Don ObarApril 25, 1940 to January 5, 2003
Donald Obar, 62, died Sunday, Jan 5, 2003 in a local hospital.
Born in Jacksonville, Texas on April 25, 1940, Don was raised and attended school in Abilene. After he got out of school he joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany. He returned to Abilene and went to work as a machinist and moved to Fort Worth in 1966 and worked there until 1998 when he moved back to Abilene.
He worked in the trucking industry until he retired in 1998.
Survivors include his two daughters; Tammy Obar and Tiffany Obar, both of Fort Worth; his mother, Emetine Obar of Abilene; a sister, Jane Anthony Allison of Fort Worth; a brother, Harold Obar of Grand Prairie; and eight nieces and nephews.
Abilene Reporter News, January 2003
1965
Lukemia
John Jackson "Jack" Pattillo
March 13, 1941 to February 23, 1999
EL PASO - John Jackson "Jack" Pattillo, 57, died February 23, 1999, in El Paso. Services were at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene with the Rev Scott Mayer officiating, directed by Mission Funeral Home.
Mr. Pattillo was born in Abilene and graduated from Texas Military Institute in 1959. He attended the University of Texas and Hardin-Simmons University. He was a Navy veteran and worked for Texas Instruments in Dallas and Australia.
Survivors include one daughter, Leslie Morgan of Dusseldorf, Germany; one son, Scott Palmer of Plano; two sisters, Patricia Jennings of El Paso and Peggy Beckham of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.
Abilene Reporter-News
July 3, 1941 to May 19, 1985
Saundra Leigh Peay Green, 43, of Corpus Christi died Tuesday in a local hospital after a short illness.
She was a native of Abilene, Texas, and a resident of Corpus Christi for past 17 years moving here from Atlanta, Georgia. She was a school teacher for 14 years with C.C.I.S.D., teaching at Kostoryz Elementary and Yeager Elementary. She was a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree and from Corpus Christi State University with a Masters degree,
She is survived by her husband, Larry Green; one daughter, Miss Kelli Leigh Green, both of Corpus Christi; and her mother, Mrs. Maxine Peay of Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday, May 23rd at the Clifford Jackson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Warren Spanutius officiating.
Elliott Hammel Funeral Home at the Hickory Chapel location in Abilene, Texas, was in charge of the final funeral services on Saturday at 2 p.m. on the 25th of May. Internment at the Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Youth City.
Clifford Jackson Funeral Home, Kostoryz Road.
July 9, 1939 to April 28, 1991
W. Don Phillips, a corrections officer, died April 28, 1991 at a Fort Worth hospital. He was 51.
Graveside service were at Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park.
Mr. Phillips was born in Potosi and lived in Fort Worth from 1959 to 1982, when he moved to Albuquerque, N.M. He returned to Fort Worth in 1990.
Mr. Phillips worked for the City-County Jail System in New Mexico.
Survivors: Wife, Shirley Phillips of Fort Worth; two sons, Gary Johnson and Keith Brown, both of Antlers, Okla.; two daughters, Rhonda Swimmer of Tahlequah, Okla., and Melissa Nowakowshi of Albuquerque; brother, Charles Grady Phillips of Hollywood, Fla.; six sisters, Christine Martin of Fort Worth, Irene Bell of Melissa, Hazel Bulinoff of Mojave, Calif., Martha Chandler and Rita Scales, both of Abilene, and Gloria Phillips of Houston; and 10 grandchildren.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX), April 30, 1991
Tommie Wayne Polk
August 12, 1940 to September 2, 2000
Cancer
Tommy was born the eighth child to Clifton and Mamie Polk in Sweetwater, Nolan County, August 12, 1940.
Tommie graduated with our class and was a Junior Class Who's Who in the AHS 1958 Flashlight. He served as a PFC in the US Army and went on to marry Carolyn Janet King. They had two children, Janet Carol in 1969 in Taylor County and Kelly Diane in 1973 in Dallas County.
Tommy is survived by two sisters, Doris Allen and Phyllis Polk, of Abilene, and one brother, Kim T. Polk of Denton. He was preceded in death by siblings Virgil Polk, Jim Polk, T. Kyle Polk, and Dorothy B. Polk Todd.
He died in Denton, Texas of a rare form of cancer on September 2, 2000, and is interred at Roselawn Memorial Park, 3801 Roselawn, Denton, TX 76205.
March 4, 2001
Sandra died in Deer Park, Texas, on March 4, 2001.
She would have graduated with the AHS class of 1959 but moved to Pasadena, Texas and graduated from Pasadena High School - so she still was an Eagle.
Sandra married Ronny Moody (AHS '58), the brother of Polly Ann Moody Rutherford (AHS '59). Sandra worked for a family clinic in Deer Park from 1973 until she had a stroke and was in ICU 2 months.
October 1, 1993
Long-term illness
March 11, 1941 to April 1, 1976
Cancer
Gerald was in Paris, writing a book in French on a French composer. He developed severe headaches and was told by his doctor that he had an inoperable brain tumor. He returned to New York prior to his death.
October 24, 1939 to June 11, 2006
SEDALIA, MO - Royce J. Sanders Jr., 66, of Sedalia, formerly of Arvada, Colorado, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
He was born October 24, 1939 in Abilene, Texas, the son of Royce J. Sr. and Annie B. Pounds Sanders. On April 10, 1979 he was married to Linda Diane Russell, who survives of the home.
Mr. Sanders was raised and educated in Abilene, Texas. He attended Locust Elementary, South Junior Middle School and Abilene High School. He enjoyed fishing, art, cooking and grilling. He enjoyed watching football and spending time with his family and friends.
Also surviving are his mother, Annie B. Sanders, of Abilene, Texas; his mother-in-law, Mary Sue Russell, of Sedalia; a brother, Bruce E. Sanders, of Abilene, Texas; two sisters, Celia Gardner and her husband Tommy, of Laporte, Texas and Gladys Spigner and her husband Ray, of Prattville, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
The body was cremated. There will be no services. His ashes will be scattered at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Children's Therapy Center, or the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, Texas, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.
Arrangements under the direction of MCLAUGHLIN FUNERAL CHAPEL / SEDALIA, MISSOURI.
Abilene Reporter-News - June 13, 2006
October 27, 1941 to July 27, 1982
Heart attack
Oklahoma City - Carroll Hall Savage Jr., 40, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Abilene, died after suffering a massive heart attack Tuesday, July 27, 1982, while on vacation in Tulsa. Services are pending in Oklahoma City.
Born October 27, 1941, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Hall Savage of Abilene. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and married Janice Schmidt of Abilene in August, 1960. He was district manager for the M & M/Mars Candy Co. Inc. in Oklahoma City. He had lived in Oklahoma City the past 10 years.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Pam of the home; a son, Scott of the home; his mother, Mary Kate Savage of Abilene; his grandmother, Mrs. Ethel Gainey of Abilene; and a sister, Kay Griffith of Plano.
He was preceded in death by his father.
The family requests remembrances be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center or to a favorite charity.
May 5, 1940 to November 15, 1995
February 5, 1941 to October 26, 2002
LINGLEVILLE -- Arthur "Pete" Carrol Shaw, 61, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. Graveside service: 11 a.m. Tuesday in Lingleville East End Cemetery, Lingleville, Texas.
Memorials: Pittman Foster Home, Stephenville, Texas.
Survivors: Wife, Wanda Gean Shaw, Lingleville; sons, Eugene Carrol Shaw, Grand Prairie and Jacky Wayne Shaw, North Richland Hills; daughter, Tina Ann Reid, Lingleville; mother, Loretta Shaw, Bowie; brothers, Walter, Gregory and Danny J. Shaw, Denison and Harry Shaw, Bowie; and five grandchildren.
Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville
Fort Worth Star Telegram, October 28, 2002
January 25, 1940 to January, 1981
Death registered in Sonora, Sutton County, Texas.
J. D. ShowalterDecember 30, 1940 to September 18, 2002
Natural causes ?
Joe Dial ("J.D.") Showalter, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2002, at John C. Freemont Hospital in Mariposa, California.
He was born on December 30, 1940, in Abilene, Texas, and attended Abilene High School.
His sister Maxine LaPierre, his brother L.B. Showalter and his wife Donna, and his longtime companion Laura Perez survive him. Also, he leaves four nieces, Lisa Bloomer, Allison Lau, Camille Fredrickson, the daughters of his brother, and Andrea Crews, the daughter of his sister.
His parents, Joe and Maxine Showalter of Abilene, and his daughter Jaydee Showalter preceded him in death.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Joe and Laura enjoyed life in California for over 20 years. He loved music, played the guitar, liked gardening, and enjoyed working with computer hardware systems. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit.
Graveside services were held at 2:30 pm on Saturday September 21, 2002, at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 Hwy. 277 South Abilene, Texas 79606.
Win Skiles
March 19, 1941 to June 10, 2001
Cancer
DALLAS, June 11, 2001 -- Texas Instruments Incorporated said that Elwin (Win ) L. Skiles, Jr., senior vice president for public affairs, died yesterday after a lengthy battle with cancer. A 24-year TI veteran and member of the company's senior management team, Mr. Skiles, 60, was responsible for TI's government, philanthropic and community activities.
Win preferred to work behind the scenes. But he influenced this company and the communities in which TI operates in deep and meaningful ways, said Tom Engibous, TI chairman, president and chief executive officer. His unwavering commitment to community involvement served as a beacon to all TIers, and the way in which he daily did his job -- with intelligence, humor, grace, and compassion -- provided subtle yet constant lessons from which we all learned. Whether strengthening cultural arts institutions or promoting policies that teach more children how to read, Win's influence is there. He will be terribly missed not only by me and his friends at TI, but among the many government, philanthropic and community organizations where Win so ably represented this company and the principles it stands for.
During the years he led TI's public affairs activities, Mr. Skiles played the lead role in directing TI's involvement in education, economic development and the arts, promoting activities that improved the quality of life of people throughout the community. He served as Vice Chairman of the TI Foundation, a non-profit corporation that supports a variety of education and arts programs. He made a difference, said Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk. Win recognized that his company and his community could only be successful if quality education and economic opportunities were widely available to all, regardless of background or race. With tremendous personal energy and commitment, Win dedicated himself to making that happen.
During his more than 15 years of overseeing TI's government relations activities, Mr. Skiles was involved in helping set and promote TI's position on a range of policy issues, including international trade, public education reform, research and higher education, and minority and women business development. Win was a scholar of government and public policy, and he had tremendous empathy for people, said U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. He was a tireless worker and he made it fun to be involved.
Mr. Skiles recognized the importance of personal community service and was involved in a range of professional, civic and cultural activities. At the time of his death, he served as chairman, president and director of The Dallas City Plan, Inc., which is responsible for facilitating long-term capital improvement projects in the Dallas area. He was on the executive committees of the board of directors of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, The Dallas Museum of Art, The Dallas Opera, and the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. He served on the board of directors of Zale Lipshy University Medical Center, Inc., the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies at Southern Methodist University, and the Dallas Council on World Affairs. Mr. Skiles was a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, an associate member of the Dallas Together Forum, and a member of the advisory board of the Greater Dallas Community Relations Commission. He also was a member of the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Development and was a director of the United States Member Committee of The Pacific Basin Economic Council. Previously, he served as a director of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc. and as co- chair of the Dallas chapter of the United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
Mr. Skiles, who earned his JD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1968, joined TI in 1976, after serving as Senator John G. Tower's chief of staff. He also served as counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in Washington, D.C., and as an attorney for Hunt Oil Company prior to joining TI. In addition to his law degree, Mr. Skiles earned a master's degree from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree from Baylor University. He was a member of the Texas, District of Columbia and American Bar Associations.
Besides his involvement with corporate giving, Mr. Skiles was a generous donor in his own right, contributing funds to help build the new Elwin L. Skiles Social Sciences Building on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University ( HSU ) in Abilene, Texas. The building will be named for his father, Dr. Elwin L. Skiles, who served as president of the university from 1966 to 1977 and is currently president emeritus. Construction is scheduled to begin within the next year. Win wanted to recognize the impact his father and his mother made on the lives of generations of students. With his generous contribution, another generation of the Skiles family has touched this campus in a direct and lasting way, said Dr. Lanny Hall, HSU chancellor. I hope the students educated in this building will learn to echo Win's zeal for life, learning and politics, and leave their mark on the world in the same gracious way that he did.
Mr. Skiles leaves his family -- father Dr. Elwin L. Skiles of Abilene, sisters Ann McGinty and Sarah Zachry of Houston, five nieces and nephews -- and friends throughout the company, the community and the country too numerous to mention. His mother, Lavonya Ruth Kinder Skiles, preceded him in death.
October 3, 1940 to November 22, 2006
ARLINGTON - Marvin Johnny Smith, 66, a retired chemist, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, in Fort Worth.
Memorial service: private service on Tuesday in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Comanche.
Survivors: Sons, Eric Haga and Marc Haga; and grandchildren, Pierce and Olivia Haga.
Guardian Funeral Home, 5704 James Ave., 817-293-8477
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, November 26, 2006
June 3, 2006 in Midland
Cancer
Carl Stephen Morris Tankersley, 65, went home to be with Jesus on June 3rd, 2006.
Steve was a man who truly loved his Lord and openly shared that love with others. Through his ten year battle with cancer, many remember him for his positive spirit, friendly smile and salutation, "Jesus loves you." He was a member of First Baptist Church for thirty years and loved his Sunday school class, the Daniel Department. He taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, worked in apartment ministry for eight years and went on several mission trips. Even during his illness, he dilligently prayed for others who were sick, often calling to encourage them.
Pepaw loved spending time with his family and found particular delight in his "A Team", daughter, Ainslee, and granddaughters, Ashely, Aubrey, Adi and Anni. Family domino games, pizza night and visiting his family in Israel were treasured moments.
His life was simple, but complete. He loved the outdoors and always took time to enjoy God's creations. An afternoon fishing on the lake and watching the beautiful sunset were favorite pastimes. Steve also enjoyed arrowhead hunting, playing the guitar, visiting with friends, reading his Bible and a tall glass of iced tea.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Janice Stanfield Tankersley, and daughter, Ainslee, both of Midland; daughter Tammy Worley and husband, John, and four granddaughters, Ashley, Aubrey, Adi and Anni, all of Tivon, Israel; a brother, Lamar Tankersley and wife, Margaret, of Fredericksburg; a sister, Virginia Kelly of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and a cherished extended family. He was also blessed wih many loving friends and caregivers.
Special thanks to Allison Cancer Center and Home Hospice for your care and support.
The graveside service was held on Tuesday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park, followed by a "Celebration of Life" service at First Baptist Church of Midland at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, TX 79701 or Israel Ministry Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, Midland, TX 79701. Arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on June 5, 2006
July 31, 1941 to May 28, 1993
Bobby Warren Taylor, 51, of Abilene, died Friday at his residence.
Services at North Side Baptist Church with Drs. Don Greenway and Bill Hillier officiating. Burial in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 U.S. Highway 277 South.
Mr. Taylor was born in Stonewall County. A meat cutter, he had worked at Furrs for 14 years, Safeway 17 years and Kroger in Dallas and Fort Worth before becoming ill.
He was a member of North Side Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Taylor of Abilene; two sons, Rusty Taylor and Brian Taylor, both of Abilene; and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin B. Taylor of Anson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Abilene, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene 79604.
Abilene Reporter News, May 29, 1993
James Elton 'Jim' ToneyJanuary 27, 1941 to January 29, 2004
Cancer
HAWLEY - JAMES "JIM" TONEY, 62, died January 19, 2004. Services will be 10:00 a.m. January 21, 2004, at Hawley Church of Christ. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, directed by Lawrence-Adams Funeral Home.
Born January 27, 1941 in Abilene, Jim was the son of Ima (Lantrip) Toney and the late Carlos Toney. He graduated from Abilene High School and served in the Army. Jim married Annabelle Stephens June 17, 1976. He was an electrician and silversmith having recently retired.
One nephew preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Annabelle Toney of Hawley; two sons, Lee and wife Pat Toney of Jarral and Jimmy and wife Kelley Toney of Hawley; one daughter, Amanda Toney of Hawley; his mother, Ima Toney of Lago Vista; two sisters, Carloyn Toney of Cedar Park and Jan and husband Olen Akers of Dunwoody, GA; brother, Philip and wife Low Gwek Choon Toney of Singapore; and grandchildren; Lee's children, Daniel and Noah, Jimmy's son, "Jet", and Megan Jacobson, Pat's daughter.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may give of yourself, your time, or donations to others or organizations as Jim did throughout his life.
Abilene Reporter News, January 21, 2004
Reported suicide
September 19, 1941 to January 1, 1996
Auto accident, Canon City, CO
Sandra and Billy Jan Allen had two children in Taylor County: Jannabeth in 1966 and Jeffrey in 1969.
She married Jerry D. Rosser on 25 Jun 1993 and died on 1 Jan 1996.
The Social Security death index does not show the place of her death.
Don Vest Adrian Don Vest was born 16 December 1940 in Taylor County and died 15 August 1994 in Eastland County. He married Melvina Louise Howle on 6 August 1971 in Taylor County. Don and his wife had two children in Taylor County, Gregory Adrian Vest in 1972 and Shannon Michelle Vest in 1974. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U. S. Navy. Don is interred at Abilene Municipal Cemetery (formerly Cedar Hill Cemetery), 1133 Cottonwood.
December 16, 1940 to August 15, 1994
April 15, 1940 to December 15, 1987
J. D. Wade was born in Haskell County and married Joan Haldeman in 1968 in Dallas County. He died in Llano County and no obituary or further information has been found.
Otto James 'Jim' WaldripDecember 9, 1940 to March 13, 2000
FORT STOCKTON - Otto James 'Jim' Waldrip, 59, died Wednesday, March 13, 2000.
Services at the Church of Christ; burial in East Hill Cemetery, directed by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.
Abilene Reporter News, March 15, 2000
Jim married Bonnie Jewell Lesley in Abilene. They had two children, Kerry Kim in 1964 in Lubbock and Nathan Geoffrey in 1970 in Midland.
September 12, 1941 to November 1981
Barbara was born in Henderson County. She married William A. Tillison and they had three children in Dallas County; Tamara Gail in 1963, Larita Gay in 1965, and Suzanna Kay in 1969.
She married Curtis W. Watson on January 19, 1973 in Dallas County and their daughter, Cathy L., was born in Dallas County in 1974.
No additional information is available other than that her Death Certificate was issued in November 1981 and the place was not specified.
April 28, 1941 to March 2, 2010
Cancer
Herman Morris Weller of Ennis, Texas died March 2, 2010 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was born on April 28, 1941 in Snyder, Texas to Herman and Thana Weller. He is survived by his wife Pam, his son and daughter-in-law John and Leticia Weller of Keller, Texas and their children Ava, Michael and Philip; by his daughter and son-in-law Robin and Matt Kintz of Dallas and their children Conner, Riley, Lauren and Ryan. He is also survived by his father Herman Weller of Sacramento, California, his sister and brother-in-law Janet and Harold Fisher of Roseville, California and by numerous other family members.
Morris was a graduate of Abilene High School, Abilene Christian University and the University of Wisconsin were he earned his Masters Degree. He was an analytical chemist at Allied Laboratories of Dallas before beginning Quality Consultant Services in Ennis in 1985. He later sold the lab to Schirm USA and continued to serve as their Vice President of Product Development.
He was a man of great compassion, who deeply loved his Lord and his family. He served as a deacon and mission chairman at the Skillman Church of Christ and later as an elder of the Church of Christ in Ennis for twelve years. Funeral services Friday, March 5, 2010 in the Church of Christ on Country Club in Ennis with Darryl Willis and Dr. Mike Armour officiating. Interment at Myrtle Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. He would be honored by memorial contributions to Eastern European Mission, P.O. Box 670728, Dallas, Texas 75367-0928; World Bible School, Box 2169, Cedar Park, TX 78630: or MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030.
Dallas Morning News
July 8, 1942 to March 13, 1966
Auto accident
Funeral for Richard Davis Whatley, 23, of 1125 San Jose, killed Sunday morning when his car overturned on IH 20 southeast of Sweetwater, was held at 3:30 p.m. Monday in Corinth Baptist Church.
The Rev. Elbert Peak, pastor, officiated, with burial in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by Elliot's Funeral Home.
Mr. Whatley was en route to work at the Texas Electric Service Co. river plant at Colorado City with his brother, Larry, 19, who was injured in the wreck.
Born July 8, 1942 at Sweetwater, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Whatley, 990 N. LaSalle. He was an active member of Electricians Union No. 920. He married Judy Kay Welch here in 1963.
Surviving are his wife and a three-month-old son, Bryan; his parents; the brother, Larry of 1550 Westmoreland; two sisters, Mrs. Marion Stracener of 1825 Glenhaven and Mrs. Dorothy Hanshaw of 1734 Westmoreland.
Abilene Reporter News, March 14, 1966
Nov 4, 1940 to April 19, 2007
Heart attack
Brenda Jackson, 66, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2007. Funeral services were at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. Carter Edmondson officiating. Burial followed in the Hamby Cemetery.
Brenda was born on November 4, 1940 in Abilene, Texas, the daughter of Alton Whiteaker and Beatrice (Perry) Whiteaker. She graduated from Abilene High School and Draughn's Business College. Brenda was a lifelong resident of the Abilene area and for many years worked for Cal Tex Feed Yard in Trent as the secretary and bookkeeper. She was a member of the Hamby Methodist Church. Brenda was also a member of the Merkel Ladies Golf Association, Shady Oaks Ladies Golf Association and the Merkel Senior Golfers.
Loving sports of all kinds, Brenda spent many hours in her younger years showing 4-H club calves and racing barrels. Fast pitch softball was also a passion of hers. She started playing at a very young age and played until about 1980. From the time her daughter, Debbie, was 7 years old until the age of 19, Brenda coached her fast pitch softball team. She also coached many girls in the Trent and Merkel area. She always played golf, but after retiring from the pitcher's mound, she made the golf course her home away from home. When she was not at work or playing golf, Brenda would follow her grandchildren, Whitney and Laramy, to all of their events or she would spend time visiting with her many friends.
Brenda is survived by one daughter, Debbie Richardson and her husband Gary; one brother, Payton Whiteaker and his wife Shirley; two grandchildren, Whitney and Laramy Richardson, all of Hamby; three nieces, D'Ann Gonzalez and her husband Daniel of Arlington, Rhonda Whiteaker of Decatur, and Paula Odom of Arlington; two great-nieces, Bethany and Natalie Gonzalez of Arlington. She is also survived by numerous friends.
Pallbearers were her special golf partners, Sherri Bowden, Danna Dunagin, Jeanie West, Cindy Hamner, Wanda Hendricks, Faye Robertson and Jo Ann Gardner.
Honorary pallbearers were Don Dudley, Don Moore, Lloyd Williams, Lou Garner, Steve Shugart, Rex Bland, John Bland, Johnny Kirk Edmondson and Terry Brown.
Memorials may be made in honor of Brenda Jackson to the donor's favorite charity.
November 24, 1941 to July 25, 2006
Maurice Wiginton is pictured with our class in the 1959 Flashlight and shown as a transfer from Eula; however she is not listed on the Graduation Program as a spring graduate.
She married Billy Gene Hausam and they had three children, the first, Robert, in 1959 in Taylor County. They had their second child, Betty, in 1963 in Taylor County and the last, James, in 1964 in Tarrant County. Sometime after the birth of James, they moved to Oklahoma City, OK.
She died there on July 25, 2006 at 65 years of age and her death notice simply stated that she was an accountant. Her husband died in Oklahoma City in 1997.
R. B. Willman
November 6, 1940 to February 26, 2006
Cancer
TULSA, Oklahoma -- A memorial service celebrating the life of Richard B. Willman was held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. The Willman's pastor, Rev. Ray Crawford, officiated.
He died Saturday, February 25 in a Tulsa hospital following a lengthy illness.
Richard was born November 6, 1940 in Dallas, TX. The son of Fred and Mary Ann Willman was named for his two Willman uncles, Richard and Bernard, and was known as "R.B." to his family and the friends of his youth.
He moved with his family to Abilene, TX. where he grew up and attended school, graduating from Abilene High School. He then entered Texas A and M University, where he earned his business administration degree, graduating in 1963. Just a month after graduation, he married Dorothy Lee Whitehurst, at Centenary Chapel in Shreveport, LA. They moved to Austin, TX where Richard began his business career in management with Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Seven years later, Richard's job took them to Joplin, MO., where they resided for a year before moving to Lincoln, Neb. Just a year later, they were transferred to Harlingen, TX. Another year and another transfer sent the family to Kansas City, MO., and the family chose to live in nearby Kearney. After a two year residency, yet another Sears transfer brought the family to Oklahoma. Richard worked in Tulsa and chose Claremore as home for his growing family.
When Sears offered yet another promotion and transfer, Richard decided to make Claremore his permanent home. He purchased a feed and farm supply store downtown and Willman's Inc. became a true family business. His wife, children and sometimes even the family pet greeted and served customers in the feed store. When the store was sold in 1991, Richard and Dorothy formed another business with co-workers and friends Jerry and Linda Moree. Richard continued to operate Rogers County Pecan Company and a lawn maintenance service until health problems forced his retirement.
An active member of First United Methodist Church, Richard was proud to tell friends that he and work associates under his direction were solely responsible for the church's lawn care since the relocation from the downtown site.
Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy; their sons Richard Lee and wife Heather of Oklahoma City, Fred Douglas and wife Jennifer of Dallas, TX; daughters Tiffany Masson and husband, Grant of Dallas, TX., and Laura Willman and fiancee Cris January of Clearwater Beach, FL; grandchildren Bailey and Nicolas Willman of Oklahoma City, sister Shirley Skipworth and husband Paul, of Dallas; nephews, Fred Ray Skipworth of Waco, TX, and Douglas Skipworth and wife, Merrill of Memphis, TN, and their daughters; and his mother, Mary Ann Willman, also of Dallas. His father preceded him in death.
His family has suggested that memorial contributions may be given to the Next Step Building Fund of Claremore's First United Methodist Church, 1615 N. Hwy. 88, Claremore, OK 74017, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or www.cancer.org.
