Donald Brant Crenshaw Jr., 85, died Thursday, May 11, 2017 in Abilene. Funeral service with Revs. Greg Porterfield and Charles Kuhn officiating were held Monday, May 15, at 3 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Interment followed in the Breckenridge Cemetery.
Donald Brant Crenshaw Jr. was born Jan. 26, 1932 in Breckenridge, to Donald Brant Crenshaw Sr. and Elizabeth Ewing Crenshaw. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1950 and Trinity University in 1961 with a degree in architecture.
Don married Martha Hughes on July 18, 1972 in Breckenridge. He had worked as the superintendent of the Breckenridge Gas Plant, and then later owned Gebco Integrating Company. Mr. Crenshaw was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the First Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Crenshaw of Breckenridge; daughters, Betsy Crenshaw of New York and Sally Lloyd and husband, Rob of Stephenville; sons, Donnie Crenshaw of San Antonio and Cory Crenshaw and wife, Shelle of Breckenridge; brother-in-law, Lane Bickham of New Braunfels; sister-in-law, Olien Crenshaw of Breckenridge; and grandchildren, Rachel Young, Aiden and Rebekah Lloyd, Carly and Devin Crenshaw, and Eli Crenshaw-Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Maerita Crenshaw; sister, Nancy Bickham; and brother, Dick Crenshaw.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, or the donor’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be left at www.meltonkitchens.com.

Mary Leonard, 88, died Sunday, May 14, 2017. Funeral service were held Wednesday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, with Charles West and Jimmy Caraway officiating. Interment followed in Breckenridge Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral home.
Mary Elizabeth Shelton was born Aug. 23, 1928 in Dallas, to Frank Shelton and Mary Myrtle Dunn Shelton. She married the love of her life, Weldon Leonard, on Sept. 14, 1945 in Cedar Hill.
Weldon and Mary were blessed with four wonderful children. In 1964 they moved to Breckenridge where they opened Breckenridge Auto and Engine Supply in 1973. Mary was the office manager for 44 years until her passing. She was affectionately known as “Ma” and Mrs. Leonard.
Mary and Weldon were very active in church life. They served as the music ministry leaders at New Hope Baptist #3, Eastside Baptist Ranger, First Baptist Woodson, and Lakeside Baptist Breckenridge, where Mary was a member and still attended. She taught youth and adult Sunday school for 50 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Rae Holder and husband, Larry of Breckenridge and Joyce Elaine Leonard of Richardson; sons, Roy Allen Leonard and wife, Ruth Ann of Irving, Steven Paul Leonard and wife, Judy of Eastland; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Weldon Leonard; brother, Raymond Shelton; and sisters, Betty Shelton and Nona Dee Latham.
Memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels or Lakeside Baptist Church. The family invites friends to leave a condolence in the online guestbook at www.meltonkitchens.com.

Barbara Lee Lewallen McGee passed away at her residence in Wichita Falls on April 29, 2017. Barbara was born Jan. 18, 1935, in Albany, to Milton and Hazel Lewallen, and lived in Albany for 39 years. She worked many years for Webb and Webb Insurance Agency until moving to Mineral Wells.
She married M.C. “Mac” McGee in 1978 and moved to Wichita Falls. She worked for Williams-Dwyers Insurance Agency until her retirement. She loved working in her yard and being a “Memaw, Mawmaw, Granny and B.” She was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church in Albany.
She is survived by daughters, Charla Davis of Abilene, Donna O’Dell and husband Terry of Archer City, and Whitney Head and husband Tommy of Bentonville, Ark.; a son, Glenn McGee and wife Michelle of Graham; 11 grandchildren, Carlos Jimenez IV, Doug Davis and wife Melissa, Mike Jr. and wife Michelle, Mark Davis and wife Emily, Amy Walker and husband Kelly, Tiarra Truette and husband Jake, Shawn O’Dell and wife Victoria, Daniel Head, Nicholas Head, Drew McGee and Anna McGee; 15 great-grandchildren, Carlos J. Jimenez, Reed Truette and Seth Truette, Paisley O’Dell, Alysia Perez, Caitlyn, Ashlee and Emma Walker, Lane and Cole Davis, Alex and Maelee Davis, and Miranda, Braden and Celeste Davis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, “Mac” McGee; parents, Milton and Hazel Lewallen; sons, Michael Lee Davis and Robert Dean Hicks; and grandson, Chase Jimenez.
A graveside memorial will be held Saturday, May 27 at the Albany Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.

Taylynn Carrol Cumpton, 2, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017, in Fort Worth. Services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, at Bethel Assembly Church, with Cody Cochran and Charles Kuhn officiating. Burial followed in Bethel Cemetery, directed by Adams-Graham Funeral Home.
Born Oct. 23, 2014 in Abilene, Taylynn was the daughter of Marleigh Patterson and Drew Cumpton.
“Taylynn brightened every day the moment she opened her eyes. She was a beautiful precious ball of energy. Our lives will be forever enriched by her. We love her to the moon and back for infinity. Our precious Taylynn now walks hand in hand with Jesus through Heaven’s playground.”
Survivors include her mother, Marleigh Patterson; maternal grandparents, Tiana McFarland; maternal great-grandparents, Larry and Kerrie Gober, John and Jan Hagler and George and Theresa Patterson; maternal great-great-grandparents, Tommy and Sharon Wimberly and Pak and Jimmy Bryant; her father, Drew Cumpton; a sister, Paisley Cumpton; paternal grandparents, Julie and Christopher Cumpton; paternal great-grandmother, Vickie Cumpton; paternal great great-grandparents, Fred and Betty Stewart; God-parents, Summer Crawford and Sherrie and Chevy Stinnett; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation was 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at Adams-Graham Funeral Home.

Rebecca Sue Paul, 68, died Monday, May 8, 2017. Memorial service was held Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. in the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel.
Rebecca Sue Brawley was born April 4, 1949 in Monahans, to Richard Vernon Brawley and June Lee Alvery. She worked as a bus driver and Certified Nursing Assistant. She enjoyed garage sales, knitting, movies, and her dog, Blake.
Survivors include her daughters, Trina Middleton of Breckenridge, Cammie Wilson of Brownwood, and Voctoria Speer-Hampton of San Angelo; sons, Joe Paul and Theodore Swanson, both of Breckenridge; sister, Sandra Robles of Baird; brother, Jimmy Obier of California; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jacqueline Obeir; and brother Grady Obeir.
Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home of Breckenridge in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Karl, 78, of Breckenridge, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 27, at First Baptist Church in Breckenridge. Interment will follow in the Woodson Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 26, at Morehart Mortuary.
Jerry Lee Karl was born Sept. 9, 1938 in Ward County, to Alvie Nathan Karl and Mary Jane Cole Karl. He attended Breckenridge High School, and graduated from BHS in 1957.
On Sept. 20, 1958, Jerry married Virginia Carol Perry in Graham. Jerry was a welder. He later owned C&K Marine and Sporting Goods in Breckenridge and eventually became a self-employed contractor at Possum Kingdom Lake.
He was a member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed golfing, riding bicycles and motorcycles, and living at the lake. As an avid cyclist, he competed in various bike rides, such as the “Hotter’N Hell 100.” Jerry instilled and passed on his love of cycling to his family and friends. He loved vacationing and spending quality time with his family.
He also previously served as a Breckenridge City Commissioner and Stephens County 4-H Horse Club president.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie Karl and Mary Karl, and his sister, Evelyn Simmons.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Karl of Breckenridge; three children, Jeri Lynne Taylor and husband William of Ennis, Perry Shawn Karl and wife Debbie, and Lori Dawn Herring and husband Joe, all of Breckenridge; seven grandchildren, Neisha Spencer, Jerad Taylor and wife Lindsey, all of Ennis, Zachary Karl of Fort Hood, Derek Karl and wife Shayna of Abilene, Cody Herring and wife Ashley, of Edgewood, N.M., Joshua Herring and wife Emily of Lubbock, Caleb Herring and wife Emily of Breckenridge; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Solaris Hospice or to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at morehartmortuary.net.

Eloise Kirkland Noah, 88, of Corpus Christi, died Thursday, June 9, 2017 in Corpus Christi.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 11 at 3 p.m. at South Prairie Cemetery in Stephens County, with Rev. Michael Roach officiating.
She was born June 24, 1928 on the family ranch at Eliasville, the daughter of Elbert Kirkland and Etta Coker Kirkland. She married David Walker Noah Sept. 25, 1959 in Breckenridge. he preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 1996.
Eloise worked as a medical office manager for several doctors in Breckenridge for many years. She was a member of Apostolic Lighthouse and enjoyed reading and time with family.
She is survived by her only child, Dava Kay Gloeckler and husband Jerry along with her only grandson Bryan and his wife Jessica and two precious great grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her brothers, Paul and Kenneth Kirkland, and many other loved ones.
Memorials may be made to: Apostolic Lighthouse, 1509 E. Walker, Breckenridge, TX, 76424.

Alice Claudette “Claudy” Tipton, 73. of Breckenridge, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2017. Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 12, at Breckenridge Cemetery with Rev. Charles Kuhn officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation was held from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, June 11, at Morehart Mortuary.
Alice Claudette Ferguson was born Aug. 1, 1943 in Plainview, Ark., to parents Leon Webster Ferguson and Virginia Mae Taylor Ferguson. On June 30, 1963, Claudy married Otis Henry Tipton in Iraan. They moved to Breckenridge from Texon 32 years ago. She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Ferguson, and her husband, Otis Tipton.
Claudy is survived by one son, Leslie Leon Tipton and companion Ronald Sampsel of Breckenridge; one daughter, Tracy Ann Patterson and companion Kent Thompson of Breckenridge; her mother, Virginia Ferguson; three brothers, Franky Leon Ferguson and wife Veronica, Ricky Dee Ferguson and wife Rose, Ben Willis Ferguson and wife Kelly; two sisters, Mary Ann Partney and husband Richard, Lee Ann Mettlach and husband Bruce; two grandchildren, Travis Darnell Patterson and wife Sterlynn of Abilene, Cody Lane Patterson and wife April of Clyde; four great-grandchildren, CaLece Ottilie Coats, Ainslie Ann Patterson, Kallee Lane Patterson, all of Clyde, and McKenna Noel Thompson of Albany; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

A teacher, a champion, an architect, a provider, a warrior, a builder and most importantly a husband and a father. On April 10, 1942, Charles Haskell Woodward was born in Mertens, Texas to Haskell and Mildred Woodward at home, with his older twin brother and sister James and Carolyn. So his journey began. In 1945 the family moved to Albany, Texas and added another brother, Johnny Woodward. They moved to the Cookfield Camp where the foundations of hard work, life long friendships, and Baptist up-bringing were instilled. My grandparents worked hard to provide for their family. My great-grandaddy, Jim, and Mama Goodman and his brother Miller and his wife Vesta all lived at Cookfield Camp, and helped teach the children the lessons of life. Daddy played, learned and became lifelong friends with the Cookfield kids.
Daddy participated in many sports programs and was a warrior on the field. He excelled in academics, made many friends and worked. He entered school as Charles and before he graduated he became Koontz. His buddies started teasing him and calling him Koontz, which he didn't like. He was talking about it to his dad and his dad told him to just ignore them and it would go away. It never did and after awhile, Koontz was all he preferred.
After graduating high school, Koontz received a scholarship to Texas A&M. He attended very briefly, then moved to Crane, Texas to work in the oilfield. He married and fathered two children, Kristi and Don. Daddy worked for ARCO, Block 31 until 1972 when he opened Koontz's Gulf.
He employed the high school boys and offered great service. He never accepted less than perfect. He ripped the sleeves out of his uniform and bore a resemblance to Burt Reynolds. He taught the boys how to do the job and always got right in there with them. He believed in hard work and expected the same from his hands. In 1979, he opened Koontz's Muffler Shop and again offered great service. In 1986 he closed down the service station and went to work at several businesses. In the mid 1990s, Dad went to work for Pradon Dirt Construction as a pusher.
Koontz and Judy moved and retired to Breckenridge, but it didn't take. In 1997 they would travel to Breckenridge every weekend and remodel their home on the lake. They changed the A-frame into a country palace, remodeling it from the ground to the roof. They took care of both of their mothers, who were living in Breckenridge. Daddy went back to work for Pradon and would come home to Breckenridge every weekend. In 2005, he retired again to spend all his time with Judy.
Daddy and Judy had a love for each other that ran deeply. They worked hard and played hard. Daddy loved and adored Judy and the feeling was mutual. On the lake there were always projects, jigsaw puzzles, free-cell solitaire games, building bird houses and tending to the cats. Coffee on the back porch was and is still a common theme.
My dad was my hero, he could fix anything, build almost anything, give advice and tell a story. He was an avid reader with most of the material being Louis L’Amour, war history, sports and the oilfield. He was a great fan of John Wayne movies and Merle Haggard music. He hunted, fished, loved Bear Bryant and the New England Patriots, and worked.
Some people have to work, some people put up with work, others don't give it their all. As I reflect on my dad, he loved to work. When he worked he accomplished the best in him. He strove to do his best in everything he touched. I am grateful and honored to call him my dad. He taught me when he didn't know he was teaching me, he loved me when I didn't know if he did. He was a great man, a great and loving husband, a force that will flow through me until we meet again. Through the last year of his ordeal, he never complained, he never got down; as always, he powered through and worked it out his way. His shoes were big, his shadow long, his legacy will endure and though physically he is not here, he will always be with me.
I thank God for choosing me to be his son. I imagine my dad in heaven, telling stories of games won on the football field, remodeling his new house, catching up with friends that went before him and when God needs a worker, my dad stepping up to get the job done.
From Koontz's wife, Judy Woodward; children, Kristi Percifull, Don Woodward, Brandy Candelaria, Barrett Bloomer; grandkids, Dayce Shull, Zac Woodward, Hayli Bloomer, Brittany Farrow, Shayli Shull, Casity Shull, Marlee Woodward; and great-grandkids, Bailey Woodward, Casey Woodward, Liam Farrow, Derek Woodward and Levi Farrow. Work on, work often and work hard.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Koontz Woodward's name to the Albany Education Foundation in Albany, Texas.

Fred H. Lowder was called home June 21, 2017 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with assurance, Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
A celebration service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at First United Methodist Church, Wichita Falls, with Rev. Paul Goodrich officiating. Burial will be held prior to the service at 1 p.m., at Riverside Cemetery in Wichita Falls, under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.
Fred was born Sept. 30, 1933, in Olney, on his grandparents’ “Willis Farm.” He attended grade school in Olney. After moving to Wichita Falls, he attended Reagan, Wichita Falls High School and Midwestern State University. He continued his education at Cornell University in 1978.
After college and service in the Army, with a tour of duty in Korea, he entered the family business, which continued to grow. Fred set up the original books for Jiffy Food Stores and the family business grew to include Wholesale Food Distribution Company and a real estate company. He brought the first self-service gas station and Icee Slurpee to Wichita Falls. In addition, Fred pioneered the nationwide use of shrink wrap of “certain” magazines. After selling his interest in the 66-store Jiffy chain, he purchased Happy Food Stores, a chain of convenience stores in Oklahoma City.
After 10 years he sold Happy Food Stores and co-founded Discovery Training Ministries, a nonprofit seminar, headquartered in Dallas. He then helped with the expansion of Discovery to Austin. Fred retired after 20 years of service with Discovery. Besides family and God, the seminar was the love and passion of his life.
Fred was president of the Texas Retail Grocery Association and when convenience stores were in their infancy, Fred along with others in Dallas, formed the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Fred was president of NACS in 1966 and was instrumental in the prayer breakfast at NACS. Fred had 25 years of perfect attendance as a member of the University Kiwanis Club. He served as president and vice president of the Wichita Falls Symphony and also served on the advisory board. Fred served as president of the North Texas Boy Scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He also served as vice president of the South Central Region BSA and was awarded the Silver Antelope.
As a member of First United Methodist Church and the ‘Bi the Way’ Sunday school class, he served on the finance committee, the administrative board, remodeling projects, in other various capacities, and serving as an usher for decades. At one time he was a Methodist lay speaker. He believed giving is receiving.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman H. “Slim” Lowder and Elsie Willis Lowder, and a brother-in-law, George Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Gray Lowder, whom he met at a Methodist youth function at First United Methodist Church. They married in the same church 60 years ago. They have two sons, both Eagle Scouts, who have their God and Country awards: Steve A. Lowder and wife Susie McNeely of Dallas, and Kevin Gray Lowder and wife Ronda of Wichita Falls; five grandchildren, Woody A. Lowder, Libby Lowder, and Morgan, Rachel and Kayden Gray Lowder; a sister, Kathryn Wilson of Lexington, Ky.; a brother, Jim L. Lowder and wife Kay; one great-grandson, Grayson; and several nieces and nephews.
Fondly remembering the family at their Possum Kingdom Lake home, loving his God, family, church, Scouts, symphony and the seminar were at the core of his life.
The family will be receive friends at the funeral from 6-7 p.m. Friday, June 23.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice. Praise to God for the time we had him because, 1 Cor: 2:9 “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Condolences may be sent to the family at lunnscolonial.com.

Fred J. Green, 98, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 in Graham. A graveside funeral will be Monday, June 26, at 10 a.m. in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Fred was born Aug. 7, 1918 in Young County, to the late W.T. "John" and Fannie Mae "Mamie" (Huff) Green.
He was a veteran of the Marine Corps, having served in World War II. Fred married Loretta Flynn June 13, 1937 in Graham. She preceded him in death on Nov. 10, 1996.
Fred retired in 1987 as a field manager for Dowell Chemical Co. after 40 years. He returned to Graham in 1978 from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a member of the VFW and the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. Fred married Betty Guinn, Sept. 27, 1997 in Graham.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Green of Graham; daughter, Ione Morris and husband Bill of Osage Beach, Mo.; son, Larry Green of Corpus Christi; three grandchildren, Kelli, Joi and Greg; three great-grandchildren; step children, Mitch Guinn of Houston, Pat Guinn of Nacogdoches, and Kathy Galbraith of Tiki Island; eight step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by a sister, Margarette "Polly" Dozier, and three brothers, Harrell, George and Dewitt Green.
The family will be at Morrison Funeral Home Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. to greet friends.

Jesus Gonzalez Jr., age 85 of Breckenridge, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017. Funeral Mass was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Virjil Lawrence officiating. Interment followed in the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Rosary was recited at 7 p.m., Monday, June 26, at Morehart Mortuary Chapel.
Jesus Gonzalez Jr. was born June 28, 1931 to parents, Jesus Gonzalez Ramos and Martina Garcia, in Agujita, Coahuila, Mexico. He attended school in Mexico and later served in the Mexican Armed Forces.
Jesus married Maria G. Campos on Aug. 9, 1972 in San Juan de Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico. A few years later they moved to Breckenridge, where they have made their home for over 40 years. Jesus was a Catholic and enjoyed visiting his family in Mexico as often as he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Martina Gonzalez; grandson, Alexander Gonzalez; brother, Francisco Gonzalez; and two sisters, Mercedes Gonzalez and Otila Gonzalez.
Jesus is survived by his wife, Maria Gonzalez of Breckenridge; children, Marybel Guevara and husband Rey, Onorio Gonzalez and wife Kareen, Javier Gonzalez and wife Cara, Jessie Gonzalez and wife Jessica, Enrique Gonzalez, Brenda Gonzalez, Juan de Dios Gonzalez, and Oscar Gonzalez, all of Breckenridge; 11 grandchildren; four brothers, Osbaldo Gonzalez of Lubbock, Armando Gonzalez of San Antonio, and Gumaro Gonzalez and Humberto Gonzalez both of Mexico; and a sister, Maria Gonzalez of Mexico.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Emmitt Hindman Sr., 86, died Wednesday, June 7, 2017. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Emmitt was born Nov. 21, 1930 in Potosi, to Eugene Hindman and Lillian Daughtry. He married Billie Faye Steel on Aug. 6, 1949 in Abilene. He was self-employed and worked in the oilfield.
He is survived by his wife, Billie Hindman of Breckenridge; daughters, Marsha Mitchell of Grand Prairie and Neesa Land of Benington, Okla.; son, Emmitt Carl Hindman Jr. of Breckenridge; sister, Wanda Shaw of Fort Worth; four grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

Bernard Ray Killman, 88, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at a local care center, with his loving son by his side.
A memorial service may be planned for a later date.
Bernard was born Oct. 12, 1928 in Throckmorton, the younger of two sons born to Henry and Addie Hill Killman. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean conflict.
Bernard fell in love with and married Sherry, and they were blessed with two children, Bernie and Rebecca. He made his living as a directional driller in the offshore drilling industry.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife, Sherry; and brother, Rubuel.
Survivors include his son, Bernie Killman, and the mother of his children, Sherry; daughter, Rebecca Killman; grandchildren, Aubre Killman, Emyle Killman, Benjamin Killman and Allye Killman; great-grandchildren, Jessica R. Killman, Emerson Vandygriff, Zoey Vandygriff, Juan Paul Hernandez, and one more on the way; and several other loving family members and friends.
Arrangements by White's Funeral Home, Weatherford.

MORAN – Lura V. (Dennington) Redden, 97, of Moran died Monday, June 19, 2017 in an Eastland care center. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Moran Community Center, with Matthew Reagles officiating, under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde. Visitation was from 12:30 until 2 p.m. on Thursday, prior to the service, at the Moran Community Center. Burial will follow in the Johnson Cemetery.
Lura was born Jan. 7, 1920 in Portales, N.M., to Ross and Ellen (Blakley) Dennington. She graduated from Beulah High School and then married I.G. Redden in Clovis, N.M. on Aug. 8, 1936. She was a seamstress for Itasca Drapery Company in Lubbock for many years.
Lura is survived by eight children, Manuel Redden, Shiela and Ronald Hallmark, Tim and Cathy Redden, Betty and Roy George, Lena Redden, Joyce Whitt, Jim Redden and Sherry and Mike Blue; 24 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Alton, two daughters, Laura Mae and Deborah June, two grandsons, Dwight and Mikey, and one granddaughter, Beverly Ann.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Hendrick Hospice and Eastland Nursing and Rehab and a longtime friend Sylvia Wilson.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to your favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at baileyhowardfuneralhome.com.

Breckenridge-Verdia Joyce Huckaby, 93, died Saturday, July 8, 2017 in Ennis. Funeral service with Father DeWayne Adams officiating were held Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 2PM in the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Interment followed in Breckenridge Cemetery. 

Verdia Joyce Stagnerwas born on July 20, 1923 in Ranger to James Monroe Stagner and Winnie Elizabeth Pearson Stagner. She married Richard Cletus Huckaby and he preceded her in death. She was a member of the People’s Church and had worked for Pates Cleaners. 

She is survived by her daughter, Alvoy Kudrna and husband, Glenn of Ennis; son, Richard Dale Huckaby of Breckenridge; sister-in-law, Nellie Stagner of Ranger; 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a daughter, Cleota Stephens. 

Aletha Ann Vanslyke, 86, died Saturday, July 1, 2017 at her residence. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m. at the Lighthouse Church. Interment will follow in Breckenridge Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday. Arrangements under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. 

Aletha Ann Stephens was born Jan. 7, 1931 in Stephens Count, to J.C. Stephens and LaVerda LeVier Stephens. She married Preston Vanslyke on June 7, 1965 in Breckenridge. She was a homemaker and member of the Lighthouse Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary Vanslyke of Breckenridge, and Arlene Jalapa and husband, Ismael, of Cleburne; sons, Bill Vanslyke and Kenneth Vanslyke, both of Breckenridge; grandchildren, Rosie Vanslyke, Preston Vanslyke, Joe Jalapa and Briana Jalapa; and a great-grandchild soon to arrive. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Preston; son, James Vanslyke; and a sister, Phyllis Jean Stephens. 

Rolly David Grounds
Rolly David Grounds passed away unexpectedly July 10, 2017 in Braselton, Ga., at the age of 75.
“David” is survived by his children, Rodney and Melissa Grounds; brother, Ben Grounds; daughter in-law, Lana Grounds and grandchildren, Dane, Jace and Marley Grounds. David is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Kay Grounds.
David was born Aug. 31, 1941 in Ranger, to Dudley and Christine Grounds of Caddo. David graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1959 and then attended college at East Texas State University.
While at East Texas State, David met the love of his life, Kay Williams. The couple were married in 1961 and after completion of their degrees they moved to Corpus Christi to pursue careers in teaching.
In 1965 David’s desire to serve his country led him to join the U.S. Air Force. David served as a pilot in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his service in Vietnam, David continued his career in the Air Force as an instructor pilot in T37 and T38 jet aircraft. David retired as a USAF captain in 1973.
After his Air Force service, David settled his family in Breckenridge, where he was instrumental in working with his father to grow the family woodworking business. David became the owner of the family business, the D.O. Grounds Woodshop.
David would spend the next 16 years as the owner of the D.O. Grounds Woodshop before selling the business and relocating to the Dallas area. While in Breckenridge, David was active in the community and served as a school board member.
In Dallas, David took the position of general manager and company pilot at the Howard S. Twitchell Company. David’s entrepreneurial spirit lead to the creation of Ameritek Machinery Company with his business partner, Oscar Wilson. Ameritek Machinery had locations in Dallas, Houston and El Paso and was recognized as one of the premier woodworking machinery distribution companies in North America.
In his leisure time David enjoyed flying, traveling, camping, fishing, bird watching, flowers and sunsets.
David’s friends and family remember him as a thoughtful, honest, funny and spiritual man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. David was an accomplished businessman and pilot, but more importantly, David was a man who was passionate about serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his beloved family. He lived his life as an example for others.
A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at Cooper Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove. Viewing will be prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate David's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Air Force Aid Society at https://www.afas.org/ or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

BRECKENRIDGE— Olan “Cotton” Kinnard, age 87 of Breckenridge, passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Don Bearden and Rev. Charles West officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Graceland Cemetery in Jermyn under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.
Olan Estus Kinnard was born on Jan. 31, 1930 at the home of his parents on the Cherryholmes Ranch in Jack County. His parents were George Martin and Littie Sophronia Kinnard. He was the youngest of nine children: Opal, Orie, Ollie, Willie Oster, Otis Clinton “OC”, Odessa, Ophelia and Olan. All of the siblings’ names started with an “O”. Cotton started school in Jermyn, and then attended school in Jacksboro and Fort Worth. Cotton worked in the oil fields in Mississippi, Alabama and subsequently came to Monahans to live with his sister, where he met the love of his life, Jackye Lou Davis. He went to work for Magnolia Petroleum on Jan. 16, 1949 and married Jackye on Feb. 8, 1949 in Odessa. He worked in the Drilling Department of Magnolia Petroleum Co., which became Mobil and later Exxon Mobil, in Burkburnett, Midland and finally Breckenridge, where he was promoted to production F=foreman III over all Mobil’s production in Stephens County. He completed his Mobil Oil career on his 60th birthday after 41 years of service. After retiring from Mobil, he co-owned Stephens County Propane Co. with his son-in-law, Ernie Underwood. He also owned and operated the Cottonwood Cattle Co. Cotton was very active in the communities he lived in, coaching youth football, basketball and baseball. He also served as youth baseball commissioner and umpire. He was ordained as a deacon at Central Baptist Church of Burkburnett in 1964 and served faithfully for over 50 years at Central, Wilshire Park Baptist in Midland, and Bethany Baptist Church in Breckenridge. In 2001, when a tornado severely damaged Bethany Baptist, he undertook the responsibility of rebuilding the auditorium. He was an early participant in the BISD mentor program working with grade school children. Cotton served on the Stephens County Appraisal, Aging Services Advisory and Rural Water Boards. He loved the outdoors and seldom missed a church service, Rangers game or Kinnard Family Reunion. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Martin Kinnard and Littie Sophronia Kinnard; one son, Stephen Lewis Kinnard; seven siblings, Willie Oster Kinnard, Gracie Opal Easter, Ollie Damron, Oma Hefner, Otis Clinton Kinnard, Orie Edward Kinnard and Odessa Faye Hodge.
Cotton is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jackye Lou Davis Kinnard of the home; children, Richard Olan Kinnard and wife Janey of Fayetteville, Ark., Martye Jo Underwood and husband Ernie of Breckenridge; daughter-in-law, Fredrica Kinnard of Lockhart; sister, Ophelia Evans of San Antonio; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer J. Latimer, Kelley Ann and Brandon Brown, Richard Kyle and Marcye Kinnard, Kayce Leigh Underwood, Kevin R. and Brittany Underwood, Stephen A. Kinnard and fiancé Laura Richardson, Clifford and Melissa Carpenter, Cassandra Snider, Clayton and Linda Carpenter, Craig and Valerie Carpenter; 24 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church or the Breckenridge Senior Citizen Center and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Donald Plott, age 88 of Breckenridge, passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. Funeral services were Saturday, Aug. 12th at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Charles Kuhn officiating. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation was held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11 at Morehart Mortuary.
Donald Larry Plott was born on Sept. 3, 1928 to parents, John Quincy Adams Plott and Alice Elizabeth Turner Plott in Red River County. He grew up in Deport and attended San Jacinto High School in Houston. He went into the Marines in 1946 at the age of 17. Don was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War for which he earned two purple hearts for his service. On Nov. 28, 1980, he married the love of his life, Rosa Lee Booth in Lubbock. Don was self-employed with Don’s Floor Service for 47 years. After retirement, he spent his time farming and ranching for 21 years. He was a member of Gunsight Baptist Church. Don was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 7767 and served as a past commander. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 1480. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 492 as well as a past member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Cattleman’s Association. Don had also been a member of the Lubbock Polo Team, the Cracker Town Sams RV Club, serving as a past president, as well as the Board for the Breckenridge Senior Citizens and the Board for Stephens County Rural Water for nine years. He was a race horse trainer for 30 years and played cowboy polo for eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Quincy and Alice Plott; one son, Donald Wayne Plott; two sisters, Ann Wilson, Carolyn Vidler; and one grandson, Donnie Wiggins.
Don is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee Plott of Breckenridge; five daughters, Donna Sloan and husband Jim of Talco, Melinda Plott of Deport, Theresa Wiggins of Breckenridge, Janey Lynch, Cindy Wolf, both of Midland; three sons, Danny Plott of Deport, Mark Kincaid and wife Denise of Midland, Brad Kincaid of Breckenridge; ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and others that Don considered as his children, Don Edwards, Cheryl Norman and Steve Smith.
Memorials may be made to the Elks Lodge 1480 or the VFW Post 7767 and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.