Issue of January 10, 2008 - Neva Mae Beard Funeral Services Held January 8 Neva Carter Beard of Groesbeck passed away Saturday, January 5, 2008 in Waco, Texas. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck with Rev. Clayton Griggs officiating. Graveside services were at 4:00 PM in the Thornton Cemetery. Mrs. Beard was born April 9, 1918 to John M. and Lillie Carter in Limestone County. After high school, Neva married Horace Duke Beard on September 19, 1936 in Mart, Texas. Mr. Beard preceded his wife in death on July 9, 1981. She is also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles H. Carr; parents, John and Lillie Carter; brothers and sisters, Horace Carter, Deward Carter, Mildred Thompson, Louie Carter, Vada Hale, Opal Byrd, Mac Carter and John Richard Carter. Survivors include her daughters, Betty Thompson of Houston, Julia Carr of Houston, Karon Golden and husband Bobby of Groesbeck, and Sharon Potter and husband Donald of Carrollton; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Welbert Carter and wife Patsy of Marlin; sisters-in-law, Edna Carter and Julia Bell Kuesel; and brothers-in-law Paul Byrd and Clyde Martin of Waco. The family requests those wishing to make contributions, please send to the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck at 306 N. Ellis St. Groesbeck, TX 76642. Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book or leave a memorial message for the family. James LaVoyd Ginsel Funeral Services Held January 7 Funeral services for Mr. James LaVoyd Ginsel, 45 were held on Monday, January 7, 2008 at Ephesus Baptist Church between Jewett and Marquez. Rev. Ray Payne and Rev. Lewis Neyland officiated. Interment followed the service at Sardis Cemetery near Jewett. Mr. Ginsel passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan. LaVoyd was a graduate of Huntsville High School in the class of 1980. He worked as an electrician for over twenty years and recently started his own business, Ginsel Electric, in Marquez. He loved to hunt, fish, cook, and really enjoyed singing. He loved his family and wanted to be surrounded by them at all times and to teach his children and grandchildren the life lessons that his father taught him. LaVoyd was a loving father, brother, son, Papaw, and devoted friend. He was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Robbie Ginsel of Marquez; three daughters, Jessica Carranza and husband Chris of Huntsville, Jackalyn Cauthen and husband Billy of Huntsville, and Meaghan Ostera of Katy; two sons, Joseph Bay and wife Leila of Tarkington and Joshua Bay and wife Jamie of Marquez; ten grandchildren, Peyton and Parker Carranza, James Cauthen, Lissette, Gavin, Riley, Dalton, and Sophie Bay, and Bradley and Caressa Bay; mother, Katherine Glazner and husband John of Marquez; maternal grandmother, Lillie Mae Read of Buffalo; three brothers, Eric Ginsel and wife Tammy of Hilltop Lakes, Keith Ginsel and wife Tammie of Marquez, and Clay Ginsel and wife Kasey of Marquez; numerous nieces, nephews, other close family and many friends. LaVoyd was preceded in death by his father, James Harvey Ginsel and by his sister, Evette Michele Ginsel. Please visit our website at www.bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or leave a message for the family. Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home 814 Main Street Jewett, Texas 75846 (903) 626-5458 www.bowersfuneralhome.net Graveside Services Held January 7 for Vada Herod Vada Herod of Groesbeck passed away Saturday January 5, 2008 in Waco. Graveside services were conducted on Monday January 7, 2008 in the Old Union Cemetery with Bro. Richard Williams officiating. Mrs. Herod was born June 7, 1918 in Limestone County to Silas and Carrie (Mullinex) Fullen. She graduated high school and later met and married D.D. (Bunk) Herod in Limestone County in 1938. In April of 1983 her beloved husband preceded her in death. Survivors include her her daughter, Glynis Rosas and husband Joseph of Groesbeck; sons, Bill Herod of Oletha and David Herod of Mexia; grandson, Brian Rosas and wife Mandy of League City; granddaughter, Kris Munro and husband Michael of Groesbeck; four great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Groesbeck Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. T.J. Honecutt Funeral Services Held January 9 Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Honeycutt was born on April 4, 1917 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas to Nobe E. Honeycutt and Vera Mullens Honeycutt and passed away on January 4, 2008 in Conroe, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Hazel Oliver Honeycutt and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lana Honeycutt; and sisters, Elizabeth Houston and Ruby Joy Foster. T.J. attended McClanahan rural school and graduated from Marlin High School in 1935. He attended and graduated from John Tarleton Agriculture College (now Tarleton State University) from 1935 – 1937. He was employed by Falls Hotel in Marlin for one year before becoming Principal and teacher at Taylors Chapel rural school in 1937 for two years, then was Principal and teacher at nearby McClanahan rural school for two years beginning in 1939. T.J. married Hazel Oliver in December, 1939 and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in December, 2007. He worked for Falls County ASC during the summer of 1941 and for Houston Ship Building Co. the summer of 1942. T.J. volunteered to serve his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps, September 1942 and was stationed at Blackland Army Air Field, Waco Texas from September 1942 to May, 1943; Kearns Field, Salt Lake City, Utah, May 1943 to August, 1943. He went overseas in September 1943 and served in North Africa, Corsica and Italy. He arrived home in August, 1945 for a furlough before reporting for training for the mission to invade Japan where upon V.J. Day was declared several days later and he was discharged September, 1945. T.J. was employed by Ward Produce Co in Marlin for two years as a bookkeeper and then attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville receiving his B.S. degree in 1948 and M.A. degree in 1949 in agricultural education. He was employed as a vocational agriculture teacher at Marlin High School from July 1, 1949 – January, 1964. During that time he served as President of the Marlin Jr. Chamber of Commerce, President of Marlin Lions Club, President of Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, Vice-President and President Elect of the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, member of Board of Directors for 20 years of the Agricultural Workers Auto Insurance Co, Ft. Worth, Texas and a member of the Executive Committee. T.J. came to Sam Houston State University in January 1964 and continued teaching for the university for the next 21 years; he also served as head teacher trainer for many of those years. He served on the Sam Houston Athletic Council for 10 years and continued to be an avid supporter of the athletic program. T.J.held many positions and received many awards during his lifetime. He was President, Collegiate F.F.A. chaper at Sam Houston State University; President, Agriculture Educators, State of Texas; Vice President Region II National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association; outstanding teacher educator in Texas, 1977; awarded for contribution to vocational education, Texas Vocational Assoc. 1957 – 1958; chairman, state F.F.A. Leadership contest; advisor for Area IX (State and National F.F.A. winners); advisor, agriculture education for Young Farmers of Texas Assoc.; received Honorary American Farmer degree at F.F.A. Convention, Kansas City, Missouri, October, 1980, the highest honor they can bestow on an individual. He was a Civil War “Buff” and was named for his maternal grandfather, Thomas Macon Mullens, who fought in Hood’s Brigade. When the war ended, he walked most of the way home to Texas from Appamattox Courthouse. His Mother did not recognize him until she saw the mole on his neck. After retirement he took several conducted historical tours of battlefields including many where his grandfather fought. T.J. was known as a “Real Grandson”. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas. Services were on Wednesday, January 9, at 11:00 am in the chapel of the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home – Huntsville with interment at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas at 4:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to your charity of choice. Memorial condolences may be made online at www.shmfh.com. Graveside Services Held January 9 for Lucille Liles Doris Lucille Liles a well known resident of Groesbeck passed away early Saturday morning, January 5, 2008 at Windsor Nursing Home where she had resided for the past several years. Graveside services were conducted at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in Faulkenberry Cemetery with Bro. Richard Williams officiating. Miss Liles was born in the Kickapoo Community on July 18, 1920. She was the daughter of the late Zeb and Myrtle Liles. She was a graduate of Mexia High School, resident of Groesbeck. She was a member of the Groesbeck Church of Christ from an early age. Miss Liles was a lover of gospel singing and attended many singing conventions in this area. Her hobbies also included crocheting and sewing. Miss Liles retired from Lone Star Gas Company in 1985 after more than 38 years of dedicated service. Miss Liles is survived by a niece Ann Layton and husband Gwen; one great nephew Gary Layton and wife Lisa and one great great nephew, Alex Layton and one great great niece, Joy Layton, all of Arlington; brother-in-law Troy Rice of Groesbeck. She was preceded in death by her sister Mildred Rice. Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book or leave a memorial message for the family. Starlene R. Martin Funeral Services Held January 4 Funeral services for Mrs. Starlene Rosalee Martin, 85, of Mexia were held Friday, January 4, 2008 in Blair – Stubbs Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Dabney and Bro. Earl Sterling officiating. Interment followed in the Mexia Cemetery. Mrs. Martin was born April 29, 1922 in Malone, Texas to Dewey and Della Hilda (Monthey) Yarbrough and passed away on January 2, 2008 in the local hospital. She was a homemaker and a member of the McKinney Street Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, J. T. Martin, daughter, Mary Blackmon and son-in-law, Sonny Wilson. She is survived by her daughters, Hilda Wilson of Mexia and Janet Pounder and husband, Phillip, of Rockdale, son in law, Thomas Blackmon of Mexia. Grandchildren, Glynda and Jimmy Jenson, Tony Wilson and Yvonne Wilson, Terry and Turk Padgett, Randy and Carla Wilson, Sherry and Ric Alba, Karen and Bruce McQuinn, Phyllis and Ruben Jueraz; great grandchildren: Linda and Deuce Pickens, Michael Watson, Christina and Leonard Stewart, Kody and Amanda Daniels, Kandis Daniels, Jacob and Bonnie Padgett, Christi and Lance Silar, Amber and Bradley Wilson, Matthew Owen; great-great grandchildren: Robert Day, Hailey Day, Bastion Pickens, Laci , Josh and Brooke Stewart, Wes and Paige Daniels, Geordan and Tobe Padgett, Kate and Lane Silar, Rylee Leger and significant Other great and great great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jacob Padgett, Bradley Wilson, Tracy Padgett, Robert David Day, Michael Watson, Jimmy Jenson and Ricky Blackmon. Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave a memorial message or sign the guest book. Funeral Services Held January 2 for Thomas H. Neason Funeral services for Thomas Howard (Tommy) Neason, 55, of Mexia were held Wednesday, January 2, 2008 in Blair – Stubbs Chapel in Thornton. Rev. Tracy Sims officiated with interment in Thornton Cemetery. Mr. Neason was born on November 5, 1952 in Marlin, Texas to Charles Griffis and Leona (Cookie) Noland Neason and passed away on December 31, 2007 in Manor Nursing Home in Mexia. He was a member of Christ the King Fellowship. He was preceded in death by his mother, his paternal grandparents: J. T. and Thelma Neason; maternal grandparents: Ollie Howard and Frances Irene Noland; and uncle, James Noland. He is survived by his father, Charles Neason of Thornton, his sisters; Lana Ponce and husband, Richard of Thornton and Carrie Noel and husband, J. R. of Oletha; aunts and uncles: Aunt “T” Crosthwait of Thornton; Doris Meyers of Dallas, Joe and Jean Neason and Bill and Elizabeth Neason of Thornton; and cousins: Joe Neason, Jr., Mitchel Neason, Lisa and John Carter and Melissa and Walter Hewitt. Pallbearers were Joe Neason, Jr.. Walter Hewitt, Michael Carter, John Carter, Jeff Adams and Richard Ponce. Honorary pallbearers were Jackey McKinley, Gary McKinley and Ray Gene Henderson. Graveside Services Held January 5 for Helen Jo Pringle Graveside services for Helen Pringle, 79, of Dallas, Texas, were held Saturday, January 5, 2008 at Kosse City Cemetery in Kosse, with the Rev. Bennie Portwood officiating. Helen (Sims) Pringle, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, and friend to many others, passed away in Dallas on January 2, 2008. She was born in Riesel, Texas on December 21, 1928, to the late Mark Sims and Leola Chapmion Sims. She moved to Waco, married Charles E. Pringle (now deceased) and retired from H.E.B. Grocery Stores. She is preceded in death by one son, Arlan Gene Pringle. Survivors include her two sons, Donald E. Pringle and wife Carolyn R. of Whitehouse, TX; Joe I. Pringle and wife Debbie of Eagle River, Alaska; one sister Bertie Platt of Waco; one brother, Grady Sims and wife Dorothy of Bedford; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book or leave a memorial message for the family. Peggy Scott Funeral Services Held December 31 Mrs. Peggy M. Scott, 75, of Groesbeck, Texas entered into rest on December 28, 2007 at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas. Funeral services were conducted Monday, December 31, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church of Groesbeck with Bro. Richard Williams officiating. Interment followed at Fort Parker Memorial Park. Peggy was born November 2, 1932 to James and Hilda McCool in Augusta, GA. She attended Augusta High School in South Carolina and later married John R. Scott of Lincolnton, GA on June 2, 1948. Peggy and John have been married 59 years. Peggy was employed with Harris County for 22 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Groesbeck, the Big Hill Prayer group and a member of the Cynthia Ann Garden Club. She is survived by her husband, John Scott, of Groesbeck; three daughters, Johnna Ingram and husband Dirk of Groesbeck, Ann Yates and husband Eddy of Beaumont, and Laurie Webster and husband Robert of Huffman; one brother James McCool of Mena, AR; 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Also, Samantha Langford of England, whom Peggy regards as her adopted daughter, her loyal family pets, Missy, Muffin, and Spliff and numerous loving friends. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents J. F. and Hilda McCool; two daughters, Peggy Lynn Scott and Linda Gail Scott, two sisters, Maxine McCool Rogers and Carol Dukes. Pallbearers were Wayne Ingram, Dirk Ingram, Michael Listi, Darren Ingram, John Kendall, Scott Kendall. Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book or leave a memorial message for the family. Edwina Stipe Funeral Services Held January 5 Mrs. Edwina (Davis) Stipe, 79, longtime resident of Delia, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at a Waco hospital. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 5 at Prairie Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Sain officiating. Interment followed in Dawson Cemetery. Mrs. Stipe was born January 7, 1928 in Waco to Felix and Cora (Edwards) Davis. She was raised in Dawson and attended Dawson schools. Mrs. Stipe worked as City Secretary for the City of Coolidge and also at the Federal Land Bank in Corsicana. She was a member of Prairie Hill Baptist Church and was one of the founding members of the “Wings of Joy” singing group. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Stipe in 1995; by an infant daughter, Stacy Renee Stipe, in 1965 and by two brothers, Joe Guinn Davis and Felix Earl Davis and a sister, Elizabeth Davis Lucas. Mrs. Stipe is survived by her son, Brian D. Stipe and wife, Julie and two grandchildren, Kathleen Stipe and Joshua Stipe, all of College Station. Pallbearers were Kenneth Bolen, Randy Bolen, Tracy Adler, Kendall Adler, LeeRoy Hammons and Glendale Adler. Memorials may be made to Wings of Joy, c/o Prairie Hill Baptist Church, 5152 N. FM 339, Prairie Hill, Texas 76678. Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard, Texas was in charge of arrangements. Ruth Vardeman Funeral Services Held January 2 Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 2, 2008, for Ruth Vardeman at the First Baptist Church of Pt. Enterprise. Mrs. Vardeman passed away December 31, 2007 at the Manor Healthcare Residence at the age of 92. Mrs. Vardeman was born November 27, 1915 in Hill County, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stepp. She married Ford Richard Vardeman on December 21, 1937. She was a retired employee of the Mexia State School. At the time of her death, she was a Faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Pt. Enterprise. Preceding her in death were her parents, her devoted husband of over 49 years, two Sisters and a brother. Survivors include two daughters, Glenda Gatlin and husband, Jay, of Pt. Enterprise And Dolly Fife and husband, Bobby of Mexia; 4 grandchildren, Jim Gatlin and wife, Donna of Haughton, Louisiana, Joe Bob Fife and wife, Tami of Kennesaw, Georgia, John Gatlin and wife, Tanya of Houma, Louisiana, and Shelli Decker and husband, Jimmy of Longview, Texas; 8 great grandchildren: Joshua Fife, and wife Emily of Kennasaw, Georgia, Judd Fife of Kennesaw, Georgia, Jordan Gatlin of Haughton, Louisiana, Whitney Decker of Longview, Texas, Devann Decker of Longview, Morgan Gatlin of Haughton, Louisiana, Amber Gatlin of Houma, Louisiana, and Jace Gatlin of Houman, Lousiana, a great-great grandchild, Madison Leigh-Ann Fife of Kennasaw, Georgia; 2 brothers, Johnny Stepp and wife, Frances of Richardson, Texas, Clayton Stepp of Houston, Texas, a sister, Thelma Chandler of Waco, Texas, a sister-in-law, LaVona Vardeman of Hubbard, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Interment was at the Point Enterprise Cemetery. Bro. James Herrington officiated. Memorials may be sent to the Senior Citizens Center, 109 N. Sherman Street, Mexia, Texas 76667. Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave a memorial message or sign the guest book. This is an on-line publication of Groesbeck Journal P.O. Box 440 Groesbeck, TX 76642-0440 254-729-5103 For comments or questions, email Publisher: Thomas Hawkins thawkins@groesbeckjournal.com The Web Site contains material which is protected by international copyright and trademark laws. No material may be copied, reproduced, republished, broadcast or distributed in any way or decompiled, except that you may download one copy of the Materials on any single computer for your personal, non-commercial home use only, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices. On-line publication, Copyright 2000, Groesbeck Journal. Web page design, Copyright 2000, EZ Edit Web Publishing.