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Gary Lynn Watkins
ODESSA — The Honorable Gary Lynn Watkins, 57, lifetime resident of Odessa, passed away at Alliance Hospital in Odessa Sunday, August 8, 2004.
Gary was born December 12, 1946, in Crane, Texas. He was an attorney and public servant who served Odessa as Ector County Judge, State Representative and State District Court Judge. Gary was a member of, and served on the boards for, numerous civic, charitable and religious organizations. He was a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Gary is survived by his mother, Leona Watkins of Odessa; wife, Hope Watkins of Odessa; five children, Trent Watkins, Heather Watkins, Summer Roberson and her husband, Chris Roberson, Travis Watkins and Grant Watkins.
Pallbearers include Mike Atkins, Billy Bassett, Fred George, Tim Haines, Mike Morris, Ted Stewart, Steve Watson and Steve White. Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Atkins, Floyd Butler, The Honorable Jay Gibson, The Honorable Bill McCoy and The Honorable Tryon Lewis.
A rosary was said at 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2004, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2004, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with the Father Mark Woodruff and Father James Bridges officiating. A private family burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Alfonso O. Almodova Sr.
ODESSA — Alfonso O. Almodova Sr., 77, of Odessa, passed away Monday, August 9, 2004, at Odessa Regency Hospital. He was born July 30, 1927, in Alpine, Texas, to Bernardo and Juana O. Almodova. He united in marriage to Gregoria Cabrera on June 7, 1955, here in Odessa, He was a Laborer in the Construction Industry and a Christian Catholic.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Almodova is survived by wife, Gregoria C. Almodova of Odessa; sons, Alfonso “Al” Almodova Jr. and Ralph Almodova, both of Odessa; daughters, Grace Almodova of Odessa and Angie Molinar of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother, Joe Almodova of Albuquerque, N.M.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and lots of friends.
We the family would like to take this time to extend a heartfelt welcome and express our utmost sincere gratitude to each and every one of you, for your food and floral offerings, prayers and especially your presence with us during this time. Thanking especially the staffs at Medical Center and Regency Hospitals for the wonderful care that was given to our Father and Husband. “May God Bless Each and Everyone of You.”
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday August 11, 2004, at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. today, Thursday, August 12, 2004, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Uecker officiating. Burial to follow at Rose Hill cemetery. Services by Odessa Funeral Home.
H. Donald Chesser
BROWNWOOD — Services for H. Donald Chesser of Lake Brownwood will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2004, at Central United Methodist Church with burial at Oak View cemetery, Mullin. Dr. Gary Torian will officiate. Davis-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Chesser died August 10 at Baylor Medical Center in Irving after a long battle with heart disease.
Donald was born June 19, 1938, in Brownwood to the late Neal and Nell Chesser. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1956, Howard Payne University in 1960 and received a Master’s Degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1967. He married
Jeannette McDaniel on July 30, 1960. Donald taught school in Brownwood at Woodland Heights Elementary and in Odessa at Gonzales Elementary and served as principal of Austin Elementary in Odessa. In 1990, because of poor health, he and Jeannette returned to their beloved place on Lake Brownwood.
Donald was an active member of Central United Methodist Church serving on almost every committee at least once. He was a member of the choir and of the Upper Room Bible Class. He also served on several Central Texas Conference committees. He was a member of Texas Retired Teachers Association and an active supporter of Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannette; one sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Robert Stewart of Early; one brother and sister-in law, Bill and Margaret Chesser of Brownwood; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Chesser of Lake Brownwood and Sharron Duncan of Early; two nieces and five nephews; a number of great nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends. He is also survived by his beloved “boys”, Dodger and Redd, and his “girl,” Abby.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Neal Jr., John and Wayne Allen.
Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1501 Second Street, Brownwood, TX 76801 or to Meals on Wheels, 109 Azalea, Brownwood, TX 76801.
Maxine Laird
ODESSA — A loving Christian woman left us Wednesday, August 11, 2004, to be with her father in Heaven. Maxine Laird was born October 13, 1916, in Salina, Oklahoma. She moved to Odessa in 1937 and married
Otis V. Laird on November 26, 1938.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Otis V. Laird; parents, David C. Turner and Lula Turner; brother, D.C. Turner; and sisters, Eula Mae Turner, Elizabeth Spalding and Thelma Lewis.
Maxine is survived by her brother, James Vernon Turner of Hawkins; and sisters, Velma Alexander of Odessa and Nell Brown of Mineola. Her children include Mike Laird and his wife, Sylvia, of Plano, Pat Moore of Odessa, Buddy Laird and his wife, Grace, of Houston and Cindy Parkis and her husband, Jerry, of Odessa. Maxine’s grandchildren include, Wanda Modarelli and her husband, Joe, of Odessa, Janie Granath and her husband, Phil, of Odessa, Jana Brockman and her husband, Ken, of Plano, Marilyn Macklin and husband, Harvey, of Springfield, Mo., Lesa Ramirez and husband, Eric, of Lewisville, David Emmons of Austin, Trey Laird and wife, Heather, of Houston, Thomas Moore and wife, Tara, of Dallas and Sara Laird of Houston. She is also survived by 15 beautiful great-grandchildren who adored and loved her very much.
Maxine had a tremendous love for the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Odessa for over 56 years. She was very involved with a variety of church activities and taught Sunday School to generations of First Baptist members.
She was active in her community and was President of several organizations including the Progressive Study Club and the “Howdy Partner” Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. In 1998, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce inducted her into its Business Hall of Fame. In her later years, Maxine was the informal “social director” and “welcome committee” at Sherwood Assisted Living in Odessa. Her annual Christmas Party was a crowd-favorite and will be sorely missed.
In 1950, Maxine Laird bought her first Merle Norman franchise and established a store in Odessa. She passed her work ethic and high moral standards to her children and grandchildren, who worked for her on weekends and after school. Over the years, Maxine expanded her business to include a total of five Merle Norman studios and was appointed regional corporate trainer.
Maxine loved her family, her church and her many friends. She was a bright light to all that she touched and served as a powerful witness to the testament of Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be at Frank Wilson Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at First Baptist Church of Odessa, Curtis Brewer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gaylon Rainey, Burt Mann, Bob Jackson, Bob Colin, Curtis Lewallen and Harold Lewallen.
Dorothy Verline McCraw
ODESSA — Dorothy Verline McCraw, 77, of Odessa, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at her residence.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2004, in Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Dorothy was born January 20, 1927, in Nacogdoches County to P.W. and Nora Wilkerson. She was raised in the Abilene area and attended Abilene High School. On September 5, 1945, she married
Ray Edward McCraw in Trent, TX. They moved to Odessa in 1946. She owned and operated Dot’s Beauty Salon for 29 years. She was a member of Greenfield Acres Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sons, Riley McCraw and wife, Linda, of Arlington and Roger McCraw and wife, Jeannie, of Pleasanton, TX; two daughters, Connie Sue Peery of Odessa and Linda Carey and husband, Elvin, of Crane; five grandchildren, David, Deanna, Hayden, Angela and Barret; five great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Meagan, Logan, Sebastian and Vince; one sister, Mildred Wright and husband, Floyd, of Odessa; two sisters-in-law, Billie Wilkerson of Odessa and Connie Wilkerson of Longview; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and five brothers, Clifton, Bernice, Hot Shot, Bug and E.J. Wilkerson.
Services are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Overton
ODESSA — Elizabeth “Betty” Overton, 72, of Bryan, died Friday, August 6, 2004, in Bryan.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 14 at Northside Baptist Church with the Rev. Clydel Chapman officiating.
Betty was a longtime resident of Odessa and member of Northside Baptist Church before moving to East Texas 10 years ago. She was a valuable volunteer for both the Odessa High School Band Booster Club and the Permian Playhouse. She spent many hours creating beautiful porcelain dolls and stained glass. She attended welding classes at Odessa College and, after moving to Bryan, she attended the Citizen’s Fire Academy.
She is survived by a loving family including: her husband, Roy Overton of Bryan; daughters, Susan Noble and husband, Al, of Temple and Frances Overton of Las Vegas; sons, Carl Overton and wife, Donna, of Odessa and Lynn Overton and wife, Pam, of Bryan; grandchildren, Kelli Wright of Las Vegas, Travis Overton and wife, Missy, of Odessa, Elizabeth Niblett (currently in the military), Joshua Niblett of Temple, Courtnay Rowland and her husband, Richard, of Odessa, and Jared and Kellie Overton of Bryan; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Bobbie Mannon and her husband, Terry, of Mineola and Carolyn Carrell and her husband, Doran, of Georgia and their families.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Hospice or Northside Baptist Church Building Fund.
Hugh Irwin Weathersby
ODESSA — Hugh Irwin Weathersby, 83, of Odessa, died Tuesday, August 10, 2004. He was born May 19, 1921, in May, Texas, to Charles Edward and Laura Fedonia Weathersby. He graduated from May High School in 1939. At 18, he traveled to Odessa to be closer to his brother and sisters who had already moved here. His first job was at Smith Laundry and later at Banner Creamery.
In January 1942, Hugh enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After basic training, he attended radio school at Scott Field, Illinois. In November of 1942, he went overseas on the Queen Mary. He served with the Eighth Air Force, 401st Bombardment Group. He was stationed at USAAF Station 128 near Deenthorpe, England. He served for the next twenty months as a control tower operator. He arrived back in the states June 29, 1945, aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Odessa and began working in the oilfield.
After roughnecking for Phillips Petroleum, Hugh joined the TOTCO team on August 16, 1946, as the company’s sixth field service hand. As the company grew, he moved up to sales and service hand, field salesman, division sales manager, division manager, regional manager and finally regional sales coordinator. Hugh traveled hundreds of thousands of miles for TOTCO. When he retired in August of 1986, his territory was made up of an area from Odessa to Anchorage, Alaska, and everything west. Although he retired with the company after forty years, he never stopped being a TOTCO hand. In fact he worked for several years after retirement as a consultant for the company.
On March 17, 1950, Hugh married
Ruby Elenora Thacker in the front room of their home. There they lived and raised two daughters, Wanda and Carla. His daughters were always special to him but his two grandsons, Houston and Carson, were the pride and joy of his life. Anyone who was around him for very long would get to hear a story about their accomplishments.
Hugh was a member of First Christian Church where he was active for 54 years. He served in almost every capacity at the church. During this time at First Christian, he was a deacon, an elder, a member of the board, and chairman of the board. Some of his fondest memories were spending weekends working at Black River, the church camp near Carlsbad, New Mexico. On January 21, 2001, Hugh was named as Elder Emeritus at First Christian Church.
Hugh was a 42nd degree Mason and a member of Lodge 955. On April 16th, 2001, he attained the high honor of being a Scottish Rite Mason for fifty years. He was also a member of the Odessa Shrine Club
Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby in 2001; his oldest daughter, Wanda Jean Lyon in 1986; his siblings Herman Weathersby, Altus Weathersby, Zelma Hurley and Winnie Smith; and his parents.
He is survived by his daughter, Carla Weathersby of Odessa; his grandsons, Houston Lyon and his wife, Erin, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Carson Lyon of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Opal Silhavy, Ruth Gober and Faye Murphy and her husband, Curtis; by his son-in-law, P.A. Lyon and his wife, Bridget; and by his faithful schnauzer, Smiley.
Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2004, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Dr. David Mindel officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Home Hospice, First Christian Church or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Jackie Freeman from Home Hospice for excellent care and dedication to helping Hugh during the last few weeks. A special thanks is also extended to Frances Moran, Betty Gray, Tina Sosa and Stormy Daniels for taking care of him daily. Words are inadequate to describe your dedication and compassion.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Walter Dewey Autry Jr.
JOHNSON COUNTY — Walter Dewey Autry Jr., went to his Heavenly Father Friday, July 23, 2004. Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2004, at Watts Chapel United Methodist Church, Johnson County, Texas. Burial services followed at Watts Chapel cemetery. A luncheon was held in Fellowship Hall afterwards hosted by the members of Watts Chapel.
Dewey was born June 12, 1939, to W.D. Autry Sr. and Mary Bess Fine Autry. Dewey graduated from Odessa High School in 1957 and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He was a mechanical engineer for Eckel manufacturing and later for Woolley Tool where he was the Executive Vice President. Dewey resigned his position at Woolley Tool and became a Robotic Engineer for E.O.A. in Addisson. He retired from there and was in the consulting business for several companies in San Antonio until his death.
Dewey loved his family, his church family and his friends. He enjoyed his computer, his cameras, playing golf, watching U.T. play football, watching his grandson play baseball, studying genealogy and cooking for his family, friends and church.
Dewey will be missed by his family and friends. His survivors include his three children, Walter Autry of Granbury, Stephen Autry and his wife, Rosella, of Odessa and Lauren Lopez and her husband, Richard, of Austin; three brothers, Bill, Thomas and John; five grandchildren, Lindzey Stone, Brandon Autry, Zachary Autry and Jennifer and Jessica Carrasco; and three great-grandchildren, Micheal, Airika and Conlan.
Neysa Mae Smith
ODESSA — Neysa Mae Smith, 47, of Odessa, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2004, at Medical Center Hospital. She was born February 23, 1957, in Carlsbad, N.M.
Mrs. Smith was a member of the Pace Home School Association. She was a Brownie Troop leader and had taught Bible School.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marion J. Reeves, and her brother, James Paul Reeves, both of Carlsbad.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Smith of Odessa; son, Henry Reeves Smith of Odessa; daughter, Dondi Mae Smith of Odessa; mother, Effie Reeves of Carlsbad, N.M.; sister, Cindy Reeves of Albuquerque, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at Vine Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnny Touchstone officiating.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
