Obituaries - Houston Co., TX

OBITUARIES - September2011

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CLARA ANN REICHERT SOWELL
Mrs. Clara Ann Reichert Sowell, departed this life on September 3, 2011. Mrs. Sowell was born on December 14, 1924 to German immigrant parents, Adam Reichert and Barbara Kovis Reichert. Mrs. Sowell, a first generation American is the 7th of 8 children born into the hardest of hard times in the tiny town of Sherman, Texas, where their family tilled the land for corn, cotton and sorghum, and raised a few cows. Life was difficult back then and survival was a challenge. Mrs. Sowell and her brothers and sisters worked hard, learned to survive, and in teen years left Sherman to begin their own life’s journey. She entered beauty school and began her life long interest in cosmetology. She started her career in beauty work around the same time she started her family and had 4 children. Her beauty work was what helped support the family, and in the most difficult of times, on her own, supported the family. Mrs. Sowell fell back on her beauty work throughout her younger life. Her love and devotion to her parents in their elderly years was righteous and endless. She met and married the love of her life, Jerry P. Sowell, who married her with 4 children on May 19, 1961 They made their home in Houston, La Porte, Austin, and later retired to their daughter’s home place, Crockett, after falling in love with the beautiful rural countryside. In mid life, Mrs. Sowell picked up a paint brush and paint and began creating amazing oil paintings, surprising her family and friends, wondering how this phenomenal free handed talent had been restrained and concealed for all the many years. She painted until increasingly very poor vision prevented her from continuing. Many walls in Texas chronicle her talent for accurate use of color, shapes and shadows, creating incredibly beautiful canvases. Mrs. Sowell and her Jerry loved gardening and planted beautiful vegetable gardens during their life together and she taught her daughters to can and pickle. Her wonderful cooking was an inspiration to many, especially her family. She was a lover of animals, especially her beloved Yorkshire, Goldie, a loving gift from her husband Jerry. Goldie stayed close by and was dear to her to the very end. For all of her life she loved to dance with her soul mate, Jerry, laugh and be playful. They traveled Texas, New Mexico, and Arkansas in their travel trailer, met new friends, sat on the back porch together, worked crossword puzzles together, and cooked a meal together. She dearly loved her children and grand children. Mrs. Sowell dearly loved her friends and neighbors on Rosewood to whom she grew so close. Mrs. Sowell’s death leaves a hole in the hearts of many as she will be sorely missed, but lovingly remembered. She was a soft, feminine woman, and a woman of strong will, opinions, desires, and convictions. Cancer consumed her long after she quit smoking, something she began in her young years. If she could speak to you today, she would lovingly advise you to quit smoking immediately and be spared what she had to endure. Her Jerry and family, and her minister, Jack Chase comforted her to her end. We celebrate the many good times and all the many decades of wonderful memories. Survivors include her beloved husband of 50 years, Jerry P. Sowell; daughters Linda Mary Giorgio, of Grapeland, Beverly Giorgio, of Crockett, Deborah Giorgio Hamilton and husband Don Hamilton, of Austin and Donna Ruth Sowell Williams and husband Milton Williams, of Cabot, Ark.; son Michael Lord, of Austin; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Graveside Services for Mrs. Clara Ann Reichert Sowell were held Thursday morning, September 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park in Crockett. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

ELTON E. NEEL
Mr. Elton E. Neel, age 85 of Crockett, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 in the East Texas Medical Center-Crockett. Mr. Neel was born July 29, 1926 in Grapeland to J. H. (Howard) and Bertie Henderson Neel. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army. He married Maurine Curry on April 26, 1947 and moved to Houston to work for his aunt and uncle at Fuller Food Products. Mr. Neel then went to work for Lance Products for several years until moving back to Crockett to take over his parent’s grocery store, Neel's Grocery. He owned and operated the store until his retirement. His legendary hamburgers and hotdogs are still talked about today. Mr. Neel and his son, Jimmy, also own N & N Bonding which he was still actively involved. Survivors include his children Belinda and Randy Allee, Jimmy and Brenda Neel, all of Crockett and Gregory Neel, of Augusta; grandchildren Lisa Allee, of San Francisco, Calif., Jamie and Melissa Allee, of Crockett, Joshua and Laura Neel, of Crowley, Jeremy and Brittney Neel and Halie Farek, all of Crockett; great-grandchildren James and John Allee and Riley and Tatum Neel and Austin Stowe, all of Crockett; brother-in-law Wayne Curry, of Elkhart; several nieces, nephews and cousins; Also many longtime devoted family friends. Preceded in death by his wife Maurine Curry Neel in 2002; and parents J. H. (Howard) Neel in 1988 and Bertie Henderson Neel in 2001. Funeral Services for Mr. Elton E. Neel were held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with Jamie Allee, Joshua Neel and Pastor Tim Allen officiating. Interment followed in the Evergreen Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Water's Edge Ministries, 605 East Goliad, Suite 100, Crockett, TX 75835. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

DOROTHY STEWART
Mrs. Dorothy Stewart, age 71 of Crockett, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2011 in the East Texas Medical Center-Crockett. Mrs. Stewart was born December 26, 1939 in Grapeland, Texas and was a resident of Crockett for 30 plus years. Mrs. Stewart attended the North Loop Baptist Church and had worked as an Avon representative. Survivors include her sons David Rich, of Trinity and Jessie Rich and wife Ranae, of Nacogdoches; daughter, Pamela Higginbotham and husband Nolan, of Tyler; grandchildren Kristi Crutcher and husband Shane, of Neches, Roger Rich, Aireal Rich, both of Eden, N C, J.B. Rich, Marty Rich, Clay Rich, all of Nacogdoches, Robert Rich and wife Chelsea, Jeremy Brumley, both of Tyler, Jeremy Rich, of Center and Tiffany Christopher, of Huntington; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by her son Paul Rich; brothers Robert Jones and Leroy Jones; father and mother Elbert Lee and Rosa Jones. Burial for Mrs. Dorothy Stewart were held in the New Zion Cemetery near Trinity. Condolences for Mrs. Stewart may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

OPAL GAINES DENMAN
Mrs. Opal Gaines Denman, of Grapeland, passed away Friday, August 26, 2011 at Community Care Health Center in Crockett. Mrs. Denman was born June 21, 1918 in Houston County to James Hiram Gaines and Ola Wells Gaines. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of County Line Church of Christ. She loved to spend time and work in her garden. Survivors include her sons Gary Denson Denman, of Grapeland and Thomas Paul Denman and wife Colleen, of Crockett; one sister Billie Sue Owens Bedford, of Palestine; brother-in-law CharlesDenman and wife Carlene, of Austin; and special cousins Lois Morehead and Elwanda Thedford. Preceded in death by her parents James Hiram Gaines and Ola Wells Gaines; husband H.D. “Buck” Denman; sister Addie Leona Gaines; and brother George Gaines. Funeral Services for Mrs. Opal Gaines Denman were held Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Bailey & Foster Chapel in Grapeland with Allen Lee and David Coon officiating. Interment followed in Guiceland Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gregg Brown, Gregg Kazmierczak, Jon Kucharski, Chris McElyea, Ed Cook and Raymond Christopher. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guideland Cemetery or County Line Church of Christ. To view online, leave condolences or sign guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com Bailey&Foster Funeral Home

BETTY HOSMAN RICH
Mrs. Betty Hosman Rich, age 79 of Crockett, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2011 in the Palestine Regional Hospital. Mrs. Rich was born December 17, 1931 in Columbus, Texas to Charles and Claudie Hosman. She was a graduate of Rock Island High School where she was salutatorian of her class and was a Methodist. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother to her family and was always very proud and supportive of their interests and activities. She had a passion for gardening, cooking, oil painting, traveling and antiques. Mrs. Rich had previously owned and operated an antique business, Betty’s Blue Bottle. Betty enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and was a member of the weekly bridge group in Crockett, Tx. Survivors include her loving husband of 59 years, R. C. Rich, of Crockett; son Steve Rich of Huntsville; daughter Cindy Pantalone and husband Joe, of La Vernia; son Mike Rich and wife Kristi, of Lovelady; grandchildren Michael Rich, of Marshall, Natalie Pantalone, of La Vernia, Taylor Rich, of Lovelady and Joseph Pantalone, of La Vernia; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by her parents Charles and Caudie Hosman, of Rock Island; and brother Charles William Hosman. Graveside Funeral Services for Mrs. Betty Hosman Rich were held Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Muse Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Elliott officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muse Cemetery Association, 849 A.C.R. 1221, Grapeland, Texas 75844. Condolences for Mrs. Rich may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

HOMER ENGLISH
Mr. Homer English, age 89 of Crockett, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at his residence. Mr. English was born November 23, 1921 in Houston County, Texas and was a lifetime resident of Crockett. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II. Mr. English was a retired painter and a lifetime member of the American Legion. Survivors include his brother Cecil R. English and wife Carol, of Dallas; nieces and nephews Jayne Hillhouse and husband Neal, of Etoile, Donna Finley, Michael English and wife Kim, all of Dallas, April English, of New Orleans, La., Dr. Charles K. English and wife Debbie, of Rockville, MD., Dr. Kenneth A. English and wife Lauren, of Sherman; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by his parents George and Myrtie English; brothers and sisters Ruth English, George H. English, Reba Gadberry and Charles English; and sisters-in-law Louise English and Dorothy English. Funeral Services for Mr. Homer English were held Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Harold Shirley officiating. Interment will follow in the Jim English Cemetery. Condolences for Mr. English may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

BOB CHRISTENSEN
Mr. Bob Christensen, age 79 of Crockett, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in the Hospice of East Texas Inpatient Unit in Tyler. Mr. Christensen was born October 2, 1931 in Aberdeen, Idaho and had lived in Crockett the past 18 years. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Christensen was retired from Shell Oil having worked as a Dock Foreman and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Survivors include his daughters Bonnie Perez, of Crockett, Debbie Dronet and husband Michael, of Grapeland; sons Robert H. Christensen and wife Denise, of Mosca, Colo., Kelly J. Christensen and wife Angela, of Deer Park; grandchildren Dawn Weber, Denice Ramirez and husband Nathan, Jeremya Dyess, Levi Dyess and wife Amy, Michelle Robinson and husband Ronnie, Tifany Alexander and husband David, Marc Christensen; great-grandchildren Darryon and Morgan Vasquez, Dominic Grillo, Deion and Desiree Ramirez, Cheyenne and Tristen Dyess, Shyle Dyess, Cody and Mickey Robinson; sisters and brother Jene Redfield, of ID, Don Christensen and wife Girt, of Mo., Sue Christensen, of N M; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by his wife Cleona Christensen; parents Herman and Zelda Christensen; brothers Jerry and Dale; and sisters Emma and Carol. Funeral Services for Mr. Bob Christensen were held Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with President Joe Ross officiating. Interment followed in the New Energy Cemetery. In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. Condolences for Mr. Christensen may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

Elmyra Jo Luce
(May 23, 1935 - September 9, 2011)
Services for Elmyra Jo Luce age 76 of Grapeland will be at 3:00 P.M. Monday at Bailey & Foster Chapel, Grapeland with Rev. Gary Luker and Rev. Kenny Bush officiating. Burial will follow in McCarter Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster. Mrs. Luce died Friday at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. She was born May 23, 1935 in Grapeland to Harry and Effie Rogers Williams. Mrs. Luce was a homemaker and a member of the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Luce was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Leon Luce. She is survived by her daughters Myra Musick and husband Barry of Grapeland, Melba Wortham and husband J.W. of Tyler, Kathy Lumbreraz and husband Daniel of Grapeland, Barbara Bowman and husband Ken of Henderson, Debra Rowden and husband John of Grapeland, a son Dean Luce and wife Nola of Grapeland, sisters Ruth Luce and husband Arlon and Mary Wallace and husband Darrell all of Grapeland, eighteen grandchildren and thirty seven great grandchildren. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Condolence calls will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M, Sunday at Bailey & Foster Chapel, Grapeland.

Johnnie Marie Price
(March 3, 1922 - September 4, 2011)
Graveside services for Johnnie Marie Price age 89 of Cleveland and formerly of Slocum will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday at Guiceland Cemetery with Pastor Al Vallejo officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine. Mrs. Price died Sunday at Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Cleveland. She was born March 3, 1922 in Slocum to Marion Arthur and Edna Crawford Dillard. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Odell Price. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Price, and Kay Price, and her son Larry Price.

Bobby Dean Herod
(July 18, 1934 - September 3, 2011)
Funeral services for Bobby Dean Herod, 77 of The Woodlands formerly of Grapeland, will be held 10:00 AM Friday at First United Methodist Church Grapeland with Rev. Bill Denham and Dr. Jack Shoultz officiating. Burial will follow in Parker Cemetery. Mr. Herod passed away Saturday in The Woodlands. He was born July 18, 1934 in Grapeland to Marvin and Bessie Kennedy Herod. He was a Civil Engineer for Exxon and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Herod was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ila Myrle Herod, daughter Ann Herod, and brothers Charles and Joe Herod. He is survived by sons Brian Herod and wife Michele of Houston, Blake Herod of Houston and Gabe Herod of Austin, sisters Marilyn Johnston of Palestine and Betty Bennett of The Woodlands, brother Porter Herod of Grapeland and one granddaughter Alanna Herod. Condolence calls will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday at Bailey & Foster Chapel Grapeland.

Opal Gaines Denman
(June 21, 1918 - August 26, 2011)
Funeral services for Opal Gaines Denman 93, of Grapeland, will be held 10:00 AM Monday at Bailey & Foster Chapel Grapeland with Allen Lee and David Coon officiating. Burial will follow in Guiceland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster. Mrs. Denman passed away Friday at Community Care Health Center in Crockett. She was born June 21, 1918 in Houston County to James Hiram Gaines and Ola Wells Gaines. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of County Line Church of Christ. She loved to spend time and work in her garden. Mrs. Denman was preceded in death by her parents, husband H.D. “Buck” Denman, sister Addie Leona Gaines and brother George Gaines. She is survived by sons Gary Denson Denman of Grapeland and Thomas Paul Denman and wife Colleen of Crockett, one sister Billie Sue Owens Bedford of Palestine, brother-in-law Charles Denman and wife Carlene of Austin, and special cousins Lois morehead and Elwanda Thedford. Pallbearers will be Gregg Brown, Gregg Kazmierczak, Jon Kucharski, Chris McElyea, Ed Cook and Raymond Christopher. Condolence calls will be received from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday at Bailey & Foster Chapel Grapeland. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Guiceland Cemetery or County Line Church of Christ

Dwayne Talmadge Marshall
(February 20, 1953 - August 23, 2011)
Funeral services for Dwayne Talmadge Marshall 58 of Crockett will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday at Bailey & Foster Chapel Palestine. Burial will follow in Muse Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Palestine. Mr. Marshall passed away Tuesday in Crockett. He was born February 20, 1953 in Anderson County to Doyle and Margret Miles Marshall. He was a contractor. Mr. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Paula Marshall of Crockett, daughters Shannon Marshall of Crockett and Stephanie Butler and husband Matt of San Antonio, granddaughters Kaitlyn Marshall, Kailey Butler and Samantha Butler, sisters Connie Maurice Bartels of Flint,and Patsy Ann Foster of Denson Springs and special nephew Chris Sbrusch of Tyler. Pallbearers will be Chris Sbrusch, Ed Kennedy, Gary Reed, Frank Moore, Matt Butler, Joe Batts and Gary Lovell. Honorary pallbearers will be G.W. Marshall and Jerry Ruby. Condolence calls will be received one hour before service at Bailey & Foster Palestine.

Reuben Lester Marshall
(March 4, 1916 - August 23, 2011)
Graveside services for Reuben Lester Marshall 95 of Liberty, will be held 3:00 PM Saturday at Refuge Cemetery with Rev. Randy Shipman officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster. Mr. Marshall passed away Tuesday in Pasadena. He was born March 4, 1916 in Houston County to William and Retta Weisinger Marshall. He was a pipe fitter and a Baptist. Mr. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by daughters Patricia Skidmore of South Houston and Myra Hartwell of Pasadena, son Alan Marshall of Alvin, sister Ottis Skidmore of Conroe, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Condolence calls will be received be 1:00 PM until service time Saturday at Bailey & Foster Chapel Grapeland.

Carolyn Marie (Patton) Poland
(May 27, 1957 - August 22, 2011)
Memorial services for Carolyn Marie Patton Poland age 54 of Crockett will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Bailey & Foster Chapel, Grapeland. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster. Mrs. Poland died Monday at East Texas Medical Center in Crockett. She was born May 27, 1957 in Crockett to Bobby and Florine Nichols Patton. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the South Loop church of Christ. Mrs. Poland was preceded in death by her parents her husband George W. Poland and a brother Bobby Wayne Patton, Jr. She is survived by her step daughter Amy Elliott and husband Chuck, step son Paul Poland, brother Kenny Patton and wife Julia, step grandchildren Zachary Taylor Poland, Jasmine Nichole Bronger, Steven Gholson, Jasmine Marie Elliott, Jessica Elliott, C.J. Elliott and Gabriel Poland, and five step great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Diabetes Association.