Notes:

• WWII Veteran
• WWII Biography

Joseph Henry Scoggins
Feb 8, 1893 - Jul 3, 1960

Henry Scoggins Dies On Monday

Henry Scoggins, 67, of 1058 South Seventeenth street, retired Magnolia engineer, life-long resident of this community died in Memorial Hospital Monday morning.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Bruce Hibbitt, pastor of the Missionary Baptist church. Graveside services will be conducted by Corsicana Lodge No. 174. A. F. and A. M., of which he was a member. Masons will be pallbearers.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; three sons, Henry Scoggins, Fort Worth; James and Ralph Scoggins, both of Corsicana; four daughters, Mrs. William Morris, Kerens; Mrs. Matthew Dionist, Fort Worth; Mrs. Charlie Rhoads, Jr., Dallas and Mrs. Bill Watson, Hillsboro; and 11 grandchildren.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Jul. 4, 1960
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX
• h/o Eunice (Webb) Scoggins; s/o James Monroe Scoggins & Lucinda A. (Riley) Scoggins

Henrietta "Etta" (Dill) Cox-Haughtlin
Apr 17, 1878 - Mar 31, 1960

Mrs. Houghtlin Rites Friday

Final rites for Mrs. Etta Houghtlin, native of Waco, 217 North Twenty-First street, were held Friday at 10 a.m. from the McCammon Chapel. She died in Memorial Hospital Wednesday afternoon.

The services were conducted by Rev. Robert Wooddy, pastor of the First Baptist church, of which she was a member. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

Surviving are three grandchildren, Mrs. Henrietta Hayburn, Louisville, Ky.; Mrs. Alice Ruth McKenzie, Ranger; Dill Cox, Pueblo, Colo.; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Winnie Cox, Ranger; a niece, Mrs. A. L. Huffmann, Corsicana, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Jack Dill, Charles A. Cates, A. L. Huffman, H. T. Sparks, Hoyt Moore and Jimmy Dill.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Apr 1, 1960
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• 1st husband Marion Henry Cox married Feb 21, 1897 2nd husband unknown Haughtlin; d/o James Shannon Dill & Anna Elouise (Archer) Dill buried in Dresden cemetery

Steven Howard
B&D Dec 30, 1960

Howard Infant Services Held

Graveside rites for Steven Howard, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Howard, Corsicana, were held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Oakwood cemetery with Reginald Beaver, minister of the North Beaon Church of Christ conducting.

The infant died early Friday at Memorial Hospital.

Survivors, other than the parents, are one brother, Donald David Howard, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Howard, all of Corsicana, and a great-grandmother, Mrs. G. W. Ewing, also of Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat., Dec. 31, 1960
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• s/o Donald Buck "Don" Howard & Sonja Lynn (Rogers) Howard

John B. Reed
Jul 18, 1906 - Aug 1, 1960

Former Resident Dies At Odessa

Graveside rites for John Reed of Odessa, who died Wednesday night after an illness of six weeks, will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Oakwood cemetery.

Reed was a resident of Corsicana a number of years prior to moving to Odessa.

Surviving, other than the widow of Odessa, are two brothers, Ernest and W. B. Reed, both of Odessa; two nieces and one nephew, all of Odessa.

Corley directs.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Sep 1, 1960
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• s/o Robert Lafayette Reed & Margaret Victoria (Crews) Reed

Melanie Denise (Boothe) McFatridge-Boothe
Jan 20, 1971 - Dec 26, 2024

Melanie Denise Boothe, age 53, of Blooming Grove, Texas, passed away at her residence on December 26, 2024. Born on January 20, 1971, in Bryan-College, Texas, Melanie was the cherished daughter of William and Carol Boothe. Melanie was a kindhearted and loyal woman with a deep love for animals. From her childhood days of caring for rabbits and gerbils to her lifelong affection for all creatures, her compassion for animals reflected her nurturing spirit. She was a hardworking woman, known for her culinary talents, particularly her mastery of Mexican cuisine and her famous bundt cakes that delighted family and friends alike. Melanie's generosity and willingness to help others, whether they were close friends or strangers, made her a treasured presence in her community. In the last months of her life, she found peace and fulfillment through her involvement in Bible study and the support of her caring community. Her faith brought her comfort and renewed purpose. She is survived by her loving parents, William and Carol Boothe; her children, Benjamin McFatridge, Savanna McFatridge, Daniel McFatridge, and Meranda Fuselier; her sisters, Cynthia Boothe and Michele Shadle; her five beloved grandchildren; and a special family friend, Rosalio Garcia, aka Chalio. Visitation with the family will be held at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Rosehill Cemetery. Melanie was leaving a new legacy of faith in Jesus Christ. She will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Beginnings Family Fellowship of Blooming Grove.

Notes:

• Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Jesse L. Bell
Jan 31, 1867 - Apr 29, 1960

Jesse L. Bell Services Held

Funeral services for Jesse L. Bell, 93, were held from the McCammon chapel at 2 p.m. Saturday. Bell died in Memorial hospital Friday.

Rev. Paul Wiseman, pastor of Eleventh Avenue Methodist church, officiated. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Survivors include a half sister, Mrs. M. P. Williams, Corsicana; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Bell had been a resident of the Hilliard Home here. He was born in Tennessee.

Pallbearers were Buddy Ward, Curtis Williams, B. D. Talley, Darwin Green, W. L. Vaughn and H. M. Parrish, Sr.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat., Apr 30, 1960
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• s/o Sarah (Schrader/Schroeder) Bell-Bonner (half sister Maggie May (Bonner) Williams, step father Fessenden Suggs Bonner) (F. S. Bonner married Sarah Bell Dec. 30, 1873 in Tennessee)

Anna Margareta Maria (Wagner) Williams
Feb 23, 1931 - Jan 17, 2025

Annie (Anna Margareta Maria Wagner) was born on Feb 23, 1931, in Troppau (now Opava) Czechoslovakia. She was the youngest of two children and had an older brother, Richard who is also buried at Dresden Cemetery with Annie 's mother Antonia. Her father was a musician and played many instruments. He also owned an Inn and a Welding business both of which he ran together with Annie 's mother. After the war the family moved to Austria where Annie became a seamstress and then studied fashion design in Vienna. While living in Wels, Austria she met the love of her life, a Texas cowboy named Lewis Williams, nick named Willie and affectionately named Schatzie by Annie. After Willie returned to the US after his assignment, Annie followed him and the two were immediately married in Washington DC. The couple then moved to Willie 's home state of Texas. Annie began working in the fashion business and her spunk and charismatic personality immediately contributed to her career success and she became a fashion designer for the Mr Fine label. Annie 's career allowed her to travel to New York, LA, Japan, China and Italy. She and Willie also traveled back to Austria and visited places they went to while they dated. Annie and Willie had a home and land in Red Oak and then built their dream home in Blooming Grove, where they raised cattle and had a peach orchard. Annie loved dogs and there was always a family pet by her side. Annie 's brother and his wife had two girls her nieces Helga and Lydia. Lydia is here with us today. She was close to many wonderful people and families and the Gibbs and Glass families were there always there for Annie. Annie had a generous nature and was always there for family and friends. She was always that fun and charming woman in every room she was in and had an unforgettable laugh.

Notes:

• Submitted by Polly Winn

Ralph Douglas McSpadden
Nov 19, 1943 - Jan 15, 2025

Ralph Douglas McSpadden went to his eternal home on January 15, 2025, with family members surrounding him. He was born November 19, 1943, in Blooming Grove, Texas to parents, Seth Alonzo McSpadden and Rubene Hiler McSpadden. Ralph grew up on the family farm near Dresden, a place he called his "rock." He graduated from Blooming Grove High School where he was proud to be a player on their 1961 District Championship team. After high school, Ralph began his lifelong work in retail grocery. His dedicated work ethic distinguished him and prompted his boss, Mr. Chapman (known as �Chap�) to encourage him to continue with the company and go for management. He worked for Safeway until they closed in Texas, then moved on the HEB, Corsicana, where he was in management until his retirement in 2007. He retired to his beloved farm (in the McSpadden family since 1889) to begin a new life - tending cattle while applying his extraordinary aptitude for hard work and long hours to that which he loved most � farm and family. He enjoyed Gunsmoke, John Wayne movies, gospel music and the Dallas Cowboys (except when they played "stupid" or didn 't work hard enough to win). He retired earlier than planned due to the effects of critical lung disease � the thing that ended his life much to soon. He told everyone who would listen, "Do not pick up that first cigarette!" Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Seth McSpadden, his mother, Rubene McSpadden and his brother, Gerald McSpadden. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Eharl Boyd McSpadden, Daughter, Michel Gerberding and husband, Eric Gerberding and his son, Brian McSpadden and wife, Natalie. He leaves behind much-loved grandchildren: Josh Gerberding, Lauren Gerberding, Kristian Gerberding, Jake Gerberding, Reed McSpadden and his fianc� Kay Millraney, Daniella McSpadden McCallum and husband, Galen, Lane McSpadden and one great-grandchild, six-month-old Jack McCallum, his sister-in-law, Billie McSpadden, brother-in-law, Don Boyd and wife, Brenda, Brother-in-law, Charlie Boyd, beloved nieces and nephews and a host of friends and relatives. The family wishes to thank Hand In Hand Hospice for the caring service provided to Ralph and his family in his last days. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025 with a memory service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Griffin-Roughton chapel. Grandchildren will be Pallbearers. Donations to honor Ralph 's memory may be made to the organizations he loved and supported: Tunnel to Towers organization (t2t.org) and St. Jude 's Children 's Hospital.

Notes:

• Submitted by Polly Winn
• Dresden Cemetery, Dresden, Navarro Co., TX
• Blooming Grove High School Class of 1961
• h/o Patsy Eharl Boyd McSpadden; s/o Seth Alonzo McSpadden & Emma Rubene (Hiler) McSpadden

Rusty Lee Cofer
Nov 28, 1985 - Jan 10, 2025

Rusty Lee Cofer, 39, of Silver City passed from this life Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born in Corsicana on November 28, 1985, to Koy Lee Cofer and Robbie Miles Cofer. Rusty was a welder by trade but also enjoyed working on tractors, four wheelers or anything else that needed to be fixed around the farm. He also enjoyed spending time with his family fishing, playing the guitar and helping with the animals on the farm. He is preceded in death by his grandfather's Troy Miles and Jerry Cofer. Rusty is survived by his daughter Rylee Cofer. His mother Robbie Cofer Thomas and husband Kipp and his father Koy Lee Cofer. Grandmothers Joyce Miles, Cathy Miles and Kay Cofer. Siblings Ryan Gallardo, Garrett Cofer, Krystal Miles and Hannah Beamon. Aunts and uncles Tim and Tina Miles, Debbie and Lonnie Keele, Elaine and Dave Struthers, Stephanie Toppings and Tim and Kim Cofer. Rusty is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends. Visitation will be from 6-8pm Thursday evening at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Friday, January 17, 20205, at 2:00pm at Dresden Cemetery with Butch Boatright officiating and comments by Russell Barlow. Pallbearers will be Derrick Miner, Josh Bamburg, Dusty Spence, Timothy O 'Dell, Russell Barlow and Steven Sullivan. Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Jordan and James Prickett.

Notes:

• Submitted by Polly Winn
• Listed in the 1999 Monarch (Blooming Grove School) in the Eighth Grade Football Team

James Donald Wragg
Aug 11, 1949 - Jan 13, 2025

James Donald Wragg was born on August 11th, 1949, in Graham, Texas, and passed away on January 13th, 2025, in Blooming Grove, Texas at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Dorothy Wragg, Wife, Betty Wragg, daughter, Jennifer Wragg, sisters; Nadyne Hester, Brenda Crump, and Flocine Fletcher, and joined in death by his brother, Bill Wragg. He is survived by his sisters; Jean Lacefield and husband David, Kathy Spradlin, Martha Long and husband Arthur, brothers; Howard Wragg, Mickey Wragg and wife Lovera, and Dale Wragg, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and good friends who became like family. James was a good brother, stepfather, and friend to many. He loved family get-togethers. He will be dearly missed. He was very involved in his community. In younger years he loved fishing and hunting and muscle cars. Visitation at 1:00pm on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, at Restland Funeral Home, followed by funeral service and burial at 2:00pm at the Restland Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.

Wanda Harris
Aug 31, 1947 - Feb 3, 2025

The world bids farewell to Wanda Harris of Blooming Grove, Texas, departing on February 3, 2025 at the age of 77. Wanda leaves behind memories cherished by the community. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Wanda Harris to show support.

She was predeceased by: her mother Zola Gillen (Jimmie Harris); and her siblings, Gary Gillen and Betty Railey. She is survived by: her husband Jimmie Harris; her children, Tracey Helfferich (Jim), Terry Harris (Jennifer), Tony Harris (Penny) and Cassidy Cason (Kirby); her brother Paul Gillen; her stepdaughter Denise Ruiz (Steve); her grandchildren, Kristen Wolf (John), Mackenzie Pettit, Ruston Harris (Hannah), Rhett Harris (Madissen), Landry Harris, Maddy Harris, Wesley Harris (Presli), Pierson Waldrip, Allie Waldrip, Jaxson Stoecklein, Ross Cason and James Cason; and her great grandchildren, Lilly, Logan Wolf, Emeri Perkins, Ramsey, Cooper Pettit, Caroline, Charlotte Harris, Lorraine, Graham Harris, Ryder and Parker Harris.

Visitation was held on Friday, February 7th 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home (1530 N 45th St, Corsicana, TX 75110)

Wanda (Dunagan) Connor
Oct 2, 1934 - Feb 11, 2025

Wanda Connor, 90, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. Wanda is the beloved Mother of Tony Connor & his wife, Jolini, as well as Cathy MacKenzie & her husband Gil. She was also a devoted Grandmother of 7, Great Grandmother of 17 and soon to be a Great Great, aka Memommie. At age 70, she & her son, Tony began raising her great grandson, Tony II. She leaves behind a legacy of love to all her family, including her sister & brother-n-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wanda is the oldest of four girls, born in Frost, Texas to Ernest and Estle Travis Dunagan. They all preceded her in death, along with her husband of 46 years, Travis Connor. Her strong faith got her through all these tough losses, but the hardest of these which no mother should ever have to endure, were her eldest son, Ronnie Connor in 1978 and her middle son, Barry Connor Sr. in 2002. Wanda and her husband Travis, were married in Fort Smith, Arkansas on June 24, 1950. In 1961, after becoming a family of six, they moved from their hometown of Italy, Texas to Grand Prairie, where they bought their first home and Wanda resided for the next 64 years. Wanda was only 15 and Travis 19 when they eloped but they said she 18. In 1964, a law was passed that stated the wife would not receive her husband�s social security benefits if they were under age and did not have their parents� signature on their marriage certificate. So, after much humiliation to Wanda, all 4 of their children attended their second marriage vows in the front yard of Travis� parents� home. One hiccup was their oldest son, Ronnie, held up his hand when the minister, his uncle, asked if anyone objected to this marriage. Fortunately, Uncle Odes ignored Ronnie. Wanda�s faith and commitment to her community were central to her life. She was a cherished member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church until recently when her health began declining and she started attending church with her kids, Tony and Jolini @ Calvary Family Worship Center. Wanda had many interests and achieved several goals, but she first raised her children before pursuing them. After her youngest started school, she began working in the school cafeteria and continued working for 3.5 years. Wanda�s lists of volunteering is endless: School Room Mother, Sunday School teacher, Women�s Ministry leader, Vacation Bible School worker, Host for Senior potluck meals, Weekly volunteer @ local nursing home to sing hymns & read bible story, Driver to many seniors for church activities and doctor's visits who no longer drove, Christian counselor, and last but definitely not least, Memommie to her grands and great grandchildren which included lots of free babysitting/overnight stays. Wanda loved to read, watch game shows, and travel. Her dream trip came at the ripe young age of 80 when she traveled to the Holy Land and was baptized in the Jordan River. Daily, she read her devotionals, along with several chapters of her bible, then always ended by praying for all her family and friends. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her by the lullabies & silly songs that she sang to them. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Wanda Connor�s life at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home, 2951 Beltline Rd, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052 on Feb. 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with her grandsons, Aaron Guthrie Sr & Jr officiating. Visitation @ 10AM on the morning of the Feb 26th. Graveside Services will follow at 2pm at the Italy, Tx Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Salvation Army Emergency Relief Fund.

Alva Lynn Smith
Sep 12, 1939 - Nov 18, 2024

Alva Lynn Smith, 85, of Blooming Grove, Texas passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024. He was born on September 12, 1939, in Slay township near Frost, Texas to parents Alva Clyde (A.C.) and Effie Mae (York) Smith). He was one of the diminishing number of engineers that actually put men on the moon and brought them back safely. Alva Lynn, (aka Pops), was Salutatorian of the Frost High School Class of 1958. He met Laura Jane McGraw in the summer of 1956, and they were married on June 6, 1958, at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove. Together, they set off to the University of Texas at Austin, where Alva Lynn graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. While in Austin, they welcomed their first child, Donna Kay Smith (Seely). He was proud of his time at NASA in Houston, where he worked on the Gemini and Apollo space programs. They soon welcomed a son, Michael McGraw Smith and with a third child on the way, Keitha Lynn Smith (McDougald), a longing for home saw the family relocate to Navarro County, where Alva Lynn and Jane could raise their children near family and install the smalltown values that they cherished. Blooming Grove and Frost, where he had farming and ranching interests, became home. To further his career, he accepted the position of City Engineer for the City Corsicana. He then worked at Watkins Construction as head of Municipal Utility estimating and construction. His career later led him to commute to Dallas 5 days-a-week as a department head for the DOD, NRC and finally the EPA, where he retired at age 60 as a GS-14. Wherever he worked, he hired people from "home" to positions at which they thrived and prospered. In his later years, he enjoyed time with his best friend and confident, Laura Jane, and his 5 grandchildren. He served as Mayor of Blooming Grove, city councilman of Blooming Grove, Lions Club Officer and he was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church. He became a Civil War historian and a master genealogist. In his final few years, he was caregiver to his wife of 66 years, Laura Jane, and he did it with love and compassion until her passing on June 8, 2024. Alva Lynn was preceded in death by his spouse, Laura Jane McGraw Smith, his parents, Alva Clyde and Effie Mae Smith, sister Linda Smith Brown, brothers-in-law Bob and Jack McGraw, Jerry Brown and Pete Peters. Sisters�-in-law Francis McGraw and Patricia McGraw, niece Mary McGraw and nephew Lee McGraw. Alva Lynn is survived by his children: Donna Seely and husband Loran, Keitha McDougald and husband Andy, and son, Michael Smith and daughter-in-law Lynn Paulo. Grandchildren: Dr. Andrew Seely and wife Ashlie, Philip Seely and wife, Micha, Corey McDougald and wife, Chloe, Emory McDougald and Aidan Smith. Great Grandchildren: Astrid, Augustus, Annika, Eastyn, Bowen, Gunner and Gavin. Brother-in-law Mack McGraw and wife Mary, brother-in-law Billy Wayne McGraw, sister-in-law Kathryn Peters and sister-in-law Wanda McGraw. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove at 10:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Bro. Darren Heil leading the fellowship. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove, Texas. Pallbearers include Tim Brown, Dr. Andrew Seely, Philip Seely, Corey McDougald, Emory McDougald and Aidan Smith. Honorary Pallbearers include Chris Brown, David Peters, Jeff McGraw, Todd McGraw, Kasey McGraw, Tim McGraw, G. Scott McGraw, Kyle McGraw, Travis McGraw and Charlie McGraw. The family asks that those wishing to make donations do so to Central Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 286, Blooming Grove, TX 76626.

Notes:

• h/o Laura Jane (McGraw) Smith - s/o Alva Clyde Smith and Effie Mae Smith (York) Smith
• Frost High School Class of 1958
• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Nov. 22, 2024
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• Wedding Announcement 1958

WORK AREA

• The Corsicana Daily Sun
• Submitted by Karen Rost
• Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• Submitted by Polly Winn
• Info: Hamilton Cemetery