Services for Arthur A. Callaway, 70, of Palestine, will be today at 2 p.m. in the Bailey & Foster Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lynn Parker officiating. Burial will be in New Addition Annex Cemetery.

Mr. Callaway died Saturday in Anderson County Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Palestine on May 2, 1916, a son of Alex and Sallie Campbell Callaway. A retired carman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palestine.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughter, Andrea Jones of Houston; sisters, Mary Lois Quick of Palestine and Dorothy Custer of Kingsville, Texas, and two grandsons.

Pallbearers will be W.T. Walston, Joe Moore, Leland Reinhard, Dr. Barry James, Put Crabtree, Felix Hahn Jr., Darwin Mitchell and Cleburne Franks.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 07-14-1986
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Frances Dilley Broyles, 88, was born July 16, 1918 in Palestine, Texas to Sammie Belle Campbell and Clarence Van Deursen Dilley. She is a granddaughter of the late Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell and a direct descendent of George M. Dilley, a pioneering railroad industrialist of Texas in the 1880s. She attended Randolph Macon College for Women in Lynchburg, VA and graduated cum laude from the University of Texas in 1939 with a degree in the Bachelor of Arts. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi fraternity.

In 1941, she married Gordon Barrett Broyles. As a lifelong resident of Palestine, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Meleterion Study Club, DAR, Palestine Fishing Club, and a charter member of the Harvey Woman’s Club. She took much love and interest in her family, gardening, and was an avid bridge player. Loved ones will remember her both as a gracious hostess and a lady of great spiritual strength.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon B.; her son, Tom Dilley Broyles; and her sisters: Jean Dilley Knowles and Janet Dilley Davenport.

She is survived by her children: Gordon Barrett Broyles Jr., and wife Sunny, Lucie F. Broyles and daughter-in-law, Nancy T. Broyles, all of Palestine. Her grandchildren are: David B. Broyles, Ben T. Broyles, Sam D. Broyles and Carroll B. Gurganus, all of Dallas; Sarah F. Broyles of Boston, MA; L. Jeannette Bostick of Durham, NC; Barrett G. Bostick of Winter Haven, FL; Betsy B. Bostick of Tampa, FL; Jennifer Griffin, Linsey Whittington and great granddaughter Jacie Griffin, all of Palestine. She also is survived by her cousins, Bud Wommack of Palestine, Mitchell Wommack of Corpus Christi and Dr. William B. Campbell of Austin.

Visitation will be at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 23. The services will be at the First Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, followed by the graveside at East Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Linda Herron and Dr. Doug Blanton will be officiating.

Honorary pallbearers include: Bud Wommack, Mitchell Wommack, Dr. William B. Campbell, Luckett Kolstad, Jack Herrington, Bob Beck and David Dial.

Active pallbearers are: Bill Knowles, Hank Davenport, Will Broyles, Dr. Bob McFarlane, the Honorable Bascom Bentley, Dr. Jay Herrington, Dr. Sparky Kolstad and Drew Wommack.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or the American Heart Association.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-23-2007
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Services for Sloan Gentry, a retired Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor, were August 28 in Dallas.

Mr. Gentry, 84, died August 25 of complications of heart disease at Baylor Specialty Hospital in Dallas.

Mr. Gentry's 62 years of ministry service included roles as pastor at East Dallas Christian Church and Oak Cliff Christian Church.

"His strength was preaching, pastoring to people and evangelism," said his daughter, Elaine Gentry Tibbetts of Rockwall.

During his time as senior minister of East Dallas Christian Church from 1965 to 1975, more than 1,600 members joined, his daughter said. He then served as pastor at Oak Cliff Christian Church until his retirement in 1981. More than 200 people joined the congregation during his first year at the church, his daughter said. "Wherever he went, people joined the church after he finished preaching," Mrs. Tibbetts said.

Mr. Gentry, who was preceded in death by three children and his wife, was often called by area funeral homes to officiate at services. He performed more than 6,000 funerals. "He was tireless. ... He was always giving to others," Mrs. Tibbetts said.

Mr. Gentry grew up in Palestine, Texas, and earned two bachelor's degrees from Texas Christian University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity degree from the university in 1954.

He got his first job as a pastor at 19 while he was a sophomore at TCU. He served in Grapeland, Mineola, Sulphur Springs and Longview before coming to Dallas.

After his retirement in 1981, Mr. Gentry became a transitional minister at churches in Longview, Wylie and Kaufman. He retired again in 1999.

Mr. Gentry was president of the Oak Cliff Ministers' Association and chaplain of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and Sun Oil Co. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

He traveled to Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East leading Christian tours and revivals.

Mr. Gentry is also survived by a son, Paul Sloan Gentry of Coventry, R.I.; three granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to the David Gentry Memorial Ministerial Scholarship at Texas Christian University or to the Juliette Fowler Homes, 200 S. Fulton St., Dallas, Tx 75214.

Source: Dallas Morning News 09-10-2002

Lewis Sloan Gentry was born May 21, 1918 in Grapeland, and died August 25, 2002 in Dallas. Burial was at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas. He was the son of Lewis and Lillie Hall Gentry.

He married Ada Helen Read March 12, 1939. There were five children born in this marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children Gloria Gentry, Lewis Sloan Gentry Jr. and David Lewis Gentry.

Source: Descendants of Thomas Howard Anderson
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Services for Ed Montgomery, 72, of Palestine, will be at 4 p.m. today in Saint Philip's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Edward Eugene Blankenship officiating. Burial will be in New Addition Annex under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. Montgomery died Sunday in Memorial Hospital.

He was born on May 15, 1917, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the son of the late Robert E. Montgomery and Jennie Jordan Montgomery. He was a graduate of Palestine High School, a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Mr. Montgomery was a petroleum independent landman and owner and operator of the former Meador-Montgomery Sporting Goods Store in Palestine.

Mr. Montgomery is survived by his wife, Dorothy Meador Montgomery of Palestine; a daughter, Martha Meador Montgomery of Austin; a son, Edward Meador "Pete" Montgomery of San Leon; and a brother, W.C. "Pete" Montgomery of Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to the Discover School in care of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 940, Palestine, 75802, or to the Texas Heart Association, P.O. Box 20805, Houston, 77225.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 08-23-2004
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Johnnie Leroy Novak died in July of 1977 in Santa Rosa, California. He is buried in Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Novato, California.

Johnnie was born July 21, 1918 in Jacksonville, Texas to the late John and Rebecca Johnson Novak.

The family moved to Palestine when Johnnie was young and he graduated from Palestine High School in 1935.

He and his younger brother, Frank, both entered the Navy Air Corps in August of 1942. John served in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. After the war, he moved to California and started his own general contracting business in the Novato area.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by sons, John Novak and Jeffrey Novak; sister, Geneva; and brothers, Frank, Richey, Bob, Willie, and James.

Source: Friends
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Services for Earl Randolph "Curly" Patrick, 82, of Houston and formerly of Palestine, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Klein Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Palestine City Cemetery.

Mr. Patrick died Wednesday (April 28, 1999).

He was born February 6, 1917, in Palestine, to Buena and Earl Patrick.

He was retired from Exxon Corp. and was a Yorkite 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Champion Forest Baptist Church. He attended the University of Houston, and was a member of the University Alumni Association.

Mr. Patrick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Ann Patrick; daughter, Kristen Lea Hudson; son, Randolph Patrick; sister, Grace Patrick; and five grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Champion Forest Baptist Church.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-30-1999
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Services for Charles Parsons Speegle, 81, of Richardson and formerly of Palestine, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. David Luckert officiating. Burial will follow in the Palestine City Cemetery.

Mr. Speegle died Sunday in Richardson.

He was born November 17, 1917 in Palestine to Dr. Andrew Arthur and Olive Gertrude Leet Speegle.

Mr. Speegle was a sales representative for B&B Chemical. He was a veteran of WW II and the Korean Conflict. As a captain, he flew 50 missions for the 320th Bomb Group of the 442nd Bomber Squadron. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross and EAME Theater Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Richardson.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Doris Janette Perry in 1999.; and a brother, Alexander "Doc" Speegle in 1982.

Mr. Speegle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Janette Rogers Speegle of Richardson; daughters, Una Jane Carpenter of Dallas and Olive Miller Snapp of Austin; a sister, Mary Locke of Houston; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Mary Jane Foster, John Carpenter, Richard Carpenter, Donovan Miller Jr., Dawn Miller Jabour, Kristina Perry, and Arthur Speegle III.

Honorary pallbearers are Samantha Jabour and Hunter Foster

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 11-09-1999
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Funeral services for Malyn Tierce, 83, of Deer Park were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the chapel of Deer Park Funeral Directors, Deer Park.

Burial was in Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso.

Mrs. Tierce died Sunday (Feb. 11, 2001).

Mrs. Tierce was a graduate of Palestine High School. She was a former resident of El Paso and had lived in Frankston over 20 years.

She was a homemaker and a former El Paso resident. Arrangements are by Futrell Funeral Home.

Survivors include three daughters, Judy Squires of Deer Park, Jane Elrod of Gray Lake, Ill. and Jill Bappe of Waldport, Oregon; a brother, Harry Whitehurst of Frankston; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Sources: Frankston Citizen 02-18-2001 & Rootsweb-El Paso County
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Services for Dorothy Mavis Bernard Poole, 84, of Jacksonville, Texas, were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Cemetery in Jacksonville with the Rev. Peggy Edge officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Cemetery.

Mrs. Poole died Friday, October 26, 2001, at a Whitehouse, Texas nursing home.

She was born August 3, 1917 in Palestine, Texas to Dewey Jessie and Clara Elizabeth Honea Bernard.

Mrs. Poole was the first cosmetology teacher at Jacksonville High School. She was a past president of the Business Professional Women's Association and a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She was a member of First Christian Church of Jacksonville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willard Lee Poole; brother, Mabran Dewey Bernard; and one great-grandson.

Mrs. Poole is survived by son, Ben Poole of Whitehouse; daughters, Charlotte Calhoun of Jacksonville and Margarette Poole of Houston; sister, Virginia Grimsley of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 10-28-2001
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Robert Hatton Bunnell, Jr., 86, of Austin passed away on Monday, May 2, 2005. He was born September 12, 1918 in Houston, Texas to Robert Hatton Bunnell, Sr. and Annie Victoria Elam Bunnell.

Robert attended Baylor University and received his Bachelor of Business degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Following graduation, Robert and his college sweetheart, Allyne Collins were married in Palestine in May of 1941. Robert served his country well in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he and Allyne moved to Port Arthur, Texas where he began a long and successful career with Gulf Oil. Serving as an accountant, Robert and his wife Allyne had the wonderful opportunity to live in many areas, including Madrid, Spain, Houston, Tx, Pittsburgh, Pa, Philadelphia, Pa, and Miami, Fl.

He was very active in many church organizations throughout his life. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age while growing up in Palestine, Texas. At the time of his death, he was a devoted member of Lakehills Church in Austin. Robert was also active in the Baylor and TCU alumni groups, enjoyed many years of membership in the Rotary Club of Austin, and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

His parents, Robert and Annie Bunnell, one sister, Mildred Bunnell, his mother and father-in-law, Dell Flores Collins and Searcy Fred Collins, one sister-in-law, Rachel Collins and one brother-in-law, Delton Bane all preceded him in death.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Allyne Collins Bunnell; one daughter, Molly Bunnell Morris and husband Truman Nichols Morris, Jr.; one sister, Jean Bunnell Stevens and husband E. M. Stevens; one sister-in-law, Joyce Collins Bane, three grandchildren, Kimberley Morris Ross and husband Ronald; Truman Nicholas Morris III and wife Anna-Margaret; Robert Bunnell Morris; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Hudson Ross, Robert Hatton Ross, Molly-Kimberlyn Faith Ross, Anna-Nicole Morris, Truman Nicholas Morris IV, Margaret Allyne Morris and Durango Nicholas Morris. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Edmund Stevens, Edith Ann Stevens, Janell Stevens, James Fred Bane and Carla Jo Bane.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2005 in the Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church, 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy in Austin with Dr. Gordon Smith and Pastor Mac Richard officiating. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Following the services, the family will host a reception at the Running M Ranch located at Hwy 290 W and Miller Creek Cemetery Road.

Serving as pallbearers will be Truman Nicholas Morris III, Robert Bunnell Morris, Ronald Dale Ross, James Bane, Edmund Stevens, Michael Douglas McIntyre, Danay Covert and Cary Janvier. Honorary pallbearers will be James Cartright, E. E. Steussey, Dick Corry, Linoel Lewis, Frank Goodson, Charles Hall, John Noel, Ben Schraeder and L. L. Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, Lake Hills Church, or Riverbend Church.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, TX (512) 452-8811.
Guestbook

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-04-2005
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Services for Faye A. Taylor, 88, of Palestine will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Revs. Danny Rodriquez and Daniel J. Bubach officiating. Burial will be in Land of Memory Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction Bailey & Foster Funeral Home. Mrs. Taylor died Saturday (11-5-2005) in a Tyler hospital.

She was born September 6, 1917 in Anderson County to Samuel Clark and Alice Handler Clark.

Mrs. Taylor worked 16 years as secretary at First Christian Church and was a member of the C.W.F. Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her parents; husband, M.B. Taylor, daughter, Sherry Youngblood; sisters, Velma Nivens and Clydia Bishop; and brothers, Lowell Clark and Horace Clark.

She is survived by daughter, Lota Clark and husband Jerry of Palestine; son, Max Taylor and wife Debbie of Corsicana; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren

Pallbearers will be Jerry Flowers, Dustin Clark, Shawn Pringle, Kendall Walker, Dewain Ward and Bill Farrar.

Condolence calls will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 11-07-2005
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Funeral services for John Conaway, 83, Athens were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, at Herrington Land of Memory Chapel with Rev. Snyder officiating.

Burial was in Elmtown Cemetery under direction of Herrington Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine.

Mr. Conaway died Friday, July 12, in Athens.

He was born May 24, 1919, in Palestine, to the late Richard L. and Cora Lee Easley Conaway.

He was raised in the Elmwood Community and had lived in Anderson County most of his life. He was a Christian.

Mr. Conaway was a graduate of Elmwood School and Palestine High School. He was a farmer and rancher. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the 145th Combat Engineers and was involved in the building of the Alaskan Highway. He served in the Battle of Bulge in the European Theater.

Mr. Conaway was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lee Conaway; and sisters, Ollie Shirey, Edna Mallard, Ruby Grasty and Mable Willard.

Survivors include his wife, Odetta Conaway, Athens; sons, Danny R. Conaway, Murchison, John Alton Conaway, Tyler, Richard “Ricky” Conaway and Steven “Stevey” Conaway, both of Athens; daughters, Helen Marie Weaver, Trinidad, Naomi Bell, Buffalo and Pamela “Pam” Cauldwell, Palestine; brother, Jack Walter Conaway, Frankston; sisters, Evelyn Fairris, Ema Thornton, Faye Taylor and Opal Warren, all of Palestine; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Todd Weaver, Torrey Weaver, Mark Conaway, Chad Conaway, Shane Bell and Mikey Cauldwell.

Source: Frankston Citizen 07-16-2002
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Services for Elizabeth Neel, 86, of Palestine will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Scott Dornbush officiating. Burial will be in the Palestine City Cemetery under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mrs. Neel died Sunday in a local hospital.

She was born November 21, 1918 in Palestine to John DonHauser and Eloise Miriam Staats DonHauser.

Mrs. Neel was a homemaker, a member of the First United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Anderson County Genealogy Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Johnnie Neel; daughter, Susan Neel; and sister, Helen Marie Combs.

Mrs. Neel is survived by a nephew, Gordon Combs and wife Elizabeth of Meadows Place; and a niece, Cathy Hill and husband William of Houston.

Pallbearers will be Mitchel Combs, Thomas Hill, Gordon Combs and William Hill.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 06-13-2005
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Elsie Mae Gallatin Ward was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 9, 2009. She was born in Houston, Texas on January 30, 1919 to S.L. and Elsie Edmundson Jones. The family moved to Palestine when she was 1 year old. She attended school in Palestine graduating from Palestine High School in 1936.

She was married to L.T. Gallatin on December 24, 1936 in Palestine where they also raised two sons, Albert Earl Gallatin and Lumpkin Thomas Gallatin. L.T. Gallatin passed away on February 22, 1960. She remarried in 1964 to Lloyd G. Ward on May 29. Mr. Ward passed away October 15, 1988.

She was an active member of the Montalba Baptist Church. She participated in several organizations including the Red Hatters, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and several quilting groups. In addition to her kind unassuming spirit, she was also known for her prize winning quilts and paintings. She was honored by being elected Co-Grand Marshall of the 2002 Montalba Fall Festival Parade.

Ms. Ward is survived by two sons, Albert Gallatin and his wife, Freda, of Grand Prairie and Thom Gallatin and his wife, Sheila, of Garland. She is also survived by Mike Ward and his wife, Melanie, of Montalba. Additional survivors include her brother, Earl Leroy Jones, of Highland Village; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Janice Rudd was her loyal and best friend.

Services will be held at the Montalba Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. Family visitation at the church will begin at noon. Interment will be in the Land of Memory in Palestine. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey and Foster Palestine.

To view online, leave condolences or sign the guestbook go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 10-10-2009
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Services for Robert E. Jordan, 85 of Palestine were at 3 p.m. today at Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Fred Neal officiating. Burial followed in Roselawn.

Mr. Jordan died Monday at Palestine Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 28, 1917 in Palestine to Ben F. and Rosa Petit Jordan.

Mr. Jordan was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He retired from TP&L with 45 years of service as a district engineer. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Evelyn Dupree, Beatrice Scarbrough, Clarice Ward and Jennie Selden; and a brother, W. B. Jordan.

Mr. Jordan is survived by his wife, Margaret Jordan of Palestine.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 08-07-2002
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Howard Kolstad Hanks, age 85, passed from this life July 15, 2004 after a lengthy illness.

She is survived by her husband, Clyde W. Hanks, Jr., her sons Peter K. Thornton and Gardner S. Thornton, her stepchildren Mary Sue Reuther and Kit Stuart, thirteen grand children and six great grand children and her brother, Peter A. Kolstad and family.

She was an avid conchologist, active in Kappa Kappa Gamma and a bridge player for most of her life.

A private service is being held in Palestine, Texas where she was born. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Source: Houston Chronicle 07-17-2004
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Services for Willois Lacey Huebel, 70 of Emerald Bay at Lake Palestine will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Palestine with the Revs. Wayne Rhodes and Mark Skorheim officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Park under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mrs. Huebel died Sunday morning in Medical Center Hospital in Tyler.

She was born September 18, 1919 in Palestine, a daughter of William David Lacey and Martha Russell Lacey.

She was a longtime resident of Houston, where she was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. For the past eight years, she has lived at Emerald Bay in Bullard, and was a member of Emerald Bay Community Church. She was a graduate of Palestine High School in 1936 and a 1940 graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

She is survived by her husband, Leon W. Huebel of Emerald Bay; daughter, Mrs. Andrew (Martha Huebel) Wilholt of Houston; sons, William L. Huebel of LaFayette, La., and David L. Huebel of Austin; and five grandchildren.

Condolences will be received from 7 – 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be made to a favorite charity.

Pallbearers will be Gordon Broyles, Luckett Kolstad, Glenn Doss, Charles Weaver, Damn Holditch, Scott Kramer, Ben Waidhofer and John Goldsmith.

Source: Houston Chronicle 05-22-1990
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Services for Mary Cecilia (Long) Ballard, 85, of Palestine will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Palestine Middle Cemetery with Rev. Jay Abernathy officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.

Mrs. Ballard died Thursday morning at MYA Health Care Center in Palestine, and went home to rest in Jesus loving arms.

She was born August 24, 1918 in Palestine to Julian Elbert and Lelia (Wray) Long. She graduated from Palestine High School in 1936 and later attended Nixon Business College. She worked for 33 years with the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Palestine in the freight claims department, until her retirement in August 1978. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palestine from 1930 to 1980.

Mrs. Ballard was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Ballard; mother, Lelia Jency Long; father, Julian Long; sister, Margaret Geneva Long; two brothers, Pascal E. Long and Charles E. Long; granddaughter, Deirdre Adele Ashley, daughter of Vernon and Benjy Ashley.

She is survived by her son, Vernon E. Ashley and wife Benjy of Clear Lake City, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Barbara and Bill McKinney of Elkhart.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-09-2004
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Mildred Patrick Callahan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at the age of 89.

Mildred was born May 11, 1918, to John and Maggie Patrick in Palestine, Texas. In 1941, Mildred married John A. Callahan, also of Palestine.

Mildred and John made their home in Dallas, Texas, until 1965, when they moved to West Texas. They have been residents of San Angelo since 1967. Mildred worked at Sturgis and Connie’s dress stores before she retired to be a grandmother. She was a member of the Newtimers Club and the First Christian Church of San Angelo. After their retirements, Mildred and John delivered meals to the elderly.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John (2001), her parents; her brothers, Jack Patrick and Harry Patrick; sisters Velma Patrick, Mrs. Lorraine Crawford, Mrs. Catherine Black and Mrs. Doris Marshman.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in law of San Angelo, Pat and Susan Callahan; daughter, Mrs. Cathryn Rae of Houston; grandchildren John P. Callahan Jr., Robin, Cathryn Rae and Sean David Rae; sister Mrs. Jonibel Smith; brother-in-law and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Weyman Crawford; Mrs. Clara Schaff, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Jones, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and her dear friend, Mr. Tom Bloodworth.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Downtown Lions Club.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Johnson Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, at the First Christian Church of San Angelo. Burial will be in Palestine, Texas, beside her beloved husband John, at 4 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Special thanks to the staff and residents at Royal Estates who so enriched her later years, and to the staff at Meadowcreek Nursing Home.Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church of San Angelo on Oakes Street.
Guestbook

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 03-07-2008
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Services for Thomas A. (Tommy) Pickle, 85, of Palestine will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Court Drive Church of Christ with sons Thomas A. "Bud" Pickle, Robert C. "Bob" Pickle and Mark Pickle officiating. Graveside services will follow in Cedar Creek Cemetery officiated by Harold Hearn, Charles Lively and Thomas Wear. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. Pickle died Saturday in the Cartmell Home for Aged surrounded by his loving family.

He was born August 10, 1919, in Palestine to Voyle Carrie Pickle and Annie Pearl Moseley Pickle.

Mr. Pickle was a member of the Court Drive Church of Christ. He was a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew B-26 bombers on 63 missions in the Mediterranean Theatre, receiving numerous medals, decorations and citations.

Mr. Pickle served 40 years in the community as a banker for both Royall National Bank and First National Bank where he served in various roles including president and vice chairman, before retiring in 1985. He also served on the Palestine City Council and for 20 years was on the board of directors of Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Pickle was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juanita Pickle; and brothers, Cecil Pickle and Voyle Pickle Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Geneva Lively Pickle of Palestine; and children, Thomas A. "Bud" Pickle of Centerville, Robert C. "Bob" Pickle of Palestine, Deborah Ann Mueller of Anchorage, Alaska, Margie Danielle Wear of Fort Smith, Ark., and Mark Pickle of Sugar Land. He is also survived by sister, Ruby Huber of San Bernardino, Calif.; brother, Lem Pickle of Palestine; 23 grandchildren, Brian Pickle, Brad Pickle, Melissa Pickle, Lisa Stutzman, Laura Kinion, Natasha Cox, Michelle Haynes, Jessica Jenks, Tiffani Pickle, Kristopher Pickle, Kristin Mueller, Aron Mueller, Thomas Wear, Michael Wear, Rachel Wear, Caleb Pickle, Joshua Pickle, Nathanael Pickle, Timothy Pickle, Hannah Pickle, Amanda Pickle, Moriah Pickle and Stephen Pickle; eight great-grandchildren, Roman Robinson, Abigail Pickle, Jonathan Pickle, Wesley Stutzman, Wyatt Stutzman, Sara Stutzman, Zachary Kinion and Alexandra Kinion.

Pallbearers will be all of the grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Barber, Bill Brown, Klaus Kuehl, Ed Missildine, Joe Monk, Frank Moore, J.L. Parkman, and Archie Waldrum.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Sarah Center of Cartmell Home for Aged, 2212 West Reagan, Palestine, Texas 75801; or the World Bible Translation Center, P.O. Box 820648, Fort Worth, Texas 76182-9967.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 08-23-2004
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Ada Helen Read Gentry was born January 28, 1918 in Ft. Worth, and died June 17, 1995 in Dallas. She was the daughter of Osceola and Florence Fain Read.

According to the 1936 Arc Light, Ada Helen was a member of the B Natural Club in 1935 and 1936 and served as President of that group in 1936. She participated in Debate (1935), Dramatics (1935, 1936), Debate Team (1936), Home Economics (1935) Arc Light Staff (1936) and Forum (1936).

She married Lewis Sloan Gentry March 12, 1939. There were five children born in this marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her children Gloria Gentry, Lewis Sloan Gentry Jr. and David Lewis Gentry, a sister Ruth Fain Read Meisner and brothers Edwin Hughes Read and Ray Weldon Read and William Thomas Read.

She is survived by her husband, and children Paul Sloan Gentry and Elaine Gentry.

Source: Descendants of Thomas Howard Anderson
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Ray Weldon Read was born December 24, 1915 in Ft. Worth, and died January 05, 1986 in Tyler. He was the son of Osceola and Florence Fain Read.

While attending Palestine High School Weldon played on the school football team (1931,1932 and 1935), was Captain of the Track Team (1935), participated in the Interscholastic Play (1936) and the Dramatic Society (1935) and was voted the "Most Handsome" in the Senior Class (1936).

He married Margaret Sutton August 27, 1937 in Palestine, daughter of Huey and Sarah Johnson Sutton.

Weldon graduated from Austin College, Sherman in 1940. In World War II he served in the U. S. Navy.

In his job with the U. S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, Weldon worked in several South American countries, including Panama, Guatemala and Chili as well as Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Ruth Fain Read Meisner and a brother Edwin Hughes Read.

He is survived by his wife, and son Ray WeldonRead Jr., and a brother William Thomas Read and a sister Ada Helen Read Gentry.

Source: Descendants of Thomas Howard Anderson
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A memorial service for Katherine Taylor Kolstad, 89, of Palestine will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Philip's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Sam Boyd, assisted by the Rev. Ted Welty officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mrs. Kolstad died at her home on Friday, February 22, 2008. She was born on October 8, 1918 in Palestine to Dr. Frank Taylor and Vera Beatrice Quaintance Taylor.

Mrs. Kolstad was married for 67 years to Luckett Kolstad Jr., owner and proprietor of Kolstad Jewelers. She was a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was active in the Episcopal Church Women and in the Wednesday Morning Bible Class.

She graduated from Palestine High School in 1936, where she was the salutatorian of her class. She received a degree from Rice University in Houston. She taught school at Alamo and Sam Houston Elementary. She was an active participant in the family's retail business. She was a charter member of the Harvey Woman's Club and she was a member of the Meleterion Study Club.

Mrs. Kolstad was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Dr. Frank William Taylor; and sisters, Ethel Taylor Young and Frances Taylor Johnson.

She is survived by her husband; and children, Dr. C.L. Kolstad III and Kathy Kolstad Stites and husband Bill. Other survivors include three grandchildren, Jeffrey Kolstad Walker and wife Heather, Molly Kolstad Jamison and husband Jeff, Katherine Mae Kolstad; and two great grandchildren, Caleb M. Walker and Carson K. Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the St. Philip's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 106 E. Crawford St., Palestine, TX. 75801 or to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX., 75701.The family will receive calls at the Kolstad home.
Guestbook

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-24-2008
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Services for June Oden, 86, of Palestine will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at New Addition Annex Cemetery with Dan Manuel officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.

Mrs. Oden died Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at Alterra Sterling House in Palestine.

Lura June Zeigler Oden was born June 9, 1918 in Palestine to Rubert and Mattie A. Zimmerman Zeigler.

Mrs. Oden was a member of Crockett Road Church of Christ. She graduated from Palestine High School in 1936. She retired from Kroger after 15 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Doyle Oden, in 2001; son Charles Oden; and her brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Oden is survived by her sons, Lee Doyle Oden of League City and Lynn Oden of Palestine; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 07-15-2004
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Robert Lee Brittain was born September 11, 1918 in Concord, Texas, the son of Joe and Mary Brittain. Bob passed on May 13, 2006. His parents and three sisters preceded him in death.

His wife, Louise, his son, Steve Brittain, Sylvia Brittain and his daughter Kitty Ramsey and husband Steve survive Bob. He is also survived by grandchildren, Teri Goertz, Angela Stell, Brian Cardenas, Matthew Ramsey, Katie Ramsey and three great-grandchildren, Samantha Overfelt, Sydney Goertz and Josephine Stell, all of Austin, Texas.

Bob graduated from Palestine High School in 1937. Following graduation he entered the armed services in January 1941, and was assigned to the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion. During World War II he received among other decorations a Purple Heart and the RAME Campaign Medal with five stars for action in Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Following his military service he was employed by Shell Oil Company in Deer Park, Texas. In 1947 he met Louise Rigsby, a registered nurse, dispatched by the American Red Cross to the Texas City Disaster. Later that year Bob and Louise were married and remained devoted to each other for the next 58 years.

He was a gentle, loving and wise husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed.

The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Kent Beasely, Diane Rosenbaum, R.N., and the staff of Brighton Gardens and Odyssey Hospice for their compassionate care and friendship.

Viewing for family and friends 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr., at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17th.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Odyssey Hospice, 4201 W. Parmer, Suite 100, Bldg. C, Austin, Texas 78727 or Meals on Wheels of Austin and More, 3227 East 5th St., Austin, Texas 78702.

Obituary and Guest Book online at wcfish.com

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-16-2006
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Services for Lionel V. Burnett, 74, of Palestine, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Herrington/Land of Memory with the Rev. Bob Webb officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Burnett died Tuesday, March 29, 1994, at Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Anderson County Texas on February 22, 1920, to Walter S. Burnett and Addie Mozelle Harding Burnett. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1982.

Mr. Burnett lived in Palestine all his life and was a member of First United Methodist Church. He served in the Army Medical Corps in Africa in World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Brown Burnett of Palestine; daughters, Linda Oswald of LaBelle, Fla., and Sylvia Hubble of Bryan; sister, Lorraine Bolin of Frankston; and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Calloway, Kenneth Calloway, Charles Oliver, Gerald Morris, William P. Wilson and Danny Glen.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 03-30-1994
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Services for Garvice C. Crutcher, 86, of Palestine will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Steve Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. Crutcher died Sunday at Parkview Regional Hospital in Mexia.

He was born December 20, 1918 in Palestine.

Mr. Crutcher was a carpenter and was self employed.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Crutcher of Palestine; daughters, Jean Hofer of Terrell and Shannon Bolton of Palestine; sons, Phillip Crutcher of Houston and Michael Crutcher of Keller; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 06-21-2005
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Services for Jack DuPree, 72, of Palestine will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with the Revs. Lynn Parker and Charles Kincaid officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Park under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. DuPree died Thursday in Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.

He was born August 21, 1918, in Beaumont , to Henry Ulmer DuPree and Mae Ellis DuPree.

Mr. DuPree was a 1937 Palestine High School graduate, and a graduate of both Transylvania University in Lexington , Ky , and Texas Christian University Seminary. During World War II he served as a chief pharmacist's mate in the U.S. Navy, and was in the service from March 27, 1942 to June 25, 1945.

Before retirement, he worked as a public health technician with the Texas Department of Health. He was a member of First Baptist Church and at the time of his death, he was pastor at First Christian Church in Oakwood.

Mr. DuPree was a member of the Palestine Kiwanis Club, and of the Palestine Lodge 31 AF&AM, Palestine Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Willis Stewart Council No. 20 Royal and Select Masons, Palestine Commanderly No. 3 Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Waco Consistory 32 Degree and Sharon Temple Shire, Tyler.

In addition to his parents, Mr. DuPree was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Broyles DuPree; a sister, Helen DuPree Morton; and a brother, William Ulmer DuPree.

He is survived by his father-in-law, B.F. Broyles of Palestine ; sisters-in-law, Betty Ruth Broyles of Palestine , Katherine Broyles Pebworth of Kerrville, and Frankie DuPree of Karnes City ; brother-in-law, B.F. Broyles of Dallas; a nephew and niece; and four great-nephews.

Pallbearers will be Fred Magouirk, David Bratz, Jim Baugh, David Nedbalek, Brad Broyles, Joe Bill Chambers, Bobby DuPree and Rex Magouirk.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 P.m. to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 01-25-1991
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Mrs. G.T. “Juanita” Branch, 87, of Lufkin, was born April 11, 1920, in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of the late Sue (Killebrew) and Lawrence Elrod. She passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2007.

Mrs. Branch was a retired secretary for Dow Chemical Company, following 30 years of employment. She graduated from Palestine High School and from Nixon Business College.

She married Glen Branch in 1937, and they resided in Palestine until 1948. They then resided in Freeport until 1978, when they moved to Lufkin.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. In her younger years, she was active in R.S.V.P. and was a volunteer at Woodland Heights Medical Center.

Survivors include her grandson, Jimmy Boren and wife Sharon of San Antonio; granddaughter, Dayna Cartwright and husband Brian of Boerne; great-grandchildren, Nicholas (Nicky) Cartwright, Valerie Cartwright, Emily Boren and Grant Boren; sister, Jeanne Moore of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Lavonne (Dood) Wommack of Daingerfield; special friends, Mary and Wendell Holmes of Dallas and Reba Athey of Lufkin; and a number of nieces, nephews and other family members.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Branch was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Glen Branch, in 1983; and beloved daughter, Glenda Jean (Branch) Boren, in 1988.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Boren, Brian Cartwright, Vince Treadwell, Nicholas (Nicky) Cartwright, J. C. LeFlore, Wendell Holmes and Grant Boren.

The family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Branch's special church family at Calvary Baptist Church, and to the caregivers at PineCrest Health Care.

Services for Mrs. Branch will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Jimmy Hedges officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday night at Gipson Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 08-16-2007
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Charley Pearl Griffin Sansom was born March 10, 1921, in Palestine, Texas. Charley died in her sleep early the morning of May 5, 2008. She was the fourth child born in the family of Charley M. and Pearl Elizabeth Bradbury Griffin. After the death of her mother in 1928, she was adopted by Jewell Griffin and Leon Dupree.

Growing up in Palestine, she attended the public schools, graduating from Palestine High School in 1937. Following high school, she attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, graduating in 1942 with degrees in English, Elementary Education, and Religious Education.

During World War II, she served as Director of Religious Education at First Christian Church in Palestine. She taught junior high school social studies at Woodhouse Common School District in Anderson County. During the summer she worked in Washington, D.C., for the Navy Department summer work program for teachers.

In 1945, Charley was married to Charles C. Sansom Jr. They moved to Austin, where Charles enrolled at the University of Texas to complete his degrees in journalism and economics.

Charley worked as student director at the Texas Bible Chair. As one of the 11 founding members of University Christian Church, she was involved in every phase of church work, but enjoyed working with the 5-year-old children, she served as a Sunday school teacher for 60 years. She was a kindergarten teacher at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection until kindergarten classes were voted a part of Texas’ public schools. She then became a teacher in the Austin school system at Maplewood and Doss Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1979.

Charles and Charley spent their retirement years in Palestine where they were avid square dancers, volunteers, and church workers. Charley has been a resident at Westminster Manor in Austin since 1993.

Charley lived a meaningful life, and although we will miss her, we celebrate the life she lived. It was full of love, laughter, and devotion to God and her beloved family and friends.

She is survived by son, Steve and his wife Paula of Austin; daughter, Kay and her husband Tony Hill of Texarkana, Ark.; son, Phil and his wife Judy of Pflugerville; and grandson, Aaron, also of Pflugerville.

She was preceded in death by Charles in 1993, at which time she became a resident of Westminster Manor in Austin.

Memorial service will be at University Christian Church, 2007 University Ave., Austin, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, 3434 S. Loop 256, Palestine.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Chapel of the Air at Land of Memory Cemetery with the Rev. Linda Herron officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local area food bank.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-07-2008
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Services for Lois Nash, 75, of Palestine, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Philip's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Mike Glenn officiating. Burial will follow at Palestine City Cemetery under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory.

Mrs. Nash died Tuesday at Memorial Hospital after a brief illness

She was born in Palestine on August 31, 1920 to W.S. and Bessie Peck Harris. She lived in Palestine her entire life and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Nash graduated from Palestine High School and worked in banking for 50 years as a teller and bank officer at East Texas National Bank and First National Bank of Palestine.

She is survived by her son, Bill Nash of Palestine; brother, Ray Harris of Victoria; and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Gary Laird, Bill Knowles, Howard Day, Joe Poteet, Bennie Parrish and Jack Rogers.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-28-1996
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Source: Family
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Private Masonic graveside services for Dr. Emmett P. McCall, 83, of Palestine will be held at Grapeland City Cemetery with Judge Bascom Bentley officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Dr. McCall died Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at Hospice Home Place in Tyler, after a short illness.

He was born July 4, 1920 in Grapeland to Emmett P. McCall and Perlena Spence McCall.

Dr. McCall graduated from Palestine High School and attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. He graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Monroe College of Optometry, Chicago, Ill. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army Air Force.

Dr. McCall was a Mason and a member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge No. 31 AF & AM. He was a past member of the Kiwanis Club.

Dr. McCall practiced optometry in Palestine from 1946 to 1996 and was a well known rancher and sportsman. He married Hazel Fairchild McCall in July 1942.

Dr. McCall was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy McCall McDonald. He is survived by a son, Emmett "Buster" McCall III and wife Debbie of Austin; daughters, Carla Le Gard and husband Larry, and Jan Douthit and husband Mike, all of Palestine; brother, Dr. John A. McCall of Crockett; stepbrother, Dr. Arnold Broughton of Lufkin; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces; nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Dr. George Massey, Harvey Mundkowsky, Michael McCall, Michael Douthit, Adam Massey, and Anson Massey. Honorary pallbearers are Ostell Johnson, Robert Allen, Dr. Robert McFarlane and Charlie Reeves.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-24-2004
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Services for Charles O. Miller III of Tyler will be at 3 :00 P.M. Tuesday at Bailey & Foster Chapel with Rev. Ron Prince and Rev. Andrew Allen officiating. Burial will follow in New Addition Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Mr. Miller died Sunday at Home Place in Tyler.

He was born March 19, 1920 in Palestine to Charles O. Miller, Jr. and Emily Ester Cutter Miller.

Mr Miller graduated from Palestine High School in 1937 and from Texas A&M in 1941. He was a petroleum engineer for Getty Oil Company for 41 years. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Mr. Miller was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tyler.

Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean McKechan Miller February 25, 2003 and a brother Jack Oliver Miller.

He is survived by two daughters Dinah Miller of Dallas, and Dixie DuPree of St. Louis, Mo. four grandchildren Rebecca Davison and Julia DuPree of Indianapolis, IN., Rosie Miller and Pepper Miller of Dallas. Pallbearers will be Thomas Lee, Chad Lee, Don McKeehan, Kelley Vannatta, David Dickson, and Marvin McKeehan.

Condolence calls will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday at Bailey & Foster, Palestine. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Family Assistance Center of the First Baptist Church, 301 W. Ferguson, Tyler, Texas., 75702, or to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas., 75701.

Source: Houston Chronicle 03-11-2003
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M. Lamar Muse, the feisty airline executive who helped launch Southwest Airlines in 1971 and then left in a boardroom fight seven years later, died late Monday of lung cancer at a Dallas retirement home. He was 86.

Born in Houston in 1920, Mr. Muse grew up in Palestine, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1937. He attended Southwestern University in Georgetown for two years before switching to Texas Christian University in 1940, leaving after his junior year.

He joined Price Waterhouse as a certified public accountant in 1941, his time there interrupted by a stint in the U.S Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to 1945. He left Price Waterhouse in 1948 to go to work for Trans Texas Airways, followed by jobs at American Airlines Inc., Southern Airways, Central Airlines and Universal Airlines.

Pushed out at Universal in 1969, he moved to Conroe, where he was living when he heard about the airline that Rollin W. King and Mr. Kelleher had thought up. "Rollin and I jointly agreed we needed someone with experience to operate a real airline with heavy equipment. ... Everyone was happy to have Lamar come on board," Mr. Kelleher said.

Herb Kelleher, one of Southwest's founders and its chairman since 1978, said Mr. Muse was "extremely important" to the Dallas-based carrier's success, bringing the airline the experience needed to get Southwest started.

Mr. Kelleher called Mr. Muse "a cantankerous genius. ... He was the perfect person – because he was tough, he was competitive, he was hard-minded – to get Southwest Airlines off the ground and turn it into a moneymaker, with all the opposition that we had and as bitter as it was."

Longtime airline industry executive and consultant John Eichner said Mr. Muse developed Southwest into the low-fare, high-productivity machine that it remains today. Airlines across the world, such as Ryanair Ltd. in Ireland and WestJet Airlines Ltd. in Canada, became successful by copying Southwest, Mr. Eichner said.

"They're all doing this pattern of Southwest Airlines, which really was Lamar's pattern," Mr. Eichner said. "It really was one of the big innovations in the airline industry that made these startup airlines possible."

In 1981, Mr. Muse and son Michael Muse, who left Southwest along with his father, established another low-fare carrier based in Dallas, Muse Air – or "Revenge Air," as many labeled it. Southwest bought its competitor in 1985, effectively ending Mr. Muse's career running airlines.

As Mr. Muse recalled in a 2002 autobiography, Southwest Passage, the carrier he joined as president and CEO had few employees, no airplanes and the name "Air Southwest." "Since Air Southwest sounded to me like some Mickey Mouse, third-level carrier, I convinced the board to change the name to 'Southwest Airlines Co.,' " Mr. Muse wrote.

The tiny carrier began operations on June 18, 1971, with three airplanes. It had to sell a fourth airplane that was arriving later that year to meet payroll, and airline employees figured out a way to operate about the same schedule with three airplanes by "turning" the airplanes more quickly between flights – in 10 minutes rather than 25.

"We fumbled around for 18 months before we found the formula," Mr. Muse said. "After we got the formula, all it was was cookie-cutting." But even as the carrier turned profitable and kept growing, Mr. Muse began butting heads more and more with Mr. King.

Finally, in March 1978, Mr. Muse sent the Southwest board a letter of resignation, with the intent of forcing a showdown that would end up with the board choosing him over Mr. King. It was, Mr. Muse later said, a "big mistake."

In an interview Wednesday, Mr. Muse said he was proud of helping establish Southwest Airlines, but particularly pleased to have helped build a new YMCA facility in Palestine. He set up irrevocable trusts in 1997 to fund the YMCA, named after his parents, Hiram and Nan Muse. "That was what I was the proudest of," Mr. Muse said. "I created something."

Mr. Muse was preceded in death by his first wife, Juanice, and his brother, Ken, of Montgomery, Ala. Survivors include son Michael Muse of Dallas; daughters Deborah Ann Muse and Diane Muse Kinnan, both of Dallas, and Lisa Muse of Liberty Hill; sister Marian Thompson of Palestine; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He is also survived by ex-wife Barbara and her daughters, Culleen Vaughn and Connie Grizzard, both of San Antonio; and two grandchildren.

No memorial services are planned for Mr. Muse, his family said. Gifts may be made to the Palestine YMCA, Attention: Michael Oranch, 5500 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801.

Source: Dallas Morning News 02-06-2007
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Jack Delbert Roquemore, owner of the Pic N' Go Food Market at 1009 W. Palestine Ave., died in Anderson County Memorial Hospital at 6:45 a.m. today. He was 59.

Mr. Roquemore was born in Palestine on November 26, 1919, a son of Mrs. Ouida Barnes Roquemore and the late A.L. Roquemore.

Mr. Roquemore was an accomplished cartoonist, and his freelance work appeared on the sports pages of the Palestine Herald-Press for several years during the late 1950's.

The family will receive condolence calls at the Roquemore home on the Rusk Highway.

Pallbearers will be Lamar Muse, H.E. Bennett, Judge Tate McCain, Joe Johnston, Harry Brown, Emmet Pryor, and Paul Elliot.

From a story in the Palestine Herald-Press 9-8-2003 by Bascom Bentley III.

A local boy, Jack's father owned a machine shop. Like a good son, Jack followed his father into the hard labor of bending and molding metal.

Yet the boy loved to draw and he did it well. There was no college for most in the Depression era and Jack was no exception.

Tom Brokaw was right, Jack and his contemporaries were our greatest generation. There were Americans forged from a joy of rarely getting what you needed and never what you wanted.

First economic chaos and then world war, Jack put aside his pad and pen and went to fight Hitler and his thugs. Serving under Gen. George S. Patton, he would win two Purple Hearts and come home like Ulysses to wander.

Jack would marry Nedra and have two sons, Larry and Matt. A family he loved and supported. Artists are supposed to starve and Jack was no exception.

For the true believer it was the best of times. It was Kern Tips, not Dennis Miller. Men played for the love of the game, not a listing in Fortune 500. It was Doak Walker, not Randy Moss. It was the ilk of Jack Roquemore. So sad, local readers are not apt to see Jack's like again, never having seen it before

Thank you Jack for the memories.

Source: Palestione Herald Press 08-01-1979
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Funeral services for Lt. Col. John S. Roquemore, USAF (Ret.) will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Fair Haven Memorial Park at Santa Ana, California.

Col. Roquemore died July 9, in Santa Ana following a lengthy illness.

Born in Palestine on August 28, 1919, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Roquemore. He graduated from Palestine High School in 1937 and attended LSU North-East Center University in Monroe, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Roquemore, and a brother, Paul Roquemore.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ann Atkins Roquemore and a daughter, Mrs. Susan Blinn of El Toro, Calif.; a son, John Roquemore of Huntington Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Lena Roquemore and sisters, Mrs. J.D. (Mary) Cox, and Mrs. Jack (Lena Mae) Sims, all of Palestine; and several nieces and nephews.

Source: Palestione Herald Press 07-11-1984
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In 1945, Charley Pearl Griffin was married to Charles C. Sansom Jr. They moved to Austin, where Charles enrolled at the University of Texas to complete his degrees in journalism and economics.

In 1949, Charles was an Instructor in Journalism at the Universaity of Texas.

Charles and Charley spent their retirement years in Palestine where they were avid square dancers, volunteers, and church workers.

He is survived by son, Steve and his wife Paula of Austin; daughter, Kay and her husband Tony Hill of Texarkana, Ark.; son, Phil and his wife Judy of Pflugerville; and grandson, Aaron, also of Pflugerville.

Source: Palestione Herald Press 00-00-1993
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Frances Smith Friedman, educator and benefactor, passed away Wednesday in Tyler after a short illness.

She was a native of Palestine and spent much of her childhood in Houston before returning to Palestine.

After graduating from Palestine High School, she attended the University of Texas in Austin.

She married I.L. Friedman in 1943, and after living in Austin and San Antonio, they moved to Tyler in 1945. Mrs. Friedman taught art and astronomy at Tyler Junior College and was Director of Hudnall Planetarium for 24 years. Among her accomplishments was an award in 1986 from the Southwest Association of Planetariums for Outstanding Professional Service to the Planetarium Field.

She retired in 1987 and continued being active in education through her contributions to the Literacy Council of Tyler and to scholarship programs at Tyler Junior College. She also was a generous contributor to the new medical facility at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.

Mrs. Friedman is survived by two daughters, Ann Brundige of Ogden, Utah and Ellen Friedman of San Diego, Calif., and by one granddaughter, Ellen Brundige of Irvine, Calif. She also is survived by her sister, Dolly Stallings of Matagorda, and by her brother Dale Smith of Palestine.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Smith of Palestine; and by her parents, Ethel Harding Smith and William Andrew Smith.

Chapel service will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, conducted by the Rev. Bennie Bradddick of the First Christian Church.

Pallbearers will be Richard Barrett, James Hill, Kenneth Lewis, David Long, Dale Wayne Smith, and Danny A. Smith and Charles Allison.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dale Smith, Randall Childress, Kenneth Dance and Vernon Watts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Literacy Council of Tyler and to the Bethesda Health Clinic are welcomed.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 03-05-2004
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Source: Friends
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Services for Bernice Thorpe Petty, 70, of Pasadena, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at New Addition Annex with the Rev. Mark Cook officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mrs. Petty died Thursday in Humana Hospital in Pasadena.

A native of Palestine, she was born May 21, 1920, to Harry L. Thorpe Sr. and Leola Worley Thorpe Price.

She was a former member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Palestine and a longtime Palestine resident.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Jimmy C. (Joy Lee) Higham of Pasadena; sisters, Cleola Nemer of Palestine and Querida Nichols of Texas City; a brother, Harry L. Thorpe Jr. of the Springfield Community; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, John Durant Petty on Feb. 7, 1977.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 07-20-1990
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Captain Guy Morris Broughton was stationed in Bermuda flying a B29 Hurricane Hunter plane when all planes were ordered to the U.S. to avoid an approaching hurricane. On September 18, 1953, during the return flight to Bermuda, one engine of Mr. Broughton's plane caught fire. The plane crashed and of the sixteen persons on board, Guy and six others, were lost at sea; nine were rescued.

Mr. Broughton was born in Palestine, August 11, 1919, a son of Oscar O. and Maybell Wilkey Broughton.

Guy graduated from Palestine High School in 1938; enlisted in the Army Air Corps and got his wings as a pilot. During WWII he trained pilots as well as performing other duties. Mr. Broughton flew 25 missions in the Korean War.

In 1945, Guy married Betty Wallace of Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Broughton was preceded in death by his wife.

He is survived by a son, Steve Broughton; his parents, Oscar and Maybell Broughton; brothers, Oscar Broughton Jr. and Ted broughton; and sisters, Rubye Trigg and Helen Wilkinson.

A memorial service was later held at the First Presbyterian Church in Palestine.

Source: Family
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Services for Mary Evalyn Collie Cooper, 82, of Bryan will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan with the Rev. Bob Richers officiating. Burial will follow in Palestine in the Land of Memory Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillier Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cooper died Saturday at her home.

She was born June 11, 1921 in Palestine.

Mrs. Cooper had been a resident of Bryan since 1958 and a longtime member of First United Methodist Church.

She had an extensive education receiving many honors and degrees during her lifetime with a B.A., B.S. and M.A. from Texas Women's University. She did post-graduate work at Trinity University, Baylor University, Texas A&M University and others.

Mrs. Cooper taught elementary school as well as junior high and high school classes. When she moved to Bryan she worked at Texas A&M before going to work with Bryan Independent School District as a speech pathologist for 13 years. She then moved to the College Station ISD as an education diagnostician where she worked for 10 years.

Mrs. Cooper retired in 1968 after a total of 35 years in the education profession.

In 1974 she began her family research studies. In 1977 she began teaching classes in genealogy; first with community education program and later from her home where she had created a classroom with materials from countless libraries and bookstores across the country on genealogy resources.

Through the years she taught hundreds of people how to search for their ancestors.

In 1979, she organized the Brazos Genealogy Association and became the editor and publisher of the Brazos Genealogical advertiser, which was a 40 page quarterly magazine until 1986.

Mrs. Cooper also published several books including a listing of the Willowhole and Keefer cemeteries, Brazos County 1860 Census (1842 tax roll and 1850 index), Brazos County 1970 census, Bryan city cemetery books 1, 2, 3 and 4 and wrote a novel - Letters from Two Brothers dating from 1870 to 1873.

In 1990, she organized the Texas Research Ramblers, which is a local genealogy organization that met monthly to do research and to take trips together looking for their ancestors. The Ramblers were formed from class members she taught and it continues to grow having been taken over by other members since she became ill in June.

Mrs. Cooper belonged to several genealogical organizations including the National Genealogical Society and several regional organizations.

She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the War of 1812, Daughters of American Colonists, Magna Charta Dames, National Society of New England Women of Americans of Royal Descent.

Mrs. Cooper donated all of her research materials to the Carnegie Library in Bryan so that it will be available for all that might wish to use it to do their own research in finding their own ancestors.

She is survived by son, Clyde Russell Cooper Jr. and wife Vivian Easley-Cooper; grandchildren, Russell Wayne Cooper and wife Tina, Ronald Lee Cooper and wife Bonnie, Robin Denise Cooper-Gonzalez and husband Jose, Dianne Lynne Cooper-Reyes and husband Lupe, and Donna Jean Cooper-Adams and husband Robert; 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice Brazos Valley at 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Texas 77803 or to Still Creek Ranch, 6055 Hearne Lane, Bryan, Texas 77808 or the memorial of your choice.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 09-07-2003
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Services for Paul E. Elliott of Palestine will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Sam Boyd officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Park under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Mr. Elliott died Friday at Cartmell Home for Aged.

He was born March 25, 1919, in Palestine, to Paul and Wilmoth Elliott.

Mr. Elliott was a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. He was an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew B-26 bombers in 66 missions in Europe, which includes the D-day invasion over Germany.

Mr. Elliott was a building contractor for more than 30 years. He built homes all over Anderson and surrounding counties. He built the first all-electric home in Palestine in the 1960s.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann Elliott; his two children, Ronnie and Deborah Elliott; his sister, Katherine Davis; his brother, Jack Elliott; and his two grandchildren, Helen and Langdon Elliott.

Pallbearers will be Leo Mizell, Frank George, Don Haynes, Phillip Gray, Harry Brown and Dr. Stan Skrepnek.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Mardi Gras Krew.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 106 E. Crawford St. or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.
Guestbook

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 03-31-2008
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Services for Naomi Lancaster, 86, of Palestine will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Michael Mynatt officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Park under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lancaster died Thursday in a Tyler hospital.

She was born July 11, 1919 in Montalba to Robert Jefferson Funderburk and Media Wilkerson Funderburk.

Mrs. Lancaster was a member of the Norwood Heights Baptist Church. Before retiring she had worked as a medical secretary.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Sherry Lynn Lancaster, who died in 1979.

Mrs. Lancaster is survived by her husband, Clifford Lancaster of Palestine; daughters, Judy Terrell and husband Tim of Laguna Hills, Calif., and Janey Hutchings and husband Jerry of Texarkana; sons, Gerald Lancaster and wife Perla of Georgetown, and Jeff Lancaster and wife Susan of Cartwright, Okla.; grandchildren, Cari and Dave Carlen of Bradley and Yamileth Lancaster, Bryan and Lori Hutchings, Ruth Ann and Mike Montalvo, Wesley and Lizabeth Hutchings, Mitzi and Jeff Pirkey, Beth and Jason Smith, Jason and Lesley Lancaster, Rachel and David Jordan; and five great-grandchildren.

Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.

Condolence calls will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-27-2006
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More of his story

Services for William George Jr., 86, of Palestine will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Linda Herron, the Rev. Doug Blanton, and eulogy by Jerry Fontaine. Burial will follow in Roselawn Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Palestine.

Mr. George died Monday at Memorial Hermann Healthcare in Houston.

He was born March 15, 1920, in Palestine to William George Sr. and Janie Kojack George.

Mr. George was a partner in the William George Produce Company. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 744th Tank Battalion. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. George served as police commissioner for four years and served on the Board of Directors at East Texas National Bank. He was a business and civic leader and was an avid fisherman and farmer.

Mr. George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, June Haddad George in 1991; brothers, Mitchell George, Johnnie George and Jesse George Sr.; a sister, Virginia Smith; and a sister-in-law, Bettye George.

He is survived by a daughter, Cathy George of Houston; a son, David George and wife Pam of Texarkana; brothers, Murphy George of Lufkin, Frank George Sr. and wife Jeanette of Palestine; sisters-in-law, Agnes George of Palestine, Helen Hallman and Carol Floren, both of Las Cruces, N.M., and Winnie Mack of Lewisville; granddaughters, Candice George of Houston, Mallory George of Arkansas, Kimberly George and Hillary George, both of Texarkana.

Pallbearers will be Jesse George Jr., Jeffrey George, Randy George, Bill George, Frank George Jr., Edward Smith, Jason Elfarr, Jason Sayegh, Dr. Ronnie Elkouri, Jerry Fontaine, Moises M. Rameriz, David Lyke and Carlton Brooks. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Totah, Johnnie Elfarr, Dr. William Elfarr, William Pillows, Bill Knowles, Jerry Nowlin, Richard Farris and Joe Crutcher.

Condolence calls will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 01-24-2007
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Funeral services for Harry C. Herrington, 69, of Palestine will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the First Christian Church with Jack DuPree and Rev. Charles Kincaid officiating. Burial will follow at Land of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory.

Mr. Herrington died Saturday morning at his home after a brief illness.

He was born February 18, 1921 in Anderson County the son of George Carlton and Mary Sammons Herrington. He graduated from Palestine High School in 1938 and Texas A&M University in 1942 with a degree in electrical engineering. While at Texas A&M he was selected as a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and was a Regimental Commander in the Corps of Cadets. On graduation day he entered service in World War II as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps.

Mr. Herrington managed the Rowley United Theaters in Palestine after the war and later owned and operated the B&B Sporting Goods Store and Palestine Ready Mix Concrete Plant. In 1983 he purchased Land of Memory Cemetery and opened Herrington Funeral Home with his family. He worked there until the time of his death.

He was a member of the First Christian Church and was a former member of the Palestine Rotary Club. He served as a Trustee of the Palestine Independent School District and a member of the Board of the Palestine YMCA, the Cartmell Home, and the Anderson County Appraisal District.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bea Jones Herrington in 1984 and a son John Mark in 1986.

Survivors include 2 sons, Lieutenant Colonel David E. Herrington of Brussels, Belgium, Paul Herrington of Palestine, 1 daughter, Martha Conner of Palestine, 1 sister, Orline H. DuPree of Palestine, and 7 grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Theodore S. Maffitt, Jr., Dale Smith, Dr. Don Carroll, Paul Elliott, Jim Crook, Lloyd Davis, Richard DuPree Wayne Smith and Judge Tate McCain.

Condolences will be from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Texas A&M Scholarship Foundation of Palestine and Anderson County, P. O. Box 999, Palestine, Texas 75802.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 01-07-1991
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Services for Mary Frances Wynn, 87, of Palestine will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Herrington/Land of Memory Chapel with the Rev. Jay Abernathy officiating. Burial will follow at Land of Memory Cemetery.

Mrs. Wynn died Sunday at Cartmell Home for Aged in Palestine.

She was born December 3, 1919, in Fulton, Ky. to Arthur Curlee Sharp and Trilby Ann May Sharp

Mrs. Wynn was a member for many years of First Christian Church where she was active in the CWF and in recent years was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Lois Class. She was a member of the Harvey Woman’s Club where she enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Newcomer’s Club.

Mrs. Wynn was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wynn, in January 1997.

She is survived by three daughters, Ellen Ann Langston of Richardson, Lana Kay Carbo of Euless and Mary Frances Jimenez of Marina, Calif.; one sister, Imogene O’Neal of Palestine; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Ben Carbo, Brent Langston, Bob Carbo, Spencer Apostolo, Aaron Crawford and John Wynn.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 5700 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-19-2007
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Services for Lois Leggett, 81, of Palestine, will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Palestine City Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Glenn officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Mrs. Leggett died Thursday at Cartmell Home for Aged.

She was born December 22, 1920, in Palestine to Edgar Wilson Turbyfill and Eunice Evans Turbyfill.

Mrs. Leggett graduated from Palestine High School in 1938. She was a member of Memorial Christian Church.

After graduating from high school, she pursued a longtime dream of becoming a professional singer. She began a world tour as the lead vocalist with some of the biggest Big Bands of the era.

A few she sang with included Sandy Sandifers Band, Happy Felton and Griff Williams Orchestras. She was the star vocalist at the Palmer House in Chicago and performed along with Red Skelton and Tony Martin during that time. She was so popular in the 1940s that a Lois Lee doll was named after her.

Mrs. Leggett is survived by son, Ken Leggett of Palestine; daughter, Lana Crudup of Austin; brothers, Wayne Turbyfill and Russell Turbyfill, both of Palestine; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Harris, James "Bubba" Perry, Dennis Carroll, Ty Cobble, Greg Morgan and Nat Coleman.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Anderson County Humane Society.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 09-13-2002
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Funeral services for J.B. Bernard, 60, of 406 San Diego St., will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Hassell & Foster Funeral Home chapel, with Dan Manuel officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Park.

Mr. Bernard died this morning in Anderson County Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born March 26, 1922, in the Bois D'arc community in Anderson County, the son of John Birrel and Maude Salome Gray Bernard. He and Margie Virginia Roy were married March 18, 1941 in Palestine. A resident of Palestine most of his life, he was a member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ and was employed by Missouri Pacific Railroad as a Car Maintenance Foreman. He served in the Army during World War II.

His parents and a sister, Willie Nadine Boatwright, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Margie Bernard of Palestine; a son, Michael Bernard and wife Mary of Bedford; a daughter, Mrs. Paula Trigg and husband Dan of Fairfield; a sister, Mrs. Dixie Copeland and husband Ken of Amelia , La.; and five grandchildren, Kelly, Amy and Shannon Bernard of Bedford, and Kathryn and Julie Trigg of Fairfield.

Pallbearers will be Bill Douglas, J. Robert Wylie, Lee Reinhard, James Mosley, Ira Goodin and Harold Quick.

Condolence calls will be received from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The family requests that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 09-08-1982
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Graveside services for Irene B. Presley, 86, of Dallas, and formerly of Palestine, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Land of Memory Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Dornbush officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mrs. Presley died Tuesday at Richardson Regional Medical Center.

She was born November 26, 1920 in Palestine to Ragan L. and Tempe Perry Broyles.

Mrs. Presley lived almost her entire life in Palestine; the last 10 years she has resided in Dallas.

She graduated from Palestine High School and attended Nixon Business College. She worked in Houston for six years, returned to Palestine and married Bill Presley. She actively worked in the family grocery stores, Perry’s Food Stores and Minit Marts. Mrs. Presley was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she was in the Women’s Circle and taught children’s Sunday school class. She was also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, served as treasurer for the Red Cross, and was a member of the PTA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill Presley, in 1986; a sister, Virginia Glenn; and a brother, Bob Broyles.

Mrs. Presley is survived by her daughter, Karen Bailey and husband Al of Dallas; a son, Bill Presley Jr. of Las Colinas; a daughter-in-law, Betsy Shroyer Presley of Plano; two grandchildren Austin Presley and Megan Kostibas.

Pallbearers will be Danny Dean, Bob Herrington, Frank Glenn, Ragan Broyles and Jesse George Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnnie Herrington, Frank George, Dr. Tom Hampton, Clifford Broyles, Susan Goodson, Joanie Konecny, Missy Broyles, Peggy Forster, Mack Presley, Doug Presley, Tim Presley and Phyllis McCulley.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the 25th Hr. Home Health Care team of Joyce, Libby, Shelia, Ella, and Patty for their care and support for Mrs. Presley.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bailey and Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.Donations may be made to the Anderson County Animal Shelter, First United Methodist Church or to the American Diabetes Association.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 09-27-2007
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Source: Friends
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Austin - Joe R. Carroll, former Palestine municipal judge, Anderson County attorney, and assistant attorney general for the State of Texas, died in an Austin hospital after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Weed-Corley Funeral Home Chapel, Austin, with burial in the State Cemetery.

A native of Tennessee Colony, Mr. Carroll was born Jan. 14, 1922, a son of the late J. Stanley Carroll and Florence Washburn Carroll. He was a 1939 graduate of Palestine High School, and attended Texas A&M University from 1939 to 1942, when he enlisted in the Air Force.

Carroll served as a test pilot during his armed service career and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross before he was discharged in 1946 with the rank of major.

He graduated with honors from Baylor University Law School in 1950, returning that same year to Palestine where he served as city judge and as county attorney until 1957, when he was appointed as an assistant attorney general under Will Wilson. He served in that capacity until 1961, at which time he opened a private practice and also served as city attorney in Snyder from 1963 until 1975.

Carroll served as president of the Texas Association of City Attorneys in 1971-1972, and was appointed by former Governor Dolph Brisco as a member of the Texas Water Rights Commission in May 1975, a position he held until he retired on May 4, 1981.

He is survived by his wife, Camille Mitchell Carroll of Austin; son, Bob Carroll of Lubbock; two daughters, Mrs. Duaine (Ellen) Boydstun of Dallas, and Mrs. Steve (Tobin) Wangerin of Houston; two grandchildren, Frank and Hanna Carroll of Lubbock; four brothers, Dr. Don Carroll, Frank Carroll, and John S. Carroll, all of Anderson County, and Jim Roper of Lufkin; sister, Mrs. Herman (Louise) Graser of Anderson County.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 12-08-1982
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Memorial services for Bonny Cross Feather, 84, of Palestine, will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the First Christian Church with Dr. Jerry Elrod officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mrs. Feather died Wednesday at the Weston Inn Hospice at Scott & White Hospital in Temple.

She was born November 27, 1922, eldest daughter of Maggie Joe and Durnal Cross of Anderson County. She graduated from Palestine High School in 1939. She attended the University of Texas 1940-1941 and numerous other colleges and universities from California to Mississippi, graduating from the University of Arizona with a BA in education in 1959 and an M.Ed in 1964. Earning her nursing degree at age 52, she worked as a RN in Washington, DC, Granada, MS., Jacksonville, FL., and Oral Roberts Hospital in Tulsa, Okla.

She worked in an aircraft factory in Fort Worth and Marietta, Ga. during WWII. Mrs. Feather met her future husband, Leroy , in Galveston when a handsome young man with a new little red car spotted her on the street. They married August 4, 1945, in Hannibal, Mo. while he was on leave after serving 27 months in the South Pacific with the Seabees, 47th battalion. They returned to Galveston where she stayed as he returned to service in California. Their daughter Bonise was born in 1946, followed by Leroy Jr. in 1950.

During early years of marriage the family moved often as Leroy’s civilian employer posted him to industrial construction jobs throughout the United States. Bonny raised children and attended colleges, picking up credits over 17 years in seven colleges until graduation in 1959 at the University of Arizona.

She began teaching third grade in 1960 in Tucson, Ariz. where they made their home. In 1962 she earned her private pilot’s license, opening new horizons as well as quicker travel to Leroy’s postings in California and her parents in Texas.

Over four decades, she flew her Cessna 172 and later her Grob motor glider with family and friends throughout the United States, Canada and Alaska as well as brief (somewhat unintentional) flights to Mexico. She was a member of the International Organization of Women Pilots, the 99’s since 1964, a member of chapters in Tucson, California, Houston, and South Louisiana, and contributed to numerous service activities. The Texas Dogwood Chapter honored her with an inscribed paver in the Texas section of the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, KS. (home of Amelia Earhart). She flew into her 80’s.

She volunteered throughout her life. She was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader. She served on the board for the American Red Cross and taught CPR and first aid for many years. She was a campground volunteer in Wisconsin, and Garner State Park in Texas. She went to Poland with Global Volunteers to teach children English as a second language, and to Midway Island/Atoll to observe and record an endangered species of the seals. She worked as a volunteer race monitor at the Shreveport Hot Air Balloon races. She served as a Texas Department of Aging Ombudsman at the Greenbrier Nursing Home in Palestine until her relocation to Temple in July 2006.

During her 50’s she operated a small cow/calf operation in Anderson County during her husband’s lengthy absences on construction assignments. In 1979 they made Palestine their permanent residence.

She attended Grace United Methodist Church as a child and resumed her attendance when she and Leroy returned to Palestine.

An incorrigible hobbyist, Bonny’s home was a testament to her passions and interests. Most recently, rock hounding produced specimens from many field trips, and friendships among the East Texas Gem and Mineral Society. She was a member of the Palestine Opsimath, a seniors’ creative writing group. Her RV was her vehicle of choice for domestic wanderlust, but trips to Ireland, and the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, the Canadian Arctic Circle, Mexico and the wilderness areas of Alaska were opportunities to meet interesting people in youth hostels, tent campgrounds as well as castles, private homes and other odd spots. She eschewed tour groups for the independence offered by a car or Eurorail pass. Her collection of witches (the first women pilots) and turtles (who carry their homes on their backs) were a source of whimsy and memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Feather in 1996; brother, Harris Hollan Cross; sisters, Shirley Johnson and Carolyn Yancey. She is survived by her son, Leroy, Jr. (Bud) of Temple; daughter, Bonise of Philadelphia, and their spouses, her brother and sister-in-law Durnal and Ruby Cross Jr. of Riverside. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends with a reception at the First Christian Church following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Palestine Crisis Center, c/o Donald Hammock, 313 W. Debard, Palestine, TX. 75801, or to the Heifer International, at www.heifer.org.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 01-07-2007
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Durnal Cross Jr., 86, born September 1, 1920 in Palestine to Durnal and Maggie Jo Cross Sr. passed from this life on August 16, 2007 in Huntsville.

He was a longtime resident of Walker County. He was a member of the Joe Werner Lodge No. 553 A.F. and A.M. in Trinity. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities. He was a big outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish, but his real passion was flying.

Durnal served in the 3705th Army Air Corps during World War II, and was a crew chief on B-25’s for six years.

He was loved by all who knew him. His fun, outgoing personality made it impossible not to like him. He loved his friends, but most of all he loved his family.

He was married to his wife, Ruby Kiser Cross, for 63 years. They were married in 1944 in LaJunta, Co.

Mr. Cross is survived by his loving wife Ruby Cross; his daughter Becky Cross Brandewie and husband Charles; and his granddaughter, Lisa Brandewie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Hollan Cross; and his sisters, Shirley Johnson, Carolyn Yancey and Bonnie Feather.

Memorial services for Mr. Cross will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 28 at the Riverside Methodist Church with a reception to follow at the community room at the Thomas Lake Road Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.mem.com.

Services are under the direction of Huntsville Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 08-25-2007
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Services for Erle Dickson Jr., 77 of Palestine were at 3 p.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Luckert officiating. Burial will follow in the New Addition Annex under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mr. Dickson died Wednesday at Memorial Mother Frances Hospital.

He was born January 13, 1921 in Palestine to Melvin Erle Dickson Sr. and Daphna Lorena White Dickson.

Mr. Dickson was a retired carman for the Union Pacific Railroad. He served in World Word II and was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church.

Mr. Dickson is survived by his wife, Jean Davis Dickson of Palestine; a son Davis Erle Dickson of Tyler; and a sister, Shirley Patrick of Spring.

Pallbearers will be David Manley, James Miller, George Freeman, Drew Davis, Walter Johnson, Fred Miller, Clint Surles and J.B. Hicks.

Honorary pallbearers will be E.R. Patrick, Charlie Miller, Calvin Lassiter and Bobby Wells.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 10-29-1998
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Memorial services for Hazel I. Fairchild McCall, 86, of Palestine, are scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at Bailey & Foster Chapel, with the Rev. Scott Dornbush officiating.

Mrs. McCall died Tuesday February 12, 2008 at the David Foster Hospice Unit at Palestine Regional Medical Center.

She was born October 29, 1921, in Palestine to the late Carl Mercer and Pearl Daniels Fairchild, and was a lifelong resident. She graduated mid-term from Palestine High School in 1939 as valedictorian and vice president of the senior class. She attended TSCW (now Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas) for a year and two years at the University of Texas in Austin.

During World War II, she worked in civil service as a secretary and assistant to generals who found her a “capable, energetic, trustworthy and loyal worker and possessed all those attributes which make up the finest of American womanhood”. Her tact in dealing with subordinates and superiors was particularly commendable. Among many of her dear lifelong friends were Jean Owens and Elora Dale.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Mercer Fairchild, in 1937 and Pearl (Daniels) Fairchild, in 1967; her dear brother, Richard Wesley Fairchild of Nacogdoches in 1976; sister, Dorothy Martha Fairchild in 1971; and son, Adam Douglas McCall in 1964.

Her surviving children and spouses include daughters, Carla (McCall) LeGard and husband Larry E. LeGard of Palestine, and Martha “Jan” (McCall) Douthit and husband Michael Wayne Douthit of Palestine; son, Emmett (Buster) P. McCall III and wife Debbie (Thaxton) McCall of Austin; grandchildren, Stephen Wyatt LeGard and wife Kim (Collier) LeGard of Lewisville, Eric Damon LeGard of The Colony, Jennifer R. LeGard Layton and husband Donald E. Layton of Morgan’s Point Resort near Belton, Lori Michelle Douthit of Austin, Michael McCall Douthit of Arlington and Michael Thaxton McCall of Austin; great-grandchildren, Jordan Neal LeGard and Logan Christopher LeGard of Lewisville.

Contributions in Hazel McCall’s memory can be made to First United Methodist Church, 4225 S. Magnolia, Palestine, Texas 75801 and/or David Foster Hospice Unit, Palestine Regional Medical Center, 2900 S. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801.
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Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-14-2008
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Services for James Patrick Ferguson, 82, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Houston, 5300 Main St., with Dr. John Wm. Lancaster officiating. Interment will be at East Hill Cemetery in Palestine.

Mr. Ferguson was born November 25, 1920 in Palestine. He died Thursday.

Mr. Ferguson served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was a graduate of Texas A&M class of 1943 and the University of Texas Law School, class of 1950. Mr. Ferguson was an attorney with Exxon Corporation for 33 years (Landowner Relations). He was a member of Exxon Annuitants Club and longtime member and usher with First Presbyterian Church of Houston.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Ferguson; and brothers, Jack C. Ferguson and J.H. Reagan Ferguson Jr.

Mr. Ferguson is survived by son, James P. Ferguson Jr.; daughters, Ment Ferguson Turbiville; grandsons, Charles Fletcher Turbiville II and Patrick Ferguson Turbiville; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Reagan (Evelyn Ferguson Jr. and Mrs. Bascom W. (Kelly) Bentley; five nieces and nephews, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, 4407 Bee Cave Road, Suite 520, Austin, Texas 78746-6496 (512) 476-1234; or a charity of choice.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-16-2003
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Services for W.A. "Al" Fuller, 82, of Palestine will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Herrington/Land of Memory Chapel with the Rev. Tom Grissom officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory.

Mr. Fuller died Saturday at Greenbrier Nursing and Rehab Center in Palestine.

He was born February 18, 1922 in Palestine to William Allison and Mozelle Perry Fuller.

Mr. Fuller graduated from Palestine High School in 1939 and then from Nixon Business College. He served in the Army Air Force in India during World War II. He worked at and was manager at Moore Motor Company from 1946 to 1988. He attended First Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary E. Fuller of Palestine; son, Kirk Allison Fuller of Madison, Ala.; three sisters, Dorothy Booth of Austin, Grace Couch of Palestine and Jean F. Jones of Alvin; and two grandchildren, Lee Ellen Fuller and Kirk Austin Fuller.

Pallbearers will be Bob Herrington and John Hunnicutt. Honorary pallbearers will be Worth Andrews, Keith Jarrett, Bill Henderson, Howard Wood, Tom Stiwell and Jimmy Cross.

The family will receive condolences from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the children's fund at either Grace United Methodist Church or First Christian Church.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-16-2004
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Funeral arrangements for Elizabeth White, 85, of Palestine will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Chapel of the Air at Land of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, Palestine.

Mrs. White died Tuesday at Palestine Regional Medical Center.

She was born March 1, 1920 in Palestine to Zach and Jewel Moore Hassell. She had lived in Palestine all her life and attended Palestine Healthcare Community Church. Mrs. White loved reading the Bible and was an avid gardener.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.C. Bethel.

She is survived by her son, Edwin Bethel of Palestine; daughters, Mary Manley of Longview and Betty Bethel of Jacksonville; sisters, Mary Boone of Angleton, Grace French of Baytown and Sheri Poole of Post; three grandchildren, Donna Manley Grisham and Katy Manley, both of Longview, and Brendon Manley of College Station; and one great-grandson, Dylan Grisham of Longview.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-02-2006
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Services for Hallie Huffman McKenzie, 84, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Fred Neal officiating. Burial will follow in Tennessee Colony Cemetery under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Mrs. McKenzie died Wednesday at Cartmell Home for Aged.

She was born September 8, 1920 in Anderson County to Boen S. and Carolina Graser Huffman.

Mrs. McKenzie was a homemaker. She was a member of the Harmony Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul McKenzie, in 1980; seven sisters, Ruth Jones, Ora Jones, Lela Neal, Lula Callaway, Lillie Little, Ollie Bell and Myrtle Huffman; and a brother, Claude Huffman.

Mrs. McKenzie is survived by several nieces and nephews and a special friend, JoLynn Watson.

Pallbearers will be Lloyd Jones, Kenneth Bell, Bobby Grant, Carl Churchman, Danny Churchman and Clint Herod.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 07-15-2005
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Services for Hoyt Johnston, 79, of Palestine, will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bailey & Foster Chapel with Dan Manuel officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Park.

Mr. Johnston died Thursday at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

He was born June 10, 1922 in Sand Springs to V.M. Johnston and Morelle Cone Johnston.

Mr. Johnston was a 1939 graduate of Palestine High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from Sept. 1942 to 1945, and then with the Marines from 1950 to 1953. During his service to his country he earned numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Navy Commendation Ribbon.

Mr. Johnston graduated from Baylor Law School in 1954. He practiced law in Palestine from 1954 until his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Johnston, in 1961; and a brother, Cone Johnston.

Mr. Johnston is survived by sons, Robert David Johnston and James Hoyt Johnston, both of Palestine; a sister, Lillie Mathison of Palestine; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jim Liles, Donald Seale, Raymond Dowdy, Guy Alford, Bascom Bentley, and Christopher Kolstad.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Schwab, Jim Crook, William George, and members of the Anderson County Bar Association.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 04-27-2002
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Source: Family
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Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alexander Nemer, 84, a WW II hero from Palestine, died early Friday morning in a local hospital.

Mr. Nemer joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and returned back to the States in 1945 following twenty-five missions in the European theater as a B-17 bomber navigator.

He was wounded by German flack and earned a Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Air Corps Distinguished Flying Cross as one of the best of the best.

After leaving active service in 1947, he joined the newly commissioned United States Air Force as a reservist. He retired from the Reserves in 1969 as a Lt. Colonel.

Later he retired from the postal service and he also had been a real estate appraiser.

Mr. Nemer was a past Commander of the local chapter of the D.A.V., and was a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. He was active in all aspects of his church: taught Sunday School, served on the Vestry and started a Youth Group at the Church.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church with The Reverend Sam Boyd officiating. Military Honors will be bestowed on Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alexander Nemer at the graveside in Roselawn Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. Nemer was born March 24, 1921 in Palestine to Abraham Nemer and Nazly Chakur Nemer. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Julia Kraus, Jay Mann, Hazel Nichols and Ethel Rogers; and brothers Costor Nemer and Nicholas Nemer.

He is survived by his wife Bobby Jayne Nemer of Palestine; daughters: Judith Anne Nemer and Barbara Nemer both of Palestine; son Alexander Nemer II of Dallas; sister Rose Nemer of Palestine; and granddaughters Carrie Jane Sidebotham and Ashley Nemer.

Pallbearers will be Howard Day, Dan Day, Frank George Sr., Tommy Davis, Johnnie Elfar and Richard Farris. Honorary pallbearers will be J.L. Parkman, Bill Kashouty, postal employees and members of the D.A.V.

Condolence calls will be received today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 01-22-2006
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Longtime Palestine resident Ona Pearl Bedre completed her walk on God's green earth Tuesday, May 3, 2005, at the Hospice Home Place Hospital in Tyler, Texas, and thus begins her journey with her Savior on the other side of that great divide.

Born Ona Pearl Oxford, March 12, 1922 in Coaldale, Scott County, Arkansas to Harry Earl Oxford and Mollie Jane (Stevens) Oxford, she was the 3rd of six children. Her family moved to the Palestine area when she was 15.

She was married to Ed Bedre, also of Palestine, on July 29, 1939 in Tyler, Smith County, Texas who preceded her in death on December 30, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her 3 brothers Clyde Marion Oxford, Johnnie Lee Oxford and Earl Thomas Oxford as well as granddaughter and namesake Jeanna Pearl Weeks, and great-grandchildren Alicia Ann and Jacob Kole Miller.

During her lifetime she became a fixture on South Royall Street in Palestine, as well as in the women's bowling tournaments around the entire country. She worked as the bookkeeper for the livestock sales barn here in Palestine until it closed. She was a member of the Newcomers Club and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She became an expert cook of Syrian food just by tasting and figuring out the recipe. Her delicious rolled grape leaves and kibbe will be missed by friends and family alike.

She is survived by her three children, Eddie Ray Bedre and wife Mary, Harry Earl "Scooter" Bedre and wife Linda, and Selina Janice Burris and husband Stephen. She is survived by her two sisters, Marie (Oxford) Gilmore of Tyler, Texas and Willodean (Oxford) Brown of Conroe, Texas, and her sisters-in-law Faye (Donahoe) Oxford and Joyce (Hilton) Oxford of Tyler, Texas; Dorothy (Banks) Oxford of Dallas, Texas; Inez (Bedre) Goodwin of Wortham, Texas; Grethel (Gallion) Bedre of Ingleside, Texas; and Georgia (Supak) Bedre of Bremond, Texas. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild as well as nieces and nephews and cousins galore.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, May 6th at First Presbyterian Church officiated by the Reverends Doug Blanton and Tom Loden. Burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery under the direction of Bailey and Foster, Palestine. The family will receive condolence visits at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home on Thursday evening, May 5th from 6-8 p.m. Pallbearers will be Kelly Ray Carroll, Brian Charles Bedre, Barry Russell Bedre, Eddie Ray Bedre, Jr., Woody Alexander Johnson, Daniel Joseph Burris, Charles Ray "Charlie" Hutcherson and Kristopher Eric Carroll.

Friends of the family wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to do so to either The First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1183, Palestine, Texas 75802 or the Hospice Home Place, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-05-2005
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Funeral services for Harry W. Whitehurst, 82, of Brushy Creek were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, at the United Methodist Church of Frankston with Rev. Kevin King and Rev. Mark Pedersen officiating.

Burial followed in Olive Branch Cemetery at Brushy Creek with arrangements under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Mr. Whitehurst died Sunday, March 14 in a Jacksonville hospital.

He was born December 14, 1921 in Ranger to Harry Boyd and Kate Dean Whitehurst.

Mr. Whitehurst graduated from Palestine High School and from Texas A&M with a degree in animal husbandry. During World War II, he served in the Marine Corps as a First Lieutenant. He was a commander of a Tank Corps in China. He later joined the Texas National Guard and attained the rank of Captain.

On August 27, 1950, he married Evelyn Newell. In 1953, they moved to Brushy Creek and were in the dairy business for more than 22 years. After retiring, Mr. Whitehurst continued to be active in cattle production. Mr. Whitehurst was a member of the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

Mr. Whitehurst served as president of the board of directors of the New Era Electric Cooperative from 1974 to 1997. He also served on the board of directors for ASCS and Anderson County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn; his sons and daughters-in-law Bob and Diane Whitehurst of Frankston, Bill and Kathie Whitehurst of Tyler; his daughter, Becky Whitehurst McDonald of Benbrook; and his eight grandsons.

Pallbearers were his eight grandsons,Travis Whitehurst, James McDonald, Preston Whitehurst, Matthew McDonald, Jacob Whitehurst, Benjamin Whitehurst, Zachary McDonald, and Caleb Whitehurst.

The family suggests that donations be made in the name of Mr. Whitehurst to the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

Source: Frankston Citizen 03-18-2004
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Texas House of Representives Resolution #1283

WHEREAS, The recent passing of Jack Williams, a lifelong resident of Tennessee Colony, on March 7, 1999, at the age of 77, has brought a great loss to the family and many friends of this esteemed Texan; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williams was born on a farm in Tennessee Colony on October 6, 1921, and his years there would shape the rest of his life with the values of patriotism, family, faith, and farming; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Palestine High School in 1939, Mr. Williams married his childhood sweetheart, Jessie; their union was blessed with four children, and the pair celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last Christmas; and

WHEREAS, This enterprising gentleman was a rancher and, for 39 years, a rural mail carrier, and he became a tireless voice for the farmers and ranchers of his community; and

WHEREAS, He served on the executive committee and was president of the Anderson County Farm Bureau for 35 years; he was a delegate to 41 annual State Farm Bureau conventions and led the Anderson County Cattle Raisers Association; and he was honored with the Pioneer Award from the Texas Farm Bureau for his invaluable, longtime service; and

WHEREAS, Faith too played a vital part in his life, and Mr. Williams was on the board of trustees of the Tennessee Colony Union Church and was a deacon and Sunday school teacher with the First Baptist Church of Palestine; he was a past master and 56-year member of Tyre Lodge No. 198, A.F.&A.M., a member of O.E.S. Chapter No. 102, and a past district deputy grand master of the 117th Masonic District; and

WHEREAS, He was active in community government both as a member of the Tennessee Colony School Board and as president of the Tennessee Colony Improvement Association; the energy and direction of this extraordinary man will be deeply missed, but surely his spirit lives on through the remarkable work he accomplished and in the sterling example he set for others, and it is indeed appropriate to honor his memory at this time; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Jack Williams and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his beloved wife, Jessie Williams; to his daughters, Mary Richert and Carole Luevano; to his sons, Lee Williams and Jack Williams, Jr.; to his brother, O. L. Williams; and to his 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jack Williams.

Source: Texas House of Representives 05-28-1999
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