Shelby County Today

06/10/2022

Pauline “PK” Kaper, 85, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Hollis Bass officiating. Interment will follow at Old Home Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born August 3, 1936, in Alvin, Pauline is the daughter of the late Yvonne Lambden and Paul Edomm. In 1973, Pauline became a registered nurse. She saw the need to treat the elderly, and rose quickly to nursing home administrator. Pauline was named in the 1987 book, Death Without Dignity, which documents her state investigation and testimony into the Autumn Hills Nursing Home trial which prosecuted five executives for abuse, neglect, and the death of 60 elderly patients. In 1989, she was named Nursing Home Administrator of the Year. In 1990, Pauline was awarded the BritWill Life Saver Award for going above and beyond to provide the highest levels of care for the long-term care organizations. Her career as a nursing home administrator continued for many years before she retired as an administrator in Center, Texas.

She loved working outdoors on the ranch, “Kaper’s Acres,” with her husband, Ronnie. They loved working their cows and all of the chores associated with their ranch. At one time, they owned many acres in Shelby County. Pauline was a member of Old Home Baptist Church in Shelby County.

She is survived by:

Husband, Ronnie Kaper of Joaquin

Daughters:
Pam Cunningham of Center
Georganne and husband James Palmer of Houston

Grandchildren:
Christopher Shafer
Richard Shafer
Michiel Lemaster
Jamie Trevino
Randle Kaper
Michelle Kinnan
Jason Kaper
Katrina Armstrong
Zack Kaper

9 great-grandchildren

Sister, Cathy Fox of Center

Brothers:
Roy Lambden of Amarillo
Troy Lambden and wife Kathy of Graham

Caregiver/daughter, Sheila Dixon of Joaquin

Also, numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by parents, Yvonne Lambden and Paul Edomm; son, George Allen Goodwin; and son-in-law, Luis Trevino.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

06/10/2022

Timothy Byndom, 56 of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday morning, June 8, 2022 at his home in Shelbyville. He was born October 18, 1965 to the late Roy Byndom and the late Ella Mae Cartwright Byndom.

Visitation will be 10am to 5pm on Friday, June 10 at Community Chapel in Center. Visitation will also be held prior to the funeral service on Saturday beginning at 10am at the Church. Funeral Service is at 11am on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Texas. Internment is at Gates Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bishop WC Martin officiating.

Tim attended Shelbyville ISD. He worked in the logging woods up until his health failed. He was a member of Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and often attended Gates Chapel Baptist Church as well.

He is preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents; brother, Kent Byndom; niece, Jessica Brinson; and nephew, Jermaine Brinson.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Faithful companion, Rose Lloyd (Kathy)

Daughters:
Angela Bledsoe Burse (DeShawn)
Tichice McCollister
Tyonronda Adams

Son, Baron Horton (Acquantis)

Sisters:
Sherry Brinson (Johnny)
Tracey Belin (Travis Sr.)

12 Grandchildren

4 Nephews:
Justin Brinson
Johnny Brinson Jr. (Bianca)
Jeremy Brinson
Travis Belin Jr.

Aunts:
Lucille Brazil
Annie Garrett
Jewel Williams
Gladys Garrett
Brenda Carrillo (Jesus)
Diane Sparks
Donna Martin (W.C.)
Minnie Stanberry
Girtha Swindle (Roosevelt)
Mildred Gardner
Iva Boykins (Joe)

Uncles:
Lawrence Cartwright
Truman Cartwright
Howard Cartwright
Kerry Cartwright
V.K. Byndom

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

06/09/2022

Richard T. Gray, 90, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born on May 20, 1932, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late Solen Grant Gray and Edith Theresa Gallagher.  

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 2pm with Bro. Jason Broadus officiating.  

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12PM until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas.

Richard was raised in Mathis, Texas. He graduated from Mathis High School. He joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 20 years before retiring as Chief Master Sergeant. He met the love of his life, Patricia Cummings, in Tenaha, Texas, through a mutual friend. The two fell in love and were happily married on March 30, 1975 and spent over 48 years together before his passing. They had 6 children whom he loved immensely. Richard worked for the Texas Forest Service 20 years before retiring. He loved trains and anything that was associated with a train. He had a great desire to watch airshows. After his time in the Air Force he always enjoyed planes, as this is what he worked on while in the military. His family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed spending every moment with them. When grandkids came along, this was the icing on the cake. He just adored each one of them. Those that knew him loved him and could feel the love in return. His laughter, love, and compassion will certainly be missed.

He is survived by: 
His loving wife, Patricia

Sons: 
Craig Gray and wife Caren
Mark Gray and wife Jane
Bryan Gray
David Ramsey and wife Darlene

Daughters: 
Debra Caldwell
Donna Dugger

Brother, John Gray

Sister, Teresa Ann Underwood and husband Henry

Grandchildren:
Derik Gray and wife Courtney
Victor Gray and wife Courtney
Hope Chamber and husband Joe
Taylor Caldwell
Tyler Caldwell and wife Kia
Justin Samford and wife Sean
Stephanie Samford
Melissa Anthony and husband Tyrell
Takoda Dugger and wife Hannah
Angel Ramsey
Michael Ramsey

Numerous great-grandchildren

Great-great grandson, Kash

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Solen Grant and Edith Teresa Gray; sister in laws, Pam Gray, Freda Cummings; and brother in laws, Herman Cummings, and Mike Cummings. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

06/08/2022

Jonathan Granville Waller, 46, of Center, Texas, passed away on June 6, 2022, in Center, Texas. He was born on October 7, 1975, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Alton Roy Waller and Glenda Crouch.

Graveside service will be held at Neuville Cemetery, FM 2140, in Center, Texas on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11am. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 9AM-10AM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Jonathan was raised in the Neuville Community in Shelby County. He attended Center High School. Jonathan had a son, Sean, whom he loved dearly. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed working on old trucks. He could do just about anything from carpentry, to fixing what was broken. Jonathan enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and working in his garden he had each year.

Survived by:

Son, Sean Waller

Mother, Glenda Waller

Brothers:
Jamie Waller and wife Aimee
Timothy Waller and wife Anita

Sisters:
Tonya Parks
Melissa Waller Robertson
Amanda Waller
Angela Pope and husband John; 

Special niece, Keylee Jernigan

Nieces:
Briley Pope
Raegan Pope
Diana Cooper
Kelsey Waller
Alyssa Waller
Lexi Robertson
Savannah Robertson
Angie Sigler

Nephews:
Dawson Pope
Jake Waller
Jaxon Waller
Devin Waller

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Jonathan is preceded in death by his father, Alton Roy Waller; paternal grandparents, Granville and Luna Waller; and maternal grandparents, Kory and Mahalie Crouch.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

06/07/2022

Alejandro Albert Lopez, infant son of Olivia Vega and Alberto Lopez, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

He is survived by:

Parents, Olivia Vega and Alberto Lopez

Brothers:
Said Alberto Lopez
Jahir Daniel Lopez
Yared Julian Lopez

Grandparents:
Felipei Vega
Ruben Lopez
Maria Lourdes Arce

Aunts and uncles:
Alicia Javier
Manahen Javier de La Cruz
Jaime Vega and Maricruz Gonzalez
Gilberto Vega
Marcc Sanchez
Bertha Lopez
Norma Lopez
Monica Lopez
Claudia Lopez
Maricruz Lopez
Sandra Lopez
Laurdes Lopez
Anabel Lopez
Ruben Lopez

Cousins:
Aaron Gonzalez
Adrian Gonzalez
Aleka Javier
Alexandro Javier
Alex Mendoza
Daniela Mendoza
Emmanuel Vega

Preceded in death by sisters, Gezleidi Lopez and Vudit Lizet Lopez; and uncle, Alejandro Mendoza.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

06/06/2022

Conald Webb Bates, 74, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on June 5, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on March 14, 1948, in Logansport, Louisiana, to the late Robert Elmer Bates and Eulah Merle Rhame Bates.

Graveside service will be held at Willow Grove Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 10AM with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, from 4-6PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Webb was drafted at the age of 19 years old and proudly served his country during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle). Webb married the love of his life, Norma Gene Blount, on July 13, 1967, and the two was blessed with 54 years of marriage. They had a son and a daughter. He was certainly a friend to everyone. He never met a stranger. Webb enjoyed spending time with family. He was an avid gunsmith, forged knives, and would help anyone he could throughout life. Webb was a lifelong member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Joaquin, Texas.

He was also a lifelong member of the VFW Post 8904 in Center, Texas.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Norma Gene Bates

Son, Michael Bates and wife Julie

Brother, Robert Melton Bates and wife Kay

Grandson, Zachary Bates

A host of family and friends.

Webb is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elmer and Eulah Merle Bates; daughter, Meta Michele Bates; granddaughter, Kara Lou-Anne Felder; great-granddaughter, Danica Felder; nephew, David Bates; and sister, Rita Dickerson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Zachary Bates, Lane Bates, Avery Liker, Ray Touchstone, Dane Blount, Earnest Claybrook, Gunner Claybrook, and Lynn Stephens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Dickerson, Slow Doug Smith, Darrell Jo Alford, James Leggett, Bubba Weaver, Lyn Irish, John Haak, Travis Rodgers, Roy Cheatwood, James Carroll, and John Hugh Leggett.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

06/03/2022

Bobby Ray Harper, 63, passed away May 27, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held at 3pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Abundant Love Ministries, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935 with Reverend Marlin Cloudy, Pastor. Pastor Arthur Young officiating.

On March 12, 1959, he was born to Velma Harper and Bobby Joe Nickerson.

Bobby attended school in Center ISD. He was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church at an early age. Bobby was a hard worker, he mainly worked in the word industry for many years until his health prevail him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina Cleveland; mother, Velma Harper; father, Bobby Joe Nickerson; grandparents, W.C. and Earlie Harper; uncles, R.C. Harper and Billy Joe Nickerson; aunt, Betty Ruth Lathan and Thelma Ray Harper.

He is survived by:

Sisters:
Sandra Wynn (James)
Shelly Washington Leonard
Tonja Gardner Singleton (Willie)
Allison Young (Harry)
Lisa Carpenter (Eric)

Step-sisters, Latwan and Sherry Gibbs

Brothers:
Victor Johnson (Christian)
Donald Rushing
Kelby Gardner

Special friend, Linda Barnes

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

06/02/2022

Rebecca (Becky) Ann Simmons, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Jones Creek, Texas on Saturday, May 28th, 2022.

Becky was born January 2, 1941 in Timpson, Texas to John Herbert and Margaret (Prycer) Eakin. She was the eldest daughter of their 6 children and graduated Salutatorian from Timpson High School in 1959. She continued her education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston where she obtained a double major in Biology and English in only 3 years. Immediately after graduation she worked as a research assistant at Baylor College of Medicine. Her true calling was to educate, so in 1963 she accepted a position teaching high school Biology at Brazosport High School in Freeport, Texas. It was there she met her husband, John Earl, and they were married on June 12, 1966. After taking time off from teaching to raise her family, she returned back to the classroom until her retirement in 2000. 

Becky was an avid gardener and was particularly proud of her antique rose garden. She loved spending time in her kitchen preparing delicious meals and deserts for her family and friends. Her pleasant personality and infectious laugh were contagious to everyone she met. She had a generous heart of gold and was always willing to lend her numerous artistic talents to anyone who asked. Spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren were a highlight of her later years.

Becky is survived by:

Husband of 56 years John Earl Simmons

Children:
Adrienne Simmons
Amy (Mark) Diehl
Eric Simmons

Grandchildren:
Robby Huffman
Amber Frank
Joshua Braden
Zackery Braden
Olivia Ngeti-Simmons
Cole Simmons
Hailey Simmons

5 great-grandchildren

Brothers:
Tony (Maureen) Eakin
Gregory Eakin

Sisters:
Janeice Carrington
Monica (Brad) Fitzgerald

Many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Herbert and Margaret Prycer Eakin and brother, John Prycer Eakin.

Services will be held at Saint Mary of the Epiphany Catholic Church in Timpson, Texas on Tuesday, June 7th. A Rosary will be said at 11:15 am with the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am officiated by Father Nelson Munoz. Burial will follow at Corinth Cemetery in Timpson, Texas. The family would like to invite everyone back to the Eakin home for a visitation/meal immediately following the burial. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be nephews Joe Carrington, Bubba Carrington, Chris Carrington, Christian Carrington, John Paul Packard, Luke Packard, Troy Eakin and James Eakin.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Marty Melendez. We will forever be grateful for your compassion and kindness that you showed to Becky during her last years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either John Herbert and Margaret Eakin Scholarship Fund or Saint Mary of the Epiphany Catholic Church. Address for both is 1717 County Rd 4849, Timpson, Texas 75975. Alternatively, Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.

05/07/2022

Jimmie Leon Harding passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, May 5, 2022.  He was born on February 24, 1940, to Larkin and Jennie Harding in Laneville, TX.

Memorial Service for Jimmie Leon Harding will be held on June 11, 2022 at 10:30am at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in San Augustine, Texas. Would you please come and help us celebrate the life of our beloved Patriarch.

He was known for his meticulous tile work throughout the East Texas area. For leisure, he carved wood sculptures and was quite gifted. He carved a figure of Willie Nelson and presented it to him in person. Willie Nelson's music infiltrated his life, especially "Red Headed Stranger" which his children know extremely well. His children were his greatest accomplishment. Many days you would find him outside with a cup of coffee surrounded by his love ones. That love and devotion will live on in generations to come. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by:

Wife, Helen Harding

Children:
Dennis Harding and wife of San Augustine
Shelia of Nacogdoches
James Harding and wife Judy of Center
Jeffery Harding and wife Sherry of Shelbyville
Dean Harding of Center
Joe Harding of San Augustine
Lori McSwain and husband Stevie of Center
Hope Harrison and husband Jesse of Center
Levi Harding of San Augustine

Siblings:
Jerry Logan and wife Carolyn of West Columbia, TX
David Harding of Austonio, TX
Carolyn Freeman of Damon, TX
Gail Brazda and husband Clarence of Wallis, TX
Roger Harding and wife Donna of Timpson, TX
Nancy Kutej of Damon, TX

Grandchildren:
Melinda McSwain of Center
Emily Ellington and husband Chris
Shannah Harding
Megan Santillanes and husband Anthony
Ryan Harding and fiancé Becky
Keith Harding
Jessica Jackson and husband Kyle
Brittany Gilchrist and husband Justin
Samantha Owens and husband Kolby
Mikey Harrison and wife Destinee
Chris Harding
Haley Harbison and husband Lucas
Marissa Wall and husband Haven
Zay Harrison
Michael Harding
Matthew Harding
Hunter Harding

22 Great-grandchildren and one on the way

Host of family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceded in death by parents, Larkin Trible Harding and wife Jennie of Damon, TX; children, Dale Wayne Harding of Center, TX; brothers, Giles (Baby-O) Harding of Damod, TX, Marshall Harding of West Columbia, TX, Mark Harding of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Jeannie Harding of Austonio, TX; brothers-in-law, Ludvick Jakuebe III of Damon, TX and Franklin Freeman of Damon, TX.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.