Landreth Joseph 'Lane' Emswiler

(August 4, 1988 ~ February 6, 2025)

Lane, son of David James Emswiler and Samantha Higdon, married to Beverly Mier.

Landreth 'Lane' J. Emswiler, a devoted father, loving husband, and proud patriot, passed away on February 6, 2025. Born on August 4, 1988, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to David Emswiler and Samantha Emswiler. Raised in a military family, Lane lived in various locations across Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana before settling in Buffalo Gap, Texas, where he graduated from Jim Ned High School.

In 2008, Lane answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. As an avionics mechanic, he worked on F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, dedicating himself to ensuring the safety and success of his fellow service members. His commitment to duty and country was a source of immense pride for his family and friends.

On May 11, 2013, Lane married the love of his life, Beverly, in Hammond, Louisiana. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. The couple made their home in a few different small towns in Texas, before moving to Cotton County and finally settling in Mountain Park, Oklahoma. Lane continued his service to others as a correctional officer at the Oklahoma State Reformatory, where he approached his work with integrity and dedication.

Above all, Lane cherished his role as a father. He adored his children, Carissa, Sophia, Elise and Merrick, and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether playing video games, watching anime, or embarking on family gaming adventures in Minecraft, Lane's love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was a pillar of strength and support, always willing to go above and beyond for those he loved.

Lane was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Deborah Smith; his paternal grandmother, Minnie Emswiler; and his paternal grandfather, Joseph Emswiler; his beloved daughters who passed with him, Carissa Monet Thomas, and Elise Mae Emswiler.

Left to carry on his memory and legacy his beloved wife, Beverly Emswiler; his daughter, Sophia Emswiler; his son, Merrick Emswiler; his parents, David and Christine Emswiler, and Samantha and Adalberto Esqueda; his siblings, Christian Emswiler, Maya Emswiler, Minda Emswiler, Denise Esqueda, and Ana Goings; his maternal grandfather, Rocky Smith; his maternal grandfather, Sam Higdon, and his wife Jackie; and a host of extended family members and friends who will carry on his legacy of love and devotion.

The Emswiler family will be hosting a lunch prior to the service at Noon on Saturday, March 8, at the First Baptist Church of Altus, Oklahoma.

Lane's life was a testament to the values of service, family, and kindness. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Lane's life will be held at Lowell Tims funeral home chapel on March 8, 2025, at 2:00pm with Will Archer officiating.

Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.

Landreth Joseph Emswiler

Our husband, dad, son, friend, and fellow southwest Oklahoman, "Lane" passed away on February 6, 2025, in a tragic vehicle accident that has left many with heavy hearts, but the memory of his dynamic personality and infectious sense of humor will forever keep him alive in the stories we share. He was 36.

Family was Lane's inspiration. He was a devoted husband to his wife Beverly (Mier) Emswiler and a hands-on dad to their children, Carissa, Sophia, Elise, and Merrick. Most days, he could be seen playing with his three dogs or on his UTV with his family or perhaps working on his many projects he had developing on his 3-acre homestead. Beverly, his girls, and son Merrick admired Lane dearly and will cherish their memories of playing video games, watching anime, or embarking on family gaming adventures in Minecraft. They say laughter is the universal language, and Lane was fluent. He was the family ringleader of mischief and practical jokes, and from family gatherings to his children's various school events, his wit and playful banter made every event memorable.

One to never meet a stranger, Lane loved being outside tending his grill or maybe chatting on the porch with his dad about world events. He loved planning new untried meals for his family and would cook enough to not only fill his freezer but feed his entire family for a month. He was always willing to lend a hand where needed and help those in need. Lane's innate compassion and fair service to others is what equipped him to become the outstanding correctional officer he was at the Oklahoma State Reformatory.

On May 11, 2013, Lane married the love of his life, Beverly, in Hammond, Louisiana, and together they crafted a love story that inspired all who knew them. They built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure while looking for the perfect small town to raise their children and call their forever home. The Emswiler family found that home in Mountain Park in September 2022. They took an undeveloped raw piece of land, put a brand new home on it, and then filled it to the brim with cherished memories, laughter, and love.

Born on August 4, 1988, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to David James Emswiler and Samantha (Higdon) Emswiler, Lane soon found himself all over the U.S. living the lifestyle of a "military brat." His bright smile and compassionate heart allowed him to make friends quickly at whatever new duty station he found himself in. Although graduating high school in Buffalo Gap, Texas, at Jim Ned High School, it was his time in Wichita Falls, Texas, that would later play a part in his destiny. His parents would often take him and his siblings to camp, fish, and hunt in the Wichita Mountains or Tom Steed Reservoir and it was during this time he discovered the area that he would one day come back to and settle with his own family.

In a similar turn of events, Lane himself, heard the call to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force in 2008. As an avionics mechanic, he worked on F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, dedicating himself to ensuring the safety and success of his fellow service members. His commitment to duty and country was a source of immense pride for his family and friends.

Lane was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Deborah Smith; his paternal grandmother, Minnie Emswiler; and his paternal grandfather, Joseph Emswiler; and his beloved daughters who passed with him, Carissa Monet Thomas and Elise Mae Emswiler.

Left to carry on his memory and legacy are his beloved wife, Beverly Emswiler; his daughter, Sophia Emswiler; his son, Merrick Emswiler; his parents,  David and Christine Emswiler, and Samantha and Adalberto Esqueda; his siblings, Christian Emswiler, Maya Emswiler, Minda Emswiler, Denise Esqueda, and Ana Goings; his maternal grandfather, Rocky Smith; his maternal grandfather, Sam Higdon, and his wife Jackie; and a host of extended family members and friends who will carry on his legacy of love and devotion.
Lane's life was a testament to the values of service, family, and kindness. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Lane's life will be held at Lowell Tims funeral home chapel on March 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Will Archer officiating.

Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus.

To send flowers in memory of Landreth" Lane" J. Emswiler, visit the Tribute Store.

kiowacountydemocrat.com  -  March 06, 2025

James Eugene 'Jimmy' Davis

(April 10, 1968 ~ April 5, 2025)

Jimmy, son of Luther Henry Davis and Carolyn Louann Tutt, married 1st to Traci Lynn Booth, married 2nd to Carrie and buried in  Rogers Cemetery, Ovalo, Taylor County, Texas.

Tuscola, Texas- James Eugene Davis, 56, passed away April 5, 2025.

Memorial service will be 11:30am Saturday April 12, 2025 at New Beginnings UPC, Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene.

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of James “Jimmy” Eugene Davis
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of James “Jimmy” Eugene Davis a faithful servant of God who traded his earthly journey for eternal glory on April 5, 2025. While our hearts ache in his absence, we rejoice in knowing that Heaven welcomed home one of its own.

On April 10, 1968 in San Antonio, TX, God blessed Carolyn Neff with her first born son. James spent most of his working career as a truck driver, but loved his job at his church the most. He loved sweets, especially the ones he was not supposed to eat. He was a true lifelong fan of Americas' team, the Dallas Cowboys, which he passed down to his children. He had a true servants' heart and loved BIG. His contagious laughter, big dimples, and big bear hugs were one of a kind. Above all he loved Jesus, and his greatest desire was that his whole family would be saved and live a life committed to Jesus.

To those who knew him, he was more than a husband, father, friend, or brother in Christ — he was a light, a prayer warrior, a worshipper, and a joyful worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

James was the beloved husband of Carrie Davis, his constant companion, biggest encourager, and partner in faith. Their love was a living testimony of God’s grace — a marriage designed by God and held together by love and faith.

A faithful member and servant at New Beginnings Church in Abilene, TX, Brother James could often be found fixing what was broken, lifting someone’s spirits, or simply showing up with a smile and a servant’s heart. The church wasn’t just a place he attended — it was his heartbeat, his mission field, and his second home.

Whether he was touching up the paint on the walls or lifting his hands in worship, James did everything as unto the Lord. He was a man after God’s own heart, and it showed in the way he loved people, gave generously, and lived joyfully.

James is survived by his wife, Carrie Davis of Abilene, TX, Mother, Carolyn Neff of Tuscola, TX; Sisters Brandi Stokes and husband Fred of Brownwood, TX, Kayla Viens and husband Matthew of Ovalo, TX; Children Justin Davis of Lawn TX, Lane Davis and Wife Amber of Clyde TX, Daughter Destiny Guelker and husband Chris of Sweetwater TX; Bonus Children; Thomas Firth and Wife Kaylan of Abilene Tx, Logan Williams, Jackson Williams, Ashlynn Williams, and Jayden Williams; Grandchildren Adison, Kendal, Riley, Krislynn, Marleigh, Jaxon, Kashlyn, Lovelynn, Kori, and Greyson. Multiple nieces,nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles - each one carrying a piece of his legacy and his love for Jesus.

We will gather to honor his life at a Homegoing Celebration will be at a later date. There, we’ll praise, remember, and rejoice — because while James may be absent from the body, he is now in the presence of Jesus, and that’s the greatest victory of all.

He finished well. He served faithfully. And now, he’s finally home.

He will be laid to rest at Rogers Cemetery, Ovalo, TX. Donations to the cemetery can be made to Judy Cumby 326 FM 614 Ovalo, TX 79541.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

Johnny Gaylon Lott

(March 16, 1964 — April 3, 2025)

Johnny, son of Otis Gaylon Lott and Shirley June Ewing and buried in Lemons Gap Cemetery, Tuscola, Taylor County, Texas.

Johnny Lott passed from this life on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Abilene, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Lemons Gap Cemetery at 11:00 on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

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