Marcus F. Walker, 80, of Paris, died at 5:25 PM, Saturday, May 25, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. Funeral services are set for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 29, 2013 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 PM Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.
Marcus was born July 17, 1932 in the Dial Community of Lamar County, Texas to Marcus W. and Janie May Sorrells Walker. He graduated from Honey Grove High School and began his career in the military serving in the US Army retiring as a Master Sergeant with the Army Reserves after nearly 40 years of service. He married Gwendolyn L. Craven on September 13, 1956 at the First Baptist Church in Honey Grove. Marcus was a member of First Baptist Church of Paris and served as a deacon for over 40 years. He had no special hobbies and always said his favorite hobby was being with his family.
Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn L. Walker of Paris; two children, Gwynnita K. Walker Ponder and husband, Michael of Rowlett and Marcus “Mark” C. Walker of Paris; one granddaughter, Meagan A. Ponder; and three nieces, Mrs. Janie Logan of Mt. Vernon, Mrs. Jackie Jones of Cooper, and Mrs. Jan Funderburgh of Tyler. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Michael Ponder; and his siblings, Jack W. Walker and Christine Ramsey.
Pallbearers will be Marion Parker, Milfred Townsdin, Robert “Bob” Skinner, Joe Iglehart, Derald Bulls, and Chris Johnson. Asked to serve as honorary pallbearers are James Archie Sparks and Billy Jack Hurley.
If desired, memorials may be made to the “I Love My Church” program at First Baptist Church, 207 South Church Street, Paris, Texas 75460.
Online condolences may be made to the Walker family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
Wilma Jane Malone, 83, of Paris, passed away Friday, May 24, 2013, at her home while surrounded by loving family members.
Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 28th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Duane Hamil & Ronnie Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery at Taylortown. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Malone, the daughter of Walter & Gladys Taylor McFadden, was born March 3, 1930, in Lamar County.
She married Charles E. “Shorty” Malone on July 11, 1947, and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2005. She was also preceded in death by a son, Rickey Malone and a granddaughter, Kristin Malone.
Her career at Hollywood Vasarette spanned ten years before beginning work at Earthgrains where she worked eighteen years before her retirement. Jane had a strong work ethic. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother who always took loving care of her family. She was a member of The Cowboy Church.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Brenda Malone of Paris and Linda Baker & husband Ronnie of Paris, a daughter-in-law, Anita Malone of Paris, grandchildren, Alisha Davenport of Paris, Michael Worden of Charleston, Shannon Baker of Corsicana, Rhett Malone of Houston and Kurt Malone of Paris, great grandchildren, Jordan Colvin & husband Corey, Morgan Bruce & husband Dillon, Dylan Worden, Hadley Worden, Wesley Malone and Creed Baker, great great grandchildren, Casey Colvin, Corbin Colvin and Presli Jane Bruce who is soon to arrive , one brother, Maxie McFadden & wife Betty of Wichita Falls, a niece Vickie McFadden of Wichita Falls along with many extended family members and a plethora of friends.
Casket bearers will be: Shannon Baker, Michael Worden, Rhett Malone, Kurt Malone, Dylan Worden, Hadley Worden, Wesley Malone and Creed Baker. Honorary bearers will be: Billy Ray Oats, William Cochran and Jeff Kennedy.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Corbin Colvin Fund, % Lamar National Bank, 200 S. Collegiate Dr., Paris, TX 75460, Corbin is the great great grandson of Mrs. Malone whom she cared very much for. He is dealing with cerebral palsy, thus making this a special cause for her and the family, or to United Cerebral Palsy, Inc., 1660 L. Street N.W., Suite 7OO, Washington, D.C. 20036, phone: 1-800-872-5827.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
