Marjorie Street Swope Cummings of Graham, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 10, 2017. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Graham. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Marjorie was born in Graham, on July 16 to Mable Louise Flanagan and Spencer Boyd Street, Sr. She was born at home (800 Third Street) on a warm afternoon. The Methodist Church was just across the street and her father always told her that she was born in the shadow of the church. This gave her a lifelong feeling of well-being and a smile when she would repeat the story to family and friends.

Marjorie grew up happily in Graham. She was a Graham High School cheerleader and loved cheering on the Graham Steers. On Sunday evenings, she would bring her Methodist Youth Fellowship group to her home where they would roll up the rugs and dance! Her love of church, entertaining, dancing and humor would last a lifetime.

Following high school, Marjorie went on to attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She pledged Delta-Delta-Delta Sorority (Tri Delta) and made many dear life long friends. Graduating in 1945 with a teaching degree in elementary education, she went on to teach in Corpus Christi and Vernon before accepting a job in Austin at the Capitol. It was in Austin that she met Jack Lon Swope. They married in 1950 in Graham then lived in Monterrey, Mexico and settled in Killeen, where their two children, Spencer Lon and Amanda Claire, were born.

In 1963, Marjorie moved back to Graham with Spencer and Amanda. She began teaching sixth grade social studies and continued to do so for 30 years. Being a traveler of the world, her students loved to hear her stories and marvel at the mementos she brought back.

In 1988, she married James B. Cummings; a fellow traveler, dancer, and entertainer. Life was their oyster! They started a group for seniors at the Methodist Church called the GGG’s (Get Up and Get Going) which was a huge success! While planning activities for the GGG’s, they also managed yearly trips to New Orleans and Gulf Shores!

If two things could be said about Marjorie, they would be that she cherished her children, Spencer and Amanda and her granddaughter, Little Marjorie, and that she was not afraid to indulge in a wonderful life. It was this love and love of merry-making that attracted so many people to her. She will be dearly missed by all.

Marjorie is survived by her sister, Louise Street Witkowski of Graham; her son Spencer Swope of Austin; her daughter Amanda Swope Dandridge and husband Larry of Dallas; her only grandchild and beloved name sake Marjorie Street Dandridge Ballew and husband Aubrey of Fort Worth; three stepchildren: Skip Cummings of Ponder; Bill Cummings and wife Betty of Lewisville; and Jack Cummings and wife Kathy of Highland; sister-n- law, Carole Street; nephew, Warren Witkowski and four nieces, Susan Skidmore, Mary Carole Street, Sarah Curd and Joni Street.

Along with husband, James B. Cummings, she was preceded in death by her father, Spencer Boyd Street, Sr.; mother, Mabel Flanagan Street; brother, Spencer Boyd Street, Jr.; and nephew, Spencer Boyd Street III.
The family asks that memorials be made to the church that she was born in the shadow of: First United Methodist Church, 700 Third Street, Graham, TX 76450.

Mary Lydia Chenault Allison died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017 in Granbury, at the age of 86, when the Lord called her home to glory.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at Restland Cemetery in Olney. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Harbor Lakes Senior Care in Granbury, for their loving care and dedication.

Mary was born on Jan. 17, 1931 in Electra, to Jacob Paul Chenault and Nona Dell Swaim Chenault. She attended Jean School and Graham High School.

She married Kenneth Allison in September 1949. In the early years of their marriage, the couple welcomed five children into their home.

Her children remember her as a loving mother who prayed unceasingly for her family and strongly encouraged them to give their lives to Christ and to depend solely on Him as they walked through the journey of life here on Earth, ever believing that one day we will all be reunited together in Heaven for all eternity.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Nona Dell Swaim Chenault; seven brothers, J.P., Walter (Jelly), James, Jerry, Fred, Dan and Bobby Chenault; a sister, Jean Chenault Nelson; husband, Kenneth Earl Allison; and two daughters. Diana Sue and Terry Lee Allison.

Mary is survived by three brothers, Bill Chenault and wife, Joyce, of Albuquerque, N.M., Johnny Chenault of Graham, and Jimmy Chenault and wife, Linda, also of Graham; three children, son, Ken Allison and wife, Vickey, of Arkansas; daughters, Deborah Allison Elser and husband, Gary, of Mineral Wells, and Paula Allison of Granbury; 10 grandchildren, Pam Adams and husband Buddy, of Tatum, Stephanie White and husband, Chris, of Victoria, Chad Allison and girlfriend, Chrissy Drake, of Mineral Wells, Brett Allison and wife, Deborah, of Cleburne, Randy Cass and wife, Danielle, of Cleveland, Tenn., Stan Pierce of Anderson, Mo., Jaried Allison and wife Mareike of Fort Hood, Macey Allison of Alvarado, Tori Allison of Burleson, and Matt Allison of Fort Worth.

She is also survived by nine loving great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, numerous nieces and nephews, and brothers-in-law, Paul Allison of Luling, and George Allison of Saginaw.
She will always be remembered as a devoted loving mother and grandmother and whose greatest passion was helping others, especially her family, and encouraging everyone to love the Lord.

Edward Thomas Barrier, 78, of Graham, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 in Wichita Falls. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Young County Cowboy Church in Graham, with Frankie Bailey officiating. 

Clarence Golden Elkins, 84, passed away Dec.17, 2017 at home in Graham. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Newcastle Cemetery. Morrison Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
Golden was born May 18th, 1933 in Spur, Dickens County, to Clarence “Jeff” Elkins and Atha Salyers Elkins. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1952 and attended Tarleton State College in Stephenville, in their architectural design and engineering program, and was captain of the Wainright Rifles in ROTC at Tarleton. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean War, trained as a lab tech, medic, and later in mine warfare and demolition at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
Golden was a Master Plumber, licensed since he was 18 years old, and owner of Elkins Plumbing and Bath Boutique in Olney and Graham, and after retiring from plumbing contracting, he went into real estate. He married Oletta Teague Nov. 6th 1983 in Graham,.
Golden loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his family as they grew up, and he and his wife Oletta loved camping in the Rocky Mountains in their R.V., and other travels. He was active in leading the singing at revivals all across the area, and had a beautiful voice in praising the Lord in song. He was a member of the Baptist church, having accepted Christ at an early age.
Golden served as Senate District #30 State Republican Executive Committeeman for one term, as well as Young County Republican chairman, election judge, clerk, organizer of Republican events, and worked tirelessly in those roles that he strongly believed in the service of our country. Earning the Grand Prize Award in the Republican Party of Texas’s Precinct Chairman’s Incentive contest in 2002 for statewide achievement, with a trip to Alaska, and was Volunteer of the Year for both S.D. #24, before redistricting, as well as S.D. #30.
He served several years on the board of directors for Turning Point Drug Counseling and Re-hab. When Olney Lake became so dry as to the point of running out of water, Golden’s lifetime experience as plumber and pipefitting, he volunteered to lead the workers in laying a pipeline from Lake Kickapoo to Olney in record time. Then in 2000, Throckmorton was in the worst drought in decades, and fast running out of water. Golden volunteered his time to serve as foreman of that pipeline project, laying miles of line underground, for over two weeks, from Lake Graham to Throckmorton, during the hottest summer, temps ran 110 to 112.
He made friends from all over the world. The news spread to points in places like Australia, England, and around the globe, and The New York Times and others sent reporters swarming into the little town, wanting to know if Texans really were that generous to help their neighbors in times of trouble. They quickly found out there were no traffic lights, and no high-rise hotels within a hundred miles or more, and neighbors do actually help each other.
He was peceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Pernie Marie Robinson, Elmyrta Hood, Betty Cook and Floella Hill; and by his first wife and mother of his three children, Janice Bundick Elkins.
Survivors include his wife, Oletta Elkins; son, Steve, and wife Brenda Elkins, of Graham; daughters, Deana Elkins, of Graham, and Becky Perez and husband, Eddie, of Fort Belknap; three step-daughters, Diana Herring, Linda Fullerton and husband Kevin, all of Graham, and Teresa Roye and husband, Dr. Sonny Roye, of Waxahachie; grandchildren Shannon Cameron and wife, Misty, Ranae Lane and husband, Cody, Eddie Joe Perez and wife, Victoria, Janice Perez Evans and husband, Kevin, Zack Elkins, Golden Tye Elkins and wife, Nikki, Stephanie Elkins Brumley, Josh Elkins and wife, Bri, Amanda Hardy and husband, Drew, Laura Herring, Robyn Bottem and husband, Dr. Lee Bottem, Wade Roye and wife, Tamara, Michael, Ryan, Katlyn and Andi Alexi Roye, Kalli Doubleday and husband, George, and Constance Fullerton; 32 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  
 The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of nurses at Beyond Faith Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Kidney Foundation, Cal Farley Boys Ranch, or a charity of choice.

Melvin Glenn Mayes, 89, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 in Sherman. A graveside funeral will be Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 at 2 p.m. in Murray Cemetery in Young County. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Melvin was born Aug. 12, 1928 in Wichita Falls, to the late Boyde Leeke Mayes and Lois (Bryant) Mayes. He was in the military serving in the Marines, Army, and Air Force Reserves. He married Alice Patricia Davies in 1952 and she preceded him in death in 1965. He married Mary Ann Harvey Jan. 10, 1969 in Arlington. Melvin was a former resident of Graham employed at Hexcel Corp.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Mayes of Sherman; son, Earl Mayes of Denison; and sister, Anice Hosea of Dallas.
Melvin was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Eugene Mayes.

E.P. Cotton Reynolds, 83, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 in Graham. Funeral will be Monday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Newcastle Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Cotton was born June 20, 1934 in Newcastle to the late Emory Peters Reynolds and Lillie Irene (Brogdon) Reynolds. He was the great-grandson of pioneer citizens of Young County. His great grandfather, John C. Reynolds, scouted land on the Brazos River near Fort Belknap in 1853, that was to become one of the largest headquarters for breeding race and thoroughbred horses in Texas.
Cotton married Peggy Trimble, March 10, 1956 in Newcastle. He was a former co-owner of Lo-Peg Drilling, Grand Drilling, and Brazos Drilling Company and was a rancher and farmer in Young County most of his life. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Newcastle and the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Reynolds of Graham; daughter, Joni Rogers and husband, David, of Graham; son, Duke Reynolds and wife, Joni, of Graham; grandchildren, Jake and Zac Reynolds and Alexa and Devin Rogers; sisters, Betty Harris, Polly Reynolds and Rita Taylor, all of Newcastle, sisters-in-law, Tewana Caudle and Billie Reynolds, both of Graham; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Cotton was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Duncan and Shirley Reynolds, and three brothers, Martin, Walter and Spain Reynolds.
The family wants to thank the caregivers at Brookdale, Beyond Faith Hospice, and Dr. Aaron Purdy for their love and care.
Memorials may be given to Beyond Faith, 604 Oak St. #102, Graham, TX 76450.

James Albert Larimore, 80, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. He was born Nov. 4, 1937 to Bosley and Ida Mae Larimore, and reared in Newcastle, graduating from Newcastle High School in 1956. Larimore was an educator and he and his wife, Marilyn Miniard Larimore, raised three children.
There will be visitation from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, prior to funeral services at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Newcastle. Pastor Michael Cyr will officiate. Burial follows in True Cemetery in Young County; directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene.

Helen Merline Taylor, 87, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 in Conway, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery in Graham under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home. No flowers please. Donations may be made to hospice in Graham.
She was born in Hastings, Okla., on April 30, 1930 to the late Oliver Paul and Evamay Gillispie.
She married Carl Colbert Taylor in Nocona on July 27, 1946 and he preceded her in death on May 14, 1990. She and Carl lived in North Texas around Burkburnett for several years when she was young. He worked in the oil fields around Burkburnett and she was a homemaker.
They moved to Houston in 1970 and then moved to Graham in 1979, when she and husband purchased and operated the Ponderosa Mobile Home Park on Hwy. 16 for several years.
She and Carl retired in 1984. They bought a motorhome and traveled for several years. They enjoyed attending bluegrass music festivals and had many friends across the country. She moved to Conway, Ark., to be close to her son and daughter-in-law in December 2014.
She was a kind, loving person her whole life and made hundreds of friends over the years. She loved her friends and family dearly. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Graham and loved her church.
Most of all, however, she loved the Lord. She truly lived for Christ her entire life. She was saved at the age of 7 years old. In a book of memories she kept, when writing about the day she was saved, she wrote “From that day on I knew I would go to Heaven after I died.”
 Survivors include her son, Larry A. Taylor and wife, Carol L. Taylor, of Conway, Ark.; daughter-in-law, Sharon Taylor of Gun Barrel City; granddaughters, Kelly Hunter and husband, Michael, of Houston, Lindsay Taylor of Jacksboro, Pamela Gasaway and Mark of Prattville, Ala., Susan Jean of Denver, Colo., and Denise Dinkel and husband, Dan, of Mesquite; nine great grandchildren; and numerous friends and other family. 
She was preceded in death by a son, Paul Wylie Taylor, on March 6, 2012; grandson, Richard Jean, in August 2015, and a sister, Georgia Irene Gillispie, on Jan. 23, 1931.

Jackie Carden Guffey passed away in the comfort of her home, Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at the age of 100.
Visitation is Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. in First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
She was born June 9, 1917 in Colgate, Okla., to Joseph William and Mary Emily Morehead Carden. Following the death of her father in 1922, her family moved to West Texas. They lived with her uncle Bob Carden and his family, where her mother began farming cotton to support her six children. Jackie often shared memories of the happy times she had as a child playing with her cousins and siblings on the farm. Despite the many hardships they endured, her stories were always of joyful times spent with her loving family, never of doing without. She was always a positive person, always looking for the best in any situation.
Jackie attended school in Munday. She met Robert Andrew Guffey and they were married in Rochester on Nov. 9, 1933. They made their home in Munday, where they raised their five daughters.
She and Robert moved to Graham in August 1967. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was listed as the oldest member. Her devotion and faith inspired her to care for many people throughout her life.
After Robert passed away in 1968, Jackie began working as a live-in caregiver. In addition, her selfless sense of service prompted her to choose to serve for almost 20 years as a childcare provider in Mother’s Day Out at both the First Baptist and Oak Street Baptist churches, retiring at the age of 92. Jackie lived through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, two World Wars (in which both of her brothers served), and 18 presidents.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Emily Carden; her husband, Robert Guffey; sisters, Veida Foreman, Willie Belle Cooper and Josephine Carden; brothers, James Carden and Raymond Carden; sons-in-law, Tommy Masters and Don Collins; as well as grandson, Larry Don Collins, and great-grandson, Brian Collier.
She is survived by her daughters, Bobbye Collins of Abilene,, Gloria Masters of Little Elm, Glenda Moore and husband, Wendall, of Borger, Diane Lee and husband, Quay, of Graham, and Donza Huffman and husband, Johnnie, of Stephenville; as well as 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jackie’s family and all privileged to know her regarded her as the most giving and unselfish person. She was the first person to come when there was a need. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
The family wishes to thank Jackie’s three favorite girls, Debra Stanton, Jennifer Castro and Beverly Bormuth, for all the love and care they have faithfully provided during the last years of her life. Thanks also to Graham Regional Hospice for the wonderful care and support they provided.
Memorials may be given to Mother’s Day Out, 620 Fourth St., Graham, TX 76450.

Edwin Paul Meschkat, 90, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 in Graham. Visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Graham Bible Church and funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Loving Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Ed was born Sept. 28, 1927 in Houston, to the late Paul Earnest and Rita Eileen (Kibbee) Meschkat. He married Mary Ellen Booth July 18, 1947 in Manvel. Ed was an evangelical lay minister and Realtor for over 70 years. He was a member of Graham Bible Church since 2012 and prior to that, from 1966 to 2012, was a founding member of South Plains Bible Chapel/Freeway Bible Chapel in Lubbock.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen Meschkat of Graham; son, Larry Meschkat and wife, Kay of Graham; daughter, Beverly Meschkat Ball of Cedar Park; grandchildren, Michelle and Mike Vallandingham of Austin, Kathryn and Justin Piegat of Olney, Valerie and Kevin Jones of Katy, Rachel and Patrick McCullough of DFW Metro, and David James "D.J." and Claire Meschkat of Graham; and great grandchildren, Isabel and Ethan Piegat and Piper and Aurelia Meschkat.
He was preceded in death by a son, Glen Meschkat.
Memorials may be made to Freeway Bible Chapel in Lubbock.

Burnette Mansfield Pitts, 94, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 in Graham.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, in the Newcastle Cemetery with C.J. Frazier, Youth Pastor of First Baptist Church in Olney, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney.
Burnette was born July 28, 1923 in Folsom, La., to the late Lonit Mansfield and Lozane (Ard) Mansfield. She married Lawrence Pitts on Nov. 13, 1944 in Graham. She retired from the Newcastle ISD in 1984, serving as a faithful and dedicated worker in the school cafeteria for 22 years.
Burnette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence on Feb. 3, 1996, four brothers and one sister.
Survivors include her two sons and daughters-in-law, Preston and Argelia Pitts of Houston, and Edward and Sherry Pitts of China Spring; one daughter and son-in-law, Martha Pitts Freudensprung and Bobby of Newcastle; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Melton and Jenny Mansfield of Algiers, La. and Harvey and Doris Mansfield of Mandeville, La.; four grandchildren, Jeffery Pitts and wife Kristin of Fulshear, Dusty Pitts of China Spring, Swain Gonzalez and husband Mario of Houston and Sharlee Shahshahani of Houston; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of ones choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lunnfuneralhome.com.

Tonna Kay Hodges, 46, died at home in Graham on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017.
Services are pending with Morrison Funeral Home.

Bobby June Blair, 76, passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at her home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Morningside Baptist Church. Burial will follow Thursday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. in Whitemans Chapel Cemetery in Clarksville. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Bobby was born June 27, 1941 in Tishomingo, Okla., to the late George and Thelma (Whatley) Dawson. She married James R. Blair, Dec. 25, 1960 in Durant, Oklahoma. Bobby moved to Graham in 1992 from Quanah. She was a caregiver and a member of Morningside Baptist Church. 
Survivors include her husband, James Blair of Graham; daughter, Leann Young of Graham; three grandchildren, Megan Edwards and husband Greg, Amber Young, and Christian Young; two great-grandchildren, Madison Edwards and Evangeline Young; and a brother, George Dawson of Conroe.
Bobby was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Dawson.
Visitation was Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home. 

Richard Wayne Irvin, 66, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 in Graham. Memorial services were held at Graham Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.   
Richard was born Sept. 24, 1951 in Haskell, to the late William Oris and Laura Alice (Sellers) Irvin. He married Lynn Marie Howe April 10, 1979 in Haskell.
Richard worked in the oilfield for many years and was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Rick was known to many in Graham as a kind and friendly man that loved his wife, family and his community. All though he was plagued with many serious health problems, he joyfully spent his time talking to others about the Bible hope for a bright and sure future where sickness, sorrow, death and pain will be gone forever. 
 Survivors include his wife, Lynn Marie Irvin of Graham; daughters, Heather Marie Soto of Corpus Christi and husband Roy, Nicole Marie Kitson of Katy and husband Damion, Adrianne Lynn Vaglienty and husband Freddie of The Woodlands, and Katie Jean Ruiz of San Antonio and husband Edward; son, Matthew Ryan Irvin of Weatherford and wife Lia; sister, Marlene Mueller of Amarillo and husband Joe; brother, Bobby Irvin of Houston and wife Billie; grandchildren, Zeke, Noah and Grace Elizalde, Sierra and Maverick Irvin, Alison and Abigail Vaglienty and Leahnie, James, and Ryan Ruiz. 
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Darlene Swinny and Mayme Gee and brother, Sonny Irvin as well as great-grand-daughter, Zahnay Bee Elizalde.

Norma Aline Parrish, 81, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 in Decatur. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Norma was born Nov. 13, 1936 in Graham, to the late Miles Alvin and Willie Norma Roberts Parrish. She graduated from Graham High School and later married Jimmie Cornell, Dec. 7, 1957. He preceded her in death on Jan.12, 1997. Norma was a former resident of Graham, Irving and Granbury. She was a retired telephone operator and later a phone receptionist. She loved spending time with her family and had a love for animals of all kinds, and she loved gardening and the outdoors.
Survivors include her daughter, Charlene Cornell and Ronnie Riddle of Joshua; sons, Kyle Cornell and wife Lori of Quanah, and Keith Cornell and wife Sandy of Decatur; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Cody Cornell, Ryan Cornell, Trace Cornell, and C.J. Manzelli.
Norma was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Cornell, and a sister, Mattie Lee Barker.

Billy Donald Mote, known to most as Bill, died Jan. 1, 2018 at the age of 94. It’s believed he fought to make the new year so he could provide one last pension check for O.J., his wife of 74 years. If so, it would have been in keeping with the way he lived his life.
The son of sharecroppers, Roy Dietz and Rosa Ethel Mote, Billy left Young County to find work in California in 1944 with 20 bucks in his pocket and a suitcase in his hand. The love of his life, Olga Jean, who he had married in secret so she could finish high school, joined him in California a few months later when her father dropped her at the train station and said goodbye in a huff. He, for one, was not impressed with the young Mr. Mote’s prospects. In time, that would change.
Because while Billy started with nothing, he did not intend to stay that way. More industrious than lucky, Billy worked hard his entire life, and on the day he shuffled off this mortal coil, his estate included three houses in California, a fourth in Texas, a farm and a ranch.
While most people would agree that possessions are not the measure of a man, for Billy, it kind of was. The product of the Great Depression when shoes were a luxury and porches doubled as bedrooms, Billy was sure that hard times were never that far away. The one piece of advice he gave his granddaughter upon her graduation from college this past year was, “Never sell anything.”
He never did.
Billy graduated from Newcastle High School in 1943. He was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 230 for over 61 years and a longtime member of the Silver Gate Masonic Lodge in San Diego. He was a welder, a teacher, an artist and a perfectionist.
He is survived by his wife, Olga, his daughter, Linda, sons Brent and Kevin, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services are pending.
Father, son, husband, brother – he is already missed.

Karen Lea White, of Graham, went to be with her Lord on Jan. 3, 2018, at home surrounded by family. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at First Baptist Church in Graham, with Jimmy Hackney officiating. Family visitation was held at 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home in Graham, TX.
Karen Lea White was born Sept. 30, 1948, in Knox City, to Sammy B. and Winifred White. Karen spent her childhood and teenage years in Knox City, where she graduated from Knox City High School in 1967.
Karen then moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where she met the love of her life, Ron White. Karen graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in medical technology. Shortly after graduation, Karen interned at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.
Karen married Ron White on Jan. 8, 1972 in Knox City. Ron and Karen resided in Houston until Ron graduated from pharmacy school in 1973 and they then relocated to Vernon. In May 1976, Karen and Ron moved to Graham, where they joined First Baptist Church and were expecting their first-born son. Christopher Evan was born Dec. 26, 1976. Their second son, Matthew Scott, was born Sept. 20, 1979.
Karen worked at Graham Regional Medical Center for 29 years where she retired as lab director in 2015. Her first love was the First Baptist Church’s children’s music program which she directed for 18 years. She also was the leader of the Golden Belles handbell choir for over 15 years. She was a Garden Club member and also loved camping with her family and taking weekend trips with her husband. Also an avid sports fan, she backed her Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Baylor Bears, Matt’s alma mater. After retirement she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sammy B. and Winifred White and nephew, Ross Baker.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Ron, of Graham; son, Chris White and wife, Amy, of Richardson; son, Matt White and Kevin Meredyk of Dallas; sister, Teresa Baker and husband, Bobby, of Weatherford; brother, Sammy B. White Jr. and wife, Renee, of Georgetown; niece, Whitney Flack and husband, Allen, of Wichita Falls; niece, Samantha White, of Waco; and niece, Meredith White, of Commerce; as well as many other loved ones.
“She was a wonderful spirit with a heart for her Savior making her a servant of mankind.”
For those desiring, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Graham.

Tonna Kay Gillespie Hodges, 46, passed away at her home Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Newcastle Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home. 
Tonna was born Feb. 23, 1971 in Norton, Kan., to Floyd Melvin and Erma Lee (Walker) Gillespie. Tonna grew up on a farm in Kansas where she developed a love for animals and the outdoors. She moved to Newcastle in 1982 and attended school in Newcastle. She was a former administrative assistant for a plumbing company in Graham. 
Survivors include her parents, Floyd and Erma Gillespie of Newcastle; daughter, Audrey Lane Hamelin and husband Atlee of Graham; grandchild, Lincoln Wyatt Hamelin; sister, Tyra Subasavage and husband Rick of Charlotte, N.C.; brothers, James Carter and wife Peggy of Graham, Corey Gillespie and wife Nora of Liberal, Kan., and George Gillespie of Newcastle.  
Tonna was preceded in death by her special dog, Chevy.

Jessie Pierson passed away Jan. 4, 2018 in Graham. Funeral service were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home. Interment with military honors was in Loving Cemetery.
Pierson was born June 8, 1942 in Crosbyton, and moved to Graham in 1980 from Lubbock. He was a retired machinist and had served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife, Faye Pierson; son, Jessie Lee Roy Pierson and wife Deborah; two daughters, Lisa Pierson, and Cindy Oxford and husband Billy; two brothers, Joe Pierson and Jackie Pierson; two sisters, Cathy Chester and Nina Smith; seven grandchildren, Meagan Jackson, Casey Coughlan, C.J. Jackson, Ashley Oxford, Jacob Oxford, Jessie D. Pierson and Leah Pierson; and five great-grandchildren, Kashley Jackson, Evie Mae Coughlan, Benjamin Ramos, Jonas Coughlan and Baby Jackson.

Billy Don Story Sr., 62, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 in Olney. Billy was born Aug. 23, 1955 in Haskell, to Donald and Sue Melton Story. He married Patricia Jones on March 28, 1975 in Wichita Falls. Billy retired from Air Tractor in August 2017 after 30 years of employment.
Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Story, and a brother, Bobby James Story.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Story of Olney; daughter, TraChelle Rodgers and son-in-law, Bob of China Spring; son, Billy Story Jr. and daughter-in-law, Julia of Waco; father, Donald Story of Newcastle; two sisters, Donna Watson of Newcastle and Debbie Wilkinson and brother-in-law Brad of Newcastle; seven grandchildren, Heather, Morgan, Courtney, Freddie, Meagan, Patrick and Phillip; and several nieces and nephews.
Billy was a member of the National Rifle Association, Bass Federation, and American Quarter Horse Association.
Visitation was 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at Lunn Funeral Home in Olney.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, in the Chapel of Lunn Funeral Home, with Jessie Edwards, pastor of First Baptist Church in Newcastle, officiating, assisted by Terry Sanders. Burial followed at Restland Cemetery in Olney.
Memorials may be made to the Sue Story Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Don Story, 609 Washington, Newcastle, TX 76372.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lunnfuneralhome.com.