Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Jessie Lee Frazier
Feb 26, 1876 - Mar 6, 1961

Frazier Rites On Wednesday

Funeral services for J. L. Frazier, 85, life-long Roane resident, who died in Twilight Home Monday night, were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from Corley Chapel.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Carl W. Quattlebaum, pastor of the Central Baptist church, and Rev. J. M. Fannin pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; a daughter, Mrs. Mae Lee Conner, Corsicana; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Jesse Burrow, Loyd Roberson, D. F. Roberson, Herman Roberson, Garland Gray and Orville Glenn.

Notes:

Wilson Martin Spradling, Sr.
1886 - Sep 23, 1915

Remains Interred This Afternoon.

The remains of the late W. Martin Spradley, who was killed by a train at Blooming Grove Thursday night, were interred at Oakwood this afternoon at 4 o'clock. The funeral took place from the home of J. R. Brown, father-in-law of the deceased, 422 South Twelfth street.

Conductor C. H. McMillan, of the train on which the unfortunate young man worded, speaks of him in the highest terms. Mr. McMillian says that he was not only faithful to his duty, but was intelligent and ambitious, and very anxious to rise in his chosen work, and he feels sure that had he lived, he would have risen much higher in railroad service.

Notes:

Wilson Martin Spradling, Jr.
Aug 27, 1914 - Mar 31. 1959

Corporation Court

W. M. Spradling, Wilmer, notified police Tuesday of the discovery of the burglarizing of his mother�s home at 701 South Sixteenth street, sometime within the past two weeks. (Spradling later was stricken with a heart attack and was dead on arrival at Memorial Hospital at 5 p.m. Tuesday.)

Spradling said they had missed an electric iron, a woman�s wrist watch, a waffle iron, necklace, new tea pot and some perfume. Entry had been gained through a kitchen window.

Notes:

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Heart Victim Burial Here

Funeral services for W. M. Spradling, 44, of Wilmer, who was dead on arrival at Memorial Hospital late Tuesday following a heart attack here, were held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist church in Wilmer. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery here.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Lee Gray, pastor of the church, and Rev. Clarence Waller, Dallas minister.

Spradling was looking after the home formerly occupied by his late mother, Mrs. Corine Millican, 701 South Sixteenth street, when he was stricken. Mrs. Millican died early last month.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary K. Spradling; a daughter, Mary M. Spradling; a son, Andrew N. Spradling, all of Wilmer; an uncle, Cody Brown, Corsicana; three aunts, Mrs. Inez Millican, Corsicana; Mrs. Leila Ballew, Amarillo and Mrs. Florence McDermia, Houston; and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Jack Holder, Ulmer Newman, Wayne Echols, Gordon Johnson, John Lemley, Hilton Standifer.

McCammon directed.

Notes:

Corine (Brown) Spradling-Millican
Feb 9, 1895 - Mar 7, 1959

Mrs. Millican Rites Monday

Mrs. Corine Millican, 64, widow of the late W. N. Millican, 701 South Sixteenth street, died Saturday afternoon at the home of her son, W. M. Spradling at Wilmer.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Missionary Baptist church with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Bruce Hibbitt, pastor.

Surviving are her son of Wilmer; two grandchildren, Mary Martin Spradling and Andrew Niles Spradling, both of Wilmer; a brother Cody Brown, Corsicana; two sisters, Mrs. Inez Millican, Corsicana, and Mrs. Florence McDermia, Houston, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were J. F. Lockerd, E. P. Stewart, Lloyd Stubbs, Clyde Stubbs, R. A. Gordon and Dewey Grimes.

McCammon directed.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Mar. 9, 1959
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband Wilson Martin Spradling, Sr. 2nd husband Willie N. Millican married Dec 27, 1916; d/o John R. Brown & Emma (Redden) Brown

William Niles "Willie" Millican
Dec 23, 1889 - Nov 26, 1953

W. N. Millican Dies Thursday

W. N. Millican, 63, retired oilfield worker died at the family residence, 701 South Sixteenth street, shortly before noon Thursday after an extended illness. Funeral arrangements are pending.

He is survived by a widow; one son, Martin Spradling of Dallas; one brother, I. H. Millican of Corsicana; four sisters, Mrs. Grace Wiggins and Mrs. Bill Lumpkin, of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Buddy Hawkins of Corpus Christi and Mrs. Cap Starks of Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

McCammon will direct.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Nov 26, 1953
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Corine (Brown) Spradling-Millican married Dec 27, 1916; s/o Andrew Lockridge Millican & Cornelia Ann (Parish) Millican

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Willie Millican Rites Saturday

Funeral services for Willie N. Millican, 63, retired oil field worker, who died Thursday following an extended illness, will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the Missionary Baptist Church.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Riley E. Dale, pastor of the church. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana, a son, Martin Spradling, Dallas; a brother, I. H. Millican, Corsicana; four sisters, Mrs. Grace Wiggins and Mrs. Bill Lumpkin, both of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Buddy Hawkins, Corpus Christi; and Mrs. Cap Starks, Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Shirley F. Millican, Wilson Chappell, Jim Coggins, Eddie Campbell, Floyd Stubbs and E. E. Hamberlin.

McCammon will direct.

Notes:

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Oil Field Worker Rites Saturday

Funeral services for Willie N. Millican, 63, who died Thursday following an extended illness, were held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the Missionary Baptist church.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Riley E. Dale, pastor. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Millican was a retired oil field worker.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana, a son, Martin Spradling, Dallas; a brother, I. H. Millican, Corsicana; four sisters, Mrs. Grace Wiggins and Mrs. Bill Lumpkin, both of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Buddy Hawkins, Corpus Christi; and Mrs. Cap Starks, Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Shirley F. Millican, Wilson Chappell, Jim Coggins, Eddie Campbell, Floyd Stubbs and E. E. Hamberlin.

McCammon directed.

Notes:

Josephine Virginia Watkins
Nov 1, 1911 - May 15, 1915

DIED VERY SUDDENLY.

Passes Away After a Few Hours� Illness.

Yesterday just after noon Josephine Virginia, the bright 3-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Watkins was taken suddenly ill, her condition becoming serious as soon as she was taken. A physician was summoned and the malady pronounced infantile paralysis. After lingering till 8 a.m. this morning the little girl passed away and the remains will be interred in Oakwood tomorrow afternoon at 4:30, the funeral taking place from the family home, 949 West Sixth avenue.

Mr. And Mrs. Watkins have the sympathy of their many friends in their great sorrow.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, May 15, 1915
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • d/o Thomas Newton Watkins, Sr. & Eunice (Yarborough) Watkins married Oct. 27, 1908 buried in Forest Parklawn Dale , Houston, Texas.

Margaret Olive "Ollie" (Shankles) Megginson
Mar 27, 1858 - Mar 17, 1915

DIED LAST NIGHT.

Mrs. Olive Megginson Leaves Husband and Four Children

Mrs. Olive Megginson, wife of C. B. Megginson, died at the family home, 712 South Fourteenth street, at 10 o'clock last night after several weeks� illness, aged 56 years, and the remains were interred in Oakwood this afternoon at 4:30.

Surviving the deceased is her husband, C. B. Megginson, and four children, Counsel Megginson, Corsicana; Mrs. W. M. Jones, Tehuacana; Gus Megginson, Mexia, and Mrs. J. L. Moreland, Corsicana.

Notes:

Charles B. Megginson
Apr 14, 1859 - Dec 16, 1937

FORT WORTH MAN TO BE BURIED OAKWOOD CEMETERY SATURDAY

C. B. Meggison died in Fort Worth Thursday morning after lingering illness. Funeral services will be held at the Guardian Funeral Home in Fort Worth Saturday morning at 11 o'clock and a brief service will be held at Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock where interment will be made.

Surviving are two sons, Gus Meggison, Mexia, and W. C. Meggison, Irving; two daughters, Mrs. Will Jones, Tehuacana, and Mrs. John L. Moreland, Fort Worth; and several grandchildren.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements here.

Notes:

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FUNERAL RITES FORT WORTH MAN HELD SATURDAY

Funeral rites for C. B. Meggison, who died in Fort Worth Thursday morning, were held at Oakwood cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, where interment was made. Services were also held in Fort Worth Saturday morning at 11 o'clock.

Surviving are two sons, Gus Meggison, Mexia, and W. C. Meggison, Irving; two daughters, Mrs. Will Jones, Tehuacana and Mrs. John L. Moreland, Fort Worth, and several grandchildren.

Sutherland � McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements here.

Notes:

William Council Megginson
Sep 12, 1879 - Jan 23, 1944

WM. C. MEGGISON DIED SUDDENLY AT IRVING ON SUNDAY

Funeral services for William C. Meggison, age 65 years who died suddenly Sunday at Irving, were held from the Corley Chapel Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J. I. Cartlidge conducted the rites and interment was in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. C. E. Lancaster, Bowie; Mrs. Louise Hewitt, Houston; a son, Sidney Meggison, Dallas; a brother, Gus Meggison, Mexia; two sisters, John L. Moreland, Fort Worth; Mrs. Will Jones, Tehuacana, a granddaughter and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Nathan Crouch, Jester Pittman, J. B. Lancaster, Walter Castles, Ramsey Wilson & Charlie Bee.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Jan 24, 1944
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Agnes Lorene (Meador) Megginson married Jun. 21, 1899; s/o Charles B. Megginson & Margaret Olive �Ollie� (Shankles) Megginson

John Glenn Nelson
1840 - Jun 17, 1915

CONFEDERATE VETERAN DEAD.

Remains Interred in Oakwood This Afternoon.

J. G. Nelson, aged 75 years, and a Confederate veteran, who lived in the Cotton Factory row on South Eleventh street, died at his home last night, and the remains were interred in Oakwood this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The deceased is survived by his widow and several grown children.

At the funeral Rev. T. H. Jenkins officiated and E. L. Bell, J. M. Galloway, J. D. Hamilton, H. G. Damon, Rev. J. S. York and J. W. Duren acted as pallbearers.

Notes:

Mary (Wilson) Morgan
Aug 8, 1843 - Dec 20, 1915

Remains Interred This Morning.

The remains of the late Mrs. Mary Morgan, who died Monday night, were laid to rest in Oakwood at 10 o'clock this morning, Rev. B. W. Vining, pastor of the First Baptist church officiating and a large procession followed the remains to their last resting place and many beautiful bowers were placed above her bier.

A noble Christian mother has gone to her reward, and her stricken children have the sympathy of a large number of friends in their sorrow.

Notes:

Cassie Corrine (Daniels) Blackwell
Sep 29, 1926 - Jun, 2015

After a brave fight against cancer and in the peaceful confines of home, Corrine Blackwell was called to her Heavenly rest the morning of Sunday, June 14, 2015. She lived a long and full life and the world will be an emptier place without her. She was born in Corsicana on Sept. 29, 1926, to J.L. and Pearl B. Daniels.

Corrine was many things in this life � daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, restaurant and business owner, waitress, antique dealer, dancer and dance teacher, garage saler, and a constant ray of light in a world that�s far too often dark. She loved life and lived it to its fullest. Her heart was joyful and loving and many stray animals found a home because of that. She had an even larger and softer heart for the people of this world, always saw the best in others, and made it her duty to try to help them see it in themselves.

Mayor April Sikes declared Sept. 29, 2002, �Corrine Blackwell Day� in honor of the positive way Corrine lived her life and the positive impact she had on the community. At the time, she was quoted as saying, �Everybody needs love. I need love, but before you can get anything, you have to give a little back,� and she was true to her word. One could not come into contact with Corrine and not walk away feeling more loved than they did before, nor could they walk away without loving her in return.
To be loved by her was to be loved completely and unconditionally.

She was easily recognized by her loud, sincere, and contagious laugh and that laugh will live on in the memories of all who ever heard it. It was rare to walk away from an encounter with Corrine and not have a bigger smile than you had before you ran into her and not have heard something positive about yourself. She applied that positive attitude to her own life and even during her years battling illness and enduring chemotherapy, she never gave up, never complained, always had a smile, and continued to find joy and laughter in life. Although illness weakened her body, it could not weaken her laugh, and her strong, loving spirit stayed with her until the very end. She had a personal relationship with God that was her own and shared that joy with those around her. Corrine was one of God�s many voices in this world � comforting those in sickness and pain, bringing smiles to faces that lacked them, helping others find gratitude in what they had, and passionately loving those around her. She will be missed by her family, friends, and community, but will never be forgotten.

Corrine was preceded in death by husbands, Bill Blackwell and Smith Edward Gilliam; a son, Ron Blackwell; sisters Leila Faye Whitfield and Carol Lou Rogers; and brothers Joe Douglas Graves, Sonny Daniels, and Ed Daniels.

She is survived by daughters, Carolyn McCrory of Crowley and Barbara Cantrell of Burleson; sons, Ricky Blackwell and wife Shanna of Corsicana and Steve Blackwell and wife Karen of Corsicana; grandchildren, Timothy McCrory of Keller, Tobey McCrory of Ft. Worth, Dennis Russell and wife Leslie of Houston, Rodney McCrory and wife Sheri of Burleson, Michelle Mannke and husband Joe of Burleson, Richelle Blackwell Perry and husband Kacy of Corsicana, Ivy Blackwell of Dallas, and Andrew Blackwell of Euless; great-grandchildren Brittany McCrory, Whittany Wimberly, Christopher McCrory, Katy McCrory, Brooke McCrory, Allie McCrory, Emma Mannke, Nikolas Russell, and Kolton Perry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Westhill Church of Christ with Ferman Carpenter officiating, 3400 W. Highway 22, Corsicana, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Navarro County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1734, Corsicana, Texas 75151, or the City of Corsicana Animal Shelter, 617 S. 12th St., Corsicana Texas 75110.

Notes:

Catherine Jane �Jennie� (Clary) Allen-Jones
Oct 1, 1841 - Dec 28, 1916

TO BE BURIED TOMORROW.

Remains of Former Corsicana Lady Will Arrive Tomorrow.

The remains of Mrs. Jennie C. Jones, formerly of Corsicana, will arrive here tomorrow morning at 9:30 on the Cotton Belt and will be buried from the train. Interment will take place in Oakwood. The deceased formerly lived here. She is survived by one son, Arthur C. Jones and a brother Sid Cleary, formerly of Grape Creek, community, but now of Sibinal, Texas, where Mrs. Jones died. Another son, R. J. Allen, formerly sheriff of this county, died a few years ago.

The pallbearers will be Wesley Edens, H. E. Kinsloe, H. B. Davis, George E. Jester, Will Elliott and Judge Blanding.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, Dec 29, 1916
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband William J. Allen 2nd husband Tim Jones married Nov. 11, 1865 (son William Arthur Jones death certificate says father is Oswell Jones); d/o Jesse Clary & Susana Carson (Smith) Clary

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REMAINS INTERRED HERE TODAY.

Lady Resided Here for Many Years and Was Highly Esteemed.

The remains of the late Jennie Jones, for many years a resident of the Retreat community and of Corsicana, but who had lived for the past few years at Sabinall west of San Antonio, were brought here this morning at 9:30, and interment took place in Oakwood, the funeral procession forming at the Union Station, where many old friends had assembled to attend the last sad rites. Rev. Fort officiated and B. L. Davis, E. W. Edens, Will Elliot, Geo. E. Jester, J. M. Blanding and H. E. Kinsloe acted as pallbearers.

There were many beautiful flowers sent by those who knew and loved the deceased during her long life here.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones, son and daughter-in-law of the deceased accompanied the remains here.

Notes:

May (Wilson) Labeth
Sep 17, 1882 - Mar 1, 1915

Died Last Night.

Mrs. Mary Labeth, wife of Charles Labeth, aged 33 years, died at the family home, 515 North Fifth street, at 9:30 last night and the remains were interred in Oakwood this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

Notes:

William Arthur Jones
Jun 14, 1869 - Jun 21, 1950

W. Arthur Jones, Veteran Mail Carrier, Dies

W. Arthur Jones, 81, pioneer resident of Navarro county and a veteran mail carrier, died at his home in Uvalde early Wednesday after a long illness.

Born in what is now the Pickett community, Jones carried the mail in Corsicana and Navarro county for 24 years, leaving her in 1915. He had carried a star route in Uvalde for some time prior to his death. He was a younger half-brother to Bob Allen onetime sheriff of Navarro county.

Alay service will be held from the Corley Funeral Chapel Friday morning at 11 o'clock. All members of the Woodmen of the World lodge here are asked to be present to have charge of graveside rites at Oakwood cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Bell Chandler Jones, Uvalde, a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Albert Young, Walter Hayes, Ed Childress, Walter Hammett, Wiley Robinson, Luther Larrison, Alfred E. Highnote, Jerry Roe, Jack Megarity and Walter Roberts.

Notes:

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Held Friday For W. Arthur Jones

Funeral services for W. Arthur Jones, 81, pioneer Navarro county resident and veteran rural mail carrier, were held from the Corley Funeral Chapel Friday at 11 a.m. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery. The WOW Lodge had charge of the rites.

Native of the Pickett community, Jones was a rural route carrier out of the Corsicana post office for 24 years before he left Corsicana in 1915. He operated a star route out of Uvalde for a number of years.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Belle Chandler Jones, Uvalde, and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Albert Young, Walter Hayes, Ed Childress, Walter Hammett, Wiley Robinson, Luther Larrison, Alfred E. Highnote, Jerry Roe, Jack Megarity and Walter Roberts.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, June 23, 1950
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Sallie Belle (Chandler) Jones s/o Oswell Jones and Catherine Jane �Jennie� (Clary) Allen-Jones (death certificate says father is Oswell)

Sallie Belle (Chandler) Jones
Jun 27, 1876 - Apr 26, 1954

Tuesday Services For Mrs. Jones

Funeral services for Mrs. Sallie Belle Jones, 77, formerly of Corsicana, who died in Uvalde Sunday night, were held from the Corley Chapel Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. J. L. Bridges, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Surviving are two nieces, Mrs. Joe Wilcox, Uvalde, and Mrs. L. H. Vills, Lagrange and several other nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jones was the widow of the late William Arthur Jones who died Apr. 2, 1950 here.

Pallbearers were Luther Larrison, Walter Hayes, Jerry Roe, Jack Megarity, John J. Garner and George B. Campbell.

Notes:

John Murray McGee
Sep 10, 1903 - Dec 19, 1970

Son of Mr. E. S. McGee Sick With Typhoid Fever.

John Murray, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. McGee, is reported quite sick. He had been suffering with Typhoid fever for some time but had so far recovered as to be able to be up Christmas day. In the afternoon of that day his fever came up again and he has been confined to his bed since.

Notes:

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McGee Rites Set Monday

Funeral services for former Corsicana resident John M. McGee will be held Monday at 9:30 a. m. at the Robert Mueller Harper Chapel in Fort Worth. Officiating will be Rev. Sam Husley.

Graveside rites will be held at Oakwood cemetery at 2 p.m. Monday.

Mr. McGee had been a resident of Fort Worth 24 years, moving there from his hometown of Corsicana. He was born Sept. 10, 1903. He was a retired government administrator, serving as regional director of the Government Service Administration.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Mrs. R. W. Goodman, Jr. of Houston; and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Ed M. Polk, J. M. Dyer, Sr., Dave Kelton, Dr. Lesley E. Kelton, John R. Corley, Bob Bowles, A. H. Berry and Clay Berry.

Notes:

Mary Frances (Johnson) McGee
Feb 23, 1903 - Apr 1, 1972

Mrs. McGee

Graveside rites and burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Oakwood cemetery for Mrs. Mary Frances McGee, 69, Houston, widow of the late John M. McGee of Corsicana. The Rev. Sam Husley, former pastor of St. John�s Episcopal Church, will officiate with services directed by Corley Funeral Home.

Mrs. McGee was the daughter of the late Congressman Luther A. Johnson, Sr., of Corsicana. She died Saturday in Houston.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Robert W. Goodman of Houston; four grandchildren; a brother, Luther A. (Sonny) Johnson, Jr., of Corsicana; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Albert Berry, Clay Berry, Wiley Johnson, R. R. Prigmore, Robert B. Bowles, the Rev. Robert B. Bowles, Jr., James E. Fortson and W. A. Lang.

Notes:

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Mrs. McGee

Graveside rites and burial for Mrs. Mary Frances McGee, 69, Houston and former Corsicana resident, were at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Oakwood cemetery. The Rev. Sam Hulsey, former St. John�s Episcopal Church pastor, officiated with Corley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

She was the widow of the late John M. McGee and daughter of the late Congressman, L. A. Johnson, Sr. of Corsicana.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Robert W. Goodman, Houston; four grandchildren; a brother L. A. (Sonny) Johnson, Jr., of Corsicana; and several nieces and nephews.

Notes:

Turner Adelaide (Read) Johnson
Sep 13, 1879 - Sep 3, 1960

Mrs. Johnson Dies Saturday, Rites Sunday

Mrs. Turner Read Johnson, Sr., 80, wife of Judge Luther A. Johnson, died early Saturday at the Navarro Clinic following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. from the McCammon chapel. Dr. Matthew H. Arnold, former Westminster Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Eugene E. Wood, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian church, and Rev. Sam Hulsey, rector, St. John�s Episcopal church, will conduct the rites. Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Johnson made Corsicana her home about 30 years prior to her husband�s election to Congress when they moved to Washington, D. C. They lived there an additional 30 years before moving back to Corsicana 10 years ago.

Mrs. Johnson was born Sept. 13, 1870.

Survivors, other than the husband of Corsicana, are one son, Luther A. Johnson, Jr., Corsicana; one daughter, Mrs. John Murray McGee, Washington D. C.; five grandchildren; Mrs. Sam Hulsey and Mrs. Leonard Fuller, both of Corsicana; Mrs. R. W. Goodman, Jr., and Mrs. William Browder, both of Houston; and Mrs. A. C. Slonaker, Winchester, Va.; seven great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be William Browder, Wiley Johnson, Sr., Neil Johnson, Bob Goodman, Wiley Johnson, Jr., Albert Berry, Clay Berry, James McCammon, W. A. Lang and R. B. Bowles, Jr.

Notes:

Beatrice Ailene (Wasson) Cook
Nov 17, 1920 - Apr 9, 1993

Aliene Wasson Cook, 72, of Kerens, died April 9, 1993.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens with the Rev. Mickey Loftis officiating.  Burial was held in Prairie Point Cemetery.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Sammye Cook of Terrell; theree grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Notes:

  • Navarro County News -Friday, April 16, 1993

  • Submitted by Karen Rost

Janie May (Webb) Westbrook
Sept 3, 1895 - Sept 27, 1969

Mrs. Westbrook Rites Tuesday

KERENS  (SP) - Funeral services for Mrs. Clyde Westbrook, 95, who died Saturday in the Ennis Hospital, will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Bazette Baptist Church with the Rev. David Maddox officiating.  Interment will be in the Prairie Point Cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Bazette, Mrs. Westbrook is survived by her husband; two sons - Frank of Ennis and Claude of Dallas; two daughters - Mrs. Jack Walker of Ennis and Mrs. Wayne White of Carrolton.

Other survivors include two brothers, James Webb of New Orleans and Jack Webb of Lancaster; two sisters - Mrs. Joe Chrisman and Mrs. Bessie Etheredge, both of Corsicana.

Pallbearers will be Forest Huggins, Sidney Westbrook, Robert Chrisman, Bud Marshall, Dock Fields and Lester Walker. 

Notes:

Jimmie Louis Abbie, Sr.
Jul 4, 1929 - Apr 13, 1999

Jimmie Louis Abbie, 69, of Kerens passed away Tuesday, April 13, 1999, at his residence.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Paschal Funeral Home.

Services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Paschal Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Don Bell officiating and the Rev. W.H. "Bill" Ivie assisting.  Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery.

Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. Abbie was born in Bazette on July 4, 1929.

Mr. Abbie is survived by his wife, June Abbie of Kerens; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Doris Abbie of Kerens; daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Hobart Steele of Chandler and Annette and Ricky Pogue of Malakoff; stepsons and wifes, Leroy and Tanya Hobbs of Kerens and Trent and Laura Hobbs of Corsicana; stepdaughters and husbands, Renay and Tim Crawford and Carolyn and Bert Kilcrease, all of Kerens, Glenda and Doug Curry of Ovilla and Delia Hawkins of Athens; brother and sister-in-law, W.E. "Snookie" and Esther Abbie of trinidad; 23 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home of Kerens.

 Notes:

George Wade Harvard
Jan 7, 1879 - Feb 24, 1961

G. W. Harvard Expires Friday

George Wade Harvard, a resident of the Navarro community for more than 70 years, died in Memorial Hospital Friday morning. He was 82.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:30 p.m. from the McCammon Chapel. Burial will be in the Hopewell cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. M. G. McNeil and Rev. Ray Brooks.

A native of Madisonville, Florida, Harvard came to Texas when he was one year old. A retired farmer, Harvard was also a deacon and longtime member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. He belonged to the Woodmen of the World.

Surviving are his wife, Tensie, of Navarro; two daughters, Mrs. J. B. Jordan, Henderson, and Mrs. Trapp McDaniel, Ferris; three grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Oliver Forbes and Miss Kate Harvard, both of Navarro; Mrs. Fannie Knight, Dallas, and Mrs. J. W. Collins, Gainesville, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Weldon Knight, Garland Harvard, Reg. Westmoreland, Buck Harvard, Sammy Harvard, Afton Smith, Hugh Blair Fouty and Scott Harvard.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, Feb 24, 1961
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Mary Hortense �Tensie� (Boyd) Harvard s/o William Franklin Harvard, Rev. and Sophia Haskell (Jefferies) Harvard

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G. W. Harvard Services Held

Final rites for George Wade Harvard, 82, were to be held Saturday at 3:30 p.m. from the McCammon Chapel with Rev. M. G. McNeil and Rev. Ray Brooks officiating. Interment was to be in the Hopewell cemetery.

A resident of the Navarro community for more than 70 years. Harvard died Friday in Memorial Hospital.

He was a native of Madisonville, Fla., and came to Texas when he was one year old. Harvard was a retired farmer, a deacon and long-time member of the Hopewell Baptist church. He belonged to the Woodmen of the World.

Surviving are his widow of Navarro; two daughters, Mrs. J. B. Jordan, Henderson, and Mrs. Trapp McDaniel, Ferris; three grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Oliver Forbes and Miss Kate Harvard, both of Navarro; Mrs. Fannie Knight, Dallas, and Mrs. J. W. Collins, Gainesville, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were to be Weldon Knight, Garland Harvard, Reg. Westmoreland, Buck Harvard, Sammy Harvard, Afton Smith, Hugh Blair Fouty and Scott Harvard.

Notes:

Sam Forest Harvard
May 20, 1877 - Aug. 26, 1938

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD SATURDAY FOR SAM F. HARVARD

Funeral services for Sam F. Harvard, aged 61 years, well-known Navarro farmer, who died Friday afternoon after a several weeks� illness, were held Saturday afternoon from the family home at 3:30 o'clock. Interment was made in the Hopewell cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, four children, Miss Martha Harvard, Navarro; Mrs. Aston Smith, Navarro; Graham Harvard, Overton, and Sammie Harvard, Navarro; four sisters, Mrs. Oliver Forbes, Illinois; Mrs. Fannie Knight, Navarro; Mrs. Ruby Collins, Mexia, and Miss Kate Harvard, both of Navarro, and other relatives.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home was in charge.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Aug 27, 1938
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Carrie Stovall (Bressie) Harvard married Jun. 29, 1901 s/o William Franklin Harvard and Sophia Haskell (Jefferies) Harvard

---

SAM HARVARD DIED FRIDAY AFTERNOON; NAVARRO RESIDENT

Sam F. Harvard, well-known farmer of the Navarro community, died Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock following an illness of several weeks.

Funeral services will be held from the family home at Navarro Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Interment will be in the Hopewell cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, four children, Miss Martha Harvard, Navarro; Mrs. Aston Smith, Navarro; Graham Harvard, Overton and Sammie Harvard, Navarro; four sisters, Mrs. Oliver Forbes, Illinois; Mrs. Fannie Knight, Navarro; Mrs. Ruby Collins, Mexia, and Miss Kate Harvard, Navarro; two brothers, Wade Harvard and E. H. Harvard, both of Navarro, and other relatives.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Notes:

Carrie Stovall (Bressie) Harvard
Nov 18, 1880 - Dec 29, 1962

Hold Services Mrs. Harvard

Funeral rites for Mrs. Carrie Harvard, 82, life-long Navarro resident, were held Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in the Hopewell cemetery near Navarro. She was critically burned at her home several weeks ago when her clothing became ignited from a stove.

The services were conducted by Rev. L. B. Fowler, Baptist minister.

Surviving are two sons, Graham Harvard, Tyler, and Sammie Harvard, Kermit; two daughters, Mrs. Afton Smith, Hillsboro, and Mrs. Pat Horn, Navarro; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Bressie, Navarro; and Wesley Bressie, Corsicana; five sisters, Mrs. Jennie Harwell, Mrs. Mattie Allen and Mrs. Agnes Highnote, all of Corsicana; Mrs. Olivia Allen, Big Spring, and Mrs. Etheline Roxlurgh, Houston, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Vincent Bottoms, Charles McCarty, Sammy Marsh, Howard ----, Scott Harvard, Clayton -------, Keith Farmer and Clint ---------. ( some of the names were torn off)

Notes:

Mahala (McCulloch) Wright
Dec 3, 1840 - Sep 4, 1916

In Memorium.

Mrs. Mahala Wright, nee McCulloch, was born in North Carolina, December 3, 1840. She moved to Arkansas in early childhood and married John M. Wright in 1865. To this union seven children were born, four of whom are living, namely, Mrs. Sallie Spence at Kerrville, John, Virgil and Miss Hattie Wright and Mrs. Joe Moore a step-daughter who was very dear to her living near Corsicana.

Mrs. Wright has lived in Texas since 1885, was a member of the Church of Christ.

It has been our pleasure to be in her home many times, and have always found her a devoted, loving, self-sacrificing wife and mother, a kind friend and obliging neighbor.

This notice would be incomplete not to mention the untiring devoted attention given by children and great-grandchildren during her last years.

Everything was done for her comfort and pleasure. She died September 4, 1916, and was buried in Hopewell cemetery by her husband who preceded her a few years.

Brother Stevenson of Mildred conducted the funeral services.

May the children honor the good name of their departed mother and all meet in Heaven.

Corsicana, Texas, Dec. 19, 1916

Notes:

---

Died Near Navarro.

Mrs. W. A. Wright, aged 75 years, and a highly esteemed lady of the Navarro community, died there at noon yesterday, and the remains were interred in the Hopewell cemetery this morning at 10 o'clock, Dr. T. A. Miller of Corsicana officiating.

Notes:

John Bressie
Jan 30, 1851 - Jul 18, 1935

DOUBLE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR FATHER, DAUGHTER

JOHN BRESSIE AND MRS. J. M. PUGH BURIED THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Double funeral services for John Bressie, aged 84 years, pioneer, resident of Navarro county, who died Wednesday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. C. Cole in Streetman, and his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Pugh, 56, wife of the Corsicana tax assessor-collector, who died at her home Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock, were held from the Pugh family home, 912 South Seventeenth street, Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The rites were conducted by Rev. M. E. McPhail, pastor of the Third Avenue Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Ms. Pugh was a native of Navarro county, Mr. Bressie was a pioneer of this section and resided in the Navarro community for many years until a few years ago. He had made his home with his children for some time. He resided in Corsicana several years and is well-known over this section of the country. Both Bressie and Mrs. Pugh had been in declining health for some time.

Burial Different Cemeteries.

Burial of Mrs. Pugh was made in Oakwood cemetery while Mr. Bressie was buried in the Hopewell cemetery.

Mrs. Pugh is survived by her husband, five children, Mrs. Louise Clements, Corsicana; Curtis Pugh, Burbank, Calif.; Miss Anna Lee Pugh, Charles Pugh and Billie Pugh, Corsicana; two granddaughters, and a number of other relatives.

Mr. Bressie is survived by two sons, Wesley Bressie, Corsicana, and Jack Bressie, Navarro; seven daughters, Mrs. Sam Harvard, Navarro; Mrs. J. C. Allen, Navarro; Mrs. J. C. Allen, Navarro; Mrs. Olivia Allen, Hamlin; Mrs. Virginia Harwell, Corsicana; Mrs. Eugene Highnote, Corsicana; Mrs. Etheline Roxborough, Corsicana, and Mrs. R. C. Cole, Streetman; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Pugh�s rites were Robert Stell, Sr., John Sullivan, John Hughes, Allen Edens, Hugh Stewart and Cal E. Kerr. Honorary pallbearers were friends of the family.

Pallbearers for Mr. Bressie were grandsons.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the services.

Notes:

Anna Elizabeth (Bressie) Pugh
Jan 4, 1879 - Jul 17, 1935

DOUBLE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR FATHER, DAUGHTER

JOHN BRESSIE AND MRS. J. M. PUGH BURIED THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Double funeral services for John Bressie, aged 84 years, pioneer, resident of Navarro county, who died Wednesday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. C. Cole in Streetman, and his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Pugh, 56, wife of the Corsicana tax assessor-collector, who died at her home Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock, were held from the Pugh family home, 912 South Seventeenth street, Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The rites were conducted by Rev. M. E. McPhail, pastor of the Third Avenue Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Ms. Pugh was a native of Navarro county, Mr. Bressie was a pioneer of this section and resided in the Navarro community for many years until a few years ago. He had made his home with his children for some time. He resided in Corsicana several years and is well-known over this section of the country. Both Bressie and Mrs. Pugh had been in declining health for some time.

Burial Different Cemeteries.

Burial of Mrs. Pugh was made in Oakwood cemetery while Mr. Bressie was buried in the Hopewell cemetery.

Mrs. Pugh is survived by her husband, five children, Mrs. Louise Clements, Corsicana; Curtis Pugh, Burbank, Calif.; Miss Anna Lee Pugh, Charles Pugh and Billie Pugh, Corsicana; two granddaughters, and a number of other relatives.

Mr. Bressie is survived by two sons, Wesley Bressie, Corsicana, and Jack Bressie, Navarro; seven daughters, Mrs. Sam Harvard, Navarro; Mrs. J. C. Allen, Navarro; Mrs. J. C. Allen, Navarro; Mrs. Olivia Allen, Hamlin; Mrs. Virginia Harwell, Corsicana; Mrs. Eugene Highnote, Corsicana; Mrs. Etheline Roxborough, Corsicana, and Mrs. R. C. Cole, Streetman; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Pugh�s rites were Robert Stell, Sr., John Sullivan, John Hughes, Allen Edens, Hugh Stewart and Cal E. Kerr. Honorary pallbearers were friends of the family.

Pallbearers for Mr. Bressie were grandsons.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the services.

Notes:

---

MRS. J. M. PUGH DIED WEDNESDAY; FUNERAL THURSDAY

NATIVE OF NAVARRO COUNTY AND WIFE OF CITY TAX COLLECTOR PASSES AWAY

Mrs. J. M. Pugh, aged 56 years, native of Navarro county, and wife of city Tax Assessor-Collector, J. M. Pugh, died at the family residence, 912 South Seventeenth street, Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock after a lingering illness.

The funeral will be held from the family home Thursday afternoon at 6 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. M. E. McPhail, pastor of the Third Avenue Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Surviving are her husband, father, John Bressie, pioneer of Navarro county, now of Streetman; five children, Mrs. Louise Clements, Corsicana; Curtis Pugh, Burbank, Calif.; Miss Anna Lee Pugh, Corsicana; Charles Pugh, Corsicana, and Billie Pugh, Corsicana; two granddaughters, two brothers, Wesley Bressie, Corsicana, and Jack Bressie, Navarro; seven sisters, Mrs. Sam Harvard, Navarro; Mrs. J. C. Allen, Navarro; Mrs. Olivia Allen, Hamlin; Mrs. Virginia Harwell, Corsicana; Mrs. Eugene Highnote, Corsicana, Mrs. Etheline Roxborough, Corsicana and Mrs. R. C. Cole, Streetman, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Robert Stell, Sr., John Sullivan, John Hughes, Allen Edens, Hugh Stewart and Cal E. Kerr.

Honorary pallbearers will be friends of the family.

The funeral will be directed by the Sutherland-McCammon funeral Home.

Notes:

Mary Hortense "Tensie" (Boyd) Harvard
Jun 1, 1885 - Nov 11, 1977

Mrs. Harvard

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. Wade Harvard, 92, resident of Navarro, who died Friday at Evergreen Nursing Home. The Rev. Ray Brooks will officiate, with burial following at Hopewell cemetery.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Navarro and a member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Dorthy McDaniel of Ferris and Mrs. Lena Jordan of Nacogdoches; four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Notes:

--

Mrs. Harvard

Pallbearers for the 2 p.m. Saturday services at Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. Wade Harvard were Graham Harvard, Sam Harvard, Reg Westmoreland, Sam Marsh, Charles McCarter, and Tom Horn.

Burial was at Hopewell Cemetery.

Notes:

Hattie Gladys (Boyd) Harvard
Oct 3, 1876 - Feb 6, 1934

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR NAVARRO WOMAN ARE HELD WEDNESDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Hattie G. Harvard, aged 58 years, lifelong resident of Navarro, wife of E. H. Harvard, who died at the family home Tuesday morning at 11:30 o'clock were held from the Navarro Baptist church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with burial in the Hopewell cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. G. C. Henry and Rev. E. T. Miller, Baptist minister.

Surviving are her husband, a son, Harlan Harvard, Palmer; two daughters, Mrs. Gordon Collins, Corsicana, and Mrs. J. N. Horn, Navarro; a sister, Mrs. Howard Marsh, Corsicana and a brother, T. E. Boyd, Corsicana.

Pallbearers were Jim Doolin, Owen Cheney, O. K. Vinson, H. D. Smith, Charlie Collins, J. J. Burks, Sam Marsh and L. H. Hughey.

Honorary pallbearers were friends of the family.

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

Notes:

Louis Caldwell Galloway, Prof.
Sep 3, 1875 - Apr 23, 1940
 
RESIDENT DIED IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Professor L. C. Galloway of Due West, South Carolina, brother of R. S. Galloway and Mrs. John Sullivan of this city, died in the Anderson Hospital of Due West Tuesday night following an illness of only a few days, according to information received here by relatives and friends.

Funeral services were scheduled to be held Thursday.

Prof. Galloway was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Galloway of this city and at the time of his death, was professor of English in the Erskine College at Due West.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, April 25, 1940
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • Photo not part of the obituary
  • h/o Helen (Brice) Galloway; s/o James Millen Galloway, Col. & Sarah Agnes (Brice) Galloway
  • Burial at Due West ARP Church Cemetery, Due West, Abbeville Co., SC

Charles Frederick Borg
Dec 9, 1879 - Dec 27, 1944

Funeral Rites Held Thursday Afternoon For Chas. F. Borg

Funeral rites for Charles F. Borg, 65, who died here Wednesday morning, were held from the Sutherland-McCammon Chapel Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery at Waco and Odd Fellows were pallbearers. Revs. George Bailey and Max T. Neel conducting the services.

Surviving are two sons, a daughter and other relatives.

Notes:

Beatrice Marie (Jensen) Borg
May 5, 1883 - May 7, 1939

FUNERAL SERVICES MONDAY AFTERNOON MRS. C. F. BORG

Mrs. Charles F. Borg, aged 56 years, died at her home, 1028 South Seventeenth street, Sunday morning about 8 o'clock. She had been in ill health for some time.

Funeral services were conducted from the family residence Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Burial was made in Waco. The rites were conducted by Rev. Leslie G. Thomas, minister of the Church of Christ.

She had reside here for many years.

Surviving are her husband, two sons, H. F. Borg and C. Borg, all of Corsicana; a daughter, Mrs. E. D. Cole, New Orleans; a sister, Mrs. Emma Joe Hansen, Hubbard; a brother, Christian Jensen, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Carl Johnson, John Ronning, Leonard Bittner, Olaf Jensen, Herman Stipe and Chad Roundtree.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, May 8, 1939
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • Oakwood cemetery, Waco, Tx.
  • born in Norway; w/o Charles Frederich Borg; d/o J. Jensen & Erick (Kirste) Jensen per death certificate

Nancy Jane �Nannie� (Jordan) Fitzgerald
May 16, 1879 - Mar 25, 1916

Rice News.

Many friends in this community are grieved today on account of the untimely death of Mrs. J. N. Fitzgerald which occurred at her home just south of town on the Oak Grove pike at 8 o'clock Friday morning. She was taken sick Sunday, but got better and was up until Tuesday night when she became critically ill and her condition grew worse until death relieved her sufferings. Her death is attributed to blood poison, probably caused from injuries sustained three weeks ago while cranking her car to go to Ennis.�Rice Rustler.

Notes:

Fannie Lee (Davidson) Bottoms
Sep 4, 1888 - Jul 28, 1957

Mrs. Bottoms Rites Monday

Mrs. E.H. Bottoms, aged 69 years, 309 West Third avenue, died at the Navarro Clinic late Sunday afternoon following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held from the Corley Chapel Monday at 3 p.m. with burial in the Hopewell cemetery. The rites will be conducted by REv. Robert Wooddy, pastor of the First Baptist church, and Rev. Ted Spencer, pastor of the Eureka Methodist church.

A native of Leon county, Mrs. Bottoms had been a Corsicana resident for many years.

Surviving are her husband, E. H Bottoms, custodian of the Navarro county courthouse; a son, V. H. Bottoms, Navarro; two daughters, Mrs. M. W. Simpson, Corsicana; and Mrs. Vera Warnell, Houston; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Stella Blair, Buffalo, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Judge Joe Allen, Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse, Dick Salter, E. Y. Cunningham, Jack Megarity and Joe Seale.

Notes:

Alice Mae (Harrison) McCarter
Sep 26, 1919 - Apr 13, 1999

Alice Mae McCarter, 79, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, April 13, 1999, in Corsicana.

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

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Hopewell cemetery.

Pallbearers will be men of Corsicana Chapter No. 118 Order of Eastern Star.

Mrs. McCarter was born in LaRue on Sept. 26, 1919. She was a member of Eastern Star and past worthy matron of Chapter No. 118 in Corsicana. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Mrs. McCarter is survived by her daughter, Alice Marie Pawlowski of Corsicana; grandsons, Eric Morgan Pawlowski of Mississippi and Walter John Pawlowski of Corsicana; and granddaughter, Cynthia Anne Stewart of Houston.

Mrs. McCarter was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin McCarter; and daughter, Wanda Maxcine Cox.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 2910 Swiss Ave., Dallas, Texas 75204.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

 Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun- Wednesday, April 14, 1999
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Blooming Grove Historical Society
  • w/o John Alvin Morgan McCarter; d/o James Wesley Harrison & Clarinda Ann (Poston) Harrison
     

David Allen "Dave" Donaho
Dec 10, 1879 - Oct 13, 1969

D. A. Donaho Rites Tuesday

D. A. Donaho, 89, a native of Retreat, died today in Memorial Hospital. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Baptist Church.

The funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Corley Chapel with the Rev. B. G. Grimes in charge. Interment will be in Hamilton Cemetery.

He is survived by one son, D. T. Donaho of Retreat, two daughters, Mrs. Thelma Slate and Mrs. Wilma Borden, both of Corsicana.

Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday. Oct 13, 1969
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Katie Cora (Everett) Donaho married May 5, 1903 s/o Travis Fannin Donaho and Sarah H. �Sallie� (Cockerell) Donaho

---

Donaho

Funeral services were held today at the Corley Chapel for D. A. Donaho who died Monday in Memorial hospital.

He is survived by one son, two daughters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The rites were conducted by the Rev. B. G. Grimes, with burial in Hamilton Cemetery.

Pallbearers were J. D. Ingham, Neil Donaho, J. Q. Harrison, Doyle Coley, Aude Brannon, and Jim Highnote.

Notes:

Irvin D. Fuller
abt 1878 - Jul 19, 1921

Buried in Hamilton Cemetery.

Erwin Fuller, who lived near the Ward Bridge, and who died at the P. and S. hospital Monday night, was buried in the Hamilton Cemetery this morning at 10 o'clock.

Notes:

INFANT Fuller
Died Oct 30, 1916

East Corbet News.

Mr. Ervin Fuller�s baby died Monday night and was buried at the Hamilton Cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Notes:

Annie (Grace) Fuller
May 1881 - Dec 12, 1946

MRS. ANNIE FULLER FUNERAL SERVICES FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Fuller, aged 66 years, who died in Austin Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, were held from the Corley Funeral Chapel Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Burial was in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. G. W. Walker, Pentecostal church pastor.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Sullivan, 1507 West Twelfth avenue, Corsicana, and a son, Ira T. Fuller, Corsicana; two brothers, Joe Grace and Tullia Grace, both of Corsicana; two sisters, Mrs. Lottia Annis and Mrs. Mrs. U. E. Howard, both of Tulsa, Okla., and three grandchildren.

Notes:

Leila Virginia (Norwood) Bradley
Sep 12, 1853 - Jun 13, 1917

CALLED TO HER REWARD.

Mrs. J. W. Bradley Died Last Night at the Family Home.

Mrs. Leila V. Bradley, wife of J. W. Bradley, Sr., died at the family home 2021 West Seventh avenue, last night at 12 o'clock and interment will take place in Oakwood cemetery at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Rev. Geo Norcross pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, will conduct the funeral services from the residence.

Mrs. Bradley was sixty-four years of age and prior to coming here lived many years in Freestone county, where she was loved for her gentle deeds and kindly manners, as she was here. Besides her husband, she leaves a family of five children, four daughters and one son. Two of her daughters are married and two are single. Her son, J. W. Bradley, Jr., who is a resident of Corsicana, is in the employ of the Wells-Fargo Express Company.

Mrs. Bradley was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a common expression today among those who knew her longest and best was that �she was one of the best women on earth,� a sentiment that even those who had known her only a short time heartily endorsed, which is enough to show that a truly good woman who made the world better by having lived in it, has been called to her reward.

The deepest sympathy of many friends goes out to the family and especially to the devoted husband whose fondest affections clustered about the woman who many years ago in youth�s morning linked her life with his.

Notes:

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Remains Interred Yesterday.

The remains of the late Mrs. J. W. Bradley were interred in Oakwood cemetery yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and despite the dreadful weather a large throng attended the last sad rites, and many beautiful flowers were placed above her bier. The services were conducted by Rev. G. W. Sanders, her pastor and T. J. York, S. J. rogers, Geo. Kuykendall, Howard Faughn, Harvey Faughn and Milo Burkhalter acted as pall bearers.

The deceased was a refined, sweet-spirited Christian woman, and those who knew her best appreciated her most, and with them her memory will live long and be cherished.

Notes:

James Warren Bradley, Sr.
Sep 23, 1842 - May 26, 1926

FUNERAL SERVICES FORMER RESIDENT OF NAVARRO COUNTY

Funeral services for James Warren Bradley, 83 years old, who died in a Fort Worth hospital Wednesday, were held at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Sutherland Undertaking Parlors. Rev. D. A. Chisholm, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Deceased is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Annie Hall, Dallas; Miss Isabelle Bradley, Dallas; Miss Carrie Bradley, Dallas; Mrs. D. D. Dubose, Corsicana, and Mrs. J. F. Wallace, Wortham, and one son, J. W. Bradley, Jr., of Fort Worth.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, May 27, 1926
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • Co. A. 31 Reg. Tex. Cav; h/o Leila Virginia (Norwood) Bradley married Jan. 12, 1881 s/o Thomas Lucius Bradley & Martha Margaret Sims (Garrett) Bradley

Alabama (Thompson) Embry
Dec 2, 1877 - Jan 11, 1917

Died In Sour Lake.

Mr. Eugene White received a telegram this morning from W. O. Embry, his uncle, living at Sour Lake, saying that his wife Mrs. Emma Embry, died there this morning, and that the remains will be brought to Corsicana for interment, and will reach here tomorrow at 5:30.

The funeral will take place from the Eleventh Avenue Methodist church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, with interment at the Hamilton cemetery. The deceased lady and her mother, Mrs. S. S. Thompson, were formerly residents here living on Mineral Hill, and she will be remembered by many friends made during the time she lived here. The deceased was 36 years old, and is survived by her husband, her mother, and one sister, Mrs. W. W. Smith, of Hanley, near Fort Worth.

The deceased lady was also a sister of Homer Thompson, a young man who once lived here, but who died in Fort Worth about four years ago, and his remains were interred here.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun- Thursday, Jan 11, 1917
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o William O. Embry married Jun. 5, 1898 buried in Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, Texas; d/o Robert T. Thompson & Sarah S. (Swearingen) Thompson

--

Remains Interred This Afternoon.

The remains of the late Mrs. Bama Embry, wife of W. O. Embry, who died at Sour Lake, arrived here this morning at 5:30, and the funeral took place from the Eleventh Avenue Methodist church this afternoon at 2 o'clock, with interment at the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. W. J. Hearon officiated and R. P. McEntire, Ben Lonsford, G. T. Moore, Geo. Ferrell, J. T. Garner and W. F. Collier acted as pall bearers.

The husband of the deceased accompanied the remains from Sour Lake, and the mother, Mrs. S. S. Thompson, and the sister, Mrs. W. W. Smith of Hendley were both here.

Notes:

Sarah S. (Swearingen) Thompson
Apr 7, 1851 - Jul 25, 1928

FORMER RESIDENT CORSICANA BURIED HERE ON THURSDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. S. S. Thompson, aged 78 years, resident of Corsicana for almost a half century before moving to Fort Worth in 1910 were held here Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock with interment in the Hamilton cemetery. Mrs. Thompson died at her home in Fort Worth Wednesday afternoon at 12:40 o'clock. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. O. O. Odom, Methodist minister of Fort Worth. She was born in Alabama, but came to Navarro county when a young girl.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Daisy White, Fort Worth; three grandchildren, Eugene White, Fort Worth; Robert White, Fort Worth; Mrs. H. H. Hatchelor, Shreveport, La., and five great-grandchildren.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, July 27, 1928
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Robert T. Thompson d/o John Bettis Swearingen and Anna Jane (Simmons) Swearingen (sister to Richard Judson Swearingen, had different mothers)

John Willis Shirey
Jul 12, 1860 - Jul 6, 1917

WELL KNOWN CITIZEN DEAD

J. W. Shirey Met Death in Auto Accident in Western Texas

About 9:30 last night Mrs. J. W. Shirey received a telegram from Tulia, Texas, saying that Mr. Shirey was dead as the result of an auto accident near that place. The telegram was dated at 6:15, and simply stated that the unfortunate man met his death under the car. The sad news came, not only as a shock to his wife and children, but to the entire family, for the deceased was among Corsicana�s most highly esteemed citizens. He was native of Virginia, but came to Corsicana twenty-two years ago from Missouri, and had made this place his home since that time. Most of that time was spent in mercantile pursuits, and for some years past he had traveled for the Texas Novelty Company, of Hillsboro. He was an Odd Fellow and a Presbyterian, and had served the First Presbyterian church here as an elder for many years and longer than any other official now serving that church.

The deceased was a good man and a good citizen in all that the term implies, and all Corsicana is pained beyond expression at his untimely death, and sorrow with his family in their great and irreparable bereavement.

The deceased would have been fifty-seven years old on Thursday, next, July 12th. Surviving is the widow and four children. Surviving is the widow and four children, Mrs. Lucy Davis and Robert Shirey of Dallas, John Shirey of Hillsboro and Margaret Shirey of Corsicana.

The remains will arrive here tomorrow at 12:25 over the Houston & Texas Central railroad and the funeral will take place at 4 p.m. from the First Presbyterian church, with interment in Oakwood. The odd Fellows will take charge of the service at the cemetery.

No particulars of the accident have been learned, the nearest approach to particulars obtainable so far being contained in the telegram received by Mrs. Shirey from Deputy Sheriff S. C. Reed, dated at Tulia, reading: �J. W. Shirey killed under auto.� This was followed by a request for instructions as to what disposition to make of the remains. When Mr. Shirey was here a few days ago he was traveling in an automobile and the impression is that his firm had provided that means of travel for all its representatives. Tulia is fifty miles south of Amarillo on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe railroad. Mr. Shirey was making that territory in a car when the accident occurred.

Mrs. Sutherland took the matter in hand of having the remains shipped here and gave instructions to the undertaker there over the phone last night. This morning he received the following telegram: Tulia, July 7,--�Am shipping body of J. W. Shirey by express on Santa Fe train this morning via Sweetwater,--J. J. Stigler.�

According to this Mr. Sutherland says, the body should reach here tomorrow at 12:25 p.m.

The following will act as pallbearers: Honorary�J. M. Dyer, E. L. Bell, C. C. Davidson, J. M. Blanding, Murphy Williams and J. G. Comfort; active�G. E. Mitchell, John Hughes, Wilbur Harris, Walter Burgess, Harry Blanding, Edgar Wareing, Sam Blair and Dr. L. C. Polk.

 Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, July 7, 1917
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st wife Rebie Luella (Ehrnman) Shirey 2nd wife Ora Lee (Cooper) Shirey married in Hill county, Texas, Sep. 27, 1911 s/o William H. Shirey and Lucy Martin (White) Shirey

--

REMAINS INTERRED YESTERDAY.

J. W. Shirey is Shown Last Token of Respect.

The remains of the late J. W. Shirey arrived here yesterday at 12:25 p.m., and the funeral which was largely attended, took place from the First Presbyterian church at 4:30 p.m. with interment in Oakwood. Rev. Chas. Obeerschmidt, pastor of the church of which the deceased had long been an elder, conducted a most impressive service, and paid a high tribute to the Christian character and general worth of the deceased. At the grave, Noble Grand R. B. Snodgrass and Chaplain T. G. Brooks of the Odd Fellows lodge, aided by a large number of the members of that order, rendered the impressive burial service of the order in the presence of a great throng that had assembled to show their last token of love and esteem to the memory of the deceased who was in all essentials a good citizen, a true friend and a loving husband and father.

Attending the funeral from Hillsboro where the deceased made his traveling headquarters were Capt. W. A. Fields, postmaster of Hillsboro; L. J. Thompson, editor of the Hillsboro Mirror; Guy C. Hooker and wife, D. W. Campbell and wife, E. O. Hughes and wife, R. B. Leatherwood and wife and E. King.

From persons here to attend the funeral from Hillsboro it was learned that the deceased was alone when he met his death. A gentleman traveling in an auto from Hereford to Amarillo found the deceased about three miles out of Tulia, Swisher county, on the Fort Worth and Denver road, about 50 miles from Amarillo, found the deceased under his car in a ravine by the roadside. He summoned the nearest help and got the body from under the car, but life, it was thought had been extinct for twenty or thirty minuetes. The unfortunate man�s neck was broken, but his body was not otherwise injured and there were few bruises. Mr. L. G. Thompson of Hillsboro, for whose house the deceased traveled, was enroute to Colorado with his family, and learned of the sad accident when he reached Amarillo, Mr. Thompson sent his family on their journey and himself turned back and was here yesterday to attend the funeral.

Notes:

Mary Louise (Decherd) Ferguson
July 26, 1869 - July 28, 1952

Mrs. Mary Louise Ferguson, 83, former resident of Corsicana, died early Monday in a Dallas hospital.

Mrs. Ferguson was the wife of the late Calvin C. Ferguson, also a former resident of that city.

Funeral services were held from Marrs-Mundy-Quill chapel in Dallas Tuesday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Rayburn Floyd conducting. Graveside rites were held in Oakwood cemetery at 2 p.m.

Surviving are three sons, Edgar C. Ferguson and J. D. Ferguson, both of Dallas, and Ralph Carroll of Kerens, Mrs. W. R. Bryan of Odesa, Callie Ferguson of Dallas and Mrs. Mary Louise Ruge, Dallas; a brother, J. E. Decherd, Little Rock, Ark., and five grandchildren.

Notes:

  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept., Corsicana Library
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • w/o Calvin Coleman Ferguson; d/o Edgar C. Decherd & Annie E. (Fewell) Decherd

Thomas Edward Jones
Feb 1, 1915 - May 6, 1970

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Griffin Funeral Chapel for Thomas Edward Jones, 55, city mechanic who died Wednesday. The Rev. J.T. Davis will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Roy Greer, John Palos, Earl McGraw, Gene Griffith, James Phelps and C.L. Rhodes.

Surviving are his wife, two daughters, a step-son, seven grandchildren, his mother, six brothers and three sisters.

Notes:

---

Jones Funeral Rites Pending

Thomas Edward Jones, 55, mechanic for the city of Corsicana and resident of 1416 W. 13th Ave., died early today at Memorial Hospital.

Funeral arrangements at Griffin Funeral Home are pending arrival of a brother in Puerto Rico.

He is survived by his wife; a step-son, Johnny Harper, Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. Olan Dumas of Mesquite and Mrs. Johnny Dittbrenner of Garland; his mother Mrs. Lela Bell Jones, Corsicana; seven grandchildren; six brothers, R. A. and Lee O. Jones, both of Corsicana; Wayne Jones, Winter Garden Fla.; Robert Jones, Dallas; Grady B. Jones, Sweetwater and James Jones, U. S. Air Force, Puerto Rico; and three sisters, Mrs. Marvin Boulware of Fluvanna, Texas; Mrs. L. L. Berryhill of Roscoe, Texas and Mrs. Sadie Price of Abilene.

Notes:

----

Jones Rites

Funeral services were held Friday at 11 a.m. for Thomas E. Jones, 55, who died Wednesday. The Rev. J. T. Davis officiated at the rites held at Griffin Funeral Chapel. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a step-son, seven grandchildren, his mother, three sisters and six brothers.

Notes:

Michael Wayne Phinny
Jan 23, 1956 - Jan 25, 1956

Phinny Infant Dies Wednesday

Michael Wayne Phinny, three-day-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Phinny, Jr., 1308 West Fourteenth avenue, died in Memorial Hospital Wednesday night.

Funeral services will be held sometime Friday at Oakwood Cemetery where interment will be made. The rites will be conducted by Rev. H. G. Starkey, pastor of the Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving are the parents of Corsicana and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Phinny, Plainview, and Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Morehead, Corsicana.

Corley will direct.

Notes:

Marion David Borden, Jr.
May 11, 1936 - Oct 28, 1954

Traffic Victim Rites Saturday

Funeral services will be held for Marion David Borden, Jr., 18, from the Corley Chapel Saturday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Bob Cheek, pastor of the North Side Baptist church, and Rev. H. G. Starkey, pastor of the Memorial Baptist church.

Borden's death is the 13th highway traffic fatality in Navarro county this year. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic in a Corley ambulance after his car had figured in a four-vehicle smash-up eight miles north of Corsicana on Highway 75 early Thursday morning.

Joe Wilson, 37, of Kerens, critically hurt in the mishap, was reported improved at Memorial Hospital Friday morning while little change was noted in the condition of Oather Barnett, 25, Corsicana, the other man critically hurt. Both Barnett and Wilson received head, chest and other injuries.

Wilson and Barnett were brought to the hospital in a Keever ambulance from Ennis.

A house-trailer vehicle, driven by Herbert Manuel Allen of Golden Colo. was being passed by the car operated by Borden. Highway Patrolman C.E. Blankenship reported when the Borden car and one operated by Wilson collided. The fourth vehicle involved was a car being driven by Jamie Marr, Corsicana, who was unable to stop. Allen and Marr were uninjured.

Borden is survived by his wife, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Borden; a brother, Bud Borden, all of Corsicana; six sisters, Mrs. Martha Holder, Houston; Mrs. Jean Grace and Misses Velma Ruth, Roma, Elece, Elvyna and Marie Borden, all of Corsicana, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Henry Lee Ickles, William Henry Brown, G. D. Nichols, James Bullington, James Pike, O. B. Scruggs, Nathan Benfield and Ronald Scott.

Notes:

--

One Killed, 3 Hurt In Crash

One man is dead and two others are in critical condition in Memorial Hospital as a result of a four-car collision and accidents on Highway 75 eight miles morth of Corsicana about 12:40 a.m. Thursday.

Marion David Borden, Jr., 18, who resided at 739 West Park avenue, was pronounced dead on arrival in a Corley ambulance at the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic.

13th Traffic Death

His death is the 13th highway traffic fatality in Navarro county this year and incidentally the eigth in the month of October.

Critically hurt are Oather Barnett, 25, of corsicana, and Joe Wilson, 37, of Kerens. Both are suffering possible concussion, chest injuries, lacerations, cuts, and other injuries. Their condictions were described by hospital personnel as "poor and critical."

The two injured men were brought to the hospital at 1:15 a.m. in a Keever ambulance from Ennis.

Collided Head-On

Highway Patrolman C.E. Blankenship who investigated, said that Borden and Barnett were traveling i a northerly direction and as they were passing a house-trailer going the same direction, driven by Herbert Manuel Allen of Golden, Colorado, their car collided head-on with one going south and driven by Wilson.

A fourth car operated by Janie Marr of Corsicana, also traveling south, crashed into the wreckage. Marr and Allen were uninjured.

Funeral Services

Funeral services for borden will be held from the Corley Chapel Saturday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Bob Cheek, pastor of the North Side Baptist church, and Rev. H.G. Starkey, pastor of Memorial Baptist church.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Borden, Corsicana; a brother, Bud Borden, Corsicana; six sisters, Mrs. Martha Holder, Houston; Mrs. Jean Grace, and Misses Velma Ruth, Roma Elecce, Elvyna and Marie Borden, all of Corsicana, and other relatives.

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept., Corsicana Library

Ernest Edward Koehn
Mar 13, 1908 - Apr 14, 1999

Ernest Koehn, 91, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, April 14, 1999, in Corsicana.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Oakwood cemetery, with the Rev. Chad Owens.

Mr. Koehn was born in Corsicana on March 13, 1908.

Mr. Koehn is survived by his sisters, Pauline L. Baldwin of Corsicana and Gertrude Ross of Grand Prairie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, April 14, 1999
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Blooming Grove Historical Society
  • s/o Emil Edward Koehn & Emma (Behrendt) Koehn

Thomas Joe Parks, EdD
Mar 14, 1928 - June 12, 2015

Thomas Joe Parks, EdD, known as Thomas Joe, Tucker, Joe and Dr. Parks to the various family, friends and associates throughout his 87 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2015. A longtime Austin, Texas resident, he succumbed to complications from Parkinson�s disease.
Joe was born on the family farm, just outside Barry, Texas on March 14, 1928 to Katie Mae and James Bedford Parks. The fourth of six children, he cherished his siblings and remained close to them throughout his life. He enjoyed reminiscing about his early years in Barry: the pleasures of tending to his pet pig, the necessity of picking cotton in the fertile blackland prairie fields that defined the area, and the camaraderie of pooling wartime sugar rations to make fudge with his Barry High School classmates� all 12 of them. Joe returned home often during his life, feeding a strong connection to his childhood roots. His love for the tiny community led him to author, �Who Brought the Johnson Grass? A History of the Barry Community.�
After graduating from Barry High School in 1945, Joe joined the U.S. Army and, upon discharge, enrolled in Sam Houston State Teachers College, where he graduated in 1952. He later earned his masters and in the 1970s, his doctorate. He began his career in public education as a junior high school teacher in Corsicana, Texas in 1952. Those early days in the classroom were not just the beginning of a career, but the foundation for the life and relationships that defined him and impacted so many.
He moved quickly from classroom teacher to principal and into administration in the Corsicana Independent School District. As principal of Bowie Elementary, he was summoned to interview a young first grade teaching candidate. Upon seeing her walk down the hall, he commented to his colleague, �I think she got the job.� Clearly taken by Bettye Grace Cammack of Kilgore, Texas, he later proposed, and the two were wed on June 27, 1958. His career advanced, and his family grew with a daughter, Holly, born in 1960 and a son, Scott, born in 1963. He moved his young family to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1963, where he served as assistant superintendent of schools. A bigger city and a growing school district were more complex, but he approached each decision with the fundamental question: �What�s best for the kids?�

In the mid-60s, Congress and the Texas legislature were focused on education, authorizing funding to create regional service centers to serve and support schools across the state. Joe was selected as the founding executive director of Region XIII in Austin. From 1967 to 1992, he built and led the center from a staff of three to more than 150. He sought the best and brightest to join the organization; nurturing and mentoring them toward the shared objective of doing their best for Texas school children. The center celebrated his vision and service by naming the administration building in his honor in 2012.
Following his retirement, Joe donned a pair of overalls and continued his love of gardening by launching a seasonal vegetable business. He flexed his creative talents by crafting collectable furniture from weathered barn wood and vintage hardware. He returned to his farming roots raising miniature donkeys and pygmy goats to the amusement of his neighbors and delight of his grandchildren. He also explored his family roots. Long before it became popular, Joe immersed himself in genealogy, tracing Parks family lineage back to Virginia in the mid-1700s. When he wasn�t tracking distant relations or tending to crops and livestock, he and Bettye traveled and enjoyed the company of longtime friends.
Joe was a true friend to all he met, whether a lifelong relationship or a new face. He knew how to make people feel important, cared for and listened to. From the classroom to the boardroom, people were drawn to him. Like all good teachers, he was always teaching those around him. Like the greatest teachers, you rarely realized it until later. He excelled at so many things, but his greatest accomplishments were the roles of son, brother, husband, father and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him, but his impact will endure through all the lives he touched and shaped.
He is survived by his wife, Bettye of Austin; daughter Holly Jones of Katy; son Scott Parks of Dallas; granddaughter Allison Parks and grandson Reed Parks of Dallas; sister Judy Holloway of Corsicana; brothers Don Parks of Waco, and Lyndon Parks of Longview; son-in-law Ben Jones of Katy; daughter-in-law Leigh Parks of Dallas as well as many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Katie Parks; brother James Harris Parks and sister Leona Janes.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin. A teacher in death, as in life, he left his body to UT Southwestern to advance learning about Parkinson�s disease. Eventually, he will be interred in a family plot at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.
Donations in his honor can be made to: Hope Presbyterian Church Children's Center Scholarship Fund at 512-258-9117 or [email protected] .
The family appreciates the staff of Wyoming Springs Assisted Living in Round Rock, Texas for their loving care and daily kindness; the nurses and aides of Accolade Hospice who helped him to be in charge of his final days; his many doctors and nurses over the years; and the support of all his dear friends. Seeing others love those we hold dear is the greatest blessing of all.

Notes:

Frances Mozell (Thomas) Kendall
Jan 19, 1931 - Jun 17, 2015
 

Mrs. Frances Thomas Kendall, 84, of Navarro Mills passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at her home in Navarro Mills after a short bout with cancer. She was born Jan. 19, 1931 in Navarro County to Jack and Dovie Thomas.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Melvin �Pete� Kendall on Nov. 22, 1948, and he preceded her in death on March 20, 2002. She was a member of the Navarro Mills Baptist Church. She loved her time at church, but especially loved the ladies in her Sunday school class. She was associated with Glorybound southern gospel group for many years and enjoyed every concert and practice session.

She is survived by her son, Jackie �Jack� Kendall of Purdon; granddaughter, Sarah Kendall of Denver, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Becki Kendall of Denver; sisters, Lorene Sykes and Betty Honea of Corsicana; brother-in-law, Joe Kendall of Palestine; sister-in-law, Pauline Thomas of Starkville, Mississippi, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her church family at Navarro Mills Baptist Church.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Corley Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Navarro Mills Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Woodall of Hubbard First Baptist Church officiating.

Interment will be at Frost Cemetery, there will be no graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Navarro Mills Baptist Church, 1095 FM 667, Purdon, Texas 76639.

Notes:

Kenneth Curtis Scroggins
June 29, 1924 - June 17, 2015

Funeral Services for Kenneth Curtis Scroggins, 90, of Whitehouse, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2015, at Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Sherman Mayfield officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial is in Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Kenneth passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in Tyler.

He was born on June 29, 1924, in Corsicana to the late Horace Seaburn and Martha Belle Scott Scroggins.

Kenneth was in the Air Force and flew 131 missions with the 98th Bomb Group. He was stationed in Lecce, Italy, and was shot down in Yugoslavia one mile from the German line. He helped found and was an active member of HAMM (Historic Aviation Memorial Museum) at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Kenneth was a member of the Lake Tyler Baptist Church.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Jewel Scroggins, of Whitehouse; two sons, Kenneth Scroggins and his wife Glenda, of Palestine and Doug Scroggins and his wife Rhonda, of Bullard; three stepsons, Edward Cifu and his wife, Susan and Frank Cifu, all of Riverside, California, and James Cifu and his wife Denise, of Lake Elsinore, California; four grandsons, Brad Scroggins, of Tyler, Brent Scroggins and his wife Chris, of Palestine, Charlie Scroggins and his wife Jennifer, of Houston and Christopher Scroggins, of Houston; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Earl Deane Scroggins.

Pallbearers will be Brien Woodson, Charlie Scroggins, Brent Scroggins, Christopher Scroggins, Christian Castillo, and Ross Harmon. Honorary pallbearers will be the 98th Bomb Group.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 118 Railroad Ave., Whitehouse, TX. 75791; or Lake Tyler Baptist Church, 13230 CR 285, Tyler, TX. 75707.

Notes:

Willie James Carter
abt 1955 - June 20, 2015

Willie James Carter, 60, of Kerens, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Navarro Regional Hospital. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Mt. B. Zion Baptist Church, Goodlow, with Pastor Nathan Carter, Sr. as Eulogist. Interment will follow at Samaria Cemetery.
Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

Abraham H. �Abe� Mulkey, Rev.
Apr 14, 1850 - Apr 5, 1919


Photo not part of obituary

 

MUCH BELOVED CITIZEN DEAD

Evangelist Abe Mulkey Called to His Reward Saturday

The remains of Evangelist Abe Mulkey who died Saturday afternoon at 5:15 o'clock, were buried in Oakwood cemetery yesterday afternoon. The funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church at 4 o'clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Cullom ---Booth, who was assisted by Rev. A.�Porter presiding elder; Rev. R. A. Crosby, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist Church; Rev. Mr. Johnson, presiding elder of the Dallas district, and Rev. E. A. Reed, manager of the Methodist Orphanage at Waco, Mr. George Barcus, member of the board of trustees, of the Methodist Orphanage, was also present and participated in the service. A Number of girls from the Orphanage also attended bringing flowers.

The church was filled it its capacity, including the Sunday School room. There was a profusion of flowers and a selected choir led by Lloyd Kerr furnished music. Mr. Kerr�s solo, �Under His Wings,� made a deep impression.

�How Firm a Foundation� the old song that has stood the test of years was sung by the congregation and choir and as the song progressed there were many in the audience whose eyes were filled with tears.

Rev. Mr. Crosby read the first lesson and was followed by the Rev. Mr. Johnson of Dallas, who also read an appropriate selection from the Bible. Rev. Mr. Porter offered an earnest prayer.

Rev. Mr. Booth, in briefly outlining the evangelist�s biography, said that his father, Rev. W. A. Mulkey , was at one time connected with Dr. McKenzie, of the historic McKenzie Institute. He was also a missionary among the Indians. Evangelist Abe Mulkey became a church member at the age of seven years and was married in Corsicana to Louisa P. Kerr, December 12th, 1869 and had he lived until next December he would have enjoyed a half century of blessed, perfect union on earth. The union was blessed with one son, Royal Mulkey, who died in the flower of his youth. Speaking of his accomplishments, Rev. Mr. Booth added; God showed the world in Abe Mulkey what he can do with a life when it has been consecrated to Him. From a notebook used by Evangelist Mulkey it was found that up to this year he had conducted a total of 619 evangelistic meetings. I don�t know, the speaker said, how many souls he saved, or how many homes his work blessed. He was one of the most remarkable, most successful evangelists this southland of ours has ever known. Wherever he held a meeting the people always wanted him to come back. Rev. Mr. Booth gave instances in which remarkable conversations had followed Evangelist Mulkey�s preaching, one of which was that of a saloon keeper. At Bastrop, he said every citizen, including the saloonkeepers and bar tenders had signed a petition asking the evangelist to hold a meeting there. All over the country he reached men that others could not approach. Only the records of eternity can show how many lives he has saved. That�s the sort of work he has been doing. His note book showed that he has raised a total of $897,672.06 for religious benevolent purposes. I need not, said the speaker, relate what he has done for Corsicana. Today Corsicana mourns the loss of her best citizen. Reference was made to the aid given Corsicana enterprises, special mention being made of the $5000 given the Y. M. C. A. and, said the speaker, his last public utterance was at a gathering of men in the Association building for the purpose of discussing a plan for the construction of a great institutional building in connection with this church, Evangelist Mulkey urged that it be done, saying if it is not done now Louisa and I won�t have a chance to have a part in it. His face turned to the rosy tint of the morning.

This same note book showed that he had entered dates for holding meetings up to October, this year. He was on his way to Oklahoma to hold a meeting when he was stricken and turned back. Thus a soldier in the midst of the fight fell with his face to the foe. No soldier on the battle field of France ever more truly gave his life for his country than did this man give his life for the cause of Christ. He said, on being healed from a former sickness, that God had given him one year and that he was going to give that year to God. For the past twelve months he has been giving his time and energies and strength to the Methodist Orphanage. In that time he raised $40,000�a life work for some�one year�s work for Evangelist Mulkey. The speaker referred to the evangelist�s sermon on Restitution, told of the great good it had accomplished and said; �If any man�s life stood for doing justice it was Abe Mulkey�s.� The speaker drew a picture of the orphan girls who came from the Orphanage, bringing flowers in their hands and love in their hearts, filling his coffin and looking on his face for the last time with tears streaming down their cheeks and said, �It was his life to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with God and now he has gone where the night shall never come.

Revs. Porter, Reed and Mr. George Barcus of Waco paid the evangelist a tribute for his good work and Christian life and said he had left an influence that would last for all time. Mr. BArcus told how very recently the evangelist had come into his office and laid plans before him calling for $150,000 more of improvements at the Orphanage, saying he had that laid out for his work and wanted the approval of the board of trustees of which he, Mr. Barcus, was a member. No truer man, said Mr. Barcus, has ever lived, no greater Christian has ever graced the pulpit and everybody loved him, and I believe, said Mr. Barcus, his plans will be consummated in accordance with his prayer, Mr. Barcus, as did Rev. Mr. Porter and Rev. Mr. Reed, bestowed high praise upon Mrs. Mulkey, referring to her �tenderness, her Christian spirit, and her love for the children at the Orphanage.� Closing his remarks Mr. Barcus said; �I am a better man by reason of his life having touched mine, and I believe the Methodist Church will build a monument to him.�

Rev. Mr. Porter said he had known Evangelist Mulkey for twenty years and meeting him for the first time the evangelist had given him a new and better view of his obligation as a minister. He had talked to Mr. Mulkey as he lay on his bed of affliction and even then his mind was on the plans he had laid for still more improvements for the orphanage and after going over them he had said; �I�ll see this through.� A great vision loomed through his mind in his last days. Referring to Mr. Mulkey and Mrs. Mulkey he said , we cannot think of one without thinking of the other. When we think of one we think of two. �When we are paying tribute to Brother Mulkey we are paying tribute to sister Mulkey. We will never be capable of saying too many kind words of the companion of this prince who has fallen in Israel.� He spoke of having stood with his hand on Mr. Mulkey�s brow when the death sweat was on his forehead and hearing Mrs. Mulkey whisper in his ear: �Tell Roy when you meet him that I�ll be coming.� �We pay tribute to two lives that fifty years ago became one.�

Rev. E. A. Reed manager of the orphanage, closed the service at the church with an earnest prayer, in which he made frequent reference to not only the evangelist but his wife. At another time Rev. Mr. Reed said of Rev. Mr. Mulkey:

�Abe Mulkey more than any other one man, perhaps, is responsible for the Methodist orphanage in Waco, an institution of which the Methodists have every reason to feel proud. It was his mind that conceived the wonderful possibilities of an orphanage in Waco, the very heart of Texas, and much of the time, in fact the greater portion of his time, since its erection had been given to the orphanage. It was the child of his effort, and on it and its inmates he lavished the love of a great heart. The day was never too hot nor too cold for Abe Mulkey to make any possible sacrifice that concerned the welfare of the Methodist orphanage here.

�It was the financial campaign conducted by Abe Mulkey that furnished the means for constructing what is known as the main building, and it was a financial canvass carried on by him that netted the funds for building the orphanage hospital, formally opened only this year, the campaign for funds having been made by him last year. He carried on this work when money was scarce, when people were giving to the last fathing to help their country, but they gave to Abe Mulkey for �his� orphanage; they couldn�t refuse him, for they knew his heart was in the work, and that he was laboring in behalf of homeless children.

�For thirty-five years had Abe Mulkey been engaged in ministerial work and he was one of the most noted Methodist evangelists in the Southwest. All of his work was of an evangelistic nature, and some of the methods he adopted were most unique and original, but they were the kind that always produced results. Never in the Methodist church�or any other denomination for that matter�was there a man whose consecration to the Master was more perfect and complete than that given by Abe Mulkey. And neither was there ever a man whose heart was filled with a greater love for his fellowman. Service loomed large in his life�service for others�and in the rendering of this service he sought always the will of God he served with such unfaltering devotion, such unwavering fidelity.

�For his work caring for the orphans Abe Mulkey was better known, perhaps, than in any other line of endeavor that received his attention during his career as a minister. He was known as �the father of the orphanage� in Waco, and richly did he merit that title. He was, in very truth, a father to the orphaned children, giving his time, his money and his efforts that they might have a home in which to live and receive an education.

With the closing prayer the body which was in a handsome casket and hidden beneath a profusion of flowers, was removed to the hearse where a great throng followed it to the cemetery where the services were closed and the body put away in its final resting place beside that of his only son, who preceded him several years ago.

The pallbearers were as follows:

Active�S. H. King, J. C. Garner, Dr. O. L. Smith, C. T. Banister, Ab Haslam, W. A Tarver.

Honorary�W. M. Tatum, J. L. Halbert, Gov. Geo. T. Jester, W. F. Barnett, Ralph Beaton, L. B. Cobb, J. D. Jackson, J. M. Kerr, A. O. Smith.

Relatives attending the Funeral were : J. F. Mulkey; Miss Lou Allie Patterson, Mrs. Harrison Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Alger jones, Mrs. S. E. Gideon of Dallas; Mrs. Adda Ward, Miss Madge Mulkey, Mr. Pritchett Mulkey and wife and Mrs. Mollie Graves of Fort Worth; Mr. Gil Mulkey of Quanah; Mr. Fletcher Mulkey and Mr. Ike Mulkey of Kaufman.

Others who attended the funeral from out of the city were: Presiding Elder W. J. Johnson, L. Blalock, publisher of the Christian advocate; Mrs. Belle Ragsdale, also of the Christian Advocate; W. C. Everett, manager of Methodist Publishing House, all of Dallas; Geo. W. Barcus, trustee of the Methodist Orphanage, Rev. E. A. Reed manager and a number of teachers and children of the orphanage.

Evangelist Abe Mulkey was born in Arkansas and reared in Memphis Tenn. His father was a Methodist minister and like other ministers of that denomination, lived in many places. It was in Memphis that Evangelist Mulkey was a newsboy, an experience that he never forgot. He always had a warm place in his heart for the �newsies� and it will be recalled that he got all the news boys in Corsicana together one day and took them to Dallas where they spent the day as Mr. Mulkey�s guests. For some time he lived in Waxahachie when after growing to manhood he entered the grocery business. It was while in Waxahachie that he married Miss Lou P. Kerr, whom he met while visiting in Corsicana, and whom he married on December 12, 1869, and who survives him. To this union a son, Royal Mulkey was born and died a few years ago. After his marriage he came to Corsicana where he clerked for various parties, finally entering business for himself and where he has lived for forty years, thirty years of which he has been an evangelist. He always led a busy life in fact every well day found him doing something. He had an originality that was his own and carried a cheerful air wherever he went. He was wrought well. The large attendance at his funeral�a gathering of his home people composed of youth and age, Christian and non-Christian�spoke eloquently of his virtues and proclaimed the high esteem in which he was held by the people of the town among whom he had come in and gone out for almost half a century.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, April 7, 1919
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Louisa P. �Lou� (Kerr) Mulkey married Dec. 12, 1869; s/o William A. Mulkey, Rev. and Anise Pinkerton (Reed) Mulkey

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THE LATE MR. MULKEY.

You do not run across a man like Abe Mulkey every day. He was a unique character, as much so as Sam Jones or Billy Sunday or Mark Twain or Sunset Cox. Men like these stand out from the rest of us, not as mountain peaks, but as discoverers to us of what we discerned, but could not express. Abe Mulkey, by preaching, converted thousands to the religion of Jesus Christ. And a characteristic of a Mulkey convert is that he never so much as thinks of backsliding; he is on the Lord�s side for good and all. Abe Mulkey had no doubts and he communicated that spirit to all who waited on his preaching. But Abe Mulkey didn�t stop with preaching, he, more than any other man, is responsible for the Methodist Orphanage in this city. If you knew Abe Mulkey, then you loved him. And if you didn�t know him, great was your loss. He has gone to his reward in the Paradise of God.�Waco, Times-Herald.

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RESOLUTIONS WERE PASSED

Memorial Building to Rev. Ave Mulkey

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Methodist Orphanage at a meeting of the Board held in Waco, on April 17th. The Board of Directors instructed the building committee that as soon as sufficient funds were obtained to proceed to the erection of the industrial building. It was request and desire of the Board of managers of the Home that all funds contributed by friends of Rev. Abe Mulkey be sent direct to the Methodist Orphanage, stating that it is for the special fund and the list of contributors will be published in the Christian Advocate from time to time, unless the contributors especially ask that their names be not printed and the fund, when received by the Orphanage, will be placed in special deposit and be used only for the purpose of erecting said building. And the Board urges the friends of the home at this time to provide the necessary means for the erection of said building as it is badly needed at the institution.

Whereas in the Divine Providence of God, Rev. Abe Mulkey has been called from his labors to the reward that awaits the good and pure and in his going, the Methodist Orphanage at Waco has lost its truest and best friend, one who by day and night worked untiringly for the interest of the children and the home; and

Whereas during his life, through his efforts, energy and prayers, most of the buildings of the Home were erected, thereby providing a shelter for the homeless and needy; and

Whereas at the time of his death he had planned for the erection of some new buildings, thereby enlarging the capacity of the institution and especially had planned for an Industrial Building and had had the specifications thereof prepared and a building committee had been appointed, with authority to co-operate with Brother Mulkey in the erection of said building; and

Whereas, as we believe it is absolutely necessary and essential that said Industrial Building be erected as soon as possible.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that we believe it wise and opportune time in which to erect the Industrial Building as a Memorial to the life of Brother Mulkey and that said building should be erected and named the �Mulkey Memorial� Building.

Resolved further that the building committee heretofore appointed be and they are hereby authorized and instructed to begin a campaign for subscriptions for the erection of said building.

Resolved, further, that we hereby call upon the friends of Brother Mulkey, and the friends of the Orphanage to send their subscriptions, at once, to the Orphanage to be used in the erection of the Industrial Building.

Resolved, further that we extend to Sister Mulkey, the wife of Brother Mulkey, our sincerest heartfelt sympathy in this, her hour of bereavement and pray God�s richest blessings upon her.

Revolved, further, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, and a copy be furnished to the press, and a copy be sent to Sister Mulkey.

J. W. GORBTT, Pres. Of Board.
ED McCULLOUGH, Sec�y. of Board.

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RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT

Quarterly Conference of Methodist Praise Rev. Abe Mulkey

At the Quarterly Conference of the First Methodist Church in Corsicana last week, the following resolutions were passed upon the death of Rev. Abe Mulkey:

Inasmuch as the Reverend Abe Mulkey, after many years of faithful and fruitful labor as an evangelist, and in behalf of the helpless orphans, whereby many thousands have been added to the Church and a great sum of money for building up an institution for the care, comfort, maintenance and education of the orphans of the State, has been called to his reward in the world eternal and, whereas, he lived for many years in our city, whereby its fame was largely augmented, and we have known his manner of life and his goodness, helpfulness and kindliness towards all manner and conditions of men, we, the members of the Quarterly Conference of the First Methodist Church in Corsicana, do here express our unqualified appreciation of the noble life he gave so unstintedly to the cause of God and humanity, and it is therefore resolved by this body, that this Church and city and the whole Church and our Country have sustained great and irreparable loss in the decease of this great, good and useful Christian, minister, citizen and lover of men; yet, while we deplore his death and mourn his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he, with his risen Lord, is alive forevermore.

And this body extends brotherly love and sympathy to his faithful co-laborer in all his enterprises, his beloved �Louisa,� whose name is a household word throughout our land.

In view of the great service he rendered to the Methodist Orphanage at Waco, in which service, we believe he literally sacrificed his life, we call upon the Methodists of Texas to erect a great Memorial Building at the Orphanage in his honor.
L. B. COBB,
J. B. SLADE,
J. E. BLAIR.
Committee.

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REV. A. MULKEY WAS A BUILDER

Friends Pay Tribute To Memory Of Man Who Wrought Well

INVOCATION�Rev. B. W. Vining.
Saxaphone Quartette�Abide With Me�Trimble�s Junior Band.
Remarks�J. L. Halbert
Quartette�God is a Spirit.
Remarks�Geo. T. Jester.
Double Quartette�No Shadows Yonder
Remarks�W. F. Barnett.
Solo�Oh, That I Had Wings�Mr. Geo. Idlefeldt.
Remarks�Rev. Cullom Booth.
Hymn�Help Somebody Today.
Benediction�Rev. R. A. Crosby.
This is the program and tells in brief the story of the �Mulkey Memorial Service Sunday, June 8, 1919, at 4 o'clock at the Y. M. C. A.�

When the program had been finished and the gathering of men and women, friends of the man whose life and work had been so eloquently and fervently told in music, song and by the spoken word, were filing out of the building, which itself is an enterprise the founding of which was a part of his work, the one expression was that it was a good program meaning that the man and his work had been properly and appropriately presented.

Where the speakers stood was an easel on which rested a large photograph of the Waco Methodist Orphanage, an enterprise that Rev. Mr. Mulkey spent his last days in furthering. It had been brought over by Mr. Barnett, who is the superintendent of that institution and who was one of the speakers of the occasion. In this connection it should also be said that Mrs. Barnett was also present and sat among a number of boys and girls from the State Orphan Home, who came to pay homage to the man who had a place in his heart for the orphan.

There were flowers in baskets to lend their fragrance.

The choir consisted of Mrs. Perry McCammon, pianist; Mr. Idlefeldt, Mr. Haslam, Mrs. Boyce Martin, Mrs. Dockum, Mrs. Robbins, Mrs. Percy Townsend, Mrs. Douglas Johnson, Mr. Metcalf.

The music and the talks were all good. That is a commonplace expression. But it fits this occasion. It was the description those hearing it gave. It touched their hearts. They felt that the good Rev. Mr. Mulkey had done had been properly presented and that was their desire.

The quartette that sang �God is a Spirit� was composed of Mr. Idlefeldt, Mrs. Townsend, Mrs. Robbins and Mr. Johnson. The double quartette was composed of the entire choir. Those making up the saxophone quartette were Arthur Lee Elliott, Sam Kerr, John Murray McGee, L. M. Mobler.

All the music was selected with special thought of Rev. Mr. Mulkey. The hymn, � Help Somebody Today� was announced and Mayor Halbert asked that the audience join in singing the chorus, saying it was a favorite of Mr. Mulkey�s. Mayor Halbert was master of ceremonies. He had arrived at 2 p.m. from Austin where he had the previous day delivered the annual address before the business meeting of Ex-Students� Association of the University of Texas. He showed that he was suffering physical fatigue but he said, I was anxious to be at any service held in honor of Brother Mulkey. To me he was a great man. The things of the heart are the things that make for greatness. By that standard Brother Mulkey was a great man. He did not let thoughts of his own convenience interfere with his resolutions. He was a man of good impulses and untiring energy. Mr. Halbert spoke of Mr. Mulkey�s work for the Eleventh Avenue Methodist church, saying that he left his own church to go there and put that church on its feet, so to speak. He was a most observant man. Walking from his home to Beaton street he would see enough to enable him to fill two columns of the local paper. Nothing ever escaped him. He wrote of things close to him. He was active to his environments. It was a wonderful faculty. Another characteristic referred to by Mayor Halbert was what he called his �wonderful faculty of humor.� Continuing Mr. Halbert said, �The older I get the more I enjoy a smile and enthusiasm> The man is young who always has a smile and enthusiasm. He had both. He could not do anything by halves.� Mr. Halbert spoke of hearing Billy Sunday in Denver, Colorado, and said he was disappointed. He is a very remarkable man but he hasn�t the sense of humor nor is he as bright and concrete as Brother Mulkey was. Pausing her Mr. Halbert said; �But I could speak his good qualities for hours for he was a many-sided man.�

Gov. Jester spoke with particular earnestness. If we measure he said, a man by what he accomplishes, Abe Mulkey was a great man. Up to his thirty-second year his life was uneventful. While a young man he failed in business and he followed clerking. Then he went into business again and paid all his debts and had he continued in business he would have amassed a fortune. At thirty-two he had a call to preach and was then superintendent of Sunday School. It was a revival Sunday School. He believed that all the children should be converted. Gov. Jester further reviewed his work in the church and how he gradually began to get into the ministry by being called on to aid in or conduct revivals in the county and, he said Mr. Mulkey had advised with him. Gov. Jester first, taking into consideration his lack of education, his business and the church work he was doing, advised him against going into the ministry. Later he gave advice to the contrary. Then he was a man of thirty-two with a wife and son and uneducated. At that age Christ had finished his work. At that age Alexander had conquered the world and when no older Thomas Jefferson had written the declaration of independence. Gov. Jester attributed much of Rev. Mr. Mulkey�s success to Mrs. Mulkey and compared her help to him of that of Rebecca to Isaac and declared that without her he could not have accomplished so much. His wife was his counsellor and instructor. It was my pleasure, said Gov. Jester, to watch his wonderful career. Of all my acquaintances I know no one who has accomplished as much in thirty-six years as Abe Mulkey has. He was original and at times eccentric. He had a style peculiar to himself. He was an originality and personality that no other man had. The work he was called to do was to call sinners to repentance. When we consider the many converts and the young preachers that resulted from his preaching we can then form some estimate of the great work he has accomplished. Quoting the old song, �Will There Be any Stars in My Crown,� Gov. Jester said �Should I ask this audience, Will there be any stars in Abe Mulkey�s crown the voice of the entire gathering would be �There will be many.�

Mr. W. F. Barnett, superintendent of the Methodist Orphanage at Waco, said that he felt he was in a trying position while attempting to speak in behalf of a man like Rev. Abe Mulkey. He had not known him so long as others had, but he said I feel that I have been wonderfully fortunate in knowing him. When you took Abe Mulkey by the hand you knew you had clasped hands with a man. When you heard him speak, you knew some one had spoken. He did things. By your works you are known. His mind was intensely fixed on the Methodist Orphanage at Waco. Mr. Mulkey had said to him: �I have this year borrowed from the Lord and I am going to do all I can for the orphanage.� We do not always appreciate a great man until he is gone. He remembered everybody alike�the old and the young. Mr. Barnett referred to some of Mr. Mulkey�s personal traits and said, �You remember that whistle. No one could whistle like he could. He knew the right thing to do and say at the right time. He read anecdotes from Rev. Mr. Mulkey�s Budget and also repeated some of Abe Mulkey�s sayings.� Referring to the work done by Rev. Mr. Mulkey for the orphanage, Mr. Barnett said, pointing to a photograph of the buildings and grounds, that building was preached, prayed and sung up by Abe and Louisa. The orphanage was the great object of his life. Fifteen hundred children have received its benefits. All the children know and reverence the name of Brother and Sister Mulkey. Speaking of the hospital that Rev. Mr. Mulkey built, Mr. Barnett declared it was modern throughout and that no hospital had better equipment. There is a splendid operating room and dental chair and Brother Mulkey personally arranged it. The home is a magnificent place. He is the man who purchased it . He is the man who accomplished so much. Words are incapable of translating to you the greatness of a man like Abe Mulkey. I ask those who knew him to see that his wishes are carried out. Before he left he had planned a building. Our hope is that the Abe Mulkey Memorial will be built.

Rev. Mr. Booth said; �I count it one of the greatest privileges of my life to have known Abe Mulkey. I count it to be one of the greatest honors of my life to say that I was the pastor of Abe Mulkey.� Referring to Gov. Jester�s remark that for a certain number of years Rev. Mr. Mulkey�s life was uneventful, Rev. Mr. Booth said; �What was it that broke up the tenor of that life? Something happened. He was converted�gloriously converted. A miracle happened in his life. He was converted all over. He never went half way in anything. He gave part of his years to paying off debts. He had paid that debt when he met his financial obligations. But he owed Christ to all the world. He began first to talk to men across the counter. But God called him out in the wide field of action. He had sublime faith�not in himself but in God�s promises. He took God at his Word. He believed in God. Abe Mulkey was a builder. He built buildings that created spiritual value. He was largely instrumental in planning this building. Rev. Mr. Booth said he could name hundreds of churches that he had built and said. He was always building. A builder of buildings that produce men of ideals. It is not necessary to build a great mausoleum out yonder to his memory. You can�t walk the streets of Corsicana without seeing monuments to him. There are other monuments that are more lasting. Abe Mulkey invested his life in building imperishable temples of God in the spirits and lives of men. Our community has been honored that Abe Mulkey has lived among us.

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MULKEY WILL NOW ON FILE

Late Abe Mulkey Provides for Continuation of Work

The last will and testament of the late Abe Mulkey, who was beloved by thousands of friends all over Texas and other states as well, is now on file for probate in the County Court.

Abe Mulkey always a benefactor in life, did not fail to provide that some of his dearest works may be continued and perpetuated. Two codicils to his original will, which is dated May 11, 1904, provide for the support and maintenance of the Texas Methodist Orphanage at Waco, and the Superannuate Homes of Methodist preachers in the Central Texas Conference.

It was mainly through the work of the late Abe Mulkey that the Methodist Orphanage at Waco was established and built up, and he always gave generously both of his time and money to provide for the welfare and betterment of the Orphanage. In the first codicil, dated November 25, 1915, there is bequeathed to the Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Corsicana, and their successors in office, after termination of the life estate of Mrs. Louisa P. Mulkey, a community one-half interest in a farm of 265 acres four miles west of Corsicana, and the administration of this trust is provided for as follows:

�I make this devise to the aforementioned trustees and their successors in office in trust to manage, control, collect the rents, profits and income thereof and after paying there from all proper and legitimate expenses of the maintenance and management to pay over the net income annually to the Texas Methodist Orphanage at Waco, Texas, for the support and maintenance of the same, and to make an annual report thereof to the Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Church, South, of the Corsicana Station, but if and when said orphanage shall cease to exist, then that event, said net income shall go to and be paid over to such orphanage as said Quarterly Conference shall direct.�

In the second codicil there is bequeathed in trust to the Trustees of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist Church of Corsicana a community one-half interest in the Mulkey home on West Third Avenue, after the termination of the life estate of Mrs. Mulkey. These trustees are to manage the property and turn over all net income to the Board of Trustees of the Superannuate Homes of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Central Texas Conference, for the support and maintenance of homes for superannuate preachers. The provisions for the management are similar to the extract given above.

The original will bequeaths the entire estate of the late Mr. late Mr. Mulkey to his wife, Mrs. Louisa P. Mulkey, who is appointed the sole and independent executrix without bond.

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MEMORIAL TO ABE MULKEY

Fine Structure at Methodist Orphanage Is Now Proposed

The Texas Christian Advocate, issue of August 7th carries a picture of the proposed Abe Mulkey Memorial Building with the following statement from W. T. Gray, state superintendent of the Methodist Orphanage.

This building is for school purposes and will be so arranged as to provide rooms and equipment for teaching different vocation subjects suitable to the best development of the children of the Institution. The following will be provided; Manual training and machine shop work, broom and mattress factory; domestic economy, commercial department, etc. There will also be a chapel sufficiently large for the Home as it grows into the big institution it should be, also six large school rooms.

First. We are building a memorial to one of the most wonderful characters that Texas has ever produced�a great citizen, a great evangelist, the friend of God and of man. He has held more revivals, had more conversations, built more churches, raised more money to pay old church debts, than any other man in Texas. He loved the orphanage and gave both of his time and means to help it; more than half the money used in erecting the buildings which stand on the campus of the Methodist Orphanage today was raised by Brother Mulkey. This fund was raised without one cent cost to the Institution. He literally gave his life for the Orphanage and it was his last great work to see that the vocational training be provided for the children of the Home.

Second: In honoring this man of God we will construct a building where both cultural and vocational training will be given to the boys and girls.

Third, The construction of this building will open the door of the Institution to more than one hundred more homeless children. The rooms that are now being used for chapel and school purposes in the dormitories can then be used for dormitory space.

We are asking fifty big men and women to give us one thousand dollars each to this worthy cause. Eleven have lined up and we have several more seriously considering the one thousand dollar proposition. We need thirty-nine more. Will you be one of that number?

Our building will cost about eighty thousand dollars when furnished and equipped for our needs. We ask the prayers and sympathies and cash from our Texas Methodists to put this great task over. If you can not give one thousand, give five hundred, two hundred fifty, one hundred, fifty, twenty-five or one dollar. Let every Methodist have some part in this great work.

Mr. Ed McCullough of Waco is treasurer of this sacred fund.

Knowing the needs of our Home as I do and knowing the interest that Brother Mulkey had in the Home and his desire to have this building at the Home. I earnestly appeal to every man or woman that has ever been helped by his ministry and that has ever heard cry of the orphan that he loved so well, to send us a check for the last dollar that you can afford to give. Let us make his last dream a reality. Do it now.

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NOTED METHODIST EVANGELIST CALLED BY DEATH

The Rev. Abe Mulkey, noted Methodist evangelist, died at Corsicana, Texas, last Saturday, according to word just received here. Dr. Mulkey has been a noted figure in the religious world since he entered the ministry 50 years ago. He held a revival in Fayetteville about eight years ago and his family has visited here a number of times. His wife was a childhood friend of Mrs. Joe Davenport of this place, and she and members of her family were guests of Mrs. Davenport last summer. In his long and useful career Dr. Mulkey has builded his own memorials, one of which is a home for orphaned children, at Waco, Texas.

Notes:

  • Fayetteville Democrat, 12 April 1919
  • Submitted by Don Brownlee - Jan 2003
  • Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX
  • View Photo of Rev. Abe Mulkey
  • Abe Mulkey was born on 14 April 1850 at Columbus, Ark, his father was the Rev. William Mulkey. At the age of 17 Abe married is beloved wife, Louisa, she being the daughter of Judge S. H. Kerr. Abe served as a merchant in the Texas towns of Waxahachie and Corsicana until he sold out and dedicated his life to the service of God.  Entering the Methodist ministry in 1885 he soon became one of the most active and successful evangelist known. Holding revival meetings in almost every significant town and city in Texas and in about twenty other states he raised funds for all church purposes. He donated one night's offering from every revival to the orphanage in Waco, Texas. He had raised money to build or to pay off the debts of scores of churches.
    With the motto: "Pray, Plan, Push and Persist" tens years before his death he was credited with 548 revivals, 16,444 sermons, and 54,084 conversions.

Otis Grady Bryant
May 19, 1918 - Apr 16, 2010

Born on a small sharecropper farm near the little town of Frost in north-central Texas, he was the son of Nora (Ponder) and Raymond Elwyn Bryant and one of three brothers. Otis was among those hailed as America's "Greatest Generation." He and others came forth from their beginnings on small, poor farms during the Great Depression, fought their way to victory in Europe and the Pacific, returned home to become educated, dedicated citizens, foster the Baby Boom and work relentlessly to create lifelong careers that gave their families good lives and build the foundation for the United States to enter the modern era of world leadership.After graduating from high school, Otis attended Navarro Junior College, where he met his future wife, Mary Beth Green. After briefly serving as a public grammar school teacher, he enlisted in the Army in 1941 and entered active duty in 1942. He and Mary Beth married in June 1942 and remained dedicated to each other for nearly 68 years. Otis landed on Normandy Beach some days after D-Day and fought his way through Europe, rising to the rank of Captain and Infantry Unit Commander, then served in the reserves until about 1950.Following the war, he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University. Otis worked as an engineer first in Corpus Christi and then for many years in Houston as Chief Engineer and Director of Advanced Planning for Houston Natural Gas and Houston Pipeline Company. He was active throughout this time in St. Paul Presbyterian Church, the Society of Professional Engineers, as a former President of the Pipeliners Club, for a period of time in the Boy Scouts and was lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.Otis was known to all as a good, honorable, intelligent, brave and sweet man. His love and dedication for his family, his God, his country, to intelligent thought and the English language were constant and unquestionable and his politics fiercely conservative. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Bryant, daughter, Vickie Jane Card, son, Richard Otis "Dick" Bryant, brother-in-law, James Green, son-in-law, Bill Card, and five nieces and nephews.

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