Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Walter Dewey Williams
Apr 23, 1923 - May 19, 1970

Williams Rites

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Corley Funeral Chapel for Walter Dewey Williams, 47, native Corsicanan who died Tuesday in Tyler, Mr. J. Leathal Roberts, Church of Christ minister, officiated. Burial was in the Campbell Cemetery.

He is survived by two sons, Ray Williams of White Oak and Paul Williams of Kilgore; one daughter, Mrs. Carolyn Colburn of White Oak; seven grandchildren; two brothers, John B. Spurlock of Springfield, Ore.; one sister, Mrs. Doris Pauline Dailey of Lake Charles, La.; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Jack Anderson, Robert Owen, Ray Lambert, S. B. Spurlock, Otto Baker and Lee Jones.

Notes:

Avis Mae (Newbill) Dycus
Feb 23, 1904 - Jan 29, 1971

Mrs. Dycus Rites Pending

Mrs. Avis A. Dycus, 66, Corsicana Rt. 1 died early Friday in Baylor Hospital in Dallas.

Funeral services are pending at Griffin Funeral Home.

She is survived by her husband, Walter N. Dycus; a daughter, Mrs. Irene Orler, Purdon; three grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Jaunita Bunch, Columbus, Texas; and a half-sister, Mrs. Murldene Harpold, Dallas.

Notes:



Dycus Rites

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Griffin Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Avis A. Dycus, 66, who died Friday in a Dallas hospital. The Rev. Bruce McNair officiated. Burial was in the Campbell Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Emmett Green, Bill Falmor, Don Sheppard, Wayland Thompson, James Orler and Paul Orler.

Surviving are her husband, one daughter, three grandchildren, one sister and one half-sister.

Notes:

Clemmie (Parker) Brown
Aug 8, 1886 - Apr 12, 1971

Brown Rites

Funeral services for Mrs. Clemmie Brown, 84, who died Monday at Mel-Haven Home, were held Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with the Rev. Mickey Loftis officiating. Burial was in Campbell Cemetery.

Mrs. Brown, a native of Hill County, had resided at Corsicana Rout 2 for 80 years and was a member of the Baptist Church. She was married to Richard Brown in 1921.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Parry Lee Crawford of Corsicana, and several nieces and nephews. Nephews were pallbearers.

Notes:

Jonathan Boyd Harrison
May 9, 1910 - Nov. 9, 1972

J. B. Harrison

J. B. Harrison, 62, of Corsicana died this morning at Paulines Convalescent Home.

Services are pending at Corley's Funeral Home.

Survivors include three uncles, Ben Adams of Corsicana, Bob Adams of New Orleans and George Adams of Bishop, Tex.; one aunt, Mrs. Jeanette Taylor of Angus.

Notes:

------

J. B. Harrison

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Corley Funeral Chapel for J. B. Harrison, 62, of Corsicana, who died Thursday at Paulyne's Nursing Home. Rev. Bruce Hibbitt, will officiate and burial will be at Campbell Cemetery.

Survivors include three uncles, an aunt and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Adams, Wayne Adams, Joe Fields, Jimmy Fields, Lynn Scruggs, Marvin White, G. W. Pritchett, and A. J. Whistler.

Notes:

-----

J. B. Harrison

Funeral rites for J. B. Harrison, 62, were held Saturday at 10 a.m. at a local funeral chapel with the Rev. Bruce Hibbitt officiating.

Burial was in the Campbell Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Wayne Adams, Joe Fields, Darrell Adams, Lynn Scruggs, Jimmy Fields, G. W. Pritchett, A. J. Whistler and Marvin White.

Surviving are three uncles, an aunt and other relatives.

Notes:

J. D. Burleson
Jan 3, 1939 - July 8, 2014
 
J. D. Burleson, 75, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2014 at Navarro Regional Hospital.

He was born Jan. 3, 1939 in Navarro County to Joshua (Hop) and Velma Irene Burleson. He was a member of the Pursley Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting hogs and deer, fishing and camping. He enjoyed most of all watching grandsons play baseball and anything else they were involved in. He retired from Navarro County after many years operating equipment.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Yankee, and grandson JW Latham.

He is survived by loving wife Linda Burleson of Pursley; children Julie and Rodney Latham of Kirvin, Mark and Jennifer Burleson of Pursley; sister Maxine and Jim Foster of Anna, Illinois; grandsons, Mason Burleson and Chance Latham. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Dawson with Steven Dale Burleson officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike Suite 300, Rockville, Maryland 20852 or 1-800-638-8299.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

William Gordan "Bill" Kryzak
Jan 13, 1965 - July 6, 2014
 
William �Bill� Kryzak, 49, of Corsicana, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 6, 2014, surrounded by family members.

William Gordan Kryzak was born Jan. 13, 1965, in Denver, Colorado to William and Carol (Carson) Kryzak. He graduated from South Grand Prairie High School in 1983 and continued his education in the insurance field.
Bill was married to Paula Kelly-Kryzak on June 21, 1986, and they were married for 28 wonderful years.

Bill worked as an insurance agent for six years. He enjoyed coaching and watching sports, fishing, traveling, boating, spending time with his family, and living life to the fullest. He helped launch the Mildred little league football team and the Mildred High School bowling program.
He was a mentor in our community and was fondly known as �Coach Bill.�

Bill is survived by his wife, Paula Kryzak; sons: Ethan Kryzak and his wife, Megan, and Jacob Kryzak, all of Corsicana; his parents: Bill and Carol Kryzak of Henrietta, Texas; his mother- and father-in-law, Bonnie and David Remeur, of Hubbard; sister-in-law, Barshea Bancroft and her husband, Rex, and their children, Rexanna Bancroft, Joya Hemphill and Nicole Hemphill; brother-in-law, Ryan Ashburn and his wife, Katie, and their children, Dakota, Aiden, and Belle Ashburn, of Mesquite; his sister, Debbie Dunning and her husband, Marty, and their children, James Dunning, Larissa Harvey and her husband, Joey, and their children, Sean and Tripp. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Marilyn and John Miller of Denver.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 3 p.m. at Corley Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Gary Johnson officiating.

Notes:

Janie (Vita) Hendrik
June 25, 1945 - July 2, 2014
 
Janie Hendrik, 69, of Kerens passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. She was born in Dallas on June 25, 1945 to Charles and Vlasta (Flossie) Vita. She was married to Bob Hendrik, of Dallas, for 43 years until his passing.

She is preceded in death by parents Charles and Flossie Vita, husband Bob Hendrik.

Survivors include sons, Bobby and daughter-in-law GayLyn Hendrik of Corsicana, Brian and daughter-in-law Leah Hendrik of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Brad and daughter-in-law Melissa Hendrik of Ennis, daughter, Shelley and son-in-law James (Buddy) Davis of Corsicana; grandchildren, Colten Hendrik, Luke Hendrik, Brooke Hendrik, Brice Hendrik, Ryan Gaines, Katey McCurdy and Kylie McCurdy; great-grandson Brayden Blackwell; sister, JoAnn and brother-in-law Jerry Manak of Dallas; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial service was Monday, July 7, 2014 at Damascus Road Fellowship,
116 W. Ennis Ave., Ennis, TX at 11 a.m. with Glenn Hejny officiating.
Services entrusted to Golden Gate Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas.

Notes:

William Travis "Bill" Knight
Mar 24, 1938 - June 30, 2014
 
William �Bill� Travis Knight, 76, of Crockett, Texas, passed away Monday, June 30, 2014, in College Station, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at The First United Methodist Church, 320 North 15th Street, in Corsicana, Texas. The service will be presided by Rev. Jerry House Sr.

Bill was born in Waco, Texas in 1938 to Travis and Eloise Knight. He graduated from Corsicana High School and attended Texas Christian University, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He married the love of his life, Susie, on Sept. 8, 1961.

After serving in the United States Army, he began his career in the Chevrolet business with his grandfather, William Forester, in Corsicana.  In 1971, Bill bought his first Chevrolet dealership in Crockett, Texas, Bill Knight Chevrolet and Buick. He proudly told people that he had been in the automobile business for over 50 years!

Bill was an active member in his community. He was a Rotarian, served as a Board Member of Spring Creek Country Club, and was the lake director for many years. He loved to fish, and cared about keeping the lake water bass friendly. Bill was a 32nd degree Mason as well.

Bill was well-known in Houston, County. Not only for being a businessman and community leader, but for being a dad to his three children, Kim, Kraig and Kristi, and a husband to Susie. Those of you who knew Kim, knew him as �Big Bill,� and for his famous whistle for her to come home.

His personal interest in his early years was hunting, known amongst themselves as The Riley Mountain Gang. In his later years, his love for fishing replaced the deer and fowl, and the gun was only used on the armadillos digging up Susie's beloved yard. He loved to take his dog, Buddy, for a slow spin around the lake, and wet a line hoping for the �Lunker.� He also shared a special love of woodpeckers and owls. He couldn�t tell you a lot about high tech, Iphones and Ipads, but he could tell you anything you needed to know about his two best feathered friends!

Bill was liked by people of all walks of life, young and old. And will be missed greatly.Those of you who knew Bill probably have a few �Bill stories� of your own to remember. Bill was a faithful Christian and long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Crockett.

Bill is preceded in death by his father, Travis Knight and his mother, Eloise Knight.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susie, and their children Kim and son-in-law, Brad Lardon, and their children, Margot, Will, Nicklaus, and Lily; Kraig and daughter-in-law Hallye Knight, and their children Katie and Harrison; and Kristi; as well as his many friends throughout Texas.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to The Big Thicket Association , P.O. Box 198, Saratoga, Texas 77585 or www.bigthicket.org., 936-274-1181, or your local animal shelter, or animal rescue group.

Notes:

Larry Henry Gwynne Capehart
July 23, 1943 - July 15, 2014
US Navy Vietnam

Larry Capehart, 70, of Waxahachie, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014, in Ennis.

Larry Henry Gwynne Capehart was born on July 23, 1943, in Corsicana, now Navarro, to Orvil and Thelma (Monroe) Holt. Larry graduated from Corsicana High School and from Dallas Baptist University. He was a hard worker who took care of his family. He worked for AT & T for over 30 years before retiring. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and had served as an Ellis County Constable.  Larry greatly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, cooking out and watching sports. He was very involved in local sports leagues as a referee, umpire, and coach, and had coached baseball in Ennis. He was an animal lover, especially dogs, and his recent canine companion was Sadie. Larry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Yvonne.

Survivors include his children; daughter, Monica LaQuay and her husband Lance, of Waxahachie; sons, Todd Capehart and his wife Jamie of Waxahachie, and Matthew Capehart of Dallas; his brothers, Don Capehart and his wife Rita, and Darrell Capehart and his wife Darla, all of Corsicana; and his grandchildren, Britni Capehart, Tristan Capehart, Wyatt LaQuay, Hanna LaQuay, and Madie Crow.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Corley Funeral Home with Dr. Gary Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ron Capehart, Shawn Capehart, Blake Capehart, Glen Pittman, Chris Battersby, and Al Dyer.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

Roy David "Dave" Alexander
May 3, 1935 - July 14, 2014

Bro. Roy "Dave" Alexander, 79, passed away Monday, July 14, 2014 at the VA Hospice of Dallas. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2014, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff White and Bro. Gary Colburn officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:


Bro. Roy "Dave" Alexander, 79, was born in Cambridge, Ohio on May 3,
1935 and he went home to be with Jesus on Monday, July 14, 2014 at the VA Hospice of Dallas, Tx. He surrendered to the ministry in 1965 at Tarrant Road Baptist Church in Ft. Worth and then attended East Texas Baptist College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Religious Education. His favorite scripture and one he lived by and taught his children and grandchildren was Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
He is preceded in death by his mother Gertrude Alexander, his father Roy E. Alexander, and his sister Barbara Williams.
He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Erma Alexander of Retreat, sons Troy David Alexander of Bayou Vista, and Donald Gene Alexander of Haslet, and a daughter Lisa Gay Bland of Retreat and her husband Marty Bland. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Dustin Alexander and wife Tracy, Roy Alexander, Aaron Bland and wife Blair, Gayla Blenden and husband Eric, Alexandra "Alex" Bland, Hannah Bland, Melissa Alexander and Amanda Alexander. He had 8 great grandchildren, Isabelle Bland, Lake and Tate Blenden, Addison Alexander, Caden Alexander, Diem Bland, Ryan Sears, Andrew Bierig and many nieces and nephews.

Papa, as the family called him, was a loving husband, dad, papa, and a wonderful servant of God. He lead many to Christ and his life was an inspiration to all and he was loved by many.

Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 am Friday, July 18, 2014 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff White and Bro. Gary Colburn officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • h/o Erma Lois (Weaver) Alexander; s/o Roy E. Alexander & Gertrude Alexander

Terry Lynn Holt
July 9, 1957 - July 4, 2014

Terry Holt, 56, of Emhouse, passed away Friday, July 4, 2014 at his residence.

Terry Lynn Holt was born July 9, 1957 in Amarillo, Texas to James and Marlys (Hintz) Holt. Terry had moved into the Corsicana area in 1992 and was an extremely hard-working man. He had worked for Olsen Feed Store for over 20 years, and also was self-employed as a roofer. He was a very emotional man who loved his family dearly. He was a great father and grandfather who was always there for his children. Terry never missed a game that his children or grandchildren were in, and was very protective of his family. He was an animal lover, especially dogs, and would take in any animal that needed a home. He could be hard-headed and stubborn at times, but no one ever doubted his love for them. Terry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his grandparents, and by the mother of his children, D�Ann Holt.

Terry is survived by his parents, James and Marlys Holt of Richardson; his children, daughter Bonnie Holt of Athens, son Richard Michael Holt and his wife, Katie, of Scurry, Texas; daughter, Sherry Frye and her husband, Rueben, of Corsicana; son, Shawn Self and Nhi �Minnie� Nguyen, of Garland; and daughter, Jaimie Holt of Taylor, Texas; his grandchildren: Serenity Roberts, Aarolyn Baughman, Alexus Baughman, Karlie Spivey, Ethan Frye, and Ashton Frye; his brother, Richard Holt and his wife, Sylvie, of Wylie, Texas; his nephew, Drake Holt, and his nieces, Daniele Pine and her husband, Daniel, and Sunny Miranda and her husband, Will; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014, at Corley Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Corley Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Gary Johnson officiating. Pallbearers will be Rueben Frye, Richard Holt, Richard Michael Holt, Shawn Self, Justin Frye, and Tommy Griggs.
Interment will follow the service in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

Charles I. Schofield
Sep 1, 1892 - Mar 26, 1972

C. I. Schofield

KERENS - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens for Charles I. Schofield, 79, a resident of Kerens for three years. Rev. Don Kelley of the First Methodist Church in Kerens will officiate. Interment will be in Kerens City Cemetery.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Fred Almendarez of Kerens; one stepson, Jack Douglass of Campoint, Ill.; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Margaret Bardiman of Las Vegas, Nevada and seven grandchildren.

Notes:

Carrie Tennessee Ingram
Jul 1, 1881 - Aug 28, 1972

Miss Ingram
KERENS - Miss Carrie Ingram, 91, died Monday in Maywood Rest Home in Kerens. She was a resident of Kerens for 20 years, a member of the First Baptist Church and a retired registered nurse.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Paschal Funeral Home. Rev. Olan Boles of First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Kerens City Cemetery.

Survivors include three half-sisters, Mrs. Jack Murphy of Dallas, Mrs. Johnny Hughes of Trinidad, and Mrs. Houston Phillips of Kerens; a half-brother, Oscar J. Ingram of Dallas, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, August 29, 1972
  • Never married; d/o William Carroll Ingram buried in Long Prairie Cemetery, Navarro county, Tx. & Lucy Ann (Dew) Carroll buried in St. Elmo Cemetery, Freestone Co., Tx.
  • Submitted by Diane Richards

Doyle Bruner Rawlinson
Jan 23, 1906 - Sep 14, 1972

D. Rawlinson

KERENS - Graveside rites and burial were at 5 p.m. Friday at Kerens City Cemetery for Doyle Rawlinson, 65, retired Corsicana mechanic who died Thursday at Memorial Hospital.

Cato Sheerer, Church of Christ minister, officiated.

Rawlinson is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Notes:



Wesley Thomas Hill
Jul 11, 1899 - Jan 7, 1972

W. T. Hill

KERENS - Funeral services will be held for Wesley Thomas Hill, 72, of Kerens Sunday at 2:30 at the Assembly of God Church here.

He died Friday at Maywood Manor Rest Home in Kerens after an extended illness.

Services will be conducted by the Rev. Andrews and the Rev. Sipes of Kerens, and burial will be at Kerens City Cemetery under the direction of Paschal Funeral Home.

Hill was a 50-year resident of Kerens who was born in Cosse, Tex. He was a retired farmer.

Survivors include the widow, of the home in Kerens; three sons, Thomas Hill of Kerens, Leroy Johnson of Pensacola, Fla., and Alvin Johnson of Corsicana; a daughter, Mrs. Luetta Dockery of Corsicana; 17 grandchildren; two brothers; W. E. Hill of Corsicana, and C. A. Hill of Plainview; and six sisters, Mrs. Ruby Oliver of Mineral Wells, Mrs. Maggie Lile of Mansfield, Mrs. Effie Caruso of Dallas, Mrs. Odessa Voss of Corsicana; Mrs. Gertrude Ratliff of Corsicana, and Mrs. Elzie McCrory of Purdon. Nephews will be pallbearers.

Notes:

Margaret Bell (White) Knight
Mar 12, 1924 - Dec 21, 1972

Mrs. Knight

KERENS - Funeral services are set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Kerens for Mrs. Lee Knight, 48, of Houston, native of Kerens who died Thursday in Houston. Rev. Olen Boles will officiate and burial will be at Kerens City Cemetery.

She was a secretary for the Sun Oil Company in Houston.

Survivors include her husband, Lee Knight of Houston; a sister, Mrs. Allen Paul of Kerens; an aunt, Mrs. Kate Greer of Corsicana; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Notes:

Johnie Ethel Ramsey
Aug 5, 1886 - Dec 20, 1972

Miss E. Ramsey

KERENS - Miss Ethel Ramsey, 86, Harlingen resident the past six years, died Wednesday. A native and life-long resident of Kerens until moving to Harlingen, she was a member of the Kerens Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Kerens Presbyterian Church with the pastor, the Rev. J. K. Story, officiating. Burial will be in Kerens City Cemetery under direction of Paschal Funeral Home.

She is survived by two nephews, Jack Smith of Corsicana and Claude Smith of Malakoff; and three nieces, Nora Smith of Harlingen, More Lee Smith, Albuquerque, N. M., and Bobbie Farrell of Dallas.

Notes:

Sally Inez Shackelford
Sep 9, 1887 - Aug 4, 1972

Miss Shackelford

KERENS - Miss Sallie I. Shackelford, 84, died Friday at Dallas Doctors Hospital. She lived at C. C. Young Rest Home in Dallas for the last six years and was a resident of Kerens before then. She was a member of the Methodist Church and a retired florist.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Paschal Funeral Home with Rev. Don Kelley to officiate. Burial is scheduled to be in the Kerens City Cemetery.

Survivors include four nephews, Guy Shackelford of Dallas, Elvin Shackelford of Oklahoma, Wade Black of Pine Bluff, Ark., and Wilbert Black of Kerens, and three nieces, Sallie Dobbs, Olin Johnston, and Verdie Black all of Kerens.

Notes:

Louise (Reyes) Rios
Nov 15, 1950 - Feb 13, 1972

Man Surrenders In Stab Slaying Of Young Wife

A 25-year-old Corsicana man Sunday morning walked into the Navarro County Jail wearing blood-stained clothing and saying he had just killed his wife. Moments later a Navarro County Sheriff's Deputy went to the man's home and found the nude mutilated body of 20- year-old Louise Rios lying in the kitchen. Murder charges were filed by Peace Justice W. H. Tipton against Fabian Rios, Jr., in connection with the case. The man was ordered held in county jail without bond. Deputy Ronald Moses reported that Rios came to the jail at 11:15 a.m. Sunday and said "I killed my wife." The deputy talked to the man, who stayed at the jail while the deputy went to his residence in the 800 block of South 15th Street to investigate. Moses said he ordered that the man at the jail be arrested after the body was found in the kitchen. The deputy said there were nine knives of various sizes, a large two-pronged meat fork, and two cast-iron skillets in the kitchen, all blood-stained, which were believed to have been used in the killing.

An autopsy has been ordered in the case, according to a spokesman for the office of the district attorney.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Corley Funeral Home for Louise Rios.

Notes:



Mrs. Rios

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. today for Mrs. Louise Rios. The Rev. A. J. Merkel officiated.

Survivors include her father, Domingo Reyes, and several brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers were Spencer Joles, John Mendez, Manuel Martinez, Raymond Cobb, Louis Lopez, and Billy Flores.

Notes:


Attorney Named For Rios Trial

An attorney was appointed as 13th District Court this morning to represent Fabian Rios, Jr. of Corsicana who is charged with the murder of his wife on Feb. 13, 1972. Dan Nicholson will represent Rios in this case.

Rios pled not guilty upon arraignment, and presiding Judge James Sewell set his case for trial April 17.

Notes:


Ralston Named To Defend Rios

By ROB MECKEL
Sun Staff Writer

The defendant in a murder case which became an issue during the May 6 race for the 13th District Judgeship has a lawyer now after spending nearly three and a half months in the Navarro County Jail waiting for counsel. 13th District Judge James C. Sewell Thursday signed an order dismissing Donald Nicholson as defense attorney for Fabian Rios, Jr., the man accused of murdering his wife on Feb. 13, 1972. In another order, Sewell appointed local attorney W. D. Ralston to defend Rios. Nicholson was appointed March 6 by Sewell to defend Rios because the defendant said he could not hire his own attorney. After learning that he had been appointed to defend Rios, Nicholson said he could not and would not accept the responsibility of defending Rios or any other person to be tried for a death penalty offense before Judge Sewell due to the political race then in progress. Nicholson was an opponent against Sewell for the position as 13th District Judge. After he won the election, Nicholson still contended that he was not in a position to defend the murder case. Thursday, at 11:30 a.m., he filed a motion in the office of the 13th District Clerk asking to be removed as attorney of record for the defendant. The motion stated that the attorney is not engaged in the practice of law before this court at this time, nor does he expect to engage in the practice of law before this court in the immediate future.

The order dismissing Nicholson from the case was filed at 11:31 a.m. Thursday. The order appointing Ralston to the case was filed at 4:40 p.m. Thursday. Rios was arrested after walking into the county jail and surrendering to authorities. He is in jail on $10,000 bond set after he was indicted.

Notes:


Rios Trial Set

An order setting the murder case against Fabian Rios, Jr., for trial on July 10 was filed in the office of the 13th District Clerk this morning. Rios is charged with the Feb. 13, 1972 murder of his wife. Defense attorney for Rios is W. D. Ralston of Corsicana.

Notes:


McKie to Help In Rios Case

Local attorney William J. McKie today was appointed to assist W. D. Ralston in the defense of Fabian Rios Jr., charged with murder of his wife on Feb. 13, 1972. The order was signed by 13th District Judge James C. Sewell. Both Ralston and McKie were appointed to defend Rios because the defendant said he could not hire his own attorney. The Rios trial is scheduled to begin on July 10, 1972.

Notes:



Rios Murder Trial Begins Monday

The case charging Fabian Rios Jr. of Corsicana with the Feb. 13, 1972 murder of his wife is scheduled to be tried by jury in district court Monday. The Rios case is listed among docket call cases to be heard by presiding Judge James C. Sewell.

Notes:



Rios To Get Mental Exam

The case charging Fabian Rios, Jr., with the Feb. 13 murder of his wife was passed by District Judge James Sewell Monday morning after a request by Rios' attorney, David Ralston, for psychiatric testing of the defendant. Sewell ordered the testing, to be arranged by Rios' attorneys, to be under the direction of Family Consultation Center.

Notes:



Rios Murder Case To Open Tomorrow

The case charging Fabian Rios, Jr, 26, of Corsicana with the Feb. 13, 1972 murder of his wife is scheduled for docket call in 13th District Court at 10 a.m. Monday.

Rios has been in custody in Navarro County Jail since the day his wife, Louise Rios was found dead in her home after having been stabbed several times. The defendant has undergone psychiatric testing by the local Family Consultation Center during the past few months.

His defense attorneys are David Ralston and William J. McKie.

Notes:



Fabian Rios Ruled Insane After 4-Minute Deliberation

By Rob Meckel
Sun Staff Writer

A 13th District Court jury of 12 men Monday afternoon spent less than four minutes in the deliberating room to reach a decision that 26-year old Fabian Rios Jr., charged with the Feb. 13, 1972 murder of his young wife, is now insane, was insane at the time of the alleged murder, and should be sent to a mental institution for treatment.

Rios was charged with murder after his wife, Louise Rios, was found dead in her home as result of several stab wounds on the afternoon of Feb. 13, 1972. Rios was taken into custody after he voluntarily walked into the office of the county jail sometime after the death incident occurred, according to arresting officers.

Jury foreman R. L. Nix announced the jury's decision to presiding Judge James C. Sewell in the 13rh Judicial District courtroom. Judge Sewell then ruled that Rios be sent to Rusk State Hospital for treatment.

Rios walked into the district courtroom wearing a yellow striped cotton shirt, faded white trousers, white sox and unpolished black lace shoes. He sat with his hand upon his forehead and kept his head bowed and eyes closed throughout most of the proceeding.

The bulk of the defense attorneys� case was based on a report by Dr. Hugh N. Brown, a consultant psychiatrist working with the local Family Consultation Center. The report read by defense attorney David Ralson, gave the opinion that Rios is mentally ill.

District Attorney Jimmy Morris did not contest the insanity plea sought by Ralston and William J. McKie in behalf of their client. He was complimented by McKie for allowing the defense counsel time to have Rios undergo psychiatric examinations to determine whether or not he is sane or insane.

�I am glad we have in Navarro County, a criminal district attorney who is humane, practical and sensible enough to recognize a situation of this sort,� Ralston said in complimenting Morris. �I�m glad we don�t have a district attorney who doesn�t come in just for the sheer sake of having a fight,� he added.�

Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse testified that he has known Rios committed in the victim's home. Pevehouse gave the opinion that Rios is insane, pointing out that the man often went several days refusing to eat anything, and on one occasion attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself in his cell. The Sheriff said one day a trustee found the man hanging and immediately cut him down.

Attorney McKie also took the stand and testified that it is his opinion that Rios does not have a rightful mind to make a defense in the case.

The defendant remained with his head bowed as the jury foreman read the decision declaring him insane. He was taken into custody by a sheriff's deputy and will be held at the county jail until transferred to a mental institution.

Notes:

Paul Gonzales
Apr 16, 1950 - Jul 29, 1972

Paul Gonzales, 22, son of Mrs. Roy Ortega of Corsicana, and Bennie Franklin Thomas, 44, Holland, were killed in a head-on two-car accident at approximately 3:30 a.m. Saturday two miles South of Temple in Central Texas. A 1961 Plymouth driven by Gonzales traveling North on Hwy. 95 hit a 1968 Chevrolet driven by Thomas traveling south.

Justice of the Peace Joe Harrison pronounced both dead on the scene.

Rosary for Gonzales, of Flatonia and formerly of Corsicana, will be said at 8 p.m. Sunday at Corley Funeral Home.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Corsicana with Rev. A. J. Merkel officiating. Interment will be in Catholic Cemetery.

Survivors include his mother; six brothers, Eugene Gonzales, U. S. Navy, Scotland,and Esmole, Joe, Pete and Marty of Corsicana and Nick of Jacksonville; and two sisters, Mrs. Teresa Conaway of Athens and Mrs. Frances Lopez of Flatonia.

Gonzales was born in Gunnison, Miss.

Notes:

Juan Rodriguez Ortega
Jun 24, 1889 - Jan 26, 1972

Juan Ortega

Juan Ortega, 82, died early this morning in Navarro County Memorial Hospital.

A rosary will be said at 8 p.m. tonight at Corley's Funeral Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception with the Rev. A. J. Merkel officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Ortega was a native of Mexico City, Mex. And had lived in Corsicana since 1914. He was a retired farmer and member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include his wife of Corsican; three sons, Roy and Reuben of Corsicana and Edmo0nd of Jacksonville, Tex.; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Notes:

Eusevia (unk) Ortega
Mar 5, 1888 - Dec 27, 1973

Mrs. Ortega

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Church for Mrs. Eusevia A. Ortega, 85, of Corsicana, who died Thursday at Evergreen Nursing Home. Rev. August Merkel will officiate, and burial will be at the Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Corley Funeral Home. Rosary will be read by Rev. John Fowler. She was a native of Mexico and had lived in Corsicana for 50 years.

Survivors include three sons, Roy Ortega and Reuben Ortega, both of Corsicana and Edmond Ortega of Jacksonville, Tex.; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Notes:

Rodney Christopher Yberra
Sep 4, 1971 - Jan 7, 1972

Yberra Infant

Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Catholic Cemetery for Rodney Christopher Yberra, four-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Aurelio Yberra of Corsicana. The Rev. H. A. Merkel officiated. The infant died Friday in Hillsboro.

Surviving in addition to the parents are five brothers, four sisters and a grandfather.

Notes:

----

Rodney Yberra

Graveside services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday for Rodney Christopher Yberra, four month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Aurelio Yberra of Corsicana.

Rev. H. A. Merkel will officiate at the services in Catholic Cemetery.

The infant died Jan. 7, in Hillsboro.

He is survived by five brothers, Ray Yberra, in the U. S. Army; and Robert, Reuben, Rudy, and Randy, all of Corsicana, and four sisters, Mary, Linda, Amy and Dianne, all of Corsicana; and a grandfather, Thomas Yberra of Frost.

Notes:

Margarita M. �Maggie� Castillo
Jun 10, 1916 - Dec 4, 1972

Miss Castillo

Funeral services for Miss Maggie Castillo, 56, of Seagoville, who died Monday, were at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception here with the Rev. Ben Mysliwiec of Ennis officiating.

Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery here under direction of Corley Funeral Home.

She was a native of Nuevo Laredo, Mex., and a member of the Catholic Church.

Surviving are her father, John Castillo, and a sister, Miss Janie Castillo, both of Seagoville.

Notes:

James Leonard Henthorn
May 29, 1925 0 Dec 15, 2012

 
Elder James Leonard Henthorn went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 16 days, at Itasca Homestead Nursing Home, where he had resided for the last 18 months. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 18, in the Chapel of Clayton Kay-Vaughan Funeral Home in Itasca. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory in Hillsboro. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Monday.

James was born May 29, 1925 in Frost, Texas to George and Dora Horn Henthorn. He and Evelyn Recie Brown were married September 2, 1948. They had 64 faithful and wonderful years together. James and Evelyn shared the same birthday three years apart.

James is survived by his wife Evelyn of Itasca, Texas; one daughter, Sylvia and husband Travis Brown of Itasca, Texas; three grandchildren; Shana and husband Curry Aldridge of Keller, Texas; Janna and husband Neal Mukherjee of Tomball, Texas; and James (JT) and wife Jessie Brown of Itasca, Texas; four great-grandchildren; Gavin Grant Grisham, Reese Elizabeth Aldridge, Heidi Marie Brown and Cade James Aldridge.

James and his family moved to Itasca in 1942. He farmed with his father and in his late teenage years he began working at the Itasca Cotton Mill. In 1954, James became the Store Front Manager for Schmeling's Drug, and later for Joe's Pharmacy. After 34 years, James retired in 1988. James also served as a community leader in many organizations in Itasca, including the Lion's Club, Band Boosters and sitting on the City Council for over ten years.

James joined Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church in March of 1958 and was ordained to the ministry on April 30, 1967. He served and pastored churches in Temple, McMahon, San Antonio, and spent the last years of his ministry pastoring Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church in Hubbard. 

Notes:

  • Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams
  • h/o Evelyn Recie (Brown) Henthorn; s/o George Cleveland Henthron & Dora Lee (Horn) Henthorn

Vess Arp
May 8, 1898 - Jan. 10, 1924

OFFICER SERIOUSLY WOUNDED

PATROLMAN VESS ARP SERVIOUSLY WOUNDED EARLY HOUR TODAY

Patrolman Vess Arp, aged 25 years, is in the hospital here dangerously injured from a wound in abdomen made ay a 38 calibre revolver bullet an Q. Grace aged about 30 years is being held in the county jail in connection with the shooting.

The shooting occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Q. Grace on North Eleventh street, just across Post Oak creek in the city limits, shortly after midnight when the officers visited the house in connection with a report of a hi-jacking case. Patrolman Speed was with Arp when he was shot. The wounded man was rushed to the hospital where an operation was performed. His intestines were punctured five times and the bullet lodged in the right hip bone. Although his condition is considered most critical the attending physician says he has a fighting chance for his life.

According to the officers, G. C. McCain reported to Arp that he had been hi-jacked. Arp and Speed accompanied by McCain went to the Grace house. Speed was at the front door and Arp went to the back door. Arp knocked at the door and a woman answered. He asked for her husband and then the woman demanded to know who he was. Officers state that Arp told her he was an officer and threw his flash light on his badge. It was then that the shot was fired from the dark according to statement from the Chief of Police's office. Arp is then said to have walked around to where his partner Speed was stationed at the front saying, �I am shot�take me to the hospital.� Other officers were called but investigation proved that Grace was not in the house and he was later arrested near the City Hall.

Pistol is Found.
Officers stated that when Grace was arrested a pistol was found on him of the same calibre with which Arp was shot and that although the pistol was fully loaded evidence showed one shot had been fired. The pistol was a .38 Special bearing the name of �J. L. GAlef, N. Y. Sole Distributer, U. S. A., 1923 model, .38 Special C. T. G.� engraved on it. The pistol also had the number M2348 on the handle.

McCain's Statement.
According to the story told the police today by G. C. McCain, he and Jimmie Wells and Paul Nevels were in a downtown caf� just prior to midnight when Grace asked one of the men to go with him to a filling station north of the city and assist him in starting his car. McCain said, according to the officers, that the four of them got in McCain's car and upon their arrival at the filling station two men appeared and at the point of a pistol held them up. McCain says that the alleged hi-jackers secured between $6 and $ off him as well as a .45 automatic pistol and a check, the officers state. In the statement by McCain to the officers following the hold-up Grace had disappeared. Nevels is said to have run and Wells had nothing of value on him. McCain then came back to town and reported the affair to Patrolman Arp who with Speed was piloted to Grace's house by McCain. The house was dark and the shooting followed as related above.

Grace was arrested by Patrolmen Speed, Joyner and Sparks.

Woman's Statement.
Mrs. Grace stated to a representative of the Daily Sun today that she fired the shop which wounded patrolman Arp. She said she fired only one shot. She said her husband's life had been previously threatened by a band of men and that these men had made previous calls at her house. She said these men had accused her husband of robbing them Wednesday night of a quantity of whiskey, a gun and some money and that her husband was in fear of his life. She declared that her husband was not a member of the gang which took part I the alleged whiskey robbery Wednesday night. When questioned concerning the names of the men alleged to have called her house she stated she did not know them.

Though Life in Danger.
Concerning the shooting last night Mrs. Grace stated when the officers knocked she thought they were the men who had called at the house previously and threatened the life of her husband and accused him of being the alleged hi-jacking Wednesday night.

Mrs. Grace said the officer stated he was an officer and threw a flashlight on her and tried to enter the door. Investigation disclosed five bullet holes through the back screen of the house. There is one bullet hole in the screen made from firing from the inside of the house. This bullet penetrated the cross piece of the screen door before taking effect. Mrs. Grace stated she did not know whether the man fell down or how he got away from the house.

Grace Tells Story.
Q. Grace held in connection with the shooting stated the shooting occurred at 12:30 o�clock Friday morning at his residence North of Post Oak creek and that the shot which took effect in the officer's abdomen was fired by his wife Mrs. Maudie Grace. He said a bunch of men came to his house, some going to the back door and some to the front. Grace said his wife asked the men who they were and they said they were officers and asked them what they wanted and they replied they wanted her husband to get up quick and dress as they were coming in. Grace said that his wife told the men to stay back until she had awakened Mr. Herbert Bush who owns the house in which they live and who also lives in the same house. He stated that his wife went to the back door and there were some of the men there and ordered his wife to unlock the back screen door. He stated that the man was standing on the steps with a pistol and a flashlight and tried to open the door after his wife had ordered him not to. He stated that his wife fired one time with a pistol and that several shots were fired by the officers, but that he did not know whether it was the man who was shot who did the shooting. He stated that the wounded man was carried away and that the officers came after him. He stated that he secured the pistol which his wife had fired and raced out of the back door as the officers came up on the front porch and ran to police headquarters.

He stated that the house in which he lived was outside the city limits ant that the city police force did not have the authority to come out there and that the officers did not even say what they wanted him for and that he did not know yet.

The man in jail stated that he had lived in Corsicana all of his life. He has a wife and three small daughters.

According to County Attorney Ballard George a charge of highway robbery was filed against Grace this afternoon. Other charges will be filed against the accused at once, the county attorney stated. The highway robbery charge is being filed in connection with the reported hi-jacking which was the cause of the officers going to Grace's house.

The county attorney also stated that Mrs. Grace would also be arrested on the face of her statement that she fired the shot which wounded Arp.

Chief of Police S. Knight stated that the house where the shooting occurred is in the city limits.

Chief Knight has ordered every attention be given to the wounded officer and that no expense be spared. Patrolman Arp is now in a private ward at the hospital attended by day and night nurse.

Notes:



MAN AND WOMAN OUT ON BOND CONNECTION SHOOTING OF OFFICER

Q. Grace, held in connection with the shooting of Vess Arp at an early hour Friday morning, was released from the county jail this afternoon, making bonds in two charges.

Grace is charged with assault with intent to murder and with highway robbery. His bond in the first charge was fixed at $1,000 and the bond in the second charge was fixed at $1,500.

Mrs. Grace is also under a $1,000 bond charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with the same shooting.

Patrolman Vess of the city police department was wounded in the abdomen when answering a call to the Grace home near Post Oak creek on North Eleventh street when a shot was fired from the house. Vess is now in the hospital here and although his condition is reported serious he is said to be resting as well as could be expected. He has a chance for recovery, according to attending physicians.

Notes:



Patrolman Vess Arp Reported Resting Well

Patrolman Vess Arp, who was seriously wounded early Friday morning when he received a pistol wound in the abdomen, is reported resting very well at the hospital today. Arp was very popular with his fellow officers of the police department and Chief Knight says that now when the force gathers each afternoon to change shifts the usual bantering and good natured reportee usually evidenced is noticeably missing and the shooting of their brother officer is keenly felt.

C. R. Lester called by long distance phone last night to inquire concerning the condition of Arp saying that he had at one time worked with him and held him in very high regard.

Notes:



ARP DIES RESULT OF WOUNDS

Succumbs to Wounds Received Last Friday
Vess Arp, aged 25 years, member of the local police department since last July, died this morning at 4:20 o'clock in the County Hospital as the result of a pistol wound in the abdomen received last Friday morning when answering a call at a house on North Eleventh street in connection with an alleged hi-jacking case. Patrolman Arp was taken to the hospital where every medical attention was given but to no avail and early this morning after a week of suffering he quietly passed away.

The funeral will take place Friday at 10:30 o�clock from the home of his sister, Mrs. Laura Flannigan, 621 N North Fourteenth street, where he made his home, with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The Rev. L. C. Howell, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church will conduct the services at the house, after which the Masonic lodge will take charge of the remains. The deceased was a Master Mason. He was born near Cryer Creek and was practically reared in this county. The deceased had been making his home in Corsicana for the past twelve years.

He is survived by his father, H. M. Arp of Corsicana, four sisters, Mrs. Florence B. Speak, Corsicana, Mrs. Laura Flannigan, Corsicana, Mrs. Lola Holloman, Memphis, Texas, Mrs. Finner Holditch, Blooming Grove; three brothers, Henry Arp, Corsicana, Charlie Arp, Stamford, and Rufus Arp, also member of the Corsicana police force.

The death of Patrolman Vess Arp is not only keenly felt among his brother officers but has cast a pall of sorrow over the entire community. He was one of the most popular members of the force and numbered by his friends by those who knew him. Chief of Police Will S. Knight speaks in words of highest praise of the character and efficiency of the dead officer. Although only a young man he had made a most enviable record as an officer and was known for his high sense of duty and his willingness at all times to obey orders of his superiors and to answer duty's call regardless of personal danger. He was a fine specimen of physical manhood who knew not the meaning of the word fear. His untimely death is a shock to every citizen of Corsicana, all of whom will join in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. As one citizen was heard to say today��No soldier on the battle front has met a more heroic death in the performance of his duty than did Patrolman Vess Arp.� And this very near expresses the opinion of the entire citizenship of Corsicana.

As a special tribute to the memory of the dead officer all the merchants of Corsicana will close their places of business between the hours of 10:30 and 11:30 Friday morning for the funeral and a call has been issued for all firemen to meet at the City Hall at 9:30 o'clock to attend the funeral in a body.

The city police force, headed by Chief of Police Knight and other city officials headed by Mayor J. S. Eubank will also attend the funeral in a body.

County Attorney Ballard George announced today that charges of murder had been filed against Q. Grace and his wife Maud Grace in connection with the death of Patrolman Vess Arp, member of the Corsicana Police Department. Following the shooting of the policeman last Friday morning the man and woman were released on bond charged with assault with intent to murder. The man was also charged with highway robbery in which case he also made bond.

The shooting occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Q. Grace on North Eleventh street near Post Oak Creek at an early hour Friday when Officers Arp and Speed went to the house to make an arrest in connection with a highway robbery case which was reported to them by three men. According to the officers, Arp was at the back door of the house when he was shot and that the shooting occurred after the dead man had informed the inmates of the house that he was an officer of the law. Only one shot was fired from the inside of the house and this shot struck Arp. Grace was arrested near the City Hall shortly after the shooting and his wife was placed under bond the same day. The woman stated that she fired the shot which struck Arp. The pistol used was a .38 calibre special.





Notes:



Proclamation

Whereas, a large number of the retail merchants of Corsicana have expressed a desire to close their places of business during the funeral of Patrolman Vess Arp who met death in the performance of his duty, that they may pay a fitting tribute to the dead officer.

Therefore, in accordance with the wishes of the merchants, I, as Mayor of the City of Corsicana, hereby issue a proclamation calling on the merchants to close their places of business between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Friday morning, the hour set for the funeral of Patrolman Arp.

J. S. EUBANK,
Mayor of the City of Corsicana

Notes:



IMPRESSIVE SERVICE MARKED FUNERAL OF PATROLMAN VESS ARP

MANY PAID LAST RESPECTS AND FOLLOWED BODY TO OAKWOOD CEMETERY

Surrounded by a number of mourning relatives and a vast circle of sorrowing friends on a sunny slope in Oakwood cemetery shortly before noon today the body of Vess Arp, 25, patrolman of the city police force, who died at the County Hospital at an early hour Thursday, was laid in its final resting place underneath a wilderness of flowers.

Burial in the cemetery with Masonic honors followed funeral services held at the home of deceased's sister, Mrs. Laura Flannigan, 621 North Fourteenth street, at 10:30 o�clock conducted by Rev. L. C. Howell, Baptist minister.

Amid the array of beautiful floral offerings that draped the front room which told of the love and appreciation of the dead sent by their donors, grief-stricken relatives, including the betrothed sweetheart of he whose sealed lips lay cold in death, the minister stood in trembling sadness and read from the Fourteenth chapter of the Book of Job:

�Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble, He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth, not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such as one.

�O that thou wouldn�t hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.�

From one corner of the room the hallowing stratus of �Rock of Ages Cleft for Me,� were rendered by the quartet, followed by the fervent prayer of the clergyman, who stressed the reading of the last of the fourteen verses of the Holy chapter.

�The writer of the scripture knew what it was to have his friends taken from him; he knew sorrow, and the most blessed of the passage is that �If a man die he shall live again.� Said the minister. He held up the promises of the eternal God in the providing a home for the spirit of the dead and emphasized the hope of the bereaved in seeing their departed relative and his preparedness to meet his Maker in a world of no sorrow.

�Vess Arp is not dead,� he said; �his soul dwelleth in the land of joy, peace and happiness. In all this sad hour of tragic parting as this has been, we must be submissive to the will of God. The officer that lies upon this bier before us laid down his life in the discharge of his official duty; his life was snatched from him while he was about his duty in protecting the property of us who live and were enjoying the slumbers of midnight. It reminds us that in going about our duty in this life we are in the midst of death.�

One of the biggest crowds attending a funeral in Corsicana in years was present at both services. Mayor Eubank, the four city commissioners, Chief of Police Will S. Knight, Fire Chief Elmer Keith and all city employes and policemen were present.

All business houses and offices, including the county offices, closed during the funeral hour. Numbers of citizens not connected with the city official family, or the Masonic order, thronged at the residence during the morning to pay final respects. Many came and brought flowers, and all came to express their sympathy and reverence to the bereaved family.

The following members of the police force were active pallbearers:

Will S. Knight, chief; E. S. Sheets, J. S. Sheets, Dave Seaton, Allen Calloway, and Bruce Nutt of the active force.

The funeral cortege repaired to the cemetery and the Masons took charge with ceremonies from the ritual of the Order. As the last song was sung and the last prayer was said, eleven hooded and robed figures in full regalia of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan appeared and laid a red wreath forming a symbolical cross at the head of the grave, disappearing as mysteriously as they had come.

When the casket was lowered with its final tributes and all was over the last song was sung, the last prayer was said, the sun from the zenith cast its glowing rays upon the spot, while birds sang from leafless trees through whose boughs the south winds sighed in unison and gently wafted the beautiful wreaths that bespoke love, friendship and sympathy, conscious with the thought of one sleeping underneath the new mound laid low by a deadly bullet fired in the sable darkness of the night.

Fourteen years ago Mr. Arp united with the Baptist church of Barry and was a member at the time of his death, was a Master Mason, and had lived in Corsicana for the last 12 years.

He is survived by his father, H. M. Arp, of Corsicana four sisters, Mrs. Florence B. Speak, Corsicana, Mrs. Laura Flannigan, Corsicana, Mrs. Lola Holloman, Memphis, Texas, Mrs. Finner Holditch, Blooming Grove; three brothers, Henry Arp, Corsicana, Charlie Arp, Stamford, and Rufus Arp, also member of the Corsicana police force, all of whom were present. He was to have been married in February. His sweetheart lives at Palestine.

Among the floral wreaths was one sent by the police department as No.5, the number he was identified by on the force. One of the City of Corsicana�.And still another by �My Pal.�

The death of Arp is the first tragic one of the local police force since the fatal shooting of Charlie Maddox which happened about twenty years ago.

Notes:



GRACE IS RELEASED ON BOND TODAY BY AGREEMENT COUNSEL

Quilla Grace was released on a $7,500 bond this afternoon on a charge of murder by complaint in connection with the death of Patrolman Vess Arp of the Corsicana Police Department from a pistol shot received when Patrolman Arp and Patrolman Speed went to Grace's house Friday of last week in connection with an alleged hi-jacking case.

Mrs. Grace, charged with the same offense, is also out on a $7,500 bond.

The following are the bondsmen for the deceased man; J. W. Nokes, Dr. M. L. Hanks, D. F. Roman and J. H. Ross, all of Purdon and W. T. Griffin of Rural Shade.

An examining trial was scheduled to have been held in Justice J. J. Sullivan's court this morning put State and defense attorneys agreed on the above bond. The defense is represented by the law firm of Gibson and Lovett and the State by County Attorney Ballard W. George.

Notes:


Motion Filed Asking For An Early Trial

A motion was filed in the district clerk's office today by counsel for the defendants R. Q. Grace and wife, Maude Grace, charged with indictment for murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Patrolman Vess Arp early in January this year, praying for a a setting of the cases for trial.

According to the motion filed by the attorneys it was alleged that it was the custom of the bar for the judge and county attorney to set all pending felony cases for trial and to publish all setting of such cases.

It is alleged in the motion that the County Attorney had stated to the counsel that these cases were not to be set for trial this term of court.

The motion further alleges that the defendants stand ready for trial to prove their innocence.

The motion further prays that the cases charging murder be set down first and the case charging robbery against R. Q. Grace be tried subsequently.

Notes:



Statement Issued By Ballard George

County Attorney Ballard W. George stated Wednesday night in conversation with a representative of the Daily Sun relative to the reason the cases styled the State of Texas vs. Roger Q. Grace and wife, Maude Grace, for murder in connection with the death of Patrolman Vess Arp early in January had not been set for trial in April term of the District Court was that the defense counsel had requested that the cases by continued and that the first intimation that the defense counsel was ready for trial was Monday, April 14, after the docket for the April term of court had been prepared.

The following is the statement of County Attorney George;

�The County Attorney set a tentative date for the trial of Q. Grace and wife, Maude Grace for murder in connection with the death of Patrolman Arp as soon as the indictments had been returned by the grand jury and gave the defense counsel three weeks time in which to prepare for the trials.

�The defense counsel requested the District Judge and the County Attorney to continue the cases and such was the understanding of the County Attorney and the District Judge at the time the present docket was prepared one month ago. The present docket was prepared early so that the defendants and their counsel would have ample time in which to prepare for trial.

�The first intimation of the County Attorney had that the defendants named above and their counsel wanted a trial was Monday, April 14 and at that time, the docket for this term of court had been set and to have made any change in the present docket, especially a case calling for a special venire, would mean the total disrupting of the docket.

�The State of Texas is ready to try any case on the docket consistent with the handling of the docket in the best manner.

There are more than 200 criminal felony cases on the docket at the present time and not more than one-third of this number can be tried in one term of court which consists of only five weeks.

�During the last year and one-half, the State has announced ready for trial in every case with the exception of two cases and the State is anxious to try every case possible and has no desire to delay the trying of any case under any circumstances.�

Notes:

Mose Mere Miller
Mar 7, 1880 - Jul 20, 1966

M. M. Miller, 86, retired merchant, died Wednesday morning at Evergreen Convalescent home. He formerly was a wholesale and retail grocer.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Griffin Chapel with burial in the Hebrew cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Ernest Joseph. He was a member of Temple Beth-El.

A native of Latvia, Poland, Miller had been a Corsicana resident for 75 years. He had been a member of Corsicana Lodge No. 63, IOOF, for more than 50 years.

Surviving are two sons, Sidney Miller, Corsicana, and Alvin J. MIller, Bartlesville, Okla.; a daughter, Mrs. Jay Davis, Amarillo; two brothers, Ben Miller, Corsicana, and Abe Miller, Chicago; a sister, Mrs. Joseph Stalz, Los Angeles; three grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Odd Fellows.

Notes:

Louis Winkler
Aug 12, 1896 - Jan 16, 1973

Louis Winkler

Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. tonight at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Louis Winkler, 76, of Palestine, who died Tuesday in Palestine.

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. A. J. Merkel officiating. Burial will be at the Catholic Cemetery.

He was a native of Palestine and a retired farmer.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Rosa Lee Winkler; two daughters, Mrs. Josephine Boone of Hindsville, Ark., and Mrs. Annie Baker of Harrison Park, Penn.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Rosa Via of Palestine.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Chirafis, Louis Territo, Sam Nagi, Louis Kormos, Rudy Palmeri, and Sammy Palmeri.

Notes:



Louis Winkler

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception for Louis Winkler, 76, of Palestine, who died Tuesday in Palestine. Rev. A. J. Merkel officiated, and burial was at the Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary was recited at 8 p.m. Thursday at a local funeral chapel.

Survivors include his widow, two daughters, a sister, a grandson, and a granddaughter.

Notes:

Faustino Calunga, Jr.
Oct 18, 1886 - Jun 15, 1973

F. Calunga
Graveside services were at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Catholic Cemetery for Faustino Calunga, Jr., 86, of Corsicana, who died Friday at Hillsboro. The Rev. John Fowler officiated. He was a retired farmer, a native of McAllen, and a member of the Catholic Church.

Several nieces, including Mrs. Aurelo Ybarra of Corsicana, and a number of nephews, survive him.

Notes:

Patricio �Pat� Valdez, Sr.
Mar 17, 1900 - Jan 19, 1974

P. Valdez

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Church for Patricio Valdez Sr., 73, of Corsicana, who died Saturday at Memorial Hospital. Rev. John Fowler officiated and burial was at the Catholic Cemetery.

He was a native of Mexico and a retired railroad employe.

Survivors include his widow, Corsicana; three sons, Patriciao Valdez Jr., Ennis; Felix Valdez Kaufamn and Raymond Valdez, both of Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. Vickie Vasquez and Linda Yvon, both of Corsicana; and seven grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Frank Alonzo, Pancho Garza, Louis Torrez, Alvin Armenta, Frank Flores, Joe Castillo, John Palos Sr. and Agustine Iglesias.

Notes:

Frank Pavelka
Oct. 5, 1908 - Nov. 21, 1974

Frank Pavelka

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday at the Corley Funeral Home for Frank Pavelka, 66, resident of Roane, who died Thursday in Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Rev. John Fowler will officiate, and burial will be at the Catholic Cemetery.

He was a native of Palo Pinto County, lived in Roane 11 years, was a farmer, and member of the Catholic Church.

Survivors include his widow Mrs. Hattie Pavelka of Roane; two daughters Mrs. Frances McClellan and Mrs. Kathy Blessing both of Corsicana; a son, Butch Pavelka of Waco; five grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Sykora and Mrs. Julia Sykora both of Waco and Mrs. Willie Gilmore of Herford; four brothers, Jim of Perry, Raymond of Palestine, Lewis of West, and Louie Pavelka of Pasadena; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Lee Solsey, Joe Andrews, Tom Moore, Roy Clyde Jenkins, Bill McClellan, L.C. Graves, Jessie Burrow, and Jim Parker.

Notes:

Latricia Toliver
abt 1974 - July 18, 2014

Latricia Toliver, 40, of Waco, Texas, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014 at the Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas. Graveside rites are 11 am on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Samaria Cemetery. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

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Carolyn (Griffin) Nichols
Feb 9, 1935 - Jan 12, 1972

Mrs. Nichols

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Griffin Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Carolyn Nichols with burial in Dresden Cemetery.

Rev. Cecil T. Baker will officiate.

Mrs. Nichols died Wednesday night in the Chester Clinic in Dallas.

Survivors include her husband, Norman D. Nichols of Dallas; two sons, James Donald and Michael David Nichols, both of Dallas; two daughters, Sharon Elaine and Norma Kay Nichols both of Dallas; one brother, Darrell Griffin of San Antonio; her father, Lacey Griffin of Mexia and several nieces and nephews.

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Mrs. Nichols

Services were at 10 a.m. Saturday in Griffin Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Carolyn Nichols, with burial in Dresden Cemetery. Rev. Cecil T. Baker officiated.

Mrs. Nichols died Wednesday night in the Chester Clinic in Dallas.

Pallbearers included John Hedrick, Howell Summers, Carl J. Raley, Wallace Tomlin, Gerald Nichols and C.E. Mountecastle.

She is survived by her husband, Norman D. Nichols of Dallas; two sons, James Donald Nichols and Michael Nichols, both of Dallas; two daughters, Sharon Elaine and Norma Kay Nichols, both of Dallas; one brother, Darrell Griffin of San Antonio; her father, Lacey Griffin of Mexia and several nieces and nephews.

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Reginald Eskew "Reggie" Spence
Sep 19, 1888 - May 31, 1972

R. E. Spence

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at the Griffin Funeral Home Chapel for Reginald E. Spence, 83, who died Wednesday morning at Evergreen Nursing Home. Interment will be in Dresden Cemetery.

He was born in Navarro County and was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge for 60 years.

He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Elvie Oden of Purdon, Mrs. Gelene McCraw of Corpus Christi, Mrs. Winifred Jones of Killeen, and Mrs. Louise Binger of San Antonio; one sister, Mrs. J. J. Miller of Corsicana, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

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R. E. Spence

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday at the Griffin Funeral Home Chapel for Reginald E. Spence, 83, who died Wednesday morning at Evergreen Nursing Home. Burial was in Dresden. Rev. George Yarbrough officiated.

Born in Navarro County he was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge for 60 years and a member of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist Church.

Survivors include four daughters, one sister, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews, and nine stepchildren.

Pallbearers were Don Mitcham, George Hulsey, Charles Copeland, Autry French, Robert Patterson and Joe Fogg.

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Bessie Leah (Thomason) Eubanks-Murphy
Sep. 21, 1914 - Aug. 25, 1973

Mrs. Murphy

Funeral services have been set for Mrs. Bessie Murphy, 58, native of Powell, at 2 p.m. Monday in Corley Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Kerens Cemetery. Mr. Claude Holcomb will officiate.

Mrs. Murphy, who lived in Navarro County all her life, was an employe of the old Corsicana Cotton Mill, Corsicana State Home and I.O.O.F. Home. She was a member of the Church of Christ and Rebecca Lodge.

Survivors include two sons, Billy C. Eubanks of Mesquite and Alva Lloyd Eubanks of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two daughters, Mrs. Helen Mitchell of Wilmer and Mrs. Mary Ella Malone of Dallas; 11 grandchildren; four brothers, Vernon Thomason of Corsicana, Clifford Thomason of Austin, Earl Thomason of Kerens and Alton Thomason of Powell; and two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Gilcrease of San Antonio and Mrs. J. N. Gotcher of Powell.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Lassiter, Beauford Thomason, Eddie Ganze, Gayle Garner, William Kuykendall and Mike O'shay.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sunday, Aug 26, 1973
  • 1st husband Charles Burns Eubanks married Apr. 23, 1931 2nd Ed Murphy; d/o Joshua Elliott �Josh� Thomason & Laura Mae (Calvert) Thomason
  • Submitted by Diane Richards

Dennis Smith "Sully" Sullivan
May 6, 1905 - June 19, 1989

Dennis Smith (Sully) Sullivan, 84, died June 19, 1989, in Bastrop, Louisiaia.

Services were 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana. Interment was in Rice Cemetery.

He was a foreman and pipeline construction worker.

Survivors are his wife, Dot Sullivan of Bastrop, Louisiana; three sons, Dennis Sullivan of Valejo, Calif., Billy Sullivan of Tulsa, Okla., and Howard Sullivan of San Bernadino, Calif.; two daughters, Louise Horton and Gwen Sullivan, both of Tulsa, Okla.; two brothers, Carson Sullivan of Rice and J.T. Sullivan of Trinidad; four sisters, Dorothy Lowe of Willis, Texas, Blen Dubose of Tulsa, Ouida Hartley and Neida Harding, both of Rice; several grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Ray Kraft, James Hartley, Jerry Smith, Jimmy Parks, Caroll Horton and Jeff Cole.

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Lonnie Lee Green
Feb 1, 1911 - July 22, 1989

Lonnie L. Green, 78, of Seagoville, Texas, died July 22, 1989, in Seagoville.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Corley Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. J.G. Evans and the Rev. Harold Followwell officiating. Burial will be in the Rice Cemetery.

He was born Feb. 1, 1911 in Corsicana. He was a retired machinist and a member of the Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Hattie Mae Green of Seagoville; two daughters, Freddie Lee Shipp of Seagoville, and Linda Bettice Hawkins of Fort Worth; one son, Lonnie Leon Green of Mabank; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Pete Green of Seven Points, Earl Green of Duncanville, and Doyle Green of Mineral Wells; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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Homer Lee Armstrong
Feb. 01, 1910 - Jul. 26, 1989

Homer Lee Armstrong, 79, of Rice, died July 26, 1989, at his residence.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J.G. Melton officiating. Burial will be in the Rice Cemetery.

He was a retired farmer, a member of the Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Florene Armstrong of Rice; three daughters, Jo Ann Condron of Bardwell, Lois Marie Reznicek of Rice, and Lexia May Christopher of Ennis; one son, Jackson Lee Armstrong of Rice; two brothers, Thurman Armstrong of Tolosa, and Herman Armstrong of Kerens; six sisters, Lexia Dawson of Corsicana, Gracie Meek of Wills Point, Hazel Ashworth of Lake Tehuacana, Eva Henderson of Quinlan, Maxie Vaughn of tolosa, and bertie White of Dallas; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Gaines Melton Jr., Roger Melton, Paul Kimmons, Larry Christopher, Sam Marshall and Louis Reznicek.

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Tricia Sue Green
Apr 8, 1973 - Apr 10, 1973

Tricia Sue Green

Services are pending for Tricia Sue Green, daughter of the Larry Greens of Kerens, who died two days after birth.

Survivors include her parents; one sister, Trena Jo Green of Kerens; one brother, James Green of Kerens; grandparents, the J. C. Greens of Kerens and the R. E. Pikes of Dallas; and great grandparents, the Clyde Jenkins� of Hillsboro and Tennessee Pike of Dallas.

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Tricia Sue Green

Graveside services were to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Kerens City Cemetery for Tricia Sue Green, infant daughter of the Larry Greens of Kerens. Rev. Johnny Thompson was to officiate.

Survivors include her parents, a sister, a brother and grandparents.

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Ethel Esther (Smith) Howell
Jun 16, 1897 - Nov 14, 1973

Mrs. Howell

KERENS�Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Kerens for Mrs. Ethel Esther Howell, 75, of Kerens, who died Thursday at Memorial Hospital. Rev. Olin Boles and Rev. Vernon McGuyer will officiate, and burial will be at Kerens City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Paschal Funeral Home.

Survivors include her husband, Roy Howell of Kerens; three daughters, Mrs. Ethel Mae Moffitt of Wilmer, Mrs. Thelma Lee Hale of Ferris and Mrs. Dorothy Allen of Houston.

Grandsons will be pallbearers.

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Walter Randall Parrish
Dec 30, 1946 - Nov 8, 1973

Walter Parrish

KERENS�Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Kerens for Walter Randell Parrish, 26, who died suddenly Friday at his home in Waco. Rev. Olin Boles will officiate, and burial will be at Kerens City Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Paschal Funeral Home.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Geneen Hogue Parrish of Waco; two step-sons, Phillip and Gordon Hogue of Waco; his father, W. L. (Pete) Parrish of Kerens; his mother, Mrs. Louella Parrish of Kerens; a sister, Mrs. Marthella Sunday; a brother, Richard Parrish of Kerens; a nephew, Kelly Don Sunday; and a host of other relatives.

Pallbearers include William Huggins, Thomas Hill, Don Green, David Nunnally, Tommy Langston, and C. H. Alfred Vance.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sunday, Nov 11, 1973
  • Military Apr. 27-1966 to Dec. 12, 1969
  • h/o Charlotte Geneen (Parham) Hogue-Parrish (a son Gerald Randall Parrish was born after he died) s/o Walter Lee �Pete� Parrish, Jr. and Louella (Beamon) Parrish
  • Submitted by Diane Richards

Ida Mae Schultz
Mar. 12, 1900 - Dec. 11, 1973

Mrs. Schultz

KERENS�Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Paschal Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. Ida Mae Schultz, 73, of Gunter, who died Tuesday at Gunter's Hill Top Haven Rest Home.

Cato Sharrer, Church of Christ minister, officiated, and burial was at Kerens City Cemetery.

No Survivors are listed.

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Dolly Chapman
Oct 20, 1920 - Jan 29, 1974

Miss Chapman

KERENS�Funeral services were to be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Kerens United Methodist Church for Miss Dolly Chapman, 52, of Dallas, who died at Dallas Medical Arts following an illness.

Rev. Glen Jones will officiate, and burial will be at Kerens City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Paschal Funeral Home.

She was a secretary by profession.

Survivors include her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Garland Chapman of Kerens; two sisters, Mrs. Charles Cullum and Mrs. Tom Curran both of Dallas; a niece, Mrs. Jim Clark Jr. of Dallas; and two nephews, Steve Curran and Culum Clark, both of Dallas.

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