and his opinion was ever accepted and respected as coming from a public-spirited man of experience and discernment. In it all, he was unostentatious. He possessed to a remarkable degree the virtue of modesty and his was a particularly unselfish life and service.

Native of Corsicana.
Mr. Beaton is a native of Corsicana and has resided here throughout his entire life of 69 years. He was born on October 3, 1853, the son of Major and Ms. Alexander Beaton, pioneer citizens of this city. Beaton street, the principal thoroughfare of this city, was named in honor of Major Beaton. The mother, Mrs. Beaton, now lives at the home of her son, Major Beaton having been dead for some time. She is now 92 years of age.

Mr. Beaton studied to be a lawyer but early decided that he did not like to follow that profession and devoted himself to other lines of endeavor. He introduced in Corsicana the system of free delivery of groceries.

He early became interested in water wells and drilled several artesian wells in Corsicana. In one of these wells, which was drilled near the present artesian well in the city limits, a showing of oil was found. Mr. Beaton at once caught a vision of an oil field in and around Corsicana. His associates here and the citizenship in general were skeptical, but not discouraged, he went east and interested Guffey and Guffey, Pennsylvania oil operators in coming to Corsicana. They came and together with Mr. Beaton, Aaron Ferguson, H. G. Damon, Fred Flemming, and Dr. S. W. Johnson, formed the Corsicana Development Company. A well was drilled near the artesian well but no oil was found. Another well was drilled just northeast of the union depot and it likewise was a failure. A third well was put down in east Corsicana and a thirty-barrel producer resulted. Old citizens of Corsicana say then that it was Mr. Beaton who discovered and first developed the Corsicana oil field.

The Corsicana Development Company later sold out to the Southern Oil Company for $300,000. Mr. Beaton, Dr. S. W. Johnson, and Fred Flemming were associated in this company.

Interested in Water System.
After retiring from the oil business, Mr. Beaton again interested himself in water and supplied various steam plants with fresh water. Later at the suggestion of Captain James Garitty, a close friend, he took over the water system for the entire city of Corsicana and furnished the city with a high type of artesian water, his concern being called the Corsicana Water Supply Company with Mr. Beaton as president.

On August 1, 1918, this company sold its mains and other property to the city of Corsicana for the sum of $170,000.

When recently it became evident that the outstanding civic need in Corsicana was a modern hotel, Mr. Beaton personally set about to greet such a hotel and, with the old Beaton Flats on Eleventh street as a starting point, he constructed the large and modern Beaton Hotel, which is now a valuable asset to the city.

Mr. Beaton was a director in the Continental Savings Building Association of Dallas, of which his son, Ralph A. Beaton is general manager. This association was organized in 1916.

Prominent Church Member.
Mr. Beaton was one of the most prominent members of the First Methodist church. He was a regular attendant upon the services of this church and was quite interested in such work. He is spoken of by all who knew him as being a very religious man, and a man who lived his religion every day.

Mr. Beaton is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Jane Beaton, and five children Ralph Beaton, Jr. of Dallas, Mrs. Hawkins Kimball of Dallas, Walter Beaton, Mrs. A. H. Kerr, and Miss Alice Beaton of Corsicana, all of whom were with him at the time of his death. The wife and mother are quite sick at this time with dengue fever and several other members of the family are just up after an attack of this fever.

Notes:

Photo not part of the obituary

FUNERAL OF RALPH BEATON HELD AT CORSICANA
Special to the news
CORSICANA, TEXAS. Sept 9. - "Ralph Beaton gave the best of his life in a fine and beautiful service to his fellow-man," said the Rev. C. R. Wright of Fort Worth in speaking at the funeral services of Mr. Beaton this morning, "and I know of no better way of serving God," he continued, "than by rendering unselfish service to one's fellowman.
The services held at the First Methodist Church this morning were attended by hundreds.
The Rev. D. K. Porter, pastor of the First Methodist Church, and the Rev. C. R. Wright of Fort Worth conducted the services at the church and grave.
A quartet composed of Mrs. P. C. Townsend, Mrs. H. H. Flemming, Loyd Kerr and Sidney Brietz sang, with Mrs. Eugenia Story at the organ. The songs included "Hark, Hark, My Soul," "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Abide With Me."
The Rev. Mr. Porter read a tribute which was written by William M. Elliott, who for many years has know Mr. Beaton.

Notes:

Robert Dudley Ballew, Jr.
Jul 31, 1945 - May 25, 2005

ROBERT BALLEW JR., 59, of Houston passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2005, after a lengthy and valiant battle against ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born July 31, 1945 in Houston. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Donnie and Robert Ballew Sr. and a brother, Van Ballew, who also died of ALS earlier this year. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sandy McQueen; daughter, Beth Dombrowa and husband John; son, Bryce Ballew; brother, Bill Ballew and wife Brenda; sisters, Jerrie Brown, and Rita Loucks; two beloved granddaughters, Eden and Carson Dombrowa, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was raised in Galena Park, TX, and graduated from Galena Park High School. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a former co-owner of R. D. Ballew Insurance Agency. Bob loved fine cigars, great food, good books, and smart women. He faced his disease with his usual sense of humor and wit, determined to live his life to the fullest through traveling, harassing telemarketers with his speech device and flirting with pretty nurses. He actively and eagerly participated in ALS research and studies, and twice served as "poster person" for the Houston chapter of ALSA's "Walk to d'feat ALS." Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, May 28, 2005 at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of normal remembrances, the family wishes donations made to Project ALS, 900 Broadway, Suite 901 New York, NY 10003, if desired. Please note on check "Ballew Family Fund". The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Rico Torres, Danielle Canon, the staff at the Houston MDA/ALS clinic, the staff at the VA Hospital of Houston, the Houston Chapter of ALSA, and Dr. Michael Vickers.

Notes:

  • Houston Chronicle

Newton White Hammett
Dec 18, 1846 - Jul 2, 1902

WAS INSTANTLY KILLED
Navarro County Man Struck on the Head by a Well Reel.
Special to the News
Corsicana, Tex., July 8. -

Between 4 and 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon N. W. Hammett was instantly killed by being struck on the forehead by a piece of machinery while he was drilling a well on the M. Y. Wilson farm, five miles south of here.
He was alone at the time of the accident and the exact manner in which he met his death is not known, but it is thought the reel became unmanageable and in an attempt to stop it he received the death blow.

Notes:

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N. W. Hammett Instantly Killed
Met His Death Yesterday Afternoon While Drilling A Well

While drilling a well yesterday afternoon on the M Y Wilson farm, five miles south of town, Mr. N. W. Hammett, an old and well-known citizen of Corsicana, was struck in the temple by a piece of machinery and instantly killed.

The exact manner in which he met his death is not known, as he was alone at the well, but it is thought that the reel became unmanageable and in his attempt to stop it he was struck by an iron cassing on the reel. The accident took place between 4 and 5 o'clock.

The deceased was fifty-five years old and leaves a wife and six children, four of them grown. His elder children are Walter A., money order clerk at the post office, Joe, Mrs Arthur Jones and Miss Annie.

The remains will be interred in Hamilton graveyard at 5:30 this afternoon 

Notes:

Kelton Eugene "Buddy" Garcia
Feb 2, 1931 - Feb 14, 1953

Pfc. Kelton E. (Buddy) Garcia, 22, United States Army and Korean veteran, died in a Corsicana clinic Saturday night from a fractured neck and other injuries suffered Friday several miles south of Corsicana when his car overturned.
He returned from Korea in December and had re-enlisted for a three-year term.
Funeral services are planned from the Corley Chapel Tuesday at 4 p.m. with burial in the Hamilton Cemetery.
His is the first highway fatality in Navarro County this year. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Garcia, Corsicana, Route 3; two sisters and two brothers.

Notes:

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Veteran Of Korea Critically Hurt In Pickett Mishap

Pvt. Kelton E. Garcia, 22, Korean war veteran, is in a critical condition at the Navarro Clinic suffering head injuries and exposure following an automobile accident on Farm Highway 709 near Pickett Friday morning.

The soldier was discovered about 6:30 a. m. after lying unconscious several hours following the overturning of his automobile.

A Corley ambulance brought him to the clinic.

Highway Patrolman Bill Simmons investigated.

The soldier recently re-enlisted in the U. S. Army for another three years, after returning home December 18.

The accident occurred a short distance from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Garcia in the Pickett community.

Notes:

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Condition Of War Veteran Critical

Pvt. Kelton E. Garcia, 22, Korean war veteran, remains in a critical condition at Navarro Clinic Saturday from injuries suffered early Friday in an auto accident near Pickett.

A fractured neck and paralysis were reported in addition to severe head injuries.

The soldier, son of Mr. and Mrs. louis Garcia of Pickett, was found thrown out of his overturned car near his home.

Highway Patrolman Simmons said the car left the pavement and hurtled a fence, landing inside a field. The soldier was alone at the time of the accident and was discovered by a passing motorist several hours after the mishap.

Notes:

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Injuries Fatal To Pvt. Garcia; Rites Tuesday

Pfc. Kelton E. (Buddy) Garcia, 22 Korean veteran of Route 3, Corsicana, died in the Navarro Clinic Saturday shortly before midnight from injuries and exposure.

Garcia was discovered in a critical condition near his overturned automobile in the Pickett community by a passing motorist on Highway 709 early Friday after the soldier had apparently lain in the cold weather several hours.

Highway patrolman said the automobile vaulted over a fence and came to a stop in a field without tearing down the fence. The soldier was found several feet from the car.

Garcia had suffered a fractured back and was paralyzed, in addition to head and other injuries.

His death is the first highway fatality in Navarro county during 1953. He was alone at the time of the accident.

Garcia had returned from active duty in Korea, December 19, 1952, and had re-enlisted for a three-year term in the Army, but had not reported for active duty.

Funeral services are planned from the Corley Chapel Tuesday at 4 p.m. with burial in the Hamilton cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. jack Goff, pastor of the West Side Baptist church.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Garcia; two sisters, Mrs. S. W. McDaniel and Miss Viva Lorene Garcia, and two brothers, Louis Garcia, Jr., and Jim Garcia, all of Corsicana.

Notes:

Seth Andrew Howard
Nov 7, 1985 - 2005

Seth Andrew Howard

Funeral services for Seth Andrew Howard, 19 of Athens are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Athens with Rev. Mike Dean officiating. Interment will follow at 4 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard under the direction of the Cooper Funeral Home of Athens. Mr. Howard passed away Wednesday in a Tyler hospital following a courageous battle of extended illness.

Seth was born in Corsicana, Texas on Nov. 7, 1985. He lived his entire life in Athens and was a member of the Athens High School Class of 2004. He enjoyed sporting events and participated in soccer and football. He also enjoyed hunting. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church.

Seth is survived by his parents, Garry and Sandy Howard of Athens; brothers, Jesse Howard of Athens, Luke Howard of Athens; paternal grandparents, Jink and Wanda Howard of Hubbard; maternal grandmother, Ruth Cook of Athens; maternal great grandmother, Sulleta French of Athens and a host of very special friends.

The visitation hours of the Cooper Funeral Home are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The family will receive condolences on Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Howard family would like to express their sincere appreciation to friends and community for every effort of support extended during the time of Seth's illness.

Notes:

  • Athens Review

----------------

Seth Howard

VIEW CLIPPING from Waco Tribune

W. Z. Wayland

WAYLAND - Corsicana, Tex., June 23. - W. Z. Wayland died at his home this afternoon after a protracted illness.

Notes:

John Bryant

BRYANT - Corsicana, Tex., Aug 3. - John Bryant, a Confederate Veteran who was raised in Navarro County, died at McGregor Wednesday, Aug. 1, and his remains were brought here yesterday and buried in the Hamilton graveyard a few miles from the city.

Notes:

Thomas Jackson "Jack" Ashmore
Jul 7, 1896 - Jan 15, 1930

Jack Ashmore Buried.
Special to the News
CORSICANA, Texas, Jan. 18. - Funeral services for Jack Ashmore, 33, native Corsicana and veteran of the World War, who died at Legion, were held Saturday from the residence of his father, J. J. Ashmore, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Surviving are his wife; two small children; father; two sisters, Ruby McKinley of Legion and Thelma Cherry of Corsicana; two brothers, Charles and Arthur Ashmore, both of Corpus Christi.

Notes:

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JACK ASHMORE BE BURIED SATURDAY OAKWOOD CEMETERY

FORMER CORSICANA RESIDENT DIED AT KERRVILLE WEDNESDAY MORNING

The body of Jack Ashmore, aged 33 years, World War veteran, who died in the government hospital at Legion, Texas, Wednesday morning at 11:30 o’clock after a long illness, will arrive in Corsicana early Friday morning and the funeral will be held from the residence of his father, J. J. Ashmore, 1500 Woodlawn, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. Hugh Miller, Church of Christ minister, a life-long friend of the deceased.

Mr. Ashmore served with the Second Division in the World War and was gassed and wounded shortly before the Armistice. He had his hip broken when he jumped into a ditch while in action and was gassed before he had been taken to safety. He had been in the government hospital at Legion three years.

All ex-servicemen and Odd Fellows are urged to be on hand for the funeral. Mr. Ashmore was a member of Corsicana Lodge No. 63, I. O. O. F.

Surviving are his wife, two small children, father, J. J. Ashmore, Corsicana; two sisters, Ruby McKinley, Legion, Texas; Thelma Cherry, Corsicana; two brothers, Charles and Arthur Ashmore, both of Corpus Christi, and numerous other relatives.

The funeral will be directed by the Corley-McMahon Funeral Home.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES SATURDAY MORNING FOR JACK ASHMORE

FORMER CORSICANA RESIDENT AND WORLD WAR VETERAN DIED AT KERRVILLE

The body of Jack Ashmore, 33, world war veteran and Odd Fellow, who died Wednesday morning in a government hospital at Legion, Texas, arrived here Friday morning and was taken to the home of his father, J. J. Ashmore, 1500 Woodlawn, and the funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery.

Ashmore had been in the government hospital for three years. He was wounded and gassed in the world war shortly before the armistice was signed. He served in the famous second division of the American expeditionary forces. He was a member of the Corsicana lodge No. 63, I. O. O. F.

Surviving are his wife, two small children, father, J. J. Ashmore, Corsicana; two sisters, Ruby McKinney, Legion; and Thelma Cherry, Corsicana; two brothers, Arthur and Charles Ashmore, both of Corpus Christi, and a number of other relatives.

The funeral will be conducted by Rev. Hugh Miller, Church of Christ minister, a life-long friend of the deceased.

The funeral will be directed by the Corley-McMahon Funeral Home.

Odd Fellows have been asked to meet at the Odd Fellows hall and to attend the funeral as has all ex-service men.

Prior to enlisting for the world war in France, Mr. Ashmore served under General Pershing in his expedition into Mexico after Villa in 1916, in the Seventeenth cavalry.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR JACK ASHMORE SATURDAY MORNING

Funeral services for Jack Ashmore, 33, native of Corsicana, veteran of the World War, who died at Legion, Texas, Wednesday morning at 11:30 o’clock after several years illness, were held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock from the residence of his father, J. J. Ashmore, 1500 Woodlawn, with burial in Oakwood cemetery. He served with Gen. Pershing in his invasion of Mexico in 1916 and saw service in the World War as a member of the famous Second Division. He was wounded and gassed shortly before the armistice was signed.

The services were conducted by Rev. Hugh Miller, Church of Christ minister, with the Corsicana Lodge No. 63, I. O. O. F., in charge at the grave.

Ashmore was a charter member of the American Legion at Corpus Christi.

Surviving are his wife, two small children, father, two sisters, Ruby McKinley, Legion; and Thelma Cherry, Corsicana; two brothers, of Corpus Christi, and a number of other relatives.

The funeral was directed by the Corley-McMahon Funeral Home.

Notes:

James Lockhart Autrey, Judge

FUNERAL OF JUDGE AUTREY TO BE AT HOUSTON TODAY.
Special to The News.
Houston, Texas, Oct. 1. - The funeral of Judge James L. Autrey, who died Wednesday night after an illness of several years' duration, will be held tomorrow afternoon from Christ Church, with interment in Glenwood Cemetery, The Rev. Peter Grey Sears officiating.
Active pallbearers will be the vestry of the church. They are Ennis Cargill, Andrew Dow, W. S. Farish, S. W. George, B. B. Gilmer, D. C.
Glenn, Sam McNeil, Sterling Myer, E. L. Neville, A. E. Schaeffer, R. E. Williams and K. E. Womack. Honorary pallbearers will be J. M. Blanding of Waco, A. S. Cleveland, J. S. Cullinan, T. J. Donoghoe, T. M. Dorrance, W. C. Hogg, R. A. John, T. P. Spotts of Houston and Captain James A. Garrity, W. J. McKie and R. E. Prince of Corsicana; Judge Nelson Phillips of Austin and Allen Sanford of Waco.

September 30, 1920, Corsicana, Texas

Judge James L. Autrey, who died at his home in Houston Wednesday night, was a resident of Corsicana for many years, and practiced law here. He was also County Judge of Navarro County when a young lawyer here. He was married in Corsicana and his mother-in-law, Mrs. H. E. Kinslow, resides in this city at the present. The news of Judge Autrey's death has cast a gloom over the community, as he was well known and had many friends in Corsicana.

Notes:

Thomas J. Allred
Dec 17, 1928 - May 25, 2005

Thomas J. Allred, 76, of San Antonio passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at Alta Vista Nursing Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Chapel with Dr. David Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his nephews.

Mr. Allred was born Dec. 17, 1928 in Corsicana. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the Corsicana VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A. J. and Clara Allred, sister and brother-in-law Mary Frances and Jerrel Owens and brother David Lee Allred.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Joe Acker of San Antonio; sister and brother-in-law Betty Jo and Bobby Carpenter of
Corsicana; brothers Wayne Allred of Corsicana and Palmer Ray Allred and wife Patsy of Corsicana; sister-in-law Shirley Allred of
Waxahachie; grandson Joey Acker of San Antonio; and aunt Lena Wilkins of Kerens.

A video tribute to Thomas J. Allred may be viewed on the Internet by going to www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the link for Thomas J. Allred. There is also an online guestbook.
Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Norbert ‘Andy’ Pequignot Sr.
Apr 17, 1933 - May 29, 2005

Norbert ‘Andy’ Pequignot Sr., 72, of Barry passed away Sunday, May 29, 2005 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.
Graveside services will 2 p.m. Wednesday at Dresden Cemetery with Elder Scott Miller officiating.

Mr. Pequignot was born April 17, 1933 in Sidney, Ohio. He was a bus driver.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Sue Pequignot and daughter Theresa Lynn Pequignot.

Survivors include daughters Rebecca Thomas of Everett, Wash., Kathleen Neves of Troy, Ohio and Julie Deeter of Versailles, Ohio; sons Andy Pequignot of Barry and John Pequignot of Aurora, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brother Joe Pequignot of Lima, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
An online guestbook is available by going to the Web site
www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Norbert Pequignot Sr. obituary.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Freddie "Fred" Mitchel Fitch
Nov 11, 1927 - May 28, 2005

Freddie (Fred) Mitchel Fitch, 77, of Navarro passed away Saturday, May 28, 2005 at his residence.

Visitation will be today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Grape Creek Cemetery with Rev. Tony Neal officiating.

Mr. Fitch was born Nov. 11, 1927 in Winkler. He was a veteran of World War II and Korea.

Survivors include wife LaVerne Fitch of Navarro; sons Mike Fitch and Allen Fitch, both of Corsicana; brother Billy C. Fitch and wife Glenda of Hubbard; sister Wanda and husband Derwood Penny of Corsicana; sister Berta and husband Jimmy McCamey of Corsicana; grandchildren Shandalynn and Enrique Flores of Dallas, Erin and Darius Abercrombie of Birmingham, Ala., Melissa Roath of DeSoto, Michael and Silva Fitch of Charleston, S.C. and Philip Fitch of Richardson; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

Lester Earl Tarkington, Jr.
Sep 15, 1930 - May 30, 2005

Lester (Les) E. Tarkington, Jr.

Lester (Les) E. Tarkington, Jr., 69, of Corsicana passed away Monday, May 30, 2005 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6-8 P.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Finley officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Pilot Cemetery. [Prairie Point]

Mr. Tarkington was born Sept. 15, 1930 in Henderson County. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Earl Tarkington, Sr., and his brother, Kenneth Allen Tarkington.

Mr. Tarkington entered the Army May 11, 1953 and spent 9-1/2 years in Germany following basic and advanced training. He spent a year in Korea and two years in Vietnam. He had been an infantry platoon sergeant, drill instructor and medical instructor. He was wounded six times in Vietnam. He has been awarded the National Defense Ribbon, Army Occupation Medal of Korea, Vietnam Campaign with 10 battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, 8th Award South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, purple with three Oak Leaf Cluster, two Bronze Stars, two Air Medals, one Army Commendation Award, and the Silver Star. He retired from the Army Dec. 1, 1974.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Lucille Tarkington of Corsicana; sons, Dieter Meins of New York City, NY; Bobby Meins of Corinth; Michael Tarkington of Columbus, GA; David Strickel of Fort Worth; Donald Strickel of Yuma, AZ, and a son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Christine Tarkington of New Braunfels; a daughter, Gina Wright of Euless, and a daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Ben Reynolds of Euless; one brother, Stephen Tarkington of Dawson; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Ken Fricker of Mildred, Mae and Ernie Silva of Detroit, TX, and Beth and Gerald Gerard of Blooming Grove; his mother, Eula Tarkington of Corsicana; his mother-in-law, Nora Jetton of Grand Prairie; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
An online guestbook is available by going to the Web site.

Notes:

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Mr. LESTER EARL TARKINGTON, JR, age 69, of Corsicana, Texas, died
Monday, May 30, 2005, at his Residence. He Served in the U.S.Army
during Korean War and Vietnam War he later retired as a Master sargent after
more than 20 years service. He is survived by his wife Lucille Tarkington, Daughter-Patricia Tarkington of Columbus, Ga.
Daughter-Gina Wright of Euless, Texas, Son-Dieter Meins of New York, N.Y. Son-Bobby Meins of Corinth, Texas Son-Michael Tarkington of Columbus, Ga. Son & Daughter-in-law-Patrick & Christine Tarkington of New Braunfels,
Texas Son-David Strickel of Fort Worth, Texas Son-Donald Strickel of Yuma, Ariz. Daughter & Son-in-law-Debra & Ben Reynolds of Euless, Texas Brother-Stephen Tarkington of Dawson, Texas. Arrangements are being handled by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana, Texas, where the family
will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 1, 2005.
Funeral service will be at Corley Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 AM Thursday,
June 2, 2005 , Rev. Jimmy Finely officiating. Interment will be at Prairie Point Cemetery in Navarro County, Texas.

-----------

Lester ‘Les’ E. Tarkington Jr.

Lester “Les” E. Tarkington Jr., 69, of Corsicana passed away Monday, May 30, 2005, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with
Dr. Jimmy Finley officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Point Cemetery including a military honor guard.

Mr. Tarkington was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Henderson County. He entered the Army May 11, 1953, and spent nine and one-half years in Germany following basic and advanced training. He spent a year in Korea and two years in Vietnam.

He attended several Army schools, completing 10 weeks on non-commissioned officers course in Baum Holder Germany, 5th Army NCO School in Fort Leonard, Mo., explosives and demolitions course, drill sergeants school, instructors school, and the adjutants general school in Indiana.

He was an infantry platoon sergeant, drill instructor and medical instructor.

He was wounded six times in Vietnam while commanding an infantry platoon with the 1st Air Cavalry in 1966 to 1967 and with the 101st Airborne Division in 1968 to 1969.

He was awarded the National Defense Ribbon, Army Occupation Medal of Korea, Vietnam Campaign with 10 battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, 8th Award South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters, two Bronze Stars, two Air Medals, one Army Commendation Award, and the Silver Star, America’s third highest award for bravery and valor in combat. He retired from the Army Dec. 1, 1974.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Earl Tarkington Sr.; and his brother, Kenneth Allen Tarkington.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Louise Tarkington of Corsicana; sons, Dieter Meins of New York City, N.Y.; Bobby Meins of Corinth; Michael Tarkington of Columbus, Ga.; David Strickel of Fort Worth and Donald Strickel of Yuma, Ariz.; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Christine Tarkington of New Braunfels; daughter, Gina Wright of Euless; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Ben Reynolds of Euless; one brother, Stephen Tarkington of Dawson; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Ken Fricker of Mildred, Mae and Ernie Silva of Detroit, Texas, and Beth and Gerald Gerard of Blooming Grove; his mother, Eula Tarkington of Corsicana; his mother-in-law, Nora Jetton of Grand Prairie; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
An online guest book is available by going to the Web site
www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Lester Tarkington Jr. obituary.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Roy Everett Davenport
 Jan 6, 1948 - May 30, 2005

Roy Everett Davenport, 57, of Corsicana passed away Monday, May 30, 2005, at Navarro Regional Hospital. Services are pending.  Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

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Roy E. Davenport

Roy E. Davenport, 57, of Corsicana passed away Monday, May 30, 2005, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.
Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Michael Fautt officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ramon Gonzalez, Hooshang Nazarali, Dale Montgomery, Jim Swank, Ramon Alba, Elwyn Rhodes Sr. and Robert White

Mr. Davenport was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Fayetteville, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Crystal Davenport.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Davenport of Corsicana; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Monte White of Corsicana; son, James Willis of Denton; and granddaughters, Taylor White and Kacey White, both of Corsicana.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Van Bennett Ballew
Sep 15, 1949 - Jan 15, 2005

Van Ballew, 55

DEL MAR -- Van Bennett Ballew, 55, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at his home of amyotropic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Born Sept. 15, 1949, in Galena Park, Texas, he lived in Del Mar for about 20 years. He was self-employed as a forensic accountant. He was a former accounting professor as San Diego State University.

Mr. Ballew is survived by his wife of 16 years, Lynne Ballew of Del Mar; son Matthew Ballew of La Mesa; daughters Tiffany Ballew of Novato and Hannah Ballew of Del Mar; brother Bob Ballew of Texas; sister Jerrie Ballew of Texas; and five grandchildren.

Services have been held.

The family suggests donations to Project ALS, 900 Broadway, Suite 901, New York, NY 10003

Notes:

  • Son of Robert Dudley Ballew, Sr. & Donnie Lavinia (Middleton) Ballew

Albert Floyd (Red) Varnell
Jul 5, 1903 - Nov 5, 1937

Red Varnell, Former Grid Player, Dies
Special to the News
CORSICANA, Texas, Nov. 6 - A. F. (Red) Varnell, 35, died at Coleman as a result of injuries received when he was struck by an automobile. Funeral services will be held at the Baptist Church at Barry Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Dresden Cemetery. The body is at the home of his sister, Mrs. James W. Fields, in Blooming Grove.
He attended Corsicana High School in 1921-22 and was a member of the football team. After graduation he attended Trinity University, Waxahachie, where he was also a member of the football team. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Varnell of Barry.
Surviving are a brother, J. O. Varnell, Blooming Grove; three sisters, Mrs. A. M. Nash, Pampa; Mrs. H. B. Huckabe, Dallas; Mrs. James W.
Fields, Blooming Grove, and other relatives.

Notes:

Eula (Cagle) Vest
Jun 11, 1888 - Jun 13, 1930

Woman Dies at Corsicana.
Special to The News
CORSICANA, Texas. June 13. - Mrs. T. F. Vest, 42, died Friday morning in a clinic here. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at the family home in Dresden with burial in the Dresden Cemetery. Surviving are her husband and five children, four daughters and a son.

Notes:

---

The entire community was sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Tom Vest. She was buried in Dresden cemetery Saturday afternoon. She leaves a husband, five children, four girls and one boy, Misses Evelyn and Mackey Vest, Mrs. Ott Price, Mrs. Willard Barnes and Roy Vest; four brothers, E. B. Cagle, David Cagle, Wesley Cagle, Clint Cagle; five sisters, Mrs. Will Brister, Mrs. Dozzie French, Mrs. Alice French, Mrs. Feese French and Mrs. Mont Wright, and a host of relatives and friends.

Notes:

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IN MEMORIUM.
Mrs. Eula Florence Vest, native of Navarro county, passed away at the Navarro Clinic June 13, 1930, with an acute attack of appendicitis which necessitated an emergency operation, from which she never recovered. She fought valiantly for her life but lost. Cheerful to the very last, she came to her end poised by all the Christian graces that had so characterized her noble life.
Mrs. Vest was born July 11, 1888, near Dresden, Navarro county, Texas, having lived in and near that community all her life, and was residing two miles east of Frost at the time of her death.
She was married to Thomas F. Vest, October 5, 1905. From this union six children were born, two boys and four girls, all of whom survive her except one son, Ernest who died in infancy, Mrs. Otto Price, Mrs. Willard Lake, Misses Evelyn and Machie Vest, and Roy Vest remain. Mrs. Vest was a member of the Methodist church, having united with that church at the age of 14. Her membership at the time of her death was at Alliance Hall.
Because of her beautiful character and neighborliness, Mrs. Vest won a host of friends, who are left to mourn her death. Having been a member of a large family, many relatives feel very keenly her passing. Her life will ever remain a sacred memory in the hearts of all who knew her. Because of the Christian hope of immortality which sustains and comforts us in time of sorrow and distress, we are able to carry on. Looking forward with the hope that some day we shall all be reunited in that “Land that is fairer than day.” We commend those who mourn to the loving care of the Heavenly Father. 

Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we’ll understand.

“Then trust in God thro all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Tho’ dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime, we’ll understand.”
----Mrs. Ott Price.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, July 14, 1930
  • Submitted by Diane Richards

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Mrs. Tom Vest Dead Following Operation

The remains of Mrs. Tom Vest were laid to rest in Dresden cemetery Saturday afternoon. Deceased was operated on for appendicitis and did not survive the operation.

The family formerly lived at Raleigh, but this year are living on the Grimes place west of town.

Notes:

  • The Blooming Grove Times - Friday, June 20, 1930
  • Submitted by Karen Rost

Hettie (Witherspoon) Beaton,
Feb 7, 1882 - Sep 23, 1950

Woman Dies In Home fall

Mrs. Ralph A. Beaton, 65, died Saturday from a fall down the rear steps of her apartment at 4106 Lemmon. She was found at 8:30 a.m. by a neighbor, W. H. Fleming, as he left for work.
Justice of the Peace W. E. Richburg returned a verdict of accidental death.
Police said Mrs. Beaton had apparently been gathering roses in her back yard and was going upstairs when she fell backwards. She was alone at the time. Her husband had left for work about 7:30 a.m.
She was found lying face down and had suffered a fractured skull, a broken arm and broken legs.
Mrs. Beaton and her husband, an employee of the Texas Railroad Commission, would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in December. Mrs. Beaton was born and reared in Corsicana and came to Dallas with her husband in 1913. She was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Funeral services will be held Monday in Corsicana. Burial also will be in Corsicana.
Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. E. Y. Chambers of Roswell, N.M.; a brother, C. L. Witherspoon of San Antonio, and two sisters, Mrs.
T. W. Lovett of Corsicana, and Mrs. Agnes Stephens of Gainesville; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Note: Name and dates come from the Navarro County Cemetery records for Oakwood Cemetery.

Notes:

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Mrs. Ralph Beaton Funeral Is Held Monday Morning

Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph Beaton, 65, the former Hettie Witherspoon of Corsicana, who was fatally injured in a fall at her home in Dallas Saturday, were held from the McCammon Funeral Chapel Monday at 10:30 a.m.

The rites were conducted by Dr. Matthew H. Arnold, pastor of the Westminister Presbyterian church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Beaton is reported to have fallen down a flight of steps and died within a short time at the family home, 4106 Lemmon, Dallas.

Surviving are her husband, Ralph A. Beaton, Dallas; a daughter, Mrs. E. Yerby Chambers, Roswell, N. M.; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Noble Beaton, Ardmore, Okla.; a brother, C. L. Witherspoon, San Antonio; two sisters, Mrs. T. W. Lovett, Corsicana, and Mrs. Agnes Stephens, Gainesville; four grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Martin M. Layden, Dallas Smith and C. B. Fitzwilliam, all of Dallas; Joe Carroll, Gainesville, and Joe Simkins and C. A. Vaughn, both of Corsicana.

Notes:

Sarah Elizabeth Vandygriff
abt 1870 - Jul 1947

Mrs. Vandygriff Buried
Special to The News
CORSICANA, Texas, July 6. - Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Vandygriff, 77, native of Tennessee, who died at her home, Route 3, Corsicana. Burial was in the Hamilton Cemetery.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. T. W. Martin, Angus; Mrs. Eddie Donoho and Mrs. H. J. Thomas, both of Corsicana; eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several brothers and sisters.

Notes:

Richard Walter Varnell
Oct 28, 1875 - Dec 8, 1951

R. W. Varnell, 76, Dies In Corsicana Hospital
Special to The News
CORSICANA, Texas. Dec. 9. - R. W. Varnell, 76, Barry merchant for fifty years, died in a Corsicana hospital Saturday after short illness.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Barry Sunday.
Surviving are three sons, R. R. Varnell, Barry; W. T. Varnell, Kermit, and Robert W. Varnell, Sioux City, Iowa; two brothers, J. W. Varnell, Corsicana, and L. W. Varnell, Barry.

Notes:

Dear Ed,
In more than one place on the Navarro County page you have ROBERT Walter Varnell.  I also found it that way in the Barry book.  I have always known this was wrong but had no proof.  I grew up at Barry and heard the Varnells talk a lot about their families and Whitfield County, Georgia where the Varnells lived before going to Texas.  Tonight I found the draft registration for RICHARD Walter Varnell.  He signed his name Richard Walter.  His father had a brother named Richard.  I asked an older cousin one time to tell me about Uncle Ritchie, as he was called.
This cousin said there were no words to describe Ritchie except "an angel".  I feel sure Walter was named for his uncle.  If you can change these entries that will be just another one we have proved through digging through old record
Anne Walton Wilson  

Solomon Armstrong
Jan 27, 1855 - Jun 20, 1946

Nonagenarian Buried
Special to The News
CORSICANA, Texas, June 22. - Services were held Friday for Solomon Armstrong, 91, who died Thursday.
Burial was in the Cryer Creek Cemetery. Surviving are five sons, a daughter and a sister.

Notes:

  • View Obituary Clipping
  • Submitted by Dana Stubbs
  • Jun 22, 1946
  • Solomon Armstrong, 27 Jan 1855 - 20 Jun 1946
  • Dates from the Navarro County Cemetery Records for Cryer Creek Cemetery

 

SOLOMON ARMSTRONG RITES HELD FRIDAY FROM LOCAL CHAPEL
Solomon Armstrong, aged 91 years, died at the home of a son, A. L. Armstrong, 2132 West Thirteenth avenue Thursday afternoon.

Funeral services were held from the Corley Funeral Chapel Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock. The rites were conducted by Rev. Jack Goff, pastor of the North Side Baptist church, and Rev. J. E. Inlow, pastor of the Assembly of God congregation. Burial was in Cryer Creek Cemetery.

A native of Arkansas, Armstrong had resided in Navarro county since 1911.

Surviving are five sons, W. H. Armstrong, Emhouse; A. L. Armstrong, Corsicana; E. L. Armstrong, Lakeview, Ore.; Jack Armstrong, Powell; B. F. Armstrong, Burns, Ore.; a daughter, Mrs. C. B. Gobbel, Blooming Grove; a sister, Mrs. Annie Gibson, Nocona and other relatives.

Grandsons were pallbearers.

Notes:

Charles Richard "Dick" Baxter
Nov 22, 1876  -  Nov 27, 1942

BAXTER - Corsicana, Texas. - Dick Baxter, 67, died at his home in Kerens Friday and funeral services were held Saturday at Prairie Point. Surviving are his wife, five sons, Russell Baxter, Kerens; N. H. Baxter, Corsicana; Clint Baxter, Kerens; Charles Baxter, Houston; Warner Baxter, U. S. Army Air Forces; three daughters, Mrs. Walton Loftis, Houston, Mrs. Frank Ashton, Kerens, and Mrs. D. E. Watt, Houston.

Notes:

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FATHER CORSICANA MAN DIED KERENS; BURIAL SATURDAY

Dick Baxter age about 87 years, died at his home in Kerens early Friday morning. Funeral services will be held at the Prairie Point church Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock with burial in the Prairie Point Cemetery.

Mr. Baxter had been a resident of Kerens community a number of years.

Surviving are his wife, five sons, Russell Baxter, Kerens; N. H. Baxter, Corsicana; Clint Baxter, Kerens; Charles Baxter, Houston; Warner Baxter, member of the U. S. army air corps; three daughters, Mrs. Walton Loftis, Houston; Mrs. Frank Aston, Kerens; Mrs. D. E. Watt, Houston and other relatives.

Notes:

Ellis L. Hutson, Jr.
Dec 23, 1923 - Feb 4, 1978

Ellis Hutson Jr.

Funeral services were held Saturday at the Action Revival Center Church in Dallas for Ellis Hutson, Jr., 54, former resident of Corsicana, who died Friday in Dallas.

Rev. Willie V. Thomas officiated and burial was at the Brushie Prairie Cemetery.

Suvivors include his wife, Mrs. Geneva Hutson of Dallas; five sons, Lorenza, Charles, Eddie, all of Dallas, Algene of the U. S. Air Force, and James of Houston; two daughters, Mrs. Lesa Mitchell, Phoeniz, Ariz., and Gloria Hutson of Houston; 15 grandchildren; three brothers, Lincoln Hutson of Houston, Floyd Hutson of Oakland, Calif., and James Hutson of Dallas; four sisters, Mrs. Mary Sims, Ella Haynes, Marilyn Wilson, Carolyn Starks all of Dallas; and other relatives.

Calhoun Funeral Home directed.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Semi Weekly Light - February 16, 1978
  • h/o Geneva (unk) Hutson s/o Ellis L. Hutson Sr. and Mary M. (unk) Hutson
  • Submitted by Diane Richards

Betty (Hart) Phillips
abt. 1896 - Jun 10, 1973

Mrs. Phillips

FROST—Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Taylor Chapel Baptist Church in Frost for Mrs. Betty Phillips, 71, of Frost, who died Saturday at Memorial Hospital. Rev. C. E. Decker will officiate, and burial will be at Brushie Prairie Cemetery in Navarro County.

Calhoun Funeral Home of Corsicana will direct.

Survivors include a son, Claude Hill of Frost; a step-son, James Russell of Fort Worth; a brother, Fritz Hart of Austin; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Lucky of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. Bessie Champ of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Tab Williams of Fort Worth; and a step granddaughter.

Pallbearers will be Lattimore Smith, Theodore Wallace, Lonzo Wallace, Jimmy Williams, M. C. Williams, and Dough Warren.

Notes:

Navarro County TXGenWeb
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Edward L. Williams