Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Dwayne Robert Lauderdale
Mar 10, 1951 � Sep 7, 2018
 
Dwayne Lauderdale, 67 of Kerens, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 at Navarro Regional Hospital.
He was born Saturday, March 10, 1951 in Stephenville to Earl McGee Lauderdale and Joyce Evans Lauderdale. He worked many years for the Kerens Housing Authority.
Dwayne is survived by his wife, Debbie Lauderdale of Kerens; daughters, Teesha Harrison of Glen Heights, Joely Baker of Malakoff and Jana Lauderdale of Athens; sons, Eric Lauderdale of Lake Athens and Bandy Starks of Rural Shade; brother, Wilson Lauderdale of New Mexico and mother, Joyce Keiss of New Mexico.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 at the Bazette Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Sims officiating.
Interment to follow in the Bazette Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dakota King, Blake Neal, Robert Wade, Wade Hayes, Sam McCoy and Michael Lopez. Honorary pallbearers are Pecos and Denver Starks, Ellie Child and Dixie Lewis.
Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home.

Notes:


George Paul Kolosta
Mar 27, 1932 � Sep 8, 2018

George Paul Kolosta, 86, died peacefully at home in Corsicana Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. George was born on March 27, 1932 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada to William and Anna Kolosta. He grew up in Toronto and worked in his father's grocery store. He attended the University of Toronto and earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering Degree. He married Joan Leach of Toronto and they had six children together, two in Canada and four born in Minnesota where the family relocated. From Minnesota they made a home in Corsicana beginning in 1968. George worked at US Gypsum, Koral Industries, Chattanooga Glass, True Value Hardware Store and Kohl's Distribution Center, amongst others.
George was a devout Catholic, a proud Canadian, and member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He served in many capacities including Scripture Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Food Pantry volunteer and Knights of Columbus member. In addition to dedicating his time to his church, George loved spending time with his family. His children have wonderful memories of family summer vacations traveling around the country in a station wagon. Later he helped make wonderful memories for his grandchildren at family reunions in Surfside Beach and Canyon Lake.
George was an avid reader, a collector of coffee mugs, puttered around the yard and picked up trash from every beach he visited.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Boychuk, his former wife Joan Jones, his brother Joseph John Kolosta and his grandson Alex Kolosta.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, David Kolosta, Nancy (Kolosta) and Ken Myers, Darrell Kolosta and wife Edith, Danny Kolosta and wife Judy, Susan (Kolosta) and Josh Allen and Michelle (Kolosta) and Rob Booth; his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A rosary prayer service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018
at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3000 West Hwy. 22 in Corsicana. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. and then a reception in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the kids request donations be made to the James L. Collins Catholic School: https://collinscatholicschool.org/.

Notes:


Jacquelyn (Souza) Richards
Jul 20, 1948 - Sep 1, 2018

Jacquelyn Souza Richards, daughter, mother, Nanny and friend to everyone she met, passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 surrounded by family and friends. She was 70.
She was born July 20, 1948 in Malakoff to Velma Grace and Edward Souza and graduated from Malakoff High School in 1965. She was a cheerleader who always bled Black and Gold for the Malakoff Tigers. She attended Henderson County Junior College, where she was a member of the HCJC Cardettes drill team that performed in the 1966 Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In the words of her mom, Jackie majored in "Subology," at HCJC, for the many hours she spent in the Student Union Building playing cards and socializing with other HCJC students.
Jackie lived life to the fullest every single day. Her outgoing personality was infectious and could lift your spirits with just a kind word or a smile and the tilt of her head.
She loved sports from watching her grandchildren play to her rabid devotion to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks. Although she never played much organized sports, she was an expert sports referee and always offered to help officiate basketball games or umpire baseball games from the stands.
Family was the center of her universe. Her greatest joy was to spend time with her grandchildren, who she spoiled without apology. She loved to watch them play, whether it was with toy action figures on her living room floor or her granddaughter smacking home runs in a softball game.
She lived most of her adult life in Kerens and Corsicana. She was a caregiver for many years in the nursing home and medical care field, where she knew more about the patients than their own doctors. Jackie never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with the company CEO or the janitor and never skip a beat.
Three beautiful daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Darrell Waller of Mildred, Malissa and Bobby Shults and Jennifer and Ryan Ellis of Corsicana and one son, Clayton Richards of Corsicana, called her mom and she was Nanny to Clay, Keith, Callie, Bryce, Jacob, Kaegen, and Sutton, who she loved to the moon and back.
Jill Souza Davis of Malakoff, big sister, lifelong best friend and often partner in various shenanigans, will carry on her unwavering quest to help the Rangers win the World Series. Chip Souza (Kim) of Bella Vista, Arkansas, her brother and sister-in-law will continue to bring humor and fun to family functions, just as she would.
She was welcomed home by her parents, numerous close family members and husband John Richards, who she is no doubt covering with kisses and overjoyed that they are reunited again.
Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana. Interment to follow in Pattison Cemetery in Emhouse.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana

Notes:


David Allen King
May 4, 1852 - Jun 16, 1936

FUNERAL HELD HERE THURSDAY FOR DAVID KING

Funeral services for David King, aged 80 years, former resident of Navarro county, who died at Edna, Texas, Wednesday were held Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the Chatfield cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. M. Justice, pastor of the church.

Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Walter Harper, Edna.

Funeral arrangements here were handled by the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home.

Notes:


Jimmy Dean Goodwin
June 28, 1930 � July 25, 2018

Jimmy Dean Goodwin, age 88 of Arlington, passed away on July 25, 2018 at his home. He was born on June 28, 1930 in Blooming Grove, Texas, the son of Henry Goodwin and Addie Calhoun Goodwin. Jimmy married Mildred Herring and they celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage together.

Jimmy was a dedicated worker who started his career with Burleson Honey, but later retired from LTV after 46 years of dedicated service. Jimmy and his wife are members of the New York Avenue Church of Christ. In his spare time, he enjoyed horse racing, the Texas Rangers, watching football, and being a handyman for his family. Jimmy�s greatest love was for his family and friends, all of whom will miss him greatly.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughters Carol Jeffery and husband Tommy, Julie McMillin and husband Mitch; daughter-in-law Rhonda Goodwin; grandchildren Bryan Jeffery and wife Julie, Brad Jeffery, Brandon McMillin and wife Stacy, Brett McMillin and wife Nicole, and Shanna Goodwin; great grandchildren Shelby, Bailey, Bryan, and Cole Jeffery; Kendall, Landry, Brynlee, MacKenna, Kinsley, and Bryson McMillin; Rheya Guardiola and Kylee Thompson; a soon-to-be great great grandson Easton Jeffery; brother Charles Goodwin and wife Marsha. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, son James, grandson Ricky, and brothers Bobby and Jerry.

Funeral service will be 11AM on Monday, July 30 at New York Avenue Church of Christ. The family will receive friends from 10AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Burial Park, Waxahachie.

Notes:


Billy Bob Whorton
Feb 23, 1926 - Aug 1, 2001

OXFORD - Billy Bob Whorton, 75, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2001, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford. He was born Feb. 23, 1926, in Blooming Grove, Texas. He was a U.S. veteran of World War II, serving as a radar operator 3rd class on the aircraft carrier USS Lunga Point CVE in the South Pacific. He fought in the battles of Saipan, Tinian, Philippine Sea Luzon, Linguain Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. A resident of Oxford since 1953, he worked for Mid-Valley Pipeline Company for 33 years. He was a member of Oxford-University United Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Oxford Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Marjorie Buckley officiating. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Peggy Whorton of Oxford; a daughter, Susanne Whorton (Danny) Campbell of Baytown, Texas; a son, Robert Lang (Camille) Whorton II of Smyrna, Ga.; two grandchildren, Marisa Campbell (Ben) Atkinson of Oxford and Jonathon Jones of Smyrna, Ga.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oxford-University United Methodist Church, 424 S. 10th St., Oxford MS 38655.

Notes:


Bobby Earl (Kelley) Victoria
Feb 7, 1934 - Mar 15, 2018

BOBBY EARL KELLEY VICTORIA - Bobby Earl Kelley, 84, peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018. He was born on February 7, 1934 in Blooming Grove, Texas to the late Andrew Jackson Kelley and Myrtle Wood Kelley. Survivors include his daughters: Debbie Kelley Ellis and Shirley Danish (Wayne); brother, Jimmie (Eva) Kelley; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Cain Kelley: son, Bobby A. Kelley; brothers, Jerry Kelley and Jack Kelley: grandson, Cody Wayne Ellis. Committal and entombment services will be held on Monday, March 19th, 2018 at 10:00 am at Resurrection Cemetery with Bill Crandall officiating. Condolences and memorial may be shared with the family at www.gracefuneralhome.net. Arrangements and personal care entrusted to Grace Funeral Home.

Notes:


Chris Stoehr
Sep 23, 1945 - May 18, 2018

Chris was born on September 23, 1945 and passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018.

Chris was a resident of Frost, Texas at the time of passing.

At the age of 5, he moved with his family to Dallas and later graduated from South Oak Cliff High School.

His family will host a memorial service in his honor at a later date. Born: September 23, 1945 Death: May 18, 2018 Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Notes:


Robert Lell Barnes
Nov 17, 1931 - Aug 3, 2016

Robert Lell Barnes, 84, passed away in the Sabine County Hospital, Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Robert was born in Kerens, Texas to Raymond and Margaret Cooper Barnes. He was in the United States Air Force. He owned and operated an Electronic Repair Shop.

He is survived by his wife Bejay Barnes of the Fairmount Community, his sister June Taylor, his nieces: Shelli, Melissa, Anita, and Debbie, and his nephew Jeffery.

There will be a private Family Service. Cremation is under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.

�Sweetheart, you had the biggest heart of any man I have ever known. Thank you so much for taking care of me. I will miss you so much! I will always Love you!�
Bejay

Notes:


Ronnie Ray Bates
Oct 3, 1847 - Mar 26, 2018

 
Mr. Ron Bates
OCTOBER 3, 1947 � MARCH 26, 2018

Obituary of Mr. Ron Bates
Ronnie Ray Bates, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on March 26, 2018. He was 70 years old. He was born on October 3, 1947 in Corsicana, Texas to James Randle Bates and Florence Conger Bates. He was raised in Kerens, Texas and graduated from Kerens High School in 1965. He resided in Kerens until he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Carolyn Teague on April 18, 1969 at the First United Methodist Church in Kerens, Texas. Ron served 6 years in the Army Airborne National Guard and he and Betty moved to Dallas in 1969 where he worked for Mobil Oil Corporation while going to night school. He graduated with a BA degree in management from Southern Methodist University in 1974. He held many positions with Mobil during his 32 years of employment and worked in Dallas, Texas; Manhattan, New York; Denver, Colorado; and Houston, Texas. He retired in 2001 while holding the position of Manager-Regulatory Compliance for the E&P North American Division. Ron and Betty moved to Goldthwaite, Texas in 2001 where they raised show quality South African Boer Goats on a 75-acre ranch. They were members of the First United Methodist Church of Goldthwaite and Ron was a member of the choir and a men�s quartet that performed at special events and funerals. Ron was also a member of the Mills Tones, a Barbershop Chorus. They moved to Kaufman in 2007 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He and Betty are members of the First United Methodist Church in Kaufman, where Ron was a member of the choir, the United Methodist Men, the Sunshine Gang, The Emergency Disaster Response Team, the Agape Sunday School Class and The Trustees. Ron said that the Lord Jesus Christ was with him every day showing him the way and making his pathway easier through difficult times.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and by his twin sister Ronda Becker.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife Betty of almost 49 years; two children (son and daughter-in-law) Jeffrey Scott and Catherine Denise Bates of Waxahachie, Texas and (daughter and son-in-law) Ashley Kay and Joshua Neil Ebarb of Allen, Texas; one granddaughter Brittany Catherine Bates; three grandsons; Parker Neil, Peyton Ryan and Teagan Alexander; and numerous extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers Ron has requested, memorial donations be made to the FUMC/Kaufman-Special Memorial Fund at First United Methodist Church of Kaufman, 208n S. Houston St., Kaufman, Texas 75142.

FAMILY
James Randle and Florence Conger Bates, Parents
Ronda Becker, Twin Sister
Betty Bates, Love Of His Life
Jeffrey Scott and Catherine Denise Bates, Son and daughter-in-law
Ashley Kay and Joshua Neil Ebarb, Daughter and son-in-law
Brittany Catherine Bates, Granddaughter
Parker Neil Ebarb, Grandson
Peyton Ryan Ebarb, Grandson
Teagan Alexander Ebarb, Grandson
Ron also leaves behind numerous extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Notes:


Joanne (Tipping) Sterling
Dec 17, 1934 � Sep 11, 2018
 
Joanne Sterling, 83 of Ira passed away Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 in Lubbock. She was born Monday, Dec. 17, 1934 in Corsicana to Walton Ocie and Jimmie Loraine (Fulton) Tipping.
Joanne married Mickey Sterling Saturday, Aug. 25, 1951 in Snyder. She was a homemaker and a member of Knapp Baptist church.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Jetonne Hardgrave and Billie Sharon Neyman.
She is survived by husband Mickey Sterling of Ira; daughter Melisa Martin of Petersburg; two sons, John Robbie Sterling and wife, Marla of Lubbock and Zane Todd Sterling and wife, Kathy of Snyder; eight grandchildren, Cody Sterling, Tyson Sterling, Clayton Sterling, Quaid Sterling, Paige Homen, Shonnah Miller, Shana Robbins, Suzannah Chaney and ten great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.

Arrangements made by Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder.

Notes:


Perry Lynn Murphy
Aug 3, 1934 - Sep 9, 2018
 
Perry Lynn Murphy, 84, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 at the VITAS In-Patient Hospice Unit in Carrollton. He was born on Aug. 3, 1934 in Whitney to Halbert Dewitt and Montrue Eubank Murphy. He married Barbara Gantt Murphy Oct. 19, 1955.
Perry was an avid fan of Corsicana Tiger football and Navarro Bulldog basketball. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Perry was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his two brothers, Hal Gene Murphy of Houston and Robert Edward Murphy of Duncanville.
Perry is survived by his daughter, Lynda Murphy of Savannah, Texas; his son, Bobby Murphy and wife Becky of Barry; his daughter, Robin Murphy of Savannah, Texas; his grandson, Wesley Murphy and wife Jessica of China Springs; his granddaughter, Whitney Cooper and husband, Brian, of Houston; his three great-grandchildren, Weston Murphy, Luna Murphy and Sawyer Cooper as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Corsicana.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to a charity of choice or to the First United Methodist Church of Corsicana.

Notes:


J Fielding Hays
Dec 31, 1926 � Sep 5, 2018
 
J Fielding Hays, of Corsicana, was born in Ranger Dec. 31, 1926 went home to his maker surrounded by loved ones Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 in Corsicana.
J worked in the oil field for many years and ran his own hot oil trucking business in the Four Corners until he became home sick, so he and his family moved back to Texas in 1975. J later retired from Hable in Corsicana. J was also a member of Mildred Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Carter of Cisco and his son, Donnie Just.
J is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margie Hays, son, John Hays, daughters, Nomi Nelson, Dodi Burnitz, and Carla Clever and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the celebration of his life at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 in the Chapel at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Neal officiating, visitation will be prior to celebration at 3 p.m.
Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home

Notes:


Johnnie Marie (Pursell) Nelson
Jan 18, 1908 - Mar 18, 1937

MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19. - (AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

"If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing."

Notes:

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FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

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NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


Doris Nell Etheredge
Jul 5, 1920 - Mar 18, 1937


Doris Nell Etheredge
Oak Grove cemetery, Kerens, Navarro Co., TX

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Victim New London School Explosion Buried Near Kerens

KERENS, March 20.�(Spl.)�Doris Etheredge 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Etheredge, who was a victim of the New London school explosion, was buried in Oak Grove cemetery, three miles east of Kerens Saturday afternoon. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock p.m., with Rev. M. O. Cheek, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating.

Two younger brothers of the girl were in the building at the time of the explosion but escaped death by jumping from a window.

Notes:

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MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19.�(AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

�If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing.�

Notes:

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FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

----

NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

----

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


Rachel Mae Knotts
Jun 21, 1924 - Mar 18, 1937

MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19.�(AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

�If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing.�

Notes:

----

FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

----

NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

----

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


Oneita Bonner
Aug 24, 1925 - Mar 18, 1937

MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19.�(AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

�If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing.�

Notes:

-----

FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

----

NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

----

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


George Almon Bonner
Dec 25, 1923 - Mar 18, 1937

MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19.�(AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

�If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing.�

Notes:

----

FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

-----

NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

----

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


William Thomas �Buck� Griffin, Sr.
Nov 1, 1869 - Jun 17, 1936

Political Leader Dies When Car Overturns

Special to The News.
CORSICANA, Texas, June 17.�Funeral services for W. T. (Buck) Griffin, 66 farmer of East Navarro County and political leader for years, who was killed instantly Tuesday night when his car overturned several times near Powell, will be held here Thursday.

Passersby found his wrecked automobile soon after the crash. Griffin�s body and that of Mrs. Elsie Knipe, 19, of Corsicana, were near the car. Mrs. Knipe is not expected to live. She received a broken arm and critical internal injuries.

Griffin formerly was chairman of the Navarro county debt conciliation board several years having been appointed by governor Miriam A. Ferguson.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. A. D. Thomas, Overton; Mrs. Harve Travis and Mrs. J. H. Bruner of Corsicana, Mrs. Jack Cotton of Eunice, N. M.; and Mrs. Tommie Phillips of Kerens, four sons, Joe, Oscar, and W. T. Griffin, Jr. of Kerens and Walter Griffin of Corsicana; four brothers and three sisters.

PROMINENT FARMER KILLED WHEN AUTO CRASHED OFF ROAD

WOMAN COMPANION ALSO REPORTED BE IN CRITICAL CONDITION

W. T. (Buck) Griffin, aged 66 years, long-time resident of East Navarro county, prominent in farming and political circles, was instantly killed Tuesday night at 10 o'clock when his automobile turned over a number of times one mile east of Powell on Highway 31. Mrs. Elsie Knipe, aged 19 years, companion of Griffin at the time of the crash is in the P. and S. Hospital in a critical condition with internal injuries and a broken arm. It was reported by officers who rushed to the scene of the accident that the automobile apparently struck the shoulder of the highway and turned over at least five times before it stopped.

Griffin and the wounded girl were rushed to Corsicana in a Corley ambulance.

Native of Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was born in Alabama, Nov. 1, 1869. He had been a prominent farmer in the eastern section of Navarro county south of Kerens for many years. He was chairman of the Navarro county farm indebtedness conciliation board several years ago, after being appointed to the post by Gov. M. A. Ferguson. He always took an active part in political affairs.

Surviving are nine children, Mrs. A. D. Thomas, Overton; Mrs. Harve Travis, Corsicana; Mrs. J. H. Bruner, Corsicana; Mrs. Jack Cotton, Eunice, N. M.; Mrs. Tommie Phillips, Kerens; Joe Griffin, Kerens; Oscar Griffin, Kerens; Walter Griffin, Corsicana and W. T. (Buck) Griffin, Jr., Kerens; seven brothers and sisters, Oscar Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Archie Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Charlie Griffin, Baley Park, Mo.; Rufus Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Mrs. Elizabeth Mathis, National City, Calif.; Mrs. Martha Crow, Yuma, Aria.; and Mrs. Emma Kilcrease, National City, Calif. and other relatives.

Griffin�s death is the sixth of the current year on highways in Navarro county and incidentally the fifth to occur between Corsicana and Powell on Highway 31.

Funeral Thursday.
Funeral services will be held from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church. Pallbearers will be members of the Kerens Masonic lodge.

There were no witnesses to the crash, it was learned here. The tragedy was discovered by Orral and Jimmie Pitts and families while riding along the highway. The motor was still running and the lights were burning, with both occupants thrown clear of the demolished car. A passerby was halted and an ambulance was summoned.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., Jun 17, 1936
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st wife Emma Jane (Griffin) Griffin (2nd wife per death certificate Fannie (Davis) Griffin, divorced); s/o R. M. Griffin & Loretta (Reeves) Griffin per death certificate

----

VICTIM OF AUTO ACCIDENT WILL BE BURIED ON FRIDAY

Funeral services for W. T. (Buck) Griffin, aged 66 years, who was instantly killed in an automobile accident near Powell Tuesday night at 10 o'clock, will be held from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The time was set originally for Thursday afternoon but was postponed as some of his relatives living in other states could not reach Corsicana before Friday.

Griffin was a big-scale farmer and was prominent in political circles of Navarro county for many years. He resided south of Kerens. His automobile turned over five times, officers reported, after it apparently ran off the pavement, striking the dirt shoulder of Highway 31. Mrs. Elsie Knipe, 19 is in the P. and S. Hospital suffering critical internal injuries as a result of the accident. Both Griffin and Mrs. Knipe were thrown from the demolished automobile. The motor was still running and the lights were burning when a passerby discovered the tragedy.

Surviving are his nine children, Mrs. A. D. Thomas, Overton; Mrs. Harve Travis, Corsicana; Mrs. J. H. Bruner, Corsicana; Mrs. Jack Cotton, Eunice, N. M.; Mrs. Tommie Phillips, Kerens; Joe Griffin, Kerens; Oscar Griffin, Kerens; Walter Griffin, Corsicana and W. T. (Buck) Griffin, Jr., Kerens; seven brothers and sisters, Oscar Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Archie Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Charlie Griffin, Baley Park, Mo.; Rufus Griffin, Yuma, Ariz.; Mrs. Elizabeth Mathis, National City, Calif.; Mrs. Martha Crow, Yuma, Aria.; and Mrs. Emma Kilcrease, National City, Calif. and other relatives.

The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Pallbearers will be members of the Kerens Masonic lodge.

Notes:


Isabel A. �Belle� (Bird) Sutherland
Feb 8, 1859 - Jun 17, 1936

MRS. SUTHERLAND DIED WEDNESDAY; FUNERAL THURSDAY

NAVARRO COUNTY NATIVE LIVED IN CORSICANA FOR MANY YEARS

Mrs. C. B. Sutherland, aged 77 years, native of Navarro county, 502 North Beaton street, died in the Navarro county Clinic Wednesday morning at 3:15 o'clock after an extended illness. Mrs. Sutherland was the widow of the late Bank Sutherland, pioneer resident and merchant of Corsicana, high official and prominent leader of the I. O. O. F. in Texas.

Mrs. Sutherland had resided in Corsicana practically all of her life, and long had been an active member of the First Presbyterian church. She was vice president of the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Bettie Harris and Mrs. Bertie Sharp, both of Corsicana, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be held from the First Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. R. Hall, pastor of the church.

Active pallbearers will be nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Judge C. L. Jester, Dr. E. A. Johnson, Judge J. M. Blanding, officers of the First Presbyterian church and friends of the family.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home assisted by A. W. Wareing will direct the services.

Notes:

----

RITES PLANNED FOR MRS. SUTHERLAND AT 5 P.M. THURSDAY

NATIVE NAVARRO COUNTY AND RESIDENT CORSICANA MANY YEARS

Funeral services for Mrs. C. B. Sutherland, aged 77 years, 502 North Beaton street, who died in the Navarro Clinic at an early hour Wednesday morning are scheduled to be held from the First Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. R. Hall, pastor of the church, Mrs. Sutherland had been a long-time member of the First Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Sutherland was a native of Navarro county and had resided in Corsicana practically all of her life. She was the widow of the late Bank Sutherland, pioneer merchant and funeral director of Corsicana, and long active leader and official of the I. O. O. F. in Texas. She was vice-president of the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Betty Harris and Mrs. Bertie Sharp, both of Corsicana, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be the following nephews and greatnephews: Harry Bird, Oscar Bird, Wilbur Harris, Ben Harris, Landis McDaniel, Arthur Wareing, Leslie Wareing, Edgar Wareing, Jr., and John Wareing.

Honorary pallbearers will be Judge C. L. Jester, Dr. E. A. Johnson, Judge J. M. Blanding, officers of the First Presbyterian church and friends of the family.

Sutherland McCammon Funeral Home assisted by A. W. Wareing will direct the services.

Notes:


Charles Eaton Lee
Oct 16, 1852 - Nov 18, 1936

FORMER CORSICANA RESIDENT, DEAD

WAS COUNTY SURVEYOR OF NAVARRO COUNTY FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.

Charles E. Lee, aged 86 years, former resident of Corsicana, died suddenly Wednesday at his home in Chickasha, Okla. The funeral will be held here from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 2:30, with interment in Oakwood cemetery.

Mr. Lee was surveyor of Navarro county for 25 years. He moved to Beaumont in 1922 and five years ago went to Chickasha where he has resided since. Mrs. Lee was buried here a number of years ago.

Surviving are three sons, Notie H. Lee, Dallas; Ernest C. Lee, Beaumont and Ray E. Lee, Austin, former newspaper editor and now professor of journalism, University of Texas; a daughter, Mrs. Mittie Johnson, Chickasha, Okla., and other relatives.

The body is scheduled to arrive in Corsicana Friday morning at 9:30 on the Burlington-Rock Island Lines passenger train.

He was a member of the local Knights of Pythias lodge and had been a member of the order 40 years.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home will have charge of arrangements.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR CHAS. E. LEE FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Charles E. Lee, aged 86 years, long-time resident of Corsicana, who died suddenly Wednesday at his home in Chickasha, Oklahoma, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with interment in Oakwood cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. Jeff D. Ray, Baptist minister of Fort Worth; Rev. Mead of Dallas and Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Mr. Lee was county surveyor of Navarro county for 25 years and was well-known in political, church and other circles. He moved to Beaumont in 1922 and a few years ago went to Chickasha where he has resided since that time. He was a member of the local Knight of Pythias Lodge and had been a member of the Order for 40 years.

Surviving are three sons, Notie H. Lee, Dallas; Ernest C. Lee, Beaumont, and Ray E. Lee, Austin, former newspaper editor and now professor of journalism, University of Texas, and a daughter, Mrs. Mittie Johnson, Chickasha, Okla.

Pallbearers were Sam Millerman, J. C. Calhoun, C. A. Middleton, C. S. Dickens, Hood Cheney and Joe Jefferson.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:


Peggy Jean Berry Odom
Jul 12, 1929 - Aug 24, 2018
 
Peggy Jean Berry Odom, 89 passed away Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in San Antonio.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home

 

Notes:

-----

Peggy Jean Berry Odom of San Antonio, Texas left this world August 24th, 2018, to be with our Lord. Peggy was born in Corsicana, July 12, 1929, to James and Ola (Flowers) Berry. She had a very typical childhood growing up in a fairly small town, during the difficult depression years.
She became a Christian at a young age. She loved life, learning and people. She married Leonard Odom, in 1947, and stayed in their hometown to raise their sons, Lynn and Van.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Odom, parents, James Eugene and Ola Berry, and, brother, Elbert. Surviving family includes sons, Len and Van Odom, 2 grandsons, and two great grandchildren., R D Odom, and Frankie Berry, nieces, nephews and their extended families.

If you desire, In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund at curealz.org

All those who knew Peggy recognized her very humble, talented and giving spirit. She was truly a one-percenter and a person so many aspired to emulate.

Visitation will be held at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home from 10:00 - 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 30, 2018. Graveside Service will be held at 12:30 pm at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lynn Odom Van Odom, Len Odom, Kevan Odom and Aric Holbrook. Honorary Pallbearers will be R.D. Odom and Jonathan Gravell.

Notes:


Delores Lavenia (Austin) Hurley
May 15, 1937 - Aug 24, 2018
 
Deloris L. Hurley, 81, of Corsicana passed away Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 at her home.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at Corley Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27 at Corley Funeral Home with interment at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Notes:

----

Delores Lavenia Hurley, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Mildred. She was born in Coolidge, Texas on May 15, 1937 to Virgil Lee Austin and Gara Katherine Austin.

Delores married Billy Ray Hurley in 1952 and spent almost forty seven years together before he passed away in November of 1998. She spent her life taking care of her family and loved every minute of it. She was always welcoming anyone who came to her house and never turned anyone away. She was loving, caring, cheerful and always busy with cooking, playing forty-two, eighty-four and canasta. She was very competitive and loved to win at games, but she was a gracious looser if ever she lost. She cared deeply for her cat Sissy and spent many hours in the recliner together.

She was deeply faithful and loved her Lord with her whole heart. She was always cooking for others in the church and later on when she was unable to attend church she still cooked for families and sent her delicious dishes to the church gatherings. Mimi as she was known by the grandchildren loved her family and was always there for them whenever they needed her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Billy Ray Hurley.

Delores is survived by her children; Leonard Hurley, Alton Hurley and wife Dana, Teresa Hurley and husband, Tom Godwin. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Christi Driskell, Daniel DeMoss, Ryan Hurley, Jordan Hurley, LeAnn Babcock and husband Dustin, and Lesley Hurley and wife Heather. She also has eleven great-grandchildren left to cherish her memories.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for Sunday, August, 26, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Johnathan Simons officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Lesley Hurley, Michael Reeves, Ryan Hurley, Dillon Driskell, Jack Fowler and J.C. Reed.

Notes:


Neal Ray Baggett
Feb 2, 1940 - Aug 17, 2018
 
Neal Ray Baggett, 78, of Corsicana found peace and rest in the arm of our Lord Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. Neal was born Feb. 2, 1940 in Dawson to Peter Franklin and Gladys Oneta Baggett.
As a young boy Neal took pride in his newspaper route. As an adult he spent a majority of his career in public service. His public service began at the Corsicana Police Department where he worked 13 years leaving at the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the Police Department he became a Reserve Deputy for the Navarro County Sheriff's Department. He remained in that capacity until his retirement in 2008. During this time he also served as City Commissioner for four terms. After which he became an Adult Probation Officer for Navarro County where he retired after 17 years. He spent a total of 39 years in law enforcement.
While a police officer Neal was affectionately known as "Neely Ray". His daughter was given his namesake Neely Renee. He met and married the love of his life LaDena Alexander who he met while working at the police department. They celebrated 36 years of marriage this past Aug. 1. He is remembered for his delightful smile and his easygoing personality. He was a champion for the downtrodden throughout his career. Neal was loved and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife LaDena Baggett; daughter, Neely Renee Baggett of Corsicana; son, Danny Baggett and wife Shalin of Fort Worth; brother, Charles Leon Baggett of Decatur; sisters, Linda Carpenter and Gail Hoffman of Corsicana; granddaughters, Morgan and Madison Baggett; grandson, Peter Neal Baggett of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation with Neal's family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home with Rev. Lain Teele officiating. Interment to follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Alexander, Jake Crawford, John Baggett, Austin Alexander, Alex Alexander and Dakota Baggett. Honorary pallbearers will be James Alexander and Shawn Alexander.
Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home

Notes:


Janice Kay (Sawyer) Peterson
Nov 27, 1945 � Aug 15, 2018
 
Janice Kay Peterson (Sawyer,) 72, of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15 at her home. Janice was born Nov. 27, 1945, to James Franklin Wilson and Janie (Scruggs) Sawyer in Corsicana. Over the years, she lived in Austin, Temple and even made her way up to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for about 15 years before making her way home to Corsicana for the past 30 years.
In 1966, Janice Sawyer became Janice Peterson after marrying the father of her beloved children. Janice graduated from Navarro College with an Associate's Degree. She worked at Centex caring for people with special needs for 25 years until her retirement in 2017. Janice loved to watch old movies, play solitaire and mahjong tiles and watch the Home Shopping Network. Janice could always talk her way out of her "home shopping network binges," as she would receive a free gift with each purchase. She loved Adele, George Strait, and above all, Elvis. She was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan who stuck by her team no matter what. Janice will be remembered for her love of helping others and she will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother, Ronnie Sawyer.
Janice was a loving mother to her daughters, Laura James, Christine Wixson (Dave), and Kandyce Kronk (Kevin;) a wonderful grandmother to Ivan James II (Ashley), Grant James (Andy Walker), Taylor James, Hannah Wixson, Austin Wixson, and Cole Wixson. Her great grandchildren include Jazlyne James, Gisselle James, Azalea James, and Ivan James III. She will also be dearly missed by her "fur-baby" Molly and grand-dog Banks.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in the Dawson Cemetery. The family will receive friends and loved ones following the graveside from noon to 2 p.m. at Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Nellie Beatrice (Lee) Thompson
Dec 29, 1916 - Mar 1, 1936

YOUNG WOMAN DIED SUNDAY; BE BURIED MONDAY AFTERNOON

Mrs. Nellie Beatrice Thompson, aged 19 years, wife of D. R. Thompson, 608 South Seventeenth and One-Half street, died Sunday. The funeral will be held from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home Monday afternoon at 6 o'clock with interment in the Modrell cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Tom Lenox, pastor of the First Christian church.

Surviving are her husband, two children, Margaret Frances and George William Thompson; mother, Mrs. Cordelia Tackett; a brother, Woodrow Lee; a sister, Odessa Tackett, and grandmother, Mrs. Parker, all of Corsicana.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Mar 2, 1936
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Dewey Russell Thompson; d/o Andrew Jackson Lee & Dottie Cordelia �Delia� (Allen) Lee-Tackett buried in Cosgrove cemetery

Unidentified Man from Austin
Died Jun. 14, 1936

MAN KILLED AUTO CRASH WAS BURIED TUESDAY AFTERNOON

UNIDENTIFIED HITCH-HIKER BURNED TO DEATH IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT

The body of the unidentified hitch-hiker who was fatally burned on Highway 31 a short distance east of Corsicana Sunday afternoon was taken to the county farm near Petty�s Chapel for burial Tuesday afternoon after efforts of city and county officials to establish his identity had been unsuccessful. The body had remained at the Corley Funeral Home since Sunday afternoon.

The man, thought to have been from Austin, was reported picked up at the edge of Corsicana Sunday afternoon by Boyd Smotherman, 40, of Powell. The coupe in which Smotherman and his companion were riding in an easterly direction figured in a collision in which two gasoline trucks were involved about one and one-half miles east of Corsicana. An explosion followed the crash and the three vehicles were destroyed and an oil storage tank nearby was threatened. Local ambulances and the fire department answered the call and hundreds of motorists were attracted by the crash and attendant tragedy.

Trapped in Car.
The victim was trapped under the flaming coupe and considerable difficulty was experienced in extraditing him. He was hurried to a local hospital where he died a short time later without regaining consciousness. All clothing with the exception of his shoes and belt was burned from his body and all means of identification were missing.

R. A. Mergenthaler, fingerprint expert of the Corsicana police department, procured prints and forwarded them to the Austin police department and to Washington. State department of safety officials Tuesday advised Mergenthaler that the prints of the man here were not on file in Austin. It is expected that checking by federal officials in Washington will not be completed before Wednesday.

Effort to Identify.
Classification of the prints were sent to all parts of the state Tuesday morning by the Corsicana Daily Sun over the Associated Press wires in an effort to establish the identify of the victim.

Several Austin residents have furnished descriptions of missing relatives but none have fitted that of the man here.

Smotherman is reported recuperating nicely at the P. and S. Hospital. He sustained a broken left leg, severe head injuries and minor burns.

One of the trucks sped down the hill a considerable distance following the crash before it plunged through the highway guardrail, into the barpit and to a point near the boundary of the right of way where it turned over and burned.

Drivers of both the gasoline trucks escaped uninjured.

Notes:

----

ALL EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY VICTIM AUTO WRECK FAIL

A notice from governmental agencies in Washington, D. C., received by the local police department Monday morning revealed that no trace or record was in Washington to fit the fingerprints and description of the unidentified white man who was fatally burned when two gasoline trucks and a coupe figured in a crash and fire on Highway 31 June 14.

Photographs and fingerprints of the unidentified man were forwarded to Washington and to the state office in Austin by R. A. Mergenthaler, fingerprint expert of the local police department.

Both the state and national agencies failed to find any record answering the description of the victim.

The public safety department at Austin has sent out the fingerprint classifications and a photograph of the man all over the country in an effort to identify him.

The man was buried at the county farm last week. He was picked up by Boyd Smotherman of Powell a few minutes before Smotherman�s car figured in the tragic crash on the highway. Smotherman had been told by his passenger he was from Austin but did not reveal his name.

Notes:


Walter Eugene Smith
Jun 19, 1860 - Mar 13, 1936

Prominent Kerens Man Passes Away

KERENS, March 14.�W. E. Smith, aged 75 years, native of this community, died at his home here on Friday.

Mr. Smith was an extensive landowner, farmer and director of a local bank.

Surviving are his wife, a son, Eddie Smith, and one daughter, Mrs. H. E. Seale.

Notes:


Sam Anderson
Nov 22, 1892 Apr 19, 1936

COURTHOUSE NEWS

Sheriff�s Office

Sam Anderson, 33, negro, is dead and Man Polk, negro, 45, is in jail as a result of an altercation at Anderson�s home on East Collin street Sunday night at 6 o'clock. Polk was arrested and placed in jail Sunday night about 11 o'clock by Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse.

Anderson was reported to have been hit in the head with an iron pipe. The call was answered by Sheriff Pevehouse and Judge W. T. McFadden. A formal charge of murder against Polk was filed before Judge McFadden after the inquest was held.

Notes:


Hester (Williams) Hurd
1898 - Jun 25, 1978

Mrs. Hester Hurd

Services will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Second Mission Baptist church for Mrs. Hester Hurd, 83, who die Sunday at Mel Haven Convalescent Nursing Home.

The Rev. Paul Curry, pastor will officiate with burial following at
Woodland Cemetery.

A longtime resident of Corsicana, Mrs. Hurd was a member of the Second Mission Baptist Church for many years and a member of the Heroines of Jericho Dorothy Court No. 106 of Streetman.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Mary Davis and a son-in-law, E. J. Davis, both of Streetman; a son Clifton Dunnings of Dallas; a step-son, Fred Hurd, of Phoenix, Ariz.; three grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Notes:

----

Mrs. Hurd

Services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Second Mission Baptist Church for Mrs. Hester Hurd.

Mrs. Hurd died at Mel-Haven Convalescent Nursing Home.

Burial followed in
Woodland Cemetery.

Services were under the direction of Calhoun Funeral Home.

Notes:


Ella Mae Parrish
Apr 10, 1900 - Jun 28, 1978

Mrs. Parrish

Funeral services are pending at Ross and Johnson Funeral Home for Mrs. Ella Mae Parrish, 78, of Corsicana who died Wednesday at Memorial Hospital.

survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Juanita Robinson of Corsicana and Mrs. Margaret Bell of Fort Worth; two sons, Leslie Jones of Oakland, Calif., and Wesley Jones of Fort Worth; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Ophelia Barton of Fort Worth and other relatives.

Notes:


Emer (Robinson) Allen
May 1, 1909 - Jun 17, 1936

Negress Shot Dies Wounds; Husband is Under Murder Charge

Emma Allen, negress, died from gunshot wounds Thursday and a formal complaint for murder was lodged against her husband, Joe Allen, negro in Judge M. Bryant�s court Friday morning by Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse. A previous charge of assault with intent to murder had been filed. The charges were the result of a shooting scrape Wednesday.

The accused negro is still charged with two assault with intent to murder complaints as a result of the shooting of Jessie Alford, negress, and Herbert Lewis, negro at the same time his wife was wounded. A shotgun was used.

Notes:


Jess Leonard Davis, Jr.
Jan 3, 1932 - Aug 26, 1936

WOMAN, TWO CHILDREN DIE IN FLAMES

THREE BURNED TO DEATH WHEN HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE

FUNERAL SERVICES THURSDAY FOR VICTIMS MYSTERIOUS BLAZE

Funeral services were conducted Thursday for three victims of a mysterious blaze that destroyed a farm house occupied by J. D. Massey in the Pursley community about 14 miles southwest of Corsicana late Wednesday afternoon.

The dead: Dixie Lorene Massey, aged 23 years, daughter of Mr. Massey, and Leonard and Johnny Davis, aged four and two years, respectively, sons of Mrs. Myrtle Davis of Corsicana.

The origin of the fire is unknown. The three victims were alone at the time of the blaze, according to information secured by Sheriff Rufus and his deputies who investigated the affair.

Efforts to locate the mother of the two children had been unsuccessful Thursday morning. She is reported to have left the two little boys at the Massey home several days ago and announced she would hitch-hike to Corpus Christi. Mrs. Davis is reported to have formerly been employed at the Texas Hotel here.

Funeral services for Miss Massey were held with burial in the Ward cemetery.

Surviving are her father, three brothers, A. E. Massey, Corsicana; E. L. Massey, Cayuga, and W. B. Massey, Kilgore, and three sisters, Mrs. Pearl Holt, Malakoff; Mrs. Donnie Robertson, Pursley, and Mrs. Ruby Dixon, Vernon, Texas.

Funeral rites for the two small boys were scheduled to be held Thursday afternoon with burial at Petty�s Chapel.

Corley Funeral Home had charge of the funeral arrangements of the three victims.

Notes:


John Andrew "Johnnie" Davis
May 11, 1934 - Aug 26, 1936

WOMAN, TWO CHILDREN DIE IN FLAMES

THREE BURNED TO DEATH WHEN HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE

FUNERAL SERVICES THURSDAY FOR VICTIMS MYSTERIOUS BLAZE

Funeral services were conducted Thursday for three victims of a mysterious blaze that destroyed a farm house occupied by J. D. Massey in the Pursley community about 14 miles southwest of Corsicana late Wednesday afternoon.

The dead: Dixie Lorene Massey, aged 23 years, daughter of Mr. Massey, and Leonard and Johnny Davis, aged four and two years, respectively, sons of Mrs. Myrtle Davis of Corsicana.

The origin of the fire is unknown. The three victims were alone at the time of the blaze, according to information secured by Sheriff Rufus and his deputies who investigated the affair.

Efforts to locate the mother of the two children had been unsuccessful Thursday morning. She is reported to have left the two little boys at the Massey home several days ago and announced she would hitch-hike to Corpus Christi. Mrs. Davis is reported to have formerly been employed at the Texas Hotel here.

Funeral services for Miss Massey were held with burial in the Ward cemetery.

Surviving are her father, three brothers, A. E. Massey, Corsicana; E. L. Massey, Cayuga, and W. B. Massey, Kilgore, and three sisters, Mrs. Pearl Holt, Malakoff; Mrs. Donnie Robertson, Pursley, and Mrs. Ruby Dixon, Vernon, Texas.

Funeral rites for the two small boys were scheduled to be held Thursday afternoon with burial at Petty�s Chapel.

Corley Funeral Home had charge of the funeral arrangements of the three victims.

Notes:


Rachael Ramirez
Dec 4, 1936 - Dec 10, 1936

Infant Daughter of Juan Ramerez Died Thursday Morning

Rachael Ramerez, six day old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Juan Ramerez, died Thursday morning and funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence at 1002 West Eleventh avenue. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Manuel Adame, pastor of the Presbyterian Mission. Burial will be in the
Petty's Chapel Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements are being directed by Sutherland- McCammon Funeral Home.

Notes:


Mildred Ann Frances �Fannie� (Smith) Webb-Cate
Aug 12, 1863 - Feb 20, 1937

MRS. FANNIE CATE OF STREETMAN DIED AT TROUP SATURDAY

Mrs. Fannie Cate, wife of W. L. Cate of Streetman, died Saturday morning at 8 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Basil Utsman at Troupe. Mrs. Cate was visiting her daughter at the time she was taken ill.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the First Baptist church in Birdston cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. Ward of Troup, assisted by Rev. J. L. Shaddix, pastor of the Streetman Baptist church.

Surviving are her husband, three daughters, Mrs. Utsman, Troup, Mrs. J. L. Lain, Cleburne, and Mrs. C. L. Clark, Streetman; Thomas Cate, Troup and J. K. Webb, Streetman; and 14 grandchildren.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Pallbearers were Dave. Moles, Harold Lee, Horace Owens, Ray DuBose, Paul Gregory and Coy O�Neal.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Feb 22, 1937
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband Campbell W. �Cam� Webb married Dec. 17, 1879 2nd husband Wade Lawrence Cate married Jan 19, 1896

William Ray DuBose, Sr.
Mar 10, 1890 - Mar 21, 1976

Ray DuBose

Funeral services were to be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Presbyterian Church in Streetman for Ray DuBose, 86, who died Sunday at his Streetman home. The Revs. James Cook and Billy Fitch were to officiate with burial in Birdston cemetery.

Arrangements are with Griffin Funeral Home.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Willie DuBose, Streetman; one son, Ray DuBose, Jr., Denton; two daughters, Mrs. Frances Gregory, Dallas, and Mrs. Jo Ann Ollar, Garland, and Mrs. Jo Ann Ollar, Garland; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Gladys DuBose, Garland.

Pallbearers included Harris Wilson Milner, Homer Paul Bonner, Granville Tisdale, Willy D. Pillans, L. T. McKissack and Watt Brown.

Notes:


James Marion �Jim� Jenkins
Oct 16, 1855 - Sep 5, 1943

JAMES M. JENKINS DIED AT STREETMAN SATURDAY NIGHT

Funeral services for James M. Jenkins, age 88 years, long-time resident of the Streetman community, who died at his home Saturday night, will be held from the First Baptist church at Streetman Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Revs. W. M. White and O. B. Barton will conduct the rites and interment will be in Birdston cemetery.

Jenkins, a native of Hill county, moved to Streetman 68 years ago. He was a prominent land owner and cattleman and wa wlll known in that section. He had been deacon in the Baptist church for 40 years. He was also active in civic affairs.

Surviving are three sons, O. L. Jenkins, Hamlin; F. B. Jenkins, Streetman; M. J. Jenkins, Streetman; six daughters, Mrs. C. P. Waters, Briscoe; Mrs. M. S. Smith, Streetman; Mrs. N. L. McIver, Streetman; Mrs. Floy Callan, Dallas; Mrs. W. A. Dixon, Houston; Mrs. W. P. Pillans, Charlotte, N. C.; a brother, J. J. Jenkins, Lornzo; several grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Ray DuBose, Harral Owens, John Sims, George Sims and Thomas Sharrard.

Corley Funeral Home will direct the arrangements.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Sep 6, 1943
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st w/o Nancy Jane (Baldree) Jenkins 2nd wife Lula Margaret (McBryde) Jenkins s/o Jessie Jackson Jenkins, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Tisdale) Jenkins

Lena M. (McBryde) Jenkins
Sep 25, 1873 - Sep 13, 1919

IN LOVING MEMORY

Of Mrs. T. H. Jenkins who died Sep. 13, 1919, near Streetman at the home of her sister Mrs. J. M. Jenkins which was only a short distance from the old home-place, the place of her birth. She was born Feb. 26, 1873, being 46 years, 7 months and 22 days of age united with the Methodist church at Birdston Texas, 31 years ago, at the early age of sixteen, after which she had lived a devoted Christian life, loved by all who knew her.

She with her husband and two small children, Clyde 12 and Louise 9 were living near Wortham. At the time of her death, she was visiting her sister, Mrs. Jim Jenkins who was very low to comfort and administer to her last wants, as it was always her custom to cheer and help the sick and needy and she possessed such a lovable disposition she carried sunshine wherever she went. It was so sweet as she would go about her daily task to always hear her singing some sweet song and ever a kind word and smile for all, both young and old.

Her health had been on the decline for the past two years but she was too energetic to give up. She left her home on Sunday, September 7th to spend a few days with her sister taking sick on the following Thursday, she continued to grow worse on Friday and she and her husband planned to go to Corsicana Saturday for an operation which she had been advised by physicians as the last hope, but as the last midnight hours drew near God relieved her of the dreadfulness of an operation and all her suffering, when he threw open the pearly gates and called her home to receive the rich reward that awaited her in Heaven and there meet her loved ones that had gone on before. Oh the joy that thrilled her soul as she gathered her precious children in her arms and a father, mother and dear old auntie gathered around to welcome her home.

We shall miss her in our joys and our sorrows where she was ever present to lend a helping hand. We shall never forget her deeds of kindness in our own home, sweet memories of her shall linger with us through life. Its so sad to part with her but we weep not as those who have no hope for we know she lives again where pain and sorrows are unknown and some sweet day we shall meet her and that same sweet smile and outstretched arms shall greet us as in days gone by.

She was laid to rest in the Birdston cemetery where a large crowd gathered to pay their last tribute of love. The services were conducted by Rev. Stanley, after which the grave was covered with beautiful flowers placed there as a token of love and remembrance by her many friends and relatives.

She leaves a husband, six children, two sisters and two brothers to mourn her loss.

May God pour out his richest blessings upon her loved ones to whom she was so devoted, save the unsaved, comfort their hearts in this sad bereavement and direct us all that we may be prepared to meet her in that home on high, is the prayer of all.

ONE WHO LOVED HER.

Notes:


Samuel Ross "Sammie" Smith, Jr.
Apr 9, 1924 - Mar 18, 1937

Victim New London School Explosion Buried Near Kerens

KERENS, March 20. - (Spl.) - Doris Etheredge 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Etheredge, who was a victim of the New London school explosion, was buried in Oak Grove cemetery, three miles east of Kerens Saturday afternoon. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock p.m., with Rev. M. O. Cheek, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating.

Two younger brothers of the girl were in the building at the time of the explosion but escaped death by jumping from a window.

Notes:

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MOTHERS-FATHERS ONLY ABLE FATOM SHOCK OF DISASTER

COURAGE AND STRENGTH NEEDED CARRY ON SEARCH FOR CHILDREN

By MARY KENDALL HILTON

NEW LONDON, March 19.�(AP)�Only a mother or father could understand emotionally the shock and loneliness in the hearts of the stricken families of the London community this gloomy day.

The parents of dead and injured children have made hasty and bitter pilgrimages from town to town within a radius of forty miles. From hospital to morgue, some carrying hope and fear in their hearts�others black despair. The pitiful wisps of youngsters lie in tragic rows. It takes courage and strength for these anguished mother and fathers to carry on the search, for the terrific force of the blast ruthlessly battered and lacerated the young bodies, once so alive.

To the pain of each heart is added the sorrow and burden of other hearts as women and men seek to comprehend the extent of the tragedy and sense the desolation and grief gripping friends, neighbors, strangers, every one.

I arrived at the London school yard about an hour after the explosion and the scene at first seemed one of wild confusion. Out of the confusion rose a concerted and desperate effort to unearth the children. Women stared with eyes which could not comprehend the picture before them. This could not be the fine new school groveling in the dust like a stricken animal.

The men of the community, heads of sorrowing families moved with strength among the weeping women folk, seeking to comfort them.

One of the most thoughtful expressions uttered in this veritable pie of despair was spoken by a middle-aged oil field worker, whose face was lined heavily with new sorrow.

�If every mother and father in this country could see this picture,� he said �they would thank God every minute of their lives for having spared them this terrible thing.�

Notes:

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FIVE VICTIMS OF NEW LONDON BLAST BROUGHT CORSICANA

MANY OF DEAD FORMER RESIDENTS AND HAVE RELATIVES HERE

Two victims of the New London explosion were brought to Corsicana early Friday morning, and three others were reported en route here this afternoon to be prepared for burial. Others are expected later in the day and Saturday as identification is established and relatives decide upon funeral arrangements.

Many of the victims of the blast that snuffed out the lives of 500 children are the children of former Corsicana and Navarro county residents and it is likely a large list will be available later. Early Friday afternoon, however, most of the local residents with relatives in that sector had sped to New London and vicinity to aid and definite information was unavailable.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Nelson, aged 29 years, resident of Overton and teacher in the new London school, who was instantly killed in the explosion Thursday afternoon, will be held from the Mt. Calm, Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four step-sons, W. L. and Joe Nelson, both of Talco; J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. J. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12-year-old school girl, instantly killed in the blast Thursday afternoon, were held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the church.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, former residents of Angus; a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

The bodies of Oneta Bonner and a smaller brother, who were killed in the New London school explosion, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Bonner, former residents of Eureka, were reported en route here Friday afternoon for burial. Funeral arrangements have not been announced but burial will probably be held some time Saturday.

Ross Smith, Jr., age about 10 years, also killed in the explosion, will be brought here for burial. Funeral services will be held some time Saturday with burial either in Oakwood or at Frost, it was announced.

Corley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the five funerals, it was announced.

Notes:

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NEWS OF DISASTER BROUGHT SADNESS LOCAL RESIDENTS

HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE CALLS ASKING INFORMATION REACHED SUN OFFICE

Corsicana was stunned about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon when the first news of the disaster of the New London school became generally known, and hundreds of citizens turned to the Daily Sun office or called for information, or tuned in their radios for some more hopeful report than the first received.

As the reports of the death toll mounted higher and higher and telephone communications with relatives in the stricken area became impossible, the number of calls at the newspaper office increased. Many citizens not directly affected by the disaster became interested in the fate of the families of hundreds of friends who resided in this city during the many years of oil activity in this vicinity.

Two extra editions were issued by the Daily Sun keeping local residents informed of the latest details of the tragedy as they were uncovered by hundreds of hastily assembled workmen and the news sent directly to the newspaper office over the leased wires of the Associated Press. The entire town was covered by newsboys.

After a few hours the most sought information was the list of the dead and injured but this was not available until early in the morning, but telephones in the Daily Sun office rang continuously until far in the night and the facts were passed along as rapidly as they were received.

A number of Corsicana residents went to the scene of the disaster during the afternoon and offered their services and any assistance the community could afford. These included W. P. McCammon, A. L. Huffman, John R. Corley, A. W. Wareing, Harold Mimms and others.

Almost every resident of Corsicana had some acquaintance among the victims, many of whom formerly resided in Corsicana and nearby, or among the thousands of adults affected who were either natives of this section or former residents.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VICTIMS OF SCHOOL TRAGEDY

CHILDREN AND RELATIVES OF FORMER RESIDENT WERE AMONG DEAD

Funeral rites for five victims of the New London school explosion Thursday when more than 500 school children and teachers were killed were held here Friday and Saturday. Children and relatives of numerous Navarro countians lost their lives in the holocaust but are being interred elsewhere.

Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Nelson, 30, of Overton, teacher were held from the Mt. Calm Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Mt. Calm cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. W. Melton, Baptist minister of Waco. The body was brought to Corsicana early Friday morning where it was prepared for burial.

Surviving are her husband, J. D. Nelson, Overton; a son, Thomas Ray Nelson, Overton; four stepsons, W. L. and J. D. Nelson, Jr., and John Nelson, both of Overton; two step-daughters, Catherine and Evelyn Nelson, both of Overton; mother, Mrs. H. Gillenberg, Waco, and a sister, Mrs. H. H. Bunch, Overton.

Funeral for Child.
Funeral services for Rachel Mae Knotts, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd E. Knotts of Overton, formerly of Angus, were held from the First Baptist church here Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with burial in the Hamilton cemetery. Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor, conducted the services. Surviving are the parents, a brother, Floyd E. Knotts, Jr., Overton, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, Corsicana and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Knotts, Angus.

Funeral rites for Ross Smith, Jr., aged 10 years, son of S. R. Smith, Old Rodney, near Overton, blast victim, were held at Old Rodney Saturday morning at 10 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery here Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral was conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister.

Double Services.
Double funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Corley Funeral Home for Onida, age 11 and George Amon Bonner, aged 13 years, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Bonner of Overton, former Navarro countians, school building explosion victims. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, Church of Christ minister. Interment was in the Prairie Point cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, a brother, Jimmie Ray Bonner, Overton; grandmother, Ms. Minnie Lee Bonner, and a grandfather, J. O. Gaines, both of Eureka.

The above five funerals were directed by the Corley Funeral Home.

John Arnold Ford, about, 19, was killed at New London. He is a nephew of Wesley Ford of Corsicana.

Elizabeth Blanton, 16 year old daughter of Ed Blanton, former resident of Corsicana and well-known in local oil circles, was numbered among the victims of the New London tragedy Thursday afternoon.

Billie Sue Hall, 11, daughter of Bill Hall, former resident of Navarro was killed Thursday, friends here learned Friday night.

Notes:


Charles Evans "Charlie" McBryde
Jan 15, 1871 - Mar 8, 1941

RETIRED GINNER WAS BURIED SUNDAY FROM METHODIST CHURCH

CHARLES E. M�BRYDE DIED AT HIS HOME SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Charles E. McBryde, aged 70 years, retired farmer and ginner, who died at his home, 1811 West Seventh avenue, Saturday afternoon, were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the First Methodist Church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery. The rites were conducted by Dr. P. E. Riley, pastor of the church. Corsicana Lodge No. 63, I. O. O. F., had charge of the rites at the grave.

Surviving are his wife, a son, Ernest McBryde; two daughters, Misses Bertha and Nellie Belle McBryde, all of Corsicana.

Mr. McBryde had resided in Corsicana for the past forty years. He was a member of the W. O. W.

Pallbearers were H. R. Stewart, Percy Nowell, W. Y. Bankhead, Roy Harrison, Roy Hopkins and Sam Hopkins.

Corley Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:


Bertha Mae McBryde
Nov 9, 1896 - Jun 28, 1963

Miss McBryde Dies Friday

Miss Bertha Mae McBryde 66, long-time employe of the J. M. Dyer Department store, died at the family home, 1811 West Seventh Avenue, Friday morning.

Funeral services will be held from the Griffin Chapel Sunday at 2 p.m. with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. David Williams, assisted by Rev. Homer S. Cox, pastor of the Eleventh avenue Methodist church.

Miss McBryde was a member of the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church.

Surviving are a sister, Miss Nellie Belle McBryde, and a brother, Ernest McBryde, both of Corsicana.

Notes:

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McBryde Rites Slated Sunday

Funeral services for Miss Bertha Mae McBryde, who died Friday, will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Griffin chapel.

Conducted will be the Rev. David Williams who will be assisted by the Rev. Homer S. Cox, pastor of Eleventh Avenue Methodist church.

Burial will be in the Oakwood cemetery.

Miss McBryde died at the family home, 1811 West Seventh avenue, at the age of 66. A long-time employe of the J. M. Dyer Department Store, she was a member of the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church.

Surviving are a sister, Miss Nellie Belle McBryde, and a brother, Ernest McBryde, both of Corsicana.

Pallbearers will be Alvis Cox, Preston Garner, Percy McKinney, Clint Washburn, Harvey Elmore and Ed Pirtle.

Notes:

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Miss McBryde Rites Sunday

Final rites for Miss Bertha Mae McBryde, 66, who died at the family home, 1811 West Seventh Avenue Friday morning, were held Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Griffin Chapel with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

The services were conducted by Rev. David Williams, assisted by Rev. Homer Cox, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist church. Miss McBryde was a member of the Pleasant Grove Methodist church.

Miss McBryde was a long-time employe of the J. M. Dyer Department Store.

Surviving are a sister, Miss Nellie Belle McBryde, and a brother, Ernest McBryde, both of Corsicana.

Pallbearers will be Alvis Cox, Preston Garner, Percy McKinney, Clint Washburn, Harvey Elmore and Ed Pirtle.

Notes:


Nellie Belle McBryde
Sep 23, 1901 - Jul 8, 1974

Miss McBryde

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Griffin Funeral Home Chapel for Miss Nellie Bell McBryde, lifelong Corsicana resident who died Monday at her home, 216 Fairmount. The Rev. Peter Kach will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

She was a retired saleslady of J. M. Dyer Co.

Surviving are one brother, Ernest A. McBryde of Corsicana and several cousins.

Notes:

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Miss McBryde

Funeral services were to be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel for Miss Nellie Belle McBryde, lifelong Corsicana resident and native of Birdston community who died Monday at her home. The Rev. Peter Kach was to officiate with burial in Oakwood Cemetery.

She had been a longtime saleslady at J. M. Dyer Co. in hosiery and handbag department before retiring about three years ago.

Pallbearers were to include Percy McKinney, Harvey Elmore, Preston Garner, Clint Washburn, Dennis Volver and Gilbert Sutherlin.

Surviving are one brother, Ernest McBryde, Corsicana.

Notes:


Ernest Austin McBryde, Sr.
Jul 18, 1894 - Nov 10, 1975

Ernest McBryde

Services are pending at Corley Funeral Home for Ernest McBryde, 81, resident of Corsicana, who died Monday morning at Memorial Hospital.

Survivors include his widow of Corsicana and other relatives.

Notes:

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Ernest McBryde

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Corley Chapel for Ernest A. McBryde, 81, of Corsicana, who died Monday in Memorial Hospital. The Rev. Jack Riley and Rev. Roy Davis will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

He was a native of Birdston, Texas, and lived most of his life in Corsicana. He was a retired electrician, a veteran of World War I and a long time member of the Methodist church.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Crystille Culwell McBryde of Corsicana and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dick Everett, Fritz Kloecker, Liston Herod, Jr., Clyde Johnson, Ray York and Tiny McMullan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Bone, David Ralston and Campbell Gillespie, Sr.

Notes:


Lula Matilda (Clark) McBryde
Feb 5, 1873 - May 20, 1955

Saturday Rites For Mrs. McBryde

Funeral services for Mrs. McBryde

Funeral services for Mrs. C. E. McBryde, 82, who died at the family home, 1811 West Seventh avenue Friday morning will be held from the Corley Chapel Saturday at 4 p.m.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Guy Phillips, pastor of the Assembly of God Church, and Rev. J. W. Ford, pastor of the First Methodist church. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. McBryde had resided in Corsicana for many years.

Surviving are a son, Ernest McBryde, and two daughters, Misses Bertha and Nellie Belle McBryde, all of Corsicana; a sister, Mrs. S. T. Grinstead, Weatherford, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Roy Harrison, Percy Nowell, Liston Herod, L. B. Forbes, Jack Megarity and Preston Garner.

Notes:


Eva Bell (Gauntt) Park
Dec 6, 1885 - Jan 15, 1965

Mrs. E. Park Rites Sunday

Funeral services for Mrs. Edward Park, 78, who died in Memorial hospital Friday afternoon, were held Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Corley Chapel. Burial was in
Oakwood cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Eugene E. Wood, pastor of Westminister Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Park had resided in Corsicana for 50 years.

Surviving are a son, Milton (Jack) Park, Midland; four daughters, Mrs. Bill Balcom, Jr. and Mrs. Marvin Fannin, both of Corsicana; Mrs. J. W. Bowden, Palestine, and Mrs. Richard Patterson, Philadelphia, Pa.; 13 grandchildren, a brother, W. H. Gauntt, Valley Mills; two sisters, Mrs. Floyd Hughes and Mrs. May Lane, both of Waco, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were E. L. Reynolds, John C. Horn, Willie Gowan, Herbert Joyner, Wilbur Thompson, Jr.; Sam Roberts, J. E. Craig and Louis D. Brown.

Notes:

--

Mrs. Park Dies Friday; Rites Slated Sunday

Mrs. Edward Park, 79, Corsicana resident for 50 years, died Friday afternoon at Memorial hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Eugene E. Wood, pastor of the Westminister Presbyterian church.

Surviving are a son, Milton (Jack) Park, Midland; four daughters, Mrs. Bill Balcom, Jr., and Mrs. Marvin Fannin, both of Corsicana; Mrs. J. W. Bowden, Palestine, and Mrs. Richard Patterson, Philadelphia, Pa.; 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a brother, W. H. Gauntt, Valley Mills; two sisters, Mrs. Floyd Hughes and Mrs. May Lane, both of Waco, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be E. L. Reynolds, John C. Horn, Willie Gowan, Herbert Joyner, Wilbur Thompson, Jr.; Sam Roberts, J. E. Craig and Louis D. Brown.

Notes:


Ervin Floyd �Bud� Patrick
Feb 6, 1879 - Jan 17, 1965

E. F. Patrick Rites Tuesday

Ervin Floyd Patrick, 85, retired Emhouse farmer and rancher, died Sunday in Recovery Center, Dallas.

Funeral services will be held from the McCammon Chapel Tuesday at 10 a.m. with burial in
Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Dr. C. E. Colton, pastor of the Ray Haven Baptist church of Dallas.

Surviving are five nieces, Mrs. Harold Bedil, Beaumont; Mrs. Jerry Worsham, Fort Worth; Mrs. E. L. Sims, Mrs. Beatrice McMills and Mrs. Sammy Kirkham, all of Dallas; a nephew, James F. Patrick, Dallas, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be J. C. Roe, Roy Bristow, C. J. Armstrong, Stokes Armstrong, Joe Worsham and W. T. Graves.

Notes:


Allen Binford Callaway, Sr.
Dec 7, 1879 - Jan 15, 1965

A. B. Callaway Dies Friday, Rites Sunday

Allen B. Callaway, Sr., 85, retired oil field worker and former peace officer, died Friday afternoon.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in
Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Robert J. Potts, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Callaway served a number of years as a deputy sheriff, city police desk sergeant, county jailer, and a guard at Air Activities of Texas during World War II. He was employed in the Cayuga oil fields for some time.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; a son, Allen B. Callaway, Corsicana; a daughter, Mrs. Truitt Kyzar, Beaumont, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be B. L. Cook, C. O. Curington, Claude Patterson, Clay Barton, Henry Bunch and Isadore Goldberg.

Notes:

----

Hold Services A. B. Callaway

Funeral services for Allen B. Callaway, Sr., 85, who died Friday, were held Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in
Oakwood cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. Robert J. Potts, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Callaway at one time was in the regular U. S. Army before World War 1 and served for years as a peace officer, deputy sheriff, jailer, city police desk sergeant and guard at Air Activities of Texas. He is also a former oil field worker.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; a son, Allen B. Callaway, Jr., Corsicana, and a daughter, Mrs. Truitt Kyzar, Beaumont, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were B. L. Cook, C. O. Curington, Claude Patterson, Clay Barton Henry bunch and Isadore Goldberg.

Notes:


Lela Martha (Godley) Callaway
Jul 25, 1898 - Aug 29, 1973

Mrs. Callaway

Funeral services are set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. A. B. Callaway, Sr., 75, of Corsicana, who died Wednesday at Memorial Hospital. Burial will be at
Oakwood cemetery.

Rev. Robert J. Potts will officiate.

She was a native of Drane community, a lifelong resident of Corsicana, and a retried employe of a local department store for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Truitt L. Kyzar of Sherman; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Erma Callaway of Corsicana; and several nieces and nephews.

Notes:

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., Aug 29, 1973
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Allen Binford Callaway, Sr. married March 10, 1917; d/o Columbus Martin Godley & Ophelia Caroline (Thomas) Godley

----

Mrs. Callaway

Funeral services were to be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. A. B. Callaway, Sr., 75, of Corsicana, who died Wednesday at Memorial Hospital. Rev. Robert J. Potts was to officiate.

Survivors include a daughter, a daughter-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Byford Cook, Bill Balcolm, Chester Sprinkle, O. L. Pitts, C. O. Curington and C. R. Patterson.

Notes:


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