Shelby County Today

10/15/2025

Mary Russell Haley, aged 84, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1941, Mary lived a life defined by compassion, intellect, and quiet strength.

She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University, where she cultivated a deep love for education and literacy. As a Professional Reading Specialist, Mary taught both high school and college students, inspiring generations with her belief in the transformative power of learning. Her students often described her classes as a mix of strong instruction liberally sprinkled with a dose of humor—a reflection of her ability to make learning both rigorous and joyful.

Beyond the classroom, Mary served as Executive Vice President of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, where she championed local businesses and community development with vision and grace.

Her commitment to service extended across many organizations, including the Women’s Symphony League, TCU Alumni Associations, the Senate Ladies Club, the Legislative Ladies Club, the National Council of Teachers of English, the Texas Community College Teachers Association, and the Addison & Randolph Clark Society for TCU. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mary was honored with the TCU Alumni Service Award in 2017.

Faith was a guiding force in Mary’s life. She was an active member of University Christian Church in Austin, where she served in various roles and found deep joy and fellowship as part of the Seekers church school class.

Of all her accomplishments, Mary’s most treasured roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother—affectionately known as “Gigi.”

She is survived by:

Son, Jeffrey Russell Haley and his wife Michele Elaine (Genova)

Grandsons:
William Russell Haley of Austin
Jonathan Michael Haley of Austin

Son, Robert Colin Haley and his wife Lisa Marie (Norwood)

Grandchildren:
Andrew Christopher Haley of Bertram, Texas
Ava Brooke Haley of Bertram, Texas
Alexis Giuliana Haley of Bertram, Texas

Sister, Elizabeth Shogren of Harrisburg, Illinois

Many beloved nieces and nephews

Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bill, her parents, and her brother.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 22, from 6–8pm at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, located at 411 Ranch Rd 620 South in Lakeway. Services will take place Thursday, October 23, at 10am at University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, Texas. Burial will follow at the Texas State Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Haley Family Fund for Medicine and the Arts at TCU, the Mary Scriven and James W. Haley Endowed Theatre Scholarship at TCU, or the University Christian Church Organ Fund.

10/15/2025

Alice O’Rear McCann was born in Huxley on September 6, 1932. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 13, 2025, at the age of 93. Services will be held at Mangum Funeral Home on October 17, 2025, at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley. Officiating will be Brother Gordon Vaughn and Brother Rob Merriman.

Alice is survived by:

Loving husband of 65 years (almost 66), Gary Edward McCann

Son, Gary and wife Trellis

Daughter, Lisa McCann

Grandson, Odis Edward Welch

Sisters-in-law:
Wanda O’Rear
Wanda Addison
Pat McCann

Brother-in-law, Danny McCann and Marilyn

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Alice is preceded in death by her parents Elzie and Netie O’Rear; father-in-law and mother-in-law
J. B. and Bessie McCann; sister Sue Boles; brothers J.P., Travis, Cindy, Billie Joe, and Mack O’Rear; sisters-in-law, Joan O’Rear, Mittie O’Rear and Barbara Pope; brother-in-law Mike McCann.

Alice was a devoted member of MacArthur Heights Baptist Church in Pinehurst, Texas. In 2011, she and Ed moved to Center, and she attended First Baptist Church. She was a strong and faithful servant. Her passion was sharing Christ. She penned these words, “Life’s greatest reward is to know Him”. It was her deepest desire for ALL to know HIM.

Alice enjoyed caring for others, cooking, and good conversations. She never met a stranger. Visits with Alice were filled with laughter and questions. Such questions might lead to one’s family tree. Somehow, she felt she might be related to everyone with whom she crossed paths. She delighted in making connections and building bonds with everyone.

Alice graduated from Strong School in Huxley in 1950. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1954. She taught at Little Cypress in Orange. Shortly after becoming a teacher, she met the love of her life. They married on October 23, 1959, and their days were filled with an indescribable love for each other.

Serving as pallbearers will be Odis Welch, Sammy O’Rear, Larry O’Rear, Keith O’Rear, Mark O’Rear, and Craig Hendricks. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Parish, Boo Klein, Shawn Hairgrove, and Jeff Spieckerman.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Pokala and staff, Candace Mahan, FNP-C with Cline Family Medicine, and the entire staff of Affinity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wimberly Cemetery Fund, 11466 FM 2694, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.

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

10/14/2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Candy (Ansley) Nestle, age 61, of Center, Texas, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Candy was born on January 9, 1964, in Houston, Texas, to Glenn and Alice (Chandler) Ansley. She graduated from MacArthur High School in 1983, and that was a proud moment in her life – something she carried with her through the years. No matter what she faced, she made the best of her circumstances and loved her family.

She is survived by:
Children,
Alice Nestle, and husband, Michael Nichols of Center
Allen Nestle, and wife, Nikki of Center

Grandchildren:
Michael Nichols Jr.
Ansley Nettle
Waylon Nichols
Seth Nichols
Addilynn Nichols
Evangeline Nichols
Nikolas Nestle
Paxton Nestle
Glenn Nestle

Mother, Alice Ansley

Siblings:
Tom Ansley, and wife, Denise
Allison Ansley Hartz, and husband, Timothy

She is also remembered by nieces and nephews:
Ashley Ansley Jarrell, and husband, Brent
Lauren Hartz Edwards, and husband Stephen
Amber Ansley Halverson, and husband, Brandon
Alex Hartz, and wife, Kaylynn

Great-nieces and great-nephews:
Joshua and Luke Jarrell
Cole and Emma Edwards
Henry Halverson
Hudson Halverson
Heidi Halverson

Candy is preceded in death by her father, Glenn Ansley and granddaughter, Glennda Nestle. 

Candy lived her life with a kind and forgiving heart. She faced a lot of challenges in life, but somehow, she always found her way back on her feet – often because of the love and support from family and friends. She was deeply grateful for everyone who stood by her, reached out to her, and cared about her though the years.

On behalf of Candy, if she didn’t get the chance to say it herself, our family wants you to know how much she appreciated each and every one of you.

Candy lived simply. She leaned on others when she needed to, but she also gave back in the ways she could – with her love, her time, and her heart. She had a gentle sprit and a heart big enough to forgive and to love freely. Those who truly knew her saw her strength, her generosity, and the goodness at the core of who she was.

A graveside service will be held at McClelland Church Cemetery, 519 County Rd. 2571, Center, Texas 75935 on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited for visitation and fellowship in the church fellowship hall, where light food and drinks will be served. All who knew and loved Candy are welcome to attend and celebrate her life. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Flowers may be sent to: Mangum Funeral Home 420 San Augustine Street Center, TX 75935 (936) 598-3341

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

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

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

10/09/2025

Pat Daugherty, 76, of Joaquin, passed away at his residence on Monday, October 6, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 11 am to noon at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. the same day at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana. 

Pat was born on May 12, 1949, in Shreveport, LA to the late Mike and Betty Ann Garrett Daugherty. He served in the United States Air Force and owned Pat’s Auto Body. Pat loved working on cars and going to car shows. Pat met his late wife, Sue, at his parents’ restaurant, The Angler, in Huxley, Texas. They were married on June 11,1983 for 38 years.

He is survived by:
Sons: Richard Daugherty and wife Lauren
Russell Daugherty

Grandchildren: 
Rudy Daugherty
Madilyn Daugherty
Raddix Daugherty
Luka Daugherty

Sister-in-law, Shery Holmes

Pat is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Daugherty; parents, Mike Daugherty and Betty Ann Daugherty; brother, Billy Daugherty; nephew, Michael Ray; sister-in-law, Kay Harvey; and brother-in-law, Thomas Harvey.

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

10/08/2025

Dennis “Gus” Permenter, 88, of Joaquin, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Joaquin.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1pm Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born April 10, 1937, in Shelbyville, Gus is the son of Thomas Bryant Permenter and Nellie Daisy Taylor Permenter.  He was a hard worker and an avid outdoorsman, often enjoying fishing and hunting. Gus loved his family more than anything. He attended Jackson Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

He is survived by:

Son, Dennis Permenter and wife Danielle of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Mallory Permenter
Richard Pinkston and wife Elizabeth
Colton Rhame and wife Michelle

Great-grandchildren:
Kinsley Pinkston
Andrew Pinkston
Nora Pinkston
Cailyn Rhame
Cole Rhame

Brothers:
Huie Gene Permenter and wife Beverly of Stanley, Louisiana
W.T. Permenter and wife Marie of Belton, Texas

Sister, JoBeth and husband Ed Dubois of Bridge City, Texas

Preceded in death by wife, Patricia Gayle Permenter; daughter, Johnnie Gayle Permenter; parents, Thomas Bryant Permenter and Nellie Daisy Taylor Permenter; siblings, Roy Permenter, Sam Permenter, Mary Jarrell, Maglan Permenter, Daisy Bland, and Janice Spruell.

Pallbearers will be Buck Furlow, Michael Jarrell, Wesley Permenter, Ron Permenter, Charlie Permenter, and Bo Spruell.  Honorary pallbearer will be Sam Permenter, Jr.

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

10/06/2025

Georgia Faye Peek, 66, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Longview.

Her wishes were to be cremated, and a private family memorial will be held later.

Born October 16, 1958, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, Georgia is the daughter of A.J. Price and Eloise Sullivan Price. She loved crocheting and watching westerns. Taking care of her family and cooking them meals brought her great joy. Georgia especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by:
Her husband, John Thomas Peek Sr.

Children:
Bobby Gene Peek
John Thomas Peek Jr.
Jeremy Peek

Grandchildren:
Kristen Peek
John Peek III
Melissa Peek
Addison Peek

Great-grandchildren:
Hadley Hughes-Peek
Saylem Windham

Siblings:
Shelby Sullivan
Jeffrey Anding
Beau Price
Lisa Franks
Vicky Burr
Carla Williams
William Thomas Anding

Preceded in death by grandchildren, Dakota Peek and Jeremy Peek Jr.; and parents, A.J. Price and Eloise Sullivan Price.

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

10/04/2025

Charlie Keith Lout, 47, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Lufkin, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. Born on June 18, 1978, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Howard Allen Lout and Mary Lou (Bussey) Lout. He was the younger brother to Susan and Joanna and the apple of everyone's eye, particularly his Papa Mac Bussey. As a child he was often the voice of Lout Furniture, the Sunshine Place.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1-2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, in Center, Texas. Funeral service will follow at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home with Rev. Dathan Triplett officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Charlie met and married Rachel Minton in 2003. He and Rachel had 3 practically perfect sons, Aidan, Keaton and Maddox. His boys were his world. He was a hands on dad that never minded getting up for nighttime feedings or changing diapers. When Maddox was a baby Rachel worked nights so he was on baby duty all night by himself. He only had to call Rachel for help once.

He loved spending time with his boys, whether it was fishing, camping or playing video games. When they started playing sports he found a new love, baseball. Countless hours have been spent at the baseball field over the years.

When he was diagnosed with cancer last year he was gifted additional months of life by 2 very skilled surgeons and he made the very most of that time. Even though he was sick he made it a point to make almost every one of Maddox's baseball games. Once he got out of the hospital and went straight to the field in time to catch Maddox closing out the winning game. During this past year he also rediscovered his love for golf. He and Aidan spent countless hours at different courses making memories. He got frustrated with his lack of strength but still played though the pain. He loved to sit in the living room and listen to Keaton playing guitar. They had plans to get matching tattoos soon.

This year he followed Rachel along to garage sales, estate sales and even the Goodwill Bins just because it was important to him to spend time with her.

This last year was an epic one for Charlie. He was able to see his beloved Philadelphia Eagles win another Superbowl. (Tough luck as always, Cowboys fans) He hit a hole in one at Lumberjack National one day while playing with Aidan. This July during last time he played golf, he and Aidan won a Father/Son golf tournament. How's that for a grand finale?

Fly Eagles Fly!

He is survived by his loving wife,
Rachel Lout

Sons:
Aidan Lout and special friend Bree Davis
Keaton Lout
Maddox Lout

Sisters:
Susan Penick and husband Brandon
Joanna Birdwell and husband Del

Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family that will mis him.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Lou Lout; grandparents, Mac and Mattie Lou Bussey, and Maxie and Ruby Lout.

Pallbearers serving will be Del Birdwell, Brandon Penick, Cody Russell, Garrett Hill, Taylor Talavera, Levi Birdwell, Jeremy Bamburg, and David Minton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a GoFundMe account established to assist with funeral costs and expenses following the tragic loss of the family home in a recent fire. Your generosity and support during this difficult time are deeply appreciated.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-me-and-my-family-through-this-hard-time-thank-you?lang=en_US

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

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

10/02/2025

Mary Montez Corbell McNaughten, 87, of Lufkin, Texas passed from this life on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025 at Starr Funeral Home Chapel, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jon Waller officiating. Honorary Pastor will be Bro. Mike Tieman.

Burial will follow service in Bethany Memorial Gardens Cemetery located in Milam, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Brad Goodwin, Jared Waller, Zoey Waller, David Rice, Kory Castillo, Aidan Gilbert, Sam Boyle, Jayce Murry, Jacob Elliott, Kevin Ingle, Jay Ingle, Micah Ingle, Cody Corbell, Daniel Stokes, Matt Vincent, Travis Parrott, David Williams and Darin Williams.

Montez was born November 6, 1937 in Shelby County, Texas, to P. C. and Lovetta Emmons Corbell. Being the oldest of 6 siblings, it was incumbent upon Montez to teach her brother and young sisters all she learned in school. So began her history of teaching.

She began at age five at Huxley School and graduated from Strong High School in 1955. She attended SFA State College (now University), Lamar University, and Texas Western (now UTEP) over many years and graduated from the University of Georgia after all her children were born. She was a most appreciated math teacher at Shelbyville High School and Hemphill High School and taught many math courses as adjunct at Angelina College. After retiring from teaching several times, she was asked at age 80 to tutor 7th and 8th grade students in math for the Texas Starr Test, which she excitedly did. She had a real gift for math.

Montez and James Wendell (Joe) McNaughten married in 1984 and blended their families. They enjoyed almost 40 years together. What a blessing Joe was to her.

Montez was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She was a very good cook and loved cooking for her large family. Corbell Christmas always enjoyed her vegetables and soups and, of course, Joe’s brisket!! Just like her mother, Montez was an excellent seamstress. Her daughters always had beautiful outfits to wear to every occasion.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children:

Son, Dr. Lee (Rusty) Waller, Jr. and wife, Dr. Sharon Snider Waller

Daughters:
Karen Johnson and husband, Glenn
Kimberly Elliott Konnie Long and husband, Randy
Mary Ann Oliver and husband, Craig
Lydia Turner
Stacie McNaughten

Sisters:
Jerry Sue Williams
Betty Kay Blount and husband, Gene
Charlotte Ingle

Sisters-in-law:
Mary Joyce O’Riley
Shirley Park and husband, Stephen
Helen Forman
Betty Turley

Grandchildren:
Bradley Goodwin and wife, Sherry
Dr. Melissa Rice and husband, David
Amanda Boyle and husband, Sam
Jonathan Waller and wife, Erin
Jared Waller
Zoey Waller
Jayce Murry and wife, Susan
Jacob Elliott and wife, Emily
Nicole Brown
Elizabeth Poindexter
Adrienne Poindexter
Danielle Turner
Kory Castillo
Aidan Gilbert
Avery Gilbert

Great-grandchildren:
Victoria (Zack)
Maddie (Jake)
Jeremiah
Joshua
Miriam
Gabriel
Evelyn
Jackson
Christian
Pete
Jacob
Reagan
Allie
Hallie
Avery
Brady
Lola
Jackson
Jada
Clair
Emily
Khole

One great-great grandchild on the way; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and countless friends and former students.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Joe McNaughten; precious daughter, Kathi Goodwyn; son-in-law: Billy Poole; father and mother, PC and Lovetta Corbell; father and mother-in-law, Benton and Lydia McNaughten; granddaughters, Leslie Brown and Katy Brownlee; grandson, Timothy Turner; great grandsons: Nathan and Kaleb Kline; brother and sister-in-law, Perry and Sandra Corbell; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Dale Vincent; brother-in-law, Bennie McNaughten; sister-in-law, Lois Anderson and husband, Roy; and four infant brothers.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.

10/01/2025

Jeremy Jereaud Smith, 37, of Center, Texas, passed away passed away on September 24, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born on September 27, 1987, in Galveston, Texas, to Mervin Harper and Charlene (Smith) Cooper.

Visitation will be held at the Old Center High School Gymnasium, 658 Roughrider Dr., Center, Texas, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, beginning at 12 noon. Funeral services will follow at 2PM with Minister Leland Watley II officiating.

At an early age Jeremy, Confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior. Jeremy believed that no matter what race you were everyone should be able to worship and come together as one. Often times Jeremy would attend church at Word of God’s Ministries in Shreveport, Louisiana because of the diversity in that church. Jeremy brought warmth and energy into the lives of those around him. A proud graduate of Center High School Class of 2007, Jeremy was most popular for best dress, good looking and the love for football. His passion for football was personal he deeply enjoyed the love of the game and was very community driven. Jeremy was a true family man, amazing father who cherished every moment with his boys. His greatest happiness came from being surrounded by loved ones and most of all FAMILY!!! Jeremy was serious about his physical fitness and could often be found working out at the gym. Jeremy had a hearty appetite for life and for food. His favorite meals were anything pasta-related but the very best was the famous Chicken Spaghetti you couldn’t miss him on that dish. Though his time was far too short, Jeremy’s legacy will forever live on in the life’s he touched through his kindness, enthusiasm for football, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished dearly.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Charles Henry Smith, Mozelle Smith, Melvin Harper, Diane Harper, Roy Denard Smith; and infant siblings, Jermaine Smith and Teresa Smith.

He is survived by:

Children:
Kaden Smith
Kaleb Smith

Parents:
Mervin Harper
Charlene Cooper and husband Robert

Brothers:
Marco Smith and wife Leah
Kais Cooper
Roderick Harper and wife Tiffany
Chris Harper
Justin Yarbrough and wife Karry

Sisters:
LaTressa Johnson and husband Carlos
KaDijah Cooper

Bonus Mom, Sandra McDaniel

Girlfriend, Nadia Suaste

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