Alvin Wayne Kinder passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. 

He was born in Jacksboro, Texas September 23, 1950 to Alvin D. “Buzz” Kinder and Velma Mosely Kinder of Arlington, Texas. Alvin’s family moved from Jacksboro when he was a toddler. He attended school in Slaton, Texas until 1967 when his family moved to Arlington, TX where he graduated from Sam Houston High School in Arlington. 

Alvin worked at Ralston Purina until his retirement. He served in the Texas National Guard 49th armored division stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and served our nation well. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was 8 years old when his family attended 21st St. Missionary Baptist Church in Slaton. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, an advocate for the Constitution of the United States, as well as a die hard republican, even though he often wanted to ring some republicans’ necks. Alvin was generous to a fault. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. He loved the outdoors and especially spending time on his land in Jack County target shooting. He also enjoyed watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

Alvin was preceded in death by his father, Alvin D. “Buzz” Kinder and mother, Velma Mosely Kinder. 

Alvin is survived by his brother, Donald Paul Kinder of Arlington; sister, Carolyn Kinder Hutson and husband, Richard Hutson, of Iowa Park, Texas; sister, Nelda Kinder Epperson of Graham, Texas; and, sister, Georgia Kinder Clark of Fate, Texas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Family visitation was held Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Mountain Home Missionary Baptist Church at 221 Mountain Home Rd. Jacksboro, TX. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018 at Mountain Home Missionary Baptist Church. 

The family requests that memorials be donated to Medical Transport Missions in Mozambique, Africa. Mission Aviation Fellowship c/o Dave and Jill Holmes P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653.

Stanley Darrell Deweber, age 63, of Jacksboro, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

Mr. Deweber was born November 25, 1954 to Arcue Deweber and Gladys Slade in Bowie, Texas. Stanley was a member of St. Thomas Anglican Church and regularly attended Ascension and St. Mark in Bridgeport, Texas. 

Stanley started working at the post office at the age of 18 while attending Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. In 1976, he married Denise Brown in Bowie. Stanley was appointed Postmaster of Jacksboro by the Postmaster General in November of 1983 where he proudly served in that position for 26 years. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Denise (Brown) Deweber; son Adam and Toni Deweber of Muenster; daughter Hailey and Amon Veron of Tolar, Texas; granddaughters Ashleigh and Kayla Deweber of Muenster and Ashley and Maci Veron of Tolar; brother Stephen and wife Beverly Deweber of Bowie; and friends Jim and Sondra Jackson.

Stanley is preceded in death by his parents Arcue and Gladys.

Liturgy of The Word for Mr. Deweber will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 19, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster. Service under the direction of Scott Funeral Home in Muenster.

In lieu of flowers, the Deweber family requests that memorials be made to the Muenster Jaycees.

Jesse Joy Herd, 83, passed away in his home in Fort Myers, Florida January 16, 2019. 

Joy was born October 11, 1935 in Jacksboro, Texas. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Mary Herd, and his son, Scott Herd.

He is survived by a son, Eric Herd of Conroe, Texas, a sister, Mary Velo of Lawton, Oklahoma and two brothers, Claude and Gerald of Jacksboro, Texas plus several nieces and nephews.

The family is not conducting a public memorial service.

Bessie League Cain, 96, went to be with our Lord Monday, February 11, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas.

Bessie was born August 15, 1922 to Luther League and Minnie Teresa Stephens in Gregg County, Texas. She and her husband of 72 years, Roy Lee Cain, were married June, 29 1940 in Gregg County, Texas. 

Bessie was very active in her community. She was a member of Live Oak Baptist, where she served as historian for many years, 25-year volunteer for American Red Cross, member of the Red Hat Society and Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce. Bessie loved reading and traveling but most of all she loved God, her family and friends. All who met her loved her welcoming smile which she kept until she passed. In her later years, she was known for her fun, sparkling jewelry. 

Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, parents, son, Jeffrey Lee Cain. sister, Lois Moore, and brothers, Joe League, Morgan League, Earl League, and John League.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are daughters, Lee Dunlap and husband J. Nolan of Jacksboro, Teresa Baker and husband Mitch of Paradise, Laurel Thompson and husband Wendell of Lewisville; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Live Oak Baptist Church in Jacksboro with burial at Oakwood Cemetery.

If so, desired memorials maybe given to: Concerned Citizens of Jack County, 400 E. Pine St., Jacksboro, Texas 76458 and Live Oak Baptist Church, 1014 Wichita Ave., Jacksboro, Texas 76458.

Donny “Drip” Leek, 66, of Vealmoor, died Sunday, February 24, 2019. 

He was born September 3, 1952 in Jacksboro. He had lived in Jacksboro, Orla, Pecos and Fort Stockton before moving to Vealmoor in 1989. He had worked in the oil field since he was a young man. Donny enjoyed traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda McNeal Leek of Vealmoor; one son, Aaron Jeffrey Leek and wife, Janet; three daughters, Brandye Adams, Lauren Herrera and husband, David and Rachall Robinson of Houston; two sisters, Jeanette Carey of Prescott, Arizona and  Teresa Stafford and husband, Bobby of Wichita Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Leta Leek; his wife, Rita Kay Leek; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Carey.

Memorial services were Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-PIckle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

William “Bill” Glenn Rogers, 85, went to be with his Lord Thursday, February 21, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas surrounded by his family.

Bill was born March 7, 1933 in Canton, Missouri to Glenn Wesley Rogers and Elizabeth Pauline Dunn. He graduated from Canton High School in 1952. Bill married Shirley June Moore in 1954 and had six beautiful kids. He was a farmer in North Missouri until 1975 when he moved to Jacksboro, Texas and started working in the oilfield. In 1984 he married Stella Ann Fowler and gained nine wonderful children. During his free time he loved playing the guitar and of course storytelling. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his family. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Stella Rogers; son, Curtis Rogers; step-children, Debra Northcutt and JR Northcutt; and his nephew Kevin Cary.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are children Kimberly Burk and husband Tim, Karen Brooks and husband Roy, Kent Rogers and wife Ronda, Kelly Rogers, and Craig Rogers and wife Nantiya; his sister, Nancy Cary and husband Bob; step-children, Delores Trousdale and husband Joe, Dean Smith, Larry Smith, Sherri Northcutt, Rusty McDonald and wife Katie, Lisa Shifflett and husband Matt, and Dorcus Rater and husband Cal; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services were held Monday, February 25, 2019 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.

Roy Newton Leach passed away at age 63 at Medical City Lewisville surrounded by loving family members February 15, 2019. Roy was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.

Roy was born May 18, 1955 in Jacksboro, Texas to Norval “Pistol” Ennis Leach and Myrtis Chambers Leach. He was the youngest born of three siblings, Damon “Bubba” and Ann. Roy graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1973 where he was a standout, multi-sport, athlete who excelled in football, basketball and track. As a two-time all-state athlete, he was highly recruited and ultimately continued his football career with a full scholarship to Texas Christian University. 

Roy married his high school sweetheart, Angela Fleming, on August 7, 1976 at the First Baptist Church of Jacksboro. The following year Roy received a business degree from TCU and went on to manage a Radio Shack. Soon after, he became a partner in an insurance agency in Arlington, Texas. Roy ultimately found his calling in 1992 when he founded ResCom Fire Systems. While Roy was a successful entrepreneur his greatest joy came from being a devoted family man and proud dad to Matt Leach and his wife, Marian and “Pops” to granddaughter Cassandra Leach.

Roy was a man of many passions which included writing poetry, community activism and being an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending time at the family “Home Place” outside of Jacksboro where he continuously worked to improve the land for the betterment of the wildlife. This included planting an orchard and clearing land to create food plots. Roy was a lifetime member and supporter of Quality Deer Management Association. While he lived in several different cities during his lifetime, his heart remained in Jacksboro. He was passionate about giving back to the community through his support of many different local organizations.

When asked, Roy’s ideal vision of life consisted of being outdoors at the “Home Place” looking at wildlife, hearing his son laugh and being with Angie. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Roy replied, “I cannot answer how people will remember me, I can only hope that I had a positive influence on my friends and family.” The final thoughts he wished to leave behind were to think before you react, make good choices, say thank you and I love you.  

He is survived by wife Angela, son Matt and wife Marian, their daughter Cassandra; sister Ann Leach Powell and husband Ron, and many beloved cousins, brother-in laws, sister-in laws, nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Norval “Pistol” Ennis Leach and Myrtis Chambers Leach, and brother Damon “Bubba” Leach. 

In honor of Roy’s giving spirit, donations can be made to a local organization of your choice.

On Thursday, February 28, 2019 Ricky “Rick” Don Broom, father of three, passed away at the age of 63.

Ricky was born January 24, 1956 in Fort Worth, Texas to Kenneth and Ruby (Lewis) Broom. He grew up with two passions in his life: carpentry and mechanics. He worked as a carpenter for 40-plus years and often worked on cars as a hobby. Ricky was always there to lend a hand and help others. He was a great man.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother.  

Ricky is survived by his stepmother Xan; three children, Chris, Brandon, Kami; sisters Donna and Kenalea; his brother Ky; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 4. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 5 at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home, 302 W. Hubbard St. Mineral Wells, TX

Burial at Whitt Cemetery to proceed funeral service. Flowers or donations may be sent to the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at bcbfuneralhome.com.

Dennis Leroy Bennett passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Jack County, Texas. He was 58 years old.

He was born on August 16, 1960 in Bowie, Texas to Leroy and Earlene (Shaw) Bennett.

Dennis married Linda Green on July 23, 2005 in Devol, Oklahoma.  They both had tragically lost their spouses and they made a life in Jacksboro serving in many capacities. Dennis was a member of First Baptist Church where he played the drums for the praise team, was a deacon, and a Sunday School teacher—one of his classes called him and Linda “Mom and Dad” because of the love and mutual admiration.  An active member is inadequate to describe Dennis in his church. He was a genuine friend and dedicated worker for his Lord. He mentored, witnessed to, worked with and loved all. Everyone that knew him, knows he was greeted in heaven with a hearty “well done, good and faithful servant.” Dennis passionately loved his Lord Jesus Christ and it showed.

Dennis was an educator with an advanced master’s degree. He was a coach, teacher, and superintendent. He served the community of Bellevue and ultimately in Jacksboro where he retired in 2016. After retirement he worked for E3 as a Business Development Manager. However, Dennis is not remembered as a superintendent or an educator in his career. He is remembered as a kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable coworker. Someone that genuinely cared.

And, of course, the love he had for his family was immeasurable. He lit up the room talking about them. All of the them. Dennis put God first, then Linda and his family. He demonstrated true Christianity with his daily walk with Jesus. He will be missed. 

Dennis is preceded in death by his first wife Beverly, his parents and his grandparents.

Among those that will be eager to see him one day in heaven include his wife Linda; children Carly Barbee and husband Nelson, Colby Bennett and wife Kristen, Cason Bennett and wife Laura, Cortni Green-Wright, Brooklyn Green and Morgyn Green; sister Donna Sue Neas, and his precious grandchildren Bennett, Wesley, Everly Brave, Everett, Adeline, Lyndi, Josie Ann and one more due in August.

A visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Jacksboro. A celebration of life service was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday March 4, 2019 at the Jacksboro High School Gymnasium. 

If so desired memorials maybe given to: First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 200 N. Knox St., Jacksboro, Texas 76458.

Rainard Walterscheid, 80, passed away Sept. 16, 2018. The family will host a memorial service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1186 US Highway 148, Jacksboro.

Jerry Edward “Bullwhip” Staley passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas at the age of 79 years old.

He was born July 8, 1939 in Jack County, Texas to Will Edgar and Ruthie Mae (Spradling) Staley. He worked as a truck driver. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, J.C. Beesinger; brother, Royce Staley.

He is survived today by his children, Kay Staley, Star Kinder and husband Kenny, Jerry Ricks, Shelly Armstrong and Cindy Beesinger; sister, Mae Henderson; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and a host of friends and extended family.

A funeral service was held Thursday, March 7 at Christian Missions in Jacksboro.

Henry Dalton Birdwell Sr. went to be with his Lord Friday, March 15, 2019 at his home in Bryson, Texas surrounded by his family.

Henry was born to Elvis and Alline Helvey Birdwell April 12, 1928 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He married Mildred Smith Birdwell April 25, 1959 in Denison, Texas. Henry was a lifelong resident of Bryson, Texas and a member of the Bryson Church of Christ. Throughout his life he worked for TxDOT for 36 years and Mitchell Energy for 10 years, retiring from both. Henry was also a lifelong rancher and had been partnered with his son for the past 25 years. Henry enjoyed his life as a husband, father, and friend, but above all, he enjoyed being Pops to his grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Birdwell.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Mildred Birdwell of Bryson; son, Henry D. Birdwell Jr. and wife Sheila of Bryson; and grandchild, Henry “Dalton” Birdwell III.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 18 at First Baptist Church of Bryson. Burial followed at Cottonwood Cemetery.

If so desired memorials may be given to:  Bryson Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 22, Bryson, Texas 76427; Jack County Rural Fire Department, P.O. Box 150, Jacksboro, TX  76458; or Jack County Youth Fair Association, PO Box 486, Jacksboro, Texas 76458.

Andrea L. Mayen, 54, went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. 

She was born in Azle, Texas April 5, 1964. Andrea was proud of her work as a camp counselor for Camp Sweeny for Children with Type I diabetes. It was there she spent many summers and gained many lifelong friends. Andrea also worked for QVC for 23 years. Andrea loved to laugh and make others laugh. It is that laughter shared that will help us get through these difficult days. She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, and aunt who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Andrea is survived by her husband of 15 years Rudy Mayen, Jr., parents Richard and Elise Williamson, brother Rick Williamson, sister-in-law Margaret (Oscar) Sanchez, nieces Michelle (Steve) Menchaca and Marnie (Raul) Palacios, great niece Lexi Palacios, nephew Xander Palacios and her dear fur babies and many other extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Bible Baptist Church in Jacksboro. 

If so, desired memorials may be given to:  Camp Sweeney, P.O. Box 918, Gainesville, TX 76241 and Post Oak Cemetery Association, 22629 FM 2127, Bowie, TX 76230.

Betty Jean Little died on March 19, 2019 at Faith Community Hospital in Jacksboro, Texas surrounded by good friends. She was 90 years old.

She was born October 22, 1928 in Jacksboro, Texas.

Betty was the daughter of Bert and Lois Slate. She attended schools here in Jacksboro, graduating in 1947. After graduation, she worked at numerous jobs until she landed a job at First National Bank. She retired from the bank in 1993. 

Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church, Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Oakwood Cemetery Association.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Lois; two brother, Wallace Garth Slate and Kenneth (Bitt) Slate.

She is survived by one brother, Jack Slate of Fort Worth and one sister, Anita (Pill) Slate of North Richland Hills. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Sue Slate of San Angelo as well as several niece and nephews and numerous friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church.

Memorial gifts may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 406 N. Main Street, Jacksboro, TX 76458.

Eva Faye Mitts-Fenter, 79, of Thackerville, Oklahoma, formerly of Jacksboro, died Saturday, March 30 in Marietta, Oklahoma.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, April 3 at Hope Cemetery in Henrietta, Texas.

Bernice Evelyn Rumage passed away Thursday April 18, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas at the age of 93 years old.

Bernice was born February 22, 1926 in the Silver Hill Community in Jack County, Texas. She was the daughter of Frank H. and Annie Kitty (Burch) Riddle. She and the Late James Thomas “JT” Rumage married February 9,1946 in Mineral Wells, Texas. 

Bernice worked as a labor and delivery nurse and loved and took great joy in taking care of the babies that were born. She was also a surgical nurse and managed Bogart Industries. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Jacksboro and served on the kitchen committee for many years and ensured every family had homemade hot rolls at each funeral. On one particular Thanksgiving, she was asked by the ladies to teach them to make those hot rolls. Many may remember her fried apricot pies that were served from time to time. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband JT, and brothers and sisters.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Janis Bessalaar and husband Frank of Jacksboro, Texas; Jim Rumage and wife, Debbie of Breckenridge, Texas; sister, Lillian Gossett Priddy of Bowie, Texas; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held Monday, April 22 at the First Baptist Church of Jacksboro. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery.

Kevin Michael Kelly, 62, of Jacksboro, Texas, died in Wichita Falls, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2019.

He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1956, the son of Leslie Stewart Kelly (deceased) and Naomi Helen (Stevey) Kelly of Simla, Colorado. 

Kevin graduated in 1976 from Newburgh Free Academy, Newburgh, New York, and in 1989 from Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He was a resident of Wichita Falls many years. Kevin was a restorer of antique furniture and enjoyed seeing life brought back to aged items. He did genealogical work for Jacksboro’s Gladys Johnson Ritchie Public Library and other volunteer work there. He was a musician and soloist and had a generous heart for senior adults wherever he lived. He was a past member of the Singing Men of North Central Texas and Wichita Falls’ Bravo! Community Men’s Chorus. Kevin was a member of First Baptist Church of Jacksboro, where he sang in the choir and looked forward to his heavenly eternal home.

He is survived by his mother; his brother, Leslie Franklin (Brenda) Kelly of Simla, Colorado; sister, Colleen Grace (Mike) Plouck of Littleton, Colorado; eight nieces and nephews; six great-nieces and nephews; and his spiritual brother, Larry Shields of Wichita Falls, Texas. 

Interment was Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Lynn Creek Cemetery, Jack County, Texas. A memorial service followed at Faith Baptist Church, 3001 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, Texas, officiated by Kevin’s former Jacksboro pastor Kenneth Reiter and Wichita Falls Associate Pastor Larry Shields. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to First Baptist Church, 200 N. Knox Street, Jacksboro, TX 76458 or Faith Baptist Church, 3001 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls TX 76308. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.

Mary Virginia Gifford passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 peacefully in her home in Newport. 

Mary was born November 27, 1931 to Emery Pierce Grammer and Ruby Naomi Grammer in Fort Worth, Texas. On May 1, 1948 she married Roy A. Gifford at the age of 16. Together they had seven children. Mary devoted her life to her family. Everyone who ever knew her knew she was a model of selflessness, compassion, love and what a godly woman should be.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Emery P. Grammer and Ruby N. Sumpter; sister, Shirley Wiley; and son, Roy Wayne Gifford.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are husband, Roy A. Gifford; children, Virginia Glover and husband Ron Damico of Richland Hills, Ronny Gifford and wife CJ of Bowie, Danny Gifford of Bowie, Mary Jane Massie and husband Gary of Chico, Marla Gifford of Bowie, and Larry (Pete) Gifford and wife Laura of Alvord; 13 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Friday, April 19, 2019 at Newport Baptist Church. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Bible Baptist Church in Jacksboro.

Hazel Armstrong passed away Tuesday April 23, 2019 in Granbury, Texas at the age of 105 years old.

Hazel was born May 27, 1913 in Jack County, Texas to Samuel Harvey Plaster and Lillie Myrtle (Amburn) Plaster. She married Berry Armstrong on April 20, 1946 in Jacksboro, Texas. Hazel was a lifetime member of Mountain Home Missionary Baptist Church. She loved playing music and was quite a talented musician that could play just about any instrument. She played in a 5-star band with her Dad at different places and her music was played on the local radio. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. 

Hazel is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, her brothers and sister and a great-great-granddaughter, Kourtland Curd.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Linda Stringfellow and husband Carroll and Gale Potter and husband Paul; grandchildren, Lisa Curd and husband James, Doug Potter and wife Leilani and Debbie Serbantez and husband Tony; six great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at Jack County Cowboy Church April 25, 2019 with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Shirley Ann Welch, 83 of Goldthwaite and formerly of Sonora, Texas passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in Goldthwaite. 

She was born May 12, 1936 in Meridian, Texas to the late Fred and Ester Davee Ethridge.  She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Goldthwaite.  

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carlos Welch in April 2013, four brothers, Rudolph, Babe, Aldon and Dean Ethridge. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Holder and Larry of Jacksboro, Texas; Rebecca Blessing and Bob of Belton, Texas; and Janie Bennett and Gordon of Goldthwaite. She is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her brother Billy Ethridge of El Paso, Texas; and sister, Juanita Henry of Denton, Texas.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home Chapel with Doug Holtzclaw officiating. Burial was in Oakview Cemetery in Mullin, Texas.

Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home of Goldthwaite was in charge of arrangements.