Obituaries -  2006

 

Name:  CHARLIE SAMPLES, JR. 

Died:  Saturday, 2/18/2006 in Sweetwater, TX

Parents:  Charlie Samples, Sr. and Pat Gordon

Born: 4/19/1947 in Sweetwater, TX

Married:  Mary Pol (1/17/1974 in Sweetwater, TX)

Occupation:  Currently employed as a warehouseman for Sweetwater Electric.  He had previously worked for Santa Fe Railroad.

Church Affiliation:  Member, Greater Zion Baptist Church of Sweetwater, TX

Survivors:  Wife, Mary Samples (of Sweetwater, TX); Father and step-mother, Charlie Samples, Sr. and Ollie Samples (of Sweetwater, TX); Mother, Pat Gordon (of Sweetwater, TX); 3 uncles; 7 aunts; several cousins

Funeral service:  Thursday, 2/02/2006, at 10:00 a.m. at McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater, TX 

Officiated by:  Rev. William Jackson

Interment:  Sweetwater Cemetery, Sweetwater, TX

Other information:  Mr. Samples was a member of the Nolan County Honor Guard and enjoyed old cars as his hobby


 

Name:  JOHNYE NAOMI WATSON VANDEVER

Died:  Sunday, 2/05/2006, at her home in Sweetwater, TX

Parents:  Mr. and Mrs. Luther Watson

Descendant of:  I. S. Focht & Mattie Arnold Focht

Born:  5/26/1918 in Sulphur Springs, TX

Graduated from: Sweetwater Newman High School and Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX

Married: John C. (Bud) VanDever

Occupation: Retired English Teacher (22 years) from Reagan Junior High (Sweetwater Middle School)

Church Affiliation:  Lifelong member, First United Methodist Church of Sweetwater, TX

Predeceased in death by:  Husband, John C. (Bud) VanDever; Parents, Mr. & Mrs. Luther Watson; 2 brothers, Dr. Otis Watson and Dr. Luther Watson.

Survivors: 3 children, Mila Beth VanDever Gibson (of Amarillo, TX); John Cecil (Scissors) VanDever and wife, Christine; and Jane VanDever Collins and husband, John.  Grandchildren, John (Thumper) Gibson and wife, Gayla; David Gibson; John C. VanDever III; Christopher Moses and wife, Brenda; Elizabeth (Angel) Moses; and Matthew Moses.  Sisters-in-law, Lola Watson, Mary Lou Beverly, Marge Chase, and Patricia VanDever Mendoza.  14 nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service:  Tuesday, 2/07/2006, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sweetwater, TX

Officiated by:  Rev. Mark Metzger

Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery, Sweetwater, TX

Mortuary:  McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater, TX

Pallbearers:  Grandchildren

Honorary Pallbearers:  Dr. Lufkin Moses, David Mayes, Lacy Boles, Pat Beall, John Collins, Montie Hale, Dr. Larry McEachern, Harvey Nash, Moses Tovar and Warren Haney

Other information:  Mrs. VanDever’s ancestors were early West Texas pioneers.  I.S. Focht was an early buffalo hunter.  Mattie Arnold Focht was Nolan County’s first school teacher.  Mrs. VanDever was a cheerleader while attending Sweetwater’s Newman High School.  A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, Mrs. VanDever was a member of the Cowgirls and was Football Sweetheart.  In Nolan County, Johnye was Miss Double Heart Ranch, Rose Festival Queen and was Miss Sweetwater the year that Lake Sweetwater opened.  Patriotic, Mrs. VanDever was the wife of a former Marine.  She remained loyal to her country, the United States Marine Corps, the Sweetwater High School Mustangs and her beloved husband of 64 years.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  A duplicate bridge champion, Mrs. VanDever was a Life Master in the American Contract Bridge Association and winner of the Mary McKinney Bridge Award.  She loved to travel to duplicate bridge tournaments.  She taught bridge lessons as well as teaching English at the local middle school.  She was known for her culinary skills.  Mrs. VanDever and her friend, Frances Nash, owned and operated “The Special Place” for 13 years.  It was first a place for special dinners, lunches, parties and receptions, and later a bed and breakfast.   She also enjoyed antique hunting trips.  At age 86, she visited Canada with her daughter and son-in-law.

Memorials:  Amarillo Opera (P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178) and First Methodist Church (309 Cedar, Sweetwater, TX  79556)


 

Name:  TOMMIE DOYLE BENNETT

Died:  Tuesday, 1/31/2006 in Lubbock, TX

Parents:   Wilburn and Ida Bennett

Born:  7/02/1937 in Roscoe, TX

Predeceased in death by:  Parents, Wilburn and Ida Bennett; 2 brothers, Arvel Bennett and Marion Bennett

Survivors:  2 sisters, Jeannine Stewart (of Roscoe, TX); and Fredda Mae Autrey (of Shelbyville); Brother, Orion Bennett (of Colorado Springs, CO)

Funeral service:  Graveside services at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, 2/02/06, in Roscoe Cemetery, Roscoe, TX

Officiated by:  Denny Sneed

Interment:  Roscoe Cemetery, Roscoe, TX

Mortuary:  McCoy Funeral Home of Roscoe, TX

Other information:  Mr. Bennett had lived in Lubbock since 1972.


 

 

Name:  LEO DALE ROGERS

Died:  Tuesday, 1/31/2006, in Big Spring, TX

Parents:   Albert Larken and Ettie Rogers

Born:  2/14/1926 in Bronte, TX

Church Affiliation:  Church of Christ

Occupation:  Mr. Rogers had worked for Sweetwater Cotton Oil Mill, U. S. Gypsum Company, Jolly Well Service and Frazier Well Service.

Predeceased in death by:  Parents, Albert Larken and Ettie Rogers; Brother, Edward “Poss” Rogers; Son, Charlie “Ponder” Rogers.

Survivors:  2 daughters, Jan Campbell and husband, Lonnie (of Monahans, TX) and Jackie Hill and husband, Rick (of Midland, TX); 3 sons, David Rogers and wife, Tammy (of Denver City, TX), Mike Rogers and wife, Brenda (of Slaton, TX), Ricky Rogers and wife, Reta (of Mesa, AZ); Sister, Mary Ann Proctor (of Grape Creek, TX); 3 brothers, Lonnie Rogers (of Athens, TX), Doyle Rogers (of Crane, TX), and Douglas Rogers (of Clifton, TX); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service:  Graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, 2/02/2006, at Fairview Cemetery in Bronte, TX.  The Nolan County Honor Guard performed military graveside rites.

Officiated by:  John Driggers

Interment:  Fairview Cemetery, Bronte, TX

Mortuary:  McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater, TX

Other information:  Mr. Rogers was a WWII and Korean War Veteran.


 

Name:  J. C. SMITH

Died:  Tuesday, 1/31/2006 in Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville, TX

Born:  Age 76 at death

Church Affiliation:  Member, First Methodist Church

Survivors:  Wife, Neva Smith (of Dublin, TX); 5 daughters, Kaylene Smith (of Austin, TX), Neta and Bob Keith Long (of Ft. Worth), Reta Dugan (of Ft. Worth), Keta and Gary Smith (of Liberty Hill, TX), Glenda and Kim Burk (of Odessa, TX); 3 sons, Joe and Peggy Smith (Hasse, TX), Johnny and Evan Smith (of Proctor, TX), and Mike and Becky Hancock (of College Station, TX); 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 3 sisters, Eunice Harbin (of North Richland Hills, TX), Juanita Erwin (of Stephenville, TX), and Paulene Hunter (of Mt. Pleasant, PA); Brother, Edward Smith (of Muskogee, OK). 

Funeral service:  Friday, 2/03/06, at First Method Church

Officiated by:  Rev. Herman Merritt

Interment:  Proctor Cemetery

Mortuary:  Harrell Funeral Home of Dublin, TX

Other information:  Mr. Smith was retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone as a test board technician.  A veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Air Force.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Gideons International and the Elks Lodge.


 

 

Name:  BEATRICE MEEKS

Died:  Tuesday, 1/31/2006 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX

Parents:   George and Martha Willis

Born:  12/18/1911 in Comanche, TX

Married:  George Pruitt (in 1926); Othor Meeks (in 1948)

Church Affiliation:  Member, Assembly of God Church

Predeceased in death by:  Husbands, George Pruitt (in 1946) and Othor Meeks (in 1987); 3 sisters and a brother

Survivors:  3 children, Pat Beck and husband, Rex (of Valera, TX); Sue Hughes of Merkel, TX; and C.L. Meeks (of Pahrump, NV); 9 grandchildren, Bonnie Brush and husband, Darrell; Tena Herring and husband, Jim; Jan Woodall and husband, Danny; Rusty Meeks and wife, Emily; Dusty Meeks and wife, Sandy; Shannon Meeks and wife, Angelia; Tahnee Meeks; Makinna Meeks and Rocky McKinney; 13 great grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service:  Graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 2/03/2006, at Trent Garden of Memories Cemetery, Trent, TX

Officiated by:  Rev. Joe Bushnell

Interment:  Garden of Memories, Trent, TX

Mortuary:  Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home, Sweetwater, TX

Other information:  Mrs. Meeks worked at the Bombardier School in Big Spring in 1945 and 1946.  She began nursing in 1947 at Hendrick Hospital.  She continued her nursing career at the Haskell Hospital through the 1960’s and began private duty nursing for many years until she retired.  She was very active in women’s groups, entertaining hospital patients, arts and crafts projects (winning many times at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo), and loved to spread the Word of God.  Mrs. Meeks was an avid gardener and kept her family and friends supplied with tomatoes, onions and peppers.  After moving to a retirement apartment, she continued to grow tomatoes and peppers in flower beds until 2004.


Name:  ALICIA RAMON

Died:  Saturday, 2/04/2006, in the Care Inn Nursing Home of Seguin, TX

Parents:  Benito and Juanita Ramon

Born:  10/27/1945 in Sonora, TX

Church Affiliation:  Baptist

Predeceased in death by:  Parents, Benito and Juanita Ramon; two sisters and three brothers.

Survivors: 2 sisters, Candy Borrego (of Seguin, TX) and Yolanda Ramirez (of Sonora, TX); 2 brothers, Pedro Ramon (of Waco, TX) and Rito Ramon (of Sweetwater, TX); Several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service:  Wednesday, 2/08/2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home Chapel in Sweetwater, TX

Officiated by:  Reyes Franco

Interment:  Sweetwater Cemetery, Sweetwater, TX

Other information:  Prayer service held on Tuesday, 2/07/2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.


 

 

Name:  EDWARD SCHWARZ

Died:  Monday, 2/06/2006 in Nolan Nursing and Rehab Center, Sweetwater, TX

Born:  10/07/1926 in Hermleigh, TX

Married to:  Mittie Joyce Jameson (1/23/1949) in Sweetwater, TX

Residence:  Lived in Sweetwater since 1984 and was a former resident of Abilene, Ovalo and California.

Occupation:  Retired carpenter

Predeceased in death by:  Wife, Mittie Joyce Jameson Schwarz (7/09/1996); 1 brother and 1 sister.

Survivors: 3 daughters, Jan Kuper (of Ariel, WA), Mittie Snider (of Saulk Centre, MN) and Ellen M. Schottle (of Wyoming); 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service:  Wednesday, 2/08/2006 at 1:00 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Sweetwater, TX

Officiated by:  James Jameson

Interment:  Pyron Cemetery, Scurry County, TX


Name:  KELTON “KELLY” GREEN

Died:  Friday, 2/03/2006.

Born:  12/20/1922 in Vernon, TX

Occupation:  Retired switchman-brakeman with Union Pacific Railroad (39 years)

Military:  U.S. Army, veteran of WWII, two years in the Pacific Theater

Survivors:   Sons, Stanley and wife, Linda Green, Glenn and wife, Mary Crow; Daughter, Brenda and husband, Dewey Gent; Brother, Berry  Green; Good friend, Louise Harris; and many more good friends as well as 5 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 3 great-granddaughters and 1 great-grandson.

Other information:  Mr. Green lived in Sweetwater from the age of five until moving to Granbury in 1984.  He was an avid golfer and bowler with membership in the Granbury Country Club and Senior Fun Time Bowling League.  He was also a lifetime member of the VFW #7835 in Granbury.


 

Name:  PASCUALA HERNANDEZ

Died:  Monday, 2/06/2006, at 10:50 a.m. at her residence

Born:  3/15/1913 in Karnes City, TX

Parents:  Deliforo and Juanita Martinez

Married:  Pedro F. Hernandez

Occupation:  Homemaker who enjoyed knitting, sewing, listening to music and dancing

Preceded in Death by:  Husband, Pedro F. Hernandez (1976) and son, Avaristo Hernandez

Survivors:   3 daughters, Cruz Hernandez and Louisa Hernandez (both of Sweetwater, TX), and Mary Guzman (of Atlas, OK); 6 sons, Elijio Hernandez, Pete Hernandez, Joseph Hernandez, Chano Hernandez and Thomas Hernandez (all of Sweetwater, TX) and Guadalup “Lupone” Hernandez (of Houston, TX); Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral:  Thursday, 2/09/2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home Chapel

Officiating Johnny DeLeon

Burial:  Roscoe Cemetery, Roscoe, TX


 

Name:  VELMA FULCROD

Died:  Saturday, 2/11/2006 in Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, Sweetwater, TX

Born:  (She was 76 years old)

Funeral service:  Her body was cremated and no services are planned at this time.


 

Name:  ALEX V. ORTEGA

Died:  Friday, 2/10/2006

Born:  2/09/1939 in Sweetwater, TX

Parents:  Josephine and Ramon Ortega, Sr.

MarriedJuanita Castro (1/26/1963)

Predeceased in death by:  Father, Ramon Ortega; Beloved granddaughter, Tracie.

Survivors:  Mother, Josephine Ortega; Wife, Juanita Ortega; 2 sons, Alex Ortega, Jr. and his wife Mary, and Albert Ortega and his wife Trina; Daughter, Diana Adkins; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers, 4 sisters and numerous relatives.

Funeral Service:  Monday, 2/13/2006 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Vincent’s Pallotti Catholic Church in Abilene, TX

Officiating:  Father Terry Brenon

Interment:  Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Abilene, TX

Mortuary:  Elmwood Funeral Home, Abilene, TX

Other information:  Rosary service held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, 2/12/2006 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.  Mr. Ortega was a member of the National Guard, American Legion Post #57 and a lifetime member of NCOA Chapter #176.  He volunteered at numerous charities.


 

Name:  LEE ROY CORNUTT

Died: Tuesday, 2/14/2006 at Hendrick Hospice in Abilene, TX

Parents: Willis and Era Cornutt

Born: 7/27/1928 in Clarksville, TX

Graduated from:  Loraine High School in 1946 (Loraine, TX)

Married: Jean Blair (8/23/1949 in Colorado City, TX)

Occupation: Cotton farmer and Angus Cattle Breeder

Church Affiliation:  Member, First Baptist Church of Loraine, TX (he served as a Deacon here)

Predeceased in death by: Son, Dennis Cornutt (3/11/2005); Sister, May Belle Glasgow (5/11/2005) and his parents, Willis and Era Cornutt

Survivors: Wife, Jean Blair Cornutt (of Abilene, TX); Son, Donnie Cornutt and wife, Jarmilla (of Champion, TX); 2 granddaughters, Kimberly Gray and husband, Tim (of Champion, TX) and Joanna Self and husband, Matt (of Champion, TX); 4 grandsons, Ray Cornutt and wife, Tonya (of Sweetwater, TX), Heath Cornutt (of Sweetwater, TX), Jason Cornutt (of Sweetwater, TX), and Corey Cornutt and wife, Cheryl (of Moran, TX); 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Benny Cornutt and wife, Betty (of Gladewater, TX), Billy Cornutt and wife, Kaye Nell (of Loraine, TX); 4 sisters, Dorothy Merket (of Roscoe, TX), Pauline Pittman and husband, Hank (of Wylie, TX), Ruth Ann Jones and husband, Doug (of Clyde, TX), and Linda Hill and husband, Darrell (of Abilene, TX); numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service:  Thursday, 2/16/2006, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Loraine, TX

Officiated by:  Rev. Corey Cornutt, grandson of Mr. Cornutt, and pastor of First Baptist Church of Moran

PallbearersMatthew Self, Tim Gray, Kim Hall, Randy Merket, Chris Pittman, Ted Thomas and Mark Cornutt.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Ray Cornutt, Heath Cornutt, Jason Cornutt, A. K. Sheffield, Robert Doyle and Donald Graham.

Interment:  Loraine Cemetery, Loraine, TX

Mortuary:  Kiker-Seale Funeral Home of Colorado City, TX

Other information:  Lee Roy Cornutt was the oldest of eight children born to Willis and Era Cornutt.  He served in the U.S. Army for three years and lived in the Landers Community in Mitchell County, Texas, for all of his adult life.  Mr. Cornutt raised and bred Angus cattle and farmed cotton.  He was president of the Loraine Co-op Gin Board of Directors and was Conservation Farmer of the Year of Mitchell County.  His hobbies included fishing, hunting, reading and working in the shop with his sons and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing.

Visitation at Kiker-Seale Funeral Home in Colorado City on Wednesday, 2/15/2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.


 

Name:  WILLIAM LOYD MITCHELL

Died: Thursday, 2/16/2006 in Merkel, TX

Parents: James William Thomas and Nora Sullivan Mitchell 

Born: 6/09/1915 in Seagoville, TX

Married: Georgia Caldona Kinsey (1939 in Roby, TX); Mildred Wilkins Toombs (3/26/1970 in Trent, TX)

 

Occupation: Farmed with his brother after coming to West Texas in 1932 until 1936.  Returned to farm in the Sylvester area in 1940 after a stint in the U.S. Army.  He worked for a short time for General Dynamics in Ft. Worth in 1942.  When Flintkote Company opened in Sweetwater in 1957, Mr. Mitchell went to work for that company, retiring in 1980.  He continued to farm and ranch while working for Flintkote Co.

 

Church Affiliation:  Member, Avondale Baptist Church in Sweetwater.  He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was elected Deacon Emmeritus after he physically could not serve.

 

Military Service:  Mr. Mitchell joined the Army in 1936 and served in the Horse Calvary Division at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX.  In 1943 due to W.W. II, he went back into the Army. He served as a drill Sergeant at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma where he trained troops to fight in W.W. II. He served there until the war was over in 1946.

  

Predeceased in death by: First wife, Georgia Caldona Kinsey Mitchell (in 1968); Daughter Robbie Lee Mitchell (in 1957); 2 brothers, Wesley Mitchell (in 1968) and Sam Sullivan (Jack) Mitchell (in 1995);  Sister, Marion Miller (in 1997).

 

Survivors:   Wife, Mildred Wilkins Toombs Mitchell of Merkel; Son, Eddie Mitchell and wife, Cresta of Sweetwater; grandson, Brian Mitchell & wife, Ale of Plano, Texas and their daughter Angelyn; granddaughter Courtney Shelton & husband Brian of Pearland, Texas and their daughter Bailey and son Parker; sister, Velma McNair of Canton, Texas.

 

Funeral service:  2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at the Avondale Baptist Church

 

Officiated by:  Eddie Mitchell and Rev. Ronnie Freeman

 

PallbearersBrian Mitchell, Brian Shelton, Larry Barnhill, James Barnes, Rodney Miller, San Whatley, Bill Kinsey, and Johnny Kinsey.

 

Interment:  Sweetwater Cemetery in Sweetwater, TX with military graveside rites will be performed by the Nolan County Honor Guard.

 

Mortuary:  McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater, TX

 

Other information:  Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Street in Abilene, Texas 79605 or to the Avondale Baptist Church, 1405 Hoyt Street in Sweetwater, Texas 79556.


 

Name:  Eleanor Jones Hutchison 

Died:  Wednesday, 2/15/2006

Parents:  O.K. and Eleanor Jones

Born: 2/16/1914 in Lamesa, TX

Graduated from:  McMurry College (1932 at age 18); Hardin-Simmons University (Master’s degree)

Married: John A. Hutchison, Jr. (12/23/1936 in Abilene, TX)

Church Affiliation:  First Presbyterian Church

 

Predeceased in death by: Husband, John A. Hutchison, Jr. (in 2001); Parents, O.K. and Eleanor Jones; Grandson, Hadley Wade Hampton (2005).

 

Survivors:  Daughter, Eleanor “Bunny” Hampton and her husband Dr. Robert W. Hampton of Sweetwater; 2 sons the Honorable John A. Hutchison III and his wife Judy Hutchison of Houston, and Dr. David S. Hutchison and his wife Margherite “Nina” Hutchison of Marblehead, Mass.; 5 grandchildren Dr. Robert “Tad” Hampton of San Antonio, Helen Levin of Pacific Palisades, Calif., Shawn Jones of Austin, Dr. Sarah Hutchison-Weaver of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Stephanie Hutchison of Marblehead, Mass. Besides nine great-grandchildren, she is survived by her sister Catherine Baldridge of Round Rock, her brother O. K. “Buddy” Jones of Lubbock, her cousin Helen Riley and many other relatives and friends. Her companion and friend Maria Jara and her husband Oscar Jara were devoted caretakers.

 

Funeral service:  A memorial service will be held at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street in Abilene on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at 11 a.m.

 

Officiated by:  Dr. Cliff Stewart

 

Interment: Family graveside service at Elmwood Memorial Park, Abilene, TX

 

Mortuary:  Hamil Family Funeral Home

Other information:  In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial gifts be made to the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission, 302 Medical Drive, Abilene, Texas 79601, or to the donor's favorite charity.

Eleanor was active in her community. As a leader for Cub Scouts and an officer in PTA, she had an impact on many young people. Her home was a meeting place for all her children's friends. She held offices in the Shakespearean Club, the Pierion Club and the Parva Investment Club and was a member of the Abilene Women's Club.

She was an avid gardener, bridge player and reader. Her needlework was outstanding and sought after. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and saw most of the world together.  She served a year as Miss Abilene during her youth.


 

Name:  BENITO MARQUEZ, JR.

Died: Monday, 2/13/2006 in DeSoto, TX at the age of 54.

Survivors:  Wife, Connie Marquez; Children, Jennifer and husband, Keith Robinson, Julie Ann Marquez, Raymond Anthony Marquez and Benito Jimmy Marquez; Parents, Benito Sr. and Rosa Marquez; three brothers, two sisters and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral:  Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Dallas.

Officiated by:   The Rev. Alejandro Buitrago

Interment:  Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, TX.

Other Information:  Visitation at the West/Hurtt Funeral Home in DeSoto from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2006, with a rosary to begin at 7 p.m.


 

Reta Jane Reves

Reta Jane Reves, age 38, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2006. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Rev. Orvel Brantley & Rev. Jason Shuttlesworth will be officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

She was born on February 19, 1968. She was a graduate of Sweetwater High School in 1986 and a graduate of TSTC; she was a member of Avondale Baptist Church and has lived in Sweetwater for most of her life. She had worked for Motorola in the Assembly division.

Reta is survived by: her parents, Raymond & Floy Reves of Sweetwater; a sister, Amanda Davis & husband Rob of Elm Valley, Texas; a niece, Ella Davis of Elm Valley, Texas; a nephew, Drew Davis of Elm Valley, Texas; an uncle, T. A. Moss of Abilene, Texas; and several cousins.

Pallbearers will be: Tony Thompson, James Hand, Jimmy Boyd, Phil Bruce, Jamie Whitley and David Smith.

McCOY FUNERAL HOME / SWEETWATER, TEXAS


Robyn Dawn Taylor

In memory of a loving mother, sister, daughter and aunt, Robyn Dawn Taylor, 48, was unexpectedly called home on Friday, April 21, 2006. She was born on Aug. 2, 1957, to Lawrence and Jan Lewis in Fairbanks, Alaska. Robyn lived in Sweetwater, where she managed the Lake Sweetwater Golf Pro Shop. Before moving to Sweetwater, she lived and raised two daughters in Roscoe.

The graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2006, in the Garden of Memories Cemetery with the Rev. Vernon Baker officiating. McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater was in charge of arrangements.

Robyn left behind two daughters, Crystal and Barbara McClure of San Angelo; her parents, Lawrence and Jan Lewis of Cheyenne, Wyo.; her grandmother, Mildred Higgins of Amarillo; a brother, Kevin Lewis of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Melodie Cropp of Erie, Colo., and Karen Stepp of Pinedale, Wyo.; 13 nieces and nephews, and her fiance, George DeJulio of Sweetwater.

Although she wasn't a grandmother, Robyn had four beautiful grand dogs that she loved very much.


Opal Gladys Scarborough

Mrs. Opal Gladys Scarborough, 84, of Colorado City died Wednesday morning in the Hendrick Hospital Trauma Center.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2006, in the Kiker-Seale Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. James Edwards officiating.

Burial will follow in the Colorado City Cemetery.

Mrs. Scarborough was born May 9, 1921, near Pecan Gap in Delta County to Mack Alvie and Lena Elizabeth Haddock Walls. She married Otha Andrew Scarborough on June 20, 1937, in Colorado City, and had been a resident of Colorado City since 1930. He preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 1993. She has resided in Abilene since 2005. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Colorado City. She worked in the laundry and dry cleaning service for Leonard and Maxine Morris for many years, and also for the local movie theater.

She is survived by two sons, Albert Scarborough and his wife, Sharon, of Abilene, and Troy Scarborough and his wife, Joan, of Castroville; grandchildren, Tina Jean Boullie of Castrorville, Serena Sue Bull of Augusta, Ga., Albert Mack Scarborough II of Dallas, and Mellisa Kay Lehman of Larimore, Md.; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Walls of Colorado City; five sisters, Pauline Fahntrapp and Vera Lee Bagwell, both of Snyder, Evelyn “Jonnie” Northcutt of Wichita Falls, Thelma Maxine Allmond of Odessa and Margaret Ann Stollard of Fort Smith, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by two infant brothers and a sister, Glena Lavern Pierce.


Robert Glenn Brazelton

Robert Glenn Brazelton, 74, of Odessa and a former resident of Sweetwater, died Saturday, April 29, 2006, in the Hospice House of Odessa.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2006, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home chapel in Sweetwater with the Rev. Jeff Hatcher officiating.

Burial followed in the Newman Cemetery.

Mr. Brazelton was born on May 3, 1931, in Newman. He married Naomi Thadene (Judy) Morrison on Sept. 1, 1952, in Sweetwater. Mr. Brazelton was a member of the Fourth and Elm Church of Christ and worked as a police officer for the Sweetwater Police Department for many years before retiring. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Korean War veteran and had been a resident of Sweetwater for more than 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Brazelton of Odessa; one daughter, Glenda Cummings and her husband, Gerald, of Odessa; one son, David Brazelton and his wife, Sherri, of Sweetwater; one brother, Clayton Brazelton of Bedminster, N.J.; one granddaughter, three grandsons, one great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Brazelton, on March 24, 1994; his mother, Ina Brazelton, on Jan. 27, 1995; and one brother, Joe Brazelton, in 2000


Lurla Mae Burton

Lurla Mae Burton, 95, of Sweetwater died Monday, May 1, 2006, in the Nolan Nursing and Rehab Center.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2006, in the Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home chapel in Sweetwater with the Rev. Keith Clower officiating.

Burial will follow in the Palava Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mrs. Burton was born on Feb. 17, 1911, in Coleman County. She married Walter E. Burton on Feb. 18, 1925, in Coleman County. She also married Vernon W. Brown on March 13, 1980, in Sweetwater. Mrs. Burton was a member of the Highland Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and resident of Sweetwater since 1940.

Survivors include four daughters, Jean McGuire of Roswell, N.M., Wanda Young of Sweetwater, Barbara Hoover and her husband, Herbert, of Sweetwater, and Pearl Ayers and her husband, Bennie, of Eula; daughter-in-law, Nell Lewis of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two sons, B.E. Burton Sr. and his wife, Jeanie, of Monahans, and U.S. Burton and his wife, Frances, of Sweetwater; 25 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Georgia Molher of San Diego, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter E. Burton, in May 1977; her second husband, Vernon W. Brown in November 1990; one son, Garland Ray Burton; two grandsons, Stanley Young and Gary Burton; and one granddaughter, Faye McGuire; one granddaughter-in-law, Cindy Burton; one son-in-law, Bill McGuire; two sisters and one brother.


Frank V. DeLaCruz

Frank V. DeLaCruz, 57, of Sweetwater died Friday, May 19, 2006, in Dallas.

The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2006, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Michael Rodriguez officiating.

Burial followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater.

A rosary was held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2006, in the funeral home.

Mr. DeLaCruz was born on March 23, 1949, in Roscoe. He married Alda Villarrial on Oct. 12, 1968, in Sweetwater. Mr. DeLaCruz worked at USG for 26 years and was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was a 1967 graduate of Sweetwater High School and lived in Sweetwater all his life.

Survivors include his wife, Alda DeLaCruz of Sweetwater; one daughter, Donna DeLaCruz of Sweetwater; a special friend, Mitzi Best of Sweetwater; his mother, Manuela DeLaCruz of Sweetwater; two sisters, Ofelia Guzman and Rita DeLaCruz Hernandez, both of Sweetwater; and three brothers, Jose DeLaCruz Jr. of Abilene, and Henry DeLaCruz and Jerry DeLaCruz, both of Sweetwater.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose DeLaCruz, on Sept. 19, 1990.


Gladys Lorraine Pinkerton

Gladys Lorraine Pinkerton, 94, of LaMesa, Calif., died Wednesday, May 17, 2006.

She was born in Calmar, Iowa, and was a homemaker and an accomplished musician.

Survivors include one son, Jack Pinkerton and his wife, Pat; one daughter, Loretia Bouton; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin E. Pinkerton; one son, Robert Pinkerton; one grandson, Eddie Moon; one great-granddaughter, Reagan Zumwalt; and three sisters.


Richard Eugene “R.E.” Broadwell

Richard Eugene “R.E.” Broadwell, 85, of Eskota died Sunday, May 21, 2006, in the V.A. Medical Center in Big Spring.

At R.E.'s request, his body was cremated and there will not be a memorial service.

Mr. Broadwell was born on March 23, 1921, in Hamlin. He married Charlie Lou Hash on Oct. 9, 1945, in Clayton, N.M. Mr. Broadwell served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a proud member of the 503 Regimental Combat Team, where he saw action in the Mindoro Islands and The Philippines. R.E. received several medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In carrying on his family tradition of being a “Roscoe Plowboy,” he settled in the Eskota community as a farmer and rancher. His favorite passage of scripture was John 14:1-3.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Charlie Lou Broadwell of Eskota; his daughters, Connie Jamison of Sweetwater, Patricia Broadwell of Roscoe and Debbie Veal of Azle; his son, Richard Broadwell of Trent; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Loramae Pollard of Big Spring and Helen Beene of Texas; and one brother, A.J. Broadwell of Odessa.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and two sisters.

 


 

 

Betty Ruth Heideman

Betty Ruth Heideman, 79, of Forsan, died Monday, May 22, 2006, in a local hospital.

The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2006, in the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with the Rev. Sammy Segundo officiating.

Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Park.