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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| (Tuscola Tigers) - Class Of 1946 |
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Herman Hogan Lofland, Jr.
(April 14, 1929 ~ November 22, 2023)
Herman Hogan Lofland, Jr., son of Herman Hogan Lofland, Sr. and Nova Louquency White, married to Iris Jan Ueckert and buried in Abilene City Cemetery, Abilene, Taylor Co., Texas.
Herman Hogan Lofland, Jr, 94, of Abilene, TX, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Abilene, TX.
Visitation will be at Noon on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 1, 2023 at Hamil Family Funeral Chapel with Burt Williams a Chaplain for Hospice of the Big Country, officiating. A burial will follow at Abilene City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Hogan Lofland, Jr was born in Abilene, TX to Herman Hogan Lofland and Nova Louquency White on April 14, 1929. He grew up on a ranch in South Taylor County and went to school in Tuscola, TX. He graduated from Tuscola High School, McMurry University and Texas Christian University. He married Jan Lofland on November 14, 1994, in Abilene, TX. He worked as a Rancher in Taylor and Callahan Counties and teacher at Roby, Snyder, and Corpus Christi ISDs. and principal at Clyde Elementary. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Army at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas.
Hogan was a world traveler as far away as Russia and China and visited numerous locations all over the United States. He and Jan traveled many locations with Ron Holmes and Veronica Snow and the McMurry Indian Basketball teams over the years.
Hogan loved ranching, raising cattle, sheep and goats. He made lifelong friends through ranching with those who helped him, Ag teacher Roy Richey, HD Weaver, Bill Hilliard, and Joe Snow, III.
Hogan was preceded in death by his parents Herman Hogan Lofland and Nova Louquency White.
Hogan is survived by his beloved wife Jan Lofland and several cousins.
Pallbearers will be Joe H. Snow, III, Phillip Dortch, HD Weaver, Bill Hilliard, Ron Holmes, Roy Richey, Martin Garcia and Brice Johnson.
Memorials may be given to Christian Services of Abilene, St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, or Rescue the Animals.
The family of Hogan Lofland wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his special caregiver and friend Raquel Cisneros, the caregivers, nurses and staff at Windcrest, our cousin Phillip Dortch and special friends Monte Custer and Joe and Veronica Snow.
Memories may be shared, and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
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| Class Of 1976 |
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Randell Don Vinson
(June 27, 1958 ~ November 17, 2023)
Randell Don Vinson, son of Joe W. 'Dub' Vinson and Monteva Elaine 'Monty' James, married to Sharon Elaine Fitzgerald and buried in the Vinson family cemetery.
Randell Don Vinson went home to Jesus and to be with his Bride Elaine on November 17, 2023.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.
Randy was born June 27, 1958, to Dub and Monty Vinson. After a brief stint at Tarleton State University, he was a proud graduate of Texas A&M in 1980. In May of 1985, he married his best friend and beautiful wife Elaine Fitzgerald. On their first date he had just received his pilot’s license and took Elaine up flying and then made her his famous Tomato Gravy for breakfast. They were true soulmates. They had two children, Jessica Paige, who he called Jessie, and Michael Joseph, who he called Sport. He was the best dad in the whole world.
After college he moved back to Abilene to work in the family business until opening the doors of Abilene Ag Ford. He spent many years cultivating and nurturing the business and with the help of many dedicated employees and friends it grew to be what it is today, Abilene Equipment Center and Abilene Rental Center.
Randy had many passions including flying his airplane, being near the ocean and playing on his boat. He was also an avid gardener and could grow just about anything. It wasn’t uncommon to find him in the yard or fields past midnight. He was always busy working with his hands and was happiest tinkering with his projects. You could find him on Saturdays in the fall watching The Fighting Texas Aggies with his son Michael. He also loved the Texas Rangers and watched every moment of the 2023 World Series. He was a benevolent giver, always looking for ways to bless those around him.
Randy knew Jesus and made sure those around him heard about him. He loved reading his Bible daily and would frequently talk about what he had learned with those he loved.
Randy is survived by his mother, Monty Vinson, children Jessica (Ricky Garcia) and Michael Vinson, brother Lanny Vinson, mother-in-law Gwen Fitzgerald of Jacksboro, brother-in-law Ronnie (Anna) Fitzgerald, nieces and nephews Callie Kostelich, Jimmie Fitzgerald, Ross Vinson and Mary Katherine Flanagan. He also is survived by his first grandson, Grant Garcia who knew him as Pop.
Preceded in heaven were his father Dub Vinson and his wife Elaine Vinson.
Special thank you to those who supported and loved on him these last few years.
In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Randy’s generous heart of giving, we ask that you make a contribution to your favorite organization or church.
Memories may be shared and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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Alberta was the mother of Danette Walker, class of 1983. She was such a beautiful and special lady in our Jim Ned Valley community. Keep the Walker's in your prayer at this time of sorrow.
Alberta Walker
June 24, 1931 — November 11, 2023
Alberta Beatrice (Siler) Walker was born in Brady, TX to Albert Cleveland Siler Sr. and Elizabeth Beatrice (Allen) Siler on June 24, 1931. She left this world to join her sweet Jesus and her husband, Loyd, with her family close by on November 11, 2023.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023,at Lawn Baptist Church, 518 Ave D, Lawn, Texas with Rev. Mark Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.
She graduated from Melvin High School in 1948 and attended Draughon’s Business College in Abilene, TX. She met and married her true love, Melbourn Loyd Walker on July 30, 1949 in Abilene. They enjoyed 72 years of loving, living in the country and traveling to many beautiful places with friends and family before Loyd’s death in June 2022. Alberta worked at numerous jobs throughout her early years of marriage from Lone Star Gas Company to Estes House of Fashions; but her most favorite job was being a wife and “Mom” to her four children and numerous grand and great grandchildren.
She was very active in several community organizations. Amongst those were Abilene Newcomers Club, Christian Women’s Club, along with the Wylie and Jim Ned 4-H Clubs; where Alberta received an Outstanding Leadership Award for 35 years of service from the District 7 Texas Extension Education Association. She was also awarded the District 7 TEEA Texas Treasure Award for 32 years of service with the Honeybee’s Extension Club. She served numerous years as a judge at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo. Alberta was an active member of Lawn Baptist Church where she was involved in multiple ministries and not only kept her own family well fed but many families in the community with her delicious cooking and baking. She was famous in her hometown of Lawn for her amazing yeast rolls. Every grandchild knew they could always find a fresh baked chocolate cake and homemade cookies in her kitchen anytime anyone dropped by for a visit.
Not only was Alberta an excellent cook, but she was a very talented seamstress, crafter and creative writer. Along with teaching her daughters to sew, she had many granddaughters which allowed her lots of opportunities to make matching dresses for each one of them at Christmastime. She shared her creations for making crafts with her Honeybee’s Club and always had her home beautifully decorated for every holiday. She could make something special out of nothing when it came to crafts.
Alberta may have seemed to have a quiet shy demeanor but she was very creative when it came to writing; using that talent from writing 4-H Method Demonstrations for her daughters to compete in 4-H events to achieving many 1st place ribbons for her entries into the Grandparents Brag at the Fair and Rodeo. She was a lady of many talents!
From always being fashionably dressed with matching jewelry and purse to her contagious smile and huge giving heart, Alberta was a true Proverbs 31 woman. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverb 31:29
She was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd and baby girl Walker.
She is survived by her children: Daughter Linda Mitchell and (Mike) of Tuscola, Son Ricky Walker and (Diane) of Lawn, Daughter Cindy Young and (Joe) of Midland, Daughter Danette Walker of Midland, 10 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be: Mike Mitchell, Joe Young, Blake Walker, Monty Winn, Rusty Winn, Jayton Thomas, Ethan Dunn, and Kyler Emery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lawn Baptist Church or Hendrick Hospice Care Center in Abilene.
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Mac was the brother of Sharon ('78) and Mike ('81). Please keep the McVey family in prayer.
Steven "Mac" McVey passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 68. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 10:00am to noon at Fry Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation since a private graveside service will follow later in the Buffalo Gap Cemetery.
Mac was born on July 23, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, to Norman and Beverly McVey. He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mac's passion for engineering led him to pursue a career in the United States Air Force, where he served diligently for three years. Enlisting in April 1974, he achieved the rank of Senior Airman before being honorably discharged in August 1977. He then worked as a civilian contractor for the Air Force until his death. His commitment to his country and his brilliance as a civil engineer were highly regarded, and his contributions will forever be remembered.
Aside from his remarkable professional achievements, Mac was a devoted husband to Barbara McVey, his wife of 48 years. Their love and unwavering support for each other formed the foundation of their family which included one daughter, Audrey. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Audrey and husband Mark Smith and their children, Bryson and Emma, mother, Beverly McVey, sister Sharon and her husband Hank Horton, brother Mike McVey along with nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Norman McVey.
Mac was a dependable man. He believed in the importance of a handshake, maintaining one's principle, and always following through with what you say. He loved music and spending time with his family and grandbabies. He was a craftsman and what some might describe as a perfectionist. Mac will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Steven's name.
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| (Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1955 |
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Bettye Jane Lawless Pentecost Garza
(July 21, 1937 ~ November 6, 2023)
Bettye Jane Lawless Pentecost Garza, daughter of Henry Clyde Lawless and Clara Ethel Satterwhite, married 1st to Wyman Troy Pentecost, married 2nd to Frank D. Garza and buried in Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas.
We regretfully announce the passing of Bettye Jane Garza, age 86, a beloved member of the Lawn community, on November 6, 2023. Visitation will be held at Fry Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 9:30 at Lawn Baptist Church with burial to follow at Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
Born on July 21, 1937, in Lawn, Texas to Clyde and Clara Lawless, Bettye was the embodiment of kindness, strength, and grace. Bettye graduated a Lawn Longhorn in 1955 and then pursued more education with determination, earning college credits before accepting a job at the Lawn Nursing Home. After the nursing home closed, she found a job at Timex and worked there until they closed in 1976. Texas Instruments became her new home and she finished her career there retiring in 1993.
Bettye married Troy Pentecost in December 1954. They had 3 children; D'Waine, Dwight, and D'Angela. Troy and Bettye divorced in 1970. While working at Texas Instruments, she met Frank Garza. The two were married on November 27, 1985. Their love story was one of deep companionship, support, and unwavering devotion. Together, for 37 years, they built a beautiful life filled with precious memories.
Bettye found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had an unwavering commitment to her family and friends. She loved gardening, quilting, sewing and ceramics. She was a devoted member of Lawn Baptist Church and generously volunteered her time to her community. She served as Senior Citizen Director of Lawn for many years as well as being a City Council Woman for the City of Lawn for over 10 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Clara Lawless and her sister, Bernie Zimmerlee and brother-in-law, Johnny Zimmerlee.
Bettye Jane Garza will be remembered fondly for her infectious laughter, kind-heartedness, and unwavering love. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews who will dearly miss her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bettye's honor to a charity of your choice.
Services
VISITATION
Wednesday
November 8, 2023
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE
Tuscola, TX 79562
FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday
November 9, 2023
9:30 AM
Lawn Baptist Church
P.O. Box 268, 518 Ave D
Lawn, TX 79530
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| (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1955 |
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Jo Ella Graham Shelton
(December 15, 1937 ~ October 31, 2023)
Jo Ella Graham Shelton, daughter of Clarence Monroe Graham and Ophelia Inez Roberson, married to Marion Lee 'Bud' Shelton and buried in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas.
Jo Ella (Graham) Shelton, 85, of Tuscola, Texas, passed away October 31, 2023. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 2nd from 5 - 7 p.m. at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, TX. A graveside service will take place Friday, November 3rd at 2 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery on HWY 277 S in Abilene, TX.
She was born in Bisbee, AZ to Monroe and Ophelia Graham. After her dad worked in the coal mines in Arizona, they moved their family back to Tuscola.
Jo graduated from South Taylor High School in 1956 and was a member of the Secret Six.
Jo and her dad were big fans of Avoca High School boys' basketball and kept all their articles. She and Monroe attended the basketball game in Austin at Gregory Gym where Avoca won the state championship. Though they had not met yet, her husband, Bud, was a member of that state championship team. They met a few years later through a mutual friend and married in 1966.
Bud and Jo had two daughters, Marla Jo and Marian Lee. They enjoyed going on many road trips across the country, and the girls always found a place to shop while Bud golfed.
Jo worked at First National Bank as a bank teller for several years and at McMurry College in the Business Office.
Jo also enjoyed many years in education, including her time as a secretary at Butterfield Elementary. She always cherished the special ladies she worked with at the school, also known as the Butterfield Gang.
Jo retired in 2000 to become a full-time Mimi. She loved her three granddaughters M'Lee, McCall and Malone dearly and attended many of their events as they grew up. Bud, Jo, and Marla went to several music programs, ballet recitals, track meets, basketball and softball games, and graduations over the years. Mimi was known for preparing 500 eggs for the girls to hunt at Easter. She never wanted to leave anyone out during birthday celebrations, so she gave whoever's birthday we were not celebrating $10. She was the heart of her family who always took care of others before herself. She was more than a mom and a Mimi. She was our best friend.
Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Monroe and Ophelia Graham; brother, Tommy Graham and wife, Sue; nephew, Andy Graham; husband, Bud; and daughter, Marla.
She is survived by her daughter Marian and husband Mark Graham of Tuscola; granddaughters, M'Lee, McCall and Malone, also of Tuscola; and niece, Lori Barbee, and many other extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Ned Volunteer Department, 738 Buffalo Gap Rd, Tuscola, TX 79562.
Services
VISITATION
Thursday
November 2, 2023
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE
Tuscola, TX 79562
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Friday
November 3, 2023
2:00 PM
Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories
5701 Highway 277 South
Abilene, TX 79606
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| (Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1955 |
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Barbara Joyce McCollum Willis
(March 14, 1937 ~ October 22, 2023)
Barbara Joyce McCollum Willis, daughter of Audie Jewel McCollum and Ila Mae Forrest, married to Billy Don Willis and buried in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas.
Barbara Joyce Willis, 86, of Abilene peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on October 22, 2023.
Barbara was born in Abilene, Texas on March 14, 1937, to Audie Jewell and Ila Mae McCollum. She grew up in the Lake Abilene and Rogers areas. Barbara graduated from Lawn High School in 1955 where she excelled in basketball, softball, and theater. Barbara scored 66 points in one basketball game as a career high. She played the sharpshooter, Annie Oakley, (with a loaded shotgun!) in Annie Get Your Gun. Barbara married Billy Don Willis on August 31, 1956, in Abilene. They had two daughters. Barbara attended business college and worked as a bookkeeper for J. W. Vernon, then as a secretary and bookkeeper for B.D. Click General Contractors. She was an active member of Southwest Park Baptist Church for over fifty years and belonged to the Faithful Workers Sunday School class.
One of Barbara’s favorite activities was watching her children and grandchildren participate in events. She was an avid fan and supporter of every sport, concert, and activity in which they participated. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Joe McCollum, and her husband of 54 years, Billy Don Willis.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and David Wise of Abilene, and Sharon and Greg Hill of Oviedo, Florida, three grandsons and their wives, Andrew and Ashlyn Wise, and Will and Taylor Wise, all of Abilene, and Collin and Emily Hill of Orlando, Florida, one granddaughter Haley Hill of Oviedo, Florida, three great-grandchildren all of Abilene, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday evening, October 27, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th St., in Abilene, Texas, with Rev. Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park at 5750 Hwy 277 South. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
The pallbearers will be Andrew Wise, Will Wise, Collin Hill, Haley Hill, Barry McCollum, and Rick Willis.
Memorials may be given to Southwest Park Baptist Church, Hospice of the Big Country, or an organization of your choice. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers who so lovingly tended to our mother during her final months. We are forever grateful for the staff of Hendrick Medical Center, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Caring Senior Services, Wesley Court, and Hospice of the Big Country.
Memories may be shared and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Posted online on October 24, 2023
Published in Abilene Reporter News
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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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30th Anniversary Celebration of the 1994 Lady Indian State Basketball Champs!
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