Leonard "Chip' Prather
Leonard "Chip" Prather, 49, of Blooming Grove passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002 at his residence. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Blooming Grove. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove with the Rev. Bill Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Terry Bessent, Roger Hampshire, Nick Nichols and Gordon Griffin. Mr. Prather was born Oct. 13, 1952 in Dallas. Survivors include his mother, Betty Lloyd of Blooming Grove; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patti and Roger Hampshire of Navarro Mills, Cheryl Hill of Hurst, Vicki and Terry Bessent of Hurst, and Stephanie and Nick Nichols of Blooming Grove; aunt, Joyce Lloyd of Irving; and a number of nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home of Blooming Grove.

Johnny L. "Grant' Lake
Johnny L. "Grant" Lake, 81, of Corsicana passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 in Corsicana. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dale Leggett officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Hank Bailey, Don Barron, Les Cotten Sr., Richie Holloway, Tommy Nichols and John Paul Ross. Mr. Lake was born Dec. 20, 1920 in Corbet. He was a charter member of Community Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army 90th Division during World War II in Europe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Katie Lake; grandson, Cary Brown; four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Bobbie Lake of Corsicana; daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Bill Brown of Corsicana and Kathryn and Thomas Pipes of Pasadena; son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Devonna Lake of Corsicana; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Rudolph and Gladys Lake of Corsicana; granddaughters, Karla Curry of Conroe, Emily McKay of La Porte and Paula Pipes of Pasadena; grandsons, Colton Lake of Corsicana and Justin Lake of Huntsville; four great-granddaughters, one great-great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Dorothy Barnes Nelson
Dorothy Barnes Nelson, 79, of Tyler passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002 in a Longview care center. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 W. Harrison Road, Longview. Services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel with Brad Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Brown, Carl Bruce, Allan Collins, Tye Allen, Joshua Brown and Dylan Bruce. Mrs. Nelson was born Dec. 16, 1922 in Rural Shade to the late John M. and Mae Martin Barnes. She grew up in Corsicana. She was a former longtime resident of Longview where she was a member of First United Methodist Church. She worked as a seamstress, and enjoyed playing the organ, gardening, going to the beach, and playing with her grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, A.W. Nelson in 1998. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Brad Sheffield of Tyler and Linda and David Brown of Corsicana; grandchildren, Lisa Collins of Kilgore, Amy Bruce of Corsicana, Deanna Allen of Kilgore, Beth Hartman of Keyser, W.V. and Joshua Brown of Corsicana; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of East Texas. Arrangements by Lakeview Funeral Home of Longview.

Julian James "J.J.' Kennemer
Julian James "J.J." Kennemer, 95, of Wills Point and formerly of Sulphur Springs, passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002 at Trinity Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel in Sulphur Springs with the Rev. Phillip Kennemer officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Sam Crabb, Marlin Crabb Jr., Billy Moore Jr., Clyde Morris III, Stephen Kennemer and Clint Speed. Mr. Kennemer was born Sept. 4, 1906 in Emory to Charles Dora and Ada Cockrem Kennemer. He was a retired mechanic and was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by one grandchild, John Henry Morris; brother, William Harold Kennemer; and sister, Lillian Gee Haynesworth. Survivors include his sons, Donald Kennemer and wife Beverly of Albuquerque, N.M. and Phil Kennemer of Dallas; daughters, Shirley A. Jones of Tyler, Mary Morris of Dallas, Linda Kindle of Shreveport, and Judith Martin and husband Gene of Corsicana; devoted and dear friend, Stella Robinson of Myrtle Springs; sister-in-law, Malvern Kennemer of Rowlett; 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Arrangements by Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home of Sulphur Springs.

Warren Murphey
Warren Murphey, 78, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002 in Corsicana. Services will be 2 p.m. today at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Don Bowen officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Coleman, Matthew Seely, Michael Seely and Steven Seely. Mr. Murphey was born July 29, 1923 in Corsicana. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during W.W.II. He owned a concrete construction company and was an antiques dealer and collector. He is survived by his wife, Billie Murphey and daughter Janet Murphey, both of Corsicana; daughter Sharon Seely and husband Pat of Kingwood; brothers Leland Murphey of Athens and Tom Murphey and wife Peggy of Conroe; grandsons Matthew Seely and wife Virginia of Euless, Michael Seely and wife Eve of Grapevine and Steven Seely of Kingwood; great-grandsons Aaron Seely and Austen Seely, both of Grapevine; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Hugh P. "Porter' Knox
Hugh P. "Porter" Knox, 76, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002 at Navarro Regional Hospital. Services will be noon Thursday at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Vernon Jessie officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Anthony Washington, William Davis, Steven Washington, Alex Davis, William Hutchings and R.L. Henley. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Mr. Knox was born Nov. 18, 1925 at Hester Grove Community in Navarro County. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Oil City Iron Works after 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Velma Knox; daughter and son-in-law Willie Verne and Maurice Haynes of Corsicana; son Rodney Knox of Corsicana; son and daughter-in-law Zelmer and Eddie Mae Knox of Dallas; sister-in-law Charlie Mae and Jasper Washington of Dallas; brother Hardy Montgomery of Corsicana; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Funeral Home.

Helen Anderson Findley
Helen Anderson Findley, 74, of Odessa passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 in Odessa. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fairfield with the Rev. Terry Skinner of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Mrs. Findley was born July 8, 1927 in Fairfield. She married Nolan Findley April 10, 1943. She was employed by J.C. Penney Co. for more than 20 years, was a member of the Order of Moose Lodge and a charter member of Crescent Park Baptist Church of Odessa. She was preceded in death by her husband in June 2000. Mrs. Findley is survived by her daughter, Brenda Jean Patterson of Odessa; son, Charles Findley of Lubbock; brother, G.J. Anderson of Minden, La.; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements by Capps Memorial Chapel of Fairfield.

Edgar Lee Humphries
Edgar Lee Humphries, 64, of Dawson passed away Friday, Aug. 10, 2001 in Dawson. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Cave officiating. Interment will follow at Dawson Cemetery. Mr. Humphries was born Jan. 28, 1937 in Corsicana. Mr. Humphries is survived by his wife, Carolyn Fondren Humphries of Dawson; son and daughter-in-law, Charles Edgar and Susanna Humphries of Dawson; daughters and sons-in-law, Tara and Randy Springero of Corsicana, Erin and Ricky Dyer of Purdon, Kris Thomas of Dawson and Lisa McKinney of Dawson; brother, Gary Humphries of Dawson; sisters, Katrina Holliman and Sharon Istre, both of Angus; and 17 grandchildren. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Opal Cook Wells
Opal Cook Wells, 89, of Dallas passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002 in Dallas. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Home with Dr. George Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Mrs. Wells was born Dec. 18, 1912 in Marlow, Okla. She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Gleaners Sunday School Class and the Kinslow House. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wells, and her sister, Jean Grubbs. Mrs. Wells is survived by her daughter, Jacquelyn Wells of Dallas; son Larry Wells and wife Artie Sue; step-son Howard Jack Wells, Jr.; brother Harry Cook, Jr. and wife Lee; sister Velda Mainarich and husband Walter of Houston; grandson Cory Wells of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; granddaughter Wendy Lyn Wells of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Leighton Brooks Dawson
Leighton Brooks Dawson, 91, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 in Ohio. He was born Oct. 21, 1910 in Hillsboro. Services are pending with Corley Funeral Home.

Clara Mae Beasley
Clara Mae Beasley, 82, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 in Corsicana. Services are pending with Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Bobbye Gayle Williams Watson
Bobbye Gayle Williams Watson, 64, of West passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002 in a Waco hospital. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Wade Funeral Home. Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Wade Funeral Chapel in Hubbard with the Rev. Isidore Rozycki officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard. Mrs. Watson was born June 30, 1937. She had been a resident of West for the past five years and was a former longtime resident of Penelope. She and her husband C.D. had farmed in the Penelope area for many years. She was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church at Tours. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.D. Watson on March 15, 1994. Survivors include her sons, Michael Watson and wife Joan and David Watson and wife Cheryl, all of Penelope; Donna Beseda Snokhous and husband Doug of West and Julia Carter and husband Eldon of McKinney; 13 grandchildren and four step grandchildren. Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home of Hubbard.

Betty Elaine McNeill
Betty Elaine McNeill, 86, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 in Corsicana. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with the Rev. Harold Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Mrs. McNeill was born June 4, 1915 in Corsicana to Jesse W. Averitt and Mary C. Adamson Averitt. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Gerry McNeill of Rockwall; daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Harold Scott of Corsicana; grandchildren, Bill Scott and Michelle McNeill Page, both of Carrollton, Alan Scott and wife Loree of Ennis; great-grandchildren, Robert Scott, Ricky Scott and Katelyn Scott, all of Ennis, and Devin Page of Carrollton; and sister, Kathryn Redden of Corsicana. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity or church. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Alma S. DeRoche
Alma S. DeRoche, 84, of Bridgeport passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 in Bridgeport. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Chapel, 1212 Stevens St., Bridgeport. Interment will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana with the Rev. B.F. Risinger Jr. officiating. Mrs. DeRoche was born July 25, 1917 in Corsicana. She was a longtime Bridgeport resident and a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert DeRoche in 1990; parents, Earl and Cora Smalling; sister and brother-in-law, Enola and William Evans; and brother-in-law, Willie Lewis. Survivors include her sons, William David Love and wife Lucy and Richard Earl Love and wife Elizabeth; sister, Evelyn Grayson; four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Hawkins Funeral Home of Bridgeport.

Minor James Melton
Minor James Melton, 77, of Cedar Hill passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 at Ennis Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Paschal Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Paschal Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bill Bacon officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Melvin Davis, Bret Tucker, Jimmy Rogers, Anthony Crocker, Waymon Crocker and Billy Jack Crocker. Mr. Melton was born April 3, 1924 in Henderson County. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Janie Melton of Cedar Hill; daughters and sons-in-law, Helen and Henk Veen of Rotterdam, Holland, and Linda and Melvin Davis of Cedar Hill; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Jean Melton of Grand Prairie; sons, Gene Melton and Michael Melton, both of Arlington; brothers, C.W. Melton of Irving and Cliff Melton of Mesquite; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home of Kerens.

Warren Murphey
Warren Murphey, 78, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002 in Corsicana. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Coleman, Matthew Seely, Michael Seely and Steven Seely. Mr. Murphey was born July 29, 1923 in Corsicana. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during W.W.II. He owned a concrete construction company and was an antiques dealer and collector. He is survived by his wife, Billie Murphey and daughter Janet Murphey, both of Corsicana; daughter Sharon Seely and husband Pat of Kingwood; brothers Leland Murphey of Athens and Tom Murphey and wife Peggy of Conroe; grandsons Matthew Seely and wife Virginia of Euless, Michael Seely and wife Eve of Grapevine and Steven Seely of Kingwood; great-grandsons Aaron Seely and Austen Seely, both of Grapevine; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Stanford Dugan Sr.
Stanford Dugan Sr., 84, of Blooming Grove passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 at his residence. Services will be 3:30 p.m. today at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove with the Rev. Bill Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Tunnell, Greg Tunnell, Philip Tunnell, Alex Dugan, Craig Carpenter and Kenneth Northern. Mr. Dugan was born April 12, 1917. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Flo Dugan; sisters, Irene Myrick and Faye Northern; and brothers, Carl Dugan and Johnny Dugan. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Keith Tunnell of Barry; son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Sherilyn Dugan of Blooming Grove; grandchildren, Jeff Tunnell, Greg Tunnell, Philip Tunnell, Kristi Tunnell, Alex Dugan and Katie Dugan; five great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

George Arthur Brown
George Arthur Brown, 49, passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002 in Corsicana. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Trinity Baptist Church in Trinidad. Mr. Brown was born July 6, 1952 in Corsicana to Charles Amos and Catherine York Brown. He married Cheryl Jean Major in Seven Points. He had been a resident of Trinidad since 1989. He worked as an auto mechanic and a carpenter. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Trinidad. He was a member of the Ombres Motorcycle Club. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Allen Brown. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Brown of Trinidad; father, Charles Amos Brown of Naches; mother, Catherine Shultz of Trinidad; children, Lisa Laray Brown, Cathy Lynn Brown and Amanda Lee Brown, all of Athens, and Rachel Lanore Brown and Jennifer Brown, both of Amarillo; siblings, Lucille Meredith of Austin, Linda Howard and William Brown, both of Corsicana, Lorie Bean of Stephenville, and Sonny Lee Brown and Robert "Bubba" Brown, both of Naches; and three grandchildren. Arrangements by Tomlinson Funeral Home of Malakoff.

Vida A. Cummins
Vida A. Cummins, 83, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 in Corsicana. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be nephews. She was born March 12, 1918 in El Paso, Ark. She was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church and the ADA. She was involved in various activities. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Reese and Genner Vee Hembree; four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include her son, James Michael Cummins of Little Rock, Ark.; brother and sister-in-law, Arthur H. and Beverly Hembree of Kansas City, Mo.; sisters, Rama Lee Hembree of Corsicana, Ann Mace of Parkersburg, W.V., Elvia Webb of Rock Hill, S.C., and Verneda Williams of Cedar Hill; granddaughters, Latisha Johns and Ruby Pittman, both of Burleson; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of friends. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Louise Vaughn
Louise Vaughn, 94, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 in Corsicana. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon. Mrs. Vaughn was born Aug. 25, 1907 in Cooper. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ben E. and Grace Vaughn of Dallas. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Margret Revis
Margret V. Jones Frisby Revis, 95, passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2002 at Heritage Oaks Retirement Center in Corsicana. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. today at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard. She was born Aug. 8, 1906 in Hubbard to Maggie Stroud Rawls and Gideon Thaddeus "Thad" Jones. Her mother died in her early years and her father married Dora Garrett Sims, a Waco educator. She was prominent in debate and dramatic activities at Hubbard High School, from which she graduated in 1924. She attended Mary Hardin Baylor University, and was active in national debate competition until her marriage to M. Monroe Frisby in 1926. After the birth of her son, she returned to Mary Hardin Baylor and took two bachelor's degrees. She later attended North Texas University, where she taught as she completed her master's degree and qualifying work in speech therapy and audiology. During her career she taught classes from kindergarten to graduate level college classes. Her career took her to Penelope, Mount Calm, San Angelo, Laredo, and Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico where she taught English as a second language while taking courses in Mexican history and culture, and Alvin and League City. In 1973, she married Harold Michael Revis, who died in 1994. She was active in civic affairs in League City, presiding over the Literary and Garden clubs. She retired from teaching in 1975 after heading the speech therapy department at Clear Creek Independent School District. She devoted her remaining years to civic affairs and painting with oils, watercolors and collage, teaching conversational Spanish to senior citizens in the community college, and in gardening, indoors and out. Survivors include her son, Col. Bob Frisby and wife Martha Montgomery Frisby of Corsicana; granddaughters, Robin Sherman of Show Low, Ariz. and Amy Starling of Midlothian; great-grandchildren, Rachel and Anna Sherman, and Joshua, Alyssa, Abby and Annie Starling; sister, Kyrene Sims of Hubbard; and nephew, Clyde Michael Sims and wife Brenda of Hubbard. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, it was Ms. Revis' wish that donations be made to the Historic Hubbard High School, now a museum, library and meeting place. Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home of Hubbard.

Peggy Elliott Carrier
Peggy Elliott Carrier, 48, of Mexia passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 at her home. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. today at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia. Mrs. Carrier is survived by husband, Larry Carrier; sons Chris Jones and Tony Wright; mother Helen Johnson; brothers Ronnie Hill, Duke Elliott and Danny Elliott; sister Anita Lane; other family members Everett West, Johnny Carrier, Tina Lee Luna, Melinda Hall, J.C. Moye and Anita Faye Williams; and grandchildren. Arrangements by Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia.

Raymon Wayne French
Raymon Wayne French, 88, of Hubbard passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home with G.W. French and Bob Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Brushie Prairie Cemtery. Pallbearers will be Shorty French, Sonny Elathers, David Lipscomb, G.C. Younger and Jimmie French. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Brey, Don Kreible, Jim Haynes and Bill Carter. Mr. French was born Aug. 20, 1913 in Brushie Prairie. He was a Navy veteran of W.W.II. He was married first to Dorothy Jeanette Turner and had one daughter. His second wife was Louise Young Nelson he raised five step-children. He resided in Lubbock for over 40 years. He is survived by daughter Charlene McCall and son-in-law Bill J. McCall; step-children Marion, Orville, Reese, Patsy and Peggy Nelson; sister Myrtle Whitener; brothers S.T. French, Jackie French and wife Helen and Victor French and wife Dorothy; grandsons Arthur, Michael and Dennis Sakas; great-grandson Michael Wayne Sakas, Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.