Jean Gray

1925-2017

Services for Jean Gray were held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Hilliard Funeral Home with a graveside to follow at Prairie Springs Cemetery, Ben Wheeler, with her grandsons serving as pallbearers. 

Ruby Jean Hall Gray was born July 18, 1925 in Waco.  She was currently living in Irving, formerly living in the Canton area.  She was a member of Order of Eastern Star and a homemaker.

She passed away at the age of 92 on Aug. 9, 2017 in Irving.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendle Allen Gray in 2007; daughter, Linda Taylor in 2008; parents, Preston Bacon Hall and Ruby Mae Herrod Shelby; brother, Preston Hall; and two grandsons, Richard and Larry Ricketts.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Ronnie Wright of Bogota, Brenda Sartin of Dallas, and Mary and Ronnie Giles of Chandler; twelve grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Jimmy Wayne Frederick Jr.

1955-2017

Memorial services for Jimmy Wayne Frederick Jr, 61, of Larue, were held at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. He passed away July 28, 2017, in Durango, Colo.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1955, in Dallas to Jimmy Wayne Frederick Sr. and Emily Hutto Frederick. He not only was a son, brother, husband and father, he was a true friend to all that knew and loved him.  He was a true cowboy even at a young age and was fortunate to have made that his livelihood as an adult. 

If he knew there was a need, he did his best to take care of it. He was a Christian and Baptist by faith. He was a selfless man, a giver of his time and love.  You would always hear music playing in his truck; he found that the words spoke to him in a special way.  He was a listener, truly wanting to know how you were, how life was treating you and what you were doing with your life, because he cared. He was a dedicated contributor to numerous charities including St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project and various Humane Societies.  His last contribution in this life was the gift of his organs.

He grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in 1974. He remained close with his graduating class and they are his chosen family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Wayne Frederick Sr. and Emily Hutto Frederick; paternal grandparents, Wayne Frederick, Tina Frederick and Mary Frederick; and maternal grandparents, Nelson and Pauline Hutto.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Frederick; sons, Russell Page, Ryan and Blair Page; granddaughters,  Blake and Bryce Page; sisters, Julie and Phil Garrett, and Jennifer Frederick.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75856 Topeka, KS 66675, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, a Humane Society in your area or a charity of your choice.  

Sharon Trussell

1949-2017

Funeral services for Sharon Trussell, 67, of Canton were held on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, with Robert Winn officiating.  Interment was in Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton.

She was born on Dec. 11, 1949 in Paris to Paul and Dorothy Ray, and passed away on Aug. 6, 2017 in Tulsa, Okla. Her favorite activity was spending time with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed traveling, fishing, sewing, and watching her son race.

She is preceded in death by her father, Paul Ray; brother, Billy Joe Kerby; grandparents, Lloyd and Kathryn Tucker; and Henry and Elsie Ray.  She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Trussell of Canton; daughter, Shelley Thomas of Forney; son and daughter in law, Chris and Rebekah Trussell of Edgewood; grandchildren, Preston Thomas, Tori Thomas, Kimber Trussell and Kenley Trussell; mother, Dorothy Ray of Canton; brother, Mike Ray of Edgewood; brother and sister in law, Steve and Monica Ray of Edgewood; aunt and uncle, Robert and Sandra Winn, along with many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Charlotte Ann Blessing

1937-2017

Charlotte Ann Blessing went to be with the Lord Aug.18, 2017, in Canton.

She was born Feb.6, 1937, in Dallas to Harmon and Joyce Allen, the second of five children.  She married Billy Blessing in 1959. She attended several universities including The University of North Texas in Denton, Henderson County in Athens and received her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from East Texas State University in Commerce. She enjoyed her career as a reading teacher and counselor for 25 years while working in the Terrell, Marble Falls and Llano Independent School Districts. She was also a gifted caterer and cake decorator. She will be best remembered as a devoted wife and mother; nothing made her happier than being around her family.

Those left to celebrate Charlotte’s life are her loving husband, Bill Blessing; son; Billy Allen; daughter, Cheryl Ann Beck; siblings; Donna Van Winkle, LaVerne Moore and her husband, Buzz, Linda McGaughy and her husband, Dick, and Ronnie Allen; grandchildren, Casey Beck, Charlotte Cook and her husband, Cheyenne; great-granddaughter, Kelly Ann Cook; along with dozens of nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

James Bozeman

1935-2017

James “Jim” Bozeman, 81, Grand Saline, passed away Aug. 17, 2017. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Janis Carol Page

1945-2017

Janis Carol Page, 71, of Canton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Tyler. Mrs. Page was interred at Cana Cemetery.

She was born Nov. 29, 1945, in Pittsburg to Arvil Bridges and Emily Riley.

She grew up in River Oak and graduated from Castleberry High School in 1963. She attended Texas Wesleyan College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1967. She married Larry Page on Sept. 25, 1964, while in college. They spent 29 years in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex before settling to Canton in 2000.

She was a member of the Big Rock Church of Christ, an avid reader and a history buff. She was a very gentle person who never complained.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arvil and Emily Bridges.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Larry Page; son, Jimmy Page of Euless; daughter, Julie Page of Duncanville; grandson, Nicholas and Elizabeth Counts; and granddaughter, Kaylee Page. 

Jerry Don Erwin

1938-2017

Funeral services for Jerry Don Erwin, 79, of Edgewood, were held Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Burial followed at Barrett Cemetery in Edgewood.

Mr. Erwin passed away Aug. 20, 2017, at his home.

He was born June 9, 1938, in Edgewood to Charlie Fred and Lillie Bell Erwin. He was raised in Edgewood, graduated high school and remained a lifetime resident.

He married Glenda Walker and they had two children, Tim and Amy. He then married Betty Churchwell in Van Zandt County in 1978 and she added three children, Mouri, Cindy and Bill.

He worked for the railroad for 38 years and cut and bailed hay. He enjoyed restoring old tractors and loved helping friends repair any type of machinery. He was of the Christian faith and his heart was always tied to Lanewood Church of God. He had a great sense of humor and always had the last laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Erwin of Edgewood; son, Tim Erwin and wife, Tracy of Edgewood; daughter, Amy Erwin Thomas of Dallas; stepchildren, Mouri Kulaga and husband, Robert of Colleyville, Cynthia Davis of Euless and William Lee Morrow Jr. and wife, Christi of Waco; grandchildren, Kane Kizzia and wife, Amy, Michael Weinman, Meagan Keefe, Erica Furrate and husband, Tregre, Cassye Huff and husband, Chris, Brett Erwin and wife, Brooklyn, Trey Erwin, Kaitlin Melton and husband, Austin, Kelsey Kulaga, Justin Davis and wife, Lauren, Alyssa Davis, Shannon Stiles and husband, Brian, William Lee Morrow III, Travis Morrow and Michelle Morrow; along with numerous great-grandchildren; and his fur baby, Rosie.

Nolan Hester

1942-2017

Memorial services for Nolan Hester, 75, of Golden, were held Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at Hilliard Funeral Home with Pastor Samuel Priddy officiating and Kurt Beverly assisting. 

A graveside service followed at Beck's Chapel Cemetery in Athens.

Mr. Hester passed away Aug. 15, 2017, at his home.

He was born Jan. 12, 1942, in Athens.  He had been a resident of Golden for 31 years, formerly living in Van.  He served in the army after high school and was a talented builder. He owned Hester Construction for 50 years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Hester and Izora Jock Hester; and his brother, Marvin Lavon Hester.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Hester of Golden; children, Reese Hester and wife, Gayla of Colfax, Carla Hemphill and husband, Lynn of Van, and Candel Russell of Van; brother, Wayne Hester and wife, Joyce of Athens; step-children, Steve Roach and wife, Kathy, Cricket Moffett, and Misty Rogers and husband, Joe, all of Golden; 18 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Caleb Hemphill, Dustin Moffett, Tommy Thomas, Matthew Rogers, Aubry Roach, Jim Maynard, Dale Welch and Glen Thurman.

Peggy Jean Allen

1941-2017

Funeral services for Peggy Jean Allen, 76, of Wills Point, were held Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ken Maddox officiating. 

Interment followed at White Rose Cemetery in Wills Point.

Mrs. Allen passed away Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Canton.

Paul Rodger Melton

1957-2017

Memorial services for Paul Rodger Melton, 60, of Angleton, were held Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton.

Mr. Melton passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017.

He was born April 25, 1957, in Canton to Virgil and Shirley Melton. He served as fireman and EMT at Dow Plant A in Freeport for 35 years. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who took an active role in his families lives. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed playing golf. He enjoyed being a part of cook-off teams and donating his time to charitable events.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Brent Melton.

He is survived by his children, Kerry Melton and wife April, Craig Melton and wife Melissa, Mindy Melton and husband,Mark Broussard, Wesley Melton and wife Laine; brothers, Virgil Melton Jr., Rand Melton and Tony Melton; sister, Carolynn Melton; grandchildren, Austin, Kaden, Darrian, Kileigh, Ethan, Evan, Logan, Makiah, Loryn, Addelyn and Grayson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Jett Hendricks

1958-2017

Funeral services for Jett Hendricks, 59, of Wills Point, formerly of Edgewood, were held Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home Chapel in Wills Point with Bro. Glen Goodson officiating.

Interment followed at Small Cemetery north of Edgewood.

Mr. Hendricks passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 7, 1958, in Dallas to James Henry Hendricks and Ritta Bishop Hendricks.  He was raised in Edgewood and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1976. That same year, he married Lisa Culpepper and in 1980, Christopher Jett was born.  He later married Sherri Tawater Aug. 10, 2001, in Kaufman. 

He was formerly employed by Smurfit Kappa in Forney; however, he retired in 2016 due to his failing health.  He enjoyed bowling, working with his tractor and spending time with his family. He lived in Edgewood prior to moving to Wills Point three years ago.  He was a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church in Edgewood. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ritta Hendricks.

Survivors include his wife, Sherri L. Hendricks of Wills Point; sons, Christopher Jett Hendricks and wife, Nicole, of Rowlett and Jeremiah Tawater and Lindsey White of Kaufman; brother, Jeff Hendricks of Canton; sister, Jeannine Hendricks of Edgewood; grandson, Triston Kole Tawater; mother of his son, Lisa Hendricks Rogers of Palestine; best Friends, Hootie, Belle and Halo; grand-dogs, Rascal, Cooper and George; mother-in-law, Shirley Fretterd of Georgia; uncles and aunts, Bill and Luann Hendrix, of Edgewood, and         Mel and Nell Bishop of Edgewood; nephews, Michael Hendricks of Edgewood and Jeremy Hendricks of Canton; and numerous cousins and friends.

Pallbearers were Chris Hendricks, Lance Tawater, Ken Cooper, Michael Milligan, Jack Cookston and Jeremiah Tawater.

Jo McClelland Denman

1956-2017

Funeral services for Jo McClelland Denman, 61, of Canton, were held Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Dannel Funeral Home Chapel in Sherman, with Leland Samuelson officiating.

Interment followed at Hagerman Cemetery in Pottsboro.

Mrs. Denman passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Canton.

She was born in Texas City May 22, 1956, to Ernest Edward McClelland and Georgia May Cade. She attended school in Austin. She married Bryan Denman Dec. 23, 1997, in San Antonio.

She graduated from Trinity Valley Community College and was a registered nurse for various companies and hospitals for 19 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Richard Kraemer; sister, Linda Miller; and her brother, Mark McClelland.

Survivors include her husband, Bryan Denman; her children, John Michael Kraemer, Kellie Jo Kraemer Paz and son-in-law, Arthur Glen Paz; grandson, James Edward Tristan Paz; aunt, Glenda Cade; and nephew, Charles Miller.

Pallbears were Tony Weber, Tom Clark, Dylan Sams, Myles Denman, Nick Denman Jr. and Paden Lewis.

You may sign the online guest book at dannelfuneralhome.com.

Johnny Mack Cooper

1938-2017

Funeral services for Johnny Mack Cooper, 78, of Wills Point, were held Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home Chapel in Wills Point with Bro. Billy Smith and Bro. Phillip Waddell officiating.  Interment will follow at Union Grove Cemetery north of Wills Point.

He passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Wills Point surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 6, 1938, in Wills Point to John Carlie and Sadie Ann Boone Cooper.  He was raised in the Kaufman area and attended Crandall High School.  He married Ruth Parker Jan. 15, 1965, in Terrell.  He was formerly employed by the telephone company in Kaufman and later retired from Vistawall in Terrell as a supervisor.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, working in his shop and most importantly, saving money.  He lived in Terrell prior to moving to Wills Point 46 years ago. He was of the Baptist faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Carlie and Sadie Ann Cooper; four brothers, Eugene Cooper, Jerry Cooper, Tom Cooper and Buddy Cooper; five sisters, Sammie Mosley, Annie Moore, Bernice Smith, Georgia Fay Tarlton and Bobbie Beaty; son-in-law, Henry Cox and best friend and brother-in-law, Jimmy Green.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Cooper of Wills Point; daughters, Misty Cox of Wills Point and Vicky Wages and husband, Billy of Farmers Branch; sisters, Susie Thomas of Marshall and Elaine Brumbaugh of Terrell; sister-in-law, Joy Green of Wills Point; brothers-in-law, Troy Parker of Wills Point and Ray Parker of Seagoville; five grandchildren, Anthony Cox, Brandon Cox, John Cox, Billy Wages and Cody Wages; one great-grandchild due in September; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Kevin Gillispie, Douglas Gillispie, William Green, Chuckie Thomas, Landon Corbett, Brandon Corbett and Johnny Parker.

Kacey McCauley

1924-2017

Services for Kacey Marshall McCauley were held Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Hilliard Funeral Home. Interment followed at Fairway Garden of Memories Cemetery in Van.

Mr. McCauley passed away Aug. 28, 2017, at the age of 93, one day away from his 69th wedding anniversary with his wife, Deborah.

He was born Feb. 29, 1924, in Hillsboro.  He was born a triplet and the youngest of his four other siblings.  He had been a resident of Van for 15 years, formerly living in Ben Wheeler.  He retired from Sherwin Williams in Garland after 38 years.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Ben Wheeler and loved to farm. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Franklin McCauley and Bertha Eva Jacks McCauley; triplet brother, Maurace McCauley; and other siblings, Horace, Thurman, Laverne and Jack.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah McCauley of Van; three children and their spouses, Randy and Yvonne McCauley of Ben Wheeler, Meschelle and Donnie Clark of Van, and Eric and Patricia McCauley of Van; triplet brother, Marion McCauley of Fort Worth; six grandchildren and their spouses, Nigel and Brianna Clark, Nicole and Brett Hone, Natalie and John Mayes, Amber and Kevin Ward, Kacey McCauley, and Marsha and Darris VanHooser; and 11 great-grandchildren, Addison, Kinley, Caroline, Bella, Norah, Joellen, Clark, Kole, Kastin, Kannon and Nathan.

His grandsons served as pallbearers.

Mary Jo Thompson

1930-2017

Funeral services for Mary Jo Thompson, 87, of Canton, were held Sunday Aug. 27, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home.

Graveside services followed at Collinsville Cemetery in Collinsville.

Mrs. Thompson passed away Aug. 24, 2017, in Tyler.

She was born June 23, 1930, in Vernon to Thomas and Lula James Roberts.

She was a mother, friend and confidante to her children.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 45 years, Elvin J. Johnson; daughter, Patricia Ann; and granddaughter, Mary Jo Johnson.

Survivors include her husband of 21 years, T.L. Thompson; son, Jerry Johnson and wife, Tookie; daughters, Shirley Butler and husband Dewey, Deborah LaCavera and Darla Degler; stepson, Larry Thompson and wife, Sue; step-grandsons, Kody Thompson and wife Wendy, Jason Thompson and wife, Kristen; granddaughters, Taylor Shaw, Drew McCaffree and Autumn Yeary; grandsons, Cody Lintner, Ryan Johnson, Seth Yeary, Ethan Degler; great-grandchildren, Kendall, Jolee, Violet, Isabellle, James, Parker, and Keller; and step-great-grandchildren, Grace, Hunter and Lille.

Pallbearers for the service were Cody Lintner, Ethan Degler, Jason Thompson and Kody Thompson.

Noel Glen Smith Jr.

1943-2017

Noel Glen Smith, Jr., 74, of Kaufman, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 25, 2017, at his home surrounded by family.

Mr. Smith was born to Noel Sr. and Lucy Hazel Smith on March 25, 1943, in Chickasha, Okla.

He moved to Texas where he met Hattie Joyce Teague; they married on July 17, 1965, in Andrews. He spent his time wood working, bowling, fishing, playing basketball, softball and writing poems. He had one of the best fast pitches in softball that you have ever seen. He played on the University of New Mexico’s basketball team and participated in several men's bowling teams. He was equally as passionate about music and writing as he was sports. He loved to sing and was a part time minister of music at Gerard Baptist Church.

He was a happy, kind and easy-going man who loved to play games, especially solving puzzles. He would often go treasure hunting with his metal detector because he had a passion for geology and history.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hattie Joyce Smith; children, Cheree Harper and husband, Tim, Tim Smith and wife, Rose, David Smith and wife, Marcie, Daniel Smith and wife, Meredith; grandchildren, Bethany, Trevor, Cassie, Alaina, Korbin, Nicole, Ashely, Jacob B., Jacob V., Jackson, Kaylee, Kaitlyn and Zack; great-grandchild, Blake; siblings, Carol Sue and Donald Gene; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends; and his pets, Tink and Petie Pan who will miss him dearly.

Oree Levelle Hallmark

1922-2017

Services for Oree Levelle Hallmark, 95, of Martins Mill, were held Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton.

Interment followed at Zion Hill Cemetery in Walton Community.

Mrs. Hallmark passed away Wednesday Aug. 23, 2017, in Athens.

She was born Jan. 31, 1922, in Martins Mill to Oscar Lee White and Mittie Arizona Oliver.

She grew up in Martins Mill and attended school there. She worked as a seamstress her entire life.

She enjoyed working in her garden, fishing, visiting with folks and dancing. She was Baptist by faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, L.T. White, Fred Neruda and Cliff Hallmark; daughters, Betty Lou Byron, Eddie Williams and Judy Prevost; and 13 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her daughters, Peggy Lawrence of Lufkin, Carolyn and Tom Duckworth of Canton, Sonja Schafer of Canton, Mitsy and David Morgan of Lufkin, Kathy Carpenter of Houston, and Karon and Tony Tolbert of Cross Roads; son, Mike and Jane Byron of Magnolia; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Ronald Montgomery

1937-2017

Services for “Red” Ronald Montgomery, 80, of Canton, were held Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at the Eubank Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mark Young, Rhita Koches and Kirby Montgomery officiating. 

Interment followed in High Cemetery. 

Mr. Montgomery passed away Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Canton. 

He was born March 17, 1937, in Canton to Clarence and Ollie Lenor Whitton Montgomery. 

He was a deacon in local Baptist churches for 40 years, taught Sunday School and was a children’s pastor.  In his later years, he joined the Wallace United Methodist Church where he had attended as a child. In high school, he was a member of the 440-yard relay team that won the District Championship, Regional Championship and third place in the State Meet.  After graduating Canton High School in 1957, he served in the National Guard for four years and obtained the rank of staff sergeant with many commendations. 

He married Bennie Lide in 1959.  He retired from the Texas Highway Department after 35 ½ years as a heavy equipment operator and bridge inspector.  After retirement, he owned several businesses. He partnered with his brothers in a tree cutting business and Red’s Produce Stand for years.  After the deaths of his brothers, he partnered with his wife, Linda, and Rickey Baugh in the produce stand.  He partnered with Carl Harris in Rays Blood Bait.  He, Bennie and Mellony began and operated Timeless Treasures Antique Mall for 15 years.  He was instrumental in developing the Canton Farmer’s Market on Hwy 19.    

He was instrumental in initiating, planning, developing and creating the Van Zandt County Memorial which is now recognized as one of the best memorial sites in the State of Texas.  He first presented the idea to county officials in the summer of 2005.  By the end of the year, contracts had been made with state legislators and the Texas Department of Transportation and a steering committee had been formed.  In January 2009, his dream became a reality with a groundbreaking ceremony for the site at the intersection of Highways 19 and 243 in Canton. Throughout the planning, construction, and ongoing enhancement of the memorial, he always wanted to be a behind-the-scenes advocate and shied away from any credit directed toward him for the project. 

He was recognized as the Canton Man of the Year in 2007 and the Van Zandt County Man of the Year in 2012.

His hobbies included fast pitch softball, collecting Indian arrowheads, fishing and playing 42.   

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 53 years, Bennie; daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Bruce Taylor; two brothers, Lewis and Gerald Montgomery; and two sisters, Marie McKinnon and Grace Coburn.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Montgomery; daughter, Mellony Montgomery; grandson, Ridge Taylor, all of Canton; two stepchildren, Karen Krailo of Grand Saline and Rodney Singleton of Apple Valley, Calif.; six step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren. 

He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to this community and a passion for life and love for his family and friends.  He was an ordinary man with extraordinary accomplishments. 

Memorials may be made to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, 1200 S. Trade Days Blvd, Suite 600, Canton, TX 75103.

Roy D. Garrett

1936-2017

Funeral services for Roy D. Garrett, 81, of Edgewood, were held Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home Chapel in Wills Point with the Rev. Pokey Goodson officiating. 

Military honors followed at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.

Mr. Garrett passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Athens.

He was born Jan. 1, 1936, in Kemp to George Garrett and Nona Mae Pipes Garrett. 

He was raised in Peeltown and graduated from Scurry-Rosser High School in 1954.  He was a veteran of the army. 

On Dec. 31, 1962, he married Vhilma Crockett in Kaufman.  Prior to moving to Edgewood in 1975, he lived in Dallas. He was formerly employed by City Wide Air Conditioning in Dallas for several years.  Following retirement, he began working with his son 12 years ago at Garrett Air Conditioning where he was currently employed.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and meeting with his friends at the Lumberyard Café for breakfast every morning. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Edgewood

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Nona Mae Garrett; wife, Vhilma Garrett on Jan. 20, 2008; son, Jimmy Garrett; two brothers and a sister.

Survivors include his son, Dan Garrett of Winnsboro; daughter, Vicki Garrett of Edgewood; brother, Joe Garrett; four sisters, Betty Warrenburg,           Vicki Sanders, Cindy Adams and                 Lou Evans; and four grandchildren, Joshua Hunter Garrett, April Lathem, Jolynn Lathem and Garrett Lathem.

Sally Witmer Pickens

1930-2017

Funeral services for Sally Witmer Pickens, 87, of Edgewood, were held Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood.

Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Pickens passed away Aug. 26, 2017, in Tyler.

Sarah W. (Sally) Pickens was born May 6, 1930, in Houston to Hilda and Brewer Witmer. She

grew up in McAllen and Columbus.  After the death of her mother, and with her father serving in Japan, she was adopted at age 12 by her aunt and uncle, Lenore (Daughty) and Rowland Rugeley and moved to Bay City.

She graduated from Texas Women’s University at Denton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Sociology and taught first grade at Thomas A. Edison in West Dallas for one year.

She married William H. (Bill) Pickens Jr. Aug. 9, 1952, in Bay City and they made their home in Edgewood. She taught at EISD for one year before starting a family. She owned and operated Pickens Insurance Agency for many years.

She was Episcopalian by faith and attended Cheatham United Methodist Church.  She was a charter member of the Van Zandt Country Club and the Edgewood Historical Society. She served on the Edgewood City Council and served many years on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank of Edgewood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; brother, William (Billy) Wall Witmer; and sister Martha Bachman.

She is survived by her sons, Bob Pickens of Edgewood, Jim Pickens and wife, Tina of Mineola, Mark Pickens and wife, Sue of Edgewood and Myra Pickens of Edgewood; grandchildren, Bobby Pickens and wife, Janette of Fate, Stephen Pickens of Lampasas, Jay Pickens and wife Kelsey of Dallas, Collin Pickens of Mineola, Claire Pickens of Mineola, Jeff Phillips and wife, Jennifer of Rockwall, Melissa Cooper of Edgewood, Savannah Pickens of League City; and great-grandchildren Wade Cooper, Sydney and Reid Phillips.

She enjoyed her time at the Historical Society, her daily coffee with friends and spending time with her family.

Memorials can be made to The Heritage Park Museum of East Texas at P. O. Box 765, Edgewood, TX 75117.