Shelby County Today

01/08/2025

Wayne Taylor, 67, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Joaquin. He was born July 3, 1957.

Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife, Linda Taylor

Sons:
Wayne Taylor Jr.
Chad Taylor
Johnny Ray Taylor
Michael Dean

Stepdaughter, Wendy Vickers

Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved

Numerous nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his parents.

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

01/08/2025

Dr. J. Wayne Kyle, 92, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Monday afternoon, January 6, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. James Wayne Kyle was born on October 26, 1932, in the Woods Community of Panola County, Texas to the late Kit Carson Kyle, Sr. and Berta Elizabeth Hooker Kyle.

He graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1950, and attended Panola College where he graduated in 1952. He then attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1956.

Dr. Kyle married Mildred Evelyn “Milly” Williamson on July 12, 1958, at the First Methodist Church in Carthage and she preceded him in death on January 23, 2014, after 56 years together.

He enjoyed a long career practicing veterinary medicine having established Kyle Animal Clinic in Carthage and later Shelby Veterinary Center in Center. Dr. Kyle was a member of many veterinarian associations including the American Veterinarian Medical Association, the Louisiana Veterinarian Medical Association, and was the past-president of the East Texas Veterinarian Medical Association. He was honored by the Texas Veterinarian Medical Association by receiving the Practitioner of the Year Career Achievement Award in 2008. Dr. Kyle was honored to be named a Distinguished Alumni of the College of Veterinarian Medicine at Texas A&M in 2013. 

He was devoted to the community having served on the Carthage I.S.D. School Board for over 36 years and was a founding board member of the Carthage I.S.D. Education Foundation. He was honored by the Education Foundation as a Distinguished Alumni in 2005. Dr. Kyle was a longtime member of the Carthage Noon Lions Club, the Panola County A&M Club, and member and past-president of the Panola County Cattleman’s Association where he served as rodeo chairman for 6 years. Dr. Kyle was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church in Carthage where he served and chaired on various committees, was a member of the Loyal Sons Sunday School Class and the Chancel Choir.

He was also preceded in death by siblings, Murph Hooker Kyle, Gwendolyn Blanche Meeks, Kit Carson “K.C.” Kyle, and Grady Stanhope Kyle and son-in-law, Michael Martin.

He is survived by:

Children:
Kelly Elizabeth Coker and husband Cheney
Riley Wayne Kyle and wife Stacey
Kit Kyle Martin

Grandchildren:
Cameron Coker
Daniel Kyle

Great-grandchild:
Alister Wayne Kyle-Rolfe

Nephews:
Michael Weldon Meeks
Kit Brooks Kyle

Niece, Kathy Anne Johnson

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Methodist Church in Carthage with Rev. Kevin Otto officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Rick Wall, George Taylor, Jeff Travis, Robert Tiller, Keith Keeling, and Herman Collins. Honorary pallbearer is Don Keeling. 

Memorials may be made to the Carthage I.S.D. Education Foundation, #1 Bulldog Drive, Carthage, Texas 75633 or to the First Methodist Church, 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

01/06/2025

Anna Louise Lawson, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Shelbyville, Texas.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Lamar Denby officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine.

Born February 12, 1941, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Anna is the daughter of Arthur Eugene Malley, Sr. and Mamie Stokes Malley. She loved to do genealogy and travel. Anna was a member of East Hamilton Baptist Church in Shelbyville.

She is survived by:

Son, Elmo Y. Lawson II and wife Carmen of Lufkin

Daughters:
Anita Gail Powdrill and husband Rance of Shelbyville
Priscilla Witwer and husband Robert

Grandchildren:
Craig J. Lawson and wife Abby
Ricky Ham
Jacob Ham
Caitlynn and husband Trenton
Lacie Lawson White and husband Bryce
Cristal L. Eberlan and Jake Creech
Legnni Lobo and Vivian De La Garza
Nathan Witwer
Lincoln Witwer

Great-grandchildren:
Avery Lawson
Aubree Lawson
Camden Lawson
Emma White
Ralston White
Brecklyn White
Presleigh Eberlan
Levi Eberlan
Lana De La Garza
Serina De La Garza

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Elmo Y. Lawson I; parents, Arthur Eugene Malley, Sr. and Mamie Stokes Malley; and brothers, Joe Malley, Don Malley, Clifton Malley, and Gene Malley.

Pallbearers will be Elmo Lawson II, Craig Lawson, Bryce White, Jacob Ham, Trenton Vaight, and Jake Creech. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Ham and Ralston White.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org and MD Anderson Cancer Research at gifts.mdanderson.org

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

01/04/2025

Hubbard Lynn Hartt, Jr., 73, of Center, passed away January 3, 2025, in Denton.

Funeral service will be held at 3pm, Monday, January 6, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2pm. Bro. Grant Murphree will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson.

Lynn was born March 4, 1951, in Center, to Hubbard Lynn Hartt, Sr. “Sonny Hartt” and Mary Jo “Skeeter” Compton “Hartt”. A native of Timpson, he was a 1969 graduate of Timpson High School. He furthered his education at Stephen F. Austin University. Lynn went on to build a career of over 50 years in banking.

He was known as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Lynn was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.

Heavily involved in his community, he was an active member of the Lions Club, a youth baseball and football coach for many years, he played minor league baseball, and served as a city judge for Timpson. Lynn founded the Capt. Jesse Amason Camp #282 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Shelby County. He was an Admiral in the Texas Navy and a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson.

He is survived by:

Wife of 48 years, Jeanie Hartt

Children:
Chris Hartt and wife Megan of Blue Ridge, TX
Christina Hodack and husband Steve of Murphy, TX

Grandchildren:
Scarlett Hartt
Emori Hartt
Bella Clay
Devin Williford
Avery Williford
Kylee Hodack
Connor Hodack

Great-grandchildren:
Coast Lynn Clay
Easton Clay
Camila Clay
Forrest Clay

Brother, Robert Hartt

Numerous host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubbard Lynn Hartt, Sr. “Sonny Hartt” and Mary Jo “Skeeter” Compton “Hartt”; sisters, Nancy Williams and Tammy Dutton; brother, Glynn Hartt; grandparents, Alonzo Hubbard Hartt, Jesse Lee Hartt, Joseph Compton and Vera Allred Compton; and granddaughter, Camille Alisse Williford.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hodack, Josh Crawford, Heath Hartt, Paul Horton, Larry Miller, and John Price. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Hartt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with the upkeep of Woodlawn Cemetery, c/o City of Timpson, PO Box 369, Timpson, Texas 75975.

His motto was “Virtue, Honor, and Courage.”

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

01/02/2025

Warren John Jacobson, 87, formerly of Bear Creek, PA, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was the son of the late Gilbert and Stella Adamitis Jacobson. He graduated from Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

He lived in Houston, Texas for many years where he met his late wife, Carol Jacobson. He was a master plumber, worked for Village Plumbing and owned his own business for many years. He was a member of the Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Warren gave of himself wholeheartedly, never refusing to help someone in need. He was a gracious man and was well liked by many friends in Texas and PA. He loved to travel, taking several cruises and was a member of the Texas Carousel Ball Room Dancing group and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by:

Sisters: 
Evelyn
Hilda
Martha

Family friend, Jean Michaels

Children:
Warren Jr.
Debbie Dirlam
Mark

Grandson, Cayden

Warren was very close to Carol’s children Richard, Stacey and Jeffrey. Warren was also “grandpa” to Carol’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Stella; brothers Gilbert Jr., Jake and sister Audrey and late wife Carol Menn Jacobson.

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

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

12/30/2024

Hazel Beasley, 92 of Center, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born January 2, 1932 to Mary Ann McGee Edison and William I. Edison.

There will be a celebration of life hosted by family on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 3pm at the beautiful Community House, 425 San Augustine St, Center, TX 75935.

She married John Russell Shuff and together they had two sons, William and John. Her husband died in a truck accident when the boys were 4 and 2 years of age. Later, she married Kenneth Beasley who helped her raise her two sons. Hazel was in the catering business for 40 years in Houston and moved to Center in 2010. She was the director of the Senior Citizens Nutrition Site for several years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Mary Ann McGee Edison and William I. Edison; first husband, John Russell Shuff; and her son, William Wayne Shuff.

She is survived by:

Son, John Russell Shuff and wife, Sandy

Grandchildren:
Kevin Shuff
Kellie Shuff Grimes

Great-Grandchildren: Bailey and Gunner

Sisters:
Alare Currie
Fay Eddins
Margaret Bay
Billie Dawson

A host of nieces and nephews

Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Texas.

12/29/2024

Barbara Adele Pridgen, 81, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at noon. Bro. Haagon Lister will officiate, assisted by Bro. Jody Hooper. 

Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born August 5, 1943, in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, Barbara is the daughter of Lloyd Leon Rogers and Montes McDonald Rogers. She married her high school sweetheart, Johnny Pridgen, at the age of seventeen. The two created a beautiful life together and were married for almost sixty years. She was a devoted wife and Nana. Her life was her children and grandchildren. Barbara made many friends through her work at Joaquin’s City Office, and she served on the city council for many years. She was a member of Word of Faith Outreach Center for over thirty years.

She is survived by:
Son, Chad Pridgen

Daughter, Tanya Wilkerson, and husband, Tim

Grandchildren:
Taylor Booker, and husband, Brandon
Tristan Rainbolt, and husband, Caiden
Tray Wilkerson, and wife, Hannah

Great-grandchildren:
Mason Booker
Avery Booker
Brix Booker
Leighton Rainbolt
Shep Wilkerson

Sisters:
Mary Parma
June Stevens
Sandy Permenter, and husband, Steve

Brother, Milton Rogers, and wife, Connie

Sisters-in-law:
Barbara Coulter
Sue Pridgen

Preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Pridgen; parents, Lloyd Leon Rogers and Montes McDonald Rogers; brother, Jimmy Rogers; and sisters, Hilda Rogers and Joanne Rogers.
Pallbearers will be Lane Pridgen, Jerry D. McDaniel, Brent Andres, Luke Murray, Doug Shook, Shannon Permenter, Cody Permenter, and Kade Rogers.

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

12/27/2024

Mr. James Gary "Yogi" "Red Bug" Andrews, age 77, of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024, at Summit Health Care in San Augustine.

He was born October 27, 1947, in Center, Texas, to parents Evelyn Leona (Beasley) and James Moses Andrews and was a longtime area resident, graduating from San Augustine High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam working as a helicopter mechanic. He was a proud patriotic American and member of the VFW Post.

Yogi worked several years at E.L. Bruce Hardwood in Center, Toledo Automotive at Center and San Augustine locations, San Augustine Fiberglass, and the City of San Augustine, where he retired. He was "honorary shop foreman" at Bob Evans Equipment. Several generations grew up visiting with Yogi at the old Hardy's parking lot, on the square, or Brookshire Brothers parking lot.

Many only knew him as "Red Bug" from his CB handle. He was well known in the CB radio world. Many never knew his real name, only by "Yogi" and that's the way he wanted it. Every time someone called him Mr. Andrews, he would quickly reply, "That's my daddy!"

Yogi was quite the hand to work on electronics, scanners, and CBs. As time progressed, so did Yogi. When the world left CBs moving into the cell phone and computer age, he was in the middle of it. He could work on them and fix them all. 

His survivors include:
Andrews cousins: 
Margaret Johnson of Nacogdoches
Steve Mitchell of Fort Worth
Brenda McCurry of Arkansas
Greg Newton of Martinsville
Sandra Derby of Lake Charles, La.
Shirley Noreuil of Orange
Betty Chambers of San Augustine

A host of Beasley cousins in Alabama

Yogi was preceded in death by his parents, James and Evelyn Andrews; and a cousin, Kohatha Newton.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. Randy Mills officiating and military honors offered by VFW and American Legion members. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden.

Pallbearers: David Ellis, Clayton Bennefield, Julius Teagle, Lane Chambers, David Evans, and Raymond Wise. Honorary pallbearers: Krissy Edwards, Suzie Wise, John Dwire, Ben Dwire, and Bronson Dwire.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFH.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

12/23/2024

Sara Francis Barrett was born February 3, 1966, in Center, Texas. She was raised in Timpson, Texas, by her parents, Riley Bryant Oliver Sr. and Audrey Lou Williams Oliver. She passed away in Lufkin, Texas, on November 30, 2024. 

Sara was raised in the small town of Timpson, Texas, where she met the love of her life at a very young age, Larry Gene Barrett Sr. They moved to Pasadena, Texas, and had their first daughter in 1986. They had a great life and made many memories, and their second child came in 1989. Sometimes in life things happen to where we can't explain it and they went their separate ways in 1992, and he soon passed away after. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved them more than life itself.

She lived life the best way she knew how and would give the shirt off her back for anyone that was struggling in life, even if it hurt her in the process. She had a heart of gold and to know her was to only love her. She will forever be missed by her family & friends. 

She left behind:

Mother, Audrey Oliver

Daughter, Elizabeth Mae Bowley and husband Jeremy Bowley

Son, Larry Gene Barrett Jr.

Stepson, CW Haynes and wife Catherine Schmidt-Haynes

Grandchildren, whom she loved more than life itself:
Landan Bowley
Kyler Dupree
Laytan Bowley
Korbynn Jo Bowley

Sister, Cindy Mackey and husband Arvin Mackey

Sister, Laura Drummond, and husband, Gerald

Several nieces and nephews.

Most importantly, special friends, Kathleen Rogers and Y'ella boy, and Kay Francis Bussey. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Gene Barrett Sr.; father, Riley Bryant Oliver Sr.; brothers, Riley Bryant Oliver Jr., and Ricky Oliver; and special friend in love, Darren Bush. 

Pallbearers will be Clayton Russell, Ray Neuwirth, Ronnie Broadway, Mitchell Permenter, Frankie Baker, Katy Yarbrough, and Kevin Zamora. Honorary pallbearers will be John Walker, Jason "Boo-Boo" Johnson, Jake Jacobs, "Red", Arvin Mackey, and Billy Wayne Ebarb. 

Services will be held at the First Assembly of God in Timpson, Texas, on December 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Randy Stokes and Bro. Tuffy Green officiating. There will be no graveside services.

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