William Irvine Chandler

1922-2017

William Irvine Chandler, 94, Palestine, was born Aug. 21, 1922, and passed away May 30, 2017.

Interment was in Cana Cemetery, south of Wills Point.

Darrell K. Wallace Barclay

1930-2017

Graveside services for Darrell K. Wallace Barclay, 87, formerly of Canton, will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton. Mrs. Barclay passed away May 2, 2017, in Whittier, N. C.

Born in Martins Mill to Joe and Ina Wallace, she lived in Canton until she moved to Phoenix, Ariz. She resided in Phoenix for the majority of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, William L. Barclay, and sister, Elouise Mims.

She is survived by her husband Bill’s four children; 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dennis Ray Hightower

1940-2017

Funeral services for Dennis Ray Hightower, 76, Terrell, were held Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Goggans Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Hightower passed away June 18, 2017, in Poetry.

He was born September 28, 1940, in Hunt County to Harry Lovelace and Mary Emma Hightower. He grew up living and loving the simple country life of hunting, fishing and farming. He played a major role in whitetail deer being brought to the area in the late ‘70s. He later became a Texas Deputy Game Warden along with his cousin, Bud Dennis, to protect and preserve the wildlife for future generations. He worked as a bootmaker, in the aluminum industry and commercial farming.

He owned concession stands, an arcade, a café and he also had a vending route, but his greatest passion was his cattle. He loved to work and be busy. His body did not contain a lazy bone.

His entertainment came from hunting and fishing with family and friends. A part of his heart laid in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. He was a strong man and a natural leader who loved his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Hightower of Terrell; two brothers, Jack Hightower of Quinlan and W.A. Hightower of Cumby.

He is survived by his two sons, Dennis Wayne Hightower and James Ray Hightower of Terrell; three granddaughters, Meagan Elizabeth Hightower of Yantis, Brittany Lynn Wilemon of Terrell and Jamie Leigh Hightower of Austin; one grandson, Devon Brylle Hightower of the Philippines; and a loved stepson, Frank Looper of Terrell; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Mclemee family; as well as cousins of the Dennis family.

Ila Qhintella Kelly

1924-2017

Funeral services for Ila Qhintella Kelly, 92, Wills Point, were held Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Interment followed at White Rose Cemetery. Mr. Kelly passed away June 13, 2017, in Grand Saline.

James Sanders

1933-2017

Services for James (Moe) Sanders, 84, of Canton, were held Monday, June 19, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home with Bro. Adam Key officiating. 

Interment followed in Old Bethel Cemetery.

Mr. Sanders joined our Lord on June 16, 2017, in Tyler surrounded by family.  He was born Jan. 21, 1933 in Glendale to MM and Annie Sanders. 

He was a deacon at Old Bethel Baptist Church.  He enjoyed farming and spending time with his family.  He was a friend to all he met.  Moe enjoyed sharing God with everyone.  He was a true reflection of a Christian man.  He was known by children as the “Candy Man.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents; MM and Annie Sanders; his infant son, James Sanders; daughter, Belinda Boyer; and a sister and a brother.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Virginia Sanders of Canton; daughter, Debra Daugherty of Canton; son-in-law, Ned Boyer; grandson and wife, Jacob and Lea Stegall of Cooper; granddaughter and husband, Amy and Paul Landrum of Canton; grandson and wife, Josh and Melinda Stegall of Mt. Pleasant; three great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Stegall, DJ Landrum and Harly Stegall; numerous nieces and nephews.

Stephen Douglas McFarland

1954-2017

Funeral services for Stephen Douglas McFarland were held Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Calvary Baptist Church in Wills Point under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Mr. McFarland passed away June 13, 2017, at University of Tennessee Hospital in Tennessee.

He was born Nov. 2, 1954, to Grady Lee and Mattie Hollister McFarland. He lived his entire life in Wills Point until recently when he moved to Tennessee to be near family. He graduated from Wills Point High School and attended East Texas State University and Henderson County Junior College. He continued his education at El Centro College and Trinity Valley Junior College to earn his nursing degree. He was a registered nurse for thirty-seven years. He worked at Terrell State Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital in Kaufman for most of his career.

He married Mary Ballard Clearman Oct. 16, 2004.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Mattie McFarland; grandparents, Tom and Ethel McFarland and Frank and Dora Hollister; two brothers, Thomas Lee McFarland and Donald Neil McFarland.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Phillip McFarland and wife, Angela of Wills point; stepchildren, Cody Clearman and wife, Kristen, and Clay Clearman  all of Maryville, Tenn., Taylor Lyons and husband, Craig of Chattanooga, Tenn.; grandchildren, Morgan, Hannah Allyson, Kailas, Conner Bear, Brooks, Raine, Orion Jude, Lora, Julia, Alex and Andrew; brothers, Grady McFarland and wife, Mona of Dallas, Frank McFarland of Bryn, James McFarland and wife, Cathie of Covington, La., and Ronnie McFarland and wife, Elizabeth of Wills Point; sisters, Naomi Caldwell and husband, Joe of Wills Point, Nell Carter and husband, Dwayn of Wills Point, Joyce Gassiott and husband, Glenn of Mabank; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Hope Pregnancy Center, 885 State Highway 243, Canton, TX 75103.

Donald H. Metch

1938-2017

Memorial services for Donald Herbert Metch, 78, Canton, were held Monday, June 19, 2017, at Four Mile Lutheran Church in Mabank with Pastor Joan Iker and Deacon Larry Edwards officiating. He passed away June 16, 2017, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

He was born Sept. 21, 1938, in Somerville, N.J.  He was a notorious hard worker, operating a dairy farm and working in construction and landscaping in New Jersey. His work ethic continued as a nurseryman and rancher in Canton from 1982 until his passing.

He brought leadership and passion to numerous organizations he was involved in, including the American Hereford Association, Texas Polled Hereford Association, Texas Association of Nurserymen, Van Zandt County Farm Bureau, Van Zandt County Republican Club & State Delegate, Volunteer Fire Fighter and 4-H Club Leader. He was also a dedicated member of Four Mile Lutheran Church where he was the chair of the cemetery committee for 27 years. 

He will be deeply missed by his family and so many people that were blessed to have known him. He will be remembered as an amazing businessman, promotor and educator of agriculture and political advocate. His family and friends will never forget his sense of humor, deep laugh, cheerful smile, and his willingness to share his broad base of knowledge. He was the embodiment of what a man, husband, father and grandfather should be.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Natalie Metch; his brother, David Metch; and his sister, Judy Millet.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Metch; sister, Patricia Smith and husband, Phillip; sister-in-law, Carol Metch; brother in-law, William Millet and wife, Michelle; son, Bill Metch and wife, Christine and her children, Eric Avery, Jessica Beckwith and husband, Tyler; daughter, Barbara Metch; son-in-law, Gary Holan and his daughters, Amber Holan, and Carrie Donnel and husband, Jonathan; grandsons, Daniel Metch and wife, Jenilee, Jacob Metch and wife, Mary Kate; great-grandsons, Wyatt and Colton Metch,; and many other loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please memorialize Metch by sending a donation to his beloved church, Four Mile Lutheran Church Cemetery, PO Box 5004, Mabank, TX 75147, or to Texas Poll-Ette Scholarship, PO Box 754, Emory, 75440.

Carl Trummon Kelly

1927-2017

Funeral services for Carl Trummon Kelly, 90, of Grand Saline, were held Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial followed in White Rose Cemetery. Mr. Kelly passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017.

Charles M. Turk

1955-2017

Funeral services for Charles M. Turk, 62, Wills Point, are scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Grace Family Church in Canton with Pastor Johnathon Smith officiating. 

Interment will be private under the direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co., Tyler. Mr. Turk transitioned June 18, 2017, in Tyler.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Christine Walker of Bay City; son, Alexander Turk of Grand Prairie; three daughters, Taanya Nicole Turk of Austin, Lesley Faye Turk of Dallas, and Emma Riley Turk of Edgewood; brother, Jackie Hammond of Pearland; sister, Brenda Ingram of Fort Worth; and one granddaughter.

Charles William Curtis

1938-2017

Memorial services for Charles William Curtis, 79, of Canton, were held Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Colfax Methodist Church in Colfax. Mr. Curtis passed away June 24, 2017, in Canton.

He was born Jan. 10, 1938, in Telephone to William and Jewel Inez Curtis. He served in the navy as a helmsman on the USS Providence. After his sea duty, he finished his enlistment as a shore patrol officer.

He went on to serve in the National Guard of Texas as a reserve in the army.

While serving in the navy in 1958, he met and married the love of his life, Mary. They were married for 57 years until her death in 2015.

He worked for many years at Lockheed Aircraft in California. They moved to Canton in 1976, where they raised their five children. He finished up his career at Winchester Rifle Company before his retirement in 1993.

He is survived by his daughters, Teri Caldwell and husband, Carl of Buna, Bonnie Tears and husband, Brian of The Colony, Patty Edwards and husband, David of Canton, and Wendy Matthews and husband, Phillip of Canton; son, David Curtis and wife, Judy of Canton; sisters, Barbara Reese and husband, Truman of Arlington, and Marlene Bolton of Wendell, N.C.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

Clint Hubbard

1996-2017

Memorial services for Clint Hubbard, 21, Wills Point, were held Thursday, June 29, 2017, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Brandon Bachtel officiating. Interment followed at White Rose Cemetery under the direction of Allan Fuller Funeral Home. He passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017, in Sunnyvale, due to a motorcycle accident.

He was born Jan. 27, 1996, in Terrell to Judson Win Hubbard and Kim Denise Sabella Sullivan.  He was raised in Wills Point where he grew up around farming and ranching. While in high school, he was an officer in F.F.A., played sports and enjoyed Ag Mechanics. He graduated from Wills Point High School in 2014. He attended Missouri Welding Institute and graduated with a degree in Master Pipe Welding and Fitting.  He worked in Missouri and Iowa before coming back home to Texas. He was currently employed by Wilco in Wills Point as a welder.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing pool, surfing, traveling and spending time with his friends.  Australia was one of his favorite places to visit. He attended Stonepoint Church in Wills Point.

He is survived by his father, Judson Hubbard and wife, Mica of Wills Point; mother, Kim Sullivan and husband, Scott of Brady; sister, Victoria Sullivan of Brady; grandparents, J. Tom and Charlene Hubbard, Colleen Young, Rodney McDaniel, all of Wills Point, and David and Ree Sabella of Greenville; great-grandfather, Earl Moore of Jacksonville, Fla.; uncles, Tom Hubbard and wife, Julie of Canton, David Sabella and wife, Kelly of Wills Point; aunts, Carla Coffee and husband, Mike of Nacogdoches and Rhonda and Kevin Elliott of Commerce.

Pallbearers were Judson Hubbard, Tom Hubbard Jr., Jonah Hubbard, David Sabella, David Sabella Jr., Aaron Sabella and Austin Morgan.

Honorary Pallbearers were Cole Pendleton, Bryan Squires, Brandon Tankersley, Kaelan Drennan, Michael Walker, Daniel Wrysinski and Dakota Pickens.

Dwain Walters Martin

1934-2017

Services for Dwain Walters Martin, 82, Edgewood, were held Monday, June 26, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home. Interment followed in Haven of Memories.

Mr. Martin passed away June 22, 2017, in Tyler after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Edgewood to Nomie Wallace Martin and Bonnie LaFaye Walters.

He grew up in Edgewood and joined the army where he served during the Korean conflict. After serving his country, he moved to Mesquite and married Tyrece Swann. After raising their children, the Martins moved to Winnsboro where he opened his first barbeque restaurant. The Martins had homes in both Winnsboro and Edgewood. 

He enjoyed mowing, building and gardening in his spare time. He married Wanda Joyce Dickerson in 2000 and was a member of First Baptist Church in Edgewood.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nomie and Bonnie Martin; and wife, Tyrece Swann Martin in 1998 after 41 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Joyce Martin; daughters, Rhonda Martin Cook, Renee’ Elizabeth Martin; stepdaughters, Joyce Wanell Hogue and Glenita Blackwood; stepsons, Ricky McCary and Paul McCary; grandchildren, Laci Oettmeier, Jessica Williams, Laura Fangman, and Andrew Cook; several step grandchildren; and sister, Sharon Martin Kinard.

George O. Conn

1942-2017

George O. Conn, 75, died June 22, 2017, in Cedar Hill with his family by his side.

He was born in Dallas and graduated from Wills Point High School May 1961.

He served in the Army for 34 years, both in the Texas National Guard and National Guard Bureau, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, followed by civil service.  He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Brigade and later served in the Bosnian War, followed by years in the US Army Europe and the European Command.  He ended his career at the Pentagon with the Joint Chief of Staff in the J1 in 2010.  He was a mentor to many other soldiers, both young and old, encouraging them along in their careers.  He was a positive influence to all of his colleagues and was an endearing presence in the many places where he worked.

He never met a stranger and had a dry wit. He was a loyal friend, list maker and had a humorous frankness. He loved traveling and took advantage of any chance to travel while serving in Europe. After he retired he enjoyed working around the house and yard; especially watching the birds. He leaves behind his beloved dogs, Lori and Happy.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Addie Gullick, father, George Amond Conn, younger brother, John Conn, and son, Jeffery Conn.
Survivors include his loving wife, Oma J. Conn; his mother, Beatrice Hooper Conn; sons, Heath Conn and wife, Deborah, and Norman Lyles; daughter Amy Conn; grandchildren, Eric Conn, Dalton Lyles and Wyatt Lyles.
A memorial service will be held at that Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 11. This will be the only service and the National Cemetery gives a certain amount of time. They only allow a limited number of flower arrangements so in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society or VITAS Healthcare hospice services in Dallas. 
Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 891 Cedar Hill, TX 75106. Funeral arrangements have been made through Hiett's Lybrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. 

Gregoria Vasquez

1915-2017

Memorial services for Gregoria Vasquez, 101, Wills Point, were held Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery, Edgewood. She passed away Thursday, June 22 in Wills Point.

James Jones

1951-2017

A memorial service for James "Bob" Jones, 65, of Ben Wheeler, was held Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Chapel in Canton with Bro. C.R. Chapman officiating.

Mr. Jones passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, at his home. 

He was born Oct. 24, 1951, in Farmington, N.M. to Lorin Leroy and Florence Rose Buscarini Jones. 

He was a Christian by faith and attended the Cowboy Church in Ben Wheeler.  He retired from the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department.

The Joneses moved to Ben Wheeler in 1990.  He loved soccer, discussing politics, fishing, traveling, cooking BBQ and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was an animal lover.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lorin and Florence Jones; son, Michael Jones; and daughter, Jennifer Page.  

Survivors include his wife, Martha of Ben Wheeler; son, Kyle and Misty Page of College Station; four grandchildren, Alexander Page, Amanda Page, Allison Page and Sydney Wingenbach; sister, Bonnie Sue and Randy Quick; brothers, Lorin Gene and Christine Jones, and Alan and Lori Jones; and his special buddy, Bubba. 

The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Jay Thomas Nichols

1989-2017

Funeral services for Jay Thomas Nichols, 27, Dallas, were held Friday, June 20, 2017, at Robinwood Baptist Church in Seagoville under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Interment followed at Laurel Oaks Memorial Park in Balch Springs.

Jerry Don Koonce

1948-2017

Services for Jerry Don Koonce, 69, were held Saturday June 24, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton with Bro. L.A. Goodson and Bro. Randy Fisher officiating.

Interment was at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton. Mr. Koonce passed away June 19, 2017, in Tyler.

He was born Jan. 24, 1948, in Pampa to Phillip and Verna Fisher Koonce.

He was a sweet potato farmer for most of his life and was in the oil business in his later years. He was also a Van Zandt County peace officer for 13 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Butch Koonce; son, Kelly Fincher; daughters, Rheaona Scott and Rachelle Love; and grandsons, Joey Morgan and Jacob Love.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Parker Koonce; daughters, Donna and Cliff Reeves, Jana and Darren Brightman, Kristi and Joe Limberger, Wendy and Liado Gomez, Sheila McGire and Channel; sons, Chris Koonce, Cody and Joie Koonce, Keith and Susan Fincher; 30 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Ben and Sue Koonce; sister, Judy Koonce; in-laws, Ralph and Iva Nell Parker.

Pallbearers were Shawn Koonce, Shane Koonce, Derek Koonce, Clint Sorrell, Darrell King and Joe Limberger.

Honorary pallbearers were Scott Barker, George Carr, Jerry Lenard, Jimmy Mitchell, George Rozell and Mark Scruggs.

Arlene Jones

1915-2017

Arlene “Muer” Jones, Murchison, was born August 27, 1915 in Edom, TX. She passed away peacefully in her home on June 28, 2017, at the age of 101. She was a resident of Callender Lake for 48 years. She loved cooking, baking, travelling and spending time with her family. She was a member of Edom United Methodist Church since the age of 12.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kernon Grady Jones; son in heart, Bob Melton; grandson, Vic Melton; and great-granddaughters, Corie and Angel Melton.
Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Melton; two sisters, Betty Jean Davidson and husband, V. L. and Billie Sue Credeur; grandsons, Ricky Melton and Lance Melton; granddaughter, Tammy Melton Gibson; 12 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial honoring her life will be held by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made in her name at Edom United Methodist Church, Kindred Hospice or a charity of your choice. 

Arlene Jones

1915-2017

Arlene “Muer” Jones, Murchison, was born August 27, 1915 in Edom, TX. She passed away peacefully in her home on June 28, 2017, at the age of 101. She was a resident of Callender Lake for 48 years. She loved cooking, baking, travelling and spending time with her family. She was a member of Edom United Methodist Church since the age of 12.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kernon Grady Jones; son in heart, Bob Melton; grandson, Vic Melton; and great-granddaughters, Corie and Angel Melton.
Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Melton; two sisters, Betty Jean Davidson and husband, V. L. and Billie Sue Credeur; grandsons, Ricky Melton and Lance Melton; granddaughter, Tammy Melton Gibson; 12 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial honoring her life will be held by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made in her name at Edom United Methodist Church, Kindred Hospice or a charity of your choice. 

Billy Lee Johnson

1931-2017

Memorial services for Billy Lee Johnson, 85, of Canton, were held Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Chapel with Bro. Mark Robinson officiating.  Interment followed in Haven of Memories. 

Mr. Johnson passed away June 27, 2017, at his home.

He was born Aug. 28, 1931, in Hockley County to Lonnie Monroe and Helen Burke Johnson. He was the eldest of 10 children. He began his working career at the Johnson Salvage Yard of Amarillo.  At the age of 16 he built his first race car and competed many years at the Amarillo Speed Bowl, Flying Saucer and many area tracks.  He went to work for Borden Dairy Inc. in 1957 and retired as a production manager after 36 years. He was an active member of Cross Roads Church in Canton. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara Turner Johnson; brothers, Gary and Richard Clem Johnson; and sisters, Virginia Moore and Linda Jo Guinn. 

He is survived by four children, David and Cathy Johnson of Gadsden, Ala., Paul and Brenda Johnson of Beloit, Wis., Cindy and Dale Bunton of Canton, and Lesla and Billy Somers of Pinellas Park, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, James Johnson; sisters, Judy Link, Kay Johnson, Sharon Fernandez and Karon Dial.  

Pallbearers were Adam Johnson, Joshua Bunton, Caleb Bunton, Daniel Johnson, Cody Bunton and Aaron Johnson.