Earl “Robert” Johnson Jr., 73 passed away Aug. 29, 2014.
Funeral services will be held Sat. Sept. 6, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Ennis Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 800 E. Freeman St., in Ennis.
Viewing will be Fri. Sept. 5, 2014 at Eternal Rest Funeral Home Chapel, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Carol Crigger, 74, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2014 in Ennis, Texas.
Carol was born in McKinney, Texas on September 30, 1939 to Horace C. and Waldine (Huddleston) Blackwell. She grew up in Midland, Texas and graduated from Midland High School. She went on to graduate from North Texas State University with a Bachelor’s in Education. On September 3, 1960 she married Gordon Crigger and they made their home in Denton, Lubbock, Dallas and to Ennis in 1969.
Carol taught elementary education at Lubbock ISD and Dallas ISD for several years before starting Carol’s Printing, Inc. that she owned and operated for thirty-nine years. Carol was a member of the Episcopal Church of Ennis. She was the former President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce, former Board member of the Texas Super Collider, member of the Delta Phi Sorority, Former President of the Ennis Country Club and former member of the P.I.A. (Printing Industries of America).
She is survived by her husband of almost fifty-four years, Gordon Crigger; daughter, Toya Vavra; son, Gordon Allen Crigger, Jr.; five grandchildren: Catherine, Matthew, Jason and Taylor Vavra and Robin Crigger; two great-grandchildren: Caitlyn (Martinez) Vavra and Brynlee Vavra; brother, Richard Blackwell and sister, Linda (Blackwell)Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Waldine Blackwell.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rev. Jerry Hill officiating.
The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made the the Pancreatic Cancer Society in Carol’s name.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Lori Michele “Possum” Butler, 41, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Lori was born in Ennis, Texas on June 15, 1973 to Tony Max and Nancy Louise (Burgess) Butler. She grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1991. She went on to attend Navarro College majoring in Child Development. She is a lifetime resident of Ennis, Texas. She worked for Texas Neighborhood Services in Corsicana and had previously worked for Cedar Ridge Child Development of Ennis. She was a member of the New Beginnings Bible Church. She enjoyed singing, hunting fishing and all outdoor activities. Lori’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved them all to pieces. She also enjoyed being with her family that she loved so much. She is survived by sons: Dylan Ware and David “Trey” Lewis Smiley III; daughters: Kali Krueger and husband Brad and Janie ”Kenzie” Smiley; father, Tony Butler: mother, Nancy Trice and husband, Terry; three grandchildren: Abby, Zoe and Hunter; brother, Rod Butler; sisters: Tracy Goodwin and Melanie Smart and Lori’s boyfriend, Desi Filep. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of her life will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Pallbearers will be Blake Butler, Derek Doyle, Clay Curry, Zanic Butler, Rustin Burgess and Brian Butler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joshua Doyle and Aaron Goodwin. Interment will follow in the Bristol Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. www.jekeevermortuary.com
Cynthia Harris, 53 died Sept. 14, 2014. Funeral services are pending with Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Ennis, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, TX, 972-875-2393.
Glenn Gilbert, 67, died Sept. 15, 2014. Funeral services are pending with Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Ennis, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, TX, 972-875-2393.
Luther Clyde Gulledge, 74, of Cleveland passed away Monday, September 8, 2014. He was born December 23, 1939 in Alma, Texas to parents Oran Jarome Gulledge and Ovelia Juanita Willis Gulledge. Luther graduated from Ennis High School in 1958 and retired from the Texaco Chemical Company in 1994. Mr. Gulledge served on the Tarkington School Board for 20 years. He served as deacon of Oak Shade Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school and was an usher. He enjoyed farming, going to A&M games and his many grandchildren. Luther took great pride in his marriage of 53 years and loved spending time with his family.
Services for Mr. Gulledge were Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Oak Shade Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Shade Cemetery under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland.
Luther was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Ethel Mae Brock and William Joseph Gulledge, Mary Ellen Martin and William James Willis, and his half- brother, Aubrey Lee Merrell. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue Smith Gulledge; daughters, Tamara Blackmon, and Shanda Neelley and husband Dan; son, Shane Gulledge and wife Jennifer; sister, Cathy Davis and husband Edwin, brother, Oran Gulledge and wife Charlotte; grandchildren, Lane Gulledge, Presley Blackmon, Landry Gulledge, Jackson Neelley, Kaia Blackmon, Sydni Gulledge, Miles Neelley, Mason Neelley and Molly Neelley; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, Dalton Gregory, Sandra and Buddy Moore, Geanie & Harold Cross, Dorothy Smith Sherling, Jerry Paul and Josetta Smith, also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorials for Mr. Gulledge can be made to the Tarkington Student Foundation, 2770 FM163, Cleveland, TX 77327, Attn: Dennis Shew.
You may leave your thoughts and memories for the family in the guestbook at www.pacestancil.com
Denny “Bud” Edward White, one of the most legendary hearts in Texas, went to be in the presence of His Lord in his Ennis home Tuesday, September 16, 2014. His wife, Jan, his best friend, fierce protector, and number one supporter was with Bud in spirit as he grew his angel wings.
Born in Borger, TX, to Edward William and Bessie Mae White, Bud grew up in the panhandle of Texas. He was an All-American track athlete at Dumas High School and attended college at Abilene Christian University on a track and field scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Secondary Education in 1964.
Bud met Jan at Stephen F Austin University where he was an assistant track coach. They married in 1976 and recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. In 1979, Bud and Jan built a home in Ennis where he lived until his death. He loved swinging under the oak trees, waving and talking to people. During these years, he inspired countless people. Bud was graced with the gift of story telling and used his life experiences as a way to teach life lessons. Bud has left a legacy in his passing. He will be remembered through the memories he created, and the lives touched. He taught his children that they could accomplish great feats through perseverance and a positive attitude.
Survivors are: Jan White, wife; Children – Ashlee and Nathan Nichols of Waxahachie; Brooke and Jim Fulham of Oakwood, OH; Ethan and Kathy White and Amy and Don Blish of Homewood, AL.; Jana White of Vancouver, Canada; Mother-in-law Gwen Walker of Ennis. Sisters: Sue and, husband, John Patterson of Irving and Nancy and husband, Dale Vick of Amarillo, Brother-in-law Jack and wife, Eileen Walker of Waxahachie; Twelve Grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and AdvoCare Family. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept 19, from 6-8 p.m. at J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. 408 N. Dallas Street, Ennis, Texas. A private graveside service date and time is pending.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Denny “Bud” White to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,6931 Arlington Road, Suite 200, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation One Time Donation (https://www.cff.org/GetInvolved/ManyWaysToGive/Donate/online).
Honorary Pallbearers: Ethan White, Nathan Nichols, Jim Fulham, Jack Walker, John Patterson, Dale Vick, Sam Harrell, Earl Bond, Carlton Eckert, Ronnie Greer, James Blackwood, Lynn Saunders, Earl Young, Ron Kohlman, J.R. Sellers, Bill Shivers and AdvoCare family.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
George L. “Andy” Anderson, 90, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Thursday, September 11, 2014.
Andy was born in Hannibal, Missouri on June 7, 1924 to Clarence and Ida (Lane) Anderson. He grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa and graduated from Denmark High School. On December 31, 1948 he married Dorothy Darnell and they made their home in San Benito, Texas until 1961 when they moved to Ennis, Texas. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during WWII as a paratrooper in the Pacific Theater.
He worked for Niagara Chemical from 1961 until 1976 and then was owner of Ennis Agri Tech from 1976 until he retired in 2000.
He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed all types of bird hunting, training retrievers and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of over sixty-five years, Dorothy Anderson; sons: Drew Anderson and wife, Carol and John Anderson and wife, Martha; four grandchildren: seven great-grandchildren and one brother, Eddie Anderson and his wife, Jo.
He is preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters.
Memorial will be on Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the First Christian Church, 805 W. Baldridge Street, Ennis, Texas.
The family requests in lieu of flowers or donations that you take a child fishing or hunting in memory of Andy.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Marjorie Ann Gibson Costlow, 74, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 10 a.m. in Elm Branch Cemetery of Bardwell under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Marjorie Ann Gibson Costlow, 74, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Marjorie was born in Richardson, Texas on December 5, 1939 to Paris Aubrey and Elsie Vernell (Christie) Gibson. She grew up in Richardson, Texas and attended Richardson Schools. She went on to El Centro College where she received her registered nurses degree in 1976. On June 14, 1971 she married Benny Costlow and they made their home in Ennis, Duncanville and settled in Murchison, Texas.
She worked at various hospitals as a nurse. She was a great cook, she enjoyed sewing and crafts.
She is survived by her husband, Benny Costlow; sons: Dennis Turner, David Turner and wife, Linda, Doug Turner and wife Paula; daughter, Donna Garrett and husband, Ronnie; ten grandchildren: seven great-grandchildren; one brother Richard Turner and his wife, Dana and her beloved pets.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Bill Turner.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 10 a.m. in Elm Branch Cemetery of Bardwell under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Mavis “Virginia” Fox peacefully went home to rejoice with the Lord Saturday, September 20, 2014.
She took her last breathe surrounded by family and her next breathe rejoicing with the Lord.
A resident of Palestine for 62 years, she was born December 4, 1923 in Clarksville, Texas, Red River County to Joseph & Lula Fincher.
She was preceded in her journey by her husband of 40 years, Marlin “Lefty” Fox; her parents Joseph Fincher and Lula Fincher Watkins, stepfather Aaron Watkins; 13 brothers and sisters; 5 step-brothers and step-sisters; daughter Cindy Fox, grandsons Alex Henley, Charles Henley, and Joshua Webb.
Virginia was a WWII Army Veteran, member of the Palestine Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Palestine, Texas.
She blessed this world with 6 children: Linda S. Allen and husband J.T. Allen, Harold G. Fox and wife Beverly K. Fox, Dudley W. Fox and wife Kathleen G. Fox of Ennis, Texas, Virginia L. McNeill and husband Donald E. McNeill, Cindy Fox, and Sandra M. Webb and husband Stephen L. Webb; 32 grandchildren (Daniel & Jeanne Henley, David & Roxanna Allen, Richard Smith, Michael Allen, Tracy & Harold Lasser, Christopher & Gina Allen, Lisa & Steve Covington, Joseph Fox, Hiram & Marini Fox, Jonathan & Luella Fox, Beverly Fox, Jeremy & Heidi Fox, Kelly Armstrong, Lee & Deborah Fox , Michelle & Sean Hoffeditz, Elizabeth & Robert Neuberger, Douglas McNeill, Katherine & Stephen Brough, Joshua Webb, Nathaniel Webb); 35 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
She also leaves behind sister-in-laws Mrs. Linden (Clara) Fincher of Bullard, Mrs. Clovis Fincher of Dallas and several nephews and nieces. She was blessed with numerous friends and neighbors. A life too full to put in a paragraph, a joy to her family and friends, she will be missed.
Proverbs 31:28-31 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Pallbearers were her grandsons Richard Smith, Lee Fox, Doug McNeill, Jeremy Fox, Nathan Webb, and Robert Neuberger.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bailey and Foster.
Services were at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at First Baptist Church, Palestine, Texas by Pastor Jay Abernathy.
Debra McNatt Claxton, 53, died Sept. 2, 2014.
Viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 26 at Eternal Rest Funeral Home Chapel, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, 972-875-2393.
Mrs. Willie Fern Durkee, 66, died Sept. 23, 2014.
Viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 26, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Taylor Memorial COGIC, 1600 G.W. Jackson Ave., Corsicana. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Kelly’s Temple COGIC, 501 in 3rd St. in Corsicana.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Ennis, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, 972-875-2393.
Fernando Cabezas, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Ferris, TX on September 22, 2014.
Fernando was born on December 31, 1946 in Costa Rica to Dagoberto Cabezas and Ana Estrada. He married Vera Rodriguez in October 1969 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Together they had two sons, Kenneth Cabezas and Jeffery Cabezas. Fernando moved with his family to Dallas, TX on Christmas Eve 1980. Fernando had a strong connection to his adoptive country but often hosted Costa Rican events and families visiting the States. He maintained a sense of connection with his home country while embracing the American dream.
Fernando was a compassionate man always putting the needs of others before his own. He was forever telling stories about Costa Rica, family gatherings, and plans for the future. Fernando had a love of classic American cars and owned several in various states of restoration.
In 1983, Fernando founded Poly Plastics in his garage in Dallas, TX. He expanded operations to a small warehouse space in Dallas in 1985 and eventually to the current location in Ferris, TX in 1994. Fernando is survived by his wife, Vera Cabezas of Ferris, TX, his sons, Kenneth Cabezas and spouse Marian Cabezas of Fort Collins, CO, Jeffery Cabezas and spouse Brandi Cabezas of Ennis, TX, his grandchildren Andrew Cabezas, Rachael Cabezas, Alec Cabezas, Blayne Martinez, and Kenslier Cabezas and siblings Margarita McWilliams, Maria Lena Wilson, Gloria Estrada and Carlos Chevez and many loving nephews and nieces.
Rosary services will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 7:00 pm at J.E. Keever Mortuary, Ennis, TX. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10 am in the St John Catholic Church.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Tim Benson passed away in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, September 24, 2014.
Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
J
ohnny F. Vrana, 83, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Monday, September 29, 2014.
Johnny was born in Oak Grove Community of Ennis, Texas on January 5, 1931 the fourth child of John M. and Mary (Salik) Vrana. He grew up in Ennis helping on the family farm and attended Central High School and St. John School. On November 10, 1952 he married Vivian Jurica and they made their home in Ennis.
He worked for Ennis Automotive for over forty years as a supervisor, after retirement he continued his passion of farming and ranching. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. He was a member of KJT for over seventy-five years, Knights of Columbus and SPJST. He enjoyed working on the farm and being with his family.
He is survived by his wife of over sixty-one years, Vivian Vrana; daughter, Cindy Kubena and husband, Frank; grandsons: Jonathan Kubena and Michael Kubena; brothers: Edward Vrana, Henry Vrana and Robert Vrana and two sisters: Josephine Prachyl and Frances Vinkler.
He is preceded in death by parents, one son, Randy Vrana in 1960 and one brother, Adolph Vrana.
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 10 a.m. in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church of Ennis with Father John Dick as celebrant. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Kubena, Michael Kubena, Ricky Vrana, James Trojacek, Richard Hornik and Bradly Haskovec. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Kinsley Rose Taylor infant daughter of Edward Lyle Taylor, II and Christy Renae Hollingsworth went back home to be with the Angels on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
She is survived by her parents, Eddie Taylor and Christy Hollingsworth; sister, Alexis Hollingsworth; brother, Kaleb Taylor; grandparents: James and Teresa Hollingsworth and Ed and Peggy Taylor; great-grandparents: B.J. and Margaret Hollingsworth and Robert and Margaret Kuykendall along a host of family and friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Myrtle Cemetery with Rev. Ryan Gilbert officiating under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to www.trisomy18.org in Kinsley’s name.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Richard S. Clark, 102, passed from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 2, 2014 in Murphy, Texas.
Richard was born in Palmer, Texas on January 3, 1912 to Mr. and Mrs. Vee Clark. He grew up in Dalton, Texas and attended Dalton Schools. In 1929 he married Kathryn Mullins after Kathryn’s death he then married Margie Ranton in 1975. They moved to Ennis in 1979.
He was a farmer for his entire life in North Ellis County and Southern Dallas County. He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis. He had served as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Ferris and the First Baptist Church of Ennis. He was a member of the Odd Fellows of Ennis for thirty-five years. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, singing quartet music and was a faithful Bible teacher and taught Sunday School for over forty years.
He is survived by one son, Basil Clark and his wife, Kay of Wylie; eight grandchildren: nine great-grandchildren: six great-great-grandchildren and two sisters: Ardeena Woods and Velma Hyde.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wives Kathryn and Margie; two daughters, Joyce and Reba, three brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will be on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of his life will take place on Monday, October 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis with Rev. Todd Gray officiating. Interment will be in Ferris Memorial Park under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
Heaven gained a great man yesterday and the angels came to greet Joe McKibbin as he completed his eight year battle with ALS on Monday, October 6, 2014 with his loving and supporting family by his side.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home 511 West Main St., Waxahachie, Texas. 972-937-2211 and Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211.
Ruth Ann Hubacek, age 70, passed away at IOOF nursing home in Ennis on October 4, 2014. She was born on July 25, 1944 in Corsicana to Frank and June (Hall) Hubacek.
She is a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, and will be dearly missed.
The family takes great comfort knowing she is reunited with her parents in the home that Jesus built for them.
Ruth is survived by her brother, Buddy Hubacek and wife Holli of Ennis; nephew, Ross Hubacek of Nacogdoches; sister, Janet Hubacek of Corsicana.
She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and June Hubacek.
Ruth will be in state at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis for anyone wanting to pay their respects to her and her family on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Graveside service and interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, Texas with Pastors Buck and Rhea Marshall officiating.
To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211