Lennie Nored of Breckenridge passed away May 9, 2018.

He was born in 1957 in Graham, to Jimmy Lee Nored and Johnnie Elizabeth Swan.

He would help anyone he could. Lennie was a good and kind soul. He will be missed by family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Laney Nored and two grandchildren, Caleb and Hayleigh Nored; four brothers, Bill Nored and wife Isabel, Jerry (deceased), Frankie and wife Corey Nored, Buddy Swan and Neda Williams; sisters, Bonnie Nored and husband George Clements, and Porcia Sweat; six nephews and three nieces; and his long-time girlfriend, Misty.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry.

William Standifer, 89, of Breckenridge, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 25 at Gunsight Baptist Church, with Rev. Rex Boggs officiating. A private interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

William Elbert Standifer was born Aug. 2, 1928 in True, to parents George Elbert Standifer and Brookie Mae Lowder Standifer. He joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and was a cook before he was discharged in 1964. 

On Oct. 26, 1991, he married Kay Southerland in Breckenridge. Before William retired he worked for Triple S as a manager of the paint department. He was a member of Gunsight Baptist Church. He was an artist, a writer of short stories and cook. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Brookie Standifer; one son, Tony Standifer; two sisters, Bonnie Bussey, Tommie Woods; one brother, Guy Standifer; one brother-in-law, Bo Bussey.

Standifer is survived by his wife, Kay Standifer of Breckenridge; three stepchildren, Gary Southerland and wife Laura of Breckenridge, Carol Kuhn of Abilene, Ann George of Breckenridge; one brother, Troy Standifer and wife Sonja of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Our Town or to Meals on Wheels and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Barbara Mercer, 78, of Crystal Falls, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 26 at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Dannie Lee officiating. Interment will follow in the Crystal Falls Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Barbara Ann Whitley was born March 23, 1940 in Caddo, to Marvin Floyd Whitley and Bertha Bertie Stuard Whitley. On June 1, 1956, she married J.M. “Big Boy” Mercer Jr. in Breckenridge at Rose Avenue Baptist Church. 

Barbara spent her entire life in Stephens County and was a member of the Crystal Falls Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking for her family and ranch hands and doing crafts, and was a perfectionist in everything she did. Her children and her grandchildren were her life. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Bertha Whitley, and one brother, J.R. Whitley.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, J.M. “Big Boy” Mercer Jr. of Crystal Falls; four children, Nancy Cary and husband Steve of Mineral Wells, Bonnie Lee and husband Dannie, Fonda Mercer, J. Mercer and wife Ty, all of Breckenridge; one brother-in-law, Bob Mercer and wife Sally of Breckenridge; six grandchildren, Denise Barker and husband Chris of Graford, Cory Lee and wife Carrie of Jim Ned, B.J. Lee and wife Roxi of Breckenridge, Toby Lee of Breckenridge, Tiffany Wade of Breckenridge, Miles Mercer of Richardson; nine great-grandchildren, Dalton Barker, Caryann Barker, Parker Lee, Vivienne Lee, Blake Lee, Chase Lee, Kaylee Lee, Braxton Wade and Kinzley Wade; special family friends, Jim and Teresa Everett, Carl and Pat Everett, Dewey and Crisann Woodward, Sue Peacock, Dana McKenzie, Jim and Lucy Stewart and the entire Robertson family and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crystal Falls Cemetery Association and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Ruth Starr, 94, of Breckenridge, passed away Friday, May 25, 2018. Graveside funeral services were 2 p.m., Sunday, May 27 in the Breckenridge Cemetery with Mark Wilcox officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation was 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26 at Morehart Mortuary.

Nelda Ruth Pemberton was born Dec. 26, 1923 in Duncan, Okla., to Lonnie Pemberton and Katherine McDonald Pemberton. She married Elmer Paul Bedore in 1943. He preceded her in death in 1961 and she later married Lee Starr on May 22, 1968 in Weatherford. She was a member of the Church of Breckenridge. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Katherine Pemberton; two husbands, Elmer Paul Bedore and Lee Starr; two sisters, Loyce McDavis, Billie Tienary; and two brothers, Jack Pemberton and Donald Pemberton.

She is survived by her children, Lonnie Leo Bedore and wife Tina of Peckham, Okla., Kenneth Paul Bedore and wife Sue of Tennessee, Alice Jean Wilkins of Azle, Daniel Ray Bedore and wife Bonnie of Fort Worth, June Marie Wood, John Wood, both of Breckenridge, Fedon Starr and wife Jeanette of Arizona; one sister, Peggy Ann Lawson of Newkirk, Okla.; 10 grandchildren, Crystal Herring of Breckenridge, Stacy Lovell of Austin, Mick Lovell and wife Melissa of Woodland Park, Colo., Misty Brown and husband Stephen of Conroe; Denise Bedore of Saginaw, Heather Wilkins and Brandi Mayers of Weatherford, Howard Wilkins and wife Cindy of Fort Worth, Johnny Bedore and wife Linda of Burleson, Donnie Bedore and wife Celena of Burleson, Spenser Bedore and wife Angela of Newkirk, Okla.; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels or to the Breckenridge Senior Citizens Center and may be left at Morehart Mortuary.  Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Lavada Wagley Hitch (“Nana”), 81, peacefully passed away in her sleep Sunday, May 27, 2018. 

A graveside service with Rev. Andy Rogers officiating was held Wednesday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at the Breckenridge Cemetery. 

She was born in Stephens County to John K. and Ima Simmons on Aug. 1, 1936. After graduating from Moran High School in 1954 she attended Hardin Simmons University. 

Lavada married H.H. Wagley in 1955 and they had two daughters, Connie and Bonnie. In 1957, Lavada graduated from nursing school at Hendrick Memorial Hospital. Her passion in life was being a registered nurse. A nurse for more than 40 years, Lavada served Stephens County Memorial Hospital for 22 years. 

After H.H. Wagley’s untimely death in 1976, Lavada met and married Jerry Hitch in 1984. Lavada and Jerry enjoyed 24 years of marriage until Jerry’s passing in 2007. 

Lavada was a member of First Baptist Church in Breckenridge. She loved her church, the “Whosoever” Sunday school class, and her many friends. Lavada regarded her closest friends as family.

Nana is survived by her daughters, Connie Martin and husband Gerald of Germantown, Tenn., and Bonnie McClymond and husband Curt of Breckenridge; five grandchildren, Katie Martin and Beau Martin of Memphis, Tenn.; Nic McClymond and Courtney, Luke McClymond and Chelsey, Zach McClymond and Loren, all of Breckenridge; six great-grandchildren, Henson, Milly Cate, Sam, Cantyn, Carder and Colemyn; two sisters, Theresa Nelms of Pottsboro and Pat Greenhaw of Desdemona. 

The family will receive friends following the graveside service at Breckenridge Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made to the Food Pantry First Baptist, Meals on Wheels, and The Open Door.

Andrew “Andy” Worley, 78, of Breckenridge, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018. Services are pending at this time. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Ginger Cole, age 73 of Breckenridge, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 7 in the Breckenridge Cemetery with Rev. Mike Spencer officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.  Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 6 at Morehart Mortuary.

Virginia Irene Luttrell was born August 24, 1944 in Seminole, to Homer Luttrell and Irene Clark Luttrell. She graduated from Seminole High School and was a bookkeeper and a homemaker. On Jan. 24, 1972, Ginger married Glendon Ray Cole in Greenville. Ginger was a member of the Church of Breckenridge. She enjoyed quilting, doing word puzzles, collecting antiques, listening to music and dancing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Irene Luttrell; her husband Ray Cole; one daughter, Shari Cole; and two sisters, Nelda Houston, Bobbie Cravens.

Ginger is survived by her six children, Gary Cole and wife Alice of Katy, Linda Griffith and husband Ricky of Lockney, Danny Cole of Brenham, Tracy Cole and wife Shelly of Eunice, New Mexico, David Cole and wife Debbie of Midland, Greg Cole and wife Debi of Fluvanna; one brother, Dale Luttrell and wife Janet of Denton; one sister, Kathy Lajiness and husband Jerry of Fairbanks, Alaska; thirteen grandchildren, Brian Griffith, Glen Cole, Jeff Griffith, Brent Cole, Lauren Vickers, Chad Cole, Ashley Hobbs, Corey Cole, Christy Cole, Mitchell Cole, Hope Cole, Dalton Cole, Kyle Cole; numerous great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Solaris Hospice or to Villa Haven and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Ronald “Ronny” Clyde Edwards went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from a brief illness in Dallas. 

Memorial services were 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 13 at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, Garland Road, Dallas, with visitation following

There will also be visitation Sunday, July 1 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge. At 11 a.m. Monday, July 2 there will be a memorial service at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Breckenridge, Sanctuary Restoration Fund. 

Ronny was born Nov. 8, 1946, in Breckenridge, to Clyde Virgil and Pearl Branys Edwards. He attended and graduated with honors from Breckenridge High School in May 1965. While attending Breckenridge High School, Ronny focused his talents towards the athletic side, playing tailback position for the Breckenridge Buckaroos and running the 4x4-Mile Relay for the Buckaroo track team.

After graduating from high school, Ronny attended Texas A&M University 1966-67, studying chemical engineering. In 1967, he transferred to Texas Tech where he went on to graduate in 1971 with a degree in accounting. 

After graduating from Texas Tech, Ronny went to work for Eagle Drilling of Dallas, in their accounting department. In 1984, he went to work for Cole, Hahn, & Slayton Financial Services which became Slayton Financial Services of Dallas in 1986, where he worked until his death.

In 1996, Ronny became involved with the GOP Convention where he became a delegate and was very active in the GOP for several years. He was a Legacy member of the NRA, a member of Texas Society of CPAs and was a faithful member of Eagle Mountain International Church and Kenneth Copeland Ministries. 

Ronny is preceded in death by his father, Clyde Virgil, his mother, Pearl Branys, and his brother, Larry Wayne Edwards.

Survivors include his sister, Debe Edwards Loredo and husband Edward, of Beach City; niece, Alyxandra Dalton Roberts and husband, Bradly, of Beach City, along with his great-nephew Davin Edward Roberts; cousins, Lillian Kay Cowan of Austin, Blake Edwards of Dallas, and Darryl Edwards of Point Clear, Ala.

Paula Kay Jackson, 57, born Oct 31, 1960 in Breckenridge, left this world June 14, 2018 embraced by the love of her family. Paula grew up in her small town surrounded by friends and family. After high school, Paula attended San Angelo State College. Paula forever had a love for adventure and new places. She lived in Colorado and New York before returning to her roots in in Texas. 

Paula began her battle with cancer many years ago. She triumphed over uterine cancer, throat cancer and a host of other health issues. She never faltered in her belief that she would beat it all. In many ways she did beat it. Cancer takes your energy, turns you sad and works to destroy your inner peace. Paula won by refusing to give up her faith, courage, and optimism. 

Her love for others was boundless. She was truly one of nicest and kindest person you ever met. Paula was a woman who struggled to overcome many challenges in life but walked with God in her heart. 

Paula loved the outdoors with a passion; it didn’t matter if she was fishing, camping or just enjoying some fun in the sun. She took great joy in teaching anyone, young or old, how to catch the big one. Paula always made friends easily.

Paula is survived by her loving family: her daughter and son-in-law, Marena and Gerardo Cruces; son, Jeff McDougal; mother and stepfather, Geneva and Terry Cochran; father, John Jackson; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Russell Smith; brother, John Jackson and fiancee, Kimberly Davis; nephew, Austin Smith; niece, Shelby Jackson; uncles and aunts, Junior and Cleo Riggins and Randell and Tresa Shannon; numerous cousins; dear friend Dave Fredrich, plus a host of close friends including Amber and Frank Gagliano and her puddins – Jamie and Kelby Ludwig and River Gagliano. 

Our family would like to acknowledge with love and appreciation all of the caregivers and friends during these difficult times. A memorial service in Taylor is set for June 23 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. 

Donations in memory of Paula may be made to Hospice Austin or to your local animal shelter. There will be a future celebration of Paula’s life hosted by her daughter to scatter her ashes at a later date. 

Billy James Oliver, 74, of Woodson, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. A visitation was held from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 19 at Morehart Mortuary Chapel. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Billy James Oliver was born Sept. 11, 1943 in Woodson, to Pete Oliver and Loraine Herrington Oliver. He graduated from Woodson High School in 1962 and married Linda Gunlock on June 1, 1963 in Breckenridge. 

He attended technical school in Fort Worth before returning to Breckenridge to work for Lone Star Gas. In 1967, he went to work for Koch Industries, working in Bowie and Breckenridge. In 1976, he bought his first truck and started Woodson Tank Trucks, Inc. He owned and operated WTT until selling in 1999. 

He tried retirement for a couple years but became a contract pumper for Burk Royalty in 2001. In 2002, he moved to Wise County to be closer to the leases. He retired from pumping in 2014. 

He loved to draw and was an avid reader, studying cattle driving and gold mining in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. He mastered the history of those areas as well as the people of those times. He loved sharing his stories with grandkids and anyone who would listen. He enjoyed dozens of trips to Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. 

He was a homebody, a family man, and when he wasn’t working he was going to grandkid’s activities, attending hundreds of games, tournaments, events and recitals. He loved fishing and working on projects in his shop. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one niece, Darla Jo Morris; and one brother-in-law, Phillip Morris.

He is survived by his wife; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kurt and Edalia Oliver of Woodson, Gary and Ellen Oliver of Frisco; one brother, Roy Berl and wife Elwanna Oliver of Woodson; three sisters, Pam Oliver of Woodson, Faye Morris of Breckenridge, Darla Underwood of the Metroplex; seven grandchildren, Brea Wallace and husband Garrett, Janet Sullivan and husband Lance, Jackson Oliver, Ryan Oliver, Jake Oliver, Emma Oliver, Gunner Oliver; one great-granddaughter, Ella Sullivan; two foster sons, Lloyd Oliver of Fort Worth, Jim Oliver and wife Jill of Collinsville, Okla.; eight foster grandchildren; several foster great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Hank Gunlock of San Diego, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Meals on Wheels in Throckmorton and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Larry Gene Belcher, 67, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018 in Bellevue.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Assembly of God, with Louie Self and Larry Milhollon officiating. Burial to follow at Vashti Cemetery.

Family received friends Tuesday, June 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.

Georgeanna “Jo” Fry, 92, of Dallas, formerly of Breckenridge, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 22 at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Charles West officiating. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Georgeanna Boswell was born June 19, 1925 in Springfield, Mo., to Cecil Wilson Boswell and Nellie Barrow Boswell. She was valedictorian of her class in Springfield. On Sept. 8, 1944, she married Billy Joe Fry in Kansas City, Kan. She worked as a secretary for the district attorney in Graham. Jo was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and enjoyed doing church work. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Nellie Boswell; her husband, Joe Fry; one daughter, Rebecca Jane Fry Fitzsimmons; and one sister, Betty Boswell.

Fry is survived by two sons, Rex Eugene Fry of Carrolton, Stephen Fry and wife Jodie of Fort Worth; and two grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Horace "Hoss" Slate, known to everyone as Poppy, was born at home in Cross Cut on Jan. 9, 1941, to L.M. and Faye Slate. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 24, 2018 under the care of Hospice of Midland.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Patrick Orem of Midland and their five children; daughter and son-in-law, Jeannie and Fritz Beierle of Washington State and their three children; son and daughter-in-law, Mackey and Melissa Slate of Midland and their three children; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Glenda Slate of Midland and their three children; and son, Stephen Slate of Midland and his three children. Poppy also has 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, L.M. and Faye Slate of Brownwood; wife, Linda Sharp Slate of McCamey; father-in-law, O.R. "Dude" Sharp of Midland; sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Mike Miller of Brownwood; nephew, Michael Miller Jr. of Brownwood; granddaughter, Kandyce Michelle Nettles of Breckenridge.

Poppy attended Midland High School until his senior year when he was called to active duty with the Marine Corps, where he served as an M.P. in the Korean War. 

He married the love of his life, Linda Sharp, in March 1964 and they had four children, Stacey, Mackey, Chuck and Stephen. In 1981 they adopted their fifth child, Jeannie. 

While raising his children, Poppy worked in Odessa for Dunigan Tool and Supply Company, later known as Sun Oil, and was transferred to Breckenridge in 1978. After retiring from Sun Oil, he and his wife, Linda, moved to McCamey to own and manage Benoit's Restaurant until Linda's stroke in 1986. At that point, they relocated back to Midland for her rehabilitation. 

Poppy coached his boys in Little League baseball during the early ‘80s in Breckenridge then went on to coach his grandsons, Tyler, Chris and Jeremy alongside his son-in-law, Patrick Orem in Midland in the mid to late ‘90s. After his great-grandson Darius was born he helped Patrick, Tyler, coach him in the early 2000s. He loved sports so much that he continued with softball and helped Stacey and Patrick coach his granddaughter, Kourtnie.

Poppy was an avid bowler, bowling in Odessa at Busby’s, known now as Diamond Lanes. He continued bowling at Cactus Lanes in Midland with his family until his stroke in 2010.

He was a member of Citizens on Patrol in Midland, working alongside his best friend, the late Corps officer David Glenn. He was a member of the VFW Post at Thunderbird Bay in Brownwood.

Poppy was a big fan of Midland High football. Not only did he attend all home games, but traveled to various visiting and playoff games until his health declined and he was no longer able to attend.

The family received guests from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services were 10 a.m., Thursday, June 28, at First Baptist Church Chapel. Interment followed at Crane Memorial Gardens in Crane.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

Rita Faye (Wells) Henson, 64, passed away July 4, 2018, after a brief bout with cancer. A celebration of life was held July 6 at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger.

Henson was born in Odessa on Nov. 1, 1953. She attended Odessa High School. She moved to Ranger in the 1970s. After living in Irving, Houston and California she settled in Ranger. 

She had three children, including daughter Sandra Kay Franks, David Wade Dixon and Robert Lee Young. She enjoyed sewing, floral/wedding arrangements, reading, playing cards, operating booths at flea markets with her husband, Ernest Wayne Buffington, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was also a member of Eastside Baptist Church.

During her life, Henson worked in numerous capacities, including having served as a nurse's aide at Ranger General Hospital as a teen. She also worked as a seamstress and owned and operated New Image clothing and alterations in Breckenridge. She also worked as a beautician, waitress and cook, owning several restaurants including Rita's Diner in Breckenridge before managing Woodland Village Apartments in Breckenridge for many years. She later managed the Quarter Store in Ranger. She also owned and operated the Roaring Ranger pageants for many years, sending numerous local girls to larger state and national events.

Henson is survived by her husband, Ernest Wayne Buffington; her daughter, Sandra Kay Franks and Daniel Franks of Ranger; her sons, David Wade and Ashley Dixon of Wills Point, and Robert and Amber Young of Lake Dallas; her mother, Edna Faye Wells of Ranger; her brothers, Wayne and June Davlin of Ranger, Tommy and Pattie Wells of Homer, Alaska, John and Renee Armstrong of Giddings; and sister, Barbara Caraway of Ranger. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Chris Graves, Trevor Graves, Jordan Jaramillo, all of Ranger; Kimberlin, Madison and Brooklyn Dixon, all of Wills Point; and Brandon, Danica, Lucas Young of Irving, Kaitlyn Young of Georgia, Kevin Patterson and John Patterson of Corpus Christi, Ella and Chelsea Young of Lake Dallas; and two great-grandchildren, Arabella and Trevor Graves Jr., both of Ranger. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with other family and family friends, including Gloria Bowden.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Wells, brothers, Danny Wells, Virgil (Butch) Wells and Bobby Joe Wells, and her brother-in-law, John Wayne Caraway.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. July 7, at Eastside Baptist Church in Ranger. The service was officiated by Ronnie Guess. Graveside services were held at Merriman Baptist Church Cemetery.

Royce Alexander Jones, 76, passed from this life to the next Saturday, July 7, 2018. Funeral service was held Tuesday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at Woodson First Baptist Church. Interment followed in Woodson Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge. 

Royce Alexander Jones was born Oct. 5, 1941 in Throckmorton County, to Jeff Jones and Dorene Jones. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He married Johnnie Sullivan June 30, 1972 in Breckenridge. He was a member of the Woodson First Baptist Church and owned Jones Backhoe and Construction Company. 

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie Jones of Woodson; children, Rob Jones and wife Bethany of Abilene, Mindy Stimmler and husband, Mark of Tye, Carmella Ellis and husband, David of Roscoe, and Randy King and wife, Tammy of Throckmorton; sisters, Carol Spradlin and Linda Prejean both of Sweetwater; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, James Jones and Kay Walton. 

William “Thomas” Moore Sr., 79, of Graham, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2018. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 7 at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Billy Weaver officiating. Interment followed in the Graford Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

William Thomas Moore was born Nov. 30, 1938 in Graford, to Floyd Edgar Moore and Edith Elizabeth Warren Moore. 

Thomas left school in the eighth grade to start working. He worked for Cantex in Mineral Wells building PVC pipe and then for Salta Pipe in Abilene until he retired in 1998. On Feb. 28, 1962, he married Lavada Sims in Graford. 

He considered himself pastor’s helper and preached since the age of 36. Thomas loved singing in church and working the nursing home ministry with Robert O’Connor and Jesse Sellers. They were commonly referred to as “The Three Musketeers.” 

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing dominoes and cards, growing roses, and taking walks, sometimes up to 5 miles each day. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Edith Moore; four brothers, Floyd Moore Jr., Joe Frank Moore, Paul David Moore, Jimmy Donald Moore; three sisters, Lola Faye McKelvey, Mary Ann Anderson, and Shirley Marie Lewis.

Moore is survived by his wife, Lavada Moore of Graham; two children, Tom Moore and wife Susan of Breckenridge, Anna West and husband Kyal of Graham; one brother, James Moore and wife Hazel of Graford; one sister, Mable Smith of Graford; six grandchildren, Trey Moore of Midland, Alex Moore and wife Sara, Matthew Caleb Moore, all of Fort Worth, Tyler Brazee of Plano, Samantha Isbell and husband Preston, Brock Brazee, all of Graham; three great-grandchildren, Paislee Isbell, Carly Moore, Dawson Moore.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Eileen Brewster, 63, of Moran, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 14, at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Dick Garcia officiating. A visitation will follow in the chapel after the memorial service. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Eileen Joyce Cole was born April 19, 1955 in Norfolk, Va., to Jerry Cole and Joyce Halibat Cole. On June 24, 1995, she married Charlie Brewster in Moran. She worked as an office manager for Cisco Pump until her retirement in 2014. Eileen was a member at First Baptist Church in Moran and enjoyed all outdoor activities. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Joyce Cole; one son, Bobby Neble; one daughter, Christine Lewis; and one brother, Coy Cole.

She is survived by her husband, Charlie Brewster of Moran; one son, Michael Lewis of Abilene; one brother, Jerry Cole and wife Sherry of Bangs; two grandchildren, Phoebe Lewis and Joseph Lewis; one sister-in-law, Sheila Brewster Tonne and husband Roger of Breckenridge; one brother-in-law, Joe Bob Brewster and wife Sheila of Breckenridge; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be made to the SPCA, the Susan G. Komen Foundation or to the Cancer Services Network of Abilene and may be left at Morehart Mortuary.  Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Buster Brockway, 74, of Breckenridge, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 19 at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Genoa Goad officiating. Interment will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. 

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 18 at Morehart Mortuary.

Brockway was born Nov. 30, 1943 in Royse City, to parents Willie Eugene Brockway and Euna Miles Brockway. He attended school in Royse City. Shortly after graduation, Buster married Patricia Ann Young on Nov. 3, 1962 in Royse City. 

Buster worked for Davis Manufacturing for 26 years and later worked for BJ Services until he retired in 2008. He was a member of First Baptist Church. 

Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Euna Brockway; four brothers, Jeff Brockway, Bill Brockway, Windel Brockway and Johnny Brockway; and three sisters, Helen Sangster, Shirley Smart and Darlene Melton.

Buster is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Brockway of Breckenridge; two sons, Darby Brockway and wife Kelly of Graham, Brian Brockway and wife Carrie of Nashville, Tenn.; one daughter, Ginger Burnett and husband Gary of Abilene; two brothers, Buck Brockway and wife Renay of Greenville, Ted Brockway and wife Sheila of Caddo Mills; one sister, Charlsie Taylor of Irving; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1651 Pine St., Abilene, TX 79601 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.michaeljfox.org. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Pete Ruiz Jr., 51, of Breckenridge, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21 in the Morehart Mortuary Chapel, with Rev. Don Bearden officiating.

Interment will follow in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., Friday, July 20 at Morehart Mortuary Chapel.

Clifford Royce Baggett was born Oct. 9, 1937, in Breckenridge, and died July 15, 2018, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Cliff was the fifth of six children born to Raymond Evandever and Hattie Viola Baggett. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and four brothers.

Cliff will always be known as a proud Texan. He stated often: “Born a Texan, always a Texan!” He will also be remembered as having a quick wit and good sense of humor.

Following graduation from Wichita Falls Senior High School in 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years on the destroyers USS Renshaw and USS O’Bannon in the South Pacific. With his training in electronics, he served as radar specialist.

After his naval service, he made the decision to attend Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. He earned a degree in Business Administration, graduating magna cum laude. While there he was a member of Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, chapter Epsilon Zeta. He received his Master’s degree from The University of Texas in Austin and after acquiring his CPA license, financial management became his choice of work for over 35 years. He proudly helped fund the Madera-Baggett Scholarship at Midwestern State University to help young scholars. 

Cliff’s love to help others continued in TOUGHLOVE of Fort Worth, receiving the Special Service Award for helping young adults with their troubled lives. He was currently a member of the Abandoned Cemetery Association of Parker County, helping to locate and revitalize forgotten cemeteries. His love of history and the “Old West” led him to begin his barbwire collection and to join the Antique Barbed Wire Society. Also attending the Central Christian Church for 15 years, the Baggett family is thankful to be a part of this church home; the generosity and kindness is overwhelming. 

He is survived by Sharon, his loving wife of 31 years; his children, Steven, Janice and husband Mark. He is also survived by Sharon’s children, Eddie and wife Jane, Bruce, Tereasa and husband Roy; and his sister, Patricia Higgins of Fort Worth. In addition he is survived by his grandchildren, Megan and husband Brandon, Jordan, Jared and Savanna; his great-grandchildren, Mason, James, Madelyn and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday July 28, at the Central Christian Church, 1602 S. Main St. in Weatherford. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Central Christian Church Building Fund, Madera-Baggett Scholarship Fund at Midwestern State University or American Heart Association.