PHILLIP EARL BATES, 59
9/19/2006
MOODY - Phillip Earl Bates of Moody, Texas passed away Saturday, September 16, 2006 in Waco, Texas. Services will be Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the Oak Crest Funeral Home in Waco with Rev. Billy Pedigo officiating. Graveside services will be Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the Santa Anna Cemetery with local arrangements by Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Phillip was born on May 23, 1947 in Santa Anna to the late Fred and Ester Maroney Bates. On August 24, 1991 he married Karen Kay Stone in Crawford, Texas and they celebrated fifteen years of marriage. Phillip was a Christian and attended Baylor University. He was an Army veteran and worked for Allen Samuels for 40 years. Survivors include: Wife - Karen Bates of Moody, Texas; Son - Matthew Storrs of Austin, Texas; Sister - Carolyn and husband John Pricer of Crawford, Texas; 3 Brothers - Alton and wife Rosa Lou Bates of Andrews, Texas; Johnny and wife Wanda Bates of Abilene, Texas; Ronald and wife Betty Bates of Mart, Texas; 5 Grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews. Family request memorials be made to Providence Hospice, 4830 Lakewood Dr, Waco, TX 76710.

LARRY FINDLEY, 51
9/19/2006
Larry Findley of Coleman died Sunday, September 17, 2006. Memorial services are 2:00pm Tuesday, September 19, at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel, 401 Commercial Ave, Coleman.

GLENDA "DIANNE" SINDT, 59
9/19/2006
BROWNWOOD - Glenda ''Dianne'' Sindt died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, in Lewisville. Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, in Davis-Morris Funeral Home chapel with burial in Santa Anna Cemetery. Survivors include daughters Paula Michele Sindt of Dallas and D'Lise Sindt of Lewisville; brother Gordon Copeland of Alaska; and sister Paula Blanton of Santa Anna.

JOHN J. MILLER, 84
9/17/2006
John J. Miller of Early, died Friday, September 15, 2006 at the Veteran's Hospital in Temple. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Miller was born December 19, 1921 in San Saba County, the son of Lawson Prezzy Miller and Ethor Smith Miller. He served in the United States Army for three and a half years and married Dorothy Phillips on April 19, 1947. She preceded him in death on in August, 1992. He was a mechanic. Survivors include one daughter, Shirley West of Brownwood; one sister, Mary Weekly of Coyote; five grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, one son, John J. Miller, Jr., one daughter, Jeanine Crouch and one grandson, John Thurman. Memorials may be made to the American Caner Society. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2006 at the funeral home.

A. J. BOWEN, 93
9/17/2006
A. J. Bowen of Novice died Saturday, September 16, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Adams officiating, with James Priddy assisting. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Bowen was born June 28, 1913 in Oklahoma on the Turkey Track Ranch, the son of Seth G. Bowen and Ethel Smith Bowen. He grew up in Brownwood, May and Gouldbusk and served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He married Carlon Lee Gunn on April 4, 1940 in Abilene. She preceded him in death in 1989. He was a rancher and worked in the oil field business and was co-owner of G & L Tool Company in Abilene. He was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge and the Novice Baptist Church. Mr. Bowen is survived by one daughter, Connie Stevens of Abilene; one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Lori Bowen of Novice; three grandchildren, Stefanie Harden and husband James, of Wichita Falls, Michelle Stevens of Winters, Shane Bowen and wife Carrie of Lawn; four great-grandchildren, Courtney Harden, Chase Harden, Tyler Stevens, Parker Bowen and one son-in-law, Jerry Stevens of Lawn. He was preceded in death by two sisters. Family visitation will be Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

FRANCES ARLENE BUCKNER, 84
9/16/2006
WEATHERFORD -- Frances Arlene Buckner 84, of Weatherford passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at a local nursing home. Frances was born November 18, 1922 in Coleman, Texas where she lived until moving to Weatherford. She was a Civil Service worker, Bank Secretary, and a member of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Survived by a brother; L.M. Bedell and wife Faye of Weatherford, two nephews, Glen Bedell of Willow Park, and Larry Bedell of Zephyr Hills, FL. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2006 at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Burial will be at Coleman Cemetery in Coleman, Texas. There will be a visitation at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford on Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

DORA C. VANPELT, 81
9/15/2006
Dora C. VanPelt of Coleman died Thursday, September 14, 2006 at her residence. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. with Father Santiago Udayar officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Dora Cardinas on October 1, 1924 in Del Rio, Texas, the daughter of H.L. and Simona Hernandez Cardinas. She grew up in the Burkett area and married C. R. VanPelt on February 15, 1951 in Coleman County. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1983. Mrs. VanPelt was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Carholic Church. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Kim VanPelt of Shields, Wayne and Kimberly Vanpelt of Coleman, Eddie and Paula VanPelt of Novice; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Raymond Harmon of Coleman, Peggy and Mathew Goodman of Mesquite, Johnnie Dillard of Coleman; one sister-in-law, Billie Cardinas of Coleman; 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John Cardinas and Victor Cardinas; two sisters, Lili Torres and Mary Vasquez and one great-granddaughter, Jordan Micayla Barnett. A Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday, with family visitation following until 9:00 p.m at the funeral home.

ROY A. AUTRY, JR., 85
9/14/2006
Roy A. Autry, Jr. of Coleman died Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at his residence. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Autry was born April 16, 1921 in Blanket, the son of Roy A. Autry Sr. and Cecil Parker Autry. He grew up in Cross Plains and Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. He served in the United States Army, in the 552nd Battalion and received five Battle Stars. He married Martha Jean Harwell on April 14, 1946 in Coleman. He was the co-publisher of the Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice with his brother, Milton Autry, for 34 years, was a board member of the Coleman Country Club and a member of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Autry is survived by his wife, Martha Autry of Coleman; two daughters and son-in-law, Alana and Stan Brudney of Coleman, Tracy Autry of Coleman; one son and daughter-in-law, Brett and Barbara Autry of Coleman; one sister, Othrene Steffens of Brady; four grandchildren, Brice Brudney and Beau Brudney both of Coleman; Leah Autry of Ft. Worth, Evan Autry of Austin; four great-grandchildren, Shi Brudney of Coleman, Brianna Brudney of Abilene, Madison Brudney and Blake Brudney both of Coleman and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Milton Autry and his parents. Pallbearers will be Brice Brudney, Beau Brudney, Evan Autry and Michael Autry. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Tyson, Dr. Larry Thompson, Bill Stephenson, Lang Martin, Jr., and Kevin McMahon. Memorials may be made to the United Christian and Presbyterian Church, 1609 South Commercial, Coleman, Texas 76834; Coleman County Youth Activity Center, c/o P. O. Box 796, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 200 East College Avenue, Coleman, Texas 76834.

MARY N. YORK, 80
9/15/2006
SAN ANGELO - Mary N. York, 80, died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, in a local nursing home. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Survivors include her daughter, Ann Nichols of Coleman.

JANE WILLIAMS HAYS, 73
9/14/2006
Mrs. Jane Williams Hays of Coahoma died Tuesday afternoon in a Midland hospital. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Iatan Cemetery with Rev. James Edwards officiating under the direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home. Mrs. Hays was born to Charlie and Frankie Prater Williams on January 4, 1933 in Coleman County. She married Dois Hays on June 3, 1951 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. She was a Methodist. She is survived by: her husband of 55 years, Dois Hays of Colorado City; one daughter, Juanita Kelly of Seattle, Washington: one son, William and wife Margie Hays of Odessa; daughter in law, Sylvia Webb of Eastland. Sister, Betty Ake of Comanche, Brother John Sparks of Kingman, Arizona, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

MARGARET SAUNDERS, 78
9/11/2006
Margaret Saunders of Coleman died Monday, September 11, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Jeffrey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the White Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Margaret Weatherred on October 6, 1927 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of John Sumter Weatherred and Louise Dibrell Weatherred. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. On October 8, 1945 she married Donald Saunders in Coleman and he preceded her in death on December 17, 1997. Margaret was a life-long resident of Coleman, a bookkeeper and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Kathy Saunders of Coleman; two sisters, Mary Louise McMahon and husband Joe of McKinney, Helen Cross of Coleman; one brother, Sumter and wife LaVerne Weatherred of Coleman; numerous nieces and nephews; a close friend, Lera Guthrie of Santa Anna. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834 or White Chapel Cemetery Association, c/o Karen Mitchell, 114 N. Blanco, Coleman, Texas 76834. Family visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

SALOME BEAUMONT STEVENS McHORSE, 96
9/11/2006
Salome Beaumont Stevens McHorse, faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, departed this life on Sunday, September 10, 2006, at her family home in Coleman at the age of 96. She was a granddaughter of early county pioneers J.E. and Ann Campbell Stevens who came to Coleman in 1889 to establish a mercantile, lumber and funeral business. The Campbell family was among the first American settlers in Texas territory, arriving in the late 1820's. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Coleman where the funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 14 at 10:30 am with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be her four grandsons, her two granddaughters, Joe Johnson and Scott Gardner. Salome was born at her home on June 6, 1910, the fifth child of the six children of William James and Sarah Lenora Stevens. All of her siblings have preceded her in death: Joe Stevens, Mary Alice Stringer, Frances Dibrell, Sarah Lu Gardner and James Stevens. She loved to play the piano, sew and ride horses. While in college, she participated in the women's barrel race, an event just becoming part of the Coleman rodeo. At the age of 16, she graduated from Coleman High School, and in 1931 graduated from Texas Women's University in Denton with a degree in library science. For several years she taught school at Echo. On June 8, 1934, Salome married Curtis Ray McHorse at 8 AM in the living room of her family home. The couple moved to Dallas where Curtis worked for the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company. In 1949, they moved to Jackson, Mississippi, with the company. After several years there, Mr. McHorse became an independent land broker where they continued to live and rear their children. During her 32 years in Jackson, Salome McHorse was very active in Capital Street Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher, accompanist and a member of the Council on Ministries. She was involved in the local Girl Scout chapter as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader during the years her daughters were growing up. On a civic level, Mrs. McHorse served as citywide chairman of the U.S. savings bond drives for several years. Salome McHorse participated frequently in the PTA and held several offices in that organization. She loved to sew for her daughters and granddaughters and created fashionable outfits for many occasions. Upon the death of her husband in 1981, Salome moved from Jackson to Coleman to live with her sisters in the family home. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church where she taught the Nichols Bible Class. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Administrative Council of the church. Salome was actively involved in the Captain W.M. Buchner Chapter of the DAR. Through the years she assisted many young people to receive higher education. Salome McHorse is survived by her three children: Dr. Tom and Kay McHorse of Austin, Lynn and Dr. Sam McLellan of Temple, and Gail Hester of New Orleans. Grandchildren are Edward McHorse and Kevin McHorse of Austin, Paul McHorse of the Woodlands, Amanda Hester and Will Hester of New Orleans and Sarah Kathryn Hester of Atlanta. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, a nephew, Bill Gardner of Longview, a cousin, Frances Vivian Clark of Sweetwater (now of Topeka, Kansas) and several great nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful for those people who cared for her in her final years are Ruby Trevino, Dovie Garrrett, Jo Hankamer, Marvis Goodwin, Bertha Andrews and Sandra Watson. She is also survived by many people whose lives she touched, shared in and helped in significant ways. The family will receive friends at the Stevens Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday evening, September 13. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834 or a charity of your choice.

ETHEL JANE SMITH, 89
9/8/2006
Ethel Jane Smith of Coleman died Thursday, September 7, 2006 at Coleman Healthcare Center. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Ethel Jane Smith was born April 13, 1917 in Bell County, Texas and attended school there. She moved to Coleman 12 years ago, had worked as a sales representative for a cosmetics company and Girling Home Health. She was a member of North Coleman Baptist Church. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Rheta Smith of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Gail and James Fox of Killeen; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Winnie Sills of Pasadena; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence Smith. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

OLLIE PEMBROKE, 91
9/8/2006
Ollie Pembroke of Santa Anna passed from this life on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at 4:20 PM in Bangs following an automobile accident. Services will be Sunday at 2:30 PM at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Hess officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Anna Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Family visitation will be Saturday from 5:00 till 6:00PM at Henderson Funeral Home. She was born Ollie Odell Dickerson on September 10, 1914 in Oklahoma to the late Lewis Walker and Katie Smith Dickerson. Ollie was raised in Montague County, Texas where she attended the Bonita Schools. On February 23, 1936 she married Paul Pembroke in Montague County and they celebrated forty-nine years of marriage. Paul preceded her in death in 1985. She was a resident of Santa Anna since 1943, a member of the First Baptist Church and Trickham 84 Club. Ollie was a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Brownwood and Coleman and a homemaker. SURVIVORS Son - Lowell & wife Sylvia Pembroke of Salona Beach, California; 2 Sisters - Butch Starnes of Decatur, TX and Irene Webster of Arlington, Texas; Brother - Dudley Dickerson of Decatur, Texas; Granddaughter - Diane Evans of Santa Maria, CA; Great Granddaughter - Erica Evans of Santa Maria, CA; Deacons of First Baptist will serve as pallbearers.

CHARLES NOLEN, 73
9/8/2006
SAN ANGELO - Charles Ray Nolen, 73, of San Angelo, former Coleman resident, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm Saturday, Sept. 9, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo with the Rev. Nathaniel Hankins of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery. Mr. Nolen was born Nov. 17, 1932, in Rankin, Texas, to B.H. Nolen and Ethel Lane Nolen. He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1951 and attended Texas Tech University. Charles served in the U.S. Air Force and later became a rancher, an oilman and was a pioneer in the cable television industry. Mr. Nolen married Melinda Moses on June 1, 1963, in Coleman. He was a member of First Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Melinda Nolen of San Angelo; a son, Ben Nolen and wife Dana of San Angelo; a daughter, Lindy Moyers and husband Dwayne of South Lake; a sister, Lane Laughlin and husband Eddie of Brownwood; two grandchildren, William and Michael Nolen; and his aunt, Velma Lane Barron, all of San Angelo; and several nieces and nephews. The family requests that memorials be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Hospice of San Angelo or West Texas Boys Ranch.

In loving memory of
BETTIE GLENN NEAL
1939 - 2006
9/7/2006
Bettie fought bravely against cancer and inspired everyone around her with her strength of spirit and resolve. She spent her last year with her daughter and family in the Houston area while pursuing treatment at M.D. Anderson Hospital. A six year resident of San Antonio, Bettie's greatest desire was to return there to be with her wonderful students and colleagues at Wheatley Middle School and her many friends and family in San Antonio. Bettie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from North Texas State University with a major in Education and a minor in English. She later completed Advanced Studies in Linguistics at Sam Houston State University. Bettie earned certifications in Elementary Education, English as a Second Language and Special Education. Bettie dedicated herself to the education of her students for three decades in Texas schools including Collinsville, Magnolia, Palacios, Floresville, Cotulla and San Antonio, as well as the American School of Anaco, Venezuela. She also established and operated the Bettie Neal Real Estate Company from 1990 to 1995 in the Resort of Walden on Lake Conroe, Montgomery, Texas. Bettie was born in Coleman County, Texas to beloved parents Bertha and Glen McQueen. She is survived by her mother and her only brother Roy McQueen, longtime residents of Snyder, Texas. Bettie leaves behind three daughters, their husbands and her grandchildren. They are Jutuan and Jim Farr of The Woodlands, whose children are Brian Farr of Austin, and Lauren Barker and her husband Richard Barker of Houston; Kendall and Dayton Schrader of San Antonio and their daughter Sterling; Tina and Troy Tope of Plano and their daughter Taylor and son Travis. She also leaves behind close relatives Barbara Palcewski of San Antonio, Lara and Andrew Martinez of Cotulla, Stephen and Megan Glynn-Palcewski of San Diego, and Joyce, Bobby, Timothy and Robert Haney of Boswell, Oklahoma. She was predeceased by her father Glen and great-nephew Thor, son of Stephen and Megan. Bettie was a loving mother, a dedicated teacher and a faithful friend. She will be dearly missed. Services will be held Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 AM at Brown Ranch Cemetery. Processional will begin at 10:00 AM at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan St., Coleman, TX. Donations may be made in Bettie's memory to www.smiletrain.org - a charity close to her heart.

SUE MANN, 86
9/7/2006
Sue Mann of Coleman died Thursday, September 7, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9 at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Sue Mann was born July 9, 1920 in McCulloch County, Texas on the family ranch near Rochelle, the daughter of Richard Samuel Moseley and Della McCall Moseley. She grew up in Rochelle and graduated from Rochelle High School. She attended Tarleton and graduated from Texas Woman's University with a bachelor's degree. On June 2, 1943 she married Morris D. Mann in Brady and he preceded her in death on July 4, 2006. After Dr. Mann set up his medical practice in Coleman in 1948, she was the bookkeeper for him for many years, as well as a homemaker and mother. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors include five sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Sue Mann of Austin, Charles and Gloria Mann of Lampasas, Tom and Candy Mann of Coleman, Bill and Pat Mann of Coleman, Jim and Carol Mann of Arlington; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Coleman Library, 400 Commercial, Coleman, Texas 76834, the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 852, Coleman, Texas 76834, or the donor's favorite charity. Family visitation will be held Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

THOMAS H. "TOM" DAVIS, 80
9/7/2006
SAN ANGELO - Thomas H. 'Tom' Davis of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, in San Angelo. Graveside service will be at 1:00pm Friday, September 8, in the Coleman City Cemetery with Tommy King officiating. Tom was born April 18, 1926, in Coleman County, Texas, to his parents, Wes Davis and Willie Bryant Davis. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March 1944 and served until September 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Tom became a professional bull rider on the National Rodeo Circuit for several years after his separation from the Marine Corps. He then met and later married Billie Fenton on March 4, 1951. Tom and Billie then moved to Fort Worth, where he went to work for the Fort Worth Stockyards. He and his wife moved to Hurst, where he went to work for P&R Cattle Company and then established himself as an independent cattle buyer. In 1968, Tom and Billie moved to San Angelo, Texas, and he went to work for Producers Livestock Auction Company. He then moved to Ozona and went to work at the Delta Gas Plant and retired. Tom is survived by his loving family - two daughters, Patti Riddle of Knoxville, Tenn., and Belinda Davis of Cedar Park; two grandchildren, Amber Purser of South Carolina and Thomas Riddle of Knoxville, Tenn.; four sisters, Juanita Mills, Wanda Dorman, Charlene Mobley and Willifae Pauley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was a loving father and grandfather and had many, many friends who will dearly miss him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Nicole and Jay Valandingham and family for tirelessly and selflessly caring for our father in his last days, and we appreciate their friendship and spiritual encouragement.

BETTY JO ANTILLEY HUBBELL, 79
9/8/2006
Betty Jo Antilley Hubbell died Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at her home in Coleman. Graveside services will be Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Eula Cemetery, under the direction of Girdner Funeral Home of Abilene. Mrs. Hubbell was born May 14, 1927 in Elmdale. She was raised in the Elmdale and Eula Area. As a young adult, she moved to Dallas and worked in the accounting department for Lone Star Gas Co. for 48 years. After her retirement, she moved back to Eula and had only recently moved to Coleman. She was preceded in death by: a son, Rickey Hubbell, and a sister, Bonnie Jordan. Survivors include: daughter, Nita Bruner, of Coleman; sister, Bobbie Hotchkiss of Abilene; and brothers, Dan Antilley and Chester Antilley, both of Eula. A meal will be served after the service at the Eula Baptist Church.

MAMIE PACK WELCH, 78
9/5/2006
Mamie Pack Welch of Coleman died Monday, September 4, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2006 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mamie Pack Welch was born October 31, 1927 in Muscogee, Oklahoma, a daughter of Henry and Ella Pack. She grew up in Texas in Maple and Estacado. She attended school at Lorenzo. She moved from Odessa to Coleman in 1951. She was married to Jack Birdwell and he preceded her in death in 1965. She later married Gerald Welch in Fort Worth. Mrs. Welch was a homemaker and a mother. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Gerald Welch of Coleman; two sons, Jack and wife Jennifer Birdwell of Big Spring, Danny Birdwell of Monahans; one brother, D. M. Pack of Slaton; two sisters, Helen Manning of Knox City, Clair Allred of Odessa; one step-son, Mike Welch of Odessa; six grandchildren, Mitch Birdwell, Jason Birdwell, Cindy J. Walsh, Joe Joe Birdwell, David Birdwell, Reese Row; seven great-grandchildren, Becca Birdwell, Jackie K. Birdwell, Jacob Birdwell, Hannah Birdwell, Ezekiel Birdwell, Luke Birdwell, Laralei Row; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Family visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

AUDRIETTE MCNAIRY, 60
9/4/2006
Audriette McNairy age 60 of Dallas, Texas died Friday, September 1, 2006 in a Dallas hospital. Services will be Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Singing Hills Funeral Home in Dallas with graveside services at 4:00 PM at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion, Coleman, Texas. Local services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman. Audriette was born June 1, 1946 in Coleman to the late Hugh Glen and Catherine Holloway Thomas. She was raised in Coleman where she attended the Humphrey High School. Audriette has been a resident of Dallas since 1964 and was a Baptist. SURVIVORS: 4 Sons - Eric & wife Traci McNairy of Cedar Hill, Texas, Derrick & wife Carla McNairy of Dallas, Texas, Otis Minafee of Dallas, Texas, Karl Spencer; Sister - Celestine Ford of Dallas, Texas; Brother - Ricky Thomas of Dallas, Texas; 9 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild, Local Great Aunt - Ella Mae Bailey of Coleman, Texas; Great Uncle - Roy Holloway, Jr. of Dallas, Texas; Numerous Cousins, Nieces & Nephews. Audriette was preceded in death by 2 sisters - Theresa & Annie Marie Thomas .

JOHN CAMPBELL, 53
9/4/2006
SAN ANTONIO - John Campbell, of San Antonio, died Sunday, August 27, 2006 in San Antonio. Memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Antonio. Graveside committal service will be held in the family plot on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Texas under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas. John Campbell was born August 15, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Harry G. Campbell and Mary Estelle Burleson Campbell. He grew up in San Antonio where he attended San Antonio College, UTSA and St. Mary's. John was employed at Southwest Research for 28 years as a Senior Engineering Technologist. He designed and help build a new piece of equipment that gauged metal fatigue under extreme conditions. He also did work on the Space Shuttle tiles, testing on design specs for the first Stealth bomber and the Mars rover. He had earned a Kempo Black Belt, with the thesis titled 'A Method to Study and Quantify the Physics and Power of Striking Blows'. Survivors include two sons, Thomas Campbell and Ryan Campbell both of San Antonio; three cousins, Mike Burleson of Burnet, Kelly Burleson of Dripping Springs and Andrea Burleson of Barrington, Illinois; one aunt, Toni Burleson of Burnet and a second cousin, Flip Flippen and family of College Station. Prior to the service in Coleman, there will be a family visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

HERMAN EUGENE "DOODLE" HAMON, 91
9/2/2006
LAWN Herman Eugene 'Doodle' Hamon, 91, died Friday, September 01, 2006, in an Abilene hospital. Services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2006, in Lawn Church of Christ with Mike Hardaway and Roy Meyer officiating. Burial will be in Counts Cemetery, directed by Fry - Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola. Visitation will be 6:00 -- 8:00 p.m. today at the funeral home. Doodle was born March 31, 1915, in Goldsboro to James H. and Mary Ollie Warnica Hamon. He attended schools in Goldsboro and Novice. He married Mary Ann Montrose January 2, 1951, in LaMarque. Until his death he continued to live in the home he was born in and was a farmer in the Goldsboro area. He was a member of the Lawn Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Jeanette Mathews, Janie V. Burnes and Freeda Hamon; three brothers, Hubert Hamon, Earnest 'Bill' Hamon and John Paul 'Pete' Hamon; a grandson, Randel Coxe; and a great-granddaughter, Shayla Coxe. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Hamon of Goldsboro; one daughter, Shirley Geraldon of Goldsboro; one son, Richard Hill of Cisco; one sister-in-law, Marie Hamon; one brother-in-law, Carl Mathews; two nieces, Jeanenne Jones and Darlene Talbot; one nephew, Billy Jim Mathews; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several cousins. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1862 Hickory, Abilene, Texas 79601 or to Lawn Church of Christ Building Fund, P. O. Box 176, Lawn, Texas 79530.

LORENE GRAY, 90
8/31/2006
Lorene Gray, 90, of Coleman, died Thursday, August 31, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeffrey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Burkett Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Lorene Gray was born October 5, 1915 in Burkett, Texas, a daughter of Arch B. Harris and Mary Lou Colvin Harris. She grew up and attended school in Burkett. On November 5, 1934 she married Lon M. Gray in Coleman County and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1997. Lorene lived in Burkett until 1979 when she moved to Coleman. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Chapel Sunday School Class, the Bettie Morris Circle and the Chancel Choir. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Don and Colleen Gray of Hurst; one daughter, Sue Frizzell of Coleman; five grandchildren, Martha Terry of Keller, David Gray of Hurst, Tammy Edgerton of Victoria, Randy Price of Azle, Tracy Price of Lawton, Oklahoma, currently serving in the military in Kuwait; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Irma Tomlinson of Clarendon. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Virgie Adams and Elsie Porter; one brother, A. B. Harris. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Coleman, Texas, or the Coleman County Humane Society. Family visitation will be held on Friday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

RUSSELL DEAN JOHNSON, 53
8/28/2006
Russell Dean Johnson, age 53, died at his home in Coleman County on August 28, 2006 while battling cancer. Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31 at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and eulogy given by Mark Sanderson. Burial will follow in the Silver Valley Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Russell Dean Johnson was born June 24, 1953 in Parker County, Texas, a son of Minor Johnson and Nancy Curtis Johnson. Russell was raised by Ed and Patsy Graves on the Walking 3 Ranch in Coleman County. He graduated from Novice High School in 1971 and attended Tarleton State University. On July 21, 2001 he married Donna Perry Carter in Coleman. Russell was a rancher and a member of the Coleman Rodeo Association. He was a member of the United States Team Roping Association and won the National Finals in October 2005. He was a former member of the Novice School Board. Survivors include his wife, Donna Johnson of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and John Merrill of Coleman; three step-daughters, Kristina Carter, Lindsay Carter both of Austin and Chelsea Carter of Abilene; one grandson, Jansen Merrill of Coleman; two brothers, Fred Johnson and wife Kim of Coleman, Roy Johnson of College Station; one sister, Minor Jean Johnson of Stephenville; several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79602. Family visitation will be Wednesday 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman.

LINDA MAE MEECE, 61
8/23/2006
Linda Mae Meece, of Coleman, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2006. Graveside services for Linda, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Brownwood with Reverend Jeff Moore officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Netherton Funeral Home. Linda passed away Monday morning at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Linda was born on November 9, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan to Frank and Dorine Mannuzza of Washington. She had been a resident of Coleman and Brown Counties for most of her life. She was a very loving mother and a very loving grandmother. She also had just recently become a great grandmother. Her grandchildren knew her as Memaw. Linda was a homemaker and especially enjoyed crocheting where she had made several things for her friends and family and earned several first place ribbons for her work. Linda was also a special friend to everyone who knew her. She will be missed greatly by her children and grandchildren and friends. Survivors include her children and their families: Lisa and Kirk Cavanaugh of Coleman, and their children, Chelsea, Cody and Tiffanie and their son, Hagen; Sheila and Jeff Greer of Early, and their children Josh and Austin; Dianna Krischke and Robin Hogue of Early, and their children, Kris, Tiffanie, Chelsea and Chase; Michael and Linda Krischke of Liberty Hill, and their children, Jimmy, Jody, Lane and Cassidy; and a sister Mary Roberts of Washington. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorine Mannuzza and her brother Jerry Mannuzza. The family would like to thank the ICU Staff at Brownwood Regional Medical Center for the care provided to Linda during her stay. Also a special thank you to Dr. Narendra Nigalye, and Dr. Dan Locker for the loving care and support they gave her.

OTELLIA "TELA" SIMONTON, 83
8/21/2006
Otellia "Tela" Simonton, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 83 Sunday evening, August 20, 2006 at her residence in Coleman, Texas. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery, Fisk, Texas. Tela was born June 7, 1923 in Fisk to William and Lena Jones. She married Fred Simonton on December 3, 1940 . He preceded her in death on November 26, 2004. They lived in Coleman County their entire lives. She was employed for many years with the Mozelle School. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, one sister and her husband of almost 64 years. She leaves behind five children, Wahlasha Richards of Coleman, Spencer Simonton and wife Cynthia of Bedford, Nicky Simonton and wife Donna of Fisk, Fredye Utley and husband, Lindy of Paducah and Debbye Proctor and husband Bill of Burnett. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorial donations may be sent to West Texas Rehabilitation Center or Hendrick Hospice. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Hendrick Hospice of Abilene for their kindness and support during Tela's brief illness.

DORTHA JANICE DICKSON, 83
8/21/2006
Dortha Janice Dickson of Valera died August 19, 2006 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home in Coleman on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 from 7 to 8 p.m. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at the Valera Cemetery Pavilion. Pastor Arthur A. Allen will officiate, assisted by Rev. Kermit Sorrells, and services will be under the direction of Walker Funeral Home. Mrs. Dickson was born April 18, 1923 in Glen Cove to the late William Thomas Nixon and Lula Louisa (Mulanax) Nixon. She grew up in Valera and graduated second in her class at Centennial High School in 1939. She worked at the Coleman Flying School after graduation, where she met Billy Jack Dickson. They married in 1945 in Austin and celebrated 60 years together on September 16, 2005. They returned to Coleman County in 1980 after living for many years in San Angelo, Greenville, Hondo, San Antonio, and they attended Valera Methodist Church. Mrs. Dickson was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker who also enjoyed sewing, reading, music, and gardening, and she worked daily along side her husband on their Valera farm and orchard for over 20 years. She especially loved to take something old and improve it. She leaves behind a loving family including: her husband, Billy Jack Dickson of Valera; four children, Connie (Clif) Hill of Mobile, AL, Jerry (Nancy) Dickson and Mark (Becky) Dickson of San Antonio, and DeeAnn (Bruce) Looney of Fredricksburg; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Melba) Nixon and Dewayne (Tommie) Nixon of Abilene; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Dickson was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Imogene (Nixon) Gerth, and a granddaughter, Summer Dawn Dickson. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, Abilene.

PATSY RUTH JAMISON MILLER, 81
8/18/2006
Patsy Ruth Jamison Miller of Coleman died August 16, 2006 at her home in Coleman. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 21 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Leonard Radde officiating and assisted by Dr. Jeffrey Miller. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Patsy J. Miller was born June 27, 1925 in Amarillo, Texas, the daughter of Tom E. Jamison and Clarence Dodd Jamison. She grew up in Coleman, graduated from Coleman High School and Texas Tech University. Patsy was raised in and a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of the Dunson Sunday School Class. She married J. P. "Bub" Miller, Jr. on May 15, 1946 in Fort Worth, Texas. They moved to South Dakota in 1947 where they owned and operated Miller Ranch until 1972. When they first moved to South Dakota they had no running water or electricity and Patsy learned to make do with the situation. She and Bub were instrumental in getting rural electricity to that area of South Dakota. Patsy started teaching at Cooper Country School in 1953 and taught in the Meade County School District in Sturgis, S.D. until 1965. She was the Rural School Principal for several years. They moved back to Coleman, Texas in 1972. Patsy worked at the Coleman County State Bank for many years. She was also the founder and first president in 1974 of the Circle C Cowbelles (now Circle C Cattlewomen). Survivors include two sons, John P. Miller of Red Owl, S.D. and Tom C. Miller and wife Vivian of Red Owl, S.D.; grandchildren Thomas Ryan Miller, Jeff D. Miller and wife Ashlee of Coleman, Mary Catherine Miller of Rochester, NY, Noelle Heinert of Powell, WY; great-grandchild Baxter Heinert; two sisters-in-law, Ann Hargett and husband James of Coleman and Billie Marie Miller of Coleman; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. P. "Bub" Miller, Jr., her parents and brother, Tom Jamison. Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Choir Fund, P. O. Box 852, 500 W. Live Oak Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

S. G. CHRISTIAN, 74
8/16/2006
S.G. Christian of Coleman died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at his residence. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with James Bailey officiating, assisted by Bob Garner. Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday at the Richland Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Christian was born January 25, 1932 in Richland Springs, the son of D. N. Christian and Edna Marie Carrell Christian. He grew up and attended school in Richland Springs and served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1953. On July 5, 1963, he married Ruth Ann Henderson in Coleman. He worked for Shell Pipeline, retiring after 25 years and moved to Coleman in 1994, where he invented and marketed the Bodoodle. He was an avid hunter and in 2005 was inducted into the Bow Hunter's National Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed playing the banjo. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Christian of Coleman; his children, Brenda Perrone and husband Joe, of Hammond, Louisiana, Sherry Rainey of Coleman, Lee Ann Crnko and husband Joe, of Spring, Kathy Rindhage and husband Mike of Friendswood, Danny Christian and wife Brenda of Lakewood, Florida; one brother, Gene Christian and wife Veda, of Coleman; grandchildren, Joey Perrone, Jeff Perrone, Heidi Veverica, Heather Perrone, Carson Rainey, Emily-Kate Crnko, Garrett Rindhage, Rae Ann Rindhage, Jessica Christian, Dori Christian; six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

CHARLEY MAY RICHARDSON FREEMAN, 79
8/14/2006
Charley May Richardson Freeman, of Lake Weatherford and formerly of Coleman, died Sunday, August 13, 2006 at a Fort Worth Hospital. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 17, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Charley May Medcalf on May 17, 1927 in May, Texas, the daughter of Lee Roy and Ruth Anderson Medcalf. She grew up in Brown and Coleman Counties and attended school at Santa Anna and Buffalo. On May 20, 1944 she married J. P. Richardson in Santa Anna and he preceded her in death on March 10, 1987. She married A. L. Freeman on August 1, 1992 in Coleman, Texas Charley May lived in Coleman for many years, moving to Ft. Worth in 1992 and to Lake Weatherford in 2005. She was a homemaker. While living in Coleman, she was a member of North Coleman Baptist Church and at the time of her death was a member of First Baptist Church in Willow Park. Survivors include her husband, A. L. Freeman of Lake Weatherford; one daughter, Ruth Ann and husband Mark Godfrey of Jarrell, Texas; three sons, Max and wife Ann Richardson of Coleman, Charles Richardson of Midland, Bobby Richardson of Godley; one step-son, Leslie and wife Melinda Freeman of Fort Worth; one step-daughter, Linda and husband Jeff Bigham of Benbrook; One brother, Robert and wife Dean Bouchillon of Paradise; ll grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, and a granddaughter, Kim Jackson. Memorials may be made to West Texas Boys Ranch or the donor's favorite Charity. Family Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

ARVEL CULLINS, 80
8/15/2006
Arvel Cullins passed away on August 14, 2006, leaving behind a loving family. He was born September 15, 1925 on the Overall Ranch south of Valera. He attended Coleman and Mozelle schools, then graduated from Centennial. Immediately after graduating from high school he joined the Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Before moving to Coleman, the family lived at Lawn, Texas for 8 years, where Arvel was employed as a telegraph operator for the Santa Fe Railroad. Later, he went to work for Lone Star Gas, retiring after 32 years as a district superintendent. He was totally dedicated to his job, making sure every one had heat during cold, icy winters. Later in life he and Lorena enjoyed traveling the country in their trailer home, visiting family and friends. Arvel loved the Lord and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Coleman, where he served as deacon for the past 44 years and was a member of the Challenge Sunday School Class. Arvel is survived by his wife Lorena Simmons Cullins, whom he married 63 years ago on March 21, 1943. He has one daughter, Sherry Roberts, and son-in-law, John of Granbury. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Randy Roberts and Rhonda Anderson and husband Tommy, both of Flower Mound, five great-grandchildren, Collin, Kelsey, Ryan, Miranda, Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Edna Cullins. Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, at First Baptist Church in Coleman with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and assisted by Rick Marshall. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Coleman, Texas or the donor's favorite charity.

EMMA WATSON, 85
8/13/2006
Emma Watson, of Coleman, died Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15 in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Frasier officiating and assisted by Rev. Derek Triggs. Burial will follow in the Leaday Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Emma Joy Blair on January 10, 1921 in Concho County, Texas, a daughter of Frank and Flora Winkle Blair. She grew up in Concho County and attended school at Liberty Hill and Millersview. She was married to Anon Fenwick; he preceded her in death in 1946. She later married Raymond Watson and he died in 1965. Mrs. Watson moved to Coleman in 1961 and was employed at the sewing factory. She was raised a Baptist but had attended the Nazarene Church for the last several years. Survivors include two daughters, Joyce and husband C. R. Dalton of Coleman, Kay and husband Kenneth Foote of Odessa; five grandchildren, Tammy Blair of Lake Ivie, Becky Hatchett of Lamesa, Michael Barkemeyer of Coleman, Gregory Barkemeyer of Norfolk, Virginia, Letitia Palmer of Odessa; eleven great-grandchildren, Wesley Lowe, Camden Lowe, Brady Hatchett, Sheldon Lowe, Cassandra Barkemeyer, Ashlee Wells, Justin Barkemeyer, Alana Barkemeyer, Joshua Barkemeyer, Kasen Palmer, Zachary Barkemeyer; one sister, Adella Walden of Coleman. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Louie Blair and Gerald Blair. Family visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.