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.)
Ada Nell Pharris Burnett
1927-2019
Landis “Lanny” E. Medlin Jr.
1952-2019
Patricia Parrott
1948-2019
Ruth Brewer Tindel
1936-2019
Eva Brister
1942-22019
James E. Farmer
1933-2019
Susan Burks Beard
1967-2019
Joe Young
1934-2019
Darrell Glenn Clakley
1954-2019
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Sally LaVerne Piland
Graveside services for Sally LaVerne Piland were held Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at the Frankston City Cemetery with the Rev. Lester Foreman officiating.
Sally LaVerne Piland was born January 8, 1929, in Cockrell Hill, Texas, to Francis Hoffer Darnall and Linnie Rivers Bundren Darnall.
She married Everett A. Piland and together they raised three children.
She was employed at various businesses and government agencies throughout her work career.
Her many talents allowed her to enjoy many hobbies including painting, drawing and crafts such as ceramics.
Sally passed away on Aug. 1, 2019, in Tyler at Hospice of East Texas.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Hoffer Darnall and Linnie Rivers Bundren Darnall, her husband Everett A. Piland and eight brothers and sisters.
Sally is survived by one son David Piland of Frankston, one daughter Jane Piland of Frankston, four granddaughters, Carla, Andrea, Lori and Terri and six great grandsons, Chris, Canaan, Trenton, Michael, Blake and Charlie.
Patrice Laloni Pierce
Memorial services for Patrice Laloni Pierce were held on Aug. 10, 2019, at the Boren-Conner Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with Pastor John Valentine officiating.
Patrice Laloni Kubena Pierce was born Dec. 4, 1963, in Ft. Riley, Kansas, to Irma Jean Murphy Kubena and Robert Anthony Kubena.
She had worked as a correctional officer.
She passed away on August 7, 2019, at Hospice of East Texas Homeplace in Tyler at the age of 55.
Patrice was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Mark Kubena and a sister-in-law, Pat Kubena.
Patrice is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Bridget Pierce of Tyler, two step sons, Shawn Pierce of Ft. Smith, AR and Kenny Pierce of Austin, two grandchildren, Kaylei Alyssa Pierce and Zachary Ray Pierce, both of Tyler, 8 step grandchildren, two sisters, Danna Kubena of Whitehouse and Glenda Vowell of Frankston, a brother, Joseph Kubena of Jacksonville, nephews, Dylan and Lucas, nieces, Brandy and Jessica, a great niece, Vilaya and great nephews, Conner, Remi and Jaren.
Ada Nell Pharris Burnett
Funeral services for Ada Nell Pharris Burnett of LaRue, were scheduled for 2 P.M. Friday Aug. 9, 2019 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home with Bro. Justin Palmer and Bro. Christopher Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Carroll-Springs Cemetery.
Mrs. Burnett passed away Wednesday Aug. 7, 2019, in LaRue. She was born on May 21, 1927 to Milo and Verna Pharris in LaRue.
Nell was a strong woman and a devoted wife and mother. She loved her children fiercely and always taught them through her example. She instilled a strong work ethic in all her children and taught them to sacrifice for their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, V.R. Burnett, parents, and sister, Ann Pate.
Survivors include her sons; Danny Burnett and wife Mattie of Fairfield, Donny Burnett and wife Martha of LaRue, daughters; Judy Pritchard and husband David of Bulverde, Patty Palmer and husband Edward of LaRue, 10 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Brent Burnett, Bryan Burnett, Brandon Burnett, Josh Palmer, Justin Palmer and Tex Palmer. Honorary pallbearers are James Johnston, Christopher Neal, David Pritchard, Ronnie Pate and Edward Palmer.
Visitation for family and friends was held 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Genesis Hospice and Kara, Sissy, Amber, Doris, Janice and Mary Hotard for all the care given to Nell.
Landis “Lanny” Edward Medlin, Jr.
Adored father and grandfather, compassionate acute care nurse, and gifted photographer Landis “Lanny” Edward Medlin, Jr., died in Tyler Texas, on Aug. 7, 2019, at the age of 67.
Lanny is survived by his sons Jerry Neal Medlin and Keith Allen Medlin and by eight grandchildren: Andrew Blake, Caitlin, Abby, Jordan, Oliver, Michael, Elizabeth, and Jack. All take after their grandfather in his sly senses of humor, gentleness, and charm.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, who he lost to cancer in 2003 and often spoke of with love and longing.
Landis Edward Medlin, Jr. was born on Aug. 1, 1952, in Gilmer, Texas, to Landis Medlin, Sr., who earned a purple heart in World War II; and Doris Pettey Medlin.
Wearing a powder blue tuxedo and sporting long sideburns, he married Carol Ann Parker, his Bible college sweetheart, in 1973. They had two sons, nine years apart. To support his family, Lanny drove a bread truck for Mrs. Baird’s, worked as a draftsman, assembled tractor trailers for Trailmobile, and ran his own hobby and camera shop, Spare Time, before joining his wife in the nursing profession. He worked for Palestine Regional Medical Center and Good Shepherd Medical Center. His coworkers, friends, and family remember him as creative, loving, and always quick with a good-humored prank.
Lanny was an accomplished amateur historian who did deep research into Texas history, building archives of material about fascinating subjects like the Reo Palm Isle, one of the roadside honkytonks where Elvis Presley got his start, or the criminal escapades of Bonnie and Clyde. He photographed the landscapes of Texas with great skill and creativity. His email signature, “A stranger in a very familiar place,” epitomized his approach to photographing his native land as though he’d just discovered it.
A devout Christian, he mentored young people as leader of the Royal Rangers and as a deacon at the Frankston Assembly of God Church, where he was an active parishioner for 25 years, before his move to Longview after becoming a widower. Before a hereditary hand tremor worsened, he was a gifted model builder and won awards for the creativity and historically accurate detail he brought to scale military models and scenes.
A week before his death, Lanny suffered a catastrophic stroke. From then until his passing, Lanny was surrounded by family, who sat around his bedside telling stories and playing his favorite music. In those final days, they didn’t know if he could hear them. Then some hours before his death, when his sons were discussing funeral arrangements, the topic of hymns was broached. Lanny’s son Keith said, “How about ‘The Old Rugged Cross’?” Lanny’s hand rose and pointed at Keith in approval.
That song was sung at Lanny’s funeral, held Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Frankston Assembly of God Church in Frankston, Texas, with a burial that followed at Hopewell Cemetery in Brushy Creek, Texas, and a reception held back at the church. Lanny’s lifelong friend, Brother Randy Shipman, officiated the ceremony, along with the Frankston pastor Lanny so respected, Brother J.A. Griffin, 87, who returned from retirement for the occasion. On the evening of Friday, August 9, there was a viewing at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.
Condolences may be sent to the family at PO Box 6305, Longview, TX 75608. The family would like to thank everyone at Mother Frances hospital, for taking such good care of him in the wake of the stroke, and especially the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, for allowing Lanny to die with such grace. For the past sixteen years he has looked forward to being reunited with Carol in the afterlife, and so as much as his family mourns, this is a joyful time, too.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me someday to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share
Patricia Parrott
Patricia Parrott passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Tyler.
She was 71 years old.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel.
Bro. Michael Foster officiated.
Mrs. Parrott was laid to rest at Wofford Cemetery in Frankston.
Ruth Brewer Tindel
Funeral services for Ruth Brewer Tindel, 82, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 at The United Methodist Church of Frankston with the Rev. Dr. Faulk Landrum and the Rev. Dr. Matt Thomas, pastor, officiating.
A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.
Burial will be in the Tindel Family plot at the Athens Cemetery.
Mrs. Tindel died Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019 in Tyler.
She retired as tax assessor-collector for Frankston Independent School District, where she had served for some 20 years, not only in the tax office but also handling payroll, insurance and the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). She also assisted the superintendent and business manager in budget preparation.
Earlier Mrs.Tindel had been administrative assistant for Austin Clinic and was an officer in the Frankston Medical Assn. That non-profit group was responsible for recruiting a medical doctor for the Frankston area who would eventually serve at Austin Clinic, named in recognition of the family of the late Jeff Austin Sr., Frankston banker. She did much work for the association in finding the doctor. For their work, the FMA group was honored by the Frankston Lions Club as “Citizens of the Year”.
Mrs. Tindel and her family were active in The United Methodist Church of Frankston. When her children were youths she worked with the youth group. When her work and family responsibilities permitted, she participated in church projects. She attended worship services and Sunday School regularly until limited by her health issues, and she tried to practice her Christian faith every day.
She spent much of her leisure time in caring for her flowers and garden and visiting with children, grandchildren and other family members.
Mrs. Tindel and her family came to Frankston from Jacksonville after she and her husband, Joe W. Tindel Sr., purchased The Frankston Citizen, weekly newspaper, in 1973. She assisted in accounting and as a valued adviser for her husband and sold advertising in Tyler for a time. Also, she photographed a number of local area weddings and other events. In Jacksonville, she worked for an accounting firm while caring for her children and husband, who was advertising manager, assistant editor and sports reporter for the Jacksonville Daily Progress. She and her family were active in the First United Methodist Church and she was active in the Utile Dulce Study Club, serving as an officer.
The Tindels had resided in Beaumont, Athens, Bryan and Holdenville, Okla. before moving to Jacksonville.
Mrs. Tindel and her husband recently observed their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on Jan. 16, 1959 in the chapel of the Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler.
Born on Nov. 19, 1936 in the Chandler area of Henderson County, one of 11 children, she spent most of her early years in the Tyler area. While she was residing in the Omen community, she attended Arp Schools and was a member of the high school band, but she moved to Tyler as a high school senior to graduate from Tyler High School in 1955. While a senior and after graduation she worked as a bookkeeper and office assistant for several Tyler firms.
She was preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Myrtle Nowlin Brewer, sisters Jewel, Margaret (Polly), Evelyn, and Kathleen; brothers Ernest, Hubert and Norman; and an infant son.
Survivors include her loving husband Joe Sr.; son Joe Jr. and wife Jennifer of Euless; daughter Carol Lynn of Athens; grandsons, Jack Grady and wife Kaitlin of Grapevine; Joseph Max Stegall of U.S. Navy, Norfolk, VA; granddaughter Katie Ann and fiancé John Austin Moreno of Dallas; brother George M. Brewer of Bossier City, LA, sisters Agnes Ireland of Athens, and Shari Odom and husband Van of Troup; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are grandsons Grady Tindel and Joseph Stegall; nephews Danny White and Larry Robertson; brother-in-law Van Odom; John Austin Moreno, Jerry Beard and Mark Tatum.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Fellowship Class and other friends of The United Methodist Church of Frankston, friends and associates of Frankston ISD, friends of Jacksonville, Tyler, Palestine and Athens and Tom Brewer and the other nieces and nephews of the Brewer family.
Eva Brister
Eva Brister, born April 20, 1942, to Alvis B. and Flora Brister, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, in Tyler. She was 77 years old.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, G.V. and Robert Brister.
Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Aileen Wilkinson of San Antonio, Mary Puttcamp of Frankston, Sandra Stewart of Frankston; and a brother, Alvis Brister, Jr. of San Antonio. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Monday, August 19, 2019, at Flint Baptist Church. Sam Deville officiated.
Visitation was held Aug. 20, 2019, at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, OK. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville
Honorary pallbearers were Scott Stewart, Jake Stewart, Jeff Stewart, Price Stewart, Mike O’Neal and Roy Roberson.
James E. Farmer
James E. Farmer born January 25, 1933, to Lee and Edith Farmer, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Farmer served in the U.S. Army. His life was devoted to ministry and he would quote scripture often.
For 65 years, he pastored in churches in West Texas, East Texas and New Mexico. James worked with his son and grandson building homes.
He was preceded in death by his son, James Farmer.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Mary Farmer; son, Elwin Farmer and wife Michelle; daughter-in-law, Lucy DeRoeck and husband Wally. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Kristen Ault and husband JR, Katie Royon, Emily Cullen and husband Andrew, and James “Bud” Farmer and wife Anne. His great-grandchildren are Alyssa Royon, Halle Hogg, Wesley Royon, Will Royon, Grady Ault, Gretchen Ault, Whitney Griffin, Caroline Ault, Liam Cullen, Lucy Griffin, Layla Griffin, Lake Farmer and Forrest Farmer.
A funeral service was held Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville. The Rev. Ernest Higginbotham officiated. Mr. Farmer was laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park in Jacksonville.
Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to Father’s Love Ministry, P.O. Box 458, Jacksonville, TX 75766.
Susan Burks Beard
Susan Burks Beard passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019 in Tyler, Texas after a valiant and fearless battle with cancer. She was 51 years old.
A memorial service was scheduled at 11 o’clock in the morning Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Frankston.. Gary Dollarhide and Rev. Scott Wiley officiated. A reception followed at the church.
Susan was born in Jacksonville on Oct. 20, 1967 to Johnny and Judy Burks of Frankston, Texas. She was a member of First Baptist Church, and a lifelong resident of Frankston. Susan graduated from Frankston High School in 1985 before going on to receive a BA degree in Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Tyler. She spent over 30 years working alongside her father, serving the Frankston community, at Burks Hardware & Furniture.
She married Kevin on April 18, 1997. Susan and Kevin became an instant team, working and laughing together through all seasons of life…even the tough ones.
Susan was an immensely talented artist. She rarely agreed to sell her work; preferring to freely share her talent with the countless people she met throughout her life. She was known on many occasions to approach strangers to ask if she could sketch their portrait… Many of these people became her friends.
Susan’s bravery, courage, and outlook on life left an indelible mark on the hearts of so many people. She never meant to be an example. She embraced the cancer journey as part of her own story, and valued the caring relationships with Dr. Donald Richards, his staff at Texas Oncology, and the many patients she met along the way who became dear friends. Despite the challenges, her smile and positive attitude never wavered. Susan would tell you she had no regrets. She lived well the life she was given.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Shelley Burks White; grandparents, J. Louie and Mary Lee Burks and Rayford and Alma Wofford.
She is survived by her husband, Kevin Beard of Frankston; parents, Johnny and Judy Burks of Frankston; daughter, Lauren Wright and husband Brent of Springtown; sister, Stephanie Brink and husband Mac of Dallas; and brother-in-law, Greg White and wife Misty of Dallas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Braydon Wright, Harper Wright, Marshall Wright and Nolan Wright, and nieces Aly White, Liv Brink, Emory Brink, Ava Brink, Adeline Brink, and adored nephew Reed White.
In memory of Susan, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, P O Box 38, Frankston, Texas 75763 or Frankston City Cemetery, P O Box 176, Frankston, Texas 75763.
Joe Young
Joe Young passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019 in Tyler, TX. He was born on Feb. 5, 1934 in LaRue to Horton Young and Gladys Reynolds Young.
Joe was a rancher for many years. He was a Henderson County Commissioner and retired from Henderson County. He was a Board member of Farm Bureau, LaRue Cemetery Board and Virginia Hill Water Supply. He was a Deacon of the LaRue Baptist church for 60 years. He was extremely devoted to his church and loved his family and friends very much.
Survivors include his wife Dell (LaRue) married for 64 years, son Joe Ed Young and wife Rebecca (LaRue), daughters Alicia Anderson and husband Keith (Monroe, LA), Haley Jobe and husband Tommy (Blackjack); grandchildren: Brandon Young and wife Leslie (LaRue), Chandon Young (Waco), Baily Jobe (Blackjack), Maegan Howell and husband Will (Jacksonville, FL); great-grandchildren: Caden Young, Keaton Young, Emma Young, Ayrianna Young, Payton Parker and Aubrey Parker (all of LaRue).
Joe is preceded in death by his sister Rachel Faulk and his parents.
Visitation was at 1 p.m. and a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Poynor.
Please send donations to The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.
Darrell Glenn Clakley
Darrell Glenn Clakley (“Paw”), 65, of Tyler, Texas, was called home on Aug. 31, 2019, with his family beside him.
He was born in Frankston, Texas, on May 31, 1954, before moving to Houston as a child; he later returned to the East Texas area where he graduated from John Tyler High School in 1972 and the University of Texas at Tyler in 1980.
Darrell worked for the United States Postal Service for 44 years and had a passion for freelance photography, leading various non-profits such as Boy Scouts, Liberty Hill Cemetery, Chapel Hill Baseball Association, and Gold Wing motorcycle club, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Darrell was a dedicated Alabama fan, strong supporter of everything Elvis, and loved watching baseball.
Darrell is preceded in death by his father, Soloman Levi Clakley, Jr. and sister Sheila Clakley Steele.
He is survived by his mother June Clakley of Tyler, sister Diane and husband Dennis Chapman, sister Janelda Kelly, and sister Dixie and husband Gary Rachell. He is also survived by his children: son Leslie and wife Ronda Clakley, daughter Wendy Clakley Sharp, son Garon and wife Stephanie Clakley, daughter Maigan and husband Carlos Lopez, son Jonathan and wife Selene Clakley, son Tyler and wife Taylor Clakley, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held to celebrate the life of Darrell Clakley at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston, Texas on Friday Sept. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the funeral at 10 a.m. at Autry Funeral Home on Saturday Sept. 7.
Donations may be made to Harvest Time Church in memory of Darrell Clakley.
(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)