02/28/07

Hazel Amelia Donaldson - Taylor Funeral Home announces services for 86 year old, Hazel Amelia Donaldson, of Timpson. Services are this (Wednesday) afternoon at two o’clock at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Corinth Cemetery.

Among Ms. Donaldson’s survivors are one son, John Ricks Eberlan, of Timpson, two daughters, Freeda Allen, of Timpson, and Celeste Jones, of Porter, and one sister, Ellie Quinn, of Timpson.

Dora Weatherford - Taylor Funeral Home announces memorial services for 96 year old, Dora Weatherford, of Timpson. Memorial services are Saturday morning at 10:30 at First Baptist Church of Timpson. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Among Ms. Weatherford’s survivors are two sons, Charles Eugene Weatherford, of Waxahachie, and Rodney O. Weatherford, of Timpson

A.G. Johnson - Community Funeral of Timpson announces services for 50 year old, A. G. Johnson, of Timpson. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at two o’clock at First Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson. Interment will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Garrison.

Among Mr. Johnson’s survivors are one son, Armand Johnson, one daughter, LaShunda Johnson, both of Timpson, six sisters, Janice Anthony, Rosezenia Perkins, Saundra Johnson, and Vickie Brinson, all four of Timpson, Johnnie E. Lane Thompson, of Garrison, and LaKeshia Johnson, of Jacksonville, and three brothers, Charles Johnson, of Carthage, Reginold Johnson, of Timpson, and Johnny Ray Johnson, of Garrison.

Prentice Bell - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 66 year old, Prentice Bell, of Tenaha. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at one o’clock at Benford Chapel Baptist Church. Interment will be in Saint John Cemetery.

Among Mr. Bell’s survivors are two daughters, Dorothy Bell and Wanda Bell, both of Houston, one son, Prentice Lee Bell, Junior, of Arizona, three sisters, Helen Leonard, of Nacogdoches, Cherry Earl of Timpson, and Dorothy Byrd, of Nacogdoches, and three brothers, Roosevelt Bell, of Pennsylvania, Robert Calloway, of Timpson, and S. L. Calloway, of Tenaha.

02/27/07

Mary Beth Belrose, 55, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2007. She was born September 28, 1951 in Nacogdoches to Buster Oates and Louise Brimer Oates. She was a member of Logansport United Pentecostal Church.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Sardis Pentecostal Church in Center with Bro. Bennie Bynog and Bro. R. L. Coudrain officiating. Interment will follow at Brandon Memorial Cemetery in Center.

Pallbearers will be Lewis Harbison, Stephen Watson, Perry Pugh, Heath Harbison, Todd Clark and Sam McGee.

Honorary pallbearers John Schillings, Wyatt Thomas and Jimmy Belrose.

Survivors include:

Husband, Roe Belrose of Joaquin

Son, Kenneth Blankenship & wife Tabby of Chireno

Son, Tuffy Blankenship & wife Lesa of Logansport

Daughter, Cathy Myers & husband Wesley of Center

Son, Wayne Belrose & wife Sonya of Center

Son, Chris Belrose & wife Pam of Center

14 Grandchildren

7 Great Grandchildren

Brothers:

James Carlise & wife Shawn of Lufkin

Charlie Carlise & wife Sandy of Lufkin

Also a number of nieces, nephews & cousins.

Preceded in death by:

Parents, Buster Oates and Louise Brimer Oates

Brother, Billy Wayne Carlise

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Hazel Amelia Donaldson - Taylor Funeral Home announce services for 86 year old, Hazel Amelia Donaldson, of Timpson. Services are tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at two o’clock at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Corinth Cemetery. Visitation is this (Tuesday) evening from six until eight o’clock.

Among Ms. Donaldson’s survivors are one son, John Ricks Eberlan, of Timpson, two daughters, Freeda Allen, of Timpson, and Celeste Jones, of Porter, and one sister, Ellie Quinn, of Timpson.

02/26/07

Kara Deann Miller, 17, of Center passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2007. Kara was born on November 22, 1989 in Nacogdoches County, Texas to Matthew Miller and Barbara Montgomery Miller. She was a student at Shelbyville High School and a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Bro. Buddy Gray officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Survivors include:
Parents; Matthew and Sheri Miller of Center

Brothers;
Derek Miller and wife Katie of Wichita Falls
Jared Miller of Center
Joshua Miller of Center
Matthew Miller, Jr. of Center

Mother; Barbara Chometa of Crockett

Grandparents;
Gene and Iva Nell Miller of Center
Homer and Dorothy Pritchett of Center
Carolyn Adams of Crockett
Felton and Shirley Gilmore of Clyde

Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and other relatives
A Host of Friends

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Monday, February 26, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

02/23/07

James Lee McSwain, of Center, passed away Friday, February 23, 2007 at a Houston hospital. He was born on March 24, 1927 in Shelby County to James Roscoe McSwain and Evie Lee Dean McSwain. Mr. McSwain served his country in the Army Air Corps. He was employed in the timber business as well as being a farmer and cattle rancher. Mr. McSwain was a member of the Old Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, February 26, 2007 at the Watson and Sons Chapel with Rev. Wes Hall, Rev. Steve Harris and Rev. Dathan Tipton officiating. Interment will follow in the Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.

Survivors include:
Wife: Mildred McSwain of Center.

Sons:
Stevie McSwain and wife Lori of Center, Ronnie McSwain and wife Donna of Center, Michael McSwain of Center, Kevin McSwain of Center, Kelly McSwain and wife Donna of Center and Marlie McSwain and wife Jessica of Center.

Daughters:
Kristie Michelle Tipton and husband Dathan of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Kimberly Ener of Friendship.

Twenty-one Grandchildren and Four Great Grandchildren.

Brother: J.C. McSwain and wife Venorah of Center.

Sisters: Iva Joy Hribal of Center and Mary Danley of Center.

Preceded in death by:

Parents, James Roscoe McSwain and Evie Lee Dean McSwain.
Daughter-in-law, Carla McSwain
Brother -in-law, Chet Hribal and Gene Danley

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sunday, February 25, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Services under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

Calvin Edwards - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 73 year old, Calvin Edwards, of Center. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at one o’clock at Carroll Chapel C-M-E in Shelbyville. Interment will be in Carroll Cemetery.
Among Mr. Edwards’ survivors are five sons, Rex White, of Oregon, and Lennon Edwards, Charles Edwards, Harry Stansberry, and Donald Hale, all four of Center, three daughters, Renna Hubbard, Renell Reed, and Faye Edwards, all three of Center, five sisters, Zena Howell, Joyce Kindle, and Jannie Coleman, all three of Center, Gracie McDonald, of Tyler, and Vernell Sebron, of Longview, and one brother, Bobby Ray Roberts, of Center.

02/21/07

Terry Jones, 44, of Groveland, Florida, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2007 in Leesburg, Florida. She was born May 29, 1962 in Dallas to Bobby Joe Jones and Shirley Ann Moore Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, February 23, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Bro. Tracy Wright and Bro. Cecil Chessher officiating. Cremation will follow.

Pallbearers will be Joey White, David Yates, Donald Hicks, Jr., Allen Hicks, Matt Hicks and Wayne Moore.

Survivors include:

Husband, Alan Jones of Groveland, Florida

Daughter, LeTeasha Berli of Groveland, Florida

Son, Cole Jones of Groveland, Florida

Parents, Bobby & Shirley Jones of Center

Sisters:
Beverly Cambell of Clairmont, Florida
Pam White of Center
Wendy Hicks & husband Donald of Tenaha

Also a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:
Brother, Kenneth Price in 2000

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Kenneth Roy Eells, 85, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at a Longview hospital. He was born February 25, 1921 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Roy J. Eells and Hala Granger Eells. Kenneth was raised on a farm southwest of Gothenburg where he attended a one room schoolhouse for eight years and then attended Gothenburg High School for four years. He graduated high school in 1939, then entered the U.S. Army Air Corps on November 26, 1940. He was Honorably Discharged on October 26, 1945. In January 1944 he married Gladys Barnes Hooker.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, February 25, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Ken Eells and Rev. Bruce Head officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, February 26, 2007 at Center Hill Cemetery in Oakhurst, Texas.

Survivors include:

Sons:
Harold Eugene Hooker & wife Margie of Huntsville
Kenneth Wayne Eells & wife Carolyn of Richmond, Virginia

Grandchildren:
Dennis Hooker of Hunt
David Hooker & wife Joann of Spring
Linda Barecky & husband Jeffrey of Kerrville
Shelley Locke & husband Jason of Center
Wendy Sundholm & husband Paul of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Jeremy Eells & wife Angela of Hemphill

Great Grandchildren:
Laurel Hooker
Megan Hooker
Nicholas Barecky
Jacob and Emma Locke
Bailey and Dawson Eells
Joshua, Caleb, Micah and Moriah Sundholm

Brother, Bob Eells & wife Loretta of Riverton, Wyoming

Brother-in-Law, Joe Barnes of Huntsville

Sister-in-Law, Hester Barnes of Huntsville

Also numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

02/20/07

Vera Miller, of Center, passed away February 19, 2007 at Holiday Nursing Home in Center.
Services will be 12:00 p.m. Noon Wednesday February 21, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro Carl Smith and Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Burial will follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be Tuesday February 20, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born March 19, 1921 to Carroll F. and Willie Brittain Miller. She was in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1945. She was a bank secretary in Houston for many years. She retired from the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. where she was a clerk for 11 years.
Then she moved back to Shelby County. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Center where she was active in the Choir and Golden Harvest.

She is preceded in death by her parents Carroll F. and Willie Miller, infant brother, Ora Miller: Brother Calvin R. Miller, Brother-in-law R.H. Lipscomb.

Among her survivors are:
Sister:
Brooksie Lipscomb of Tenaha
Brother:
Henry Miller & wife Jackie of Tenaha
Sister-in-law:
Maxine Miller of Tenaha
Niece & Nephews
Carolyn Cochran & husband Larry of Pearland
Geraldine Bridges of Joaquin
Elizabeth Marett & husband Jimmy of Houston
John Miller Jr. & wife Kay of San Antonio
Carroll Ray Miller & wife Ruth of Tenaha
Eddie Lipscomb & wife Sandy of Houston
Steve Miller & wife Susan of Pearland
Number of Great Nieces & Nephews
Pallbearers:
McNeil Moore Billy Clyde Duncan John Royes
Joe Anderson Bill Stegall Jim Forbes

If you would like to make donations, please make donations “ In Memory of Vera Miller” to Folsom Chapel Cemetery Arch Fund

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

02/19/07

Dorcas Ann Smith Sonmor - Services are pending for Dorcas Ann Smith Sonmor of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Sonmore passed away Friday in Colorado. She is the daughter of Mac Shelby Smith and Mozell Smith. Service time and survivors to be announced.

02/17/07

Jimmy Jean Boozer passed away February 16, 007 at Grace Manor Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mrs. Boozer was born on November 24, 1937 in San Augustine, Texas to Jim Skipper and Louis Kennon Skipper. Mrs. Boozer was a member of the Central Baptist Church of Center. Mrs. Boozer was a homemaker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 19, 2007 at Central Baptist Church in Center with Rev. Danny Dodson and Rev. Roy Wallace officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

Survivors include:
Daughters: Sheila Wilkinson and Kenneth of Pineville, Louisiana, Sandra Horne and Alan of Center Texas and Cynthia Cagle and John Henry of Center, Texas.

Grandchildren: Tara Davenport, Christi Slay, and Jeremy Smith.

Great Grandchildren: Jodi Davenport, Wendi Davenport and Mathis Slay.

Sisters: Merle Davis of San Augustine, Texas, Shirley Honeycutt and Buddy of Overton, Texas, and Caroly James and Raymond of Longview, Texas.

A number of nieces, nephew, cousins and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Jim Skipper and Lois Kennon Skipper, Husband: Thurman Boozer, Sister; Maxie Barbay and Great Grandson; Blake Smith.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home.

Ann Owens , 90, of Brenham, TX formerly of Port Arthur, TX. passed away Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Trinity Care Center in Brenham.

Graveside Services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, February 20, 007 at Price Cemetery- Lone Cedar Community in Joaquin.

She was born June 27, 1916 in Port Arthur, Texas to parents Andy & Anna (Horak) Braho. She was a homemaker. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Ralph Owens.

She is survived by:
Son, Stephen & Marlies Owens of North Carolina
Daughter, Margie & Cappy Ricks of Brenham

5 Grandchildren: Adrianne Persyn, Joel Ricks, Annalies Stewart, Lauren Owens & Megan Owens.

4 Great Grandchildren

Brother-in-law: Richard Owens of Joaquin
Sister-in-law: Edith Swan of Joaquin
Sister-in-law: Ella Mae McDaniel of California

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

Vivian Lamerle Rozell, age 72 of Center, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Shelby Regional Medical Center.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at New Hope Cemetery, Center, Texas with Bro. Lawrence Thompson officiating.
Visitation is Tuesday, February 20, 2007, from 5pm until 9pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born December 15, 1934 in Shelby County to parents, Roy Leon & Fleta (Lucas) Noble. She was a homemaker.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy Leon & Fleta Noble, her Husband, Cecil Rozell, Son; Donnie Flow and Brother, Jerry Noble.

She is survived by:
2 Sons, Roy David Flow & wife, Sherri of Lake Jackson
Daniel Baine Gillispie of Richmond, VA

6 Grandchildren
4 Great Grandchildren

2 Brothers: Roy Edward Noble & wife, Joyce of Joaquin
Roger Noble of Center

2 Sisters: Geraldine Tomlin of Center
Syble Adkison of Houston

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

02/16/07

Julie Brittain Harris, of Garrison passed away at her home. Julie was born on July 13, 1956 in Port Authur, Texas. Mrs. Harris graduated from S.F.A. with a degree in accounting, she worked for Lamar University for many years. She was of the Baptist faith.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas with Bro. Billy WIndham officiating.

Survivors include: Daughter, Rachel Harris & Russell Stoneback of Dallas. Daughter Erin Harris of Garrison and Sister, Pam Jones & David of Shelbyville. Niece: Joanna Jones of Shelbyville, Texas. Nephew: Jeremiah Jones of Shelbyville, Texas.

Preceded in death by: Daughter, Ashley Harris and her parents

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Sunday, February 17, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home.

Services under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

02/15/07

Clyde Waldrop - 76, of Huxley died Wednesday, February 14, 2007 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born November 1, 1930 in Terry County, Texas to Melvin T. Waldrop and Edna Earl Crowder Waldrop. Mr. Waldrop served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a self employed mechanic and machinist. Mr. Waldrop was a member of the Toldeo Bend Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jack Forbis and Bro. Wayne Bickley officiating. Interment will follow in the Wimberly Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be Terry Torregrossa, Mark Allen, Beau Harris, Scott Waldrop, Edith Tuggle, and Mathew Waldrop.

Survivors include: Wife, Margaret Waldrop of Huxley, Son, Kevin Waldrop and wife Cindy of Shreveport, La. , Daughter in law, Denise Cummings of Abiline.

Grandchildren: Tana Torregrossa and husband Terry of Baird, Sherry Allen and husband Mark of Baird, Cindy Harris and husband Beau of Abilene, Scott Waldrop and wife Christy of Westlake, La., Mallory "Lucy" Waldrop of Shreveport, La.

Great Grandchildren: Zane, Zoey, Maggie, Seth, Whitney, and Bryce.

Sisters: Louise Woodward of Prairie Grove, Ark., Marie Worsham and husband William of Plains.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Melvin T. Waldrop and Edna Earl Crowder Waldrop, Sister, Lucille Bush, Brothers, Robert Waldrop, Levi Waldrop, Charlie Waldrop, Fred Waldrop, and Harold Waldrop. Son: Royce Waldrop.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, February 16, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Elizabeth Nettles Fenton - 46, of New Caney, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2007. A private family graveside was held Thursday, February 15, 2007 at Latham Cemetery in Shelbyville.

She was born February 24, 1960 to Carrol Fred and Mildred Nettles, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1978. She worked for Snappy Snack Vending Service here in Center for many years.

She is survived by: Brothers: David and Sherry Nettles of Center and Tommy and Frances Nettles of Houston.

Number of Nieces and Nephews.

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Alberto Ramirez - Watson and Sons Funeral Home announces pending services for 65 year old, Alberto Ramirez.

Peggy Williams - Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending services for 45 year old, Peggy Williams, of Tenaha.

02/13/07

Grady Whittlesey, age: 65 of Center passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2007
At Holiday Nursing Center. Services will be 3p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gene Kirkley officiating. His body will be cremated after the service.

Visitation will begin Wednesday at 11:00 am until service time at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born, August 8, 1941 in Shelby County to Parents, Murris Alfred & Dorothy (Tidwell) Whittlesey.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 Brothers, Ricky Whittlesey and M.A. Whittlesey and Sister, Marjorie Cunningham.

He is survived by:
Son & Daughter-in-law:
Michael & Brenda Whittlesey of Center
Grandson, Robert Whittlesey of Houston
Granddaughter, Crystal Koltonski & husband, Matt of Center

Brothers & Sisters:
William Whittlesey & wife, Ginger of Humble
Barbara Norton of Warren
Judy Whittlesey of Houston
Julia Mae Bienek & husband, Lloyd of Spring
Robert Whittlesey & wife, Beatrix of Winnie

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

02/12/07

Frank Edward Parker, 82, lifetime Centerite and longtime civic leader will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at Center United Methodist Church with the Reverend Greg Megill officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park. F.E. (as he was know to many friends) passed away on Monday, February 12, 2007 at his home in Center.

F.E. was born October 19, 1924 in Center, Texas to Fornie and Aileen Runnels Parker. F.E. earned his Eagle Scout before becoming a 1941 graduate of Center High School. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M and was a 1949 graduate of The University of Texas in Austin. However, he was a loyal Aggie after he attended Texas A&M University before he served our country in the Navy during World War II.

F.E. was a respected businessman, avid hunter, philanthropist, loving husband and father. In 1951 F.E. became the owner of Parker Motor Company, a company owned and operated by his family for many decades. He also co-owned at one time five other Ford dealerships. Among business ventures he had an interest in Center Coca-Cola and later Nacogdoches Coca-Cola, the JE Ranch in New Mexico and numerous other real estate ventures. One of his greatest loves was hunting. He was a longtime member of the "Malibu Hunting Club." Simply put, he was a born hunter evidenced by his lifelong love for the sport. Some of F.E.'s closest friends were his "huntin' buddies". His hunting experiences were topped by numerous safaris to Africa.

F.E. had a passion for helping high school students, particularly those from Shelby County. He was instrumental in both founding and nurturing the Roughrider Scholarship, a fund that all Center High School students are eligible to use for the continuation of their higher education. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Center where he served on the Board of Stewards for a number of years. F.E. was a Board member of the Center Rotary Club and served our state as a commissioner on the Sabine Compact Commission. F.E. was president of the Center Chamber of Commerce and Fair Association. He served on the Center School Board and was a co-founder of the Center Country Club. F.E. served on the board of directors of Guaranty Bond Bank, Farmers State Bank, and Shelby Savings Bank. F.E. was a member of the Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 and the Sharon Shrine Temple.

F.E. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris Massey Parker of Center: two daughters and son-in-laws, Pam and William Harrison Wall of Denver, Colorado, Patti and James Boyd Peterson of Fort Worth, a son and daughter-in-law, Frank E.,Jr. and Cheryl Parker of Dallas; seven grandchildren, William Harrison Wall, III (Tripp) and his wife, Anna of Denver, Treven Parker Wall and his wife, Alison of Edinburgh, Scotland, Claiborn Massey Peterson and his wife Katie of Dallas, Pamela Aileen Peterson of Fort Worth, Winter Patricia Wall of Denver, Frank E. Parker III(Trey) of Dallas, Bolt Houston Parker of Dallas; a bother and sister-in-law, Jack and Letitia Parker of Carthage; three great grandchildren, Adelyn Stratton Wall of Denver, Kathrin Ann Peterson of Dallas, Peter Merriman Wall of Edinburgh, Scotland; beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 13, 2007 from 5 to 7 pm at Watson and Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a memorial contribution to the Roughrider Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 152, Center, Texas 75935 or First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935

02/11/07

Clint Weaver, 17, of Center died Saturday, February 10, 2007 in Nacogdoches. He was born March 14, 1989 in Nacogdoches to Larry Weaver and Pam Warr Weaver. Clint was a junior at Center High School. He attended Bill Shew's Cowboy Church in Nacogdoches.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Buddy Gray and Rev. Jason Hebert officiating. Interment will follow in the Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.

Surviving include:
Parents, Larry and Pam Weaver of Center

Sister, Lindsey Weaver of Center

Grandparents, Jimmy and Liz Warr of Center and Buford and Sue Weaver of Center.

Great Grandmother, Lucille Hughes of Joaquin.

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins,
Penny Sowell and Family
Paula and Eugene Haley and Family
Denise and Pete Owens and Family
Helen Windham and Family

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Monday, February 12, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

Jimmy Wayne Bowden, 71, of Tenaha passed away Sunday, February 11, 2007 in Carthage. Mr. Bowden was born on June 28, 1935 in Tenaha to Willie Eugene Bowden and Mable King Bowden. Mr. Bowden served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a pipeline inspector and served on the Tenaha School Board. Mr. Bowden was of the Presbyterian faith.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday 17, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. J.T. Trotte and Rev. Dock Lazarine officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Yarberry, Harry Joe Surgener, Robert Rowe, Randy Rowe, Robert Bryan and Dale Stepp.

Among Mr. Bowden's survivors are his wife, Pat Bowden of Tenaha: Two sons, Eugene Bowden of Nacogdoches and Robert Bowden of Timpson.
Grandchildren: Detria, Jimmy Lynn, Michael, Bradley, Whitney, Beau, Jeff and Kayla.

6 Great Grandchildren

Brothers: George Bowden of Cleburne and James Bowden of Houston.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Willie Eugene Bowden and Mable King Bowden. Sons: Wayne Bowden and Dewayne Bowden. Brother: King Bowden.

Services are under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

02/09/07

Henry McNeil, 85, of Elysian Fields formerly of Joaquin Area passed away Friday, February 9, 2007 at his residence. Services will be 1:00 pm. Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel in Center with Bro. Jake Hutto officiating. Burial will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Joaquin. Visitation will be Monday February 12, 2007 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born September 20, 1921 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was raised in Joaquin by his adopted mother Mable McNeil Ritter. He worked for Ray D. Partin as a welder for many years. He served in the U S Army during World War II. He was a life member of the Old Spanish Trail Ride where he served as president for many years.

He is preceded in death by his wife Bessie McNeil, granddaughter, Patricia Ann McNeil, and adopted mother, Mable McNeil Ritter.

He is survived by:
Mother of his children and Caregiver, Aline Shofner of Marshall.
Children: Charles & Betty McNeil of Glenwood, Ark.
Joann Dowden of Marshall
Patsy & Bill Smith of Lake Dallas, Texas
James Ray & Susan McNeil of Marshall

10 Grandchildren
18 GreatGrandchildren
4 Great Great Grandchildren

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas

02/08/07

Walter Van Cassell, 60, of Center, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2007. He was born March 19, 1946 in Center to Leon Cassell and Berniece L. Hitt Cassell. Walter was a member of First Baptist Church in Center. He worked part-time at Watson and Sons Funeral Home, and was retired from AT&T where he worked as a maintenance pipefitter.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Billy Crosby and Rev. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Sanders, Thaddeus Tucker, Scott Jacobs, Kevin Smith, Scott Lincoln and Bobby Watson.

Survivors include:

Wife, Mary Beth Cassell of Center

Son, Mike Cassell & wife Lea of Center

Daughter, Christy Leyshon & husband Jeff of North Richland Hills

Grandchildren, Aaron Carey, Jayton Cassell, Sheridan Cassell, Sydney Leyshon and Connor Cassell.

Brother, Perry Cassell & wife Penny of Keithville, Louisiana

Brother, David Cassell & wife Beth of Center

Mother-in-Law, Mary Boles of Center

Brother-in-Law & Sister-in-Law, Ken Boles & wife Cecilia of Center

Also a number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Evie Alicia, 76, of Clermont went to be with the Lord February 8, 2007. She was born in Center Texas to Lonora Ann (Nonie) and John Henry (Bud) Allen. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother sister and aunt. She worked for civil service as a clerk-typist and in the Household Goods department as a supervisor for over 49 years and had been active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for many years and President of the Ladies Auxiliary in 1981-82. She was also a member of the Bo Weevil Cooties organization , District 8. She was married for 49 years and survived by her loving and devoted husband, Harry Alicia. She is also survived by her children Candace and Danny Allen of Whitney, TX; Anthony Alicia of Summerville, SC; Shawn and Sharon Alicia of Oviedo, Roxann Oyler of Burke, VA, Michael Alicia and Jeff Calhoun of New York, Kevin Alicia of Arlington, VA, her grandchildren Thomas, Adriane, Kyle, Nicholas, Sherry, Britni, Lee, Ronnie and Rayna; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her siblings A.E.(Evin) Allen of Pearland, TX, A.B. (Arlon) Allen of Lufkin, TX, Maggie Lucille McSwain of Center, TX, Johnny Lynn Allen of Pasadena, TX and Nelva Louise Bowers of Lubbock, TX. Siblings who preceded her in death were James E. Allen, Ernest.W. Allen, Mozelle Anthony, Francis Howard and Maxine Samford.

Visitation will be held at the Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden on Friday February 9, from 6pm to 8pm. The funeral services will be on Saturday at 1pm in Winter Garden and later at the gravesite, Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Dr. at approximately 4pm. In lieu of flowers Evie requested that donations be made to either Hospice Care of Lake and Sumter Counties or to the charity of your choice.

02/07/07

Forest Dale Belrose, 76, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2007. He was born February 13, 1930 in Center to Cecil and Vena Willoughby Belrose. Mr. Belrose was a member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, The Sam Samford Masonic Lodge in Center and the Sharon Temple Shrine in Tyler. He also served in the US Army.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Chuck Horton and Rev. Pat Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Center.

Survivors include:

Wife, Bonnie Belrose of Center

Sons, Jerry Belrose of Center and Danny Belrose of Center

Daughter, Beth Wall & husband Drew of Red Oak

Grandson, Corey Belrose of Shawnee, Oklahoma

Granddaughter, Sissy Belrose of Center

Great Granddaughters, Caley Belrose of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Carissa Belrose of Shawnee, Oklahoma

Great Grandson, Cason Belrose of Shawnee, Oklahoma

Brothers:
Robert Belrose & wife Martha of Center
Jimmy Belrose & wife Linda of Center
A. B. Belrose & wife Jane of Port Arthur

Also numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Cecil and Vena Belrose
Great Granddaughter, Zoie Prislac

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, February 9, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Billy G. Andrews, 72, of East Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at a Tyler hospital. He was born October 8, 1934 in Center, Texas to R. V. Andrews and Arlene Eddins Andrews. Mr. Andrews was a member of East Hamilton Baptist Church.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 10, 2007 at East Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County with Rev. Kenneth McCauley officiating.

Survivors include:

Wife, Norma Andrews of East Hamilton

Son, Ray Andrews & wife Teresa of Huxley

Daughter, Vicki Andrews Vickery & husband Michael of Longview

Son, Michael Andrews of Patroon

Daughter, Cindy Andrews Hitt & husband Odie of Gilmer

Granchildren:
Ashlee Vickery, Brian Gilchrist, Michael Andrews, Madison Hitt, Cody Andrews

Brother, Lamar Andrews of Bridge City

Sister, Glenda Andrews of San Antonio

Special Pet, Gidget

Also a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm 8:00 pm, Friday, February 10, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Perry George Brittain, 81, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. He was born March 10, 1925 in Center to Zack Boles Brittain, Sr. and Donnie Tempe Matthews Brittain.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Watson & Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Carl Smith and Bro. Gene Kirkley officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Carl Doudna, Terry Allen, Ken Boles, Jerry Pinkston, Carlton Rauschenberg and David Todd.

Honorary pallbearers will be The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Floyd "Doc" Watson, James Campbell, Dan Hull, Sherman Bailey and F.E. Parker.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 9, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Survivors include:

Wife of 62 years, Martha Nelle Black Brittain of Center

Daughter, Jennifer Giese & husband Dr. Robert Giese of Bedford, Wyoming

Daughter, Kathy Brittain of Center

Grandson, Carlton Rauschenberg of Damarascotta Mills, Maine

Family Friend, Jody Cody of Dallas

Mr. Brittain studied music at Stephen F. Austin State University after graduating from Center High School. He served in the Army Air Corp in WWII as a musician and radio instructor. After the war, he graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in electrical engineering and began his career with Dallas Power & Light Co. in Dallas. Holding many positions in the Texas Utilities System, he retired in 1987 as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Both of his alma maters, SFA and UT, awarded him Distinguished Graduate recognition and he received many other professional awards and honors. Mr. Brittain was a long-time board member of the Center for Occupational Research and Development in Waco and UT Southwestern Medical Foundation in Dallas.

He was a national championship sailor as well as an accomplished musician, playing with the Second Time Around Band at SFA after he retired. The Brittains traveled extensively during his years with Texas Utilities and especially loved the small island of Montserrat in the West Indies where they enjoyed many vacations and retirement years. He was a life-long amateur radio enthusiast and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Since moving home to Center in 1998, Mr. Brittain enjoyed living back on the family farm and raising his longhorn cattle. He was active in many community projects, including the restoration of the Shelby County Courthouse and the building of the Regional Training Center. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Center. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Center. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to Heifer International (www.heifer.org).

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Zack Boles Brittain, Sr. & Donnie Tempe Matthews Brittain
Brother, Zack Boles Brittain, Jr.

02/06/07

E. F. “Foots” Johnson, Jr.

The only son of Elbert and Julia Oats Johnson, born March 25, 1923 in Center, Shelby County, Texas passed away at Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, on February 6, 2007 of complications from a very brief and unexpected illness. His parents, two sisters and one grandson precede him in death. Foots is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Evelyn Tyson Johnson, a son Tyson Johnson, two daughters, Melody Johnson Hayes, and Shawn Johnson-Burns. He has six grandsons, Colby, Cody, Seth, Jarrod, Nathan and Shelby, and five great grandsons.

Having grown up in Shelby County, he worked diligently to improve upon his humble origin. Foots served in the US Army Air Force from 1941 – 1945, during WWII and was decorated at the Veterans Administration on June 6, 2001 by the French Ambassador for his contribution during WWII, signified by a commendation and ribbon. In addition, he was bestowed by the Headquarters XXIX Tactical Air Command with a Citation for the Belgian Fourragere for his meritorious service in Belgium during 1944.

E. F. dedicated himself to the working man thru his membership and many affiliations in the Motor Freight and Labor Industry, having an influence on thousands of individuals lives. Beginning his career with Red Ball Motor Freight in Center, Foots became a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 1953. Working his way thru the rank and file he became an officer of Local #568 in Shreveport, Louisiana. As Secretary-Treasurer of the local he worked with many lifelong associates to develop and improve working conditions and benefits for the many freight, dock and warehouse members he served. In 1965 he and his family relocated to East Texas to maintain a family homestead in the Waterman Community and resume working alongside his fellow rank and file for East Texas Motor Freight in Lufkin, Texas. In 1967, Foots was called upon and returned to the service of the Teamster membership for Local 745 in Dallas, Texas. He served as an Officer, Labor Organizer and Business Agent of Local 745, working with the IBT and Southern Conference including contract negotiations and grievances, helping to formulate and create the first ever National Master Freight Agreement which still exists today, until his retirement in 1980. Upon his retirement, Pawpaw (as he was fondly known as by his grandchildren, friends and coworkers alike), he served as President of the Local 745 Retiree Chapter for 25 years.

Foots commuted between his home in Mesquite to his beloved East Texas farm which had been in the family for over 100 years to raise hay and share his passion of the country with his family and grandsons.

He had many loyal business associates and frie