THOMAS ALBERT GILMER
FORT WORTH -- Thomas Albert Gilmer, 73, passed away suddenly in Fort Worth on Friday, March 26, 2004. A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. Monday at Laurel Land's Chapel of Chimes in Fort Worth. Tom was born May 20, 1930, in Lisbon, Ohio. He graduated in 1953 from Tulsa University, which he attended on a football scholarship. His football team won two consecutive conference titles and played in the 1953 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1961 he married Lela Mae Juenger in Corpus Christi and moved to Joshua in 1976. Tom retired from Lance Inc. in 1992, but he continued a snack food vending machine business until his death. Known to many as "The Candy Man," he was a gregarious and generous man who was always ready to help his friends and neighbors, or anyone in need. A gifted craftsman, Tom had many building projects, among them restoring a 1920s bungalow. His upbeat and positive outlook won him many friends who will deeply miss him. Tom was preceded in death by his brother, John Gilmer of Chloride, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lee Gilmer; son, Chris Gilmer and wife, Deb, of Dallas; daughter, Kathy Broxterman and husband, Kevin, of Burleson; granddaughter, Amanda Schmitt of Burleson. If desired, memorials may be made to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth handled the arrangements. (817) 293-1350

NANA LOU SCHWANDT
1908-2004
Burleson - Nana Lou Schwandt, 95, a homemaker, passed away Monday, March 29, 2004, at a local hospice house. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 31 at Laurel Land of Burleson Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Burleson Memorial Park. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Schwandt is survived by her sons, James D. Williams of Burleson and Robert Schwandt of Isanti, Minnesota; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson is in charge of arrangements. (817) 295-5211

PAUL E. BUENING
Burleson -Paul E. Buening, 75, an Alenco Communication Controller for the last 14 years, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 in a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 29 at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Burleson. Burial will be at Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Laurel Land Funeral Home. Paul served his country proudly in WWII in the Army. After the war he went to Kansas State University where he received his degree, and shortly afterward he joined the U.S. Air Force and entered the Korean War. Paul was formerly on the boards of the Johnson County Woman's Shelter, The American Heart Association, and served with the Rotary Club. He was a CPA and owned his own public accounting practice in Joshua for over 15 years. Mr. Buening served the Lord thoughout his life at various Presbyterian Churches. During the past 24 years he has been a member of St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For the last 11 he has been an Elder. Paul's brothers, Larry and John Buening, and his parents, John and Ellen Buening, precede him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Buening; son, Paul Edward Buening II and wife, Karen; stepson, Jeffrey Zielinski and wife, Becky; stepdaughters, Joni Morris and husband, Mitch, Julie McCaskill; grandchildren, Lindsey Buening, Trey Buening, Aaron Spoonts, Kayce Zielinski, J.J. Zielinski, Jonathan Zielinski, Shanda McCorkle and husband, Richard, Joey Scott; step-grandchildren, Alisha Morris, Sarah Morris, and Justin Morris; brother, Vincent Buening; sisters, Gerry Wilson, Sister Helen Buening. Memorials may be made to The Prayer Garden at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 182, Burleson, Texas 76097. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth is in charge of arrangements. 817-293-1350

RODNEY GRANT MITCHELL
Joshua - Rodney Grant Mitchell, 44, a self-employed trucker, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at Mountain Valley Chapel. Burial was at Caddo Cemetery. Visitation was 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home. Rodney was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Pressley, on October 2, 2001. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Deanna Mitchell of Joshua; son, Rodney Chay Mitchell of Joshua; daughter Rebecca Rae Mitchell of Joshua; father, Richard Dale Mitchell of Kennedale; mother, Nancy Murphy of Mansfield; brothers, Richard Mitchell and Robert Mitchell, Russell Mitchell of Fort Worth, Robin Mitchell of Kennedale; sister, Debbie Duncan and husband, Lee, of Euless; grandmother, Evelyn Pressley of Mansfield; parents-in-law, Leroy and Judy North of Mansfield; brother-in-law, Kevin North and wife, Amy, of Alvarado. Mountain Valley Funeral Home of Burleson handled the arrangements. (817) 517-5995

DAVID MARTIN CLAUSEN
Burleson - David Martin Clausen, 42, a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 24 at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. David had been a resident of Burleson for over 30 years before moving to Grand Prairie 11 months ago. He was a graduate of Burleson High School and had served in the U.S. Air Force. David was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading and all sports. David is survived by his wife of 22 years, Gina Clausen of Burleson; children, Christopher Ryan Clausen and wife, Robyne, of Asheboro, North Carolina, Steven Andrew Clausen of Joshua, Brian Tarver and Brittany Tarver of Burleson; mother, Louise Clausen of White Settlement; brother, Adam Clausen and wife, Kelly, of Fort Worth; sisters, Kathleen Barnett and husband, Jimmy, of Fort Worth, Cherie Fritzler and husband, Paul, of Lake Worth; grandson, Alexander Clausen of Asheboro, North Carolina. Mountain Valley Funeral Home of Burleson is in charge of arrangements. 817-517-5995

DEBRA JEAN SEYFRIED
Joshua - Debra Jean Seyfried, 49, a nurse's aide, passed away Friday, March 19, 2004, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Cleburne. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 23 at First Congregational (UCC) Church, 4201 Trail Lake Drive in Fort Worth. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home in Burleson. Debra had been a resident of Joshua for seven years. She was preceded in death by her father, L.B. "Roy" Thomas in 2000. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Thomas Wade Seyfried, Sr. of Joshua; son, Thomas Wade Seyfried, Jr. of Joshua; daughters, Jean Lanette Seyfried and Reneé India Seyfried, both of Joshua; mother, Agnes Lejune Thomas of Fort Smith, Arkansas; brothers, Michael Thomas of St. Joseph, Missouri, Win Thomas of West Lebanon, Indiana. Mountain Valley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 817-517-5995

WILLIAM LA CHAUN WOOD, SR.
JOSHUA -- William LaChaun Wood, Sr., "Bill", 64, a retired grocer and avid sportsman, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, March 18, 2004, after a valiant and dignified fight with cancer. Memorial services were held Saturday March 20 at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Burleson. Bill was born on December 21, 1939, in Leonard, Texas. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Savage, on August 1, 1957. He was a loving husband, devoted father and energetic grandfather. He opened his arms, heart and resources to many in our community. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jean Wood; son, William LaChaun Wood, Jr., "little Bill", and his wife, Rene; daughters, Beverly Jean Trammell and husband, Scott, Deborah Lynn Weeaks and husband, Bill, Lori Michelle Hedges and husband, Derek; loving brother, Randall Wood and wife, Fran; grandchildren, Tammy Watts and husband, Randy, Brad Taylor, Leslie Ogle and husband, Matt, Dusty Taylor, Timothy Trammell, Lindsey Wood; step-grandchildren, Scott and Jared Dean. He also leaves behind many devoted and cherished friends. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Community Hospice of Texas, 301 Medpark Circle, Burleson, Texas 76028 or Charity Care Fund, Harris Hospital, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. Mountain Valley Funeral Home of Burleson handled the arrangements. (817) 517-5995

MARILYN G. LUPIEN
Marilyn G. Lupien, 72, of Columbus, Indiana, died Saturday, March 13, 2004 at Columbus Regional Hospital emergency room after being struck by a car. Mrs. Lupien was a member of Taylorsville Baptist Church. She moved to Columbus in January of 2004 after living 12 years in Burleson where she was a member of Cross Timber Baptist Church. She lived her life as a servant to the Lord and is now resting with him. Marilyn was born October 26, 1931 in Queens, New York to John and Matilda Lee. She was preceeded in death by her parents and her husband of 49 years, Henry M. Lupien, in 2002. She is survived by her daughters, Denise Carpenter and husband, Sam, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Dawna Blair and husband, Ray, and Brenda Lupien White all of Burleson; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren as well as her Cross Timber Baptist Church Family.

JOYCE V. MERRILL
BURLESON -- Joyce V. Merrill, 72, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Fort Worth. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wiley Funeral Home. Burial was at Granbury Cemetery. Mrs. Merrill was born March 12, 1932, in Tolar, to John and Clara Jones Collier. She married Gene Merrill in June of 1950, in Weatherford. She was a member of the Cross Timbers Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Merrill; her parents, John and Clara Collier; brothers, J.W., Glen and Tommy Collier; and a sister, Rose Ritchey. She is survived by hr daughter, Carolyn Merrill-Denker and husband, David, of Willow Park; son, Terry Merrill and wife, Cindy, of Odessa, Missouri; sisters, Loyce Owen of Burleson and Glenda Juran of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wiley Funeral Home of Granbury was in charge of the arrangements.

LETTYE L. GIVENS
Burleson -Lettye L. Givens, 73, passed away Friday, March 12, 2004, at a local hospice. Funeral services were held at 1 pm Monday, March 15 at First Baptist Church of Burleson. Dr. Mike Milburn officiated. Burial was at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation was 3 to 5 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Lettye Layne Peveto Givens was born March 2, 1931, in Tehuacana. She retired from the McGilvray Ford dealership in Athens, where she was the bookkeeper and office manager, in 1995. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling with the RV club. Lettye was a former member of Calvary Baptist in Kemp and most recently was a member of First Baptist Church of Burleson. Mrs. Givens was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Peveto and Pauline Amason. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ralph Givens; son, Marvin Givens and wife, Tony, of Burleson; daughters, Paula Matthews and husband, Glen, of Burleson and Sharon Frank and husband, Charles, of Mansfield; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; aunt, Bertha Mae Jones of Houston; and other loving family and friends. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of arrangements. 817-295-5211

MARCELLA HOMAN
Burleson--Marcella Homan, 66, passed away Friday, March 12, 2004, at a local hospice house. Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at Burleson Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to Community Hospice of Texas, Emery J. Lilge Hospice House at Huguley, 301 Medpark Circle, Burleson, Texas 76028. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Debbie Dean; brothers, Richard and Gary Lee Hoover; sisters, JoAnn Hoover and Anna Lou Dyer; and several nieces and nephews. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of the arrangements.

PATRICIA ANN WEST
Crowley -- Patricia Ann "Patty" West, 71, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Crowley surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer, Friday, March 12, 2004. Memorial service was held Tuesday in Greenwood Chapel. Burial was at D-FW National Cemetery in Dallas. Patty was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Blakely, Georgia, to Luther Tiberous and Dorothy Faye Robinson. After graduating from high school in Blakely, she attended and graduated from nursing school at the University of Houston. There she met a handsome, young Air Force lieutenant, Herman West. Following a brief romance, she married and began a 52-year adventure traveling the world as a military wife. During this period, she raised three wonderful children and six loving grandchildren. Following their retirement from the military, they settled in Crowley where she was happiest cooking and being involved in her grandchildren's activities. She will be truly missed. Patty is survived by her husband, Herman West; son, Glen West and wife, Jane; daughters, Kay Brawner and husband, Bob and Lisa Harris; grandchildren, Tyler and Kelsey West, Mitch and Tracie Brawner, Chris and Trisha Harris; sisters, Earline King of Houston, Faye Batt and husband, Murray of Houston; mother-in-law, Edna West of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Joyce Strickland and husband, Jay of Louisiana; many nieces and nephews.
Greenwood Funeral Home
3100 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, was in charge of the arrangements.

BILLY RAY KERR
Burleson--Billy Ray Kerr, 58, passed away Monday, March 15, 2004 at his residence. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 18, 2004 at Laurel Land of Burleson Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Burleson Memorial Park. Visitation is 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Billy Ray Kerr was a retired machinist and was known at several BISD Elementary Schools as Mr. Billy. He is preceded in death by his father and sister. He is survived by his wife, Glenna; mother, Dollie; brother, Woody and wife, Dee; sister, Beckie Carter; step-daughter, Alicia and her children, TK and Anjelica; daughter, Kaylyn; son, BJ; grandsons, Michael Ray, Justin Wayne and Tyler Winston; granddaughter, Auriana, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson is in charge of the arrangements.

JAMES RUSSELL KENT
James Russell Kent passed away peacefully in his home in Cedar Hill March 15, 2004. He was born December 11, 1922, in Hamby, Texas to Henry Lee and Florence Mae (Moseley) Kent. Russell was the middle boy of five children. The family moved to his mother's hometown of Keene when he was three years old, where he grew up on what is now known as First Street. Russell graduated from Alvarado High School in 1942. He was inducted into the U.S. Army and was sent to Surgical Technology School in El Paso as preparation for his service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was called back to service during the Korean conflict. Altogether Russell served his country for five years. Russell's parents moved to Cleburne and it was there he met the girl next door, Ruth Bogue. They were married July 23, 1953, at her parents' home in El Reno, Oklahoma. In July, 2003, Russell's and Ruth's nieces and nephews honored them with a Golden Wedding anniversary celebration in Duncanville. Russell graduated from Century College of Medical Technology in Chicago in 1955. Then he worked as a Chief Medical Technologist a number of years in the Dallas area. Mr. Kent then became a real estate broker in Duncanville. He served as a broker in Keene for 2 years for his sister and brother-in-law, Rita Mae and Dudley Tomblinson, when they first opened their business in 1976. The last several years he assisted his nephew and niece, Wayne Tomblinson and Carolyn Jo Wear, part time since they acquired the family business. Mr. Kent was always very civic minded. He first served as city councilman for five years, and then as Mayor of Duncanville for four years. He had been on the Dallas County School Board since 1999. He was preceeded in death by his older sister, Reta Mae Tomblinson, in 1997; his older brother, Everett Lee Kent, in 1997; and his younger brother, J.B. Kent, in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kent, of Cedar Hill; his sister and brother-in-law, Lenoa and Bob Jones, of Fontana, California; nine nieces and nephews, Carolyn Jo Wear and husband David of Keene; Wayne Tomblinson and wife Barbara of Keene; Jerry Kent and wife Sharon of Elverta, California; Dennis Kent and wife Judy of Canyon Country, California; Kent Jones and wife Micki of Rosemead, California; Ron Kent of Sugarland, Texas; LeeAnn Miller of Richardson; Craig Kent of Alvarado; and James Kent and wife Fran of Mansfield. Also important to Russell were his 13 great-nieces and nephews, his cousins, one surviving aunt, Pat Phillips and husband, Al, and a host of friends. All will remember him for the gentle, kindhearted person he was. Viewing will be from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 20 at Jaynes Memorial Chapel, 811 S. Cockrill Hill Road in Duncanville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, at the Duncanville Church of Christ, 402 W. Danieldale Road in Duncanville. Call Wayne Tomblinson at 817-913-4449 for details. Burial will be at noon on Monday at D/FW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas.

OPAL O. MAHANAY
Pampa - Opal O. Mahanay, 83, of the Meredith House in Pampa, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 2:45 pm in her room at Odyssey Hospice of Amarillo, with her daughter Katie Gunter and son Dan Mahanay at her side. Graveside services were held at 10:00 am,Saturday, March 13 at Fairview Cemetery, with Reverend Richard Bartel, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Mrs. Mahanay was born September 18, 1920, in Honey Grove, Texas, to George A. and Lona Mae Bynum. She spent her early years in Childress, until moving to Pampa in the late 1930's where she met Daniel Benjamin Mahanay. They were married December 19, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, where Daniel was stationed at Buckley Field. Mrs. Mahanay was preceded in death by her parents, George A. and Lona Mae Bynum; her husband, Daniel Benjamin; five sisters, Corine Bynum of Direct, Texas, Vibert O. Bynum of Texas, Veola Jones of San Diego, California, Aurillian Cates of Childress, Texas, and Lorene Johns of Artesia, New Mexico; and one brother, Nolan R. Bynum of Palestine, Texas. She is survived by two sons, Danny Lee Mahanay and Wiley Michael Mahanay, both of Pampa; daughter, Lona Kathleen (Katie) Mahanay Gunter of Garland; two grandsons, Jeremy Andrew Gunter and John Daniel Gunter, both of Garland; three sisters, Ira Haugen, Mildred Komaroski and Arell Brookoff, all of California. Arrangements under the directions of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. 806-665-2323

DONALD R. DEAN
BURLESON -- Donald R. Dean, 60, a CPA, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at a local hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle against ALS, which ended his life on earth, but he will live eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There was a great joy in Heaven as he was reunited with loved ones, especially his beloved mother, brother, Fred, and brother-in-law, J.W. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2004, First Baptist Church, Burleson. Burial was at Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Laurel Land Funeral Home, Fort Worth. Don was born to Thomas E. and Mable E. Harris-Dean on May 17, 1943, in Fort Worth. He graduated from Trimble Tech High School and earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Texas Christian University in 1966. His proudest career achievement was becoming a CPA while working in the accounting profession. Don married Elva Roe, May 19, 1967, and they were blessed with two daughters, Julie and Shelley. The family moved to Burleson in 1980. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Burleson, serving as deacon and in various capacities over the years. He was a former member of the board of the Panther Boys Club and for the last seven years, a member of the board of trustees of Burleson ISD. Don loved his work in accounting and took great pleasure in helping his clients, many becoming friends. He was blessed with great friendships, some beginning in childhood and lasting 40 or 50 years. Don loved life, TCU Basketball, Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers. He served on the Burleson School Board and took pride in attempts to save the taxpayers money. However, his greatest passion was for his wife, daughters, grandkids, and family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured his wife and daughters, and the grandchildren, Christopher and Katelyn, were the joy of his life. He was looking forward to the birth of a new grandson, William. Don shared a special closeness with his sister, Flo, and brothers, Tommy, Troy, and Kenneth. Thanksgiving with all the family was always great fun. His death has left a void that will never be filled. Don is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elva Dean of Burleson; daughters, Julie Meador of Fort Worth, Shelley Vanover and husband, Ken, of Crowley; grandchildren, Christopher Meador and Katelyn Vanover; sister, Floella Graham; brothers, Thomas E. Dean and wife, Leona, Kenneth Dean and special friend, Darlene, and Troy Dean and wife, Judy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to ALS Association of North Texas. Laurel Land Funeral, Fort Worth was in charge of arrangements. (817) 293-1350

ALVA FERGUSON
KEENE ­ Alva Ferguson, 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, in Keene. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Ferguson was born January 5, 1916, in Cornelia, Georgia, to Logan Ferguson and Ethel Mae King Ferguson. He retired from the United States Air Force. Mr. Ferguson married Louise Bray on July 17, 1988, in Atlanta, Texas. He was a member of the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mr. Ferguson is survived by his wife, Louise Ferguson of Keene; daughter, Marie Redwine and husband, Donald, of Keene; brothers, Donald Ferguson and George Ferguson, both of Georgia; sister, Ruth Roper of Georgia; foster son, Frank Baggett and wife, Maxine, of Linden, Texas; three grandchildren; and a host of nephews and nieces. Condolences may be emailed to the family at rosserfh@swbell.net. Rosser Funeral Home of Cleburne is in charge of the arrangements. 817-641-4800

VIRGIL J. BOWER
Services for Virgil J. Bower, 73, of Cleburne will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, March 12 at the Crossroad Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church (Cowboy Church) of Joshua, at 400 N. Main Street. Burial will be in Caddo Cemetery. Pastor Barry Millet will officiate. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Rosser Funeral Home. Mr. Bower passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, in Cleburne. He was born Jan. 18, 1931, in Pemberton, West Virginia, to Virgil Bower and Gracie Howerton Bower. Mr. Bower served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, and he retired from the Texas National Guard. He married Melba Reed Jordan on Sept. 2, 1982, in Keene, and he was a member of the Crossroad Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is survived by his wife, Melba Bower of Cleburne; daughters, Reva Foust and husband, Ronnie, of Keene, Barbara Killen and husband, James, of Cypress, Leisha Pickering and husband, Randy, of Keene, Laura Psencik and husband, Robby, of Keene, Angie Houghton and husband, Robin, of Keene, Brenda Grandy and husband, Ace, of Las Vegas, and Rhonda Copple and husband, Terry, of Joplin, MO; stepdaughter, Jackie McDonald of Dallas; stepson, Ray Jordan, Jr. of Keene; brothers, Gene Bower of Sedalia, MO and Roger Bower of Chester Heights, PA; sister, Peggy Montagna of Perkasie, PA; 22 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be mailed to the Crossroad Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church of Joshua (Cowboy Church) at 4329 E. Hwy. 377, Granbury, Texas 76049. Condolences may be emailed to the family at rosserfh@ swbell.net. Rosser Funeral Home of Cleburne is in charge of arrangements. 817-641-4800

LEWIS NELSON LILE, JR.
BURLESON, Texas -- Lewis Nelson Lile, Jr., 48, an Automotive Technician, died Friday, March 5, 2004 at a Fort Worth hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 10 at Biggers Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr. Lile, a lifelong area resident, graduated from Castleberry High School in 1973. He was a master automotive technician for many years in the area including Lynn Smith Chevrolet. He was a loving father, devoted to and supporting his children in all of their activities. Mr. Lile is survived by his wife, Deborah L. Lile of Burleson; daughter, Kimberly A. Lile of Joshua; sons, Allen Wade Lile of Burleson and Jacob R. Lile of Joshua; mother, Peggy Davis Lile of River Oaks; sisters, Mickie A. Moreland of Fort Worth and Sandra Hartnitt of Azle; brother, Steven L. Lile of Fort Worth; three nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Biggers Funeral Home of Fort Worth is in charge of arrangements. (817) 237-3341

DOYLE R. SIFFORD, SR.
Burleson--Doyle R. Sifford, Sr., 64, a home builder and inspector died Thursday, March 4, 2004 at Baylor All Saints, Fort Worth. Funeral services were held Monday, March 8 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel, Fort Worth. Burial was at Laurel Land Memorial Park. Doyle Ray Sifford, Sr. was born on October 25, 1939 to Benjamin Bryan and Lillie Mae Sifford in Bono, Texas. He had lived in Burleson since 1967 and was a home builder in Fort Worth and Burleson for many years. He was a home building inspector since 1985. Doyle enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him. Mr. Sifford was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna Sifford of Burleson; sons, Doyle R. Sifford, Jr. and wife, Tonya, of Arlington, Bryan Sifford of Burleson, Danny Sifford and wife, Angelia, of Burleson; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Donald B. Sifford and wife, Willeme, of Granbury; and numerous other relatives and friends. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth was in charge of arrangements. 817-293-1350

CONSTANCE REGINA MOORE
Constance Regina Moore, 53, of Joshua, passed from this earth to the arms of the Lord March 2, 2004, in Joshua. She was a homemaker. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Burleson. Gina was born October 3, 1950, to Willie Eugene and Dolores Laverne Wilson Wooten. She married Gene Moore on February 22, 1969, in Everman. She was a member of Open Door Ministries in Joshua. She loved life, church, family gatherings and garage sales. Gina loved to tease and play with her grandbabies. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Moore is survived by her husband of 35 years, Gene Moore of Joshua; daughter, Brandy Summers and husband, Dean, of Fort Worth; son, Cody Moore and wife, Jennifer, of Illinois; sisters, Candace Johnston and husband, George, of Cleburne, Sherry Noblett and husband, Nolan, of Burleson; grandchildren, Taylor Doyle, Tyler Summers Moore, Makayla Moore and Trinity Summers; nephews, Seth Noblett, Shane Johnston; nieces, Lysa Hamilton, Autumn Johnston; several aunts, uncles and other family members. Mountain Valley Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of the arrangements. 817-426-3200

NANCY A. CERMAK
Burleson - Nancy A. Cermak, 62, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2004, in Arlington. Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, March 6 at Laurel Land of Burleson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Burleson Memorial Park. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, David J. Cermak, on February 8, 2004. She is survived by children, David J. II (Catherine), Dawn Mercer, Scott (Michele); siblings, Charles (Bernie) Harrison, John (Theresa) Harrison; sisters, Joyce (Richard) Thompson, Jane Culver and Pat (Ralph) Schultz; grandchildren, Clayton, Rachel, Cade, Shannon, Morgan, David III and one on the way. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to American Heart Association. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of arrangements. (817) 295-5211

MARY MARQUITTA BOWLES
Burleson - Mary Marquitta Bowles, 64, a retired Dietary Technician for Huguley Hospital, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services were held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 5 at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home of Burleson. Burial was at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie. Visitation was from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, James Bowles; sons, Wayne and Kevin Bowles; daughter, Janiece Bowles Morris; mother, Naomi Mae Taylor; brother, John Gilbert Taylor; grandchildren, Haley, Jaimee, Bryan, Jordan, Brittany and Morgan. Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of arrangements. 817-568-8836

OLIVER WESLEY HORN
Alvarado -- Oliver Wesley Horn, 76, a retired plumber for TCU, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at his residence. Funeral services were held Monday, March 1, at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Burleson. Burial was at Burleson Memorial Park. Mr. Horn was born March 25, 1927, in Fort Worth to Arthur and Ola McMullen Horn. He married Margaret Gee on March 31, 1948; she preceded him in death November 24, 2003. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Kaker and husband, Thomas, of Burleson; son, Kenneth Horn of Commerce; brother, J.R. Horn of Granbury; sisters, Mary Jean Livingston and husband, Carl, of Granbury and Geraldine Irby of Cresson; grandchildren, Kayla Wallace, Cindy Nickell, Rhonda Kaker, Tommy Kaker and four others; and nine great-grandchildren. Mountain Valley Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of the arrangements. (817) 517-5995

TRICIA SCHRONK
Burleson -- Tricia Schronk, 42, a loving wife, mother, daughter and friend, passed away Friday, February 27, 2004, at a local hospital. Funeral services were held Monday, March 1 at Crestmont Baptist Church, Burleson. Burial was at Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth. Tricia was born May 28, 1961, in Fort Worth. She attended services at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church of Egan. Tricia devoted and dedicated her life to her family, her horses and her many friends. She served as director of the National Barrel Horse Association District 19 for several years. Under her leadership, it blossomed into one of the largest districts in Texas. She also served as director of Alvarado Range Riders for many years. She orchestrated many rodeos for the Fort Worth Fire Fighters Association. Tricia lived out her lifelong dream of Barrel Racing in the 2004 Stock Show and Rodeo, as well as the 2000 and 2001 N.B.H.A. World Show. She was an expert horsewoman and, most of all, a great friend. Tricia was a woman of great faith and was an inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed. Tricia is survived by her husband of 23 years, Kevin Schronk of Burleson; sons, Dustin Schronk of Burleson, Bo Hu of Suzhou, China; parents, Norris and Georgia Cole of Everman; brothers, Scott Cole and his wife, Kathy, of Arlington, Kim Cole and his wife, Jetti, of Fort Worth; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; a host of other relatives and friends. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth handled the arrangements. (817) 293-1350

POLLY ANN TUCKER
KEENE ­ Services for Polly Ann Tucker, 27, were conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 3 at the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Burial was at the Keene Cemetery. Bill Kilgore officiated. Mrs. Tucker passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2004, in Fort Worth. She was born August 25, 1976, to Bert Bradbury and Sherri Stratton Bradbury in Indio, California. She married Ryan Tucker on August 10, 1997, in Keene. Mrs. Tucker was a teacher with the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist and a member of the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mrs. Tucker was preceded in death by her father, Bert Bradbury. She is survived by her husband, Ryan Tucker of Keene; son, Andrew Tucker of Keene; mother, Sherri Brownstein of Riverside, California; brother, Michael Brownstein of Riverside, California; grandparents, Bud and Ruth Bradbury of Keene; grandmother, Teresa Dolan; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. Memorials may be made to the Ryan and Andrew Tucker Fund at First State Bank Keene, P.O. Box 676, Keene, Texas 76059. Condolences may be emailed to the family at rosserfh@swbell.net. Rosser Funeral Home of Cleburne was in charge of arrangements. 817-641-4800.

LINDA FAYE BANKS
Joshua -- Linda Faye Banks, 64, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer Monday, February 23, 2004 surrounded by the love of her family in Fort Worth. Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel. Linda was born November 30, 1939. She was the matriarch of the family known for her sense of humor, zest for life, and her fried pies. She will leave an unfillable void for all who loved and knew her. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and pets SuSu and Tassie were the center of her life. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Elizabeth Bradbury and Francis Dickerson; sister, Billie Yeats; and a brother, Delbert Dickerson. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Wesley Banks of Joshua; son, Wesley Brad Banks and wife, Donna, of Weatherford; daughters, Latisha Hertel and fiancé, Beanie, of Mississippi, Ronda Stepp of Alvarado; sister, Patsy Peppers of Alvarado; brother, Erwin Dickerson of Weatherford; nieces, Sherry Crum and husband, Red, Debbie Beauchamp and husband, Junior, along with several other nieces and nephews; aunt, Dorothy Moore of Weatherford; and five grandchildren. Mountain Valley Funeral Home Burleson is in charge of the arrangements. (817) 517-5995

MILDRED DOBBINS
Mrs. Mildred Dobbins, 81, a retired department store owner, was called home to Heaven on Sunday, February 22, 2004, at a local hospice house. She was born March 18, 1922, in Clay, West Virginia, the daughter of James Arthur Holcomb, Jr. and Phoebe Dovie Jones Holcomb. Mrs. Dobbins was a lifelong resident of Clay, and for 40 years owned and operated Friendly Department Store in Clay with her first husband Tommy Asseff. She was a member of Clay United Methodist Church and a member of the church choir. Other memberships included the Order of The Eastern Star and The Rebekah Lodge. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Clay, WV. Interment will be in Clay Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Dobbins was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Tommy Asseff, and her second husband, Albert Dobbins. She is survived by sons, Taman Hall of North Hollywood, CA, David Asseff and wife, Kathy, of Charleston, WV, George Asseff of Clay, WV; daughters, Phoebe Ramsey of Kent, OH, Mary Witty and husband, Fred, of Burleson; brother, Worder Holcomb of Lizemore, WV; sister, Rose King of Drennen, WV; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several special nieces and nephews. The family would appreciate memorials to Community Hospice of Texas, 301 MedPark Circle, Burleson, Texas 76028.

GEORGE "RONNIE" ERVIN
Burleson -- George "Ronnie" Ervin, 59, a retired electrician, died Monday, February 23, 2004, at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home Chapel of Burleson/ Fort Worth. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation was 6 to 8 pm. Tuesday at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home. "Ronnie", as he was known by most, is survived by his wife, Faye Ervin; children, Caron and Craig Ervin; sister, Bonnie Cochran and husband, Cleo; grandson, Ethan Ervin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield of Burleson/Fort Worth is in charge of the arrangements.

DOROTHY HAND-LONG
Burleson -- Dorothy Hand-Long, 84, a loving wife, mother, aunt and friend, passed away Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004, at a local hospice house, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel of Fort Worth. Burial was at Laurel Land Memorial Park. Dorothy was born to the late Arthur and Belle Atkins June 2, 1919, in Addison. She worked as an agent for Century 21 Real Estate Agency for many years. Dorothy was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Burleson. Dorothy was a woman of many talents and was an inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Emery J. Lilge Hospice House for all their care, support and patience. She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Curtis Long of Burleson; son and daughter, Brian and Brenda Long of Granbury; daughter, Paula Long of Kennedale; grandchildren, Ryan, Nancy and Josh Long, all of Granbury; nieces and nephew, Rexanne Dumphey and husband, Tom, Tim Cook and wife, Margaret, Carla King and husband, Chuck; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Laurel Land Funeral Home, 7100 Crowley Road, was in charge of the arrangements. (817) 293-1350

MIGUEL TEJADA
KEENE, Miguel Tejada, 89, a farmer, passed away, Wednesday, February 18, in a Fort Worth hospital. Funeral services were held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, February 22, at the Seventh-day Adventist Spanish Church, Keene. Burial was at 11:00 am, Monday, February 23, at the Keene Memorial Park. Visitation was 6-8 pm Saturday, at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home, Cleburne. Miguel Tejada was born in El Salvador on November 24, 1914. He is survived by his wife, Marta Tejada of Keene; daughters, Mary Lou Galan of New York, Maria Dolores Contraras of Massachuetts, Cecilia Gonzales of New Jersey; sons, Juan Ramon Tejada of Arizona, Ruben Tejada of Keene, Miguel Tejada of Mass., Julio Tejada of Mass., Martin Tejada of New Jersey, Francisco Tejada of Keene; and numerous other relatives and friends. View obituary and pictures, send condolences and order flowers at www.cpmfuneralhome.com. Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home of Cleburne was in charge of arrangements. 817-645-4311

ATHA MAE BARNES
Keene- Services for Atha Mae Barnes, 101, will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 19 at Rosser Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Keene Cemetery. Elder Phil Robertson will officiate assisted by Douglas Bowyer. Visitation was held Wednesday, February 18 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Rosser Funeral Home. Mrs. Barnes passed away Monday, February 16, 2004 in Keene. She was born March 20, 1902 in Marietta, Texas to William Paschal Richey and Julia Ann Harty Richey. Mrs. Barnes was a homemaker who loved to quilt. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mrs. Barnes is survived by her daughters, Waldene Hancock of Keene and Oreta Mae Barnes of Keene; son, Duane Barnes and wife, Viola, of Keene; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Barnes in 1969. Condolences may be emailed to the family at rosserfh@swbell.net. Rosser Funeral Home of Cleburne is in charge of arrangements. 817-774-3700

ELSIE TIBBS
Crowley -- Elsie Tibbs, 78, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved her, passed away Monday, February 16, 2004 at a local hospital. Funeral services were held at 11 am Wednesday, February 18 at First Baptist Church of Crowley. Burial was at Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth. Elsie was born to the late Henry V. and Melissa M. Pitts-Fish on February 2, 1926 in Mena, Arkansas. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Crowley where she was active in her Sunday School class. Elsie was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking, sewing and writing. She married her late husband, Jessie Wayne Tibbs, on November 2, 1947. Mrs. Tibbs was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her children, Steven Doyle Tibbs, Margaret Ann Mize, Christy Lee Newton and Loren Wayne Tibbs; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth was in charge of the arrangements. (817) 293-1350

LEWIS MACON BERRY
Burleson - Lewis Macon Berry, 89, Retired Machinist, passed away February 13, 2004 at a local hospital. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 17 at Retta Baptist Church. Rev. John Harland officiated. Burial was at Cope Cemetery, Johnson County. Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Berry was born to the late Royal Jackson and Ella Mae Summers-Berry on July 29, 1914 in Italy, Texas. He had been a member of the Retta community all of his life. He was a member of Retta Baptist Church since the early twenties, and was baptized by J. Frank Norris. He attended school in Rendon. Lewis married Atha Lee Esters on February 11, 1939. Everyone who ever drove by his home will always remember his beautiful vegetable gardens. He is with his beloved Lord this day. Mr. Berry was preceded in death by his parents and son, Lyndon Berry. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Atha Lee Berry of Burleson; son, Roger Berry and wife, Anna, of Rendon; daughters, Joyce Berry Morris and husband, Richard, of Trinity, Florida and Sandra Berry Calahan and husband, Barry, of Carlsbad, New Mexico; daughter-in-law, Ronda Berry of Burleson; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Burleson was in charge of arrangements. (817) 295-5211

CLARA FAY HILLIARD
Keene--Funeral services for Clara Fay Hilliard, 100, of Keene will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12 at Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home Chapel, Cleburne, with Elder Mick Thurber and Elder Fred Murray officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Hilliard, Floyd Hilliard, Jim Hilliard, R. Q. Janes, Dennis Clouse and Greg Wicklund. Burial was Friday, February 13 at Bethel Cemetery in Funston, Texas, with Pastor Truitt Lee Kuenstler officiating. Mrs. Hilliard, a homemaker, passed away at Town Hall Estates, in Keene Texas, at 2:47 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2004. She was born September 17, 1903, in Godley, Texas, the daughter of George Thomas and Eugenia Berthena (Kelly) Lindsey. She was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She is survived by one son, George Warren Hilliard and wife, Marjorie, of Cleburne; grandsons, George Thomas Hilliard and wife, Janet, of Cleburne, Floyd Lee Hilliard of Ann Arbor, Michigan and James Vernon Hilliard and wife, Angela, of El Paso; great-grandchildren, Rosalie Hilliard of College Place, Washington, Calista Hilliard of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rebecca Hilliard of Cleburne, Benjamin Hilliard of Cleburne, and Amber Hilliard, also of Cleburne, Melissa Hilliard of El Paso, and James Michael Hilliard, also of El Paso. View obituary & pictures, send condolences & order flowers @ www.cpmfuneralhome.com Crosier-Pearson-Mayfield Funeral Home of Cleburne handled the arrangements.