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Earl Jack Traylor
ODESSA — Earl Jack Traylor was born July 21, 1918, to Richard and Emma Traylor, who homesteaded in New Mexico shortly after it attained statehood. Raised in the Alto-Ruidoso, N.M., area, Earl worked in his late teens for the National Forest Service in training CCC workers to fight forest fires and maintain forest trails. After his marriage to Doris Graves in the late 1930s, he moved his young family to Deming, N.M., where he worked for the Peru Mining Co. supplying copper and lead for the war effort during World War II. Following the war he accepted a position as electrical engineer with Public Service Co. of New Mexico. When PSC’s Deming plant was closed, he was transferred to Albuquerque, N.M., where he rose to the rank of senior operator, retiring in 1975 after 30 years of service.
After retiring, Earl devoted his time to developing a small ranch in Bosque, N.M. He was able to return to his lifelong love for the land, nature and animal husbandry. Earl’s ability with animals earned him the family designation of “Dr. Dolittle” because we all knew that he “talked to the animals and they talked to him.”
Earl dedicated his life to Jehovah God and symbolized that act by his baptism in 1963. After his retirement from secular work, it was his privilege to serve for 10 years as the presiding elder of the Belen, N.M., Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His knowledge of New Mexico real estate laws proved to be extremely useful to the congregation. He served for a number of years in the food service department for the conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Due to failing health, Earl and Doris moved to Odessa in 1995 to be closer to their children. Although his health prevented him from being very active, Earl enjoyed the fellowship of his Christian brothers and sisters in the Odessa Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He found great pleasure in visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Earl had a deep abiding faith in the Bible’s promise of a new world where all will enjoy abundant health with the prospect of everlasting life. He treasured the assurance of Christ that there will be a resurrection of all those in the memorial tombs. His favorite Bible text was Ps. 94:17: “Unless Jehovah had been of assistance to me, in a little while my soul would have resided in silence.”
Earl Jack Traylor passed away March 25, 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; a son, Vance Traylor of Odessa; two daughters, Earleen Peters of Odessa and Sherry Long of Payson, Ariz.; and eight grandchildren, Drew Peters of Midland, Elise Peters of Scottsdale, Ariz., Cassie Cole of Grapevine, Sherry Parkhurst of The Woodlands, Kasha Urban of Oklahoma City, Keena Traylor of Odessa, Michael Long of Idaho and David Long of Phoenix. He is survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Memorial services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3625 W. 11th St. at West Loop 338.
Arthur David Barton
ODESSA — Arthur David Barton, age 65, passed away Monday, June 17, 2002, at his residence.
He was born March 17, 1937, to Belle and Richard Barton in Henderson County. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1955 and later received an associate’s degree from Odessa College. He served in the Marine Reserves and Army doing his tour of duty in Iceland. He was married
to Ella Mae Kelley in 1958, and they had four children. He spent 40 years in the energy industry and spent his last years employed at Fran’s Sales and Service Co. He attended Temple Baptist Church.
His father; his son, Terrell David; his wife, Ella; and a brother, Richard Jr. preceded Mr. Barton in death.
His daughters, Cheryl Zipprian of Portland and Thelina Forehand of Victoria as well as a son, Richard Lee Barton of California and six grandchildren survive him. He is also survived by his loving companion, Vera Jean Hunter; his mother, Belle Atkinson of Odessa; a brother, James Barton of Kerrville; sisters, Yvonne Fortner and Lillie Lawler of Midland and Wilma Johnson of Canyon; along with a number of nieces and nephews.
All who knew him will miss his sweet spirit, kindness and his sense of humor.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, June 18, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Snyder.
Memorials may be made to Home Hospice or Temple Baptist Galilean Class.
Clay Wilson Graham
ALPINE — Clay Wilson Graham, 48, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2002, at a local hospital.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 18, 2002, at Elm Grove cemetery. Geeslin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Clay was born Dec. 20, 1953, to June and Frances Graham in Stanton. He married
Denison Conner Jan. 15, 1983, in Alpine. Mr. Graham graduated from Alpine High School in 1972, where he excelled in sports and academics. He continued his education and graduated from Sul Ross State University in 1986 with a bachelor of arts degree in business. Clay was a member of the Methodist Church and was currently employed by Roach Construction.
Clay will always be remembered for his fun-loving nature, boundless energy and empathy for those less fortunate.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and June Graham.
Survivors include his two daughters, Laura Frances Graham of Tallahassee, Fla., and Cody Traweek of San Antonio; his two brothers, Keith Graham of Alpine and Kelly Graham of Santa Fe, N.M.; and his nephew, Shanandoah Graham of Corpus Christi.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alpine Public Library, 207 N. Seventh, Alpine, Texas, 79831.
Zane M. Herriage
ODESSA — Zane M. Herriage, 2 months, of Odessa passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, in Odessa. He was born April 8, 2002, in Odessa to Stephen and Heather Herriage.
Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Stacy Bledsoe officiating.
He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Heather Herriage of Odessa; brother, Chance Herriage of Odessa; paternal grandparents, Keith and Sylvia Herriage of Odessa; maternal grandparents, Jim and Debbie Ward of Odessa; paternal great-grandmother, Winnie Herriage of Odessa; paternal great-grandmother, Theda Dyer of Lovington, N.M.; maternal great-grandmother, Virginia Ward of Austin; aunt, Jennifer Smith and husband Eric of Odessa; cousin, Ashley Smith of Odessa; and uncle, Brad Ward of Lubbock.
Services are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Henry Calvin ‘Shorty’ Howell
ODESSA — H.C. “Shorty” Howell, 76, of Gardendale passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, at the Hospice House. He was born March 22, 1926, in Union County, Ark. He married
Betty Janel Jennings June 30, 1951, in Smackover, Ark. Mr. Howell served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS LST 72. He moved to Odessa in 1957 from Arkansas. He owned H.C. Howell Company and formerly HCH for 25 years. He retired because of health reasons. He loved his grandchildren, his dog, cooking and traveling. He never met a stranger and loved people. He was a Baptist and a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Janel Jennings Howell of Gardendale; daughters, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Rhodes and husband Tommy and Laura Ann Ruddock and husband Terry, all of Odessa; sister, Allie Ruth Yates of Indio, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Jason Andrew Rhodes, Jeremy Lynn and Larissa Marie Ruddock.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Melvin Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice House.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Gerald Austin Livingston
MIDLAND — Gerald Austin Livingston was born Dec. 30, 1937, to Mary “Perry” Livingston and John Livingston. He passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002. Gerald graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, Kan., where he excelled in his studies and went on to graduate in 1955. Given the nickname “Little Iron Man” by his high school coach, Gerald not only performed remarkably in his academics, but also lettered in football, swimming and gymnastics all four of his years in high school. He loved to do magic and was in great demand to showcase his talents in a number of magic shows during high school in the local Coffeyville areas.
Gerald was a graphic designer by vocation. In Midland, he worked for The Ortloff Corp., owned and operated Livingston Designs and then retired from Arco Permian in 2000.
Gerald was married
to Carol Wilson Osborn Aug. 8, 1966, in Dallas. He assumed the fatherly leadership role of Cathy Osborn Livingston at age 8 and Brian Osborn Livingston at age 6 and welcomed the birth of son Edward John Livingston in Tulsa in 1967. Daughter Cathy lives in Austin, son Brian lives in Midland and son Edward lives in Reseda, Calif.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carol Livingston; sons, Edward Livingston and Brian Livingston; daughter, Cathy Livingston McKenzie; grandchildren, Craig Austin McKenzie and Evan Shey McKenzie; sister, Ester Joe and husband Damon Wilburn of Coffeyville, Kan.; brother-in-law, Lester and his wife June Wilson of Plano; sister-in-law, Gracie and her husband Gene Mayberry; sister-in-law, Marjourie and her husband Charles Walters; brother-in-law, Kenneth and his wife Ruby Wilson; brother-in-law, Larry and his wife Karen Wilson, all of Sapulpa, Okla.; sister-in-law, Dolly Livingston of Alice; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Gerald was a member of Alamo Heights Baptist Church where he found great pleasure in serving the Lord.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, John Jay Livingston, all from Coffeyville, Kan.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at Alamo Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.
Betty Mattern
ODESSA — Betty Mattern, age 76, of Odessa passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, at Hospice House. She was born July 17, 1925, in Watonga, Okla., to Alvin and Pearl Teply.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Paul Jones officiating.
She attended Cordell School near Watonga. After finishing school, she moved to Hooker Okla., where she met and married
Doyle Laugh. They moved to Elk City, Okla., where Doyle became a minister of the Assembly of God Church. They moved to Odessa and continued their ministry at an Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed playing guitar with her husband and running their cafe. Later, Betty spent 40 years as a nurse for the hospital and for Dr. Wright. After Doyle Laugh’s death in 1982, she married
Dan Mattern. He also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her brother, Don Teply of Watonga, Okla., and numerous nieces and nephews
Services have been entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. You are invited to leave a message in our online guest book at www.wilsonfuneral.com.
Jackie Wayne Ragland
ODESSA — Jackie Wayne Ragland, 39, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2002, in Midland County. He was born May 30, 1963, to Jack and Sandy Ragland in Dimmit.
Jackie was a lifelong resident of Odessa and currently was employed with Southwest Energy as a truck driver. He served his country in the U. S. Army for six years and previously worked for the city of Odessa.
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. today, June 18, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
His sister, Lana Ragland, and grandparents, Homer and Ethel Ragland and W.K and Ima Griffin, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his sons, Jaylon and Christopher; daughters, Janah Kay and Joy Ragland; his parents, Jack and Sandy Ragland; brothers, Jay and Keith Ragland; three nieces; and nephew, all of Odessa.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the hospice of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Linda L. Rushing
ODESSA — Linda L. Rushing, 59, of Odessa passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, in Odessa. She was born Feb. 14, 1943, in Fairmont, W. Va., to George and Thelma Mihalic.
Linda married
Dorsey Rushing Aug. 25, 1962, in Fairmont, W. Va. They moved to Odessa in 1982. Linda was an elementary school teacher for 22 years. She loved her students and was selected twice as a member of the Who’s Who Among American Teachers. She taught first grade for seven years in Maryland and fifth grade for 15 years in Odessa. She started 13 years ago as one of the original teachers at LBJ Elementary School.
She loved photography, walking, soap operas and her precious puppy. She was a strong person and the glue that held our family together. She was excited about life and was so energetic and vibrant. She loved to joke and laugh. She was the best mother that a child could ever want. She was a wonderful mentor and beloved teacher. She was a role model to our family. She was selfless and gave so much time to her family and her students.
Everyone who knew Linda knows that her family was the most important thing in the world to her. She always said that her three happiest days were the births of each of her three children. We are so blessed that we had her as our mother and are grateful for the love and wonderful memories she brought to our lives. She will live in our hearts forever.
Her father preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband, Dorsey Rushing of Odessa; son, Brandon Rushing of Odessa; daughters, Jody Rushing of Phoenix and Darcey Rushing-Estes of Phoenix; mother, Thelma Mihalic of Odessa; and brother, George Mihalic of St. Clair, Mich.
The family will be holding a visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel. A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Trout, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating, and assisted by Linda’s brothers-in-law, Dr. John Knight, Dr. Jack Archer and Dr. Jay Bybee.
The family requests memorials to the G.I.F.T. Fund, West Texas Cancer Center, 600 N. Grant Ave., Odessa, Texas, 79761, and to Ector County Independent School District, Attn: Dr. Roy Benavides, 802 N. Sam Houston Ave., Odessa, Texas, 79763.
Services are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Bobby L. Rutherford
ODESSA — Bobby L. Rutherford, age 74, of Odessa passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, at Medical Center Hospital.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Steve Trout of the First United Methodist Church officiating. A committal service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Bobby was born April 15, 1928, in Eastland to Richard and Frances Rutherford. He moved to Odessa in 1943 and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Bobby married
Patricia Feb. 28, 1956, in Ruidoso, N.M. They were married
for 45 years. She preceded him in death Feb. 18, 2001.
Mr. Rutherford was a member of First United Methodist Church, a Mason, past president of the Permian Band Booster Club, past president of the Andrews Lions Club and past president of the Methodist Men in Andrews. He was an avid Permian Football Booster and active with Meals on Wheels.
Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca Rutherford of Albuquerque, N.M.; his sister, Betty Jo Nicholas of Odessa; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Mo.
Services are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Helen L. Seale
ODESSA — Helen Laverne (Wilson Horrell) Seale, 81, of Odessa passed away Monday, June 17, 2002, in San Angelo. She was born July 23, 1920, in Rising Star to Dove and Lillie Wilson.
Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Greenfield Acres Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Helen came to Odessa in 1947. She married
James “Red” Seale in 1976 in Odessa. She loved to fish and garden. She was a member of Greenfield Acres Baptist Church.
Her husband, James “Red, ” preceded her in death Aug. 5, 2001.
She is survived by her daughter, Alice Grenier of Odessa; sons, Harold Wilson, Don Horrell, John Horrell Jr., Terry Horrell, Ben Horrell and Tom Horrell, all of Odessa; stepson, Brian Seale of Odessa; stepdaughters, Nettie Stewart of Laurel, Miss., Verta Sparks of Menton and Mary Gaffey of Odessa; half brothers, Jay Cotton of Comanche and Albert Cotton of Stephenville; 39 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
