Elmer Raymond Wilson, formerly of Coolidge, passed away January 7, 2016 in Groesbeck, Texas at the age of 84. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Coolidge with Rev. Chuck Sturgeon and Chaplain Jon Honea officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie Hill Cemetery. Larry Wilson, Terry Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, Rodney Harrison, Scott Spencer and Donald Erwin will serve as pallbearers. Paul Youngblood will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Coolidge.
Raymond was born July 9, 1932 in Coolidge, Texas to Wyratt L. and Vesta G. Stafford Wilson. He retired from the Texas Highway Department after completing 24 years of services. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era. On January 20, 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary D. Kilgo in Garland, Texas.
Raymond enjoyed going to garage sales in search of finding that “hidden treasure”. He also enjoyed going to Palestine to the movies and out to eat. Keeping his yard looking nice, well mowed and free of nut grass was something he took pride in doing. Raymond was a loving husband, father and grandfather; the time spent with his family was most precious to him.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Coolidge.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Lester Ray Wilson.
Raymond is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Mary Wilson; children, Wyatt L. Wilson and wife, Melissa of Prairie Hill and Karen J. Ward of Coolidge; grandchildren, Clint Ward and wife, Jessica, Jon Ward, Amber Ward Williford and husband, Clint, Heather Sandifer and husband, Paul and Lee Wilson and wife, Emily; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Weldon “Woody” Wilson of Lake Kiowa, TX; sister, Joy Wilson Harrison of Canton; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Neil Ray Bond
Oct. 27, 1934 – Jan. 16, 2017

Neil Ray Bond, 82, of Shiloh, passed away January 16, 2017 in Groesbeck, Texas. Funeral services were held at 10 AM, Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment was in the Shiloh Cemetery. Joe Roark, David Knight, Eddy Plummer, Bill Beene, Michael Oliver and Dan Beene served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Ralph Wallace, Moe Litton, Fred Reagan, Glen Shoemaker and Benny Lucas.
Neil was born October 27, 1934 in Coolidge, Texas to Homer and Zula Anders Bond. After graduating from Mexia High School, he continued his education, graduating from Sam Houston State University with a BA Degree and receiving his Teacher/Administration certification from Texas A&M. He also served his country in the US Army. Neil married the love of his life and best friend, Mary New, on February 21, 1953.
Neil retired from Bridge City ISD, after 35 years of service as Assistant Superintendent of Finance. During this time, he received numerous awards, including TASBO School Business Official of the Year. He served as Limestone County School Superintendent, 1961-1964. Neil, also, served as a minister for 55 years with the last 30 years serving as Pastor of the Fallon Church of Christ.
Neil enjoyed visiting with people, he knew no strangers. He was a friend to many and always more than willing to help anyone in need. His love for the Lord, his family and others was exemplified in the way he lived his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Reba Sawyer; and brother, Edwin Plummer.
Neil is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Mary Bond of Shiloh; sons, Ronald Bond of Houston and Brandon Bond of Bridge City; grandsons, Clayton Bond and wife, Jill of Port Neches and Russell Bond of Austin; great grandsons, Hudson and Cole Bond of Port Neches; sister, Patsy McAdams of Grand Prairie; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Cherokee Children’s Home, P. O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832 or Mexia Academic Award Program, P. O. Box 534, Mexia, TX 76667.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Jeannette Eilene (Ellis) Linston, of Thornton, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at age 31.
A Memorial Service wias held by her family on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Lone Star Baptist Church in Groesbeck. Reverend Nathaniel Bedford of Lone Star Baptist Church and Pastor Jim Hancock of United Pentecostal Church of LaGrange officiated.
Jeannette was born October 23, 1985 to Anita Lynn Lawrence in LaGrange, the middle child of three girls. She graduated from high school in Tupelo, Mississippi, and was Valedictorian of the Class of 2004. She was a beautiful and very smart young lady.
Jeannette had lived in Thornton the past six years. She found her calling in working with Visiting Angels. She loved working with children and older people.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her step-father, George Wagner Lawrence. She is survived by her mother, Anita Lawrence of LaGrange; sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and Luis Terrazas and son Levi, of Iuka, MS; sister and brother-in-law, Autumn and Matt Willette and their children, Skyler and Payton, of Round Rock; 4 aunts and 1 uncle, and 5 cousins.
Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook

Alicia Germaine Dick, of Forest Glade, passed away as a sudden and unexpected loss to her family, at Parkview Hospital, on Friday, January 20, 2017, at age 66.
Graveside services were held on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at the Pavilion in Faulkenberry Cemetery, with Pastor Paul Moore of the First Assembly of God of Thornton officiating.
Alicia was born April 4, 1950 to Lee Hightower and Bernice Shell Hightower in Freeport, TX. She became a member of the Willie and Bernice Wittliff family when she was thirteen. Her siblings included four brothers and two sisters. Also, a first cousin, Nettie Reininger, lived in the home one year, and she and Alicia were as close as sisters, for the rest of her life.
Alicia attended school in Angleton and later high school in Groesbeck. She attended Beauty School, and worked as a beautician at Nettles Beauty Shop in Groesbeck. Later, Alicia owned the Thornton Café, where she cooked and served meals to the public in the seventies, and she fondly talked about and remembered this experience in her life. Alicia met John Earl Dick after he returned from serving in Viet Nam, and they were united in marriage on August 26, 1969 by Brother Gerald Gibson at his home in Groesbeck.
Five years later, their son, John Earl Dick, II was born. Alicia worked at Mexia State School at two different times, for about ten years, in the late eighties. She also worked other places, including the first Walmart store in Mexia, a plant in Mexia manufacturing electric motors, and the Thurman peach farm at Oletha.
Alicia enjoyed cooking and being together with her family. She was very close with the family and they all stayed in frequent touch with each other. She and her son John were especially close, talking at least every other night. She remained very close with cousin Nettie Willett, who carried her to most of the doctor appointments. Alicia gave embarrassing nicknames to everyone, especially the nieces, which stuck with them, and which they loved. Alicia loved sewing and crochet and made many afghans and blankets for the family. She loved making and dressing dolls with elaborate ruffles and trims that spread across a bed, and she made them for all her nieces. She loved John Wayne Westerns and George Strait music.
Alicia’s major dream was to be a grandparent. She treated her great-niece Zoie like a first grandchild, and then her dream was realized five years ago with the birth of her grandson, Robert Earl Dick. “Bobby Bear” became his nickname, and he was the joy and light of her life. She in fact, became “tech savy” to keep in closer touch with him.
Alicia was baptized in the Assembly of God Church in Mexia and pastored by Paul and Glenna Moore, in Mexia and later in the Thornton Assembly of God Church.
Alicia was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Wittliff; her father, Lee Hightower; grandparents, Nettie and Elmer J. Shell and Willie and Lillie Wittliff; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Ruby Mae Dick; brothers, Robert A. Hightower and Elton D. McDaniel; and nephew, Jerry Ray McDaniel; and brother-in-law, Clifford Stout.
She is survived by her husband, John Earl Dick of Forest Glade; son and daughter-in-law, John and Shan (Raven) Dick II of Houston; grandson, Robert Earl Dick of Houston; step-father and his wife, Willie Wittliff and Elvie of Angleton; brother and sister-in-law, Marty and Elaine McDaniel of Thornton; sister and brother-in-law, Shannon and David Roberts of Groesbeck; sister, Rory Wittliff of Thornton; brother, Sheldon McDaniel of West; brother-in-law and wife, Ricky and Francis Dick of Thornton; sister-in-law, Sue and Bobby Allen of Cisco; sister-in-law, Louise Rogers of McAllen; cousin and her husband, Nettie and Rodney Willett of Groesbeck; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

Mattie Hildebrand of Mexia passed away Monday, February 6, 2017 at home with her family by her side.
Visitation was held prior to the funeral on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Shane Alexander officiating. Burial followed at Fort Parker Cemetery.
Mattie was born on July 16, 1932 in Waldo, Arkansas to Ezekiel and Lillian (Beasley) Staggs. In 1963 she moved from Arkansas to Texas and was later united in marriage to Donald G. Hildebrand on September 23, 1966 in Austin, Texas. Mattie was a bookkeeper most of her professional life and after marriage became a housewife. Some of her most memorable times were cooking and collecting cookbooks - from family members or any she could get her hands on – fishing and she was a very talented piano player. She loved most spending time with her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Stephanie Gallman.
Pallbearers were her grandchildren; Tyson Tidwell, Chad Tidwell, Michael Milam, Christopher Humphreys, Trisha Taylor and Brandon Phillips.
Mattie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Donald Hildebrand; children, Jan Phillips and husband Gary of Tomball and Peaches Lynd and husband Mark of Groesbeck; sister, Helen Downs of bossier City, LA.; six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
The family would like to issue a special thanks to all at Providence Hospice of Mexia for their loving care. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Providence Hospice of Mexia at 107 E. Commerce St. Mexia, TX 76667.

George Allison Humble, of Groesbeck, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Windsor Healthcare Residence, at age 90.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church in Groesbeck. Reverend Steve Nance officiated, with music provided by Mrs. Mary Belle Leach and Mrs. Ginger Fritz. Burial followed in Fort Parker Memorial Park. Pallbearers were his fellow American Legion veterans, who conducted military honors at the gravesite.
George was born December 16, 1926 to Harry Lee Humble and Margaret Vernelle (Allison) Humble in Dallas. He grew up in Groesbeck where he graduated from high school. George joined the U. S. Navy and served in World War II. When the war was over he earned his degree from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the band. He then joined the U. S. Army as a commissioned officer, and served in Korea.
George was united with Patricia Ann Garrett on September 18, 1954 in Groesbeck. They lived in Austin, where he completed law school at the University of Texas. He went to work for Exxon (at that time the Humble Oil Co.) in Tyler as a petroleum land man. Transfers in his job took the family to homes in Dallas, Corpus Christi (when the company changed to Enco and later Exxon) and then to Conroe.
After he retired from Exxon, George and Patsy moved to Groesbeck twenty-five years ago. He had an active law practice in Groesbeck up until a sudden change in his health three weeks ago.
George was active in Groesbeck civic organizations (as he had been in his prior residences), including the Groesbeck Lions Club, Masonic Lodge No. 354 of Groesbeck, the library board, and the American Legion. He was a patriotic American, and he and Patsy were active in placing flags at the cemeteries (Kirk and Fort Parker) as well as downtown, on many veteran’s memorial days. George remained a devoted Aggie even while at U.T., forming the “Texas A&M of the University of Texas” club, and for the rest of his life. George was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Groesbeck. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and a devoted father.
George was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Patricia (Patsy) Humble of Groesbeck; daughter, Sarah E. Schmidt and her husband Jon Michell of Strausburg, France; daughter, Julie V. Rivers and her husband Wil of Port Aransas, TX.; son, John D. Humble and his wife Laura of Houston; and two grandchildren.
Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

William Chesley “W.C.” Masters, of Groesbeck, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017, at age 67, following a lengthy illness.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Tracy Sims of the Central Baptist Church of Thornton officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Cobb Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Clint Winstead, Colin Lenamond, Josh Lenamond, Keith Masters, Shane Masters, and Steven Masters. Honorary Pallbearers were Billy (Drifter) Williams, Jerry (Slowpoke) Huckeba, Perry (Hawkeye) Goodenberger, Odis (Zero) Webster, Vance (Longhorn) Rose, Sonny (Hardhead) Lane, and Hugh (Cisco) Former.
Chesley was born June 20, 1949 to Fred and Betty Masters in rural Limestone County. He graduated from Groesbeck High School, Class of 1968, and he served in the U. S. Marines during the Viet Nam War.
Chesley was united in marriage with Billie Lenamond on November 13, 1971 at Groesbeck, and their home and raised their children on Lenamond Hill.
He was a professional truck driver, a member of a family of professional truck drivers. He drove for Hobbs for over twenty years, traveling all over the United States, and then for Wal-Mart for the next twenty-two years. He was known to fellow truckers by his CB handle-“bean-roller.” He retired from Wal-Mart on February 14, 2014.
He was a very hard-working man–on the road all-week, and when at home, working on anything and everything; but always made time for his family and friends. His kids looked forward to his dearly familiar smell when he came home from off of the truck, and they loved to see his strong and hard-working hands.
Chesley had a contagious smile which was always on his face for everyone he met. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. He loved to see company come, whether for advice, directions, or simply to sit on the porch and bull-corn; he was always happy to help. He was extremely respectful of women in his speech, never said a curse word in front of them, and raised his son and daughters to show and expect to receive respect. He was dearly loved by his wife, his son and two daughters, and all the grandchildren. He said that everything he did and built was for his wife. His family considered him to be their perfect example of a husband, father, Pawpaw, brother, uncle and friend.
Chesley was preceded in death by his father, Fred Masters; two brothers, Larry Joe Masters and Gary Fred Masters; and numerous aunts, uncles and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Billie Masters of Groesbeck; his mother, Betty Masters of Thornton; his children and their spouses, William Heath and Anne Masters of Groesbeck; Misty and Chance Sullivan of Thornton; and Leslie Jo and John Sullivan of Groesbeck; six grandchildren: Ty Pagel, Chesley Kane Sullivan, Jessey Jo Sullivan, Beau Pagel, Logan Masters and Morgan Masters (all of Groesbeck, except Beau of Thornton); great grandchildren, Presley Jo Pagel and Ty Landen Pagel of Groesbeck and “another one on the way”; his brothers, Mason Masters and Mike Masters and sisters, Debbie Minchew and Dianne Masters and their spouses; many nieces and nephews; Lenamond brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many other extended family of the Masters and Lenamond families.
Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

In Loving Memory of Rev. Juan C. Vaiz

My Daddy passed away a year ago today; February 20, 2016.  He was the 1^st man I ever loved and the best man I ever knew.  It was the simple things that made all the difference to us.

Daddy, Reverend Juan C. Vaiz, was 70 years old and lived a life dedicated to our family and serving as a Lead Pastor, a Mentor, a Teacher, and during his life pastored 13 churches in 4 States (Texas, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan).

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

David “D.J.” Crocker

Sept. 20, 1936 – Feb. 19, 2017

David “D.J.” Crocker of McKinney passed away at his home on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at age 80.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep, a totally unexpected loss, as he was actively working in his yard with several trips to Lowes the day prior to his death.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-1:30 PM on Thursday, February 23, 2017 in the funeral home's chapel.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

Billy Jack LaFoy

Dec. 13, 1928 – March 11, 2017

Billy Jack LaFoy, age 88, passed away Saturday, March 11th at Ashton Parke Care Center in Texas City.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, March 16th, at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. Visitation will be held at 1pm prior to the funeral service.

Billy Jack was born December 13, 1928 in Groesbeck, Texas, to Gus C. LaFoy and Lillie Grace Franklin LaFoy. He was the seventh of twelve children. All of the brothers and sisters were a close and fun-loving group. There were many happy hours of joke telling and teasing one another.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-729-5103.

Douglas Dwight LaFoy

Oct. 29, 1943 – March 7, 2017

Douglas Dwight LaFoy of Round Rock passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 6 to 8PM at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2PM in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Richard Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Faulkenberry Cemetery.

Born in Mexia on October 29, 1943 to Augustus “Gus” Cleveland and Lillie Grace (Franklin) LaFoy, Doug attended elementary school in Groesbeck and graduated Groesbeck High School in 1961. Doug continued his education at Navarro Jr. College and obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

Granville W. Lenamond, Jr.

July 14, 1925 – March 11, 2017

Granville W Lenamond, Jr (G W) was born on July 14th, 1925, and went to be with The Lord Saturday March 11th, 2017, at Providence Hospice in Waco, Texas.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, prior to the funeral.   Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Bill Sutton of the Oletha Baptist Church officiating. Also, his son, Jimmie Lenamond and grandson, Erick Shaw will speak of family memories, and Ms. Jodie Green will be the vocalist.   Burial will follow in Cobb Cemetery.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

Mary D. Wilson, 80, of Coolidge, passed away March 13, 2017 in Groesbeck.  Funeral services will be 2PM, Saturday, March 18, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Coolidge with Rev. Chuck Sturgeon and Chaplain Jon Honea officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prairie Hill Cemetery.  Ricky Shearer, Gary Kilgo, Steve Kilgo, Charles Herrell, Kevin Pederson and David Pederson will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be prior to the service, beginning at 1PM at First Baptist Church in Coolidge.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-729-5103.

Robert Penn (Bob) Hammett, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away and went to be with his lord on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at the age of 76. Bob was born on May 2, 1940 and was raised in Wortham, Texas. Bob spent the later part of his life residing in Kosse Texas.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 55 years, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who will all dearly miss him.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his dogs and riding his Harley as much as he could. His later years, his passion and time was devoted to volunteering at Fishes and Loaves food pantry.

A Graveside Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Wortham Cemetery, 512 N 3^rd St, Wortham TX 76693. Seating will not be available so please bring a chair if needed.

Eva Everett was born December 24^th, 1922, and died March 29^th, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Everett and other family members.

Her surviving family includes Tommy & wife Kathy Moreaux of Franklin, Texas; Bessie Watson of Franklin, Texas; Nancy & husband Bob Dampier of Henderson, Nevada; Donald Fowler of Georgia; Lynnette & husband Edgar Irizarry of Hawkins, Texas; Jerry & wife Pearl Everett of Thornton, Texas; John & wife Leslie Parnell of Bryan, Texas; Brenna & husband Billy Bearden of Angleton, Texas; and also by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a host of other extended family as well as many friends.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

William Daniel Franks (Dan) began life in the hospital, then located in Teague, on April 19, 1932.  He was the son of Edna Smith of Richland and Ernest Franks of Point Enterprise; the grandson of Lula and Farmer Franks of Point Enterprise.  His childhood was spent in Dallas, Sherman and Electra, Texas.

He attended North Texas University majoring in Psychology.  It was there he met Neoma Sue Wiggins at an event for Methodist students.  Upon graduation in 1953 Dan enrolled in seminary at Iliff School of Theology, at Denver University.  Following Sue’s graduation in 1954, she and Dan were married in the Methodist Church in Sue’s hometown of San Augustine, Texas.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-562-2868.

Sue Ellen Kays-Irish Fewell

May 26, 1942 - April 10, 2017

Sue Ellen Kays-Irish Fewell, 74 of Groesbeck, Texas, after a long battle with cancer, entered her heavenly home on Monday April 10, 2017. She was born on May 26, 1942 in Mount Carmel, Illinois to George Wayne “Jimmie” Kays and Margie Juanita O’Neal Kays and raised by Sherman Martin Irish and Margie O'Neal Irish.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Michael Wayne Kays.  She is survived by her loving husband, James Edward Fewell of Groesbeck and her adoring family, son John Richardson and wife Dismery, daughter Angela Marie Ryan and husband James, son Michael Steven Garrido and wife Dawn, daughter Sherri Lynn Berry and husband Michael Ray, daughter Nora Cantu and husband Monico, brother Steven M. Kays and Wife Mary Janelle, (the Twins)sister Sharon Lee Kemp and husband Pat, sister Sandra Lynn Berry and husband Joe, brother Sherman Louis Irish and wife Denise, and brother Stanley DeWitt Irish and partner Jeffrey Ryder.

To read more of this story, pick up a copy of Thursday's edition of The Groesbeck Journal! You can also subscribe online or call 254-729-5103.