System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Myrtie Roberts
SULPHUR SPRINGS — Myrtie Lou Roberts died Jan. 23, 2008, at Legend Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Paris, Texas.
She was born May 28, 1915, in Sulphur Springs, daughter of Ury and Myrtie Robinson Millsap. She was married to Homer Roberts on March 23, 1932, in Hugo, Okla. Mrs. Roberts was a business major and worked for the Civil Service for several years before retiring, and she continued to help her husband in their farming operation at Yowell and Fairlie. They had no children and he preceded her in death on March 30, 2002. Mrs. Roberts was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Commerce.
Surviving are nephews Harold Roberts, Don Roberts and Mike Roberts and their spouses, a niece, Deloris Roberts O’Connor and her spouse and their children and grandchildren; and two cousins, Don Daniel and Patty Daniel.
A funeral service was held at 3 p.m., Jan. 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Commerce with Lisa Wolcott and Rev. Ann Barton officiating. Interment followed in the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Kreg Roberts, Stan Moore, Toney Lowery, Bobby Motley, Chris Kane and Chase Hickman. Honorary pallbearers were Don Daniel, Doug Hickman, Mike Anderson and Gary Anderson.
Millie Pratt
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — Millie Sue Pratt, 93, of the Horton Community in Commerce departed this life Jan, 24, 2008, while a resident of Spring Creek Living Center in Cabot, Ark.
She was a retired teacher, a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church and a member of Rebekah Lodge.
Mrs. Pratt is survived by one son, Jackie Lee Pope Sr.; a brother, Hardy Miller; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 10 a.m., Jan. 29, at Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce under the direction of Wood Funeral Home of Jacksonville, Ark.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Pratt; her parents; four brothers and a sister.
Billy Horton
Billy Jack Horton, 60, of Klondike died Jan. 25, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the New Klondike Cemetery with Rev. Terry Bryan officiating.
Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Born Nov. 27, 1947, in Fairfield, he was the son of William Henry and Mildred Stricklin Horton. Mr. Horton was a machinist for Sulphur Springs Hydraulic and Machine Shop.
Survivors are his father; his wife, Patty Horton; children Ann Bishop, Patty Haney, Bessie Brown, Floyd Young and Jackie Hartman; two brothers, Dickie Horton and John Horton; 11 grandchildren and a niece, Dana Byrd.
His mother preceded him in death.
Dr. Charles Blanton
Dr. Charles “Charlie” Wesley Blanton went to be with his Lord on Jan. 20, 2008.
He was born May 24, 1939, in Leonard. Charlie graduated from Commerce High School in 1957 and from East Texas State University with a BS, MS and EdD. He lettered in football at both institutions and while in college competed in two Tangerine Bowl games. The love of sports led him to be an excellent coach and servant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Devoting 45 years of his professional life to learning and teaching, he served as a teacher, coach, and principal in several Dallas Independent School District and as a principal at Newman Smith High School in the Carrollton ISD. At the university level Charlie was a professor of educational leadership at Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Baptist University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce. (He refused to call it that. To him it was still ETSU). His organization, Partners In Profound Knowledge, developed resources for the educator the same way W. Edwards Deming rebuilt Japan. Charlie was an old East Texas country boy who came to the big city to get people to see the real possibilities in an opportunity. He had a constant thirst for knowledge.
Charlie was involved in numerous organizations including: Association of Secondary School Principals and Council of Professors of Educational Administration Leadership, both statewide and nationally. He was president of Association of Texas Educators, Dallas School Administrators Association and executive director Emeritus of Texas Council of Professions of Education Administration.
He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age and was a longtime member, deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church of Dallas. An avid collector of all things having to do with Texas and Southwest History, he had a love for the Texas Rangers and anything western. Charlie’s collections included paintings and first edition historical documents and books. This hobby led Charlie to be an active member and leader of the Texas Historical Foundation.
Charlie was a big man with a big heart to match. He loved many things, but his main love was for people. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to his scores of eclectic friends. Charlie is missed terribly, but his memory is secure in the hearts of those who knew him, sat under his tutelage, or simply called him friend.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gailya Blanton; his parents, J.O. and Ruby Blanton; and a sister, Juadeen Dolph.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Bobbitt Blanton; a son and daughter-in-law, Dan Blanton and Maura Nolan; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Michael Burks; grandchildren Ruby and Preston; a sister, SuLaine Dekkers and family; mother-in-law Uralee Farell; a brother-in-law, Dan Farell and family; and many loving nephews, nieces, aunts, cousins, colleagues and friends.
Services were held Jan. 24 at First Baptist Church in Dallas with burial at Sonora Cemetery in Fairlie.
Memorial donations may be made to the Charles Blanton Scholarship Fund at Texas A&M-Commerce or the Dallas chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Col. William Sparkman Jr.
Col. William A. Sparkman Jr., 91, of Commerce died Jan. 29, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce with Brother David Gibson officiating. Burial followed in Rosemound Cemetery with full military honors.
Son of William Arvell and Kathrine Sparkman, he was born Sept. 8, 1916, in Sulphur Springs. On June 9, 1939, he married Rae Sawyer.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on Oct. 15, 1942, and was released from active duty in January 1946. He then joined the Marine Reserves at Naval Air Station, Dallas, and formed Marine Air Control Squadron 20; he was commanding officer at various times for 12 years. The squadron was called to active duty in September 1950 for the Korean War. Col. Sparkman retired from the Marine Corps in July 1972.
He became an assistant professor of physics at Texas A&M; University-Commerce and retired in December 1979 with 30 years of service. He was a lifetime member of Odd Fellows Lodge 234, Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association and the American Legion.
Col. Sparkman is survived by a son, Billy Ray Sparkman and wife Sheila of Grapevine, and a brother, Arlon Aubrey Sparkman of Broomfield, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his father; his mother, Kathrine Sparkman McMinn; a stepfather, Fred McMinn; daughter Betty Elaine Sparkman Shepherd; and a brother, John Charles Sparkman.
Honorary pallbearers were Raymond Bell, James White, John Biggerstaff, Joe Hawkins, Dr. Charles Rogers and members of the Military Officers Association of America.
Kenneth Tucker
Kenneth Paul Tucker, 66, of Commerce died Feb. 3, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home of Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Born Dec. 19, 1941, in Wolfe City, he was the son of Doyce C. and Juanita B. Brumley Tucker. Mr. Tucker served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and retired with 20 years’ service in 1981. He was a gentleman farmer and handled personalized limousine driving for five years.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Tucker; a daughter, Katherine Bone and husband Johnnie; son Kenneth Tucker Jr. and wife Merle; grandchildren Johnnie Bone III and wife Jessica, Lierin Bone, Jeremie Bone, Juliana Bone, Christopher Tucker and wife Misty, Stevie Patterson, Amy Hughes, and Jamie Tucker; four great-grandchildren, Johnnie Bone IV, Gavin Bone, Tayler Tucker and Aiden Tucker; two sisters, Susan Jaresz and Cheryl Tucker; a brother, Jim Tucker; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and friends.
Dr. Amelia Steelman
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —The final chapter in the earthly life of Dr. Amelia Rose Steelman, of Little Rock, Ark., was penned Feb. 7, 2008. Reminiscent of her entire life, that chapter was filled with grace, compassion, and quiet perseverance.
A retired professor of early childhood education and a lifelong student, she was born Dec. 1, 1928, in Dierks, Ark. Rose earned her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State Teachers College, then went on to earn both a master’s in education and a doctorate in early childhood education at East Texas State University. She then returned to UCA, where she was a professor of early childhood education until her retirement. Her influence will be felt for many years to come as generations of children are challenged and encouraged by teachers who were inspired by her passion for excellence in education.
Rose cherished traveling with her sister, Katrina, and time spent with her family. She enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and relaxing with her children and grandchildren on Lake Ouachita and she always looked forward to an annual Mother’s Day float trip on the Buffalo River.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. B. J. “Bob” Steelman; her father, Henry A. Sykes; her mother, Kittye May Lewis-Sykes and brother Henry Sykes Jr.
She is survived by a sister, Katrina Williams of Hot Springs, Ark.; daughter Joy Pensinger and husband Jim of Hot Springs, Ark.; daughter Kaye Coachman and husband Frank of Salado; son Mike Steelman and wife Fawnda of Little Rock, Ark.; daughter Lisa McGuyer and husband Monty of Commerce; son David Steelman and wife Susan of Conway; grandchildren Tacey Crum of Mesquite, Heather Lopez of Houston, Mary Frances Sellen of Chicago, Ill., Jesse Steelman and Carli Steelman of Little Rock, Ark., Lance McGuyer, Josh McGuyer, and Emily Rose McGuyer of Commerce and Summer Steelman of Conway; and great-grandchildren Zane Worsencroft of Florida; Kayla Trammel of Mesquite and Noah Lopez and Gabriella Rose Lopez of Houston.
A memorial service was held at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 10, 2008, at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, with Rev. Daniel Kirkpatrick officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Library at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211.
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home of Little Rock, Ark., was in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
Alice Holmes
Alice Juanita Ragsdale Holmes of Commerce died Feb. 7, 2008, in Tyler. A graveside service was scheduled at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sonora Cemetery in the Fairlie Community with Brother Charles Strickland officiating under the direction of .Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home.
Daughter of George Allen and Bessie Clyde Melson Ragsdale, she was born April 29, 1930, in Weatherford. She was married to Orville Howard Holmes, and she was a Baptist.
Survivors include daughters Alice Cross and husband Johnny of Commerce, Norma Heyer and husband Ralph, Judy Nouri and husband Abdul of Mineral Wells and Julie Pierce of Commerce; a son, Kenneth Horn of Wolfe City; a sister, Lila Priscilla Mayhue of Boyd; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and a brother, Billy Dean Ragsdale.
John Blevins
FARMERSVILLE - John Wesley Blevins, 41, of Farmersville died Tuesday in Farmersville. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial is in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Farmersville.
He was born Jan. 21, 1956, in Grapevine; the son of Roy Joe and Helen Jo Combs Blevins. He married LaQuita Armstrong on July 5, 1988, in Farmersville. He was a machinist and a Baptist.
Surviving are his wife of Farmersville; daughters, Jessica McCaslin and Robin McCaslin, both of Farmersville; son, Jonathan Blevins of Wylie; parents, of Merit; and two brothers, Joe Blevins of Farmersville and Larry Blevins of Ponder.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.
Billy Chesley
DALLAS - Billy Joe Chesley, 72, of Greenville died Monday at his residence. Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Restland Funeral Home-Wildwood Chapel. Burial is in Restland Memorial Park.
He was born in San Antonio on May 24, 1925, to John I. Chesley and Ruth Burney Chesley. He married Altie Medders. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Chesley was a sales representative. He was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Linda Horton of Arlington, Susan Foster of Stephenville, and Carol Henry of Godley; two stepdaughters, Judy Connors and Debbie DeFore, both of Alvin; five grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leo and Elwood Chesley and one sister, Pauline Harkrider.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
A.B. Harvey
POINT - A.B. Harvey, 71, died at his home Monday. Funeral services are today at 2 p.m. at Woosley Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Smith officiating. Burial will be in Woosley Cemetery.
He was born April 15, 1926 in Cype Springs to Myrtle J. Dunavent and James Henry Harvey. A 32-year employee of E-Systems, he retired in 1987 and moved to the Woosley community. He was a member of the USS Colorado Alumni Association, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946; a lifetime member of VFW Post 2559, East Tawakoni and a member of the American Legion Post 17 in Greenville. Mr. Harvey was a member of the Woosley Baptist Church.
He is survived by sons, David Harvey, Clay Harvey, Tim Harvey, all of Emory, Alfred Harvey of Point, Wesley Harvey of Tom Bean and Daniel Mark Harvey of Fort Worth; four daughters, Kathy Gowin of Emory, Alice Wages of Mesquite, Brenda Hickman of Garland and Linda Blagburn of Point; a brother, James Harvey of Dallas; 28 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a niece and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Rae Horton Harvey on Nov. 6, 1996; his identical twin brother, C.B. Harvey in Feb., 1952; his parents, a brother, Jack Harvey; two sisters, Cherry Stayton and Vera Russom and two grandchildren.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Shane Gowin, Joey Pierce, Samuel Harvey, Corey Mellorn, Tim Norlin and Burr Hickman. Honorary pallbearer will be Bill Landsdale.
Point LyBrand Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
