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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| Class Of 2005 |
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Lance Michael Lucas
(October 20, 1986 ~ December 27, 2024)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lance Michael Lucas, who left this world on December 27, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 38. Lance was born on October 20, 1986, in Liberty, Texas, to Anita Lucas and Frank Hunt. He grew up alongside his brother, Andrew Jarrett, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever.
Lance attended and graduated from Jim Ned High School, embarking on a life that was full of creativity and curiosity. He worked in several industries over the years, always bringing his unique flair and enthusiasm to everything he did. Lance found joy in creating things, whether it was through his love of music, playing the guitar, or crafting something new.
An avid collector of 80s and 90s memorabilia, Lance also loved video games, live music, attending concerts, and shooting. He was a dedicated fan of The Golden Girls and had a knack for finding humor in any situation. Despite a lifetime of medical challenges, including numerous surgeries and losing the use of his legs, Lance maintained a positive outlook on life that inspired those around him.
Lance was a devoted father to his three children: Henry Lucas, Hadley Lucas, and Teddy Lucas. His children were the light of his life, and he took immense pride in being their dad.
Those who knew Lance remember him for his warm sense of humor, his easygoing nature, and his kindness. He was the type of person who could light up a room and leave everyone smiling. His friends often commented on his positivity, describing him as a great guy who was both funny and compassionate.
To celebrate Lance's life, a gathering will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 12–4 p.m. at Rockin Rollerz Craft Burgers, located at 1055 Judge Ely Blvd, Abilene, Texas. Snacks will be provided, and all are welcome to share memories, laughter, and love in honor of Lance.
Lance will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
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| (Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1953 |
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Donald Eugene Saverance
(November 29, 1933 ~ January 12, 2025)
Donald, son of Harry Felton Saverance and Ima Cleo Slough and married Sybie Louise McDaniel.
Donald Eugene Saverance was born November 29, 1933 on a family ranch a few miles southeast of Lawn, near the Jim Ned Creek. Donald was the son of Felton and Cleo (Slough) Saverance. He attended school in Goldsboro, Novice and graduated from Lawn High School. He went on to Texas Tech University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics. After graduation, he entered the United States Army and for two years he served in the Veterinary Corp. Upon his return to Abilene, he met the love of his life, Sybie Louise McDaniel. They were married on July 2, 1960.
Donald’s love of the land led him to his careers in ag-related vocations. He started out in Andrews County, Lynn County and finally got to come back home to Abilene where Donald serve thirty-seven years as the Executive Director of USDA Farm Service office in Taylor County. He continued his service in Taylor County with the Central Appraisal District. For sixteen years, he was the District’s Land Specialist. He very much enjoyed his many friends and associates that he grew to know down through his years of service.
As a Texas Tech alumni and supporter, he was a loyal Red Raider football fan. Besides his Red Raiders, his favorite activity was going to the country and piddling with his farming and ranching activities. Between farming seasons (wheat crops and calving season), he and Sybie enjoyed traveling. They also enjoyed the church, they are members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents Felton and Cleo (Slough) Saverance, his in-laws, Coda and Lillian McDaniel, sister-in-law Annette Saverance and brother-in-law Jerry May.
He is survived by his bride of 64 years, Sybie (McDaniel) Saverance, brother Sidney Saverance (Kay Wilson), sisters Mary Eubanks (Gary), Suzy McPhail (Mike), sister-in-law Kay May, children Donnell Guynn (Geoff), Paul Saverance, grandchildren Kindell Poprawa (Wojtek), Kathryn ‘Jane’ Bruington, Thomas Saverance, a great-grandson William and many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of those who have helped care for Donald, particularly Carol Johnson, as well as the nurses and staff at Hendrick Hospice Care. Our thanks also goes out to the many friends and family that have visited with and prayed for Donald and family.
A private graveside service will be held prior to Donald’s celebration of life. We will celebrate the life of Donald, Dad, and Peepaw in the chapel of Hamil Family Funeral Home located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 with Jeff Reid officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to the Hendrick Hospice Center, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church or a charity of their choice. Memories maybe shared, and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Posted online on January 14, 2025
Published in Abilene Reporter News
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| Class Of 1963 |
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James Larry Webb
(May 18, 1945 ~ January 1, 2025)
Larry attended South Taylor School District in Tuscola from 1st grade through 6th grade and graduated from Winters High School in 1963.
 
Larry Webb died at age 79 on his property in Moro, Texas. He cares deeply for the Moro community, and for years made a point of weekly visits with many friends for the sharing of support, news, and happenings. If you needed someone to take care of your pets or farm animals while you were on a trip, you just let Larry know. In everything he does, there is integrity, strength, and loyalty, but he definitely has a stubborn, opinionated streak, and would sure share those opinions with you if you hit on the right topic.
Throughout Larry’s life he has been many things: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, local historian, amateur archeologist and artifact collector, occasional self-proclaimed attorney, farmer, fire chief, architect, engineer, and soldier, to name just a few. He is a very proud author, and even now his three books (“From Moro to Bluff Creek: An Autobiography”; “Toyah Medicine Woman of Bluff Creek”; and “The Bears of Moro”) can be found on Amazon.com. He is the fourth generation of his family to live in Moro, and he is followed closely by two additional generations, the strong women who are his legacy, his daughters and grand-daughters. Much of this obituary refers to Larry in the present tense because his girls will have it no other way. He is alive and well in the hearts and lives of all who knew him.
Larry Webb was born in Winters, Texas on May 18th, 1945. He attended South Taylor School in Tuscola, and graduated from Winters High School in Winters, Texas in 1963, before studying engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. He met and married his wife, Sherryl, in 1966. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger, receiving various medals including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After leaving the military, Larry and Sherryl built a house in the Moro community and moved back home with their young daughters. Larry worked as a farmer and an engineer in Abilene, Texas for Tippet & Gee Engineering firm, and later for Dyess Air Force Base. He may have worked “in town”, but his heart has always been out on the farm.
James Larry Webb is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Bessie Webb; brother, Tommy Webb; and his beloved granddaughter, Kelsey Webb. Kelsey’s loss in 2016 at the age of 20 was a deep wound for the entire family, and it is a comfort to know they are together once again. They are probably hunting arrowheads while he makes up (greatly exaggerated) stories and sings “Saginaw, Michigan” and Heehaw’s “Pfft You Were Gone”. Larry is survived by his wife, Sherryl Webb; his daughters, Telitha Webb and Lauri Webb; his granddaughters, Kenzie Webb and Sheyann Gadberry; his brother, Bill Webb; and his sister, Mary Webb.
At Larry’s long-time request, he will be cremated and there will be no formal memorial service. Instead, friends and family will be invited for one more “Coffee with Larry” in the Fellowship Hall at Moro Baptist Church. It will be a small, informal get-together for visiting and sharing stories on Saturday, January 18 at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Bluff Creek Cemetery Trust at Happy State Bank. Larry has had a life-long commitment to participating in the caretaking of his community cemetery.
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Deris was the father of alumni Brad (1988), Misty (1994) and Callie (1999). Please keep the Hutcheson family in prayer.
Deris "Hutch" Hutcheson, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, in Tuscola, Texas. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Lawn Baptist Church. A funeral service celebrating his extraordinary life will take place on Saturday, January 4, at 1:30 PM, also at Lawn Baptist Church.
Born on December 19, 1948, in Merkel, Texas, to Charles "Chock" and Theda Hutcheson, Deris was a true Texan at heart. A proud Trent GO-rilla, he excelled in football, baseball, and track, setting records and showcasing his natural athleticism. His love for sports was surpassed only by his devotion to his family. During high school, he met the love of his life, Wynona, on a date that would lead to a lifetime of inseparable companionship. Married for 56 years, the couple built a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.
After high school, Deris was drafted into the military and served his country with honor in Vietnam, leaving behind his new wife and unborn child to fulfill his duty. Upon his return, he dedicated himself to serving his community through a distinguished career in law enforcement.
Known as "Hutch" to his colleagues, he began his law enforcement career with the Abilene Police Department, quickly earning the respect of his peers and recognition as the department's boxing instructor-famed for having the "quickest hands anyone had ever seen." He later transitioned to the Sheriff's Department and eventually the District Attorney's Office, where he served as a Criminal Investigator until his retirement in 2012.
Beyond the badge, Deris was a true cowboy. His passion for riding, roping, and the rodeo arena was unmatched. He earned countless accolades and belt buckles, competing in events such as the Western Heritage Rodeo and numerous police and charity ropings. His time in the saddle reflected his grit, determination, and love for the Western way of life.
Deris was also known for his storytelling-a talent that could light up any room. Whether he was pulling pranks, scaring his family, friends & colleagues, or sharing tales that left everyone laughing, his wit and charm made him unforgettable.
Deris is survived by his loving wife, Wynona, and their three children: Brad Hutcheson and wife, Bridgett, of Trent; Misty McQuade and husband, Eddie, of Tuscola; and Callie Dacus and husband, Dwayne, of Buffalo Gap. He leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Garret Hutcheson and wife, Alexis, of Tuscola; Bradley Hutcheson and wife, Summer, of Trent; Brodey Hutcheson and wife, Morgan, of San Diego; Michael McQuade, Rylee McQuade, Kindalyn Dacus, and Ashlyn Dacus; and five precious great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Delanna Herring, and husband, Deryl, of San Angelo, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Hilda Crain; and his beloved son, Brandon.
Deris will be remembered as a man of unshakable strength, integrity, and an unwavering love for his family. Whether in the arena, on the battlefield, and/or at the station, he lived life with a cowboy's heart, leaving a legacy of kindness, service, and joy that will inspire all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Back the Badge, P.O. Box 3553, Abilene, Tx honoring his commitment to community and his generous spirit.
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| Class Of 1972 |
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James Michael 'Mike' Watson
(December 8, 1952 ~ December 24, 2024)
James Michael Watson, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2024, in Abilene, Texas.
James was born in Brownwood, Texas on December 8, 1952, to James Robert Watson and Kara Gale Murphy-Watson. Mike married the love of his life, Judith Merle Sidenblad on December 15, 1979, in Tuscola, Texas.
James had an outstanding career in law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff Department for 30 years, he retired in 2005 as a Sergent. Then served 10 years at the Stringfellow Unit Department of Criminal Justice in Brazoria County, he retired from his law enforcement career in 2018 and returned to his family ranch in Callahan County where he enjoyed raising horses.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Judy Watson; parents and one sister, Rebecca Ann Watson.
James is survived by one sister; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who enjoyed visiting with every year when they had their family reunion that was held in Rising Star, Texas; dear friends, Howard Phillips; Connie Rivas.
The family would like to especially thank Donnie Dillard for helping take care of James with love, kindness, and respect during James’s illness.
Service Details
When
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 9:00am - 9:45am
Location
Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel
Address
309 Northeast 4th Street
CROSS PLAINS, TX 76443
When
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 10:00am
Location
Cottonwood Cemetery
Address
County Road 429
CROSS PLAINS, TX 76443
Interment
Location
Cottonwood Cemetery
Address
County Road 429
CROSS PLAINS, TX 76443
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Marissa Lynn Thomas
**2023-2024 JN Alumni Board Members**
Marissa Thomas Davis-President
Chantel Gallaway- Secretary
Telitha Webb-Treasurer
Lynsie Rice Paylor-Event Coordinator
Juliann Kelley-Event Co-Coordinator
Justin Caraway-Entertainment Coordindator
Thanks to Crystal Stanaland for serving on the Alumni Board for many years. We appreciate your time and hard work! She deserves a much needed break!
Everyone is looking forward to working together! We can't wait to let everyone know what we have in the works for the upcoming year! With y'all's support, we can do big things! More details coming soon about the Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship being given this May!! Go! Big Red!!
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