Bartula
Carl Bartula, 77, of Crystal Beach, formerly of Dayton, died on Saturday at his home. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Carl was born on February 2, 1927 in Houston to parents Henry S, Bartula and Virginia Bolka. Carl is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary Lou Bartula, daughters Pam Simpson of Coweta, OK and Debbie West and husband Steve of Cibolo, TX. He is also survived by 3 granddaughters and 3 great-grandsons. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Care Team, 1708 Amburn STE C, Texas City, TX 77591-2436.

Jones
Annye Jones of Atascocita, Texas died April 3, 2004 in her home while surrounded by those who loved her, after an extended and courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 23, 1930 in Raywood, Texas, the daughter of Daniel Lee and Lenora Lacour Moss. She was married to Henry Daniel Jones for 53 years. She was a teacher and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her parents and her husband preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, Daniel David Jones, her daughter and son in law, Debra and Jim Teel. Her brother David Moss and his wife Julie survive her. Annye is also survived by four grandchildren: Daniel, Jennifer, Andrew and Susannah. A service to celebrate Annye s life will be held at the Atascocita United Methodist Church at 1 P.M. on Thursday, April 8, 2004. Memorials may be made to the Atascocita United Methodist Church, 19325 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, Texas 77346.

Barneycastle
Mack Barneycastle, age 80, died Thursday, April 1, 2004 in a local hospital after a extended illness. He was retired from the city of Liberty street maintenance department. Mr. Barneycastle was a native from Votah, Tx., He was born to Malcolm Malachi Barneycastle and Leavie Frances Cain Barneycastle on March 2, 1924. He graduated from the Big Sandy High School in 1944, and served in the U. S. Army during WW-II. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is survived by his wife, Mary Llewellyn Hinklin Barneycastle of the home in Liberty, two sisters, Ester Marcontel, and Ella Mae Carroll and a brother, Malcom Lewie Barneycastle, and a host of friends. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday April 6, 2004, at 3:00 p. m. in the Holly Grove Cemetery in Rye Texas. Services are under the direction of the Allison Funeral Service, 1101 North Travis Street, Liberty, Texas 77575

Harrison
Joanna Harrison, 64, of Huntsville, Alabama, formerly of Houston, died Friday, April 2, 2004. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at Fairlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1pm until service time on Wednesday at Allison Funeral Service. She is survived by her daughter JoBeth Carter; son John Coyle Harrison, Jr.; grandson Jason Brian Harrison; great grandson Nicholas Brian Harrison; brother Joseph Edwin Larke of Dallas, TX and mother Beatrice Larke of Liberty.

Gradney
Mabel Daigle Gradney, 79, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004 at her residence. She was a native of Eunice, Louisiana, lived in Dayton for the last 11 years, previously lived in Houston, loved to garden, fish and sew and deeply loved her grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2004 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dayton. Interment will follow at the St. Anne s Eastgate Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. She is survived by: Husband: Lawrence Gradney of Dayton; Sons: Lee L. Gradney of Kyle and Len Ral Gradney of Houston; Daughters: Mabel Irna Gradney, Melba Ann Gradney, Melwina Annier Gradney, Marlon Iris Gradney and Meldera Ione Gradney all of Dayton; Brothers: Phillip Daigle and his wife Bobbie of Beaumont and Joseph Daigle of Houston; Sister: Irna Bell Edwards of China and 5 Grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m.

Nelson
Elmer Nelson, 100, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004 at the Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was a native of Wesley, Iowa, lived in Dayton for over 90 years, was a retired rice farmer, member of the American Rice Growers Association, loved the outdoors and especially deer hunting. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with Rev. Jay Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at the Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. He is survived by: Brothers: Silas Nelson of Dayton and James Nelson of Dayton; Sister: Hazel Smith of Winnie and numerous Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by: Parents: Carl Nelson and Anna Seaberg Nelson; Brothers: Joe Nelson and Frank Nelson and Sisters: Ester Griffin, Ellen Holbrook, Mable Nelson and Ruth Wilson. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Zbranek
Marion Joseph Zbranek, 72 of Devers, died Friday, April 2, 2004 in a Beaumont Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10 am, Monday, April 5, 2004 at First Baptist Church Devers with Rev. Harry McDaniel & Rev. V.R. Hylton officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Daisetta. Visitation will be from 5pm until 9pm on Sunday at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. Marion Zbranek was born on January 2, 1932 in Crosby, Texas to parents, Ladislav and Marie Picka Zbranek and moved from Crosby to Hull-Daisetta at an early age. Marion loved to hunt and fish as a child, establishing lifelong friendships with Howard and Clifford Griffin. Those hobbies and friendships followed him throughout his life. As a child, Marion would lie in the grass and look at the planes overhead and dream about flying. His dream came true through much work and perseverance; he became an accomplished Ag-Pilot flying in Texas and Mississippi for over 26 years. When asked about his experiences and crashes he had over those years, he would just laugh and say any crash you can walk away from is a good one. Marion loved his family and enjoyed the times he shared with them. As a young man, Marion served in the military during the Koren War and was discharged with the rank of corporal in September 14, 1954. Marion and Virginia were married on November 25, 1989 and enjoyed so many of the same hobbies becoming best friends over the years. Marion was a member of the First Baptist Church of Devers. He is survived by his wife Virginia Zbranek; son M.J. Bubba Zbranek, Jr; daughters Sonya Allen & husband Leslie, Bess Coleman & husband Charles; step-children Donna Greak-Smith and husband Mike, Bobby Butler & wife Donna Lynn, Mike Butler & wife Terri; brothers J.C. Zeke Zbranek & wife Nelda, Laddie Zbranek & wife Laverne; 13 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Thompson
Lloyd Little Man Thompson, 73, of Dayton died March 31, 2004 at home after an extended illness. A native of Houston he was born September 1, 1930 to parents Finley Wilson and Elizabeth Thompson. He currently lived in Dayton and had previously been an eight year resident of the Highlands area. Mr. Thompson was retired from the Railroad. He is survived by his son Carl Thompson and wife Karen of Crystal Beach and his daughter Linn Cloninger and Russell Long of Dayton, also three grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton

Edmonds
Lee C. Edmonds, 84 of Liberty, passed away at the Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas on March 30, 2004. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 2, 2004 in the Allison Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery in Liberty. Visitation will be from 5pm until 9pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Edmonds was born on September 17, 1919 to Connie Brice & Cora Walston Edmonds in Cameron, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. He retired as the Postal Officer of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Lee was a Baptist and was a former member of the American Legion Post 313 at Fort Belvoir. He thoroughly enjoyed retired life with his wife Ruth of fifty-eight years and their large family and friends here in Liberty. His hobbies included gardening and making specialty hot sauces from his garden; hunting; fishing; barbequeing, as all Texans do; collecting memorabilia and spending time with loved ones. During his teen years in Liberty he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC) where he served in Globe, Arizona and later in Woodville, Texas. He fought forest fires, and built hiking trails and rest areas while serving with the CCC. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alvin Edmonds; Frank Edmonds; Elton Carl Edmonds; and Roy Lee Edmonds; granddaughter Tammy Lynn Allen; and long time best friend Robert L. Haas. He is survived by his wife Ruth C. Edmonds; son David O. Edmonds and wife Maria of Liberty; daughter Janyce Lee Lee and husband Michael of Livingston; brothers Earnest Edmonds and wife Maxine of Dayton; Clarence Edmonds of Liberty; sisters Lucille Fregia of Moss Hill; and Opal Lee of Liberty. Ten grandchildren Steven Lucas and wife Patty; Darren Lucas and friend Shelly; Ricky Lucas and wife Shyanne; Ginger Hendricks and husband Olyn; Brian Edmonds and wife Angela, Davie Lee Edmonds, Lisa Ames and husband Greg, Angel Renee Edmonds, Jennifer Lee; and Valerie Berry and husband Vance; Twenty-two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Smith
An extraordinary husband, and father, dentist, teacher, land developer, philosopher and inspiration to anyone that knew him, James Donald Smith passed away at his home in Liberty, Texas on March 28, 2004. Known throughout the region as "Doc", James Donald Smith was born on November 6, 1923 to James Wyatt Smith and Ida Elaine Donaho. The youngest of 10 brothers and sisters, Doc spent his early years with his family at their homestead in Hightower, Texas. After graduating from Tarkington Independent School, among a class of only 6 students, Doc joined the United States Navy. In the SEABEES unit, Doc served hius country from Alaska to the Pacific in World War II. After returning from the war, Doc married his sweetheart, Norma Finley, on February 24, 1946. Both were baptized at Oak Shade Baptist Church soon afterwards. Doc then attended Sam Houston State University, then University of Texas Dental School, graduating with honors. He opened his private dental practice first in Cleveland, then Anahuac, and finally settled in Liberty in 1958. He and his family joined the First Methodist Church in Liberty where they were active members for decades. He spent 6 years in private practice in Liberty where he and his wife Norma raised their three sons, Jimmy, Mike, and Randy. He was then called to teach at the University of Texas Dental College where he served as a beloved professor for 18 years, retiring at the age of 62. The Texas Dental Association awarded Doc the "50-Year Award" in May of 2002. After his "retirement", Doc was active in various land developement projects, including the Red Arrow Campground, which later was renamed Chain-O-Lakes Resort; and several other locations in Texas and New Mexico. Known for his quick wit and beaming smile, Doc never met a stranger. He was a dedicated family man, married to his beloved wife for over 58 years; their relationship, a sincere inspiration to anyone who has experienced it. He served as a true patriarch to his sons and their children. A man of dignity, grace, empathy, and morality, he was genuinely revered in his community. A life-long student of insatiable curiousity, Doc enjoyed a variety of interests including, philosophy, the sciences and the arts. He was as likely to talk about recent findings regarding black holes in space, or corporate ethics, or the ancient Anasazi civilization. His very special connection with children and animals was legendary. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Finley Smith; his three sons Jimmy, Mike, and Randy; four grandchildren, Stacy Kirsten, James Wyatt, Kristen, Michael Donald; Doc's sister Pauline Lewis, and her children Melvin Hunt, and Peggy Robinson; and numerous friends and extended family members. Visitation will be held, Monday night, from 5pm to 8pm at Allison Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at The First United Methodist Church of Liberty, Texas with burial following in the cemetery at Oak Shade Baptist Church, Tarkington Prairie, Texas.

Sanders
Weldon Arthur Sanders, Sr., 95 of Hull, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 in Liberty Dayton Community Hospital. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, April 1, 2004 at First United Methodist Church in Daisetta with Rev. Gene Lovering & Rev. Gideon Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Guedry Cemetery in Batson. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 pm until 7 pm at Allison Funeral Service. Mr. Sanders was a native of Pine Hill, TX and had lived in Hull for 58 years. He married Edna Lee Wilson on October 3, 1942 in Paris, Texas. Mr Sanders was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WW-II, with the 42nd Rainbow division in Europe. He was a retired Television Tech. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church Daisetta and a former member of the Rotary Club of Hull. He enjoyed camping and gardening. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur Gilbert & Soleta Cole Sanders; daughter Diane Casal; sisters Fauline Burch & Marie Beck; granddaughter Kammy Beard. He is survived by his wife Edna Lee Sanders of Hull; sons Weldon A. Sanders, Jr. of Seagoville, TX; Frank Gilbert Sanders & wife Cindy of Irving, TX; daughter Weldeen Tolliver of Pittsburg, TX; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Roberts
Ralph Roberts, 87 of LaPorte formerly of Moss Hill, died Thursday, April 1, 2004 in a Deer Park Nursing Home. Graveside services will be at 10 am, Friday, April 2, 2004 at Hardin Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6pm until 8pm at Allison Funeral Service. Mr. Roberts was a native of Hugo, CO and had lived in the Hardin & Moss Hill area before moving to LaPorte in 1997. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired office supply salesman. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hardin and Mason. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul & Pearl Kelly Roberts; wife Doris Roberts; and brother Harold Roberts. He is survived by nieces & nephews.

Perkins
Neal Preston Shorty Perkins, 68, of Liberty, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at his residence. Graveside services will be held at 2 Pm, Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the Johnson Cemetery in Liberty. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Shorty was born June 17, 1935 in Roll, OK to parents; Harley Preston Perkins and Flossie Bailey Perkins, and has resided in the Liberty area for the past 51 years. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps with service during the Korean War, was a retired heavy equipment operator, former self-employed small engine repairman, and attended the Kingdom Hall in Liberty. He also enjoyed fishing, playing forty-two in dominoes, and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Perkins was preceded in death by his father, brother: Nordon Harley Perkins, granddaughter: Amanda Renee Johnson, and great-grandson: Phillip Jason Curry, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 44 years: Carolyn Raley Perkins of Liberty, daughters: Shelli Renea Johnson and husband Dwayne of Liberty and Regina Ann Moore and husband Wayne of Liberty, sons: James Harley Perkins of Mt. Belvieu, Neal Preston Perkins, Jr. of Kenefick, and Charles Lyle Perkins and wife Debbie of Tulia, mother: Flossie Bailey Perkins of Liberty, brother: Kenneth Wayne Perkins and wife Brenda of Cutulia, 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Watts
Madge Carlisle Watts, 91 of Liberty, died Monday, March 29, 2004 at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April1, 2004 at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston with Dr. Charles Greene officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:30 Pm until 7:30 PM at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. Mrs. Watts was a native of McCool; Ms she had lived in Liberty for 70 years. She was a homemaker and loved to fish, and was a member of the first United Methodist Church of Liberty and the DAR. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles Cole & Margaret Long Conner; husband Cecil Watts, and a nephew James Mulligan. She is survived by her son Ed Watts of Liberty, daughter Amy Phillips & husband Ed of Granbury, TX; sister Colleen Conner of CA; brothers Charles Conner & wife Sue of Dayton & Carlton Conner & wife Willie of Kenefick; grandsons Robert Joyner, Greg Joyner, David Watts, & Daniel Watts; nephews Thomas Mulligan & William Mulligan. Memorial may be made to the Lions Eye Bank of Texas, 6565 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030 or the Liberty Municipal Library, 1710 Sam Houston Ave., Liberty, TX 77575.

Bland
Pearl Irene Bland, 87, of Oak Island, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at the Bayside community Hospital in Anahuac. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Pearl was born January 26, 1917 in Palmyra, ME to parents; Louis Johonnot and Bernice Pratt, a former resident of Arizona, and has resided in the Oak Island area for the past seven years. She was a homemaker and retired bookkeeper for Western Auto in Estancia, NM after several years of service, graduate of the Lake Worth High School in Ft. Worth, and enjoyed fishing, painting, and gardening. Mrs. Bland was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather: Ben Collins, father of her children: Leon Shewmake, husband: Charles Bland, son: Sid Shewmake, grandson: Brent Steele, brothers: Fred Collins and Eddie Collins, and sisters: Rosalie Elug and Dixie Hanna. She is survived by her daughter: Clauda Wilson-Dino and companion George of Oak Island, grandson: Eddie Steele of Oak Island, brothers: Ted Collins of Kirbyville and Jim Collins of AZ, friend and caregiver: Tina Hollis of Double Bayou, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Simmons
Mary Beth (Cox) Simmons, 78, of Dayton, passed away Monday, March 22, 2004 at the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown. She was a native of Timpson, lived in Dayton for the last 44 years, previously a longtime resident of the Livingston area and a member of the Grace Community Baptist Church in Dayton. She was the former Owner/Operator, with her husband, of Home Farm Propane in Dayton for 25 years, A & A Air Conditioning and the Wentworth Drug Store. She was also a former employee of the Liberty County Federal Savings and Loan and a former Boy Scout Den Mother. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with Rev Wayne Hardin officiating. Burial will follow at the Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. She is survived by: Her husband of 51 years: M. J. Simmons of Dayton; Son: John Simmons and his wife Susan of Dayton; Daughters: Margaret Simmons of Dayton and Rosemary Brothers and husband W. T. of Dayton; Brothers: Del Cox and his wife Jimmie of Beaumont, Bill Cox and his wife Sarah of Livingston and Bobby Cox, Sr. and his wife Shirley of Livingston; Brother-in-law: Jack McNulty of Livingston; Sister-in-law: Margaret Cox of Manville, Louisiana and Grandchildren: Adam Saffel, Nicholas Saffel, Lindsay Lee and her husband Chris, Phillip Saffel, Johnathan Davis, M. J. Brothers, Katherine Brothers and Anna Brothers. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Grace Community Baptist Church Building Fund.

Thacker
Mrs. Edna Louise Thacker, 83, of Dayton died Sunday, March 21, 2004 at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown. She was a native in Harrisonburg, Louisiana and was a long time resident of Dayton. Mrs. Thacker was a member of the Port Houston Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Calvin Thacker, Jr.; Son: George Allen Thacker; Grandson: Bobby Ray Thacker and Great-Granddaughter: Brittany Nicole Thacker. Services for Mrs. Thacker will be 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with the Rev. Cecil Grantham officiating. Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Park Cemetery. She is survived by her sons: Jimmy Thacker of Dayton; Billy Thacker and wife Peggy of Dayton; daughter: Shirley Tucker and husband Melton of Bowie; brother: Ivy Grantham of Natchez, Mississippi; sister Eunice McEntire-Sides of Jonesville, Louisiana; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home.

Gray
Sarah L. Granny Singleton Gray, 88, of Old River, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the Triumph Hospital East Houston in Channelview. Funeral services will be held at 2 Pm, Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at the Sterling Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with Rev. Danny Biddy officiating and burial following at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Tuesday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Granny was born January 6, 1916 in Yellow Pine, AL, to parents; Jessie J. and Emma Hennis Singleton, a former resident of Baytown, and has resided in the Old River area for the past 37 years. She was a homemaker, a former nurse for Gulf Coast Hospital after ten years of service, member and nursery aide of the Old River Baptist Church, and participated in senior citizen activities. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her parents, daughter: Patricia Scott, son-in-law: Harold Bernard, grandson-in-law: Carey Hodges, and brother: Lawrence W. Singleton. She is survived by her daughters: Johnnie Bernard of Old River, Frankie Johnson and husband A.D. of Baytown, and Wanda Capito and husband Al of Katy, nine grandchildren: Darrell Ray, Brenda Myrick, Keith Ray, Angela Cheek, Terri Ingram, Lisa Hodges, Lee Bernard, Kelly Patillo, and Tracy Mallory, 16 great-grandchildren: Robbie, Michael, Stephen, Kevin, Catherine, Tonia, Jake, James, Jeff, Ashley, Joshua, Stephanie, Christin, Katie, Mallory, and D Andre , and numerous other relatives, and friends.

Campbell
Jearldene Campbell, 74, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown. She was a native of Pelly, Texas, lived in Dayton for the last 20 years, previously lived in Magnolia, was a member of the South Liberty United Methodist Church and was a homemaker. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with the Rev. Bob Fosburg officiating. Burial will follow at the Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. She is survived by: Sons: Robert Campbell and his wife Dana of Liberty, Jerry Campbell of Houston and Mark Campbell and his wife Terry of Dayton; Daughters: Sissy Templeton of Dayton, Judy McWhorter of Dayton and Betty Kirkpatrick and her husband Royce of Dayton; Brothers: Lonnie Raymond Dunn and his wife Betty of Plantersville and Kenneth Dunn and his wife Martha of Baytown; 15 Grandchildren; 14 Great-Grandchildren and a host of Nieces and Nephews. Pallbearers will be: Robert Lane Campbell, Spencer Templeton, Mark Campbell, Brandon Campbell, Michael Medina and Bryan McWhorter. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., Monday, March 22, 2004 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

James Bennett Sterling, Jr.
DAYTON, March 19, 2004 - James Bennett Sterling, Jr., 87 of Dayton, Texas, died at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2004 in the Liberty-Dayton Community Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born in Dayton to James Bennett and Ophelia Dodd Sterling, he was a 1934 graduate of Dayton High School, where he was a member of the Dayton Bronco Regional Football Championship Team. He graduated from A&M College of Texas, where he was a member of the Fightin Texas Aggie Band. His class had the distinction of being the only class to march on the Bugle Rank all four years. After graduation, he returned to Dayton to assist his father in the oil and cattle business. Following the death of his father in 1941, he was appointed Bulk Agent for Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon), a position which he held for over 50 years, assisted by his son, Ben. Jim was a veteran of World War II, serving as an aerial gunner in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he and friends entertained veterans from the Houston VA Hospital with a day of fishing, food and fun at his camp house on Day Lake. A breeder of Registered Brahman Cattle and Registered Quarter Horses, Jim contributed many scramble calves to the Trinity Valley Exposition of which he served as President and Director. He was a principal organizer of the Saddlerock Corporation, which published and sold the book, Using the American Quarter Horse, and also produced bits and spurs, all of which were sold worldwide. Saddlerock also produced the nationally televised Texas Rodeo on NBC. He was named Conservation Rancher of the Year in 1983 by the Lower Trinity Valley Conservation District. Jim was an avid salt-water fisherman, keeping a boat in Galveston for many years, and a member of the Monster Fisherman s Club, going after large sharks. He also was an expert at raising birds, in particular, parrots. Jim married Betty Sherman of Anahuac, and together, with their son Jimmy, owned and operated Sterling Funeral Homes in Dayton and Anahuac for over 30 years. They also had a monument company, and started the Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton, producing Community Memorial Day and Easter Sunrise Services for over 20 years. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dayton, serving as a member of the Official Board and the building committee for the new Sanctuary. He donated the pipe organ for the new sanctuary, in memory of his Mother, who had been the first church organist. He served two terms on the Dayton City Council, securing the rights of way for the new four-lane highway through town. He served two terms as Mayor of Dayton, and was a member of the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department, serving in every station, including Fire Chief, and helped with the Texas City Disaster in 1947. Jim was a dedicated Aggie, serving as a Director of the Aggie Club, later named the 12th Man Foundation, giving several endowed scholarships to Texas A&M University. He helped design and donated two granite markers to the Texas Aggie Band and the Corps of Cadets, which are located at the Corps Center. Jim was a member of the Texas Aggie Band Association, the Sul Ross Group and the Forsyth Society. Other memberships include the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Dayton American Legion Post 512. Before the war years, Jim played with several big bands, and later organized The Sterling Silver Combo, where he was known as Jimmy Valentine, playing at many dances and other functions, and making several tapes. Survivors include: Wife, Betty, of Dayton; son Jimmy Sterling and wife Sandra of Liberty; son Ben Sterling and wife Linda of Austin; grandchildren Jennifer Sterling of Albuquerque, NM; Philip Sterling and wife Kalli of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Michael Kittrell and wife Lisa of Dallas; Julie Pitre and husband Ryan of Liberty; and great-grandchildren Dalton, Taylor and Kendall; and a number of cousins. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 21, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church of Dayton, with military graveside rites following at the Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., on Saturday, at the Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N Main, Dayton, TX. For those desiring, donations are requested to the First United Methodist Church in Dayton, or the Texas Aggie Band Association.

Williams
Clarence "Dick" "Red" Williams, 88, of Moss Hill, passed away on Thursday at a Baytown Hospital. Visitation will be held on Sunday beginning at 5pm at the New Life Assembly of God in Batson. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Monday at the New Life assembly of God in Batson. Rev. Bill Campbell, Rev. Bobby Morgan and Rev. Robert Williams will officiate. Interment will follow in Oil Field Cemetery in Saratoga under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Dick was born on December 10, 1915 in Merryville, Louisiana to parents Alexander A. Williams and Louise Brown. He had been a resident of Moss Hill since 1981 where he worked as an oil field mechanic. In his younger years he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Dick loved the Lord and was very involved in his church. He also loved to read scripture and other works about God. Red could fix anything and loved to garden and grow vegetables. He also enjoyed learning trivia and miscellaneous facts. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Maye and Maybell, brothers Floyd, Percy, Earnest, Coleman and Lamar and an infant sibling. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Laird Williams of Moss Hill, his sons Charles Williams and wife Lana of Votaw, and Delbert Butch Williams and wife Carol of Lebanon, OR, his daughters Shirley Wilmath of Hardin, Barbara Cunningham and husband Guy Buster of Liberty, Maybell Miller and husband Kevin of Australia and Marion McCormick and husband John of Tucson, AZ, and his sister Pearl Crider of San Antonio. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Holub
Robert L. Bobby Holub, Sr., 69, of Anahuac, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at his residence after a valiant battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2 Pm, Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the Sterling Funeral Home Chapel in Anahuac with Rev. Len Shoemaker officiating and burial following at Anahuac Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David, Louis, and Brian Holub, Charles and James Copeland, and Art Musgrove, with Kevin Holub acting as a honorary pallbearer. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 8 Pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Bobby was born March 28, 1934 in Wharton, to parents; Benard and Loretta Richardson Holub, a former resident of Liberty for 35 years, and has resided in the Anahuac area for the past two years. He was a retired electrician for the Hardin ISD. after ten years of service, attended the Hankamer Fellowship Church, was a member and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Order of Elks in Liberty, and was an accomplished musician. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and other instruments, traveling, and fishing. Mr. Holub was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Debra Lynn Holub, and brothers: Leo and Bennie Holub. He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Ollie Jean Wallace Holub of Anahuac, daughter: Bobbie Jean Richardson and husband Tom of Livingston, son: Robert Holub, Jr. and wife Keri of Anahuac, grandchildren: Chris and Nicholas Fregia, Stephanie, Laci, and Brooke Holub, and Mason Shanahan, brother: Louis Holub of Needville, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Barrier
Marilyn Jean Barrier, 72 of Hull, died Monday, March 15, 2004 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services will be at 10 am, Thursday, March 18, 2004 at First United Methodist Church in Daisetta with Dr. Gene Lovering. Interment will be at 2pm, Thursday at Pedigo Cemetery in Town Bluff, Texas. Visitation will be from 7pm until 8pm on Wednesday at Allison Funeral Service. Mrs. Barrier was born April 3, 1931 in Daisetta to Elmer & Mabel R. Trahan Williams. She retired from Hull-Daisetta I.S.D where she was finance Director. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Daisetta and the Classic Dancers. She is preceded in death by her husband Nathan Miller Barrier III; son William David Barrier and a daughter Pattijean Barrier. She is survived by sons Nathan Barrier IV and wife Cindy of Lorena, TX, Tim Barrier & wife Mary of Daisetta, John Barrier & wife Dottie of Hull; mother Mabel Williams of Hull; sister Janet Hundley & husband Sam of Hull, Sharon Ferguson & husband Elvis of Mt. Belvieu; brother Danny William & wife Paulette of Hull; grandsons Nathan M. Ned Barrier V & wife Dana, Justin A. Barrier, Joel D. Barrier & Christopher A. Barrier; granddaughters Kathleen Leiskau & husband James, Jenna M. Brett & husband Kory, Jessica J. Barrier, Jennifer N. Barrier & Amanda K. Barrier; and one great granddaughter Macey Barrier. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Memorials may be made to the Texas A & M Corp Cadets 1400 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1400 and Hull Daisetta Nelson Stovall Scholarship Fund c/o J.C. Ladd, P.O. BX. 208, Devers, TX 77538.

Pickett
Cheryl Lou Carr Pickett, 53, of Liberty, Texas, died Sunday, march 14, 2004 at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, march 1, 204 at the Allison Funeral Service chapel in Liberty with Reverend Jimmie Clemmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Liberty Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Monday, March 15, 2004 at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty, Texas. Mrs. Pickett was born September 30, 1950, in Liberty, Texas to parents, Leive LorenzoCarr and Bobbie Elizabeth Carroll Carr. She had been a lifelong resident of the Liberty County area. Cheryl graduated high school in Hull-Daisetta. On October 25, 1974, Cheryl married Earnest Pickett III. Mrs. Pickett was Baptist by faith. She was a member of the Elks Lodge, and Magnolia ridge country Club where she was active in many different fundraising efforts. Mrs. Pickett is preceded in death by her father, Levi Carr, and a friend Darrell R. Rollins. She is survived by her mother, Bobbie Elizabeth Car. Her husband, Ernest Pickett III, one son, Ernest Picket IV, and his wife Stacie, one granddaughter, Madalyn Nichole Pickett, one sister, Benita Poole, one brother, Levi Carr, and many other relatives and friends.

Dixon
Ora Lee Woodson Dixon, 93, of Anahuac, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at the Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac. Funeral service were held at 2 Pm, Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the First Baptist Church of Anahuac with graveside services held at 1 Pm, Monday, March 15, 2004 at the Cleburne Memorial Cemetery in Cleburne, Texas. Visitation was held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Saturday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Ora Lee was born June 23, 1910 in Alvarado to parents; James and Bertha Sparkman Woodson, was a homemaker, resident of Anahuac for the past 55 years, member of the First Baptist Church where she was in chare of the youth department of Sunday school for 40 years and sang in the choir for 50 years, member of the Order of Eastern Star, past president and lifetime member of the Anahuac PTA, an active member of the hospital auxiliary and AARP, and had worked many years in retail sales. She was also a descendant of Dr. John Woodson, who was one of the founders of the Jamestown Colony. In what little spare time she had, she loved to spend it doing needlework, beading, sewing, and crocheting, as well as gardening and tending to her flower beds. Mrs. Dixon was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Knox Dixon, and sister: Learis Powell. She is survived by her daughters: Nelda Hearnsberger and husband Walter of San Augustine, Suzanne Burns and husband James of Leesburg, and Lynda Fleming of Baytown, grandchildren: Dwaina Kerr, Lea Rozanne Hearnsberger, Anne Howard, Jeffrey Hearnsberger, Barrett Hagler, David McClure, and Daniel McClure, 13 great-grandchildren, three nieces, one nephew, and other relatives, and friends.

Williams
Dow Wadell Williams, 72, of Anahuac, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 1 Pm, Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church in Anahuac with burial following at Forest Park East Cemetery in League City. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Dow was born March 20, 1931 in Ft. Worth to parents; Dow A. and Beulah O. Jackson Williams had resided in the Deer Park area for 30 years and has been a resident of the Anahuac area for the past 14 years. He attended LaMarque High School, was a veteran of the US Air Force with service during Korea, a retired supervisor electrician for Shell of Deer Park after 35 years of service, member of the First United Methodist Church of Anahuac, volunteered at the Anahuac Gatorfest, and enjoyed fishing, making jewelry, wood working, and spending time with his grandchildren. Dow will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a jack-of-all-trades. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Diann Robinson, granddaughter: Leah Diann Goebbel, and great-granddaughter: Britani Merced. He is survived by his wife of 44 years: Mary Chiles Williams of Anahuac, daughters: Linda Goebbel of Deer Park, Susan Redd of Pasadena, and Frances Cronauer and husband Paul of Conroe, sons: Lonnie Redd of Anahuac, Leslie Williams of Pasadena, Mark Williams and wife Shelley of Cypress, and Joseph Williams of Cyrpess, sister: Wanda Zubik of Baton Rouge, LA, 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew, other relatives, and friends. In lieu of floral remembrances, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice in Dow s name.

Pierce
Alvin W. Pierce, 57, of Raywood, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at the Scott & White Hospital in Temple. Funeral services will be held at 11 Am, Friday, March 12, 2004 at the Sterling Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with Brother Clifford Maddox officiating and private interment services. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Thursday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Alvin was born December 6, 1946 in Oklahoma, and has resided in the Raywood area for the past 24 years. He was the owner/operator of Pierce Electric in Raywood for the past 15 years, member of the Kingdom Hall in Liberty, and veteran of the US Army. He also enjoyed fishing, laying golf and tennis, and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his parents, and wife of 32 years: Vickie Ann Swilling Pierce. He is survived by his daughters: Serena Lensgraf and husband Leif of Hammond, LA and Teresa Villegas of Liberty, son: Shawn Pierce of Raywood, three grandchildren: Derrick, Alexis, and Whittney, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pierce
Vickie Ann Swilling Pierce, 58, of Raywood, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, in Rogers, TX. Funeral services will be held at 11 Am, Friday, March 12, 2004 at the Sterling Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with Brother Clifford Maddox officiating and private interment services. Visitation will be held from 5 Pm to 9 Pm, Thursday, at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Vickie was born April 17, 1945 in Anderson, SC to parents; Robert and Gennie Walls Swilling, and has resided in the Raywood area for the past 24 years. She was a homemaker, member of the Kingdom Hall in Liberty, and enjoyed making porcelain dolls and ceramics, reading, going to the beach, painting, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Mrs. Pierce was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 32 years: Alvin W. Pierce, and sisters: Edna Moon and Betty Ferguson. She is survived by her daughters: Serena Lensgraf and husband Leif of Hammond, La and Teresa Villegas of Liberty, son: Shawn Pierce of Raywood, three grandchildren: Derrick, Alexis, and Whittney, brother: Mack Swilling of GA, sisters: Virginia Morrison of Liberty and Brenda Warren of League City,, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Burnham
George Henry Burnham, 82, of Kenefick, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, in Kenefick. Private family memorial services are pending. Arrangements are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Mr. Burnham was born January 15, 1922 in Puckett, MS to parents; Mora Mack and Lessie Walters Burnham, has resided in the Kenefick area for the past three years, and was a former resident of Ft. Worth. He was a retired cement finisher and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and mechanics. Mr. Burnham was preceded in death by his parents and wife: Mildred Colleen Burnham. He is survived by his sons: George Ellis Burnham and wife Gertrude of Lockhart and Johnny Mack Burnham of Rapid City, SC, daughter: Daisy June Brokaw of Bastrop, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters: Gertha Palmer of Kenefick and Allie Rivers of Kenefick, brother: Ellis Burnham of North Shore, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Baucum
Clebern Earl Baucum, 56, of LaMarque died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 in Houston, Texas after an extended illness. A native of Liberty Co he had lived the LaMarque and Hitchcock area since 1985. He was a member of the American Rifle Association. Service for Mr. Baucum will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2004 at Central Baptist Church in Daisetta. Rev. Jim Van Dorn and Rev. Harry McDaniel will be officiating. Interment to follow at Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton. He is survived by his wife: Toy Baucum of LaMarque; mother: Viola Baucum of Daisetta; daughters: Charlotte Myrow and husband Kenneth of Livingston; Dana Morley and husband Stanley of Georgia; Susan Ramera and husband Gil of Colorado and Tina Jones of Pasadena brothers: Roy Baucum of Liberty; Vorice Baucum and wife Wanda of Daisetta; and Frank Baucum and wife Brenda of Hull; sisters: Violet Lawrence of Daisetta; Joyce Clark and husband Ron of Daisetta; Jeanell McCann and husband E.T. of Daisetta and Sharon Taylor of Daisetta; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Mike Hays, Bo Cochran, Glen Foster, Curtis Corley, Scotty Baucum and Boyett Taylor; Honorary Pallbearers are Roy Baucum, Vorice Baucum, Frank Baucum, Jimmy Noble, Jim Henry, and Robin Frazier. Visitation will be all day Thursday until 9:00 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church in Daisetta.

Eaton
The family and community are saddened by the death of long time resident Pomella Eaton at 99 years of age. She retired after more than 30 years of teaching in Dayton Independent School District. She received her teaching certificate at 18 years of age, then her Bachelors Degree and finally her Masters Degree. She received many honors throughout her lifetime. One of her most prestigious was induction into the Dayton Wall of Fame for her many years of sharing, educating, and loving all her first graders. She also was a blessed Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church Dayton for many years. Her husband, Guy Eaton, and daughter, Doris Eaton Schwalm, precede her in death. She is survived by many former students, friends, relatives and a son, Wentworth G. Eaton, retired Houston physician, and his wife, Barbara. Her grandchildren include Adrienne Eaton Joki, Wentworth G. Eaton, II, and wife Anna, Derek Eaton, Lauryl Eaton Johnson, Angela Eaton, Shantel Eaton Walker and husband Jay Ronald Walker, and Melody Schwalm Smith. One grandchild was deceased Wendy Gale Eaton. Her great grandchildren included Jennifer Jines, Anna Lisa Joki, Collin Eaton, Tyler Eaton, Caroline Eaton, Zachary Eaton, Joshua Johnson, Cash Walker, and Brock Smith. One great grandchild was deceased Kendra Smith. She had numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews living in this area. Pomella has touched the lives of so many people over the years. She taught so many to read it would be an honor to have books or donations contributed to the libraries at First Baptist Church of Dayton or Dayton ISD Library. Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton, Texas will direct funeral Services and viewing. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dayton, Texas, Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 2:00. Randy Piatt and R. C. Hammock will be officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton. The Pallbearers will be Lester Ray Wisegerger, E. B. Neuman, Jack Unkel, O. J. Stewart, Darrell Brown, and Ray Stoesser. Special music will be by organist Betty Jo Wisegerber, bagpiper, Jonathan Wakeland and soloist Claude Harding. Following the services, a celebration honoring Pomella will reconvene at the church. Visitation will be Wednesday, 3p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Pace- Stancil Funeral Home, 1304 N. Cleveland, Dayton, Texas and the family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Goudeau
Martina Trahan Goudeau, 80, of Ames, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at the Liberty-Dayton Hospital in Liberty. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 Am, Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames with burial following at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Raywood. Visitation will be held from 8 Am to 10 Am, with rosary services at 10 Am, Tuesday at the church. Services are under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Martina was born November 24, 1923 in Liberty, to parents; Michael and Marie Caillie Trahan, and has resided in the Ames area throughout her life. She was the owner/operator of Martina s Flowers and Gifts in Ames before retiring, member of the Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver Court #33, and the Moon-Glo Club, graduate of the Liberty Training School class of 1941, had attended Sam Houston State University in Austin, and enjoyed ceramics, gardening, reading, and dancing. Mrs. Goudeau was preceded in death by her parents, son: Marvin J. Goudeau, Sr. and brothers: James Trahan, Michael Trahan, Jr., and Aaron Trahan. She is survived by her husband of 57 years: John Goudeau of Ames, sons: Malcom Goudeau, Sr. and wife Debbie of Ames, Milton Goudeau and wife Penny of Hardin, daughter-in-law: Alma Goudeau of Raywood, sisters: Theresa Mallet of Ames and Rita Bivens of CA, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Standley
Bertha Jane Standley, 81, of Anahuac, passed away on Monday afternoon at a Houston hospital. Visitation will be held from 6pm-9pm on Wednesday at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Thursday at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac. Mr. Albert Billingsley will officiate. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Double Bayou. Bertha was born on August 15, 1922 in Double Bayou, to parents Asa Standley and Ida Trammel. She grew up in Double Bayou and attended school in Pine Island. She worked as a Nurses Aide, a food service worker for the school and cleaned houses and motels. In 1951 she moved to North Platte, Nebraska, where she lived until her return to Anahuac in 2000. She was a very caring person who loved to help people. She had a special love of caring for children and animals. She enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, Bonanza and other western movies. She was very close to her family and loved caring for her many nieces and nephews. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Effie Burgess, Inez Mayes and Carrie Griffin and her brothers Earl Standley, Asa Standley, George Standley and Bill Standley. She is survived by her sister Edna Martin of Flynn, TX. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lewis
Edna Merle Lewis, 79, of Batson, passed away on Monday morning at a Beaumont hospital. Visitation will be held beginning at 5pm on Tuesday at Batson United Pentecostal Church in Batson. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday at Batson United Pentecostal Church in Batson. Bro. John Wiles will officiate. Interment will follow at Guedry Cemetery in Batson under the direction of Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. Edna was born on August 31, in Batson, TX to parents Johnnie Caruthers and Rittie Richey. She was a homemaker and lifelong resident of Hardin County. She was a member of the Batson United Pentecostal Church. She enjoyed singing and playing her guitar as well as visiting with friends and family. Edna was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Edna Joyce Lewis, her brothers John Caruthers, Charles Caruthers and Benny Caruthers and her sisters Alma Storey, and Oma Yarber. She is survived by her daughters Pamela Sanders of Batson and Nickole May of Batson, her sons, Raymond Cotton of Batson, Travis Cotton of Batson, Richard Lewis of Batson, George Lewis of Batson, Jerry Lewis of Batson and Carlton Lewis of Batson, sisters Edith Riley of Vidor, Lizzie Gillifillan of Batson, Janie Whitely of Batson, Doris Husband of Vidor and Thelma Reavis of Devers and her brothers Jim Caruthers of Saratoga and Gene Caruthers of Batson. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Umfrid
Buck Umfrid, 63, of Dayton, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at home after an extended illness. He was born September 25, 1940 in Warren, Texas to parents, Oran and Verna Umfrid. He had lived the past 7 years in Dayton, previously living 25 years in Crosby. Mr. Umfrid had 21 years of service at Fluor-Ameco. Service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton with the Rev. Wayne Hardin officiating. Interment will follow at Allison Cemetery in Warren, Texas. Mr.Umfrid is survived by his wife, Jewel Fowler Umfrid of Dayton; sons: Raymond Pace of Lufkin, Jimmy Lee Pace of Lufkin, and Charles Roy Wallace of Dayton; daughters: Denise Crager of Lufkin, Renee Russell of Dayton, Shannon Strybos of Dayton and Sherry Hynum of Dayton; brothers: Charles Umfrid of Houston, Jimmy Carley Umfrid of Vidor and Billy Umfrid of Houston; sisters: Henry Gay Burrow of Winnie and Shirley Rice of Nederland; numerous grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Smith
Billy Foster Smith, Sr., 74, of Liberty, died February 27, 2004 at Triumph Hospital of East Houston after an extended illness. He was born January 22, 1930 in Midland, Texas to parents, Frank and Altee Mae Gray Smith. A native of West Texas, Mr. Smith had lived 67 years in Liberty. He had served in the U.S. Army and was a retired truck driver. A graveside service will be 3:00 p.m.., Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at Hardin Chapel Cemetery with Rev. James Hebert officiating. Interment will follow at Hardin Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton. He is survived by sons: Billy Smith, Jr. and wife Margaret of Liberty and Odice Smith and wife Tanda of Dayton; Daughters: Linda Kay Fregia and husband Raymond of Ames, Elizabeth Dowdell and husband Raymond of Daisetta, Norene Plue and husband Ron of Des Moines, IA, Helen Campbell and husband Roy of Liberty, Missy Smith of Pasadena; Brothers: Lester Myrick of Vidor, Charles Myrick of Hankamer, and Curtis Myrick of Liberty; Sisters: Liz Joyce LeBlanc of Hardin; Juanita Nugent of Raywood; Dolly Olsen of Hankamer, Mary Parker of Shepherd, Betty Lou Guillory of Liberty; 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Michael Fregia, Otis Johnson, Terry Fregia, James Bass, Dewayne Pike, and Bishop Smith; Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Fregia and Cecil Smith. Visitation will be Tuesday morning until 1:30 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.