Ola Dee “Dee Dee” Lobstein, of Cisco, Texas, was born in Odessa, Texas, on September 5, 1966. She passed away in Abilene, Texas, on August 6, 2026, at the age of 59.

Dee Dee was the daughter of Johnny Keck and Ola Dee Jarvis. She was the beloved wife of Earnest Lobstein Sr. and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Cattie Bullard, Amie Oliver, Tommy Lanell Roberts, and Earnest Lobstein Jr.; her grandchildren, Ashylnn, Jillian, Earnest III, Tate, Lilith, Shaun, and Charlotte; and her great-grandchild, Emory. She is also survived by her little brother, Billy Vest, along with extended family and loved ones.

Dee Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Keck and Ola Dee Jarvis, and her beloved grandchild, Chaney.

Dee Dee lived in Cisco and was a familiar and valued member of the community. She worked at Herman’s Auto Parts for 15 years. She was also a devoted companion to her dog, Reba, who held a special place in her heart and was an important part of her life.

A celebration of Dee Dee’s life will be held on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Cisco, Texas. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember her life, share memories, and celebrate the love she gave to those around her.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

April 2, 1939 – September 6, 2026

Age 87 • Gorman, Texas

Margarita De La Torre, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on April 2, 1939, to Maria del Refugio Garza and Gonzalo Romero, Margarita lived a beautiful and meaningful life centered around family, love, hard work, friendship, and the simple joys that brought people together.

Margarita and her beloved husband, Rafael De La Torre, shared a devoted marriage of 71 years. Together, they made Gorman, Texas, their home beginning in June 1980. Side by side, they built a life filled with family, memories, laughter, love, and countless moments that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them

Throughout her life, Margarita worked hard and formed many lasting friendships with coworkers and members of the Gorman community. She was known for her kind heart, quick wit, joyful personality, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a special way of making people laugh, offering advice when it was needed, and making those around her feel welcomed and cared for.

Her family was her greatest joy. She was always there when they needed her. She checked in on her family, offered her sound advice, and was only a phone call away whenever someone needed her. Her family knew they could always count on her.

She spent her time crocheting, sewing, and gardening. She loved spending time with her precious peacocks. She loved cooking for her family. She was a woman of many talents, but her passion was her family. She poured everything she had into each of them and instilled lasting impressions on all her loved ones. 

Margarita’s homemade food was something her family will never forget. The memories created around her table will continue to live on through the generations.

She took great pride in herself and always loved looking beautiful. Margarita was stylish, enjoyed her jewelry, and carried herself with a quiet confidence that was uniquely her own. Her family will always remember her beauty, her personality, and the way she carried herself with pride and grace.

Margarita lived a wonderful and peaceful life surrounded by the people she loved. She leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind pieces of herself in every generation of her family
 

Her laughter, jokes, stories, cooking, traditions, and unmistakable personality have left an everlasting imprint on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
 

She Is Survived By

Her beloved husband of 71 years, Rafael De La Torre.

Her children:

Delia (Carlos) Ibarra

Hector (Elvira) De La Torre

Luis (Victoria) De La Torre

Cuauhtémoc (Martha) De La Torre

Edith (Enrique) De La Torre

Hilda De La Torre

Juan ( Tammy) De La Torre

Jackie De La Torre

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Preceded in Death

Margarita was preceded in death by her parents, Maria del Refugio Garza and Gonzalo Romero, and her beloved daughter, Hilda Estella.

Services:

Viewing

Higginbotham Funeral Home

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Funeral Service

Higginbotham Funeral Home

Thursday, September 10, 2026

10:00 AM
 

Burial

Gorman Cemetery

Gorman, Texas

Margarita’s life was a gift to her family and to all who knew her. Though she may be gone from our sight, the love she gave us will remain in our hearts and live on through every generation she touched.
 

Her family will carry her with them always—in their hearts, in their homes, around their tables, during the holidays, and in all the little moments that remind them of her. 
 

Her life was deeply loved.

Her memory will never be forgotten.

And her love will live on.

 Jim passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. 

He was born on September 14, 1937, in Grapevine, Texas to the late Frank Joseph and Marie (Benesh) Hornick. Jim has lived in Mineola for the past 8 years where he was an active member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was previously of Lindale and Ranger, Texas. Jim served his country in the United States Army and worked throughout his life in the Banking industry. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, raising cattle, hunting, and spending time with his beloved family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and for his strong work ethic. 

Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Bob Hornick, Josephine Narin, Marie Bockman, Francis Spivey, and Ed Hornick. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Hornick of Mineola; children, Donna Summerville and husband, Bryan of Lindale and Kevin Hornick and wife, Tiffany of Weatherford; grandchildren, Dylan Tiiman, Sydney Tiiman, Keely Tiiman, Beckham Tiiman, Mason Hornick, and Preston Hornick; great grandchild, Bennett Tiiman; and numerous other loving family members and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Tiiman, Beckham Tiiman, Mason Hornick, Preston Hornick, Slade Hornick, and Tracy Hornick. Honorary pallbearer is Bobby Bockman. 

   The family has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church building fund. www.nhbcmineola.com

Born on July 23, 1940 in Cisco, Texas, Mickey grew up in Eastland County, where much of her family still resides. She attended Eastland High school, where she forged many friendships and made lifelong memories. It was during those years that she first met the love of her life. Ray and Mickey first laid eyes on one another at just 14, over a concessions table at the Dixie Drive-in movie in Olden, Texas. As the second eldest child, Mickey was there with several of her younger siblings when a young man caught her eye. After a heartfelt courtship, Ray and Mickey Married on August 15, 1958, and thus began their lifelong journey together. They recently celebrated 68 beautiful years together. Mickey first made the decision to accept Christ as a young adult, but didn't truly feel confident in her faith until she attended a revival in San Saba. After an encouraging conversation with pastor Benny Hagan that solidified her commitment, she became a devout follower of Christ to which her family often looked for strength. As a devoted pastor's wife of 54 years, Mickey faithfully served at numerous churches, including her Possum Kingdom church family as a Sunday school teacher and secretary for 21 years. After retiring from ministry, Ray and Mickey have enjoyed their church home at Leon River for the past several years. Mickey's love for the Lord surpassed the walls of the church and could be felt in the warmth of her smile and the kindness of a servant's heart. 

She is survived by her husband, Ray Rodgers, brother Jerry Lowrance and wife Nancy Lowrance, sister Vicky Lowrance Pierce and husband Joe Pierce, daughter Ginger Boucher and husband Jimmy Boucher, son Darren Rodgers and wife Kathy Rodgers, four granddaughters Mylinda White, Mylissa Capp and husband Kyle Capp, Katelyn Harrison and Husband Scott Harrison, Brooklyn Rodgers, and great grandchildren, Corbyn White, Brayten Capp, Brylee Capp, and Beckhym Capp. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Doris Lowrance, brother Don Lowrance, and sister Cathy Sandlin. Mickey was the heart and soul of her family, with a smile that brightened every darkness, and a laugh that echoes in the joy of her family. She found great happiness in making people laugh and was known for her sharp wit and loving nature. A lover of literature, she could often be found lost in the pages of a book, and enjoyed reading birthday cards, letters, and messages from loved ones. She held many titles throughout her life, but held a very special place in the hearts of four granddaughters, to whom she was known affectionately as Nana Dahling.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland with Rev. Jimmy McCloud officiating. Interment will follow at Eastland City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the funeral home.

He was born on October 25, 1946, in Gorman, Texas, the beginning of a life defined, from its very first chapter, by service to others.

On his 17th birthday, Charles enlisted in the United States Army. While most young men his age were focused on the ordinary pleasures of youth, Charles chose a different path, volunteering to serve his country when others were dodging the draft. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), where he served for three years. During his service, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and an Overseas Service Bar, and he qualified as Marksman with the rifle and Expert with the M-14 rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1966, then continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until October 1969.

After his military service, Charles built a varied and hardworking career, including roles in retail management, at UPS in Albuquerque, as a Real Estate Broker in Ennis, Texas, and as a Facilities Manager at Tarleton State University. In Ennis, he gave generously of his time to the community, including serving as chairman of the Polka Festival Parad

His commitment to family was every bit as selfless as his commitment to community. When his parents needed daily care, Charles walked away from a successful real estate career in Ennis and moved to Eastland, Texas, to be by their side, putting their needs above his own without hesitation.

It was, perhaps, his lifelong devotion to fellow veterans that most defined who Charles was. Through his career and long into retirement, he remained deeply involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Year after year, he chose to give up his own Thanksgivings and Christmases with family so he could spend those holidays with veterans who had no living family of their own. He attended the funerals of veterans who would otherwise have gone unmourned, and he visited sick and hospitalized veterans simply so they would not be alone. For Charles, service never ended when his uniform came off.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents J.C. Johnson and Audine Reed-Johnson, and his brothers, Kenneth Dean Reed and Marvin Ray Reed. He is survived by his brother, Larry Joe Reed, and his sisters, Faye Whittle and Deborah Kerr, along with nieces Kaci Earnest and Danette Whittle Murphy, and nephews Kenneth Reed Jr., Kevin Reed, Kendal Reed, Jarrett Reed, Shawn Whittle, and John Walker, as well as many other extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff and nurses at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home for lovingly caring for Charles over the past two years.

In keeping with his wishes, Charles will be laid to rest at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. A service will be held graveside on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or to the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home, in honor of the countless hours Charles gave to his fellow veterans and the loving care he received in his final years.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com

She Married Walter C. Graham on January 30, 1965. Their daughter, Cecilia was born on August 29, 1967, and they raised her in Abilene, Texas. Upon retirement. Burnell and Walter took over and expanded the Evans’ homestead and built a new home. In this setting, Burnell enjoyed bird watching and wildlife observation, taking care of beloved pets, gardening and caring for plants.

Burnell was a devoted wife, loving mother and a life long Southern Baptist with a kind and generous spirit.

She was preceded in death in death by her parents Loyd and Clara Evans and her older sister Elizabeth Evans. She is survived by her husband, Walter Graham and her daughter, Cecilia Graham (and her loving Dachshund, Wally).

A memorial service will be held on August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM for family and friends at Corinth Baptist Church, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland.

Price was born on 12/11/1932 in Bunger, Texas to George and Katy Rose. He attended Ranger High School, Ranger College and then served at Fort Bliss, earning a GI Bill. This allowed him to earn two degrees from Texas A&M University in Electrical Engineering. He married the love of his life, Betty Faye Rose, December 21st,1953 and spent the next 73 beautiful years keeping her busy with his various adventures. His career with Chevron began in New Orleans, took them to Indonesia and ended in Saudi Arabia. After raising children on three continents, Betty was ready to come home to Eastland County, where they have continued with the family and Christian ministry priorities!

Price & Betty were good stewards and were able to retire at the young age of 50! Ever since, Price and Betty have been hosting family and friend get-togethers at Lake Leon. Dad’s family was a priority; their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have beautiful memories of their time at Mimi & Papaw’s lake house. His legacy is legendary as he taught multiple generations to honor our Lord and Savior with our choices each day. When not hosting extended family, Price kept Betty up at night with his clever projects, ideas and driving his tonka toys (backhoe, dozer and tractor). The lake, shop and ranch were his playground. Over the last four decades, he could be seen on his four-wheeler, behind the wheel of his skid steer, in his pick-up truck at the ranch or in his Lincoln but always with a Dr. Pepper in hand. Price liked to go! He was active in the community and enjoyed visiting friends at church, nursing homes, weekly coffee at McDonalds and friend’s homes. Every Sunday, Price would bring home the leftover donuts from FBC Eastland and pass them out to widows, friends and family on his way home. Price loved anything sweet and refused to let anything go to waste! He was a deacon at First Baptist Church Eastland, a pillar of faith in our community and loved to share Jesus with anyone who would listen all over the world. In addition, he was a strong supporter and founding board member for Solid Rock Ministries. Price is now with his daughter, Debra, in heaven, perhaps playing bridge, drinking iced tea and munching on chocolate chip cookies and ginger snaps. It’s likely he is making new friends as he never knew a stranger. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

Price is survived by his wife Betty, children James and Denise Rose, Duanna and Tim Hanners, Denise and Derek May, his twelve grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren: Shaunna and Lauren Howard, Jon and Laura, Guy, Natalie and Allison Redfield, Ben Redfield, Chisum and Jenna Redfield, Katie and Asheal, Grace, Abby, Kingston and Charlie Davis, David and Alaina and Macie Rose, Nathan and Joy Hanners, Michael Hanners, Chisum and Jenna Redfield, Jessica and Todd, Mia and Lorelai McMullin, Brice and Sarah May, Ashlyn and Jarett, Branch and Banks Stanley, Avery May, nephews Richard and Billy Whittington, nieces Donna Durbin, Roselane Brummet, Pat and Mike Brummet, SueAnn Burleson and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Price was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sisters Rachel Wakefield, Lanelle Brummet, Wanda Burleson, and Carolyn Whittington, his daughter Debbie Rose and great grandson Nathaniel Hanners.

Under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. To sign the online registry, you may go to www.edwardsfh.com

Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 from 5~7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15^th at First Baptist Church in Eastland, followed by burial in the Eastland City Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be at Solid Rock Camp, October 17 or 18, 2026,
 

Memorial Gifts: Charitable donations may be made to the following in lieu of flowers

Christian Development Foundation (Eastland & Nigeria)

Solid Rock Ministries (Eastland)

First Baptist Church Eastland

Samaritan’s Purse (US and International)

Carl was born on July 1, 1947, in Cisco to Carl William Julius Stroebel and Ella Murl Hallmark Stroebel. He was raised in the Lutheran church, baptized on July 27, 1947, and confirmed in the faith on April 10, 1960. His confirmation scripture was John 8:31-32:

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Carl graduated from Cisco High School in 1965, where he played trombone in the band. After graduation, he attended Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas. He completed several semesters before meeting the love of his life, Linda Carol Winkler. Carl and Linda married on April 20,1968.

Carl began his professional career working at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas as a data entry programmer. He later worked for Bosco and Greener & Sumner, focusing on computer programming and account management. In his early forties, he moved his family from Dallas back to his hometown of Cisco to farm and ranch full time. While managing the family farm, he also worked at Cisco Junior College, serviced a number of oil and gas wells as a pumper, and served his community as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Carl was a hardworking man who believed deeply in responsibility, discipline, and doing things well. He could be firm and demanding, but beneath that strength was a profound love for his family. He loved with the same intensity with which he lived and worked, showing his devotion through sacrifice, provision, guidance, and steadfast presence. His children knew that his expectations came from a sincere desire to prepare them for life and see them become their best selves.

Carl did not have much time for hobbies; work itself was a central part of his life. He took pride in running cattle, tending his peanut crops, and caring for the farmland. He enjoyed a good steak-and-potatoes meal, a nice new truck, and a Marlboro Red. Above all, he treasured visits from his children. Christmas, when his children and extended family gathered together, was his favorite time of year.

Carl consistently taught his family to work hard, leave things better than they found them, and love their neighbors as themselves. Those lessons, along with his example of diligence and devotion, will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl W. J. Stroebel Sr. and Ella Murl Hallmark Stroebel.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Winkler Stroebel; his sons, Jeff Stroebel and wife Lisa Endebrock of Stephenville, Texas, and Jason Stroebel and wife Molly Ligon of Seymour, Texas; his daughter, Janecka S. Beckett and husband Hoot Beckett of Midland, Texas; his grandchildren, Jared Stroebel, Landry S. Brockman (husband is Gage Brockman), Samuel Beckett, Max Beckett, Channing Stroebel, and Kennedy Stroebel; and his great-grandson, Wyatt Brockman.

A memorial service honoring Carl's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1711 Conrad Hilton Avenue, Cisco, Texas 76437. Visitation will be helo that same day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Redeemer Childhood Learning Center (RCLC), 1711 Conrad Hilton Avenue, Cisco, Texas 76437. 

Jim remained in Denton after college and worked many years for the local newspaper, the Denton Record Chronicle, eventually being promoted to Advertising Manager. He served as president of Texas Daily Newspaper Advertising Managers Association and as president of the Denton, Texas Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Jim married his first wife Sarah Lynn whom he met playing golf on the NTSU golf course while attending college in the early 1960s. After her tragic passing a few years later he remarried to Edith ‘Nell’ Shane. Jim enjoyed travelling with an RV cross country, hunting, fishing and collecting WW II memorabilia. After taking an early retirement from the Record Chronicle at age 55 he and Nell moved to Eastland, Texas where they spent many happy years together before her passing in 2025.

Jim is survived by his son, Dr. James Howard Shane III and wife, Yodit, of Austin; his daughter, Sarah Shane-Kellum and husband, Matthew Kellum, of Dallas; brother Dr. Michael D. Shane and wife Janet of Santa Rosa, California; and grandchildren, Bryson, Devan, Oliver, Bethanya, Ryleigh, and Endreyas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by both of his parents, his first wife, Sarah Lynn Leister, of Orange, Texas, and second wife Edith ‘Nell’ Lunell Allen of Desdemona, Texas.

Jim will be laid to rest in the columbarium of Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.

Phyllis Jean Sinclair was born in Cherryvale, Kansas August 1,1930 during the Great Depression to Ethel and Maynard Sinclair. She enjoyed school, sisters Alice and Eileen, family and church. Dad Maynard was offered a job near Carlsbad, New Mexico to install and run an alfalfa hay mill on a ranching operation. Just like in the Wizard of Oz, the little Kansas Girl was dropped into the New Mexico semi desert ranching country. Phyllis attended Artesia High School her Junior and Senior years.She met a good looking, for real Cowboy from the neighboring community of Hope. Robert Milton Kincaid was a genuine horse-riding, fence building livestock rancher who also played on Hope's State Championship basketball team. Phyllis married her cowboy in Las Cruces, New Mexico December 18, 1948. Shortly after the honeymoon, they moved to the plains of eastern Colorado with a herd of 2000 sheep. Phyllis was made head rescuer of dogie lambs the mama ewes refused to claim when they hit the frozen snowy ground in February. She bottle-fed 20 lambs while living in a 19 foot travel trailer!

The young Kincaid couple made it back to Artesia in time to deliver a lamb of their own-Phyllis Kathleen on September 24, 1949. They leased the country store in Espuela and laid baby Kathy on the big sacks of pinto beans while they tended shop. They offered credit to seasonal farm workers primarily from Mexico. One night the store burned to the ground, destroying their first business. In 1950 they moved with the Alvin Kincaid family to Eastland County, Texas and bought a ranch. Robert hand built a house with rocks off the ranch for their growing family as Eddie, Patsy, Milta, and Becky were born over the next 10 years.

Phyllis launched into young motherhood with a passion. She stayed busy raising kids, cooking, cleaning, washing, and gardening. The 3 Kincaid brothers (Robert, Aubrey, and Don) and father Alvin established the Kincaid Feed and Turkey Hatchery in Eastland, TX. They owned 4 turkey farms that provided Thanksgiving dinners all over the USA. They sold eggs and feed to other growers and were known nationally in the industry. Phyllis became heavily involved in the Eastland community as she took all 5 kids to church, taught Sunday school, joined the Home Demonstration Club, PTA, and served as a 4-H club leader for 15 years. Robert started a Real Estate business in the early 1960's. Phyllis took a job in a ladies garment factory for five years. She juggled endless sporting events, school and 4-H activities, and livestock shows. She was named outstanding Extension Homemaker of Eastland County. Phyllis graduated 5 honor students from Eastland High School!In 1977 Phyllis became "Granny" for the first time!She managed the Kincaid Real Estate office and ran the business end of it. The Kincaids sold many ranches and motel properties. After all the kids left Phyllis began to travel with Robert to find and make the deals. She did all the administrative work as they carried a mobile office in the trunk of their Lincoln Town Car so they could be "ready to close a deal"-no matter where they roamed! They set up an office and residence in Preston Towers in Dallas, then made a deal to buy the Missile Inn in El Paso. Phyllis learned hotel management in a hurry: hiring, maid service, maintenance, payroll, taxes and restaurant management. She embraced it all head on with her boots and cowboy hat wearing country real estate broker. They traded for an Arabian horse farm in Arkansas, then acquired the Cowtown Inn in Ft. Worth.Times were tough during real estate downturns, but the Kincaids were bootstrap kinds of Texans, and they kept at it. The real estate business took them thousands of miles all over the USA and "Granny & Pardner" were partners for 64 years before Robert passed away in 2013.Not one to give up, Phyllis spent the next 13 years enjoying life traveling the world with her daughters and keeping up with 3 generations of grandchildren. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, craftswoman and loved flower gardening. She was always a very fashionably dressed Texas Lady!

When she moved to Marble Falls in 2016 she promptly signed up for art lessons at the age of 85, and established a network of friends at the Marble Falls Church of Christ. She embraced her daughters friends as her own. Phyllis attended the 2025 Eastland Class Reunions at age 95 and saw lots of "kids" as old people that had grown up with her kids! We figured out that she had 4 generations of Kincaids come through the Eastland school district over a span of 70 years. Phyllis was a TRUE MAVERICK!Phyllis fought breast cancer twice in her lifetime before succumbing at 95 years and 11 months. Her family wishes to thank the Accent Home Health team and Baylor Scott & White Hospice as well as final caregiver, Gloria Lopez Smith. We thank the team of doctors who kept her going the final 3 years of her life. She embraced the challenge with her PINK OUT BOXING GLOVES on and fought back daily to continue a full life.

Surviving Children: Phyllis Kathleen Nobles, Karl Edward Kincaid, Patricia Ann Benson (Eric), Milta Louise Vance, Rebecca Jane McFarland (Jack)Grandchildren: Joshua Vance (Brandy), Wil Hogan (Shelby), Heather Baze (John Mark), Kimberly Benson, Dennis Arnold (Ginger), Deborah Graybeal (Walter), Byron Vance (Miller), Kathryn Ferguson (Bob) Great Grandchildren: Riley Vance (Janae), Lourdes Vance, Jaci and Hana Hogan, Addalyn Jackson, Harley, John David, Eric, and Matrim Baze, Drake, Max and Jack Arnold, Allie and Josh Graybeal, Tabitha ArnoldGreat Great Grandchildren: Valyn & Blair Vance, Kreed Thompson Other Surviving family members: Don Kincaid, Greg DeGiere (Libby), Erika Jones, Jean McCraner Jones, Mike Carter, Linda Brown, Guy Kincaid (Tina), Scott Kincaid (Tammy), Pamela Kincaid, Deneice Vance (Jeff), Delaine Nothum (Steve) and many other loved ones.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to Cherokee Home for Children, PO Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832 or Fosters Home for Children, 1779 North Graham St, Stephenville, TX 76401.

Her visitation will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Eastland. Following the visitation and reception,Dr. Kevin Burrow will be officiating the service at 2pm. Betty was born in McKinney, TX, on August 24, 1930, to Rufus and Nora Paysinger. Looking back on Betty's journey, it is amazing to consider all of the ways God guided her steps. He was the strength of her family as the six of them managed a farm and grew cotton outside of McKinney. Betty had so many stories of God's help through the Great Depression; seeing God's continual provision, riding her old mare to school in Bloomdale, and helping her daddy run the farm. Her stories seemed grew in value every time we heard her tell them. Certainly, God used her early years for the strength, faith, and work ethic that carried her for nearly 96 years. When Betty graduated from McKinney High School, she began working at the Fort Worth National Bank. She was very involved in the River Oaks Church of the Nazarene where she met and served with lifelong friends; now eternal friends praising God together. She was married at age 17, and after 13 years of marriage– including time working in California– she had her wonderful son, Tracy Johnston. She later married the love of her life, Jack Muirhead, Jr., on July 18, 1965. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Kelly and Kathy Jo. Through the years, nothing was more important to Jack and Betty than their children. They knew that knowing Christ was the foundation that held everything else in place. The First Baptist Church in Eastland was their church home, and Betty joyfully shared the Truths of God's Word with the children's Sunday school class that she taught.

Through the next 58 years, Betty joyfully worked as unto the Lord for her family and her town. She was blessed with many friendships as the secretary of Stephenville Production Credit Association in Eastland. She also enjoyed being a teller and bookkeeper for the Bank of Ranger in Ranger, TX. She even carried the nickname of "Bad News Betty" as she telephoned those who had written hot checks. We are sure she somehow even carried that news with grace.

In 1990, Betty began her most beloved and honorable job. She gratefully accepted a position with Sam Harris of Sterling Monument Company in Eastland, TX, as his first employee. Sam was just getting started, and he began with wise insight. He believed that having Betty contact bereaved family members by phone would carry a profound significance. It did. Betty gathered phone numbers from countless telephone books as she matched them up with surviving names from countless obituaries. Through the years, she offered sincere prayers with those left behind, and they in turn requested a visit from Sam to create a sketch of a monument for their loved one's grave. She saw her job as a ministry of grace, and as part of that ministry she witnessed to and shared the gospel with hundreds and hundreds of the people with whom she spoke. Sam and Betty were a team of two that significantly grew. Currently, Sterling Monument is one of the largest monument companies in Texas. It is still family-owned, and Betty's biggest honor…outside of her family… was to be a part of that God-given growth. She was forever grateful for that monumental experience.

Betty continued working for Sterling Monument until she was 89 years old! She loved her life in Eastland, and whenever she visited her children in Fort Worth and Fredericksburg, respectively, she was loud and proud about where she was from. Her trips to Walmart, the beauty shop, Mae's Meat Market, Brookshires, Taco Bell, and church filled her hours in the 3 years that she was "retired." But she never really retired. As a Christian, she knew that her time on earth was to serve God and others. She worked hard to bless her family and friends through delicious pecan pies, chocolate cake, roasts, and yes, phone calls. Betty never stopped calling to check on people and offer joy and prayers. It was a calling.

In 2023, at age 92, it was beginning to get harder for Betty to navigate her life and home. She had several friends who came in and assisted her with such love and grace. It was discovered that she had been getting around (pretty well, considering) on a broken hip. She was taken to Fort Worth to live near her Rogers family as she recovered from surgery. Though pain-free, Betty was never able to live on her own again due to mobility issues, but she loved making new friends in the Mistletoe Heights community, Christ Chapel Bible Church, and Mira Vista Court in Fort Worth. Everyone's love for her made it a little easier to be away from her home in Eastland. The care that Betty received from Mira Vista Court Care Center and Vitas Hospice was exceptional. She was fueled by her grandsons' visits and adventurous wheelchair rides, and she loved gospel songs led by her son-in-law and Hospice Chaplain, Marc Rogers. She loved her caregivers, and her family is filled with gratitude, wishing God's blessings on every one of them.

As Betty's family, we believe that right now in Heaven she is still thanking God for saving her, blessing her, and taking her to Heaven. She sees how big He is, and she knows He's got us in His hands. She's surely drinking a divine Dr. Pepper, and we can almost hear her laughter as her phone rings in her mansion. She will ALWAYS answer, and she will do so with her favorite statement of Truth, "Jesus paid it all." Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Nora and Rufus Paysinger, and her three siblings, Ruby (Paysinger) Morris, Clarence Paysinger, and R.C. Paysinger, her dear husband, Jack Muirhead,Jr., her late son-in-law, Shawn C. Brown, and her beloved granddaughter, Amanda Johnston. She is survived by her children, Tracy Johnston (Mindy) of Greenville, SC, Kelly Arledge (Harlan) of Fredericksburg, TX, Kathy Jo Rogers (Marc) of Fort Worth, Texas, 11 very loved grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mira Vista Court Care Center and Vitas Hospice for their expert, loving care. Also, for all of the love of the First Baptist Church and Praise Class.

Her visitation will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Eastland.  Following the visitation and reception,Dr. Kevin Burrow will be officiating the service at 2pm. 

Betty was born in McKinney, TX, on August 24, 1930, to Rufus and Nora Paysinger. Looking back on Betty’s journey, it is amazing to consider all of the ways God guided her steps. He was the strength of her family as the six of them managed a farm and grew cotton outside of McKinney. Betty had so many stories of God’s help through the Great Depression; seeing God’s continual provision, riding her old mare to school in Bloomdale, and helping her daddy run the farm. Her stories seemed grew in value every time we heard her tell them. Certainly, God used her early years for the strength, faith, and work ethic that carried her for nearly 96 years. 

When Betty graduated from McKinney High School, she began working at the Fort Worth National Bank. She was very involved in the River Oaks Church of the Nazarene where she met and served with lifelong friends; now eternal friends praising God together. She was married at age 17,  and after 13 years of marriage– including time working in California– she had her wonderful son, Tracy Johnston.  She later married the love of her life, Jack Muirhead, Jr., on July 18, 1965.  Together, they welcomed two daughters, Kelly and Kathy Jo. Through the years, nothing was more important to Jack and Betty than their children.  They knew that knowing Christ was the foundation that held everything else in place. The First Baptist Church in Eastland was their church home, and Betty joyfully shared the Truths of God’s Word with the children’s Sunday school class that she taught.

Through the next 58 years, Betty joyfully worked as unto the Lord for her family and her town.  She was blessed with many friendships as the secretary of Stephenville Production Credit Association in Eastland. She also enjoyed being a teller and bookkeeper for the Bank of Ranger in Ranger, TX. She even carried the nickname of “Bad News Betty”  as she telephoned those who had written hot checks. We are sure she somehow even carried that news with grace.

In 1990, Betty began her most beloved and honorable job.  She gratefully accepted a position with Sam Harris of Sterling Monument Company in Eastland, TX, as his first employee.  Sam was just getting started, and he began with wise insight. He believed that having Betty contact bereaved family members by phone would carry a profound significance. It did. Betty gathered phone numbers from countless telephone books as she matched them up with surviving names from countless obituaries. Through the years, she offered sincere prayers with those left behind, and they in turn requested a visit from Sam to create a sketch of a monument for their loved one’s grave. She saw her job as a ministry of grace, and as part of that ministry she witnessed to and shared the gospel with hundreds and hundreds of the people with whom she spoke. Sam and Betty were a team of two that significantly grew. Currently, Sterling Monument is one of the largest monument companies in Texas. It is still family-owned, and Betty’s biggest honor…outside of her family… was to be a part of that God-given growth. She was forever grateful for that monumental experience.

Betty continued working for Sterling Monument until she was 89 years old! She loved her life in Eastland, and whenever she visited her children in Fort Worth and Fredericksburg, respectively, she was loud and proud about where she was from. Her trips to Walmart, the beauty shop, Mae’s Meat Market, Brookshires, Taco Bell, and church filled her hours in the 3 years that she was “retired.”  But she never really retired. As a Christian, she knew that her time on earth was to serve God and others. She worked hard to bless her family and friends through delicious pecan pies, chocolate cake, roasts, and yes, phone calls. Betty never stopped calling to check on people and offer joy and prayers. It was a calling.

 In 2023, at age 92, it was beginning to get harder for Betty to navigate her life and home. She had several friends who came in and assisted her with such love and grace. It was discovered that she had been getting around (pretty well, considering) on a broken hip. She was taken to Fort Worth to live near her Rogers family as she recovered from surgery. Though pain-free, Betty was never able to live on her own again due to mobility issues, but she loved making new friends in the Mistletoe Heights community, Christ Chapel Bible Church, and Mira Vista Court in Fort Worth. Everyone's love for her made it a little easier to be away from her home in Eastland. The care that Betty received from Mira Vista Court Care Center and Vitas Hospice was exceptional. She was fueled by her grandsons' visits and adventurous wheelchair rides, and she loved gospel songs led by her son-in-law and Hospice Chaplain, Marc Rogers. She loved her caregivers, and her family is filled with gratitude, wishing God’s blessings on every one of them.

 As Betty’s family, we believe that right now in Heaven she is still thanking God for saving her, blessing her, and taking her to Heaven. She sees how big He is, and she knows He’s got us in His hands. She’s surely drinking a divine Dr. Pepper, and we can almost hear her laughter as her phone rings in her mansion. She will ALWAYS answer, and she will do so with her favorite statement of Truth, “Jesus paid it all.”  

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Nora and Rufus Paysinger, and her three siblings, Ruby (Paysinger) Morris, Clarence Paysinger, and R.C. Paysinger, her dear husband, Jack Muirhead,Jr.,  her late son-in-law, Shawn C. Brown, and her beloved granddaughter, Amanda Johnston. 

 She is survived by her children, Tracy Johnston (Mindy) of Greenville, SC, Kelly Arledge (Harlan) of Fredericksburg, TX, Kathy Jo Rogers (Marc) of Fort Worth, Texas, 11 very loved grandchildren,  7 great-grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mira Vista Court Care Center and Vitas Hospice for their expert, loving care.  Also, for all of the love of the First Baptist Church and Praise Class.

She met a good looking, for real Cowboy from the neighboring community of Hope.  Robert Milton Kincaid was a genuine horse-riding, fence building livestock rancher who also played on Hope’s State Championship basketball team.  Phyllis married her cowboy in Las Cruces, New Mexico December 18, 1948. Shortly after the honeymoon, they moved to the plains of eastern Colorado with a herd of 2000 sheep. Phyllis was made head rescuer of dogie lambs the mama ewes refused to claim when they hit the frozen snowy ground in February.  She bottle-fed 20 lambs while living in a 19 foot travel trailer!

The young Kincaid couple made it back to Artesia in time to deliver a lamb of their own-Phyllis Kathleen on September 24, 1949.  They leased the country store in Espuela and laid baby Kathy on the big sacks of pinto beans while they tended shop.  They offered credit to seasonal farm workers primarily from Mexico. One night the store burned to the ground, destroying their first business.  In 1950 they moved with the Alvin Kincaid family to Eastland County, Texas and bought a ranch.  Robert hand built a house with rocks off the ranch for their growing family as Eddie, Patsy, Milta, and Becky were born over the next 10 years.

Phyllis launched into young motherhood with a passion.  She stayed busy raising kids, cooking, cleaning, washing, and gardening.   The 3 Kincaid brothers (Robert, Aubrey, and Don) and father Alvin established the Kincaid Feed and Turkey Hatchery in Eastland, TX.  They owned 4 turkey farms that provided Thanksgiving dinners all over the USA.  They sold eggs and feed to other growers and were known nationally in the industry. 

Phyllis became heavily involved in the Eastland community as she took all 5 kids to church, taught Sunday school, joined the Home Demonstration Club, PTA, and served as a 4-H club leader for 15 years. 

Robert started a Real Estate business in the early 1960’s.  Phyllis took a job in a ladies garment factory for five years.  She juggled endless sporting events, school and 4-H activities, and livestock shows.  She was named outstanding Extension Homemaker of Eastland County.  Phyllis graduated 5 honor students from Eastland High School!

In 1977 Phyllis became “Granny” for the first time!

She managed the Kincaid Real Estate office and ran the business end of it.  The Kincaids sold many ranches and motel properties.  After all the kids left Phyllis began to travel with Robert to find and make the deals.  She did all the administrative work as they carried a mobile office in the trunk of their Lincoln Town Car so they could be “ready to close a deal”-no matter where they roamed!  They set up an office and residence in Preston Towers in Dallas, then made a deal to buy the Missile Inn in El Paso.  Phyllis learned hotel management in a hurry: hiring, maid service, maintenance, payroll, taxes and restaurant management.  She embraced it all head on with her boots and cowboy hat wearing country real estate broker.  They traded for an Arabian horse farm in Arkansas, then acquired the Cowtown Inn in Ft. Worth.

Times were tough during real estate downturns, but the Kincaids were bootstrap kinds of Texans, and they kept at it.  The real estate business took them thousands of miles all over the USA and “Granny & Pardner” were partners for 64 years before Robert passed away in 2013.

Not one to give up, Phyllis spent the next 13 years enjoying life traveling the world with her daughters and keeping up with 3 generations of grandchildren.  She was an excellent cook, seamstress, craftswoman and loved flower gardening.  She was always a very fashionably dressed Texas Lady!

When she moved to Marble Falls in 2016 she promptly signed up for art lessons at the age of 85, and established a network of friends at the Marble Falls Church of Christ.  She embraced her daughters friends as her own. Phyllis attended the 2025 Eastland Class Reunions at age 95 and saw lots of “kids” as old people that had grown up with her kids!  We figured out that she had 4 generations of Kincaids come through the Eastland school district over a span of 70 years.  Phyllis was a TRUE MAVERICK!

Phyllis fought breast cancer twice in her lifetime before succumbing at 95 years and 11 months.  Her family wishes to thank the Accent Home Health team and Baylor Scott & White Hospice as well as final caregiver, Gloria Lopez Smith.  We thank the team of doctors who kept her going the final 3 years of her life. She embraced the challenge with her PINK OUT BOXING GLOVES on and fought back daily to continue a full life.

Surviving Children: Phyllis Kathleen Nobles, Karl Edward Kincaid, Patricia Ann Benson (Eric), Milta Louise Vance, Rebecca Jane McFarland (Jack)

Grandchildren: Joshua Vance (Brandy), Wil Hogan (Shelby), Heather Baze (John Mark), Kimberly Benson, Dennis Arnold (Ginger), Deborah Graybeal (Walter), Byron Vance (Miller), Kathryn Ferguson (Bob)

Great Grandchildren: Riley Vance (Janae), Lourdes Vance, Jaci and Hana Hogan, Addalyn Jackson, Harley, John David, Eric, and Matrim Baze, Drake, Max and Jack Arnold, Allie and Josh Graybeal, Tabitha Arnold

Great Great Grandchildren:  Valyn & Blair Vance, Kreed Thompson

Other Surviving family members: Don Kincaid, Greg DeGiere (Libby), Erika Jones, Jean McCraner Jones, Mike Carter, Linda Brown, Guy Kincaid (Tina), Scott Kincaid (Tammy), Pamela Kincaid, Deneice Vance (Jeff), Delaine Nothum (Steve) and many other loved ones.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to Cherokee Home for Children, PO Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832 or Fosters Home for Children, 1779 North Graham St, Stephenville, TX  76401

Charlene Joy (Long/Schaefer) Rider

Charlene Joy Rider (Long/Schaefer) left this life to be with her Heavenly Father on June 23, 2026 at the age of 96.

She was born in Rising Star, Texas on September 28, 1929 to Raleigh Cullen Long and Lorene Blanche Long (Shook). Charlene Graduated from Rising Star High School. On May 16, 1947, at the age of 18 she married Don Schaefer. She married Henry Floyd Rider on December 19, 1989. She was a homemaker and raised three boys, Danny Ray Schaefer, Jimmy Craig Schaefer and Richard Paul Schaefer. Charlene lived most of her life farming and ranching with her husband Don south of Cisco, Texas in the Romney community. Don and Charlene were once honored as the Eastland County Ranch Family of the Year.  She also spent several years in the west Texas oil fields with Don and her boys. After raising her boys, she moved to Pakistan with Don while he worked for the Parker drilling company in the middle east. Pakistan was a secular country at the time and she enjoyed playing tennis and painting while there.

Charlene was a talented and artistic painter and enjoyed creating oil-based paintings on canvas. She also loved basketball and played in high school in Rising Star, Texas. Charlene was a member of the Saturday club in Rising Star and loved to play dominoes and other games as well as quilting, gardening and spending time with family. Most importantly Charlene loved her family and was saved and baptized and knew Jesus as her Lord and savior and was a member of the Union Center Baptist Church south of Cisco.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don Schaefer and husband Henry Floyd Rider. She was also preceded in death by her son Danny Schaefer, her son Jimmy Craig Schaefer as well as her parents Raleigh Cullen Long, Lorene Blanch Long (Shook), brother Max Long, Sister Dorthey Whiteside (Long), grandson Jeremy Schaefer and grandson Craig Easton Schaefer.

She is survived by her brothers Raleigh Don Long, Rex Long and Tony Long, daughter in law Elaine Schaefer, grandsons Sean Schaefer, Matt Schaefer, Chance Schaefer, David Schaefer, T.J. Ewing (Schaefer) and Ricky Dale Ewing (Schaefer) as well as many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Callie Reed and the staff of Alpha Omega hospice care and all her care givers and staff of the Cisco Nursing Center where she recently resided until her passing. The family would especially like to thank Charlene’s daughter in law (Danny) Elaine Schaefer for the tireless care and companionship she gave to Charlene.

Memorials in honor of Charlene should be made to the charity of your choice.

A Graveside Service was held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Rising Star Cemetery at 10:00 AM with Sean Schaefer officiating. 

Stella was born on May 30, 1946 to Oscar Lee and Agnes Bell (Greenwood) Wilson in Olden Texas.   She was the youngest of seven children, and earned the nickname “Tootsie” by her oldest niece who was five years younger. 

Tootsie did not have children of her own, and claimed her niece’s and nephew’s as her “kids”. Whether it was taking them to the drive-in movie theatre in Ranger, or driving them around in her red 1966 mustang convertible, they always had a fun time with Aunt Tootsie!

After high school, Tootsie studied cosmetology and had several different careers, the last one working for Eastland ISD. 

Tootsie was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Bertha (Bert) Wilson, Troyce (Bud) Wilson, Lou Wilson Glosson, Jerry Wilson, John Wilson and infant brother, Burl Dean. 

Left to cherish her memory is her longtime partner and companion Barry Hart, many nieces and nephews, along with several great and great-great nieces and nephews.  

Those wishing to do so may donate to the charity of their choice in memory of Stella. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Eastland Cemetery Pavillion.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” ​​  2 Timothy 4:7

A memorial service celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Aledo United Methodist Church. Family and friends will be invited to share their favorite memories of Willard during the service. Family visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Aledo United Methodist Church.

Willard was born on October 16, 1939, in Ranger, Texas, to C.H. Stuard and Jessie White Stuard. He was welcomed by his older sister, Evelyn. Willard attended Aledo schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1957. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1962.  Later, he earned a Master of Science in Education from North Texas State University.

In 1968, Willard married the love of his life, Carol Lee Stoughton Stuard. A few years later, their daughter, Sarah, was born, completing their family of 7 alongside Elizabeth, Penny, David, and Joey.

Willard began his career with Aledo High School in 1962, serving in many roles throughout his 33 years with Aledo ISD. From driving a school bus and coaching athletics to serving as an elementary principal, he dedicated himself to the students and community. His favorite role was coaching the girls' basketball team, and those memories remained among his most treasured. He concluded his career as Superintendent of Schools for Aledo ISD. Willard Ross Stuard Elementary School was later named in his honor.

After retiring in 1995, Willard and Carol moved to Eastland County, where he fulfilled a lifelong passion for raising gray Brahman cattle. Together, they also enjoyed traveling the world, taking numerous trips over the years before eventually relocating to the west side of Fort Worth. Willard loved his cattle, all sports, and, above all, his family. He will be especially missed by his grandsons, who always enjoyed rubbing his bald head for good luck.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, C.H. and Jessie Stuard; his sister, Evelyn Stuard Trendel; his son, Joseph Brannon; and his daughter, Penny Brannon Fisher.

He is survived by his  wife, Carol; his daughter, Sarah Stuard Mason and her husband, Joe,  daughter, Elizabeth Brannon;  son, David Brannon; his grandchildren, Angela Collins Wigley and her husband, Kevin; Becky Collins Decker and her husband, J.R.; Lauren Atherton; Jenna Brannon; William Fisher; Jacob Mason; Zachary Mason; and Adam Mason; his great-grandchildren, Victoria Wigley Kier and her husband, Rasheed; Alyssa Wigley Zerr and her husband, Jake; Collin Wigley; Delanie Wigley; Emma Wigley; Sinclair Decker; and Sullivan Decker; and his great-great-grandson, Camden Kier.

Willard's legacy lives on through the countless students, educators, and friends whose lives he touched through his generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to serving others.

She was born on February 4, 1940, in Sipe Springs, Texas, to R.V. and Dolse (Zellars) Underwood. She graduated from Carbon High School, but before she went on to do anything else, she married her best friend and the love of her life, Donald Wayne Laminack on September 27, 1957, at the Gorman Church of Christ.

Marceil was far from being idle, she worked for the post office as a carrier, she taught the young children at church, she was a Mary Kay beauty consultant since 1992, and she was a gardener, but the most rewarding job for her was being a wife and a mother.

Marceil will be deeply missed by her husband, Don, her sons, Randall Laminack of Gorman, Revise Laminack and his wife Becky of Gorman, and Noble Laminack and his wife Heather of San Angelo, her beloved seven grandchildren; Chris, Justin, Mindy, Ashley, Lindsey, Nolan, and Reagan, her prized nine great-grandchildren, and her very impressive six great great-grandchildren, her sister, Kathy Ann Owen and her husband, Norman of Eastland, and her brother, Reggie Verl Underwood and his wife Pam of Waxahachie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marceil is preceded in death by both of her parents.

A funeral service will be held in Marceil’s honor on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00PM at Higginbotham Funeral Home, Gorman, Texas, followed by an interment at Simpson Cemetery, Kokomo, Texas.

In Loving Memory of Lynda Ann (Blankenship) Haney It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, Lynda Ann (Blankenship) Haney, resident of Eastland, TX, who passed away on June 23, 2026 at the age of eighty. She was the rock and foundation of her family and dedicated her life to caring for others through her unwavering love, strength, generosity of spirit, and her listening heart.

Pamela (Pam) Jean Garvin White, 80, of Eastland, Texas, went home with JESUS on the afternoon of June 25, 2026.

Pam was a descendant of Stephen F. Austin’s the first 300 families that settled in Texas.

Pam was born in Childress, Texas on April 4, 1946. Pam became a follower of Jesus while she was in grade school. Pam married Ronald (Ronnie, RB) Burns White on April 13, 1963. Pam & Ronnie had Robin Leazelle White Hayes on August 16, 1966. They had Russell Brian White on January 20, 1972. Robin married Steve Hayes, together they have 5 children & 8 grands. Russell married Antionette, together they have 5 children & 6 grands.

Pam & Ronnie have 10 grands & 14 great-grands Final arrangements to come.

Jim and Karen built their early life together in East Texas and later in West Fort Worth, where Karen pursued her calling in education. With determination and grace, she completed her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Texas Christian University in just three years. Her teaching career began in Weatherford, Texas, but her heart ultimately led her home.

In the early 1970s, Karen and Jim returned to Desdemona, and Karen began what would become a remarkable 31year career teaching first grade at Gorman Elementary School. Her classroom became a place of stability, encouragement, and joy for generations of children. She had the rare privilege of teaching alongside her own firstgrade teacher, Mrs. Singleton, and later taught the children-and even grandchildren-of her former students. Three generations of families were shaped by her steady presence, her gentle expectations, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child who walked through her door. Karen is survived by her brother Philip Lewis, her sister Vickie Majors, her son Carl Burleson and wife Julie, her daughter Cindy Adam, grandsons Darren Adam and Lyndon Adam, granddaughters Lauren Burleson and Alayna Adam, and greatgrandson Riley Moller. She is preceded in death by her parents, her little brother Lyndon Dale Lewis, and her husband and lifelong companion, Jim Burleson.

Karen lived a life marked by devotion- to her family, to her students, and to her Lord. She approached every season of life with determination, humility, and a deep well of love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the community she served with quiet strength.

Visitation was held on June 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Gorman, Texas. A Graveside Service followed on June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Desdemona Garden of Memories Cemetery, where friends and family are invited to gather at the cemetery.

Celebrating the Life of Jimmie Verle Burleson December 15, 1938 – June 18, 2026 Jimmie Verle Burleson was born on December 15, 1938, at Blackwell Hospital in Gorman, Texas, to Lee Roy and Ima Lee Burleson. Raised in Desdemona, Jim attended school there from first grade through high school, forming lifelong friendships and a deep love for the community that would always be home.

On July 20, 1957, Jim married Karen Louise Lewis, beginning a marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and quiet strength. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Their son, Carl, was born in 1958, followed by their daughter, Cindy, in 1961.

Jim and Karen spent their early married years in East Texas and later in west Fort Worth, where Jim worked at Howell Instruments while Karen attended TCU. In the early 1970s, they returned to Desdemona to raise their children close to family and the land they loved.

Jim worked for Miears Butane and Red Chain Feeds before beginning what became his life's career with Birdsong Peanuts in 1975. For 30 years fulltime and 7 years parttime, Jim served the company with loyalty, dependability, and pride. His coworkers knew him as steady, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in simple, meaningful things: time with family, the familiar roads of Desdemo-na, and his John Deere equipment-especially his Gator, which he drove with the enthusiasm of a man half his age. He loved the Lord and lived out his faith through kindness, humility, and a gentle spirit.

Jim was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend. His presence brought comfort; his smile brought encouragement; his life brought blessing.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his sister, Georgia Ann Iley; his son, Carl, and wife Julie; his daughter, Cindy Burleson Adam; granddaughters Lauren Burleson and Alayna Adam; grandsons Darren Adam and Lyndon Adam, and great-grandson Riley Moller.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roy Jack Burleson.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gorman, graveside services followed at Desdemona Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday, June 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home.

Jim lived a life of love, faith, and gratitude. His legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.

Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough, 88, of Eastland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of June 16, 2026. Raymond was affectionately known as "Speedy" to some family members and friends.

Raymond was born to Georgia Wood Yarbrough and Connie Austin Yarbrough on April 26, 1938. Legend has it, he entered the world in a tiny house out in the country somewhere between the Leon River and Lake Leon. He was the 3rd of 4 children. He attended school in Gorman, Texas and later moved to Olden High School, where he graduated. He married Sandra Jean Vinson on April 28, 1962, who remained his soul mate and best friend in all the world throughout life. He and Sandy later moved to Mansfield, Texas, where Raymond became a longtime employee of the General Motors plant in Arlington. He and Sandy welcomed their two daughters while living in Mansfield, and he stepped into the role of a devoted and involved father. He famously coached little league softball for both of his daughters for several years, where he shared his enthusiasm for the sport with many families that quickly became friends. He was rambunctious, hilarious, and loved being around people. However, friends and family will tell you that you better not make Raymond mad or catch him in a bad mood – there were rumors of conflict in the ball field parking lot several times after games. After retiring, he and his wife Sandy moved to their forever home in Eastland, Texas. They then welcomed their two beloved grandchildren and stepped into a new role of being the best grandparents the world has ever seen. Throughout their childhood, Raymond and the grandkids searched for the Great Valley, and went on nu- 15

merous adventures. Raymond was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. Starting from a young age, he trapped and hunted wildlife to help feed his family. His knack for hunting, fishing and trapping carried through life, and he was glad to share those experiences with his family and friends. In his adult years, it was not uncommon to find him and his buddies neck-deep in a river searching for monster catfish under rocks, or sitting around a fire telling tall tales about their quarry. He instilled in his family a love for the outdoors, wildlife, and things that grow. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Georgia and Connie, brothers James and Leroy Yarbrough, great-grandson Wesley Bennett Holland, as well as many close friends and family members. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Yarbrough, daughters Brandle Smith (Ken) and Amanda Tucker (Clint), grandchildren Jacob Holland (Myra) and Zoey Macon (Cole), great-grandson Clemson Ambrose Macon, and sister Juanita Williams.

Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough is under the care of Edwards Funeral Home - Eastland.

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Nuell Don Sherman, 89, of Cisco, Texas, passed away on June 27, 2026.

Born and raised in Texas, Don built a life marked by a deep devotion to God and his family. He was a man who told captivating stories and valued the simple joys of everyday life.

He is survived by his wife Ruby Sherman, his son Robert Sherman and his wife Mary Kay Sherman, and Scott Brinkley, who was like a son to Don. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Sherman and Nell Sherman. Don had many surviving grandkids, great-grand kids, and great-great grandkids.

His family remembers him as a man who truly loved God and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation was at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Wednesday, July 1 at 10am with a memorial service at 11 am.

Pam was a descendant of Stephen F. Austin’s the first 300 families that settled in Texas.

Pam was born in Childress, Texas on April 4, 1946. Pam became a follower of Jesus while she was in grade school. Pam married Ronald (Ronnie, RB) Burns White on April 13, 1963. Pam & Ronnie had Robin Leazelle White Hayes on August 16, 1966. They had Russell Brian White on January 20, 1972. Robin married Steve Hayes, together they have 5 children & 8 grands. Russell married Antionette, together they have 5 children & 6 grands.

Pam & Ronnie have 10 grands & 14 great-grands. 

 Final arrangements to come.

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, Lynda Ann (Blankenship) Haney, resident of Eastland, TX, who passed away on June 23, 2026 at the age of eighty. She was the rock and foundation of her family and dedicated her life to caring for others through her unwavering love, strength, generosity of spirit, and her listening heart.

Born on August 23, 1945 in Collin County, TX, Lynda was the cherished daughter of Wise Murphy Blankenship of Sabine Parish, LA and Rosa Mildred Skaggs of Oklahoma. Lynda grew up in Floyd, TX and shared her blessed life with her beloved husband, Phil Haney. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, hospitality, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, and she nurtured each generation with wisdom and encouragement.

Lynda was known for her kindness, elegance, and her remarkable creative talents. As an interior decorator, fashion and floral designer, she also enjoyed sharing her creativity with everyone she met in the gift shops she managed in Denver City, Eastland, and Cisco, TX. Throughout her life, she also cultivated her passion for gardening.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Phil, her sisters Mildred (Blankenship) Sierra and Jearldean (Blankenship) Smith; her children, Shannon (Ard) Morgan, Clay Haney, Krista (Ard) Haney, Stephen Ard, Andrea (Haney) Rice, Amber (Haney) Daskevich, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones, who will forever carry her love with them. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Rosa and Wise, and her siblings, Beulah Mae (Blankenship) Jenkins, Elmer Blankenship, Siddle Ruby (Blankenship) Smith, Hellon (Blankenship) Dodd, Ellis Blankenship, and Billie Dewayne Blankenship.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the countless memories together we will treasure forever and her enduring legacy and light that will continue to shape generations to come.

Local arrangements are under the care of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland. 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace

Born and raised in Texas, Don built a life marked by a deep devotion to God and his family. He was a man who told captivating stories and valued the simple joys of everyday life.

He is survived by his wife Ruby Sherman, his son Robert Sherman and his wife Mary Kay Sherman, and Scott Brinkley, who was like a son to Don. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Sherman and Nell Sherman. Don had many surviving grandkids, great-grand kids, and great-great grandkids.

His family remembers him as a man who truly loved God and his family.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Wednesday, July 1 at 10am with a memorial service at 11am.

Raymond was born to Georgia Wood Yarbrough and Connie Austin Yarbrough on April 26, 1938. Legend has it, he entered the world in a tiny house out in the country somewhere between the Leon River and Lake Leon. He was the 3^rd of 4 children. He attended school in Gorman, Texas and later moved to Olden High School, where he graduated. He married Sandra Jean Vinson on April 28, 1962, who remained his soul mate and best friend in all the world throughout life. He and Sandy later moved to Mansfield, Texas, where Raymond became a long-time employee of the General Motors plant in Arlington. He and Sandy welcomed their two daughters while living in Mansfield, and he stepped into the role of a devoted and involved father. He famously coached little league softball for both of his daughters for several years, where he shared his enthusiasm for the sport with many families that quickly became friends. He was rambunctious, hilarious, and loved being around people. However, friends and family will tell you that you better not make Raymond mad or catch him in a bad mood – there were rumors of conflict in the ball field parking lot several times after games.

After retiring, he and his wife Sandy moved to their forever home in Eastland, Texas. They then welcomed their two beloved grandchildren and stepped into a new role of being the best grandparents the world has ever seen. Throughout their childhood, Raymond and the grandkids searched for the Great Valley, and went on numerous adventures.

Raymond was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. Starting from a young age, he trapped and hunted wildlife to help feed his family. His knack for hunting, fishing and trapping carried through life, and he was glad to share those experiences with his family and friends. In his adult years, it was not uncommon to find him and his buddies neck-deep in a river searching for monster catfish under rocks, or sitting around a fire telling tall tales about their quarry. He instilled in his family a love for the outdoors, wildlife, and things that grow.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Georgia and Connie, brothers James and Leroy Yarbrough, great-grandson Wesley Bennett Holland, as well as many close friends and family members. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Yarbrough, daughters Brandle Smith (Ken) and Amanda Tucker (Clint), grandchildren Jacob Holland (Myra) and Zoey Macon (Cole), great-grandson Clemson Ambrose Macon, and sister Juanita Williams.

Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough is under the care of Edwards Funeral Home - Eastland.