Lewis Aubrey Brown

Lewis Aubrey Brown, age 91, passed away on March 20, 2026. He was born on April 24, 1934, in Whitehouse and spent much of his life on the family farm he and his beloved wife built together in 1975 — a place that stood as a testament to their shared life, love and hard work.

A visitation will be held on Monday,March 23, 2026 at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Palestine. A graveside service will follow on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Olive Branch Cemetery in Brushy Creek, where he will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Lewis graduated from Whitehouse High School and continued his education at Tyler Junior College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. His dedication to learning reflected the steady determination that would define his life.

Lewis was a kind, energetic and deeply loving man who never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and connection, making everyone he encountered feel seen and valued. His patience, generosity and steady presence were constants in the lives of those who knew him.

He dedicated nearly 50 years of service to the United States Federal Government, serving as the manager of the Social Security Office in Palestine. He took pride in his work and in serving others with the same integrity and care that defined every part of his life.

At home, Lewis built more than a house — he built a life centered around family and the land he loved. He raised Angus cattle, each one cared for with such attention that they were more like pets than livestock. After long days at work, he found peace walking among them, a quiet rhythm that grounded him.

Some of the most cherished moments with Lewis were the simplest — sitting on the porch, sharing stories or working side by side on projects. He loved to build, not just with his hands, but in the relationships he nurtured and the encouragement he gave so freely. He often told his children that “they could do anything they set their mind to,” and he lived that belief by supporting and uplifting others every day.

Lewis shared 57 wonderful years with his wife Frieda, who was truly the light of his life. Their love only grew stronger with time, serving as an example to all who knew them. He was a devoted father to his children, Bruce and Natalie, always present with guidance, encouragement and a listening ear. He was a proud grandfather to Anita (Dennis) Rogers, Lydia (Gunner) Grey, and Brett Brown, and a loving great-grandfather to Cassy, Alex, EJ, Gatlin, and Tommy. His family was his greatest joy and proudest legacy.

He is survived by his wife Frieda Brown; his children Bruce Brown and Natalie Brown, and their spouses Louis Aszod and Joshua Rainey; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; and his sister, Louise Edscorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby Mae and Henry Brown; his brothers James, John and Don Brown; his sisters Nelda Rose Brown, Ellouise Hill, Doris Freeman and Melba Rose Freeman; and his great-grandchild Olivia Dawn Rogers.

Lewis will be remembered as a man who believed deeply in others, who loved fully, and who lived a life defined by quiet strength, compassion and devotion to his family. To those who knew him, he was not only a father and grandfather, but a steady guide, a source of encouragement, and a true hero.

(Information for this obituary obtained from a post by Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Palestine.)

TO RETURN . . .

Click HERE !

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

Mary Lee (Russell) Hedlund

A funeral service for Mary Lee (Russell) Hedlund, 78, of Slocum, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Jamie Hogan officiating. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery in Frankston.

Visitation will begin Thursday, March 26, 2026, and family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mary was born on May 23, 1947 in Gladewater, to Donald Ray and Minnie Ruth (Farmer) Russell and passed away on March 24, 2026 in Tyler.

Mary attended Denson Springs Missionary Baptist Church and carried her faith with her in the way she treated others. Mary spent many dedicated years working at TDCJ in the Michael Unit, where she served as the personnel supervisor until her retirement.

Outside of work, Mary found her greatest happiness in the moments she shared with her husband, especially when they were fishing or golfing together. But nothing brought her more joy than her family. She rarely missed a chance to be present at her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, cheering them on with pride. To them, she was simply “Grandma”, a name spoken with love, comfort, and deep affection.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wayne Hedlund; brother Dennis Ray Russell; and brother-in-law John Hedlund.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Amy Higginbotham and husband Ronnie of Cedar Hill and Laurie Peters of Slocum; sister-in-law Donna Rayborn of Tyler; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dean and Diane Hedlund of Nebraska, Brad and Tamie Hedlund, Kay and Bob Vanderwoude, Rae Jewell and Vola Fiel, all of South Dakota; grandchildren Colton and wife Ashtin of Paris and Cade Peters of Slocum; great-grandson Cooper Peters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Colton Peters, Cade Peters, Donnie Russell, and Ronnie Higginbotham.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to Frankston City Cemetery at P.O. Box 176, Frankston, TX 75763 or the Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or www.hospiceofeastexas.org

Gordon Allen McLane

A funeral service for Gordon Allen McLane, 78, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Steve Handley officiating.

Gordon was born on July 5, 1947, in Frankston, to Leonard and Thelma (Hines) McLane and passed away on March 26, 2026, in Frankston.

Gordon was a carpenter through and through and he poured his passion into countless projects over the years. He spent his life doing what he loved most, building, creating, and putting his hands to good, honest work. He shared those skills generously, teaching his family the value of hard work, patience, and doing a job the right way.

Above all else, Gordon loved his wife, Paula, with whom he shared 55 years of devotion and partnership. His family was the center of his world. He was also a faithful member of the Church of Christ.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Monroe McLane, Richard McLane and A.L. McLane; and sisters Joyce Delaney and Nelle McLane.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Paula McLane; two sons Dennis McLane and wife Melissa and Brad McLane and wife Lisa; and grandchildren Kenny McLane and SrA Jacob McLane, USAF.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of East Texas at www.hospiceofeasttexas.org .

Daniel Lee Rivero

Daniel Lee Rivero, age 20, of Athens, passed away far too soon, on March 26, 2026, leaving a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Daniel was a proud graduate of LaPoynor High School and faithfully served his community as a Detention Service Officer with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. He truly loved his job and took great pride in helping others. His bravery and quick thinking earned him a lifesaving award after his actions helped save a life, something that reflected his selfless, compassionate heart.

Daniel was known for his caring nature, his compassion and his incredible sense of humor. He had a special way of lifting others up and could always make people smile with a joke. He loved his family and friends deeply and treasured every moment spent with them.

He had a special bond with his beloved dogs, Stormy and Nuke, who brought him great joy. Daniel also had a passion for guns and enjoyed working with his hands. One of his most meaningful projects was restoring his late brother’s 2001 Chevy Silverado, a labor of love that meant so much to him.

To his nieces, he was lovingly known as “Danlita.” a name that reflected the deep love and connection he shared with them. Daniel’s love for his family was evident in everything he did.

Though his time on earth was brief, Daniel lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and love. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his brother Scott Rivero; grandfathers; grandmother; aunts Eva and Veronica; uncle Silverio; and cousins.

He is survived by his loving family. Survivors include his parents Juan and Selma Rivero; brothers Juan Manuel Jr., David Rivero and his wife Kayla Rivero; sister Vania Rivero; his beloved nieces Brynlee and Braycee Rivero; grandparents Ofelia and Marcial Vallejos; along with many more relatives and friends.

Services were held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens.