Wise County Obituaries
2002
Last Names 
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The following obituaries are in alphabetical order by last name (use the "searcher" on the Home page, or Edit/Find on this page to find other names in text):

Abbs, Jim
1944-2002
Service for Jim Abbs, 57, of Decatur was Tuesday, March 5, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Berl Pedigo officiated.
Abbs died Friday, March 1, 2002, in Dallas.
Born Aug. 26, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pa., he married Christine L. Vetterly Aug. 4, 1984, in Waco.
He is survived by his wife; his mother, Alberta Abbs of Pittsburgh; his sons, Christopher and John Abbs of Decatur, Jimmy, Brian and Jason Abbs of Pittsburgh, Craig Abbs of Philadelphia, Pa. and Jay Guthrie of Slidell; his daughters, Melissa Guthrie of Sanger and Erin Guthrie of Decatur; two brothers, Robert Abbs of Ohio and Gary Abbs of Pittsburgh; a sister, Barbara Huff of Granberry Township, Pa.; and 18 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, March 7, 2002

Abel, Frank, Jr.
1908-2002
Service for Frank Abel, Jr., 93, of Boyd was Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the First Baptist Church in Boyd. the Rev. Sonny Smith officiated. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bill Williams, Bruce Williams, Bryan Williams, Alan Abel, Andrew Vandergriff and Eddy Calicott.
Abel died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, in Boyd.
Born April 21, 1908, in Wise County, he was a retired rancher and farmer. He was a member of the first Baptist Church in Boyd, a 32-degree Mason and a Shriner.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 1991 and two brothers, Aster and Walter.
He is survived by a son, Laddy Abel and wife Adarose of Boyd; a daughter, Lynn Norville and husband Robert of Avinger; eight grandchildren, Bill, Bruce, Bryan, Brenda, Cheryl, Alan, Annette and Lesa; 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 14, 2002

Absher, Donald Marion
1939-2002
Service for Donald Marion Absher, 62, of Alvord was to be Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alvord with burial in Alvord Cemetery. Bill Cleveland officiated.
Absher died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Nov. 16, 1939, in Metropolis, Ill., he married Willie G. Watson May 27, 1994, in Greenwood, La. and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Alvord. He was an Air Force veteran.
He is survived by his wife; mother, Susie Absher of Noblesville, Ind.; sons, Craig Absher of Oklahoma City, Okla., Bobby Caso of Sunset and Raymond Caso of Alvord; daughters, Debra Undhjem of Litchfield, Ariz., Gaylene Caso of Ponder and Marissa Absher of Porter; brothers, Dennis Absher of California and Rodney and Curtis Absher, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; sisters Darlene Roberts of Noblesville and Kim Absher of Indianapolis; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Bobby and Raymond Caso, Michael Absher, Jim Wethers, Ray Roberts, Eric Smenner, Tom Parker and Lance Undhjem.
Wise County Messenger, August 4, 2002

Adams, Corinne Peterson
1915-2002
Service for Corinne Peterson Adams, 87, of Justin was Monday, Aug. 19, at the First United Methodist Church in Justin. The Rev. John Eckstein officiated, assisted by Dr. William K. McElvaney. Burial followed at Justin Cemetery.
Adams died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, in Decatur.
Born June 18, 1915, in Justin, to Ben and Bertha Peterson, she was a lifelong resident of Justin. She was a graduate of Texas Woman’s University. She married the late Leo Adams, former mayor of Justin, on Dec. 26, 1935. They owned the Justin Lumber Company for 30 years and were responsible for the development of the Adams Addition where they designed and built many homes in the Haslet and Justin area. Adams was the last surviving charter member of the Twentieth Century Study Club of Justin which was organized in 1938. She was a member of the Justin Baptist Church and also the Denton Country Club where she enjoyed playing bridge.
She is survived by two daughters, Jeannine Eaton and husband Roy of Decatur and Betty McIntyre and husband Michael of Las Vegas, Nev.; three grandsons, Jeff Eaton and wife Terry of Arlington, Barry Eaton and wife Treva of Justin and Brian Eaton and wife Felecia of Fort Worth; four great grandchildren, Sara and Jessica Eaton, Benjamin Eaton and Taylor Cansler and three great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Kevin Deal, Jon Beck, George Shannon, Bill Powers, Greg Gambill, Jeff Levy and John Roberts. Honorary pallbearer was Mike Dooley.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 22, 2002

Alexander, Cleo Hula
1912-2002
Service for Cleo Hula Alexander, 79, of Chico will be Sunday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. The Rev. H.L. Davis will officiate. Burial will follow on Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at Grapevine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Huff, Brad Huff, Gene Morris, B.J. Leverett, Greg E. Foster and Tye Foster.
Alexander died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, in Chico.
Born July 24, 1912, she had resided in the Chico area the past 20 years. She was a homemaker and a member of the Second Advent Christian Church in Grapevine. She was preceded in death by a brother and six sisters.
She is survived by a sister, Clemey Brewer and husband Johnnie of Chico; three brothers, Ned Alexander of Chico, Ray Alexander of Lewisville and Milton Alexander and his wife Virginia of Duncanville; 12 nieces and eight nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 3, 2002

Allcorn, Orville Joe
1921-2002
Service for Orville Joe Allcorn, 81, of Aurora was to be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Gary Demmitt was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Allcorn died Aug. 12, 2002, in Decatur.
He was born March 7, 1921, in Wise County and married Reba Estalene Davidson on June 28, 1941, in Boyd. He retired from track maintenance with Rock Island Railroad.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Jimmy Orville Allcorn of Weatherford, Donald Joe Allcorn of Parsons, Kan., and Ronnie Virgil Allcorn of Aurora; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jason Allcorn, Jeremy Allcorn, Pepper Snodgrass, Jim Howell, Robert Demasis and Jerry Mayhue. Honorary pallbearers were to be A.O. Wallis, Kyler Allcorn and L.W. “Hoss” Gilbert.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 15, 2002

Altman, Wayland
1935-2002
Service for Wayland Altman, 67, of Chico was to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Altman died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, in Chico.
Born July 15, 1935, in Littlefield to P.A. (Dude) and Alma Toews Altman, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer prior to working for the Natural Gas Pipeline Co. He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church. He loved his church, fishing, Texas Rangers baseball and Cowboys football.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Modene Coats and Aleene Byrum; a brother, Donnie Altman and a brother-in-law, R.H. Baker.
He is survived by his wife, Jo; a son, Ronnie Altman and wife Sheryl of Muleshoe; a daughter, Mitzi Weeks and husband Mickey of Lubbock; two stepdaughters, Kari Tuthill and husband Harry Keuper and Jill Ledes and husband Chris, all of Johnson City, Tenn.; two sisters, Nadene Baker of Morton and Gracie Millsap and husband Kenneth of Tulia; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Coats of New Deal and Vic Byrum of Farmington, N.M.; father-in-law, Joe (Poppa) Krudwig of Malvern, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Lucy Rosewell and husband James of St. Louis, Mo., and Betty Myrick and husband Bob of Zillah, Wash.; and grandchildren, LeAnn, Lindsey and Cody Altman, Madison and Morgan Weeks, Kyla, Sophie and Chloe Ledes.
Pallbearers were to be Rodney Baker, DuWayne Baker, Forrest Baker, Kim Coats, Kenny Coats, Keith Coats, Brent Byrum, Dutch Byrum and Steven Byrum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Hospice of North Texas, 2201 Hwy. 51 S., Suite 500, Decatur, Texas, 76234.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 25, 2002

Anderle, Ethel
1907-2002
Mass of Christian burial for Ethel Anderle, 94, of Windthorst was to be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst. The Rev. Gonzalo Morales was to officiate. Burial was to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Windthorst.
Anderle died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, in an Archer County nursing home.
Born Sept. 8, 1907, in Oklahoma, she married Eugene Anderle on Oct. 29, 1929. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1989.
She is survived by six sons, Leroy and Lester, both of Windthorst, Gene of Paradise, Charles of Arlington, John of Muenster and Orville of Dexter; two daughters, Pat Zotz of Windthorst and Alberta Badgett of Lindsey; a brother, Frank Wachsman of Windthorst; a sister, Lucille Wachsman of Archer City; 47 grandchildren; 104 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 20, 2002

Anderson, Gladys
1910-2002
Graveside service for Gladys Virginia Anderson, 92, of Rhome was Thursday, June 19, at Aurora Cemetery. Steve Richardson officiated.
Anderson died Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in Decatur.
Born May 30, 1910, in Wise County, she was a member of the Rhome Church of Christ. She married Emmitt Aaron Anderson in Rhome in 1936 and was a homemaker.
She is survived by her son, Monty Anderson of Rhome; two sisters, Patricia Rasbury of Boyd and Melba Anderson of Saginaw; three grandchildren, Mark Anderson and Matt Anderson, both of Crockett and Michael Anderson of Richardson and seven great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 23, 2002

Armstrong, Velma
1913-2002
Velma Armstrong, 89, of Bridgeport died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002 in Decatur. No service was scheduled.
Born Sept. 13, 1913, in Lone Oak, she was a homemaker and a retired antique dealer. She was a member of the Navy Mothers Organization.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Q.B. Armstrong; two daughters, Jo Stockdale and Billie Armstrong and a brother, Lloyd Henry.
She is survived by a son, Jerry Armstrong of Arizona; a sister, Evelyn Jeter of Illinois; four grandchildren, Steve Stockdale of Fort Worth, Michael Stockdale of Arizona, Lizann Bridges of Bridgeport and Monique Armstrong-Smith of Massachusetts and four great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Ashley, Robert ‘Bob’
1917-2002
Service for Robert “Bob” Ashley, 84, of Decatur was Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Gene Fluker officiated. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Pallbearers were Shawn Belknap, Walter Ashley, Brent Ashley, Kent Ashley, Joe Bob Anderson and Nim Ashley.
Ashley died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, in Decatur.
Born March 19, 1917, in Sanger, he was a retired pattern maker for Bell Helicopter. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He married Kathleen Rowland on Dec. 12, 1958, in Arlington.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ashley of Decatur; two daughters, Cheryl Tamez of College Station and Debbie Davidson of Bowie; two brothers, Walter Ashley of Denton and Joe Ashley of Decatur; three sisters, Mary Ruth Wood of El Dorado, Ark., Birdie Faye Taylor of Arlington and Reba Mercer of Farmersville; two grandsons, Shawn Belknap of Livingston and Travis Davidson of Fort Worth and four great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002

Atkins, Eva Faye
1930-2002
Graveside service for Eva Faye Atkins, 78, of Stephenville was to be Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Rev. Chet Atkins was to officiate.
Atkins died Monday, Nov. 11, 2002, in Stephenville.
Born Jan. 30, 1924, in Denton, to Earl C. and Jewel Moser Atkins, she was a homemaker and a member of Highland Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by a nephew, Gaylon Atkins and wife Mary Jane of De Leon; a niece, Janice McCandless and husband Daryll of Decatur; four great-nephews, Chet Atkins of Dublin, Burt Atkins of Blanket, Carl Atkins of Haslet and Camron McCandless of Decatur and two great-nieces, Christy Patton of Houston and Rain Gunthner of Ponder.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Austin, S. Errett
1981-2002
Service for S. Errett Austin, 20, of Bartlesville, Okla. and formerly of Boyd was Monday, Feb. 25, at Adams Boulevard Church of Christ in Bartlesville. Philip Treat officiated, assisted by Art Henley and David Hammonds.
Casket escorts included members of the Army National Guard Company B, 1/108 BN Aviation Company Assault Helicopter in Tulsa.
Austin died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, in Bartlesville.
Born May 29, 1981, in Denton to Chellie Bea Mellinger and Stephen Eric Austin, he lived in Boyd until moving to Bartlesville in 1990. He attended Bartlesville schools, graduating from high school in 2000. In the summer of 1999, he joined the Army National Guard and later attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Va. PFC Austin was a helicopter mechanic and aircraft crew chief in Company B, 1/108 BN Aviation Company Assault Helicopter in Tulsa.
He is survived by his mother, Chellie Bea of Bartlesville; his father, Stephen (Buddy) Austin of Rhome; two sisters, Ealina and Ealisa Austin, both of Rhome; his maternal grandparents, John and Mary Mellinger of Belton, Mo.; his maternal great-grandmother, Naomi Hall of Belton, formerly of Boyd and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 28, 2002

Autrey, Jessie Mae
1925-2001
Service for Jessie Mae Autrey, 76, of Boyd was Thursday, Jan. 3, at the First Assembly of God Church in Azle. The Rev. Ted LeCrone officiated. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove #2 Cemetery.
Autrey died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001 in Lake Worth.
Born April 14, 1925, in Hollywood, Ark., Autrey was a resident of Boyd for 20 years. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Azle.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Ray Autrey.
She is survived by six daughters, Mavine Meason of Azle, Martha Frame and husband Mervin of Boyd, Patsy Manning and husband Ronny of Azle, Linda Jenkins and husband Louis of Boyd, Brenda Chaney of Fort Worth and Beverly Harvey and her husband Kenneth of Azle; three sisters, Annilee Conanct of Arkadelphia, Ark., Mary Easley of Seagraves, Gladys Bird of Gurdon, Ark.; her brother, Benny Smith of Seagraves; 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002

Autry, Carl C., Jr.
1928-2002
Service for Carl C. Autry Jr., 73, of Boyd was to be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Friendship Baptist Church in Boyd with the Dr. Jack Alumbaugh, Rev. Raymond Henson and Dr. Billy McClain officiating. Burial was to be in the Friendship Cemetery in Boyd.
Autry died Thursday, June 13, 2002, in Decatur.
He was born Aug. 30, 1928, in Colorado City. He married Doris Hays on May 26, 1948, at Friendship Baptist Church. Aurty served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the Army, he went to work at Bell Helicopter, where he worked for 26 years as a heavy equipment operator until he retired. He also worked as a correctional officer for Wackenhut in Bridgeport. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and Boyd Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Autry.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris Autry of Boyd; a son, Judge David Mark Autry and his wife Julie of Boyd; three grandchildren, Brandon Carl, Crystal Ann and Jackie Paige Autry; two brothers, Trueman Autry of Lake Worth and Gene Autry of Jacksboro; a sister, Vera Evan of Weatherford and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were to be Billy Kemp, Eugene Grooms, Ken Steel, Johnny Barnes, Paul Liebel and Herman Smith. Honorary pallbearers were to be Charles White and Joe Dean and all the men of Victory Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church.
Wise County Messenger, June 16, 2002

Back, Ava Elizabeth
1925-2002
Service for Ava Elizabeth Back, 77, of Henderson, Nev. was Dec. 10 at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev.
Back was the sister of Bobby Mitchell of Chico.
She died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, in Henderson, Nev.
Born July 31, 1925, in Kaufman, she lived in Fort Worth before moving to Nevada. She retired from the Tandy Corp. after 10 years.
She is survived by her husband, J.C. Back of Henderson; two daughters, Shirley McNeece of Henderson, Nev. and Sparkie Lee of California; one brother, Bobby Mitchell and wife Claudine of Chico; two sons-in-law, Spec Inglis of California and Michael Beringhale of Henderson and two grandchildren, Jennifer Moreno of Calif. and Garrick McNeece of Henderson.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 22, 2002

Bagwell, Dora Gay
1964-2002
Graveside service for Dora Gay Bagwell, 37, of Sunset was to be Saturday, April 6, at Cumby Cemetery in Wise County.
Bagwell died Wednesday, April 3, 2002, in Sunset.
She was born Dec. 12, 1964, in Fort Worth.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Lavera Lynn Long, and a brother, Clint Eric Bagwell.
She is survived by her father and stepmother, John and Georgia Bagwell of Fort Worth; her mother and stepfather, Lovedia Ford and Robbie Hart of Sunset and a brother, John Wayne Bagwell Jr. of Quinlin.
Wise County Messenger, April 7, 2002

Bagwell, Robbie Lee
1924-2002
Service for Robbie Lee Bagwell, 77, of Boyd was Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Boyd Church of Christ. Steve Weeks officiated.
Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Wayne Roy, David Bagwell, Brian Bagwell, Kris Bagwell, Jon Phillips, Tom Barnett and Dwayne Miller.
Bagwell died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, in Boyd.
Born March 4, 1924, in Glen Allen, Ala., she had been a Boyd resident for 19 years. She was a housewife and member of the Boyd Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleophus Bagwell, on Nov. 24, 1999.
She is survived by two sons, Kevin Bagwell and Michael Bagwell and wife Francine; two daughters, Patricia and Don Phelps and Rebecca and Jerry Gallagher; one brother; four sisters; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 14, 2002

Bailey, Nina Willbanks
1916-2002
Graveside service for Nina Willbanks Bailey, 85, of Bowie, wife of Clifton Bailey of Paradise, was Thursday, July 25, at Royse City Cemetery. Allen Ritchie, pastor of Belton Church of Christ, officiated.
Bailey died Tuesday, July 23, 2002, in Bowie.
Born Dec. 13, 1916, in Royse City, she was a former supervisor in the aircraft industry. She worked for Howell Institute in Fort Worth for 27 years. She was active in the Bowie VFW Auxiliary Post 8789 and a member of Sunset Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a husband, Joe Bailey; grandson Jamey Neeley and eight brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her husband Clifton Bailey of Paradise; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Debbie Neeley of Belton; a grandson, Zachary Neeley of Abilene; a sister, Kathleen Wiley of Fort Worth; two brothers, John Willbanks of Fort Worth and James Willbanks of Las Vegas, Nev.; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Gail Bailey of Georgetown; a step-daughter, Sharon Bailey of Euless and nine step-grandchildren, Byron Lee, John Mark, Rebecca, Jessica, Stephanie, Brittany, Michael, Stephen and James Bailey, all of Georgetown.
Wise County Messenger, July 28, 2002

Barksdale, Floyd
1933-2002
Funeral for Floyd Barksdale, 68, of Justin was held Sept. 13, at the First Baptist Church of Justin. Burial followed at Justin Cemetery.
Barksdale died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002, in Denton.
Born Dec. 26, 1933, to Arthur Dean and Esther S. Barnard Barksdale in Justin, he graduated from Northwest High School and attended Arlington State College, now the University of Texas at Arlington. He served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, and he married Peggy Ann Long Oct. 13, 1956, in Yuma, Ariz. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Scottish Rite, Shriners and Veterans of Foriegn Wars. He was a past member of the Northwest School Board and a 32nd degree Mason. He was a retired, self-employed plumbing salesman.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Ann Barksdale of Justin; a daughter Chelia Demmitt of Bridgeport; two sons, Gayland Barksdale of Alexandria, Va., and Arnie Barksdale of Justin; two sisters, Moline Whittington of Justin and Deloris Long of Azle; five brothers, Dean Barksdale of Fort Worth, Emmitt Barksdale of Amarillo, Melvin Barksdale of Fort Worth, Lloyd Barksdale of Justin and James Barksdale of Denton and four grandchildren, Shannon, Kara and Clint Demmitt and Haylee Barksdale.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Justin Masonic Lodge Building Fund, P.O. Box 445, Justin, Texas, 76247.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Barnett, Myrtle H.
1910-2002
Service for Myrtle H. Barnett, 92, of Newark was Monday, July 1, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with the Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiating. Burial was in the Paradise Cemetery.
She died Saturday, June 29, 2002, in Decatur.
Barnett was born January 28, 1910, in Alabama. She was a homemaker and member of the Aurora Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Barnett in 1967; a daughter, Kattie Joe Peterson; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Barnett is survived by a son, Charles A. Barnett and his wife Pat of Runaway Bay; a daughter, Mamie (Polly) Hare of Newark; nine grandchildren, Myrt, Paula, Tracy, Tammy, Bobby, Becky, Kathy, Noel and Loyd; 16 great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Allan Estell, Don Totty, Tommy Barnett, Tracy Barnett, Gary Barnett and Damon Mason.
Wise County Messenger, July 4, 2002

Batten, Rosa Annis Rosier
1915-2002
Service for Rosa Annis Rosier Batten, 86, of Bryan was to be Saturday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m. at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. The Revs. Bruce Wood and Glen Conner were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Wixon Cemetery. She was the mother of Mary Nell South of Decatur.
Batten died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Bryan.
Born April Sept. 28, 1915, in Madison County, Batten retired from Bryan Independent School District food service and was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W.L. “Punk” Batten.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Nell South of Decatur, Florence Richards and husband Doug of Bryan, Deborah Hicks and husband John of Franklin and Pat Batten of Bryan; her sons, Billy Joe and wife Patricia Batten of Sugarland, L.G. “Dicky” and wife Carolyn Batten of Huntsville, George and wife Kay Batten of Kurten and Henry and wife Jamie Batten of Huntsville, James Lee and wife Sandy of the Tabor community; her brothers, Ray Samuel Rosier and wife Stazie of Dalhart, Sigal Rosier and wife Ruby of Bryan, Glenn Rosier and wife Maryann of Woodville; her sisters, Amy Kurten of the Kurten community and Mackie Bell Mitchell of Bryan; sisters-in-law, Hazel and Lena Rosier, both of Bryan; 29 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002

Baugh, Ruby Pearl
1917-2002
Graveside service for Ruby Pearl Baugh, 84, of Runaway Bay was to be Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at East Bridgeport Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate.
Baugh died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born Oct. 10, 1917, in Bridgeport, she was a homemaker. She married Ernest Baugh Oct. 6, 1934, in Bridgeport. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Baugh in August 2000.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Baugh and wife Leah of Louisiana, Royce Baugh of Amarillo, Ronald Baugh and wife Glenda of Athens; her daughter, Ruth Ann Duffy and husband Pat of Dumas; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 31, 2002

Beall, Howard William
1918-2002
Service for Howard William Beall, 83, of Dallas was Monday, April 22, at the Laurel Land Funeral Home Chapel in Dallas. Burial was in Laurel Land Memorial Park.
Beall died Thursday, April 18, 2002, in Dallas.
He was born May 12, 1918, in Wise County and grew up in the Sweetwater community. He was a graduate of Decatur High School.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nellie Beall of Dallas; three sons, John Beall and his wife Susie, Barry Beall and his wife Debby and Denny Beall and his wife Linda; two sisters, Opal Miller of Decatur and Ina Mae Bramlett of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, Tracy Ferguson, Tim Beall, Brian Beall, Betsy Beall and Sean Beall; and one great-granddaughter, Jessica Ferguson.
Wise County Messenger, May 9, 2002

Beasley, Deanna Dale
1945-2002
Service for Deanna Dale Beasley, 57, of Bowie, mother of Kim Pate of Alvord, was Aug. 19 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie with Rev. Don Haney officiating. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Beasley died Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, in Bowie.
Born July 10, 1945, in Shreveport, La. she was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist church. She married Larry Beasley Sr. May 26, 2000, in Wichita Falls.
She is survived by her husband; three daughters, Cammi Pate and her husband Jeff of Wichita Falls, Kim Pate and her husband David of Alvord and Kandi Faulkenberry and her life partner Kim Cook of Wichita Falls; father of her daughters, Dale Faulkenberry of Peaster; six grandchildren; one great grandson; 16 step-grandchildren; one step great-grandson; two sisters, Lynn Bryant of Wichita Falls and Jann Bennett of Lake Charles, La; three step sons, Larry Beasely Jr. and his wife Debbie of Bowie, Audie Beasley and his wife Angela of Bowie and Royce Beasley and his wife Lorene of Bowie; two step-daughters, Mandy Herron and her husband Jeff of Bowie and Dede Beasley and her life partner Christi Gee of Wichita Falls.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Rural Texas, 705 East Greenwood St., Bowie, Texas, 76230.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 22, 2002

Becker, Charlie
1931-2002
Service for Charlie Becker, 70, of Alvord was to be Saturday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alvord. Jack DeHart was to officiate. Burial was to follow in Alvord Cemetery.
Becker died Jan. 30, 2002, in a Fort Worth hospital.
Born March 5, 1931, in Blue Island, Ill. he was a retired airline captain with Continental Airlines. He married Corinne Snedden June 20, 1959, in Oak Forest, Ill.
He is survived by his wife, Corinne Becker of Alvord; sons, Charlie Lindsay Becker of Bridgeport and James Allen Becker of Wichita Falls; daughters, Lucille May Abbott of Houston and Jennifer Becker Hall of Alvord; brothers, George Becker of Blue Island, Ill.; sisters, Beverly Schoenwald of Beecher, Ill. and Janice Schmidt of Kankakee, Ill., and eight grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Christ Temple Benevolence Fund, 310 S. Story Rd., Irving, Texas, 75060.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 3, 2002

Belknapp, Matthew John
1969-2002
A memorial service for Matthew John Belknapp, 33, of Gainesville will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the New Life Bible Church in Gainesville.
Belknapp died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, in Wise County.
Born June 22, 1969, in Riverside, Calif., he was a painter.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Cristy Booker Belknapp of Gainesville; his parents, Roland and Mary Belknapp of San Clemente, Calif., and a step-daughter, Sandy Booker of Gainesville.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 17, 2002

Berwick, Addie Bell
1924-2002
Graveside services for Addie Bell Berwick, 77, of Chico were Sept. 3, 2002 at Chico Cemetery. Rev. Gary Sessions officiated.
Berwick died Aug. 31, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 23, 1924, in Carrol Spring, Berwick married Prentice Berwick Sept. 4, 1955, in Ardmore, Okla. She was a retired waitress for Lone Star Restaurant in Fort Worth. She was a Baptist.
She is survived by her husband, Prentice Berwick of Chico; two sons, James Lee Post and Prentice Noah Berwick and his wife Doral; one daughter, Lavern Davis and her husband Larry; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 5, 2002

Bickham, Willie Mae
1909-2002
Service for Willie Mae Bickham, 92, of Paradise was to be Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., at East Memorial Chapel in Texarkana. Rev. Jack Matkin was to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home.
Bickham died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Dec. 29, 1909, in Queen City to Homer and Annie Coats Westmoreland, she was a member of Williams Memorial Methodist Church, Martha Class and XYZ Senior Citizens of Williams. She was a retired beautician and owner of Oaklawn Beauty Shop.
She is survived by a daughter, Frances Froehlich and husband Tim of Paradise; a step-daughter, Wanda Young and husband Leonard of Hope, Ark.; a sister, Lena Blackman of Doddridge, Ark.; a sister-in-law, Delma Neil Westmoreland of Navasota; eight grandchildren, Sarah Young, Mary Benson, Sandy Zeda, James Rossitter, Debbie Miller, Jim Harrist, Corbett Martin and Wesley Martin; 10 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Biggerstaff, Larry Weldon
1943-2002
Service for Larry Weldon Biggerstaff, 58, of Chico was held 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at First Baptist Church in Chico with the Rev. Joe Motsenbocker officiating. Burial was in the Chico Cemetery.
Biggerstaff died Tuesday, May 14, 2002, in Decatur.
He was born May 24, 1943, in Bowie. Biggerstaff, a truck driver , was a longtime resident in the Chico community. He married Carolyn Bell on August 18, 1962 in Bowie. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chico, the Chico Masonic Lodge and enjoyed bull riding and golf. Biggerstaff was proceeded in death by his father, Wrex Biggerstaff; a daughter, Michelle and a grandson, Charles Switzer.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Biggerstaff; a son, David Biggerstaff; two daughters, Keela Biggerstaff and Marla Switzer; three grandchildren, Kaley Patterson, Mark Wayne Knox and Colton Horton; mother, Florita Biggerstaff; brother, Jerry Biggerstaff and mother-in-law, Lucille Bell.
Pallbearers were Alfonso Ramirez, Rex Eubanks, Bill Bell, Mark Biggerstaff, Chad Biggerstaff and Cory Kelsey.
Wise County Messenger, May 19, 2002

Bishop, Beverly
1945-2002
Graveside service for Beverly Bishop, 57, of Bonham was to be Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at Willow Wild Cemetery Pavilion in Bonham.
Bishop died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in Dallas.
Born Jan. 7, 1945, in Bonham to Frank and Lila Bishop, she eventually moved to Decatur, where she worked as the first community services coordinator for the county. She was also the first woman president of the Decatur Lions Club.
She is survived by her mother, Lila Bishop of Bonham; a sister, Betty Bishop of Bonham; two sons, Robert M. Nunnelee Jr. and Russell B. Nunnelee, both of Irving; and a granddaughter, Christine A. Nunnelee.
Wise County Messenger, October 3, 2002

Bishop, Jimmy Ray
1937-2002
Service for Jimmy Ray Bishop, 65, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Charles Taylor was to officiate, assisted by Gentry Castleman. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Brad Perry, Keith Climer, Sammy Brazeau and Scotty, Richard, Raymond and Ronnie Bishop.
Bishop died Monday, June 24, 2002, in Decatur.
Born March 18, 1937, in Greenwood, he was a retired heavy equipment operator. He married Linda Fay King on June 30, 1962, in Decatur. He was a Baptist and a member of Operating Engineers Local 819 in Fort Worth.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Jennifer LaRue Nations of Decatur; a brother, Richard Walden Bishop of Decatur and two sisters, Lawanda Lynch of Pauls Valley, Okla. and Dorothy Brazeau of Decatur.
Wise County Messenger, June 27, 2002

Bishop, Linda Carol
1948-2002
Graveside service for Linda Carol Bishop, 53, of Krum, a former resident of Decatur, was Tuesday, April 30, at Sanger Cemetery.
Bishop died Saturday, April 27, 2002, in Denton.
Born Dec. 12, 1948, in Denton, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Bishop and her father, Fred Denison.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Bell Denison of Sanger; two sons, James Richard Bishop of Slidell and Jason Wayne Bishop of Amarillo and two grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, May 2, 2002

Bishop, Linda Neal
1919-2002
Service for Linda Neal Bishop, 83, of Decatur was to be Saturday, Oct. 5, at Coker Funeral Home in Decatur. The Rev. Dave Smith was to officiate, and burial was to follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Bishop died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born Aug. 22, 1919, in Pauls Valley, Okla., she was a homemaker and married Joe Bishop in Plainview in 1945.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Bishop of Decatur; four sons, Sonny Bishop of Bedford, Charlie Bishop of Bridgeport, Tommy Bishop and Joe Bishop, both of Decatur; one daughter, Doris Schwieger of Rhome; one brother, Reuben Parten of Pauls Valley; two sisters, LaVonne Odom of Shreveport, La., and Betty Sue Quigg of Pauls Valley; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 6, 2002

Blackstock, Elizabeth Jones
1915-2002
Service for Elizabeth Jones Blackstock, 86, of Chico was Friday at the Morris Memorial Methodist Church in Chico with the Rev. Charles Cox officiating. Burial was in Chico Cemetery.
Blackstock died Wednesday, March 27, 2002, in Decatur.
She was born Dec. 25, 1915, in Alvarado. A homemaker, she was a member of the Morris Memorial Methodist Church and the Chico Friendship Club. She had been a resident of Chico 47 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, T.C. Blackstock in 1983, and by a grandson, Rusty Fuller.
She is survived by a son, Tommy Blackstock of Fort Worth; two daughters, Clara Sue McCafferty of Fort Worth and Jo Alice Upchurch of Saginaw; a brother, Dalton Jones of Pauls Valley, Okla.; a sister-in-law, Rosie Jones of Blue Mound; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Barry McCafferty, Michael McCafferty, Mark McCafferty, Brian Epperson, Timothy Blackstock and Tommy Chad Blackstock.
Wise County Messenger, March 31, 2002

Blair, Ola Mae
1910-2002
Graveside service for Ola Mae Blair, 92, a Sunny Hills resident for six years, was to be Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 2:30 p.m. at Azleland Cemetery.
Blair died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Feb. 18, 1910, in Parker County, she was a real estate agent and a musician. She joined the 101 Wild West Show as a performer in 1926, touring the U.S. for five years. She married V.C. (Banty) Blair in 1932 in Marietta, Okla. Later, she designed and tailored custom western wear. She owned and operated Center Point Grocery and Station for several years in Azle.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two children, Bobby Lee McCrory and Barbara Ann Pickett; two sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by her children, Kay Caudill of Graford, Sharon Whittenburg of Boyd, Benny and Banty Blair, both of Azle; two sisters Mozelle Wright and Rozelle Wrinkle, both of Azle; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 28, 2002

Bolding, Murel
1919-2002
Service for Murel Bolding, 83, of Bridgeport was Friday, Nov. 1, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Bill Harmon officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Bolding died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, in Chico.
Born Feb. 14, 1919, in Goree, she was a sales clerk for Green’s Department Store in Bridgeport for more than 25 years. She married Ivy Bolding April 1, 1938, in the Union Point Community near Jacksboro. She was a member of the East Mound Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1969; a grandson, Scotty Williams; a sister, Kate Nooner and a brother, Charlie Beck.
She is survived by two daughters, Jo Buck and husband Bud of Bridgeport and Judy Graham and husband Monte of Chico; two sisters, Maricelle McAnear and LaNell Gurnard; four grandchildren, Jimmy Williams, Traci Williams, Tara McEntire and Cooper McClung; three great-grandchildren, Jessica, J.D. and Justin and one great-great-grandchild, Alec.
Pallbearers were Billie C. Green, Stacy Green, Noel Gilley, Jason Swan, Cody Gilley and Roper Gilley. Honorary pallbearers were Edward Swan, Dr. W.E. Huddleston, Randell Doty, Steve Doty, Rocky Doty and Britt Doty.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Boner, Noma Jean Pipes
1926-2002
Service for Noma Jean Pipes Boner, 75, of Decatur was to be Wednesday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. John Featherston was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Boner died Sunday, April 7, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born Oct. 2, 1926, in Decatur, she was a homemaker and a member of the Decatur Church of Christ. She married the late Bert Pipes who preceded her in death in 1998. She later married O.W. “Buss” Boner.
She is survived by her husband, O.W. Boner of Decatur; two daughters, Jean Collier of Chico and Robbie Watson of Decatur; one brother, Wayne Moyers of Granbury; two sisters, Bonnie Mott and Helen Schilling, both of Fort Worth; three grandchildren, Jeannette Collier Shaw, Katrina Pipes Watson and Calvin Guy Collier; and two great-grandchildren, Brent and Kelsey Shaw.
Pallbearers were to be Mike Moyers, Bennie Moyers, John Coley Holmes, Kenneth Shaw, Glen Rhine and Wayne Long. Honorary pallbearer was to be Elton McCurdy.
Wise County Messenger, April 11, 2002

Boner, Tommy Newton
1922-2002
Service for Tommy Newton Boner, 79, of Wizard Wells was Monday, April 15, at the Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with the Rev. Melvin Clay officiating. Burial was in Bourland Cemetery in Keller.
Boner died Friday, April 12, 2002, in Jacksboro.
He was born Aug. 18, 1922, in Bridgeport. He was awarded the Purple Heart while serving in the U.S. Army. He was retired as owner of the Three Way Concrete Plant. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Wizard Wells and the VFW. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bobbie Lou Boner; a son, Timothy Wayne Boner; and a brother, Clifford William Boner.
He is survived by his wife, Ertis (PeeWee) Boner; two sons, Terry Boner and Donald Boner and his wife Patrisha; three daughters, Teresa Boner, Tommie Kennedy and Tania Whitaker; a sister, Betty Lou Tucker; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Mike Westbrook, Robert Earl Boner, T.M. Smith, Monty Anderson, Bill Boner and Richard Couch.
Wise County Messenger, April 18, 2002

Booles, Eddye Raymond
1928-2002
A private memorial service was held for Eddye Raymond Booles, 73, of Boyd.
Booles died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 31, 1928, in Fort Worth, he married Janice Lassinger Oct. 27, 1975, in Durant, Okla.
He was a truck driver for 40 years and retired from Central Freight Line after 19 years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Lee Booles.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Janice Booles of Boyd; two daughters, Pamela Kay Ribitzki and husband Tommy and Sue Tawater; two sons, Gary Booles and wife Susan and Jimmy Tom Booles and wife Sophia; two stepsons, David Donahey and Mark Donahey and wife Mari; two brothers, Jackie M. Gorham and Raymond Booles; 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Bouldin, Shawn
1964-2002
Service for Shawn Bouldin, 37, of Alvord was held at 11 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. Craig Cox officiating. Burial was in Alvord Cemetery.
Bouldin died Monday, April 8, 2002, in Decatur.
He was born May 10, 1964, in Fort Worth. He was a 1983 graduate of Peaster High School. He was a Baptist. He was co-owner of Bouldin Masonry. He married Deedra Gaston on March 10, 1990, in Big Spring. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a sister, Dana Matlock.
He is survived by his wife; his parents, Mount and Joyce Bouldin; a son, Jerrad Bouldin of Peaster; a stepson, Brandon Yates of Alvord; a stepdaughter, Kelley Yates of Alvord; two brothers, Shane Bouldin and Billy Joe Everett; and five sisters, Kimberley Sosa, Tina McGreger, Keitha Ramsey, Reatta Fay Sulipeck and Paula Sue Bryant.
Pallbearers were Warren Sosa, Steven Sosa, Darren Sosa, Les Williams, Travis Hicks, Terry Keeling, Stanley Sigman and Bryan Sims.
Wise County Messenger, April 14, 2002

Bove, Glenda Dwan
1945-2002
Service for Glenda Dwan Bove, 56, of Gatesville was Tuesday, July 23, at Live Oak Baptist Church with burial at Turnersville Cemetery. The Rev. Larry Key officiated.
Bove died Friday, July 19, 2002, in Gatesville.
She worked in Bridgeport for 15 years.
Bove was born Sept. 24, 1945, in Clifton to Faynell Fullwood Clay and the late Rev. Elzie “Judge” Clay. She attended Ector High School in Odessa and graduated from Grayson Community College in Sherman where she received a degree as a respiratory therapist. She worked 15 years as a respiratory therapist at Bridgeport Hospital. She married John Franklin White Jr. on Aug. 24, 1962, and married Anthony Richard Bove on Nov. 19, 1985. They moved to Gatesville in 1992. She was a member of the Live Oak Baptist Church and the Doreus Sunday School Class.
She is survived by her husband Anthony “Tony” Bove of Gatesville; her mother, Faynell Clay of Gatesville; daughter, LeAnn Kathleen Huddleston of Austin; sons, Darwin Lee White of Denton and John Franklin White III of Ft. Worth; sister, Donna Gay Clay of Gatesville; eight grandchildren, Brian, Brandon, Bryanna, Rachelle, Delise Ann, Bryan, Sarah and Matthew; two uncles; six aunts; and a niece.
Wise County Messenger, July 25, 2002

Bowden, James
1923-2002
Service for James Bowden, 78, of Denison was Friday, March 29, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport.
Bowden died March 26, 2002, in Denison. Garry and David Mahan officiated. Burial was at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
He was born Nov. 3, 1923, in Bridgeport. A resident of Denison for the past 17 years, he was a retired sales supervisor for Mrs. Baird’s Bakery. He also had been owner/operator of the Snowcone Supply Company in North Texas. He married Billye Howard McCain on October 27, 1944.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jackie Bowden and his wife Ginger of Fort Worth and Dickie Bowden and his wife Angie of Arlington; and three grandchildren, Brook Bowden, Kevin Bowden and Ginny Freeman.
Wise County Messenger, March 31, 2002

Bowen, Robert Reese ‘Bob’
1927-2002
Service for Robert Reese “Bob” Bowen, 75, of Alvord was Monday, Feb. 11, at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Jonestown Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Mike Watts, Paul Smith, Larry McM‑&ã_?‑&ó0phens and Ke‑&ä¿h and Jerry Reed.
Bowen died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, in Alvord.
Born Jan. 9, 1927, in Fort Worth, he was a cattle dealer. He married Sarah E. Chambell in 1968 in Fort Worth. He was a Navy veteran and a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of Alvord; a son, Robert Bowen Jr. of Carrollton; two daughters, Tina Graham of Dallas and Janet Bowen of Irving; a sister, Betty Lou Edwards of Raymondville and five grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 17, 2002

Bowling, Cecil
1920-2002
Service for Cecil Bowling, 82, of Fort Worth was Friday, July 19, in Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Bowling died Tuesday, July 16, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born April 21, 1920, in Wylie, he was a retired General Dynamics flight line inspector with 36 years of service. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a World War II veteran. He was a member of Friendship RV Club and enjoyed his farm and farm animals.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mae O’Neal Bowling; a daughter, Connie Hull and husband Darryl of Dallas; a son Dodd Bowling and wife Gail of Fort Worth; four grandchildren, Darryl and Shawn Hill, Kevin Bowling and Keely Forrest; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence L. Bowling of Decatur; a cousin, Coy O’Neal of Decatur and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to All Saints Vitas Hospice in Fort Worth.
Wise County Messenger, July 21, 2002

Bowman, Alma L.
1910-2002
Service for Alma L. Bowman, 92, of Decatur will be held at a later date in Georgia.
Bowman died Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, in Decatur.
She was a member of the Methodist Church in Hapeville, Ga., and the Woman’s Circle. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Bowman.
She is survived by one daughter, Bonnie Coonley and husband Russ of Slidell, one grandson, Rusty Coonley and wife Denise and one great-grandson, “Bump.”
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 22, 2002

Boyd, John Lee
1937-2002
Graveside service for John Lee Boyd Sr., 64, of Keller was Thursday, March 14, at the Rosston Cemetery in Rosston.
Ted Brown officiated.
Boyd died Tuesday, March 12, 2002, in Weatherford.
He was born Dec. 6, 1937, in Johnson County.
He was a retired metal worker.
His parents, John W. and Jeannie Smyth Boyd, preceded him in death.
He is survived by two sons, John Lee Boyd Jr. and his wife Deborah of Fort Worth, and Wilton Dudley Boyd and his wife Amy of Rosston; a daughter, Kerry Lynn Williams and her husband Billy of Keller; and five grandchildren, Katie, Beth, D.J., Lainey and Will.
Wise County Messenger, March 21, 2002

Bracey, Cecil Romonth
1915-2002
Service for Cecil Romonth Bracey, 86, of Boyd was Friday, Jan. 25, at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. The Rev. Dannie Gwinn of New Covenant Church officiated. Burial followed at Crestview Memorial Park.
Bracey died Monday, Jan. 21, 2002, in Boyd.
Born Dec. 17, 1915, in Haskell, Bracey retired from Sears Roebuck with more than 20 years of employment. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Bracey was also a paper carrier for Times Record News for 10 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn M. Bracey in October 1998.
He is survived by his son, Eddie Bracey of Denton; his daughters, Linda Lee and husband Todd of Boyd, Celia Peters of Wichita Falls; his grandson Elvis Ray Peters, Jr. of Wichita Falls and granddaughter, Kimberly Stone of Hurst.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 27, 2002

Bradley, Mark
1955-2002
Service for Mark Bradley, 46, of Sunnyvale was to be Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church in Van Alstyne. The Revs. Duane Peters and Gary Speers were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Van Alstyne Cemetery. His wife is the former Peggy Denney of Chico.
Pallbearers were to be Scott Bradley, Jim Bob Bradley, Will Bradley, Bobby Lynn Denney, Robert Bradley and Noel Bradley.
Bradley died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, in Dallas.
Born Aug. 31, 1955, in Van Alstyne, to Wayne and Carol Ireland Bradley, he graduated from Van Alstyne High School in 1973 and received an associates degree in ranch management from Cooke County College.
He married Peggy Denney, formerly of Chico, on Aug. 30, 1975, in Chico. He was the ranch manager at E Bar S Ranch in Sunnyvale.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Bradley of Sunnyvale; a daughter, Stephanie Bradley of Abilene; his father, Wayne Bradley of Van Alstyne; his mother, Carol Bradley of Van Alstyne and three brothers, Robert Wayne Bradley of Frisco, Bill Tom Bradley of Sherman and Noel Bradley of Whitewright.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 28, 2002

Brammer, Nora Melear
1915-2002
Service for Nora Melear Brammer, 86, of Rhome was Friday, Jan. 4, at Rhome Church of Christ. Robert Bostick officiated. Burial followed in Aurora Cemetery.
Brammer died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born April 27, 1915, in Devilla, she married B.W. Brammer Jan. 4, 1936, in Wise County. She was a member of the Rhome Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 28, 1994.
She is survived by two sons, Leslie Brammer and wife Sarah and William Doyle Brammer; her daughters Deanna Green and husband Harrell, Linda Scott and Debra Blackburn and husband Joe; her brothers, Dewey Melear and Sam Melear; her sister, Ruth Seaberry; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-granchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002

Brammer, William Doyle ‘Bill’
1955-2002
Service for William Doyle “Bill” Brammer, 46, of Rhome was to be Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd. Chaplain Robert Bostick was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Mike Eursi, Rusty Thompson, David Bowden, Jason Keenon, Noel Bashim and Mike Gonzalez.
Brammer died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, in Rhome.
Born Feb. 23, 1955, in Fort Worth, he was a mechanic and worked for Zachary Construction.
He was preceded in death by his parents, B. W. and Nora Melear Brammer.
He is survived by his sons, Tony Ray Brammer and wife Misty Kaey, B. W. Brammer and fiancee Brandy Johnstone and Mitchell Brammer; a grandson, Taylor Ray Brammer; a brother, Leslie Brammer; three sisters, Deanna Green, Linda Scott and Debra Blackburn.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 21, 2002

Brandt, Donald Edward
1942-2002
Service for Donald Edward Brandt, 59, of Irving was to be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Bob Wilson was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Brandt died Sunday, March 17, 2002, in Arlington.
He was born Aug. 19, 1942, in Fort Worth. He married Ronda Kay Reed Feb. 2, 2002, in Decatur. He was a commercial printer.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Brandt.
He is survived by his wife; his mother, Maxine Williams of Fort Worth; a sister, Vickie Frazier of Burleson; three sons, Donald E. Brandt Jr. of Alvarado, Johnny Carr Brandt of Mansfield and Martin Alan Brandt of Fort Worth; two stepsons, Art Fowler of Valley Ranch and Andrew Fowler of Euless; a stepdaughter, Amy Fowler of Fort Worth; and two grandchildren, Shelbye Jordan Brandt of Arlington and Donald Wayne Brandt of Alvarado.
Wise County Messenger, March 21, 2002

Bridges, Lynn
1941-2002
Service for Lynn Bridges, 60, of Boyd was Friday, July 12, 2002, at the Church of Christ in Boyd with Steve Weeks officiating. Burial followed in the Cottondale Cemetery. Bridges died Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at his home in Boyd.
He was born Sept. 1, 1941, in Wise County. He was a farmer and member of the Church of Christ in Boyd. He was a lifelong resident of Boyd.
Bridges was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Bridges; and two sisters, Gracie Rowland and Venita Moll.
He is survived by a brother, Quint Bridges and his wife Helena of Paradise; five sisters, Wynelle Clifton and husband Ashley of Dallas, Mary J. Hughes of Decatur, June Schilling and husband of Vincent of Aldo, Kay Clark and her husband Jim of Boyd and Jane Burgess and husband Otto of Chico; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Frances Bridges of Quanah.
Pallbearers were Don Patterson, Ken Steel, Mark Romine, Danny Willbanks, Joe Dean, David Deaton, Gary Mosley and Sammy Connally. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Gentry, Pat Goodger, Jimmy Etter, Coy Cleveland and Sammy Erwin.
Wise County Messenger, July 14, 2002

Briggs, Donald Gene
1938-2002
Graveside service for Donald Gene Briggs, 63, of Springtown were held Saturday, July 13 in the Annis Chapel Cemetery with Tom Merritt officiating.
He died Wednesday, July 10, in Springtown.
Briggs was born Sept. 25, 1938, in El Campo. He was a laborer for Hogan Golf Manufacturing. He belonged to the Shriners and Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Wadsworth and two brothers, Ray and Jackie Briggs.
Briggs is survived by his mother, Alice Briggs; a son, Donald Briggs Jr.; a daughter Diane Butters and her husband Michael of Crowley; a brother, Norman Briggs; five sisters, Abbeline Witcher, Evelyn Arnold, Katheron Imes, Mickey Brice and Mary Alice Granata and a grandson, David Butters.
Wise County Messenger, July 18, 2002

Briggs, Mary Rose
1919-2002
Graveside service for Mary Rose Briggs, 82, of Paradise was Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Benbrook Cemetery. Chaplain Kenny Cates officiated.
Briggs died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born Dec. 8, 1919, in Kansas City, Kan., she was a retired store manager for A&W Root Beer in Los Angeles, Calif. She had lived in Paradise the past 12 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Lee Briggs Sr.; a daughter, Shirley Watson and a son, Everett Lee Briggs Jr.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary Lee Lewis of Las Vegas, Nev., Betty Jenkins and husband Robert Dickerson of North Dakota and Judy Honeycutt of Ashville, N.C.; a son, Bill Briggs and wife Pat of Cottondale; a sister, Ida Roth of El Dorado, Kan.; a daughter-in-law, Anna Briggs; 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Briggs, Tommy Eugene, Jr.
1951-2002
Service for Tommy Eugene Briggs Jr., 51, of The Colony was held Friday at the First Baptist Church in Lewisville. Burial was in McCurley Cemetery.
Briggs died Saturday, April 6, 2002, in Dallas.
He was born Feb. 3, 1951, in Gainesville.
He was the head football coach and athletic coordinator at The Colony High School.
He was a coach at Decatur High School in the late 1970s.
He is survived by his wife, Evy Briggs of Carrollton; two sons, Jeff Briggs and his wife LeAnn of The Colony and Brent Briggs of Carrollton; two stepdaughters, Monica and Kim Ameen of Lubbock; a brother, Jimmy Briggs and wife Vicki; a sister, Kathleen O’Neil and husband Pat of Dallas; and a granddaughter, Blaklee Ann Briggs.
Pallbearers were Que Brittain, Ray Broussard, Danny Coley, Craig Deans, Larry Donaldson, Rody Durham, Ronnie Gage, Bill Williams, Mike Williams and Neal Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers were Fred Matthews, Buster Leaf, Denny Foglia, The Colony High School coaching staff and The Colony High School football team.
Memorials may be made to the Tommy E. Briggs Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund (managed by the Lewisville Education Foundation), P.O. Box 643, Lewisville, Texas 75067.
Wise County Messenger, April 14, 2002

Briscoe, Ralph W., Lt.
1927-2002
Graveside service for Retired Lt. Ralph W. Briscoe, 75, of Elm Mott was to be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Alvord Cemetery. Rev. Paul Smith was to officiate. Funeral was to be at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elm Mott.
Briscoe died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, in Waco.
Born Aug. 13, 1927, in Electra to Joseph Monroe and Lillie Mae (Washburn) Briscoe, he was a 1946 graduate of Alvord High School. He went on to receive an associates of law enforcement degree at Navarro Junior College and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Eunice Arlene Leitner May 8, 1949, in Alvord.
He worked in the Safety Education Service for the Texas Department of Safety in Waco for 31 years until his retirement in 1986. He was named the Hillcrest Community Hospital Volunteer of the Year for 2001 and proudly served as scout leader for his son’s Eagle Scout Troop. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Elm Mott, a former Sunday School teacher and served as a deacon since 1964.
Briscoe loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and mechanic and carpentry work.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe Lawrence Briscoe and Kenneth Cramer Briscoe and three sisters, Lillie Mae Briscoe, Lavera Briscoe and Oreva Briscoe.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eunice Arlene Briscoe of Elm Mott; two sons, Arnold Briscoe and wife Elaine of Willis and D. Ralph Briscoe and wife Barbara of Elm Mott; one daughter, Betty Dupree and husband Bill of Elm Mott; one brother, Charles Briscoe of Grand Prairie; five grandchildren, Adam Wallace Briscoe, Laura Kay Briscoe, Patricia Lynn Briscoe, Stephen Dupree and Sandy Janek and husband Andy and a great-granddaughter, Allison Janek.
Pallbearers were to be Tommy D. Shilling, Ron Brunson, Ralph Sharpe, Marvin Mack, James Whaley and Glen Schutza. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Texas Department of Safety Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scout Troop 498, Hillcrest Community Hospice or the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 15, 2002

Brown, Ruby Francis
1916-2002
Graveside service for Ruby Francis Brown, 86, of Alvord will be Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. John Hanson will officiate.
Brown died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born July 16, 1916, in Kansas City, Mo., she was a homemaker. She married Raymond Brown in 1934 in Decatur. He preceded her in death in 1966.
She is also preceded in death by a son, Leonard Brown.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth White of Arlington and Betsy Murphy of Fort Worth; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 8, 2002

Buckliew, Mary
1906-2002
Service for Mary Buckliew, 96, of Alvord was Friday, Dec. 20 at the First United Methodist of Alvord. Bob Wilson officiated and burial followed at Alvord Cemetery.
Buckliew died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, in Decatur.
Born July 22, 1906, in Shreveport, La., she was a member of the Methodist Church and a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Jackson Buckliew and one daughter, Winnie Mae Smith.
She is survived by two sons, John Buckliew of Knoxville, Tenn., and Don Buckliew of Batesville, Ark., one daughter, Bitsy McClellan of Chillicothe, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Alvord.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 22, 2002

Burk, Donald Dewey
1930-2002
Private services for Donald Dewey Burk, 71, of Chico were held in Denton.
Burk died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in Chico.
He was born Aug. 7, 1930, in Boston, Mass. to James Dewey and Georgie (Dixion) Burk. He graduated from Northeast Massachusetts University with a degree in engineering. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he went to work for the Polaroid Camera Company and became the head of the design department.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Burk of Denton; his son, Donald Burk, Jr. of Chico; and two grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, March 24, 2002

Burress, Lois Wallace
1909-2002
Service for Lois Wallace Burress, 92, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m., at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate. Burial was to follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Burress died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002, in Arlington.
Born Dec. 26, 1909, in Bullard, she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl L. Burress in 1991 and four brothers, Clifford, Roy, Ernest and Garland Wallace.
She is survived by a daughter, Marian Carol Johnson and husband Paul of Arlington; four grandchildren, Christa Pitcock and husband Mark, Teresa Hoselton and husband Mike, Paul Johnson Jr. and wife April and Jennifer Johnson and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Paul Johnson Jr., Mike Hoselton, Mark Pitcock and David Pitcock.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Burton, Mary Frances
1914-2002
Service for Mary Frances Burton, 88, of Chico will be Thursday, Aug. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Morris Memorial Methodist Church. Rev. Charles Cox will officiate. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Burton died Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born April 28, 1914, in Tyler, she was a member of the Eastern Star, Chico Study Club, Chico Friendship Club and was a Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence L. Burton Jr.; her daughter, Kathleen Burton and her brother, Thomas Carter.
She is survived by two daughters, Laura Berry and husband Wendell of Chico and Leah Sutterfield of Fort Worth; four grandchildren, Lindee Hand, Wendell Berry Jr., Robyn Burgardt and Eric Sutterfield; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Mickey Hand, Brent Hand, Wendell Berry Jr., Brian Hand, Richard Burgardt, Eric Sutterfield and Alvin Boner. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Burgardt, David Burgardt, Michael Burgardt, Connor Berry and Caiden Berry.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 8, 2002

Butler, King Hampton
1934-2002
Graveside service for King Hampton “Hamp” Butler, Jr., 67, of Rhome was to be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Slidell Cemetery. Charles Taylor was to officiate.
Butler died Saturday, March 9, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 8, 1934, in Slidell, he had been a cattle rancher since 1957. He had been a cattle salesman at the Fort Worth Stockyards for 28 years.
He is survived by a son, Brett Butler of Decatur; a daughter, Lisa Herring and husband Jeff of Rhome; a sister, Cora Lee Brashears and husband Bobby of Amarillo; and a grandson, Zachary Herring of Rhome.
Wise County Messenger, March 14, 2002

Cantu, Guadalupe
1944-2002
Service for Guadalupe Cantu, 57, of Decatur, was Tuesday, March 5 at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Eulogio Puebla officiated. Burial followed at East Bridgeport Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Filiberto Ortiz, James Hodges, Jesus Rodriguez, Joel de Leon, Eliazar Torres and Enrique Fraga.
Cantu died Saturday, March 2, 2002, in Dallas.
Born March 22, 1944, in Naua Coah, Mexico, he was a carpenter and a member of the Primera Iglesia Bautista Church of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Yolanda Cantu; his son, Fernando Cantu and wife Cristina; his daughter, Maygan Cantu; his stepson, Jesse Ramirez, Jr. and wife Yolanda; two stepdaughters, San Juana Yolanda Corona and Rosary Bustamante; two brothers, Fernando and Vicente Cantu; two sisters, Martha Cantu and Carmen Quiros; and 12 grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, March 7, 2002

Capps, Mayme I.
1910-2002
Service for Mayme I. Capps, 92, of Dallas, formerly of Decatur, was to be Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Johnny Irish was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Capps died Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, in Dallas.
Born Aug. 12, 1910, in Texas, she was a homemaker. She was married to the late Charles Franklin Capps and was a Methodist.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Wilgus of Baltimore, Md., and Mary Beth Mosteller of Dallas and two grandsons, Jeff and Michael Mosteller of Dallas.
Pallbearers were to be Jack Wilgus, Jim, Jeffry and Michael Mosteller, B.J. Capps and James Cates.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 29, 2002

Carroll, Era Mae
1935-2002
Graveside service for Era Mae Carroll, 67, of Newark was to be held Sunday, Sept. 29, at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora. The Rev. Kenny Cates was to officiate.
Carroll died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born July 19, 1935, in Fort Worth, she was a homemaker who married Melvin J. Carroll Sr.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Green.
She is survived by five sons, William, Melvin Jr., Paul, Charlie and Eric Carroll; a daughter, Dona Carroll; a brother, Tommy Green; a sister, Ann O’Shield; 25 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 29, 2002

Carroll, Virginia
1921-2002
Service for Virginia Carroll, 81, of Newark was Friday, Dec. 27 at New Hope Baptist Church. The Rev. Wesley Spry officiated and was assisted by Jim Edwards. Burial followed at New Hope Cemetery.
Carroll died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, in Decatur.
Born June 22, 1921, in Blount County, Ala., she married Grady Carroll on Jan. 29, 1938, in Blount County. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by a son, Billy Wayne Carroll.
She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Martha Carroll; two grandchildren, Billy Wayne Carroll Jr. and Jackie Hogan; two great-grandchildren, Danielle Mincy and Megan Hogan; four sisters, Loretta Smith, Reba Cooper, Kizzie Holmes and Ellie Burttran; one brother, Johnny McGlaughn and one sister-in-law, Charolette Carroll.
Pallbearers were Milton Johnson, Hugo Brandt, Paul Bryant, Ollie Vaden, Bill Crowson and James Burttran.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 29, 2002

Carter, Edith Margaret
1915-2002
Service for Edith Margaret Carter, 86, of Boonsville was Monday, Feb. 11, at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The Rev. William Winston officiated. Burial followed at Boonsville Cemetery.
Pallbearers were James W. Carter, Robert Johnson, Kent Smith and Eddie Felton.
Carter died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, in Boonsville.
Born April 19, 1915, in Orange, N.J., she was a World War II veteran. She enlisted in the Women’s Air Corp in September 1942 as a private and was honorably discharged as a captain in December, 1946. She was a WAC officer, serving as reconditioning officer and later as assistant transport commander aboard a hospital ship.
She married James D. Carter Nov. 4, 1959, in Fort Worth. She worked for Montgomery Ward, Leonard’s Department Store and All Saints Hospital. She moved to Boonsville after her retirement in 1983. She was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church of Lake Worth.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia L. Gegg; brother-in-law, Lester Gegg and her brother, Warren Loughlin.
She is survived by her husband, James D. Carter; two nieces; a nephew; a stepdaughter, Kay Johnson and husband Bob of Houston; stepgranddaughters, Jackie Johnson of Houston, Kelly and Sean Plumley of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and several cousins.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 14, 2002

Carter, Ernest Eugene ‘Gene’
1911-2002
Funeral for Ernest Eugene (Gene) Carter, 90, of Arlington, a former owner of the Wise County Messenger was Tuesday in Arlington with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Carter owned the Messenger from 1960 to 1973 before he retired and moved to Arlington. He began his newspaper career in Bowie and also worked in Muenster before becoming a co-owner of the weekly newspaper in Seymour. He purchased the Messenger in 1960.
Carter was born in Bridgeport on Feb. 22, 1911 and graduated from Bowie High School in 1929. He also attended Draughon’s Business College in Fort Worth before beginning his newspaper career.
He was a former deacon of the First Baptist Church in Decatur and a former member of the Decatur Lions Club.
Carter is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rose and his daughter Peggy and her husband Worth Marshall of Arlington, two brothers, W. D. Carter of Grand Prairie and M. D. Carter of Bowie, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The family requests memorials, if desired, to Mission Arlington, 210 West South Street, Arlington, TX 76010.
Wise County Messenger, Feb. 14, 2002

Carter, James Daniel
1914-2002
Service for James Daniel Carter, 88, of Houston will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 25, at Ascension and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport with the Rev. William Winston officiating. Visitation will be May 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
Carter died Friday, May 17, 2002, in Houston.
He was born on Sept. 13, 1914, and grew up near Boonsville. Carter graduated from Texas A&M University in 1938. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked for many years in management with Leonard’s Department Store and Wolfe Nursery in Fort Worth and Arlington. Carter returned to his Boonsville farm when he retired more than 20 year ago. He was devoted to the land and received recognition for his work as a soil conservationist. He and Edith L. Carter were married for 42 years.
Carter is survived by a daughter, Frances Kay Johnson of Houston; two granddaughters, Kelly Anne Plumley of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Jacquelyn Johnson of Houston; a sister, Mary Ann Ebert of Denton; one nephew and three nieces.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the James D. Carter ‘38 Scholarship Fund, Agricultural Program Development Office, 2142 Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2142. Checks may be payable to the Agricultural Program Development Office with a notation James D. Carter ’38 Scholarship Program.
Wise County Messenger, May 23, 2002

Cathey, Jackie Dean
1963-2002
Graveside service for Jackie Dean Cathey, 39, of Durant, Okla., the son of Patricia Lee Smith Bohannan of Boyd, was Tuesday, April 30, 2002, at Boggy Depot near Tushka, Okla. The Rev. Lee Armstrong officiated.
Cathey died Friday, April 26, 2002, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Born March 6, 1963, in Tishomingo, Okla., he was a laborer. He attended the Victory Life Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Harlon Cathey in 1970.
He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Gene Cathey Jr. and Roger Cathey and wife Robin, all of Boyd; three nieces; a nephew and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Wise County Messenger, May 2, 2002

Chaffee, Marjorie June Flowers
1949-2002
Memorial service for Marjorie June Flowers Chaffee, 52, of Kempner, former resident of Chico, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the Church of Christ in Chico. Ed Norton will officiate the service.
She died Monday, July 22, 2002, in Fort Hood.
Chaffee was born Oct. 12, 1949, in Bridgeport. She married Richard D. Chaffee on March 14, 1981, and was employed at Robinson Blood Donor Center.
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Richard D. Chaffee of Kempner; three sons, Daniel Tracy Jackson of Kempner, Terry Lynn Jackson and his wife Marsha Mae of Sachse, Robert Paul Hanes and his wife Melanie of Leonard; three daughters, Mistie Jackson of Wylie, Michelle Deeann Chaffee and Tammie Jo Chaffee, both of Kempner; eight grandchildren, Megan Leann Jackson of Idabell, Okla., Dustin Chase Jackson, Daniel Tracy Jackson and Dakota Austin Jackson, all of Ottawa, Okla., Courtney June Hanes of Leonard, Katelyn Mae Jackson and Connor Andrew Jackson, both of Sachse and Shelby Dawn Strawn of Wylie.
Wise County Messenger, July 25, 2002

Chancellor, Edna
1907-2002
Service for Edna Chancellor, 94, of Decatur will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Barry Jameson will officiate, assisted by Gary Demmitt. Burial will follow at Alvord Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Chancellor died Thursday, March 14, 2002, in Decatur. Born Oct. 22, 1907, in Comanche, she was a homemaker. She married Charles Chancellor March 5, 1930 in Wichita Falls. She was a member of the First United Methodist church in Alvord. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1961; a son, W.J. Stark; grandchildren; Cathy and Jeffery Chancellor and Calvin Stark; and a great-grandson, Ethan Chancellor.
She is survived by her sons, W.C. Stark and wife Dianne of Granbury, Lonni Chancellor of Jacksboro, Charles Chancellor of Bowie and Ray Chancellor and wife Beth of Alvord; her daughters, Rosemary Miller and husband Pat, Estelle Watts and husband Bobby and Margaret Anderson and husband Curtis, all of Decatur; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Cherry, John Harrison
1918-2002
Service for John Harrison Cherry, 83, of Springtown, a former pastor in Cottondale, was Wednesday, June 12, at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. Burial followed at the City of Springtown Cemetery.
Cherry died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Springtown.
Born June 21, 1918, in Keyport, N.J., he married Mildred Mae Morris of Chickasha, Okla., on Aug. 23, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1944. He attended Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. He was a pastor at churches in Lampasas, Cottondale, Agnes and Oran.
Cherry was a plumber and a volunteer fireman. He enjoyed gospel and country music, whistling, playing the harmonica, fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his mother, Blanche Foster Cherry; his father, Raymond Van Brackle Cherry and two sisters, Vera Applegate and Elena Robinson.
He is survived by two daughters, Madeline Byrd of White Settlement and Martha Johnson and husband Johnny of Weatherford; two sons, John Cherry Jr. and wife Melinda of Arlington and David F. Cherry of Agnes; a former son in-law, Sammy Byrd and wife Judy of Springtown; six grandchildren, Lisa Byrd Belser and husband Caesar, John Mark Byrd and wife Alicia, Karolinda Cherry, Bart Wisdom and wife Jodi, Jeffrey Cherry and Natalie Wisdom; a great grandchild, Corey Taylor Cherry; two sisters-in-law, Cleo Mariash Lubin and Margaret Struve of Fort Worth; two brothers-in-law, Murrill Morris and wife Lois of Chickasha and James A. Morris of Fort Worth and numerous nieces, nephews and step-great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, June 20, 2002

Choate, Richard Lee
1954-2002
Service for Richard Lee Choate, 47, of Arlington was Tuesday, April 2, at the Coker Funeral Home Chapel with W. C. Mangram officiating. Burial was in Chico Cemetery.
Choate died March 28, 2002, in Arlington.
He was born May 15, 1954, in Ardmore, Okla. He was employed at Home Depot.
Survivors include his parents, Burnie and Flo Choate of Chico; and a sister, Donna Thomas and her husband Keith of Chico.
Wise County Messenger, April 4, 2002

Clark, Bernice
1908-2002
Service for Bernice Clark, 94, of Decatur was Thursday, Nov. 21 at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Don Spain officiated and was assisted by Tim Wertz. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Clark died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, in Decatur.
Born May 9, 1908, in Tennessee, she was a homemaker and a member of Eagle Drive Baptist Church in Decatur.
She is survived by one son, Clyde Vincent Jr. of Saginaw; three daughters, Dean Spain of Decatur, Maxine Stone of Weatherford and Jessie Bise of Cedar Hill; 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jerry Randel Hix, Brad Hix, Michael Hix, Steve Parsons, Gentry Martindale and Jamey Schwoyer.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 24, 2002

Clark, Sue Carol Jennings
1946-2002
Services for Sue Carol Jennings Clark, 55, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at the First Baptist Church of Saginaw. Burial will be at Aurora Cemetery. Visitation was to be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Mount Olivet Funeral Home in Fort Worth.
She was the sister of Glen Jennings, Wayne Jennings and Doyle Jennings, all of Boyd.
Clark died Aug. 22, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born March 7, 1946, in Decatur, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Saginaw. She was a chief financial officer for Housing and Urban Development.
She is survived by her husband, Eldon Clark of Saginaw; two sons, Aaron Arrington and wife Penny of North Richland Hills, their children Ashley, Meagan, Madison and MacKenzie, Phil Clark and wife Susan of Guthrie, their children, Michele, Jacob and John; three daughters, Glenna Gammon and husband Robin of Cleburne, their children, Cory, Josh and James, Susan Hutchens and husband Randy of Joshua, their child, Caleb, Jana Arrington of Longmont, Colo., and her child, Josh; and three brothers, Glen Jennings, Wayne Jennings and Doyle Jennings, all of Boyd.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 25, 2002

Clemens, Paul Milton
1922-2002
Service for retired Army Maj. Paul M. Clemens, 80, of Chico was to be Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Thomas Brumett was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Clemens died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002, in Chico.
Born Aug. 13, 1922, in Fort Worth, he was a retired major in the U. S. Army. He married Sarah E. Renshaw May 2, 1943, in Paris. After his retirement from the military, he began ranching in Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his wife.
He is survived by a son, Paul John Clemens of Lawrence, Kan.; three daughters, Cathy Chapman of Decatur, Paula Webb of Austin and Linda Mulhern of Arlington; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were to be Jeff Webb, Glenn Chapman, Wade Mulhern, Chris Webb, Gregory Mulhern and Stephen Mulhern. Honorary pallbearers were to be Curtis Webb, Patrick Murphree, Johnny Ward, Ron Biles and Charlie Lanfear.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wise County Domestic Violence Task Force, P.O. Box 491, Bridgeport, Tex., 76426.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 22, 2002

Clems, Paul Milton
1922-2002
Service for Paul Milton Clemens, 80, of Chico will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Coker Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Thomas Brummett will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Clemens died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002, in Chico.
Born Aug. 13, 1922, in Fort Worth, he was a rancher. He married Sarah E. Renshaw on May 2, 1943, in Paris. He served in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife.
He is survived by a son, Paul John Clemens of Kansas; three daughters, Cathy Chapman of Decatur, Paula Webb of Austin and Linda Mulhern of Arlington; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 19, 2002

Cleveland, Memry Funchess
1906-2002
Service for Memry Funchess Cleveland, 95, of Paradise was to be Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. Gerald Cleveland was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Paradise Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Leslie Oates, Stetson Oates, Robert Cleveland, Travis Cleveland, Nathan Cleveland and Bobby Hudson.
Cleveland died Monday, Jan. 14, 2002, in Decatur.
Born March 29, 1906, in Paradise, she was a retired Paradise U.S. Post Office clerk. She married Bob Cleveland Dec. 24, 1924, in Cottondale. She was a charter member of the Paradise Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Robert Cleveland; two brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her daughter, Valeria Lewis of Decatur, seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 17, 2002

Clifton, Jamie
1919-2002
Service for Jamie Clifton, 82, of Lubbock was to be Saturday, June 22, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock with the Rev. Paul Cunningham officiating. Clifton was a long-time resident of Wise County. Burial was to be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.
Clifton died Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in Lubbock.
She was born Oct. 8, 1919, in Ballinger to David T. and Fannie Brown Eaton. She was a graduate of Decatur High School, Decatur Baptist College and the University Of Texas. She married William W. Clifton on Aug. 15, 1950. Clifton had taught school in Paradise, Bridgeport and Pampa. She was active in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Hillcrest Country Club Ladies Association and was an avid bridge player.
She is survived by her husband; two sons, John H. Clifton and his wife Rhonda of Forreston and W.W. Clifton Jr. and his fiancee Shirley of Midland; two sisters, Hallie Mae Allison of Bronte and Jean Holt of Powell, Wyo. and seven grandchildren, Jacob, David, John, Lyle, George, Hannah and Caroline.
Memorials can be made to the Building Fund at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3321 33rd St., Lubbock, TX 79410 or Meals on Wheels, 2304 34th St., Lubbock, Texas 79411.
Wise County Messenger, June 23, 2002

Clinton, Joseph Henry ‘Joe’
1955-2002
Graveside service for Joseph Henry Clinton, 47, of Newark were held Monday, June 3, 2002, at the East Bridgeport Cemetery with Chaplain Gentry Castleman officiating.
Clinton died Saturday, June 1, 2002, in Bridgeport.
He was born May 1, 1955, in Fort Worth. He worked for Gearhart and Owens as a press operator in tool and dye making. He was a Baptist.
Clinton was preceded in death by his father, Henry James Clinton and two brothers, James Clinton and Larry Clinton.
He is survived by his mother, Josephine Clinton; one sister, Frances Allred and her husband James and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Wise County Messenger, June 9, 2002

Clower, Johnnie Brown
1929-2002
Service for Johnnie Brown Clower, 73, of Alvord was held 2 p.m. Friday May 17, 2002, at the Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with the Rev. Bob Wilson officiating.
Clower died Tuesday, May 14, 2002.
He was born January 2, 1929 in Decatur. Clower was a a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Alvord Masonic Lodge. Clower married Charlotte Hummel on December 31, 1954 in Winchester, Virginia.
Clower was preceded in death by his parents, Brown and Edith Clower; a son, James Mayes and one brother.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Charlotte Clower; a son, Dennis Mayes and his wife Cassandra; three grandchildren, Phillip Anthony, Victor and Nicole; three great-grandchildren, Phillips Anthony, Jr., Victor and Jio Vanna and two brothers, Vernon and Garvin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alvord Methodist Church building fund.
Wise County Messenger, May 19, 2002

Coffee, Timothy Logan
1950-2002
Service for Timothy Logan Coffee, 52, of Alvord, was to be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the First Baptist Church in Alvord. The Rev. Bill Cleveland was to officiate. Burial was to follow at the Alvord Cemetery.
Coffee died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, in Alvord.
Born Feb. 17, 1950, in Phoenix, Ariz. he married Frances E. Rice Nov. 4, 1972, in Alvord. He served as a deacon of the First Baptist Church in Alvord, and he was a fire investigator.
He is survived by his wife Francie of Alvord; a son and daughter-in-law, Ty and Kristina Coffee of Falls Church, Va.; a sister, Patricia Maxwell of Campbellsburg, Ky.; and mother-in-law Zenna Rice of Alvord.
Pallbearers were to be Dean Peace, Brad Thompson, Andy Thompson, Kelly Rice, Russell Rice, Doug Parr, David Adams, Jay Houston and Kevin James.
Wise County Messenger, Oct. 10, 2002

Coker, Ima Gilley
1912-2002
Graveside service for Ima Gilley Coker, 89, of Paradise was to be Sunday, Jan. 13, at 4:30 p.m. at Paradise Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Motsenbocker was to officiate.
Coker died Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Oct. 12, 1912, in Reno, she had resided in the Paradise community since 1922. She was a homemaker and a Baptist.
She is survived by two sons, Alfred Williams and Grady Williams and wife Sharon; her daughters, Vonciel Cash, Mary Cash, Vada Skiles and husband Billy G., Dean Bouchillon and husband Bob and Trula Verner; her sister Eula Mae Key; 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 13, 2002

Collum, Larkin Leon ‘Sonny’
1934-2002
Service for Larkin Leon “Sonny” Collum, 67, of Chico was to be Wednesday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church in Chico. The Rev. Charles Cox was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Chico Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Tim Jordan, James Foxworth, Jacob Palmer, Levi Foxworth, Anthony Bartoo, Terry Hand and Reid Bridwell.
Collum died Friday, March 1, 2002, in Woodville.
Born June 5, 1934, in Jay, Okla., he had been treated for chronic leukemia for the past five years. Collum was the oldest son of Rev. Fred E. Lark Collum, an intinerant Methodist preacher and his wife Elizabeth Manon Brook Collum. He was a member of the Seed of Faith Church of Woodville.
He is survived by a brother, B.R. Collum and wife Carol; a sister, Margaret I. Young and husband Melvin; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church of Chico, P.O. Box 504, Chico, Texas, 76431.
Wise County Messenger, March 7, 2002

Colvin, Frances Arnold
1917-2002
Service for Frances Arnold Colvin, 84, of Fort Worth was Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Shannon North Funeral Chapel in Fort Worth. Burial followed at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
Colvin died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, in Fort Worth.
Born July 15, 1917, in McAlester, Okla., she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Newark and the Newark Senior Citizens.
She was preceded in death by her husband, C.L. “Brad” Colvin in 1984.
She is survived by three children, Bobby Colvin of Massachusetts, Betty Gallegos and Charlotte McAlister, both of Fort Worth; two sisters, Faye Webb of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Rossie Hammerstein of San Jose, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be made to Vitas Hospice, 2501 Parkview Drive, Suite 600 in Fort Worth, Texas, 76102.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 10, 2002

Connally, James Ralph, Jr.
1937-2002
Graveside service for James Ralph Connally, Jr., 64, of Boyd was Tuesday, April 16, at the Boyd Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Wright officiating.
Connally died Saturday, April 13, 2002, in Decatur.
He was born July 10, 1937, in Iredell. A 1956 graduate of Boyd High School, he was an Army veteran and a retired butcher. He was a Baptist. He married Gwen Hall Sept. 29, 1972, in Weatherford. He was preceded in death by his father, James Connally, Sr., and a brother, Joe David Connally.
He is survived by his mother, Esther Connally; a son, Andy Connally; a daughter, Marcey Connally; three stepchildren Buddy Butcher, Peggy Crain and Trina Mathis; three brothers, Sam Connally, Danny Connally and Ricky Connally; three sisters, Peggy Perkins, Colene Scott and Linda Wright; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Wise County Messenger, April 18, 2002

Cook, James Thomas ‘Jim’
1939-2002
Service for James Thomas “Jim” Cook, 63, of Paradise was to be Saturday, July 6, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale. The Revs. Charles Pugh and Terry Terry were to officiate. Burial was to follow at Cottondale Cemetery.
Pallbearers were to be Rob Crawford, Roy Jones, Mike Richardson, Trent Morrow, Tony Caruthers and Gilbert Horton. Honorary pallbearers were to be Tom Frost, Wayne Hudson, Nick Nichols, Larry McNew and David Shockley.
Cook died Thursday, July 4, 2002, in Decatur.
Born Jan. 31, 1939, in Decatur, he married Janice Rendleman on Feb. 17, 1961, in Cottondale. He retired after 44 years of service as a cable technician for Southwestern Bell. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Cottondale.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Cook and his sister, Wanda McBride.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Leslie Cook and wife Jan, Jamie Cook and wife Karen, and Paul Cook, all of Bridgeport; a daughter, Veronica Cook of Paradise; a brother, Robert Cook of Paradise; a sister, Toni Howell of Denton; seven grandchildren, Kenneth, Michael, Kaleb, Parker, Carson, Mason and Taylor; his mother-in-law, Gracie Rendleman of Paradise and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, July 7, 2002

Cook, Leonard F. ‘Cookie’
1923-2002
Graveside service for Leonard F. “Cookie” Cook, 79, of Sealy was Friday, Nov. 15 at Fayetteville Catholic Cemetery. Monsignor Ben Mazurkiewicz officiated.
Cook died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Bellville.
Born June 21, 1923, in Decatur to Thurman Foster and Bernice McCraken Cook, he was a retired technician with Gulf Oil Corp. and was a member of the Methodist church. He married Agnes Vitek Cook in Wallis May 8, 1954. He was a member of the Decatur Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Agnes Cook; one daughter, Donna McBride and her husband Joe of Houston; two sons, Kyle Cook and wife Barbara and Ken Cook and wife Helen, all of Madison, Miss.; four sisters, Martha Hickey of Crane, Bonnie Rawlings and husband U.R. of Decatur, Norma Wiley and husband Clint of Decatur and Joyce McNeil and husband Jim of Richmond and five grandchildren, Jonathan, Meredith, Foster, Kendall and Carter.
Wise County Messenger, Nov. 17, 2002

Cooley, Juanita
1918-2002
Graveside service for Juanita Cooley, 83, of San Angelo was to be Wednesday, April 10, at Bethel Cemetery in Wise County at 11 a.m.
Cooley died Sunday, April 7, 2002, in San Angelo.
Born April 11, 1918, in Decatur, she was a homemaker. She married the late Pete Cooley on March 22, 1941. He preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1988.
She is survived by a son, Tom Cooley of Cancun, Mexico; a daughter, Phyllis Standard of San Angelo; a sister, Dale Hoyle of Decatur; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, April 11, 2002

Cooper, Charles Thomas
1938-2002
Service for Charles Thomas Cooper, 64, of Bridgeport will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 13, at the Pleasant View Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Demmitt officiating. Burial will be in Cumby Cemetery north of Chico.
Cooper died Friday, May 10, 2002, in Bridgeport.
He was born Jan. 19, 1938, in Fort Worth. He was a machinist for Hydra-Rig in Fort Worth for 27 years. He lived in Fort Worth until 1993 when he moved to Bridgeport. He married Jody Whatley Dec. 31, 1956, in Fort Worth. He was a deacon at Pleasant View Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Lee Cooper.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Ricky Thomas Cooper of Bridgeport and Lesley Wayne Cooper and his wife Barbara of Keller; two daughters, Darla LaNell McCollum and her husband Ken and Lisa Rene Garcia and her husband Mickey, all of Bridgeport; three sisters, Peggy Stanton of Nipomo, Calif., and Faye Baker and Charlene Schiller, both of Rendon; two sisters-in-law, Bertie Ousley and Judy Begley; a brother-in-law, Butch Begley; and 11 grandchildren, Dax Cooper, Chaney Cooper, Gage Cooper, Clint Cooper, Lindsey Cooper, Stacie McCollum, Kenneth McCollum, Julie McCollum, Mikey Garcia, Jacob Garcia and Rylee Garcia.
Wise County Messenger, May 12, 2002

Copp, L.D.
1928-2002
Service for L.D. Copp, 74, of Justin was Monday, Dec. 23 at the Justin United Methodist Church. Rev. John Eckstein officiated, assisted by James Vinzant.
Copp died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, in Denton.
Born April 22, 1928, in Justin to Ira and Ada Alice (Holland) Jott, he married Sandra Love on April 25, 1953, in Justin. He was retired from several self-employment ventures. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and he was a member of the Justin United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of the Justin Masonic Lodge, No. 963.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Terry and Kyle and three grandchildren, all of Justin.
Wise County Messenger, Dec. 25, 2002

Cowdin, Jacoby Ivough
2002-2002
Graveside service for Jacoby Ivough Cowdin, the infant son of Cassondra Davis and Shannon Cowdin of Rhome, will be Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Bishop Brad Ough will officiate.
Cowdin died shortly after birth Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002, in Decatur.
He is survived by his parents; his grandparents, Nick and Sandra Gladkoff of Rhome and Donald A. Davis of Hampton, Va.; great-grandparents, Ivan and Anna Adle of Cozad, Neb.; two brothers, Chevis and Zhane Cowdin and two sisters, Korrissa Davis and Aubrey Cowdin.
Wise County Messenger, Sept. 15, 2002

Cowling, Edgar
1920-2002
Service for Edgar Cowling, 81, of Bridgeport is Thursday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Johnny Irish will officiate. Burial will follow at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Corey Cowling, Will Cowling, Brad Garrison, Jay Hudson, Doug Bridwell and Billy Fred Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Loyd Wood, L.B. McDonald, L.V. Selz Claude Emmons, Carl Ray Jones, Charles Wulfjin and Aaron Green.
Cowling died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born Feb. 23, 1920, in Bridgeport, Cowling earned a degree in agricultural engineering from Texas A&M University in 1941. He was a World War II veteran and served for many years on the Bridgeport school board, including several years as president. He served as Bridgeport postmaster for 22 years and was a rural route mail carrier five years before his retirement. He was the first chairman of the Wise County Appraisal District board of directors and helped shape the organization of the district in 1979. Cowling was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport.
He is survived by his wife Jane Cowling; two sons, Edgar W. Cowling of Arlington and Grady Cowling of Bridgeport; two daughters, Harriet Garrison of Bridgeport and Phyllis Cowling of Amarillo and seven grandchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 24, 2002

Cox, Brandon
1984-2002
Service for Brandon Cox, 18, of Palestine was Tuesday, May 7 at the First Baptist Church of Palestine with the Rev. Steve Beckworth, pastor of Iowa Park First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was in the East Bridgeport Cemetery.
He died Friday night, May 3, 2002, in Mildred.
He was born March 6, 1984, in Huntsville to Kenneth G. Cox Jr. and Brenda Ray White Cox. He was a senior at Cayuga High School and was to graduate this month. He was active in athletics and was a member of the football team. He formerly attended Iowa Park High School and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Iowa Park.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Brenda and Doug Wilkinson of Palestine; his father and stepmother, Kenneth G. and Toni Cox Jr. of Plainview; his grandparents, Mary Ann Reeves of South Port, Fla., and Elmer White and Inez White and Wilma White, all of Bridgeport and Dorothy Ann Wilkinson of San Antonio; a sister, Erica Roosa of Burkburnett; a brother, Aaron Cox of Slocum; an aunt, uncle and two cousins.
Pallbearers were Nick Kennedy, Matt Ohm, Brandon Gentry, Andy Simpson, Kyle Young and Patric Kennedy.
Wise County Messenger, May 9, 2002

Cox, Willie Harold
1926-2002
Service for Willie Harold Cox, 75, of Bridgeport was to be Saturday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. The Rev. Bo Blakey was to officiate. Burial was to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery Number 3 in Chico.
Cox died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in Bridgeport.
Born July 7, 1926, in Chico, he had been a Bridgeport resident since 1961. He was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Masonic Lodge No. 587, Alvord Chapter and Council, and Southside Commandery No. 83 York Rite. He was former secretary of the Texas State Association of Letter Carriers.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Davis Cox in 1953, and his second wife, Dorothy Silvia Cox in 1985.
He is survived by two sons, William “Bill” Cox of Killeen and Jon Cox and wife Rachel of Bedford; two daughters, Carolyn Triplett and husband Paul of Bowie and Traci Carroll and husband Jeremy of Bridgeport; two brothers, Ray Cox and wife Nelda of Bridgeport and Cecil Cox and wife Kyong of Anaheim, Calif.; a sister, Janet Canova and husband Eugene of Bridgeport; four grandchildren, Michelle Blann, Mindy Suri, Elizabeth and Corbet Cox; one great granddaughter, Sydney Blann and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wise County Messenger, Jan. 6, 2002

Crane, Calvin W., Sr.
1926-2002
Graveside service for Calvin W. Crane Sr., 76, of Rhome was held Aug. 23.
Crane died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, in Rhome.
He was preceded in death by his son, Wesley Crane Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Eleenia C. Crane; a son, John Crane Sr. and wife Sandra; a daughter Linda Zavala and husband Jesse; grandchildren, Christina Jimenez and husband Napoleon Jr., Janette Billings, John Crane Jr., Kevin Crane and wife Terri, Wes Crane and wife Keri, Julieanne Boehrig and husband Robert; and 14 great-granchildren.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 25, 2002

Crawford, Garland Eugene
1951-2002
Private service for Garland Eugene Crawford, 51, of Wheat Ridge, Colo., was to be Thursday, Aug. 29. Rev. Bill Higgins will officiate. Burial will follow at Thomas Cemetery.
Crawford died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, in Colorado.
Born April 1, 1951, in Decatur, he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a construction worker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Marjetta (McNeil) Crawford.
He is survived by four sisters, Linda Baker and husband Butch, Drena Becker, Brenda Keele and Sharron Hunter and husband Alvis; his step-mother, Helen Crawford; and two aunts, Mildred Clendenen and Shirley McNeil.
Wise County Messenger, Aug. 29, 2002

Cross, Mary Lorene
1910-2002
Service for Mary Lorene Cross, 91, of Decatur will be Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at the Decatur Church of Christ. Ryan Morrison will officiate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Cross died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, in Decatur.
Born June 21, 1910, in Jacksboro, she was a pharmaceutical sales clerk. She married the late Charles L. Cross in Quannah in 1929 and was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ.
She is survived by a son, Dean Cross of Shreveport, La.; two daughters, Velma White of Decatur and Cordia Holland of Selina, Calif.; one grandson, Gary and wife Joanne Cross of Centerville, Mass., and five great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Moffit, Craig Jordan, Pat Collins, H.L. Ross, Ken Burnett, Roger Armstrong and Alvin Baker.
Wise County Messenger, June 6, 2002

Crownover, Jacky
1953-2002
Service for Jacky Crownover