R. L. BAKER, 81
8/11/2006
R.L. Baker, 81, of Coleman and long-time Valera resident, died Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held Monday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. L. A. Caldwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Valera Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. R. L. Baker was born December 28, 1924 in Hamilton, Texas, a son of Lark Baker and Esther Stubbelfield Baker. He grew up in Hamilton and Santa Anna and attended school in Hamilton. Mr. Baker served in the U. S. Army during World War II. On June 28, 1943 he married Jo Ann Williams in Coleman and she preceded him in death on February 5, 2003. Mr. Baker retired from Coleman County Precinct Three as a heavy equipment operator. He was Pentecostal. Survivors include five daughters, Carolyn and husband James Leonard of Brownwood, Brenda Dyer of Coleman, Linda and husband Lee Moore of Santa Anna, Gwen and husband Colin Hobbs of Valera, Patricia Smith of Coleman; two sons, Randy and wife Pam Baker of Coleman, Gary Dan and wife Judy Baker of Brownwood; 16 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Katherine Parsley of Midland, Lucille Botard of Hughs Springs, Wilma Chappel of Brownwood; one brother, R. V. Baker of Bangs. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a grandson, Gary Lee Moore, a daughter-in-law, Shirley Baker, a son-in-law, Dwane Dyer, two sisters and three brothers. Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Family visitation will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

SAMBO MASSEY, 54
8/10/2006
Sambo Massey of Abilene, formerly of Coleman, died Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center. Visitation will be held on Friday at 5:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. He was born June 28, 1952 in Sacramento, California, a son of Billy Jack and Mary Leo Bowers Massey. He grew up in Coleman where he attended school. He worked in the oil field and attended North Side Baptist Church in Abilene. Survivors include two sons, Abel Massey and Billy Massey both of Fort Worth; one daughter, Mary Massey of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Claudia Massey, Trey Martinez, Dakota Mitchell, Landon Massey, Logan Massey, Hunter Massey, Michael Brown, Heavenly Brown; four sisters, Nancy Aguirre of Houston, Jan Frazier of Angleton, Cordelia Montgomery of Gonzales, Judy Strength of Coleman. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tommy Massey.

GLYN OLIVER DOWNEY, 91
8/11/2006
Glyn Oliver Downey, the son of the late Patrick Wesley and Fannie Fern Wilson Downey, was born Sept. 12, 1914, in Leaday, Texas. He passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006, at his residence. Glyn was a graduate of Gouldbusk High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1937 and served at Randolph Field in San Antonio. He married Emma Nell Sing Griffith on Oct. 6, 1940, in Gouldbusk. After serving in World War II, he was stationed at Chenault Air Force Base, Ill.; Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo; Hondo Air Force Base; Chambley Air Base, France; and Travis Air Force Base, Calif. He retired in 1964 after 30 years in the Air Force and moved back to San Angelo, where he was an original employee of Mooney Aircraft, which is now Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, where he was production foreman. After his second retirement, he returned to Gouldbusk, where he farmed and ranched. He moved to Coleman in 1995. He was a deacon at College Hills Baptist Church in San Angelo and Gouldbusk Baptist Church. He was a 50-plus year member of the Coleman Masonic Lodge No. 496. He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Emma Nell Sing Downey of Coleman; one daughter, Beth Sexton of Coleman; one son, Don Downey of San Angelo; two sisters, Patsy Bartley of Coleman and Doris Dehnel of San Angelo; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Malcolm and Zelma Downey, and Sherwood and Jean Downey, all of Coleman. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Tom G. Walker Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in Walker Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating. Masonic service will follow in Gouldbusk Cemetery Pavilion with interment in Gouldbusk Cemetery.

BENNY BARKER, 60
8/9/2006
Benny Barker, age 60, of Lake Ivie, died Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Pat Horner and Brother Scott Shamburger officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Benny Barker was born December 22, 1945 in Coleman, Texas, a son of Eddie Mae Threadgill Barker and the late Lewis Barker, Sr. He grew up in Coleman where he attended school. He served in the U. S. Army from 1966-1971 and was in Viet Nam for 1 1/2 years. On February 17, 1968 he married Deborah Berry in Coleman. Benny lived in Hale Center for two years and Liberty Hill for three years. He worked in the oil field in Alaska and Saudi Arabia and for the City of Coleman for a number of years. In 1995 he moved to Lake Ivie. He loved to fish. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Barker of Lake Ivie; two daughters, Ali Birdwell and husband Jason of Coleman; Jessica Shaer and husband Hassan of Baytown; his mother, Eddie Mae Barker of Coleman; seven grandchildren, Jacob Birdwell, Hannah Birdwell, Ezekiel Birdwell, Luke Birdwell, Benjamin Shaer, Samuel Shaer, Seth Shaer; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Barker, Sr. and his brother, Lewis Barker, Jr. Memorials may be made to any Viet Nam Veterans organization or the VA Hospital in Kerrville, Texas. Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

BUFORD BRANTON, 60
8/8/2006
Buford Branton of Coleman died Sunday, August 6, 2006 at his residence. No services are scheduled. His body will be cremated and interred at the Knox City Cemetery. He was born George Buford Branton on September 25, 1945 in Knox City, the son of George Milton Branton and Emma Parsons Branton. He grew up and attended school in Knox City and Abilene. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He moved to Coleman in 1985 and was a retired truck driver. Survivors include his children, Connie Engler, Wanda Sue Branton, Susan Branton, Buforinia Branton, Susan Branton; one brother, Claud Branton and wife, Sandra of Freeport; two sisters, Georgiana Baldwin of Logansport, Indiana, Wanda Jean Clemons and husband, Jack L. of Logansport, Indiana; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

MARTHA DEAL, 83
8/6/2006
Martha Deal, 83, of Coleman, died Saturday, August 5, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 11:00am Tuesday at First Baptist Church with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating and assisted by Rick Marshall. Burial will follow in the Brown Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Martha Mae Dalton on March 18, 1923 in the Elliott community in Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of T. J. Dalton, Sr. and Mattie Jones Dalton. She grew up in Mozelle, attended school at Elliott and graduated from Mozelle High School. She attended McMurry College in Abilene for a short while. On May 29, 1947 she married B. J. Deal at the Baptist parsonage in Coleman. Following their marriage, they lived in Gouldbusk for three years and then various towns in Texas, moving to Coleman in 1972. She was a homemaker, a member of First Baptist Church and the Esther Sunday School Class. Survivors include her husband, B. J. Deal of Coleman; one daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Don Taylor of LaPine, Alabama; two grandchildren, Kevin Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana and NeOma Ruckel of Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Brandon Taylor, Jessica Taylor, Elizabeth Ruckel and Harrison Ruckel; one brother, N. T. Dalton and wife Yoshiko of Cheney, Washington; sister-in-law, Georgia Lynn Dalton of Mozelle; brother-in-law, Leland Martin of Brownwood; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother T. J. Dalton, Jr., infant brother, Charles Morris Dalton; two sisters, Dorothy Martin and Sammy Joyce (Dolly) Harless. Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Family visitation will be held on Monday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home.

LUCILLE WILLEY PHILLIPS, 89
8/6/2006
Lucille Willey Phillips, age 89, of Belton, went home to the arms of Jesus after a short struggle with cancer on August 6, 2006.. At the time of her stepping through Heavens door, she was surrounded by her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Lucille was born Lucille Strickland in Richland Springs Texas on December 19, 1916. In 1936 she married Rice W. Willey and they farmed in the Waldrip/Lohn Valley. Rice died in 1945 . In 1948 Lucille married Hollis B. Phillips of Brady and they farmed in the same valley. They lived in the Lohn area until 1974 and they sold the family farm and bought a farm in the Bonita Valley of Arizona. In 1977 Hollis retired from farming and after a while they settled in Granite Shoals Texas. They lived there until Hollis' death in July 1993, at which time Lucille moved to Brownwood and the next year to Belton. Lucille loved her children and their children. She cared for many senior ciyizens in the Lohn area while raising her kids. She enjoyed visiting, quilting, reading and was also a freelance writer. Lucille is survived by her long time companion, Wesley Franks, of Belton, her three sons, Glenn Ray (Carol) Willey of Flatonia, Jeff B. (Mary Beth) Willey of Littlefield, R.C. (Becky) Willey of Blanket. She is also survived by five daughters, Nelda Blair of Belton, Karen Dutton of Euless, Carmen Melton of Bedford, Wanda Lancaster of Ft. Worth, and Kittie Preas of Bonita, Arizona. Lucille had 18 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren as well as great great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Glenna Fay Willey, three great son in laws, Jack Dutton, James Blair and Terry Preas. At Lucilles request, no service will be held, and a private cremation followed with her ashes to be scattered over Marion Cemetery in the Lohn area.

GEORGE EDWARD (ARK) McCARLEY, 85
8/2/2006
SAN ANGELO - George Edward (Ark) McCarley, 85, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2006, at Shannon Medical Center, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo with the Rev. Ken Dahlberg officiating. Burial followed in the Coleman City Cemetery. George was born Feb. 21, 1921, to Burk and Mable McCarley in Gifford, Ark. His family eventually moved to Coleman, Texas, where George met the love of his life, Dorothy. On July 3, 1940, he married Dorothy Belle Carnes. To this union was born one daughter, Georgia Belle; and three sons, George Edward Jr., Jack and Bill. Following their marriage, the McCarleys lived in Coleman for two years before moving to San Angelo in 1943. During World War II, George served in the Third Army under Gen. Patton and took part in the Normandy invasion. While in Europe, whenever an opportunity presented itself, George would travel by bicycle and saw much of Germany and France. After the war, George returned to Holsum Bakery, then went to work as a plumber and soon began his own plumbing business. Together, he and Dorothy owned and managed McCarley Plumbing Company from 1952 until their retirement in 1999. George is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorothy Belle McCarley of San Angelo; son Jack McCarley of San Angelo; son Bill and his wife, Marilyn, of San Angelo; his grandsons, Burk McCarley and wife Christy, Jack McCarley Jr., John Plum and Andrew Logan; granddaughters Rachelle Healer and husband David, Letitia Lack and husband Mark, Jennifer McCarley, and Alice Hildebrand and husband John; great-grandchildren Monica Garcia and husband Adam, Kristen and James McCarley, Jordan, London and Paris Lack, and Laqrisha and Anthony Roland; and great-great-grandchildren Maddie and Hunter Garcia, and Crystal Roland. He is also survived by his brother, Marvin McCarley, and wife Pat; sister Hazel Griffis of California; sisters and brothers-in-law Molly and Ted Wilson of California, and Dolly and Bill Sweet of Nevada; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Raymond Carnes of Coleman; sister-in-law Edith Carnes of Coleman; a special uncle, Stan George, and wife Lois; and numerous special nieces, nephews and friends. The family requests that memorials be made to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houston Harte Expressway, San Angelo, TX 76903; or to a charity of your choice.

RAYMOND C. "RAY" TURNBOW, I
7/31/2006
Raymond C. "Ray" Turnbow, I, age 69 of Houston, passed away July 28, 2006. Ray was born September 15, 1936 in Andrews. He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and had been employed in Railroad/Transportation management for many years. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, but his truelove was being a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Naoma Yvonne Morgan Turnbow, parents Arthur and Hattie Turnbow and six siblings. Surviving are his sons, Raymond "Chay" Turnbow, II and wife Yvonne, Gary Turnbow and wife Michelle, Jeff Turnbow and wife Anita, Steve Turnbow and wife Sherry, grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Joshua, Jason, Taylor, Tyler, Chealsea, Jordan and Hanna; mother-in-law, Lucille Morgan; brother, Alfred Turnbow; sister, Edith Brawley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and many friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 1, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home-Champion Forest in Houston. Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Klein Funeral Home Chapel-Champion Forest. A second visitation will be Friday, August 4, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel in Coleman. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Zachary, Nicholas, Joshua, Jason, Tyler and Jordan. Ray was a very generous and giving man, contributing to numerous charitable causes and events. For those desiring, contributions many made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your Choice.

ERA V COLLINS, 101
7/31/2006
Era V Collins of Coleman died Friday, July 28, 2006 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mrs. Collins was born December 8, 1904 on the family ranch near Echo, the daughter of William Cowan Henderson and Effie Jane Keller Henderson. She attended a small school near the ranch and graduated from Coleman High School in 1921. She married Clyde M. Collins on June 9, 1923 in Coleman. He preceded her in death on August 7, 1977. She loved cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. She was an excellent gardener, growing strawberries and other fruits and vegetables and many varieties of flowers. After many years of aiding Clyde in the neighborhood grocery store, they moved to Snyder, where she was president of garden club and judged many flower shows. In 1974, they returned home to Coleman. She was a member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Coleman. Survivors include her daughter, Janice C. Roberts of New Braunfels; her son, Jack B. Collins of Houston; her grandchildren, Pam Blackwell and husband Bobby, of New Braunfels, Phil Collins, M.D. and wife Cecilia of Austin, Diane Daniels and husband Mike of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Bryan Collins and wife Nina of McLain, Virginia, Jim Collins and wife Kathy of Houston; her great grandchildren, Nicole Jennings, P.A. and husband Kelly of Granbury, Courtney Abernathy and husband Kelly of New Braunfels, Callie Collins, Delaney Collins, Erin Collins all of Austin, Broderick Collins and Christopher Collins both of McLain, Virginia; one great-great grandson, Dylan Abernathy of New Braunfels and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Patsy Collins, one son, Fred Collins, six sisters and two brothers. Family visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent Holiday Hill Nursing Home, 245 State Hwy 153, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the donor's favorite charity. Era V, with great difficulty, gave up her home and car and moved to Holiday Hill in March, 2004. The family wishes to offer the Staff of Holiday Hill their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their devoted and loving care of Era V. Through Era V's love of her dogs, Chris, Kim and Buffy, she became endeared to Lynn Thompson, her angel and caretaker throughout her later years for which the family will be forever thankful.

JO LITTLETON, 87
7/28/2006
Jo Littleton, of Coleman, passed away July 27, 2006 at the Coleman Health Care Center. Daughter of the late Virgil and Francis Altizer Gordon, she was born October 6, 1918 in Longworth, TX. On August 6, 1960 she married Grady Littleton in Coleman. He preceded her in death on March 22, 1980. Jo was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ and she served in the Coleman Hospital Auxiliary. She is survived by one sister, Johney Dell and her husband Leonard Williams of Abilene; niece, Georgene and her husband Randall Saverance of San Angelo; nephews, Gordon and his wife Debra McCullough of San Marcos, and Ray Max and his wife Jo Ann Williams of Garland. Also surviving are great and great-great-nieces and nephews; Denise, Victor, and Owen Grant of Colleyville; Kimberly, Kevin Kailee, and Kelsey Gunn of Cedar Hill, TX; Kevin, Shanna, Hayley, Coleton, and Weston Saverance, and Emilee and Michael Brinlee all of San Angelo. Funeral Services were Saturday July 29, 2006 at 10:30 am at the Walker Funeral Chapel with Joe Hailey, pastor of the Elm Street Church of Christ, officiating. Committal services will follow at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman. The family request memorials are made to the Coleman Senior Center or the Elm Street Church of Christ of Coleman.

NOVELLA "SUG" STEARNS, 88
7/24/2006
Novella 'Sug' Stearns, age 88 of Trickham passed away Saturday, July 22, 2006 at the Westview Manor in McGregor, Texas. Services were held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Trickham Union Church with Rev. Pat McClatchy officiating. Interment will follow at the Trickham Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Santa Anna. Sug was born October 1, 1917 in Coleman County, Texas to the late Walter Clinton and Millie May Storey Sharp. A lifetime resident of Coleman County she attended the Eureka and Santa Anna schools. On September 30, 1934 Sug married Granville King Stearns in Santa Anna and they celebrated fifty-three years of marriage. G. K. preceded her in death in 1987. She was a member of the Trickham Baptist Church serving as secretary for 50 years, the Trickham Quilting Club and Trickham 84 Club. Sug was a stock-farmer and homemaker. Survivors include: daughter-in-law Monyene Stearns of McGregor, Texas, granddaughter - Sabrina Pugh of McGregor, Texas, grandson - Clint Stearns of Bellmeade, Texas, 3 great-granddaughters. Sug was preceded in death by her son Sherman Stearns in 2005, one sister and one brother.

PATSY LANDERS BERRY, 77
7/23/2006
Patsy Landers Berry of Coleman died Sunday, July 23, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. She was born Patsy Charlene Landers on March 21, 1929 in Littlefield, the daughter of Charles Urban Landers and Lucille Sykes Landers. She grew up in Oklahoma and Texas, graduating from Novice High School in 1946. She married Ross Ballard "John" Berry on April 2, 1947 in Brown County. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2005. She worked as a secretary for many years. She moved to Abilene in 1968 from Coleman, moving back to Coleman 2004. She was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ. Survivors include her children, Johnny Carroll Berry of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Fuller of Tuscola, Charles Anthony "Tony" Berry of El Paso, Patricia Elaine "Patti" Scott of San Angelo; three sisters, Sybil Berry of Coleman, Pauline Stanley of Coleman, Nan Miller of Royce City; one brother, Charles Jack Landers of Auburn, Indiana; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Travis Rhoads, Billy Scott, Chase Berry, Jonathan Berry, Clint Burkey and Blake Vincent.

ISAAC FLOYD KEENEY, 62
7/23/2006
Isaac Floyd Keeney of Coleman died Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Graveside services were held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2006 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Keeney was born march 7, 1944 in Coleman, the son of Ike Keeney and Ellie Mae Short Keeney. He grew up and attended school in Coleman. He married Doris Jeannette Low on July 5, 1974 in Coleman. He worked in sales and was also an electrician and plumber. He was a Baptist. Mr. Keeney is survived by his wife, Jeannette Keeney of Coleman, two sons, Sam Croft of Fort Worth, Jason Keeney of Coleman; five daughters, Lisa Dyer of Coleman, Jerrie Strength of Gatesville, Penny Boatright of Coleman, Christie Keeney of Coleman, Camilla Mason of San Antonio; two sisters, Carolyn Boyles of Coleman, Nancy Bevilles of Sawyer, Oklahoma; 16 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be grandsons: Michael Dyer, Kevin Tate, Weston Boatright, Brandon Tate, Charlie Boatright and Brian Tate.

C. Q. BILLINGS, 83
7/22/2006
Carroll Quinton Billings, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at his residence. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 2006, at St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene with Rev. John Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 N. 2nd St. Visitation will be Sunday, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. C.Q. was born on September 4, 1922, in Coleman County, TX to the late Carroll A. and Lucy (Hall) Billings. He graduated from Coleman High School and attended John Tarleton State College. He moved to Abilene from Coleman in 1952 and was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and a member of the Big Country Emmaus Community. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946; and retired from the Abilene Police Department after 25 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lanell Billings in 1987; his second wife, Lucille Billings in 1996; and a sister, Margaret Withers. Survivors include a son, Jon Billings and wife, Pam, of San Antonio; Lucille's daughters, Joyce Jones and husband, Jansen, of Albany and Marilyn Howk and husband, Fred, of Grand Prairie; a brother, Clovis Billings and wife, Claris, of Coleman; grandchildren, Brian and Lanisa Billings, Greg and Jay Jones, Kami and Brandon Howk; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3100 Barrow St., Abilene, TX 79605.

RONNY KADING, 62
7/19/2006
Ronny Kading of Coleman died Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Sam Earp officiating, assisted by Dr. Jeffrey Miller. Burial will be in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Ronny was born March 8, 1944 in Pasadena, Texas, the son of Velma Jean Ray Kading and the late D.C. (Dick) Kading. He grew up in Coleman, attended school in Coleman and graduated from Talpa-Centennial High School in 1962. Ronny served in the National Guard for eight years. For over 25 years, he was a self-employed dairy farmer and was active in ranching his entire life. He also owned and operated a commercial parakeet operation. He married Lana Earp Korzenewski on March 9, 1996 in Coleman. After marrying Lana, Ronny was always willing to help at the funeral home in any way possible. In 2003, he and Lana purchased the Petal Patch Flower Shop. Ronny was an avid motorcycle rider and spent many enjoyable hours riding with his motorcycle buddies. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Lana Kading of Coleman; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Jenny Kading of Coleman; his mother, Velma Jean Kading of Coleman; sister and brother-in-law, Nikki and Ed Reynolds of Bastrop; two step-children, Tricia Hayes, and husband Brad, of San Angelo, Mark Korzenewski of Irving; two grandchildren, Kaeli Kading and Zachary Doyle, both of Coleman; aunt and uncle, Louise and Jim McCain of Nacogdoches; two cousins, Jane Morris of Helena, Alaska, Julie Garrison of Nacogdoches; three nieces and one nephew, Brandi New of Bastrop, Kocoa Higgins of Austin, Ashanti Reynolds of Bastrop and Jeffrey Higgins of Bastrop. He was preceded in death by his father, D.C. Kading, and his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Ray and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kading. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

ROBERT "MAX" NIXON, 76
7/16/2006
SAN ANGELO - Robert 'Max' Nixon was born to Roy and Ella J. Lasseter Nixon in Santa Anna, Texas, on March 29, 1930. He passed away on Friday, July 14, 2006. He was a 1947 graduate of Centennial High School in Coleman County. Services were held at 10:00am Tuesday, July 18, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo, followed by burial at 2:00pm in Glenrest Cemetery in Big Lake. Max's parents; his brother, Curtis Realigh and sister-in-law Doris Nixon; and his sister, Jean Nixon Gardner and her son Bob Gardner, all preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children, Nancy. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret Nossent Nixon; and his daughters, Terry Pool and Edie Joyce and her husband, Mike Joyce, all of San Angelo. He is also survived by stepchildren Debbie Young of San Angelo, Michael Young and his wife, Sonja Young, of Carlsbad, and Valerie Jones and her husband, Billy Jones of Bronte; iece Leslie Gardner Smith; two nephews, Michael Nixon and his wife, Martha Nell of Valera, and Steve Nixon and his wife, Margaret of Monahans; and sister-in-law Ann L. Nixon of Seguin. He also leaves grandchildren Renae Stolly and her husband, Jason of Frisco, and their two children, Jack and Nina, Dacey Roohani and her husband, Bobby of Randallstown, Md., Cpl. Robert Chace Adair, presently on active duty in the Marine Corps, Kristin Blake Adair, Haley Joyce of San Angelo, Megan Young of Carlsbad, and Leah and Ryan Jones of Bronte. Max was a member of First Baptist Church of Bronte and was a bookkeeper by profession. He also actively participated in the Nifty 50's Group from Reagan County High School in Big Lake.

JAMES C. WOLF, 81
7/14/2006
James Wolf of Coleman died on Thursday, July 13, at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 10:00am Monday, July 17 at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion under the direction of Walker Funeral Home. He was born March 14, 1925 in London, Texas. He married Hazel Bennett in Lovington, New Mexico December 28, 1950. He lived in Coleman County most of his life, was a truck driver and member of the 7th Day Adventist Church. Survivors include: his wife, Hazel, of Coleman; a daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Mike Staha of San Antonio; three sons, Larry Lavaul, Jeff Wolf of Coleman and Douglas Wolf of Dalhart; 1 brother, Junior Wolf of Bright, Texas; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

W.S. 'SAM" TOMLINSON, 65
7/14/2006
SANTA ANNA - W.S. ''Sam'' Tomlinson died Thursday, July 13, 2006. Services were at 2:00pm Saturday, July 15, at Netherton Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery.

W. A. (STEVE) STEVENS, 82
7/12/2006
W. A. (Steve) Stevens of Coleman, died Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Stevens was born October 30, 1923 at Camp Colorado, in Coleman County, the son of Leonard W. Stevens and Frank Marion Alexander Stevens. He grew up and attended school at Camp Colorado. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. He married Iva Mae (Blackie) Taylor on June 12, 1946 in Coleman. He worked at Elkins Service Station, Dry Manufacturing and Taylor Motor Company until retiring in 1985. Mr. Stevens attended Community Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Blackie Stevens of Coleman; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Brenda Stevens of Brownwood, Gary and Doris Stevens of Clyde; one daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Larry Phillips of Odessa; two grandchildren, Christie James of Coleman, Justin Stevens of Brownwood; three great-grandchildren, Riley James, Dalton James and Hailey James, all of Brownwood and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

FRANCIS MIRL COX McWHIRTER, 57
7/12/2006
Francis McWhirter passed away at her residence in Coleman on July 8, 2006. Funeral services were held at 10:00am Wednesday, July 12, at the Rockwood Cemetery with Reverend Billy Roberts officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home. She was born December 22, 1948 in the Whon area, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin and Lola Frierson. Survivors include two daughters and one son; one sister, Cleo Coronado of Coleman; two sisters in Christ, Mona Green Cortez and Anna St. Clair Johnson, both of Coleman along with several nieces and nephews.

OLETA WILSON, 94
7/9/06
Oleta Wilson Thate of Coleman, died Friday, July 7, 2006 at Abilene Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Hailey officiating, assisted by Joe Pope. Burial was in the Burkett Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mrs. Thate was born July 1, 1912 in Silver Valley, the daughter of B. M. Wilson and Hettie Elizabeth Jones Wilson. She attended school at New Central and graduated from Coleman High School in 1930. On May 21, 1931, she married Richard Clyde Thate. They farmed and ranched in the Burkett area, raising Registered Rambouillet Sheep and Angus Cattle, were members of the Farm Bureau Breeder Feeder Association and the National Rambouillet Sheep Breeder's Association. Mrs. Thate was active in the Live Oak Home Demonstration Club, serving as president until they disbanded in 1942, when several members went to work in defense plants during World War II. She was also a member of the Cross Plains Garden Club, until the death of her husband on February 25, 1984, when she moved to Coleman. She has been a member of the Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary since 1986 and a member of the Church of Christ since the age of 14. Survivors include two nieces, Virginia Bethke and husband Monroe and Joyce Anderson and husband Mac, all of Coleman; two nephews, Ben Scott and wife, Debbie of Coleman, David Scott and wife, Amy of Christoval, one sister-in-law, Marjorie Wilson of Coleman; several great nieces and great nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, G. W. Wilson, Ben Wilson and one sister, Billie Louise Scott. Memorials may be made to the Elm Street Church, Hospice of the Big Country or the donor's favorite charity. Pallbearers will be Ben Scott, David Scott, Mac Anderson, Monroe Bethke, Jodie Anderson, Reave Scott and John Straughan. The family would like to thank her caregivers: Rosa De Los Santos, Pat Allen, Bobbie Kirby, Barbara Brown and Hospice of the Big Country.

CARTER GRAVES, 83
Carter Graves, 83, of Coleman, died Thursday, July 6, 2006 at his residence. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2006 at Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery. Mr. Graves was born April 5, 1923 in Waco, the son of James W. Graves and Mable Ratliff Graves. He moved to Coleman with his family in 1929. During World War II, he served in the United States Army, earning the EAME Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, American Theater Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He married Ever Dee Saddler on September 11, 1945 in Coleman. She preceded him in death in August, 1983. He worked at First Coleman National Bank and Allen & Allen Insurance as a janitor for many years. He was a member of the Disabled American Veteran's, Veteran's of Foreign Wars and Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ. Survivors include three daughters, Marva Ann Baker and husband, Tony, Jr., of Coleman, Patsy Kay Baker and husband, Nathaniel, Barbara Graves of Coleman; one son, James Willie Graves and wife, Teresa, of Santa Anna; seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter and one grandson. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the C.H. Hale Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc., 1000 Post Street, Box 2, Coleman, Texas 76834.

ALFONSO TORRES SANCHEZ, 64
Alfonso Torres Sanchez, 64, of Coleman died Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center. Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Mr. Sanchez was born July 12, 1941 in Munzquiz, Coahaulia, Mexico, the son of Dionico Sanchez and Delores Torres Sanchez. He grew up in Mexico and attended school there. He married Lydia Rosales in 1966 in Coleman. He worked for Santa Fe Rail Road and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lydia Sanchez of Coleman; two daughters, Beatrice Bales and Irene Sanchez both of Coleman; two sons, Alonso Sanchez of Coleman, Alfonso Sanchez, Jr., of Rusk; two brothers, Victor Sanchez and Rudy Sanchez both of Coleman; four sisters, Mary Deleon of Santa Anna, Delores Mendoza, Linda Nunez and Aurelia Rosales all of Coleman; one uncle, Pedro Sanchez of Abilene, eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Lucy Sanchez.

FLORA "PEGGY" KOENIG, 92
CROSS PLAINS - Flora "Peggy" Koenig, age 92, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at the Canterbury Villa of Cisco Nursing Home. Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at the Higginbotham Chapel with Bob Pipes officiating; burial will follow in the Cross Plains Cemetery. She was born May 5, 1914 in Callahan County. She graduated from Cross Plains High School. She married Oscar Koenig February 23, 1932 in Coleman, Texas. She is survived by her two children, James Oscar Koenig and wife Lucille of Cross Plains; Georgia Ann Jennings of La Porte; two sisters, Jewel Martin of Abilene; Opal Blakely of Tucson, Arizona; 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

CLAUD CONNOR BARRINGTON, 78
Claud Connor Barrington, formerly of Brownwood, Texas, passed away at his home in Crosby, Texas on the morning of July 1, 2006. A graveside service was held on Saturday, July 8 at 11:00am at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood with services under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home of Coleman. He was born in Coleman County, Texas on January 8, 1928 to Marie and Cecil Barrington. An alumnus of Texas Tech and an accomplished and respected engineer retiring from FMC, he led an interesting and fulfilling life. As part of his work he enjoyed traveling to many places including Scotland, Singapore and Hong Kong. His favorite pastimes included flying, photography, diving, watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders, playing chess, debating politics and spending time with friends and family. He is preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Anna McReynolds. He is survived by his three children, Vicki Louise Campbell of Concan, Texas, Donna Gay Womack of Crosby, Texas and George David Barrington of Channelview, Texas; sisters Flora Young, Rita Faught, and Margaret Day; brother Charles Ray Barrington; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Claud was a loving father, grandfather and faithful friend. His life has greatly impacted others and he will be missed.

MORRIS D. MANN, M.D., 85
Morris D. Mann, M.D. of Coleman died Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Dr. Mann was born December 9, 1920 in Fort Worth, the son of Owen Duke Mann and Lucy Morris Mann. He graduated from Brady High School in 1937, the University of Texas at Austin in 1941 and Southwestern Medical Foundation Medical School in December, 1944. He married Sue Moseley on June 2, 1943 in Brady. During World War II, he served a nine month internship at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Medical Corps from 1945 to 1947. After being discharged from the United States Air Force, Dr. Mann served a one year rotating residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Fort Worth. In 1948, Dr. Mann and Sue moved to Coleman and started a medical practice, that he continued for 44 years. Dr. Mann was honored as being named Coleman's "Citizen of the Year" in 1956, was awarded the highest leader award, the Silver Beaver, from the Boy Scouts, served as president of the school board, was past president and the last charter member of the Rotary Club, received the Bluecat Top Cat award for his work as team physician for 28 years, served on the library board and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in the broadcasting of the morning worship service over the local cable network for many years. When Dr. Mann closed his office in 1992, then Coleman Mayor Woody Maddox proclaimed Sunday, October 11 as "Dr. Mann Appreciation Day." During this celebration, several people made presentations to Dr. Mann and Sue. These included two antique lights that are now erected in front of the hospital in their honor. Survivors include his wife, Sue Mann of Coleman; 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 and Jim and Carol Mann of Arlington; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Dorothy Mann of Brady, 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Zachary. Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

GRACE BOZMAN, 91
Grace Bozman age 91 of Coleman passed away Tuesday June 27, 2006 at Holiday Hill nursing home. Grace was born March 31, 1915 in Baird, Texas to the late Lowrey and Clara Gilliam Blakley . Grace was a housewife and a member of the Methodist Church in Coleman. Survivors include one sister Betty Blakley of San Angelo, Texas and one nephew Don Bozman of Kingwood, Texas. Graveside services were held at 10:00am Thursday at the White Chapel cemetery with Dr. Jeff Miller of First United Methodist Church officiating. Internment will follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

DENA VINSON, 34
DENA VINSON, age 34 of Coleman died Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Graveside services were held at 10:00am Friday, June 30 at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. Dena Vinson was born August 6, 1971 in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Jerrell Vinson and Ray Pickett. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Panther Creek High School in 1990 where she was a cheerleader. Dena worked as a cashier at Allsup's Convenience Store and was also employed at Dairy Queen. She was Baptist. Survivors include her mother, Ray Pickett of Coleman; father, Jerrell Vinson of Marble Falls; daughter, Kali Ray Strickland of Coleman; one brother, Rickey Spurlock and wife Ruth of Columbia, Tennessee; two nephews, Scott Spurlock and Jeffery Spurlock both of Clarksville, Tennessee; one great-niece, Victoria Belle Spurlock of Clarksville, Tennessee; aunts and cousins. Family visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1900 Pine, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Zula Mae Armour Ford, 96
11/5/2006
Zula Mae Armour Ford of San Angelo died Friday, November 3rd, in San Angelo. She was born on February 15, 1910, in Coleman County, Texas, to James W. and Alice Lee Armour. On April 19, 1930, she married Wade O. Ford, with whom she lived until his death in 1994. Five children were born to them, including one daughter, Daphene, who died at 15 months of age. She is survived by two sons, C.J. Ford and his wife, Joyce, and Wade L. Ford and his wife, Betty Sue; two daughters, Charlene Cauley and her husband, Leo, and Betty Butts and her husband, Don, all of San Angelo; one brother, Frank Armour of Coleman; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. She worshipped at Northside Church of Christ. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 6, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo. Graveside service will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens directly after funeral service.

G. D. (Pete) Sudberry, 85
11/12/2006
G.D. (Pete) Sudberry of Abilene died in Columbus, Ohio on November 9, 2006. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas with Less Thomasson officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by North's Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St. Mr. Sudberry was born April 4, 1921 in Venus, Texas, but grew-up mostly in Winters, Texas. He married Mary Lou McFerrin in Slaton, Texas on May 5, 1940. Shortly thereafter they moved to Abilene and lived in Abilene the majority of their 61 years of marriage. Mr. Sudberry served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army in Company A 109th Infantry; during WWII he was in combat overseas in Northern France and Western Germany. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Infantryman's badge. He owned and operated Sudberry Automotive in Abilene, Texas for more than 25 years before his retirement. In 1981 he received the President's Award from the Abilene Bowling Association and in 1989 was inducted into the Abilene Bowling Association's Hall of Fame. He loved the Lord and his acts of kindness and love to others reflected God's commands. Survivors include a son, Bill Sudberry and his wife, Trish of Coleman, TX; a daughter, Sharon Stanaland and her husband Rick of Gahanna, Ohio; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Uganda Mission Fund in c/o Northwest Church of Christ @ 1141 N. Willis St, Abilene, TX 79603 or your favorite charity.

Florence Van Camp, 93
11/11/2006
Eva Florence Van Camp, age 93 of Gurdon, Arkansas, died Thursday, November 9, 2006. Florence was born November 6, 1913 in Clark County, Arkansas, the daughter of Ollie Edward 'Bud' and Katie (Parker) Dodgen. She was one of five sisters and three brothers. She married Carl Hammonds in 1931. He died in 1976. She married second Ben Van Camp in 1980. He died in 2005. Florence was a retired sales clerk for Austin's Variety Store and Dew-Orr Department Store in Gurdon and Arkadelphia. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gurdon. Survivors include one brother, Charlie Dodgen of Caddo Valley, Arkansas; one step-son, Jimmy Van Camp of Pineville, Louisiana; one step-daughter, Nellwyn Grilliette of Longview, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews, who knew her as 'Auntie' and loved her dearly. Local survivors include a sister-in-law, Esther Terry; nephews Ralph and Bruce Terry; and great-niece Brenda Wilkinson, all of Coleman. Services will be held Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas with Rev. James Raines officiating. Burial will follow in Decipher Cemetery near Gurdon. Horne Funeral Home of Gurdon is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Roseleen Metts, 90
11/13/2006
Roseleen Metts, a lifetime resident of Coleman, was born October 4, 1916 in Fisk, Texas and passed away in the Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene. Roseleen was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Chester and Etta Ballard, and was a housewife and a seamstress. She was married to the late Mr. Harvey Metts in Coleman and he has preceded her in death. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church. She is survived by: three sons and daughters-in-law - Stanley and Nelda Metts of Macom, Missouri, Woodrow and Bettie Metts of Tuscola, Texas and Harlan and Georgeanne Metts of Azle, Texas; six sisters - Mrs. Melba Wesson of Brownwood, Texas, Alene Cope of Coleman, Aleta Trice of Corpus Christi, Clara Row of Midland, Texas, Jean Goze of Ft. Worth, Texas Joan Stanton of Silsbee, Texas; four brothers, James Ballard of Coleman, Bill Ballard of Big Springs, Chester Ballard of Brownwood Wiley Ballard of Midland; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren. Family received friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. with services at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Ballard and Rev. Bill Schoneman officiating. Interment followed at the Brown Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Francis Elizabeth Mendoza Merkley, 52
11/9/2006
Francis Elizabeth Mendoza Merkley of Coleman died Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Coleman County Medical Center. Frances Elizabeth Mendoza Merkley was born December 3, 1953 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Santos Mendoza, Sr. and Estella Nunez Mendoza. She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1973. She served in the U. S. Navy from 1976-1981. After living in Dallas and Utah for several years, she returned to live in Coleman and was a teller at Santa Anna National Bank. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a CCD teacher. Survivors include one son, David Joseph Merkley of Coleman; one daughter, Lisha Elizabeth Merkley of Coleman; four sisters, Gabriela Dela Rosa of Coleman, Terry Dulin of Coleman, Rosemary Alldredge of Early, Margaret Mitchell of Coleman; five brothers, Santos Mendoza, Jr. of Coleman, Cornelio Mendoza of Coleman, Edward Mendoza of Bangs, Ricky Mendoza of Coleman, Benny Mendoza of Coleman; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Johnny Mendoza. Prayer Service will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11 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.