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.)
Lianna Wyatt Larson
Lianna Wyatt Larson, 29, of Frankston, passed away on Dec. 1, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on Jan. 2, 1995, to Donald and Candy Larson, and was a lifelong resident of Frankston.
Lianna brought light and laughter to all who knew her.
A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Reese Cemetery with Rev. Aaron “Cowboy” Groves officiating. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.
Lianna was mother to Chapter and Raneleigh Larson-Belter, whom she loved very much. She had a special bond with her family, cherishing time spent with her mother, Candy Larson and Tommy McKee; grandparents Wendell and Georgia Welch; her brother Rane and his wife April Larson; and her sisters Jaycie (Jeremy) Smith, as well as Morgan and her husband Dennis Smith. Lianna was also an aunt to several nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and friends.
Lianna was preceded in death by her father, Don Larson, whose memory she carried with her always.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors and nurses at Christus in Tyler for their care and kindness during this difficult time. Lianna's memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or requested by families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)
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Lianna Wyatt Larson
1995-2024
Mary Ann Benavides Jordan
A graveside service for Mary Ann Benavides Jordan, 87, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Garden Oaks Cemetery in Berryville with Father Hank Lanik officiating.
Mary Ann was born on June 27, 1937, in Dallas, to Richard Sr. and Mary Rose (Ortega) Benavides and passed away on Dec. 5, 2024.
Mary Ann's life was full of beauty and connection. She had a passion for gardening, whether it was growing gladiolas or vegetables, and it brought joy and serenity to her life. The simple pleasure of watching deer and birds, like cardinals, blue jays, and hummingbirds, from her window was a one of her beloved pasttimes.
Mary Ann was an active and devoted member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. She worked as a Histology technician at Parkland for over 25 years. Mary Ann was known for being generous and enjoyed creating flower arrangements as gifts for her friends. She cherished her family deeply, from her children and grandchildren to her great-grandchildren.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy Jordan; and brother, Richard Benavides Jr.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Al Benavides and wife Rhonda of Irving; daughter, Dana Large and Robert Voges of Berryville; sister, Viola D. Benavides of California; grandchildren, Seth Benavides, Rachel Benavides, Troy Lennon and wife Amber, Nicki Wanoreck and husband Matthew; great-grandchildren, Adrien, Tallen, Tyse, Claire, and Kate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann Benavides Jordan
1937-2024
Vivian Diane (Litchfield) Walker,
Vivian Diane (Litchfield) Walker, 76, of San Antonio, passed away on Dec. 12, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Diane was born on Nov. 27, 1948, in Athens to Walter and Vivian Litchfield.
She was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by love, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Diane married her high school sweetheart, Bill Walker, on June 17, 1966. Their love story spanned over six decades, and Diane often spoke of how Bill’s songs and beautiful brown eyes made her feel cherished. Family was the heart of Diane’s life. She made it a priority to gather her loved ones, hosting celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. She never hesitated to accept an invitation to be with family, whether for a meal or a trip, always eager to create new memories.
Diane was known for her creative spirit, making personalized gifts and capturing life’s milestones in photo books, calendars, and poems. Her thoughtful and generous nature touched the lives of everyone she met. Whether she was caring for children in her home daycare, teaching piano, or working at USAA, Diane poured her heart into everything she did. She was honored at her retirement from USAA after over 20 years, where she was described as “lovely” for her grace, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
A woman of great humor and compassion, Diane connected with people on a deeply personal level. Her genuine care for others, along with her ability to bring joy and laughter, made her a light in the lives of all who knew her.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband Bill Walker, father Walter Litchfield, and siblings Ricky Litchfield (Anita) and Pamela King.
She is survived by her mother, Vivian Litchfield; children Denise Walker, William Walker II (Heather), and LeeAnne Lutz (Brian); grandchildren Lola Wilson, Keely Hovatter (Geoffrey), Ira Wilson, Pearl Wilson, Alex Walker, Mandie Walker, William Walker III, Emily Walker, Euan Lutz, and Teagan Lutz; and great-granddaughter Ava Hovatter. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved dearly.
A visitation and memorial service to honor Diane’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home, 842 TX-7 Loop, Athens. The visitation will begin at 11 a.m., with the service starting at 12 p.m.
Pallbearers will include Ira Wilson, William Walker III, Euan Lutz, Teagan Lutz, Lane Lewis, Callen Lewis and Grant McDonald. Burial will follow at Black Jack Cemetery.
Diane’s love and light will continue to guide her family as they cherish her memory. May her spirit live on in every laugh, every story, and every act of kindness, as her legacy lives on in those who were fortunate enough to know her.
"She made the world a better place, and her love will carry on.”
(Information for this obituary was obtained in a posting by Hannigan Smith Funeral Home, Athens .)

Vivian Diane Walker
1948-2024
Kristin Nicole O'Brien
Private services for Kristin Nicole O’Brien, 47, of Athens, are scheduled for a later date, to be officiated by Kenneth Butler, cousin of the deceased. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.
Kristin was born on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1977, in Jacksonville and passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Athens from complications of pneumonia.
Kristin was preceded in death by Dennis O’Brien, father of Lauren O’Brien, and grandparents, Katherine and Howard Wegmet and Lorene and Albert Kirksey.
Left to cherish Kristin's memory are Bobby Alexander, father of River Alexander; parents, Clarice and Hugh Kirksey; daughter Lauren O’Brien and son, River Alexander. She is also survived by aunts and uncles: Steve and Lu Wegmet of Jacksonville, Charles and Ann Butler of Athens, Mark and Pam Bostick of Frankston, Gail Garrett of New Caney, Nancy and Brian Page of California, Kathryn LeBoye and Mikko Meronen of California, Tascha Dresser of Oregon, Tobin Dresser of Virginia, Lara Dresser and Jefferson Reynolds of Virginia.
Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
(Information for this obituary was obtained in a posting by Autry Funeral Home, Frankston)

Kristin Nicole O'Brien
1977-2024
Kevin Clakley
A funeral service for Kevin Tyrone Clakley, 61, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Donny Sanderson and Bro. Jason Charles officiating. He will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Kevin was born on May 24, 1963 in Houston to Ernest Henry and Sudie (Griffin) Clakley and passed away on Dec. 19, 2024, in Frankston.
Kevin was a history buff and would travel and visit old cemeteries. He enjoyed helping people and would never say anything bad or hear anything bad about anyone. He was a member of Faith Fellowship Church in Berryville and served in the United States Air Force. He also was a rural route mail carrier. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents.
Left to cherish his memory are his stepmother, Shirley Clakley; three brothers Keith Clakley of Frankston, Donny Sanderson and wife Shari of California, and Denny Sanderson and wife Angie of Brownsboro; sister Debbie Sexton and husband Larry of Frankston; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be John Stringer, Dakota Stringer, Tristan Robison and Floyd Lott.
Kevin Tyrone Clakley
1963-2024
Ryan Walker Derr
A funeral service for Ryan Walker Derr, 20, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Frankston with Rev. Scott Wiley officiating.
Ryan was born to Tommy and Brandi Derr on Sept. 16, 2004, and passed away on Dec. 18, 2024.
Ryan was a member of First Baptist Church of Frankston. He had a passion for learning and was a sophomore at SFA where he was studying physics and astronomy and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He loved military history and spent lots of time at the gym. He was a fan of several sci-fi and fantasy series with especially strong feelings about Star Wars. He was a Lego enthusiast, spending many hours building Lego creations. He was a loving person and will be missed by all who knew him.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfather Terry Derr, and aunt, Sara Derr.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Tommy and Brandi (Bostick) Derr; grandparents, Mark and Pam Bostick, of Frankston; grandmother, Laveda Derr, of Hillsboro; brother, Christopher Derr, of Tyler; sister and brother, Elizabeth and Archer Derr, of Frankston; longtime girlfriend, Tessa Smith, of Frankston; aunts and uncles, Robert Derr, of Hillsboro, Brian and Cassandra Derr, of Waxahachie, Kristi and Joanna Rowe of Toronto, Ben and Charity Bostick, of Houston, Brittany Bostick and Alvin Bragg, of Berryville, Blake and Alex Bostick, of Arlington; great-aunts and uncles, Joan and Junior Malone, of Jacksonville, Tammy Bostick, of Frankston, Gail Garrett, of Athens, and numerous cousins.
Pallbearers will be Ben Bostick, Blake Bostick, Robert Derr, Brian Derr, Alvin Bragg, Brandon Crawley, Jason Smith, and Trey McNemar.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity of SFASU.

Ryan Walker Derr
2004-2024