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.)

Johnnie Bizzell

A funeral service for Johnnie Bizzell, 88, of Tyler, is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. Bob Wallace and the Rev. J.A Griffin officiating. He will be laid to rest at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Frankston.

Mr. Bizzell passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, in Tyler.

Johnnie was born June 28, 1928, in Frankston to Willie and Deweye Bizzell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen Bizzell, daughter Karen Denise Bizzell, brothers Ray Bizzell, Roy Bizzell, and sisters Louise Kendrick and Bernice Mosley.

Left to cherish his memory is his son Danny Bizzell of Chandler, sister Annie Bee Smith of Frankston, seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Friends are cordially invited to visit with Johnnie’s family at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Pallbearers will be Justin Bailey, John Bizzell, Chris Bizzell and Danny Lynch.

Velma Joe Carsten

Velma Joe Carsten, 74, passed away on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at her home in Frankston.Velma Joe Pharis Carsten was born Oct. 22, 1942, in Buffalo, Texas, the daughter of Dawson Ellis Pharis and Rosa Etta Smith Pharis.

She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Palestine and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, planting flowers, camping and fishing with her grandkids.

Nana’s passion was her family and raising her children. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who will be missed by all she knew and loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Charles Carsten, five brothers and one sister. She is survived by her children, JoAnn Womack and husband Jackie of Palestine, Randy Wilbanks and wife Beverly of Palestine; brother Richard Pharis of Palestine; sister Virginia Freeman of Frankston; six grandchildren, Laura Akin and husband Mike, DeWayne Tedford and fiancé Valerie, Chris Tedford and wife Anita, Tracy Tedford, Leslee Lamb and husband Brannon, Randy “Bozy” Wilbanks and wife Casey; thirteen great-grandchildren, Zack Fox, Kyle Fox, Matthew Fox, Averee Fox, Braiden Fox, William Tedford, Kenslee Tedford, Ariana Walston, Ethan Tedford, Coltin Grogan, Hunter Grogan, Adalyn Frazier, Bentlee Wilbanks; one future great-grandchild Kensley Fox and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at: www.hannigansmith.com.

W. L. Bonds

W.L. Bonds, 77, of Poynor, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in Tyler. He was born Sept. 30, 1939, in Harris County, Texas to Lee and Nellie (Furguson) Bonds.

W.L. was a jack-of-all-trades. He was an auctioneer, a volunteer fire fighter and had a passion for helping people. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Poynor and Mayor Pro Tem of Poynor.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Debbie Bonds of Poynor; children, Teresa Roper of Barry, David Bonds and wife Melinda of Fairfield, Karen Nichols of Terrell, Jerry Bonds and wife Maggie of Fairfield, Sue Bonds of Athens, and Misty Halcome and husband Chuck of Louisiana. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were under direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

A memorial service was held Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Poynor.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Linda Sue Etheridge

Linda Sue Etheridge, 69, of Reese passed away in Tyler on March 1, 2017.

She was born in San Antonio on Feb. 23, 1948.

She is survived by her husband, John Etheridge of Reese; sons, Chris Etheridge and wife Laura of Poynor, Larry Etheridge and wife Toby of Dallas; five grandchildren, Kelli, Heather, Haylee, Holly and Craig; one great grandchild, Spencer; a brother, David Browning of Seagoville; sister, Edna Yates of Weatherford, numerous nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

Linda loved her husband and family very much.

Gordon Howard Shattles

Gordon was born in Brooklyn, Mississippi on February 9, 1920, to Henry Samuel and Lula Eleanor Simmons Shattles.

He went to be with our Lord on March 6, 2017, at the age of 97.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Geneva Green Shattles with whom he shared 71 years, and a son, Gordon, Jr.         

He is survived by his daughters, Eleanor Morris and Brenda Fohlmeister (Uwe), his daughter-in-law, Ann Shattles, and his grandchildren, Terri Morris, Robyn Fohlmeister, Brian Fohlmeister, Gordon Shattles III (Christy), Chuck Shattles (Reggie), and John Shattles (Ellie), as well as 4 great grandchildren.

After graduating high school, Gordon served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He enlisted in the US Coast Guard after Pearl Harbor and served in the South Pacifi c during WWII.

After the war, he and Geneva settled in Pasadena, Texas, where they worked and raised their family.

He spent most of his working years as an oil salesman. After he retired, they moved to Frankston where he began a new career as a real estate broker.

Gordon was Past Master of the William Foster Masonic Lodge #312 AF&AM in Frankston and receiver of the Golden Trowel award for over 65 years of dedication and service to Masonry.

He was ordained as a deacon in 1987 at the First Baptist Church in Frankston and also served as a deacon at Norwood Heights Baptist Church in Palestine.

Gordon enjoyed people. He was a loving father who raised his children in the church and who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

He enjoyed telling old stories and jokes, but, most of all, he loved to laugh.

He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

John Wayne Rogers

Funeral services for John Wayne Rogers, 66, of Frankston, were held Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Bailey & Foster Chapel in Palestine with the Rev. George Folmar officiating.

Burial followed in Olive Branch Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bailey & Foster in Palestine.

Mr. Rogers passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Good Shepherd Medical Center.

He was born November 30, 1950, in Palestine, to Charlie Wilburn Rogers and Mae Jean Richardson Rogers.

He was employed by the Upper Neches River Water Authority for more than 30 years, and was an active member of Alcoholics

Anonymous in Jacksonville and Frankston, and also a member of Mt. Vernon Methodist Church in Pert.

Mr. Rogers was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by one son Jeffery W. Rogers and spouse Derek Seeger; sisters Kathy Newton and husband Wayne, Becky Pearce, brother Robert Rogers and wife Jackie Lynne.

Pallbearers were Chris Rogers, Brian Rogers, Cody Newton, Kyle Newton, Justin Pearce, Chad Pearce and Brent Pearce.

Honorary pallbearers were Steve Jones and Robert Caveness.

Family requests memorials be sent to charity of choice.

Charlene Gibson

God gained another angel on Sunday, March 12, 2017.

She was known and loved by many as Charlene Gibson and loved by many who called her Mama, Nanny and Nanna.

She will be truly missed by her grandsons; Joshua Wallace, Dusty Wallace, John Pa Holden; granddaughter, Kaysea Kehr; great grandsons, Cade Wallace, Vincent Holden and James Reynolds; great granddaughter, Allie Nolan; son-in-law, Robert Woodlee; daughters, Cassie Woodlee, Charlotte Holden and son, Johnny Holden.

If you truly knew her she could make you smile.

She always had a good story to tell and made you laugh. She was only 72 when she left for her eternal home in heaven and truly will be missed by all.

“Mamma I know you had been sick and in pain for so many years. And you were ready to go. But I was not ready to let you. I know that you are dancing and walking around in heaven and your pain is gone and you are with your love Gibb (Pop). As I was growing up you were my best friend. It’s too hard to say goodbye. I need more time. I have so much more left to say to you. I love you

Mama with all of my heart,” your daughter and best friend, Cassie Woodlee.

Novis Eleese Fletcher Weeks

Novis went to be with Jesus early Monday, March 20, 2017.

Novis was born into this world on July 4, 1922, at home in the Frankston area.

She was the second of a family of seven sisters and one brother born to Carl Fletcher and Myrtle Lamb Fletcher.

Novis went through school in the LaPoynor schools and met the love of her life, Fred D. Weeks.

They were married in September 1939 and that union produced one son, Kerry Weeks, born April 6, 1941.

Novis was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her parents and brother Allen P. Fletcher, sisters Lavada Tarrant, Lovie Fletcher, Ferrell Lewis and Carolyn Adams.

Novis is survived by son Kerry and wife Bettye Weeks, sisters Mawreen Bragg, and Marilyn Shaffer, five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren and more nieces, nephews and cousins than we could count.

Novis found Jesus early and became the prayer warrior for her family.

Novis was a homemaker for all her married life.

She was widowed in 1970 and began work waiting tables, selling antiques and working in the Frankston Library for nearly 20 years until health issues forced her retirement to her home on Commerce Street.

Novis loved the people of Frankston, her family and many friends. She will be missed by all. Granny Weeks will be missed by her family.

Services will be directed by Autry Funeral Home at Frankston Evangelistic Church on Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m.

Pastor Norman Pope will conduct the services.

Novis will be buried beside her husband, Fred, in the Frankston City Cemetery.

Billy Don ‘Bill’ Douglas

Billy Don “Bill” Douglas was born on September 10, 1933, in Poynor and died peacefully on March 20, 2017, at his home after a lengthy illness.

His parents were William Silas Douglas and Elsie Pagitt Douglas.

He attended LaPoynor High School.

After graduation, Bill worked with his beloved father in the family business in Taos, New Mexico, logging timber for military contracts.

As war production ramped up, Bill was drafted into the Army, where he served his country post-WWII as a tank mechanic stationed in Germany, patrolling the Czechoslovakian border.

After two years of service in the armed forces, Bill returned to logging timber with his father and brother. During winter months, the Douglas family managed their cattle ranching operation in Poynor. Ranching became Bill’s primary focus in the 1960’s, while amassing a sizable herd and branching out into adjacent Texas markets.

After retiring from the cattle business, Bill was widely known as a skilled handyman, was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Frankston and “Pop” loved spending time tinkering in his shop.

He also treasured road trips with his son and grandsons, and the entire family enjoyed many “projects” with Pop.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Douglas, his two children, W. Dave Douglas and wife Lea Anne of Poynor, and Gaye Douglas Schoenbrun and husband Ron of Tyler; brother, Benny Douglas and wife Donna of Coffee City; 4 grandchildren, Adam and Brad Douglas, Elizabeth and Jack Schoenbrun, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Pop’s caregivers, Diana Caldwell, Kelly Jacobs and Amy Ficco.

With their presence in our lives, we were blessed beyond measure and comforted by their extraordinary care for, and love of, our special Pop.

Visitation with the family will be held at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston from noon until the service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.

Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701.

David Ray Galbreath

David Ray Galbreath, of Frankston, passed away on Wednesday March 15, 2017, at the age of 74 in Tyler after complications from pneumonia.

He was born July 15, 1942, in Milano, Milam County, Texas to David Russel and Tena Inez (Beavers) Galbreath.

On September 5, 1971, David married Barbara Ellen Hampton in Shreveport at Grawood Baptist Church. He graduated from Rockdale High School in 1960 and Louisiana Tech University in Shreveport in 1975 with a Bachelor in Engineering.

David joined the United States Air Force in August 1963 and retired as a Master Sergeant after 23 years of service.

In 1986, David and his family moved to Frankston where he became a correctional officer for Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Michael Unit and retired after 25 years. He was also a member of the retired Missileers Association, the Historic Aviation Military Museum, and the Milam County genealogical and state of Texas historical societies.

A historian in the preservation of Milam County history, he recently published many works including a book titled, Historic Bridges of Milam County through Arcadia Publishing Company.

Mr. Galbreath was preceded in death by his father, brother, Kenneth Lee Galbreath, nephew Jimmy Wayne Baxter, father in-law Wade E. Hampton and mother in-law Gracie Locke Hampton.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years and three children, Ellen Christine Durham and husband John of Wahoo, Nebraska; Tracy Lynn Young and husband Joshua of Bullard, Texas, and Derek Ross Galbreath of Frankston. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren, Autumn, Josh, Jordan, Sarah, Danielle, Jessica, Lockey, Jacob, Chance, and Merrick and eight great-grandchildren.

David is also survived by his mother Tena Galbreath of Rockdale, sisters Mary Ann Batis and Linda Sue Taylor, including numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Monday, March 20, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.

Military burial service followed in Frankston City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Brian Hampton, Josh Durham, Brentley Perrigo, Jason Hosch, Randy Billingsley and Jack Brooks.

Mary Houser

Graveside services for Mary Houser, 86, of Frankston, are scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at Frankston City Cemetery with John Gardner officiating.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.

Mrs. Houser passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Tyler.

Mary was born May 19, 1930, in Mendon, Ohio, to Richard Lee and Edith Alma (Kohart) Hickernell.

Mary worked for the Frankston Independent School District for over 20 years in the food service department.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Houser; daughter Donna Gilcrease; sister Sally Roebuck; and a son in-law Gary Gardner.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Richard Houser and wife Judy of Dallas, Philip Houser and wife Carmen of Garland and Danny Houser of Frankston; daughters Teresa Gardner of Flint and Tammy Bennett and husband Larry of Lewisville; 12 grandchildren Amy Kincannon and husband R. D., Carrie Quail and husband James, Krissy Miller and husband Jason, Justin Houser and wife Cari, Amber Houser, Clay Houser and wife Kati, Chris Gilcrease, Wes Houser and wife Stephanie, Travis Houser, Brittney Couch and husband Sean, Lee Gilcrease and wife Heather and Chelsea Bennett; 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of East Texas for their loving care. Memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas, 75701.

Betty Dressendorfer

A funeral service for Betty Dressendorfer, 87, of Frankston, was held Sunday, March 26, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.

She was laid to rest at Garden Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery in Berryville. Mrs. Dressendorfer passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in Tyler.Betty was born September 30, 1929, in Sangamon County, IL to Luther and Odie Saltzmon Taylor.

Mrs. Dressendorfer was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Frankston.She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Zelma Walker, Opal Diaz, Pearl Page; brothers Virgil Taylor, Lester Taylor, Lou Albert Taylor and Andy Taylor.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter April Seimer; sons Glenn Dressendorfer and wife Marilyn, Larry Dressendorfer, Cecil Dressendorfer and many grandchildren.

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