Ray Lawrence
LIVINGSTON - Ray Lawrence, 77, of Livingston, died Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at his residence. Services were held Saturday, June 7, at Bethel Baptist Church in Bold Springs, with the Rev. Frank Hood officiating. Interment with military honors by VFW Post 8568 followed in Bold Springs Cemetery. Mr. Lawrence, founder of Lawrence Saw Co., was born on Jan. 31, 1926 in the Bold Springs community of Polk County, to parents Robert Lee and Pearl Armitage Lawrence. He married Lillie Petty on Jan. 6, 1950 in Livingston. Mr. Lawrence was a member of the First Baptist Church of Livingston. He served with the U.S. Navy in submarines during World War II. He was a longtime member of the Livingston Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a past recipient of the Hometown Spirit Award and was the current president of the Sand Hills Hunting Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Estel King and Lillian Murphy, and four brothers, Vern, Vonnie, Dick and Claude Lawrence. Pallbearers were Dr. Milton Thiel, Doug Blackerby, Jerry Ellison, Lonell Brasher, Dan Ellis and Bubba Watson. Honorary pallbearers were Doug Hand, Dr. William Watson, Luther Thompson, and members of the Livingston Rotary Club and Sand Hills Hunting Club. Survivors include his wife, Lillie; four children, Letha Corzine and husband B.W. 'Bubba' of Cleburne, Denise Cain and husband John Michael of Livingston, Larry Lawrence and wife Debbie of Livingston, and Theresa Bailey and husband Brian of Marlin; one sister, Melba Gassiott of Livingston and three grandchildren, Sgt. William R. 'Billy' Lawrence and wife Krissy, Michaella Cain and Pfc. Curtis Bailey. Pace Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Lynn Ferguson
CLEVELAND - Virgil Lynn Ferguson, 66, died Tuesday, June 3, 2003. He was born Jan. 24, 1937 in England, Ark. He was Honor Guard under the auspice of Cleveland VFW Post 1839. He is survived by his wife, Rhita Gayle Ferguson; son, Scott Ferguson and wife Lona; daughter, Julie Castilleja and husband Nick; two stepchildren, Michelle Browder and Michael Browder; brothers, Gerald Ferguson, James 'Bud' Ferguson and Dickie Ferguson and seven grandchildren, Nicole Ferguson, Samantha Ferguson, Nicky Castilleja, Ronnie Castilleja, Mikey Browder, Autumn Browder and Brendon Browder. Services were held Friday, June 6, at the Pace-Stancil/Probst Chapel in Cleveland, with the Rev. Frank Hood officiating. Interment followed in Peebles Cemetery, Goodrich.

Johna Elaine Bell Haynes
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Johna Elaine Bell Haynes, 44, were held Saturday, June 7, 2003, from the Cochran Fu-neral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Harold Isaacs officiating. Burial followed in Farley Chapel Cemetery in Shepherd. Mrs. Haynes died Thursday, June 5, in Memorial Medical Center Livingston. She was born Jan. 28, 1959 in Jacinto City, the daughter of Malcomb and Dorothy Christian Bell. Survivors include her mother, Dorothy Dieinger of Lufkin; stepfather, Ray Maxwell of Lufkin; son, Steven Gardner; sisters, Lynda Robinstein of Onalaska, and Sherrie Franklin of Livingston; nieces, Ashley Lawrence and Casey Lawrence, both of Livingston and brothers, Ray Allen Bell and Donnie Everett.

Catherine Virginia Toler
LIVINGSTON - Catherine Virginia (Hoff) Toler, 59, died on June 9, 2003. Memorial services were held Saturday, June 14, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church of Livingston. She is survived by her husband of almost 39 years, Colonel Ray Toler; three sons and their wives, Ray Jr. and Mary Toler of Humble, Eric Toler of Houston and Bryan and Julie Toler of Dallas; four grandchildren, Jade, Luke, Drew and Meghan; brother, Rowland Hoff and wife Ann of Brady; mother-in-law, Neva Toler of Bryan, to whom she was like a daughter. Her parents, M. Rowland Huff and Mickey (Wood) Hoff, and her brother, Richard Hoff of Denton, preceded her in death. Born Sept. 25, 1943 in Chicago, Ill. during the height of World War II, Mrs. Toler s father was a leading scientist in the Manhattan Project, which realized the development of the atomic bomb. They subsequently lived in Belleview, Wash.; Oak Ridge, Tenn. and Orange, Texas, where her father became chief chemist for DuPont s Sabine River Works. Mrs. Toler graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor's degree in music education and piano (magna cum laude), where she played trombone in the TCU Marching Band and Symphonic Orchestra. She started the elementary school music program in Weatherford, and later taught music at Lackland Air Force Base Elementary School in San Antonio. She taught private piano lessons for over 20 years. In 2001, she retired from Texas A&M University, where she was the assistant director for the Center for Academic Enhancement. She considered it her greatest calling and job to have been a mother, Grammy and devoted wife; she adored her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. She was known as a loyal friend who always had a beautiful smile that would light up a room and a joke for any situation. Her last request was to return home to the shores of Lake Livingston, where she 'Slipped the surly bonds of Earth... and touched the face of God.' In lieu of flowers, the Toler family requests that contributions be made in her name to Hospice, the American Cancer Society, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band or a charity of one's choice. Pace Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Walter Eugene Williford
ONALASKA - Funeral services for Walter Eugene Williford, 57, of Grapeland, were held Monday, June 9, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Onalaska, with the Rev. Harold Isaacs officiating. Military honors were conducted by the VFW Post 8568 Honor Guard. Mr. Williford died Thursday, June 5, in East Texas Medical Center in Jacksonville. He was born June 11, 1945 in Houston, the son of T.J. and Thelma Roush Williford, and served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his father and daughter-in-law, Melissa Williford. Survivors include his mother, Thelma Roush Williford of Grapeland; son, Adam Williford of Onalaska; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Brandon Smith of Onalaska; grandsons, Trey Williford and Lane Smith, both of Onalaska; sister, Nancy Singleton of League City; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Synitha Williford of Boise, Idaho; one niece; seven nephews; numerous friends and mother of his children, Debbie Johnson of Onalaska.

Philip John Lambis
LIVINGSTON - Graveside services for Philip John Lambis, 72, were held Monday, June 9, 2003, from Peebles Cemetery, with Josh Cathy officiating. Mr. Lambis died Thursday, May 29, at his residence in Livingston. He was born May 4, 1931 in Connousbough, Pa., the son of John and Lois Ann Markoff Lambis. He was a member of the Sea Fair Union. Mr. Lambis was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Ahiolas; niece, Debra Ahiolas and great-niece, Amber Beaty. Survivors include his brother, Paul J. Lambis of Garreteville, Ohio; great-niece, Jeanette Adame of Livingston; great-nephew, Johnnie George Adame of Livingston and great-great-nephews, Daniel Adame, Johnnie Adame and Jesse Adame, all of Livingston. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Louise Pargas
ONALASKA - Funeral services for Shirley Louise Pargas, 81, of Onalaska, were held Tuesday, June 10, 2003, from the First Baptist Church of Onalaska, with the Rev. Don Wilkey officiating. Mrs. Pargas died Saturday, June 7, in Kindred Hospital Northwest in Houston. She was born Oct. 9, 1921 in Harris County, the daughter of Floyd and Gertrude Dexter Robinson. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Pargas, and her parents. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Lee Childers of Onalaska; grandson and wife, Craig O'Neal and Julie Gilmer; granddaughter and husband, Connie and Tim Weich of Huntsville; great-granddaughters, Ashley Weich of Huntsville, Cloe Weich of Huntsville, Amy Gilmer of Livingston and Alicia Gilmer of Livingston; great-grandson, Craig Gilmer Jr. of Livingston; sister, Pat Goedecke of Onalaska; nephew, Robert W. Goedecke of Houston, and sister-in-law, Minnie Waters of Garland. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Larue Murphy
LIVINGSTON - Graveside services for Kenneth Larue Murphy, 39, of Magnolia, were held Thursday, June 12, 2003, from Holly Grove Cemetery in Polk County, with the Rev. Larry Edwards officiating. Mr. Murphy died Saturday, June 7, in Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. He was born Nov. 13, 1963 in Houston, the son of Bobby Ray Murphy and Glenda Pierce Murphy. He was preceded in death by his father and grandfather, Robert Murphy. He was the first deaf student to graduate from Conroe High School. Survivors include his mother, Glenda Murphy of Magnolia; sister, Lora Oliver and Judy Conaway, both of Magnolia; brothers, Ron Murphy and Robert Murphy, both of Magnolia; sons, Jonathan Murphy of Grand Prairie, Christian Murphy of Magnolia, and Kyle Murphy of Waller, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Ron Murphy, Robert Murphy, Michael Conaway, Martin Oliver, Randy Oliver and Bobby May. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mark Topkins
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Mark Topkins, 46, were held Thursday, June 12, 2003, at the Church of the Nazarene in Livingston, with Pastor Roger Gragg officiating. Mr. Topkins died Sunday, June 8, at his residence in Onalaska. He was born Dec. 28, 1956 in Houston, the son of Harry Topkins and Gerry Stogner Topkins, both of whom preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Sandy Schryer Topkins of Onalaska; son, Christopher Topkins of Onalaska; sisters, Betty Blackmon and Gail Topkins, both of Livingston; brothers, Alva Fuller of Houston, William Fuller of Houston, and Tom Fuller of Mississippi, and numerous nieces and nephews. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Billy Joe Ellis
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Billy Joe Ellis, 75, of Mandeville, La., were held Wednesday, June 11, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Don Brown officiating. Burial followed in Hawkins Cemetery in Hawkins. Mr. Ellis died Sunday, June 8, in Lakeview Regional Hospital in Mandeville. He was born June 30, 1927 in Giles, the son of Cedric Earl Ellis and Minnie Tarter Ellis, both of whom preceded him in death. On Jan. 1, 1950 he married Margaret Brown Ellis in Paris, Texas. Mr. Ellis graduated from Texas A&M University in 1954 with a degree in petroleum engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Ellis of Mandeville, La.; brother, Garland E. Ellis of Longview; sons, Joe Ellis of Con-roe and Barry Ellis of Mandeville, La.; grandsons, Barry Ellis Jr. and Jeremy Ellis, both of Mandeville, La.; granddaughter, Ashley Ellis of Mandeville, La.; and great-grandson and great-granddaughter, Thomas and Caroline, both of Mandeville, La. Pallbearers were Mark Brown, Andy Brown, Barry Ellis Jr., Jeff Spivey, Irvin Barron and Billy Evans.

Delmas Glynn Travis Jr.
ONALASKA - Funeral services for Delmas Glynn Travis Jr., 29, of Houston, were held Wednesday, June 11, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Onalaska, with Bishop C.G. Green officiating. Burial followed in Center Hill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Mr. Travis died Saturday, June 7, in Harris County. He was born Dec. 3, 1979 in Monroe, La., the son of Delmas Glynn Travis Sr. and Phyllis Parker Travis, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Coldspring High School in 1992 and married Lisa Lizo Travis on Sept. 29, 2001 in Spring. He was a member of Spring Tabernacle in Spring, and I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 716. Survivors include his wife, Lisa Travis of Houston; sister and brother-in-law, DuAnne and Zach Williford of Trinity; brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Casey Travis of Livingston; nephews, Travis Williford, Thomas Travis and Clark Travis; nieces, Kaleigh Williford and Sarah Williford; grandfather, Thomas Parker of West Monroe, La. and grandmother, Jewel Hattaway of West Monroe, La. Pallbearers were Charlie Brown, Brian Sammons, Justin McGee, Larry Bennett, Steve Sylvie and Ray Gill.

Ellen Louise McBee
LIVINGSTON - A memorial service for Ellen Louise McBee, 64, of Onalaska, was held Saturday, May 31, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Harold Isaacs officiating. Mrs. McBee died Wednesday, May 28, in Memorial Health System of East Texas in Lufkin. She was born June 21, 1938 in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of Melvin and Hazel Shaver Rockhold. She married Wilbur McBee on Sept. 12, 1959 in Rock Island, Ill. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Helen. Survivors include her husband, Wilbur McBee of Onalaska; daughters and sons-in-law, Dianna and Allen Carpenter of Clarksville, Ark., Cindy and Larry Redden of Livingston, Debbie and Dennis Twardowski of Houston and Tammy and Bobby Hall of Magnolia; son and daughter-in-law, David and Linda McBee of Magnolia; mother, Hazel Wright of Santee, Calif.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, LeRoy Rockhold of Quincy, Ill., and sister, Roberta Allen of Santee, Calif.

Ann C. Nason
HOUSTON - Ann C. Nason, 67, died Wednesday, May 28, in Houston. Mrs. Nason resided in Livingston, and was preceded in death by a son, Gary Howse. She is survived by her husband of over 28 years, Gary Nason; daughters, Pam Howse Bugosh and husband Tom of Ohio, and Kimberly Nason of Virginia; sons, K. Michael Howse and wife Jennifer of Indiana, and Paul Nason and wife Christina of Arlington; sisters, Linda Collett of California, and Marty Carlson of Oregon, and 12 grandchildren. Memorial services were held Saturday, May 31, at the Earthman Gulf Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in the memory of Mrs. Nason be made to the charity of one's choice or to become an organ donor in her name by contacting Life Gift Organ Donation Center, 5615 Kirby, Ste. 900, Houston, Texas 77005.

Seth Williams
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Seth Williams, 24, were held Wednesday, June 4, 2003, from the Indian Village Assembly of God, with the Rev. Rudy Martinez officiating. Burial followed in the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation Cemetery. Mr. Williams died Sunday, June 1. He was born Feb. 26, 1979 in Houston, the son of Leonard and Waynne Poncho Williams. Survivors include his father, Leonard "Chicka" Williams; mother and stepfather, Waynnne and Floyd Poncho of Livingston; wife, Julie Williams of Livingston; son, Sean Abner Williams of Livingston; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rayna and Jason Battise of Lafayette, La., and Jana and Marvin Guillory of Elton, La.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Maynard and Kerri Williams of Livingston, and Simeon and Mauree Williams of Livingston; grandfather, Norris Poncho of Livingston and grandmother, Leona Williams of Elton, La. Pallbearers were Christopher Abby, Randell Celestine, Jason Battise, Marvin Guillory, Mike Greenle, James Greenle, Shane Poncho and Greg Willis. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Blondell Dean
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Blondell Dean, 84, were held Wednesday, June 4, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Shelton Easley officiating. Burial followed in San Jacinto Memorial in Houston. Mrs. Dean died Sunday, June 1, at her residence in Goodrich. She was born Nov. 18, 1918 in Rusk, the daughter of Edwin A. and Dovie Lee Britton, both of whom preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Richard Dean; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Elaine Lewis of Onalaska; sister, Mozelle Britton of Goodrich; brother and sister-in-law, G.W. and Sue Britton of Whitehouse; grandchildren, Guy Wayne Lewis of Baytown, and Michael Gregg Lewis of Onalaska; great-grandchildren, Jessica Nicole Lewis, Danielle Elaine Lewis, Courtney Ann Lewis, Olivia Michelle Lewis and Ethan Michael Lewis and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Johnny Myers, Steve Johnston, Guy Wayne Lewis and Michael Gregg Lewis.

L.T. Jenkins
ONALASKA - A memorial service for L.T. Jenkins, 71, was held Wednesday, June 4, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Onalaska, with Bro. Harold Isaacs officiating. Mr. Jenkins died Sunday, June 1, in Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Huntsville. He was born Oct. 2, 1931 in Sumner, Miss., the son of Troy and Lois Flemmons Jenkins, both of whom preceded him in death. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, having attained the rank of private first class. Survivors include his wife, Bea; daughters, Beth Coles of Atlanta, Ga., and Sheron King of Big Spring, Ky.; sons, Michael Havens of Montgomery, Steven Havens of Montgomery, and James Havens of Houston; nieces, Diane Miller of Edwardsburg, Mich., Deb Erbe of Michigan, and Janie Norwood of Winchester, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

James Thomas Stricklen
LUFKIN - Funeral services for James Thomas Stricklen, 99, of Diboll, were held Tuesday, June 3, 2003, from the Carroway-Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, with the Rev. David Hunt and Kevin Porter officiating. Interment followed in Eden Cemetery in Nacogdoches. Mr. Stricklen was born July 20, 1903 in Nacogdoches County, to Walter and Lula Leonard Stricklen, and died on Saturday, May 31, in Lufkin. He resided in Diboll, and had worked as a minister, farmer and oilfield worker, as well as working in the timber industry. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church. Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Leon and Elwanda Stricklen of Corrigan and Jerry Lynn and Lorene Stricklen of Livingston; daughter, Ruth Ann Purvis of Livingston; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Stan Kent of Houston; grandchildren, Diane and Kevin Porter, Jeana and Jeff Scott, Deanee Prentice, Thomas Purvis, Roy Jr. and Patricia Sanders, Tony and Jennie Sanders and Kevin Stricklen; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mr. Stricklen was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Stricklen, the mother of their children; son, Charles Stricklen and grandson, Marshall Purvis. Pallbearers were Thomas Purvis, Tony Sanders, Kevin Stricklen, Kyle Porter, Jeff Scott and Kevin Porter. Honorary pallbearer was John "J.P." Allsbrook.

Richard Ray Metzler
LIVINGSTON - A memorial service for Richard Ray Metzler, 50, was held Sunday, June 8, 2003, from Living Word Church, with the Rev. Danny Moye officiating. Mr. Metzler died Sunday, June 1, at his residence in Goodrich. He was born Aug. 8, 1952 in Houston, the son of Max Robert Metzler and Gina Mae Farrill Metzler, both of whom preceded him in death. Survivors include his daughter, Sarah Wallace of Livingston; son, Matthew Metzler of San Diego, Calif.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanine and Larry Jones of Baytown, Linda and Bobby Gouner of Baytown, and Lydane and Rick Wessler of Colmesneil; uncle, Mickey Farrill of Baytown; granddaughters, Megan Wallace and Lauren Wallace, both of Livingston, and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Elbert Vallie Gassiot
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Elbert Vallie Gassiot, 87, of Lampasas were held Friday, June 6, 2003, from the Briggs-Camel-Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel in Lampasas, with Claude Frank Cannon officiating. Burial followed in Center Grove Cemetery in Polk County. Mr. Gassiot died Thursday, May 29, in Lampasas. He was born Jan. 12, 1916 in Polk County, the son of Vallie Elbert Gassiot and Betty Carroll Gassiot. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Gassiot was a writer and had almost completed a book. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents; brothers, Carroll Gassiot and Evan Gassiot and sisters, Vaudie Weeks, Eunice Bower, Betty Cannon and Birdie Rivers. Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

Ronnie Jones Jr.
LIVINGSTON - Funeral services for Ronnie Jones Jr., 48, were held Thursday, June 5, 2003, from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Peebles Cemetery. Mr. Jones died Sunday, June 1, in Onalaska. He was born March 13, 1955 in Houston, the son of Ronald Earl Jones Sr. and Violet Lorraine Eichenhorst Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lanora Wheller and brother, James Russell Mitchell. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Jones of Huntsville; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Amber Fox of Porter; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Darren Kelley of Grangerland; daughters, Mary Ann Jones and Carmen Renee Schulze, both of New Caney; son, Ronnie Lee Jones of Huntsville; brothers, George Jones of Onalaska and Tommy Jones of Baytown; sisters and brothers-in-law, Danah and Randy Myers of Dayton and Jennifer and Pete Kuehn of North Zulch; grandsons, Jack Fox of Porter, Mark Marino III of New Caney, Lindon Kelley of Grangerland and Dylan Ray Smith of New Caney and granddaughters, Sierra Kelley of Grangerland, Shyann Kelley of Grangerland, Leaona Marino of New Caney and Ashleigh LaNora Fox of Porter. Pallbearers were Michael Tomlinson, Connie Mac Self, Charles Gatlin, Randy Hastings, Octavio Linares, Tomas Aragonez, Darren Kelley and Randy Myers.