Tom D. Kale, 74, joined his heavenly father on July 27th after a gallant bout with various cancer illnesses for the last decade. Tom was born on Sunday, April 12, 1942, in Brownwood, Texas to Eunice Magnolia and Tom Paulser Kale. The family moved to Amarillo when Tom was a toddler. Tom graduated from Amarillo High School in 1960, and graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington in 1973. Between high school and college Tom served his country for four years in the U. S. Navy. Tom served several institutions of higher education and the State of Texas. From Assistant State Auditor to accountant at the University of Texas-Dallas after college graduation, in July, 1977, Tom returned to the University of Texas-Arlington as Chief Accountant, was promoted to Director of Accounting in 1981, and then as Assistant to Vice President for Business Affairs in 1987. After this service to The University of Texas System institutions, Tom was recruited in 1990 to West Texas State University, a member of The Texas A&M University System. In 1995, Tom was promoted to serve as Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs in The Texas A&M University System. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Helen Nicholson and Alpine Beard. Tom is survived by his devoted wife Janet and their two sons and daughters-in-law, Diane and Tommy Don Kale, and Clair and Tommy Joe Wall. Tom also is survived by his three grandchildren, Kelsey Kale, Zachary Kale, and Katherine Wall. They called him “Big Daddy.” Other survivors are his brother-in-law Jim Harp, his nephew Tommy Harp and family, and his nephew Mike Wardlaw and wife Kaye. His faithful companion Pookie mourns him as do his many friends and neighbors. In addition to his family and close friends, Tom will be missed by the members of the Lake Limestone Baptist Church where he and Janet have been members for 6 years. They moved to Lake Limestone after Tom retired from The Texas A&M University System, where he had many friends and colleagues who adored him. Memorial services to celebrate Tom’s life will be Saturday, August 6, 2016, 11am, at Lake Limestone Baptist Church on Sterling Robertson Dam Road, off Hwy 937, near Marquez. Out of town family and friends are invited for lunch at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to celebrate Tom’s life and friendship are invited to donate to Providence Hospice, 107 East Commerce Street, Mexia, TX 76667. Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

John Deen Rader of Groesbeck passed away Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco at age 85. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Richard Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Cobb Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tyler Rader, Jordan Rader, Doug Rader, Jon Pat Henry, Jay Hyde, and Brian Swick. G. Z. “Peaches” Stone will be honorary pallbearer. John Deen was born September 9, 1930 in Limestone County where he remained a life-long resident. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Army. Growing up on the farm, John Deen lived the typical country life which he loved. Along with his brother Lee Roy Rader he rode horses, worked in the fields, and tended the cows. In 1959 John Deen was united in marriage to Barbara Stohler and they remained married until her death in 2013. He worked for many years at Texas Power & Light and retired from that company. John Deen loved his grandchildren. They were his life. He never missed any of their activities whether it was playing sports or showing livestock. He spent much of his time teaching them about the farm and how to drive a tractor, how to raise cattle and how to haul hay. John Deen was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his father, John Alton Rader and his mother, Ina Mel Banks Rader. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Lee Roy Rader and his two sisters, Frances Rader and Jeanette Rader. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Melissa Rader of Groesbeck; a son, Johnny Rader of Groesbeck; and his sister, Annette Brannan of Groesbeck. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Tyler Rader, Jordan Rader, and Emily Rader along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Groesbeck LTC, Baylor Scott & White Hospice, and the 4th floor nurses for all their help and care.

January 22, 1943 – August 4, 2016. Wanda Lee Young, 73, of Groesbeck, passed away August 4, 2016 at Providence Hospital in Waco. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia. Visitation with the family present will be Monday, August 8, 2016 5-7 p.m at Porter Funeral Home in Mexia. Wanda was born January 22, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Charles Lendy Young; children Rhonda Hughes, Jamie Gladden & husband, Jesse, Trey Young, Rhonda Fix and Krissy Nickerson; grandchildren, Justin Morse, Timmy Hughes & wife, Stormy Doss, Ashley Ross & husband, Glenn, Caleb Gladden, Katelyn Gladden, Michaela Ibarra, Ansley Johnson, Lawrence Oliver and Robert Oliver; great grandchildren, Elijah Ross, Matthew Ross, Sarah Ross, Cayden Johnson, Skyler Johnson, Xavier Hughes, Cane Hughes and Bently Hughes; sisters, Charlotte Goebel and Cheryl Blanchard & husband Roger and extended family and friends. John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” The family expresses that any charitable donations go to GoFundMe. com Please visit www.porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Heaven became a happier place on August 5, 2016 when Jorilla “Jody” (Wardlow) Daily was welcomed by the Lord and her family in Jesus following a battle with bile duct cancer. While we grieve our loss, we celebrate her reunion with the Lord and family. The Lord gave Jody the breath of life on August 1, 1947 when born to TJ and Mattie (Anditon) Wardlow in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Her early years were spent in East Tennessee as they moved to various towns with her Dad’s road work. Millington, Tennessee is where they finally settled. Jody graduated from Millington High School in 1966 and her younger brother Kevin in 1971. Jody went on to finish an Associates Degree in Physical Education from Freed-Hardeman College in 1967 and Kevin graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1975. Shortly following Jody’s college graduation, she met Charles S. Daily Jr. at church one Sunday morning and following his graduation from the US Naval Aviation Electronics School in Millington, they were joined in marriage on October 29, 1967. Charlie’s duty stations took them to Virginia Beach, VA, May Port, FL, and Charleston, SC where daughter Amy Ellen was born, then to Jacksonville Beach, FL where daughter Laura Dawn was born. Charles completed his service in the US Navy aboard the USS McCaffery (DD 860) in 1970 and Jody and Charlie moved to Covington, TN near her parents in Millington. November 2, 1972 brought the birth of Charles Spencer the III as Jody continued her deep devotion to family according to their plans for 4 children. From the beginning of their marriage, Charles and Jody were devoted to living lives of faith in Jesus Christ, worshipping and serving in Churches of Christ where ever they lived. Jody often took the kids to visit the widows of the church and became involved in teaching children’s Bible classes. After working three years for Warwick Electronics as an associate engineer, Charles resigned to pursue a higher calling. Together, they put their new home on the market, followed the Lord’s leading hand and in 1973 enrolled in the Preston Road School of Preaching in Dallas, TX, a 24 month fulltime program of preparation for ministry. Jody not only did a wonderful job of caring for their young family but typed all of Charlie’s outlines, coursepapers and notebooks and  gave birth to number 4, Charla Danielle in 1975. Ordained to preach, with Diploma in hand, the family accepted their first ministry opportunity with the Fruitvale Church of Christ east of Dallas. Jody encouraged and supported Charlie in his work and was a devoted Bible School Teacher, building a large file of beautiful visuals for children’s classes as well as teaching ladies classes and hosting numerous church functions in their home over the next 35+ years of ministry. The Lord led them through ministries in Groesbeck, Belton, Rogers, Liberty Hill, McGregor and Teague, TX. With a youth group of their own, Charlie & Jody devoted a great deal of ministry to working with young people in churches where they served. Amy, Laura, Spence and Charla all committed their lives to the Lord in their youth and continue to live by the faith passed on to them, especially through the diligent efforts of Jody’s, teaching, training andsinging the good news of  Jesus to them from their earliest days. The familyalways enjoyed singing spiritual songs together. Jody also contributed to the financial support of the family. After they all reached school age, she worked as an elementary and jr high school aid for special needs children, Belton Church of Christ secretary, Belton High School receptionist, Scott & White Hospital intake representative, and asecretary for the Northside Church of Christ in Temple, Texas for 9 years before retiring. She was very active in the Robinson Church of Christ for the past 3 years, involved in ladies activities and hosting fellowships and devotional activities in her home. A true servant of the Lord, she devotedher life to expressing her faith through sincere love which was felt deeply by her family, her churchfamily and the multitude of friends who celebrate her victory. Her grandchildren were overjoyed when Nana was coming with gifts and presents and her special “toodle-lem-ado” tickling routine. She is survived by her husband Charles of McGregor, 4 children: Amy Johnson & husband Jeff of Arlington, TX, Laura Daily of Hewitt, TX, Spencer Daily and partner Todd Brock of Dallas, TX and Charla Rojas and husband Johnny of Fresno, CA. Grandchildren include Jeffrey and Nathan Johnson, Tyler Shultz, Mattie Millwee, Johnny Rojas Jr, Bella Rojas and Rocky Rojas. Other family members include her brother and sister-in- law, Kevin and Mary Wardlow of Waterford, VA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Please join us for a celebration of Jody’s life to be held at the Robinson Church of Christ, 428 Chaddo Ln, Robinson, TX at 2 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2016. The family requests donations be made in lieu of flowers to Cherokee Home for Children, PO Box 295, Cherokee, Texas 76832.Online guestbook available at www.pecangrovefuneral.com.

Alfredo Silva Saldana, Sr., of Kosse, went home to be with the Lord and reunited with his late wife, Maria, when he passed away at Providence Hospital in Waco, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at age 62.

  A Rosary wias recited Friday, August 19, 2016, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Justin Nguyen on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia.  Burial followed in the Kosse City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were his sons and son-in-law, Eduardo Saldana, Jose Saldana, Sergio Saldana, Jesus Saldana, Manuel Saldana, and Jesus Calderon.

Alfredo was born December 8, 1953 to Fructoso Saldana Alvardo and Martina Saldana Buenrostro at El Charco Aqua Zarca SLP, Mexico. 

Alfredo moved to the United States when he was grown. He was united in marriage with Maria Leova Saldana in Mexico on January 4, 1976, and she followed him later and they eventually settled in Kosse. They made their home and raised their children in Kosse. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia.

Alfredo worked in construction in the Limestone County area, building many of the bulkheads and piers at Lake Limestone. He worked for himself until he retired in 2006 with health problems.

He was a loving grandfather to his many grandchildren, and especially while Sophia lived with him, they enjoyed coffee and biscuits in the mornings together. He loved to watch all of the young ones playing, and singing a melody for them to dance. A good day for him was being able to walk around, have coffee on the porch, and play with his grandchildren.

Mr. Saldana was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Maria in 2010.

He is survived by six sons and two daughters: Alfredo Saldana, Jr. of Dawson, Eduardo Saldana of Waco, Jose Saldana of San Antonio, Sergio Saldana of Kosse, Jesus Saldana of Dawson, Manuel Saldana of Kosse, Guadalupe Saldana of Waco, Laura Saldana Jefferson of Colorado Springs, CO.; son-in-law, Jesus Calderon and daughters-in-law, Diana Saldana and Heather Saldana; and many grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Emilio Saldana of Houston and sister, Emila Saldana of Houston.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

Nelda June Archer passed from this life on Saturday, August 20, 2016.  She had been a resident of Senior Care in Hewitt since January of 2016.  She was a long time resident of Prairie Hill, Texas. 

June was born to R.Q. and Ruth Ashcraft on August 27, 1927.  She graduated from Prairie Hill High School in 1945. She married Edward Gaylon Archer on July 4, 1945. She went on to graduate from Business School in Dallas, She immediately went to work as a bookkeeper at William Cameron/Certainteed in Waco until her retirement.    

June was a member of the Church of Christ in Prairie Hill.  Since it’s closing, she has been a faithful attendant of the Baptist Church in Prairie Hill.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter in Groesbeck and served on the board of the Fort Parker Foundation.  She continued to do bookkeeping for the Prairie Hill Community Center, as well as for the Fort Parker Foundation.  

June was very active in the Prairie Hill Community.  She helped establish the Community Center and worked at every Community Center fundraising auction and event.  

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband and companion of 65 years, Edward Gaylon Archer; her parents, R.Q. and Ruth Ashcraft; brother-in-law, Joe B. Archer; and nephew, Stanley M. Archer.

She is survived by her cousins, Dean Searle of Marshall, Texas; Debbie Whittington of Spring, Texas; sister-in-law and husband, Dixie and Stanley Reed of Hewitt, Texas; sister-in-law, Ramona Archer; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and special friends. 

Services will be held at the Prairie Hill Baptist Church in Prairie Hill, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24, followed by a graveside at the Prairie Hill Cemetery.  There will be a visitation at the Baptist Church immediately preceding the service at 10:00 a.m.

The funeral service will be officiated by Fred Sain, Pastor of the Prairie Hill Baptist Church.  Pallbearers will be Donnie “Bubba” Carter, Steve Davidson, Josh Searle, Ronan Searle, Dillon Searle, and Jacob Kirkpatrick.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas; Shriners Hospital, Houston; Prairie Hill Baptist Church; Prairie Hill Cemetery Association or charity of your choice.

Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Georgie Ruth (Sanders) Murphey of Groesbeck passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at Groesbeck Texas. She was 89 years old.

Georgie was born May 6, 1927 in Groesbeck to George Sanders and Lilly Arenda Brown Sanders. She grew up and attended school in the Groesbeck/Thornton area.

She married L.D. Rutledge in 1945. They remained married until his death in 1976. While married, Georgie was mainly a homemaker. Later she worked at the Mexia State School. 

During her lifetime, her family and children were her life. She loved working in her flower beds and cooking for her grandkids. Her family said that she made the best chocolate fudge cake around. Raising her cows was another love of Georgie’s. Even after she sold her cows to her nephew, she still watched over them, making sure they were properly taken care of. 

In 1983, Georgie married Jimmy Murphey of Groesbeck, and they remained together until his death in 2005.

Georgie enjoyed going to church and when she was able to, she worshiped at the Word of Life church in Groesbeck. Reading and watching westerns on TV was also a great joy to Georgie. She loved listening to Nat King Cole and country music.

Georgie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a daughter, Sylvia Jeanne Lipsey; a grandson, Larry Daniel Lee; a sister, Minnieola Fraizer; a sister, Milderd Armstrong Reedy; a sister, Lucille Carrole Humphreys; a brother, W.G. Sanders; a brother, R. T. Sanders; a sister, Ella Pearl Pendergrass; and a sister, Nona Faye Kruger.

She is survived by a daughter, Patsy E. Lee and husband Bobby of Groesbeck; a daughter, Barbara N. Morrison of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Monica L. Marler and husband Jason of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Lori L. Lowther and husband Johnny of Groesbeck; a grandson, Dennis Morrison and wife Jan of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Kourtney Masters of Salt Lake City, Utah; a great granddaughter, Rachel Marler of College Station; a great granddaughter, Rusti Morrison of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Makenzee Lowther of Groesbeck; a sister, Alice Petty of Kirbyville; a sister, Ione Wynne of Lumberton; and a sister, Doloris Sanders of Centerville along with numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones and many friends.

Visitation for Georgia Murphey will be Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be Monday, August 29, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Ayres officiating. Burial will follow at the Lost Prairie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Rutledge, Gary Petty, Pete Sims, James Lewis, Kirk Petty and Cody Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Sanders and Johnny Lowther.

The family of Evon Gibson let her go with The Angelic Hosts on Thursday, August 18 at her Groesbeck residence among loving family and devoted friends.  Viewing will be held Friday from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Funeral Home and from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church, Doyle Community.  Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 27, at 1:00 PM at The Church on The Rock, 312 East Navasota Street, Groesbeck, TX.  Rev. Ernest Benard Cashaw, pastor of Head Branch Baptist Church, Groesbeck will officiate, and Rev. Larry Gray, pastor of Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church, Groesbeck, will be the eulogist.  Interment will be in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Groesbeck.

Evon Gibson was born to Dave and Nina Ruth Graves in Groesbeck.  She was a member of  Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church and attended the Groesbeck Public Schools.  Evon and Stanley Gibson were married in Groesbeck, and two children were born to this union.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a Twin Sister:  Lavon Graves, a sister:  Linda Gayle Graves, granddaughter:  Alexis Gibson. Those left to cherish her memory are: her son:  LaFredrick Waters Gibson, Ocean Side California;  her daughters:  Detrice Waters Gibson, Groesbeck, TX; and Brittany Quigley, Mexia, TX;  Five brothers: Billie Amos and wife, Pearl and Dwight Waters TX; David Graves and wife, Brenda and Keith Waters all of Dallas, TX and Christopher  Waters, Lewisville, TX;  Five sisters: Carolyn Terrell and Kathy Hill, both of The Colony, Texas, and Janice Jones and Jacquline Bryant, both of Groesbeck, Texas, and Ineda Masters, Atlanta, Georgia; Two aunts:  Patricia Mooney, Springfield, TX and Joyce Wiley, Mexia; Four uncles:  Edward Jones and wife, Marcie Lee and Wilmer Forge all of Ft. Worth, Tx; Maurice Jefferson, Mexia, TX and Johnny D. Graves and wife, Silvia, Groesbeck, TX; Grandchildren:  Omar, Nick, Nevaeh, Mahoganie, Journie, Asia, Destine, and Wade; Nieces, nephews and other relatives ;Brother-In-Law:  Robert Gibson; Sisters-In-Law:  Shirley Gibson, Vivian Gibson and Say Lawton;  Special friends:  Willie Thomas and Covia Hines.  Moore's Angelic Funeral Home-406 Monroe Street Teague, Texas is serving the Gibson Family.

 Visit our website:mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook and light a candle.

Tina Marie Sherrod, 50, passed away at her home in Groesbeck on August 26, 2016.  She was born in Laurel, Mississippi on September 4, 1965 to Kenneth Eugene and Ann Windham Truitt.  

Tina was an assistant manager for Drug Emporium in Waco, a job she truly enjoyed.  She had an outgoing personality, loved to be around people and was always willing to help anyone in need. 

Tina considered her greatest accomplishment was being a Mom and Nana; her family was her pride and joy.  Her faith and love for the Lord was strong.  She loved reading her bible and studying Hebrew, to see how the interpretation to English matched.  Tina was member of Bethel Baptist Church in Groesbeck.  She also enjoyed being outdoors and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Robert Joseph Truitt.

Tina is survived by her loving sons, Richard Layne Sherrod, Christopher Dean Sherrod and wife Sara, Derrick Colton Sherrod and wife, Laci Dione and Cody Alexander Sherrod and girlfriend, Rose-Anna Miller all of Oletha; grandchildren, Grayson Dean Sherrod, Courtlin Jade Sherrod, Everette Daniel Ray Sherrod and Easton Joe Wallace Sherrod; sisters, Tammy Jean Wagner and husband, George of Thornton, Patricia Ann Hall of Pascagoula, MS and Deidria Charmain Truitt of New York; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 29, 2016 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Thornton with Dr. Johnny Pearson officiating.  Interment was in the Old Union Cemetery.   Richard Layne Sherrod, Christopher Dean Sherrod, Derrick Colton Sherrod, Cody Alexander Sherrod, David Rhodes, Timothy Rhodes and Keith Sherrod served as pallbearers.

  Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Reba Jean Samford, age 90, was born April 19, 1926 in Groesbeck, TX, to her parents, Nina Mae Pollock and Thomas Burt Lewis. She passed away at her home on August 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edgar Chance and her second husband, Bob Samford in 1973. Reba is survived by her loving son, Ken Chance; cousin, James Williams and his wife, Janie; niece, Debbie Soros; great niece, Lisa Blunt; and her great nephew, Joey Soros. She was a faithful member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX. Visitation with the family is 1-3pm, Wednesday, prior to the service, August 31, 2016, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Funeral services are 3:00 pm, Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Faulkenberry Cemetery, Groesbeck, TX.

Georgie Ruth (Sanders) Murphey of Groesbeck passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at Groesbeck Texas. She was 89 years old. Georgie was born May 6, 1927 in Groesbeck to George Sanders and Lilly Arenda Brown Sanders. She grew up and attended school in the Groesbeck/Thornton area. She married L.D. Rutledge in 1945. They remained married until his death in 1976. While married, Georgie was mainly a homemaker. Later she worked at the Mexia State School. During her lifetime, her family and children were her life. She loved working in her flower beds and cooking for her grandkids. Her family said that she made the best chocolate fudge cake around. Raisingher cows was another love of Georgie’s. Even after she sold her cows to her nephew, she still watched over them, making sure they were properly taken care of.In 1983, Georgie married Jimmy Murphey of Groesbeck, and they remained together until his death in 2005. Georgie enjoyed going to church and when she was able to, she worshiped at the Word of Life church in Groesbeck. Reading and watching westerns on TV was also a great joy to Georgie. She loved listening to Nat King Cole and country music. Georgie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a daughter, Sylvia Jeanne Lipsey; a grandson, Larry Daniel Lee; a sister, Minnieola Fraizer; a sister, Milderd Armstrong Reedy; a sister, Lucille Carrole Humphreys; a brother, W.G. Sanders; a brother, R. T. Sanders; a sister, Ella Pearl Pendergrass; and a sister, Nona Faye Kruger. She is survived by a daughter, Patsy E. Lee and husband Bobby of Groesbeck; a daughter, Barbara N. Morrison of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Monica L. Marler and husband Jason of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Lori L. Lowther and husband Johnny of Groesbeck; a grandson, Dennis Morrison and wife Jan of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Kourtney Masters of Salt Lake City, Utah; a great granddaughter, Rachel Marler of College Station; a great granddaughter, Rusti Morrison of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Makenzee Lowther of Groesbeck; a sister, Alice Petty of Kirbyville; a sister, Ione Wynne of Lumberton; and a sister, Doloris Sanders of Centerville along with numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones and many friends. Visitation for Georgia Murphey will be Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be Monday, August 29, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Ayres officiating. Burial will follow at the Lost Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tommy Rutledge, Gary Petty, Pete Sims, James Lewis, Kirk Petty and Cody Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Sanders and Johnny Lowther.

Tina Marie Sherrod, 50, passed away at her home in Groesbeck on August 26, 2016. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi on September 4, 1965 to Kenneth Eugene and Ann Windham Truitt. Tina was an assistant manager for Drug Emporium in Waco, a job she truly enjoyed. She had an outgoing personality, loved to be around people and was always willing to help anyone in need. Tina considered her greatest accomplishment was being a Mom and Nana; her family was her pride and joy. Her faith and love for the Lord was strong. She loved reading her bible and studying Hebrew, to see how the interpretation to English matched. Tina was member of Bethel Baptist Church in Groesbeck. She also enjoyed being outdoors and gardening. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Robert Joseph Truitt. Tina is survived by her loving sons, Richard Layne Sherrod, Christopher Dean Sherrod and wife Sara, Derrick Colton Sherrod and wife, Laci Dione and Cody Alexander Sherrod and girlfriend, Rose-Anna Miller all of Oletha; grandchildren, Grayson Dean Sherrod, Courtlin Jade Sherrod, Everette Daniel Ray Sherrod and Easton Joe Wallace Sherrod; sisters, Tammy Jean Wagner and husband, George of Thornton, Patricia Ann Hall of Pascagoula, MS and Deidria Charmain Truitt of New York; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 29, 2016 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Thornton with Dr. Johnny Pearson officiating. Interment was in the Old Union Cemetery. Richard Layne Sherrod, Christopher Dean Sherrod, Derrick Colton Sherrod, Cody Alexander Sherrod, David Rhodes, Timothy Rhodes and Keith Sherrod served as pallbearers. Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

The family of Evon Gibson let her go with The Angelic Hosts on Thursday, August 18 at her Groesbeck residence among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing will be held Friday from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Funeral Home and from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church, Doyle Community. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 27, at 1:00 PM at The Church on The Rock, 312 East Navasota Street, Groesbeck, TX. Rev. Ernest Benard Cashaw, pastor of Head Branch Baptist Church, Groesbeck will officiate, and Rev. Larry Gray, pastor of Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church, Groesbeck, will be the eulogist. Interment will be in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Groesbeck. Evon Gibson was born to Dave and Nina Ruth Graves in Groesbeck. She was a member of Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church and attended the Groesbeck Public Schools. Evon andStanley Gibson were married  in Groesbeck, and two children were born to this union. She was preceded in death by her parents, a Twin Sister: Lavon Graves, a sister: Linda Gayle Graves, granddaughter: Alexis Gibson. Those left to cherish her memory are: her son: LaFredrick Waters Gibson, Ocean Side California; her daughters: Detrice Waters Gibson, Groesbeck, TX; and Brittany Quigley, Mexia, TX; Five brothers: Billie Amos and wife, Pearl and Dwight Waters TX; David Graves and wife, Brenda and Keith Waters all of Dallas, TX and Christopher Waters, Lewisville, TX; Five sisters: Carolyn Terrell and Kathy Hill, both of The Colony, Texas, and Janice Jones and Jacquline Bryant, both of Groesbeck, Texas, and Ineda Masters, Atlanta, Georgia; Two aunts: Patricia Mooney, Springfield, TX and Joyce Wiley, Mexia; Four uncles: Edward Jones and wife, Marcie Lee and Wilmer Forge all of Ft. Worth, Tx; Maurice Jefferson, Mexia, TX and Johnny D. Graves and wife, Silvia, Groesbeck, TX; Grandchildren: Omar, Nick, Nevaeh, Mahoganie, Journie, Asia, Destine, and Wade; Nieces, nephews and other relatives ;Brother- In-Law: Robert Gibson; Sisters-In-Law: Shirley Gibson, Vivian Gibson and Say Lawton; Special friends: Willie Thomas and Covia Hines. Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home-406 Monroe Street Teague, Texas is serving the Gibson Family. Visit our website:moore sangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook and light a candle.

Reba Jean Samford, age 90, was born April 19, 1926 in Groesbeck, TX, to her parents, Nina Mae Pollock and Thomas Burt Lewis. She passed away at her home on August 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edgar Chance and her second husband, Bob Samford in 1973. Reba is survived by her loving son, Ken Chance; cousin, James Williams and his wife, Janie; niece, Debbie Soros; great niece, Lisa Blunt; and her great nephew, Joey Soros. She was a faithful member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX. Visitation with the family is 1-3pm, Wednesday, prior to the service, August 31, 2016, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Funeral services are 3:00 pm, Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Faulkenberry Cemetery, Groesbeck, TX.

Kosse was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of our friend and classmate, Riley Wilkerson.  He grew up in Kosse as Riley Bullock, carrying his step dad's name but took his own name when he became a senior in high school.  Riley, and his wife Jacy, attended Kosse homecoming this year and put his vehicle in the parade as the "last graduating class" of Kosse High School, the 58th year for the class of 1958. Riley passed away from an accident at a boat dock near Beaumont, where he lived with his wife.  They also had a home in Freeport where they stayed.  He will be missed by all. Contributed by S. Burk.

Newman Edwin Shorter, of Jewett, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning,  September 7, 2016, at St. Catherine Center in Waco at the age of 86.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Mexia with Rev. Ray Grissett and Rev. Bill Sutton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prairie Hill Cemetery.  Brian Maples, Shane Shorter, Andrew White, Gary Harriman, Jeff Harriman and Dan Maples will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Newman was born in Frosa, Texas on October 15, 1929 to Floyd Thomas and Ora Odell Shorter.  He served in the United States Marine Corp from December 1951 to December 1953.

He worked for Harvest Queen Grain Service, General Dynamics in Fort Worth and the Mexia State School before returning to cattle ranching in 1973, which he continued until his death.   

Raising cattle and spending time with his grandchildren were his favorite pastimes.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jewett. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Newman is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Shorter of Jewett; children, Carolyn Maples and husband, Dan of Ft. Worth and Randy Shorter and wife, Linda of Axtell; four grandchildren, Brian and Amy Maples, Shane Shorter and wife, Katie and Miranda White and husband, Andrew; sisters, Margie Chandler-Sadler of Ft. Worth and Reva Harriman of Groesbeck. 

Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 17, for Joy Stockton Cates who passed away earlier this summer.

The service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Groesbeck. A light lunch will be served at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall.

The memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Steve Nance, pastor of the church, officiating.

The family will conclude the service at Fort Parker Memorial Park.

William Q. “Billy” Bozeman, 75, of Groesbeck, passed away in Waco, Texas on September 14,2016.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 in the Lost Prairie Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Billy was born in Texas City, Texas on August 4, 1941 to William and Muzetta Mae Johnston Bozeman.  He graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1960.  He also attended school in Texas City for a number of years.  He retired from United Grocery Store in Dalhart after 19 years of service as an assistant produce manager.
On December 29, 1962, Billy married the love of his life, Gathel Coonce, in Lost Prairie, Texas.  Together, they raised six children.  His life revolved around his family, especially, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Actually, Billy had a special place in his heart for children, he loved them all.   He also considered “Mr. Hoss”, his dog and faithful companion, a part of his family.
Billy enjoyed watching the University of Texas Longhorns football and baseball games, the LA Dodgers, the Cowboys, during the Tom Landry era, and bowling. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Normie Dean, Larston, Terry and Lester Bozeman; and sisters, “Little” Charlie Bozeman, Lanell Russell and Lynett Dockery.
Billy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Gathel Bozeman of Groesbeck; children, Dena Carol Vaught and husband, Scott of Hartley, TX, Crystal Clifton and husband, Tim of Michigan, William “Bucky Bozeman and wife, Debby of Edmond, OK, David Bozeman and wife, Kelly of Georgia, Anthony “Tony” Bozeman of Edmond, Ok and Bryan Smally and wife, Patty of Dalhart, TX; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers, Delmer Bozeman and wife, Jane, Dale Bozeman and wife, Beverly, Troy Bozeman and wife, Alice and George Bozeman and wife, Peggy.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

May 21, 1930 – Sept. 14, 2016

Joseph (Joe) Wilson Durham, of Corsicana and Lewisville (and formerly Ben Hur), passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at age 86.

Graveside services were held at Criswell Cemetery on Saturday, September 17, 2016, conducted by his brother, Reverend Hugh Durham.

Pallbearers were Patrick Abbott, A.J. Durham, Brian Wintermute, Joe Pharr, Trey Berry, Jerry Durham, and Steve Durham.

Joe was born May 21, 1930 to Wilson Alonzo Durham and Mattie Willingham Durham at Dallas, and soon the family moved to the farm at Ben Hur. When he was three years old, he was chopping cotton, and he worked on the farm until he was grown.

In 1949, Joe moved to Dallas, and was united in marriage with his sweetheart, Dorothy Lynell Lynch, on January 21, 1950 in Dallas. He started work for Sanger’s in the printing department, and remained in the printing industry until he retired in 1997.   When Joe and Lynell retired, they moved to Navarro Mills Lake, living in a travel trailer at the lake, and bought a house in Dawson. They worked for the Corp. of Engineers as gatekeepers at the lake. They made many new friends there, and Joe fished on his days off. They retired after three years and moved back to northeast Texas, then moved to Corsicana in 2010, where they enjoyed living close to grandchildren. They also enjoyed getting together once a month with Joe’s family and playing 42. Joe was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Ronnie Joe Durham; his son, Gary Durham (2006); his brothers, Wayne Alvin Durham and Ralph Durham; sisters, Joyce Ann Durham and Dollie Herndon; and his wife, Dorothy Lynell Durham (2014.)

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Pharr; daughter-in-law, Kathy Durham; grandson, Patrick Abbott; granddaughter, Jennifer Sharp; granddaughter, Ashley Woods and husband Travis; grandson, A. J. Durham; six great grandchildren; brother, John Hugh Durham and wife Bobbie; brother, James T. Durham and wife Datha; sister, Carol Bender and husband Raymond; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

April 4, 1929 – Sept. 14, 2016

Rachel Kimbell Moffatt of Woodway passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. Services were held Sunday, Sept. 18, at Richfield Christian Church in Waco with Rev. Alec Ylitalo and Rev. David Story officiating. Burial followed at Fort Parker Cemetery in Groesbeck.

Rachel was born April 4, 1929, in Groesbeck, to Fountain B. and Rachel Kimbell. She was the granddaughter of Judge James Kimbell, one of the founders of the First Methodist Church in Groesbeck. Rachel attended Groesbeck schools from first grade until graduating from Groesbeck High School in 1946. One of the highlights of her high school years was when she and her sweetheart and future husband, Pressly “Pete” Moffatt, were crowned King and Queen Goat in 1945.  She worked in the Limestone County Courthouse for Judge Clarence Ferguson before marrying Pete at the First Methodist Church in Groesbeck on December 20, 1949. Rachel was a devoted wife to Pete and a loving mother to Rachel Kay, Pete Jr., and Laura. She adored her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She and Pete Sr. enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, where they built beautiful memories together.

Rachel was co-owner of Intex Rubber & Specialty in Hewitt, where she worked for 30 years with her husband and two of her children. She was a faithful member of Richfield Christian Church in Waco.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete Moffatt; and by her infant son, Fred Moffatt.

She is survived by one son, Pressly "Pete" Moffatt, Jr., and wife, Deena, of Waco; two daughters, Rachel Jenkins and husband, Willie, of Humble, Texas, and Laura Fiedler and husband, Randy, of Waco; one brother, Fountain "Budge" Kimbell of Waco; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Richfield Christian Church Memorial Fund. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.

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