Frankston Area Obituaries — 1999-Present
Here are the obituaries posted for the current month from information provided courtesy of local and area funeral homes and published on their websites or those submitted by families. If an obituary is overlooked and it is desired that it be posted, please inform us at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Families may request changes or additions, if required. If you have an obituary for a person who has connections with someone or some family in the Frankston-Poynor-LaRue or Lake Palestine area that you want posted to this month or to the archives, and is not currently posted, please let us know at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Obituaries selected or submitted should follow a format which is essentially consistent with other obituaries posted here or by funeral homes and follow standard grammatical style. Through arrangements with funeral homes and/or the families, we will publish pictures with current obituaries. We will add pictures to archived obituaries from the print version of The Citizen newspaper prior to September 2019 when available. Pictures with archived obituaries posted after that will be added in cooperation with funeral homes or on requests from families. As was the tradition of the Citizen newspaper, obituaries are published at no charge.
(Obituaries listed chronologically by date of death or funeral service.)
Johnny Bradbury
A funeral service for Johnny Mack Bradbury, 79, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at LaPoynor Church of Christ with Bro. Steve Handley officiating.
Johnny was born on Oct. 26, 1946 in Henderson to Claude Pierce and Alma Louise(Haney) Bradbury and passed away on April 6, 2026 in Frankston.
Johnny was raised in Laneville, Texas, where his love for the outdoors began early.
He spent much of his time ranching and caring for the family land he was so deeply passionate about. A good hay season filled his heart, knowing winter provisions were safely stacked and stored. He took special pride in his herd — especially “the girls” — and in Ferdinand, a gentle bull he could feed by hand, a testament to the patience and care he gave to everything he tended. As fall approached each year, Johnny could always be found counting down the days until deer season.
Aside from a portion of time as a Deputy for Rusk County Sheriff's Department, he spent much of his career on the open road as a truck driver, hauling everything from dry goods and scrap metal to nursery plants and propane.
His time behind the wheel led to another joy in life — traveling with his wife Cindy to RV parks and state parks over the years. Navarro Mills was among his favorite destinations, especially when trips included venturing into Louisiana during crawfish season. This led to another ambition to always keep a good fire burning in the BBQ pit and fire ring outside.
Johnny’s marriage to Cindy was one of the most meaningful parts of his life. He cherished their time together and took great pride in the many projects they shared. His family was his greatest treasure, and he always looked forward to the next visit, trip or gathering. Being together with those he loved meant everything to him which included the puppies who were never far from his side.
Johnny rarely met a stranger. He approached every encounter with kindness and compassion, always ready for a conversation and eager for the next time paths would cross. He had a way of making everyone feel like a lifelong friend. More often than not, his answer was, “Yes, sure enough.” Whether it was fixing a piece of equipment or simply spending time on the porch visiting, Johnny could always be counted on.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dean Bradbury; and sister-in-law Josette Bradbury.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Cindy; children Karl McDonald and wife Andrea of New Home and Sherry Van Deman and husband Jeremy of Frankston; grandchildren Kaden, Leland, and Adelynn McDonald and Jake Van Deman.
Honorary pallbearers are Randy Matthews, Scott Bradbury and Charlie Muller.
Rather than customary condolences, the family requests memorial donations be made to Frankston FFA because of his love for hands-on work and agricultural application. Please note "In Memory of Johnny Bradbury" on the memo.
(Information for this obituary obtained from Autry Funeral Home of Frankston)
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(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or requested by families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)
Johnny Bradbury
1946-2026
Ira Renfro
Ira Lee Renfro, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on April 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and love that will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew him.
Ira was born on May 30, 1947 to Andrew and Ammie Davis Renfro. He grew up in Frankston where he attended Frankston Public Schools and was a faithful member of Pine Springs Baptist Church.
He was a hardworking man who spent many years in the construction business, dedicating himself to providing for his family. He later retired from Champion Homes in 2025, marking the closure of a long and honorable career.
Ira valued his family above all else. He was first married to Ruthie Caldwell, the mother of his four children. He later married Lovenia White. At the time of his passing, he was married to his loving wife Nell R. Renfro of Athens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife Nell; his son Rickey Renfro of Dallas; daughters Victoria Renfro, Tammie Renfro and Patrice Renfro (Appletree) all of Tyler; daughter Lora Givens and granddaughter Destiny Tatum- Skiles (Patrick) of Tyler; one brother Roy Lee Renfro of Tyler; one sister Elizabeth Renfro of Frankston; seven other grandchildren and special friend Ignacio (Nacho) Sanchez.
His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever be treasured by those who knew him best.
Graveside services were held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at North Athens Cemetery with Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home of Athens in charge of arrangements.

Ira Renfro
1947-2026
Robert Allen McAden
A funeral service for Robert Allen McAden, 81, of Frankston, is scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Frankston with Scott Wiley officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. He will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.
Robert was born on Jan. 22, 1945 in Sherman to Harold and Sybil (Davidson) McAden and passed away on April 7, 2026, in Tyler.
Robert was a hardworking and inventive man who poured his talent into the machine shops he owned and operated, Magnum Tool and later, Magna Flow. His skill and creativity led him to patent a regulator for race cars, an accomplishment he took great pride in.
He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Frankston and carried his faith quietly but steadily throughout his life.
Robert loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting and fishing across the United States, Canada and Alaska. In his younger days, he enjoyed the freedom of riding motorcycles. More than anything, he cherished traveling the world with his wife, sharing adventures that became some of his happiest memories.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry McAden; and sister MaryBeth Thomas.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Betty; children Jason McAden and Leah Banister, all of Colorado Springs; brother Harold Wayne McAden of Gainesville; sister Brenda Lou Aguilar of Denton; sister Patsy McAden of Louisiana; grandchildren Kieth, Piper, Olivia, Madylon, Scott, and Michael.

Robert Allen McAden
1945-2026
William “Bill” Gulihur
A graveside service for William Glenn Gulihur, 85, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Garden Oaks Memorial Park in Berryville with Rev. Scott Wiley officiating. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.
Bill was born on Nov. 24, 1940, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Donald and Lois (Charles) Gulihur and passed away on April 8, 2026, in Tyler.
Bill made his livelihood and retired from the Occidental Chemical Corporation after serving with them for 30 years. Before, and especially after his retirement he and his late wife of 59½ years, Francis Russell Gulihur enjoyed traveling across the United States to see all the wonders that nature and humanity had constructed. When he wasn’t traveling or working on projects around the house, Bill always found a way to be as involved as possible in his grandchildren’s lives. Every hour spent was a memory to last a lifetime.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Francis Gulihur; brothers Donald and James Gulihur; and sisters Mona Lee Smith and Ida Nell Flournoy.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Ronnie Gulihur and wife Renee, Robert Gulihur and wife Mary-Margaret and Kaven Russell. He is also survived by four grandchildren Allyson Gulihur, Lauren Gulihur-Kantowski and wife Kayleigh, Megan Gulihur, Maggie Gulihur; and numerous nieces and nephews.
William "Bill" Gulihur
1940-2026
Florence Marie Chaneyworth
A funeral service for Florence Marie Chaneyworth, age 88, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. George Folmar officiating. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.
Visitation will begin Friday, May 1, 2026, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston, and family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.
Marie Chaneyworth was born on July 3, 1937 to parents Sam and Leatrice (Boykin) Pate and went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2026.
Marie was known for her caring and fun spirit. She loved being outdoors fishing, gardening her rose beds and attending every sporting event her family was a part of. She also enjoyed everyone gathering at her house for cards and dominos. She traveled all across the U.S. and spent countless time with grandkids and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Chaneyworth; daughter Vickie Marie Chaneyworth; and sisters Norma Frazier and Betty McDonald.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Alton Chaneyworth and wife Vickey, Donna Holcombe and husband Scott, and Charles Chaneyworth; sisters Vicky Knight, Kathy Brabston, Kenneth Pate and wife Carol, Sandra Hardy and Doris Counts; grandchildren Stacey Elliott, Jessica Tatum, Amanda Chaneyworth, Linden Gray, Jacquline Almon, Amber Chaneyworth and Jack Chaneyworth. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Todd Tatum, Heath Almon, Doug Counts, Donnie Counts, Alex Oxford and Stephen Elliott.
Rather than customary condolences the family requests that memorial donations be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, at www.htohhfoundation.org .
Freida Bussey
A funeral service for Freida Jones Bussey, age 80, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Michael Griffin officiating. She will be laid to rest at Wofford Cemetery.
Visitation will begin Saturday, May 2, 2026, and family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.
Freida was born on Oct. 27, 1945 in Frankston to Elton (Bud) and Lillian Ruth McDonald Jones and went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2026.
Freida was an only child and loved playing with her cousins. She met her husband, Rick, in school, and they graduated together from Frankston High School. She studied cosmetology at Tyler Beauty College. She spent the next 40-plus years styling hair, owning a couple of beauty shops along the way. She took exceptional care of her customers and employees and enjoyed making treats for them on special occasions. Her family and Rick’s coworkers also benefitted from these treats!
Freida loved antiquing and was an avid gardener. She created a beautiful yard filled with her favorites like knock-out roses and crepe myrtles among the many other flowers and plants. By word of mouth, she won yard of the month even though she wasn’t in the garden club.
She grew up as member of the Assembly of God in Frankston and then Faith Fellowship Church of Berryville. Her love of beauty and bringing it to life in flowers, relationships, family and worship will be greatly missed.
Freida was preceded in death by her parents Bud and Ruth; son Donald Brent Bussey; sisters-in-law Flo Bussey and Lomond Bussey; brothers-in-law Donnie Bussey and Billy Bussey; cousins Larry Joe and Roger McDonald; and her cat Cupcake.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years Richard (Rick) Bussey; daughter Stacy Rebecca Bussey; nephews and niece Alan Bussey, Diana (Mike) Dugan, James (Kandi) Bussey and David Bussey; great-nephew and nieces Tamara, Austin, Kalie and Hope Bussey; aunt, Jeanette Clark; beloved cousins including Billy Joe (Sue) McMillan, John (Nancy) Clark, Jeanne Clark and Kathy (Alan) Rogers; and the Frankston High School Class of ’64.
Freida was kind, loving and a natural caregiver. In return, she was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Special thanks to her long-term caregivers Kerry and Joan for the support and care they provided to all of us, and to The Hospice of East Texas for her end-of-life care.
Serving as pallbearers are Alan Bussey, Austin Bussey, James Bussey, Mike Forzano, Roger House, Floyd Lott, Larry Sexton and Dan Wagoner.
The family suggests giving a memorial donation to The Hospice of East Texas, The Frankston Depot Library and Museum or the Wofford Cemetery.


Freida Bussey
1945-2026
Marie Chaneyworth
1937-2026