News Star Obituaries - September 2007

September - 2007 - Obituaries from The News-Star

September 1, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

MR. JERRY OLIVER BROSSET Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mr. Jerry Oliver Brosset, age 71, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 2:30 PM, Sunday, September 2, 2007 in Feazel Chapel of First Baptist Church of West Monroe. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Fenn. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe. Jerry was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a retired principal and served as a pastor preaching for small churches in the surrounding area, most recently Vienna First Baptist Church. He proudly served in the 82nd Airborne, a division of the United States Army. Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church of West Monroe, LA. He was dedicated to ministering to the elderly as well as through Mercy Ministries. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mireille Froment Brosset; daughters, Laura Brosset Gulino and husband, Barry of Baton Rouge, Valerie Brosset Corcoran and husband, Chuck of New Orleans; grandchildren, Cole, Alexandra, and Victoria Gulino of Baton Rouge, LA and Kate and Audrey Layne Corcoran of New Orleans and numerous aunts and cousins. Pallbearers will be Dr. James Stafford, Judge William Norris, Johnny Williams, Kenny Solley, Jerry Lazenby and Jerry Hicks. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Tarver, Harry Liner, Tex Kilpatrick, Whitty Hood and Joel Jones. Visitation will be Saturday, September 1, 2007 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe. Donations may be made to Mercy Ministries and the Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com.

MR. WILLIAM C. "BILL" NORREL Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Inc. Hamburg, AR Mr. William C. "Bill" Norrell, 78, of Monroe, LA, died Thursday, August 30, 2007 at his residence in Monroe, LA. Mr. Norrell was a native of Hamburg, AR and a resident of Monroe, LA since 1949. He retired from the Olin Kraft Paper Mill in Monroe, LA and he was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Swartz, LA. He was an avid hunter and he was one of the organizers of the Ponderosa Hunting Club in West Monroe, LA He is preceded in death by a son, Wayne Norrell and his parents, John Cecil & Leona Ricks Norrell. He is survived by his wife, Rriller Phillips Norrell of Monroe, LA; three sons, Jerry Norrell of Swartz, LA; Billy Norrell and John Norrell both of Columbia, LA; two brothers, James H. Norrell of Shreveport, LA and Cleve Norrell of West Monroe, LA; two sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Betty Knight both of West Monroe, LA; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 2:00 PM, Sunday at the First Assembly of God Church in Swartz, LA. Graveside services are 5:00 PM, Sunday in the Carlock Cemetery outside of Hamburg, AR. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM, Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Hamburg, AR. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com

MRS. HARRIET A. SMITH
DOWNSVILLE, LA A memorial service for Mrs. Harriet A. Smith will be held on September 1, 2007 at 1:00 PM at 446 Silmon Road, Downsville, LA. Mrs. Smith was born on August 7, 1924 and passed away June 16, 2007. She was survived by her children: a son John Smith and his wife Carleen, Don Smith , and Ted Smith; a daughter Beth Silmon and her husband Donnie; 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Linda Ann Fowler Bickett, 64
HOUSTON — Linda Ann Fowler Bickett, a retired X-ray technician, died Friday. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Garden of Memories cemetery, Jonesboro, under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home, Jonesboro.

Walter Raymond 'Rusty' Earl, 61
Walter Raymond "Rusty" Earl, of West Monroe, a typesetter at Summitt Printing Co., died Friday. Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Visitation is noon until service Tuesday at the mausoleum.

Zachary Earl Fordham, 13
DOWNSVILLE — Zachary Earl Fordham, a student, died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Myrtlene Grant, 91
ARCHIBALD — Myrtlene Grant, a retired school teacher, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald. Burial will be in Lynn Cemetery under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Celie Grobe, 62
BASTROP — Celie Grobe, a teacher and librarian, died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop.

David Thompson, 47
David Thompson, of West Monroe, a service technician for Hill-Rom Industries, died Sunday. Services are at an undetermined time Tuesday at White's Ferry Road Church of Christ, West Monroe, under the direction of Mulhearn's Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Previously acknowledged
Maxwell, Marilyn V.: 10 a.m. today, Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.
Willis, Gutha Shannon: 2 p.m. today, Sevier Memorial United Methodist Church, Ferriday.

September 2, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

MARILYN VENEDA MAXWELL Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral services for Marilyn Veneda Maxwell, 60, of Monroe, will be held Monday, September 3, 2007, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. Mike Holloway officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Ms. Maxwell passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at St. Francis North Hospital after a long fight with her illness. Everyday was a struggle of life for so long. She is now in peace as our Heavenly Father promised. She was a 1966 graduate of Ouachita High School becoming valedictorian. She received her degree from Northeast Louisiana State University in psychology and Masters at LSU Baton Rouge. She was a very intellectual intelligent person. She was administrator of the Louisiana Eighth District Substance and Alcohol Abuse Program Clinic. She was instrumental in forming the Substance Abuse Clinic in Houston's Methodist Hospital. She had a very strong sincere love for animals. Ms. Maxwell was raised in the Baptist faith of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, later in life changing her faith to the Episcopal Church. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Townsend Jennings; grandfather, Iley Jennings; grandmother, Genver Thornhill Maxwell; grandfather, Jessie Maxwell; a very special aunt, Violet Jennings Crabb; aunt, Myrtle Jennings Stewart; and stepfather, C. L. Logan. Survivors include her mother, Blondell Maxwell Logan; father, Aubrey Maxwell; uncles, Bill Crabb of Houston, TX, and Travis Maxwell of Monroe; one very special cousin, Brenda Sue Maxwell Milton; special cousin, Max Maxwell of Houston, TX presently in Norway; and cousins, Barry Crabb and Kimberly Crabb Lamon of Houston, TX. Pallbearers will be Bryan Milton, Jared Milton, Josh Milton, Brandon Milton, Steve Maxwell, and Nathan Maxwell. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Monday from 9:30 until service time at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. The family wishes to extend Special Thanks to one very special cousin, Brenda Sue Maxwell Milton, who helped and cared so much during this time of illness. Thank you, thank you Brenda from the heart. You're so special. Special humble thanks to Dr. David Barnes for his long service to Marilyn; and in appreciation and thank you to Dr. Barron with Dr. Leary's office. Dr. Barron, a kind and humble of pride man, we thank you. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MARJORIE NORRED COX FUNERAL HOME OAK GROVE, LA Funeral services for Marjorie Norred, who departed August 31, 2007 at the age of 87, will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 2, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, LA with Dr. James Parker officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cox Funeral Home in Oak Grove on Saturday, September 1, 2007 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM. Mrs. Norred was preceded in death by her husband, David Norred; parents, John and Elizabeth Price; sister, Mary Francis Balding. Marjorie is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and George "Butch" Philley of Lafayette, LA; granddaughters, Kacey and Andi Philley of Monroe, LA; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Jenny Norred of Oak Grove, LA; granddaughters, their husbands and children, Amber and Don Hossman and great grandson Landon Hossman of Jonesboro, AR, and Aimee and John McPike of Memphis, TN; sister, Betty Copeland of Oklahoma City, OK; sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Dana Larson of Lafayette, LA; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Norred, Susie Norred, and Virginia Norred, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be nephews, Jim Hatch, Clayton J. Norred, and Trey Norred, Former employees of Norred Truck and Tractor Co., Bob Chestnut, Bobby Cooper, and a family friend Ray Rouse. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Hankins, and Glen Tanner. Memorials can be made to the WEE Care Program of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.

THE REV. WILLIAM E. BALLDRIDGE, SR. Mulhearn Funeral Home Rayville, LA Memorial Eucharist for The Rev. William E. Baldridge, Sr., 80, of Rayville, LA will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Grace Episcopal Church Monroe, LA with interment in Grace Episcopal Church Columbarium. The Right Reverend D. Bruce McPherson, Bishop of Diocese of Western Louisiana and The Reverend Canon Gregg Riley officiating. Evening Prayer Service will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 3, at St. David's Episcopal Church, Rayville with The Reverend Kirkland Knight officiating, followed by reception and visitation in the Parish Hall. "Father B" served as curate at Grace Episcopal Church for 4 years prior to serving at St. David's Episcopal Church, Rayville and St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Winnsboro for 41 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ike Elbert and Ada Dozier Baldridge; brother, John Elbert Baldridge and neice, Sharon Baldridge Johanson. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vail Delony Baldridge of Rayville; daughters, Kathy Baldridge Sutton and husband Joey of Ruston, LA, Beth Baldridge Smith and husband, Carl of Bastrop, LA, Mary Sue Baldridge Knight and husband Kirkland of Tyler, TX ; sons, David Baldridge and wife Chrissi of Memphis, TN, and Will Baldridge of Houma, LA; sister, Sue Baldridge of Memphis, TN; nephew, Dave Baldridge and wife Sue of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Chase and Michael Sutton, Megan and Sarah Beth Smith and Emily and Katie Knight. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. David's Episcopal Church, Rayville, St. Columba's, Winnsboro and Operation Pass Along at family request, for address information, contact funeral home. Online registry /condolences at www.mulearnfuneral home.com

THOMAS ALLEN SPINKS Arlington, TX Thomas Allen Spinks left this world on August 26, 2007, to begin a new journey into heaven. He went to sleep, to wake no more, in his home in Arlington, TX the only way he would've have wanted to go, surrounded by his family. Tommy lived every day of his 58 years with intensity, generosity of spirit, and unparalleled passion for his family. Behind him, he leaves a rich legacy. He was a dreamer, who recognized his greatest dream while here on earth. He was surrounded by his family all of the days of his life. In recent years he began sharing and expanding the dreams of those he encountered. With the creation of his national, record breaking magazine, Millionaire Blueprints, he found an outlet to share a portion of the wisdom he had collected… His hope was to inspire others to find their ultimate success. This was a theme for his life, looking out for others, wanting the best for others, loving others. It was always about "others" not "self," for this giant of a man. He loved his family with a ferocity and devotion that is beyond explanation. They feel his loss intensely, but are comforted with the resonance of the spirit he left behind. Forevermore will they hear his words of love, encouragement and belief that he was so diligent to spill out on those around him. Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents, Rev. Otis and Grace Spinks. He leaves behind his lifelong soul mate and wife of 40 years, Barbara Lindsay Spinks; his eternally devoted children: Kimberly Spinks Burleson (Michael Burleson) of Arlington, TX ,Teri Spinks Netterville (Kevin Netterville) of Shreveport, LA , Jason Wesley Spinks of Arlington, TX, and Lindsay Spinks Shepherd (Chad Shepherd) of Arlington, TX; his treasured grandchildren: Stone, Sunny and Shane Burleson, Steele, Summer and Slade Netterville, Kendyl and Kade Spinks, Janna and Tyler Gentry and Turner Shepherd; and his loving sisters Peggy Spinks Hughes (Ed Hughes) of Longview, Texas, and Betty Carol Spinks Bales (Joey Bales) of W. Monroe, LA. And countless other family and friends who are hurting exquisitely right now, but find joy in the memories of this amazing, funny, compassionate, indescribable man. Memorial service will be held at St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 4:00pm. The family is honoring Tommy's wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Barnabas building fund or charity of your choice. St. Barnabas UMC 5011 West Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 817-483-1667.

R.L. Alford, 72
HEBERT — R.L. Alford, a retired welder, died Friday. No services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Riser Funeral Home, Columbia.

Otis Bruce, 93
NEWELLTON — Otis Bruce died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Young's Funeral Home in Ferriday.

Jerry O. Brosset, 71
Jerry O. Brosset of West Monroe, a retired principal, died Thursday. The funeral is at 2:30 p.m. today in Feazel Chapel at First Baptist Church of West Monroe. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Calhoun, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Chester Crews, 95
MER ROUGE — Chester Crews, a farmer, died Friday. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today at Reeks Cemetery, Pioneer. Visitation is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

Dakota James Doyon, 12
BASTROP — Dakota "Little Jelly" James Doyon, a student, died Friday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop.

Walter Raymond Earl, 61
Walter Raymond "Rusty" Earl, a typesetter with Summitt Printing Co., died Friday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Billie Jean Frazier, 79
EL DORADO, Ark. — Billie Jean Frazier, a retired bank teller, died Saturday. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today at Cook Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Ruston.

Augusta Kelly, 69
WATERPROOF — Augusta Kelly, a homemaker, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe.

James Douglas Mohler, 61
GRAYSON — James Douglas Mohler, a retired Chevron Oil Company employee, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Riser Funeral Home, Columbia.

Marjorie Norred, 87
OAK GROVE — Marjorie Norred, a homemaker, died Friday. The funeral is at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove. Burial is in Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Homes of Oak Grove.

George Thomas, 61
George Thomas of Monroe died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Monroe.

Gutha Shannon Willis, 87
FERRIDAY — Gutha Shannon Willis, a retired Concordia Bank and Trust teller, died Saturday. The funeral is at 2 p.m. Monday at Sevier Memorial United Methodist Church in Ferriday. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at Young's Funeral Home, Ferriday. Burial is in Nolley Memorial Cemetery, Jena.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Brown, Judith Irene: 2 p.m. today, First West Worship Center, West Monroe.
Bruce, Grace: 2 p.m. today, Young's Funeral Home, Vidalia.
Johnson, Willie B.: 3:30 p.m. today, First Baptist Church, Rayville.
Martinez, Carlos: 2 p.m. today, Riser Funeral Home, Columbia.
Maxwell, Marilyn V.: 10 a.m. Monday, Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.
Thomas, Bert W. Jr.: 1 p.m. today, St. Luke Baptist Church, Newellton

September 3, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

DAKOTA JAMES DOYON, Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop, LA Funeral services for Dakota James "Little Jelly" Doyon, age 12, of Bastrop, will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the Chapel of Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop with Rev. Andy Myrick and Rev. Jason Strong officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bastrop. Visitation with the family will be Monday, September 3, 2007 from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Cox Funeral Home of Bastrop. Dakota was born July 14, 1995 in Bastrop and he died Friday, August 31, 2007. Dakota was a member of the Loch Arbor Baptist Church and a student at Ouachita Parish Junior High School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motocross, and especially drag racing. Surviving Dakota are his parents, Faye and James "Jelly" Doyon; his brother, Cameron Blake Doyon; paternal grandparents, Robert Doyon and Linda Doyon; maternal grandparents, Russell McKoin and Brenda McCullough McKoin; four uncles, Donnie Doyon and fiancee, Hartley Stokes, Frank Doyon and fiancee, Emiley Woodson, Tommie Doyon and wife, Stacey Doyon, and Eddie Doyon; four aunts, April Doyon, Wanda Doyon, Krystal Smith and husband, Steve Smith, and Frankie Antis and husband, Gus Antis, and cousins, Nathaniel and Kevin Doyon, Mason and Madison Smith, and Hunter McKoin. Serving as pallbearers are Calvin Lusby, Tommy Sowyers, Ted Grimes, Steve Nolan, Mike Nolan, and Todd Bryan. Honorary pallbearers are William Gorman and Keith Deffenderfer.

GENEVA CHARRIER DUCKWORTH Cox Funeral Home Delhi Funeral services for Mrs. Geneva Charrier Duckworth, 88, of Delhi will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Delhi with Dr. Marcus Murphy officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Cox Funeral Home in Delhi. Burial will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Nettie Charrier; husband, Walter Lamar Duckworth Sr.; a son, Walter Lamar "Butch" Duckworth Jr., a foster daughter, Dottie Lou Adams and four brothers and sisters. Geneva and Lamar operated Duckworth TV in Delhi for many years. They worked with preschool children in First Baptist Church for 41 years and were honored by the church by naming the baby building the Lamar Duckworth Building. Lamar also served as deacon and volunteer handy man maintaining the air conditioning and heating equipment. She is survived by a sister, Aldis Davis of Monroe; three foster children, Bucky, Shot and Dolores Adams and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jim Free, Allen Laird, Dwight Clarke, Bobby Charrier, Randy Speirs and Bud LaPrarie. To leave a message of condolence to the family please visit our website at www.coxfuneral.com.

JAMES DOUGLAS MOHLER Riser Funeral Home Columbia, LA Services for James Douglas Mohler, age 61 of Clarks will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, September 3, 2007 from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia with Rev. Marion Collier officiating. Interment will follow in the Welcome Home Cemetery in Grayson. Mr. Mohler was born in Warrensburg, Missouri on August 10, 1946 to the union of Arthur and Leola Hall Mohler and died Saturday, September 1, 2007 at his residence in Clarks. He graduated from Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, MO and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the United States Air Force from 1966 until 1970. He was employed with Chevron Oil Company and was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He also loved restoring antique cars. Survivors include the love of his life: Lucinda Perkins Mohler of Clarks, his sister and brother-in-law: Roberta and Albert Brown of Lone Jack, MO, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Belinda and Sidney McLemore of Newellton, Dena and Mike Hale of Newellton, Scott and Delores Perkins of Choudrant and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Leola Mohler, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Willie B. and Nelma Crain Perkins, and his brother-in-law: William David Perkins. Pallbearers will be Lee Brock Hale, Hunter Daniel Hale, Steven Albert Brown, Diane Kay Haley, Michael Sidney McLemore, Ryan McNeil McLemore, Stetson Scott Perkins and Ronald Collin Dunn. Honorary pallbearers are Adam Richard Pace, Glenn Wheeler, Gary Hebert, David McLemore, David Price and Russ Morrow.

JAMES ROY CATCHING Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mr. James Roy Catching, 95, of Monroe, will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 4, 2007, in the chapel of St. Joseph Nursing Home, Monroe, with Rev. JoAnn Cooper officiating. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery, Clinton, MS under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Mr. Catching, a retired payroll dept. computer operator, passed away Sunday, September 02, 2007, at St. Joseph Nursing Home. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Monroe. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie Hicks Catching; son, Charles Catching; and daughter, Betty Jo Catching. Survivors include his son, Jim Catching and wife Carol of Ft. Worth, TX; grandson, Jeremy Catching and wife Margaret Ann of Flower Mound, TX; granddaughter, Jenny Catching of Corona Del Mar, CA; and great-granddaughter, Caroline Catching. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12 Noon until service time at St. Joseph Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Loop Road, Monroe, or to St. Joseph Nursing Home. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MISS BILLYE I. DAVIS Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Graveside services for Miss Billye I. Davis, 85, of Monroe, will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 5, 2007, at Silver Cross Cemetery in Tallulah, LA with Rev. Larry Stafford officiating under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Miss Davis passed away Saturday, September 1, 2007 at St. Joseph Nursing Home. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Monroe. Survivors include her sisters, Mary Jo Ellis and husband James of Monroe, and Lou Keller of Sterlington, LA; three nieces, Lisa Moore and husband Terry of Monroe, LA, Libby Burwell and husband Henry "Buzz" of Greenville, SC, and Linda Nordan Sanders and husband Cody of Sterlington, LA; two nephews, Dr. James Ellis, Jr. and wife Beth of Ashville, NC, and Rick Keller and wife Karen of Sterlington, LA. Pallbearers will be Wes Tichenor, Stuart Tichenor, Clint Nordan, Rick Keller, Quaid Keller, Cody Sanders, Terry Moore, and Bud Crow. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael D. Savage, Gordon H. Fox, O.D. Westbrook, Bill Cooper, Henry "Buzz" Burwell, and Dr. James Ellis, Jr. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MRS. RACHEL PARKER GREEN Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mrs. Rachel Parker Green, 89, of West Monroe, will be held Tuesday, September 4th, 2007, at 10:00AM in the Chapel of the Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe with Rev. Rick Crandall officiating. Interment will follow in the Farmerville City Cemetery, Farmerville, LA, under the direction of the Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe. Mrs. Green was born May 21st, 1918, in Marion, LA, to Samuel and Ella Mae Parker and passed away on Sunday, September 2nd, 2007, in West Monroe, LA. She was a homemaker and member of McClendon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Matas, on February 13th, 2006; her great grandson, Justin Deal; her parents and 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Survivors include her sons, Gary Green and wife, Nancy, and Ronnie Green and wife, Sue, all of West Monroe; her daughter, Sherry Miller of Palm City, FL; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and her sister, Laura R. Rossen of Dallas, TX. Grandsons and special friends will serve as pallbearers. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Landmark Nursing Center, Hospice Care of Louisiana, and the loving and caring members and staff of McClendon Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the McClendon Baptist Church Children's Building Fund. Visitation will be Monday evening, September 3rd, 2007, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com.

OTIS CARL BRUCE Young's Funeral Home Ferriday, LA Funeral Services for Otis Carl Bruce, age 93 of Newelllton, LA will be held at 10:00AM Monday September 3, 2007 at Young's Funeral Home Ferriday with Brother Larry Foster officiating. Interment will follow at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, LA under the direction of Young's Funeral Home of Ferriday. Mr. Bruce was born November 12, 1913 in Winnsobor, LA to Jency and Az Bruce. He passed away following a brief illness in Farmerville, LA. He was a resident of Newellton, LA. Mr. Bruce was a retired farm manager and a herdsman. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church also serving as a deacon for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Eudora Nichols Bruce, son in law Hoover Gossett, Brothers Louis Cater Bruce and John Edward Bruce, one sister Lena Posey. Surviving are two sons Carl Bruce of Colfax, LA and Ernie Bruce and wife Tamara of Point, LA; one daughter Kathleen Gossett of Newellton, LA. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Donnie Gossett, DeWayne Gossett, Chad Gossett, Lance Bruce, Mark Bruce, Justin Bruce, Parnell Barfield and Billy Barfield. The family will receive friends at Young's in Ferriday Sunday September 2, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Online condolences may be made at www.youngsfh.com The family would like to thank Tensas Nursing and Rehab, St. Francis sixth nursing staff, and Healthsouth in Farmerville.

September 4, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

FRANCES FISHER Brown-Holley Funeral Home Rayville, LA Funeral services for Frances Fisher, age 81, of Monroe, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald, LA, with Rev. William Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Lynn Cemetery, Archibald, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA. Frances Fisher was born on May 5, 1926 in Archibald, LA, and passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2007 in Monroe, LA. Mrs. Fisher was a member of Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe, LA. Frances was a member of the Little Theater and various Lady Groups in the Monroe area. Survivors include her daughter,Camille Dumestre and husband, Alex, of Franklinton, LA; son, Ray Stansbury and wife, Judy,of Start, LA; grandchildren, Cliff Dumestre, Jennifer Lutz, Todd Stansbury, and Melissa Weed; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Betzell Hill and Katherine Booth; and, brother, Hans Eppinette and wife, Betty. Pallbearers will be Connie Eppinette, Samuel Smith, Johnny Burson, Winston Gable, Rhett Gable, and Lee Booth, Jr. To leave condolences for the family go online to www.brownholleyfuneral homes.com.

MR. CHARLES DAVID THOMPSON Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Memorial Services for Mr. Charles David Thompson, 47, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday September 4, 2007 at the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ with Mr. Allan Robertson officiating under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA. David was born on May 9, 1960 and passed away on September 2, 2007. My Daddy was and is a great man. He was a wonderful dad to me, Amber and Aaron. He loves us with everything in him. He always told me and Aaron that we were his only family and that he loves us. He treated us very well, loved us like no other father could. My daddy is in heaven along with his mom, his dad, his two sisters and the Good Lord. My daddy was a good cook. He would cook okra, peas, bread, chicken, carrots, green beans, potatoes and he made some good spaghetti. He would grow a little garden behind the shed and I would go out there with him and pick peas for hours until the mosquitoes would bite. I'm going to miss those times with daddy. It hurts to know that I won't have my daddy with me when I walk down the aisle when I get married, and my children won't have a grandpa to take them duck hunting or fishing. I also won't have him there for father daughter dances and he won't be there to see me graduate. But even though he won't be there physically, he will be watching down on me, guiding me and protecting me as he always did in the past fourteen years. I love my daddy so much, and I know he loves me too. Brandy Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until service time at White's Ferry Road Church of Christ West Monroe, LA on Tuesday. Online registry/condolences www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MR. WALTER RAYMOND "RUSTY" EARL Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Graveside Services for Mr. Walter Raymond "Rusty" Earl, 61, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 4, 2007, at the Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. George Bonner officiating. Interment will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe, LA. Mr. Earl was born on February 5, 1946 and passed away on August 31, 2007. He was an artist, musician, and loved playing chess, where he was highly ranked in the state of Louisiana. He also loved to read. He is preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Martha Gertrude Hamer Earl; his paternal grandmother, Jewel Earl; aunt, Johnnie Geraldine Earl; and his brother, Rodney Lee Earl. Survivors include his daughter, Tiffany Lynn Pipes and husband Lance; son, Nicholas Sean Earl; granddaughter, Amber Traweek; and brothers, Michael William Earl and Jeffrey Scott Earl. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time Tuesday at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Monroe, LA. Online Registry/Condolences www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MRS. ROSALIE "TOOTSIE" LETTERMAN Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral Services for Mrs. Rosalie"Tootsie" Letterman, 81, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday September 5, 2007 at the New Chapel Hill Baptist Church with Doug Feazel and Marvin Wink officiating. Interment will follow in the Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Mrs. Letterman was born on September 27, 1925 and passed away at her residence on September 2, 2007. She was a member of the New Chapel Hill Baptist Church of West Monroe, LA. Mrs. Letterman was retired from J.C. Penny's and was also employed with Dr. John Cooksey for fifteen years. She also was a former member of the Hilltoppers Round Dancing Group. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Alliene Marie Letterman and by her brother, Andrew Plaia. Survivors include her husband, William Lee Letterman; daughters, Frances L. Minnick and husband Ron of Lake Charles, LA, Cathy N. Mulligan and husband David of Sheridan, AR; grandchildren, Doug Feazel and wife Valarie, Shelly Wink and husband Marvin, Holly Pollet and husband Brandon and Will Mulligan; eight great grandchildren and brother, Mitchell Plaia and wife Barbara; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers. Pallbearers will be Will Mulligan, Brandon Pollet, David Mulligan, Bubba Staggs, Richard Loftin and Chaz Wink. Honorary Pallbearers will be Fred Roberts, Ron Minnick, Andy Davidson, Steven Hall, Shawn Miller, Andrew Letterman and Mike Letterman. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday September 4, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Online registry/condolences www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MYRTLENE E. GRANT Brown-Holley Funeral Home Rayville, LA Myrtlene E. Grant was born February 18, 1916, passed from this Life, September 2, 2007 at the age of 91. Mrs. Grant was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Florence Eppinette; and, brothers, Herbert and Leamon Eppinette. Her sister, Frances Fisher, passed from this Life within four hours of Myrtlene on Sunday, September 2, 2007. Myrtlene is survived by her husband, Herman Grant, Sr.; son, Herman Grant, Jr. and wife, Camilla; granddaughter, Amy Schillage, great- grandson, Austin Schillage; sisters, Betzell Hill and Katherine Booth; her brother, Hans Eppinette and wife, Betty; Sister-in-law, Gloria Grant; and, numerous Nieces and Nephews. Myrtlene earned her Degree from Louisiana Tech and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the former Northeast Louisiana University. She was a dedicated first grade Teacher for forty years. She helped many young children through her love of the teaching field. Myrtlene was a charter member of Cedar Baptist Church serving with devotion and love until the onset of Alzheimer's disease prevented her from continuing her service. Funeral services for Myrtlene E. Grant will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald, LA, with Rev. Jeff Smart officiating. Interment will follow in Lynn Cemetery, Archibald, under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA. Pallbearers will be Connie Eppinette, Samuel Smith, Johnny Burson, Winston Gable, Rhett Gable, and Lee Booth, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Dane Clark, Scott Allen, Chris Turbeville, and Dustin Allen. A special Thank You of love and appreciation is given to Mrs. Myrtlene's caregivers, Bobbie Dixon, Shelley Harris, and Willie Mae Lawson. The dedication and gentle care they provided made her journey one of ease and dignity until the Lord called her home. To leave condolences for the family go online to www.brownholleyfuneral homes.com.

ZACHARY EARL FORDHAM A Champion in Life and Death Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA The world changed today for the family and friends of Zachary Earl Fordham, age 13. Zach was born October 10, 1993 and left his earthly home on September 2, 2007. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Homesville Baptist Church with visitation at the church from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Burial will be at Mt. Nebo Cemetery following the service. Bro Jerry Whitman and Terry Slawson will be officiating under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on by the lives he saved even in death. His unselfish look on life will save others, because Zach was a strong believer of organ donation. In our sorrow, there are families rejoicing, because their loved ones will live on. He lived life full blast and to its fullest. Zach never let the limitations handed to him affect his life. Zach led a very active life between playing baseball with West Ouachita Little League, basketball at Seeker Springs and on the Downsville High School JV team, hunting in the great outdoors, and his real passion, tennis. Zach was the inspiration for the first tennis team established at Downsville High School. Through this, many friendships and lives have been changed. He is the Peach Festival champion in the junior boys division, where he won it as he said "the right way." Zach was a member of Homesville Baptist Church. He attended Downsville High School where he was the captain of the DHS Tennis team and loved by all. His paternal grandfather, Maurice Fordham, precedes him in death. Zach is survived by his parents, Wendell and Susan Fordham, brother Seth Fordham, sister Abby Fordham, all of Downsville, maternal grandparents Earl and Audrey Speights of Monroe, paternal grandmother Cleo Fordham of West Monroe, aunts and uncles Edy Nicholson and husband Rick of Pioneer, Bob Speights, of Monroe, Rebecca Smith and husband Jerry of West Monroe, numerous cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Chuck Bearden, Pat Phillips, Birl Spicer, Mike Nolan, Dr. Terry King, and Eddie Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Williamson, Patrick Sheppard, Logan Crowe, Zach Caskey, Dylan Antley, McLain Thomas, Blake Thomas, Travis Lyn, Danny Soares, Reg Foster, Gavin Thomas, Tony Benoit, his classmates at Downsville High School, and DHS Tennis Team. The family wishes to thank the many family and friends, Dr. Terry King, and the many medical personnel that worked so tirelessly to help our boy. Words can never express our appreciation. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the American Heart Association and St. Jude's Hospital. Online Registry/condolences www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

William Baldridge Sr., 80
RAYVILLE — The Rev. William E. Baldridge Sr., an Episcopal Priest, died Friday. Services are 10:30 a.m. today at Grace Episcopal Church, Monroe. Burial will be in Grace Episcopal Columbarium under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Rayville.

Agnes V. Bearden, 86
MER ROUGE — Agnes V. Bearden, owner and operator of Dairy Hub, died Monday. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mer Rouge Baptist Church. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop. Burial will be in Mer Rouge Cemetery.

Mildred Brazell, 77
JONESVILLE — Mildred Brazell died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Jonesville.

Billye Irene Davis, 85
Billye Irene Davis of Monroe, a retired bookkeeper, died Saturday. Graveside services are 11 a.m. today at Silver Cross Cemetery, Tallulah, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Dakota James Doyon, 12
BASTROP — Dakota James "Little Jelly" Doyon, a student, died Friday. Services are 11 a.m. today at Cox Funeral Home, Bastrop. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Bastrop.

Geneva C. Duckworth, 88
DELHI — Geneva Charrier Duckworth, a retired bookkeeper, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. today at First Baptist Church, Delhi. Burial will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe, under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Delhi.

Frances Fisher, 81
Frances Fisher of Monroe, a legal secretary, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. today at Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald. Burial will be in Lynn Cemetery, Archibald, under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville.

Rachel P. Green, 89
Rachel P. Green of West Monroe, a homemaker, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. today at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Monroe. Burial will be in Farmerville City Cemetery.

Rosalie Letterman, 81
Rosalie "Tootsie" Letterman, a receptionist, died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Bert F. Riser, 87
RUSTON — Bert F. Riser, a retired retail clothing salesman, died Sunday. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Riser Cemetery, Ruston. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston.

Charles D. Thompson, 47
Charles David Thompson of West Monroe, a Hill-Rom Industries service technician, died Sunday. Memorial services are 2 p.m. today at Whites Ferry Road Church of Christ, West Monroe. Visitation is 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Previously acknowledged
Bickett, Linda Ann Fowler: 10 a.m. today, Garden of Memories, Jonesboro.
Earl, Walter Raymond 'Rusty': 2 p.m. today, Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Grant, Myrtlene: 10 a.m. today, Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald.
Willis, Gutha Shannon: 2 p.m. today, Sevier Memorial United Methodist Church, Ferriday

September 5, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

BETTY HALE MCDADE RUEB The Settegast – Kopf Co. Funeral Directors at Sugar Creek Sugar Land, TX Betty Hale McDade Rueb, died peacefully with her family by her side on September 3, 2007. She was born February 22, 1928 in Monroe, LA where she went on to graduate from LSU. Betty was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy McDade. She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Don Rueb; sister, Jean Hammons; daughters, Karen Derrer, Peggy Schaefer, Donna Grehn, Rhonda Delany, Becky Hire, and Cindy Walters; grandchildren, Chris, Sean, Travis, Brennan, Mike, Riley, Chase, Callie, Caitlin, Courtney, Matthew, Mason and Megan. A funeral service will the held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 7, 2007 at First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. in Missouri City, TX. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in El Campo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association or charity of your choice.

LILLIE MAE DAVIS Miller Funeral Home Monroe, LA Memorial Services were held for Sister Lillie Mae Davis on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at 11:00 AM at First Missionary Baptist Church, Monroe, LA. Lillie Mae Davis was born June 11, 1930 in Bastrop, LA to C. B. Cargile, Sr. and Emma Ray Cargile. Lillie Mae resided in Bastrop, LA until relocating to Chicago, IL where she received a certificate in Practical Nursing from the State of Illinois. She returned to Louisiana in 1970 to care for her aging parents. She settled in Monroe, LA and was employed by and retired from St. Francis Medical Center. Lillie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Monroe, LA, pastored by Reverend Andrew J. Mansfield. Lil departed this life on August 29, 2007. She is survived by one brother, C. B. Cargile, Jr., of Richmond, VA; her companion, Joseph Gadson, of Monroe, LA; and, a host of relatives and friends.

LOIS INEZ KING PURVIS Cox Funeral Home, Delhi, LA Funeral services for Mrs. Lois Inez King Purvis, 89, of Delhi will be held at 3:00PM, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at the Dunn Baptist Church with Rev. Bernard Duchesne Jr. officiating. Burial will be in the Faith Memorial Park Cemetery in Delhi under the direction of Cox Funeral Home. Mrs. Purvis was a native of Strong, AR, a member of the Dunn Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by her husband, Walter E. Purvis, parents, Thomas Gordon King & Rosie Paralee Russell King, brothers, Charles and Melton King and sisters, Letha Minchew, Ruth Glass, Vera Muse and Ernestine Kelley. She is survived by two sons, Ervin Purvis & wife Joyce of El Dorado, AR and Eugene Purvis of Canton, TX; one daughter, Evelyn O'Neal & favorite son-in-law Joe Mack O'Neal of Delhi; ten grandchildren, Tinker, Brian & Greg Purvis, Sissy Bogner, Rhonda Marsh, Ginger Strahan, Tommy Purvis, Lori Kirby, Karen Singley & Paula Laird; sixteen grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Pallbearers will be Ricky Singley, Bill O'Neal, Charles Taylor, Calvin Allen, James Allen and Thomas Callaway. Any planned memorials may be made to the Dunn Baptist Church. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the following for the professional and loving long term care provided to their loved one: Dr. Le and the ER staff of the Delhi Hosptial & Clinic The doctors and staff of Renal Associates in Monroe The dedicated CNA's and nurses of Richland Manor Nursing Home and staff of the Delhi Dialysis Unit Hospice Care of Louisiana, Inc. To leave a message of condolence to the family please visit our website at www.coxfuneral.com.

MR FELIX WILLIAM MORALES MULHEARN FUNERAL HOME STERLINGTON ROAD, MONROE, LA Services for Mr. Felix Morales, 83 will be 10:00 AM Thursday September 6, 2007 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Dr. Gene Thomas & Rev. Sebastian Kallarackal officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Morales was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and has been a resident of LA. since 1980. He was a veteran aircraft mechanic in the Pacific during WWII. He was retired from Columbian Chemicals Company, and was a member of St. Paschal Catholic Church. Mr. Morales was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Buesany Morales, and his parents. Survivors include his wife, Verna Dean Morales of West Monroe, LA; 3 daughters, Carole Morales of Baton Rouge, LA., Nancy Morales of Griffin, GA and Marie Morales of Monroe, LA; 2 sons, Bud Morales and wife Pauline of McDonald, PA., Rohn Morales and wife Kathy of Columbia, S.C.; 4 step children, Robbin and Kenny Tededon of West Monroe, LA, Kenny and Christy Reeves of Jonesboro, LA, Brynda and husband Dave Villeneuve of Sun City Center, FL., Danny and Virginia Reeves of Columbia, LA; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan, Christopher and Maegan Morales; 8 step grandchildren and 10 step great grand children. Visitation will be Wednesday September 5, 2007 from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or St. Paschal Catholic Church Building Fund or Bethel Baptist Church, West Monroe. Special Thanks to the doctors and nurses of LA. Extended Hospital, St. Francis Medial Center, Cornerstone, Ouachita Dialysis, West Monroe Guest House, Dr. Frank Sartor, Dr. Narenda Kutnikar & Dr. Dhaya Kutnikar, Dr. David Burkett, Dr. Charles Joyce, Dr. Larry Olinde and Dr. Nelson Yount. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

PRECIOUS (PETEY) STORY KILPATRICK FUNERAL HOME FARMERVILLE, LA Survivors include her parents, Bird and Bunni Strahan of Bernice, LA, her brothers, Shawn Turner and wife Alisha; Jason Turner and wife Micki and Sterling Story, sisters, Summer Lemoine and husband Robert and Sasha Story, grand-parents, G.B. Cannon, Bobby and Nancy Clower , Richard and Barbara Strahan and Danny Humphries, nieces and nephews; Ashlyn Turner, Justice Turner, Isabella McDaniel, McKinsey Story, Paul and Alex Lemoine. Aunts and Uncles, Jo and Todd Heard, Buddy and Tammy Clower, Jinx Clower, Patricia and John Stover, Jamie Dendy, Darrell and Jerri Strahan, David and Janie Strahan, Becky and Dennis Laskowski and several cousins and close friends and loved ones. Petey came into our hearts 17 years ago, she was shy and barely talked but she always had a big smile on her sweet face. She grew up loving animals, she had a pet calf that she would ride around the yard. (Petey) taught puppy to swim in a mud puddle one time. She raised her first horse and she was the first one on her back. She was a graduate from Bernice High School in 2007. She was employed by Bernice IGA for over a year and she had started Vo-Tech School in Farmerville, LA, she was going to start L.P.N. school in June of 2008. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Pisgah Baptist Church in Bernice, LA. Officating will be Rev. Jerry Dark. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pisgah Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Bill Thomas, Jamie Floyd, David Farley, Dr. Bat Brantley, Richard Heard and Richie Sherrill. Honorary pallbearers will be Glyn Nale, George Monk and Thomas Monk. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com.

Mildred Brazell, 77
JONESVILLE — Mildred Brazell died Sunday. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Lake Lilly Baptist Church, Jonesville. Visitation is 5-9 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be in Heard Cemetery, Manifest under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Jonesville.

Marvin G. Cutrer, 51
FERRIDAY — Marvin G. Cutrer died Monday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Ferriday.

Zachary Earl Fordham, 13
DOWNSVILLE — Zachary Earl Fordham, a student, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. today at Holmesville Baptist Church, Downsville. Burial will be in Mount Nebo Church Cemetery, Downsville under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

George Louis Housley, 87
George Louis Housley of Monroe, a retired die press operator, died Monday. Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Gill First National Funeral Home, Winnsboro. Visitation is 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Providence Memorial Cemetery.

Rosalie Letterman, 81
Rosalie "Tootsie" Letterman, a receptionist, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. today at New Chapel Hill Baptist Church, West Monroe. Burial will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Linon C. Nolan, 76
Linon C. Nolan of Monroe, retired from E.A. Conway Memorial Hospital, died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Richard Pennington, 82
BASTROP — Richard E. Pennington, an International Paper employee, died Sunday. Services are 2 p.m. today at Golden Funeral Home, Bastrop. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Bastrop.

Lois Inez King Purvis, 89
DELHI — Lois Inez King Purvis, a homemaker, died Tuesday. Services are 3 p.m. today at Dunn Baptist Church, Delhi. Visitation is 1 p.m. until time of services are the church. Burial will be in Faith Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Delhi.

Donald Burwell Walls, 66
HALTOM CITY, Texas — Donald Burwell Walls, a sign electrician, died Sunday. Services are 11 a.m. today at Pioneer Baptist Church. Burial will be in New Forest Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

Roberta Wright, 88
Roberta Wright of Monroe, a private sitter, died Aug. 29. Services are 11 a.m. today at Logtown Baptist Church, Fondale. Burial will be in Richwood Memorial Gardens under the direction of Miller Funeral Home, Monroe.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Bearden, Agnes V.: 10 a.m. today, Mer Rouge Baptist Church.
Riser, Bert F.: 2 p.m. today, Riser Cemetery, Ruston

September 6, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

GEORGE LOUIS "JOE" HOUSLEY Gill First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro, LA Funeral services for George Louis "Joe" Housley, age 87 of Monroe will be held at 1 PM Friday September 7, 2007 from the chapel of Gill First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro with Rev. Mark Fenn officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Memorial Cemetery in Winnsboro. Visitation will be Friday at 10:30 AM until service time at Gill Funeral Home. He was born to John and Laura Bozeman Housley on October 23, 1919 in Columbia, MS and passed from this life Monday September 3, 2007 at St. Francis North Medical Center in Monroe. He proudly served his country during WWII in France and Germany. He was a former member of the Bayou Macon Church and was a charter member of the Riverview Baptist Church in West Monroe. He retired from Olin Kraft Paper Mill in West Monroe in 1979. He is preceded in death by his wife: Verna Ulmer Housley; one granddaughter: Jennifer Nolan; three brothers: O.T. Housley, Sollie Housley, and Murphy Housley; one sister: Juanita Stovall. He is survived by one son: Retired Colonel Dwight Housley and wife Janet Noland Housley of West Monroe; one daughter: Paige Housley and husband Tom Hollis of Bastrop; two sisters: Theo May Hargrove and husband Ralph of Jackson, MS; Theresa Housley of Hebert; one brother: John L. Housley and wife Terry of Hebert; one sister-in-law: Merle Housley of Hebert; two grandchildren: Mark Housley and wife Rebecca; Deidre Slifko and husband John; four great-grandchildren: Katie and Gabrielle Housley and Allie and Mitchell Adams. The family would like to send a special thanks to the wing three staff at the War Veterans Home in Monroe. Pallbearers will be family and friends. To sign guestbook or view video tribute online, visit www.gillfirstnational.com

JAMES DANIEL "DAN" FRYE Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA James Daniel "Dan" Frye, 47, of Springdale, AR died, September 3, 2007 in Rogers, AR. He was born November 6, 1959 in Fort Hood, TX the son of James W. and Nelda Dalmut Frye. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Cabot, AR and Department Manager for Lowe's. He is survived by his wife, Tina Aycock Frye of the home, to whom he married, July 16, 1982; one son, James Brandon Frye of the home; his parents, James W. and Nelda Dalmut Frye of Hartford, AR; one sister, Barbara Sanders and husband, Jeff of West Monroe, LA Funeral Services will be Thursday September 6, 2007 at the chapel of Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale with Mr. Jim Murphy officiating. Graveside services will be 3:00 P.M. Friday, September 7, 2007 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, Louisiana with Rev. Skip Dean officiating. Family will be present for visitation Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers are Ben Waddell, Robert Gonzales, Steve Sisney and Chris Calleja. Memorials may be made to the James Brandon Frye Fund at Simmons 1st Bank 2832 W. Sunset Springdale, AR. 72762. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice. Online Registry/Condolence: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

LYNDA CAROLE MOSLEY WILBANKS Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral services for Lynda Carole Mosley Wilbanks, 65, of West Monroe will be held Friday, September 7, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church in West Monroe with Rev. Mark Fenn, Rev. Dwight Munn, and Rev. Charles Martindale officiating. Lynda passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 surrounded by her beloved family at Glenwood Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. She is now in peace with her Lord and Savior and will struggle no more. Lynda was a 1960 graduate of West Monroe High School. She married Johnny 48 years ago and was proud to say that he was the love of her life. She loved spending time with her family relaxing at the camp, fishing, hunting, watching softball games, dance recitals, shopping, shopping, and more shopping and anything that involved Johnny, her kids or her grand-babies. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Irma Mosley. Lynda is survived by her husband Johnny, son, Jeff Wilbanks, daughters, Jana Yarbrough and Gary, Jennifer Purvis and Ricky, grand-babies: Zach Yarbrough, Lindsey and Lauren Wilbanks and their mother, Lisa Kaeo; Shelby Yarbrough, Ramsey Purvis, Ainsley Yarbrough, and Ryley Grace Purvis; many special sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, neices, and nephews; special cousin, Bobbie Jean Coker; adopted sister Ms. Dora Price and many loved friends. Pallbearers will be Jeff Wilbanks, Gary Yarbrough, Zach Yarbrough, Jack Cornett, C. A. Lowe, and Freeman Blaney. Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Special thanks to Dr. Don Hammett for his care of mother during her illness and all the loving friends and family that have called, prayed, and sent cards during this time. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice. Online Registry/Condolence: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MURPHY RAY CASSELS MURPHY RAY CASSELS Riser Funeral Home Columbia, LA Services for Murphy Ray Cassels, age 68 of West Monroe will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 7, 2007 from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia with Tony Cassels and Rev. Neil Everette officiating. Interment will follow in the Rosefield Cemetery in Rosefield. Mr. Cassells was born in Enterprise on September 30, 1938 to the union of Charles Murphy and Lillie Mae Harrelson Cassels and died Tuesday, September 4, 2007 from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was a retired area and district manager of Woodman of the World Insurance Co. He was also a veteran of the U.S.Army. Survivors include his wife: Joyce Nelson Cassels of West Monroe, his son and daughter-in-law: Tony Ray and Connie Cassels of Calhoun, his brother: Charlie Cassels of Grayson, his sisters: Geraldine Volentine and Flo Wyles both of Grayson and Jo Welch of Eros and his grandchildren: Casey Ray Cassels of Calhoun, who was named after his grandfather, Tiffany Hope Spillers of Choudrant and Angela Renae Cassels of Calhoun. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM until time of services at Riser Funeral Home, 7131 Hwy 165, Columbia.

Charles A. Adams, 57
Charles A. Adams of West Monroe, a truck driver and Vietnam veteran, died Aug. 9. An ashes spreading ceremony will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Cheniere Lake Spillway, West Monroe.

John Allen, 75
RAYVILLE — John Allen, a farmer, died Friday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Macedonia Baptist Church, Rayville. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. Friday at Tennant Funeral Home, Rayville. Burial will be in Holly Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Rayville.

Magnolia Brown, 86
BASTROP — Magnolia Brown, a nurses' aide, died Friday. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Galion. Burial will be in Lightwood Cemetery under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Bastrop.

Irene Buggs, 89
RUSTON — Irene Buggs, a homemaker, died Monday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, Ruston. Visitation is 2-4:45 p.m. at King's Funeral Home, Ruston. Burial will be in Mays Chapel Cemetery, Ruston.

Kristin M. Caldwell, 29
HEFLIN — Kristin Michelle Caldwell, a homemaker, died Saturday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mortuary Services of Louisiana.

Marvin G. Cutrer, 51
FERRIDAY — Marvin G. Cutrer, a BASF Corp. operator and retired from the U.S. Navy, died Monday. Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Young's Funeral Home, Ferriday. Visitation is noon until service time Friday at the funeral home. There will be a missing man ride after the funeral.

Sheree R. Davis, 21
WISNER — Sheree R. Davis, a plant processor worker, died Saturday. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at New Macedonia Baptist Church, Gilbert. Wake services are 6-7 p.m. Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Winnsboro. Visitation is noon-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Holly Grove Cemetery, Wisner.

Willie Davis, 61
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Willie Davis, a construction worker, died Aug. 28. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Truelight Baptist Church, Winnsboro. Visitation is noon-7 p.m. Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Winnsboro. Burial will be in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winnsboro.

Lucille Edwards, 80
Lucille Edwards of Monroe, a homemaker, died Wednesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Miller Funeral Home, Monroe.

Otis Franklin, 76
Otis Franklin of Monroe, a laborer, died Wednesday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Epps Church of God in Christ. Visitation is 1-6 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe. Burial will be in Epps Church of God in Christ.

Onelia Gage, 75
OAK GROVE — Onelia Gage, a homemaker, died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Rayville.

Birdie Lee Hassen, 77
CHATHAM — Birdie Lee Hassen, a retired laborer, died Tuesday. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Rest Baptist Church, Quitman. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. Friday at King's Funeral Home, Ruston. Burial will be in Collier Cemetery, Chatham.

Floyd E. Harrell, 89
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Floyd E. Harrell, formerly of Monroe, died Monday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Dorothy L. House, 85
OAK GROVE — Dorothy Lorene House, an office manager, died Monday. Services are 11 a.m. today at First Church of God, Oak Grove. Visitation is 9 a.m. until service time today at the church. Burial will be 4 p.m. today in Hill Crest Cemetery, Haughton under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

Elizabeth Hubbard, 96
BASTROP — Elizabeth Hubbard, a cook, died Thursday. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Second Baptist Church, Bastrop. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at Tennant Funeral Home, Bastrop. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Augusta Kelly, 69
Augusta Kelly of Monroe, a homemaker, died Monday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Harrisonburg Christian Assembly. Visitation is 1-6 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe. Burial will be in Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonburg.

Mary Leichlechuga, 55
BASTROP — Mary Leichlechuga, a cafeteria worker, died Thursday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Collinston. Burial will be in Trousdale Hill Cemetery under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Bastrop.

Carrie Logwood, 85
Carrie Logwood of Monroe, a homemaker, died Wednesday. Arrangments are incomplete under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Monroe.

Michael McManas, 50
Michael "Mike" McManas of West Monroe, a Buck Trucking truck driver, died Wednesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Ricky Montgomery, 45
Ricky Montgomery of Monroe, a maintenance worker, died Saturday. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, Monroe. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Richwood Memorial Gardens.

Felix W. Morales, 83
Felix W. Morales, a retired Columbia Chemical laboratory technician, died Monday. Services are 10 a.m. today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Monroe. Burial will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Lenon C. Nolan, 76
Lenon C. Nolan of Monroe, a retired employee of E.A. Conway Hospital, died Tuesday. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Friday at Loch Arbor Baptist Church Cemetery, Swartz. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Fannie Smith, 87
FARMERVILLE — Fannie Smith, a homemaker, died Friday. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Blooming Grove, Farmerville. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. at Tennant Funeral Home, Farmerville. Burial will be in Farmerville City Cemetery.

Shereka Smith, 31
BASTROP — Shereka Smith, a finance company employee, died Monday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Bastrop.

James Spencer, 25
BASTROP — James Spencer, a line leader, died Monday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at New Morning Star Baptist Church, Bastrop. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. Friday at Tennant Funeral Home, Bastrop. Burial will be in Harris Cemetery, Wilmot, Ark.

Precious A. Story, 18
BERNICE — Precious Annalee "Petey" Story, an IGA Bernice employee, died Saturday. Services are 2 p.m. today at Pisgah Baptist Church, Bernice. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Farmerville.

George Thomas, 61
George Thomas of Monroe, a field operator, died Saturday. Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Liberty Christian Center, Monroe. Visitation is 1-6 p.m. today at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe. Burial will be in Richwood Memorial Gardens.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Brazell, Mildred: 2 p.m. today, Lake Lilly Baptist Church, Jonesville.
Housley, George Louis: 1 p.m. Friday, Gill Funeral Home, Winnsboro

September 7, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

BROTHER BENNERSON STAMPER Millers Funeral Home Monroe, LA Homecoming services for Brother Bennerson Stamper of West Monroe will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church of West Monroe, LA . The body will lie in state for viewing from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Miller Funeral Home. The family hour will follow immediately at 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Friday, September 7, 2007. He recently celebrated his 72nd birthday. He is best known for his career in barbering. He owned and operated Stamper's Barbershop on DeSiard St. for many years. He lived and died with a unique and mild manner of silence with dignity . He was a strong quite force with a friendly smile and a giving heart. He lived his life loving and trying to make others happy. For additional information, please call Miller's Funeral Home at 388-3000.

HUGH ERNEST GOBER Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mr. Hugh Ernest Gober, 80, of Monroe, will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2007, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. William Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Gober passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2007. He was a WWII Veteran of the Phillipines Campaign. He was a member of Lakeshore Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Gober. Survivors include his sons, Giles David Gober and wife Ellen Ann, and Hugh Leon Gober; four grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters. Pallbearers will be Roger Banester, Mason Manning, Danny Merriweather, Jonathon Gates, Bruce Alexander, and Richard White. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Lakeshore Baptist Church or to the Salavation Army. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MICHAEL E. MCMANUS Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral Services for Mr. Michael E. "Mikey" McManus, 50, of West Monroe, LA will be 1:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Walnut Grove Methodist Church with Bro. Tommy McMurry officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr. McManus passed away on September 5, 2007 in Hattiesburg, MS. He loved driving his big truck, turkey hunting, deer hunting, and riding his motorcycle. He was a member of Pow-Wow Hunting Club. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Survived by loving wife of thirty-three years, Carol Sue Bush McManus; daughters, Danna "Dinkus" Frith and Alicia "Duck-Butt" McManus and special friend Herbert Hogard; six grandchildren, Ashley Jones, Jacob "Hot Rod" Parker, Alli "Alli Cat" Jones, Hunter Glen Hogard, Brittany Ree "Tootie" Hogard and John Michael "Bubba" Frith; father, Elmer McManus; mother, JoAnne McManus; brothers, Ronnie and wife Debbie, Brian and wife Amanda Jo, and Jason and wife Kim, sister, Sandy McLain and husband Howard, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, and all extended family and friends. Pallbearers will be Randy Bush, Randy Reeves, Brian Costin, Randy McManus, Stanley Williamson, and William Lockwood. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Naron, Calvin Costin, David Bounds, and Howard McLain. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM Friday, September 7, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

RAMONA PURVIS MCKNIGHT Brown-Holley Funeral Home Rayville, LA Funeral services for Ramona Purvis McKnight, 72, of Monroe, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA with Rev. Frank Pennington officiating. Interment will follow in McKnight Cemetery, Holly Ridge under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA. Ramona McKnight was born on August 7, 1935 in Verda, LA and pass away on Thursday, September 6, 2007. Mrs. McKnight was a member of Aulds Chapel Non Denominational Church. She was a dedicated mother to all of her children; diligent homemaker and she loved to fish and watch the humming birds. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. McKnight and parents, Clyde M. and Ethel Purvis. Survivors include her Children, Marilyn Smith and husband, Ron of Muscatine, IA, Sandra Kay Pennington and husband, Frank of Greenwell Springs, LA, Dennis Jones of Eros, LA, Michael Jones and wife, Edith of Monroe, William McKnight, Jr. and wife, Sabrina of Neosha, MO, Steve McKnight of Monroe, Barbara Bareng and husband, Dominic of Honolulu, HI and Glenn McKnight and wife, Debbie of Springhill, LA; Sister, Naoma Sloan of Phoenix, AZ; Brothers, Murry Purvis of Verda, LA, James Purvis of Neosha, MO, and Jerry Purvis of Verda, LA; 24 Grandchildren and 30 Great Grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Cody McKnight, Steve McKnight, Henry McKnight, Shane Hudson, and Sean Fitzpatrick. Honorary pallbearers Michael Jones, Dennis Jones, Steve McKnight, William McKnight, Jr., and Glenn McKnight Visitation will be 5:00 PM til 9:00 PM, Friday, and 10:00 AM until service time Saturday, at Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA To leave condolences for the family go online to www.brownholley funeralhomes.com

Myrtie C. Black, 95
JONESBORO — Myrtie Carson Black, a homemaker, died Wednesday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Edmonds Funeral Home, Jonesboro. Visitation is 9 a.m. Saturday until service time. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery, Quitman.

Murphy R. Cassels, 68
Murphy Ray Cassels of West Monroe, a retired area and district manager of Woodmen of the World Insurance Co., died Tuesday. Services are 11 a.m. today at Riser Funeral Home, Columbia. Visitation is 9 a.m. today until service time. Burial will be in Rosefield Cemetery.

Cleophas Davis, 78
Cleophas Davis of Monroe, retired from the U.S. Army, died Tuesday. Services are 4 p.m. Saturday at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe. Visitation is 3-6 p.m. today. Burial will be in Richwood Memorial Gardens.

Lucille Edwards, 80
Lucille Edwards of Monroe, a homemaker, died Wednesday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Tried Stone Baptist Church, Monroe. Burial will be in Richwood Memorial Gardens.

Keary Freeman, 55
HODGE — Keary Freeman, a GMS director, died Wednesday. Services are 3 p.m. today at Victory Worship and Outreach Center. Visitation is noon today until service time at the church. Burial will be in Fellowship Cemetery, Quitman, under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home, Jonesboro.

Rosebud Funderburk, 73
BERNICE — Rosebud Reeves Funderburk, a homemaker, died Thursday. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Farrar Funeral Home, Farmerville. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery near Bernice.

J. 'Dusty' Hales Sr., 57
ARCHIBALD — Justin "Dusty" Hales Sr., an electrician, died Thursday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville.

Vadis Hubbert, 99
Vadis Hubbert of Monroe died Aug. 30. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at New Daughters of Zion Baptist Church, West Monroe. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Quitman, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Willie Martin Jr., 73
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Willie Martin Jr. died Saturday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at New Light Missionary Baptist Church, Tallulah. Wake service is 7-8 p.m. today at Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home, Tallulah. Burial will be in New Oakwood Cemetery, Tallulah.

Lynda M. Wilbanks, 65
Lynda Carole Mosley Wilbanks of West Monroe, a homemaker, died Wednesday. Services are 10 a.m. today at First Baptist Church, West Monroe. Visitation is 9 a.m. today until service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Mattie T. Woods, 64
METAIRIE — Mattie Thompson Woods, a shipping and receiving clerk formerly of Clayton, died Tuesday. Services are noon Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Sibley, Miss. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Monroe.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Adams, Charles A.: 11 a.m. Friday, Cheniere Lake Spillway, West Monroe.
Allen, John: 11 a.m. Saturday, Macedonia Baptist Church, Rayville.
Brown, Magnolia: 2 p.m. Saturday, Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Galion.
Buggs, Irene: 11 a.m. Saturday, New Hope Baptist Church, Ruston.
Cutrer, Marvin G.: 1 p.m. today, Young's Funeral Home, Ferriday.
Davis, Sheree R.: 1 p.m. Saturday, New Macedonia Baptist Church, Gilbert.
Davis, Willie: 11 a.m. Saturday, Truelight Baptist Church, Winnsboro.
Franklin, Otis: 11 a.m. Saturday, Epps Church of God in Christ.
Hanssen, Birdie Lee: 2 p.m. Saturday, St. Rest Baptist Church, Quitman.
Housley, George Louis: 1 p.m. today, Gill Funeral Home, Winnsboro.
Hubbard, Elizabeth: 11 a.m. today, Second Baptist Church, Bastrop.
Kelly, Augusta: 11 a.m. Saturday, Harrisonburg Christian Assembly.
Leichlechuga, Mary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Collinston.
Montgomery, Ricky: 2 p.m. Saturday, Miller Funeral Home, Monroe.
Nolan, Lenon C.: 10 a.m. today, Loch Arbor Baptist Church Cemetery, Swartz.
Smith, Fannie: 1 p.m. Saturday, Blooming Grove, Farmerville.
Spencer, James: 11 a.m. Saturday, New Morning Star Baptist Church, Bastrop.
Thomas, George: 1 p.m. today, Liberty Christian Center, Monroe.

September 8, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

DONNY RAY SULLIVAN, SR. 9/09/65 until 2/22/06 Your mom , dad, momma, Barbara, Mr. John, Ricki, Terri, Barbara Lynn, Melissa, Jack Jr, Kenneth (your twin brother) Ronnie, and extended family.

Kathleen J. Bell, 92
Kathleen J. Bell of Monroe, a homemaker, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.

Eva W. Burt, 86
KENTWOOD — Eva W. Burt died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home in Winnsboro.

Jo Ann Speir Drenon, 68
Jo Ann Speir Drenon of Monroe, a retired registered nurse, died Friday. The funeral is at 2 p.m. today at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Visitation is from noon until time of service at the funeral home. Burial is in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.

O.Z. Lewis, 84
O.Z. Lewis of Monroe, a maintenance supervisor for the city of Monroe, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Jennie Ponce de Leon, 66
Jennie Sue Ponce de Leon of Monroe, a homemaker, died Friday. Services are at 2 p.m. Monday at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. Visitation is from 1 p.m. Monday until time of service. Burial is in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Lamar E. Rogers, 48
Lamar E. Rogers of West Monroe, an administrator with Louisiana Tech University, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.

James Thornton, 39
KELLY — James Thornton, owner of A.J. & J. Oil Co. of Tullos, died Saturday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

Dennis M. Whitstine, 47
COLUMBIA — Dennis Mark Whitstine, a Louisiana Department of Forestry employee, died Friday. Graveside service is at 2 p.m. today at the McLain family plot at Fellowship Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Riser Funeral Home in Columbia.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Aplin, Cater: 2 p.m. today, Harrisonburg First Baptist Church, Harrisonburg, Ark.
DeYampert Jr., William: 2 p.m today, Wilmot United Methodist Church, Wilmot, Ark.
Hales Sr., Justin "Dusty": 2 p.m. today, Mangham First Baptist Church, Mangham.
Leslie, Jeanette: 2 p.m. today, Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home, Winnsboro.
Lewis, Marion: 11 a.m. Monday, Spring Hill Baptist Church, Monroe.
Medina, Betty: 11 a.m. Monday, Holy Rosary Cemetery, Taft.
Scott, Ella Mae: 1 p.m Monday, Winnsboro Second Baptist Church, Winnsboro

September 9, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

JUSTIN "DUSTY" HALES, SR. Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA Funeral services for Justin "Dusty" Hales, Sr. , 57, of Archibald, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Mangham First Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Aultman and Bro. Wilfred Burgess. Interment will follow in Gwin Cemetery, Mangham, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA. Dusty Hales was born on August 13, 1950 in Archibald, LA and passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2007 in Rayville, LA. Dusty was a member of the Church of Christ at Archibald, LA. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and as everyone knows he enjoyed to work, no matter what kind of work he was doing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Sally Hales; sister, Linda Alford; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gladys and Jr. Wisenor; niece, Tammy Alford. Survivors include his Wife, Connie Hales of Archibald; Children, Amber Hales of Rayville, Justin Hales, Jr. and wife, April of Winnsboro, LA, and "Curt" Curtis and wife, April of Longview, TX; Brother, Johnny Hales and wife, Patti of Mangham, LA; Grandchildren, Jonathan Naron of Rayville, Ashlyn Lawhorn of Rayville, Bryce Curtis of Longview, Trae Lawhorn of Rayville, Emory Hales of Winnsboro, Karley Curtis of Longview; Sisters-In-Law and Brothers-In-Law, Lynn and Mickie Jones of Longview, Mike and Wanda Weatherly of Baskin, Buddy and Donna Wisnor of Mangham, Nancy and Jimmy Herrington of Delhi, Kathy MacNichol of Baton Rouge, Donna Stephenson of Houma, LA; Extended Family, Calvin and Amy McKenzie, Kenny and Sandra Allen, and Employees of McKenzie Electric; Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, his many Friends and a special friend, Vicki Wilson. Pallbearers will be Robert Gill, Tim Sutton, Jason "Putt" Graham, Robbie Bryant, Michael Davis, and Roy Dale McKinley. Honorary pallbearers will be Employee's of McKenzie Electric. To leave condolences for the family go online to www.brownholleyfuneral homes.com

MARGARET A. VON OVEN Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral Services for Mrs. Margaret A. von Oven, 89, of West Monroe, LA will be 3:00 PM Monday, September 10, 2007 in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe with Rev. Jeff Kraemer officiating. Interment will follow at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe. Mrs. Von Oven was born in Morrison, IL and passed away after a lengthy illness on September 7, 2007 in West Monroe. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce von Oven. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Kraemer and husband Jeff of Carmel Valley, CA and Susan Aguettant and husband Olivier of West Monroe, LA; five granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Olivier Aguettant, Dewayne Cummings, Joe Lane, Tim Langston, Shane Martin and Ted Morris. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MARVIN M. RABUN Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral Services for Mr. Marvin Morris Rabun, 85, of West Monroe will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 10, 2007, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe with Rev. Mildred Lenard officiating. Interment will follow at Hasley Cemetery. Mr. Rabun was born in Union Parish on March 25, 1922 and passed away in Monroe on September 8, 2007. Mr. Rabun was a member of Lapine Assembly of God Church. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War and was a retired electrician. Survivors include his brother, Bobby Rabun; sister, Mary Frances Hudnall; nephew, Jimmy Martin and wife Sharon; great niece; Jami Kay Salter and husband Patrick. Pallbearers will be Raymond Agnew, Edwin Turnage, Herschel Thornton, Doug Cobb, Jimmy Martin and Patrick Salter. Visitation will be 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Heart Association. The family would like to give speacial thanks to the nurses on the third and fourth floor of St. Francis Medical Center and to the Hospice Staff. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MILDRED CARROLL VEATCH The Gabriels Funeral Chapel Georgetown, TX Mildred Carroll Veatch, born to Kate Nettles and Clarence B Carroll on November 25, 1921, in Monroe, passed away Wednesday September 5, 2007 surrounded by Family and friends. Mrs. Veatch a long time resident of Monroe, LA and her daughter moved to Sun City in Georgetown, TX ten years ago. She was happiest when spending time with her family and watching Baseball games. As a child, Mildred danced and sang on the stage of the Paramount Theater of Monroe as well as many other venues throughout the South, often with her cousin, Eddie Danzler. Mrs. Veatch graduated from Ouachita Parrish High School class of 1939. She also attended Northeast Louisiana University . She married her high school sweetheart, Dalton Veatch on January 3rd, 1942 in Tampa Florida and enjoyed a loving 46 year marriage. Mildred had a style and wit all her own. Friends and family remember her warm smile and loving nature. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dalton Veatch and is survived by her daughter Glenda Kay Veatch of Georgetown, TX, Son James T. Veatch and daughter-in-law Patsy Veatch of St. Francisville , LA . She was blessed with three grandchildren, Dayna Louise Blackwell of Austin , Texas , Paul Christopher Veatch and Matthew Brian Veatch of St. Francisville , LA . She had three much loved great-grandchildren; Madeline Claire Howes, Christopher Dalton Veatch, and Jonathon Thomas Veatch. Mildred will be laid to rest along side her husband in a small private grave-side service being held in Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe , Louisiana , Monday September 10, 2007 at 2: 00 PM.

WILLIAM BENJAMIN deYAMPERT JR Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Hamburg, AR William Benjamin deYampert Jr., 89, of Wilmot, was born August 28th 1918 to Vesta Pyron and William B. deYampert, died in his home in Wilmot, Arkansas, on Thursday, September 6th 2007. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Uzzelle and three sisters: Mrs. Delmar Johnson, Mrs. Thomas F. Scannell and Mrs. John B. Currie, Sr. Mr. deYampert was graduated from Gulf Port Military Academy in 1936 and received a B.S. from the University of Arkansas in 1942 where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and served as its treasurer. After college he served his country in both the Army and the Navy during World War II. Following the war, he returned to Wilmot to manage his farming and business interests. He purchased one of the first tractors in Ashley County and started the Wilmot Farm Equipment business, the first farm machinery business in the county. A dedicated civil servant, Mr. deYampert served as Mayor of Wilmot and was on the city council for many terms. He also served on various boards including the Wilmot School Board, the Delta Trust Bank, past President and Chairman of the Board of Bayou Grain and Chemical Company, president of the Wilmot State Bank, board member of the Portland Compress, President of the Wilmot Medical Center and an active member of the Wilmot United Methodist Church. He was a prominent landowner and farmer and a pioneer in the aquaculture industry building some of the earliest catfish farms in the Arkansas Delta. At heart, Mr. deYampert was an innovator, he was interested in the new: new science, new uses for agricultural land and new methods of construction. He and his workers built many structures in Wilmot including the deYampert Store Building, the Wilmot Hospital, the Wilmot Post Office and the Cypress Lodge, a restaurant that contributed greatly to community life in Southeast Arkansas during the 1960's and 1970's. Mr. deYampert was soft spoken, reserved and a man of few words whose inherent kindness was unfailing. He is survived by a daughter, Mary Vesta deYampert Fort, her husband Arthur and their two children of Fairhope, Alabama; a son, William B. deYampert of New York as well as a son Richard Stock and his wife Lisa and their two children; son Cayce Stock, his wife Teresa and their daughter all from Wilmot; and daughter Sloan Stock Favi, her husband Ted and three children all of Memphis. The Family also wishes to acknowledge Mrs. Melvin Tullos for her years of tireless, faithful and loving care. Funeral services are 2:00 PM, Sunday at the Wilmot United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Wilmot Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilmot United Methodist Church, PO Box 1, Wilmot, AR or to the Wilmot Cemetery Association, c/o Mr. DeWayne Haynes, PO Box 157, Wilmot, AR 71676. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com

September 10, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

BENARD E. TERRELL Riser Funeral Home Olla, LA Services for Benard E. Terrell, age 57 of Olla will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2007 from the Standard Baptist Church in Olla with Rev. Bobby Cruse officiating. Interment will follow in the Olla Cemetery under the direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. Mr. Terrell was born in Urania on January 29, 1950 to the union of Toney and Geneva Dove Terrell and died Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria. He was employed by Hunt Lumber Company of Olla. He also served in the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his father: Toney Terrell. Survivors include his wife: Blanche Terrell of Olla, his sons: Sherman Terrell and James Terrell both of Olla, his daughter: Mandy Moss of Olla, his step-sons: Andy Gibson and Tommy Gibson both of Grayson, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, his brothers: Clyde Terrell of Bryceland, Chester Terrell of Urania, Eugene Terrell of Ringgold, Paul Terrell and Tony Terrell both of Arcadia. Pallbearers will be Damon Smith, Buddy Poole, Bradley Poole, Jonathan Terrell, George Nations, Kenneth Shelton and Rodney Shelton. Johnny Barnhill will serve as honorary pallbearer. Visitation will be Monday after 5:00 PM at Standard Baptist Church in Olla.

JAMES N. THORNTON, JR. Riser Funeral Home Columbia, LA Services for James Norman Thornton, age 39 of Kelly will be held at 2:00 PM , Monday, September 10, 2007 from the First Baptist Church in Tullos with Rev. Duane Moreno officiating. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Tullos under the direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia. Mr. Thornton was born in Alexandria on July 18, 1968 to the union of James Norman, Sr. and Addie Thompson Thornton and died Saturday, September 8, 2007 at his residence. He along with his brother was owner of A.J.&J. Thornton Oil and Gas Inc. of Tullos. He received his B.A. degree in Liberal Arts Pre-law from the University of Louisiana in Monroe and his Juris Doctorate in Law from Southern University. He was a very giving individual who never met a stranger and always had a smile. He was a philanthropist in the truest sense of the word. He was preceded in death by his father: James Norman Thornton, Sr. Survivors include his wife: Trina Henry Thornton of Kelly, his mother: Addie Thompson Thornton of Tullos, his children: Melani, Ryan and Shannon all of Kelly, his brother and sister-in-law: Jon and Keycha Thornton of Tullos, his sister and brother-in-law: Addie Kaye and Sam Barnes of Denham Springs and his nieces and nephews: Austin and Meghan Barnes, Zachary and Hannah Thornton. Pallbearers will be Leonard Henderson, Michael Sullivan, Sam Barnes, Michael Nowlin, Tim Page, Clif Henry, Lester Smith and Leroy James. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Darden and Dickey Heard. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, Tullos until time of services.

KATHLEEN JONES BELL Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Graveside Services for Mrs. Kathleen Jones Bell, 92, of Monroe, LA will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Fr. Joe Puthapally officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Mrs. Bell passed away on September 8, 2007 in Monroe, LA. She was a life-long member of St. Matthews Catholic Church. Mrs. Bell is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, C. C. Bell, Jr. and also her son, C. C. Bell, III. She is survived by her granddaughter, Tara Palmer and husband Keith of McKinney, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Troy and Mitchell Palmer of McKinney, TX. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MATTIE LEE EVANS SMITH Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie Lee Smith, 83, of Monroe, will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in the Chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. Gerald Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs. Mattie Lee Smith passed away Saturday, September 8, 2007, at Christus St. Joseph Nursing Home. She was a member of Swartz Assembly of God Church. She was a retired Bookkeeper for Flavor Rich Dairies. She is preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Smith, two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Sherry Puckett; grandson, James Kirby; brother, G. A. Evans. Pallbearers will be George Evans, Jerome Sikes, Sidney Sikes, William Sikes, Ronnie Dees, and Charlie Brewer. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Goodwin and James Goodwin. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Online Registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

O. Z. LEWIS Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral services for Mr. O. Z. Lewis, 84, of Monroe, LA. will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe with Rev.G. E.Chance, Rev. Danny Chance, and Rev. Steve Hillman officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Lewis passed away Saturday, September 8, 2007 in Shreveport, LA. Mr. Lewis retired from the City of Monroe as a Maintenance Supervisor. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Frank and Ida Lewis; sisters, Willie Caviness, Edith Fowler, and Glennie Long; two brothers, Quitman Lewis and Arnold Lewis. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Bessie Lewis; daughter, Rene Masters and husband Jesse; son, Rev. Zale Lewis and wife Gaye; four grandchildren; Summer Powell and husband Jason, Holly Bryan and husband Sean, Burl Masters and wife Jamie, Rev. Chance Lewis and wife Sarah; three great grandchildren, Emilee Kate Powell, Eden Bryan, and Zane Lewis; sisters, Lois Peek, Mary Hillman, and Barbara Morgan; brothers, Devon Lewis, Ernest Lewis, and Bobby Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jason Powell, Sean Bryan, Burl Masters, Chance Lewis, Walter Hillman, and Keith Lewis. Honorary pallbearers will be Leverette Kyle, Archie Evans, and Randy McManus. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Online Registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

Eva W. Burt, 86
KENTWOOD — Eva W. Burt, a retired dairy farmer, died Saturday. Services are 10 a.m. today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood. Visitation is 9-11 a.m. today at Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home in Winnsboro and 5-9 p.m. at McKneely. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Kentwood.

Dallas Wesley Henderson, 71
Dallas Wesley Henderson, of Monroe, retired from U.S. Forestry, died Sunday. Services are 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe. Burial will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Linda Hughes, 50
SPEARSVILLE — Linda Hughes, a homemaker, died Sunday. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Camp Creek Baptist Church, Spearsville. Burial will be in Canaan Cemetery under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home, Farmerville. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at the church.

Virginia Johnson Jones, 77
DELHI — Virginia Johnson Jones, a homemaker, died Sunday. Services are 2 p.m. today at Hegwood Baptist Church, Epps. Burial will be in Delhi Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville. Visitation is 11 a.m. until service time at the church.

Florine Laprairie, 72
JONESVILLE — Florine Laprairie died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Ferriday.

Junior Burford Patterson, 84
OAK GROVE — Junior Burford "J.B." Patterson, died Sunday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

Marvin M. Rabun, 85
Marvin M. Rabun, a retired electrician, of West Monroe, died Saturday. Services are 11 a.m. today at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Burial will be in Hasley Cemetery, West Monroe. Visitation is 10 a.m. until service.

Lamar E. Rogers, 48
Lamar E. Rogers of West Monroe, an administrator with Louisiana Tech University, died Saturday. Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at College Place Baptist Church, Ruston. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, West Monroe, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Visitation is 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

James Norman Thornton Jr., 39
KELLY — James Norman Thornton Jr., owner of A.J. and J Thornton Oil and Gas of Tullos, died Saturday. Services are 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, Tullos. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, Tullos, under the direction of Riser Funeral Home, Columbia.

Margaret A. Von Oven, 89
Margaret A. Von Oven of West Monroe, a retired sales clerk at Muller's, died Friday. Services are 3 p.m. today at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Visitation is 2-3 p.m.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Lewis, Marion: 11 a.m. today, Spring Hill Baptist Church, Monroe.
Medina, Betty: 11 a.m. today, Holy Rosary Cemetery, Taft.
Ponce de Leon, Jennie Sue: 2 p.m. today, Mulhearn Mausoleum, Monroe.
Scott, Ella Mae: 1 p.m today, Winnsboro Second Baptist Church, Winnsboro

September 11 , 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

BETTY KATHRYN ROCKETT MERCER Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA Funeral Services for Mrs. Betty Kathryn Rockett Mercer will be 3:00 PM Wednesday, September 12, 2007 in the chapel of the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Monroe, Louisiana with Dr. Alan Miller and Rev. Clarence Powell officiating. Mrs. Mercer was born February 6, 1927 and went home to her Lord and Savior on September 9, 2007. She was married to Rev. Earl D. Mercer on June 7, 1947 who preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, David Mercer, of Eustace, Texas and her daughter Rachel Mercer Wiggins of Monroe, Louisiana. Other survivors include grandson, Jeremy Todd Wiggins and wife Kim Sant Wiggins; granddaughter Amanda Wiggins Waalk and husband Kevin Waalk: great-granddaughter Abigail Kathryn Brown and one sister Gayle Rockett Christian of Ft. Worth, Texas. She was also preceded in death by her parents Rev. Dewy H. and Aetna Elkins Rockett. Mrs. Mercer was a graduate of Ouachita Parish High School, Monroe, Louisiana and Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. She earned her Master's of Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Through the years she taught Sunday School from Cradle Roll to Senior Adults and was an accomplished Bible teacher. She was also extremely active in all aspects of Missions Ministries in her church and was a strong champion of missions support worldwide. In her latter years she loved teaching the Vota Vita and the McKeen Place Sunday School classes of First Baptist Church, Monroe where she was a member. She will be most fondly remembered by her family as a very Godly, loving and sacrificially giving Mother, Grand mother and Great-grandmother. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Wiggins, Ronnie Mercer, Chris Christian, John Christian, Randy Livingston, Kevin Waalk, David Norris and Terry Slawson. Honorary Pallbearers are the Vota Vita and McKeen Place Sunday School classes. Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday September 11, 2007 at Mulhearn Funeral Home on Sterlington Road in Monroe. Interment will be at Mt.Union Church Cemetery near Spearsville, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers Memorial gifts may be given to The Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Monroe, Louisiana, Samaritan's Purse; Seeker Springs Ministry or First Baptist Church, Monroe, Louisiana Online registry and condolences www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

DALLAS WESLEY HENDERSON Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Road, Monroe Funeral services for Mr. Dallas Wesley Henderson, 71, of Monroe, will be held at 3:30 PM Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Dr. Alan Miller and Rev. Forest Post officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Henderson passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2007, at St. Francis Medical Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Monroe. He was a graduate of Spearsville High School and Louisiana Tech. He worked for the U. S. Forestry Service where he was a District Ranger for the Poto District for Ouachita National Park. He was preceded in death by his brother,Varner Dudley Henderson. Survivors include his wife, Patcie A. Henderson and son, Wesley Henderson. Pallbearers will be David Henderson, Robin Scarbough,Robbie Scarbough, Toby Brazzel, John Thornberg, and C. D. Brazzel. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Fuller and Terry Foster. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

JOE MORSE GRAVELLE Gill First National Funeral Home Winnsobor, LA Funeral service for Joe Morse Gravelle, age 76, of Winnsboro, will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 12, 2007 in the First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro with Rev. Hank Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, Lone Pine Community, under the direction of Gill First National Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Mr. Gravelle is survived by his cherished wife of 45 years, Mary Alice Harris Gravelle; two sons and their spouses, Paul and Debra and Joe and Beth Ann; four grandchildren, Harrison, Chas, Mary Beth and Hallie Beth, all of Winnsboro; and two sisters and their spouses, Marileon and Alva Peterson of Bridge City, TX and Babs and Richard Tullos of New Roads, LA; many nieces; nephews and cousins and one surviving aunt, Mrs. Theora Supina of Tucson, AZ He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Sherman Gravelle and Mary Morse Gravelle. Mr. Gravelle was a lifetime member of Winnsboro First United Methodist Church. After graduating from LSU in 1952 and fulfilling his military obligations, he enjoyed a 50 year business career in petroleum marketing in Winnsboro and the surrounding area in association with the Gulf Oil Corporation and ChevronTexaco. He served on the Board of Directors of Franklin BanCorp/Franklin State Bank for 30 plus years, including over two and a half years as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Gravelle worked for many years in civic and public initiatives. He served for four years on the Franklin Parish Police Jury, two as President, and headed the North Delta Regional Planning and Development District for eight years. He was a founding member and President of the Winnsboro Jaycees and the Winnsboro Civitan Club and a member and President of the Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in changing the name of the Chamber to include Franklin Parish, encouraging businesses outside of Winnsboro to participate. He served on the Board of Commissioners of Franklin Medical Center for twelve years, three as Chairman. Mr. Gravelle took great pride that he served two years in the Army as a counterintelligence agent, working postings in Korea and Hawaii. He served for three years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association. After retiring in the 1990s, he and Mary Alice, neither of whom enjoyed flying, decided to see North America by automobile. Over about 10 years they drove in each of the 48 contiguous states, in every Canadian Province, and in Alaska, very extensively. Mr. Gravelle's illness prevented a planned cruise to Hawaii. Pallbearers will be Henry Hanna, Jr., Donnie Ellerman, John M. Guice, Bill Walker, Rod Elrod and James McLemore. Honorary pallbearers will be Noble Ellington, Jr., Cloid White, David McLemore, Brad Chapman, Bob Nelson, George Gowan, Owen White, John T. Womble, Isaac Eley, John Dailey, Tommy Hatfield, and Jay Cummins. The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness and professionalism of the many caregivers for Mr. Gravelle in the past days and week, including Hospice Care Resources and HomeCare Resources. A very special thanks goes to Karen Kaufman, Paula King, Colleen Williams, Angela Bass, Erma Davis and Bettye McCarthy. The family request that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or the First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro. To sign guest book or view video tribute on line, visit www.gillfirstnational.com

JOSEPH MONROE MOTT, JR. JOSEPH MONROE MOTT, JR. Cumby Family Funeral Service High Point, North Carolina Mr. Joseph Monroe Mott Jr., 76, of High Point, NC passed away peacefully from this life to Heaven during the night of September 7, 2007. Mr. Mott was born August 18, 1931 in Morehouse Parish, LA. to Joseph and Hazel Kane Mott. He was a graduate of Louisiana Technical University where he studied a double major, receiving degrees in Business Management and Education. While at Louisiana Tech, Mr. Mott was a point guard for the basketball team from 1948 through 1952. Mr. Mott was a United States Army veteran and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He was retired as a cotton, rice and soybean farmer and was a cotton ginner. Mr. Mott was a lifetime member and former president of the Louisiana Cotton Producers Association. He had been Chairman of the Civil Rights Committee for Agriculture and Ranching Interests in 1972. While living in Louisiana Mr. Mott had served as a Deacon at the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge, LA. He had been a member of Saint James Episcopal Church on Shinnville Road in Mooresville, N.C. before moving to High Point. Mr. Mott was an initial employee at the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family Y.M.C.A. in Jamestown, NC. He had a love for history, story telling, music and there was never a dance floor that he didn't christen. In addition to his parents, Mr. Mott was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Ann Schneider Mott who passed away on February 16, 2007 and a brother, Woodard King Mott. Mr. Mott is survived by two daughters, Sara Kane French and husband, Rob of 640 Colonial Drive, High Point, NC and Nan Barfield and husband, Tim of Baton Rouge, LA., three sons, Casey Mott and wife, Shelly of 106 Old Gate Court, Jamestown, NC, Clay Mott of Davidson, NC and Joe Mott III and wife, Jan of Davidson, NC and eleven grandchildren, Jennifer Mott, Joseph Mott, William Mott, Kane French, Patrick French, Thomas Barfield, Ann Marie Barfield, Clare Barfield, Daniel Barfield, Cameron Mott and Caroline Mott. A Service of Remembrance will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at Jamestown United Methodist Church by Reverend Dr. Gary Royals and Reverend Jay Bowers. The inurnment will be in the church columbarium. A visitation will be from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point, NC. Memorials may be directed to Carolina Regional Heart Center Fund, 306 Westwood Avenue, High Point, N.C. 27262. Online condolences may be made through www.cumbyfuneral.com

LAMAR ELWOOD ROGERS, JR. Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, La. Funeral services for Lamar Elwood Rogers, Jr., 48, of West Monroe, La. will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday September 12, 2007 at the College Place Baptist Church in Monroe, La. with Dr. Greg Clark, Rev. Andy Hitchcock, Rev. Sam Emanuel, Rev. Roland Hall and Rev. Charles Headrick officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, LA. under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, La. Lamar died September 8, 2007 at the Glenwood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Lamar was preceded in death by his parents Lamar Elwood and Bernadine Rogers; father-in-law Hugh Shields and brother-in-law David Shields. Lamar was born in Monroe, La. and in his youth attended College Place Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth choir and the puppet ministry. He was currently a member and worship leader of the Claiborne United Methodist Church in West Monroe, La. Lamar was Director of the Division of Continuing Education at Louisiana Tech University. He was a member of the West Monroe Civitan Club and was an active band parent. Survivors: his wife of 24 years, Judy Shields Rogers, 3 sons, Daniel Lamar Rogers, Thomas Hugh Rogers, and Benjamin Lee Rogers; Mother-in-law, Mrs. Eloise Shields; Sister-in-law, Ann Senn and husband, Gary; Brothers-in-law, Randy Shields; Mike Shields and wife, Karen; Fred Shields and wife, Susan; Dale Shields, Alan Shields and wife, Pam; 14 Nieces and Nephews. Pallbearers will be Tim Langston, Grayson Zeagler, Wayne Gentry, Randy Parker, Jerry Miller, Dan Varnado, Gene Turner, and Tom Morris. Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, La. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Duke McHugh and his nurse, Donna Henson; Nurses and Staff of United Home Care; Dr. John Ledbetter and Dr. Vince Forte and the staff of Louisiana Pain Care; Nursing Staff and Physicians of Glenwood Hospital Emergency Room; the faculty and staff of Louisiana Tech University and to family and friends, who have been supportive during this time. Memorials may be made to Claiborne United Methodist Church, the Puppet Ministry at College Place Baptist Church, or to your favorite charity. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneral home.com

MRS. PATRICIA "PAT" BRENNER Kilpatrick Funeral Home Graveside services for Patricia "Pat" Brenner, age 72, of Ruston will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday September 12, 2007 at Pines Memorial Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Mrs. "Pat" Brenner was born June 3, 1935 and passed away September 10, 2007. Pat was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She also worked in the reference department of Lincoln Parish Library. She is survived by her husband Pat Brenner, daughters: Becky Snipe and husband Richard of Ruston, and Mary Margaret Brenner of Monroe; grandchildren: Dustin and Courtney Snipe. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sisters for their help during Mrs. Brenner's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com

Hosie Crear, 78
TALLULAH — Hosie Crear died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home, Tallulah.

Dallas W. Henderson, 71
Dallas Wesley Henderson of Monroe, a retired U.S. Forestry district ranger, died Sunday. Services were Tuesday. Burial was in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Jessie Jackson, 91
Jessie Jackson of Monroe, a homemaker, died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Monroe.

Richard Lee James, 67
DELHI — Richard Lee James, a laborer, died Sunday. Arrangements are 11 a.m. Saturday at McFarland Funeral Home, Delhi. Visitation is 1-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. John's Community Cemetery, Delhi.

Joe L. Kavanaugh, 61
COLUMBIA — Joe L. Kavanaugh, a laborer, died Sunday. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bethel Baptist Church, Kelly. Visitation is 1-7 p.m. Friday at Funerals by McFarland, Monroe. Burial will be in St. Joe/St. Bethel Cemetery.

Betty Kathryn Mercer, 80
Betty Kathryn Mercer of Monroe, a Louisiana Baptist Children's Home secretary, died Sunday. Services are 3 p.m. today at Louisiana Children's Home Chapel, Monroe. Burial will be in Mount Union Church Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Willie Mae Reynolds, 92
BASTROP — Willie Mae Reynolds, a homemaker, died Monday. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at Golden Funeral Home, Bastrop. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Bastrop.

Lamar E. Rogers Jr., 48
Lamar E. Rogers Jr. of West Monroe, a Louisiana Tech University administrator, died Saturday. Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at College Place Baptist Church, Monroe. Visitation is noon until service time at the church. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, West Monroe under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

Tracy Slack, 36
Tracy Slack of West Monroe, a custodian, died Friday. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at West Monroe High School Auditorium. Visitation is 1-6 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Monroe. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Delhi.

Rita Mullins Sims, 63
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Rita Mullins Sims died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Barnett, Tressie O.: 10 a.m. Thursday, First Baptist Church, Delhi.
Croft, Thomas Lee: 2 p.m. today, Perry's Funeral Chapel, Strong, Ark.
Grant, Lewis E.: 2 p.m. Saturday, Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.
Hunter, Bertha: 1 p.m. today, Smith Funeral Home, Monroe.
McConathy, Ann W.: 10 a.m. today, Jonesboro Cemetery, Jonesboro.
Patterson Jr., John Buford 'J.B.': 11 a.m. today, Cox Funeral Home, Oak Grove.
Schultz Jr., Rudolph H.: 10 a.m. today, First Baptist Church of Olla.
Strong, Charles Edward: 2 p.m. today, Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Oak Grove.

September 12, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

"BOB" MARVIN H. EPPINETTE Born September 15,1935 to Marvin F. and Louise Eppinette in Baskin, LA and left this earth on August 23,2007 in West Monroe, LA. He is survived by two daughters, De Vette Chapman of Lake Charles, LA and Tanya Robertson of Seabrook, TX, son-in-law Mike Robertson, 3 granddaughters and 1 great granddaughter . He also leaves behind two sisters, Christine Fleming of Monroe, LA and Bobbie Farrell of Dallas, TX along with many nieces and nephews all of which love him very much. Marvin was a veteran of the Korean War, worked many different jobs, retried from Lake Charles Poultry, loved to write, and in the later part of his life, became an actor. His screen name is Bob Eppinette and you may see him as an extra in up coming films such as Blonde Ambition, The Great Debater, Ruffian, The Better Man, and The Cleaner. In celebration of his love for life, there is a gathering planned at Pronia's Deli 3101 Kirkham Street in Lake Charles at noon on Saturday September 15th. He is giving in death as he was in life by donating his body to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. Donations may be sent to them at 1501 King's Highway Box 105 AHB Shreveport, LA 71103.

LAMAR ELWOOD ROGERS, JR . Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, La. Funeral services for Lamar Elwood Rogers, Jr., 48, of West Monroe, LA. will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday September 12, 2007 at the College Place Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. with Dr. Greg Clark, Rev. Andy Hitchcock, Rev. Sam Emanuel, Rev. Roland Hall and Rev. Charles Headrick officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, LA under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA. Lamar died September 8, 2007 at the Glenwood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Lamar was preceded in death by his parents Lamar Elwood and Bernadine Rogers; father-in-law Hugh Shields; brother-in-law David Shields; and sister-in- law Kaye Hargrove Sheilds. Lamar was born in Monroe, LA. and in his youth attended College Place Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth choir and the puppet ministry. He was currently a member and worship leader of the Claiborne United Methodist Church in West Monroe, LA Lamar was Director of the Division of Continuing Education at Louisiana Tech University. He was a member of the West Monroe Civitan Club and was an active band parent. Survivors: his wife of 24 years, Judy Shields Rogers, 3 sons, Daniel Lamar Rogers, Thomas Hugh Rogers, and Benjamin Lee Rogers; Mother-in-law, Mrs. Eloise Shields; Sister-in-law, Ann Senn and husband, Gary; Brothers-in-law, Randy Shields; Mike Shields and wife, Karen; Fred Shields and wife, Susan; Dale Shields, and Alan Shields and wife, Pam; 14 Nieces and Nephews. Pallbearers will be Tim Langston, Grayson Zeagler, Wayne Gentry, Randy Parker, Jerry Miller, Dan Varnado, Gene Turner, and Tom Morris. Visitation will be from noon until service Time at College Place Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Duke McHugh and his nurse, Donna Henson; Nurses and Staff of United Home Care; Dr. John Ledbetter and Dr. Vince Forte and the staff of Louisiana Pain Care; Nursing Staff and Physicians of Glenwood Hospital Emergency Room; the faculty and staff of Louisiana Tech University, and to family and friends who have been supportive during this time. Memorials may be made to Claiborne United Methodist Church, the Puppet Ministry at College Place Baptist Church, or to your favorite charity. Online Registry/Condolences www.mulhearnfunearal home.com

WM "BILLY" BRINSON Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA Funeral services for Billy Brinson, 77 of Columbia, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 13, 2007 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA with Bro. Larry Eubanks officiating. Interment to follow at Monroe Memorial Park, Monroe, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA. Billy was born June 21, 1930 and passed away September 11, 2007. Billy was a retired plumber. He served as a Corporal in the United States Marines during the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1955. Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it was fishing, hunting cooking out or just visiting. Billy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Jean Brinson; sons, David Brinson, Steve and Judy Brinson, Gary and Lisa Brinson; grandchildren; Jennifer Brinson, Travis Brinson and wife Jennifer, Marie Borden and husband Bradley, Brandon Brinson, Heather Brinson and Zachary Brinson; great grandchildren, Taylor Brinson and Jenna Borden. Pallbearers will be Mike Moore, Ricky Little, Kenny Brinson, Wayne Moore, Kevin Carr and Tracy Martin. Honorary pallbearers, Billy Moore, John Moore, Dr. Ronald Woods and Wayne Johns. Visitation will be held Wednesday September 12, 2007 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, LA. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com.

September 13, 2007 - Obituaries from the News-Star, Monroe, Louisiana 71201

ROBERT WAYNE JOHNSON Lake Charles, LA Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness. Robert Wayne Johnson, 67, awoke in the presence of his Savior on Sunday, August 26, 2007. He was born September 17, 1939 in Magnolia, Arkansas to Jack Johnson and Mattie Wade Johnson. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1957. He was an Air Force veteran and worked for Conoco Refinery. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren . He was an amateur historian on Louisiana and East Texas, also wrote poetry, and loved music and reading. He is survived by his wife, Della Faye Cranford Johnson of Lake Charles; one son, G. Wade Johnson and wife Debbie Campbell Johnson of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Melanie Blackmer and husband Leo of Lake Charles; four sisters, Jacqueline Schrock of Mer Rouge, Marion Burgess of Picayune, MS, Jeanette Tullos of Kilburne and Mavis Vaughan of Oak Grove; three grandchildren, Jacob Paul Blackmer, Evan John Blackmer and Valen Campbell Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. His memorial service was at 3:00 PM Wednesday, August 29 in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles with the Rev. Don Johnson officiating.

SAMUEL JESSE NELSON GEISLER FUNERAL HOMES INC, HAMMOND, LA Samuel Jesse Nelson, 82, formerly of Monroe and Hattiesburg, MS, died Tuesday, September 11 at home in West Monroe, Louisiana. He is survived by his fiancé: Maxine Rankin, of West Monroe, LA, 4 children: John J. Nelson and wife, Lauchlan C. Nelson of Houston, TX., Michael D. Nelson and wife, Beth M. Nelson, of Monroe, LA, Helen N. Geisler and husband, James W. Geisler, Jr. of Hammond, LA, and Paul "Bogey" Nelson and wife Kerry Q. Nelson, of Bentonville, AR; Grandchildren: Mary Elise Nelson of Houston, TX, J. Scott Nelson and Robert Eric Nelson of Monroe, LA, James W. Geisler, III and Frank R. Geisler of Hammond, and Cynthia Sarah of Palatka, FL, Zachary Nelson and Annabella Nelson of Bentonville, AR; Great-grandchildren: Ainsley Nicole Nelson of Monroe, LA, and Grace Elisabeth Amar, Sophia Marie Geisler and Betsy Lucille Geisler of Hammond, LA, and Ainsley Elizabeth Lewis of Pearl River, LA ; 4 Sisters: Lois N. Silva, and husband, Joseph Silva, of Hattiesburg, MS, Louise N. Cubley of Hattiesburg, MS, Ruth Nelson Stephens Byrd (Twin sister of Mr. Nelson) of Hattiesburg, MS, and Helen N. LeBlanc of Hattiesburg, MS numerous nieces and nephews and all The Rankin Family, who welcomed him into the fold and added great joy to his life. He was preceded in death by wife of 51 years, Sarah Alexander Nelson, and his sister: Lena N. Gatlin. Jess