Martha Couch

1929-2016

Memorial service for Martha Mae Couch, 86, of Wills Point will be held at a later date.  Interment will be at the Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Allan Fuller Funeral Home in Wills Point.

She passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in Canton.

Martha was born Dec. 3, 1929, in Dallas.

Nan Bryant

1954-2016

Services for Nan Bryant, 62, of Grand Saline were held Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Main Street Baptist Church under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home.

 Interment followed at Woodside Cemetery.

She passed away Oct. 15, 2016, in Grand Saline.

Noma Etheridge Bass

1931-2016

Services for Noma Etheridge Bass, 85, of Canton, were held Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Eubank Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Glosup and Dr. Mike Roberson officiating. She died Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, in Canton.

She was born June 8, 1931, in Canton to Orville and Mittie Lee Etheridge.

She was a member of First Baptist Church and lived around the Canton area her whole life. In 1949, she married Billy Ray Bass and they raised three daughters.

She enjoyed the special bond that she shared with her twin sister, Oma. She was a housewife who loved working in her flower garden, crocheting, making things for others and cooking. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family and serving others.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Bass, Frankie Davidson and Dianne Goodner; seven grandchildren, Margie Allen, Joey Bass, Timmy Norrell, Tobie Hubble, Gary Davidson, Cassie Rushing, and Coley Goodner; 15 great-grandchildren; and special friends, Bernice Miller and Ruth Thomas.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Billy Ray Bass; brothers, Herman, H.B., Lonie and Horace Etheridge; sister, Opal Fain; and her dear twin sister, Oma Heddin.

Interment will be at Haven of Memories in Canton.

Pecos Delhart Douglas

1931-2016

Pecos Delhart Douglas was born on Feb. 7, 1931, in Martin’s Mill, the fourth child of Hubert Gideon and Artie Marie Jones Douglas.  He passed away peacefully after a long illness on Oct. 12, 2016, at his home in Houston, surrounded by family.  He grew up on a working ranch and graduated from Martin’s Mill High School, where he excelled in basketball.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, serving our country overseas during the Korean conflict.  After an honorable discharge, Mr. Douglas began working in the oil field, where he gained a practical, hands-on education in the industry from the ground level.  Mr. Douglas was particularly interested in the pipeline engineering and construction processes, and eventually started working with the right-of-way team and rose quickly through the ranks.  He had been a project manager for a major engineering firm, which sent him to Monroe, Louisiana.  One day during lunch a young typist, also on her lunch break, caught his eye.  Six months later, Miss Nancy Scott would become the current Mrs. Pecos Douglas.  Not long after they married, the Douglas’ moved to Houston,  where Pecos and a partner opened their own highly successful pipeline engineering firm, operating in both domestic and international markets.  He learned to play a guitar at an early age, and wrote several songs which went on to be recorded by his brother, Tony Douglas.  On a rare occasion, Pecos would join Tony onstage as well as in the studio, providing harmony and back up.  He was an avid hunter and bass fisherman who loved the outdoors.  He also loved the daily news of the world, and loved to debate the political climate and discuss the players.  Nothing was ever more important to Pecos than his family.  He was a great cook, and loved making his famous whole wheat gravy and biscuits for family and friends.  A devoted husband, he was proud of his East Texas heritage, and the lineage from which he was born. He was instrumental for many years in making sure the Jones and Douglas reunions were held. He was a charter member of the Liberty Cemetery Association Board of Directors, remaining so until his death.  He had been a member of Hobbs Missionary Baptist Church until it disbanded, and was also a Free Mason.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Weda Sue Douglas, Sarita Douglas Stegall, Wathena Douglas Rubin, and one brother, Tony Douglas. 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Scott Douglas of Houston; sister, Kay Douglas Etheridge of Martin’s Mill, and sister-in-law, Mim Douglas of Athens, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Liberty Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1185, Athens, TX 75751, or the charity of your choice. A graveside service was held Monday, Oct. 17, at Liberty Cemetery on FM 2339 in Martin’s Mill.

Silas Lester Kennemer Jr.

1949-2016

A memorial service for Silas Lester Kennemer Jr., 67, of Keller, formerly of Wills Point, was held Oct. 16, 2016, at Allan Fuller Funeral Chapel in Wills Point.

Mr. Kennemer passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Keller.

Toni Lynn Barrentine

1942-2016

Services for Toni Lynn Barrentine, 74, of New Braunfels were held Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Canton, with Dr. Mike Roberson officiating under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home in Canton.

She died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in San Antonio.

She was born Sept. 10, 1942 in Dallas to Walter B. Murphrey Jr. and Ina Lee Turner.

She grew up in Canton where she often stopped by her uncle’s soda shop where Paul worked.

She had a thriving personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was a devoted homemaker and helpmate to her husband, Paul, and four daughters.

She also gave of herself to the Lord’s work and His church, joyfully following Paul to the mission field and then supporting him in his work as a pharmacist by creating a Christian gift shop in the pharmacy. She taught the Word in VBS, Sunday school, MOPS, and alongside Paul in the couples’ class. All the while, she maintained a home for Paul and her four daughters that was equally inviting, never neglecting to attend a game, provide biscuits and gravy for Sunday morning breakfast, initiate a heart to heart conversation, and just pour truth into their lives… whether they wanted to hear it or not!

The love between Paul and Toni has left a legacy that will continue on throughout future generations, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Barrentine; daughters; Teri and Ross Flynn, Jill & Ron Hammer, Julie and Ruel Lindenau, and Kristen and Don Jacobs; six grandchildren; Ashton Flynn, Juston Flynn, Audrey Lindenau, Merrill Rose Lindenau, Karoline Jacobs, and Matthew Paul Jacobs; and Sister, Donna and Kenneth McPhail.

Toni is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Jr. and Ina Lee Murphrey; and granddaughter, Haley Paige Hammer.

Interment was at Haven of Memories in Canton.

Willie Gillispie

1939-2016

Services for Willie Gillispie, 77, of Grand Saline, were held Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at Bartley Funeral Home. Interment was at Creagleville Cemetery. Mr. Gillispie passed away October 15, 2016, in Tyler.

Alicia Jean Wilson

1968-2016

Funeral services for Alicia Jean Wilson, 47, Canton, were held Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Hiett’s  LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

She passed away Friday evening, Oct. 21, 2016, at her home in Canton surrounded by her friends and family.

She was born Dec. 6, 1968, in Bakersfield, Calif. to the late Gary Neill Lewis and Lynda Anne Walsh.

 She graduated from Wills Point High School in 1987 and from Eastfield College in 2011. She also attended The University of North Texas where she studied social work. She enjoyed travel, attending her LDS church, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She treasured her grandchildren, Landon and Brynlee.

She would drop everything to spend time with them. But most of all, she loved without condition. Her impact on this world will continue to ripple throughout eternity.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Deborah Alexander and her brother-in-law, Henry.

She is survived by her three daughters, Jayme Beckner of  Sioux City, Ia., Amy Wilson of Dallas, and Brandi Wilson of Fruitvale; grandson, Landon Coker; granddaughter, Brynlee Beckner; sister, Mindy Renz and brother in law, Nathan of Richland, Wash.;  niece, Samantha Reid of Pasco, Wash; and nephew, Quinten Renz of Richland, Wash; brother, Chris Lewis and sister in law, Laura of Dixon, Calif; nieces, Amanda Lewis, Kelsey Lewis and Abigail Lewis, all of Dixon, Calif., and many other relatives and friends.

April Renee Brister Harris

1983-2016

Services for April Renee Brister Harris, 32, of Grand Saline, were held Oct. 24, 2016, at Bartley Funeral Home.

She passed away Oct. 19, 2016, in Grand Saline.

Doris Jane Davis

1939-2016

Funeral services for Doris Jane Davis, 77, of Wills Point, were held Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Burial followed at White Rose Cemetery.

She passed away Oct. 24, 2016, at her home.

She was born Jan. 1, 1939, in Coppell to William and Eula Belle Ottinger. She grew up in Coppell on the family farm. She worked in the field where they grew cotton, vegetables and raised hogs.

She was on the front cover of Progressive Farmer magazine around the age of 16. She married Henry Clay Davis Jr. in Coppell Nov. 5, 1959, at Sandy Lake Road Baptist Church where she attended church. They moved to Wills Point in 1996, and she joined Calvary Baptist Church. She loved cooking and watching football. She sold Avon for years and loved her fur baby, Amber.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cheryl Denise Davis; husband, Henry Clay Davis, Jr; and brother, Larry Ottinger.

She is survived by her sons, Brad Davis and wife, Kathy of Wills Point and Tony Ryan Davis of Dallas; brothers, Bobby Ottinger of Coppell and Jim Ottinger and wife, Charlotte Waisman of Evergreen, Colo.; sisters, Nancy Flanagan and husband, Bob of Grapevine and Diane Freestone of Coppell; sister-in-law, Karen Ottinger; grandchild, Chandra Cosper and husband, Jon of Grand Prairie and their daughter, Emmaleigh Jane Cosper; step-grandchildren, Renee Schafer and husband, Vernon of Canton, Amanda McGatlin and husband, Joe of Alaska and Jared Forrest and wife, Megan of Tool along with six step-great grandchildren.

Matthew Earl Thompson

1980-2016

Matthew Earl Thompson, 36, of Quinlan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Pecos.

Funeral services celebrating Matthew’s life were held at Ingram Funeral Home Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

He was born Jan. 9, 1980, in Dallas. He is the son of Tina McMillin and the late Terry Eugene Thompson. He was raised and educated in Kemp. He moved to the Quinlan community in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Eugene Thompson in 1988; grandfather, Adron McMillin, lovingly known as Paw Pa, and niece Crisslyn Grace Thompson.

He loved to fish, work on cars and raise Cane! He was a loving husband, son, brother and father to three beautiful daughters.

He is loved and will be missed by his wife, Nesie Kay Hughes of Quinlan; mother, Tina McMillin of Edgewood; children, Realyn Thompson, Reagen Thompson and Brooklyn Bolden all of Quinlan; grandmother; Rebecca McMillin of Grand Saline; brothers, Michael and wife Elizabeth Thompson of Edgewood, Josh and wife Tammatha Thompson of Mineola, Jeremy and wife Shauna Thompson of Canton; mother-in-law Rhonda Hughes; father-in-law Billy Jack Haggard; sister-in-law Jamie Anderson and husband Troy; and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles.

Opal Dunn Matthews

1918-2016

Services for Opal Dunn Matthews, 98, of Canton were held Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Colfax Cemetery with the Rev. Susan Smith officiating under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home.

She passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, in Tyler.

She was born July 14, 1918, in Scurry to John Walter and Claudie Lee Denton Dunn.

She was raised in Kaufman where she attended school. She was married to Cecil Matthews for 67 years before his passing in 2007.

 In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, exercising, and attending Bible study. At the age of 90, she read the entire King James Bible from cover to cover. She loved the Lord; she was a member of Colfax Methodist Church and never missed a Bible study or service at the nursing home.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Deborah Ogle and husband, Wayne of Tulsa, Okla; grandson, Darren Matthews of Branson, Mo.; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Matthews of Tulsa, Okla.; nephew, Phillip Matthews and wife Wendy of Canton; and numerous other family, friends, and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Walter and Claudie Lee Dunn; husband, Cecil Matthews; daughter, Jan Matthews Clark; and son, Dale Matthews.

Interment was at Colfax Cemetery in Van.

Staton Douthit

1937-2016

Services for Staton Douthit, 79, were held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at Hilliard Funeral Home with Kyle Douthit officiating. A graveside service followed at Haven of Memories Cemetery in Canton.

Carl Staton Douthit was born July 3, 1937, the second of 10 children, in Canton to the late C D Douthit and Senora Cox Douthit. He passed away Oct. 18, 2016, in Canton.

He had been a resident of Van since 1997, formerly living in Dallas. He grew up in Canton and attended Canton High School. He attended Navarro Junior College, where he played football, and also attended Tyler Junior College and East Texas State University.

He married Linda Culver Douthit of Van on Aug. 8, 1959. He owned Associated Truss Company in Sunnyvale and was a lifetime member and past president of the Wood Truss Council of America, and also was a member of their Hall of Fame.  He was also a life-time member and Diamond Club member of WTCA Top Chord Club. He was a past president of Component Manufacturer's Division of Truss Plate Institute, president of Associated Truss Company for 28 years, and board of directors of Truss Manufacturers of Texas. He was also on the Mesquite Airport Board for 10 years, Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, White Rock YMCA board of directors, and Dallas Christian Academy School Board for seven years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Texas, and a 32nd Degree Mason (Scottish Rite Temple, Dallas), as well as a Shriner (Hella Temple, Dallas). He also served as an elder at Highland Oaks Church of Christ for 19 years and as the Republican Prec. Chairman Dallas for 10 years.

He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, snow-skiing and golf.  Since his retirement, he and Linda have been living at Greenmeadow Farm and enjoying spending time with family and raising cattle.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Linda Douthit of Van; two children, Cindy Rogers and husband, Gary of Houston, and Kyle Douthit and wife, Julie of Abilene; five grandchildren who called him "Pops"; Carli Cotterell and husband, Sean of Friendswood, Robert Rogers, US Navy, Derek Rogers and wife, Megan of Houston, Brittney Douthit of Abilene and Emily Douthit of Abilene; one great-grandson, Casen Cotterell "The Boy" of Friendswood; lifelong friend, Gerald Reed of Canton; four brothers; five sisters; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers were Gerald Reed, Charles Day, Robert Rogers, Derek Rogers, Danny Culver, Gary Rogers, Jason Culver, Steve Bryan, Sean Cotterell, Dale Duncan, Wayne Neu and Greg Duncan.

Clota Fisher

1931-2016

Graveside services for Clota Fisher, 85, of Grand Saline were held Nov. 1, 2016, at Corinth Cemetery. Mrs. Fisher passed away Oct. 29, 2016, in Grand Saline.

Deborah Kay Merki

1957-2016

Memorial services for Deborah Kay Merki, 59, of Denton, were held Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at Cross Timbers Community Church, under the direction of Deberry Funeral Home, with Toby Slough officiating. She died Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas after a month-long courageous battle.

She was the beloved wife and best friend of Mark Merki for 33 years.  In addition to her husband, Debbie also leaves her daughter April Cain and son Memphis Merki, as well as her cherished granddaughter Audrey.

Mrs. Merki was born March 5, 1957, in Grand Saline and grew up in Garland.  She was the daughter of Melvin and Janell Davis of Canton. 

She graduated from South Garland High School with the class of 1975. She received her Bachelors in Education in 1983 and Masters in Education in 1986 from NTSU (now known as the University of North Texas).

She was a passionate advocate of children and taught in Little Elm ISD and Denton ISD.  She was a Principal in Denton ISD, Carrollton-Farmer’s Branch ISD, and Northwest ISD.  She retired from education after 33 years.  Her leadership impacted the lives of thousands of children and teachers.  She was best known for inspiring teachers to work for the betterment of children in all aspects – instructionally, socially, and behaviorally.  She was truly committed to helping children.

She was a joyful, loving woman and treasured spending time with friends and family.  She especially loved spending time with her newborn granddaughter, Audrey.  She enjoyed sailing in the Virgin Islands, planning parties, gardening, and being with her family.

She is survived by her parents and sisters, Susie (Kevin) Davis-Johnson, Mary Lynn Hill (Dwayne Bettis).  She is also survived by members of the Merki family, Don (Lesley) Merki, Dan (Shelley) Merki, Christine Merki, Michael Merki, and AnnMarie (Scott) Skaja.  She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews, Nick Johnson, Lindsay Buhler, Logan Roesle, Tyler Roesle, Everest Merki, Sam Merki, Emily Long, Natalie Merki, Cole Merki, Bella Skaja, and Mae Skaja, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Deborah and Mark Merki scholarship at UNT in education and accounting or to the United Way of Denton County.

Gladys Inez Richardson

1914-2016

Services for Gladys Inez Richardson, 101, of Canton were held Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, with Bro. Don Childress officiating under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home.

Interment followed at Haven of Memories Memorial Park.

Mrs. Richardson passed away Oct. 28, 2016, in Canton.

She was born Nov. 18, 1914, in Van Zandt County. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton. She spent most of her life in Wood County and was involved in retail shops for years. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rudolph Richardson; and five brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her son, James Paul Wheeler and wife Patricia Ann; daughter, Brenda Prince and Ron DeVoe; grandchildren, Keith Wheeler, James Patrick Wheeler, Harlan Clark Wheeler, Sherri Catherine Wheeler Hancock, Zack Scott Prince and Holly Jill Dailey; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Marlon Barber; and sister, Melba Ruth Sills and Bob; and son-in-law Ronald Zack Prince.

Glenn Wayne Brewer

1942-2016

Services for Glenn Wayne Brewer, 73, of Canton, were held Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, with Bro. Steve Glosup officiating.

Interment followed at Haven of Memories.

He passed away Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, in Canton after a brief illness.

He was born Dec 4, 1942, in Dallas to Otis Odell and Audrey Pauline Huckaby Brewer.

He grew up in Arlington where he attended school. After marriage, he moved to Canton to raise his family. He was a “jack of all trades” and a master of most. He had an unforgettable smile and enjoyed visiting with folks. He loved fishing and watching his grandchildren play ball.

He is survived by his sons, Johnny and wife Amy of Canton and Robert and wife Audrey of Canton; grandchildren, Colten, Brittany, Emily, Gus, Hoss, Gracie, Bradley, Buck and another one on the way; and his sister, Melba Knowles.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Audrey Brewer; son, Bradley Brewer; sister, Maxine Goode and husband Don; and brother-in-law, Jack Knowles.

Jerry W. Brookins

1937-2016

Jerry W. Brookins, 79, passed away Oct. 30, 2016, in Tyler.

He was born July 20, 1937, in Terrell to Winfred and Vanzora Teague Brookins.

He lived most of his life in Rockwall where he worked in sales of telecommunications.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn Brookins; daughters, Roxanne Keene and Tana Brookins; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be emailed to bodandmissbod1@att.net.

John Newton Guthrie

1937-2016

Funeral services for John Newton Guthrie, 78, of Edgewood were held Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Edgewood.  Burial followed at White Rose Cemetery in Wills Point. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

John passed away Oct. 30, 2016, at his home in Edgewood.

He was born Dec. 29, 1937, in Dallas to Andrew Olan and Madge Derrell Guthrie. He was raised in Oak Cliff, graduated from Sun Set High School and attended Texas A&M University.

He married Billie Sanderson on Oct. 20, 1979, in Dallas, and they lived in the Sunnyvale area before moving to Edgewood in 1996. John worked for the National Cash Registry for 15 years in Dallas and then went to work for Southwestern Bell as a cable repairman for 25 years before retiring in 2000. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Edgewood, as well as a member of the Blue Masonic Lodge in Oak Cliff.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jane Ellen Cole.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Guthrie of Edgewood; sons, John Scott Guthrie and wife, Carla of Wills Point and “Trey” John Edward Sanderson III and wife, Barbara of Crowley; daughters, Susan Guthrie of Grand Prairie, Shannon Christianson and husband, Tony of Azel and Lisa Sanderson of Edgewood; brother, Richard Olan Guthrie and wife, Carolyn of Arlington; sister, Norma Jean Fite and husband, Harold of Mt. Arkansas; grandchildren, Ashley Farnsworth, Haley Guthrie, Cara Jane Guthrie, Joshua Rankin, Jonathan Christianson, Olivia Sanderson and Seth Guthrie Sanderson; great-grandchildren, Logan and Landry Farnsworth and Micah Rankin.

Johnny Hill 

1958-2016

Services for Johnny Hill, 58, of Grand Saline, were held Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at Bartley Funeral Home with Bro. Mack Swain officiating.

Interment will be in Shields Cemetery.

Mr. Hill passed away Oct. 25, 2016 at his residence in Grand Saline. He was born March 9, 1958, in Grand Saline to John Edward and Joyce Ann Monk Hill.

He lived all his life in Van Zandt County. He had many years of service for Van Zandt County Precinct 1, managing roads and bridges, and had worked the last 15 years for Fruitvale Water Supply.

He also served on the board of directors for the Shields Cemetery Association. He was preceded in death his father, John Edward Hill; mother, Joyce Ann Moore; and two brothers, Troy Hill and Russell Hill.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Sandy Hill of Grand Saline; two sons, Johnny Hill and wife Jennifer of Rockdale and Stephen Hill and wife Whitley of Grand Saline; three grandchildren, Ayden Hill, Paisley Hill, and Ethan Hill; in-laws, Carrol and Janey Waddill of Grand Saline; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Kathy Joyce of Deadham, MA; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Michael Hale, Harlan Wayne Davis, Steve Campbell, Tooter Fisher, John Hague, Clint McQueen, Tim Crocker, and Don Dollar.

Honorary pallbearers will be Butch Grier, Jimmy Woodrum, Leon Quinn, Ethan Hill, and Ayden Hill.

Memorials can be made to Shields Cemetery Association.

The family will receive friends 6-8 pm Thursday at the funeral home.