James Earl Blackshire, Sr., age 66, passed away, August 2, 2016.
Viewing will be Friday, August 12 from 2 – 7 in The Eternal Rest Chapel. Funeral services are Saturday, August 13 at 11 a.m. at the Bright and Morning Star Church, 1007 N. Daffan St. Ennis.
Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393
John Angus (Andy) Anderson passed away peacefully August Friday, August 12, 2016 in Ennis, Texas at the age of 97.
He is survived by his wife Jo Ella, four children W. Bryce Anderson (Sandy), Catherine A. Gannon (Jeff), James E. Anderson (Alicia), Susan Anderson (Jacque), two stepchildren Stephanie Prennace and Roxanne Candy (Larry), grandchildren Melanie Mikel (Chris), Greg Burns (Jessica), Jeffrey Burns (Angela), John Anderson (Nancy), Amy Zicarelli (Mike), James E. Anderson, Jr., Christopher Anderson, Arica Anderson, Goldie Beth Tabor (James), Jodi Otter (Tom), Douglas Gannon (Kerri). In addition, he is survived by 17 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his first wife and Mother of his children, Vivian Anderson, his parents, and one brother, Dugald Anderson.
Andy was born July 25, 1919 on a farm in Kinistino, Saskatchewan, Canada to parents Edwin Tolve Anderson and Catherine (Campbell) Anderson Horsley. In 1938 he graduated from Prince Albert Collegiate Institute where was active in track & field, tennis, and hockey. In 1940, he fell in love with Vivian Hope Bryson and proposed to her with a spark plug gasket he had in his pocket since he hadn’t bought a ring yet.
In 1980, he married the second love of his life, Jo Ella Knipp.
He began his lengthy career in aviation as a mechanic working on private and commercial aircraft and then military aircraft during WWII. He had a passion for invention, especially in enhancing functioning systems and secured patents for several ideas. He flew as pilot/co-pilot/engineer from the Northern brush of Saskatchewan and neighboring provinces to the tropics of the Amazon River and lastly, as a corporate pilot in Dallas for British-American Oil. When in his late 80s, he documented his many interesting flying experiences in a book written for his family and friends titled Hours and Hours of Boredom–Moments of Sheer Terror. Retiring from his flying career at 65, he founded Anderson Commercial Real Estate and served on the Addison Planning and Zoning Commission for several years before moving to Ennis. There he worked for his son Bryce at Ennis Steel Industries and Ennis Paint Manufacturing until finally retiring at age 93.
As his children grew, Andy became involved in youth activities, first forming an athletic boys club in Lintlaw, Saskatchewan instructing about 50 boys on gymnastics and boxing. Once in Texas he and his oldest son became involved in the Boy Scout organization and he served as Scoutmaster of Troop 717 in the Circle 10 Council for many years. He imparted his positive influence on over 1000 young men in his scouting days and he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest Scouting volunteer award. He and Vivian raised three sons, which all earned the rank of Eagle Scout, as well as a beautiful, loving daughter.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ennis and was once active in the Rotary Club. He will be remembered fondly for his quick sense of humor, his love of piano, dancing, woodworking, his ability to bend a penny in half with two fingers, and his trademark very firm handshake.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 15, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the J. E. Keever Mortuary Chapel in Ennis with Rev. Tom Porter officiating. Interment will follow in Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
The family would like to convey their appreciation to the Legend Oaks staff for their compassionate care they gave Andy during his stay with them.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America, 8605 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX 75235
Corey Shane Steward, age 25, of Denton, Texas passed away Thursday, August 11, 2016 in Denton. He was born September 28, 1990 in Dallas to Amy (Langer Maxey) Eagle and Eddie Ray Maxey. Corey was employed by Apple, Inc. as a senior advisor.
Corey was musically inclined and participated in high school choir and theatre arts. He was in his first band as a high school junior and during college was a member of the group Edenlust. He joined the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and his last and most memorable character was “Frank,” originally portrayed by Tim Curry in the movie. Performances (shadow casting) were live at Lakewood Theater in Dallas.
Corey’s passions were music, playing guitar and piano, writing songs and poetry, cooking anything that included pasta (heavy on the parmesan), baking pies, acting and an enjoyment of vintage photography. He was fluent in sign language and learned Czech, so he could talk to his great-grandpa. He was a loving son and grandson and touched the lives of so many. He had a special bond with his sister Caitlyn “Lemur” and loved her dearly. His life will go on with the memories we will keep in our hearts.
Corey is survived by his mother, Amy Eagle, fathers, Eddie Ray Maxey and Robert Dale Steward; sister, Caitlyn “Lemur” Steward and boyfriend Keenon Fudge; grandmothers, Barbara Mitchell and Bonnie Maxey, grandfather Charles Maxey, great-grandparents Dorothy Langer and Edwin F. Langer. He is also survived by his numerous extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins and so many friends for any one person, as well as his beloved cat Ink. Corey was preceded in death by grandparents, Jerry D. Mitchell (Papa J) and Shirley and Billy Swift (Meme and Papa).
Visitation for family and friends was Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis, Texas.
Graveside services were at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, 2016 at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis. Pallbearers were Doug Moore, John Bailey, Elvin Allen, Vinnie Parma, Keenon Fudge, and Brannon Tennison. To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman St., Ennis, Texas 75119.
Betty Jane (B.J.) Coker, age 80, of Florida, passed away Saturday morning, August 13, 2016 with her family by her side.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. with a Rosary at 7 P.M. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas at 1:15 P.M.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman St., Ennis, 75119
John M Dargan, age 90, passed away August 13, 2016.
Arrangements are pending under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393.
Rebecca Linn McConnell, 60, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Saturday, August 13, 2016.
Rebecca Linn was born in Midland, Texas on July 9, 1956 to Robert and Connie (Bole) Rippey. She grew up in Houston and attended Spring Branch High School in Houston, TX. In September 1975 she married Tim Massey in Houston, TX. They moved to Ennis in 1979 to raise a family. They were divorced in 2004.
She worked for Baylor Medical Center of Ennis almost 20 years as a Respiratory Therapist. She later studied to be a Polysomnographist and helped establish Sleep Diagnostics in Waxahachie, TX until she retired.
She remarried on March 17, 2007 to Patrick McConnell at the Cowboy Church of Ennis.
She enjoyed loving on her animals, camping, laughing, being a wife and mom and helping anyone she found who needed it.
She is survived by her husband, Patrick McConnell of Ennis, TX; mother, Connie Byrne of Ennis, TX; two sons, Joshua Massey of Ennis, TX and Ben Massey of Mansfield, TX; two daughters in law, Corinna Massey and Rita Massey; five grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Rippey Jr. and Randy Rippey of Ennis, TX; three sisters in law, two brothers in law; two nieces; one nephew, one great niece and two great nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father Robert Rippey and step father Charles Byrne.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 1 p.m. at New Founders Missionary Baptist Church, 1903 Lafayettte St., Ennis, TX
Kenneth Haynes, 49 of Corsicana, Texas passed away August 17, 2016.
Arrangements are pending under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393
Samuel “Sammy” L. Wachsman, 58, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 in Ennis, Texas.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 19, 2016 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 Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery of Ennis under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
In lieu of flowers there has been a GoFundMe.com account set up in Sammy’s name.
Judy Mae Harber, 67, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
Judy was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on December 21, 1948 to Travis E. and Ada Mae (Gentzel) Harber. She grew up in Wichita Falls and attended school there. She made her home primarily in Terrell and Ennis.
She was a member of Anthony Drive Baptist Church. Judy was the happiest when she was with family and friends.
She is survived by one brother, William “Bill” Travis Harber; sisters: Linda Benner and Mary Schumacher and husband, David along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Travis and Ada Mae Harber and nephews Justin Harber and “Corky” Copley.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 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 Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Crestview Memorial Park, 1917 Archer City Highway, Wichita Falls, Texas with Rev. Alan Eddins officiating under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Bonnie Lee Kipp, 76, passed away August 23, 2016. Viewing will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 1 – 6 p.m. in the Eternal Rest Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00 at The First Assembly of God, 1155 N. I-45, Palmer, Tx. Burial will be in the Palmer Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393
Kenneth Haynes, 49 of Corsicana, Texas passed away August 17, 2016. Viewing will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 1 – 6 p.m. in the Eternal Rest Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2105 Jones St., Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Corsicana.
Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393.
Rev. Bobby Joe Mitchell of Witchita Falls, Texas, age 81, passed away August 18, 2016. Viewing will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 1 – 6 p.m. at Overcoming Word Church, Wichita Falls, Tx. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00. Burial will be Monday, August 29, 2016 in Ft. Sill, Elgin, Tx. Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, (972) 875-2393
Kevin Alan McCown, 50, beloved husband, father, grand-father, son and brother, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016 of natural causes. He was born December 21, 1965 in Archer City, Texas to Fred A. and Jerry McCown.
He was employed at Scurry-Rosser ISD as the High School drafting, welding, and wood works teacher. He had a passion for ranching, his cattle, and hay baling operation. His favorite sport was deer hunting with his “CK”.
He graduated from Archer City High School in 1984 and later graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Technology Education. Kevin was also a Colonel in the United States Marine Corp., in which he joined on August 15, 1991 and served until his death. He served 2 tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kevin was a member of Creekside Church of Christ in Midlothian.
He was survived by his loving wife and best friend, Carla “CK” McCown. He is also survived by their seven children; Paden McCown, Katherine and husband Alex Partridge, Jason and wife Rachel, Natalie, Ashley, John, and Joel Cox. His beloved grandchildren; Cade, Chloe, Brynnlee Cox, and Keagan Keasler. His loving mother, Jerry McCown, and two sisters Penny Dolezal and Lori Jackson. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred A. McCown.
The memorial service will take place at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31st at Creekside Church of Christ, located at 5401 E. Highway 287 Midlothian, Texas. The burial service will follow immediately afterwards at 2:00 P.M. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation
Danny Louis Slovak, age 71, passed away in his wife’s arms on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at his home in Ennis. He was born on October 24, 1944, in Ennis, Texas, to Louis and Lillian (Vrana) Slovak. He and his twin sister, Dolores were born during the time that their father was a World War II P.O.W. in the European Theater. He grew up in the Creechville area on the family farm and graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School in 1962. He married his classmate and the love of his life Evelyn (Betik) Slovak on June 6, 1964, in Ennis at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church where they are current parishioners. Through the years, they lived in Garland, Red Oak, and returned to Ennis in 2004. Danny was employed in Dallas and later owned and operated Red Oak Cleaners for many years. He retired from Local 756 Sign Painters and Decorators in 2013.
Danny was a life-long member of KJT #35. He always kept others in mind as a frequent blood donor and a member of Donate for Life. He was a humble and quiet man. He loved the freedom of the outdoors, John Deere tractors and had a passion for old cars. Some of the best times were spent with his family and friends visiting in his shop. He was a gracious host and welcomed everyone.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Evelyn of Ennis; son, Darren Slovak and his wife Debbie (Svehlak) of Ennis; daughter, Sherry and her husband Jeff Marek of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Sarah and Anna Slovak, and Marissa and Brady Marek; two sisters, Dolores Sykora and Judy Sawyer; three brothers, Ronnie, Mike and Tim and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ernie Sykora.
A Rosary will be said in his honor at 9:30 AM, Saturday, September 3, 2016 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 A.M. with Father John Dick as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Ennis.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Joseph’s Cemetery or St. John Nepomucene Church (LifeTeen).
To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bmmfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211
Marion “Tommie” Cope, 86, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Friday, September 2, 2016.
Tommie was born in Wilson, Arkansas on December 26, 1929. She grew up in Conway and graduated High School there. She went on to Arkansas State Teacher’s College on a Basketball Scholarship where she received her Bachelor’s in Education. On July 7, 1951 she married Carl P. Cope and they made their home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Dallas, Texas and finally to Ennis in 1962.
She taught school for over sixteen years at St. John Catholic School, Palmer ISD, Wilmer-Hutchins ISD and Rice ISD. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church, VFW Auxiliary where she served as Past Vice-President. She enjoyed painting with oils, gardening, tennis sewing and basketball.
She is survived by daughter, Pat Sutton, son, Chris Cope, daughter, Tana Decker and husband, John, son, Dale Cope and wife, Karen; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation was held on Monday, September 5, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.
A Celebration of her life was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rev. Eddie Ramsey officiating. Pallbearers will be Phillip Cope, Alan Decker, David Anthony, Patrick Sutton, Carl Antony and Christopher Cope. Interment followed at 2:30 p.m. in the DFW National Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Dixie Lee Hudspeth, 80, passed away in Dallas, Texas on Friday, September 2, 2016.
Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Mary T. Slovak, 93, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Bernard H. Kriska, 89, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas.
Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Edwin F. Langer, 92, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Monday, September 5, 2016.
Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.
Dolores Liska, age 84, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016, at her home in Ennis, Texas. She was born in San Angelo, Texas, on February 28, 1932, to Edgar Lee and Bettie Marie (Lastovica) Festervan.
At an early age she moved to Abilene and then to Dallas where she graduated from North Dallas High School. She married Jack Hall, Sr. and they had two sons, Jack Jr., and Brad.
After the marriage ended, she acquired her certification as a dental assistant at Baylor Dental School and went to work for Medical Arts of Dallas.
While attending a Czech dance she met Frank Liska. They married two years later and made their home in Ennis, Texas. They raised two children, Dodie and Mark, passing on their Czech heritage and culture. She made it her goal in life to teach her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to polka, something she enjoyed doing. Her passion was her family and baking. No one left her house without treats from her freezer.
Dolores was as member of KJZT Society of Ennis and St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church where she assisted with the Rosary on Sundays.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Ridley; her four children, Jack Hall and wife Wendy, Brad Hall and wife Cindy, Dodie Humphries, Mark Liska and wife Jill, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father John Dick as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Ennis.
To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bmmfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211.