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Jo Nell Smith Thomas
ODESSA - Jo Nell Smith Thomas, 72, of Odessa, passed away Friday, July 29, 2005, in Odessa.
“Joey, ” as she was known to friends and family, grew up in the far West Texas town of Van Horn where she loved to raise animals, especially dogs and horses.
In 1943, she moved with her family to Weatherford, where she graduated in 1950. During her high school years, she was drum major and active in various organizations.
After high school, she attended Baylor University in Waco and Midwestern University in Wichita Falls. She married
Vaughn Baxter Thomas in 1958, and they lived in several West Texas towns before settling in Odessa in 1969 where they raised their family. Sadly Vaughn preceded Joey in death in 1973.
Joey is survived by sons, J. Reed Thomas of Odessa and Roger Thomas of Keller; daughter, Rachel Thomas Jackson of Grand Prairie; grandchildren, Aaron Thomas of Austin, Joshua and Sarah Jackson of Grand Prairie and Allison, Adam and Anna Thomas of Keller; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be come and go Sunday, July 31, 2005, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Graveside services are scheduled at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2005, with Johnny Young officiating at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.
Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, Odessa Texas.
Services are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Roberta Twigg
ODESSA - Roberta Twigg, 84, of Odessa, passed away Friday, July 29, 2005, in Odessa.
Roberta was born Aug. 21, 1920, in Springfield, Ill., to John Kuchar and Elizabeth Arnold Kuchar.
Roberta married
William E. Twigg on June 27, 1970, in New Mexico. Sadly, William preceded her in death in 1973.
Roberta was a retail office clerk for many years.
Roberta is survived by one son, Fred Richard Rogers of Odessa; two daughters, Patricia Faith Thompson of Odessa, Joan Olivia Ash of College Station, one brother, Willard Kuchar of Springfield, Ill.; also 5 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are scheduled at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2005, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Dr. Emmett Barnard officiating.
Services are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Mary Lynn Bowden
Jan. 12, 1912—Aug. 9, 2005
Odessa - Mary Lynn Bowden, age 93, ascended to Heaven on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at 9:44 p.m. at Regency Hospital in Odessa, Texas.
She was born in Lone Oak, Texas, on January 12, 1912, to Eva Josephine and Nathanial Rabb Gandy. She had seven brothers and sisters. She moved to Lubbock, Texas, after graduating from high school where she met and married
Jeff Benney Bowden with whom she had three children: sons, Joe Benney and Bill; and daughter, Lynn. She has lived in Odessa, Texas, for over 66 years. After moving to Odessa, Texas, from Abilene, Texas, she raised her children, became a real estate broker and was a faithful church member at Trinity Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Bowden Barrington; her son, Bill Bowden and wife, Kathy; their daughters, Lori, Lisa and Kristy; son, Eddie Joe; one daughter-in-law, Noilene Bowden; grandchildren, Joe Benney Jr., Lavenia, Desiré, Lawrence and Ethanie; and a sister, Hesta Barker and her husband, Hayden; four great-grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.
A family and friends visitation will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, August 12, 2005, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, August 13, 2005, at Trinity Baptist Church, 1228 South Jackson Ave. in Odessa, Texas. Arrangements will be made by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, (432) 368-7191. Graveside services will be held afterward at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Highway 80 in Odessa, Texas.
Memorial may be made to Gideons, P.O. Box 11227, Odessa, TX 79760.
Damian James Garza
Odessa - Damian James Garza, 19, of Odessa, passed away Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005, in Afghanistan.
Damian was born in Portales, N.M. He attended Alamo, Odessa High and Zion Christian School and he was with the Army PFC Rangers.
A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today, Aug. 12, at Frank Wilson Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Holy Redeemer Church with the Rev. Frank Chavez officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Survivors: Parents, Jaime and Denise Garza of Odessa; grandparents, Rita Pena and Adolfo and Lydia Pineda, all of Clovis, N.M.; brother, Justin Garza of Odessa; sister, Jamie Robles and husband, Chuck, of Midland; nieces, Marissa and Lauren Robles, both of Midland.
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
William A. ‘Bodie’ Hooper
DeKalb - William A. “Bodie” Hooper, 67, of White Oak, Texas, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at his residence.
Mr. Hooper was born Feb. 13, 1938, in the Oak Grove Community near DeKalb, Texas. He was a superintendent with the M-C Production and Drilling Co. and a member of the Abundant Life Pentecostal Church in Mount Pleasant, Texas.
Mr. Hooper is survived by the mother of his children, Betty Faye Hooper of Lamesa, Texas; his wife, Deanna “Charlie” Hooper of White Oak; four sons, Michael Hooper of Pittsburg, Texas, Stephen Hooper of Lamesa, and Patrick Hooper and Bodie Hooper, both of Synder, Texas; two daughters, Dianna Lee Deasey of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ruby Rowe of Lakewood, Colo.; one stepson, John Cole Davis of Springtown, Texas; and two stepdaughters, Tonya Wallum of Weatherford, Texas, and Kasey Gulsvig of Farmersville, Texas; two brothers, Horace Wayne Hooper of Simms, Texas, and Vic Hooper of Allen, Texas; and five sisters, Faye Hanna and Susie Hanna, both of New Boston, Texas, Fannie Smith of Mount Vernon, Texas, and Betty Clark and Mary Lou Sullivan of Hooks, Texas; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and also by a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Family visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at the Bates-Rolf Funeral Home in DeKalb.
Funeral services are scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the funeral home chapel in DeKalb with the Rev. James Henderson officiating. Burial will be at Gravel Hill cemetery near DeKalb.
Parelee ‘Perry’ Gooch
Andrews - Parelee “Perry” Gooch, 96, of Odessa, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2005, at Avalon Place in Odessa.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 27, at Andrews Old cemetery in Andrews with the Rev. Alvin Petty, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Andrews, officiating.
Mrs. Gooch was born November 24, 1908, in Enid, Oklahoma. She married
Arthur T. Gooch March 29, 1930, in Wagner, Oklahoma. They lived in Andrews from 1948 to 1988 until they moved to Eureka, Kansas. She moved to Odessa in January of this year to be with her grandchildren. Mr. Gooch preceded her in death in 1994.
She was a homemaker and a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Andrews. She was a member of the Andrews Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to write letters to friends and family, cook and watch her soap operas. She was a very strong Christian and was very active in the church. She was a Sunday school teacher, and she enjoyed working with the youth groups. She had a great sense of humor and loved to argue politics with her friends and family.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Donald Gooch, in 1964, and Arthur Gooch, in 1961.
Mrs. Gooch is survived by five grandchildren, Carolyn Davis and husband, Garvis, of San Antonio, Bobby Gooch and wife, Suzann, and Terry Gooch and wife, Debbie, all of Odessa, Donald Gooch and wife, Susan, of Forney, and Vickie Wolfenbarger and husband, Buddy, of Comstock, Texas; a niece, Jean Marie Booth of Eureka, Kansas; 11 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Rev. Charles Joseph de Vesine Larue
SAN ANTONIO - The Rev. Charles Joseph de Vesine Larue, retired priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, where he served from June of 1993 to January of 1996, died Monday in San Antonio following a lengthy illness. He was 74.
A Rosary will be said for Father Larue at 7 p.m. today at Frank Wilson Funeral Directors in Odessa with Deacon Alan Neff presiding. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Marys Catholic Church in Odessa with the Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo, as the principal celebrant and the Rev. Francis Frey, pastor of St. Marys Catholic Church, will be the homilist. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Father Larue, born in New Orleans on September 19, 1930, served as Parochial Vicar at St. Ann’s Church in Midland, St. Josephs Church in Stanton, and St. Isidore Mission in Lenorah from June of 1993 to October of 1994. He then served as assistant pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo, from October 1994-November 1996 before his retirement.
Father Larue was ordained a priest by Bishop Pfeifer at Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo on June 26, 1993, at the age of 63.
The son of Ferdinand Louis de Vesine Larue and Elizabeth Corinne Bonnecaze, Father Larue graduated from New Orleans Jesuit High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1949. He then graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
In 1954, Fr. Larue went to work for a small independent oil company and eventually for Steck-Warlick Printing Co. in Dallas. He transferred with the company to Austin in 1969 and returned to Dallas with Steck-Warlick in 1973.
Father Larue moved to Odessa in 1974 where he began work as assistant treasurer and controller for Area Builders and Clyde Construction Co. He also operated a private tax business out of his house until 1986.
In 1989 he entered Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisc. Father Larue resided at Padua Place, a retirement home for priests, in San Antonio, before his death Monday.
Pallbearers are Michael P. Larue, Steven J. Larue, Christopher E. Larue, Landis C. Mahaffey, Jr., Ventress E. “Vet” Thoms III, Gerald F. Dickinson, Bart W. Neff and George L. “J.” Johnson III.
Father Larue was preceded in death by his mother and father, and by his brother, Ferdinand L. Larue, Jr., of Lafayette, La.
Father Larue, who, previous to his entry into Sacred Heart Seminary, had been married
, is survived by four daughters, Elizabeth Thoms of Georgetown, Patricia Dickinson of Cedar Park, Judith Larue of San Antonio, and Marguerite Amundsen of Cedar Park; a brother, Louis P. Larue of New Orleans; and sisters, “T.C.” Dwyer of Saint Michaels, Md., and Kitty Mahaffey, of Saratoga, Calif., and four grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Father Larue’s family earnestly requests that you help them honor their father with a memorial fund at Padua Place, a retirement home for priests, in San Antonio; donations should be made to “Padua Place, ” 100 Peter Baque Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.
Dewey E. Bryant
Tulia - Dewey E. Bryant, 82, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005, at his residence.
Vigil and Rosary services were held Thursday, Aug. 25, in the Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel.
Mass was celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 in the Church of the Holy Spirit with Father Scott Raef, pastor, officiating. Burial followed at Rose Hill cemetery.
Mr. Bryant was born July 26, 1923, in Farmers, Indiana, and spent his early childhood there. They moved to Phoenix. He joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He returned to Phoenix after the war. He married
Betty Vulgamott on Dec. 20, 1942, in Tempe, Ariz. He moved to Tulia in 1949, and he worked several different jobs before taking up contract painting. He did that for 25 years and retired in 1976. He was a member of the VFW, Church of the Holy Spirit, Knights of Columbus and St. Williams Men’s Organization.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Bryant of Tulia; one daughter, Diana Bozeman of Tulia; one son, Dewey Dee Bryant of Odessa, Texas; three grandchildren, Ronda Horn of Carnegie, Okla., Buttons Bozeman of Tulia, and Becky Jean Bryant of Odessa; also by two great-grandchildren, Clinton Dean Horn and Cameron Horn, both of Carnegie, Okla.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 6605 I-40 W., building A-6, Amarillo, TX 79106 or to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 511 S. Austin, Tulia, TX 79088.
Helen Lois Spencer
ODESSA - Helen Lois Spencer, “Aunt Helen” was born January 26, 1920, to Dollie Willman and Walter Willman.
She was born in Ranger, Texas, in a big Army tent. Through her growing up years, she was raised by her parents and her extended kinfolks. As a family, they experienced the Great Depression and the hardships of that time. She lived all over Texas and much of New Mexico.
Then she spread her wings and lived in Argentina and also in Africa. She traveled the Holy Land and much of the European continent before she came back to Texas.
She always kept up with the family, and could tell you everyone’s birthday, wedding date and birthdays of the children. She had the family collection of pictures and could stump anyone with some of the old timey ones. She was particularly sought after at the family reunions because she was the “Resident Authority” on the family. She could look back on her life with a great deal of certainty because she kept everything on her calendars. It was difficult, if not impossible to win an argument with her because she kept everything in black and white. She also cultivated a host of friends that she kept through the years because she cared about them, and was also a great letter writer.
Through her years of illness, she gained more friends — especially those associated with Hospice of Midland. Special thanks go to Peggy Abel, her hospice nurse, Mary Moysard, her respiratory therapist, and to Dr. Richard Reese and Dr. Gregory Bartha for directing her medical care. Thanks to Richard and Gilbert for keeping her oxygen in good supply and to Pharmacy Unlimited for going “above and beyond.” To the entire team of Hospice of Midland she was simply “Aunt Helen.”
Special thanks to Bert Huff, her hairdresser for over 35 years and to Vena for keeping her supplied with the Odessa American over the last several years to she could work her crossword puzzles. Family members stayed close. She would want to make mention of Bob and Emma Howard and family for helping her with household and car maintenance and for those special delivery “goodies.” And, how about those fish fries at C.A. and Marta Marie’s house. Those were extra special times because all the clan from McCamey, Crane and Odessa would gather for food and fun. Sometimes, Betty Carolyn, a cousin from the Fort Worth area would make the trip to join in this festivity. There is one lady that Aunt Helen had a special love for, and that was her Aunt Marie. Through the years, they shared many memories, letters, and jokes.
Survivors include two nieces; Donna Willman and Carol Armstrong, her husband Larry and their family. Great nieces and nephews are: Gary Armstrong and daughter, Hanna; Beverly Mewborn and children Brooke, Brett and Chelea; Cindy Herzog and husband, Brett, and their children, Brandon and Mason.
Aunt Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her only sibling, J.C. Willman, her Beloved Randy Spencer, and her infant daughter Civila Annette.
Graveside services for Aunt Helen will be on Saturday, August 26, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Family visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Aunt Helen requested any memorials go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital- 332 N. Lauderdale- Memphis, Tennessee 38105- because of the special work they do with children; or to Hospice of Midland- P.O. Box 2621; Midland, Texas 79702- for the friendships, care, and attention she received through the months she was under their care.
Aunt Helen, thanks for the memories. Go to God.
Glenna Maxfield
Odessa - Glenna Maxfield, 84, of Odessa, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2005, at the Crane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a resident for 11 years.
Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 31, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.
She was born on December 7, 1920, in Elk City, Oklahoma, and married
Ralph F. Maxfield on April 25, 1943, in Walters, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death in March 3, 1991.
In her earlier years, Glenna owned and operated a dance studio for children in Elk City. She later moved to Lawton, where she started a career in cosmetology. It was there in Lawton that she met and later married
Ralph F. Maxfield. Both, she and Ralph earned their private pilot’s license in 1943 and enjoyed flying. She retired in 1956 to become a full-time mother and housewife. Glenna was a member of Temple Baptist Church of Odessa. She and her husband were in charge of the deaf ministry of the First Baptist Church for many years. She was the most loving mother, wife, grandmother and friend and loved the Lord with all her heart.
Survivors include one son, Gary Maxfield of Arlington; two daughters, Lynda Lawrence of Midland, and Melodee Overton of Odessa; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Jack and Cora Shafer; a sister, Lois Cup; and one granddaughter, Amy Sanderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Crane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Activities Fund and Patient Needs Fund, 100 Campus Drive, Crane, TX 79731.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland.
Debbie Morgan
Witchita Falls - Debbie Morgan, 50, of Wichita Falls, died Sunday, September 4, 2005.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2005, in the sanctuary of Faith Baptist Church of Wichita Falls with Dr. Scott Willingham, pastor and the Rev. Jim McCurley, of Abilene, officiating. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
Debbie was born December 2, 1954, in Wichita Falls. On July 15, 1978, she married
Robert Morgan in Wichita Falls. A graduate of Altus High School, she graduated from Midwestern State University with an Associate Degree in 1978. In 1993, she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing from Texas Tech University. In 1995, she earned her Masters of Science degree in nursing from West Texas A&M University and in 2001 earned her Doctorate of Education Administration from Baylor University. Debbie worked as an assistant professor in the Wilson School of Nursing and as the interim director of nursing at Midwestern State University. She was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Wichita Falls/Wichita County Board of Health. A faithful Christian, she was a member of Faith Baptist Church of Wichita Falls. Her ministry in Christ touched so many through her many years as a leader of Women’s Bible Studies, Sunday School Classes and Mission Trips. Debbie also taught Vacation Bible School for all of her adult life. She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Joe Smith in 1997.
Survivors include her husband of twenty-seven years, Robert Morgan of Wichita Falls; their children, Michael Morgan and Ashlee Morgan, both of Wichita Falls; her parents, Cecil and Wanda Smith of Wichita Falls; sisters, Cecilia Torres and husband, Gilbert of Margaret, Texas; Pam Forsythe and husband, Gary of Franklin, Tennessee; Carla McCaffity of Wichita Falls; and Karen Alexander and husband, Stanley of Electra; also many nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be some of her nephews: Larry Smith, Chris Smith, Blake Burroughs, John Taras, Matthew Taras and Clayton Shaw.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
For those desiring, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Debra Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund for Nursing Educators, c/o The Wilson School of Nursing, Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Boulevard, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76308-2099.
