Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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James Raymond Cunningham
May 10, 1912 - Feb 25, 1977

Wednesday, March 2,
James Cunningham
Funeral Services Held Monday
Funeral services were held for James Raymond Cunningham Monday in Stinnett.  He died Friday Feb. 25 in the Amarillo Veterans Hospital after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his widow, Joyce Cunningham of Stinnett; a son, Bob Lee Cunningham of Stinnett; three brothers, Don Cunningham of Dresden, Selwyn Cunningham of Oklahoma City, and Dan Blake Cunningham of Houston; and two sisters, Mrs. Katie Morton and Mrs. Susie McGovern of Dresden.  Burial was in Stinnett.

Notes:

Lizzie Bell (Blake) Woodall-Bell
Dec 13, 1904 - Aug 6, 1984

Mrs. Lizzie Bell
Mrs. Lizzie Belle Bell, 79, of Corsicana, died Monday at Navarro Regional Hospital.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Corley Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary L. Torian officiating.  Burial will be in Dresden Cemetery.
She was a native of Dresden and a Methodist.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Halley Blake Croft of Corsicana; a granddaughter, Dawn Woodall of Dallas; two grandsons, Blake Woodall of Abilene and Darrell Woodall of Calif.; and a niece, Cherry Russo of Houston.

Notes:

Winston Echols Knight 
Apr 12, 1901 - Aug 7, 1983

Winston E. Knight
Winston E. Knight, 82, of Frost died Sunday at Navarro Regional Hospital.
Service is 4 p.m. Monday in the Blooming Grove Funeral Home.  The Rev. Ken Schultz will officiate and burial will be in Dresden Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Marie Knight of Frost; one daughter, Jane Ross of Frost; three sisters, Clara Blake of Corsicana, Jean Wilson of Hillsborro and Florence Hall of Bryan; and two grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Don Cunningham, A.C. Smith, Homer McNabb, Joe Hayden, Leo Smith, W.M. Culp, Maurice English and Lamar Blake.

Notes:

 

In Memory Of
WINSTON E. KNIGHT
Date of Birth: Apr. 12, 1901
Date of Death: Aug. 7, 1983
Services at Blooming Grove Funeral Home
Monday, Aug. 8, 1983 - 4:00 PM
Officiating, Ken Shultz
Pallbearers: A.C. Smith, Homer McNabb, Marvin English, Don Cunningham, Joe Hadden, W.M. Culp, Leo Smith, Lamar Blake
Interment: Dresden Cemetery
Arrangements with Blooming Grove Funeral Home

Notes:

William Capehart Blake
Apr 12, 1908 - Aug 7, 1983

W. C. Blake
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Dresden Church for W. C. (Bill) Blake, 70, of Blooming Grove, who died Thursday at Memorial Hospital.  The Rev. Leroy Reaves will officiate, with burial in the Dresden Cemetery.  Corley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He was born Dec. 28, 1908, in Houston and was a long-time resident of Navarro county.  He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knox Blake.  He was a retired carpenter, a member of local No. 213, and a member of the Methodist Church in Dresden.
Survivors include his wife, of Blooming Grove; one son, Charles D. Blake of Houston; one daughter, Mrs. Janette McDaniel of Houston; seven .... (rest of obit missing)

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W. C. Blake

Services for W. C. (Bill) Blake, 70, of Blooming Grove, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Dresden Church.  The Rev. Leroy Reaves will officiate and burial will be in the Dresden Cemetery.
Blake died Thursday in Memorial Hospital.
Survivors include his wife of Blooming Grove; a son, Charles D. Blake of Houston; a daughter, Mrs. Janette McDaniel of Houston; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; eight sisters, Mrs. Fannie English and Mrs. Marie Knight, both of Frost; Mrs. Minnie Brinson of Marble Falls, Mrs. Edna Haden of Blooming Grove, Mrs. Mattie Darnell of Corsicana, Mrs. Florence Wilson, Mrs. Polly Anderson and Mrs. Virginia Brown, all of Houston; and a brother, John Blake of Houston.  Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

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MR. W. C. (BILL) BLAKE
Passed Away: August 2, 1979
Services: Dresden Church, Dresden, Texas, Sunday, August 5, 1979, 2:00 P.M.
Officiating: Rev. Leroy Reaves
Interment: Dresden Cemetery
Pallbearers: Nephews

Notes:

Jim Blake Hodges
Dec 10, 1903 - Dec 29, 1961

IN MEMORY OF MR. JIM BLAKE HODGES
DATE OF BIRTH - December 10, 1903
DATE OF DEATH - December 29, 1961
SERVICES HELD AT: Griffin Chapel, Sunday, December 31, 1961, 2:00 P.M.
OFFICIATING MINISTER: J. W. Hodges
PALLBEARERS - Francis McGovern, Winston Knight, Wilson Roe, Norwood Arnold, Sam Morton, Buddy Ross
INTERMENT - Athens Cemetery, Athens, Texas

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Notes:

John Francis McGovern
Jun 5, 1903 - May 17, 1965

A MEMORIAL RECORD FOR THE FRIENDS & RELATIVES OF MR. FRANCIS McGOVERN
Passed Away - May 17, 1965
Services - Methodist Church, Dresden, Texas, Wednesday, May 19, 1965, 2:00 P.M.
Officiating - Rev. Hubert Taylor
Interment - Dresden Cemetery
Pall Bearers - Nephews

View Funeral Program

Notes:

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Slate Services For F. McGovern Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p. m. from the Dresden Methodist church for Francis McGovern, 61, retired Dresden farmer, who died in Memorial hospital Monday morning. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Hubert Taylor, pastor of the Dresden and Blooming Grove Methodist churches. Bur- ia1 will be in the Dresden ceme- tery. Surviving are his wife of Dresden, two sisters, Mrs. H. C. Woodard, Barry, and Mrs. V. C. Chambers, Fort Worth, and other relatives. Nephews will be pallbearers. Corley directs.

Notes:

Hold Services For F. McGovern

Final rites for Francis McGovern, 61, Dresden farmer, who died in Memorial hospital Monday, were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Dresden Methodist church with burial in the Dresden Cemetery.

The services were conducted by Rev. Hubert Taylor, pastor of the Blooming Grove and Dresden Methodist churches.

Surviving are his wife of Dresden, two sisters, Mrs. H. C. Woodard, Barry, and Mrs. V. C. Chambers, Fort Worth, and other relatives.

Nephews were pallbearers.
Corley directed.

Notes:

Gertrude ‘Gigi’ (Howeth) Thompson
Aug 26, 1906 - Apr 28, 2006

Gertrude “Gigi” Thompson

Gertrude “Gigi” Thompson was born August 26th, 1906 in Alvarado, Texas, passed away April 28th, at Walnut Place in Dallas, Texas.

She was the ninth child of Reverend S. J. and Alice Howeth. A Corsicana resident for 70 years, she was an active, faithful member and pianist for the First Baptist Church in Corsicana for decades. She was a beloved piano teacher, a member of the National Guild and inspired hundreds of students over 40 years across several generations. She served her Sunday school class every Sunday by playing Hymns in her unique style that gave pleasure to her fellow members. She was awarded “Yard of the Month” at her home on Madison Circle many times over, and took great pride in her beautiful yard. She maintained her prize-winning lawn until she was 80 years old when she reluctantly turned it over to a professional. The greatest joy of her life, was centered around her five grandchildren. Her zest for life was shared with them through visits to six flags, summer days at the pool, and picnics at the parks. She cherished all family holidays when she would prepare wonderful meals and bake her famous lemon meringue pie and Easter bunny cake. Convinced that all her grandchildren were musical prodigies, she coerced her friends at KAND radio station to record each child’s favorite song at her direction, producing a keepsake recording for each child. She lived at her home in Corsicana independently until she was 96. Her youthful attitude, spontaneous sense of humor, and never ending drive kept her spirit young, and made her an adored mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by two children, Alvin Thompson and wife Betty of Ft. Worth and Jerienne Howell of Dallas. Grandchildren: Matt Howell and wife Donna of Richardson, Mitch Howell and wife Debbie of Plano, Stacey Dees and husband Ed of Plano, Bart Thompson and wife Deborah of Houston, and Lisa Napier of Ft. Worth. Great Grandchildren Ben and Scott Howell, Katelin Howell, Angela and Julie Dees, and Natalie Napier.

Our family wishes to thank exceptional caregivers Rosalie, Sandra, Michelle, Darlene, and Alicia of Walnut Place as well as VNA Hospice nurses Doreen and Jane. Services will be held at 3:30 PM, Monday, May 1, 2006 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Fulfilling her wish, Pastor B. F. Risinger, Jr. of Corsicana First Baptist Church, will officiate.

Notes:

Johnnie Ruth (Fogg) Smith
Nov 30, 1922 - Apr 7, 2006

Johnnie Smith of Ellisville, Mo., began her new life on April 7, 2006, at the age of 87. She was born Nov. 30, 1922, in Corsicana to Joseph Edgar and Bertha Etta Blanton Fogg. She was a prior resident of Dallas, Beaumont and Houston. She held various occupations including cashier at a Cadillac dealership in Houston, a ward clerk in Beaumont, admissions clerk at a hospital in Houston, and as a security guard assigned to hospitals, a plastics plant and a chemical plant in Beaumont.

She loved life, people, traveling, reading and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She will be sorely missed, but she has left this life to join our Lord in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff Smith on April 21, 1973; her parents, Joseph B. and Bertha Blanton Fogg; and her brother, Ernest Fogg.

She is survived by her daughter, Darla Jean Smith of Ellisville, Mo.; two brothers, Joe B. Fogg of Corsicana and Raymond Louis Fogg of Garland; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Richland Cemetery with Jeffery Boone officiating.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Lois (Ward) Roberts
Dec 5, 1919 - Apr 24, 2006

Lois Roberts

Lois Roberts, 68, of Mineola formerly of Lancaster passed away Monday, April 24, 2006 in Mineola. Born on December 5, 1919 in Dawson, Texas to Robert M. & Gladys Green Ward.

She was preceded in death by brothers; Johnny Walton Ward and James T. Ward.

Visitation has been set for Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with services at 2:00 p.m. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Delbert Goins officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Mrs. Roberts is survived by daughters and sons in law; Beverly and Jay Woody, Brenda and Don Kern, all of Mineola, grandchildren; Randy Woody, Denise Metzger and Robert Kern, great grandchildren; Sarah Woody and Garrett Metzger, brothers and sisters in law; J.G. Ward, Cameron. Elvin and Bennie Ward, Midland, Bobby and Sybil Ward, Orange, 11 nieces and nephews

Matthew Wayne Norris Jr.
July 5, 1991 - Apr 19, 2006

Matthew Wayne Norris Jr. 14, of Malone passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2006, in Navarro County.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel. Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Owens, Heath Norris, Louis Fant, James Williams, Marc Ramey, and Pat McMullen.

Matthew was born July 5, 1991, in Corsicana. He was an eighth grade student at Frost Independent School District. He enjoyed dirt track races, working on cars and playing video games.

He was preceded in death by his father, Matthew Norris Sr.

Survivors include his mother, Marlaina (Dawn) Dozier of Malone; stepfather, Jason Dozier of Frost; brother, Tommy Dozier of Malone; sister, Megan Norris of Dallas; grandparents, Roy and Diane Norris Emmett, Susan Cargal of Dallas and Terry Lee of Dallas; great-grandfather, Harold Adamson of Frost; aunts and uncles, Martin and Lori Del Toro of Dallas, Charlie and Julie Norris of Hillsboro, and Mike and Julie Coker of Emmett; and cousins, Heath, Alicia, Amanda, Brandy, Lisa, Emily and Joey.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home

Notes:

Willie Ruth (Ratliff ) Murphy
Jun 14, 1919 - Apr 12, 2006

Willie Ruth Murphy

Willie Ruth Murphy, 86, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2006, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery with the Rev. James Williams of Northside Assembly of God Church officiating.

Mrs. Murphy was born June 14, 1919, in Ellis County to Richard E. Ratliff and Minnie Pelt Ratliff.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Martha Sue Price, Shirley Knott and Lucille McKay.

Survivors include her sons, James D. Murphy of Corsicana and William A. Murphy of Fairfield; daughter, Patsy Armstrong of Corsicana; grandchildren, Scotty Price, Mark Knott and Teresa Lauderdale; great-grandchildren, Megan Price, Dusty Price and Brook Lauderdale; brothers, Ernest Ratliff, Bobby Ratliff and Gene Ratliff; and sister, Eula Mahoney.

Notes:
  • w/o Truman Pat Murphy, married Sep 30, 1937; d/o Richard E. Ratliff & Minnie Pelt Ratliff

Verna (York) Johnson-Kuchar
Dec 24, 1905 - Apr 9, 1995

Verna Johnson Kuchar, 89, of Ennis, died April 9, 1995, at the IOOF Nursing Home in Ennis.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Frost Cemetery with Rev. Richard Moody officiating.  Services are under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary.
Mrs. Kuchar was born Dec. 24, 1905, in Malone.  She was the daughter of William A. and Lucy Jane Mathis York.  She grew up in Irene and graduated from Irene High School.  She married Frank Johnson in 1923.  After getting married she operated Johnson's Ladies Shop in Frost.  She moved to Ennis and owned and operated Johnson Dry Goods.  At the time of her retirement she owned and operated Verna's Korner.  She was married to Joseph F. Kuchar in 1972 and helped run Kuchar's Clothing.
She is survived by two sons, Dr. Bill Johnson of Victoria and Bob Johnson of Dallas; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Kuchar was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Johnson in 1965; and her second husband, Joseph F. Kuchar in 1985.

Notes:

Mary Lucille (Scott) Hooser

Lucille Scott Hooser

Lucille Scott Hooser, died on Thursday, July 30, 1998, at Heritage Oaks Retirement Home in Corsicana.  She was 83 years old.  She was the daughter of a pioneer family, John Morgan and Minda Holmes Scott.  She was a resident of Frost for over 75 years.  She was a graduate of Frost High School and a member of Frost Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband Hobert R. Hooser.
She is survived by a son, Billy Hooser.

Notes:

Elizabeth (Fort) Slater
Feb 12, 1912 - May 29, 1993

Elizabeth Slater
Elizabeth Slater, 81, of Frost, died May 29, 1993 at the Doctor's Hospital in Garland.
Services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at the Methodist Church in Frost with Keith Murray, Frank Williams and Clyde Zellers officiating.  Burial will be in the Dawson Cemetery.
Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Blooming Grove is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include her sister, Linda Whitner of Dawson; and two cousins, Bertha  Pendergrass and Celestine Putman, both of Frost.
Pallbearers will be Buddy Ballew, Dewayne Watson, Kris Moore, Clifford Williams, Kenneth Logan, Charles Warren and Leon Crawford.

Notes:

Charles Crumpton Warren
Sep 17, 1941 - Oct 9, 1995

Charles Crumpton Warren
Charles Crumpton Warren, 54, of Frost, died Oct. 9, 1995, at his residences.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Frost Baptist Church with Rev. Derward Richardson officiating.  Burial will follow in Richland Cemetery in Mertens under the direction of Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Blooming Grove.
Memorial may be made to the Hospice of Mercy, 500 W. Third Ave., Corsicana or the American Cancer Society.
Mr. Warren was born Sept. 17, 1941, in Waxahachie.  He graduated from Frost High School and served in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Frost and was co-owner of Warren Brothers Construction for 35 years.  He was a member of Frost Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nell Warren of Frost; his mother, Helen Warren of Frost; two sons, Forrest and Zachery Warren, both of Frost; his daughter, Melissa Grant of Corsicana; his brother Ronny Warren of Frost; and two sisters, Karen Henkel of Cedar Hill and Nita Doherty of Ennis.

Notes:

Charlie James Warren
Aug 12, 1915 - Sep 9, 1993

Charlie Warren
Charlie Warren, 78, of Frost, died Sept. 9, 1993, at his residence.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Frost Baptist Church, with Dale Rose officiating. Burial will be in the Richland Cemetery in Mertens under the direction of Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
He was a Past Master Mason of the Mertens Masonic Lodge and for many years he owned and operated the Warren Brothers Construction Company in Frost.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Warren of Frost; two sons,Charles Warren of Frost and Ronny Warren of Boardman, Ore.; two daughters, Nita Doherty of Ennis and Karen Henkel of Duncanville; one brother, R. J. Warren of Elmo; three sisters, Jennie Carroll and Geneva Mitchell, both of Fort Worth, and Maggie Lou Hyles of Italy; and 10 grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Joe Parum, Wayne Blue, Kenneth Hastings, L. O. Bearden, Melvin Leggett and Earl Gene Moore.


Notes:

  • Submitted by JoAnn English
  • Husband of Clara Helen (Crumpton) Warren

Celestine Hallie (Pendergrass) Lanier Putman
Nov 5, 1910 - Sep 28, 1995

Celestine Putman

Celestine Putman, 84, of Corsicana, formerly of Frost, died Sept. 28, 1995, at Navarro Regional Hospital.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Frost, with Rev. Nancy Schusler and Clyde Zellers officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery [Temple, Bell Co., TX ?]  under the direction of Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Blooming Grove.
Pallbearers will be Buddy Ross, Billy Hargrave, Eddie Mahone, Monty Mahone, Leon Crawford and Marion Green.
Mrs. Putman was born Nov.  5, 1910, in Spring Hill.
She is survived by her daughter, Gwyn Evans of Temple; two step-daughters, Patsy Mahone of Duncanville and Peggy Cannon of DeSoto; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister Bertha Pendergrass of Corsicana.

Notes:

Nettie Mae (Smith) Mitchell
Jul 12, 1903 - Jul 26, 1995

Nettie Mitchell
Nettie Mitchell, 92, of Corsicana, died July 26, 1995, at Corsicana Nursing Home.
Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Frost Baptist Church with Tommy Hood officiating.  Burial followed in Frost Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Parum, Alva Smith, Malcolm Fleet, Jimmy Hooser, Erselle Crawford and Van Hamilton.
Mrs. Mitchell was born July 12, 1903.
She is survived by her two daughters and son-in-laws, Audrey and Joe Parum of Frost and Wanda and Aubra Dan of Lone Star six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Mitchell was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Mitchell; her daughter, Billie Glover; and her grandson, Joe Parum Jr.

Notes:

William H. Miller
Aug 28, 1922 - May 1, 2006

Mr. William H. Miller, 84, of Corsicana passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006 in Corsicana. He was born on February 28, 1922 in Hico, Texas. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, and worked as a truck driver. Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bill Honea officiating. Interment will follow in the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Blake Miller, Clyde Garner, Billy Lassiter, John Paul Collier, Tom Hecker, John Williams, Gordon Schroeder and Glenn Allen. Mr. Miller is survived by his Wife of 56 Years, Loretta Miller of Corsicana, TX., Son & Daughter-in-Law, Mark & Michale Ann Miller of Waco, TX., Grandson, Blake William Miller of Waco, TX., Granddaughter, Brooke Holland Miller, of Waco, TX., and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

Evan Frank Stewart, Jr. 
Oct 31, 1945 - Apr 30, 2006

Mr. Evan Frank Stewart, Jr., 60, of Palestine, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2006 at his farm and ranch in Pursley, Texas of Navarro County. He was born on October 31, 1945 in Pursley, Texas to Evan F. (Whitt) Stewart and Nanearle York who preceded him in death. He was a lifetime member of Pursley Church of Christ. He dedicated the past 23 years to AA and sobriety in Corsicana and Palestine. He worked in the Maintenance industry. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Chet Brake officiating. Interment will follow in the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dwayne Henderson, Wayne Chapman, Wesley Taylor, Ruben Salzar, Tot Luten and Mike Landers. Mr. Stewart is survived by his Devoted Partner in Life, Charlotte Warren Odom of Palestine, TX., Son, Evan F. (Trey) Stewart, III of Seven Points, TX., Daughters & Sons-in-Law, Cindy & Steve Cates of Corsicana, TX., Dee Ann & Eddie Vilarreal of Pursley, TX., Nancy & Eddie Minton of Ennis, TX., and Lisa Stewart of Seven Points, TX., Sister, Mary Jane Henderson of Fort Worth, TX., Brother, John Terry Stewart of Corsicana, TX., and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Evan Frank Stewart Jr.

Services for Frank Stewart, 60, of Palestine will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Corley Funeral Home Chapel in Corsicana. Burial will follow in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel.

Mr. Stewart died Sunday at his farm and ranch in Pursley in Navarro County.

He was born Oct. 31, 1945 in Pursley to Evan F. Stewart Sr. and Nanerle York Stewart, who preceded him in death.

Mr. Stewart was a lifetime member of the Pursley Church of Christ.

He is survived by his devoted partner in life Charlotte Warren Odom of Palestine; son Evan F. (Trey) Stewart III; four daughters, Cindy Cates and Dee Ann Vilarreal of Corsicana, Nancy Minton of Ennis and Lisa Stewart of Seven Points; a sister, Mary Henderson of Fort Worth; and brother John Terry Stewart of Pursley; and 11 beloved grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Dwayne Henderson, Wayne Chapman, Wesley Taylor, Ruben Salazar, Tot Luten and Mike Landers.

Lynda Faye Low
Feb. 2, 1941  - Apr 30, 2006

Graveside services for Lynda Faye Low, 65, of Corsicana will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana with Dr. James Pierce officiating. She passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006, in a Longview hospital.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Road, Longview.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Janet Foster and her husband Leon of Longview; aunt and uncle, Mildred Shook and husband Buddy of Corsicana; nephews and niece, Mike Foster and wife Brenda, David Foster and wife Jenny, and Susan Graves and husband Jase, all of Longview; five great-nieces and two great-great-nieces.

Arrangements by Rader Funeral Home, Longview

Notes:

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Lynda Faye Low

Graveside services for Lynda Faye Low, 65, of Corsicana, will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana, with Dr. James Pierce officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. She passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006, at a Longview hospital. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening, May 2, 2006, at the funeral home. Lynda was born February 2, 1941, in Corsicana, to J. B. and Nadean Low. She was a lifetime resident of Corsicana and a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Janet Foster and her husband, Leon, of Longview; aunt and uncle, Mildred Shook and husband, Buddy, of Corsicana; nephews and niece, Mike Foster and wife, Brenda, David Foster and wife, Jenny, and Susan Graves and husband, Jase ,all of Longview; five great-nieces; and 2 great-great-nieces.   Rader Funeral Home; Longview, TX

Florene (Brannon) Nichols
Mar 27, 1935 - Apr 24, 2006

Florene "Flo" Nichols

Florene "Flo" Nichols, 71, of Aztec, died April 24, 2006, in Aztec. She was born March 27, 1935, in Corsicana, Texas, to James Frank Brannon and Bonnie Brannon.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today, Thursday, April 27, at Cope Memorial Chapel, with Jack Wheat officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of Farmington.

Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142.

Notes:

  • The Daily Times - Farmington New Mexico

Ruby Nell (Hammock) Surratt
Mar 22, 1924 — Apr 16, 2006

WILMER — Graveside services for Ruby Nell Surratt, 82, were 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas.
Born March 22, 1924 in Corsicana to Romney and Gladys Hammock, she died Sunday, April 16, 2006.
She married James Preston Surratt and was a homemaker, rearing her family in Dallas and Wilmer where they were honored one year as Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer.
Preceded in death by her husband; sons, James Earl (K-Box) and Kenneth (Wimp) Surratt; sister Mary Collins;and brother Odell Hammock; she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Pat and Larry White; daughter-in-law Laverne Surratt; grandchildren, Gary White, Amy Morton, Kristi White, Anthony Surratt, Kenny Surratt, Michael Surratt and Ashly Smith; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Her family members said they were grateful to Mercy Home Health, Meals on Wheels, friends and neighbors and faithful friend Barbara Beasley who helped care for her.
Arrangements were under the direction of Laurel Land in Dallas.

Notes:

  • The Ellis County Press

Meadie Odessa (Freeze) Whitsett
Dec 9, 1909 - Apr 17, 2006

OLNEY - Meadie Odessa Whitsett, 96, of Corsicana, Texas died Monday, April 17, 2006, in Corsicana.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lunn Funeral Home Chapel with Scott Clark, minister of Hamilton Street Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home.

Mrs. Whitsett was a homemaker.

Survivors include a son, Henry Spica of Baton Rouge, La.; two brothers, Henry Freeze of Olney, and Joe Bill Freeze of Canton, Texas; two sisters, Tennilee Van Zandt of Argyle, Texas, and Helen Wright of Canton; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Notes:

  • Restland Cemetery, Olney, Young Co., TX

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Funeral services for MEADIE ODESSA WHITSETT, 96, of Corsicana, were held Wednesday, April 19, in the chapel of Lunn Funeral Home in Olney with Scotte Clark, minister of Hamilton Street Church of Christ, officiating. Interment followed at Restland Cemetery with arrangements under direction of Lunn Funeral Home.
Mrs. Whitsett was born Dec. 9, 1909, in Irene, to the late Odie and Bertie Mae (Downey) Freeze. She died Monday, April 17, 2006, in Corsicana.
She and William Ewell Whitsett were married March 21, 1953, in Archer City. He preceded her in death Jan. 31, 1981. Mrs. Whitsett was a homemaker. She moved to Corsicana from Waco in 2001. She was a member of Westhill Church of Christ in Corsicana.
Survivors include a son, Henry Spica of Baton Rouge, La.; two brothers, Henry Freeze of Olney and Joe Bill Freeze of Canton; two sisters, Tennilee Van Zandt of Argyle and Helen Wright of Canton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Notes:

  • The Olney (TX) Enterprise, Thurs., Apr 20, 2006

Ruby B. Wilcox
Dec 25, 1908 - Apr 8, 2005

A celebration of life for Ruby B. Wilcox, 97, of Kilgore, was held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 8, 2005, at the mausoleum at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. She passed from death unto life on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at a Kilgore care center. Ruby was born in Corsicana on December 25, 1908. She was a retired Pentecostal minister and the youngest of nine children. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her eight siblings; husband, Frankie N. Wilcox; and son-in-law, Clarence A. Roberts. She will be dearly missed by daughter, R. Nathine Roberts; grandchildren, Sandra Davis, Janice Williams, Stephen Roberts, Mark Roberts and Sheryl Rogener; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. Lakeview Funeral Home in Longview handled the arrangements.

Notes:

  • Longview News-Journal

Gelene Beatrice "Gillie" (English) Nichols 
Sep 12, 1909 - Mar 15, 1965

Mrs. Gillie Nichols
Passed Away: March 15, 1965
Services: First Methodist Church, Corsicana, Texas
Wednesday, March 17, 1965, 11:00 A.M.
Officiating: Rev. Sidney Roberts
Interment: Resthaven Memorial Park
Pall Bearers: Tommy Wheeler, Lloyd Chambliss, Lawrence Marr, O.A. Vaughan, John Norwood, Harold Koke

Notes:

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Mrs. Nichols Dies Monday

Mrs. Gillie Nichols, 55, native of Frost, 403 South Thirtieth street, died in Memorial hospital Monday. She was a member of the First Methodist church and had resided in Corsicana for 30 years.

Funeral services will be held from the First Methodist church Wednesday at 11 a.m. with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Sidney Roberts, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her husband, R. L. Nichols, Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. Leon Kabler, Worth, and Mrs. Forrest Watson, Italy; three sisters, Mrs. William Ellis, Haslet; Mrs. Grady Ponder, Frost, and Mrs. Ruby Kavanaugh, Houston; two brothers, Rev. Alvin Bryson English, Houston, and Beldon English, Corsicana, and six grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be John Norwood, O. A. Vaughn, Tommy Wheeler, Lawrence Marr, Harold Koke and Lloyd Chambliss.

Corley will direct.

Notes:

John M. Scott

IN MEMORY OF MR. JOHN M. SCOTT
DATE OF BIRTH: September 12, 1935
DATE OF DEATH: May 21, 1961
SERVICES HELD AT Frost Baptist Church
Monday, May 22, 1961; 4:00 PM

INTERMENT Rev. C. C. Ellis
PALLBEARERS: Gerald Roberson, Kenneth McDonald, Don McDonald, Charles Ellis, Johnny Gunn, Vance Long, Clifford Williams, Bobby Back
INTERMENT: Frost Cemetery, Frost, Texas
ARRANGEMENTS BY GRIFFIN's CORSICANA, TEXAS.

Notes:

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TWO CORSICANANS KILLED IN SUNDAY ROAD MISHAP

Two young men were dead on arrival at Memorial Hospital Sunday morning after their automobile had gone out of control on State Highway 14 near Currie, 4 ˝ miles south of Richland.

They are Joe Dean Neal, 2900 West Second avenue, National Life and Accident Insurance company agent, and John M. Scott, Oak Cliff, native of Frost, both 25 years of age.

Their deaths are the sixth and seventh rural accident fatalities in Navarro county in 1961.

Bob Turner, highway patrolman, who investigated, said the crash occurred at 1:15 a.m. Sunday.

The car, owned and operated by Neal, was reported traveling at a high rate of speed in a northerly direction, passed another car on the road, and then as the driver sought to right the vehicle, it went out of control and skidded along the barditch 500 feet, being completely demolished. A highway patrol unit out of Mexia was close behind the demolished 1956 Ford Hard-top car.

Neal is survived by his wife, a two-year-old daughter, Sherry both of Corsicana; two brothers, F. D. and Wesley Neal, both of Corsicana; three sisters, Mrs. Frances Walker, Houston; Mrs. Ruth Phillips, Damon, and Mrs. Dorothy Conant, Fairbanks, Alaska; mother Mrs. Clara Bonner, Corsicana, and other relatives.

Neal was a member of the fellowship Baptist church here.

Funeral services for Neal were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Fellowship Baptist church with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. Carl Quattlebaum, pastor of the Central Baptist church. Pallbearers were P. D. Allred, H. C. Farmer, E. H. Hamilton, J. R. Gunter, Randall Davidson, and Marvin Herod.

Scott is survived by his wife, a two-year-old daughter, Cynthia Ann, Dallas; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theo Scott, Frost; one sister, Mrs. Sue Galle, Burton; grandmothers, Mrs. John M. Scott, Frost, and Mrs. Al Hodges, Lubbock, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Scott were to be held from the Frost Baptist church, of which he was a member, Monday at 4 p.m. with burial in the Frost cemetery. The rites were to be conducted by Rev. C. C. Ellis, pastor of the church.

Pallbearers were to be Gerald Roberson, Kenneth McDonald, Charles Ellis, Johnny Gunn, Vance Long, Clifford Williams, and Bobby Back.

Griffin Funeral Home directed both services.

Notes:

Kenny Charles Jones
Dec 30, 1947 - Apr 20, 2006

Kenny Jones

Kenny Jones, 58, of Barry passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006, in Corsicana.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Corsicana with Pete Jorgenson officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Pete Jones, Bret Jones, Cody Jones, Ryan Jones, Jacob Jones and Drew Walter.

Mr. Jones was born Dec. 30, 1947, in Waurika, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thurman Loyd Jones in 1973; and mother, Mary Louise Hooker in 2006.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen Jones of Barry; sons, Bret Jones of Houston and Cody Jones of Barry; daughter, Stacy Jones of Barry; grandsons, Ryan Jones of Barry and Jacob Jones of Rice; and brother, Pete Jones of Dallas.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

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BARRY, Texas -- A funeral for Kenny Jones, 58, of Barry, Texas, was held Thursday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Pete Jorgenson officiating. Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery.

There was no formal visitation.

Mr. Jones died Sunday, April 30, 2006, in Corsicana, Texas.

Corley Funeral Home of Corsicana, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.

Kenny Jones was born Dec. 30, 1947, in Waurika, Okla.

He worked in auto tech services in Mansfield, Texas.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Thurman Loyd Jones in 1973 and his mother Mary Louise Hooker in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen Jones of Barry, Texas; sons, Bret Jones of Houston and Cody Jones of Barry; a daughter, Stacy Jones of Barry; grandsons, Ryan Jones of Barry and Jacob Jones of Rice, Texas; and a brother, Pete Jones of Dallas.

Pallbearers are Pete Jones, Bret Jones, Cody Jones, Ryan Jones, Jacob Jones and Drew Walter.

Dolora Beth (Jenkins) Pike
Apr 6, 1917 - May 1, 2006

Dolora Beth Jenkins Pike was born April 6, 1917, and passed away Monday, May 1, 2006, at Twilight Home in Corsicana at the age of 89.

Mrs. Pike was devoted to God, her family and friends. She was a member of the Church of Christ. She taught children’s Bible class for over 50 years and loved to sing hymns as she went about her work as a homemaker.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Paschal Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Paschal Funeral Chapel in Kerens with her nephew, George Slover Jr., officiating. Assisting will be her nephew, Stan Jenkins. Grandson, Steven Franklin, will direct congregational singing. Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Robert Archer, Kevin Archer, James Green, Scott Franklin, Steven Franklin, Butch Werchan, Michael Hanley and Jason Gregory.

Dolora married Robert E. Pike on Oct. 21, 1939. He preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roy Clyde Jenkins Sr. and Lizzie Jenkins; brother, Roy Clyde Jenkins Jr.; sisters, Lorena Goble, Blanche Collins, Dorothy Slover Vandiver and Lola Tramel; and granddaughter, Tricia Sue Green.

She is survived by five daughters and their husbands, Beth and Larry Archer of Mesquite, Dorothy and Floyd Young of Kerens, Shelia and Jerry Franklin of Denton, Mary Jean and Jim Hanley of Red Oak, and Wanda and Carroll Gregory of Tipton, Okla.; brothers, Jesse Glenn “Chin” Jenkins of Bryan, William Barkley “Chunk” Jenkins of Van and James Stringer Jenkins of Dawson; 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Prairie Point Cemetery Association.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:

Alfred Myers Milligan
Oct 31, 1859 - Oct 19, 1942

October 29, 1942
A. M. Milligan, Retired Bank Officer, Dies
CORSICANA, Texas, Oct 29. - A. M. Milligan, 83, retired rancher-banker and political figure, died at his home here Thursday following a lingering illness.
A long-time resident of Corsicana, he formerly was vice-president of the First National Bank and was a member of the Garitty Charity Association board. He owned extensive ranching and farming interests in South Navarro County and was County Commissioner when the present courthouse was constructed in 1905.
Millegan was a close friend of former Gov. Alfalfa Bill Murray of Oklahoma, a former Corsicanan.
Surviving are two sons, Wayne Milligan, Streetman, and Ruben Milligan, Richland; two daughters, Miss Tressie Milligan, Corsicana, and Mrs.
Lucile Brin, Dallas.

Notes:

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A. M. MILLIGAN DIED AT HIS HOME THURSDAY AFTERNOON

A. M. Milligan, pioneer rancher and banker of Navarro county, died at the family home, 1215 West Third avenue, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. He had been in declining health for some time.

Mr. Milligan would have been 83 years of age Saturday. He had resided in Navarro county and Corsicana for many years and owned extensive farming and ranching interests in the southern section of the county. He formerly was vice president of the First National Bank here, and until his resignation several years ago because of declining health, was a member of the board of the Garitty Charity Association. He was one of the original members of the Garitty Board when it was established years ago by the late Capt. James Garitty, banker and philanthropist.

Funeral arrangements had not been completed at press hour, but will not be held before Saturday.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne Milligan, Streetman, and Ruben Milligan, Richland; two daughters, Miss Tressie Milligan, Corsicana, and Mrs. Lucile Brin, Dallas; sever grandchildren and other relatives.

Mr. Milligan was a close friend of former Governor “Alfalfa Bill” Murray of Oklahoma, a former Navarro countian, and was county commissioner here when the present courthouse was constructed in 1905.

Sutherland – McCammon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR A. M. MILLIGAN SATURDAY 10:30 A.M.

PROMINENT CORSICANA RANCHER AND BANKER DIED HERE THURSDAY

Funeral services for A. M. Milligan will be held from the Sutherland-McCammon Chapel Saturday morning at 10:30 o’clock. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Dr. J. W. Bergin, District Methodist superintendent of Waco, formerly pastor of the First Methodist church here and immediate past president of Southwestern University, Georgetown.

Mr. Milligan, who would have been 83 years of age Saturday, died at the family home, 1215 West Third Avenue, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock after an extended illness.

Long prominent in financial and political circles of Navarro county, Milligan was a vice president of the First National Bank here for many years and was one of the original members of the board of the Garitty Charity Association established many years ago by the late Capt. James Garitty, banker and philanthropist. He served as county commissioner for several years and the present courthouse was constructed while he was a member of the commissioners court. Milligan owned extensive ranch and farm interests in the southern section of the county between Richland and Streetman. He was a life-long political and personal friend of former governor “Alfalfa Bill” Murray of Oklahoma, a former teacher and newspaper editor in Navarro county before he went to the Indian Territory.

The First National Bank will be closed during the funeral hour.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne Milligan, Streetman, and Ruben Milligan, Richland; two daughters, Miss Tressie Milligan, Corsicana; and Mrs. Lucille Brin, Dallas; two grandchildren, Alf Milligan, in the U. S. Armed forces and Miss Betty Jane Milligan, Streetman, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Judge A. P. Mays, Chas. Croft, Bob Harris, Ben Blackmon, Earl Pressley, George Daniels, J. N. Edens, Jr., and J. N. Garitty.

Notes:

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RITES FOR A. M. MILLIGAN, PIONEER RESIDENT

Funeral services for A. M. Milligan were held from the chapel of the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home Saturday morning. Rites were conducted by Dr. J. W. Bergin, district Methodist superintendent of Waco. Interment was in Oakwood cemetery.

Mr. Milligan, who would have been 83 years of age Saturday, died at the family home, 1215 West Third avenue Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock after an extended illness.

Long prominent in financial and political circles of Navarro county, Milligan was a vice president of the First National Bank here for many years and was one of the original members of the board of the Garitty Charity Association established many years ago by the late Capt. James Garitty, banker and philanthropist. He served as county commissioner for several years and the present courthouse was constructed while he was a member of the commissioners’ court. Milligan owned extensive ranch and farm interests in the southern section of the county between Richland and Streetman. He was a life-long political and personal friend of former Gov. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray of Oklahoma, a former teacher and newspaper editor in Navarro county before he went to the Indian Territory.

The First National Bank was closed during the funeral hour.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne Milligan, Streetman, and Ruben Milligan, Richland; two daughters, Miss Tressie Milligan, Corsicana; and Mrs. Lucille Brin, Dallas; two grandchildren, Alf Milligan, in the U. S. Armed forces and Miss Betty Jane Milligan, Streetman, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Judge A. P. Mays, Chas. Croft, Bob Harris, Ben Blackmon, Earl Pressley, George Daniels, J. N. Edens, Jr., and J. N. Garitty.

Notes:

Wayne Milligan
Jun 24, 1886 - Sep 25, 1951

September 26, 1951
Wayne Milligan, Streetman, Dies
CORSICANA, Texas, Sept. 26. - Wayne Milligan, 65, Streetman rancher-banker, died in a local clinic Tuesday night following a stroke several days ago. Funeral rites will be held here at 2 p.m. Thursday.
Milligan headed the famous Milligan Hereford ranch in South Navarro County between Richland and Streetman and was president of the First National Bank of Streetman.
He was a graduate of Texas A&M College.
Surviving are his wife; a son, Alf Milligan of Corsicana; a daughter, Miss Mary Jane Milligan of Streetman, and two sisters, Miss Tress Milligan of Corsicana and Mrs. Lucille Brin of Dallas.

Notes:

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Wayne Milligan Dies In Hospital; Rites Thursday

Wayne Milligan, 65, rancher-banker, of Streetman, died in the Navarro Clinic Tuesday night following a stroke several days ago.

Milligan was one of the owners of the Milligan Brothers Hereford Ranch, located on Highway 75 between Richland and Streetman, the oldest Herford ranch in Navarro county, founded by Milligan’s father, the late A. M. Milligan, banker-rancher of Corsicana.

He also was president of the First National Bank of Streetman. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Milligan was a graduate of Texas A. and M. College and had been an active rancher all of his life. He was reared in Corsicana.

Funeral services will be held from the McCammon Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday with burial in the Birdston cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. M. O. Southerland, Baptist minister of Powell, formerly of Streetman, and Rev. H. M. Bailey, pastor of the Streetman Presbyterian church.

Surviving are his wife of Streetman; a son, Alf Milligan, Corsicana; a daughter, Miss Betty Jane Milligan, Streetman; two sisters, Miss Tressa Milligan, Corsicana, and Mrs. Lucille Brin, Dallas; and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be R. C. Cole, Ralph Sims, Fred Anderson, Neil Clark, Angus McGilvary, Sidney Steele, R. L. Harris, Walter Hayes and George Campbell.

Notes:

Roger Q. Mills
Jan 6, 1874 - Mar 1951

Roger Mills, Age 77, Dies In Hospital

March 26, 1951, Dallas, Texas
Roger Q. Mills, 77, of 4300 Livingston, retired Dallas businessman, died Sunday at a local hospital.
Mills was born Jan. 6, 1874, in Corsicana, Navarro County. He was a nephew and namesake of the United States Senator from Texas from 1892 to 1899. A Dallas school is named after the uncle.
Mills formerly was owner of the Cannon Ball Chair Rental Company and the Cannon Ball Towel Supply Company. He sold the towel firm in 1940 and the chair company four years ago.
He also was a past president of the Southwest Linen Supply Association and past director of the National Linen Supply Association.
He had lived in Dallas since 1893.
He was married in 1912 in Atlanta, Ga., to Adeline Hendricks of Dallas, who died in October, 1947.
Mills was a member of the Lovers Lane Methodist Church, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, the Hi-Noon Club and the Metropolitan Masonic Lodge.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Ed. C. Smith & Bro. Chapel, 1811 Ross, with the Rev. Thomas J. Shipp officiating.
Burial will be at Merrill Cemetery.

Notes:

Mrs. J. W. Milten
Died Mar 1913

March 5, 1913
Milten - Corsicana, Tex., March 5. - Mrs. Milten, widow of J. W. Milten, died Monday and was buried Tuesday.
She had been a resident of Corsicana for a number of years.

Notes:

Odie Minatra, Sr.
abt  1888 - Apr 1949

April 11, 1949, Dallas, Texas
Odie Minatra Dies at Home In Grandview
Odie Minatra, 61, former superintendent of the Reynolds Presbyterian Home for Children here, died Sunday at his home in Grandview, Johnson County. At the time of his death he was superintendent of public schools of Grandview.
As a former rehabilitation director of the Texas Prison System, Minatra was credited by many as one of the first to urge reforms in the state penitentiary system.
He was a graduate of Baylor University of Waco and edited the school paper, the Lariat. He also attended the University of Maryland.
Minatra served four years as superintendent of Dawson, Navarro County, public schools. From 1919 to 1925, under an appointment by Gov. W. P. Hobby, he was superintendent of State Orphans Home at Corsicana.
Minatra also served several years as director of the old-age assistance division of the Texas Welfare Association. During World War II, he was with the YMCA in Beaumont. He left the post in 1946 to go with the state prison system and in 1948 took the school post at Grandview.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church at Grandview at 2 p.m. Monday. The Rev. E. M. Gathings will officiate. Minatra will be entombed here at the Hillcrest Mausoleum.
Among those to give tribute at the Grandview service will be Robert W. Calvert of Hillsboro, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, and Hastings Harrison of Dallas. Calvert became acquainted with Minatra when he was a student of the orphans home at Corsicana and Minatra was its head. Harrison was a teacher in the Dawson schools when Minatra was the superintendent of the system. Harrison is now national vice-president and southwestern director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
The flags at the orphans home and many institutions at Corsicana will be at half mast Monday in tribute to Minatra.
Minatra is survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Modestina Minatra Carlson, Lamarque, Galveston County; a son, Randolph Minatra, Houston, and three grandchildren. A son, Capt. Odie Minatra Jr., was killed in 1948 in a plane accident in Japan.

Notes:

Odie Minatra Jr.
Oct 2, 1921 - Jan 14, 1948

February 5, 1948, Dallas, Texas
Minatra's Body Found in Japan
The body of Capt. Odie Minatra of Corsicana, killed in an airplane accident in Japan three weeks ago, has been found, the Air Force announced Wednesday. First Lt. Frank M. Corser of Binghampton, N.Y., was killed in the same accident. The wreckage of the airplane, an AT-6 trainer, was found near the village of Beppu, Kyushu, Japan, headquarters in Japan said.
Minatra's wife, the former Miss Charmayne Smith, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Steel, 2728 South Boulevard. While a student at Forest Avenue High School she won the title of Miss South Dallas at a beauty contest at Fair Park and later won the title of Miss Texas at Mineral Wells and entered a beauty contest at Birmingham, Ala., in 1938, when Miss America was chosen.
Mrs. Minatra and her 15-month-old child Cherie went to Japan five months ago to join Minatra.

Notes:

--

Odie Clarence Minatra, Jr.

DALLAS RITES FOR CAPT. ODIE MINATRA TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Capt. Odie Minatra, Jr., Army flier and former Corsicana resident, who was killed in a plane crash in Japan on Jan. 14 will be held at the Sparkman-Brand chapel in Dallas on Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

The body arrived from Japan Saturday with a military escort. Burial will be in the Hillcrest cemetery in Dallas.

Capt. Minatra was a 1944 graduate of the U. S. Military Academy, and a B-29 pilot. His father was formerly superintendent of the State Home here.

Minatra is survived by his wife, the former Charmayne Smith of Dallas; his daughter, Cherie; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Odie Minatra, Sr., of Grandview; a brother Randolph Minatra, of Houston; a sister, Mrs. Allen Carlton, Lamarque, and other relatives.

Notes:

O. J. Minatra
Jul 24, 1908 – Jun 3, 1944

June 4, 1944
Calf Roping Accident Causes Farmer's Death
CORSICANA, Texas, June 4. - Funeral services for O. J. Minatra, 35, farmer, were held at Eureka, Sunday. He died in a local hospital Saturday night of injuries received late Thursday when his horse and another ridden by a friend collided while roping a calf, it was stated. He had resided in the Rural Shade community for a number of years.
Surviving are his wife, four children, mother and several brothers and sisters.

Notes:




RURAL SHADE MAN FATALLY INJURED WHILE ROPING CALF

O. J. Minatra aged 35 years of Rural Shade died in the Navarro Clinic Saturday night at 9:30 o’clock from injuries received Thursday afternoon while roping a calf, it was stated.

Funeral services were held at the Eureka cemetery Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock where interment was made.

Minatra’s horse and one ridden by Wayne McClain of Corsicana collided while they were roping a calf on the O. L. Albritton farm in the Rural Shade community Thursday afternoon, it was stated. McClain was thrown clear of the ensnarled mounts, ropes and calf and escaped serious injury.

Minatra had resided on the Albritton farm practically all of his life.

Surviving are his wife, four children, mother, Mrs. Charles Minatra, all of Rural Shade and a number of brothers, sisters and other relatives.

Stockton Funeral Home at Kerens directed the arrangements.

Notes:

Climmie Otis Rains
May 14, 1920 - Nov 14, 2012

Otis Rains, of Irving, passed away November 14, 2012. He was born May 14, 1920 in Jacksonville, Texas, and was raised in Stamford, Texas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Otis served as a radio operator for the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He was an over-the-road truck driver and was retired from Darr Equipment. He was a member of the Village Baptist Church in Irving, where he served as an ordained deacon. Otis was preceded in death by his parents George and Cora Ann (Vest) Rains; brothers Walter Rains, and Ferrell Rains, and sisters Lee, Uvalde, Juanita and Josie. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Ethel Rains, daughter Annetta Frost and husband Gary, Sr; grandsons Gary Frost, Jr, and Geoffrey Otis Frost; and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Browns Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mark Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at 1 PM at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Village Baptist Church Building Fund, 224 E. Grauwyler Rd, Irving, TX 75061. Please check back for Lane assignment at DFW National Cemetery.

Notes:

  • Apparently he is buried at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas – but we have a grave marker in Dresden for him and his wife.

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Edward L. Williams