Bobby Grayson Hervey, age 76 of Lindale and formerly of Bogata, died on July 3, 2018, at his home. Services have been scheduled for Thursday, July 5, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. under the Pavilion of Cuthand Cemetery.

With nephews serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10 – 10:30 a.m.,  at the Cemetery.

He was born on July 2, 1942 in Johntown, the son of Sam and Arietta Patton Hervey. He was a carpenter. His parents preceded him in death as did his brother, Samuel Hervey and a step-son, Mark. He was a member of the Rosalie Lodge #521 AF and AM. He graduated Talco High School in 1960.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Hervey of Lindale; 3 sons: Neil Hervey and wife, Judy of Springfield, Illinois; Larry Hervey of Dallas, and Darren Hervey of Quitman; step-son, William Ray Craven; two step-daughters, Shawna Craven and Terry Hohne; two sisters, Imogene Lewis of Talco and Betty Blackburn of Johntown; sister-in-law, Shirley Pryor of Bogata; 2 special friends Tony and Pam Hinson; 10 great-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Shirley Yates, 67 formerly of Detroit, passed away July 2 in Leesburg, Florida.

Funeral services have been set for Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Red River Valley Mennonite Church with Minister Ed Yost officiating. Interment will follow at Red River Valley Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening at the church from 7 to 8 p.m.

She was born on Feb. 12, 1951, in Paris, Texas to Charles Ray and Nellie Maynard Sudduth. She married Paul “Butch” Yates on April 4, 1969.

She is survived by her children; David Wayne Yates and wife Charlene, John Paul Yates and wife Shawna; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Stokes and husband Justin, Kolton Yates, Sarah Yates, Eamon Yates; sister, Stella Robinson; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Yates; parents, Charles Ray and Nellie Sudduth; sister, Becky Sandifer and a brother Carl Sudduth.

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

Ivan Lee Ebbs, 35, passed peacefully into eternal rest on July 3 after a 7 year battle with cancer. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7 in the Georgia Cemetery with Rev. Sam Evers officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeremiaha Moody, R.J. Tucker, Joe Dunn, Ricky Ashford, Billy Ray Williams and Billy Neely. Honorary pallbearer will be Jamie Daniels. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, at the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

He was born July 10. 1982, in Paris, Tx., to Patricia Diane Daniels and Wilbert Lee Ebbs.

He leaves behind a son, Nathanial Lee Ebbs of Roxton, TX, mother, Patricia Johnston of Paris, Tx., father and step-mother Lee and Uschi Ebbs of Greenwood, Ark., brothers, Jeffrey Johnston of Blossom, TX. and David and Micheal Ebbs of Greenwood, Ark. He also leaves a grandmother, Betty Mock of Amarillo, TX. and grandparents, Eva and Sam Magnuson of Sumner, TX., along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ivan’s greatest joy was his son, Nathanial. He was so proud of every accomplishment Nathanial had, which was quite a few. He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Armond Ebbs of Blossom, TX. and great-grandparents, James and Claudia Dunn of Paris, Texas.

June Marie Smith, 84, of Paris, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 5, at Brentwood Terrace.

Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, July 8, at 3 p.m., at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at 2 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home where the Rev. Ken Cannon will officiate. Burial will follow at Allen’s Point Cemetery in Honey Grove.

Ms. Smith was born July 10, 1933, to Charles F. and Lydia Elizabeth Tice Grable in Combs Community near Harlingen, TX. She was a talented seamstress who took pride in making garments and special occasion dresses for her girls and grandchildren. She was employed by Nahas of Texas until closing due to a fire. She would tell you it was her all-time favorite place of employment. She was also a nursery worker at Springlake Baptist Church where she was a church member until her death.

June married Andrew Paul Smith on December 31, 1949. He preceded her in death August 18, 2011. She was also preceded in death by their daughter, Elizabeth Sue Smith, her parents, and a sister, Jeanne Patterson.

She is survived by daughters, Cathy Boehler and husband William, Debbie Boswell and husband Mike, all of Paris; grandchildren, Cody Boehler and wife Angie, Nicole Boehler, of Paris, Shane Boswell and wife Annie, of Rockwall, TX, Shanda Proctor and husband Jason of Tyler, TX; and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Charles Grable, of Roswell, New Mexico.

We would like to thank the special nurses and aides that gave our Mom and Granny special attention and love.

We celebrate knowing she has a new body today! 2 Timothy 4:7-: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

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

Harold Wayne Scott, 87, of Paris, passed away Wednesday, July 4 at his home while surrounded by his family.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Holt, Dr. Donnie Edwards and Rev. D. J. Harris officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Mr. Scott, the son of J. D. and Adell Smith Scott, was born April 5, 1931, in the Shady Grove Community.

He attended Lamar County schools and at a young age joined the United States Army. Harold served his first tour of duty starting in 1951, during the Korean Conflict, and it was while in Korea that he received his G.E.D. He served his second tour of duty starting in 1961, as an M.P. in Germany. While in the military he graduated, with honors, from M.P. school.

Upon returning home he worked as a Production Supervisor at the Campbell Soup Company until 1975. He later founded Scott’s Janitorial Service where he worked until his retirement.

Harold was a founding member of Evangel Church of God and was currently a member of the Paris Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Carey Scott, and a sister, Juanita Adams.

Survivors include his wife, Lena Donham Scott, whom he married on Oct. 17, 1963, building fifty-four years of family and memories, two sons, Michael Scott & wife Marlo of Rowlett and Marty Scott & wife Holly of Paris; grandchildren, Mallory Scott, Kimberlyn Scott, Kameron Scott whom Harold always called his Buddy, and Christopher Scott; a sister, Dorothy White of Paris; a brother-in-law, Troy Donham of Paris; a sister-in-law, Louise Stotts of Roxton along with several nieces & nephews and  a host of friends.

Casket bearers will be David Thielman, Dave Rohlfs, Norman Brockway, W. H. Brumley, Ron Pirtle and Randy Mahon. Honorary bearers will be Ray Spencer and Lowell Sloas.

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

Bobbie Johnson Ervin, 86, of Paris, entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 4 in Paris Regional Medical Center.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., today, July 6, in Maxey Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services are set for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, July 7 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with the Rev. J.W.T. Spies serving as Eulogist. Interment will follow to Restlawn Garden Cemetery under the direction of Maxey Funeral Home.

Floyd H. McCoin, departed this life Thursday, July 5, 2018, at Stillhouse Rehabilitation in Paris, Texas at the age of 92 with family and friends at his side.

Floyd Harvey McCoin was born March 27, 1926, to Floyd Bluford and Llewelyn Roberts McCoin on the Morgan farm in the Howland community. He married Bessie Kathryn Mathis in Dallas, Texas on Feb. 14, 1959, and she passed away Jan. 19, 2004.

He graduated from Roxton High School and proudly served in the United States Army in World War II from June 22, 1944, and was honorably discharged April 17, 1946. He was a member of the Roxton Masonic Lodge and was a 32^nd Degree Mason and received The Golden Trowel and a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Paris and the Grace Sunday School Class.

After returning from the Army, Floyd worked with his father running a dairy and later was employed by Superior Switchboard, Paris Milling and retired from Campbell Soup after 20 years of service.

Since his retirement over 30 years ago, he has been active with his son’s farming operation until his health and eyesight began to fail him. Floyd has been right there any time to help Harvey with anything he needed, from bailing hay, harvesting pecans, working cattle, plowing and harvesting crops. He had a true love for the farm, land and cattle. Floyd was the happiest when he was with his son and grandson helping them with their farming and cattle operation. He enjoyed going to livestock sales, checking the cattle and McDonald’s to drink coffee. He was a loving father and grandfather and good friend to all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and wife of 44 years, Bessie McCoin.

He will be fondly remembered by son, Harvey McCoin and wife Nancy McCoin, grandson, Ryan McCoin and fiancée Baleigh Whitlock, a longtime friend and companion Nancy Cannada and caregivers Patricia Countryman, Geraldine Barnett and Darlene Hancock.

A celebration of Floyd’s life will be held Monday, July 9, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Bright-Holland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rob Spencer officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with Masonic rites. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Casket bearers will be: Adam Smoot, Allen Hughes, Craig Keenum, Monty Cannada, Brian Hatanville and William Justiss.

A special thanks to Platinum Home Health and Hospice and nurses, Tiffany Wilkerson and Rachel Wood for their loving support.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church in Paris or the charity of your choice.

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

Fred Bruce Jones, Sr., 61, of Paris, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

Cremation is under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home. The family will schedule a memorial gathering at a later date.

Fred, the son of Fred Bruce & Bobbie Jones, was born Aug. 23, 1956, in Oklahoma.

He was a heavy equipment operator and worked a number of years at a rock crushing plant.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Sue Jones, his father, Fred Bruce Jones and a daughter, Hollie Marie Jones.

Survivors include his mother, Bobbie Jones, children; Theresa Michelle Davidson, Jennifer DeAnn Davidson and Fred Bruce Jones, Jr., step-children; Johnny Glenn Smith, Jr., Mysti Joyce Smith and Joshua Eugene Smith, grandchildren, Matthew Lynn Gilbert, Ericka Lynn Gilbert, Tony Edward Flatt, Jr. and Dude Wayne Perry, siblings; Jeff Jones, Patrick Jones, and Teresa Jones, along with several nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

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

Bobby Dale Moree, 75, of Paris, passed away Saturday, July 07 at his home.

Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Moree, the son of James Morgan Moree & Bertha Mae Trim Moree, was born July 20, 1942, in Paris.

He attended schools in Powderly and Fort Worth. Bobby’s career with Safeway spanned twenty-nine years before his retirement as a Produce Manager.

His hobbies included a love of gardening and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; Billy Ray Moree, Donald Moree, Robert Moree and Larry Moree.

Survivors include two children; Cindy Morgan & husband Ken of Ashdown, AR and Audey Moree & wife Katrin of Farmville, VA, grandchildren; Ricky Gaas, Colby Gaas, Katelyn Moree and Tyler Moree, great-grandchildren; Eden Gaas and Noah Gaas, his twin sister, Barbara Kenney of Paris along with numerous nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

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

Lillian Wright Welch 92, of Paris, died at 1:42 a.m., Monday, July 9 at her home. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 10 in the open air chapel at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating.  Family and friends will gather beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service at the cemetery.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Lillian was born Aug. 5, 1925, in the Caviness Community of Lamar County to Charles Ernest and Minnie Holding Wright.  She graduated from Paris High School in 1942 and married Roy Moody Welch on Feb. 25, 1945, in Lancaster, Texas at the home of Dr. W.M. Wright, former pastor of First Baptist Church.  Mr. Welch died February 10, 2011.  She and Mr. Welch built the family business, Welch Art Company, from its beginning in 1964.  Her most important role in life was that of homemaker for her husband and three children.  She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her three children, Diane Welch McFadden of Paris, Roy Thomas “Tommy” Welch of Dallas, and Mark Edward Welch and wife, Dianna of Paris; four grandchildren, Terry Lynn McFadden, Jon Patrick McFadden and wife, DeLana, Lindsay Diane McCarter and husband, Michael, all of Paris, and Mark Ryan Welch and wife, Lacey of Keller, Texas; and six great-grandchildren, Kira Jonae McFadden, Julia Del McFadden, Kaitlyn Duree McCarter, Aubrie Grace McCarter, Emma Ryan McCarter, all of Paris, and Ridley Hankins Welch of Keller.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Moody Welch; her parents, Ernest & Minnie Wright; her brother, Charles Thomas Wright; a baby sister, Bettie Ruth Wright; and her son-in-law, Jerry Wayne McFadden.

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

Harley Staley 87 passed away on July 9 at his home with his family beside him.  He was born on Dec. 11, 1930, to Rom and Ruby Staley in Roxton, Texas.  He attended Roxton School and later attended Lamar Business College.  In 1951, he joined the US Navy and served until 1955 and was honorably discharged.  He served during the Korean War.

After returning home, he married Lucy Williams of Pattonville, Texas.  Living many years in Pattonville and attending the Church of Christ where he served as Deacon for many years.  Later moving to Paris, they became members of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ.  His time was always enjoyed by all his friends and family.

Harley owned and operated Staley Tile and Marble Company for 39 years before retiring.

Surviving is his wife of 61 years, having many happy years together. Daughter, Kathy Grigsby, she brought many happy moments to him during his sickness; always a blessing. Granddaughter Shonda and Gerald Stephens. Shonda always showed love and kindness and brought him pleasure. Great-granddaughters: Alaka and Marley Walters. They would always bring a great smile when they entered his room. Grandsons, John and James Grigsby. One great-great-grandson, Deon Gray; three sisters Joy and Bobby Whitaker, Joy who was very dear to him. Claudine and John Wood. and Frances Wilson. One brother, Bobby and Lois Staley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene, Jimmy, Billy Eb and Lealon Staley; one sister, Neva Nell Armstrong.

Wood Funeral Homes of Deport have charge of the arrangements.  Visitation will be from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Graveside Services will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at Highland Cemetery.

Special Thanks to Dr. Sid White for all his years of love and caring. Platinum Home Health and Hospice for all the wonderful nurses. Special thanks to Rachel and Aaron.

Bonita Joy Mularkey, 64, of Bagwell, passed away Monday, July 09, 2018, at her home while surrounded by her husband & children.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Norris officiating. Private burial will be made in Detroit Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Mularkey, the daughter of Arthur & Dora Warren Lentz, was born Dec. 22, 1953, in Wisconsin.

She was an artist and specialized in stained glass crosses. Bonita was a member of Southside Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Carl Lentz and Raymond Lentz and a granddaughter, Abby.

Survivors include her husband, Mike Mularkey, two sons; Joshua Mularkey & wife Rebecca of Wisconsin and Josiah Mularkey & wife Brittany of Blossom, one daughter, Tabitha Isbel & husband David of Blossom, grandchildren; Brianna, Alden, Caleb, Aaron, Caris, Creed, Libby, Joah, and Kaleb, a brother, Russell Lentz & wife Trish of Wisconsin and a sister, Barbara Miller of Wisconsin along with several nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

Anyone that knew mom knew that she looked on every day that the Lord gave her as an opportunity to love those around her and an opportunity to lead as many souls to Christ as the Lord saw fit to cross her path. Mom led her ministry in all aspects of her life, anywhere from behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler, to prison visitation across the country, to use her skills as an artist and writer to spread the gospel to all who would receive.

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

Bural Dean Watson, 77, of Cunningham, passed away Sunday, July 8 at Paris Regional Medical Center.

Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 2 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at the Life Tabernacle Church in Cunningham with Bro. Richard Tatum and Frankie Norwood officiating. Burial will follow in Restland Cemetery at Cunningham. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Bural Dean, the son of Robert Lewis Watson & Audie Maybell Hughes Watson, was born March 10, 1941, in Halesboro, Texas.

He attended school at Hale Center & Deport and graduated from Plainview High School. He received a business degree from Lippert’s Business School in Plainview where he graduated with straight A’s. He owned & operated Dean Watson Painting & Drywall and Dean Watson Construction in Houston for twenty-three years. In 1983, he & Glenda moved to Cunningham where he established Dean Watson Trucking, and he was still operating his trucking business at the time of his passing.

Bural Dean joined the Elks Lodge in Plainview, Texas in 1961 and was a member of the Elks Lodge while living in Houston and a member of the Paris Elks Lodge since moving to Lamar County in 1983.

He was a faithful member of the Cunningham Baptist Church.

He had a love of gardening and enjoyed sharing the bounty of his garden with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed helping other people. He’d mow lawns, pick up & shell pecans and can vegetables for friends and family. Hunting & fishing were two things he enjoyed very much.

Bural Dean was the GREATEST husband, daddy, and pop and will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, LaDell Watson and a sister, Nita Watson Brillon.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Mitchell Watson, whom he married on Sept. 26, 1958, building almost sixty years of family and memories, three daughters; Susie Watson Hicks & Willie Caldwell, Deborah Watson Cole and Deidra Watson all of Cunningham, grandchildren; Kendra Yaross & husband Mike of Fulbright, Amy Hicks Robinson & Kyle of Midland, Makynzi Watson of Cunningham, Kaitlynd Compton & husband Cody of Sumner, Chelsey Cole of Paris, River Dean Cole & Baylee of Pattonville and Shanie Harte Cole & Tyler of Cooper, great-grandchildren; Gyven Robinson of Midland, Kyndal Yaross of Fulbright, Madox Yaross of Fulbright, Cason Compton of Sumner and Oliver Dean Watson of Cunningham, two brothers; James Watson & wife JoAnn of Granbury and Dewey Watson & wife Peggy of Pflugerville along with numerous nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

Casket bearers will be Harold Dean Watson, Jarvis Watson, Bruce Watson, Brad Watson, Johnny Greer, Kenneth Mitchell, David Mitchell, Mark Mitchell, Jeff Mitchell, Jerrod Bankhead, Chance Bankhead, Mike Yaross, Ronald Hicks, Willie Caldwell and Heath Sessums.

Honorary bearers will be Gyven Robinson, Madox Yaross, River Dean Cole, Donnie Watson, Michael Watson and Tony Brillon.

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

Johnny Jay Lacy, 51, of Whitehouse, passed away Friday, July 6 at The Hospice of East Texas.

Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Tiny Freelen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Johnny, the son of John & Jackie Reese Lacy, was born Aug. 8, 1966, in California.

He attended Paris Schools and worked in construction insulation.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Lacy, a daughter, Jacklyn Lacy, and a sister, Michelle Ellison.

Survivors include his mother, Jackie Lacy, four children, Rachel Perry, Katy Lacy, Johnny Lacy, Jr. and Andrea Westerman, two brothers, David Ellison and Mike Lacy, two grandchildren, Jett Perry and August Rowe Lacy along with several nieces & nephews.

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

Alby Gail Clarke entered Heaven’s portals on July 9 at Medical City Hospital, Dallas, Texas, following a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Prairie Ridge Cemetery, with Cleve Fendley officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Gail was the only child of Harry Glenn Clarke and Althalee Gambill Clarke.  She was born in Oklahoma City, Ok, on April 25, 1943.  Her parents preceded her in death, along with her special uncle, Garner Gambill, and grandparents, Walter and Alby Gambill

Gail graduated from Paris High School.   She attended Paris Junior College and received her BS in Education from East Texas State Teachers College.  Her early teaching career took her to the Fresno, California, area where she taught the children of migrant workers.  She later taught in Aransas Pass, Texas, before moving back to Paris to teach at North Lamar Schools.  She taught every grade from kindergarten through eighth grade both at the North Lamar campus as well as at Parker Elementary in Powderly. She was a member of R.S.V.P., the B.P. & W., the Paris Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, and the Texas State Retired Teachers Association. Gail had been a member of Theta Phi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, and A.T.P.E.

Gail loved her Lord and was a faithful member of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ.  She loved to travel and go out to eat. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and she never met a stranger.   She also loved her eight cats who were her “children”.

Left to cherish her memory are her special friends, Laura Carrington, Mary Jackson, Judy Nutt, Shirley Brigham, Carolyn Hiner, Caron Hundley, Kay Kennedy,  and Carolyn Watson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lamar County Humane Association, 300 Clement Road, Paris, TX 75460.

Friends may leave condolences at www.fry-gibbs.com .

Staci Lynne Castillo, age 44 of Lantana, Texas and formerly of Bogata, died on Sunday, July 8, 2018. Funeral Services have been scheduled for 10:00 am on Friday, July 13 in the Johntown Missionary Baptist Church   Burial will follow in Bogata Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-7pm.  Wood Funeral Homes, Bogata have charge of the arrangements.

She was born on December 26, 1973, the daughter of Ronnie Alford and Kathy Kerley Alford.  She worked DUO Security as an analyst.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Castillo; her parents, Kathy Alford of Paris, Ronnie Alford of Clarksville; her sister, Amanda Miller of Mt Vernon dogs, Max and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Kristina Alford on April 22, 2005.

Wendell Willis Hamil 64, of Paris, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at his residence. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Manchester Cemetery with Bro. Duane Hamil officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Wendell was born October 7, 1953, to Willis Hill “Bud” Hamil and Daisy Nell Turk Hamil in Paris, but lived in the Manchester Community until the passing of his father, then he moved to Paris to live and be raised by an aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Leelon Hamil.

Wendell attended Crockett Junior High School and was a graduate of Paris High School in 1973 where he played football, basketball and ran track. He was a very good athlete. He was a member of the Bible Camp Cowboy Church, where his cousin, Duane Hamil, preached and baptized him.

Wendell began his career in high school as a Forklift Driver (High Stacker) at Campbell Soup and went on to use his expertise to become known as “Captain” while working at Kimberly-Clark in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He also worked at Estes Chemicals. His favorite job was being a real Cowboy, working on the ranch and riding his horse, Festus.

Survivors include his three sisters, Linda Strickland of Powderly, Judy Jamar of Paris and Lydia Caudle of Paris; two brothers, Durrell Hamil of Powderly and Bobby Hamil of Garland; one aunt, Dorothy Hamil of Manchester; nieces and nephews, Christa Brown, Dustin Strickland, Tony Webster, Shelby Jamar, Kelli Luna, Rusty Hamil, and Shannon Allen and several other nieces and nephews; a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Hill “Bud” Hamil and Daisy Turk Hamil, one sister, Margaret McEwin; two brothers, Robert Hamil and Welford Hamil; and his uncle, Leelon Hamil.

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

Rita Wadene Ward 86, of Paris, died at 4:55 a.m., Wednesday, July 11 at her home. Funeral services are set for 10 a.m., Saturday, July 14 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Samuel Evers officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. No formal visitation hour will be observed.

Wadene was born Jan. 28, 1932 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Wade and Esther Cox Cofer. She graduated from high school and received her BA degree in Bible and Missions from Southwestern Bible College. She married Louis William Ward on August 16, 1953 in Poteau. Mr. and Mrs. Ward were lay missionaries in Petersburg, Alaska where she was the Sunday school superintendent for several years. She was an active member of Pathway International Church of God where she taught the senior adult Sunday school class. The Wards had also attended the First Assembly of God and East Paris Baptist Church. She was a secretary, bookkeeper and most importantly, a caring mother, sister, and friend. She was a member of the PEO Chapter L of Loveland, Colorado and PEO Chapter FU in Paris.

Survivors include her husband, Louis W. Ward; two children, Christina Ward Shockley and husband, Keith and Randy Ward; two granddaughters, Anaka Shockley Smith and husband, Quinn and Liesl Shockley Grenier and husband, Eric; five great-grandchildren, Abram, Selah, and Simon Smith, and Camden and Caroline Grenier; two brothers, David Cofer and Ron Cofer and wife, Marsha; and two sisters, Anita Kerbow Barber and Shirley Slate and husband, Joe. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Pathway International Church of God or the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1^st Street, Miami, Florida 33131.

Joan Abels Pryse, the greatest mother on earth, passed away on July 12th at the age of 79 years old. Joan was born to JW Abels Jr. and Isabel Bridges Abels on Oct. 17th, 1938, in Paris, Texas.

Joan attended Paris High School graduating in 1956. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in Jan. 1961. Joan was a lifelong member of Zeta Tau Alpha where she served as Vice-President, Rush Chairman, and Correspondence Secretary.

While at OU she met Scott Pryse and their life together began. Joan was also very active in Junior Hospitality Club and the Village Jaycee Jaynes serving as President. Joan loved puppies and had many during her lifetime. She loved collecting owls and ducks and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her mother Isabel Bridges Abels, her father JW Abels Jr., her infant twin sister Jane Abels, and her infant daughter Jean Ann Pryse. She is survived by her loving husband, Scott Pryse, her children, JA Pryse and Julie Pryse Tomkins, and Shane Tompkins, and two beautiful grandchildren, John Pryse and Jack Tompkins.

Joan was also a champion, as many have attested, for those who cannot love themselves, those that had challenges, and those that could not find support from another human being. Joan held each and every soul as a precious gift and saw those ‘under dogs’ as more than enough. Many have stated their true gratitude for Joan to the family for her ability to love unconditionally, and deeply, often gifting strength to those who could not find their own, to believe in them and to succeed. We are all deeply grateful for this.

Graveside services are set for 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 17 in the open air chapel at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Bill Coleman officiating.  The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time prior to the service at the cemetery.  Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

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

Betty Shew Owens, 79, of Paris, passed away Friday, July 13, at Heritage House of Paris.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, July 16, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Don Morton & Rev. John Brown officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Betty, the daughter of Luther & Geneva Barham Shew, was born Sep. 19, 1938, in Lamar County.

She graduated from Paris High School and Paris Junior College. Betty received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from East Texas State University. Her career as an educator spanned many years with the majority of those years spent with the Paris Independent School District. She was very active in the Retired Teacher’s Association.

Betty was a faithful member of Ramseur Baptist Church where she’d served the church in many capacities over the years. She and Troy helped start a supper club over fifty years ago, and she was still active with those friends. She enjoyed flowers and gardening and was an active member of her garden club.

She married Troy L. Owens in 1960, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 2008.

Survivors include two sons; Steve Owens & wife Donna and Jeff Owens, grandchildren; Mallory, Hielly, Jake, Chase and Drew, a sister, Peggy Fonda along with a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Paris Public Library.

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