Shelby County Today

04/15/2026

Lonnie Traxler Jr. passed away on April 12, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 70. Born on June 28, 1955, in Liberty, Texas.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas, with Dr. Clint Williams and Rev. Bobby Smith officiating. Interment will follow the service at O.E. Price Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. Repass will follow the graveside service at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 5545 Hwy 87N, Center, Texas, 75935.

Lonnie started his life’s journey in Hull-Daisetta and later graduated from Lumberton High School. He went on to attend Lamar University. A skilled carpenter, Lonnie spent much of his career working on various projects throughout Texas, Alaska, Colorado, and Georgia. The last few years have seen him in Shelby County, working with Coy Hicks, handyman and his friend Sharon Hamilton. Lonnie was an active member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and served faithfully through his church’s music ministry.

Lonnie had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the guitar. He started off his music career in the garage but ended it in his church praising his Lord and Savior. He was deeply committed to his family, including his children, sisters, and niece, and was cherished for his kind and supportive nature.

Lonnie’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his church, and his community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He never met a stranger and would often be late to appointments because of that.

The world knows him as Lonnie, but to his sisters he will always be “Bubba.”

He is survived by:

Sons:
Eric Nicholas Traxler
Philip Gregory Traxler
Ian Moore
Lonnie Isaac Traxler
Jesse Lloyd Traxler

Daughters:
Hannah Victoria Johnson
Sarah Rose Traxler
Katie Jo Traxler
Ila Ruth Traxler

Father, Lonnie Traxler and wife Pat

Sisters:
Lyndia Oliver and husband Marvin
Cathy Traxler
Briget Parks and husband John
Giget Sowell

Ex-wives:
Laurie Hurley
Robin Traxler

Special Nieces:
Stefanie Little
Jessica Smith

Special Friends:
Sharon Hamilton
David Lister
George Grace

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

3 Great Nieces

Lonnie is preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia Traxler.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Lonnie can be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701. www.hospiceofeasttexas.com

04/14/2026

Ellis Ray Hoyt, 55 of Center, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026. He was born to the late James Jenkins and Marilyn Hoyt in San Augustine, Texas on August 29, 1970. Ellis Ray Hoyt was a truck driver, commonly, called “Downtown.”

Funeral services for Mr. Hoyt will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11am at The Abundant Love Ministries located at 1426 Shelbyville Street Center, Texas. Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr will be the Eulogist. Visitation is from 10am until 11am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Abundant Love Ministries. Repass is at Piney Woods Outreach Center, Texas.

He is survived by:

Children:
De’Kylin Hoyt
Jerlexis Hoyt
DeBreik Hoyt
Marissa Lopez
Ellis Hoyt Jr.
Mekayla Cartwright
Elisha Hoyt
Destiny Jones
Makenzie Mireles
Charvia Bell
Kennedy Mireles
DeVincent Hoyt
Braylon Payne
Trecavian Hoyt

Grandchildren:
King McKind
Lah’Viyah Harper
Xmani Harper
Cierra Jones
Xemarrion Jones
Michael Jones
Ryan Johnson
Maria Hernandez

Great-Grandchild: Kashton Handy 

Siblings:
Lashandzdiol Harris
Tommy Lee Jenkins (Adelle)
Elizabeth Jenkins
James Jeinkins (Whitney)
Kenneth Jenkins
Justin Jenkins
Leslie Jenkins
Jamie Jenkins
Arita Faye McKeiver
Beatice Jenkins

Special Brothers: Kenneth Moody and Darius Murray

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

04/13/2026

William Howard (Bill) Hughes, 84, a life-long resident of Center, Texas, passed peacefully into eternity on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Lufkin, TX while surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 11am. Bro. Ozay Ford will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Bill was born on July 16, 1941, in Center, Texas, to the late Alto Hughes and Dorothy Idealia Ramsey Hughes. After graduating from Center High School, he attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a BBA in Accounting, graduating in May 1964. Following his university studies, Bill honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam conflict.

Upon returning from his military service, Bill enjoyed a successful career in the financial sector for many years. Later in life, he obtained his broker's license and began a new chapter in real estate. 

At the time of his death, he was a member of the staff at Town and Country Real Estate of Center, TX. A man of faith, Bill and his wife Gwen were devoted, and long-time members of Saint Mark Methodist Church in Center.

Bill was preceded in death by both his parents and his beloved wife, Gwen, who passed away in November 2025. 

He is survived by:

Brother-in-law, Frankey Fitzgerald

Niece, Chelsea Fitzgerald

Nephew, Michael Fitzgerald

He also leaves behind three great-nieces, one great-nephew, and a host of cousins, including Shannon Ramsey, Benny Ramsey, Evelyn Chapman Grace, Randy Ramsey, Kelly Ramsey Plunkett, Edna Smith, Jana Tanton, and Wanda Stafford; and special friend, Liz Adams.

Pallbearers will be Michael Fitzgerald, Gerardo Garcia, Chris Watlington, James “Bubba” Lee, Ronnie Adams, Matthew Mettauer, Shannon Ramsey, and Johnny Covington. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Bill Mettauer, Robbie Williams, Donnie Adams, and Michael Adams.

The family would like to thank Misty/Mitzi Stratton for her devotion and care during Bill’s final days.

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

04/06/2026

Karen Shields Mitchell, 57, of Center, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born July 22, 1968, in Galveston, Karen is the daughter of Bob Walker Sr. and Mary Cosby Walker. She devoted her life to her family, and especially loved her husband, children, and grandchildren. 

She is survived by:

Husband, Charlie Mitchell

Children:
Justin Wayne Shields and wife Lauren
Chase Shields and wife Ashleigh
Keith Wayne Shields and wife Bethany
Brittany Shay Shields and husband Wesley Gilchrist

Grandchildren:
Dalton Shields
Demi Sheilds
Kloe Shields
Kayden Shields
Finley Shields
Saylor Shields
Blaine Gilchrist
Britlee Gilchrist
Ellie Shields
Remmington Faith

Mother, Mary Cosby Walker

Brother, Bobby Walker Jr. and wife LaDonna

Nephew, Bobby Walker III and wife Michelle

Niece, Pamela Crager and husband Brad

Numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by father, Bob Walker Sr.; and stepson, Bryan Keith Shields.

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

04/04/2026

Robert Donnell “Bob” Burrus, 86 of Vernon, Texas passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Mike Klappenbach officiating. 

Bob was born Sunday, October 29, 1939. He was the son of the late Tony Burrus and the late Dorothy Hager Burrus. He married Linda Parker on December 7, 1961. Bob served in the US Navy and was a Texas Game Warden. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing, camping and playing golf with family and friends. He coached little league baseball and basketball teams for his children and grandchildren and was a true fan of Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, and his little brother’s band, Young Country. Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Bob is survived by his four children, Tracy Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas,  Andy Burrus & wife Jennifer of Eastland, Texas, Tawna Haggard & husband Jeff of Canyon, Texas and Bobby Burrus & wife Carrie, of Vernon, Texas, his grandchildren, Hillary & husband Dane, Heather & fiancé Jeff, Hannah & husband Akeem, Austin & wife Emily, David & wife Lyn, Shelby & husband Rodney, Trevor, Bryce & wife Kelsea, Parker & fiancée Kaylee, Gage & wife Kennedy, Kason & wife Alice, Courtney & husband Stephen, Mackenzie & fiancé Raymond and Emily, and his great grandchildren, Corbin, Elliot, Lorelei, Bentley, Gentrie, Mayslee, Griffin, Harper and Bryson. Bob also leaves behind three siblings, Jack Burrus, Patricia Pope and Tony Burrus.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Tony & Dorothy Burrus and his brother, Charlie Burrus.

Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until memorial services begin.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or the Texas Game Warden Memorial.

Linda Sue Burrus, 85 of Vernon, Texas passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Mike Klappenbach officiating. 

Linda was born Sunday, May 19, 1940. She was the daughter of the late George H. “G.H.” Parker and the late Dorothy Deboch Parker. She married Robert Donnell “Bob” Burrus on December 7, 1961. Linda was a bookkeeper who retired from the North Texas State Hospital Accounting Department. She cooked the best breakfasts while camping and enjoyed golfing and dancing. Her favorite pastimes were shopping for her grandkids and playing Bunco with friends. She adored her children and grandchildren and never missed any of their events or sending letters on birthdays. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Linda is survived by her four children, Tracy Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas,  Andy Burrus & wife Jennifer of Eastland, Texas, Tawna Haggard & husband Jeff of Canyon, Texas and Bobby Burrus & wife Carrie, of Vernon, Texas, her grandchildren, Hillary & husband Dane, Heather & fiancé Jeff, Hannah & husband Akeem, Austin & wife Emily, David & wife Lyn, Shelby & husband Rodney, Trevor, Bryce & wife Kelsea, Parker & fiancée Kaylee, Gage & wife Kennedy, Kason & wife Alice, Courtney & husband Stephen, Mackenzie & fiancé Raymond and Emily, and her great grandchildren, Corbin, Elliot, Lorelei, Bentley, Gentrie, Mayslee, Griffin, Harper and Bryson. Linda also leaves behind her siblings, Verena Thompson, Toni Jesko and Joe Parker, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, G.H. & Dorothy Parker.

Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until memorial services begin.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or Hidden Treasures with the North Texas State Hospital, Vernon Campus.

Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home, 1801 Houston Street, Vernon, TX 76384.

03/31/2026

Margaret Sikes, 86, of Bryan, Texas, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Visitation will be at 1pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Funeral services will follow at 2pm. Officiating will be Chet Strain, pastor of Jasper County Cowboy Church.

Margaret is preceded in death by husband, John Sikes; granddaughter, Victoria Enmon; brother, Thomas Massey; and parents, John T. Massey and Nora Hartzog.

Margaret is survived by:

Daughters:
Elaine Jackson and husband Michael of Belton, TX
JoEllen Enmon and husband Victor of Bryan, TX
Karen Heitman and husband Tim of Aubrey, TX

Sisters:
Kathleen Fuller of Nederland, TX
Melody Luttrell of Jasper, TX

Grandchildren:
Jennifer Webb and husband Spencer of Belton, TX
Adam Jackson and wife Elisha of Temple, TX
James Enmon and wife Stormy of Vidor, TX
Christin Hommel and husband Justin of Katy, TX
John Stone and wife Mehgan of Little Elm, TX
Samantha Garcia and husband Paul of Aubrey, TX

Great-grandchildren:
McKenzie and Kayleigh Jackson
Jackson and Addison Webb
Corbin and Adilyn Hommel
Kenzee Kirkland
Richard Sellers

Great-great grandson, Ryzer Sellers

Serving as pallbearers will be family members Adam Jackson, James Enmon, John Stone, Spencer Webb, Justin Hommel, Paul Garcia, Luke Matthews and Daniel Matthews.

Born on August 20, 1939 in Newport, Arkansas to Nora and John Massey, Margaret and her family moved to Port Arthur, TX when she was about 3 years old. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School there, where she met John Sikes, her husband. Later they would settle in Little Cypress, TX where they lived for many years, eventually retiring to Georgetown, TX.

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

03/26/2026

Shirley Annette Polley Solomon, 65, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026. She was born November 25, 1960 to the parents of Anderson Polley, Sr. and Irene Garrett Polley.

Funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 5545 St. Hwy 87 North, Center, Texas 75935 with Rev. Rayford Caraway, Pastor and Eulogist. Visitation is from 11am until 7pm on Friday, March 27 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Family visitation time is from 5pm until 7pm.

Shirley grew up in the Mt. Gillion community. She graduated from Center High School and joined the United States Air Force. She married Cleophus Solomon on November 27, 2010 and remained a faithful wife until his passing in 2019.

She is preceded in death by father, Anderson Polley Sr.; mother, Irene Garrett Polley; brothers, Curtis Polley, and Anderson Polley Jr.; sisters, Betty Ratcliff and Lanell Casey; and nephew, Jermaine Bell.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Duntae Polley
Maraino Polley and wife Triquina
Timothy Polley and girlfriend Channing

Grandchildren: Kadence, Madilyn, MJ, Ji 'Kendrian, Teaudre, Zi' Braylen, Chyna, Zy'Kei, Ja' rhyana, Ja' rhyan, and Ky'Lyric

Great-Granddaughter, Kaizlynn

Sisters:
Loraine Moore
Linda C. Redmond (Darnell)

Brothers:
Artis Polley
Lawrence Pennington

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

03/25/2026

Gary John Frame, 59, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Derrick Lightfoot will officiate, assisted by Steven Berry. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Keith Byndom, Waylon Griffith, Derrick Lightfoot, Ronnie Youngblood, Glenn Johnson, and Bobby Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Frame, John Frame, and Gary’s grandsons.

Gary met the love of his life, Carol, when he was just 16 years old, and from that moment on, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and hard work. He often referred to Carol as “his rock,” and she truly was. Carol devoted herself as his full-time caregiver, selflessly ensuring he was always cared for and never wanted for anything. Together, they created a home and a family that meant everything to him.

Gary was a true protector and provider, always making sure his family was cared for, supported, and deeply loved.

Gary dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He joined the Center Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 28 and served faithfully for 25 years. In addition, he worked for the City of Center for 30 years before retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and strong work ethic.

He found joy in the simple things – hunting, working on his old-school pickup truck with John, grilling for the family alongside Matt, and enjoying visits from Kara, whom he loved to be “catered to” by while also aggravating her. He also enjoyed spending quiet time watching westerns in his recliner. One of the most familiar and cherished memories will be hearing him pull into the driveway after a long day at work, windows down, radio blaring to one of his favorite songs, “Wanna Be a Baller.”

Gary was known for being strong-willed and sometimes quiet, but those who knew him best saw his sneaky sense of humor and the deep love he carried for his family. He didn’t always need many words – his actions spoke loudly, and his presence was steady and reassuring.

Gary is survived by:

Loving wife, Carol Frame

Children: 
Kara Frame
John Frame and wife Shelley
Matthew Frame and wife Nichole

Sister, Gayla Bright and family

Beloved grandchildren: John Jr. (Boog), Bella, Jace, Camryn, Mia, Ana, Daisy, Journi, Joshua, Jaycob, Aubreigh, Matti, Adi, Christian, Kylee, Kyndall, Colton, and Caden.

Gary is preceded in death by his unborn baby boy; his parents, John Bill Frame and wife Johnnie Sue; his brother, Gregory Neal Frame; his grandson, Charlie Frame; and his in-laws, Hookey and Anita Nichols.

Gary leaves behind a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. His legacy lives on in the life he built, the values he instilled, and the memories that will never fade.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”
-Isaiah 43:2

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

03/24/2026

Mary Ann Brown, 61, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at home. She was born on August 8, 1964, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Wayne Terrell Evans and Helen Jane (Curry) Evans. 

Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas, with Bro. Tommy Cunningham and Bro. Joe Halliday officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Mary grew up in Logansport, Louisiana. She married the love of her life, Butch Brown, on February 20, 1993, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. She was a devoted wife who took great pride in caring for her family throughout the years. Mom, please know your daughter will take care of your “baby”.

Mary found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them. She was a great supporter of everything that was happening. She was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord and faithfully served through Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

Known for her loving and compassionate spirit, Mary touched the lives of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by:

Daughter, April Childress and husband Brandon

Son, J.R. Brown and wife Katie

Brother, Jimmy Wayne Evans and wife Martha

Sister, Debbie Jane Amox and husband Mike

Grandchildren:
Dustyn Raymond and wife Haley
Charles Carroll
Hunter Carroll
Lane Glaze and wife Kyla
Emerald Glaze
Justyn Brown
Levi Childress
Jalynn Brown
Jadyn Brown
Sadie Brown
Benson Brown
Devon Lee
Jaycee Metcalf
Kylie Metcalf
Degan Lee
TJ Hawkins
Rudy Daugherty
Macie Metcalf

Honorary Grandchildren:
Emmett Childress
Preslie King

Great-Grandchildren:
Karter Carroll
Brynlee Carroll
Willow Ann Puckett

She is preceded in death by her husband, Butch Brown; daughter, Nikki Diaz; and parents, Wayne and Helen Evans. 

Pallbearers serving will be Rocky Curry, Shawn Murray, D.W. Wheless, Brent Andres, Cody Childress, and Jody Roberts. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Mary’s grandsons.

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