Jane Austin Chapman

Jane Austin Chapman, 83, of Frankston, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in her hometown of Frankston.

Born on Oct. 2, 1942 in Jacksonville, Jane was the daughter of Jeff Austin, Sr. and Opal T. Austin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Frankston Methodist Church, 110 S. Weldon Street, Frankston. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bros. Doug Howell and Chris Thacker officiating. A reception will follow, with details to be provided at the end of the Celebration of Life service.

Frankston Methodist Church was Jane’s “home church”, the church in which she was christened, baptized, and raised, and to which she returned when she moved back to East Texas in 1993. She faithfully supported the church as she was called “with her time, talents, and treasures”.

She was a proud graduate of The Hockaday School in Dallas (Class of 1961) and The University of Texas at Austin (Class of 1964) where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. While at UT, Jane was a Duchess of The Court at the 1963 Texas Rose Festival in Tyler.

A third-generation banker, Jane began her banking career at an early age, working in bookkeeping and filing checks at First State Bank in Frankston. After college, she joined Mercantile Bank in Dallas in the credit department and later worked at First State Bank, Rusk; First National Bank, Jacksonville; The Commercial Bank, Mason and First State Bank, Athens.

Throughout her distinguished career, Jane served as Vice President and Director of Austin Bank, Texas N.A., Jacksonville; Austin Bancorp, Inc., Jacksonville; and First State Bank, Athens. She also served on the boards of both Austin Bank and First State Bank, Athens. In July 1997, she was appointed to the First State Bank, Athens Board of Directors, and in 2014, she was honored by the Texas Bankers Assn. with the 50-Year Banker Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication to the profession.

Jane believed deeply in the values her family built their banking legacy upon: integrity, service and community. She often said, “Banking has been good to our family, and our family has tried to uphold the values of banking as they used to be. We believe what’s good for the customer is good for the bank, and vice versa.” She was known for her empathy, loyalty, and devotion to both her family and her employees  —  many of whom she mentored personally.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Jeff Austin Sr. and Opal T. Austin, sister-in-law Sissy Austin and cousin Joe T. Terrell.

Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years Bob L. Chapman; son, Michael A. Neill, and his wife Jennifer; and daughter Kathryn Neill Woods and husband Paul; grandchildren Jessica Neill Swinnea and husband Calvin, Austin Neill and fiancée Hannah Barnett, Aubrey Woods, and Abby Woods; Bob’s daughters and family: Karen and Bobby Scantlin, Jody and Allen Alnemer, Kristy and Todd Schaffler; and grandchildren Joe Bob White and wife Kristen, Ashley Hoag and husband Nathan, Hannah Alnemer, and Jordan Alnemer.

Jane is also survived by her loving big brother Jeff Austin Jr.; nephew and nieces: Jeff Austin III and wife Becky, Mary Austin, Carole Leigh Austin Mattson and husband James, and cousins John F. Austin III and wife Carol, Mary Austin Moody; Austin and Sarah Thacker and Cynthia Porter Gordon.

The family would also like to give special recognition to those who cared and provided for Jane in recent years and who demonstrated such Godly love in doing so: Angelica Anderson, Virgina Flores, Wynell Glover, Stephanie Harmon, Lillie Harmon, Willie Hayter, Monica Hodge, Brenda Jammer, Deidra Lacy, Alphonso Lang, Angie McKenzie, Pam Nabors, Marsh Sides, Tonya Taylor, Laura Vonderhaue, Henrietta Ward, Alicia Whitehead, Yolanda Williams, and Alice Woods.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Jerry Beard, Johnny Burks, David Daniels, Mike Dennis, Russ Gideon, Dr. Steve Hicks, William M. Holland, Jess Laird, Alphonso Lang, Ronny E. Lee, Larry Weber, Kent Westbrook and John P. Williams.

The family would be grateful for donations to the Frankston Methodist Church, P.O. Box 355, Frankston, TX. 75763, or The Gladney Center for Adoption, 6300 John Ryan Drive, Fort Worth, TX. 76132, or a charity of your choice.

Jane will be remembered as a caring, protective, and dedicated woman — one who valued relationships, tradition and doing what was right for her customers and community. She loved Our Lord and traditional Methodist hymns. One of Jane’s favorite scriptures reflects both of those loves:

Psalm 40:1-6: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

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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.)

Bill Harden

A funeral service for Bill Harden, 80, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Frankston. Bro. Scott Wiley will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.

Bill will be laid to rest at Myrtle Springs Cemetery at a later date.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Bill was born Nov. 4, 1945 to Paul and Florence Harden in Athens and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 7, 2025.

Bill served in the U.S. Army and served as a Mason in Frankston. Among many jobs that he held, ranching and farming is where his heart lay.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Rodney Harden; sisters Helen Shifrin, Carle Smith and Rose Carner; and his son William Brett Harden.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife Patsy Harden; daughter Angie Crawford and husband Mike and his grandchildren Garrett Harden and wife Rylee, Tyler Parker and fiancée Ally Reed, Cole Harden and special friend Brooke Lehr; great-grandchildren, Gannon Reed and Lane Harden; sister-in-law Ann Harden and brother-in-law Larry Shifrin. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Honorary pallbearers are Garrett Harden, Tyler Parker, Cole Harden, Alan Weserry Beard and Robert Kemley.tbrook, Jay Boles, Kevin McDonald, Mark House, Lee Dickerson, Paul Carver, David Crossley, Jerry Beard and Robert Kennedy.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to the Frankston Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 186, Frankston, TX 75763, First Baptist Church of Frankston at P.O. Box 38, Frankston, TX 75763 or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org  .

Jesse W. Smith Jr.

Jesse Woodrow Smith Jr., 77, of Frankston went home to be with his Lord on Nov. 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born April 26, 1948 to Jesse Woodrow Smith Sr. and Willie (“Jack”) Zaline Smith, Jesse grew up in the Piney Woods of East Texas with a deep love for basketball and a deep love for the land. A lifelong Frankston Indians fan, Jesse was never shy about letting the referee know exactly what he thought was a bad call.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Frankston on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 with Brothers G.C. Folmar and Justin Palmer officiating. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston. At 10 a.m., there will be a one-hour visitation wherein family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Frankston.

For about 40 years, Jesse worked in oil and gas fields around the world, but every dollar came home to East Texas. He bought, restored, and developed land, leaving his unmistakable mark on the countryside he loved. Some of those ventures were shared with his longtime friend and partner Robert Tidmore, two East Texas boys whose handshake was as good as any contract. To Jesse, all he needed was a good quarter horse, a loyal cow dog, a healthy herd, and a sunset over his own pasture. best enjoyed with somebody along to open the gates.

On Sept. 20, 1970, he married Sheila Wagley. For 52 years, they built a life together in Frankston, raised Rivers Smith and Cameron Smith, and kept an open door for family and friends. In his later years, illness took its toll and Jesse was not himself, but he was loved fiercely to the very end.

Jesse and his remaining cherished first cousins, Sonny Perry and Johnny Burks, were the last living children of the four Hardee sisters. Together with their parents, these families helped lay the foundation for the Frankston we know today.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Jesse Woodrow Smith Sr. and Willie Zaline “Jack” Smith; his beloved sister Suzanne Dickerson; his brother Baby Jon Smith; and his brother-in-law Bill Roberts.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sheila Smith of Frankston; his son Blake Rivers Smith and his daughter Meredith Cameron Smith; and his remaining first cousins Sonny Perry and Johnny Burks. He is also survived by brother-in-law L.D. Dickerson; nephew Lee Smith Dickerson and wife Danielle; niece Cheryl Anne Davis and husband Johnnie; and great-nieces Heather Glaspie and her family Justin, Jackson Wayne, and Jesse Woodrow, and Shelby Rollinson and her family, Cody and Tilley Suzanne; great-nephew Dillon Reynolds and his family Mallori, Farrah, Alexa, Jon, Case, Rue Anne and Bodi; his mother-in-law of 52 years Iona Lilley; his brothers-and sisters-in-law Dennis and Karen Wagley Waugh, Richard and Geneze Wagley Dansby, Mark and Kristi Wagley, Damon and Marisa Wagley, Robert and Kimberly Kennedy, and Pat Till. His other extended family includes nephews by marriage Jordan and Isaac Roberts and Noah and Ira Dansby, Rios Wagley, and Clay Kennedy; his nieces by marriage Alex Bostick, Hannah Wagley, Grace Wagley Navarro, and Elise Wagley; and a wide circle of cousins, friends, and basketball fans who will miss that unmistakable voice and presence.

Pallbearers will be Joe Dale Dickerson, Jimmy Westbrook, Dana Bizzell, Larry Lloyd, Will Earl Henderson, Jim Smith, Charles Rhodes and Johnny Wofford.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe Hicks, Ronnie Arrow, Fernando Hernandez, Billy Barnes, Bob Lindsey, Billie Clyde Gillespie, Bubba Bizzell, Reuben Aguilar and Larry Quinten House.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to the Frankston City Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 176, Frankston, TX 75763 or Lighthouse Baptist Chapel of Frankston at P.O. Box 1118 Frankston, TX 75763.

Mark Ray Ellis

Mark Ray Ellis, 43, of Frankston passed away on Nov. 24, 2025, in Tyler. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of Autry Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Poynor with Dr. Paul Diepenbruck officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Hight, Rick Knight, Kirk Shackelford, and Bob Walker.

Mark was born Oct. 22, 1982, in Longview to Daniel Davide Ellis and Frances Willene (South) Ellis. He married Cansas Ellis (Rogers) on Oct. 18, 2014, in Carthage.

As a man of deep faith, Mark devoted himself to studying and sharing the Word of God. He earned his chaplain license through Christian Leaders Institute and was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry at Liberty University.

Mark’s greatest joys were his family, his church and his smoker. He enjoyed cheering on his son at baseball games, being actively involved in the men's ministry at church and creating delicious culinary creations. Whether it was smoking a turkey or smoking cheese dip, Mark did it with the same eagerness and dedication as he did sharing the gospel.

His life was a testament to service, faith and love and that legacy will continue to shine through his family and friends and the lives he impacted.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Daniel; late wife Jessica Ellis; grandmother Veo South; grandfather Willis Vernon South Sr; uncle Willis Vernon South Jr.; and father-in-law Aaron Rogers.

Mark is survived by his wife Cansas Ellis; son Merick Starner; brothers Corey Ellis (Amy), Dustin Wells (Courtney; sisters Tammy Cullipher and Sarah Jenkins as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his fur babies Leroy, Reba and Sarge.

Barbara Hanks

A funeral service for Barbara “Granny” Hanks, 87, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at the LaPoynor Church of Christ with Bro. Steve Handley and Shaun Hanks officiating. She will be laid to rest at Poynor Cemetery.

Visitation will begin Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, and family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Barbara was born on Oct. 30, 1938, to Monroe and Katie Bell (McKinley) Dickerson and passed away on Nov. 30, 2025.

Barbara devoted her life to caring for children, both her own and her “adopted” children. She attended countless basketball games, baseball games, volleyball games, track meets, rodeos, and ran a day care for many years. She became affectionately known as “Granny”, “Nana”, or “Mrs. Barbara” to the countless little ones who passed through her doors. She was also a faithful member of the LaPoynor Church of Christ.

Barbara was preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Pat House and Billie Henderson; and brothers, Paul and Junior Dickerson.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 70 years Lloyd Hanks of Poynor; son Mike Hanks and wife Teri of Poynor; daughter Patti Holman and husband Kris, of Jacksonville; sister Darlynne Barnett of Calendar Lake; grandchildren Shaun Hanks and wife Christie; K.C. Holman and wife Cortney; Jamie Hanks and wife Christian; Justin Holman and wife Bailey; Milynne Faulk and husband Blain; Brandy Bannister and husband Brandon; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Shaun Hanks, Jamie Hanks, K.C. Holman, Justin Holman, Brandon Bannister, Blain Faulk and Vic Malone.

Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Dickerson and Jeff Fite.