OBITUARIES, POTTSVILLE PUBLIC CEMETERY

Pallbearers were Adrian Spitzenberger, Garland Spitzenberger, James Tischlet, Joe Garcia, Bobby Garcia, Alfred Noack and Delvin Kohler.

Shared by Roy Ables

BLANSIT, ERVIN EARL

"The Hamilton Herald-News" 09/16/1998

Ervin Earl Blansit, 48, died Friday, Sept. 11, at Hamilton General Hospital.

Services were Sunday, Sept. 13, at Riley Funeral Home Chapel with George Tolbert officiating. Committal services followed at the Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Mr. Blansit was born Nov. 24, 1949, at Crowell, Foard County, the son of J.C. .and Lois Livingston Blansit. He was a rancher and stockman where he loved to work with livestock. He was married to Mary Lee Fuqua. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his mother, Lois McPherson of Hamilton; a daughter, Jennifer Blansit of ...; four brothers, Johnny Blansit of ..., Raymond Birk of ..., Henry Birk of Wyoming and Ernest Birk of ...; a sister, Rosalie Matthews of ...; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were James Blackwell, Jimmy Headly, Mike Fry, Johnny Blansit, John Alexander and Ricky Craig.

BRYAN, MINNIE LEE (MASON) (HUFFMAN)

The Hamilton Herald-News January 2, 2003

Minnie Lee Mason Bryan, 85, died Dec. 26. Funeral services were held Dec. 30 at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel in Hamilton with Rev. Brad Helbert and Cliff Helbert officiating. Burial was in the Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Bryan was born May 8, 1917 in the Blue Ridge Community of Hamilton County the daughter of Robert Wesley and Monty Lee Boyd Mason.

She was married to William J. (Dub) Bryan on October 8, 1938. He preceded her in death on July 21, 1972. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grand-mother. While still a teenager her mother passed away and she assumed the care of her younger siblings and her father. She devoted her entire life to caring for others.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters and two brothers. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Lonna Jean and Michael Langston, three grandchildren, Bryan Gregory Sakowski, Allison Carol Sakowski and Aaron Michael Sakowski; two sisters Gwendolyn Powers of Fort Worth, Dorothy Helen Rodgers; one brother Eldred Polk and a number of nieces, nephews, a host of other family members and loved ones also survive her.
Riley Funeral Home

Minnie Lee Mason married James Huffman on May 28, 1936, Hamilton County Marriage Record Bk. 10, p. 54.

Minnie Lee (Mason) Huffman married William J. Bryan on Oct. 8, 1938, Hamilton Co., Marriage Record Bk. 10, p. 213.

BRYAN, SARAH ELMIRA ( ROGERS)

MRS. SARAH E. BRYAN - - DEAD at POTTSVILLE

Mrs. Sarah Elmira Bryan, the best loved woman in the Pottsville community, and elsewhere that she was known, passed on to her home, "eternal in the skies" on Saturday evening, February 2, 1935, just after the old clock had struck the hour of six [6]. It was fitting that she should enter her rest at the sunset hour, so useful, so beautiful, so utterly filled had been all of the ninety-seven [97] years spent upon the earth by Sarah Elmira Rogers Bryan. Her last illness was of only a few days duration and there was not much pain to bear, just a failing of the heart that had been so strong, so courageous in all of life's joys and sorrows. In her old home where she had lived for fifty-three [53] years, peopled with memories of events that had made up her remarkable life, with loved ones at her bedside in the soft twilight shadows the "boat of life slipped its moorings and crossed the tide to the other shore". Finis has been written on the last page of the book of life of one of the most remarkable, most exemplary characters it has ever been the privilege of the people of this part of the state to know.

Sarah Elmira Rogers, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Rogers, was born in Meigs County, East Tennessee, February 17, 1838. Her parents moved with her from Tennessee to Barbour County, Alabama, when she was ten [10] years of age. She joined the Missionary Baptist Church at the age of fourteen [14] years, and dates her Experience of Grace from the day her mother was baptized. She was married to F. W. Bryan in Barbour County, Alabama, October 13, 1853 and lived in Alabama during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865. Her husband served in the Confederate Army the last three [3] years of the War while she remained at home, cared for their five [5] little boys, spun thread and wove the cloth and made their clothing. Toward the end of the conflict, with her own fingers made the cloth and fashioned the uniforms for her soldier husband- - a greater soldier than any who faced the battle line. The war over, in 1865, she, with her family, moved to Texas, making the trip in a wagon drawn by oxen. In 1882 they came to Hamilton County where she continued her residence until transplanted to fields elysian. Her husband, F. W. Bryan was prominently known is business circles of the county, He having kept a mercantile house in Pottsville for thirty [30] years. Honored and held in affectionate friendship wherever he was known. Mr. Bryan passed away May 1, 1924, just ten [10] days before his ninety-first [91] birthday. An outstanding characteristic of the earthly tenure of Mrs. Bryan was her faithful, staunch and exemplary Christian life. After coming to Texas she was baptized into the fellowship of the Old School Baptist faith by Elder J. M. C. Robertson at Antioch Church, near Commerce, in Hunt County, July 6, 1879. She was a charter member of the Lebanon Church in Pottsville, which was organized in 1883. It is a fact of unusual record that she always attended the services at this house of worship, summer and winter, until this past month of January. Though she insisted on keeping up her record of attendance her children persuaded her that the weather was not suitable for her to be out of the home. Her wonderful intelligence, bright, cheerful nature and charming hospitality drew around her many friends, young and old, and up to her last illness one of the many breaks in life was to have an opportunity for a visit with Grandmother Bryan. On each birthday there was a great celebration, attended by hundreds of people.

Mrs. Bryan was the mother of ten [10] children, eight living and all of whom are fine, honorable people who have taken their places in the world's marts usefully. Her direct descendants number one hundred fifty-five {155} persons. Fortunatus Cornelius Bryan of Pottsville, the eldest son of Mrs. Bryan is eighty [80] years of age. She was sixteen [16] years seven [7] months and twelve [12] days older than her son. Her other sons and daughters are Joe D. Bryan, Goldthwaite, Texas; W. H. [Billie] Bryan, Lubbock, Texas; B. F. [Bennie] Bryan, Cleburne, Texas; Jarrett F. Bryan, Pottsville, Texas; Mrs. Martha Dansbee, Miss Bettie Bryan and Miss Mary Bryan of the old home in Pottsville, Texas. Besides the sons and daughters, her survivors number thirty-nine [39] living grandchildren, twenty-seven [27] of whom were present for the funeral; eighty- nine [89] great grandchildren and ninneteen [19] great, great grandchildren.

A great throng of people assembled at Lebanon Church at Pottsville on Sunday afternoon to pay homage to the woman whose life was inseparably linked with worship and service as a Christian. The body rested before the altar where the warm heart had so often found a refuge in her Savior from all the storms of life. Elder Jasper Chambers, of near Lampasas, Texas, assisted by Elder Len Dalton conducted the funeral service. Her body sleeps in a grave made in the Pottsville Cemetery beside that of the loving companion, lost to her years ago and whom she had always missed and mourned. Sarah Bennie Bryan, Mrs. Morine Lee, Edith Fuqua, Ollie Bryan, Mrs. Ina Jones and Florence Bryan had charge of the arrangements of the masses of beautiful flowers that decorated the church and covered the mound where the beloved sleeps. "REST, REST FOR THE WEARY; PEACE, PEACE TO THY SOUL." ---by a grand daughter-- Sarah Lusette [Belle] Bryan

Shared by Joe Lee

BURKS, SARAH (WEATHERS)

Click Picture to see larger view.

Shared by Jean Wall McCullough

BURKS, WILLIAM CARROLL, ELDER

B. 03/07/1818
D. 12/03/1904

Pottsville Cemetery
Pottsville, Texas

COALSON, RAMONA BELLE (KINSEY)

Ramona Belle (Kinsey) Coalson, 93, died Feb. 2, 2003. Funeral services will be held Feb. 6 at Riley Funeral Home Chapel in Hamilton with her great-nephew Brad Helbert officiating. Burial will follow in Pottsville Memorial Cemetery.

Mrs. Coalson was born Dec. 11, 1909, the daughter of William (William H.) and (Tennessee "Tennie") Tennie Kinsey. She attended local schools, graduating from Hamilton High School in 1928. She attended Tarleton College and later taught school in Shive.

She was married to James Conley Coalson on March 20, 1931. (Hamilton County Marriage Record Bk. 9, p. 295) He preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 1974.

Mrs. Coalson retired from teaching in May 1976, briefly working in Dallas school lunchrooms.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Coalson moved to the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas where she lived until August, 2001 when she moved to Silver Leaves Nursing Home in Garland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, nine brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her son, James Carrol Coalson and wife Virginia; a daughter, Billie Frances Northcut and husband Bill; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rest Haven

COLLETT, JAMES HAMILTON , JR.

J. Hamilton Collett died at the home of E. R. Misener in this city February 24, 1910 and was burried at Pottsville the following day. Deceased was born in Collettsville, N.C., August 24, 1851. He came to Texas with his parents in 1869, and went to Roswell, N.M. about 1894. His father died several years ago but his mother is still living at Pottsville, in this county and is 99 years old. He is also survived by three brothers and four sisters, Oleander Collett, who lives with his mother at Pottsville; John Collett, of Garfield, N.M.; Charlie Collett, of Robert Lee, Texas; Mrs. D. D. Coffee of Lenoir, N.C.; Mrs. S. C. Phillips, Clifton, Arizona; Mrs. J. W. Campbell, of Monument N.M.; and Mrs. R. C. Collett, of Pottsville.

The deceased was an upright, honest and honorable man, and had many friends in Hamilton where he lived for years, all of whom deeply sympathize with the aged mother and other relatives who mourn his death.

Word was received in this city last Wednesday of the death of James H. Collett at the home of his mother in Hamilton, Texas. Mr. Collett was one of the best known men in the Pecos valley among the cattlemen, and his death will be very much lamented by them. He was known as "Uncle Hamp," from Amarillo, Texas, to Pecos City, he having been in the territory for a number of years and has been range manager for the Bloom Cattle Company, and during the winter has been on the Diamond A Ranch with Uncle Johnnie Burns. No stranger has ever come to this house while these two worthy gentlemen have ever run the ranch and gone away without the very kindest of treatment, and on account of their hospitality, his many friends will be grieved at the announcement of his death. Mr. Collett left a month ago to spend some time with his mother, who is a very aged lady, living at Hamilton, Texas, and while there died with cancer of the stomach. The funeral was held on Thursday of last week.

Mr. J. H. Collett, died at his home near Pottsville on the 6th inst. He was a native of North Carolina, but had been a citizen of Hamilton county for fifteen or twenty years. He was an honest upright citizen and lived to be 87 years of age. His death was not unexpected, as he had been suffering from a cancer for several months that finally resulted in his death. His general health was good, and he might have lived for many years yet, but for the reason we have mentioned. He leaves an aged wife and several sons and daughters to mourn his loss.

COLLETT, JANE (STEWART)

Mrs. James Hamilton Collett of Pottsville, Texas, who was one hundred years, seven months and fourteen days old peacefully passed away at 7 o' clock p.m. Friday, June 14th and was laid to rest in the Pottsville cemetery 4 o'clock Saturday the 15th. A large concourse of relatives and friends attended the funeral which was conducted by the Baptist minister at Pottsville Rev. W. S. Johnson. She had been confined to her bed seven months and every thing that kind, loving hands could do for her was done.

She has been a Christian ever since she was 16 years old, was converted and joined the Methodist church in North Carolina and lived in that faith until she was 92 when she became dissatisfied with her baptism and joined the Baptist church at Pottsville where she has lived for forty years.

There were five generations, Mrs. R. C. Collett, Mrs. E. R. Misener and daughters, Edna, Eleanor, Mabel and Mrs. C. M. Hickman and little daughter Mary present at the funeral.

COX, ALICE ROSEMON (McPHERSON )

Alice Rosemon Cox, 90, of DeLeon died Monday, Jan. 25, at Comanche Community Hospital.

Services were set for Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. in the Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel in DeLeon with Rev. Tom Satterwhite officiating. Burial was to be in the Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Cox was born April 24, 1908, in Hamilton County, the daughter of James M. and Novie Lacewell McPherson. She was married to Carl Cox on April 6, 1929, in Gustine. She was a homemaker and had lived in DeLeon since 1980, coming from Godley and Odessa. She was a Baptist.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Claude McPherson and Earl McPherson, a sister, Tommie Smith, and a grandson.

Survivors include her husband, Carl Cox of DeLeon; four sons, Charles Cox of Godley, Bill Cox of DeLeon, Harold Cox of Albany and Gary Cox of Cypress; three daughters, Peggie Penn and Lola Carr, both of DeLeon, and Patsy Shields of Aurora, Colo.; four sisters, Georgia Northcutt and Margie Wilkins, both of Fort Worth, Jimmie Dean Adcock of Gustine and Mary Ellen Tallent of Weatherford; 16 grandchildren; and several great-grand-children and great-great-grandchildren.

COX, CARL E.
The Hamilton Herald-News, June 17, 2004

Carl E. Cox, 99, of DeLeon, died June 13 at his residence. Funeral services were held June 18 at 2 p.m. at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Pottsville Cemetery in Pottsville with John Cox officiating.

He was born Aug. 16, 1904 in Energy, the son of Thomas Fulton and Kate Hanes Cox. He was married to Alice McPherson on April 6, 1929 in Gustine.

Mr. Cox was retired from Morrison Plumbing Supply in Odessa and worked as a barber in Pottsville for many years. He also lived in DeLeon, Godley and Odessa. He was a member of the Pottsville Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Jan. 25, 1999; a son, Charles Cox; two brothers, Eargle Cox and Thomas Cox and two sisters, Blanche West and Delma Streety.
Nowlin Funeral Home

ENOCHS, TINA (KARASEK)

Seven grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren survive her.
Riley Funeral Home

GEORGE, ULA AMANDA (KEMP)
12/20/1973

From "The Hamilton Herald-News" of 12/20/1973

Funeral services for Mrs. Ula Amanda George were held Dec. 13, 1973, at 10 a.m. at the Riley Funeral Chapel. Rev. W. C. Taylor, Jr. officiated at the service with burial in the Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. George died suddenly Dec. 11. She was born in Hamilton County, the daughter of the late Anabel Smith Kemp and George Foster Kemp, August 15, 1897. On Jan. 21, 1936, she was married to Marshall Andrew George who preceded her in death Oct. 9, 1965.

She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Joe (Esta) Hamilton of Hamilton and Mrs. Bessie McGlothlin of Dublin; and one brother, Harmon Kemp of Lamkin.

Nephews served as pallbearers.

TRAGEDY MARS CROWNING OF SENIOR CITIZEN QUEEN

From "The Hamilton Herald-News" of 12/ /1973

Tragedy marred the first crowning of a Senior Citizen Queen in Hamilton at the Senior Citizen Center Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Ula George, the fourth contestant, dropped dead shortly after giving her talent performance, a Scottish Two Step.

She collapsed almost immediately after sitting down following her performance. A doctor and ambulance were called and the program was interrupted. She was removed from the meeting room and attended by Dr. Don L. McCord who pronounced her dead. Then she was conveyed to the Riley Funeral home to await notification of family and preparation for her funeral.

Officials did not know the doctor’s findings as they hurriedly consulted and decided that Mrs. George’s wish would be that the program continue. It was interrupted while the Rev. W. C. Taylor, Jr. Pastor of the First United Methodist Church led prayers in Mrs. George’s behalf and hymns in her honor.

Some time later, with the audience and participants still not knowing that Mrs. George had passed away, Mayor Les Hamilton, was handed the vote by out-of-town judges and he crowned Mrs. Susie McAnelly Hamilton’s "Senior Citizen Queen for 1973-74,"

Mrs. McAnelly was the only contestant who had not performed at the time of Mrs. George’s demise. After the worship service for Mrs. George, Mrs. McAnelly gave a sparkling rendition of a religious hymn on the piano and a delightful oral recitation.

It was only after the program had ended that the overflow crowd learned that Mrs. George had not survived her apparent heart attack. She was the widow of the late Marshall George, a farmer in the Energy area.

Among her closest family survivors in the Hamilton area are a sister, Mrs. Joe Hamilton of Hillcrest Nursing home, and a brother Harmon Kemp of Lamkin. Other survivors will be listed when the complete obituary is published following the funeral.

Mrs. George was a resident of Hillcrest Nursing Home.

The Queen’s contest was jointly sponsored by the Hamilton Senior Citizen Center and the Retired Senior Citizen Program (RSVP) in Hamilton. Mrs. Mildred Anderson heads the Center program and Mrs. Cleone Koen heads the RSVP.

Other contestants in the queen’s contest were Mrs. Zell Gardner, Mrs. Ola Schrank, and Mrs. Eula Oustad.

KEMP, CASSIE PEARL (RILEY)

The Hamilton Herald-News Obitus -, December 2, 2004.

Cassie Pearl Kemp 94 died at Hamilton Nov. 26, 2004. Funeral services were held Nov. 28 in the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Ballard officiating. Burial followed in the Pottsville Cemetery.

She was born Sept. 15, 1910 in the Pottsville community of Hamilton County the daughter of James and Ida Mourfield Riley, one of twelve children.

Mrs. Kemp graduated from Hamilton High School in 1928 and went on to attended business school in Fort Worth.

On August 7, 1935 she was united in marriage with William Floyd Kemp. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Mrs. Kemp and her husband owned and operated a farm south east of Hamilton until their health forced them to retire. She loved to quilt, work in her garden and raise flowers. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband of Hamilton; a daughter, Georgia Ann Schrank of College Station; two grandchildren, John and David Schrank and three great-grandchildren, Casey, Cannon and Keaton Schrank.

Pallbearers were Leon Schrank, John Schrank, David Schrank, Stacey Schrank, Bill Barkley and Jerry Gray.
Riley Funeral Home

KUYKENDALL, CAROLYN SUE (HORD)

The Hamilton Herald-News January 13, 2005

Carolyn Sue Kuykendall, 59, died at her home near Comanche Jan. 6,
2005. Graveside funeral services were held Jan. 10, 2005 in the Pottsville Cemetery with Rev. David Moore officiating. She was born October 5, 1945 at Winters, the daughter of Joe Turner Hord and Lilly Mae Bailey Hord.

Mrs. Kuykendall worked thirty-three years in nursing homes taking care of others that could not care of themselves.

She graduated from the first Medication Aid course for nurses at Ranger College. She loved people and helping others. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and there was always room for one more in her home.

She was married to Larry Dee Kuykendall on November 11, 1980 at Hamilton.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Dee Kuykendall of Comanche; a son, James Clifton Reed and wife Sarah Jo of Comanche; grandchildren, Brandi Ann Davis, Kristy LaSha Reed, Kimberly Nicole Reed, Lacy Michelle Conner, James McDonald Elam, Sandy June Jacobs, Cory Wayne Jacobs, Richard Mike Jacobs, Brandi Jacobs, David Lee Coffelt Jr., Tyler Eugene Coffelt, Summer Cheyenne Reed, Autumn Rai Leach, adopted granddaughters; April Lynn Hawley, Kimberley Ann Coffelt, two sisters; Sylvia Joyce Hord of Comanche, Joan Cassie Caldwell and her husband Frank of Comanche, two brothers Bobby Joe Hord of Proctor and Donnie Richard Hord of Proctor.

Pallbearers were James Quigg, Josh Webb, Clay Peters, Rick Hamilton, Rex Reed and Randy Reed.
Riley Funeral Home

KUYKENDALL, TASHA MARIE, MS.
The Hamilton Herald-News October 7, 2004

Tasha Marie Kuykendall, 35, died Oct. 3, 2004. Funeral services will
be at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hamilton with
Pastor Russell Nebhut officiating. Burial will follow in Pottsville
Cemetery.

Ms. Kuykendall was born March 30, 1969 at Burnet, the daughter of
Jerald Duane Kuykendall and Sandra Fern Johnson Kuykendall. She was a
loving mother and daughter.

She was joined in death by her daughter, Cheyenne Marie Simmons. She
is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ellen Elizabeth
Johnson and Robert Johnson; paternal grandparents, James Edgar
Kuykendall and Ruby Reynolds Kuykendall and an uncle, Weldon Oxley.

Survivors include two children, Austin Heath Vaughn and Sandra
(Sandy) Diane Kuykendall, both of Pottsville; her parents, Jerald
Duane and Sandra Fern Kuykendall of Hamilton; a sister, Sonia Diane
Judd of Buda; two brothers, James Edgar (Kirk) Kuykendall and David
Duane Kuykendall both of Hamilton.

Riley Funeral Home

~.~.~.

Mother and daughter murdered Sunday

MURDER SCENE- In one of the most horrendous crimes ever committed in Hamilton County, Tasha (Kuykendall) Simmons, 35, and her daughter, Cheyenne Simmons, 9, were slain with a shotgun at this home Sunday afternoon by the mother's boyfriend, Troy Goerdel. The home is located on Farm Road 218, approximately nine miles west of Hamilton near Pottsville. Goerdel killed himself the following afternoon as law enforcement officers attempted to arrest him at a ranch a few miles away. Staff Photo

- Hamilton County residents reacted in shock late Sunday and Monday as they learned of a double murder that occurred at a residence about nine miles west of Hamilton on Farm Road 218 near Pottsville. In one of the most gruesome crimes in modern Hamilton County history, Tasha (Kuykendall) Simmons, 35, and her nine-year-old daughter, Cheyenne Simmons, were slain by the mother's boyfriend, Troy Goerdel, about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Approximately 24 hours later, Goerdel fatally shot himself in the head with a .22 caliber weapon, as law enforcement officers closed in on him at a nearby ranch. Hamilton County Sheriff Randy Murphree told the Herald-News Tuesday morning that 911 calls had been placed Sunday afternoon to both Hamilton County and Mills County dispatchers. Sheriff Murphree said that one of the calls had been placed by a friend of the young victim, who had been contacted by Cheyenne as the tragedy was unfolding.

Hamilton County Sheriff's officers were immediately dispatched, but family members of the victims had already arrived at the scene before Deputy Kennith Lovell, who was the first officer at the scene. Lovell discovered both mother and daughter had been shot with a shotgun. The mother was already deceased, but Cheyenne was still alive and was rushed by Hamilton County EMS to the Hamilton General Hospital where she died a short time later. An all points bulletin was immediately put out for Goerdel and law enforcement officers from throughout Central Texas joined the Hamilton County deputies in the search. Hamilton officers also quickly located other area residents that they believed might be endangered by Goerdel and provided them secure lodging for the night.

Friends and family members told law enforcement officials that they believed Goerdel would likely go to his former father-in-law's ranch a few miles away to hide. They said Goerdel frequently deer hunted there and was very familiar with the place. A Department of Public Safety helicopter arrived after dark and flew over the ranch using search lights and infrared heat sensing equipment, but could not locate the suspect. However, the officers kept the entrances to the ranch under surveillance throughout the night.

Monday the DPS helicopter resumed its search of the ranch at around
10 a.m. Within about 15 minutes of continuing the search, Goerdel was spotted in his 1991 blue and silver Ford Explorer in a remote part of the ranch. Personnel in the helicopter kept Goerdel under surveillance and helped position officers on the ground to contain Goerdel and prevent his escape.

Joining the Hamilton County officers and DPS officers in the operation were law enforcement officials from the Texas Rangers, Mills County SO, Lampasas County SO, Comanche County SO, Hico Police Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Rural Area Narcotics Task Force. The Hamilton EMS was also on the scene throughout the operation.

Shortly after 2 p.m., DPS SWAT personnel and Austin Police Department SWAT team members with two armored vehicles arrived at the ranch. The armored vehicles pursued Goerdel, who had spent much of the morning and early afternoon moving from one position to another in his Ford Explorer.

Sheriff Murhpree said Goerdel seemed to be checking the perimeter, perhaps not as much in attempt to escape as to see if the officers were attempting to close in on him. But after the armored vehicles pursued Goerdel, he drove to a three-sided goat shed and entered the barn. As heavy rains fell, one of the armored vehicles became stuck in a ravine, but the other vehicle with officers on the ground, tightened their perimeter around the barn.

According to Sheriff Murphree, the helicopter with its heat-seeking equipment was able to detect that Goerdel was no longer moving in the shed and appeared to be slumped over. The officers approached with caution, but discovered Goerdel dead in the shed with a self-inflected gunshot wound.

Following the conclusion of the operation, Sheriff Murphree issued a statement thanking "the area law enforcement agencies and their personnel for their professionalism and assistance in this tragic event." Murphree also expressed his and his department's sympa-thies to the family members of the deceased.

Murphree said that Goerdel was in his early 40s and had a history of domestic violence complaints. He also said that Goerdel was currently on 10-year probation for an aggravated assault conviction in Mills County. He worked at Alexander Moulding Mill in Hamilton. Officers recovered a .22-250 rifle and the .22 Goerdel used to kill himself at the scene. As of Tuesday morning, they were still looking for the shotgun used in the double murder.

Even as the law enforcement officers were responding to the crime, local school officials were also reacting. According to Superintendent Sam Bell, members of the faculty met Sunday night to prepare a plan to help students and staff cope with the tragedy. A full faculty meeting was held prior to school hours Monday morning. Cheyenne was a fourth grader at Hamilton's Ann Whitney Elementary School.

Bell said because Goerdel still had not been located Monday morning, increased security measures were taken, including locking most outside doors and moving outdoor classes inside. In addition to the two counselors from the local district, five counselors were brought in from in from Central Texas Shared Services to help students and staff. He said the counselors were utilized. "We wanted to do all we could to help our students and staff get through a very difficult day," said Bell. Bell also expressed concerns that it will likely be a difficult time for everyone later in the week when the funeral is scheduled. "Our counselors will continue to be available all week long," said Bell. "Hamilton is a very tight-knit community," said Bell, "and when we have a tragedy we are going to pull together and cope the best we can." Pastor Russell Nebhut told The Herald-News Tuesday afternoon that funeral services for Tasha and Cheyenne will be held jointly at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church.

MURDER SCENE- In one of the most horrendous crimes ever committed in Hamilton County, Tasha (Kuykendall) Simmons, 35, and her daughter, Cheyenne Simmons, 9, were slain with a shotgun at this home Sunday afternoon by the mother's boyfriend, Troy Goerdel. The home is located on Farm Road 218, approximately nine miles west of Hamilton near Pottsville. Goerdel killed himself the following afternoon as law enforcement officers attempted to arrest him at a ranch a few miles away. Staff Photo

KUYKENDALL, RUBY K. (REYNOLDS) (BRITTON)
The Hamilton Herald-News, 2 Dec., 1993

Ruby K. Kuykendall, 84 died Nov. 23 at Hamilton General Hospital.

Services were Nov. 26 at Riley Funeral Home with Rev. Wesley Jones officiating. Burial was in Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Kuykendall was born Dec. 29, 1908, in Dublin to Joe Kell and Lola Josephine Ross Reynolds. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.

She married James E. Kuykendall Dec. 3, 1933, in Dublin. He preceded her in death on June 18, 1978.

She married Earl Britton in June of 1983. He died May 11, 1987. She was also preceded in death by a son, Norman Ray Kuykendall.

Survivors include seven daughters, Dorothy Jean Henson of Strickland, MO., Joan Stegemoller of Hamilton, June Crouch of Huntsville, Ala., Jayne Payne of Hamilton, Ruby Yunger of Tuscon, Ariz., Elsie Sommerfeld of Hamilton and Cynthia Dochtermann of Tucson; two sons, Duane Kuykendall of Bruceville-Eddy and Larry Kuykendall of Hamilton; two sisters, Ruth Richardson of Dublin and Helen Trinstad of Seattle, Wash.; a brother, Bob Reynolds of Bisbee, Ariz'; 35 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons Duane Priest, Ray Stegemoller, Glen Stebemoller, Kirk Kuykendall, David Kuykendall, Rick Webb, Jamie Payne, Tom Stegemoller, Rusty Payne, and Ricky Payne.

McPHERSON, RUBY MARIE (PETTIT)

The Hamilton Herald-News, Feb. 12, 2004

Ruby Marie McPherson, 91, died Jan. 27, 2004 at Comanche Community Hospital. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 30, at Comanche Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Calcote officiating. Burial was in Pottsville Cemetery.

She was born Jan. 22, 1913 in Comanche County, the daughter of Will Pettit and Maggie Patton Pettit. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. McPherson was united in marriage to Claude McPherson on Aug. 31, 1935 in Energy. He pre-ceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1981.

She was also preceded in death by a son, “Bunkey” McPherson on Sept. 14, 1949. Survivors include her daughter, Beth McPherson of Brownwood as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family requests memorials be made to American Cancer Society, 804 W. Wright, Comanche, Tx 76442 or a charity of choice.
Comanche Funeral Home

NORTHCUTT, GEORGIA V. (McPHERSON)

The Hamilton Herald-News, Feb. 12, 2004

Georgia V. Northcutt, 97, died quietly in her sleep, Feb. 2, 2004. Funeral services were conducted at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 in Greenwood Chapel. Burial was in Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Mrs. Northcutt was born March 1, 1906.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis H. Northcutt; and her son, Robert J. Northcutt.

Survivors include her son, Johnny Mc Northcutt and wife, Rhe, of Killeen; daughter, Mary Jo Arm-strong and husband, Keating, of Corinth; and sisters, Jimmie Dean of Gustine, Mary Ellen Tallant of Weatherford and Margie Wilkins of Benbrook. Memorials may be made to Pottsville Cemetery Association, c/o Emma Lou McPherson, 815 East Boynton, Hamilton, Texas 76531.
Greenwood Funeral Home

NORTHCUTT, ROBERT J.

The Hamilton Herald-News
December 19, 2002

Robert J. Northcutt, 68, died Dec. 10, 2002, in Fort Worth, after a short bout with cancer. Funeral services were held Dec. 13 at Greenwood Chapel. Burial was in Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Robert J. Northcutt was born June 19, 1934, in Pottsville. He worked 32 years at Trinity Steel.

Mr. Northcutt received the "Golden Hard Hat" award and "Employee of the Month" honor and is featured in an office plaque for 32 years of perfect attendance and safety. Mr. Northcutt was the senior employee at Plant #26 as a machine operator specialist.

Survivors include his mother, Georgia Northcutt of Fort Worth; a sister, Mary Jo Armstrong and husband, Keating of Denton; a brother, Johnny Mc Northcutt and wife, Rhe of Fort Worth; close friends, R. Garcia, Tim and Lori Meyers, Bill Edwards and Thelma "Petie" Lewis; and Frisky, his cat.

Memorials may be made to the Pottsville Cemetery Association, c/o Emma Lou McPherson, 815 E. Boyton St. Hamilton, Texas 76531.
Greenwood Funeral Home

RILEY, ALLEN GLENN

01/20/1999

Allen Glenn Riley, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 14, at Hamilton General Hospital.

Services were Saturday, Jan. 16, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dean Reed officiating. Burial was in Pottsville Public Cemetery under the direction of Riley Funeral Home.

Mr. Riley was born June 27, 1914, in Pottsville, the son of James Fisher and Ida Mourfield Riley. He was married to Nelline Buchanan on Aug. 6, 1939, at Bryan. He was a soil conservationist for the US Department of Agriculture. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and three brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Nelline Riley of Hamilton; three daughters, Carolyn Kay Keller of Cosmopolis, Wash., Glenda G. Foegelle of Carrollton and Donna Matheis of Dubois, Ind.; two sisters, Pearl Kemp of Hamilton and Ruth Newton of Midland; a brother, Mack Riley of Hamilton; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Robert Witzsche, Andy McMullen, Dale Sills, Dr. Ping N. Tan, Jerome Pietzsch and Leonard Kirkland.

RILEY, MOLLIE NELLINE (BUCKHANAN)

09/02/1999

Mollie Nelline Riley, 88, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Brookhaven Nursing Center in Carrollton. Services were Saturday, Aug. 28, at First United Methodist Church in Hamilton with Rev. Dean Reed officiating. Burial was at Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Riley was born June 27, 1918, at New Baden, the daughter of Clifford and Sophie Ellen Burch Buchanan. She was married to Allen Glenn Riley on Aug. 26, 1939, at Bryan. They moved to Hamilton County in 1943.

She worked as a nurse in the nursing homes and at the Hamilton General Hospital for a number of years. She was active in First Unites Methodist Church of Hamilton where she was a member.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter, Terry Ellen Riley, and a sister, Evelyn Jacobs.

Survivors include her three children, Carolyn Kay Keller of Cosmopolis, Wash., Glenda G. Foegelle of Carrollton, and Donna Mathis of Dubois, Ind.

Pallbearers were Robert Witzsche, Brian Witzsche, Dr. Ping N. Tan, Dennis Krueger, Leonard Kirkland, and Cory Cooper.

SIMMONS, CHEYENNE MARIE

The Hamilton Herald-News October 7, 2004

Cheyenne Marie Simmons, 9, died at her home at Pottsville, Oct. 3,
2004. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hamilton with Pastor Russell Nebhut officiating.

Cheyenne was born August 4, 1995 at Clifton, the daughter of Jack Duane Simmons and Tasha Marie Kuykendall. She was a fourth grade student at Ann Whitney Elementary School in Hamilton.

Cheyenne was joined in death by her mother. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Lester Donald Simmons and a brother, Seth Simmons.

Survivors include her father of Eastland; a brother, Austin Vaughn of Hamilton; two sisters, Sandy Kuykendall of Hamilton and Ashton Bailey Simmons of San Antonio; her maternal grandparents, Jerald Duane and Sandra Fern Kuykendall of Hamilton, paternal grandmother Jessie Rose Brooks Simmons of Eastland; a number of aunts and uncles, James E. Kuykendall and David Duane Kuykendall, both of Hamilton, Sonia Diane Judd of Buda, Terry Simmons of Eastland and Gary Simmons of Stephenville.

Riley Funeral Home

SIMMONS, DORA NELLA

The Hamilton Herald-News 06/09/1988

Dora Nella Simmons, 92, of Hamilton, died in Goodall-Witcher Hospital in Clifton on Wednesday, June 1, following an extended illness. Funeral services were held at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, June 2, with Dr. George Tolbert officiating. Burial was in Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Miss Simmons was born in Pottsville on Jan. 15, 1896, the daughter of the late Lloyd Dexter and Kate McCullough Simmons. She had lived all her life in the Pottsville and Hamilton area. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Park Heights Church of Christ.

Survivors include three sisters, Irene Huckabee and Odessa Adams, both of Lubbock and Gracie Morgan of Arlington; two brothers, Julius Simmons of Hamilton and Olin Simmons of Grand Prairie.

Pallbearers were Bill Morgan, Ernest Peters, Horrace Roe, Leroy Sparkman, Eddie McPherson, and Bill Anderson.

SIMMONS , JULIUS CLINTON

The Hamilton Herald-News 02/07/1991

Julius Clinton Simmons, 86, of Hamilton, died Wednesday, January 30, 1991, in the Hamilton General Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 2 in the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Sullenger and George Tolbert officiating. Burial was in the Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Mr. Simmons was born March 4, 1904, in Pottsville to Lloyd Dexter and Kate McCullough Simmons. He was a lifetime farmer and rancher in the Pottsville area and a member of the Park Heights Church of Christ.

On November 16, 1924, he married Veda Almira Crawford. She preceded him in death on May 17, 1990. He was also preceded in death by six sisters and one brother.

Survivors include three sisters, Irene Huckabee, and Odessa Adams of Lubbock, and Gracie Morgan of Arlington; one daughter Meda Faye McPherson of Grand Prairie; three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ed McPherson, Wayne McPherson, Marvin Crawford, Don McPherson, Scott McPherson, Herschel McPherson, Michael McPherson, and Danny Joe Crawford.

SIMMONS, VEDA ALMIRA (CRAWFORD)

The Hamilton Herald-News 05/31/1990

Veda Almira Simmons, 85, died Thursday, May 17, in the Leisure Lodge Nursing Home in Hamilton after an extended illness. Services were held in the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with George Tolbert officiating on Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m. Burial was in the Pottsville Cemetery.

She was born in Hamilton County on March 14, 1905, and spent her entire life in the area. Her parents were the late W. H. Crawford and the late Zoe Z. Z. Newton Crawford.

A homemaker, she married Julius C. Simmons November 16, 1924.

She was a member of Park Heights Church of Christ in Hamilton.

Survivors include her husband, Julius C. Simmons; a daughter, Meda Faye McPherson of Grand Prairie, a sister, Effie O’Neal of Hamilton, a brother, Oran Crawford of Grand Prairie, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were three sisters, Mary Smith, Eura Gray, and Irma Gage, also two brothers, Parma Crawford and Newton Bill Crawford.

Pallbearers were Wayne McPherson, Don McPherson, Herschel McPherson, Ed McPherson, Scott McPherson, David McPherson, and Michael McPherson.

SPARKMAN, MAGGIE HESTER (SIMMONS)

The Hamilton Herald-News, 09/11/198

Maggie Hester Sparkman, 80, of Hamilton, died in the Hamilton General Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 4, following a brief illness. Funeral services were held in the Riley Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Sept. 6 with Rev. Tim Moody officiating. Burial was in the Pottsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Sparkman was born in Pottsville on Feb. 12, 1906, to the late Loyd Dexter and Kate McCollough Simmons. She married Garrett Hamilton Sparkman on July 13, 1924. He preceded her in death on March 26, 1976. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hamilton.

Survivors include three children, Willie Mae Rainwater of Hico, Walter Leroy Sparkman of Irving and Mavis Fry of Hurst; four sisters, Dora Simmons of Hamilton, Gracie Morgan of Arlington, Irene Huscaby[sic] and Odessa Adams, both of Lubbock; two brothers, J. C. Simmons of Hamilton and Olin Simmons of Grand Prairie; eight grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by and infant son and five sisters.

Pallbearers were Murray Adams, Kenneth Fry, Byron Sparkman, Danny Johnston, William Turner, Greggory Prickett, Bob Wood, and Billy Rex Morgan.

TULLY, ORA ROSALEE (NEWTON)

Ora Rosalee Newton Tully, 96, died at Hamilton on Oct. 17, 2003. Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Dick Stovall officiating. Burial followedin the Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Mrs. Tully was born November 16, 1906 at McGirk, the daughter of Nira N. N. Newton and Rozena Hiller Newton.

She was married to Alvin Otis Tully on April 25, 1926. He preceded her in death on November 8, 1985. Mrs. Tully was a devoted wife, helpmate to her husband, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to bake. She was an active member of Park Heights Church of Christ as long as her health permitted.

She is preceded in death by her husband; one son, Travis Wayne Tully; one daughter, Elverba LaRue Sommerfeld; her parents; two sisters; two brothers and one son-in- law, Desmond Luckie.

Survivors include three children, Myrna Dale O'Neal and her husband M.C. of Priddy, Rita Fawn Luckie of Oglesby and Peggy Loraine Menzdorf and her husband Gene of Fort Worth; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Zelma Harper and Ida Oustad, both of Munday; four brothers, Vester Newton of Fort Worth, Kara Newton of Marble Falls, Laymon Newton of Rochester and Weldon Newton of Abilene.

Pallbearers: Ron Lucas, Jerry O'Neal, Glen Menzdorf, Steve Lucas, Mark Luckie and Billy Mack Newton.
Riley Funeral Home

Ora Rosalee Newton Tully, 96, died at Hamilton on Oct. 17, 2003. Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Dick Stovall officiating. Burial followed in the Pottsville Public Cemetery.

Mrs. Tully was born November 16, 1906 at McGirk, the daughter of Nira N. N. Newton and Rozena Hiller Newton.

She was married to Alvin Otis Tully on April 25, 1926. He pre-ceded her in death on November 8, 1985. Mrs. Tully was a devoted wife, helpmate to her husband, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to bake. She was an active member of Park Heights Church of Christ as long as her health permitted.

She is preceded in death by her husband; one son, Travis Wayne Tully; one daughter, Elverba LaRue Sommerfeld; her parents; two sisters; two brothers and one son-in-law, Desmond Luckie.

Survivors include three children, Myrna Dale O’Neal and her husband M. C. of Priddy, Rita Fawn Luckie of Oglesby and Peggy Loraine Menzdorf and her husband Gene of Fort Worth; nine great grandchildren; 23 great-grand-children; 20 great-great-grand-children; two sisters, Zelma Harper and Ida Oustad, both of Munday; four brothers, Vester Newton of Fort Worth, Kara Newton of Marble Falls, Laymon Newton of Rochester and Weldon Newton of Abilene.

Pallbearers: Ron Lucas, Jerry O’Neal, Glen Menzdorf, Steve Lucas, Mark Luckie and Billy Mack O’Neal.
Riley Funeral Home

WALL, THEOPHILUS McNEIL "MACK"

WEST, OTTO RAY

Otto Ray West, 69, died at Hamilton Sept. 14, 2003. Funeral services will be held Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ed Wright officiating. Burial will follow in the Pottsville Public Cemetery. Mr. West was born August 10, 1934 in Swenson County, the son of Peat and Ruth Alice Combs West.

He was married to Ladois Sides in Whiteface, Texas on October 27,
1956. Mr. West worked in the construction business and was a veteran, serving in his county with the Marines. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Littleville Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of Pottsville; three children, Elizabeth Ilene West, David Ray West both of Pottsville and Rebecca Ann Welch of Gatesville; two grandchildren, Zachary Austin Welch and Nichols Gage Welch; one sister Opal Jennings of Caddo Mills and one brother Robert West of Bastrop.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were Tim Boatright, Virgil Seider, Christopher Gilbert, Wesley West, Doug Clark, Gary Gilbert, Vince Gilbert, Howard Frederick, Dwayne Glover and Larry Weaver.