Obituaries

Dawson County, Texas
                                    

Obituaries A-H


Submitted by Mary Bell Lockhart
Submitted by Louise Gillispie Stratton
Submitted by David Minton
Submitted by Phil Smiley
Submitted by Delbert Debnam

 

I-Q

 

R-Z

If you have any old obituaries with a Dawson County connection and would like to submit them for publication on this site please send them to me.
We must preserve our history and remember those who came before us. 

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Aten, Annie Beatrice 
In Memory of Annie B. Aten, born April 12, 1910 in Alto, Cherokee County, Texas, died Nov. 1, 1999 in Lovington, New Mexico.  Services at 2 pm Saturday, Nov. 4, 1995 at Hillcrest Baptist Church.  Rev. K.M. McCarthick officiating.  Burial at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Hobbs, New Mexico.  Casketbearers are Tommy Cummingham, Tal Cummingham, Sherman Aten, Charlie Aten, Jerry Collis, David Kemp.  (Submitted by Louise Gillispie Stratton, April 2007)


Bredding, Walter
The body of Walter Breeding was taken to Cross Plains Friday night, where funeral services were held Saturday, and burial was made in the Cottonwood Cemetery near that place Breeding, who was unmarried, is survived by his father, H.L. Breeding, and three brothers; Leonard Breeding of Lamesa, J.M. Breeding of Lamesa, and Arvie Breeding of Cross Plains; also three sisters, Mrs. F.A. Oglesby of Cross Plains, Mrs. B.B. Jones of Cross Plains and Mrs. S.M. Scrivinge of Dayton, Texas.  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Brown, Dorman Wade
Funeral services for Dorman Wade Brown, 74, of Jefferson were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at Haggard-Heaster Chapel.  Visitation was held Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial was in Oakwood Memorial Park under direction of Haggard-Heaster Funeral Home.  Mr. Brown was born May 1, 1927 in Lamesa, the son of Ernest Elbert Brown and Edna Hailey.  He died June 28, 2001 in Texarkana.  He had lived in Jefferson since 1982, coming from Grand Prairie.  He was a veteran and a member of the Methodist church.  Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Jefferson; sons Lynn Brown of Jefferson, Darrell Warrick of Pittsburg and Randy Dale Brown of Lovebady; stepsons John Paul Nuckols of Murfreesboro, Ark., and Jim Nuckols of Glenwood, Ark.; daughters Lois Deann Brown Orosco of Freeport, Me. and Sonjia Salazar of Odessa; a brother Alton Brown of Seminole; 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Brown, Edna Pearl
Services for a former Hobbs Woman, Edna Pearl Brown, 79, of Good Samaritan Village, Lovington, are slated for 2:30 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Baptist Chruch.  The Rev. Jack Stringer will officate the services and burial will follow in Prairie Haven Cemetery.  Born July 20, 1905 in Nacogdoches, Texas, Mrs. Brown died Wednesday ( Dec. 19, 1984) at the Good Samaritan Village in Lovington.  Survivors include two sons, Alton Brown of Hobbs, and Dorman Brown of Jefferson, Texas; two sisters, Lucille Larsen of Denver and Beatrice Aten of Lovington; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  Griffin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)  (Submitter's note:  Daughter of Thomas & Ora Hailey, she lived many years in Lamesa, Texas.  She was a sister of Lucille Hailey Gillispie Corley Larsen.)

Busby, Emmett
The final chapter in Dawson County's tragic accident of last Friday, was ended Monday afternoon when the remains of Emmett Busby was laid to rest in the Lamesa Cemetery beneath a bank of beautiful floral offerings which attested to the high esteem in which he was held by his many friends in Lamesa.  Funeral services were held in the First Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. M.M. Beavers in charge of the services, assisted by Rev. E.F. Cole, a male quartette composed of Owen Taylor, Essie More, A.J. McDaniel and Tom Barron sang "Rock of Ages."  Members of the local post of the American Legion escorted the cortege to the cemetery where he was buried with military honors.  Willie Emmett Busby was born in Atlanta, GA in 1893.  He had been a resident of Lamesa for serveral years.  In 1927 he married a Lamesa girl, Miss Nell Barrington, who survives him.  He had been a member of the Methodist church since youth.  He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges and of the American Legion.  Besides his widow, Mrs. Nell Busby, the deceased leaves five brothers to mourn his untimely death.  They are L.L. Busby, of O'Donnell, H.G. Busby of Greenville, Texas, C.F. Busby of Dallas, L.C. Busby of Farmersville, Texas and J. A. Busby of Celeste, Texas  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Bybee, Joyce
Gravesides services for Joyce Bybee, 81, of Lamesa, were held at 2 pm Tuesday in Lamesa Memorial Park with the Rev. Gwen Aldridge officiating.  Burial was under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.  Mrs. Bybee died on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 at her home.  She was born Oct. 28, 1927 in Paducah, Texas.  She married Richard Bybee.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lamesa.  Survivors include one son, Kerry Bybee of Lamesa; one daughter, Holly Baskin of SanAngelo; one brother, Doe Mobley of Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard; and a son, Mark Bybee. The family suggests memorials to Boy Scouts or Club Scouts of Lamesa.  (Lamesa Press-Reporter, Wed., Feb. 4, 2009)


Cagle, Floydean
Mrs. Floydean Cagle 65 of O'Donnell peacefully departed this life on Sunday, Oct. 07, 2007 in Lubbock. She was born Aug. 19, 1942 in Draw to Floyd Martin Jackson and Lois "Morgan" Jackson. Floydean attended school in Draw and O'Donnell. She was a life long resident of O'Donnell area. Floydean married Jan Cagle in O'Donnell, Feb. 3, 1968. She was a homemaker. She loved her family and visiting with friends. Floydean was a member of the First Baptist Church in O'Donnell.  Those left to cherish her memory are, her husband Jan; two sons, Keith Cagle and wife Telisha of O'Donnell, Jerry Wayne Cagle and wife Terra of Lamesa; two granddaughters Ashlyn Jo Cagle and Sydney Brown; one brother, Marty Wayne Jackson of Ruidoso, NM; one sister, Nita Tipps of Ruidoso, NM.  Mrs. Cagle was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two sisters, Irma Lee Proctor and Mickie Martin.  The family will greet friends Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 at White Funeral Home in Tahoka from 6 -8 p.m.   Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in O'Donnell with Rev. Scott Hensley officiating. Interment will be in O'Donnell Cemetery (Janice Hughes Talley)

Cantu,  Portifirio
Funeral services for Portifirio Cantu, 96, of Lamesa, were held Friday, at 3 p.m., in the Chapel of Branon Funeral Home with Henry Cantu officiating.   Burial followed in the Dawson County Cemetery under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.   Mr. Cantu died on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Sage Healthcare Center in Lamesa.  He was born on Dec. 27, 1912, near San Antonio to Felipe and Elupuria Cantu.  He was a lifelong Catholic.  Survivors include a sister, Maria Garcia of Dimmitt.  Published on: Mar 14, 2009

Carroll, Edwyna
Services for Edwyna Carroll, 84, of Lamesa, were held Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Lamesa with Pastor Gerald Parsons and Pastor Chris Powell officiating.  Burial was in Lamesa Memorial Park under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.   She died on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Medical Arts Hospital in Lamesa.   She was born on August 18, 1924 in Lamesa, Texas to Stephen and Ethel Jackson. She was a graduate of Lamesa High School and worked as a legal secretary for many years in Lamesa. She and her husband, Joe, were co-owners of Carroll-Henson and also had a home building business.  Edwyna married Joe Carroll on September 28, 1946 in Lubbock. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Lamesa.   Survivors include her daughter, Lori Vogler and husband, Lyn, of Lamesa; two grandchildren, Eric Vogler of Austin and Lindsey Crews  and husband, Jon, of Houston; two great-grandchildren, Will and Sam Crews; one brother, Bill Jackson of Phoenix, Arizona and one sister, Nadeline Kirksey of Fort Worth. She also is survived by sisters-in-law Charlotte Jackson, Colleen Jackson, Janelle Jackson Boatright, Billie Carroll and Edna Carroll and brother-in-law, Bud Henson.   Preceding her in death were her husband, Joe Carroll; daughter, Jacque Carroll; two brothers, Elward Jackson and Carroll Jackson; and, sister, Estelle Henson.   Visitation was held at Branon Funeral Home on Monday, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.   The family suggests memorials to either First Baptist Church Food Pantry, Dawson County Senior Center or a charity of your choice.

Cervantes, Lasaro G.  (Photo)
Funeral services for Lasaro G. Cervantes, 79, of Lamesa, were to be held Saturday, at 2 p.m., in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with Father Rudolf Crasta officiating.   Burial was to follow in Lamesa Memorial Park under the direction of Gonzales Funeral Home.   Rosary services were held at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at the funeral home chapel.   Mr. Cervantes died on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.  He was born on Dec. 8, 1929, in Travis County. He married Geronima Hernandez on Feb. 2, 1957, in Lamesa.   He was a farmer in Dawson County all of his life. He loved to be outdoors as much as possible.   Preceding him in death were his parents, Estanislado and Epifania Cervantes; brothers, Elias Cervantes, Estanislado Cervantes Jr. and Carlos Cervantes; sisters, Francisca Trevino, Beatrice Barrientez and Nicolasa Mungia; and, a grandson, Jason Gomez.   Survivors include his wife, Geronima Cervantes of Lamesa; six sons, Abel Cervantes, Robert Cervantes, George Cervantes, Richard Cervantes and Lasaro Cervantes Jr., all of Lamesa, and Tony Cervantes of Lubbock; three daughters, Rita Gomez and Veronica Hernandez, both of Lamesa, and Gracie DeLaCruz of San Diego, Calif.; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Nick Cervantes, Ricky Cervantes and Paul Cervantes, all of Lamesa; and, four sisters, Eloisa Hernandez of Allen, Celestina Perez of Odessa, Maria Gonzalez of Clyde and Modesta Mungia of Temple.   Pallbearers were to be Lorenzo De la Cruz, Abel Cervantes Jr., Agustine De la Cruz, Robert Cervantes Jr., Chris Ortiz, Alphonso Gomez, Kendra Cervantes and Jeffrey Cervantes.  The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were to serve as honorary pallbearers. (Published on: Mar 14, 2009  Lamesa Press-Reporter)

Cluck, Norman
World War II Army Air Corps Served in the United States  as a gunner and flight engineer in the European Theater. Preceded in death by his parents, M. E. and Callie Mae Dyer; and two sisters, Beatrice Horne and Katie Brown. Extracted from obituary provided by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Burial in Old Acklery Cemetery.

Corley, Leonard 
Leonard Corley, 40, of 3708 Tarrant Rd., who died Thursday in a hospital, will be buried in Ringgold, La., after funeral services there.  Corley was a native of Ringgold and had lived here for 16 years.  He owned the Dairy Queen at 2800 Vaughn Blvd.  He was a Baptist.  Survivors include his wife (Vera Francisco Corley); parents, Mr. and Mrs. Polk P. Corley of Ringgold, and two sisters, Mmes. Lavon Pate of Quincey, La, and Jennie Sprawls of Ringgold  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)  (Notes by Louise Stratton:  He had not lived there for16 years as the paper states only about 13 years. He, Mother, T.J. and I moved to FT Worth in 1943. They divorced in 1951.)

Crawford, C.L.
Graveside services for C.L. Crawford, 91, of Lamesa, will be held Thursday, January 15, 2009, at 10:00 am at Lamesa Memorial Park with the Rev. Clifton Igo officiating.  Services will be under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.  C.L. died on Monday, January 12, 2009 at Lamun Lusk Sanchez Veteran's Home in Big Spring, Texas.  He was born on December 16, 1917 in Dewar, Oklahoma to Albert and Alice May Crawford.  He married Zorada Clayton in 1939 in Seagraves, Texas.  C.L. served in the Army during World War II.  He was very involved iwth the youth at the First United Methodist Church and coached in the Little League, which he greatly supported for many years.  He was an oilfield tool pusher for many years and owned and operated The Tornado Cleaners from 1961 to 1983.  He is survived by numerous friends. Preceding him in death were his wife, Zorada in 1986 and a son, Mike in 1960 (Lamesa Press-Reporter, Wed., Jan. 14, 2009)

Crow, Andrew B.
Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church in Lamesa, Texas last Sunday, August 5, for Mr. Andrew B. Crow of Lovington.  Following the Lamesa services, the body was laid to rest in the Lamesa Cemetery beside the grave of his wife who passed away only a few months ago.  Death came to Mr. Crow Thursday night August 2, 1951 as he was driving from  towards Lovington.  The accident happend about 7 miles east of Seagraves.  Mr. Crow came to Lovington to manage the first cotton gin with the planting of cotton in Lea County in 1947.  He was manager of the Western Cotton Co. gin at Lovington at the time of his death.  According to information received at the Leader officer, Mr. Crow was driving west on Texas State Road 28, and was driving a 1949 model Chevrolet.  He ran into a large semi-trailer Ford truck owned by the H&D Construction Co. of Hobbs.  The truck had engine trouble and had pulled off the side of the road, and was properly parked, with parking flares.  The truck was driven by Melvin Burkley and a swamper.  They were working on the truck engine when Mr. Crow ran squarely in the back of the truck.  Marks on the highway showed he had swerved back and forth some 75 or 100 feet before the crash, straddling one of the truck flares.  Burkley said Crow tried to talk but couldn't and died a few minutes after the crash.  He suffered a broken neck.  Survivors included three sons, Tommy Crow of Lovington, A.B. Crow of Lamesa and Edgar Crow, in the army in Korea.  One daughter Mrs. Bob Davis of San Francisco.   (Lovington Daily Leader, Aug. 7, 1951) Submitted by David Minton, Nov. 2006

Crow, Mrs. Cara Freeman
Funeral services were held in Lamesa Sunday, January 28, for Mrs. Cara Freeman Crow at the First Methodist Church.  She passed away at the Lamesa General Hospital after an illness of 21 days.  She was 65 years old at the time of her death.  The date of her birth was August 14, 1885 and she died January 26, 1951.  She is survived by her husband A.B. Crow of Lovington, manager of the H. & H. Gin; and four children, A.D. Crow of Lamesa, Mrs. R.R. Davies of San Bernadino, California, Edgar T. Crow now serving with the Army in Korea, and Thomas L. Crow of Lovington.  Other survivors are a sister, Mrs. A.B. Cummings of Moshiem, Texas and two brothers, Bero Jones of Gatesville, Texas and L.V. Jones of Modesto, California.   (Lovington Daily Leader, Jan. 30, 1951) Submitted by David Minton, Nov. 2006

Crowley, Charles D.
Charles D. Crowley, 84 died at his home in Lovington Sunday evening, December 23, 1945.  Mr. Crowley had been ill ten days.  He came to this community in 1931 from Lamesa, Texas.  Prior to his retirement he had served as ranch foreman, Texas peace officer, and sheriff for many years.  Mr. Crowley is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.  Preliminary funeral services were held at the Yarbro Funeral Home here, and the body taken to Lamesa, Texas for final services and interment.  The deceased was a charter member of the Lamesa Methodist church.  The Rev. Arthur Shaw conducted the services at Lovington and Lamesa.  (Lovington Daily Leader, Dec. 28, 1945) Submitted by David Minton, Nov. 2006
                                                                                                                        
Daniels, Verner Eugene 'Gene'
Funeral services for Verner Eugene “Gene” Daniels, 70, of Lamesa, will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Crestview Baptist Church with David Fletcher and Pat Githens officiating. Burial will follow in Lamesa Memorial Park under the direction of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation was to be held on Wednesday, from 7 to 9 p.m. Mr. Daniels died on Monday March 16, 2009 in Lamesa. He was born on April 21, 1938 in Lamesa to Verner Lee and Bernice Daniels. He married Barbara Phillips on June 18, 1960 at First Baptist Church in Lamesa. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Daniels of Lamesa; children, James Eugene Daniels of  Lubbock and Martha Whittet of Denver, Colo.; a brother, David Arnold Daniels of Plainview; two grandchildren; and, a host of nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Verner Lee and Bernice Daniels. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Compass Hospice and Crestview Baptist Church.  (Published on: Mar 18, 2009, Lamesa Press-Reporter)

Davis, rebecka Allene
Funeral services for Rebecka Allene Davis, 95, of Lamesa, will be held on Monday, January 12, 2009, at 11:00 am, at First United Methodist Church with Bill Rafuse officating.  Burial will follow in Lamesa Cemetery under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 pm Sunday at the funeral home.  Allene passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 in Lamesa. She was born in Lamesa on September 15, 1913 to Elijah and Eva Salser.  She married Aubrey Davis on April 6, 1947 at First United Methodist Church in Lamesa.  Allene graduated from Texas Tech University in1937.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma fraternal organization for 60 years.   She enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1945 where she was ranked a Pharmacist's Mate Second.  Allene began her teaching carceer in Knott where she taught for two years then moved to Rotan and also taught the first through twelfth grades in Lamesa and in 1958 she began teaching in Hobbs, NM in August of 1967 she moved to Antioch, Calif. where she also taught.  In December of 1984 she moved back to Lamesa after retiring in 1979.  Allene was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Dawson County Retired Teachers Association, the Geneological Society, Gideons Auxilly, and the Medical Arts Hospital Auxiliary. She took pride in gardening and had a great love for flowers.  Allene had beautiful iris beds in Lamesa and rose beds in Hobbs.  Survivors include her husband, Aubrey Davis of Lamesa; children, Donna Rafuse and husband, Bill, of Rapid River, Mich and Michael Davis of Antioch,Calif; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Eva Salser and five brothers.  The family suggests memorials to Gideons Auxiliary and Medical Arts Hospital Auxiliary.  (Lamesa Press-Reporter, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009)

Dennis,  Roland Travis   (Photo)
Roland Travis Dennis, 83, formerly of Lamesa, left this world for a heavenly place on Friday, March 13, 2009, at Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center of San Angelo. He died peacefully in his sleep with his family surrounding him.   Known to friends and family as Travis, he was the fifth of six children born to Pearl and Walter Dennis on February 1, 1926 in Dawson County. He married Gloria Jean Gamblin of Lamesa in 1949 and was blessed with one daughter in 1954.   Travis joined the U.S. Marines 1944 at the age of 18 and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was always very proud of his service to our country. Travis worked as a driller for Jeter Drilling Co. in Seminole. After “retiring” he was an avid woodworker and loved making his wood crafts with his wife who painted many of their creations and then sold them at various craft shows. Both Travis and Jean took great enjoyment in their two granddaughters. They were very generous and loving grandparents. Both moved to San Angelo in 2001 to be near their family where they remained until their deaths. Travis is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Pearl and Walter Dennis; and, brothers, Harry, Archie, Frank and Robert Dennis. He is survived by his loving daughter, Sandi Smith and husband, Billy, and granddaughters, Jenny and Samantha Smith, all of San Angelo. His only sister, Thelma Myers and husband, Hank, of Lamesa and sister in-law, Bobbie Dennis of Kermit, and many nieces and nephews also are survivors. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the wonderful care and loving friendship Travis and his family received from the staff, residents, and their families during two years at Sagecrest. They would also like to express their extreme gratitude to the Baptist Hospice for their kind and compassionate care and support. The family requests that memorials be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center, Baptist Hospice in San Angelo; or your favorite charity. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa on Monday, March 16, 2009. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., at the North 14th Street Church of Christ in Lamesa with Mark Hackett officiating. Burial followed in Lamesa Memorial Park under the direction of Branon Funeral Home. (Published on: Mar 18, 2009, Lamesa Press-Reporter)

 Duke, Rev. William E.
Services are pending here for the Rev. William E. Duke, 89, a retired Baptist minister and former Hobbs resident.  Branon Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  Duke died at 1 p.m. Friday in Denver City convalescent home after a lengthy illness.  A native of Bowie County, Texas, Duke began his ministry in Crosby and Dickens counties and moved to Lamesa in 1924 to preach for high plains area churches for 11 years.  He moved to Denver City from Hobbs, where he was employed in 1953 at The Hobbs New-Sun.  Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Florence Duke; a daughter, Mrs. Alfred Redwine of Seagraves; three sons, Elmo Duke and Tommie Duke, both of Amarillo; and Kenneth Duke of Dumas, Texas; a step-son, Marvin E. Bayles of Casa Grande, Ariz.; a step-daughter, Mrs. Eva Taylor of Tempe, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs. Nannie Carlton of Tulsa; a brother H.A. of Lamesa; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   Lovington Daily Leader, Mar. 7, 1976) Submitted by David Minton, Nov. 2006

Gillespie, James
Alpine, Tex., Jan. 15.--James Gillespie, sheriff of Brewster county and for a long time captain of the state rangers, died here last night and was buried to-day at 4 o'clock. The deceased was a very popular man, and the largest concourse of people ever seen at a funeral here attended his burial.  (Dallas Morning News, January 16 1890, Location: Dallas, TX, Page/Column: 1/6)

Gillispie, Dock 
In Memory of Dock Gillispie born Feb. 16, 1909 and died May 28, 1988.  Memorial services at 10 am, Wednesday, June 1st at First Southern Baptist Church of Elfrida.  Officiating Rev. John Grimes. (Dock fell off his roof and was killed. He wasn't found for about 30 hours. He had put an extension ladder up to the side of the house wrong and when he finished hooking up the water to his Evap.cooler and stepped on the ladder it went over and landed on top of him on the ground. His old dog sat by him the whole time. A farmer named Mr Miller drove past Dad's place 4 times a day for 21/2 days and saw the old dog in the same place each time. He finally thought that he ought to stop and check on Dad. He had last seen Dad on the roof with the kitchen door wide open and it was open all the times he had driven past. He found Dad laying on the ground with the old dog sitting beside him. He called the Elfrida sheriff and told him to send the coroner.) (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, July 2007,  Dock and Ralph were brothers)(He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Elfrida, Cochise, AZ)

Gillispie, Ralph "Slim"
A Tribute to Ralph "Slim" Gillispie Jan. 29, 1913 - Mar. 20, 1984.   When Slim Gillispie came to Cheyenne in 1967, he brought with him a wife, a son, and strong desire to establish lasting friendships and "roots". Slim started working in the oil fields of West Texas when only seventeen years of age and had acquired a masters degree in the school of hard knocks having lived for short periods of time all over the U.S. In 1969, after living in Cheyenne only two years, Slim became a business partner with his young son, Ric, in Gillispie and Son Drilling Co. Working hard came naturally to this man born on January 29, 1913, but another natural abilities (and one many adults never achieve) was "playing". Slim had a deep love for young people and became involved and active with them in sports, school and just every day life. This love was deeply felt by all of those who came to know Slim and Shirley Gillispie. In 1980, Slim semi retired due to failing health, still received his biggest pleasure in life by making sure those around him were happy. We will miss that big tall man, who could make you so mad if the twinkle in his eyes would not have been so bright. Slim is survived by wife, Shirley, and three sons. Interment at Lamesa Memorial Park Cemetery, Lamesa, Dawson Co., Texas. (Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK)  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Gillispie, Ruby Lee Whitlow
Graveside services for Ruby Lee Gillispie, 87, of Andrews will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Lamesa Memorial Park with the Rev. Darryl Dunks, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating.  She was born Jan. 25, 1900 in Limestone County, Texas and died Jan. 23, 1988 in Andrews, Texas. Burial will be under direction of Branon Funeral Home.  She died at 9 a.m. Saturday at her home.  Justice of the Peace Bill Orson ruled natural causes in the death.  Mrs. Gillispie was born in Limestone county and moved from Winters to Lamesa in 1923.  She married Thomas M. Gillispie in 1925 in Lamesa.  he died in 1973.  She was a longtime member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.  Survivors include a daughter, Maxine Sanders of Roswell, NM; a son Jackie of Andrews; a brother Joe B. Whitlow of Lamesa; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Gillispie, Shirley
Shirley Gillispie was born April 25, 1926 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Grace Mary and Gailey W. Jones and passed away December 10, 1993 at her residence at the age of 67 years, 7 months and 15 days. Shirley married Ralph Gilliepie on November 22, 1954 in Tatum New Mexico and they moved to Cheyenne, Oklahoma to make their home. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by four sons, Richard W. Gillispie, Seymour, Texas; Hugh W. Gillisie, Cypress, Texas, John Neely, Beaverton, Oregon; Butch Neely, Portland, Oregon; one daughter, Judy Spargo, Grants Pass, Oregon; and two granddaughters, Machaela Gillispie, Edmond, Oklahoma and Jade Gillispie, Abilene, Texas. Private graveside services will be held in the Fairview Memorial Park of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Local arrangements were under the direction of Rose Chapel Funeral Service of Cheyenne. Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK  (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)

Gray, Kyle Adam
Graveside services for Kyle Adam Gray, 43, of Lubbock, will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009, at 2:00 pm at Lamesa Memorial Park with Dennis Etheredge officating under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.  Kyle was born in Encino, Calif. on November 19, 1965.  He moved to Lamesa at an early age and was raised by his paternal grandparents, Adam and Laverne Low of Lamesa.  Kyle graduated from Klondike High School in 1984 where he participated in numerous UIL band contests leading to a life long love of music.  He was employed at several West Texas radio stations, beginning with KPET in Lamesa while he was still in high choll.  He later worked as a disc jockey at several clubs in Austin and most recently in Lubbock.  Survivors include his grandmother, Laverne Low of Lamesa; and many exteded family members and close friends.  He is preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Gray in 1966, and his grandfather, Adam Low in 1998.  (Lamesa Press-Reporter, Wed., January 7, 2009)

Guzman Sr., Benito C. 
Funeral Mass for Benito C. Guzman Sr., 51, of Beeville and formerly of Lamesa, was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Beeville with Father Lukose Thirunelliparambil officiating.  Burial followed at Beeville Memorial Park under the direction of Angelus Funeral Home.  Visitation was held last Monday, from 2 to 9 p.m., at Angelus Funeral Home with a rosary recited there that evening at 7:30.   Mr. Guzman died on Friday, March 6, 2009.  He was born on March 21, 1957 to Lionel L. and Epifania (Carvaial) Guzman in George West. He was raised in Lamesa by his grandparents, Guadalupe and Ezekiel Chavez.  He was a roustabout foreman in the oil field industry. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.  Preceding him in death were his father, Lionel L. Guzman; his grandfather, Ezekiel Chavez; a brother, Juan Jose Guzman; a granddaughter; and, a nephew.   Survivors include his wife, Anita P. Guzman of Beeville; his mother, Epifania Perez of Beeville; his grandmother, Guadalupe Chavez of Lamesa; a daughter, Cynthia Lee Sanchez of Lamesa; three sons, Benito Guzman Jr. of California, Joe Ben Guzman of Orange Grove and David Lee Guzman of Beeville; two stepdaughters, Sheila Ann Monsevaiz of Lorenz, Kan. and Katy Lyn Monsevaiz of Beeville; five sisters, Minerva Perez of Kansas City, Mo., Maggie Duran of Dallas, Isabel Mendoza, Rebecca Zuniga and Michelle Perez, all of Fort Worth; three brothers, Javier Perez and Jose Luis Perez, both of Beeville, and Miguel Perez of Lamesa; 12 grandchildren; and, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  (Published on: Mar 14, 2009, Lamesa Press-Reporter)


Hailey, Tom 
Funeral services for Tom Hailey, victom of the caliche pit disaster, were held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the First Baptist Church of Lamesa, Rev. E.F. Cole, pastor, conducted the services.  Burial was in the Lamesa Cemetery.  Mr. Hailey had been a member of the Baptist Church for 24 years.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ora Hailey; and three daughters, Mrs. Dock Gillispie and Mrs. Elbert Brown of Lamesa, and Mrs. Rufus Aten of Kermit, Texas. (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, April 2007)
 

Harris, Dorris Elizabeth Robinson  (Photo)
Graveside services for Dorris Harris, 96, of Lamesa, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at Lamesa Memorial Park with Bro. Rush Coffman and Ben Phelps officiating under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Branon Funeral Home. Dorris Elizabeth Harris passed from this life on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, just a few days prior to her 97th birthday. She was born on March 20, 1912 in Dawson County to Ira “Dick” Robinson and May B. Crowder Robinson.   She is survived by a daughter, Shirley Thomas and husband, H.K. Thomas, of Sun City; sons, Kenneth David and wife, Barbara, Jerry D. and wife, Nelda, and Larry Don and wife, Carol, all of Lamesa; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and, two great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in May of 2008; parents, Ira and May Robinson; brother, Leslie Robinson; sister, Ethel Robinson Barton; and, a great-grandson, Bradley Ray.   She married John David Harris of the Lamesa area on January 11, 1936 at the family home west of Lamesa. Following John’s time in the Navy during World War II, they resided in Denver City a short time and then moved to the farm just west of Ten Mile in the Klondike Community and lived there until moving into Lamesa in the 1960’s.   Being reared on the farm, Dorris loved gardening, cooking, canning, quilting, and sewing and was a master of all. She loved and was involved in the lives and activities of her grandchildren, but admitted the great-grandchildren were even more fun.   She worked for the Klondike Independent School District in the cafeteria for a number of years. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Lamesa, since 1962, where she and her sister, Ethel, spent many hours working with the bereavement/food committee.   The family suggests memorials to Second Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. (Lamesa Press-Reporter, March 18, 2009)

Herndon, Buster
Buster Herndon, 87, of Lamesa will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Lamesa Church of Christ with Sonny Hollis of Westbrook officiating. Jack Prather of Lamesa will assist.  Burial will be in Lamesa Memorial Park under direction of Branon Funeral Home.  Herndon died Friday, Oct. 18, 1996, at Methodist Hospital.  He was born April 13, 1909, in Anson. He married Lucille Callaway on Oct. 12, 1946, in Lamesa. He graduated from Lamesa High School.  He was the Dawson County tax assessor/collector from 1937 to 1947, and he was the city of Lamesa tax assessor/collector from 1963 to 1978. He served as the Dawson County judge from 1948 to 1952. A daughter, Y'Vonne Hollis, died in 1948.  Survivors include his wife; a son, Sonny Hollis of Westbrook; three sisters, Oleta Carpenter of Mission, DeOla Cutler of Mayhill, N.M., and Fred Ella Shofner of Lamesa; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.

Hughes, Jr., Homer A.
Homer A. Hughes, Jr., 17 years old high school student, was killed at 7 o'clock Sunday night when an automobile in which he was riding overturned about two miles south of Buckeye on State Highway No. 8.  The body was taken to Lamesa by Griffin Funeral Service of Hobbs.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer A. Hughes reside there.  The death car was driven by Bobbie Blackwood of Lovington who received serious head injuries.  He was rushed to the Lea County Hospital where he is reported to be "holding his own."  Others riding in the car were Bill Benham, 17; Grady Hughes, 16; Johnny Rogers, 17; all Lovington high school students.  They were uninjured.  The cause of the accident, according to reports by state police, were "Car overturned when driver lost control on rough roads while driving too fast."  The car is reported to have turned over two and a half times, stopping 78 feet from the highway.  It traveled almost 450 feet from the time it went out of control until it stopped.  The car is a total loss.  A coronary jury called Sunday night returned a verdict of death by reason of automobile accident.  Justice of Peace Bob Bensing of Hobbs presided as coroner.  Members of the jury were Cecil Coker, L. Walker, G.A. Hanna, A.B. Gilbert, H. Keaton, K.W. Edwards, all of Buckeye.   (Lovington Daily Leader, Jan. 29, 1952) Submitted by David Minton, Nov. 2006

Hughes , Jr. Homer A.
Homer A. Hughes, Jr. a 17 year-old Lovington High School student was killed last Sunday evening when an automobile in which he was riding overturned about two miles south of Buckeye.  Driver of the car was Bobby Ray Blackwood who received head injuries.  Three other Lovington youths were riding in the car at the time of the mishap.  They are Bill Benham, Grady Hughes and Johnny Rogers.  It has been reported that the automobile left the highway and traveled better than 250 feet in a narrow ditch, then ran across the highway and overturned two and half times and came to rest about eighty feet from the highway.  The car was totally demolished.  The driver of the car, Bobby Joe Blackwood, recieved head injuries and for several days was in critical condition, but on Wednesday of this week his condition was reported to be imporved.  The death of the Lovington youth in the accident was the fifth traffic fatality in Lea County this year.  (Lovington Press, Jan. 31, 1952)  Submitted by David Minton, Feb. 2008

Humphreys, Elizabeth M.
Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth M. Humphreys, born December 7, 1871, died October 20, 1947 will be conducted at the First Baptist Church, Wednesday afternoon, October 26, 1947 at 4 o'clock.  Dr. Clarence A. Morton, officiating.  Interment Lamesa Cemetery. (Submitted by Louise G. Stratton, May 2007)

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