09/25/2019

Denise Cox, 57, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Philip Strong and William Eddins officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Cox was born August 28, 1962, in Jacinto City, to John Henry Harbison and Dora Evelyn Matlock Harbison. She worked as a bookkeeper. Mrs. Cox loved to help and support the Roughriders Athletic Department and also enjoyed cooking with family and friends. She was a member of Joaquin Church of Christ.

She is survived by:

Husband, William Cox of Joaquin

Son, Nathan Cox and wife Kayla

Daughter, Cassie Belrose and husband Colton

Grandchildren:
Carter, Aubrey, and Bailey Cox all of Nacogdoches
Cade Belrose of Center

Brothers-in-law:
James Cox and wife Earline of Center
Tracy Cox and wife Rhonda of Palestine
Roy Dale Cox of Center
Steve Cox of Center

Mother-in-law, Lois Cox.

Preceded in death by parents, John and Evelyn Harbison; brother, Johnny Wayne Harbison; and father-in-law, Charlie Cox.

Pallbearers will be Dwight Preston, Rickey Andrews, Buren Lowe, Jasen Watlington, Jeff Boyd, and Jamie Killen. Honorary pallbearers will be John Halstead and Mike Johnson.

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

09/25/2019

Katherine Elaine Bryant, 78, of Center, passed away Monday, September 23, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Wayne Werner and Bro. Don Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Old Center Cemetery in Panola County.

Mrs. Bryant was born February 12, 1941, in the Geneva Community of San Augustine County, to Odis Ross and Ruth Barron Ross. She worked as a truck driver for many years and attended Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church.

She is survived by:

Children:
Kenny Rowles of Center
Valarie Johnson and husband Johnny of Vidor
Shelia Gee of Vidor

Grandchildren:
Mandy Rowles
Nathan Gee
Michael Gee
Ashley Shaw
George Garza Jr.
Amber Wright

16 great-grandchildren

Brother, Odis Ross of Center

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Rowles; husband, Leon Bryant; brothers, Glenn Ross and Billy Don Ross; and sister, Marie Oliver.

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

09/25/2019

Barbara R. Bufford, 76, of Missouri City, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Missouri City.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Mrs. Bufford was born January 13, 1943, in Galveston, to Price Ramsey and Helen Stivers Ramsey.  Her hobbies included playing golf, bingo, and traveling and spending time with her family.

She is survived by:

Husband, Robert Bufford

Children:
Leslie Hightower Fiehn and husband Alan
Lauren Hightower and partner Deb Bressie

Stepchildren:
James Bufford
Robert Bufford
Bridget Bufford

Grandchildren:
Matthew and Samantha Fiehn
Brad, Kyle, and Brittany Bufford

Brother, J. Scott Ramsey and wife Dorice

Sisters:
Karen Hardy Lundberg and husband Tom
Kathy Hardy Lanham and husband Hal
Beth Hardy Holt and husband Curtis

Preceded in death by her parents, Price Ramsey and Helen Stivers Ramsey Hardy; and stepfather, Gus Hardy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718, 800.227.2345, www.cancer.org/donate

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

09/24/2019

Carolyn Calhoun, 58 of Center, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 at her residence. She was born on December 12, 1960 in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 1:00pm at Triumph the Church of God in Christ (908 Daniels Street Center, Texas 75935). Rev. Winston Kibbles will be officiating.   

Visitation is Friday, September 27, 2019 at Hicks Chapel starting 2:00pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.

Mrs. Calhoun is survived by:

Husband, Norris Nobles of Center, Texas 

Children:
Derrick Calhoun (Tiffany) of Carthage, Texas
Shondrell Calhoun of Center, Texas
Eric Nobles of Pineland, Texas

Grandchildren:
Kyngston Calhoun
Keyarra Calhoun
De’Aujanae Evans
Ty’ Onah Evans
De’Kevious Calhoun
Soloman Garcia
Adriana Garcia

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

09/23/2019

Jess Allen Allsbrooks, 35, of Center, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Waterman Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Billy Windham officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Allsbrooks was born January 1, 1984, in Cleveland, to John Allsbrooks, Sr. and Mildred Fay Luman Allsbrooks. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying farming, hunting, and fishing. Mr. Allsbrooks was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:
His father: John Allsbrooks, Sr.

Brothers and sisters: 
John Allsbrooks Jr. and wife Lisa
Clinton Risinger and wife Brenda
Dejuana Risinger
Charity Buenting

Maternal grandmother: Clara Williams

Nephews and nieces: 
Colton Risinger
Trey Addison
Piston Allsbrooks
Nicky Pugh
Jessica Vaughn
Marina Allsbrooks
Ivy Allsbrooks
Makayla Bass
Autumn Allsbrooks
Riley Allsbrooks
Briana Buenting

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives

He is preceded in death by his mother, Fay Allsbrooks.

Pallbearers will be Dejuana Risinger, Clinton Risinger, Dustin Hearne, Colton Risinger, Roy Polvadore, and Adam Pleasant.  Honorary pallbearer will be Autum Allsbrooks.

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

09/23/2019

Jean Owens Goettmann, 92, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019, in Joaquin.

Private family memorial has already been held.

Mrs. Goettmann was born July 27, 1927, in the Patroon Community of Shelby County, to Edward Owens and Mattie Grubbs Owens.  She later moved to California and lived for many years before moving back home, where she enjoyed painting and fishing.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Alice Aylor of Joaquin

Grandson, James Hutchinson and wife Terri of Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Three great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

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

09/22/2019

Linda Carol Kilcrease, 76, of Tenaha, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Tenaha.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2019, at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine County with Rev. Frank Holrath officiating.
Mrs. Kilcrease was born June 22, 1943, in Broaddus, to S.R. “Dutch” Kingsley and Ella A’della Wells Kingsley. She was employed with the San Augustine School District, serving as secretary and also working in the cafeteria.  As a hobby, she enjoyed playing the piano. Mrs. Kilcrease was a member of Rosevine Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by:
Her daughters: 
Sharon Brittain and husband Travis
Sheila Ponder

Grandchildren: 
Jill Jefferson and husband Keith
Jamey Brittain and wife Courtney
Charles Brittain and wife Shanai
Misty Ramirez
Christi Miller and husband Chad
Marsha Gage, and Nikki Brittain

Great-grandchildren: 
Gracelyn Brittain
Harper Harkness
Hunter Mosley
Jalyn Mosley
Christopher Miller
Austin Carpenter
Megan Miller
Morgan Jefferson
Logan Jefferson
Trace Brittain
Jayeda Davis
Aidan Davis
Rylee Davis
Payton Carpenter

Great-great-grandchildren: 
Grayson Evans
Elizabeth Miller
Addisyn Mosley

Brother: Buster Kingsley

Sister-in-law: Joyce Davis and husband J.O.

Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Kilcrease; parents, S.R. “Dutch” Kingsley and Ella A’della Wells Kingsley; sister, Lorene Price; and brothers, Elton Kingsley and Aulton Kingsley.

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

 

09/20/2019

Glen Glaze, 63, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019, in Tenaha.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Mr. Glaze was born April 7, 1956, in Center, to James Franklin Glaze and Vera Louise Paxton Glaze.  He worked as a logger for many years.

He is survived by his children, J.D. Glaze and wife Teagan, Stephanie Ramsey and husband Shane, Little Glen Glaze, Jacky Estes, and Mark Estes; numerous grandchildren; sisters, Kay Bates and husband Milton, Diane Wilkerson, and Mary Glaze; brother, Johnny Wayne Glaze; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family.

Preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Glaze and Vera Louise Paxton Glaze and his brother, Buddy Glaze.

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

09/20/19

Carolyn Sue Williams Caldwell, 61, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 18, 2019 in Center. She was born on November 22, 1957 in Center to Clark Paul Williams and Emma Irene Fancher Williams. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

As a youngster, Carolyn grew up with her nieces and nephews, but we were really more like sisters and brothers because of the close-knit lives that we lived.  During the day, we would play hopscotch by drawing designs on the dirt with a stick and stringing up a rope from tree to tree to flip and swing or what you might call “old school gymnastics!”  We would run and play hide and seek outside at night and would hide under the house with no thought of snakes, spiders or any other varmint. They were probably more scared of us than we were of them. Carolyn and I enjoyed going to the old chicken house and playing in 50’s model old cars that were parked there. They had no more life in them but for us kids, they opened a whole new playing field for our imaginations.  Carolyn would love for us to take our bikes to the top of Grigsby Hill and ride down to Mamaw’s drive but usually we were going too fast to make the driveway and would have to go all the way down to the bottom of the hill and turn around and of course—do it again!  There was a cut across through the woods between Carolyn’s house and Thomas’s house. We would always catch the horse and riding bareback see just how fast we could run from her house to Thomas’s or stop by the pond and catch crawfish with bacon and a string. Cane pole fishing, stringing popcorn, sweeping the dirt yard, and watching our hot breath float in the cold air when we got under the heavy quilt covers at night, catching fireflies and drinking tomato soup from a mug. These are some of the fond memories that I have of growing up with Carolyn and there are many more.      

Carolyn and the rest of us loved to dance. Mamaw would love to clap and encourage us to dance ‘til we dropped. Dancing to songs like Ernest Tubb’s “Walkin’ the Floor Over You,” Roger Miller’s “King of The Road” and “Dang Me,” and of course Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin” as well as shake rattle and roll songs where we would dance until our sides were hurting. Cuttin’ a rug came natural seemed like-- we were so innocent and free as kids.  

As Carolyn got old enough for marriage and babies, she had resolved to the idea that she could never have children. But in years to come and much water gone under many bridges, she was blessed with two handsome boys, Joseph and Doc. I came across the following poem that I think she would love for them to accept as a love letter to them.

You are loved
for the boys you were
the men you have become
and the precious son
you will always be to me

Love,
Moma

Carolyn is survived by:
Sons:
Joseph Caldwell and wife, Shelby of Center
William “Doc” Caldwell and wife, Amber of Center

Brother: 
Clark Paul Williams, Jr. and wife, Tina of Center

Sisters:
Shirley Berg of Center
Edwena Higginbotham of Warner Robins, Georgia
Venorah McSwain of Center

Sister-in-Law:
Norie Williams of Center

Grandchildren:
Dallas Caldwell
Charlie Ann Caldwell
Adalynn Caldwell
Cory Moore
Colton Gilchrist
Caden Gilchrist
Corbin Caldwell
Soon-to-be-born Axton Caldwell

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Wade Caldwell; parents, Clark Paul and Emma Williams; brother, Thomas Williams; brothers-in-law, Jack Wilson Berg, Van Higginbotham and JC McSwain.

Pallbearers will be John Kevin Cosby, Marty Fenley, Kirk Battles, Matt Wimpee, Ronald Chandler and Ronnie Davis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lamarcus “Twin” Tate, Wailan Hughes, Chris Battles, Margarito Palacios, Tony Palacios and Jerry Deason.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to White Rock Cemetery, 604 CR 1210, Center, Texas 75935.

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net

09/19/2019

Jesse T. Ybarra, 88, of Center, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019, in Nacogdoches.
A funeral mass will be held at 11AM, Monday, Sept. 23rd at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.
Jesse Theodore Ybarra was born July 20, 1931, the second of four children, in Texarkana, Texas living there until his senior year of school when the family moved to Houston.

His love of horses began as child. After high school he went on the rodeo circuit riding bulls with his best friend Buck. Jesse left the rodeo circuit to serve his country in the Navy as a Corpsman with two tours in The Korean War where he earned; a National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. After serving his nation he returned to The States and used the medical skills working at Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston, then Spring Branch Hospital later opening his own business “Clinical Laboratory of Huntsville.” The love of rodeo still in his heart he began rodeo clowning on the weekends. In 1997, he started to ride cutting horses on Miss Big Lynx.

Jesse loved spending time with his children, he was a football, softball, tennis coach as well as helping with the Special Olympics on equestrian events. Sharing his love for horses with his children he spent many happy weekends travelling to various horse shows where they participated. Jesse was also involved in Boy Scouts from being a Boy Scout as a child to helping scouts earn their Horsemanship and First Aide badges along with camping trips.

Jesse was very much a true Texan (Texas the friendship state) He carried a Texas flag to Korea during his tours. He loved music from classical to his favorite country music. His bucket list became complete when he visited Tombstone, with his love of westerns. If you did not have the pleasure of watching Westerns with him, you do not know what you missed. From John Wayne, James Arness in the early years, Gunsmoke, to Bonanza as we got older (continuing in the never-ending repeat cycle today)
As a child Jesse always wanted to live on a ranch. He was 61 years old when his dream was fulfilled by moving to Center Texas. He left his 165-acre ranch on September 17th at the age of 88 years old with a big smile on his face. 

He is survived by:
His wife: Elizabeth Ybarra of Center

Children: 
Jesse Ybarra of Spring
Jana Lynne Ybarra Viviano of Jersey Village
Jennifer Anne Ybarra Mock of Spring
Michael Ruark of Center
Gavin Ybarra of The Woodlands

9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren

Sisters: 
Hope Smithson of San Antonio
Sister Mary Ybarra of San Jose, California

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his parents, Jesus Ernesto Ybarra and Maria Esperanza Gonzalez, and his brother, Ruben Tamez

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jesse T. Ybarra to the SFASU Foundation, PO Box 6092, Nacogdoches, TX  75962 or online at givetoSFA.SFASU.edu

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

09/17/2019

Jerry Frank Summers, 80, of Gary, Texas passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 in Gary, Texas surrounded by loved ones.  Born August 9, 1939, in Hamburg, Arkansas to Leonard Frank Summers and Helen Blanch (Moore) Summers. Funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Bethel Baptist Church, Hwy 315, Clayton, Texas with Bro. Eric Pledger and Jeremy Summers officiating.  

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1pm – 2pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church, Hwy 315, Clayton, Texas.

Jerry made his move to Texas as a teenager when his father Frank followed his call into the ministry to attend TBI in Henderson, Texas.  He attended Henderson and Marshall High Schools.  Although he graduated from Marshall, he always considered Henderson Home.  Jerry loved his family, his friends, music, and Jesus.  Work or play he always had Southern Gospel or Old Country playing and knew every word to every song.  He used any opportunity given to say “Let me tell you about My Jesus”.  Jerry was blessed with many work ventures through the years. However, he preferred working as his own boss and on his own schedule.  His most favored adventures of these would be, owning Summers Building Supply and Summers Building Contractors with his father and younger brother, owning J’s Corner Mini Mart in Mt. Enterprise, and owning and retiring from Summerstime Ice Company in Timpson.  Not to be forgotten, temporarily coming out of retirement to work for Gary ISD as he oversaw maintenance and the growth of the school campus.  He mentored many kids during his time at Gary ISD as well as Mt. Enterprise ISD when his children attended there and was known for leading cheers at pep rally’s and games for each. Jerry and the love of his life, Cindy, retired to Lake Murvaul in 2015.  Jerry was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Clayton, Texas.  

Jerry is survived by:
His wife of 33 years, Cindy Hudson Summers

Children: 
Regina (DeWayne) Pace
Amy (Rusty) Dorman
Jeremy Summers
Casie (Robby) Spivey

Grandchildren: 
Kendall Casey
Colton (Haley) Casey
Holly (Seth) Shrell
Heather Deason
Raini Dorman
Jack Harris
Megan Harris
Chet (Shea) Dorman
Miles Dorman
Dayni Spivey
Saydi Spivey
Kennedy Summers

Great-grandchildren: 
Presleigh and Conley Casey
Hudson and Hunter Shrell
Alivia Deason
Gemma Harris
Knox Dorman

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Blanch Summers; brothers, Gene Summers, Dale Summers; and daughter, Erica Deason Harris.

Pallbearers serving will be Rusty Dorman, Sid Harris, Robby Spivey, Allen Owens, DeWayne Pace, and Pete Andrews.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA, 30047. https://www.lbda.org/donate

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

09/16/2019

Bobby Joe Fountain Sr., 76, of Center, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019, in Timpson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Center First United Pentecostal Church with Bro. Marlow Shubert and David Hailey officiating. Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mr. Fountain was born December 11, 1942, in Shelby County to John Mitchell Fountain and Ruth Laverne Mancil Fountain. He served in the United States Army. In 1966, Mr. Fountain began working at Borders Enterprises, where he was still currently employed. His hobbies included studying ancestry, breeding and raising squirrel dogs, and deer hunting.

He is survived by:
His wife: Delores Ann Fountain

Daughter: Lisa Hailey and husband David

Son: Joey Fountain and wife, Iletha

Grandchildren: 
Alissa Kate Hailey
Abbey Danae Hailey
Mitchell Brown Fountain
Leah Faith Fountain

Brother: James Fountain and wife Diane

Sister: Paula Rogers and husband Rick

Mother-in-law: Rachel Addison

He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Addison Brooke Hailey; parents, John Mitchell Fountain and Ruth Laverne Mancil Fountain Akridge; brother, Billy Eugene Fountain; and father-in-law, Junior Brown Addison.

Pallbearers will be Scott Sonmor, Jonathan Bryant, Shad Lout, Trey Byrnes, Mike Lengl, and Larry Joe Eaves. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Fountain and Richard Tomlin.

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

09/13/2019

Jesse Lorace Baker, 89, of Lufkin, passed on September 11, 2019.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Danny Dodson officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. 

Jesse Lorace Baker was born in Trinity County, Texas on June 21, 1930. If you knew him, you called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.

Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling in Dad a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled us with tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Dad never tired of telling us about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it thrilled Dad to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?

J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones and all bets were off. They were married for 49 years during which Mom made him the best potato salad in the world. Dad adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead. Our grandfather recalled Dad exclaiming, “Lord, do I have to fill up the backyard with boys before we get a girl?” He was giving man, if too much sometimes. He often supported others knowing full well it would never be returned. 

Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved him some Longhorn football as well. But let’s talk his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” Dad loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.

Dad was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught us all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun; a modified version of the porch musicals, I suppose. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.

He is survived by:

Sons and daughters-in-law:
Jeff and Candace Baker of Center
K.C. and Edwina Baker of New Braunfels
Matthew and Sarah Baker of Nashville

Grandkids:
Kristen and husband Aaron Gary of Dallas
Kacie and husband Matt Perez of Dallas
Kristopher Baker of Nashville
Haley Baker of Franklin, TN
Kelley Baker of New Braunfels
Brandon and wife Christina Wood of Lufkin
Brady Wood of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Brynn, Matthew and Nate Gary of Dallas
Ian Wood of Lufkin
As of November, Leah Maria Perez of Dallas

He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.

Pallbearers will be Kristopher Edwin Baker, Patrick Miller, Jeff Mott, Brent Alexander, Brady Wood and Tony Arabie.

Special thanks to Candy Baker, Isabel Harrison, Jennie Phillips, Shawna and Lauren Sanford who cared for Dad and made his last days and hours bearable. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jesse Baker’s name may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or online at https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate/honor-loved-ones.html.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com

At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Adios Dad. We love you. Save some potato salad for us.

Services are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas.

09/13/2019

Glen Glaze, 63, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019, in Tenaha. His wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned.

Mr. Glaze was born April 7, 1956, in Center, to James Franklin Glaze and Vera Louise Paxton Glaze. He worked as a logger for many years.

He is survived by:

His children: 
J.D. Glaze and wife Teagan
Stephanie Ramsey and husband Shane
Little Glen Glaze
Jacky Estes

Numerous grandchildren

Sisters: 
Kay Bates and husband Milton
Diane Wilkerson and Mary

Brother: Johnny Wayne Glaze

Numerous nieces, nephews, and other family

Preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Glaze and Vera Louise Paxton Glaze and his brother, Buddy Glaze.

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

 

09/13/2019

Doris Jean Whitley, 89, of Center, Texas passed away on September 12, 2019 in Center. She was born on February 20, 1930 in Zwolle, Louisiana to Laurie “Son” Windham and Zelma Squyres Windham.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Sardis Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Doris grew up in the Sardis Community and graduated from Sardis High School. She was a light-hearted, fun loving woman who enjoyed having a great time. Doris was an avid card and domino player. She especially loved poker and 42. You could guarantee that Doris would take her chances and place bets on football games. Her most treasured moments were spent with her daughter and surrounded by family. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Hamshire, Texas. 

Doris is survived by:

Daughter: Ruth Elizabeth “Liz” Richardson Harris and husband, David of Santa Fe, Texas

Brother: Charles Patrick Windham and wife, Janice of Center

Sister: Shirley Shofner and husband, Joe of Center

Grandchildren and their father: 
Nathan Paul Hanna of Beaumont, Texas, Megan Rae Hanna of Austin, Texas and their father Thomas Nathan Hanna of Kountze, Texas

Great-Grandchildren:
Halleigh Kay Hannah of Winnie, Texas
Ireland Grace Hannah of Beaumont, Texas

She is preceded in death by her parents, Son and Zelma Windham; brothers, Melvin Thomas Windham and Donal Ray Windham; and sisters, Annie Ruth Watson and Sally Lavern Lawson. 
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

09/09/2019

William Cade Faust, 17, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2019, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Rusty Hall officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

William was born September 5, 2002, in Nacogdoches, to Bill Faust and Randa Askew. He was currently a student and his hobbies included hunting and fishing.

He is survived by:

Father, Bill Faust and wife Bevin of Shelbyville

Mother, Randa McMahon and husband Matthew of Granbury

Sisters:
Tori Hicks and husband Gus of Granbury
Sierra Partlow and husband Trevor of Center

Brothers:
Maison Rivers of Shelbyville
Ruger Raymond of Shelbyville

Grandparents:
Bonnie and Ricky Sims of Shelbyville
Charlsie and John Clark of Shelbyville
Lance Moton of Shelbyville

Nieces and nephews, Korbyn Hicks, Kash Hicks, and Maverick Partlow

Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his grandfather, William Faust and aunt, Page Clark.

Pallbearers will be Chase Spears, Trevor Jackson, Gus Hicks, Trevor Partlow, Maison Rivers, Jacob Jackson, Brayden Askew, Cole McDaniel, and Danny Arnold. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Sims, Kyle Steptoe, and Lance Moton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward funeral expenses or a charity of your choice.

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

09/01/2019

Jim Bob Gray, 69, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Memorial graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Gray was born August 2, 1950, in Center, to Marvin “R.J.” Gray and Winfrey Dell Neil Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Gray; stepchildren, Robert Paul Prichard of Joaquin and Tara McBee of Joaquin; sisters, Dellie Witt and husband Larry of Florida, Leta Hutto and husband Chester of Center, and Nancy Taylor and husband Robert of Florida; nephew and nieces, Jason Vaughn, Windy Wallace, and Laura Yanaz.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin “R.J.” Gray and Winfrey Dell Neil Gray; sister, Agatha Vaughn; and nephew, William Shannon Vaughn.

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

08/30/2019

Kristal Florene Locke, 94, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on August 28, 2019 in San Antonio. She was born on October 8, 1924 in Center, Texas to John Locke and Martha (Matte) Eudora Higginbotham Locke.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Newburn Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

Kristal grew up in Center and graduated from Center High School. She enjoyed living a simple life doing the things she loved most like gardening, cooking and decorating. Her grandsons were the joy of her life and when they were younger, she was very involved in their lives. Her most precious companion was her dog, Dixie Bell.

Kristal is survived by:

Son, Kenneth Peters, Jr. of Dallas

Grandchildren:
Kenneth Sean Peters of Phoenix, Arizona
Ronald David Peters, Jr. of Dallas
Christopher Peters of Japan

One great-granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha Locke; and son, Ronald David Peters, Sr.

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net

08/30/2019

Billy E. Lawson, 88, of Center, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at Pine Grove Nursing Center, with family.

A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 3rd at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.  Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. with Brother Carl Smith, Brother Bobby Bressman, and Manuel Arcibar officiating.  Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in the James/Antioch Community.

Mr. Lawson was born January 25, 1931, at his family’s new home in the Antioch Community.  He is the son of the late Hobson Lawson and Lela Jones Lawson.  After attending Center High School, he served his country during the Korean Conflict.  During this time, while stationed at Fort Hood, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Lawson.  They were married for 58 years until her death in 2010.

After leaving the service, he and his new bride moved to the Coast and was employed by Dow Chemical and later came back to Shelby County.  He was employed by Bruce Hardwood Floors, later bought out by Armstrong, as a supervisor over 3 departments.  He retired after 40 years of service.  He also was a cattle rancher.

Mr. Lawson was the father of three daughters, Debra, Luciana, and Sherry.  He and his family are members at First Baptist Church, Center in which his grandfather was one of it’s founders.  He loved God and he loved family.

Family survivors include:

Daughters:
Debra Lawson Yarbrough
Luciana Lawson Barr and husband Charles
Sherry Lawson

Grandchildren:
Cade Yarbrough and wife Traci
Nathan Yarbrough
Blake Barr and wife Alix

Great-grandchildren:
Cole Yarbrough
Mallory Yarbrough
Dillon Yarbrough
Charles Brent Barr
Kennedi Barr
Braylon James Barr

Sister, Ruby Lawson Hughes

Sisters-in-law:
Wynell Lawson
Leona Lawson
Nadine Lawson
Clydia Lawson

Brother-in-law, Randy Andrews

Former son-in-law, Bruce Yarbrough

A host of nephews, nieces and friends.

Mr. Lawson was preceded in death by his parents, Hobson Lawson and Lela Jones Lawson; wife, Jean Andrews Lawson; grandson, Charles Brent Barr; brothers, Joel, Glenn, Happy, Forriest, and Tommy; sisters, Oleta Lawson Cockrell, Mildred Lawson Partlow, and Judy Lawson Carrington; sister-in-law, Sally Windham Lawson; brothers-in-law, Charles Paul Hughes, James (Bud) Andrews, Darrell Partlow, and Ernest Carrington; and mother and father-in-law, James J. Andrews and Iva Mac Ogden Andrews.

Pallbearers will be Cade Yarbrough, Nathan Yarbrough, Blake Barr, Johnny Barr, Steve Barr, and Larry Horn.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Antioch Cemetery Fund c/o Lenora Walton, 237 CR 3129, Center, Texas 75935.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Pine Grove Nursing Center and staff for their love and care and Affinity Hospice. Special thanks to caregiver, Charlotte Garrett.

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

 

08/29/2019

Thomas Rex Parkman, 91, of Lufkin, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2019 in a Lufkin hospice facility.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mark A. Newton and Brother Wayne Roberson officiating. Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. Sunday in Ramah Cemetery in Shelby County, close to the home where he was born.

Mr. Parkman was born August 28, 1928 in Tenaha, Texas, the son of the late Minnie Ellen (Pickard) and Thomas Preston Parkman.

After attending high school in Tenaha, Rex served his country in the U.S. Army and later in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in accounting, and became a senior accountant for Dupont in Victoria, Texas, where he served for 35 years. During this time, Rex met and married his sweetheart, Robbie. This love affair lasted 69 wonderful years.

Mr. Parkman was the father of two sons, Tom and Jim. His love for his family was only matched by his love for God and His church. When he was 26 years old, Rex was ordained as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Victoria, an appointment which he took very seriously. He practiced what he preached and earned the respect of all who knew him. Mr. Parkman was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church Lufkin.

Family survivors include his wife, Robbie (Thompson) Parkman of Lufkin; son, Jim Parkman and wife Sharon; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and his brother, Hubert Parkman and wife Jane.

Rex was preceded in death by his son, Tom Parkman.

Pallbearers will be Danny Parkman, Joshua Parkman, Mark Williams and Joseph Zwolinski. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Zwolinski, Bill Wesley, Delbert Parrott and David Kirkland.

The family wishes to thank Hospice in the Pines for exemplary care and to also thank all his friends who prayed and cared for him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75904, or to the Ramah Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 204, Tenaha, Texas 75974.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

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