Jerry Wayne Newton

(October 6, 1967 ~ March 10, 2023)

Decatur ~ Jerry Wayne Newton, 55, went to be with our Lord, Saturday, March 10, 2023.

Funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Aurora Baptist Church with burial noon Friday at Buffalo Gap Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

Jimmy Withers will officiate.

Jerry was born October 6, 1967, to Johnny and Dolores (Brady) Newton in Buffalo Gap. He was united in marriage May 30, 1987, to Paula Whitehurst. He was a graduate of Arlington Baptist College, and a self-employed welder in the construction industry for years. Jerry was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Clinton Newton.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Paula Newton; his sons, Kody Newton and wife, Tiffany, Tyler Newton and wife, Lacey, and Monty Newton; his mother, Dolores Ann Newton; his sister, Brandy Graham; five grandchildren, Averie, Bexlie, Skye, Kave and Koen; numerous extended family members and a host of friends.

Hawkins Funeral Home | Decatur | 940-627-5959 | Hawkinsfuneralhome.com

Joe Everett Hornbeck

(July 22, 1934 ~ December 23, 2020)

Joe Everett Hornbeck, age 86, of Edmond, Oklahoma, Loving husband of Janet Ann Hornbeck, went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 23, 2020. He was born July 22, 1934, in Cisco, TX, to Raymond “Brownie” Hornbeck and Johnnye Hardwick McIntyre Hornbeck. He served in the Korean War as a radio operator on board the USS Point Cruz. Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended Abilene Christian College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. He then accepted a position with Rutledge Drilling in Santa Fe, NM where he met and married the love of his life, and best friend, Janet. They quickly moved to El Paso, TX where they had their first son, Paul. In 1962, Joe accepted a position with Chevron Oil and relocated to Denver, CO where they lived for the next 14 years and saw the birth of John, Donny, and Janelle. June 1976 took the family to Edmond, Oklahoma when Bomack Drilling was bought by TRG (Grace Drilling). They later transferred in 1988 to Carrolton, TX where they lived until his retirement in 1993 when they returned home to Oklahoma City. In his retirement, he worked for Edmond Public Schools for 13 years.

Joe is remembered as a humble and kind man. He was the kind of man with an unassuming, dry wit like that of Bob Newhart. He had a great laugh that was contagious with a mischievous grin while playing games with his family. His favorite game was Ticket to Ride, and he was virtually unbeatable. He was quiet, but a deep man with profound love and understanding of the Word of God. He loved studying the Bible, and for many years would not miss a Monday morning, Full Gospel Men’s Bible Study. His bookshelves were lined with commentaries on the gospels and the epistles. He imparted in his children an abiding faith that is the Rock that will see them through this heartache. He was a great dad who loved his children and showed it in so many ways. His children got to see how a Godly man loves his wife. After 60 years of marriage, they were still holding hands. Every woman should be loved the way he loved Janet.

He also enjoyed playing golf and was able to play more in his retirement where he continued to love on his kids by hitting the links and spending the day with anyone who he could talk into a game. If it were Sunday afternoon you would find him in his chair watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys or Denver Broncos. He adored going to Dodgers games with his sons and grandkids. One of his joys was going to see his grandson's band concerts and other school functions and seeing his granddaughters perform in plays and other activities. While making the trip to see his daughter’s family in Maryland became increasingly more difficult for him, he still made the trip and went to see countless recitals, field hockey games, and other activities. He took great joy in all his grandkids and was so proud of each one of them.

Above all else, Joe Hornbeck loved and had an unbreakable relationship with Jesus. He lived an honorable life serving his family and his Lord and Savior. He was weary for this world and ready to be whole and home with the Father. There is no doubt that when he entered his rest, Jesus said to him, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

He is preceded in death by his Mother Johnnye, Father “Brownie” and Aunt Ione. He is survived by his wife Janet of Edmond, OK, children Paul (Gayle), John, Donny (Amanda) and Janelle Howarth (Rick), grandchildren Morgan McKean, Megan and Kate Howarth, Braydon and Caylee Hornbeck, twin sister JoAnn King, niece Vikki Sebastian (Robert) and niece Penny Locano (Albert) and grandnieces Heather Giovanini and Amber Locano.

Visitation with family present will be held at Dignity Memorial Park Funeral Home on January 3, 2021, from 5 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 4, 2021, at 2 pm at the Crossings Community Church Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Crossings Community Church, Community Center.

James Doyle 'Jim' Copeland

(July 10, 1936 ~ July 27, 2020)

FORT WORTH - James D. (Jim) Copeland was born in Taylor County, near Lawn, Texas on July 10, 1936. He went home to our Lord on July 27, 2020, at the age of 84. The son of Guy T. and Ida V. Copeland, he learned the value of hard work and a West Texas "education" growing up on the family stock farm. After graduation from Lawn High School in 1954, Jim joined the U.S. Army. He served in the 11th Airborne Division from 1954 until 1957, including two and a half years as an occupation troop at Flak Kaserne in Germany near Augsburg. Along with training as a paratrooper, Jim's position in his unit was as the finance officer, in other words, he paid the men. Upon returning to the U.S., he took a job at Citizens National Bank in Abilene, Texas, as a bookkeeper. That employment set his career in banking in motion.

Jim attended McMurry College (now University) in Abilene, Texas from September 1959 until January 1962, then transferred and graduated from Southern Methodist University in January 1963 with a BBA in Banking and Finance. His thirty-year career in commercial banking included positions in Lubbock, Littlefield, Moran, and at Farmers & Merchants State Bank in Ballinger, Texas, where he served as President for 19 years. Following commercial banking, he was a National Bank Examiner for 20 years with the U.S. Treasury Department, from which he retired in December 2010.

He met the love of his life, Sue Murphy, a McMurry Freshman, on a blind date in September of 1958. They were married May 21st, 1960 and celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. Jim and Sue raised two sons and a daughter while living in Ballinger, Texas for 21 years. Always a family man, Jim was supportive of and present at Sue's and the children's numerous activities. He was a very active member of the First Methodist Church (including singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and Chairman of the Board). He was also an officer in Lion's Club, member of the Ballinger High School "Bearcat" Booster Club, and Independent Bankers Association of Texas. For 11 years, the entertainment highlight of his time in Ballinger was singing tenor and performing in the Ballinger Community Choir, along with his wife. (Fred and Ginger watch out!) He also served as the Choir Treasurer and Advisor to the Director.

Jim and Sue moved to Fort Worth in 1989 where Sue still resides. Jim was a member of the talented Overton Park (now Arborlawn) United Methodist Church choir and truly loved worshiping the Lord in song. He was also a member of Faith Bible Class. Although he traveled Texas extensively for work, both during his career and retirement, landscaping and maintaining his pristine yard was his pride and joy. He was also an avid sports fan having played all sports in high school and baseball and fastpitch softball in adult leagues. He loved to read, especially anything about American history, and was adamant his family learn to appreciate and respect our country's past in order to be prepared for the future. Jim was a true patriot (favorite movie was "Patton"), dedicated to his family and country. He was much loved and will be missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two younger brothers; a younger sister; and a nephew.

Survivors: Beloved wife; younger brother, Charles Copeland and sister-in-law, Linda (niece, Michelle Copeland); son, Brad Copeland (Diane); son, Todd Copeland (Debbie); daughter, Suzette Hébert; grandchildren, Danielle Copeland, Kevin Copeland (Madison), Desireé Kemp (Nathan) and Ashton Hebert; three other nieces; and one nephew.

Greenwood Memorial Park
3100 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX, 76107

Jonelle Stovall Williams

(May 5, 1928 ~ March 6, 2023)

Jonelle Williams, 94, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 in Abilene, Texas. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 11, 2023 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Jonelle was born May 5, 1928 in Bradshaw, Texas to James and Callie Stovall. She was married to Michael Williams for 47 years until his passing on November 28, 2017. Jonelle was a teacher in Abilene at Crockett Elementary. Jonelle and Mike enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship and being foster grandparents for many years. She enjoyed arts and crafts but most of all she enjoyed her grandchildren. She loved her family with all her heart, and she will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband Mike Williams; her parents; and her son, Michael Click. Jonelle is survived by her children, Pat Click, David Click and wife Kathy, and Joni Click, as well as her grandchildren, Ashley Herron, Lauren Sanchez and husband Ricky, Dustin Click, Desiree Klammer, and Brandi Rougeux, She was also lucky to have had six great grandchildren, Carson Gates, Wyatt Rougeux, Hailey Rougeux, Kagney Klammer, Brody Sanchez, and Mika Herron; and her sister, Virginia Fincher.

Charles Wayne Warford

October 19, 1935 - February 16, 2023

Charles Warford left this earthly life on Thursday February 16, 2023. He was born October 19, 1935 in the Abilene Hendrick Hospital to Audi Preston (Shorty) Warford and Margie William Sherrell Warford and brought home to Lawn to his brother Audie Gerald. Charles attended and graduated from the Lawn public schools.

Charles met Patsy Estelle Rountree in high school and they married in Lawn August 1955. Both Patsy and Charles attended Howard Payne University-Brownwood and she graduated in 1957. They then moved to Abilene where Jeffory Loy was born on Christmas Day 1957. Charles worked at Abilene State School while continuing his education at McMurry University. Patti Jo was born in March of his final semester there 1961. Charles began his public school career and learning experiences by teaching and coaching eighth grade in Merkel Schools from 1961 through 1966.

He returned to Abilene State School to lead the Physical Education Project that provided many wonderful services to the residents with the help of local college students. He was also instrumental in introducing Special Olympics to Texas in 1968.

Charles moved his family to Amarillo in 1970 and then to Austin in 1971. He directed the Education Programs at the Austin State School until 1981. At this time, he returned to the public school classroom and spent the next 22 years learning with the fifth graders in Leander ISD. His annual Pioneer Recognition Days activities and weekly breakfast biscuits linger in the memories of many students and peers after his retirement in 2002.

Charles greatly loved the outdoors, especially camping at Big Bend and boating on Lake Travis. Woodcarving, caring for Patsy and entertaining grandchildren filled his remaining days until she passed away in 2013.

He returned to his farming roots in Lawn, Texas when he bought the home that he and his father had built in much younger years. He strengthened old friendships, supported the Lawn Longhorn Reunion each summer and taught many loved ones how to drive a tractor.

Charles is survived by his son Jeff, daughter-in-law Cindy and his grandchildren Justin, Kristin and Anthony of Florida. His daughter Patti, son-in-law Jayson Cole and grandchildren Audrey, Benjamin, Hannah, Natalie (Nat), William and Sophia (Sunny). In addition, his tractor driving pride and joy great grandson Preston. His niece Janice Ramos and grandniece Carly DeLara of New Mexico. In-laws Coleta Reed, Ann Hearn, Kathy and Tommy Taylor and numerous beloved nieces and nephews on both the Warford and Rountree sides of the families.

In lieu of a funeral, Charles wanted to thank all of the many persons he has been associated with in his life. For the dedication, friendship and memories they have provided. He always thought that he got more credit than he deserved as he felt those living and working alongside him made his life very rewarding.

There will be a family and close friend visitation at Fry-Smith Funeral in Tuscola on Saturday March 4 from 5:00-7:00 pm and a graveside service at McBee Cemetery in Ovalo on Sunday March 5 at 1:00pm

Please make any memorials to a favorite charity. His were "On the Way Home Food Bank" and "Texas Special Olympics".

George Raymond Dick, Jr.

December 21, 1944 - February 12, 2023

George Raymond Dick, Jr. was born on December 21, 1944 in Abilene, TX to Mary Tolberta Stewart Dick and George Raymond Dick, Sr. He died on February 12, 2023 of Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson’s, a result of exposure to Agent Orange during his Army service in Vietnam.

George Raymond graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1964. He was then employed with Central Texas Iron Works in Abilene. He was married to Sharon Kaye Templeton on August 27, 1965 in Lawn, TX. They were blessed with three sons, Eric Ray in 1969, Olan Ashley in 1972 and Nathan Dale in 1978.

George returned from his tour in Vietnam and found employment at the 3M Company in Brownwood, TX, retiring in 2012 after 45 years of service. He and Sharon were married for 57 years during which they lived in Bangs, TX.

Survivors include his wife Sharon of Bangs, children Eric Dick and wife Lisa of Brownwood and Nathan Dick and wife Crystal of Tuscola; brothers Danny Dick and wife Wanda of Panama City, FL, Frank Dick and wife Rita of Tuscola, Bartley Dick and wife Cindy of Tuscola; sisters Mary Ruth Cozby and husband Jacky of Tuscola and Deana Newman and husband Jim of Tuscola; grandchildren Reymond Dick, Garrett Dick, Emily Borbon, Robert Dick, Logan Dick, Ashley Dick, Alex Dick and Paisley Dick, and two great granddaughters, Olivia and Clara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Royce and Jenell Templeton of Bangs; son Olan Dick and six aunts and uncles.

George was known to his ham radio friends by his call sign, KC5VSG. He was a very hard worker and volunteered for the Republican Party of Brown County. He served as the Brown County election counting center Judge for many years and was on the board of the Cen-Tex Manufacturing Credit Union. His life as a Christian was of utmost importance to him and he was a member of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ.

The family wishes to give the greatest of thanks to CARE Nursing and Rehab in Early for the best of care he was given in his 5 years there, and many thanks to the Solaris Hospice angels who ministered to him in his final days.

Visitation will be at Heartland Funeral Home in Early, TX on Friday, February 17, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be at Heartland Funeral Home on Saturday, February 18, at 10 AM, officiated by David Templeton. Burial will follow at the Bangs Cemetery.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.

Burial

Bangs Cemetery

7700 County Road 179

Bangs, TX 76823

Shay Roy Smith

October 12, 1974 - February 9, 2023

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16th 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fry~smith Funeral Home (502 Kent Ave, Tuscola, TX 79562). A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 17th 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Midway Cemetery (Goldsboro, TX 79519).

Shay Roy Smith, 48, passed away at his residence in Goldsboro, February 9, 2023. Shay was born in Abilene, October 12, 1974 to Oscar Royce and Sherry Dee (Hafner) Smith of Goldsboro, Texas. He graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1993.

Shay was a self-employed man with many talents; mechanics, welding, carpentry, as well as farming. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved gardening and his animals, friends and his children. He was a beloved son, brother, father and friend to many. He will be forever missed. In all of Shay's endeavors he was humble. He was baptized in Graham, Texas, at Oak Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by his father, Oscar Smith and wife Fritzi of Goldsboro; his mother, Sherry Oliver and husband, Gary of Roscoe; sister, Monique Sadler and husband, Cody of Ovalo; son, Christopher Shay Smith and wife, Tiffany of Hawley; daughter Amberly Fry and husband, Jordan of Abilene; son Austin Zane Vanderpelt of Coleman; daughter, Farryn Smith of Novice; and three grandchildren; nephew, Eddie Shay Moore and niece Sherry Kaytline Morris; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shay was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Claud and Madeline Smith of Goldsboro and his maternal grandparents, Bill and Betty (Little) Hafner of Tuscola, and nephew, Hunter Chase Pendergraft.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Fry-Smith Funeral Home from 5-7 pm. Graveside services will be held at Mid-way Cemetery, Novice, Texas Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11 am. Services entrusted to Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

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