Fredrick S. Brown Jr., long time businessman owner of Brown Oil & Gas Co., went to be with the Lord, with his wife by his side, Sept. 14, 2017 at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at the age of 78.
Fred was born Feb. 1, 1939 in Corsicana to Fred S Brown, Sr. and Thelma Brown. Brown attended school in Mexia and was a graduate of Allen Military Academy in Bryan. He graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and received his J.D. from The University of Texas Law School, class of 1964. He was a 50 year member of State Bar of Texas.
Brown founded the Brown Oil & Gas Co. in 1963 and over the next 10 years was successful in accomplishing his goal of re-acquiring all of the wells and production previously held by his grandfather. Fred pursued many interest. He was a “Wildcatter,” published author, pilot, world traveler, paramedic and photographer.
Brown was preceded in death by his grandfather C. L. Brown; his parents, Thelma Brown Eubanks and Frederick S Brown Sr.; and his brother, John Brown.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Laura L. Brown, whom he married on Valentine’s Day. They were the love of each other’s life, best friends, and constant companions. He is further survived by his children: Frederick S Brown III; Cynthia (Jay) Bequette; Meredith (Steve) Boyd; Amy Wengert; Charles (Anne) Brown; and Brett Brown. He was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his much-adored sisters Linda LeDuc and Jennifer Thurman, many nieces and nephews, friends and loyal employees of Brown Oil & Gas Company.
In lieu of flowers donations are requested for Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at massgeneral.org/cancer/support
A memorial service will be held in Mexia at a later date.

Former Mexia resident, Harold Ray Sewell, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 in Bremerton, Wash.
He was born in Mexia on July 11, 1932 and is preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents Robert B. and Ruby L. Sewell, brother Robert B. Sewell, Jr and sister Jeanette Garrett.
Sewell is survived by his brother Wallace Glenn Sewell of Coppell, two sons, Lindsey Sewell of Poulsbo, Wash., Steve Sewell of Beaver, Ore. and four grandchildren, Tristan, Lauren, Jennifer and Tyler.
Ray was a graduate of Mexia High School and was the editor of the yearbook his senior year. During his high school years he learned to operate the linotype machine at the Mexia Daily News. His linotype skills helped his earn his way through Baylor University and was useful in securing additional linotype work for a number of years. He attended the University of Innsbruck in Austria by earning a Fulbright Grant.
His teaching career included positions at the college and university levels teaching English composition, literature and German. He supervised student teachers at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore. and served three years in Tienjin, China as a foreign language expert.

The Angelic Hosts came for Mrs. Ada Burleson Conner on Sept. 20, 2017 in the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Carrollton among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing will begin Friday, Sept. 29 from 1-7 p.m. in the Chapel of Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street in Teague.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 30 at 12 noon in the Mexia Civic Auditorium, 101 South McKinney Street, Mexia. Viewing will be held Saturday at the auditorium from 11 a.m. until the services begin at noon with the Reverend Louis Carr, Jr. officiating and Dr. E. A. Benson, eulogist. Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery, LCR 474, Mexia.
Conner was born Feb. 18, 1934 in Mexia. She graduated from Dunbar High School in 1951 and went on to attend Bishop College and Texas Southern. She married Warren Conner in 1956 (who preceded her in death). Ada was also preceded in death by her son, Ricky A. Burleson and her parents, Louis and Alma Burleson.
Ada is survived by two sons, Reginald Conner of Mexia and Warren Conner of Los, Angeles Calif.; two daughters Cheryl Conner McLaughlin (Roger) of Carrollton and Tonja Conner Minor (Rodney) of Flower Mound; seven grandchildren Lashundra Davis of Houston, Brooke Conner of Mexia, Kelcey Williams of New Orleans La., Brittany Conner of Carrollton, Brittany McLaughlin of Dallas, Nicholas Minor of Flower Mound, and Dohre’ McLaughlin of Carrollton; and eight great- grandchildren; One sister in law, Mrs. Eva Burleson of Dallas, TX, a brother in law Esquire Conner (Mildred) of Wilmer Hutchins TX and a cousin Louis Archie Shackles of CA; along with a host of nieces and nephews. 
There are many things that Ada is known for and her greatest legacies (besides her children) would include the work she has done for the community and her involvement in politics. Even her employment career that includes, working at the State school, library, being self-employed, working for legal services, court clerk position and serving as a municipal judge, and Pre-Need Insurance Agent, Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, all point to the direction of her involvement for the betterment of the community. Her political journey hails the democratic theme of “People who are for the people…ALL people.” Conner was actively involved in the Democratic Club, League of Involved Women, NAACP, MLK program, Chairman of the board for Caritas, and a board appointment to Brazos River Authority. While there are countless other clubs, boards, and organizations to which Ada was affiliated, one of her greatest achievements was the institution of ballot by mail to the county. The list of political work and those Ada mentored in the political arena are endless and will live on for generations to come.
Ada’s involvement in the community began with her affiliation to a plethora of churches in Mexia and the surrounding communities. Her musical gift has been shared with more churches and touched the lives of more individuals than can easily be counted. While Conner was a “household name” at numerous churches, her roots are planted at St. Luke United Methodist Church. She faithfully served there for more than thirty years.
While Ada will be missed by all, her wisdom, her gifts, her talents, her mentoring, and her love will never be forgotten because the depths of her roots are too wide, too high, too long and too deep to measure.
Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street Teague is serving the Conner family. Visit mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.

Glynn Erwin Beene, of Ferris, born on June 18, 1929 in Mexia lost his long battle with a rare form of cancer on Friday Sept. 29, 2017.
Glynn passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his four children.
He is survived by Doyle Beene, brother, Louise Jones, sister, daughter Glynda and husband Johnny Martin, daughter Monica and husband Richard Ball, daughter Melinda and husband Curtis Mitchell, son Eric and wife Angie, four grandkids, Jahnna, Mark, Jennifer and Madison, and three great grandkids, Jace, Kylie and Whitney and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He was a loving father, brother, uncle and grandfather and will be missed dearly.
Funeral services will be held on at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 2 at Corley-Porter Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia with the Reverend Bill Wright, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Point Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday morning 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.
An online quest book is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Glynn Erwin Beene obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Helen Adella Stonecipher, 81, of Point Enterprise will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. Interment will follow in the Point Enterprise Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Helen was born Dec. 22, 1935 in Millbank, South Dakota to Worth B. and Mable A. Reed Crandall. She was a beautician for over 35 years, a job she not only enjoyed, but an opportunity to make many friends. She also owned her own shop, Helen’s Beauty Shop, for many years, prior to retirement.
Helen married her loving husband, Donald Stonecipher on June 1, 1953 in San Angelo and they were blessed with three children, Perry, Sheila and Sheri. Her first priority in life was taking care of her family and being involved in the life of her children and grandchildren. Nothing made Helen happier than having all her family at home, especially, during the holidays. Helen also enjoyed painting, country music and really loved watching birds.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Stonecipher; son, Perry Stonecipher; and grandson, Ricky Allen.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Sheila Black of Teague and Sheri Peterson and husband, Kenneth of Jewett; grandchildren, Clyde Allen, Jr., Joel Black, Martin Black, April Peterson and Amanda Peterson; sisters, Lorene Hagemann of Upper Lake, Calif., Ruby McCarley of Amarillo, Hazel Maggard of Cheyenne, Okla., Vera Holley of Cheyenne, Okla. and Chris Fleshman of Medford, Okla.; brother, Elmer Crandall of Higgins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Virginia’s Hospice in Teague.
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Connie Sue Watters, 59 years young, of Mexia joined the Lord on Oct. 4, 2017 at 9:45 a.m. at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco. Visitation for Connie will be held at Corley-Porter Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 6 in Mexia, from 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. , Saturday, Oct. 7 at Corley-Porter Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield of First Baptist Church in Mexia officiating. Burial will be at the Wortham Cemetery in Wortham.
Connie was born in Odessa to Conley Woodard Curry and Minnie Maud Wyers on June 19, 1958. She was married to Randy Watters on Oct. 19, 1983. Connie was retired from Mexia Independent School District and had accomplished numerous goals in her life. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother to her two children and was a woman that loved helping other people. It seemed like she knew how to help with every kind of situation that there ever was. She had all the right answers. Her memory and spirit will continue to walk through the peoples lives that knew her.
Connie was preceded in death by her mother Minnie; father Conley; brother Jerry Don Tucker and sister Collen McKeefer. Connie is survived by her loving husband Randy Watters of Mexia (who dedicated his time and love to make sure she wanted and needed for nothing); her daughter Tonya Nicole Burns and husband Marshall of Mexia; her son Dustin Lee Watters of Mexia; grandchildren Greg Reyes and wife, Nikki of Waco, Adrionna Parker and husband Keno of Mexia and Jayden Watters of San Antonio; great grandchildren, Amber Reyes of Waco, Malachi Parker of Mexia and Addy Parker of Mexia; brother Phil Tucker and wife Terri of Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family of Connie Watters would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco that made her last moments with us as comfortable as possible.
Pallbearers will be Erik Stalinsky, Jack Johnson, Jay Johnson, Ray Marsh, Allen Knight, Jim Trent, Jr. and Omer Muirheid. Honorary pallbearers will be Marshall Burns and Rick Jarvis.
An online quest book is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Connie Watters obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Graveside services for Franchelle Fowler Jones, 87, a native and longtime resident of Mexia will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 in the Mexia Cemetery with David Mahan, former Minister of Eastern Hills Church of Christ in Athens, officiating. Grandsons Trey Bankhead, Trent Bankhead and Tye Bankhead, along with Rick Sadler, Don Corbitt and Jimmy Prather, will serve as pallbearers.
Jones was born Aug. 31, 1930 in Mexia, died Oct. 10, 2017 in Athens. She was a member of Northcrest Church of Christ.
She was a public school teacher for 32 years. She taught most of those years at the second grade level, having begun her teaching career in the Fort Worth Independent School District. She, also, taught in Port O’Connor, Spring, Lampasas and for 21 years in Mexia before retiring.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A. L. and Josie Lee Fowler; husband of 56 years, Jack Ralph Jones; and son, James Lynn Jones.
Jones is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Kay and Bobby Bankhead of Athens; grandsons, Robert Bruce “Trey” Bankhead, III and wife, Dedra of Athens, Trent Fowler Bankhead of Dallas and Tye Kristofer Bankhead of Dallas; great-granddaughters, Ellie Grace and Abbie Kate Bankhead.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mexia Academic Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 534, Mexia, TX 76667 or Eastern Hills Church of Christ Angel Keeper’s Pre-School, 1200 E. Corsicana, Athens, TX 75751.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Barnell Tyler, 81, passed away Oct. 10, 2017 in Mexia. Memorial services will be at 1 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Tom Prentiss officiating.
Barnell was born June 3, 1936 in Temple to Oscar and Ruby Tyler. He was admitted to Cen-Tex Group Home on June 12, 1990 from the Mexia State School.
Barnell was a very caring person and enjoyed his friends and staff. He served on the Human Rights Committee since 2004. Barnell was a very important part of the committee and expressed his opinions in many areas, which were usually right.
After his parents’ death, his cousin, Margaret Rucker, served as his guardian until her death in 2016. Ray Rucker continued to be involved in Barnell’s life.
Barnell will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Roger L. Layton II, of the Mexia State Support Living Center (MSSLC), Mexia, passed away on Oct. 8, 2017, at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, Waco at the age of 46.
He was preceded in death by both his paternal and maternal grandparents.
He leaves behind with cherished memories his parents, Roger L. Layton and Karen L. (Seamount) Layton, sisters Frances Windels and husband Denis, Karal Nicol and husband Tom, Fai Wheeler and husband Brian, two uncles, two aunts, a host of nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at the MSSLC for providing 28 years of excellent care for him.
No memorial service is being planned by the family at this time.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Christine Banks Kerzee, 90, of Mexia, passed away on Oct. 17, 2017 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church of Mexia, with the Reverend Tom Prentiss, officiating.  Interment will follow at the Mexia Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be at 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Brad Henderson, Michael Jones, Russell Henderson, Christopher Jones, Jordan Kerzee, Ryan Condon and Nolan Russell. 
Christine was born on Dec. 25, 1926 in Quitman to John Herman and Laura Clifford Powell Banks. She graduated from Quitman High School. She had been in Mexia since January of 1949. On Aug. 28, 1951 in Dallas, she married Alton Bennett Kerzee, Jr., a union which gave them five wonderful children. 
She was a wonderful cook and loved cooking meals for her family. She enjoyed it so much, she even owned and operated her own restaurant, Chris’ Kitchen, in Mexia in the late 70’s. Family was very important to “Meme,” as she was affectionately called, and she cherished every get together, event and holiday spent with all her children and grandchildren. She was also an excellent seamstress, baby rocker and lullaby singer, and no one could compete with her Thanksgiving dressing and desserts. After she closed her business, she went to work as a clerk for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, where she retired after 10 years of service. 
She was preceded in death by her son, Alton Bennett Kerzee, III; grandson, Clynton Cade Henderson; brother-in-law, Archie Hunter and her sister-in-law, Dora Banks. 
Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Henderson and husband, Nolan of Tehuacana, Lori Jones and husband, Doug of Mexia, Lynda Condon and husband, Scott of Mexia; son, Michael Kerzee and wife, Caroline of Rockland, Maine; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Arlis Banks and wife, Geneva of Quitman and Arvin Banks and wife, Ann of Harlingen and sister, Tommie Hunter of Mesquite.
The family of Ms. Kerzee would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Providence Hospice of Mexia and all of those who helped provide for her needs through the last few weeks. 
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J. E. “Eddie-Boy” Trantham, 85, passed away Oct. 20, 2017 in Mexia. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel.
Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Saturday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Eddie-Boy is survived by his wife, Jodelle Trantham of Mexia; children, Mary Alice Stampinato of Mart, Judy Paetzold of Elk City, OK, Sara Jo Trantham, James Trantham, II and Sue Lil Roberts all of Mexia; and other relatives.
A complete obituary will be in the Tuesday edition of the Mexia News.
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James Edward “Eddie-Boy” Trantham, I, 85, passed away Oct. 20, 2017 in Mexia. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Bro. David Bates officiating. Interment was in the Mexia Cemetery. Fain Carroll, Josh Williamson, Frog Roberts, Dale Weaver, Steve Trantham, Mike Trantham, Paul Wayne Carroll and John Carroll served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Cecil Sandifer, Milton Carroll, Jimmy Van Winkle, John Pevehouse, Delbert Kyle, Sr., Darrow Condon, Scott Condon, Clint Condon and the Bi-Stone Building Supply employees.
Eddie-Boy was born Feb. 4, 1932 in Mexia to Russell White and Edna Danner Trantham. Mexia was always home, the railroad was going strong, and here is where he began his long working career. Eddie-Boy retired from Southern Pacific Railroad after 44 years of service in the Building and Maintenance Department.
Eddie-Boy married his lifelong partner, Jodelle Carroll, May 30, 1952 in Mexia. They began their life together, traveling with his job and living in a railroad car until their first child began school. Raising five children was not an easy task, but providing a living for his family and teaching them good life skills was his goal in life; he dearly loved his family. Eddie-Boy was a hard worker, he had to be busy or he wasn’t happy. He was a good carpenter and mechanic; he could figure out how to fix or repair almost anything. He was a Christian and member of the First Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bobby and Russell Trantham.  
Eddie-Boy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jodelle Trantham of Mexia; children, Mary Alice Spampinato and husband, David of Mart, Judy Ann Paetzold of Elk City, Okla., Sara Jo Trantham of Mexia, James Edward Trantham, II and wife, Margaret of Mexia and Sue Lil Roberts and husband, Frog of Mexia; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Emilie Ann Ray of Tehuacana; sister-in-law, Mattie Trantham of Mexia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Harley Gene Barrett, Sr. would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.
Funeral services were at the Coolidge Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2017. Services were directed by Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.
Gene was born Dec. 26, 1931 to Samuel Franklin and Ruby Percal Barrett in Malone. He went to school in Bynum and had two years of college. He met and married Doris Meria Paris on Feb. 14, 1953 in the old baptist church in Coolidge. They had 60 years together until she was called away in 2012.
They had four children, Wyone Manes, SeLayna McAdams, Sonja Rivera, Gene Barrett Jr., and their adopted son Christopher Barrett. He is survived by daughter and son in law, David and Wyone Manes of Diana; daughter, SeLayna McAdams of Fairfield; daughter and son in law, Sonja and Luis Rivera of Alvarado; son, Harley Gene Jr. of Coolidge; son, Christopher Barrett. He had 15 grandchildren, Greg and Marie Conn of Louisville, Kan; Dale and Shonda Manes of Diana; Brian Barrett of Fairfield; Brian and Katrina White of Longview; Nicolas and Viviana Molina of Mexia; Christina Molina-Ruelas of Fairfield; Michael McAdams of Fairfield; Shelby Fisher, Richard Fisher, Connor Barrett, and Harlie Barrett. He had 19 great grandchildren: Tyler and Cason Conn, Makenzie and Dakota Manes, Ashley, Kaylee, Braiden, and Brison Barrett, Preston and Blake White, Michelle Molina, Sabastian, Jazmyne, Camilla, and Antonia Ruelas, Kylie and Brooklyn Fisher, Leo and James Fisher.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Mother Francis Hospital and Palliative Care Association. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care over the last month were a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him.

Edgar Alton “Bud” Lemon, Jr., 78, of Groesbeck passed away Oct. 19, 2017 at Providence Healthcare Center in Waco. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Mexia branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1209 Hinchliffe Road in Mexia.
Edgar was born Sept. 3, 1939 in Claremore, Okla. to Edgar Alton, Sr. and Edith Marie Bough Lemon. He served in the Navy for four years.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Doss of Groesbeck; daughters, Monet Lemon of Houston, Kelly Hart of Hockley and Kimberly Doss Wright of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Grandchildren, Mallory Lemon of Houston, Alyssa Hart of Spring, Marcus Hart of Indiana, Kayla Hart Jones & husband Justin of Hockley, Derrick Hart of Spring, Benjamin Wright of Rexburg, Idaho, Elder Jesse Wright of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Washington Yakim Mission and Caleb Wright of Wake Forest, North Carolina; great grandchildren, Alexander Jones of Hockley, Alaina Jones of Hockley and Isabel Utsey of Spring; two brothers and one sister.
An online quest book is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Edgar Lemon, Jr. obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wilton Dawson Robinson, 85, passed away Oct. 25, 2017 in Burleson. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 9 a.m.
Wilton was born June 7, 1932 in Madisonville to L. D. and Ruby Robinson. He received his degree from Sam Houston University, where he met and married his loving wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Maddox Robinson. They moved to Mexia where he taught science at Mexia High School and was a member of the Army Reserve.  During this time, the Lord called him into ministry under the direction of Dr. Edwin J. Mays of the First Baptist Church, Mexia. Wilton served as Minister of Music and/or Minister of Education in various churches for the next 49 years; he retired from the ministry while in Harlingen.
During his ministry, Wilton achieved notoriety as Who’s Who of the Baptist Men of Texas. He also led many revivals across Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Wilton loved people. His ministry touched hundreds. Throughout his life, his passion was to reach the lost and love his family. This love was shared through his whole life and passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   
Wilton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Liz Robinson; brother, Dean Robinson; and sister-in-law, Beverly Robinson.
He is survived by his children, Rick Robinson and wife, Linda of Covington, Beverly Robinson Toerner and husband, Mark of Grove, Okla. and Sharon Robinson of Burleson; grandchildren, Philip DuBose, Jr. and wife, Amanda of Watertown, N.Y., Brandi Robinson Rush and husband, Shaun of Burleson, Elisa DuBose Randell and husband, Chris of Burleson, Suzanne Robinson of Fort Worth, Dea Edney and husband, Noah of Dumfries, Va. and Clint Surginer and wife, Diana of La Jolla, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Riley Foreman, Annabelle Rush, Maggie Rush, Grace Rush, Cesar DuBose, Andrea DuBose and Philip DuBose, III; sister, Dianna Robinson Elder and husband Jay of Cypress.
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Tony Joe Carden, 74, of Mexia, passed away Oct. 27, 2017 in Waco surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Bro. Michael Symank officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mabank. James Knight, Scott Watts, Mike Carpenter, Larry Branch and Bobby Jack Liles will serve as pallbearers. 
Tony was born Aug. 16, 1943 in Malakoff to Euric and Violet Gaston Carden. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Tony retired from Lone Star Gas Company after 30 years of service as Service Superintendent.
Tony was a wonderful caregiver. He took care of Molly, his first wife of 40 years, as she battled and, eventually, lost her life to cancer. He then, married Mary Carroll and took good care of her during her battle with cancer; she is now a cancer survivor. 
Tony was devoted to his family, a loving husband, father, grandfather and good friend to many. He was had an outgoing personality, always friendly and made friends easily. He enjoyed sharing stories, over and over, especially about his days of growing up on a farm, the day they got indoor plumbing and his first experience with air-conditioning. He liked to tinker with fixing anything and really welcomed the challenge of repairing things that others discarded. Tony was an avid motorcycle rider, loved watching John Wayne movies, playing dominoes and making wind chimes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Molly Carden; granddaughter, Bethany Kerby; and brothers, R. E. and Royce Fugate.
Tony is survived by his wife, Mary Carden of Mexia; children, Joe Carden and wife, Dee Dee of Temple, Dan Carden of Midlothian, James Knight and wife, Audra of Mexia and Angela Godwin and husband, Chris of Kingman, Ariz.; grandchildren, Devan Carden, Michael Watts, Scott Watts, James Carden, Ryan Kerby, Colin Kerby, Isaiah Kerby, Kylie Kerby, Molly Carden, Teneal Gray, Taylor Gray, Claude James Knight and Luther Allen Knight; and brother Ray Carden and wife, Pat of Lindale.
Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice in Waco, Relay For Life or any Cancer Fund of choice.
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Lois Bernice Greene, age 88, passed away on Oct. 19, 2017 in Houston.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 at Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church; 1402 Elm Ave. in Waco. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow and be held at Waco Memorial Park Cemetery, 6623 Interstate 35 South in Waco.

Thomas Jefferson “Baldy” Blackmon, Jr., longtime Mexia businessman passed away Oct. 28, 2017 at the age of 86. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Bro. Earl Sterling officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Nephews, Ricky Blackmon, Timmie Sterling, Jimmie Sterling, Travis McAlister, Jeff McAlister and Bobby Sterling will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Mathison, Elmer Beene, Brett Beene, Eddy Plummer, Kent Kendall, Milton Carroll, Bobby Richardson, Tony Wilson, Randy Wilson and Ron Day. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Baldy was born Aug. 6, 1931 in Malakoff to Thomas Jefferson Blackmon, Sr. and Neoma Ray Blackmon. Mexia was his home for 85 years. He served his country as a member of the Texas National Guard. Baldy owned Blackmon’s Used Cars for 52 years, prior to retirement; a business he enjoyed and was very suited for, as he was a “people” person.
Baldy married the love of his life, Mary Lee Martin, on Oct. 26, 1956 in Wortham and they were blessed with 41 years together, prior to her death in 1998. Family was a priority in his life and that meant not only his wife, daughter and grandchildren but included sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews; they all knew they could call on him whenever needed.
Baldy loved traveling, taking family vacations, entertaining family and friends at his cabin at Lake Limestone, fishing and dancing. He also enjoyed raising Greyhounds, some of which were Grand Champions, and was a fan of the Texas Longhorns and New York Yankees.
Baldy had an outgoing personality, he was as comfortable talking to a stranger as he was to a friend. He was always jovial, happy, a friend to many and tried to enjoyed life to the fullest. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Blackmon; daughter, Blynda Gail Blackmon; siblings, W. O. Blackmon, Fred Blackmon, Maxine Sterling and Derl Blackmon.
Baldy is survived by his loving daughter, Glynda Jenson and husband, Jimmie of Mexia; grandchildren, Linda Sanders and husband, Daniel and Michael Watson all of Mexia; great grandchildren, Robert David Day of Groesbeck, Hailey Day of Groesbeck and Bastion Pickens of Oakwood; sister, Mary Helen Skarpa and husband, Ray of Waco; best friend and companion, Betty Harris of Mexia; sister-in-laws Hilda Wilson of Mexia, Janet (Phillip) Pounder of Rockdale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Rayford Lee “Ray” Lasseter went to be with the Lord on Oct. 28, 2017, in Denton, and was surrounded by his family. He was retired from Chevron Corporation.
His funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Good Samaritan Village Chapel, 2500 Hinkle Drive, Denton. The viewing will take place prior to the service from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Village Chapel. Officiating will be Senior Pastor Rev. Don Lee, First United Methodist Church, Denton, and Rev. Hank Demous, Chaplain at Good Samaritan Village, Denton where Ray resided.
Burial will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, 3100 White Settlement Road at University Drive, Fort Worth following the funeral service.
Rayford was born Aug. 30, 1927 in Mexia. Upon graduating Mexia High School he attended Westminster College in Tehuacana and graduated with honors. He received his BBA degree from Baylor University, Waco where he received a Texas Teacher’s certificate. 

He served 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired a major. He was employed for 35 years with Chevron Corporation, where he was a Western Regional Manager of Lease Administration and an oil and gas attorney. He was active in the Chevron Retirees Association, loved playing golf, and collected stamps. He and his first wife, Katherine, traveled extensively, vacationing throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Holy Land. He lived in Waco, Gainesville, Houston, Denver, Colorado, and Walnut Creek, Calif. before retiring in Corinth where he was Mayor Pro-Tem. Later, Ray moved to Good Samaritan Village where he served as chairperson of both the Scholarship Committee and the Resident Council. He took a great interest in scholarships and tried to make a positive difference by helping young people attain their education. Ray became interested in singing gospel music accompanied by his wife Jackie, and he studied vocal singing after retirement. Ray was a member of the Good Samaritan Village Choir. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Denton and the Searchers Sunday School Class. Rayford was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Fort Worth. He received recognition from Masonic Lodge (Blue Lodge) and Scottish Rite for 50-year membership.
He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Lee “Sam” Lasseter and Margaret Emily Wilder Lasseter, his sister Bobbie J. Hartman, and also by his loving wife Katherine Lasseter.
His survivors are his devoted wife, Jacquelyn Sahlin Lasseter; niece Kay Estes and husband Robert F. Estes, Fort Worth; grand-niece Emily Ann Bolender and husband Gabriel Bolender, Galveston; grand-niece Elizabeth Ann Estes, Norman, Okla.; step-daughter Claire L. Sahlin and husband Jon C. Nelson, Denton; and step-granddaughter, Annika Sahlin Nelson, Irvine, Calif.
Ray, we will miss you and may your light continue to shine brightly.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Good Samaritan Village and VNA Hospice.
Memorials may be sent to the Scholarship Fund, Good Samaritan Village, 2500 Hinkle Drive, Denton, Texas76201; to the First United Methodist Church, 201 South Locust Street, Denton, Texas 76201; or to Good Samaritan Village.

The Angelic Hosts came for Homer Ray Brown on the morning of Oct. 29, 2017 at his residence in Houston, among loving family and devoted friends.
Viewing will begin Friday, Nov. 3 from 1 – 7 p.m. in the Moore’s Angelic Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 in the Holman Street Baptist Church, 3501 Holman Street in Houston under the direction of Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home of Teague. The Reverend Roderick Cunningham, pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Dickinson will officiate. Interment will be in the Avant Cemetery, FCR 661, Teague.
Brown was born on Jan. 31, 1949 as the fifth son and seventh child to Nathaniel and Callie Henderson Brown of Teague. He was a pride and joy of the family and like his six siblings he developed an early interest in learning, influenced mainly by his father. Homer accepted Jesus at an early age and united with Jerusalem Baptist Church of Teague. He received his elementary and secondary education in the Teague public schools and graduated from Teague High School after spending three years at Booker T. Washington High School, also in the Teague public school system. Homer excelled in academics receiving honors and in athletics as a member of the 440 yard relay team that won the class 2A state championship in 1967. It was at Booker T. that he met a young lady named Dena Cunningham who would become his wife for 50 years. They had two children together. Homer chose to attend Prairie View A&M University for his college education where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in mathematics in May 1971. He began his professional career in information technology with General Electric Corporation at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston where the Browns resided for 46 plus years. Following several years with GE, Homer joined the oil industry, first with Schlumberger and later with other companies.
Homer was multi-talented and had many accomplishments during his lifetime. Perhaps his most cherished was in doing things that benefited others. He served a maximum number of consecutive terms as national president of the Booker T. Washington/J.A. Brooks (BTW/JAB) Alumni Association and was instrumental in the establishment of an education club that provides scholarships to college students that graduate from Teague High School as well as college students who are descendants of BTW/JAB alumni. Homer was a member of the Holmes Street Baptist Church and served as a deacon for several years. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Chairman of Deacons at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dickinson.
Homer was preceded in death by his parents, his son Derek Brown, his brother Billy Brown and his sister Gloria Brown Dixon.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Dena, daughter Natalie McGensey (Bobby), granddaughter Karington Elise, brothers Nathaniel Brown, Jr. of Dallas, George Brown (Dorothy) of Kansas City, Mo., Harold Brown (Ann) of Winston-Salem, N.C., sister Carolyn Brown Milton (Percell) of Corsicana and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.