1987-89 ?
Heart attack
March 24, 1941 to August 30, 2008
Cancer
Jane Anthony Campbell Townsend, 67, of Tempe went home to be with her Lord on August 30, 2008.
Born on March 24, 1941, Jane grew up and attended school in Abilene, Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1963 and received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. It was there she met and married her husband of 41 years, Larry Campbell. They moved to Tempe, Arizona in 1966, where they raised two daughters, Laurie and Carrie.
Jane began her teaching career at Grace Community Church as a teacher and coordinator of the preschool program. She went on to become a beloved teacher of first grade in the Gilbert School District for 21 years. She married Benny Townsend in 2004 after each experienced the loss of their lifelong spouses. Jane was an active member of Arizona Community Church and enjoyed participating and volunteering in the Women's Ministries.
She will be remembered as a faithful Christian, loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Throughout Jane's life, she could be counted upon to focus on the positive and she had a gift for recognizing and bringing out the best in others.
Jane is survived by her husband, Benny Townsend, daughters Laurie Lange (fiance Jerry Liles) of Phoenix, and Carrie (Jon) Gale of Gilbert, grandchildren Hillary and Grant Gale, Nicholas and Elise Lange, step-children Kathy (David) Perry, Barry (Colleen) Townsend, Karen (James) Berry, and step-grandchildren Holly and Jason Perry, Grace and Lucas Townsend, and C.J, Cierra and Cynda Berry, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Marguerite Anthony, brother Jack Anthony and husband Larry Campbell.
Visitation for Jane Townsend was at Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe, on September 5 at 4:30 p.m. A celebration of her life at the church followed at 5:30 p.m. Contributions may be made in support of cancer research to the TGen Foundation. Please indicate your gift is in honor of Jane Campbell Townsend and make checks payable to TGen Foundation, 400 E. Van Buren Street, Suite 850, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Contributions may also be made online at www.tgen.foundation.org. Donations to Banner Hospice are also appreciated. Carr-Tenney Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Published in The Arizona Republic
December 6, 1940 to December 29, 1982
Kidney failure
Larry Ashenfelter, 42, of 1701 Rosewood died after a brief illness at 10 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, at Hendrick Medical Center. Services were at 3 p.m. Friday, December 31 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Ron Keener of Hendrick Home for Children officiated. Burial was at Elmwood Memorial Park.
Born December 6, 1940 in Coffeyville, Kansas, he moved to Abilene in 1956. He was a sales representative for Central Texas Iron Works. He was a member of the Abilene Jaycees and was a volunteer at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. He was a Baptist. He married Janna Rideout October 30, 1981 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
His parents and a brother preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Channing of 2001 South 20th; a granddaughter, Chandy of 2001 South 20th; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbeaeres will be Max Warford, Don Barr, Ed Kerley, Glen Tallant, Bill Vass and Jimmy Don Bourland.
The family requests remembrances be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center or to the Kidney Foundation, 1802 Pine.
November 24, 1940 to January 15, 2001
Car accident - hit by drunk driver
Frank Edward Aycock, Jr., 60, of Abilene, died Monday, January 15, 2001 in Abilene.
Graveside services were in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. A memorial service was at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South with the Rev. Stan Alcorn and Dr. Jeff Reid officiating.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Aycock of Abilene; a son, Matthew Aycock of Abilene; a brother, Fred B. Aycock of Abilene; and two nieces. Memorials may be sent to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, TX 79604.
Abilene Reporter News
May 1, 1941 to February 17, 2009
Sandra Kay Latimer, 67, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at a local hospital. Funeral services Friday, February 20th, 2009 at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South in Abilene with Rev. T. C. Melton officiating. Burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Sandi was born May 1st, 1941 in Abilene, TX to the late Marlin and Twila Battles. She married Mike Latimer on December 26th, 1961. Sandi was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved having her grandchildren around as much as possible and enjoyed their smiles and laughter. She always had a smile for everyone, and never met a stranger. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Latimer of Abilene, one daughter, Lori Sartor of Abilene, and two grandchildren, Tucker and Erin Sartor of Abilene. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis, #10, Abilene, Texas 79603.
Abilene Reporter News
September 19, 1940 to March 15, 1993
Larry Kirk 'Tony' Bell, 52, of Austin died Friday.
Austin American Statesman, Mar. 20, 1993. No additional information was found in the Statesman.
Tony married Elna Claire Jordan on 31 Oct 1971 in Travis County. Tony died 1993 in Belize where he and Clair had a summer home. Clair had his remains cremated and brought them back to Austin.
Since no obituary was found, here are excerpts of comments from classmates on our website.
"He and Clair bought homes around their area. Tony did the work fixing them up and she rented them out. They had 13 homes at one time. Tony had a monthly cartoon that went into one of the biker magazines. He did the first bat mobile and bat boat for the movie Batman. There are several monuments in the city of Austin that Tony designed and built. As he aged his fingers were not as responsive to arthritis so he did less painting. I think he enjoyed doing design and building projects more than canvas painting, etc." - Bob Smith
"Let me jump right in with a Tony Bell story. In high school I did something for Tony (don't remember what) that he felt required more than just a simple thank-you. So he produced a rather large sketch of Albert Einstein (one of my heroes) and gave it to me with thanks... The drawing is now in my office here in California. It's a great sketch, which generates a favorable response from everyone who sees it the first time. When I look at this wonderful drawing I always think of Tony and his kind heart and generous spirit...." - Joie Jones
"Several years ago I booked a solo trip to Belize for some SCUBA diving. I was waiting at a picnic table at a gate in the Belize City airport for a hopper flight to Ambergris Key. There was only one other person there so I introduced myself. She said that her last name was Bell and that she was from Austin. I told her that I had an old friend, Tony Bell from Abilene and Austin, but that I had not seen him in years. She told me that he was her husband, I asked where Old Tony was now and she indicated her purse!..." - Bill Coltharp
September 19, 1941 to April 22, 2004
Cancer
Julia (Judy) Benson Lipshie died Thursday, April 22, 2004 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Born to Joseph Chaffin Benson and Catherine Morrison Benson in Olney, Texas, September 19, 1941, Judy lived most of her adult life in Dallas, moving back to Abilene in 2001.
A memorial service in celebration of her life was held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with the Rabbi Murray Berger and Rev. Bill Libby officiating. An active member of Temple Mizpah where she served as Secretary of Hadassah, Judy participated in several other organizations both in Dallas and Abilene including the National Council of Jewish Women, the Sierra Club, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Opera Guild. She volunteered at the Dallas Arboretum, Meals on Wheels, the Adult Literacy Project, and as a Head Start Reader. A graduate of Abilene High School, Judy attended Columbia College in Missouri, Trinity University in San Antonio, and McMurry College in Abilene. An executive recruiter for firms in Dallas and Tyler, Judy enjoyed relationships with numerous friends and co-workers, many of whom enjoyed similar interests and love of the out-of-doors and nature.
She also found great support and joy in her internet cancer survivor group. But, her greatest joy came from her daughters, Mauri and Jeni, and grandsons, Jacob and Spencer.
She is survived by her mother, Catherine (Kitty) Morrison Benson of Abilene; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Chaffin Benson Jr. and Mary Ann Kendrick Benson of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Mauri Lipshie Roach and Timothy Alden Roach of Dallas; daughter, Jennifer Florence Lipshie of Dallas; 'chosen' daughter and son-in- law, Kristine Kratschmer Koptchev and Lubomir Koptchev of Rockaway, NJ; nephews, Joseph Chaffin Benson, III, and his wife, Sarah, of Chicago, IL, Richard Kendrick Benson of Old Town, MD, and Charles Morrison Benson and his wife, Lindsey, of Ft. Worth, TX; grandsons, Jacob Alden Roach and Spencer Morrison Roach of Dallas.
Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309 or 888-888- 3317.
Abilene Reporter-News
August 13, 1941 to March 12, 2002
ALS
NANCY SHARON BEYER TIMLIN passed away March 12, 2002 at the age of 60 after a long courageous battle with ALS better knows as Lou Gerhigs disease. Sharon was born in Abilene, Texas on August 13, 1941 to Jake and Opal Beyer. She retired with 24 years of service from Exxon Corporation in 1998. Sharon was a hardworking mother of four spending nights and weekends attending numerous Little League games, twirling lessons or any of her children's activities. She was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland, Texas. In addition to her love of baseball she enjoyed painting and caring for her plants.
Sharon was preceded in death by her younger brother Gary Alan Beyer and her mother Opal Lee Beyer. She leaves behind a very large loving family including daughter Jeri Lynn Doyna, husband Douglas, their children, Gary, Jennifer and Sophie. Daughter Tracy Hill of Austin, Texas, her children Amanda and Cory. Daughter Sherri VanWie of Cedar Park, husband Harold and their daughter Tabitha. Son Michael Timlin of Oldsmar, Florida, his wife Dawn and their children Jacob and Mykayla. Her father Sylvester "Jake" Beyer of Abilene, Texas. Two sisters Janice Anderson and family of Georgetown, Texas, Julia Bechara and family of Pflugerville, Texas. Two brothers Randall Beyer and family of San Diego, California, Michael Beyer and family of Porter, Texas. Sister in law Sandra Beyer of Brownwood, Texas. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
The family received friends at at Emmaus Catholic Church followed by funeral mass at Emmaus Catholic Church. Graveside services were held at 1:00 PM Friday, March 15th at Elmwood Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.
Those wishing to make contributions may do so to the Baylor College of Medicine/Baylor MDA/ALS Clinic, 1 Baylor Plaza, Neuro Century, Rm 302, Houston, Texas 77030. Special thanks to Christopher House, Hospice Austin, Vista Oaks Assisted Living and the MDA/ALS Clinic in Houston for the endless amount of support and care.Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 - (512) 452-8811
December 28, 1940 to November 26, 1964
Suicide
Carole married Lewis E. Giles, Jr (AHS '56). They had three children in Abilene: Michael A. in 1958, Gregory K. in 1960 and Christopher Scot in 1961. Lewis says Carol committed suicide in November 1964. This was after their 3d son was born. She is buried in Restland Memorial Park cemetery in Dallas.
May 25, 1940 to January 1, 2004
Abilene -- Larry Mack Boley, 63, died Thursday, January 1, 2004 in a local hospital.
Graveside services were held in Hamby Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family received friends Saturday at the funeral home.
Larry Mack was born May 24, 1940 in Abilene, the son of Larry S. and Eudona (Maxwell) Boley. After graduation from high school, he worked for SA-SO, Inc., a sign manufacturing company.
Survivors include two sisters, Marjorie Rusnak of Abilene and Jo Ann Griggs and husband, Waymond, of Plano.
Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Bonnie Marie Box Haffley Thomas
June 23, 1941 to April 4, 2002
Bonnie Marie Box Thomas, 60, went to be with the Lord at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002, at her daughter's home in Abilene.
Services were at 10 a.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church with Joseph Prim officiating, assisted by James McKinnon. Burial was at Bethel Cemetery, at Funston, directed by Abilene Funeral Home.
Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 3349 N. 12th.
Born in Stamford, TX June 23, 1941, to Bonnie Jones (Buddy) and Dorothy Box. She grew up in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High School in 1959. She was a waitress for many years at the Dixie Pig and the Royal Inn. She married Alton Wayne Thomas in December 1979. She was a member of Second Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Buddy Box; a daughter, Debra Kaye Love; a great-granddaughter, Heather Marie Love; and a sister, Linda Lang.
Survivors include her mother, Dorothy McCraw of Abilene; her husband, Alton of Abilene; a son, John Michael Haffley of Brownwood; a daughter, Michelle Marie Bullard and husband, Richard of Abilene; a stepdaughter, Shanda TaRae and husband, Cecil Tijerina, of Abilene; a brother and sister-in-law, Gary Lee and Gail Box of Weatherford; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy Jo and Jim Rouse of Abilene and Sandra Gail and Joe Martin of Abilene; nine grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
The family was at 874 Victoria.
Abilene Reporter-News
November 25, 1941 to March 5, 1985
James Galen Braddock, 43, of 2342 Old Anson Road, an oil field driller, died at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hendrick Medical Center after a month-long illness. Services at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, U.S. Highway 277.
The Rev. Bob Green, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, officiated. Burial at Elmwood Memorial Park.
Born Nov. 25, 1941, in Abilene, he attended Abilene High School. He was employed by J & L Drilling Co. for four years and had been employed by Ernest Herrera Concrete for two years. He married Jamie Houghton Dec. 28, 1977, in Abilene. He was a Baptist.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, Roy Galen of Lubbock, John Gray and Bruce, both of Bryson; three daughters, Rebecca Marie, Kimberly Winona and Amy Christine, all of Abilene; his mother, Ruth Braddock of Abilene; and a sister, Ruth Anderson of Bastrop.
Abilene Reporter News, March 6, 1985
August 25, 1941 to December 10, 1985
Truck-car accident
Vivian Colleen Lee, 44, of Dallas, formerly of Abilene, died December 10, 1985 in Irving.
Services were at at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Officiating was Rev. H.B. Terry Jr., a Baptist minister.
Graveside services and burial were at Dennis Cemetery near Moran in Shackelford County.
She was born August 25, 1941, in Moran. She was an apartment manager. She was also the owner of the Alamo Motel and the Squires Lounge in Abilene.
She married Michael G. Lee on Dec. 1, 1984, in Abilene. She moved to Dallas from Abilene in 1984.
She was a Baptist.
Survivors include her husband of Dallas; a son, Randall Shoe of San Antonio; a daughter, Carrie Williams of Abilene; and a grandchild, Ashley Michelle of Abilene.
Pallbearers were Martin Kennedy, Herb Riley, Jim Milam, Mathew Gatchl, Bill Breaux and Herb Ison.
Abilene Reporter News
July 8, 1941 to March 27, 2006
LAKE WHITNEY - Joe "Jodee" Brown, Jr., 64, died Monday, March 27, 2006 in a Dallas hospital.
Services were held at Elmwood Funeral Home, Hwy. 277, in Abilene with Reverend Jack Ridlehoover officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home of Merkel. Visitation was at Elmwood Funeral Home.
Joe was born July 8, 1941 in Abilene to Joe and Bette Wilson Brown. He married Becky Farris on November 8, 2005 in Hillsboro. Joe graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and from Hardin-Simmons University with a MBA in biology. He was a Baptist and a member of White Bluff Chapel and Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney.
Joe worked as a chemical engineer in the Water Treatment Department for the City of Dallas for 23 years, City of Ft. Worth 6 years and City of Houston 5 years. He retired and moved to Lake Whitney in 2001.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Brown of Lake Whitney; 2 sons, Brent Brown and wife Ilona of San Antonio, Scott Brown of Dallas; a sister, Leslie Teaff and husband David of Merkel; a grandson, Tyler Brown of San Antonio; 2 nieces, Christian Clyburn and husband Tim of Merkel and Cassidy Teaff of Merkel.
Charles F. Burleson
April 30, 1938 to July 14, 2000
Services for Charles Frank Burleson, Sr., 62, Canton, were held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Eubank Funeral Home Chapel, Canton, with the Rev. David McNary officiating. Burial was at Haven of Memories Memorial Park.
Mr. Burleson died July 14 in Canton. He was born April 30, 1938, in Purdon to Murle and Oderra Smith Miller Burleson. He grew up in Abilene and lived in Dallas prior to moving to Canton in 1982. He was a self-employed clock and watch repairman, and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by a son, James Edward on July 21, 1989. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Margie Burleson, Canton; sons, Robert Burleson, Charles "Chuck" Burleson, Jr. and Don Burleson, all of Canton; mother Oderra Burleson, Abilene; and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers include Larry Starling, Ron Perkins, Kevin Dilbert, Virgil McAnally, Ricky Martin and Chris Adams.
Tyler-Courier-Times Telegraph, Sunday, July 16, 2000, Section 1 page 14
Don Holly BursonMar 29, 1941 to November 24, 1985
Don Holly Burson died Nov 24, 1985 in Hood County, Texas.
Services were held at Martin's Funeral Home in Granbury, Texas, on November 27, 1985. He was interred at Holly Hills Memorial Park, Hwy 51 North, Granbury, following the services.
Mr. Burson was born in Abilene, Texas, on March 29, 1941. He attended Abilene Schools and graduated from Abilene High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.
He is survived by his parents, Jeff D. and Bessie (Ellison) Burson of Granbury; one sister, Jean Myatt of Denver, CO; one brother, Dale Burson of Ventura, CA; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Provided by Martin's Funeral Home, Granbury, TX
December 6, 1940 to May 17, 1960
Funeral for Stephen Carmichael, 19, who died Sunday at 5 p.m. of injuries suffered Saturday (May 16) in a car-motorcycle accident was held Monday (May 18) at the Hamlin Church of Christ.
Austin Seiburt of Coleman, a former minister of the church, was to officiate. Burial was in Hamlin East Cemetery under direction of Hamlin Funeral Home.
The youth, a freshman at Abilene Christian College, suffered a basal skull fracture and other injuries in the accident. A brain surgeon was flown in from Dallas but was unable to operate as the youth could not be removed from an iron lung.
Stephen was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Art Carmichael, 920 Sayles Blvd. He was injured when his motorcycle and a car were in a collision at S. 7th St. and Ross Ave.
Stephen was born Dec. 6, 1940 at Hendrick Memorial Hospital. Stephen attended Abilene High for a while and graduated from Hamlin High School, where he was co-captain and guard on the football team, in 1959. In his senior year he was chosen all-district. At ACC he was majoring in business administration.
His father, Art Carmichael, and an uncle, Stanley, are partners in Carmichael Lincoln-Mercury Co, 618 Pine St.
In addition to his parents, Stephen is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. A.W. Burkett of San Angelo; three uncles, Harry Carmichael of Sweetwater, Stanley Carmichael of 777 Elmwood Dr., and Curtis Burkett of 1274 Bowie Dr; and two aunts, Mrs. J.H. King of Hamlin and Mrs. Irene Hall of San Angelo.
Abilene Reporter News, May 18, 1960
9 Mar 1941 to 23 Jan 1977
Kay Carroll Stout, 35, of Austin and formerly of Abilene, died at 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Brackenridge Hospital in Austin after a lengthy illness.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, Highway 277. Dr. Elbert Peak will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Born March 9, 1941, in Texon, she was graduated from San Marcos Baptist Academy, Texas Christian University, St. Joseph's School of Nursing and Barnes University School of Anesthesia. She taught anesthesia at Barnes University and practiced her profession for eight years at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
Survivors include a son, William Robb Stout III of Austin; her mother, Mrs. George Fazakerly of 2042 N. 7th; three brothers, Jim Carroll and John Carroll, both of Abilene and David Carroll of San Antonio; and her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Swift of Abilene.
Pallbearers will be William Robb Stout III, Jim Carroll, John Carroll, David Carroll, Sam Jennings and George Fazakerly.
Abilene Reporter News, January 25, 1977
November 1, 1941 to April 28, 1993
AUSTIN- John L. Choate, 51, died Wednesday April 28.
Mr. Choate grew up in Abilene where he graduated from Abilene High School in 1959. He had been an all-star athlete in baseball, football and golf.
At the time of his death, he was working in Austin preparing treatment programs for persons suffering from alcohol and drug abuse. Also, he gave golf lessons.
Survivors include his wife, Alice of Austin; two stepdaughters, Alicia and Margaret Morris; a son, Josh Choate of Denver, Colo.; a sister, Ann Greasland of Fort Worth; and two brothers, James H. Choate of Cisco and Thomas W. Choate of Abilene.
Funeral arrangements in Austin.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or to the Serenity House of Abilene.
Abilene Reporter News, April 29, 1993
September 18, 1940 to October 28, 1993
Auto accident
Wayne Clift, 53, of Escondido, Calif., died Thursday in an automobile accident in Escondido.
Services on the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 U.S. Highway 277 South, with the Revs. Roy L. Clift and Jim Warner officiating. Burial in Elmwood Memorial Park.
Born in Winters, Mr. Clift attended Abilene High School. He lived in California several years where he started International Electronics Business.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Clift of Escondido, Calif.; one son, Clay Clift of Carlsbad, Calif.; his parents, Bill & Dorothy Clift of Abilene; two sisters, Becky Bowen of Los Angeles and Barbara Henkhaus of Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials may be sent to North Side Baptist Church, 2474 Westwood, Abilene, TX 79603.
Abilene Reporter News, 30 Oct 1993
August 17, 1941 to December 30, 2005
Services for John Monroe "Monnie" Collett, 64, of Seminole were held Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, at First Baptist Church with Pastor John Sherrill officiating and the Rev. Randy Gressett and Bro. David Williams assisting. Interment at the Gaines County Cemetery under the direction of Ratliff Funeral Home in Seminole.
He passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, in Seminole.
Monnie was born Aug. 17, 1941 in Dallas to John and Martha Collett. He and Lynn Scharbauer were married June 22, 1962 in Midland. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1964, and has been the manager of the A.P. Scharbauer Ranch for many years. He was serving on the Seminole Memorial Hospital Board and the Soil Conservation Board. Monnie was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and served as the televised Sunday school teacher on Sunday mornings. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Keeley Ann Carter.
Monnie is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Julie Carter, husband Mike and their children, Alex Michelle, Kross and Channing Monroe Carter, all of Seminole; brother, Dennis Collett of Dallas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. John Adams and wife Martha of Midland; and many close ranching and Cowboy friends.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 202 S.W. Ave. B, Seminole, TX 79360.
Lubbock Avalanche, January 2, 2006
Ronald Dale "Ron" Conklin January 14, 1941 to December 11, 1998
Ronald Dale 'Ron' Conklin, 57, of DeLeon, Texas died Friday December 11, 1998 at Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
Services were held Saturday, December 12, 1998 at 1:00 p.m. at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jackie Auvenshine officiating and music by Patti Bacon and Vicki Robinett. Burial was at Tuscola Cemetery, Tuscola, Texas.
Pallbearers were John Gilbert, David Long, Dwayne Miller, Dr. A.E. Pino, Dr. F.A. Eisenrich, Feltz Terrill, Jr., Fred Rogers, and Dr. Giustino.
Born January 24, 1941 in Borger, Texas to the late Hamilton A. (John) Conklin and Bobbie Edwards Conklin, he was a Physician's Assistant at DeLeon Hospital. He graduated from Abilene High School where he played football. He spent 20 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a warrant officer.
He is survived by his mother, Bobbie Conklin of DeLeon; one son, John Conklin of Dallas; one daughter, Christy Conklin of Granbury; one sister, Juanez Branscum of Ft. Worth; and two grandsons. He was preceded by his father, John Conklin; one son, Douglas Conklin; and one brother, Patrick Conklin.
Abilene Reporter News, Dec 12, 1998
July 18, 1941 to April 14, 1991
Cancer
May 27, 1941 to February 27, 1998
Cancer
Travis Waylon Cranfill, 56, passed from this life Friday, February 27, 1998 at Hendrick Hospital after a three-year battle with cancer.
Travis was born in Fort Worth, Texas, May 27, 1941. His family moved to Abilene when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and went on to attend North Texas State University and Abilene Christian College. On May 13, 1966 he married his devoted wife, Patsy E. Striplin in Medford, Oregon.
Travis began his career working in Amarillo, Texas for Floyd, West and Company. In 1973, he returned to Abilene to work in the family business, Abilene Radiator Works, which was sold in 1988. CCC Supply was founded by Travis in 1976 and is still family operated.
Travis' serving heart was not only evident in his work but also in his service to the Lord and to the community. Travis was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for 30 years, served as a deacon for 20 years. He served as president of the Breakfast Optimist Club in 1996. The Automotive Service Association and the Automotive Wholesalers of Texas were also organizations through which he served.
Travis enjoyed God's creation through various outdoor activities. He shared snow skiing, fishing and hunting with friends and family. One of his greatest pleasures in the last few years of his life was to see the majestic humpback whales off the shore of the Hawaiian Islands.
He was a loving and devoted son, husband and father. Travis is survived by his loving and treasured wife, Patsy E. Cranfill; his daughter, Darby Cranfill of Denton, Texas; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Stephanie Cranfill of Abilene; his parents, M.C. and Dorothy Cranfill of Abilene; his grandmother, Zella Edwards; and a host of dear relatives and friends who will miss him deeply.
The family received visitors at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas. Services were held at Southern Hills Church of Christ on Monday, March 2, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. John Risse, minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ, officiated. Tom South, Barry Rushing, Claud Champion and Allen Neece contributed to the services. The burial was at Elmwood Memorial Park. Those desiring make memorial contributions to the Travis Cranfill Scholarship Fund at the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 6839, Abilene, Texas 79608; or Christian Homes Inc. of Abilene, 242 Beech, Abilene 79601. Pallbearers were Tom Alien, Dale Stover, Lowell Martin, Eddie Browder, Tommy Barrow, Bill Hilliard, Max Harding and Danny Minton.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Abilene.
July 31, 1941 to April 1987
Don died in Tarrant County. No obituary has been found.
William Lewis "Bill" Davis II
June 27, 1941 to February 28, 1991
Heart attack
William Lewis "Bill" Davis, 49, of 2826 Edgemont Drive, died Thursday, February 28, at a local hospital.
Services were at St. James United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Black officiating. Burial was in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.
Mr. Davis was born in Abilene, graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and Hardin-Simmons University in 1965.
He was the general manager of F&M Electronics and had worked there for 27 years.
A member of St. James United Methodist Church, he was a member of the Methodist Men and worked at the church's booth at the West Texas Fair. He was on its board of trustees, a member of Open Door Sunday school class and an usher.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene Rees Davis of Abilene; his mother, Mary Davis of Abilene; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 3100 Barrow St., Abilene, 79605.
July 13, 1941 to June 7, 2007
Cora Jane 'Janie' Elms, 65, of Abilene, TX passed away June 7, 2007 in Houston, TX.
Born July 13, 1941 in Hamby, TX, the daughter of Andrew and Freda Harendt Deatherage.
Survived by daughter, D'Nita Kuhn and husband Kevin of Houston; son, Jimmy Jordan and wife Shelley of Austin; sister, Martha Murray of Abilene; brothers, Ken Deatherage, Math Deatherage, and A.L. Deatherage, Jr. of Abilene; and 13 grandchildren.
November 3, 1940 to April 18, 1993
Clois passed away on 18 April 1992 at the age of 52 in a hospital in Durham, NC. She was living in Granville, NC at the time. Records in North Carolina indicate that she was to be buried out of state.
Abilene Reporter News obituary pending
July 25, 1962
Auto accident
Larry Dolezal, 21, of Graham, son of former Abilene residents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Dolezal, was killed in the crash of his car and a bread truck on U. S. 79 three miles west of Taylor Wednesday morning.
Dolezal, a graduate of Abilene High School, was employed by the Texas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service at Austin.
The family moved from Abilene to Graham several years ago. The elder Dolezas was with the Warren Petroleum Corp. in Abilene and the family home was at 833 S. Pioneer Dr.
Abilene Reporter-News, July 26, 1962
January 1, 2009
October 27, 1940 to January 1, 2009
Mesquite, Texas -- Jerry H. Dowell, age 68, of Mesquite, Texas, passed away on January 1st, 2009.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Earl and Ruby Dowell.
He is survived by: his sister, Donna Hooper of Abilene, Texas. He had two daughters, Angie Vokt of Austin, Texas and Jere Lynn Dowell of Flower Mound, Texas; three grandaughters and one grandson; two nieces and nephews, all of Abilene.
A memorial service was held in Dallas on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Chasers Lounge.
He was loved by many and will be missed by many.
March 16, 1994
Plane crash near Dulce, NM
Santa Fe, NM -- Ron S. Dunlop, 53, a resident of Santa Fe, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 1994, due to injuries sustained in an airplane crash near Dulce, NM. Memorial contributions may be directed at El Centro Rotary Club, c/o Paul Harris, 2500 Calle Rincon Bonito, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
The Santa Fe New Mexican
February 4, 2009
Cancer
Lynda Hedrick, 68, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Memorial service: 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burleson.
Honorary pallbearers were Charles Whippo, Wes Moore, Jeff Lummus and Tim Freeman.
Memorials: in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew Presbyterian Cumberland Church or the Arlington Cancer Center.
Lynda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Survivors: Husband of 48 years, Mike; daughters, Prissy Moore and husband, Wes, and Leslie Lummus and husband, Jeff; grandchildren, Ashlie Lummus and fiance, Tim Freeman, Alex and Andy Lummus, Cole Tucker and Chance Moore; childhood friend for over 50 years, Diane Whippo; treasured friend, Melissa Hagler; and her extended family at the Arlington Cancer Center.
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Billy Jack DusekFebruary 15, 1941 to August 11, 2002
Cancer
DUNCANVILLE, TX - Billy Jack Dusek, 61, died Sunday, August 11, 2002 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Funeral services were Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at the Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville, with the Reverend Gene Welborn officiating. Burial was at the Dallas Fort Worth national Cemetery.
He was born in Abilene, Texas on February 15, 1941 and lived in Abilene until joining the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1958. He served in the Marine Corps for eleven years, including a tour in Vietnam in 1967-1968. He married Patricia LeClair of Las Vegan, Nevada on July 23, 1961. Employed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas for more than 31 years, he retired as a Vice President in June of 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of Duncanville; mother, Beulah Bowman of Abilene; twin brother, Bobby Dusek and Sharla of Abilene; brother, James Dusek and Grace of Longview; stepbrother, Jerry Bowman of Duncanville; and uncle, Earl Dusek and Dee of Clyde.
February 26, 1941 to January 27, 2006
Helen G. Comtois, 64, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, after a long illness.
Funeral: Greenwood Chapel. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, to Diabetic Association of Texas, 3301 Hamilton Ave., Fort Worth 76107; or Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth 76103.
Helen G. Comtois was born Feb. 26, 1941, to Carl Elliott and Grace Wimberly Elliott in Abilene. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1959. Helen married Roger A. Comtois on Aug. 28, 1959.
Helen was an avid Elvis fan and animal lover. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
Survivors: Husband, Roger A. Comtois of Fort Worth; daughter, Debra Sexton of Springfield, Mass.; sons, Anthony Comtois of Fort Worth and Alan Comtois of Arlington.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, January 30, 2006
June 21, 1941 to September 15, 1991
Stroke
Carolyn was born 21 Jun 1941 in Queens, NY and moved to Texas with her mother, Florence, where Florence and Thomas Chase were married. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and attended Rice University. While at Rice, she met and eventually married Vern Karl Benson on 20 May 1961.
Carolyn and Karl had two children, Robert Karl Benson, on 14 Apr 1970, and Catherine Elizabeth, on 9 Dec 1973. For some period of time Carolyn and Karl resided in Venezuela where he was employed. They divorced in 1983 in Collin Co, TX.
Carolyn was an active member of the First Unitarian Church on Normandy Ave in Dallas, TX at the time of her death on 15 Dec 1991. Her death was the result of a stroke.
Carolyn’s remains were cremated and are interred at the First Unitarian Church in Dallas, TX.
