George Washington Collard, Jr.
Oct 18, 1876 - Feb 29, 1936

Geo. W. Collard Funeral Tuesday Morning 10 o'clock

G. W. Collard, 58, formerly postmaster and agent for the Texas Electric Railway in Alma for many years, died Saturday morning at 8 o'clock in St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, where he was taken five weeks ago for medical treatment. J. E. Keever went to Dallas for the body and was taken to his home in Alma where it will remain until time for funeral services which will be held in St. Vincent de Paul Church.

George Washington Collard was born in West Clifton, Kentucky, October 18, 1876, and came to Texas with his brother, Louis Collard, thirty-eight years ago. They settled in Alma where they have resided since that time. For many years Mr. Collard served as postmaster and agent for the Texas Electric Railway. He was married in 1900 to Miss Sally Ruffin of Alma who with six sons, survives. The sons are Clyde Collard of Long Beach, Cal. who is; en route to Ennis, Frank, Hugh, Hatton and Edward of Alma and Theodore Collard of Cincinnati, Ohio. Also has two brothers survive, Louis Collard of Ennis and Frank Collard of West Clifton, Ky. And three sisters, Mrs. Frank Grant and Mrs. Will Clark both of Louisville Ky. And Mrs. J. C. Montgomery, Big Clifton, Ky. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Alma with the pastor, Rev, Monsignor F. Graffeo of Corsicana officiating.

Interment will be in the Rice Cemetery with J. E. Keever in charge of arrangements.

Notes:

• Submitted by Mark Collard
• h/o Sallie Lee (Ruffin) Collard s/o George Washington Collard, Sr. and Virginia Margaret (Mattingly) Collard

John Henry Cardwell
Jul 24, 1862 - Sep 25, 1935

Birthday Party and Family Reunion Was Enjoyed Here Sunday

The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Cardwell, on West Fifth avenue, was the scene Sunday, July 21, of a happy family reunion and birthday party, Mr. Cardwell will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Wednesday, July 24th, has many friends here and at Rice where the family has resided many years. Although he has been in bad health for more than a year, he was up Sunday and enjoying better health than he has for several months. He was the recipient of many nice gifts.

The following children attended the party; Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Cardwell, Rice; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Cardwell, Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cardwell, Fort Worth; Mr. and Mrs. Ira Cardwell, Rice; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Cardwell, Jr., Rita Santa; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Cardwell, Corsicana; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Harrison, Red Oak; Mr. Gay Miller, Crane; and Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Cannon, Skidmore.

There were twelve grandchildren present. Mrs. Cardwell's brother and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Will Blackmon of Corsicana also were guests. There were thirty-three persons who enjoyed this happy occasion.
Contributed

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, July 22, 1935
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• Rice Cemetery

Dorothy Yvonne (Welch) Callaway
Feb 1, 1932 - Sep 27, 2008

Yvonne Callaway passed away at Methodist Central Hospital in Dallas on Saturday, September 27, 2008. She was 76.

Yvonne was born in Red River County, Texas on February 1, 1932 to parents David Welch and Mary Jane Welch. She was raised in Valley Farm and graduated from Ennis High school in 1949.

On February 5, 1950 she married Olon Callaway, and they made their home in the Rice-Chatfield area.

For 20 years she worked as a Teller for Ennis State Bank. She was a member of the First United Methdist Church.

She is survived by her son, Clay Callaway, and his wife, Renee of Palmer; sisters-in-law: Earline Reese and Linda Gillespie; one brother, Don Welch, of Waco; one sister, Doris Neal, of Tyler; daughter in-law Pat Callaway-Budai; four grandchildren: Caitlin, Jacob, Corby and Carmony Callaway.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Olon Callaway; her son, Buster Callaway; brothers: Horace, Joe and Ken Welch and brother-in- law, Howard Callaway.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 2PM in Keever's Chapel, with visitation being held on Tuesday from 6:30PM-8PM.

Pallbearers will be: Mike Little; Jacob Callaway; Billy Patton; John Erisman; Jim Bain and Ronnie Freestone. Honorary: Ryan Walker; Alan Reese; Billy Gillespie, and Larry Little.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Buster Callaway Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Carmony Callaway @ 3522 Bremen St., Dallas, TX 75206.

Notes:

• Keever Funeral Home
• w/o Olon Earl Callaway married Feb. 5, 1950; d/o David Lorenza Welch & Mary Jane (Hill) Welch
• Rice Cemetery
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Gilbert Ira Burks
Jan 6, 1935 - Feb 12, 2009

Gilbert Burks, age 74, passed away on February 12, 2009. He was born in Hagansport, Texas on January 6, 1935 to Earl and Lillie Bell (Hollbrook) Burks, and married his wife, Helen, on January 10, 1962 in Harrah, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; 2 daughters, Darla Thornton and her husband Scott, and Kathy Hall; son, Delbert Burks and his wife Trisha, all of Ennis; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, and sister, Mary Ruth Miller of Talco, Texas.
Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons, Frank Hall and Robert Hall; brother, Buddy Burks; 4 sisters, Cleon Crouston, Sarah Sneed, Efie Burks and Verlin Burks.
Graveside services are scheduled for 2 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Rice Cemetery.

Notes:

• h/o Helen Elzada (Anderson) Hall-Burks married Jun. 10, 1962 s/o Earl Burks and Lillie Bell (Holbrook) Burk

Delbert Earl Burks
Jan 3, 1964 - Oct 23, 2012

Delbert Earl Burks, age 48, passed away October 23, 2012 at the Ennis Regional Medical Center. He was born January 3, 1964 in Grapevine, Texas to Gilbert and Helen (Anderson) Burks. On June 16, 1998, he married Patricia Sage. Delbert was a stay at home man who loved his family, watching movies especially westerns, rock and roll, and his pets.

Survivors include his loving wife of fourteen years, Patricia from Ennis; three children, Nathan Dale, Natalie Danielle, and Nicholas Ira; two step children, Holly Helms and her husband Ryan and Jacob Horrell; mother, Helen Burks of Ennis; granddaughter, Jordynn Salas; sister, Darla Thorton and her husband Scott of Ennis; two nephews, Robert Ebbert and his wife Kristine of Alabama, and Locke Ryan Sweeney of Ennis; three nieces, Crystal Hamonds and her husband Roy of Ennis, Mallory Sweeney and Tai Thornton of Ennis; and four great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Ira Burks, two brothers,Frank Hall and Perry Hall, and one sister, Kathy Hall.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M.. on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.

Graveside Services will be held at 3 P.M. Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Rice Cemetery.

Notes:

• Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• 1st wife Sophia Ann (Martinez) Burk 2nd wife Patricia Elaine (Sage) Horrell-Burk s/o Gilbert Ira Burk and Helen Elzada (Anderson) Hall-Burk

Josiah "Joe" Edmundson
Sep 23, 1854 - Nov 08, 1952

Joe Edmundson Services Sunday

Funeral services for Joe Edmundson, 98, who died at his home in Tupelo Saturday were held Sunday at 3 p.m. from the First Baptist church at Rice. Burial was in the Rice Cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Jack Bell, pastor of the church and Rev. G. C. Henry, Baptist minister.

A native of Chatfield, he had resided in Northeast Navarro county all of his life.

Surviving are a son, J. W. Edmundson, Anthony, N.M.; two daughters, Mrs. R. B. Burdine, Tupelo, and Mrs. J. E. Ayers, Dallas; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were John Bowden, R. M. Bowden, Clark McMullan, Pleas Mitchell, Ralph Wheeler and Ernest Cummings.

Corley directed.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Nov 10, 1952
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Kathy Darlene (Hall) Ebbert
Aug 15, 1956 - Mar 15, 2010

Kathy Hall passed away Monday, Mar 15,2010. She was born on Aug 15,1956, to Raymond and Helen (Anderson) Hall.

Survivors include her son, Robert Ebbert and his wife Kristine; her mother, Helen; sister, Darla Thornton and her husband Scott of Ennis; brother, Delbert Burks and his wife Patricia of Ennis; two grandchildren, Ethan Ebbert and Emilie Ebbert; nieces and nephews, Crystal, Lockeryan, Mallory, Tai, Nathan, Natalie, and Nicholas; great niece and nephew, Shane and Kiersten.

She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Hall, step-father, Gilbert Burks; grandmother, Mollie Anderson; grandfather, Bud Anderson; brothers, Frank Ray Hall and Robert Perry Hall; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside services were at the Rice Cemetery.

Notes:

• w/o Charles Robert Ebbert d/o Raymond Evans Hall & Helen (Anderson) Hall-Burks

Margaret Louise (Murphey) Fowler
Feb 5, 1924 - Jan 8, 2011

Margaret Louise Fowler

Margaret Louise Fowler, 86, passed away Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Weatherford, 221 W. Church St. Interment: 2:30 p.m. in Rice Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford.

Louise was born Feb. 5, 1924, at the Cummins family home in Chatfield, to Charlie Kay and Lillie Cummins Murphey. The Murphey family moved from Corsicana to the Cummins farm when Louise was a teenager. She graduated from Rice High School in 1941. Shortly after graduation, she went to work for Ennis Tag and Salesbook Company. In Ennis, she met William Price Fowler, who had enlisted as a cadet in the Naval Air Corps. After Price graduated as a Navy pilot, they were married on Jan. 25, 1945, in Sanford, Fla. They had been married for 60 years when Price passed away on July 21, 2004. Louise was a retired receptionist for Dr. Carl Whalen and Dr. John Merrick. She was a member of First Baptist Church for many years, working as a greeter for 60 years in the pre-school Sunday School Department. She was also a life member of Texas Parent Teachers Association and a member of Parker County Women's and Newcomers Club.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Larry Fowler; her brothers, Joe Murphey and Charles Murphey; and her parents.

Survivors: Son, Richard Fowler and wife, Connie, of Weatherford; daughters, Brenda Chandler and husband, Lyle, of Frisco and Linda Butler and husband, E.G., of Weatherford; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sister, Elizabeth Fitzgerald of Ennis.

Notes:

• 1941 Rice HS grad
• w/o William Price Fowler; d/o Charles Kay "Charlie" Murphey & Lillie Viola (Cummins) Murphey
• Submitted by Diane Richards
   

William Price Fowler
Apr 15, 1924 - Jul 21, 2004

William "Price" Fowler, 80, died Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital.

William Price Fowler was born April 15, 1924 in Ennis, Texas to Robert Allvin and Virginia Lee Peterman Fowler. Price served in the United States Navy during WWII where he flew Corsair airplanes. He moved to Weatherford in 1948. Price worked for Weatherford Oil and Tool for 38 years, retiring in 1986. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Fowler in 1984.

Survivors include wife of 60 years, Louise Fowler of Weatherford; son, Richard Fowler and wife, Connie of Weatherford; daughters, Brenda Bryant and husband, Danny of Garland, Linda Butler and husband, E.G. Jr of Aledo; brother, Jack Fowler of Riverside, CA; sister, Dorothy, Stringer of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Rod, Rene, Will, Donna, Pam, Price, Sherrill, and Brian; and 12 great grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled 10 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 at White's Chapel of Memories in Weatherford with Reverend Paul Porter officiating. Active Pallbearers for the service will be Richard Cummins, John A. Elders Jr., Paul Everroad, Jess Hall, Dave Lang and Boley Pearson. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Cummins, Jim Owen, Kelly Purvis and H.A. Thompson.

Interment services will be 2:30 p.m. in the Rice Cemetery, Rice, Texas.
The family will receive guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at White's Funeral Home, Weatherford.

Notes:

• Submitted by Diane Richards
• h/o Margaret Louise (Murphey) Fowler s/o Robert Allvin Fowler and Virginia Lee (Peterman) Fowler

Phyllis A. (Zimmerman) George
Jan 16, 1932 - Nov 21, 2011

Phyllis A. (Zimmerman) George, formerly of Rice and Ennis, Texas, entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 21, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. She had been residing with her son in Garland, Texas. She was born on January 16, 1932 in Lockport, New York, the daughter of the late Frederick A. and Elida (Arns) Zimmerman. She resided in Gasport, New York in her early life and was a graduate of the Royalton-Hartland Central School, class of 1952. Phyllis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Le June, North Carolina, where she met and married her husband, William George, who has predeceased her. She worked in the electronics industry for several years and trained new workers in the job program. She was affiliated with Anthony Drive Baptist Church of Ennis, Texas.

She is survived by her children: son, James Frederick (Sheri) George of Garland, Texas; daughter, Vicki Lynn (Willie) Young of Rice, Texas; four grandchildren, Lisa (Jack) Gifford, William Thomas (Dusty) Young, John (LeAnn) Young, and Billy (Sara) Young; seven great grandchildren; sister, Norma Z. Wollenberg of Gasport, New York; and a nephew, Bryan K. Wollenberg of Middleton, New York.

She was preceded by her parents, husband and a son, David Allen.

Graveside services are scheduled at 1 P.M. on Friday, November 25, 2011 at Rice Cemetery.

Notes:

• Marine
• w/o William George; d/o Frederick A. Zimmerman & Elida (Arns) Zimmerman
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Mary Laurene (Hobbs) Phillips
Nov 30, 1918 - Nov 9, 2010

Mary Laurene Hobbs, 91, passed away at the IOOF Nursing Home in Ennis on Tuesday, November 9, 2010.

Mary was born on November 30, 1918 in Stoney, Texas to Ekron A. and Bessie J. (Dodson) Phillips. She grew up in Ennis and attended school at Ennis High School. She married Lowell Russell Hobbs on October 5, 1935 and they made their home in Ennis.

Mary co-owned the Neat Shoppe. She was a member of the First Methodist Church. She enjoyed needle work and painting.

She is survived by two sons, Russell Dean Hobbs and his wife, Jennifer of Hearne, Texas and Kenneth Wayne Hobbs and his wife, Sandra Juana of Belton, Texas; one daughter: Peggy Joyce Ashworth of Irving, Texas; five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and one sister.

Graveside services will be on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Rice Cemetery with Rev. Keith Murray officiating under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Notes:

• w/o Lowell Russell Hobbs; d/o Ekron A. Phillips & Bessie J. (Dodson) Phillips
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Utah Mable (Cox) Hodge
Feb 20, 1918 - May 30, 2008

Utah M. (Cox) Hodge passed from this life in the early morning of May 30, 2008 in Richardson, TX, after a brief illness at 90 years of age. Utah was born in Edna, TX on February 20, 1918, the daughter of Euclid & Lula Cox, both originally from Alabama.
She was preceded in death by her loving & devoted husband, William Garth (Buck) Hodge on December 4, 1993. Also preceding her in death were her father, Euclid Flemia Cox 1970 and mother Lula Fairy (Wilson) Cox 1983 both of Ennis, and brothers Aubrey E. Cox of Corpus Christi & Raymond F. Cox of Lake Livingston, TX.

Utah is survived by her daughter, Margaret Ann (Hodge) Baggs and husband Floyd William Baggs of Sherman, TX and her son William Garth Hodge, Jr and wife Patsy Jo (Vytopil) Hodge of Richardson, TX. Also surviving are Grandchildren: Floyd William Baggs Jr, Van Douglas Baggs, Julie (Baggs) Hays, William Garth Hodge III, and Sarah Elizabeth (Hodge) Douglas. Surviving Great Grand children include five daughters and four sons.

Utah graduated from Ennis High School in 1936 and attended Scurry-Rosser schools in her younger years. Childhood friends from Scurry-Rosser, Opal Taliaferro and Daisey Heifners will miss her dearly. From the hard but action-filled childhood on a farm in south Texas, through the tough times of the depression, Utah brought strength of character, life-skills/knowledge & spirit of survivorship which lasted throughout her life.

Utah & Buck were married in Rockwall TX on November 12, 1939, and first settled in Rice, TX, home town of Buck's parents Will & Myrtle (Bell) Hodge. In 1943, they moved to Grand Prairie where Buck was employed by North American Aviation during WWII. In 1945, they moved to Ennis, creating their family home on Lampasas Street. As Christians, they were life-long members of First United Methodist Church and brought into their home the major influence of Christ & His teachings. Sunday School, morning services & MYF were regular family activities.

Utah, an original working Mom, was employed by Texas Power & Light Company/TXU in October 1953, was office clerk & secretary to the local office Manager, and retired in 1980 after 26.5 years. Buck was employed by United Publishing Co/Ennis Daily News and retired in 1980 after 35 years.

In addition to her career work, Utah was active in the Business & Professional Women's Organization and the First Methodist Church and spent her spare time raising two children. Square dancing, snowballs & polkas, 42 parties, Fair Park Musicals, gardening & canning, crappie fishing trips, arts & crafts fairs, Dallas restaurants & shopping: all were favorite pastimes. A loving wife, mother, grandma & outstanding cook, expert seamstress & dedicated homemaker, her recipes live on in the memories of her children & kitchens of her granddaughters.

Utah & Buck retired to the good life at their new home in Lake Palestine, TX where they enjoyed years of fishing, travel, friends & continued to build family memories. Grand children speak of the smells of Grandma's kitchen, robust tastes of holiday meals and excitement of Easter egg hunts.

Utah was a kind and creative and loving person and will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered by family & friends alike.

JE Keever Chapel Services are planned for 11 AM Wednesday June 4 with internment in Rice Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Notes:

• w/o William Garth �Buck� Hodge, Sr. d/o Euclid Fleming Cox and Lula Fairy (Wilson) Cox
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Rodney Scott Holt
Jan 13, 1932 - Feb 10, 2012

Rodney Holt, 80, passed away at his home on Friday, February 10, 2012 surrounded by his family. Rodney was born to Edith Clark and Amos Rufus Holt in Paris, Texas on January 13, 1932. He married Carolyn Graham in 1964.

Rodney is a Korean War Veteran where he spent 4 years in the Army driving a fuel truck to support the troops on the front lines. After his military service he became a self employed handy man. He was a jack of all trades, and a master of all. He worked for the State Fair of Texas, driving the Tram for 11 years, so he could be around people. He loved to dance, and loved people. He was a member of the New Haven Baptist Church in Dallas.

Rodney is survived by his wife Carolyn (Graham) Holt, one son Michael Hayes and his wife Wendy of Mesquite, five daughters; Debbie Ragstole and her husband James of South Carolina, Mary Andralliski and her husband Willy of South Carolina, Lisa Hailey and her husband Ronnie of Atlanta, TX, Tina Knott and her husband Freddy of Rice, and Terri Graves of Mesquite, twenty-one grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Rice, TX with Reverend Jimmy Daughey presiding. Interment will follow immediately at The Rice Cemetery in Rice, TX. A visitation will be held on Monday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis.

Notes:

• www.jekeevermortuary.com
• h/o Audgrey Carolyn (Graham) Hayes-Holt s/o Amos Rufus Holt and Edith (Clark) Holt
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Betty Jo (McMullan) Braddock-Horan
Mar 7, 1928 - Dec 15, 2011

Betty Braddock Horan, 83, passed away at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

Betty was born in Dallas, Texas on March 7, 1928 to David and Lillian (Alexander) McMullan. She grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1944. She married Johnie S. Braddock on March 28, 1946 after his death in 1999, she married her old high school sweetheart in March of 2007 John A. Horan.

She worked for the Tax office in Odessa, First United Methodist Church in Palestine and was Postmistress at Hilltop Lakes, Texas. She taught Sunday School and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Friends of the Library, Ennis Art Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed painting in oils and water colors, reading, Bible Study, traveling and had taught in Sunday Schools for more than seventy-four years.

She is survived by her husband: John A. Horan of Ennis; daughter Betty and her husband, Wayne Jackson of Ennis; daughter-in-law: Mary Braddock; step-son: Davis Horan and his wife, Carol; seven grandchildren: fifteen great-grandchildren: sister: Laverne Dryk of Mesquite and her special caregiver, Inez Fira. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Johnie Braddock, daughter, Jodi Ainsworth, son Mike Braddock and great grandson, Christopher Denson.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of her life will take place on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rev. Richard Moody officiating. Pallbearers will be Barry Johnson, Lane Johnson, Zach Johnson, Bryan Ainsworth, Dennis Braddock and Steve Huff. Interment will follow in Rice Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Notes:

• www.jekeevermortuary.com
• Ennis High School Grad. 1944 1st Husband Johnie Stephen Braddock married Mar. 28, 1946 2nd Husband John Allen Horan married March 2007 d/o David F. �Dave� McMullan and Lillian (Alexander) McMullan
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Sebron Franklin "Sebe" Newman
Nov 28, 1870 - Jul 16, 1934

Sebe Newman, Well Known Texan, Died In Ennis Monday

ENNIS, July 16.�(AP)�Sebe Newman, well-known Texas who has been in the government service at Washington since 1911, died here today of heart disease. Surviving him were his widow and four sons, Hartley and Cypert of Washington, Glenn, attached to the coast artillery in Panama, and Claude with the Southern Railway at Atlanta, Ga., and two daughters, Bill and Bertha of Washington. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Jul 16, 1934
• h/o Rebecca Jane (Whitfill) Newman; s/o Sebron Marion Newman & Malinda Redmon (Hawkins) Newman
• Rice Cemetery
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Jewel (Morris) Neyman
Feb 21, 1905 - Nov 23, 1933

CORSICANA WOMAN BURNS TO DEATH AT HOME PARENTS

MRS. NEWELL NEYMAN SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES WHEN PROVIDENCE HOME BURNS

Mrs. Jewell Neyman, aged 28 years , wife of Melvin Neyman, corner North Ninth street and East Second Avenue, died in the P. and S. Hospital, Friday morning at 8:40 o'clock from burns received when the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Morris at Providence was destroyed by fire about 1:30 Friday morning.

Funeral services will be held at the Rice Cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock where interment will be made. The services will be conducted by Rev. Henry of Rice.

Mr. Morris, father of Mrs. Neyman, stated that the fire apparently originated from a fireplace. Members of the family were awakened by the flames. Mrs. Neyman dashed into the burning room and her clothing were ignited. Members of the family were occupied with the extinguishing the flames from Mrs. Neyman's clothing and the house and all the contents were destroyed with the exception of a few clothes and one quilt. The house was a four-room structure. The house was located on the Mrs. Mary Goodin farm, known as "Old Lovett Farm."

Surviving are her husband, a son, Norman Dorris Neyman, aged 5 years, Corsicana; parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Morris, Providence; and a sister, Mrs. Wilma Weems, Corsicana.

The funeral will be directed by the Sutherland � McCammon Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, Nov 24, 1933
• w/o Melvin B. Neyman; d/o Frank Lafaette Morris & Jennie Viola (Fitzgerald) Morris
• Submitted by Diane Richards

---

FUNERAL SERVICES SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR VICTIM OF FIRE

Funeral services for Mrs. Jewell Neyman, aged 28 years, wife of Melvin Neyman, corner of North Ninth street and East Second avenue, who died in the P. and S. Hospital Friday morning at 8:40 o'clock from burns received at 1:30 o'clock Friday when the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Morris, Providence community, was destroyed by fire, were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Rice Cemetery where interment was made.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Henry of Rice.

The fire is thought to have originated from a fire in a fireplace. When the flames were discovered, Mrs. Neyman ran into the room with a bucket of water to try to extinguish the flames. Her clothing became ignited and considerable difficulty was experienced by other members of the family in putting out her flaming clothing. She was rushed to the hospital in an automobile.

The fire destroyed the house and all of the household effects and practically all of the clothes of the family.

Surviving are her husband, a five-year-old son, Norman Dorris Neyman, Corsicana; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Providence; and a sister, Mrs. Wilma Weems, Corsicana.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris reside on the farm of Mrs. Mary E. Goodin, known as the "Old Lovett farm." The residence is about 50 years old, Mr. Morris reported.

Pallbearers were Wiley Carden, Jack Jones, Bethel Goodin, Bernice Kirk, Talbert Harris and Lewis Tipton.

The funeral was directed by the Sutherland - McCammon Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Nov 25, 1933
• Submitted by Diane Richards

David Bruce Rachel
Dec 26, 1937 - Nov 20, 2011

DAVID BRUCE RACHEL, 73, of Texas City, passed away November 20, 2011 at his residence.

Solomon wrote that God has "set eternity in the hearts of men" (Ecc 3:11). David began living in eternity because he prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 10 (1947).

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Emken-Linton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 5:00 PM at Rice Cemetery in Rice, Texas. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City.

Mr. Rachel was born December 26, 1937 in Maud, Texas. He taught school in Texarkana, Texas City, and Mart for 50 years. He was a tennis coach for 17 years. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Texas City and most recently First Baptist Church in Riesel, Texas. He earned a BA and MA from East Texas State University.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Fran Rachel of Texas City; son Brett Rachel and wife Kristin of Grand Prairie, TX; daughter Becky Rachel of Texas City; sisters, Patricia Parker and husband Bill of Spokane, Washington, Rita Freeman and husband Roy of Texarkana, TX; sister-in-law Jeanelle Rachel of Greenville, TX and Farrel Nix and husband Eric of Meridan, Georgia; special cousin Janis Brewer of Texarkana, TX; grandchildren Caleb and Khloe.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Notes:

• h/o Melba Frances "Fran" (Jones) Rachel; s/o Clifton Clyde Rachel & Winnie Faye (Merritt) Rachel
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Royce Glenn Rasco, Jr.
Jan 14, 1959 - Jan 21, 2005

Graveside services for Royce G. Rasco, Jr. were held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Rice Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary. Mr. Rasco, 46, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He was born Jan. 14, 1959 in Corsicana, the son of Royce and Ila Jeanette Stephens Rasco. He was reared in Ennis where he graduated high school. He is survived by his wife, Rose Rasco of Waxahachie; his parents, Royce and Jan Rasco of Boyce; a daughter, Marcie Rasco of Ft. Worth; a brother and his wife, Rick and Linda Rasco of Ennis; and step-grandchildren.

Notes:

• 1st wife Cynthia G. (Coston) Rasco married May 5, 1978 2nd wife Rose A. (Moore) Rasco married Jun. 26, 1989 s/o Royce Glenn Rasco, Sr. and Ila Jeanette (Stephens) Rasco
• Rice Cemetery
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Betty Lou (King) White-Riggin
Oct 4, 1934 - Apr 7, 2014

Betty Lou (King) Riggin, 79, passed away in the Odd Fellow Home, Ennis, Texas, on Thursday, April 17, 2014. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2014, in Rice Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Betty Lou was born in Pampa, Texas, to the late Ezra C. King and Vasti (Stokes) King. She was a charter member or the Hurst Church of God in 1957, and was a manager of the Church Day Care in 1968. She retired as a PBX telephone operator at the H.E.B. Hospital of Bedford, Texas. She was a former resident of Hurst. She moved to Ennis, Texas, in 2010, and was a soloist and organist for the Methodist Church. She sang with the King Family and The Wills Family when she was living in Rice, Texas. She had been in the Odd Fellow Home of Ennis, Texas, for three years.

She is preceded in death by two brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include her sons, Jodean White and wife, Rhonda, and Randy White; daughter, Janet (White) Peacock; several grandchildren; sister, Annie (King) Trentham and husband, Joe; many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Notes:

• J. E. Keever Funeral Home
• 1st husband Donald Williams White 2nd husband Arleigh H. Riggin married Jan. 5, 1992; d/o Ezra C. King & Vasti (Stokes) King
• Submitted by Diane Richards

James Woodrow "Woody" Stanton, Jr.
Dec 26, 1947 - Feb 3, 2009

James "Woody" Stanton, Jr., of Wilmer, passed away in Dallas on February 3, 2009. He was 62.

Woody was born in Dallas on December 26, 1947 to parents James Stanton, Sr. and Annie Perigo Stanton. He was reared in Valley Farms and attended Ennis High School where he graduated in 1967. He attended Navarro College for two years. He work in Galveston for Standard Republic Auto Parts in their sales department for thirty years.

Woody is survived by his nephews, James Dodson; Marty and his wife Chris; Tony White; and Jeff White and his wife Tammy. One niece, Cindy Brummett. One sister, Bobby White of Wilmer, TX. Eleven great nieces and nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Richard and Sindy Perigo; and uncle, Harvey Perigo.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 2pm. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 6-8pm in Keever Chapel. Interment in Rice Cemetery, Navarro County, TX. under the direction of JE Keever Mortuary.

Notes:

• Keever Funeral Home
• Ennis Grad. 1967 s/o James Woodrow Stanton, Sr. & Annie (Perigo) Stanton
• Submitted by Diane Richards

George Harlan Swafford
Oct 31, 1893 - Jun 18, 1956

Rice Constable Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for George H. Swafford, 62, Rice Constable, who died in the Ennis Municipal Hospital Monday night following a heart attack, will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. from the First Baptist church in Rice. Burial will be in the Rice Cemetery. Swafford had resided in Ennis for 34 years.

Swafford had been constable of Precinct 2, Navarro county, the Rice-Tupelo-Chatfield-Roane area for several years and was a candidate for re-nomination, unopposed, in the approaching Democratic primary of July 25.

A native of Bardwell, Ellis county, he resided at Ovalon, San Angelo, Abilene and Roscoe before moving to Rice. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of Rice, three daughters, Mrs. Fred Ulrich, Gardens, Calif.; Mrs. Joe Jenkins, Little Rock, Calif., and Mrs. Floyd Brewer, Rice; a son, Sgt. John H. Swafford, Fort Ord, Calif.; two brothers, Wylie Swafford, Sunnyvale, Calif. And M. G. Swafford, Ennis; and nine grandchildren.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, June 20, 1956
• h/o Minnie Virginia (Donnelly) Swafford; s/o John Evans Swafford & Samantha Jane (Jones) Swafford buried in Ennis, Tx.
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Shirley Lois (Osborne) O'Neal
Jan 26, 1936 - May 11, 2011

Shirley Lois O'Neal age 75 of Duncanville, Texas, passed away May 11, 2011.

She was born Jan. 26, 1936 in Indiana.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 57 years, John Lloyd O'Neal, daughters, Sharon Leyhe and husband Arthur, Susie Starkey and husband Doug; son, Rick O'Neal; sisters, Marilyn and husband Rufus, Donna and husband Fred, Pat and husband Eddie; brother, Larry and wife Jill; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister Linda and brother Roger.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Rice Cemetery in Rice, Texas.

Visitation will be 6-8 Friday at Oak Crest Baptist Church, 1701, S. 5th Street in Midlothian, Texas.

Jaynes Funeral Chapel, 811 So. Cockrell Hill Road, Duncanville, Texas.

Notes:

• Dallas Morning News
• w/o John Lloyd O'Neal
• Submitted by Diane Richards

George Carl Otto
Feb 02, 1908 - Dec 09, 1973

George C. Otto

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Rice Cemetery for George C. Otto, of 1035 Voight and Houston in Houston, who died Sunday in Heights Hospital in Houston. Griffin Funeral Home is in charge of local services.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Otto of Houston; a daughter, Mrs. Martha Batton of Huntsville, Ala.; two grandsons; two sisters, Mrs. Hildegard Schilhab and Mrs. Anita Shine; two brothers, W. A. Otto and R. E. Otto.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, December 10, 1973
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Carolyn Bonita (Greener) Parish
Sep 13, 1946 - Jul 28, 2012

Carolyn Parish age 65, a life-long resident of Irving, died Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Baylor Medical Center in Irving. Born September 13, 1946 in Fort Worth, she was the daughter of Clifford M. Greener and Lila Tappe Greener. She married Eddie Lee Parish December 22, 1966 in Irving. She was a para-professional for over ten years at the Irving ISD. She worked in advertising for Super Pages almost fifteen years. A member of Plymouth Park Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her parents and parents by marriage, and her husband Eddy on November 7, 2009. Survivors include three daughters, Cristie Langham and husband Scott of Euless, Kimberlie Frazier and husband Terry, and Laura Sirmon and husband Jarrod, of Irving; eight grandchildren, Brandon Langham, Jordan Goocher and fianc� Carlos, Kaci Langham, Kelsey Langham, Jonathan Langham, Zacharey Frazier, Bayley Sirmon, and Dylan Sirmon; great grandson Karson Blaze Langham; sister Becky Cordrey and husband John of Hubbard, Texas; and brother-in-law, Danny Parish and wife Mari Kay of Rockwall. The family will receive friends at Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 W. Airport Freeway 6:00 � 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. The funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Jerry Hayes will officiate. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Rice, Texas.

Notes:

• Dallas Morning News
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• w/o Eddie Lee Parish married Dec. 22, 1966 d/o Clifford M. Greener and Lila (Tappr) Greener

James Earl Parish
Nov 10, 1929 - Jul 10, 2014

James Earl Parish, 84, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2014. Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday at Brown Trail Gospel Assembly. Graveside service: 2 p.m. Monday in Rice Cemetery. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olivet. James Earl was born Nov. 10, 1929, in Rice to the late John Elvis and Sarah Parish. He was a devoted member of Brown Trail Gospel Assembly and retired from Fort Worth ISD after over 20 years of service. James Earl was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. Survivors: Brother and sister-in-law, Don and Dot Parish; nieces and nephew, Pam Oliver, Gary Parish, Terry Stephens, Cindy Reynolds, Vanessa Warren, Rhonda Parish; and many cousins and extended family members.

Notes:

• Fort Worth Star-Telegram - July 13, 2014
• s/o John Elvis Parish & Sara Ella (Marriott) Parish
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Troy Lynn Pierce
Oct 1, 1955 - Dec 21, 2012

Troy Lynn Pierce, 57, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Friday, December 21, 2012.

Troy was born in Corsicana, Texas on October 1, 1955 to William Troy and Willie Mae (Coffey) Pierce. Troy grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School.

He worked for Data Documents for twenty-six years as a pressman. He was a member of Baylor Baptist Church of Ennis. He enjoyed reading and Rodeo's. He loved horses and hunting. One of his greatest joys was being with family and friends.

He is survived by one son, Eric Pierce, and his wife; two grandchildren: Andrew and McKenzie Pierce: one brother, Terry Pierce and his wife, Dorothy "Joey"; one sister, Melinda and her husband, Kevin Wachsman along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Rice Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. A time of visitation will be held at 12:30 on Friday, December 28, 2012 before the service in the cemetery at J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.

www.jekeevermortuary.com

Notes:

• Submitted by Diane Richards
• h/o Judy Gail (Krajca) Pierce s/o William Troy Pierce and Willie Mae (Coffey) Pierce

Horace Greeley Pollan
May 21, 1906 - Apr. 8, 1963

Horace Pollan Services Held

Funeral services for Horace G. Pollan, 56, Rice Route 1, who died in the Southern Pacific Hospital in Houston Monday were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Keever Chapel in Ennis with burial in the Rice Cemetery.

Surviving are his widow; a son, W. D. Pollan, Houston; two daughters, Nancy Lea and Janie Belle Pollan, both of Rice, three brothers, Dr. William Pollan, Sheridan, Wyo.; Jess Pollan, Rice, and John D. Pollan, Irving; three sisters, Mrs. W. V. McDowal and Mrs. R. E. Bounds, both of Rice and Miss Belle Pollan, Dallas.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, April 10, 1963
• h/o Macie Ann (Page) Pollan; s/o George Washington Pollan and Mary Frances (Malone) Pollan
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Dennis Alfred Smotherman
Jan 28, 1885 - Jan 29, 1962

D. Smotherman Expires Monday

Dennis A. Smotherman, former Corsicana resident, died in Terrell Monday. He was 77.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Corley chapel with Rev. Bruce Hibbitt, pastor, Missionary Baptist church, officiating. Interment will be in the Rice Cemetery.

An oil field worker, Mr. Smotherman was born Jan. 28, 1885.

Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Bettie Endsley, McLean; two nephews, Raymond Dalton, Pampa, and Finis Dalton, McLean; two cousins, W. H. Threet, Corsicana, and Mrs. Rachel Stewart, Corsicana, and other relatives.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, January 30, 1962
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• Never married; s/o Lorenzo Dow Smotherman & Mary Caldony � Kitty� (Smotherman) Smotherman buried in McLean, Texas.

Kelton David Spence
Mar 4, 1944 - Nov 9, 2007

Kelton Spence, 63, passed away Friday, November 9, 2007 at his residence in Ennis. He was born March 4, 1944 in Corsicana, Texas, the son of William and Rosa Lee Shue Spence. He was reared in the Hopewell Community and attended Alamo School and was a 1962 graduate of Ennis High School. He received his Associates Degree from Navarro College in 1981. On October 11, 1963, he married Linda Lott of Waxahachie. After their marriage they made their home in Ennis. He began his career in printing with Ennis Business Forms. Later, he worked for Crump Business Forms and then Data Documents, where he completed 32 years of faithful service. Kelton was a member of Hopewell Assembly of God and I.O.O.F. Lodge #227. He truly lived the Odd Fellow Valediction where Friendship, Love and Truth were his basic guides in life.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand and did many things behind the scenes without receiving the credit. He was the one that would make it happen. If there was a need, he would be making plans to meet that need before ever being asked to do so. Hobbies included metal detecting, mowing, and his and Linda's Friday night eat-out with friends. Kelton was known by many and loved by all.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Spence of Ennis; two sons, Chad Spence and his wife, Debbie, of Ennis, and Brad Spence and his wife, Shelley, of Ennis; one granddaughter, Lanie Spence, of Ennis; his sister, Elaine Hartman and her husband, Roger, of Chatfield; and his brother in the Lord, Lloyd Bigham and his wife, Retha, of Ennis. He is preceded in death by his father and mother.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, November 12, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Keever Mortuary. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 13, 2007 in the Keever Chapel with Pastor Tim Grant and Reverend Leroy Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in the Rice Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Danny Neel, Ray Spence, Kevin Taylor, Lloyd Bigham, James Choate, and Bill Rhinehart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hopewell Assembly of God, 160 Hopewell Road, Ennis.

Notes:

• Keever Funeral Home
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• 1962 Ennis graduate h/o Linda Ruth (Lott) Spence married Oct. 11, 1963 s/o William David Spence and Rosa Lee (Shue) Spence

Rosa Lee (Shue) Spence
Mar 9, 1923 - Jan 30, 2007

"Her children arise and call her blessed" Proverbs 30:28. Rosa Lee Spence passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, at the IOOF Nursing Home in Ennis. She was born March 9, 1923 in the Hopewell Community, the tenth and baby child of the late Thomas and Sedera Shue. She was reared in Hopewell and attended Hopewell and Alma schools. On Oct. 30, 1941 she was married to William Spence of Hopewell. After their marriage they lived in Hopewell and engaged in farming. She retired in 1985 after a 36 year career as professional seamstress, that included employement with Royal Park, Donovan-Galvani and Haggar Slacks. Rosa Lee was a woman of great faith and always kept God, family and church at the top of her priority list. She has been a member of Hopewell Assembly of God since it was established in 1935 and held many positions in the church that included Sunday School teacher, song leader, secretary and trustee. She could always be depended on to take food to the sick and bereaved and pray for them as well. Well done, good and faithful servant! She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years on Aug. 5, 1998. Also by her parents, four sisters and four brothers. She is survived by one son, Kelton Spence and his wife, Linda, of Ennis; one daughter, Elaine Hartman and her husband, Roger, of Chatfield; four grandchildren, Chad Spence and his wife, Debbie, of Ennis, Brad Spence and his wife, Shelley, of Ennis, Lori Hegar and her husband, Frank, of Hopewell and Kirk Hartman of Chatfield; four great grandchildren, Amber, Wesley, Brittany and Lanie; and a brother, Charlie Shue of Ennis. Visitation will be Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Keever Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Keever Chapel with Pastor Robert Jensen and Rev. W.W. Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in the Rice Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Lloyd Bigham, Jerry Hinkle, Kenneth "Pat" Patterson, Danny Neel, Delma Ray Spence and Sonny Travis. Honorary pallbearers will be Willis Patton, Jimmy Bain, Gene Dalrymple,Jackie Travis, Larrie Rae Neel and Raymond Shue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hopewell Assembly of God.

Notes:

• Keever Funeral Home
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• w/o William David Spence married Oct. 30, 1941; d/o Thomas Franklin Shue & Sedera Mary (Wiggington) Shue

John Quincy Travis
Oct 1, 1864 - Oct 24, 1931

JOHN Q. TRAVIS BURIED SUNDAY; DIED SATURDAY

John Quincy Travis, aged 67 years. Died at the home of his son, P. S. Travis, north of Corsicana, Saturday evening at 6 o'clock after an illness of 10 days, and the funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Baptist church at Rice with interment in the Rice Cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev. Bowman and Rev. W. H. Day of Rice.

Surviving are his wife, four sons, H. Travis and P. S. Travis, both of Corsicana; R. C. Travis, Rice; and S. A. Travis, Chatfield; two daughters, Mrs. Carrie O'Daniel, Chatfield, and Mrs. Ava Robinson, Seagoville; and eleven grandchildren.

Mr. Travis was a native of Texas.

The funeral was directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Oct 26, 1931
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• h/o Margaret Ann "Maggie" (Gooch) Travis s/o Simpson Travis & Jane (Harvey) Travis

Odis Ellis Sr.
Dec 24, 1924 - Feb 8, 2015

Odis Ellis Sr., 91, lifelong resident of Navarro County passed away at Twilight Nursing Home on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. He was born Dec. 24, 1924 to Coy Ellis and Minnie Ellis. He was a farmer, rancher and cattleman from around Purdon. He hauled hay with his two sons, Odis Jr. and Cecil. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ila Marie Gurley Ellis; three children, Odis Ellis Jr., Charlie Ellis and Linda June Ellis; one sister, Gillene Fowlers and two brothers, Coy Ellis Jr. and Dan Moody Ellis. He is survived by his two sons, Cecil Ellis and wife Pat and Chris Ellis; one daughter, Charlotte Brown and husband Eddie; two grandchildren, Malissa Armstrong and husband Ace and David Linder and wife Amy; great-grandchildren, Dustin Ellis and wife Lara, Michael Armstrong, Samantha Armstrong, and Cheyenne and Dakota Linder; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Younger Cemetery with Roland Wright officiating. Pallbearers will be nephews and grandsons. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• s/o of Coy Ellis & Minnie Ada (Foster) Ellis

Willie Jean (Arnett) Neal
Sep 13, 1948 - Feb 7, 2015

Jean Arnett Neal, 66, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the Kindred Hospital White Rock in Dallas. She was born Sept. 13, 1948 in Corsicana to J.T. and Edna Lee Arnett. She was preceded in death by her parents, J.T. and Edna Lee Smith Arnett; brothers, Charles Arnett and Jessie Arnett and wife Peggy. She married the sweetheart of her youth, James Neal Sr. on Feb 5, 1966. Jean was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She was very close to family, both hers and James'. She worked for her father JT Arnett until 1985, and then she devoted her time to caring for her aging parents and her grandchildren. Jean was a wonderful grandmother �Granny� who made sure to be a constant in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They always knew that they were going to get BIG hugs, and they had better not try to sneak out without one! In 2000, Jean started traveling on the job with James. Jean never met a stranger. She loved people, from all walks of life. Her bright smile, warm personality and caring heart earned her countless friends all over the United States. She kept up with them through the computer, social media and instant messaging. She loved gaming, visiting with people and swapping recipes. She was an extraordinary cook, and loved to experiment in the kitchen. She passed that interest on to both of her children, and to her grandson Wesley. Jean was an avid reader, and loved movies; action, crime/suspense and horror were her favorite. Jean loved animals, she has had pets of all kinds, and in fact she even named all the cows they owned through the years. She adored her two fur babies Molly and Dottie who have taken on her sweet and fun personality. Jean always had a smile and a hug for those close to her. She blessed lives of family and friends with her humor, wisdom and fun loving personality. Jean has left a wonderful legacy for her family to carry with them until they meet again. She is survived by her husband, James Wesley Neal, Sr. of Corsicana; daughter, Jamie Neal Whatley and husband Tim of Waxahachie; son, James Wesley �Bubba� Neal, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Corsicana; grandchildren, Ali Whatley of Dallas, Wesley Laiden Neal of Burleson, Clayton Delaney Neal of Corsicana, Kyle Wayne Springer and wife Kelsey of Humble and James Chase Springer of New York; great-grandchildren, Kanon Wayne Springer and Korie Rae Springer of Humble; sisters, Hattie Lee Arnett Barnett and Nella Flake �Giggi� Arnett Perry and husband Don; brother, Walter Arnett of Corsicana; mother-in-law, Etola Neal of Corsicana; sisters-in-law, Janice Neal Poteet and husband Rob of Athens and Carol Neal Franklin and husband Charles of Corsicana and Louise Arnett of Corsicana; brother-in-law, Lester Franklin Neal and wife Margaret of Flint; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends from all over. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Timothy Schane officiating. Interment will follow in the Hamilton-Beeman cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kyle Wayne Springer, James Chase Springer, Clayton Delaney Neal, Wesley Laiden Neal, Erik B. Hemingway, and Wyatt Callahan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following, the ASPCA at www.aspca.org, the Make a Wish Foundation at www.wish.org or the Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o James Wesley Neal, Sr; d/o Jessie Thomas Arnett & Edna Lee (Smith) Arnett

Myrtle Lucille (Hutchins) Gillian
May 16, 1930 - Feb 10, 2015

Myrtle Lucille Gillian, resident of Corsicana, passed away Tuesday morning, Feb. 10, 2015 at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village at the age of 84. She was born May 16, 1930 to Merideth and Nellie Hutchins in Henderson. She moved with her family to Navarro County area at 6 years of age. She later married her beloved husband and they raised their three children in Navarro County. She has always been known for the love she expressed towards her family, friends and even strangers she just met. She has been a life-time member of Roane Baptist Church where she so greatly loved attending. She is preceded in death by her uncle Walter Hutchins; husband Daniel Welton �Dub� Gillian; son David Gillian; daughter-in-law Evaungh Gillian Lawley; sister Katherine Sustaire, Marie Crenshaw, Doris Conger and half-sister Vera Sutton. She is survived by two daughters, Brenda and husband James McDonald of Kerrville, and Tresha Rash of Corsicana; her grandchildren, Julie Sykes and her two sons Paydon Sykes and Zachary and his wife Brenda, all of Corsicana, Sandi and Trevor Johnson of Canton, Jimmy McDonald of Austin, Danny McDonald and wife Christy of San Antonio, Dusty and Patrick Knotts of Waxahachie, Kenny and fianc� Trish of Dawson; one brother, James Hutchins of Eureka; and a very special niece, Elizabeth Howell of Temple. She also had 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home and also 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 with funeral services at 11 a.m. Officiating will be Russell Reed. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Parrish, Dale Sustaire, Joe Sustaire, Jimmy Crenshaw, Bruce Crenshaw, and Ken Howell. Honorary pallbearers will be Clifford Crenshaw and Jimmy Hutchins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roane Baptist Church. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 12, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o Daniel Welton "Dub" Gillian; d/o Merideth & Nellie Hutchins

Hubert Farmer
July 18, 1933 - Feb 3, 2015

Hubert Farmer, 81, of Kerens passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at Trisun. He was born July 18, 1933 in Barry to James H. and Dorothy Speegle Farmer. Hubert was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Kerens. He was an advocate of education, believing that each generation of his family received a higher degree than the previous. Hubert was known as a firm but generous man. He was a Golden Glove fighter who would give you the shirt off of his back. His hobbies included fishing, history and playing music with The Backporch Pickers. Hubert was very civic-minded, serving as a small-town mayor, member of Navarro County Crime Stoppers, and Navarro County Historical Society. He served many years on the Navarro Central Appraisal District Review Board and was awarded Kerens Citizen of the Year. Hubert worked seven days a week until he was 77 years old. Most of all, Hubert wanted to be known as a man of God. Hubert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sue Griffin Farmer; his children, Sherry and Bobby Henderson, and Ronald and Becky Farmer; grandchildren Chris and Angela Henderson, Shawn and Kacie Henderson, Brian Farmer, and Tiffany Vernon whom he considered his granddaughter. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Cayden Henderson, Kylie and Bailey Henderson, Megan and Cody McCaleb; a brother, Jim Farmer; close friends Holland Gregory and Harrison Sloan; and close family members Barry and Gail Albritton. Hubert's wishes were to have a private service.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Dorcas Elizabeth (Donnelly) Accipiter
Oct 13, 1931 - Feb 8, 2015

Dorcas Elizabeth Donnelly Accipiter was born Oct. 13, 1931 and passed from this earthly life on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. She was the beloved daughter of George and Lula Mae Donnelly. Dorcas graduated from Navarro College School of Nursing in 1988 and was a devoted, caring nurse for many years. She loved to paint and to sew. She loved animals of all kinds and took in many strays through the years. She was devoted to her family and was a fierce protector of people she loved. Dorcas loved her land - it was her greatest joy and she unselfishly shared it with many people. Lots of fun memories of bonfires and camp-outs. Mother loved music. She had an extensive collection of all types of music. We grew up listening to Ravel's Bolero, the Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Mother will be deeply missed by all the people who loved her, but she was ready for her next adventure and made the choice herself to let go of this world and move on to the next where she is dancing with the angels and singing with the saints. Dorcas was preceded in death by her husband, H.A. "Zip" Accipiter; her son, Michael Accipiter; and her grandson, Shawn Accipiter. She is survived by her daughter, Canitha Accipiter Graning; her son, Eric Donnely Accipiter; her granddaughters: Dawn Accipiter Brown, Susan Hebert St. Clair, and Kimberly Accipiter Lane; her grandsons: USAF Captain Jon Michael Graning and Allen Accipiter; her great-grandchildren: Seth and Darby Smith, Abigail and Phoenix Accipiter, Hayden and Merit Brown, and Ali and Blake Accipiter; her sisters: Loma Newberry, Patricia Hodges, and Shirley Hamill; her nieces and nephews: Dana Collins, Valli Morrow Wright, Rick Morrow, Glen Degner, and many great-nieces, cousins, and other family members. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Corley Funeral Home, 418 N. 13th St., Corsicana, Texas, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, with Rev. Canitha Graning officiating.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Frances Jean (Minatra) Petrea
May 12, 1949 - Feb 6, 2015

Mrs. Fran Petrea, 65, of Purdon passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015 in Purdon, Texas. She was born on May 12, 1949 in Corsicana, Texas to Billy Carl and Frances Massi Minatra. She was a member of the Pursley Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Carl Minatra. She is survived by her husband, Joe Petrea of Purdon; daughter, Teresa Windham and husband Roy of Corsicana; grandsons, Clayton and Nathan Parnell of Corsicana; granddaughter, Erin Freeman of Corsicana; mother, Frances Minatra of Corsicana; sister, Mary Ann Brooks and husband Terry of Purdon, brothers, Billy Max Minatra of Streetman and Roy Allen Minatra of Soldatna, Alaska; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. At her request she was cremated, and a graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Marshall Cemetery to bury her cremated remains at the foot of her father.

-----

Fran Petrea, 65, of Purdon passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 in Purdon.
At her request she was cremated, and a graveside service will be held at
3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Marshall Cemetery to bury her cremated remains at the foot of her father. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, February 10, 2015 Submitted by Karen Rost

Notes:

• w/o Joe Petrea; d/o Billy Carl Minatra & Frances (Massi) Minatra
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Mary Geneva (Bassham) Conner
Apr 25, 1923 - Jan 31, 2015
 

Mary Geneva Conner, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 in Granbury. Mary was born April 25, 1923 in Sand Lake to Wilburn and Roxie Donawho Bassham. She married Leonard Crouch Conner on Sept. 3, 1940 in Corsicana. She was a patient care and receptionist at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich. Mary was a member of Southside Baptist Church and Lakeside Baptist Church and loved to read and study her Bible. She loved sewing, making baby quilts, gardening and crafts. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on May 30, 2006; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and four siblings. Survivors include daughters, Frankie Lucille Crowe and husband Jerry, Mary Lyndell Torode and husband Eugene, and Cynthia Ann Baker and husband Don; 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister, Clovis Mason; and brothers, G.H. Bassham and James Bassham. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, At Wiley Funeral Home in Granbury. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana. Arrangements by Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 5, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o Leonard Crouch Conner; d/o Wilburn Bassham & Roxie (Donawho) Bassham

Robert Bobby Pippins
June 25, 1960 - Jan 29, 2015

Robert Bobby Pippins, 54, of Frost passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. Visitation will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at Frost Baptist Church, 101 E. Stroud St., Frost. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at Frost Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Wilder officiating. Interment will follow at Frost Cemetery. Arrangements by M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 5, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• s/o Bobby Pippins & Evelyn Peel Scott Pippins

Quin Larsen "Cheese Man" Cooks
Sep 9, 1967 - Jan 26, 2015

Quin Larsen Cooks 'Cheese Man,' 47, of Corsicana passed away Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. Visitation will be from 12 to 8 p.m., with family hour from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 13th Avenue Christian Church with Rev. Clyde Chambers officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangments by M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 5, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• s/o Delores Cooks

Francisco Arturo Torres Sr.
June 16, 1956 - Feb 1, 2015

Francisco Arturo Torres Sr., 58, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, Feb.
1, 2015. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. A small Family Service will follow at 7 p.m. in Griffin-Roughton Chapel. Rosary will be 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jason Cargo officiating. Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jason Cargo officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

----

Francisco Arturo Torres, Sr.

Francisco Torres passed away in Grand Prairie, Texas on Sunday night, February 1, 2015 at the age of 58. He was born June 16, 1956 in Ojuelos, Jalisco Mexico to Arturo Torres and Ma Belen Contras. He attended Immaculate Catholic Conception Church of Corsicana.

He was preceded in death by children, Hector Torres and Obed Torres. He is survived by his wife, Rosalinda Martinez Torres; parents, Arturo and Ma Belen Contreras Torres; children, Francisco Arturo Torres, Jr., Efrain Torres, David Alejandro Torres, Ana Lizbeth Torres, Maria Ruth Torres, Jezabel Torres, Dora Belen Torres, Luis Adolfo Torres and Walter Ulises Torres and fourteen grandchildren.

Notes:

• Griffin Roughton Funeral Home Obituary
• h/o Rosalinda (Martinez) Torres; s/o Arturo & Ma Belen (Contreras) Torres

Norma Ella (Stoll) Powell
Jun 26, 1926 - Feb 1, 2015

Norma Stoll Powell, 88, of Corsicana, Texas, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas. Norma Powell was born in Taylor, Texas on June 26, 1926 to Sam and Ida (Achtruth) Stoll. She and Idell Powell were married in 1945 and had over 28 wonderful years together before Idell passed away in 1973. Norma worked at the Adams Hat Factory for many years until her retirement in the early 1980's. She was strong in her church faith and a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. Norma was a loving wife, a great mother and grandmother, and an exceptional mother-in-law. She would drop what she was doing to help anyone who needed it. She was a care-giver to many family members and friends through their times of illness and need. Norma loved doing needlework, and crocheting, and painting. She made and donated many arts and crafts items to her church for bazaars and fund raising efforts. She crocheted blankets for all her family members. One favorite hobby of hers was fishing. She loved it and she was good at it. Norma will be greatly missed by her family and friends, especially by Betty Iverson, and Dwain and Marcie Lewis. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Idell; two brothers; two sisters; and a special friend, George Ray. Norma is survived by her sons, Dennis Powell and his wife, Debra, of Waxahachie, and James Powell and his wife, Jenell, of Tyler; grandchildren, Monica Tuley and her husband, Kelly, of Red Oak, Kevin Powell and his wife, Jessica, of Salado, Jason Powell and his girlfriend, Darlene Flores, and her daughter, Ashley, of Austin; Jody Powell and his wife, Ann, of Austin; great-grandchildren: Raegan Morris, Bradyn Morris, Reed Powell, and Austin Tuley. The Powell family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Hospice of East Texas, the staff of Bethany Home Health Care, and the staff of N-2 Motion Therapy for their excellent care of Norma during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX. 75701, or to Meals-On-Wheels of Navarro County, 1805 N. Beaton St., Corsicana, TX. 75110. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church in Corsicana, with Pastor Joe Mashburn officiating. Interment will follow the service in Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kelly Tuley, Kevin Powell, Jason Powell, Jody Powell, Ken Holubec, and Cliff Holubec.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 5, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o Idell Powell; d/o Sam Stoll & Ida (Achtruth) Stoll

Joallene "Jo" Watson Raymond
Mar 9, 1940 - Jan 31, 2015

Joallene "Jo" Watson Raymond, 74, of Cayuga, passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. She was born March 1940, in Palestine, Texas, to Allan T. and Joye Bailey Watson. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Donald R. Raymond; son, Kevin Willingham and daughter-in-law Traci Willingham; grandson, Wayne Allan Willingham; granddaughter, Codi Smiley and husband Bailey Smiley; three great grandchildren; and numerous cousins. Mrs. Raymond was an avid genealogy person and she attended the Eureka Methodist Church. Visitation will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Palestine. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Rodney Wallace officiating. Pallbearers will be John Pritchett, Jere Pritchett, Jeff Douglas, Wayne Allan Willingham, Chad Pritchett, and Cameron Pritchett. Honorary pallbearers will Kenneth �Buddy� Pritchett, James Pritchett, David Cronin, Charles Emola, Dale Sullins, Scott Cotton and Brent Cotton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or Judson Cemetery, C/O Cara Trammell, P.O. Box 455, Cayuga, TX 75832. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine. Burial: Judson Cemetery, Cayuga, Anderson County, Texas

Notes:

• Submitted by Karen Rost

Roger Dale Butler
July 23, 1937 - Feb 3, 2015

US Navy, Ret. CPO Roger Dale Butler, U.S. Navy Retired, went home Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 to be with his Lord and family. He was born July 23, 1937 in Olive Hill, Kentucky to Asbury Lawrence and Elizabeth Rose (Tabor) Butler. Roger was dedicated to serving his country, having served in the U. S. Navy for over 32 years in Vietnam, Guantanamo Bay and the Cuban Missile Crises. He retired on the U.S.S. America CVA 66 Aircraft Carrier in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion of Corsicana. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards and baseball. Roger loved spending time with his family and grandson Steven Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Billy Vernon Butler and Robert Eugene Butler; one sister, Brenda Butler Estes; sister-in-law, Susan Heinze Butler and two brothers-in-law, David Baker and James Estes. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Violet Butler; one daughter, Traci Lynn Bentley and husband Michael of Waxahachie; two sons Roger Dale Butler, II of Corsicana and John Fitzgerald Butler and wife Erin of Mississippi; six grandchildren including Steven Bentley and wife Brittney; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Ray Butler and wife Lorene and Lawrence Jack Butler and wife Lori; three sisters, Charlotte Fultz and husband Paul, Marlene Baker and Doris Stevens and husband Marty. Roger will be laid to rest at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home for Violet. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 West Main St., Waxahachie, Texas.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, February 7, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Maurine Cleveland
abt 1921 - Feb 9, 2015

Maurine Cleveland, 93, of Corsicana, passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Visitation will be noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, at M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Pastor Dairy Johnson and the Rev. J.R. Mosley officiating. Interment will be in Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 12, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 12, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• s/o Monroe Lee & Myrtle (Brown) Lee

Gregory D. Perkins
abt 1962 - Jan 31, 2015

Gregory D. Perkins, 52, of Dallas, passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015.
Visitation is 1 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at Ross and Johnson Mortuary. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at the Eastside Church Of Christ with Bro. Alton Albert officiating. Interment will follow at the Friendship Cemetery in Eureka. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 7, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Joanna (Jones) Newnam
Mar 2, 1924 - Feb 17, 2015

Joanna Jones Newnam, formerly of Dallas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 at her residence in Belton with her children at her side. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana, Rev. Alexander S. McLachlan officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana. A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. Monday preceding the service, in the foyer of the church.Following the burial there will be a reception/luncheon for family and friends in the fellowship hall of the church. Joanna Jones was born March 2, 1924 to parents Alger Jones and Mabel Kerr Jones at the family home on Ninth St. in Oak Cliff where she spent the first six years of her life. She was baptized into the Christian faith at Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church. Due to the Depression the family then moved and Joanna spent her childhood in several towns across Texas including Longview, Nacogdoches, Kilgore, Hereford, Pampa, Childress and Corsicana. It was during this time that she developed a love of reading, studying, and learning. She made her Profession of Faith at First Presbyterian Church in Kilgore. In 1936 the family returned to Dallas to another home on Ninth St. where Joanna attended W.H. Adamson High School. She was active in Girl Reserves, Junior Red Cross, Pep Club, Choir, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society. She was the Dallas Independent School District City Winner of the Spanish Essay-Writing Contest and graduated third in the class of 1941. Joanna married John W. Newnam on Sept. 27, 1941. She spent the war years in San Diego, California where she worked as a Nurse Aide in a hospital while her husband served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor. After the war, the Newnams returned to Dallas where their four children were born: Penelope, Pamela, John Calvin, and Noel Drew. The family remained in Oak Cliff where they attended Sunset Presbyterian Church, then Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Newnam was an active member of the Women of the Church, representative to Latin-American Auxiliary, Vacation Bible School Worker, and choir member. She was a stay-at-home mother/homemaker until her youngest child enrolled in first grade. Priorities of hers were taking care of her family, her home, cooking, sewing, and supporting her children in their activities. She was a compassionate person always ready to help those less fortunate. Her goal of making a happy childhood for her children was met as she saw to the many birthday parties, music lessons, pets, and college for them. Mrs. Newnam worked as a school secretary for the Dallas Ind. School District for 15 years. During the last years at that job, in the early 70's she enrolled in the Dallas County Community College District/El Centro College to take night classes in nursing. In 1975, Joanna graduated and became a Registered Nurse. From that time until her retirement she was employed by Methodist Central Hospital in the NICU dept. Upon retiring, Joanna moved to Kerrville to be near her son Cal and his family; later moving to Central Texas again to be near her children. She was a faithful and active member of Presbyterian Churches in Kerrville, Marlin, and Temple. In Temple she was a member of the Newcomer's Club and learned to play Mah Jong. Joanna was extremely proud of the Scottish heritage of her Kerr ancestors and their ties to Corsicana. Her parents were married in the Third Avenue Presbyterian Church of Corsicana which was to later become Westminster Presbyterian. Maternal grandfather was Calvin E. Kerr, son of Judge and Mrs. J.H. Kerr. Judge Kerr, his father, brothers, and cousins were some of Corsicana's earliest settlers. He served in a log cabin courthouse where the present one stands between Second and Third Avenues. Cal E. Kerr was born in his parents' home on the southeast corner of the intersection of West Third Avenue and North 12th Street. Cal Kerr was a devoted and faithful member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He took an active part in the union and reunion of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the Presbyterian Church in the USA. Joanna spent much of her youth living and visiting in Corsicana with her Kerr relatives who resided around and near the courthouse and are buried at Oakwood Cemetery. Preceding her in death were: her beloved sister Jacqueline Jones Sawicki in 2007, son-in-law Lewis Dimler in 2007, and John W. Newnam in 2014. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: daughters Penny Dimler of Annandale, Virginia, Pam Williams and husband Jim of Lott; sons Cal Newnam and wife Gayle of Georgetown, Noel Newnam of Louisville, Colorado; grandchildren Sarah Richards, Fairfax, Virginia, Drew Richards and wife Denise, Bristow, Virginia, Eric Newnam, Bryan, Brett Newnam and wife Morgan, Georgetown; great-grandchildren Colin Richards and Lorelei Richards, Bristow, Virginia; sister-in-law Iva Newnam, Richardson, brother-in-law/sister-in-law Billy Joe and Clara Newnam, Bossier City, Louisiana; �special daughter' Lupe Salvador, husband Ramiro, their daughters Paulina and Christina of Santa Fe, New Mexico; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends. Pallbearers will be: Jim Newnam, Jim Williams, Drew Richards, Eric Newnam, Brett Newnam, and Phil Sumrow. Honorary pallbearer is Sarah Richards.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o John W. Newnam; d/o Alger Jones & Mabel (Kerr) Jones

Hilma (Wilson) Reese-Ferguson
May 1, 1920 - Feb 15, 2015

Hilma W. Reese Ferguson passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, in Corsicana, Texas. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 at Corley Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana with Rev. Larry Talbert officiating. Hilma was born May 1, 1920 to Robert and Elizabeth (Ward) Wilson in Alma, Texas. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hershel Wilson and Hassell Wilson, and by a sister, Jean Willis. Hilma attended school in Corsicana and graduated in 1938. She married Curtis Reese Sr. in 1940. Hilma is survived by two sons, Curtis Reese Jr. of Purdon, and Bobby Reese of Alma. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Reese Ovalle. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Alan Reese of Ennis; Alisha Reese of Malakoff; Jessica Green of Corsicana; Amy Onsted of Sugarland; and eight great-grandchildren. Hilma worked at Memorial Hospital in Corsicana in the records department for over 15 years, and at Woodlawn Hospital in Dallas for five years. Curtis Reese Sr. passed away in 1962. Hilma married Leroy Ferguson in 1970. Two step-daughters surviving her are Suzanne Roman and Kathy Cranford, and a step-son, Mike Ferguson preceded her in death. She is also survived by step-grandson, Donnie Trull, and step-granddaughter, Amanda Grant. Five nephews also survive her: Tom Wilson, Alan Wilson, Bill Wilson, Johnnie Willis, and Richard Wilson. Her step-great-grandchildren are: Evan Grant, Tabitha Grant, Cadon Trull, Jace Trull, and Blayklee Trull. Daughters-in-law are Rita Reese, Virginia Reese, Wanda Mahoney, and Earline Reese.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o (1) Curtis Reese and (2) Leroy Ferguson; d/o Robert Wilson & Elizabeth (Ward) Wilson

Bessie Alyne Rushing
Jan 20, 1931 - Feb 12, 2015

Bessie Alyne Rushing, 84, passed away early Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2015 in Waxahachie. She was born Jan. 20, 1931 in Winkler, Texas. She retired from Adam's Hat Factory after 20 years. Alyne loved to crochet, sew and dance. She was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Corsicana. She was a very giving person who cared a lot about people, especially her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Alton Beasley. Survivors include one daughter, Cindy Price and husband David of Waxahachie; son, David Anderson and wife Arleene of Belmead; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Family First Hospice for the care they gave Bessie. Visitation for family and friends will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2014 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 W. Main St., Waxahachie, TX 75165. Graveside service and interment will be 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 at the Birdston Cemetery in Streetman. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 West Main St., Waxahachie.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 14, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• d/o Alton "Slim" Beasley (stepfather) & Bessie Beasley

Clara Jetonne (Tipping) Dill
Dec 17, 1934 - Feb 12, 2015

Clara Jetonne Tipping Dill passed away in Victoria, Texas on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015. She was born in Navarro County to the late Walton Ocie and Jimmie Loraine Fulton Tipping on Dec. 17, 1934. Jetonne was raised in Navarro and Scurry counties and graduated from Snyder High School. She was a member of Faith Family Church in Victoria. Jetonne spent her childhood in west Texas where she and her sisters loved spending time together. They would take many family vacations together with their families and truly cherished their time together. She always looked forward to gathering around the dinner table after cooking a big meal for all to share. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She loved to sew Christmas decorations and was best known for her amazing, customized stockings she would hand-make and cover in prayer for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Jackson Hardgrave in 1984, and sister, Billie Sharon Neyman. She is survived by her husband, John W. Dill; her identical twin sister, Clemmie Joanne Tipping Sterling (husband Mickey); brother-in-law, Jeff Hardgrave (wife Madelyn); her daughters, Rhonda Elliott (husband Loyd), Sharon Burns (husband Darryl,) and Kathy Hedin (husband James); her grandchildren, Caleb Shaw (wife Tiffany), SSgt. Josiah Shaw (wife Sarah), Jared Shaw, Faith Burns Roberts (husband Luke), Seth Burns and Hope Burns of Victoria, Jessica Haser (husband Bill), Jennifer Galindo, Tiffany Dominguez (husband Nico), Whitney Gaspar (husband Martin), and Laney Warren (husband Joe), Scott Dill(wife Margie), Suzanne Dill Sellers (husband Richard), Nancy Dill Alderman (husband Stuart) and Stephanie Dill Fugina (husband Matt); numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Pallbearers will be Caleb Shaw, Josiah Shaw, Jared Shaw, Seth Burns, Kevin Neyman, and Luke Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Warren, Martin Gaspar, Bill Haser, Nico Dominguez, and Jeff Hardgrave. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jetonne's honor to Warrior's Weekend, 3603 Miori Lane, Victoria, Texas, 77901 or Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust, Victoria, Texas, 77901.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 14, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• w/o (1) Charles Jackson Hardgrave and (2) John W. Dill - d/o Walton Ocie Tipping and Jimmie Loraine (Fulton) Tipping

Campbell Miller "Sonny" Gillespie, Jr.
Dec 15, 1923 - Jan 31, 2015

Campbell Miller "Sonny" Gillespie, Jr. passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Coley Gillespie, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in August. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Gillespie Grant and W. Dee Grant, Jr. of College Station and his son, Campbell M Gillespie, III of Edmond, Oklahoma; six grandchildren: W. Dee Grant, III, Abbey Gillespie, Sean Grant, Shelby Gillespie, Elyssa Grant and Jillian Gillespie; and one great-granddaughter Declynn Gillespie. Campbell was born in Corsicana, Texas to Campbell and Artie Gillespie. He graduated from Corsicana High School in 1941 and attended Hillsboro Jr. College until enlisting in the Army during World War II. He trained in aviation and radio repair in the Army Air Corp and received an honorable discharge in November 1945. He received his Bachelor degree in Textile Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1950. He returned to Corsicana working for Stroube Oil Company and Community Water Company. He married Frances Elaine Coley Aug. 14, 1954. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church serving several sessions as an elder. Campbell enjoyed family (especially grandchildren and great-grandchild), plants, birds, bridge, watching sports and reading. With Elaine's encouragement, he learned to enjoy world travel. He continued to learn throughout his life, purchasing a computer in his 70's, and researching both of their families genealogy. He was quietly active in his beloved hometown, volunteering with Family Service, Community Service and Meals on Wheels. He was truly a member of the "Greatest Generation." A private burial service took place on Feb. 1, 2015 at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 312 North 13th Street, Corsicana with the Rev. John Conley officiating. Visitation will follow in the church parlor. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• h/o Elaine (Coley) Gillespie; s/o Campbell Miller Gillespie, Sr. and Artie (Birdwell) Gillespie

Brinkley Snowden Jr.
Jan 20, 1938 - Jan 25, 2015

Mr. Brinkley S. Snowden, Jr., age 77, of Streetman, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. He was born in Madras, India to Brinkley S. Snowden, Sr. and Margaret Anderton Borland Snowden. His parents were serving as missionaries in India at that time. Brinkley served in the U.S. Navy during the Viet-Nam War and received numerous accommodations. He loved everything about boats and water. He joined the Coast Guard after college and was still active in the Coast Guard Reserve during his retirement. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a master's degree and worked most of his life for Exxon Mobil as a chemical engineer. He and his wife, Judy loved to travel and sail everywhere. They enjoyed sailing with other couples and retired to the Richland Chambers Lake area to be close to the water during their retirement years. Other boaters said that Brinkley was the �go to guy� whenever there were boating questions that needed answering. Visitation with the family was help on Thursday, January 29, 2015 and followed by a funeral service at Corley Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas Q. Robbins officiating. Graveside services with military honors in Memphis, Tennessee are planned for February 7, 2015 at Elmwood Cemetery.

Notes:

• Submitted by Karen Rost

---

Brinkley Snowden Jr., 77, of Streetman passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Services are pending at this time with Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Jane Emily "Mimi" (Warwick) DeLoach
May 24, 1932 - Dec 31, 2014

Jane Emily "Mimi" Warwick DeLoach, 82, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 31.  2014, in Corsicana. She was born May 24, 1932, in San Antonio to Firman Newton and Mary Margharite Warwick. She earned her nursing degree in 1953 from John Sealy College of Nursing in Galveston. She was married to Asa William DeLoach on Aug. 22, 1953. After raising her family, Mimi went on to achieve her Master's Degree in Nursing from Texas Women's University in Denton and began her doctoral work. She went on to serve as Professor of Nursing at the UTMB Nursing School in Galveston and in later years was Director of Nursing at Villa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. She also served as Assistant Professor of Nursing at Navarro College in Corsicana. Mimi spent her retirement years in Waxahachie where she enjoyed endless hours in her gardens and went on to become a Master Gardener and member of the Ellis County Chapter. Through Mimi's strong faith, she was very active in her church, St. Paul's Episcopal and was a devoted member of the Daughters of the King. She also enjoyed participating in numerous medical missionary trips to South America. But most of all, Mimi enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren and collie, Honey. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by two sisters, Carol �Bucky� Smith of New Braunfels and Margaret "Margy" Shoen and husband Don of Columbus; two daughters, Jane Marguerite Clark and husband Tom of Celina and Anne Warwick Shelton and husband Mark of Corsicana; four grandchildren, Meghan Clark Stewart and husband Derrick, Garrett Clark, Matthew Shelton and Kayla Shelton; and one great-grandchild, Abigail Margharite Stewart and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to St Paul's Episcopal Church, Waxahachie, Ellis County Master Gardener Association or your choice. A celebration of Mimi's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 624 Ovilla Rd, Waxahachie.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 12, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Jeanette (Reznicek) Matous
Nov 26, 1943 - Feb 9, 2015

Jeanette Reznicek Matous, 71, entered into rest on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 in Waxahachie. Jeanette was born on Nov. 26, 1943 to Charlie and Carrie (Kuapil) Reznicek in Forney, Texas. She grew up in Forney and attended Forney High School. On Nov. 22, 1962 she married John G. Matous and they moved to Rice, Texas where they have remained. Jeanette worked for Rice ISD as a Librarian for over 25 years. She was a member of the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, the Altar Society, KJZT and WFLA. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. Her husband, children and grandchildren were her life. She is preceded into rest by her parents, two brothers, Charlie and Frank and one sister, Betty Ann. Her memory will be carried on by her husband, John G. Matous; sons: John M. Matous and wife, Janet, Jason Matous and wife, Sharon; daughters: Julie Moore and husband, James and Jennifer VanZuuk; six grandchildren: Lane, Dylan, Hayley, Riley, Trey and Matt; one great-grandchild, Jett; two brothers: Louis Reznicek and Mike Reznicek and one sister, Nancy Reznicek Parker. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 in the J. E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of the Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father John Dick as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 12, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Herbert Lee Elder
Sep 10, 1963 - Feb 12, 2015

Herbert Lee Elder, 51, of Corsicana, Texas was taken home to be with his Lord on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Navarro Regional Hospital. He was born on Sept. 10, 1963, at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas to the late George Waylon Elder and Margaret (Janie) Smith Elder. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memories are Marilyn Valentine (his wonderful and loving sister and caretaker); his brother, George William Elder; his uncle, Billy Elder; his nieces, TSGT Mindy Valentine Owens and husband Woody, Crystal Valentine Allen, Samantha Valentine Boyd and husband Chris, Starr Valentine Young and husband Bobby, and Marsha Valentine. He leaves behind numerous great nieces and nephews, Haley Smith; MaKayla Allen; Jared, EJ, and Kenton Owens; Kelli and Aiden Boyd; and Hanna, Andrew and Kameron Valentine. Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at Eureka Cemetery in Eureka.Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 14, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• s/o George Waylon Elder & Margaret "Janie" (Smith) Elder

Charles Hayden Harris
Dec 21, 1927 - Feb 18, 2015

Charles Hayden Harris, 87 of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at Heritage Oaks West. He was born Dec. 21, 1927 in Eureka to William H. Harris and Margaret Singleton Harris. Charles was a past mayor of Eureka. He was a member of the National Cutting Horse Association. He was a cowboy that loved riding his cutting horses. He was full of life and enjoyed joking with his close friends. He is survived by his wife Mary Lee Harris; son Donald Walton and wife Brenda of Eureka; grandson John Hayden Walton and wife Lindsey of Corsicana; great-grandson Luke Hayden Walton; brother Kenneth Harris of Pearland, and numerous friends. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Eureka Cemetery with Sam Dilbeck officiating. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• h/o Mary Lee Harris; s/o William H. Harris & Margaret (Singleton) Harris

Douglas Jefferson York
Mar 16, 1934 - Feb 1, 2015

Douglas Jefferson York, resident of Corsicana, passed away at Navarro Regional Hospital on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 at the age of 80. He was born March 16, 1934 in Corsicana to Preston G. and Addie Anderson York. He was a retired crop duster and flight instructor.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings R. L York, Imogene Henthorn and Dorothy Featherston and step-daughter, Tammy Steely.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Steely York; four daughters, Karen
(Larry) Fate of Cedar Creek Lake; Karla Allen of Burleson; Kimberly
(John) Remonte of Corsicana and Kelly (Brendan) Culloty of Corsicana; grandchildren, Sara Crocker of Crowley, Mary Longbotham of Burleson, William Culloty of Corsicana and Taylor Mooneyhan of Corsicana; one great-grandson, Maddox Crocker; step-sons, Kevin and Tim Steely of Corsicana and Wes Steely of Grapevine. He is also survived by his sisters, Ella Mae Robinson and Laverne Dudley, Corsicana and Johnnie (John Ross) Pye, Fairfield; several nieces, nephews and other extended family.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to Heritage Oaks Retirement Village where he has lived for the past year.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 14, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Betty Jane (Lennon) Grimes
abt 1930 - Feb 12, 2015

Betty Jane Lennon Grimes, 84, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, Feb.
12, 2015 at Twilight Nursing Home in Corsicana. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Calvary Worship Center with Dr. Gary W. Johnson and the Rev. Michael Bedard officiating.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, February 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Etigney Verdune Shipley
Apr 28, 1923 - Feb 14, 2015

Etigney Verdune Shipley was born April 28, 1923 in Gun Barrel City, Texas and lived a full life always surrounded by people that loved him dearly. Etigney went to rest on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 passing in his sleep while recuperating from hip replacement surgery in December.

He was a Navy Veteran, having served our country from 1941 to 1947, and was honored with an Asiatic and Pacific ribbon with four stars, World War II Victory Medal and a Medal of Good Conduct.

Etigney was affectionately known as "Smiley" because he was always smiling and full of stories and jokes.

He was a very talented man who could do anything from building houses to carving arrowheads out of glass and bone. He loved to build furniture, work in his gardens and tinker around with just about anything. Etigney loved his roses, which is evidenced by the many beautiful rose bushes around their home in Corsicana. He was also a very talented artist, and worked in many mediums from oil to sculpture.

After retiring many times, from many and varied types of positions, his last tour of duty was with Walmart, where everyone in town knew him as the Nightime Greeter. He loved to tell stories about chasing down the boys who would try to steal beer from the store.

Preceding Etigney to Heaven were his father, Lige Shipley and mother Effie Lee Russell Shipley Monds and stepfather Luther Monds.

Etigney is survived by his loving wife, Suddie, and children Renea Shipley Raymond (married to Roger, children Joshua and Rebecca), John Roy Hall and, residing in the Dallas area, Etigney Jr., Christine and Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Floydena Coker and brother M. D. Shipley, many nieces and nephews, and cousin J.N. Jones and Family.

Visitation will be held at Corley Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.
18, with a service immediately following. Pastor Floyd Petersen will officiate. Private graveside service will be held later.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• Men and Women in WWII

Ralph Matthew "Matt" Dawson
Mar 20, 1916 - Feb 17, 2015

Ralph Matthew �Matt� Dawson, attorney, judge, law professor, and deeply beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. He was 98. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Waco, with the Dr. Matt Snowden officiating. Visitation with be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Born on March 20, 1916, to Dr. Joseph Martin Dawson, minister of First Baptist Church of Waco, and Mrs. Willie Turner Dawson, Matt was the fourth of five siblings. After graduating from Waco High School in 1933, he earned a B.A. from Baylor University, followed by a law degree from Baylor University Law School in 1938. His flair for public speaking, as well as his fierce competitive drive, proved invaluable to his career as a champion debater; the law seemed an inevitable choice for talents that included an incisive intellect and an instinct toward fine-tuned dramatic arguments. After law school, Matt established his first legal practice in Longview, dealing with the proliferation of energy industry cases that the oil boom had spawned in East Texas. In 1942, he stood in an election for a specially-created Gregg County Judgeship, with the result that, at age 26, he became what was at that time the youngest judge ever to sit on a Texas bench. A tour of service as Medical Corpsman in the United States Navy during World War II ended with a decision to join a law office in Corsicana, which he and his older brother eventually developed into the firm of Dawson and Dawson; this evolved through several iterations into Dawson and Sodd. As the long-term trial attorney in the brothers' partnership, Matt argued hundreds of cases in courts all over Texas with almost invariable victory, representing civil clients from railroads and corporations to private individuals. In 1972, after 35 years of practice, he was asked to fill the Leon Jaworski Chair in Practice and Procedure at Baylor Law School. His former students have often testified as to his teaching effectiveness: "Matt Dawson had everything to do with whatever level of success I have achieved," Dary Stone (JD '77), 2009-2011 chairman of the Baylor University Board of Regents has said. �He taught me how to prepare, how to communicate, and he taught me how to win. He influenced me more than any professor I ever had.� Bill Kirkman (JD '78.), also commented, �He would work with us from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., though he still had a law practice to run and classes to teach. He was a master with words but also was an example to us. We're all practicing law today because of what we saw in Matt Dawson.� While director of Practice Court, Matt was nationally renowned for the triumphs of his mock trial teams, which won two national competitions and nearly every regional competition over a period of 10 years. He was also responsible for starting the tradition of mini-trial competitions. Twice each year Baylor Law School awards the 'Mad Dog,' an 18-inch bronze statuette of Matt Dawson, to the winner of the Wortham Top Gun mini-trial competition (the nickname 'Mad Dog,' assigned to him both by his professional peers and his students, was 'due to his fervent passion and fighting spirit'). A life-size bronze statue depicting Matt delivering a summation to a jury is located outside the Practice Court classroom at the Baylor University Law School. A group of former students, alumni, and friends of Professor Dawson, determined to ensure the Law School's ability to maintain a Trial Advocacy professor of his caliber, have founded a professorship in his name. After Matt retired from academia in 1983, he resumed his trial practice for another two decades. During that time, he tried or evaluated a number of landmark cases and decisions, joining forces with Joe Jamail and Jim Kronzer of Houston to litigate the 1985 Pennzoil vs. Texaco suit (which resulted in the largest judgment ever awarded in world history up to that point: $11.1 billion), and accepting the request to weigh all the evidence and pronounce as to the justice of the 1985 verdict found against Brown and Root (reportedly the largest cash legal settlement in U.S. history at that time) in the South Texas Nuclear Project suit. Matt's long list of professional honors include his induction as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers�the first from a small Texas city; Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer, as named by the Texas Bar Foundation; one of Texas Lawyer's 102 Lawyer Legends: the Most Influential Lone Star Attorneys Of The 20th Century; and Texas Monthly's oldest Super Lawyer for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Matt's marriage to Princess Louise Markham of Longview in 1939, sealed a devoted alliance that would last for more than 60 years, give life to five children, and bring great love, joy, and adventures to both partners. Together, Matt and Princess Louise brought their children up with high ethical ideals, a strong commitment to educational excellence, and a philosophy of positive contribution; they also encouraged a balance between spiritual faith and rational inquiry. Matt is survived by his five daughters and sons: Donna Fisher of Stanford, California, and her husband, Dr. Robert Fisher; Rebecca Brumley and her husband, Jon Brumley, of Fort Worth and Granbury; Mark Dawson and his wife, Mary Dawson, of Waco; Carol Dawson of Austin and her husband, Jeffery Poehlmann; and John Dawson of Henderson and his wife, Allie Dawson. In addition, he leaves 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 11 nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children and grandchildren. Matt's grandsons will act as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are William Carden, Jerry Dyer, Dr. Eugene Fung, Leland Gustin, Dr. Harold Lecrone, Jerry Powell, Roy Ed Price, Dr. Ross Shipp, Glen Sodd, Judge Robert Stem, and Dean Brad Toben. In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to Baylor University School of Law.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Mel W. Tipton
Feb 23, 1929 - Feb 6, 2015

Ten-gallon hats tipped at the pearly gates on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, as Mel W. Tipton ordered one more for the road and passed away, with his family beside him, at home in Rancho Mirage, California, after valiantly battling congestive heart failure. Just two weeks shy of his 86th birthday, he left an inspirational legacy of loyalty, kindness, hard work and an unwavering belief in pursuing the American dream. Mel was born on Feb. 23, 1929, to Maxine and Parhum Preston Tipton of Corsicana, Texas. Losing his mother at age 9, his extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents were critical to his upbringing. He joined the Navy at the end of World War II and was tasked with escorting traumatized soldiers home, an experience which left a profound impact on him. After his discharge, he attended Navarro Junior College, where he played football. His pioneer spirit emerged and he struck out for Alaska. Arriving in 1952 (while still a territory), with just a duffel bag and a 'can-do' attitude, he worked three jobs and saved enough to start a business. His father joined him and they founded Anchorage Furniture & Bedding, the only mattress and furniture manufacturer in Alaska. Mel later founded Tipton's Interiors, a Spenard commercial district anchor for 15 years. Mel also invested in real estate, eventually subdividing thousands of acres in Homer and several Matanuska Valley developments including the Settlers Bay golf community. He also developed the Bayview Building on Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage, where he spent a great deal of time in his later years. He was especially proud of fighting for Alaska statehood and hosting Richard Nixon as Alaska's GOP Chairman in 1960. Other causes included the preservation of Ship Creek, the Millionaire Club charity and the Seattle Seahawks. He was a member of the Washington Athletic and Seattle Golf Clubs. Mel reunites in Heaven with his daughter, Cynthia Tipton. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Brenda of Rancho Mirage and Seattle, Wash.; as well as sons, Mark Tipton (Diana) and Melvin Tipton Jr. (Sherry) of Atlanta, Ga. He is also survived by daughters, Whitney Tipton Ahearn (Daniel) of Washington D.C., and Stacey Tipton Reiman (Robert) of Anchorage, Alaska; as well as granddaughters, Alissa Tipton and Julia and Catherine Reiman; and grandson, Robert Reiman. Mel's biggest joys centered on family and his adopted state of Alaska. Encouraging all to dream big, he loved visiting with people everywhere. He always had an ear they could bend and a few dollars to spare. May the angels lift Mel's spirit to the highest heights, where his newest adventure awaits. A celebration of his life will be held in Alaska later this year.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Shirley Perry
abt 1940 - Feb 12, 2015

Shirley Perry, 74, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Navarro Regional Hospital. She was cremated, per her wishes, and her ashes will be interred along with her husband's in a memorial service at a later date.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Jack Rodger Williams Jr.
Oct 24, 1946 - Feb 12, 2015

Jack R. Williams Jr., 68, of Temple passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at a local hospital. Jack was born Oct. 24, 1946 in Corsicana to Jack Rodger Williams, Sr. and Frances Inmon. He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1965. He married Paula C. Cotney and attended Texas A&M at Commerce. He worked as a Vice President of Human Resources for major corporations and was also a consultant. He attended St. Paul Methodist Church in Temple. Jack enjoyed baseball and golf, but his family, and most especially his grandchildren, were his pride and joy. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jack R. Williams, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Paula; daughters Corrine Warren and husband Tony of Tyler, and Heather Williams of Temple; son Jason Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren Justin and Jaydin Williams; his mother, Frances Williams; brother James Williams of Temple; sister Rena Taylor and husband Kenneth of Belton; three nieces, and three nephews. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at the First Baptist Church in Kerens, Texas with Dr. Philip Shuler officiating. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Scott & White Memorial Hospital ICU Unit for the care that they provided to Jack. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the �Gift of Life� volunteer work in Beaumont, Texas. Arrangements by Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Feb 14, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Purna Lee (Cutbirth) Dixon
Oct 22, 1927 - Feb 11, 2015

Purna Lee Cutbirth Dixon, 87, died peacefully surrounded by her children on February 11, 2015 at her home in Frost, Texas. Purna Lee was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on Oct. 22, 1927 to John Aubrey Cutbirth and Doris Nadine Douglas Cutbirth. She had one sister Patsy Ruth Cutbirth Mcdonald Wellman who preceded her in death. Purna Lee graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1945 and attended Hardin College (now Midwestern State University). She married the love of her life, William B. Dixon (Billy) on July 14, 1947 in Wichita Falls, Tx. They were married fifty nine years before his death in 2007. She missed him every day and spoke often of going home to be with him again. She was a devoted housewife, loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Laura Elizabeth (Betsy) Hansbrough and her husband Dennis of Kansas City, Mo., William B. Dixon, Jr and wife Karen of Bryan, Tx John Robert Dixon and wife Lee of Hingham, Mass. Carol Ann Erwin and husband Roy of Sanger, Tx, and Milly Ann Vickery and husband Bobby of Frost, Tx. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, Emily Hansbrough and fianc� Denny Quinn, William B. Dixon III (Ben), Andrew Hansbrough, Zachary B. Dixon, Sarah Erwin Seidel and husband Vic, Molly Erwin Butler and husband Kirk, Margaret Hansbrough, Caitlin Dixon, Charley Erwin and wife Ana, Margaret Dixon, Mary Vickery Verett and husband Taylor, and Jesse Vickery. She also had three great-grand children, Atticus Seidel, Grace Seidel and Cora Quinn. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family lived in Wichita Falls, Cheyenne Wyoming, Leesville La., Grapevine, Tx, Carthage, Tx, Tyler, Tx and finally she moved to Frost, Tx when she was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's disease. She and Bill traveled extensively with his job and she was able to make the trip of a lifetime to Europe. She enjoyed traveling and especially loved to accompany her husband in his work travels. Purna Lee enjoyed all kinds of music and passed that love down to her children. She loved reading and had an extensive library in her home. She treasured each and every book she owned. She was a seamstress and also enjoyed embroidery and quilting. She had many treasured friendships and she was a true and faithful friend herself. She encouraged her husband in his hobbies and passed the love of reading to her children. She had deep and abiding faith in God. She loved her family, friends, the Aggies, and she found such pleasure and beauty from the smallest things. She was the moral compass that gently and subtly brought our family back to center. She was a formerly a member of the Wichita Falls Junior Forum. She was a former member of First Christian Church in Wichita Falls and was presently a member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Tyler, Tx, She was also a member of various garden clubs, East Texas Medical Center Auxillary, and Highland Presbyterian Church Choir. She is preceded in death by her husband William B. Dixon, her parents John and Doris Cutbirth and her sister, Patsy Ruth Wellman. Visitation will be held at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana, Texas on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at City Cemetery in College Station, Texas on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Bob Bray officiating. Pallbearers will be Ben Dixon, Zac Dixon, Andrew Hansbrough, Jesse Vickery, Taylor Verett, and Vic Seidel.

----

Purna Lee Cutbirth Dixon, 87, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at her home in Frost, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 at City Cemetery, College Station. An online guest book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost

J. W. "Dub" Jenkins
Mar 13, 1929 - Feb 18, 2015

J.W. �Dub� Jenkins, 85, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. He was born March 13, 1929 in Olney, Texas to Willie Jenkins and Nora Whitley Jenkins. He was a member of Trinity Assembly of God. He is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Frances Jenkins in 2006; wife, and Billie Lewis Jenkins in 2013. He is also preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Wallace Junior Jenkins; son, Bruce Jenkins; sister, Aline Odom and brothers, Ralph Jenkins and Harvey Jenkins. He is survived by his six children, Curtis Jenkins of Cleburne, Wallace Jenkins, Sr. of Corsicana, Doris Cates and husband John of Corsicana, Karen Williams of Corsicana, Nelda Doolittle and husband Scott of Huntsville and Martha Norman of Corsicana; one brother, Billy Jenkins of Corsicana; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Post Oak Cemetery in Malakoff. Pallbearers will be David Jenkins, Randal Jenkins, Eddie Jenkins, Brian Jenkins, Douglas Jenkins, David Bell, Preston Williams and Joe Norman. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015
• Submitted by Karen Rost