Obituaries

All Obituaries

Larry Don Hooten

Larry Don Hooten

Jun 12, 2026

Larry Don Hooten, a beloved husband, friend, and pillar of his community, passed away on June 12, 2026, at Christus Hospital in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Born on December 20, 1939, in Lone Oak, Texas, to Enos Franklin Hooten and Jessie Lee Parker Hooten, Larry Don lived a life marked by steadfast devotion to his family, faith, and work.

He is survived...

Wayne Yates

Wayne Yates

Jun 12, 2026

Wayne Yates, born on August 1, 1958, to Lonny and Juiance “Mother” Yates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma peacefully passed away on June 12, 2026 at the age of 67. A man whose life was marked by devotion, joy, and a free spirit, Wayne leaves behind a legacy cherished deeply by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing...

Charles Wayne Rogers

Charles Wayne Rogers

Jun 10, 2026

Charles Wayne Rogers, a beloved father, grandfather, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully at his home in Emory on June 10, 2026. Born on May 30, 1948, in Celeste, Texas, to Edwin Rogers and Rita Laveta Brimer, Charles led a life marked by dedication, humor, and a deep love for his family and the outdoors.

Charles was a proud veteran...

Maxine "Mo" Foster

Maxine "Mo" Foster

Jun 9, 2026

Maxine Gaby Foster was born March 29, 1933, in Emory, Texas to Thomas Nelson Gaby and Georgia Ruth Jones Gaby. There will be a graveside service for her Friday, 2:00, June 12, 2026 at Emory City Cemetery. Jonathan Criswell will be officiating and serving as pallbearers will be Michael Stafford, Caleb Simmons, Dawayne Arbour, John Michael Hill, Billy Hill, Randy...

Eric Scott Essary

Eric Scott Essary

Jun 9, 2026

Eric Scott Essary, born on September 18, 1992, in Sulphur Springs, was a man whose life was marked by dedication, warmth, and an old soul's wisdom. He quietly walked the path of life with a steadfast commitment to those he loved and to the work he took on, passing away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at Christus Hospital in Sulphur...

Cindy Ramsey

Cindy Ramsey

May 31, 2026

Cindy Ramsey, a beloved member of her community and a cherished soul, passed away on May 31, 2026, in Sulphur Spring, Texas. Born on January 8, 1968, in Olney, Texas, to Raymond Everett and Anna Louise. Cindy lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those around her.

Cindy's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She...

Peggy Mitchell

Peggy Mitchell

May 31, 2026

Peggy Beavers Mitchell was called home to be with the Jesus on May 31, 2026 at her home, she was surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 11, 1938 to Ollie Beavers and Minnie Vaugh Beavers. She was married to Ivan Mitchell in Clovis, New Mexico on October 27, 1956 until he passed away in 2013. They were married...

Garland E. Matthews, Jr.

Garland E. Matthews, Jr.

May 27, 2026

Garland Eugene Matthews, Jr., age 89, of Emory, Texas, passed away on May 27, 2026.

Born on April 11, 1937, in Austin, Texas, Garland was the first child and only son of Garland Eugene Matthews, Sr. and Rosa Taylor Bacot. A father in sales meant a life on the move—Garland lived in 17 homes across the South before graduating from Arlington...

Bobby Joe Kile

Bobby Joe Kile

May 21, 2026

Bobby Joe Kile, a devoted servant and longtime resident of Rains County, Texas, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2026, at his home in Emory, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 5, 1944, at the family farm in Rains County to Samuel Laroe Kile and Dorothy Lucille Gray Kile, Bobby Joe lived a life marked by dedication, kindness,...

Judy C. Carson

Judy C. Carson

May 15, 2026

Judy Carol Carson was called home by the heavenly Father on the early morning of May 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 72. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her. Born November 21, 1953 to Burlin and Nellie Roberts of Point, Texas, she was the youngest of 15 siblings....

Terry James Payne

Terry James Payne

May 11, 2026

We gather with warmth and fondness to remember Terry James Payne, a beloved soul whose life was a journey of adventure, passion, and love. He was born on December 15, 1959, in Mesquite, Texas, to James and Doris Payne. Terry’s vibrant spirit touched everyone he met until his passing on May 11, 2026, in Grand Saline.

Terry was known far and...

Vergel Francis Burress

Vergel Francis Burress

May 10, 2026

Vergel Francis Burress, a devoted family man, proud Vietnam veteran, and a man whose warmth and humor touched all who knew him, passed away on May 10, 2026. Born on January 14, 1938, Vergel lived a life rich with service, passion, and joy.

A native of Texas, Vergel graduated from Raymondville High School in Willacy, TX, in 1955, where his classmates...

Virginia Gene Shearer

Virginia Gene Shearer

May 8, 2026

Virginia Gene Shearer, lovingly called Ginger by many, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. Born on August 5th, 1944, in Oceanside, California, Virginia lived a life filled with grace, kindness and an unwavering spirit.

Virginia was a woman of refined elegance and strong will, which were qualities that defined her both personally and professionally. She held the...

William Edward Harder

William Edward Harder

May 7, 2026

William Edward Harder, a gentle giant and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026. Born on May 6, 1935, to Otis Harder and Willie Sims Harder.  Bill led a life marked by dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for those around him.

Bill served honorably in the military from 1952 until his retirement from the US Coast...

Jimmie Dean Smith

Jimmie Dean Smith

May 5, 2026

Jimmie Dean Smith, 82, known as “Smitty” to colleagues, as “Pa” to his grandkids and great grandkids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 5, 2026, after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. Jimmie was born on January 11, 1944, to Joe H. Smith and Thelma Cooke Smith in Emory, Texas. He married Carolyn Kay...

Betty J. Northcutt

Betty J. Northcutt

Apr 27, 2026

Betty Joyce Northcutt passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Briarcliff Health Center with her family by her side at the age of 89. She will be sorely missed but her family and friends know that she is in the presence of her Lord and no longer suffering. It is the thought of reunification that sustains them.

Betty was born...

Rocky Pietila

Rocky Pietila

Apr 21, 2026

Rocky Pietila of proud Finnish heritage, devoted medical courier and beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 21, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on November 24, 1953, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Tauno Pietila and Marlene Brown Pietila, Rocky’s life was a testament to kindness, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to helping...

Lisa Murk

Lisa Murk

Apr 15, 2026

Lisa Renee (Lewis) Murk passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Born in South Carolina on December 17, 1961, she was a daughter of Shirley Ann Yeargin and the late Russell Q Lewis. Lisa is survived by her son Bryan Hagerich (Stephanie), his children and grandchild; her sister Janet Carista (Gene); nieces and...

Billy Wayne Nixon

Billy Wayne Nixon

Apr 14, 2026

Billy Wayne Nixon, born on June 16, 1938, peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026. Billy lived a full and meaningful life, marked by dedication not only to his work but also to his family and the simple joys he treasured.

Billy devoted 32 years of his life to working with the streets department for the city of Garland. His commitment...

James Melvin Vinson

James Melvin Vinson

Apr 13, 2026

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we remember James Melvin Vinson IV, lovingly known to many as “Bubba J,” who was born on May 29, 1996, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to James Melvin Vinson III and Jacqueline Street Vinson. He left us on April 13, 2026, in Emory, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

James was a...