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.)

James “Jim” Stephens

James “Jim” Stephens, age 90, of Rockwall, TX and formerly of Frankston, passed away on Jan. 31, 2021. He was born Oct. 22, 1930, in Daytona Beach, FL, to LeRoy Stephens and Edith (Roberts) Stephens.

Jim and his wife Edith resided near Frankston for some 20 years after retirement. They both were active in The United Methodist Church of Frankston, before moving to Rockwall in 2016.

Jim served his country in the United States Army. He spent three years in Japan during the Korean War. Jim retired from the Stran-Steel Corporation after 30 years. He also worked for the Astrodome.

He met his wife Edith in high school and they were married in 1951 in Wyandotte, MI.

Jim loved to tinker and build things in his free time. His family was very important to him. He will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Edith Stephens of Rockwall, TX; sons Mark Stephens and wife Jane of Fate, TX, Gregg Stephen and wife Clarissa of Houston, TX, Robert Stephens and wife Chris of Atlanta, GA, and Todd Stephens of Houston, TX; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers Bill Stephens and wife Maryann of Michigan and Tom Stephens of Montana; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Jerry Stephens and Michael Stephens; sister Dorothy Westphal; and his parents.

Visit www.resthavenfuneral.com to offer condolences. Funeral services are pending.

Walter Richard Ellis

Funeral services for Walter Richard Ellis, age 77, of Frankston are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church Frankston.

Visitation will be at 12 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m.

Interment will follow at Frankston City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home with Bro. Scott Wiley officiating.

Mr. Ellis passed away Feb. 1, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He was born Aug. 18, 1943 in Henderson to Sanders and Bernice Ellis.

Walter was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He coached select baseball in the DFW area for 20 years winning several titles and tournament championships. He impacted so many players’ lives by not only teaching them about the game of baseball, but about the game of life. In later years he was more famously known in East Texas as “Coach PePaw”.

Walter was a member of First Baptist Church, Frankston. He worked for Dresser Oil Company for 36 years and McCoy’s Lumber Supply for 17 years. He retired to his lake home on Lake Palestine in 1999 where he enjoyed catching catfish and crappie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jeanette; brothers Charles Ellis, Jerry Ellis, and Robert Wayne Ellis. He is survived by his siblings Elizabeth Crye and Husband Mike of Allen, Faye Modglin and husband Ken of Mesquite as well as nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish Walter’s memory are his loving wife of 41 years Lana Ellis of Frankston; daughter Kim Martin of Longview; sons; Curt Sanders and wife Maria of Grand Prairie; Scott Sanders of Frankston; Todd Ellis and wife Amy of Henderson; Lance Ellis and wife Raeanne of Flint. Lovingly known as “PePaw” he will be missed by his 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Chance Sanders, Tanner Sanders, Cameron Ellis, Cody Ellis, Mason Ellis, Eddie Wright, Mike Gudgle, Steven Cherry and Blake Slater.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kevin Howe, Brent Fletcher, Kyle Hamilton, Nathan Hall, Justin Lester, Cole Sellers, Bryant Wilson, John Carpenter, Matt Cloud, Trent Brower, Henry Suggs, Caleb Ramsey, Kody Loebig and Clayton Wright.

Beverly Henry

Funeral services for Beverly Henry, 80, of LaRue, are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens with Chaplain Shane Barnes officiating. Interment will follow at Carroll Springs Cemetery under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Mrs. Henry went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Feb. 1, 2021 at home in LaRue.

Beverly Ann (Kincaid) Henry was born Dec. 23, 1940 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of John Aubrey Kincaid and Irene Gertrude (Shephard) Kincaid.

She was a long-time member of Dogwood Baptist Church. She had great love for her Lord Jesus along with her family. She also had a lifelong love for music. In her early years she was an accomplished musician with many notable achievements.

Beverly was the first lady drummer and singer in East Texas. She was a regular at the Athens Fiddlers Reunion. She also played on the road with Little Jimmy Dickens and played backup for many bands that appeared on the WWVA Jamboree in West Virginia. She played all over the United States as well as on a USO Tour with Barbara Mandrell in Greenland. Beverly also had a career in data processing with Curtis Mathis before they transitioned to Harvey Industries, where she retired. When she wasn’t playing music, she was listening to the Gaither’s and all other types of music. She was a devoted wife to her husband, mother to her children, and Mamaw to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Henry and two sisters, Linda Trimble and Sharon Winenga.

Survivors include children, Terri Murphy and J.W. Terrell of Argo, GayLynn Johnston Wilbanks and husband Randy of LaRue, James Murphy and wife Heather of Flint, David Murphy and wife Tess of Tyler, Neru Collins and wife Jade of Longview; grandchildren, Kristofer Johnston and wife Amy, LaRaye Fortnor and husband Jason, Blake Murphy, Bryce Murphy, Caleigh Murphy, Alyssa Spradling and husband Shaun, Jonathan Murphy, Mary Grace Murphy, Kathleen Murphy, Brax Collins, Acen Collins, Jema Collins, Dash Collins; great grandchildren, Kennison Johnston, Kase Johnston, Kylee Johnston, Dylan Fortnor, Destini Fortnor, Dalton Fortnor, Dawson Fortnor, Sawyer Spradling, Olivia Spradling and five great-great grandchildren.

The Family would like to say a special “Thank You” to Dana Smith, Demetrial Dirks, Laramie Quick, Lori Irons, Jessica Lane, Becky Spears, Eddy Secrest, Barbra Oldham, Lorraine Grant, Dwayne Thornton, Daniel Garner, The Heights Of Tyler, Heart to Heart Hospice, and countless others who cared for our Mom.

Pallbearers: Dylan Fortner, Dalton Fortnor, Dawson Fortnor, Larry Fortner, Kase Johnston, Dawson Turner.

A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home prior to the service.

Heidelore “Heidi” Redding

Heidelore “Heidi” Redding was born Feb. 29, 1944 and entered eternal life on Feb. 4, 2021. She was 76 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

She loved her family and spent as much time as she possible could with each of them. She retired after 54 years of waitressing. Heidi was passionate in her care for animals and enjoyed growing flowers and painting often.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ludwig and Pauline Kaldauke and her beloved husband, John Redding.

Left to cherish Heidi’s memory are her children, Jennifer Rutherford and husband Jessie of Frankston, Mike Redding and wife Candy of The Colonies, and Jerry Redding and wife Missy of MO. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Heidi and husband Lance, Travis and wife Natasha, Andrew, Martin and wife Amanda, Randy and wife Brie; and great-grandchildren, Chance, Cooper, Holden, Tatum, Emery Rose, and Zoey.

Sherry Lynne Socia

Sherry Lynne Socia, born Feb. 23, 1942 in Longview to Leon and Helen (Rhame) Keele, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 in her home in Jacksonville. She was 78 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville. Rev. Matt Gregory and Rev. Wes Bynum will officiate. Sherry will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Sherry was a member of Harvest Time Church in Tyler. Taking care of her children and grandchildren was her life. She also enjoyed reading her Bible, praying, teaching Sunday School, feeding the birds and tending to the flowers in her yard.

She was preceded in death by parents and a sister, Sonja Keele.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of over 50 years, Marvin Socia; sons, Ronnie Beasley and wife Jill of Jacksonville and Tony Socia and wife Jennifer of Tyler; daughters, Lesia Main and husband Greg of Frankston, Carol Mageors and husband Tracy of Canton, Margie Oney and husband Gary of Chapel Hill, and Rhonda Outler of Calif.; brothers, Jerome Keele and wife Kathy of Arp and Jeff Keele of Tyler. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, her special aunt, Sue Terry and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jon Valentine, Michael Valentine, Gabe Socia, David Socia, Danny Vega, Trevor Guinn, Curtis Briggs and Justin Briggs. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Lance Howell, Rev. Mike Eddy, Rev. Don Herring, Rev. William Vickery, Rev. Earl Socia and Melvin Socia.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Laura Parker and Mesia of Hospice of East Texas for their tireless service and their acts of kindness during this time.

Jean (Handley) Bell

Jean (Handley) Bell was born on March 14, 1931 and entered eternal life on Feb. 13, 2021. She was 89 years old. She was married to David Handley of Reese for 49 years until his death in 1999. The late Mr.  Handley was a former owner of Frankston Auto Parts.

A graveside service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at Reese Cemetery, Jacksonville. Bro. Jay Lockhart will officiate. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Visitation will begin on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, M.B. and Esther (Brandenberger) Smith; husband, David F. Handley, Sr. and son, David F. Handley, Jr.

Jean is survived by her husband, Russel G. Bell of Topeka, KS; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Carrie Handley of Flint and Russel’s sons, Tom, Mike and Brian all of Kansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rachel Handley of Corsicana, Rebecca Mullins and husband Alex of Athens and Aaron Handley and wife Devin of Tyler; and great-grandchildren: Hunter, Hudson and Aaden Mullins.

Larry Richardson

Funeral services for Larry Richardson, 76 of Baxter have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 24, 2021 at Lake Athens Baptist Church with Bro. Jason Burch and R.B. Richardson officiating, under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery.

Larry passed away Monday Feb. 15, 2021 at home.

Larry Murrell Richardson was born Feb. 3, 1945 in Athens, the son of Claud Richardson and Artie Mae Baker Richardson, raised in the Baxter Community on Richardson Road. Larry graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1964 and attended Henderson County Junior College. Larry served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Baxter Baptist Church.

Larry was a man of many talents and trades and was also a philosopher (he always tried to understand the reason or basis for things). His land, cattle, baling hay, planting crops was a passion, but most of all, above all things, was the love of his family and taking care of them. He was raised in a large hard-working family that loved each other and the land they were raised on.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Artie Mae Richardson; daughter Mary LeAnn Richardson; son Michael Lee Richardson; brothers Clarence, Jimmy Glen, Bill, Ronnie and Truitt Richardson; sisters Mary Lou Richardson, Zephie Burch, Fayrene Miller, Betty Neely and Frances Smith; brothers-in-law Herbert Burch, Floyd Miller and Robert Neely; sisters-in-laws Thelma Richardson, Billie Marie Richardson, Laverne (LuLu) Richardson, Sherry Wilson; nieces Glenda Dingler, Brenda Ward; nephews Tommy Burch and Roger Richardson; great niece Shannon Mills; great nephew Danny Wilson.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years, Louise Richardson, from Baxter; son Mark Richardson of Baxter; daughter Lynn Richardson Dingler and husband Jeff of the New York Community; sisters Bonnie Smith, Suella Clark and husband Harold Clark and Deanne Richards; grandchildren Jessi Dingler Bell and husband Ethan Bell, Layne Dingler, Luke Dingler and fiancée Makayla Edwards, Nicole Hill, Rachael Richardson, Nehamiah Richardson, Zack Graham, Mayriah Graham, Brayden Richardson and Jayden Richardson; great-great grandchildren Addi, Cooper, Cullen and Cacey Bell, numerous nieces and nephews and God-son Alex Fernandez.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Miller, Darrell Miller, Kenneth Neely, Russell Richardson; Brent Miller, Jason Miller and Kevin Ward.

Honorary pallbearers are John Crossley, Fred Williams, Martin Schiller, Harold Clark, Richard Clark, David Ward, Aubary Ward, Gene Ward, Chad Dingler, Stephen Clark, Joey Baker and Jason Baker.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening Feb. 23, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. The family requests that those attending please wear a facial covering and observe social distancing.

Memorials may be made to Davis Cemetery, P.O. Box 1991 Athens, Texas 75751 or to the American Heart Assn.

Gracie M. (Stover) House

Gracie M. (Stover) House was born April 4, 1926 and entered eternal life on Feb. 21, 2021. She was 94 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at The United Methodist Church of Frankston. Bro. Matt Thomas, Tim Lovelady and Jerry Beard will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Gracie was a member of the Ladies UMC/Lake Palestine Quilting Clubs, Frankston Red Hat, and Garden Clubs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ethel (Donahue) Stover; husband, Clarence House; brothers, George, Ed, and Ervil Stover; and sisters, Flossie Laney and Della Plaunty.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Larry House, C.R. “Bubba” House and wife Linda; daughters Brenda Higginbotham and husband Paul, Carolyn Hefelfinger and husband James “Butch”, all of Frankston; sisters Bernice Lovelady and husband Edward of Nacogdoches, Ethel Lewis of Jacksonville, Reba Berry and husband Ron of Whitehouse; and sister-in-law, Vonnie Stover of Jacksonville. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Clinton House of Chandler, Ashton House of Midland, Jennifer Hartis and husband Shawn of Deer Park, Susan McIntyre and husband Charlie of Midland, Ronnie Higginbotham and wife Amy of Cedar Hill, Dennis Higginbotham, Billy Hefelfinger, Andrea Holland and husband Jarrod all of Frankston, and Kelly Hefelfinger of Tyler. Great-grandchildren are Michaela Holland, Hunter Holland, Alyssa Hartis, Cash McIntyre, Ava McIntyre, Jackson House and Madelyn Faith House.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Stover, Roger House, Mark House, Paul Laney, Robert Lewis and Mark Tatum.

Bruce Edmonds Caraway

Bruce Edmonds Caraway, an incredible husband, father, and man of God, passed away peacefully at noon on Feb. 21, 2021 after a short battle with brain cancer. Bruce went to be with the Lord at the age of 53.

A celebration of life will be held at the Graham Street Church of Christ, 312 N Graham St, Stephenville, TX 76401 on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. The family will arrive at 10 a.m. for a brief visitation period. The family asks that donations be sent to Basic Needs at Graham Street Church of Christ or www.grahamstreetchurch.com

Bruce was born in Wharton, Texas on April 25, 1967. He graduated from Wharton High School in 1985 and went on to earn his bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering in 1990, and his masters degree in 1992 at Texas A&M University. It was at Texas A&M that he met the love of his life, Sherri House of Frankston.

Bruce worked as a software developer, college professor, and website designer. Bruce was a Deacon at Graham Street Church of Christ and a former Elder of North Woodlands Area Church of Christ. He lived his life as a servant to the Lord, caring for others by volunteering for the Basic Needs program in Stephenville, doing mission work in Puerto Rico, and using his talent with technology to bless the church.

He enjoyed listening to podcasts, building websites, tending to needs on his farm property, watching Aggie football, and most importantly, spending time with his wife and kids. He will be remembered for his unfailing kindness, bountiful generosity, and his steadfast love for God.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Sherri Annette (House) Caraway. They were married in Frankston on Jan. 4, 1992. Bruce is lovingly remembered by his son Avery Robert Caraway and daughter Lauren Sandra Caraway, and his daughter-in-law Emily Caraway.

Bruce is also survived by his parents of Wharton, Texas, Dr. Robert Bruce Caraway, Jr. and Marian Annette Caraway; his brother Brett Caraway and wife Kylie, and cousin Carole Caraway.

Bruce was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Lynn “Sandy” Caraway Roberts.

Stephenville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Esteban Zavala Nava

Esteban Zavala Nava was born March 5, 1944 and entered eternal life on Feb. 22, 2021. He was 76 years old.

A service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Axel Zavala will officiate. Esteban will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Esteban was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Frankston. He served for Mexico’s National Military Service and then was part of Guanajuato Police Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fidel and Maria Nava; daughter, Elva Nava; brothers, Raul Nava and Manuel Nava and sisters, Maria de Jesus and Ofelia Nava.

Esteban is survived by his wife, Evangelina of Jacksonville; daughters, Lilia Pizano and husband Manuel of Frankston, Consuelo Hernandez and husband Hector of Frankston, Lucy Nava and husband Robert of Lindale, Rosa Nava-Holcomb and husband Lewis of Jacksonville, and Maria Nava and husband Mario of New York; sons, Pablo Nava and wife Regina of Franklin, Felix Nava of Jacksonville, Esteban Jose Nava and wife Cristina of Jacksonville, and Jose Pedro Nava and wife Angie of Jacksonville. His siblings are brothers, Jose Nava of Mexico, Fidel Nava of Mexico and sisters, Maria Nava of Mexico, Elena Nava of Mexico, Guadalupe Nava of Houston, Isidra Nava of Mexico and Rosa Nava of Mexico.

He is also survived by 34 grandchildren, Rosalinda Pizano-Morales, Ana Pizano, Victor Pizano, Kayla Pizano, Melany Pizano, Hailey Pizano, Kristina Hernandez, Hector Jr. Hernandez, Armando Hernandez, Isabel Hernandez, Annaleigh Hernandez, Jessica Nava-Covurriabas, Jackie Nava-Sanchez, Enereida Nava, Ashley Ybarra, Asa Ybarra, Anthony Ybarra, Elisha Holcomb-Green, Chris Holcomb, Hannah Holcomb, Joshua Holcomb, Luke Holcomb, Sara Nava, Cesar Sarior, Jason Sarior, Giselle Sarior, Valentine Sarior, Bryan Nava, Johanna Nava, Sadie Nava, Kevin Nava, Nadia Nava and Penelope Nava; 9 great-grandchildren, Evan Hernandez, William Green, Valeria Pizano, Kason Davlin, Natalie Davlin, Kameron Davlin, Noah Davlin and Laken Hernandez and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Pablo Nava, Felix Nava, Esteban Jose Nava, Jose Pedro Nava, Manuel Pizano, Hector Hernandez, Robert Mann, and Lewis Holcomb. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren.

Kelly Yarbrough

Kelly Yarbrough was born July 29, 1946 and entered eternal life on Feb. 22, 2021. He was 74 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Jerry Payne and Kenny Southwell will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Rocky Springs Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Kelly retired from Trane after many years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Lena Pryor Yarbrough; sisters, Nancy Gaston; brothers, Allen Yarbrough Jr. and Keith Yarbrough; and sister-in-law, Sheri Lynn Fletcher.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Pam Yarbrough of Rusk; daughters, Amanda Goff Lindsey and husband Matthew of Rusk, Patti Brigham and husband Nick of Poynor, Tricia Krall of Tyler, Holly Kimbrell of Rusk and son, James “Bubba” Kimbrell (Salena) of Cushing. His sisters are Carol Yarbrough of Jacksonville, Marcella Yarbrough of Dialville and Rita Nunnally of Jacksonville. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Braleigh, Annalynn, Lyla, Klayton, Emma, Micha, Jaxson, Braxton, Breanna, Brady and Dixie; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Heath Willingham, Shane Smith, Gary Gaston, Tony Yarbrough, Kevin Moore, Lynn Williams, Sam Covey and Patrick Sturns. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Green, Dennis Rounsavall, Curtis Messer, Kenneth Trotter and Trotter’s Hunting Club.

(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)