Duane Baxter

A graveside service will be held at Poynor Cemetery on Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m., in memory of Duane Baxter, 70, a man who danced to the beat of his own drum.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1954, in Fort Worth, the eldest child of the late JoAnn McLane Baxter of Frankston. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2025.

He lived alone, but that didn't mean he was lonely; his heart was always full, especially when surrounded by the clatter of cards and the clack of dominoes. He was married a few times; let's just say he was better at shuffling decks than shuffling through relationships.

Money was never his pursuit; his treasures were the moments spent with family and his old, dear friends. He had a true love for the game of cards, turning every kitchen table into a casino. And his passion for football? It was legendary. He watched every game with the intensity of a coach, convinced his shouting from the couch could change the score.

He adored his family, and in return, they adored his unique blend of humor and heart. His gatherings were never quiet, filled with laughter, stories, and the occasional debate over who got to be the dealer.

He left this world richer in friends and memories than any bank account could ever show.

Duane is survived by his brother Richard Lee Baxter of College Station; his sister Susan Marie Baxter of Tampa, Florida; his aunt June Brown of Frankston, and aunt Joyce McLane of Midland; and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.

“So here's to you, big brother. May you now be playing the best hands in heaven, where the dominoes never fall the wrong way, and every football game ends with your team on top. We'll miss you!”

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

Gerald Saxon

A Graveside service for Gerald Saxon, age 86, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Frankston with Rev. Mike Eddy officiating. See Autry Funeral Home to express condolences.

He was born on March 5, 1939, to George Elbert and Lola Mae (Walker) Saxon and went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2025.

Gerald dedicated four years of his life to serving our country in the Navy, which requires courage, discipline and unwavering commitment. After his time in the military, he transitioned into a vital role as a truck driver in the timber industry, showcasing the same resilience and determination, seeing many rural parts of the country. He was also a member of First Assembly of God in Jacksonville.

Lina said that Uncle Gerald enjoyed good food, watching sports, reading his Bible, taking drives, working in the yard, and meeting her at the family plot in the cemetery to reminisce for hours at a time.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Max Saxon and Pat Saxon.

Left to cherish his memory are family and friends, including his niece Lina Saxon Wells, who lovingly took care of her Uncle Gerald during the final months of his life. He is also survived by one son, Phillip, and one daughter, Shelly.

Dale Stanley Adair Sr.

Dale Stanley Adair, Sr., age 85 passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at Palestine Health in Palestine. He was born on Sept. 17, 1939, in Leagueville  to Lonzo Wilson and Opal Nichols Adair and was the middle boy of two brothers and seven sisters.

Dale Sr. graduated from LaPoynor High School in 1957. After graduation he went into the oil field and after that he went into residential carpentry and commercial building.

He met the love of his life, Mary Frances, in 1958 and they soon were married and started a long life together. They raised four children, nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great- great grandchild.

Dale Sr. was a talker and never met a stranger. He and Mary Frances attended Worldwide Church of God. He had a passion for farming and growing gardens, building things, swimming, working with his hands, and enjoyed playing the harmonica.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers William Adair and Terry Don Adair; sisters Mavis Brewer, Ann Wilson, Edna Cox, Maynon Miller, Brenda Pool and Clodean Graves and son-in-law, Tim Duffield.

Dale Sr. is survived by his wife, Mary Frances; children,Dale Jr.” Bud” and wife Virginia Reagen, Saundra “Cindy” Duffield, Terry Adair and husband Michael, Adam and wife Sandra; grandchildren Melissa McConnell, Chris Adair and wife Tiffany, Holly Trest and husband Jacob, John Mason Adair, Natalie Wheeler and husband Greg, Morgan Dunn and husband Jeff, Josh Duffield, Zachary Adair and Brandon Adair; great grandchildren  Alexis Smith and Daniel Preston, Kaden Smith, Lynne Montgomery and husband Kolby, Cyrus Adair, Audrey Trest, Olivia Trest, Raef, Asher, Elliot, Oscar, Awa, Timothy and Mariamba; great- great grandchild Kendall; sister Adella Giles and husband William; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

There are no services scheduled at this time.  However, feel free to leave your condolences on the tribute wall at www.carroll.lehr.com.

Edith Stephens

Edith "Edie" Stephens, a beacon of warmth and kindness, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in Rockwall, at the age of 92. Born on April 9, 1932, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Edie was the cherished daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Roberts.

Edith and her late husband, Jim, were former residents of Frankston and active members of The United Methodist Church of Frankston.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the RestHaven Funeral Home in Rockwall.

Edie's early life in Wyandotte set the stage for a lifetime of nurturing relationships and creating a loving home. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Jim Stephens. Their romance blossomed into a beautiful marriage in 1952, marking the beginning of a journey filled with shared dreams and unwavering companionship. Together, they built a life full of joy and laughter, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Stephens; her parents Richard and Elizabeth Roberts; her brothers Larry and George Roberts; and her sisters, Ruth Paone and Druscilla Dreves.

Her legacy continues through her sons Mark Stephens and his wife Jane of Fate, Texas, Gregg Stephens and his wife Clarissa of Houston, Robbie Stephens and his wife Chris of Atlanta, Georgia and Todd Stephens of Houston. Edie's spirit will also live on through her five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

In her passing, Edie leaves behind a legacy of love, a family united by her strength, and a community enriched by her presence. Her life was a beautiful reflection of the values she held dear, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration. As we say goodbye to Edie, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless lives she touched with her grace and goodness.

Jerry Clyde Bird

A funeral service for Jerry Clyde Bird, 77, of Frankston, was held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Jerry Horine officiating. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. He was laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

He was born on Jan. 28, 1948, in Nacogdoches, to Clyde Andrew and Wilma Juanita (Simmons) Bird and went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2025.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew, Brian Cooper.

Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his daughters Tiffany Durham and husband Tracy of Palestine, Emily Sarver and husband,James of Ben Wheeler, Erica McKay and husband Bart, of Waco; brothers Mike Bird and wife Janie, of Frankston, Ray Bird and wife Windi, of Frankston; sister Beverly Scheppler and husband Bud, of Bradford; grandchildren Brice, Austyn, Luke, Piper, Hudson, Caroline and Ross; great-grandchildren Beau, Harlan, Josephine, Hank, and Brooks; and many other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Brandy Bird, Dustin Bird, Kris Bird, Drew Bird, Grant Bird, Brice Burris, Hudson Adkison and Clayton Essary.

James Edward Freudenberg

James Edward Freudenberg, a cherished pillar of the LaGrange community, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 23, 2025, at the age of 92.

He was a relative of the Frankston family of Don Fitzgerald and the late Audrey Fitzgerald and niece Tish Fitzgerald Powell and nephews Drew Fitzgerald and the late Kenneth (Keno) Fitzgerald.

Born on May 9, 1932, in LaGrange, James was a life-long resident whose love for his hometown was as enduring as his legacy.

After receiving his high school diploma, James served with honor in the United States Navy during the Korean War. His dedication to duty was a testament to his character, setting a precedent for a life marked by commitment and service. Upon returning to civilian life, James married the love of his life, Nettie Mae Steglich. This marriage brought two boys to the family, Bruce Edward and Randall Kirk.

James was a skilled and disciplined auto mechanic and a mason, where his craftsmanship as a bricklayer can still be seen in various homes in and around La Grange.

James's interests reflected his love for the outdoors and his dedication to youth and sports. An avid hunter and fisherman, he could often be found sharing stories of his adventures or teaching others the patience and skill required for these pursuits. As a member of the local bowling league, he brought laughter and camaraderie to the lanes. His commitment to nurturing young minds and bodies was evident in his roles as a Little League coach and a Boy Scout leader. Watching his grandchildren participate in various activities brought him immense pride and joy. As a member of the LaGrange Booster Club, he supported and encouraged all young athletes with enthusiasm.

James's life was filled with kindness, humor, and his willingness to help where needed. He will be remembered for his quick wit that could lighten any room and his ability to fix anything that was broken, whether it was a car engine or a child's toy. His kind-hearted nature made him a friend to many, and his legacy of laughter and love will continue to resonate within his family and the community.

As we bid farewell to James Edward Freudenberg, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by joy, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Though he has left this earthly realm, his spirit remains a beacon of light in the hearts of all who knew him. James's story does not end here; it continues in the laughter of his grandchildren, the numerous houses he helped construct, and the fond memories shared by his friends and community.

James is survived by his sons Bruce (Mary) and Randy (Lorri); grandchildren Megan, Christopher (Kaitlin), Logan (Lissete), and Briana (Logan); great grandchildren Easton, Triston, Genesis, Landon, Jaxson, Hazel and Paxton; brothers-in-law Don Fitzgerald and Milam Gerick and sister-in-Law Mary Gerick; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nettie Mae Freudenberg (Steglich); mother Adeline Harbers and stepfathers Edmund Harbers and Willie Melche; sisters Ethel Melcher, Annie Lee Dunk (Monroe) and Audrey Melcher Fitzgerald; sister-in-law Ruth Cortese (Vince); niece Pam Schultz, and nephew Kenneth (Keno) Fitzgerald.

James's life reminds us that the true measure of a person lies in the love they leave behind, the lives they uplift, and the smiles they inspire. In this, James was a true craftsman; his final masterpiece is the legacy of a life well-lived that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Rest in peace, James, and thank you for a lifetime of cherished memories.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange with family present at this time to receive friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of LaGrange on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the LaGrange City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nettie Mae Freudenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund or to the La Grange Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. More information may be seen HERE . .

Joe Ed Young

Joe Ed was born in Tyler on March 19, 1958 and left in the arms of Jesus on March 29, 2025, at the age of 67.

Joe Ed was raised on a ranch in LaRue.. He attended LaPoynor School from kindergarten to being a class graduate of 1976. He then attended Henderson County Community College, where he was in the band. He graduated from the University of Texas in Tyler with his bachelor's degree.

Joe Ed had a career in law enforcement for 35 years. He started as a jailer, then became a Henderson County deputy. Joe Ed retired in October 2018 as the assistant chief over Henderson County Juvenile Probation. He wanted to help the children turn their paths back straight.

Weeks after his retirement he became bored. He decided to start subbing at LaPoynor, which then led him to run for a seat on the LaPoynor ISD School Board. He was elected in 2022. Joe Ed was able to serve on the school board for two years before his passing. He ran because of his love for the community, school and children.  If you know Joe Ed, you know he loved LaPoynor Sports. You were most definitely going to hear him.

Joe Ed was a deacon at LaRue Baptist as well as Poynor Baptist. Since then, he relocated and became a member of Faith Fellowship. He was also a member of the LaRue Cemetery Board as well as a member of multiple other community-wide organizations.

Joe Ed was preceded in death by his father, Joe Young, and mother, Dell Young.

Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 46 years, Rebecca; sons Brandon and wife Lesley of LaRue and Chandon of Hillsboro as well as his grandchildren Caden, Keaton, Emma, Ayrianna, Payton, and Aubrey.

His enjoyment in life was, hands down, his family. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren from sporting events to academic achievements.

Joe Ed loved to go camping, going to the ocean as well as riding ATVs at River Run.

Joe Ed was the rock, the glue, and the foundation that held the family together. He will be greatly missed by the community, friends, and most definitely his family.