Larry James Featherston

Surrounded by family, Larry James Featherston entered his Heavenly home on Jan. 6, 2026, at the age of 64. Larry was born in Athens to Billy James Featherston and Francis Louise Collins Featherston.

Larry Featherston was a man whose life was defined by faith, hard work and a deep love for others. For more than 40 years, Larry owned and operated Featherston and Sons Construction, where his extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail reflected not only skill, but also his integrity and pride in his work.

In addition to his work, Larry was a rancher at heart. He found great peace and purpose, tending to his cows, caring for the land and working outdoors.

A devoted servant of God, Larry faithfully served as a senior deacon at his church, Calvary Baptist Church in Brownsboro. He lived his faith daily quietly, humbly, and sincerely through generosity, kindness and a willingness to help anyone in need. His life was a testimony to the values he held dear.

Larry was a friend to many. He and his wife Shonda, opened their heart and home to many children, loving and caring for them as their own. Larry was deeply respected and looked up to by those around him. His legacy is one of service, love and faith lived out each day. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 44 years Shonda Gunnels Featherston, son James Featherston, parents, and brother Billy Glen Featherston.

Left to cherish his memory is brother Mark Featherston and wife Vicky of Brownsboro, sister Beth Graves and husband Keith of LaRue, sister-in-law Ruth Amy Featherston of Brownsboro, sister Diane Luna of Tyler, sister-in- law and brother- in- law Ann and Adell Tarkington of Nacogdoches, special nephew and niece Len and Jennifer Graves and Joshua, bonus daughters Angel Sanders and Megan Luna, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Joe Stephens, Chip Williams, Nub Speer, Len Graves, Jeremy Featherston and Lloyd “Pokey” Massey.

(Information for this obituary was obtained from a post by Autry's Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home of Athens.)

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Joel Henry Robuck

Joel Henry Robuck, beloved husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and faithful servant, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026, at the age of 85.

Joel was born on Jan. 12, 1941, in Dallas to John B. Robuck and Jo Robuck, who preceded him in death.

He grew up in Oak Cliff, a place he never forgot and always credited as the foundation of his values, character, and work ethic.

Joel attended Dallas ISD public schools and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School, where he earned All-City honors in both basketball and baseball.

He was baptized and attended Tyler Street Methodist Church before leaving Dallas for college. He began his collegiate career at Paris Junior College on basketball and baseball scholarships, later transferring to The University of Texas at Austin. Joel earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1964 and his Master of Business Administration in 1965. While at UT, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha social fraternity and the Sigma Iota Epsilon Honorary Management Fraternity.

Following college, Joel worked for RCA for five years on the East Coast.  He eventually returned to the Dallas area and settled in Carrollton, where he entered the real estate development business in the early 1970s.

Joel developed numerous residential communities, shopping centers, suburban office buildings, and a business park throughout North Texas and Central Texas, including projects in Carrollton, Dallas, Plano, Allen, Austin, Round Rock, Blanco County, and West Travis County. He especially loved planning residential communities on unique sites and collaborating with consultants, regulatory agencies, and homeowners. During this period, Joel organized City National Bank of Carrollton, City National Bank Furneaux Creek, and City National Bancshares, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both banks and the bank holding company.

Joel also managed the Hurt Ranch, a 1,000-acre family ranch in Henderson County that still remains in the family today.

A devoted father, Joel coached YMCA football, basketball, baseball, and soccer for his sons John and Richard, often leaving work early to attend practices and games. His presence and encouragement shaped not only his sons but countless young men.

Joel was deeply committed to civic service. His leadership roles included Junior Achievement Project Business Program, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, United Way of Farmers Branch, President of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Dallas County Chapter of the American Heart Assn. He served on the Interim DART Board of Directors, helping create the DART light rail system, and chaired the Transportation Committee for the Town of University Park Long Range Plan Committee. He also served on the Urban Design Committee for the Town of University Park.

Joel was a Life Member of The University of Texas Ex-Students Assn., a member of the UT System Chancellor’s Council, the UT Austin President’s Council, and the UT Austin Clements Center for National Security Advisory Board, whose mission focuses on the role of history and culture in national security decision-making.

While President of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, Joel was especially proud of founding a Career Day Program for high school students in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, expanding students’ understanding of professional career opportunities.

Joel and his wife Linda were long-time supporters of the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas, where Joel served as Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board. He was deeply committed to brain performance training for middle school students, military warriors, and first responders. In recent years, he focused on the Middle School Brain Years Initiative, particularly supporting students in DISD and Oak Cliff. In 2020, Joel and Linda received the Center for BrainHealth Legacy Award in recognition of their dedication and service.

Joel established a University of Texas at Austin scholarship for a qualified graduating South Oak Cliff High School student needing financial support for college. He also actively supported Beyond Every Door in Oak Cliff, with a special focus on the Cedar Crest Community Center near his childhood home.

In addition, Joel supported United to Learn and Bryan, Budd, and Marsalis elementary schools in Oak Cliff. Joel attended Bryan and Budd schools, and his mother taught first grade at Marsalis Elementary for nearly 20 years. His work focused on teacher training, student enrichment, and capital improvements.

Joel and Linda were married at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where Joel served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Elliott Class, member of the Counseling Center Committee, and the Benevolence Committee. He was a charter member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Moderator, Elder, and Session member, and was deeply involved in the Disciplemaking Ministry. Later, Joel and Linda returned to their church roots and became members of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Joel loved the Lord and sought to serve Jesus Christ faithfully throughout his life.

Joel is survived by his lovely and beloved wife Linda; his sons John Robuck and wife Carmin and Richard Robuck and wife Katie; his grandchildren Jackson, Caitlyn, Peyton Louise and Zoe; and his sister, Eva Womack.

Memorial donations may be made to Highland Park United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at Highland Park United Methodist Church Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 3 p.m.

(Information for this obituary was obtained courtesy the funeral home HERE )

Donna C. Franko

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna C. Franko of the Lake Palestine area, a cherished mother, beloved grandmother, devoted friend and admired member of the community. Donna left this world peacefully on Jan. 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 80 years old.

Donna was born on April 22, 1945 in Galveston. She spent her life devoted to family, traveling, fishing and a proud member of The Houston Bass N’ Gal’s Club, and was known for her devotion to family, dogs, love of adventure, strength and unwavering generosity toward others.

Donna enjoyed crocheting, bowling, cross-country travel and fishing. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter and love. She dedicated many years to her career as bookkeeper and later medical transcription.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years Richard Franko; her children Bryan Wilkers (Kristen) of Merritt Island, FL and Catherine Wilkers of Houston; her grandchildren Amber (Jeremy), Chase (Amy) Quinn, Erika, Adelia, Brianna and Ben; her great grandchildren Trinity, Aubrie, Dylan, Ayla, Hunter and Emersyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lucille and Robert Carter; brothers Mike and Robert Jr.; and sons Bryan and Kenny. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she filled their lives with love, laughter and endless support.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at a later date. The family requests donations be made to the Disabled Veterans in her memory.

Donna’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace. As Donna would say . . . . .“LET’S GO FISHING!”