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.)

Nancy Ann Colvin

Funeral services for Nancy Ann Colvin, 69, of Poynor, were held Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. Duane NeSmith officiating. Interment was at Garden Oaks Cemetery in Berryville.

Mrs. Colvin passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2015, in Poynor.

She was born December 19, 1945, in Frederick, Oklahoma to Paul and Bonnie Faye Duncan.

Nancy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Frankston. She worked as a secretary at a property tax office, was co-owner of Colvin and Associates and Deer Creek Meadows. Mrs. Colvin had a great singing voice and sang in the church choir. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and loved her son-in-law, Robby Harbuck.

She was preceded in death by her parents; special family friend Robert Adams; nieces Jane Duncan and Tammy Duncan; and a nephew Mike Duncan.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, James Colvin; daughters Kim Colvin-Dodson, Connie Harbuck and husband Robby, all of Poynor; brothers-in-law Walter Colvin and wife Karen of Berryville, Dwight Colvin and wife Becky of Poynor; best friend Linda Adams of Frankston; grandchildren Ryan Harbuck, Ethan Harbuck, Caleb Harbuck, Nicolas Dodson, Holden Dodson, Holly Harbuck; great-grandchild Landry Harbuck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were her grandsons and Taylor Carr.

Penny Williams Waggoner

Penny Williams Waggoner of Frankston, formerly of Tatum, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, in Frankston at the age of 53.

Graveside services were Saturday, June 27, at Harris Chapel in Tatum with the Rev. Jason Thomas officiating. Burial was under the direction of Crawford-A Crim Funeral Home in Henderson.

Mrs. Waggoner was born March 1, 1962, in Marshall, Texas.

Penny, also known as “Bunny,” was a member of Lanes Chapel Church of Tyler where she was very involved in the church and spoke about her pastor and fellow church members often. She was a proud wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin and aunt. She is mostly remembered by her generosity and selfishness which she constantly displayed. She was particularly good with children and the elderly.

Survivors include her daughter, Madeline; husband, Alan Johnson of Frankston; parents, Troy and Judy Williams of Tatum and Gary and Eddie Sue Pryor of Purdon; sister and brother-in-law, Doug and Patti Mehling of Whitehouse; brother, Ted Hargett of Trophy Club; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that gifts and contributions be made to Lanes Chapel Church of Tyler at (903) 566-4225.

Deborah Ann ‘Nanner’ Carter

Funeral services for Deborah Ann “Nanner” Carter, 58, of Frankston, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. George Folmar officiating.

Mrs. Carter passed away Friday, July 10, 2015, in Frankston.

She was born Aug. 20, 1956, in Anderson County, Texas.

She was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church in Berryville.

She was preceded in death by her father Melvin Westbrook; mother Maggie Westbrook; and brother Donald Westbrook.

Survivors include her husband James David Carter, Sr. of Gilmer; sons David Westbrook of Frankston, Craig Rainwater of Frankston, Kirk Rainwater and wife Beth of Dogwood City and Chuck Rainwater and wife Shanna of Bullard; grandchildren Courtney Westbrook, Maloree Rainwater, Kaitlin Rainwater, Preston Rainwater, Jaxon Rainwater, Lucas Rainwater, Haylee Rainwater and Samuel Rainwater; and two great-grandchildren Joslynn and Annabell Harvey.

Mary Viola Wedgeworth Lane Morgan

Born Mary Viola Wedgeworth to Elva Lafaye (Barwick) and Willie Lee Wedgeworth on May 14, 1920, in Waco, she lived most of her life in Texas, California, and Washington State (for the last 3 years) with her daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Louie Cotte in Chehalis, WA.

She loved Jesus and it showed in her sweet, loving demeanor, sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile. Her children were her first priority.

In her earlier years she was a waitress, but became a homemaker as she began her marriage and motherhood.

Later, she would help her parents by working in their restaurant or little grocery store (Bill’s Grocery) in Frankston, where she and her husband, George Morgan, resided.

She took care of her mother as she passed in 1982. Mama began to develop dementia after her son, Earl Lane, was murdered in Texas in 1991 and it continued to become severe.

The blessing was that she couldn’t remember to worry. In 1999, she came to Seattle to be near Rita and Louie and their son, Earl, and lived for 5 years with a wonderful family, Mia and Tibi in their adult family home.

Rita loved her mother very much and kept her busy with projects and experiences that she would never have thought she was capable of enjoying, like riding in the 4th of July parade.

In 2005 Rita and family (including Mama) moved to Chehalis. She made many friends through the years. She particularly enjoyed going out for ice cream to Burger King in Centralia. The employees loved her and would have her ice cream ready and a kind word with her when she got in. Other customers would come over and talk to her. “Jose” was especially attentive and loving toward her. Some customers even moved to a different table if they were at Mama’s special table where she could eat ice cream and look out the window. Even though she didn’t have much of a vocabulary in the end, she would still say “thank you, Honey” and “I love you” in her slight Texas drawl. Even at the end, she could still read and match numbers.

“Grannie” had a special bond with her grandchildren Sohn, Robin, Earl, and Rocky Jr., and great-grandson Brandon.

She also had very special caregivers, Heidi, Leilani, Thera and Erika that loved her, and she loved. Leilani continued to come back to care for her even after moving 7 hours away.

Mama was always on the go. A few days before she got sick in May she was out eating ice cream. It was hard for the hospital staff to realize this. For the last 1 1⁄2 months of her life, she was in and out of the hospital, (note: Dr. Poudyal sang Happy Birthday in her ear for her 95th birthday) each time proving that she had a strong will to recover. However, the last time, water around her lungs from congestive heart failure was too much for her. Son-in-law Louie and grandson, Earl were with her much of the night, but Rita never left her side, talking, praying, singing in her ear. She went to Jesus on Friday, June 26, 2015, at 2:48 a.m. with her lovingly devoted daughter, Rita holding her hand.

She was preceded in death by parents Willie Lee and Elva Wedgeworth of Frankston; husband George Morgan of Frankston; a brother and sister; sons Earl Lane and Jimmy (JD) Lane; grandson James Clay Lane, all of Texas.

She is survived by daughters Rita (Louie) Cotte, Chehalis, WA; Judy Boatman of Texas; son Rocky Lane of Texas; grandchildren Sohn , Robin, and Earl Cotte all of WA; Scotty, Sandy, Brian, Maryann, Rocky Jr., and Heather, also several great-grandchildren including Brandon Cotte, WA.

God blessed us so much with such a precious, loving Mama and gave us the privilege of caring for her. She was happy, loved and wanted.

A small graveside service was conducted by the Rev. J.A. Griffin on July 2. Her final earthly resting place is with her ever-present “baby” (doll) in Larissa Cemetery, Cherokee County, Texas, between her sons, Earl and Jimmy.

Mama was always a blessing, never a burden and we miss her so much. We will see her in heaven.Condolences may be emailed to sterling757@centurylink.net.

Gradye Mae House

Funeral services for Gradye Mae House, 93, of Frankston were held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with Bro. J. A. Griffin officiating.

Interment followed at Frankston City Cemetery.

Mrs. House passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015, in Frankston.

She was born Dec. 12, 1921, in Henderson County to Richard Grady and Zudy Mae Pike Leopard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Homer House; one brother and one sister.

Survivors include her cousins, Janie Mae Jennings and Billy Henderson, both of Frankston, A. L. Pike, Jr. and wife Barbara of Mt. Alba and Dinky Pike and wife Linda of Cleveland; three sisters-in-law, Pat House, Gracie House and Opal Bragg and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Justin Pike, Mike Hanks, Charles Dickerson, Larry Q. House, Wayne Pike and Gordon McLane.

Honorary pallbearers were A. L. Pike and Billy Henderson.

  Jo Anne Gatlin

Funeral services for Jo Anne Gatlin, 80 of Humble, formerly of Frankston, were held Tuesday, June 7, 2015, at Hilltop Baptist Church with Bro. George Folmar and Bro. Ron Ivy officiating.

Interment was at Garden Oaks Memorial Park in Berryville.

Services were under direction of Autry Funeral Home.

Mrs. Gatlin passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015, in Humble.

She was born in Tyler to Henry and Pauline Farrow.

Jo Anne was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church. She loved shopping and enjoyed all types of food.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Dub” Gatlin, son Bruce Gatlin and two sisters.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Chinnis and husband Gary of Houston, Vicky Hartman and husband Allen of Deer Park and Diane Harvick of Humble; brothers James Farrow and wife Sandra of Frankston and David Farrow and wife Barbara of Tyler; nine grandchildren; 20 and soon to be 21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were her grandchildren.

  Mattie Hawkins

Services for Mattie Hawkins were held Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Hilliard Funeral Home with C R Chapman officiating.

A graveside service followed at Frankston City Cemetery.

Mrs. Hawkins passed away at the age of 79 on June 30, 2015.

Mattie Lou McGehee Hawkins was born February 17, 1936, in Frankston to the late Walter Lawrence McGehee and Beulah Willingham McGehee.

She had been a resident of Ben Wheeler since 1971 and was a member of Heritage Trails Cowboy Church. She worked as a restaurant manager for 20 years, and was a talented artist and quilter.

She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Billy Jack McKennon; her second husband, Lewis Hawkins; brother, Louie Darwin McGehee; sister, Linda Kay McGehee.

Survivors include her three daughters Christy Sledge of Ben Wheeler, Pam Walsh and husband, James of Ben Wheeler, and Kimberly Jordan and husband, Curt of Tyler; grandchildren Crystal, Tracie, Josh, Brian, Jamie and Jared; great-grandchildren Nate, Megan, Brooklyn, Jayden, Lane, Clay, Nicholas, Brynlee and Brayden; and cousins Jerry McGehee, Troy McGehee and Linda Cleveland.

If desired, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Pallbearers were Jared Jordan, Joshua Walsh, Matt Black, Brian Sledge and Mark Gowen.

  Gloria Pepenella

Gloria Gingell Pepenella went home to her mansion in glory on Thursday, July 9, 2015.

She fought the good fight and ran the good race and she is now walking through the garden with Jesus.

Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington/ Land of Memory Funeral Home.

View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com

  Will Earl Campbell

Will Earl Campbell of Hurst, Texas, died peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2015, after a short-term illness.

His legacy includes his two married children including his son Dean Campbell and wife Charlotte and his daughter Kay Williams and husband Jerry.

He has four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren including Rachel and Seth Lewis and their children Owen, Emerson and Finn; Leslie and John Croy and their children Haley, Mabrey and Marley; Carl and Danielle Hill and Clifton and Alece Campbell and their son Colt.

Other survivors include brothers Charles Campbell and Durwood Campbell and sisters Eva Rann, JoAnn Ivie, Betty Irvin and Linda Warkentin.

He was preceded in death by brother Walter Wilburn and sisters Bernice Ruff and Margie Haynes.

Friends called him Bill and his family called him Buck.

He was born Oct. 9, 1927, in Frankston, Texas to Jewel Bell Cook and Will Alexander Campbell.

He was a World War II veteran, a retired Bell Helicopter employee, an avid gardener and an unbeatable domino player.

He spent his mornings exercising at the Hurst Senior Center before joining his buddies for a cup of coffee.

He enjoyed watching baseball and going to Friday night dances with his good friend Doris.

He loved the Lord and believed he would spend eternity in heaven. The family loves him and he will be greatly missed by all of them.

Visitation with the family is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.

A graveside service will be on Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Frankston.

  Jean Westbrook Billingsley

Funeral services for Jean Westbrook Billingsley, 84, of Frankston, were held Sunday, July 19, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Frankston with the Rev. Scott Wiley and Jason Taylor officiating. Interment was at Frankston City Cemetery.

Services were under direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston

Mrs. Billingsley passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Tyler.

She was born January 13, 1931, in Frankston to John and Riola Westbrook.

In her early years, Jean worked for Miller & Holloway Tomato Sheds in Frankston. Later, she worked at sale barns in Jacksonville, Athens, and Palestine. She also worked for the Frankston Independent School District tax office as a clerk for many years.

She was a mascot for the Frankston High School Band.

She was preceded in death by her husband Red Billingsley; brother Billy Westbrook; and sisters Hazel Wylie and Louise Westbrook.

Survivors include her sons Mark, Clay, and Kent Billingsley and wife Cameron; a daughter Marsha Billingsley, all of Frankston; sister-in-law Reba Hicks of Frankston; one granddaughter Caroline Billingsley; a niece Margaret Dansby; and two nephews Bill Westbrook and Steve Westbrook.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Wade Dansby, Wes Westbrook, John Westbrook, Joey Westbrook, Bill Hardin and Dude Bacon.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to the Frankston City Cemetery Association or the building fund at First Baptist Church, 408 Garner St., Frankston, Texas 75763.

  Jesse Robert Pickle

Funeral services for Jesse Robert Pickle, 89, of Conroe and formerly of East Texas were held Friday, July 24, 2015, at Poynor Baptist Church with Brother Jim Boyte officiating.

Masonic graveside services followed at Liberty Cemetery in Bradford under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.Mr. Pickle passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015, at his residence.

Mr. Pickle was born on Sept. 19, 1925, in Anderson County to Annie D. Bradley and Jesse Robert Pickle, Sr.

He served in the Merchant Marines. Mr. Pickle owned and operated a steel fabrication shop in the Houston area for many years. He was a fifty-year member of the Shriner’s International, a fifty-year Mason (33rd degree), and a member and commander of the International Shrine Aviation Association.

He headed the Ride with Pride Trail Ride in Poynor for many years, was a Henderson County Precinct 4 Constable for 13 years, and involved in law enforcement for 40 plus years. He raised BP Simmental cattle at his farm in Poynor.

Mr. Pickle was preceded in death by his parents; a son Kenneth Pickle; and ten siblings.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Pickle of Tyler; Bobbie Cormier and Cary of Conroe, Taegen Cormier, Jordan Cormier, Collin Cormier, and Tyler Cormier; Tim Fetterman and Ruthie of Mansfield, La., Craig Fetterman, Corey Fetterman, and Cooper Fetterman; Sabrina Scott, Daniel Scott, and Nathan Scott all of Waskom; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.Pallbearers were John Floyd, Tim Fetterman, Craig Fetterman, Corey Fetterman, and Cooper Fetterman. View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com.

  Ollie Jean Bunch

Mrs. Ollie Jean Bunch, 77, of Berryville, Texas, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2015, in Tyler.

She was born May 2, 1938, in Detroit, Texas, to Austin Reb and Mary Lorene Plant. She is preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers Austin Plant and James Plant.

Ollie Jean was a Baptist, mother and homemaker who enjoyed working in her gardens, cooking and raising chickens. She will be lovingly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, John Dee Bunch of Berryville; daughter LaJeana Davis of Justin, Texas; sons Johnny Bunch of Crandall, Joey Bunch of Cleveland, Texas and Jock Bunch of Berryville; sister-in-laws Doris Plant of Seagoville, Nanearl Bartamus of Arkansas and Shelia Bunch of Seagoville; four grandchildren; seven, soon to be eight, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

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