Joe Charles Moore, Sr., 76, of Paris, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at his home.  Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10^th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with entombment in the Mausoleum of Meadowbrook Gardens where military rites will be rendered. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9^th at the funeral home.

Joe, the son of William Cooper & Imogene Buel Moore, was born Oct. 16, 1937, in Paris. He began his military career when joining the U. S. Navy in 1955, retiring in 1976, following twenty years of service to our country. In 1976, he began working at L. P. McCuistion Regional Medical Center as a Lab Technician for thirteen years. Later he worked at B & W, Kimberly Clark, did security for the VFW, and drove the Flyer to DFW Airport. While driving the Flyer he received an accommodation for driving 100,000 miles without getting a ticket. His last job was as a custodian at North Lamar Schools.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Worley Moore, whom he married in 1957, building fifty-six years of family and memories. He is also survived by one son, Joe Charles Moore, Jr. of Lewisville, one daughter, Lorraine Gay Moore of Houston, Grandchildren: Christina Reneé Moore and Gregory Chase Moore, Great Grandchildren: Preston Chase Moore, Kaydence Ann Moore and Brody David Moore, an uncle, James Buel  along with a plethora of friends.   To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Britney Morgan Stevens, 22, of Powderly, passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in Pearl, Mississippi.  Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11^th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Dr. Randall Perry officiating. Burial will follow in Red Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Britney, the daughter of William Paul & Mary Ann Coburn Stevens, was born May 10, 1991, in Dallas.  She graduated from Paris High School in 2009, where she was a cheerleader and played in the band. She then graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce in 2013, with her degree in Business Management. Britney graduated Cum Laude and was a member of Kappa Delta.

Survivors include her parents who live in Powderly, a brother, Aaron Stevens & wife Kelsey of Longview, a sister, Amanda Stevens & Dakota of Reno, her boyfriend, Matt Taylor of Hattiesburg, MS, grandparents, Bill & Linda Stevens of Wylie along with many aunts, uncles & cousins and a plethora of friends. To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Gerritt John Van Noord, 48, of Paris, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at his home.  Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11^th, at Knights of Honor Cemetery with Steve Freeman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

John, the son of Gerritt Van Noord, Jr. and Nancy Verburg Van Noord, was born January 5, 1966, in Winnie, Texas. He graduated from Prairiland High School in 1984, and attended Paris Junior College. He was employed at PJ’s Trailers where he did 3-D Drafting for the company.

John was a caring & loving father, son and brother. He was a hardworking man. He was preceded in death by his father, a niece, Alicia Lusk and a brother-in-law, Byron Malone.  Survivors include four children, Ryan Allen Van Noord of Paris, Wade Gerritt Van Noord of Paris, Nicole Elaine Van Noord of Bullard and Kristin Rene Van Noord of Paris, his mother, Nancy Van Noord of Blossom, siblings, Dianne Dodson of Paris, Juliana Malone of Paris, Rebecca Tisdell & husband Ted of Priest River, Idaho, Ruth Freeman & husband Steve of Big Sandy, Rachel Martella & husband Mitch of Brandon, MS, David Van Noord & wife Tamera of Blossom, Nancy Henderson of Blossom and Jana Griffin & husband Cecil of Scurry along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Casket bearers will be: Ryan Van Noord, Wade Van Noord, David Van Noord, Stetson Henderson, Garrick Van Noord, Steven Lusk, Mike Lusk, Ted Tisdell, Christopher Lusk, Ben Malone and Schuyler Malone.  John always did anything and everything, for anybody.  He always pushed everyone to be their best, and he loved to travel and loved his job.  To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Lenore Alice Williams, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Paris, Texas on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

She has been a resident of Paris for 75 years. She was born in Oklahoma on April 29, 1921, one of seven children born to the late Carl and Minnie Mae Holland. She was a member of Ramseur Baptist Church for over 46 years. She will be remembered for teaching young children in Sunday school. Lenore was devoted to helping prepare meals for her church and was always volunteering to help others. She was a stay at home mother who was devoted to her family and their needs. Lenore loved to sit and read her Bible, garden, laugh and be with her family.

She is survived by her beloved children, Betty Mae Gibson and husband Fred, Henry Lee Williams and wife Sandra Kay Williams; treasured grandchildren, Steven Wilson, Dedra Dollins and husband Terry; great-grandchildren, Colter Dollins and Gage Dollins.

Friends and family are invited to attend the graveside service set for Friday, January 10, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Meadowbrook Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Don Morton will be officiating. The family will be having a private visitation.

The family requests that donations be sent to the wonderful people at Platinum Hospice who gave such great care for Lenore in her time of need or to Ramseur Baptist Church who Lenore loved so dearly.

Online condolences may be sent to the Williams family at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Jo Anne Sims, 64, of Paris passed away Tuesday Jan. 7, 2014. Arrangements are pending with Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Charles V. Hill, 87, of Paris, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at Paris Regional Medical Center.

Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14^th, at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Mike Clark officiating. No formal visitation is scheduled.

Mr. Hill, the son of James J. & Nancy B. Higgins Hill, was born Nov. 16, 1926, in Reno.

He and his father were barbers. Their barber shop was located near the courthouse. Following his father’s death Charles moved the barber shop near the market square.

His parents and his brother preceded him in death.

Charles & Mary Ferguson were faithful neighbors who checked on Mr. Hill regularly for the last twenty years.

To leave a message or tribute for the friends of Mr. Hill please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Billy Bob Brackeen, 76, former Paris resident, died Saturday January 11, 2014. Arrangements are pending with Starrett Funeral Home.

Sherry Westbrooks Anglin, 43, of Cunningham passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 at her residence. Graveside services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 in the Restland Cemetery in Cunningham with Rev. Mickey Kelley officiating. Family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Monday at the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Sherry was born on June 16, 1970 in Paris. She was the daughter of Charles Westbrooks and Johnny and Joyce Smith. She loved her family and was very proud of her precious daughter Hannah.

She was a registered nurse with more than 21 years of experience in primary care, administration, management, and chief nursing officer with specialties in home health, skilled nursing, and cardiac care.  She started up and managed several agencies with deficiency free surveys. Most recently, she was employed at 1^st Choice Home Health. On March 27, 2009 she married Todd Anglin in Paris, Texas.

She is survived by her husband Todd Anglin; children Hannah Kay Brown, Logan Anglin, and Charlie Anglin; father and mother Johnny and Joyce Smith; brothers Charles Hicks, Jamie Smith, and Johnathan Smith; sisters Pamela Darden and Angie Atnip.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Anglin, Chuck Darden, Jeremy Prunty, Johnathan Smith, Jamie Smith, James Smith, and Michael Smith.

Thelma L. Long Jones, 94, of Paris passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Paris Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Patrick Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

She was born on October 18, 1919 in Sumner, Texas a daughter of C. Isaac and Callie Donny Harvey/Brackeen Long. She was a homemaker and a member of Bonham St. Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband Archie Ray Jones whom she married on July 13, 1935 in Paris; son Gerald Ray Jones ; siblings David Long, Charlie Long, her twin Elmer Long, and Gertrude Turner.

Survivors include her grandchildren Jana Jones Ladd of Alvarado and Lisa Jones of Arnold, Missouri and great-grandchildren Summer Hope Ladd, Nicholas Scott Ladd, Hailey Starr Soutiea and Shane Ray Jumper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Jumper, Richard Turner, Billy Long, Larry Long, Harry Cunningham, and Nicholas Ladd.

Minnie Irene Garner, 85, of Arthur City entered heavens gates on January 9, 2014. A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Jan. 12, at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Rocky Burrow officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Chapel cemetery. There will not be a formal visitation.

A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, Irene had a strong faith in God. She was a member of Chicota Baptist. Through the years she was a member of church choirs, taught vacation bible school and Sunday school classes at Baptist Churches. She passed her love for Jesus to her children and was faithful to take them to church.

Irene is survived by her loving and faithful husband John Edward Garner, son Charles Garner and his wife Shirley, daughter Barbara Slagle and her husband Don and daughter Lorene Ramer and her husband Danny. She is also survived by grandchildren Darron Johnson, Tammy Dalton, Charles Garner, Jr., Chad Garner, Tiry Williams Jr., David Ramer, Charity Clayton, Elisabeth Ramirez, Jonathan Ramer and Melody Ricks. Irene had 17 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild. She is also survived by a sister Jimmie Ezelle.

Pallbearers will be Darron Johnson, Charles Garner Jr., Tiry Williams Jr., Chad Garner, Jonathan Ramer, Justin Johnson, Cody Garner, Zachary Johnson, Huston Hickman and David Ramer.

Irene had a great impact on all who knew her. Her loving and fun personality will be treasured always by family and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Billy Bob Brackeen, 76, former Paris resident, died Saturday January 11, 2014. Starrett Funeral Home.

BILLY BOB BRACKEEN, 76, of Paris, died Saturday January 11, 2014 in Good Shepherd Medical Center of Longview, following a lengthy illness. Starrett Funeral Home will conduct graveside rites at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 18, 2014 at Meadowbook Gardens in Paris with Rev. Randall Scott officiating. The family will greet friends at the cemetery following the service.

Billy Bob was born July 23, 1937 in Sulphur Springs, a son of William S. and Bobbie Boyer Brackeen. He was a graduate of Paris High School, then received a degree in Business Administration from East Texas State University. He loved his country, and served honorably in the 49^th Armored Division, Co. C Battery, 132^nd Artillery of the Texas National Guard.  He was a longtime and faithful member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, and a former member of the Elks Lodge. In his teenage years he began employment with the Brackeen Oil Company, and in the 1980’s became sole owner of this intergenerational family business.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Brackeen, of Carthage; a son, Bob Brackeen and wife Brigette, of Tyler; two daughters, Kathy Beard, of Paris and Kelly Brackeen and fiancee’ James Russell, of Longview; five grandchildren, Julie Figueroa, Caity Brackeen, RachaelBrackeen, Ashley Smith, and Abby Smith; a great-grandson, Hayden Gibbons; a sister, Anna Beth Searock and husband Charles, of OklahomaCity; a step-son, Tim Randall, of Carthage; and a step-daughter, Michele Millwood, of Mt. Pleasant.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions to The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, www.diabetes.org ; or go the Alzheimers Association, 2630 West Freeway, Ft. Worth, TX 76102  www.alz.org .  Friends may register in Billy Bob’s Book of Memories at www.starrettfunerals.com .

Mary Lee Bishop, 76, of Paris, Texas passed away Monday, January 13, 2014 at Heritage House. Graveside services will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Thursday, January 16, 2014 in the Forest Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Mickey Kelley officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bishop was born on August 14, 1937 in Lamar County a daughter of Elmer Roscoe and Mary Ann Wharton Hicks. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Edwin Henry Scheer on April 20, 1986 and was preceded in death by her husband Otto Bishop on May 28, 2012.

Survivors include her children Roberta Dianne Sulsar of Paris, John Alan Scheer of Lewisville; grandchildren Bradley Alan Scheer of McKinney, Ashley Nicole Hines of Murray, Kentucky, Rachel Anne Sulsar of Paris, Lauren “Paige” Fleming of Paris, Colten Nash Scheer of Lewisville; great grandchildren Kiersten Scheer, Makenzie Sulsar, Avery Hines, Cale Boswell, Lily & Christian Scheer; brother William (Bill) Hicks.

Pallbearers will be James Hicks, Robert Hicks, Billy Hicks, Tracy Kelley, Carl Hicks, and Glen Vanderburg.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

MARTHA FAYE SPEARS, 71, of Paris, died at 10:34 AM, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at her residence.  Funeral services are set for 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2014 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Millsap officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 PM Friday evening at the funeral home.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Martha was born April 6, 1942 in Paris to Earnest and Billie Faye Millsap Turner.  She married Raymond Eugene Spears on July 22, 1957 in Paris.  He died January 21, 2013.  She was a homemaker and member of Life Church.

Mrs. Spears is survived by three children, Martha Wyant, Roy Spears, and Crystal Spears; thirteen grandchildren, Danny Clack, Malachi Wyant, Desiree, Arlissa, Brandon, and Stylles Spears, Michael Tillery, Kay Tucker, Casey Spears, Tommy Spears, Lacy and Landan Jackson; seventeen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald Keith and Glen Turner; and four sisters, Fonda King, Sue Lester, Sherry Ebbs, and Gloria Holly.  She was preceded in death by two children, Earnest Eugene Spears and Kimmy Diane Spears.

Pallbearers will be Chris Naylor, Michael Tillery, Glen Wyant, Malachi Wyant, Danny Clack, Guage Tillery, Chris Tillery, and Casey Spears.

Online condolences may be made to the Spears family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Surrounded by his loving family, Ray Love Starnes, long-time Methodist minister who served in this community for almost 40 years, died at his home on January 16.  After retiring from the United Methodist Church in 1991, he served as the first Protestant chaplain for St. Joseph’s Hospital for nine years.

Ray was born July 8, 1927 to Ray Anderson Starnes and Iva Mae Love Starnes.  He graduated from Stark (West Orange) High School in Orange, Texas, then from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas where he met and married Mary Lynn Webb Starnes who predeceased him in 1960.  They had three children, Charles, LeAnn, and Jeff.  He later attended Southern Methodist University and became a diaconal minister in the United Methodist Church.   This training prepared him for his many years of service as a youth and education minister.

Ray served the First United Methodist Church of Paris on several occasions, finally settling here in 1976.  He also served the Lord at Methodist churches in Florence, Corsicana, Waco, Austin, Temple, Longview, and Denison.

Ray was known as someone who could be counted on to be there for those in need, and to provide comfort.  His contributions went far beyond the Methodist Church, as he served as an interim pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Paris, and even acted as Cantor at the Jewish Synagogue in Longview.  He was also sought after by many families to provide services at both weddings and funerals.  He served on the board and volunteered at Co-Ministry.

Throughout his life, Ray loved music.  Publicly he would sing solo or with others, or he would lead the choir and congregation.  Privately, he liked to slip into the Sanctuary of the churches he served on quiet weekday afternoons to enjoy playing the pipe organ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Carroll Moore Starnes; children Charles Wesley Starnes and Pamela Joy Starnes of Ingleside, Illinois; LeAnn Elizabeth Starnes Barbee of Paris; and Jeff C. Starnes and Missy Starnes of Paris; grandchildren Aaron Starnes, Alexander Starnes, Erin Barbee, Ethan Barbee and his wife Caroline Barbee, Caitlin Barbee, Ellen Starnes, and Carol Ann Starnes; great-grandchildren are James Alexander Starnes and Titus Paul Starnes; and many friends and relatives.

Services will be at First United Methodist Church, Monday, January 20 at 11:00 am, with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Angela Denise Huval, 55, of Paris, went to her heavenly home at 7:45 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center.  Burial will at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 20, 2014 at Hopewell Cemetery with a memorial service following at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church at 4:00 PM Monday with Rev. J.W.T. Spies officiating.  No formal visitation will be observed.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Angela was born October 29, 1958 in Sulphur, Louisiana to Russell John and Neva Odessa Benningfield Huval.  She graduated from Paris High School and Paris Junior College with further study at Texas A&M University-Commerce.  She was a nurse aid and substitute teacher.  Ms. Huval was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.

Ms. Huval is survived by two children, Brenna Schlow O’Neal and Ashely Shay Ragains; five grandchildren, Robert Arrington Jr., Levi Arrington, Tristian Arrington, Samuel O’Nolan, and Haley O’Nolan; one brother, Greg Baker; and four sisters, Patricia Newman, Kathy Coker, Laura Towers, and Marlene Hocutt.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Gaither, Billy Newman, Michael Smithey, Brock Towers, Greg Baker, Connie O’Neal, Henri Boyce, and Rodney Hocutt. Online condolences may be made to the Huval family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Hester M. Moser passed from this life on Jan. 17, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family.  Starrett Funeral Home will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Gary  Redd officiating.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Hester was born in Lufkin, Texas, on July 21, 1922, to A. M. and Florence Mantooth Ford.  She attended Lufkin schools and two years at Angelina County Business College.  She married William Henry Moser on Dec. 4, 1949, in Lufkin, Texas.  Together they built W.H.M. Materials, an aggregate materials plant, where she was bookkeeper for the business.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, William H. Moser; sisters Edna Risinger, Joan Redd, and Tommie Ford; and brothers John Ford and Buddy Ford.

Survivors include son, Bill Moser; daughters Karen Sacks and husband Richard, Patricia Rea and husband Marcus, and Cheryl Floyd and husband Damon, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Ava Layton Sacks.

Named as pallbearers are Hester’s grandsons, Jonathan Marc Rea, Leighton Blace Floyd, Joshua Cade Rea, Madison Payne Floyd, William Jacob Rea and Andrew Joseph Sacks.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the A.S. P.C.A. Friends may register in Hester’s Book of Memories at www.starrettfunerals.com .

Philip Alan Wardlow, 66.  On Saturday, January 18, 2014, the Earth lost a precious angel the Lord had blessed us with for 66 years.  Funeral services are set for 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 21, 2014 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Russell Hathcock, Rev. Rusty Hathcock, and Angalee Hathcock officiating.  Burial will be at 2:00 PM at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas on Tuesday.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home on Tuesday prior to the service.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Philip Alan Wardlow was born February 23, 1947 in Dallas to Harvey E. and Dorothy Davis Wardlow.  He brought us unconditional love, laughter, and a contagious smile that will be forever missed.  Phil was our special angel, sent by God to bless and enrich the lives of everyone he touched.  He loved music, especially Lawrence Welk and the Welk musical family.  He was so excited to be invited to come back stage and meet all the musicians when they appeared in Dallas.  He had every published recording of the Welk group.  One of his favorites was “Calcutta”.  He would listen to and clap his hands with the beat.  Phil loved his Sunday school class at First Baptist Church and rarely missed.

Phil is survived by his parents, Harvey and Dorothy Wardlow; his sister, Alana Wardlow of Houston; and numerous cousins, adopted family and friends.

Online condolences may be made to the Wardlow family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Mr. Jack T. Tharp, 82, of Paris, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Bright-Holland Funeral Home.

Emily Kaylyn Bush, 21, of Paris, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25^th, at Chicota Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Fortenberry & Rev. Carey Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Knights of Honor Cemetery at Blossom. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

 Emily, the daughter of Rocky & Kay Bowman Burrow, was born July 2, 1992, in Ft. Hood, Texas. She graduated from North Lamar High School in 2010, where she was active in Beta Club and ran track. Emily was employed at Fresenius Medical Care here in Paris where she helped with kidney dialysis.

Survivors include her son, Bryson Bush, her parents, Rev. Rocky Burrow & Kay Burrow of Sumner, a brother, Josh Burrow of Sumner, her paternal grandfather, Doyle Burrow of Mesquite, an aunt, Vickie Hime of Paris along with many friends.

Casket bearers will be: Josh Burrow, John Hime, Landon Couch and Steven Romero.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Patricia L. Matlock, 66, of Blossom, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014, at Dubuis Hospital. Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22^nd, at East Post Oak Cemetery with Rev. Daniel Hines officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Patricia, the daughter of Austin & Jessie Riggs Lane, was born July 9, 1947, in Lamar County. She attended Blossom Schools and was of the Pentecostal faith.

On Dec. 23, 1963, she married J. W. “Dub” Matlock, building 50 years of family and memories. Dub was a heavy equipment operator, and Patricia traveled with him on his jobs. They then returned to the Powderly area where they owned and operated a dairy until their retirement when they moved back to the home place near Blossom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Carol Smith & Margaret Forbis and a brother, Billy Lane.

Survivors include her husband, J. W. “Dub” Matlock, children, Robby Matlock & wife Polly of Blossom, Nelia Davidson & husband Chad of Blossom and Richard Matlock & wife Darlene of Grand Saline, grandchildren, Austin Smith & fiancé Meagan of Detroit, Taylor Woodard & husband Matt of Blossom, Ryleigh Davidson of Blossom, Casey Cadenhead & husband Joey of Odessa, Cary Lindsey & wife Megan of Paris, and Christy Mann of Colorado Springs, a great grandson, Mason Cadenhead, one brother, Jimmy “Bo” Lane & wife Rita of Blossom along with numerous nieces & nephews and a plethora of friends.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Charles Alan Norton, 52, of Paris took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven, January 20, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held at Paris Golf and Country Club Saturday Jan. 25^th from 2 until 4 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Celebrate It! Wednesday Jan. 22 from 6 until 8 p.m.

 Alan was born in Lamesa, Texas on December 14, 1961 a son of Gary Wayne and Rickie Adams Norton. He loved life and the outdoor sports, hunting and fishing. He was a professional golfer and a member of Providence Baptist Church.

 He is survived by his children Brittany Lynee Ackley, Blaine Alexander Norton, Bailea Alyse Norton; grandchildren Keyton Memphis Hathcock, Kennedy Lyn Hathcock, mother Rickie Norton; father Gary Wayne Norton and wife Linda of Tatum, N.M.; sister Gina Norton Nutt and husband Ronnie and her children Connor, Sierra, Spencer of NY; half-brother Terrell Norton of Ratan, OK; step-brother Preston Sewell and step-sister Cresley Spears both of Lovington, NM; aunt Elizabeth Lang of Tyler; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and a multitude of friends. Also special friends Cindy Flenniken and Nurse Mary Prater.

 Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Shirley Ann Armstrong, 70, of Ovilla, formerly of Paris, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, in Dallas.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21^st, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Shirley, the daughter of Raymond & Juanita Sulsar Glenn, was born Oct. 13, 1943, in Paris.  She graduated from Paris High School and worked in retail for a number of years before beginning her career in home health. She sat with and cared for many families in the Dallas area.  Her parents and a brother, Jimmy Lloyd Glenn, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her companion, James Morris of Ovilla,  sons, Roger Stripland & wife Sharon of Paris, Ronald Stripland & wife Julie of Paris and Chuck Morris & wife Geneva of Powderly, grandchildren, Madison Stripland, Jacob Stripland and Keller Stripland, a sister, Carolyn Sue Shoemake of Llano along with extended family and many friends.

Casket bearers will be: Ronald Stripland, Roger Stripland, Jacob Stripland, Chuck Morris, Ricky Wright and Brad Bankston.  To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Herman Averitt, 88, of Baton Rouge, LA, formerly of Paris, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2014.

Services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22^nd at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with burial following in Bluff Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Averitt, the son of Jeff & Aoidy Eldora Porter Averitt, was born Dec. 11, 1925, in Monroe, LA. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. His career as a painter of historical homes spanned many years.

He was preceded in death by a son, Herman Averitt, Jr., a sister, Velma Mae Davis and two brothers, Douglas Averitt and Howard Averitt.  Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Evans and her children of Forney, a brother, Bobby Averitt & wife Bea of Mansfield, LA, a sister, Dorothy Bailey of Bossier City, LA along with numerous nieces & nephews.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia Ann Thompson, 56, of Paris passed away Saturday January 18, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday Jan. 25, 2014 in the Chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

She was born September 23, 1957 in Mangum, OK a daughter of Cecil and Delores Hardwick Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Delores Jennings 

She is survived by her children Harvey Miller, Jr. and wife Felicia, Amy McKinnon and husband Mark; 2 grandchildren; her father Cecil Thompson; sisters Tammy Wooldridge, Angela Malone, Kathy Schaffer; and a step-sister Rhonda Kindle.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

CHAD CAFFEY, 35, of Fort Worth passed away Monday, January 20, 2014 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, January 25 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Norris officiating.  The family will receive friends at their home, 1025 Laurel Lane, from 6 to 8 pm Friday, January 24.

Chad was born September 2, 1978, in Paris to Charlotte Sikes Caffey and John Caffey.  He graduated from Paris High School in 1997.  Following his high school graduation, he was honored by being selected to an All-American football team which competed in a bowl game in Hawaii.  He also attended Sul Ross State University on a football scholarship.  He was currently employed as a construction materials testing consultant for GME Consulting Services, Inc. of Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Caffey and his brother, Charlie Caffey.  He is survived by his son, John Caffey; his mother Charlotte Caffey, his brother and sister-in-law Chris and Dee Ann Caffey; nieces Holly Caffey and Annabelle Caffey and nephews Alex and Austin Caffey.

Honorary Pallbearers include Pat Weatherford, Jack Hoskins Jr., David Hoskins, Les Malnory, Chris Caffey, Chris Anthony, Michael Ashley, Brock Huggins, Barry Parker, Paul Strom and John Lowry.

Online condolences may be made to the Caffey family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Becky Edwards Swaim Skinner died Thursday, January 23, 2014.  Funeral services are set for 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating.  A reception will follow in the atrium of the church.  Burial will be held prior to the service at 10:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements. 

A lifelong resident of Paris, Becky was the daughter of the late Glenn L. Edwards and Shirley Pinson Edwards.  She attended Paris schools and graduated from ParisHigh School in 1957. In 1959 she graduated from Christian College, now ColumbiaCollege in Columbia, Missouri. In 1961, she graduated from the University of Texas in Austin where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and several professional organizations.  She taught high school English in Houston, Lawton, Oklahoma, and Paris. Later she earned a masters degree from East Texas State University in early childhood education and taught kindergarten and served as director of CentralPresbyterianDay School for eighteen years. 

Becky had a lifelong interest in gardening and was a Master Gardener as well as a member of Fun ‘N Flowers Garden Club.  She also was an active member of the Lamar County Master Gardeners Association, Cosmos Club, Lydia Bible Club, and First Baptist Church where she taught an adult women’s Sunday school class for a number of years.  Prior to joining the Baptist Church, Becky spent forty-five years as a member of First United Methodist Church where  shewas active in many volunteer roles including eighteen years as Children’s Coordinator, and serving as a member of the Council of Ministries, Administrative Board and Women’s Society for Christian Service.  She also was active in civic affairs, serving on the Paris Junior College Board of Regents, Paris Education Foundation Board, Girl Scout Council, as well as providing leadership roles in both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts at the troop and den level. 

Becky married her high school sweetheart, Bob Swaim, Jr. in 1961 and they had three children, Cindy Swaim Posey, Kevin Glenn Swaim and the late Bradley Robert Swaim. 

Following the death of Dr. Swaim, Becky fell in love with, and married, Robert Skinner, a friend and neighbor from childhood and a close friend of Dr. Swaim.  They had a wonderful marriage of almost twenty years during which time they traveled extensively and enjoyed several hobbies together. 

Others who predeceased Becky in death were her parents, her son Bradley Robert Swaim and a grandchild baby boy Spann. 

Family members left  to cherish her memory are her husband Robert Skinner, her son Kevin Swaim and wife Rosally, her daughter Cindy Posey; grandchildren, Carter Spann, and wife Megan, Crista Spann, Kelsey Spann, Adam Swaim and Abbie Swaim; a great-granddaughter Zephie Spann; step sons, Cary Skinner and wife Janine, Carter Skinner, and Chris Skinner and wife Katrese.  Step grandchildren are James Skinner, Zach Skinner, Carlee Skinner and Cole Skinner. 

In addition are a host of cousins and dear friends. 

Honorary pallbearers are Jay Bowman, Ronnie Rhodes, Bob Phillips, Bobby Walters, Richard Swint, Dave Robinson, Bill Neely, Freddie Swaim, and men of Becky’s FBC Sunday School department. 

It was Becky’s desire that memorials be made to Goodland Academy, 1216 North 4200, Hugo, Oklahoma 74743 or the charity of one’s choice. 

 Online condolences may be made to the Skinner family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Helen Ruth Joyce on January 23, 2014. She was 83. Helen lived a long, active and fruitful life. She helped others every chance she got. Helen met Martin Joyce at a café in Fort Riley, Kansas in 1949, where she served him a cup of coffee. After a lengthy courtship of two days, they got married in Pocahontas, Arkansas. They lived a typical military life for the next 20 years, with long separations when Martin was stationed in Germany or Thailand, followed by joyful reunions. Helen and Martin enjoyed a big party held in honor of their 50^th wedding anniversary in 1999.

Helen lived an active life right up until the end. She loved to play games, like bridge, bingo and pinochle. In her younger years, she was quite the pool player in the family game room. Her primary strategy was to lean in when her opponent was taking a shot, and whisper, “Miss it, miss it, miss it!” She loved to shop at Belk’s and could always find amazing deals. Helen loved movies. Her favorite actor was John Wayne and favorite movie was The Quiet Man. 

Helen grew up during the Great Depression in a household of eight children. She dropped out of high school to work and later obtained a GED in Alaska. After marrying Martin, she lived in New Jersey, Alaska, and finally Texas. Helen sold Avon products for a while, and then developed an interest in real estate. She and Martin had a great system for developing real estate; he provided the advice (“Well, sell the darn thing!”) and she provided the ingenuity and hard work. Helen was proud of her real estate work, turning “fixer-uppers” into valuable assets. 

Helen is survived by her two sons, Martin and Arthur, Martin’s fiancé Nathalie, Arthur’s fiancé Laura, grandchildren, Trenton and Allison, their mother Paula, and sisters, Ruby, Grace, Viola, and Dorothy.  She remained close to her sisters all of her life. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Martha Brown, three brothers, Bob, Walter, and Delbert, one sister, Wanda, and by her beloved husband Martin, who passed away in 2000. 

Just as importantly, she is survived by the many people that loved and cared for her. She loved the people and the town of Paris, Texas and developed many important friendships over the years. Helen loved helping other people. Nothing gave her more joy than helping someone in need. If anyone ever asked her about all the help she gave to others, she would say simply, “He’s a friend.” Her selfless humility in giving to others teaches us all how to give. The following verses (from a poem displayed in her home) show us the heart of Helen Ruth Joyce, beloved wife and mother, precious friend to many: “I have come to believe that I am still here today because God decided that he could still use me on occasion to lighten the burden of others.” Helen, your family and friends love you. We miss you and we will never forget you. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. till 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Helen’s name to the Paris Public Library.

Horace Greeley Gilliam, Jr., 66, of Powderly, passed away at his home Friday, January 24, 2014. Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 27, 2014 at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Lyn Holley officiating. Burial will be in the Gilliam Family Cemetery in Boxelder. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 6-8 p.m., Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Mr. Gilliam was born March 12, 1947 in Clarksville to Horace Greeley Gilliam, Sr. and Lillie Edna Garrett Gilliam. He lived in the Boxelder area until he graduated from Clarksville High School in 1965 and then moved to the Paris area. He received his Bachelor’s degree in personnel management from East Texas State University in 1971. He was honorably discharged after 6 years of service in the National Guard. His employment with Campbell Soup spanned 37 years prior to his retirement. He loved deer hunting and was an avid bow hunter. Fishing and shooting at the rifle range were also favorite hobbies. In his spar time he loved working in his framing shop. He also worked for Toyota of Paris, delivering cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a favorite Uncle & Aunt, J.D. and Mildred Nelson. Survivors include his wife, Glenda Gilliam of Powderly; three children, Jason Gilliam of Dekalb, J.C. Gilliam of Paris and Lori Lemons of Roxton; four children by marriage, Donna, Melissa, Tammy and Edwin, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Casket bearers will be Jason Cate, J.C. Gilliam, Jason Gilliam, Larry Pate, Roger Pate, and Zack Lemons. Honorary casket bearer will be Roy Dean Pate.

To leave a message or tribute for the family, please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Mae Holland, 79, of Taylortown, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Heritage House of Paris.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28^th at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Dr. L. C. Stout officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home & will be at the home of Danny & Melody Horton at Taylortown at other times. Private burial will be made in Union Cemetery at Taylortown.

Dorothy, the daughter of C. T. & Lillie Mae Norman Leatherwood, was born November 16, 1934, in Parker County. She graduated from North Side High School in Ft. Worth. On March 18, 1955, she married Ben Holland, building 58 years of family & memories. From 1955 through 1960, she worked at Westinghouse and then worked side by side with Ben on their farm & ranch at Taylortown. From 1994 until 2014, she has been the office manager at Paris Florist.

She was the election judge at Taylortown for many years. Dorothy was an accomplished pianist and violinist. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Chandler Jane Russell, her parents, and a brother-in-law, J D Polk.

Survivors include her husband, Ben, three children, Benjamin Holland of Paris, Melody Jane Holland Horton & husband Danny of Taylortown and Laura Benette Holland Russell & husband Kevin of Reno, grandchildren, Holland Graham Russell, Hayden Barkley Dunn Russell, Garrett Horton & wife Raynie and Hannah Horton, great grandchildren, Bryer, Garrison and Derringer Horton, a sister-in-law, Jane Holland Polk of Paris, a niece, Brenda Polk Watson of Paris along with a plethora of friends.

If desired memorials  may be made to: Gideons International, c/o Mrs. Edgar Ground, 875 SE 39^th, Paris, TX 75462,  Bethel Baptist Church, c/o Bobby Harrell, 88034 FM 905, Paris, TX  75462 or The Scleroderma Foundation, c/oTexas Bluebonnet Chapter, P.O. Box 1836, Allen, TX 75013.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Derek Dewayne Allen, 21, of Paris, passed away Friday, January 24, 2014.  Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Garretts Bluff Cemetery with Reverend David Farmer officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm, Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Following the graveside service, a meal and time of fellowship will be held for family and close friends, at Leslie Chapel Assembly of God Church.  Derek was born April 29, 1992 in Paris to Stanley Dewayne and Lecia Beshirs Allen. 

Derek was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Allen and grandparents, Margaret & Harold Phelps.  Survivors include his parents; his fiancé, Kilee Brown and daughter, Kynnedi Allen; sisters, Spring Beshirs, Kaylah Beshirs, & Trista Allen; grandmother, Velma Allen; grandparents, Joe Dee and Carolyn Beshirs; great-grandmother, Imogene Davis, along with many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.  Casket bearers will be Bobby King, Michael King, J.B. Moore, Kenny Gilbert, Harold Gilbert, and Josh Allen.  Honorary casket bearers will be Cody Perry and Johnny Gilbert. 

To leave a message or tribute for the family, please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Margie Louise Moss, 88, of Paris, was called home by her Lord on Monday, January 27, 2014.  Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 11:00 am, Friday, January 31, 2014 at the United Pentecostal Church with Reverend Robert Myre officiating.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm, Thursday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Moss was born November 2, 1925 in Delta County to John and Ora Reagan Young.  She married Recil Moss on May 29, 1943, building over sixty one years of family and memories, before his death in 2004.  She worked for Westinghouse 30½ years, retiring in 1983.  She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church for 50 years, where she taught Sunday School.  Mrs. Moss also received the most noteworthy, “Mother of the Year Award”.  She was lovingly called “Baboo” by her grandchildren, family and friends. 

Mrs. Moss was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; twin daughters, Ora Jean and Nora Jane; a son-in-law, Weldon Houchins; one brother, Alvin Young & wife Jessie; four sisters, Marie Harwood & husband Ogden, Lillian Eppers & husband L.V., Lois Fair & husband Archie and Willie Nance & husband Ray; two brothers-in-law, Weldon Moss and Margil Moss & wife Elvira; one sister-in-law, Jessie Weaver & husband Joe and her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Jessie & Maggie Moss.  Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Moss Houchins; one granddaughter, Tonya Houchins Earley & husband Audie; three great-grandchildren, Sydney Earley, Austin Earley and Aidan Earley; two sisters-in-law, Ella Mae Bristow & husband Arlton and Mary Moss, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Casket bearers will be Johnny Fair, David Fair, Doyce Nance, Bill Nance, Joey Bristow and Phillip Taylor.  Honorary casket bearers will be Tom Webb, Arlton Bristow, Fred Scott, Leonard Rodgers and Billy Trenado.  To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Betty Lou Marsh, 63, of Blossom passed away Monday January 27, 2014 at Dubuis Hospital. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were made by Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

She was born December 1, 1950 in Dallas a daughter of George Toliver and Edith Marie Chrismon Melton. She was a medical coder having worked in hospitals and for doctors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Alyne Flores, Tanya Marie Bornman, Michelle Renee Cribbs; grandchildren Celeste Cherie Conroy, Serenity Dayvon Brown, Rodolfo Luis Antonio Flores, Taylor Nicole Cribbs, Elijah Edward Flores; her sister and best friend Melba Bellah; brother Timothy Melton; 2 nieces Teri Leeann Jeter, Amy Jolynn Bellah and 1 nephew Christopher Ian Melton.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com

ELOISE PRUETT SMITH, 89, of Paris, danced her way into Heaven’s gates at 3:10 AM, Thursday, January 30, 2014.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 noon, Monday, February 3, 2014 in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Randall Scott officiating.  Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Gardens Cemetery.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Eloise was born April 5, 1924 in Lamar County to Robert Mitchell and Olga Wheeler Pruett.  She worked at the City of Paris Water Office and retired as a sales associate at Texas Furniture Store.  She was a member of East Paris Baptist Church.

Mrs. Smith is survived by two daughters, Carla Smith Floyd and Larry Richardson of Paris and Barbara Jacinto and husband, Tony of Sachse; six grandchildren, Jay Armstrong and wife, Tonya, Mitzi Springer and husband, Jerry, Wesley Armstrong, Shawn Robertson, Lori Johnson and husband, Chap, and Robin McCarthy and husband, Kevin; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Melba Phillips and husband, Merell.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Walter Smith on January 19, 2009; one daughter, Donna Wright; and three siblings, Wayne and Robert Pruett and Edna Earl Rowlette.

Pallbearers will be Chevis Springer, Chap Johnson, Shawn Robertson, Jerry Springer, Trinton Johnson, Casey Moore, Ryan Armstrong, and Lucas Robertson. Honorary Pallbearers are: Jay Armstrong, Wesley Armstrong, and Derek Armstrong

Online condolences may be made to the Smith family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Laverne Rowland, 77, of Paris passed away Thursday Jan. 30, 2014 at her home. Arrangements pending with Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Patricia Joyce Scarberry, 54, of Paris, died at 8:16 PM, Friday, January 31, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services are set for 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 4, 2014 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with the family receiving friends immediately following the service. Bro. Damian Velarde will officiate.  Burial will be in Springhill Cemetery.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Patricia was born November 3, 1959 in Dallas to Leonard S. and Mildred Gilbert Creamer.  She graduated from Detroit High School. She married Kenneth Roy Scarberry on August 20, 1982 in Hugo.  He died January 20, 2013.  She was a homemaker and affiliated with the Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors are two children, Kenny Scarberry and Delaina Dawn “D.D.” Scarberry; her parents, Mildred and G.W. Pratt; four siblings, Waymon Creamer and wife, Teri, Randall Pratt, Lori Whittiker and husband, Jerry, and David Creamer and wife, Jessica; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Creamer; her mother-in-law, Willa Mae Scarberry; and grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Waymon Creamer, Opal Gilbert, and Olivia Pratt.

Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Gibson, Curran Watkins, Dustin Holley, Rick Spann, David Thornton, and Paul McCullough.

James Timothy Preston, 90, of the Broadway Community, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014, at Paris Regional Medical Center.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5th at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Donnie Edwards and Reverend Eric Moore officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Bright Holland Funeral home. Military burial will be made at Lake Creek Cemetery at Lake Creek, Texas.

James (Jamie as known by family and friends), the son of Dewey Johnson Preston and Annie Hutchings Preston was born November 14, 1923, in Broadway Community in Lamar County. He graduated from Midway School in 1941. On December 7, 1945, he married Johnnie Daniels.  Seven days after he and Johnnie married, Jamie left to serve his Country with the U. S. Army as a Combat Infantryman in Rhineland Central Europe. While serving, he received two bronze stars and the good conduct medal. Upon discharge, Jamie returned to South Lamar County, building 69 years of family and memories with Johnnie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mae Preston Burket and his brothers Sterling Pierce Preston and Ray Stanley Preston.

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie, three children, Jerry Preston and wife Cecilia of Paris, Pat Gilbert and husband Tom of Paris and Jimmy Preston and wife Alta of Paris; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kelly and Holland Harper and children Preston, Elizabeth, Abigail and Charlotte, Andy and Elisha Preston and children Marlee and Carson, Norman and Seanda Gilbert and boys Bentley, Keyton, and Logan, Lori and Kevin White and sons K.C. and Jerad, and Jennifer and Sergio Gonzales and children Sergio, Mersades, Noah, and Tea .  Also surviving are siblings, D.J. Preston Jr. and wife Ruby, Lee Roy Preston, Mary Ruth Vaughn, John Preston and wife Eloise, Douglas Preston and wife Karen, Gloria Jean Fitzgerald, sister-in-law Peggy Preston, brother-in-law Buzz Daniels along with an abundance of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be William Jackson, Joe Miller, Mickey Oats, Mark Beard, Ronnie Preston, Keith Howard, and Terry Burket.

Jamie Preston, a long-time dairyman and rancher in South Lamar County, leaves a legacy as a humble and honest man who loved his family and loved His Lord and was a student of God’s Holy Word.  He was a member of the Midway Christian Church and his sweet smile and gentle spirit will be dearly missed.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Oliver Doyle Walker, 80, of Brookston, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Paris Regional Medical Center.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5^th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Charles Hicks & Dr. Eddie Hyatt officiating.

Mr. Walker, the son of Ira Lee & Ida Ethel Fulbright Walker, was born May 17, 1933, in Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service he began working at Westinghouse where his career spanned thirty years before his retirement.

He enjoyed playing gospel music and the simple things in life.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Renshaw Walker, whom he married on June 5, 1983, children, Rick Doyle Walker & wife Dicksie of Bullard, Larry Walker & wife Kim of Brookston and Robby Walker of Paris, step-children, Carl Zoch & wife Alexis of Puyallup, WA, Helen Garrison & husband Russell of Sumner and Elizabeth Russell & husband Michael of Paris, thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a brother, Vance Barksdale & wife Virginia of Jennings, a sister, Tressie Coots of Batesville, AR, a brother-in-law, Dewey Ausmus, Jr. of Brookston along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

If desired, the family requests that memorials be made to: Thera Pet at therapet.com or Hyatt International Ministries, P.O. Box 3877, Grapevine, Texas 76099-3877, www.eddiehyatt.com

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

LaVerne Rowland, 77, of Paris passed away Thursday Jan. 30, 2014 at her home. Funeral services were held at Evergreen cemetery Friday with her family present.

She was born Dec. 25, 1936 in Paris a daughter of Oscar Ray and Vera Hatcher Godfrey. She was married to her husband Don Ray Rowland. She was a homemaker to her husband and 4 loving children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don and her parents.

She is survived by children Danny Rowland and Kristi Clements, Jerry and Trina Rowland, Kitty Shannon, Jimmy Rowland and Tammy Mullens; grandchildren Danielle Rowland, Heather Criswell, Aaron Criswell, Justin Rowland, Jacob Rowland, Amber Rowland, Teia Mullens, Joshua Mullens; great grandchildren Camdyn Criswell, Christopher Rowland; brother Randy Godfrey and sisters Margaret Cox and Elaine Godfrey.

Special thanks to Tammy and Josh Mullens as her caregivers and to Ann Adams for being there through thick and thin. Thanks to Cooper Home Health and Waterford Hospice for the best care we could have ask for. We would also like to thank Charlotte Dooley for all her had work.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Billee Musgrove Smith, 88, of San Antonio and Paris, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014.

Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, February 6^th at Evergreen Cemetery with Dr. Tommy Turner officiating. A formal visitation is not scheduled.

Mrs. Smith, the daughter of John William “Bill” & Mabell Suddeth Musgrove, was born August 8, 1925, in Arthur City, Texas. She attended school at Cunningham; Paris High School; Paris Junior College; North Texas Teachers College and East Texas State University.

Billee taught in public schools at Cunningham; East Bernard; Mesquite; San Antonio, Bogata and Paris. She retired in 1991, following a career that spanned thirty-seven years. Billee was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris and various teacher associations.

In 1947, she married Bruce Horton Smith, and he preceded her in death in 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marihelen Phillips and Virginia Jessee.

Survivors include her son, Blaine Horton Smith of San Antonio, a grandchild, Preslee Smith, two step-grandchildren, Cara Wright and Brett Riefler, one brother, Johnnie Musgrove of Cunningham along with several nieces & nephews and many close friends.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Kate Thompson Patterson passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at her home in Boise, Idaho, at age 105.

Funeral services have been set for Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Forest Chapel Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Moore officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Chapel Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the church.

She was born on Nov. 23, 1908, in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, the eighth child of Ida May White and John William Thompson.  Her mother died when Kate was only a few months old and her oldest sister, Willie Mae, stepped in to help raise her younger siblings.  Kate grew up and attended school in Forest Chapel, Texas, walking the two miles each way to school.  Her chores included pumping water and carrying it to the house, gathering eggs, and bringing in firewood.  She remembered they took corn to the grist mill for grinding and cane to be cooked in a vat to make syrup.  They grew most of their own food.  It was always a highlight of the year when her younger cousins came to visit.

She attended Paris Junior College and North Texas State Teachers College, receiving her teaching certificate.  Her first teaching position was in a rural school house in Lamar County, teaching grades one through four.  In 1933, she married John W ‘Pat’ Patterson who was also an educator.  They taught at various schools then settled in Direct, Texas, to teach and farm.  In 1954, they relocated to Idaho eventually moving to Rupert.  Kate taught first grade at Lincoln School and then in the new Memorial School until her retirement in 1974.  She was active in many community activities including the Rebecca Lodge, Business and Professional Women, Retired Teachers Association and the Senior Center.  She enjoyed her flowers and vegetable garden and her many friends.

She experienced many changes during her lifetime  –  from using horse and buggy for transportation to seeing astronauts in space, from no telephones to the digital age.

She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son; her parents; and siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Patterson-Bolomet of Boise; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jack Estes of Boise; grandchildren, Jack Estes, Jr. of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Chandra Estes (Ed Cope) of Whitefish, Mont; and many nieces and nephews.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to Hearts for Hospice & Home Health and the Havenwood Caregiver Services for the compassionate and loving care given to their mother.

Online condolences may be sent to the Patterson family at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Marjorie Lorraine Erickson, 86, of Paris passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 in Paris Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Erickson was born on November 2, 1927 in Duncanville a daughter of Edward and Alvenia Burt Dewberry. She was a longtime employee of Campbell Soup Company and was a member of Lamar Ave. Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by: her first husband Ralph E. Flippen whom she married on Nov. 2, 1942 and she later married Samuel F. Erickson in 1986; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Earline Dewberry; sisters Lucille Erickson, Grace Travis, and Hazel Jackson.

Mrs. Erickson is survived by her daughters Judy Issette, Kathy Marshall, Cindy Adolf, and Susan Terranova; 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; brothers Edward Dewberry and wife Yvonne and Charles Dewberry and wife Nina.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 6, 2014 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Patrick Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Mary Jane Vanderburg Medlen Ribble, 92, died Sunday Feb. 2, 2014 in Paris at the Paris Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Chicota Presbyterian Church with Rev. Mark Hutchison officiating. The family will receive friends at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home Wednesday from 6 until 7 PM.

A long-time resident of Chicota, Texas, she was born Feb. 14, 1921 to Sallie Vance Marshall and John Wesley Vanderburg. She married Malcolm M. Medlen, (USAAF) (KIA). He was killed in action during World War II. She is survived by one son from this marriage, Michael David (Medlen) Ribble. She then married Lloyd Ribble who died Sept. 7, 1992.

Preceeding her in death besides her parents were two brothers, Marshall and Ray Vanderburg.

Also surviving is a brother Vance Vanderburg and his wife Nancy and ten nieces and nephews. Mary Jane was a graduate of the Paris Training School for Nurses and spent 40 years as a registered nurse at the Sanitarium of Paris and McCuistion Hospital

Mary Jane was born in the old Marshall homestead in Chicota. Her grandfather, Robert Marshall served in the Civil War, after which he and his wife Jennie Vance Davidson left Bedford County, Tennessee and relocated to Chicota. Mary Jane was a life-long Presbyterian and a member and supporter of the Chicota Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made in memory of Mary Jane Ribble to the Chicota Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 7, Chicota, TX 75425.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Fred Edwin “Bubba” Morphew, Jr., 87, of Paris, died at 7:21 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Medical Center of Plano.  Funeral services are set for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 5, 2014 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday beginning at 1:00 PM.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Fred was born September 13, 1926 in Clarksville, Texas the son of Fred E. and Theresa Maynard Morphew.  He graduated from Paris High School and Paris Junior College.  He married Majorie Nell Locke on May 23, 1948 at the First United Methodist Church of Paris.

Mr. Morphew is survived by his wife, Majorie Morphew; two daughters, Janet Morphew and fiancé, Bill Shaw of Corinth, Texas and Marilyn Mattei and husband, Earl “Buddy” Mattei of McKinney, Texas; one grandson, Evan Armand Mattei and wife, Erin Scott Mattei of McKinney; a great-granddaughter, Emily Sarah-Rose Mattei; two nephews, Fred Marshall Smith of Austin and Daniel Edwin Smith of Arlington, Texas; and a brother-in-law, Rev. Holland Smith of Round Rock, Texas.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Morphew Smith; an infant granddaughter, Sarah Mattei; two special nephews, Stephen Holland Smith and Joseph Dee Hopkins; and one niece, Patsy Hugghins.

Mr. Morphew was a member of First Baptist Church of Paris.  He was a partner and owner of Morphew Buick-GMC Company for 34 years, retiring in 1980.  He served a term as President of the Paris New Car Dealer Association and served as a member of the General Motors Dealers Association.  He was a member of Odd Fellows Lodge of Paris for 45 years serving as Noble Grand in 1958 and was Past District Deputy Grand Master of the State of Texas.  In 1964, he was named Odd Fellow of the Year by the Wildey Lodge of Paris.  He was a former member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Paris Jaycees.

He was a charter member of the original Paris Police Reserve for 17 years obtaining the rank of Lieutenant.  He was a member of the National Skeet Shooters Association and won gold and silver medals at the World Championships in 1987.  Shooting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he won the State Championship as High Over-All Champion.  He served as a Director of the Texas Skeet Shooters Association on two occasions and was Past President of the Paris Skeet Club and a member for 45 years.

Mr. Morphew proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II overseas in the Pacific Theater at the Marianas Islands of Guam and Saipan and earned the rank of Mailman 3^rd Class.  He was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, The American Defense Medal, Victory Medal and The American Campaign Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1946.  His name was placed on the Wall of Honor at Paris Junior College as a Veteran of World War II and the Greatest Generation.

Asked to serve as pallbearers are James Allcorn, Johnny Williams, Elbert Winn, Stacy McNeal, Seth McNeal, Bill Scudder, Webb Biard, and Michael Bankston.  Mr. Morphew’s grandson, Evan Mattei will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Online condolences may be made to the Morphew family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Claude Lawrence Lollar, Jr., 87, of Paris passed away Monday Feb. 3, 2014 at Brentwood Terrace. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 with Jim Sustaire and Dennis Lollar officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 30 minutes before service at 3:30 p.m.

Claude Lawrence Lollar, Jr. was born on May 12, 1926 in Columbus, Mississippi where he spent his childhood. He was the child of Claude Lollar, Sr. and Eva Edwards Lollar.

On July 15, 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served in Oceanside and San Diego, California as a Pharmacist Mate 2^nd Class. He returned home to Columbus after the war and married his high school sweetheart, Dardanell (Nell) Franks. Together they raised 3 children.

Claude received a commission in the Mississippi National Guard as a 2^nd Lt. Medical Service Corps in 1949. In Dec. of 1950 he was called into active duty and sent to Korea where he served six months as a clearing platoon leader with the 2^nd Infantry Division and six months at the 8055 Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) whose commanding officer later wrote a book “MASH” that became a movie and then a TV series.

Following discharge in Oct. 1953, he returned to Columbus and worked as a lab and x-ray tech. while also attending Mississippi State University where he earned a B.S. Degree. He became hospital administrator of Field Hospital in Centerville, Miss. for several years. While there he took a leave of absence and obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago. He served as CEO of hospitals in Tennessee, Florida and Natchez, Mississippi. He became CEO of Red River County Hospital in Clarksville, Texas Feb. of 1974.

In 1976 he joined the Joint Commission on accreditation of hospitals as an administrator surveyor. He and his wife traveled all over the United States for the next 19 years, visiting every state, also many military hospitals in Europe including Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy and England.

They returned to Paris when he retired in 1995. Even then he volunteered at the local hospitals. He has been a 32^nd Degree Mason, Shriner Past President of 2 Kiwanis Clubs.

He was ordained as a Baptist Deacon in Meridian, Miss. In 1968.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Glenn and Dempsey Lollar; sister Francis Byers.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, son, Lawrence Calvert Lollar and his wife Janet of Sevierville, TN; daughter Candice Scott of Orange Beach, Alabama, Michele Cardneaux of Paris, TX. He also has 2 grandchildren Graham Scott of Fayetteville, Ark and Catherine Cardneaux of Dallas.

Mr. Lollar was a quiet, polite and accepting person, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports and most of all camping with his beloved grandchildren on trips to Branson, MO.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Robert Odell Scruggs, 98, of Ft. Worth, formerly of Powderly, passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at HEB Hospital in Bedford.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6^th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home  with Rev. Chris Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in Bogata Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Scruggs, the son of Arthur Logan & Lona Woods Scruggs, was born Aug. 29, 1915, in Allen County, Kentucky.

He married Dorothy Faye Smith on Oct. 2, 1940, building sixty-nine years of family and memories before her death on Jan. 25, 2010.

He worked in the aircraft industry in Ft. Worth for many years. Following retirement in 1982, he & Mrs. Scruggs moved to Powderly.

He was a member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Powderly.

Mr. Scruggs was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Scruggs, a granddaughter, Jamie Renee Scruggs and a great granddaughter, Shannon Faye Scruggs.

Survivors include four sons, Carroll Scruggs of Ft. Worth, Zearl Scruggs of Ft. Worth, Robert  Scruggs & wife Susan of Waxahachie and Jackie Scruggs of Ft. Worth, 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Barbara J. Terry, 66, of Arthur City, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014, at Paris Regional Medical Center.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 7^th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Floyd Woodard officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Terry, the daughter of Homer Lee & Gladys Ruth Johns Ross, was born May 1, 1947, in Houston.

Survivors include her children, Linda Willeford of Arthur City and David Lewis Deshayes, Jr.  of Houston, siblings, Vivian Ross Wise & husband Dean of Porter, Homer Lee Ross, Jr. of Houston and John Allen Ross & wife Judy of DeKalb along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Stanley E. Polk, 97, of Vasco, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2014.  Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 2:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7^th, at East Delta Baptist Church with Rev. Eugene Adams officiating. Burial will follow in East Delta Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Polk, the son of Emmett & Nancy Johnson Polk, was born Feb. 7, 1916, in Delta County.  In his younger years he worked at Vasco School and Kensing School cutting wood and keeping the fires going. He had been a bookkeeper at the Vasco Gin. Stanley enjoyed cotton farming and ranching.  On June 13, 1936, he married Imogene Pickering, building sixty-five years of memories before her death on Dec. 14, 2001.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Jane Holland Polk of Paris, nieces, Brenda Polk Watson of Paris, Johnie Oliver of Ft. Worth, Patsy Porter & husband Billy of Paris, and Jean Goforth & husband Larry of Powderly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, a brother, J D Polk, and three sisters, Delilah South, Dovie Deweese and Adra McLarty.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.

Claude Lawrence Lollar, Jr., 87, of Paris passed away Monday Feb. 3, 2014 at Brentwood Terrace. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 with Jim Sustaire and Dennis Lollar officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 30 minutes before service at 3:30 p.m.

Claude Lawrence Lollar, Jr. was born on May 12, 1926 in Columbus, Mississippi where he spent his childhood. He was the child of Claude Lollar, Sr. and Eva Edwards Lollar.

On July 15, 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served in Oceanside and San Diego, California as a Pharmacist Mate 2^nd Class. He returned home to Columbus after the war and married his high school sweetheart, Dardanell (Nell) Franks. Together they raised 3 children.

 Claude received a commission in the Mississippi National Guard as a 2^nd Lt. Medical Service Corps in 1949. In Dec. of 1950 he was called into active duty and sent to Korea where he served six months as a clearing platoon leader with the 2^nd Infantry Division and six months at the 8055 Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) whose commanding officer later wrote a book “MASH” that became a movie and then a TV series.

Following discharge in Oct. 1953, he returned to Columbus and worked as a lab and x-ray tech. while also attending Mississippi State University where he earned a B.S. Degree. He became hospital administrator of Field Hospital in Centerville, Miss. for several years. While there he took a leave of absence and obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago. He served as CEO of hospitals in Tennessee, Florida and Natchez, Mississippi. He became CEO of Red River County Hospital in Clarksville, Texas Feb. of 1974.

In 1976 he joined the Joint Commission on accreditation of hospitals as an administrator surveyor. He and his wife traveled all over the United States for the next 19 years, visiting every state, also many military hospitals in Europe including Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy and England.

They returned to Paris when he retired in 1995. Even then he volunteered at the local hospitals. He has been a 32^nd Degree Mason, Shriner Past President of 2 Kiwanis Clubs.

He was ordained as a Baptist Deacon in Meridian, Miss. In 1968.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Glenn and Dempsey Lollar; sister Francis Byers.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, son, Lawrence Calvert Lollar and his wife Janet of Sevierville, TN; daughter Candice Scott of Orange Beach, Alabama, Michele Cardneaux of Paris, TX. He also has 2 grandchildren Graham Scott of Fayetteville, Ark and Catherine Cardneaux of Dallas.

Mr. Lollar was a quiet, polite and accepting person, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports and most of all camping with his beloved grandchildren on trips to Branson, MO.  Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

FRED EDWIN “Bubba” MORPHEW JR. 87, of Paris, died at 7:21 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Medical Center of Plano.  Funeral services are set for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 5, 2014 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday beginning at 1:00 PM.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Fred was born September 13, 1926 in Clarksville, Texas the son of Fred E. and Theresa Maynard Morphew.  He graduated from Paris High School and Paris Junior College.  He married Majorie Nell Locke on May 23, 1948 at the First United Methodist Church of Paris.

Mr. Morphew is survived by his wife, Majorie Morphew; two daughters, Janet Morphew and fiancé, Bill Shaw of Corinth, Texas and Marilyn Mattei and husband, Earl “Buddy” Mattei of McKinney, Texas; one grandson, Evan Armand Mattei and wife, Erin Scott Mattei of McKinney; a great-granddaughter, Emily Sarah-Rose Mattei; two nephews, Fred Marshall Smith of Austin and Daniel Edwin Smith of Arlington, Texas; and a brother-in-law, Rev. Holland Smith of Round Rock, Texas.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Morphew Smith; an infant granddaughter, Sarah Mattei; two special nephews, Stephen Holland Smith and Joseph Dee Hopkins; and one niece, Patsy Hugghins.

Mr. Morphew was a member of First Baptist Church of Paris.  He was a partner and owner of Morphew Buick-GMC Company for 34 years, retiring in 1980.  He served a term as President of the Paris New Car Dealer Association and served as a member of the General Motors Dealers Association.  He was a member of Odd Fellows Lodge of Paris for 45 years serving as Noble Grand in 1958 and was Past District Deputy Grand Master of the State of Texas.  In 1964, he was named Odd Fellow of the Year by the Wildey Lodge of Paris.  He was a former member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Paris Jaycees.

He was a charter member of the original Paris Police Reserve for 17 years obtaining the rank of Lieutenant.  He was a member of the National Skeet Shooters Association and won gold and silver medals at the World Championships in 1987.  Shooting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he won the State Championship as High Over-All Champion.  He served as a Director of the Texas Skeet Shooters Association on two occasions and was Past President of the Paris Skeet Club and a member for 45 years.

Mr. Morphew proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II overseas in the Pacific Theater at the Marianas Islands of Guam and Saipan and earned the rank of Mailman 3^rd Class.  He was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, The American Defense Medal, Victory Medal and The American Campaign Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1946.  His name was placed on the Wall of Honor at Paris Junior College as a Veteran of World War II and the Greatest Generation.

Asked to serve as pallbearers are James Allcorn, Johnny Williams, Elbert Winn, Stacy McNeal, Seth McNeal, Bill Scudder, Webb Biard, and Michael Bankston.  Mr. Morphew’s grandson, Evan Mattei will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Online condolences may be made to the Morphew family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

LUCKY M. TOLLIVER, 57, of Sun Valley, died at his residence Tuesday February 4, 2014. Starrett Funeral Home was in charge of cremation arrangements.

Lucky was born September 1, 1956 in Tulsa, a son of Paul and Georgia Owens Tolliver. He was a lifelong automobile salesman.  Local survivors include his father, Paul Tolliver, of Honey Grove.

Friends may register in Lucky’s Book of Memories at www.starrettfunerals.com .

Willie Eugene Crews, 48, of Paris went to be with his Savior on Friday, February 7, 2014 in Paris Regional Medical Center.

Willie was born on October 19, 1965 in Paris a son of Willie Dee and Nina Mae Posey Crews. He graduated from Paris High School and attended First Baptist Church.

Willie loved camping, bluegrass music and was an avid football fan always cheering for the  Dallas Cowboys. He was asked if he watched the super bowl this year.  His answer was no the Cowboys were not playing in the bowl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and five sisters.  Willie is survived by a sister Pat Thompson and husband Jerry of Paris; brothers Mike Crews and wife Patty of Maxey, J.D. Crews and wife Shirley of Paris, and Ralph Crews and wife Julie of Powderly; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 10, 2014 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Ralph Crews and Bryan Mackey officiating. Burial will follow in the Springhill Cemetery with Blake Crews, Ashlee Baugh, Terry Thompson, Doug Thompson, Caleb Dunagan, James Ralph Crews, and Travis Thompson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Crews Jr., Charles W. Crews, Patti Dunagan, William Crews, David Green, Johnny Nichols, and Randy Nichols. Family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. till 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Josef Preston Pivonka, 45, of Layton, Utah, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014, at University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10^th at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Wade White officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Josef, the son of Albert Josef & Nancy White Pivonka, was born November 26, 1968, in Paris. He graduated from Paris High School and attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. He then joined the U. S. Air Force where his career as a weapons wing manager spanned twenty years before his retirement. Assignments included Luke AFB, AZ; Osan AB, Republic of Korea (two tours); Lakenheath RAF, England; Cannon AFB, NM; Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Hill AFB, UT. Deployments included Turkey, U.A.E., Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan. Operations supported included Allied Force, Northern Watch, Nobel Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism. Medals/Decorations included Air Force Commendation Medal (with clusters), Air Force Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

His father preceded him in death.  Survivors include his wife, Sandra Speir Pivonka, whom he married on July 12, 2013, his mother & step-father, Nancy White Karriker & husband Kermit of Lake Charles, LA, a daughter, Anna Elizabeth Pivonka, three step-sons, Casey, Todd & Britt Fendley, a brother, James K. Kilgore, Jr. of Manchester, PA, an uncle, Mike White of Paris, many cousins including  Wade White & wife Beverly, Melanie White, and J. P. White along with a plethora of friends.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.