Carmen Leija, 70, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, in Fort Worth.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. at Oak Street Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Carmen was born June 3, 1946 in Guerrero, Coahuila, Mexico to the late Jose Martinez and Aurora Gonzalez. She married Frank Sanchez Leija on May 5, 1963 in Villa Union, Coahuila, Mexico and he preceded her on March 25, 2005.
Carmen was a devout Christian who served her savior by living a life of example. She instilled in her children the values of living a humble life of generosity and to never turn away anyone in need. She was well known to open her home to many throughout the years. She dedicated her life first to God and then to her family.
She was known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith.
Frank and Carmen were well known for the music ministry they shared with others in the surrounding counties and throughout their hometowns in Mexico. Carmen was known as "Ama" to her children and "Granny,” "Tita,” and "Wita" to her grandchildren. Carmen had a heart of gold that never stopped giving. You could never express to her that you liked something in her home because she would surely gift it to you.
Her cooking was heavenly! The neighborhood kids would smell her cooking and come running in hopes of being invited to dinner. There was always plenty to go around – she made sure of it. She would give up her bed for someone that needed a place to rest their head, and if needed, she would make the kids give up their beds as well. There would be no complaining about it either. Frank and Carmen helped care for so many of the grandchildren. They never stopped raising the family.
Her strong will to live, unwavering faith of God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters helped see her through this difficult year. Carmen's legacy of the greatest love for God, family and friends is one that shall carry for many generations to come. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around, will never be forgotten.
Survivors include her children, Marisela Henderson of Graham and children, Steven and wife, Charley; Scott and wife, Brittany, and Sean Henderson and children, Cooper and Brooks; Joe Frank Leija of Graham and children, Frank Lee, Joseph and wife, Valerie, and Amber Leija and children, Cruz, Analeah, Isela and Araceli; Lupe Simental and children, Luis Jr., Evan and Briana Simental and children, Kain and Kyle; Maria Anguiano and husband, David of Fort Worth and children, Abby, Autumn, and Caleb; Carmen Burleson and husband, Ian and children, Audrey, Jared Alvarez and Carter Smith and child Lucas; Jeff Leija and wife, Lorraine and children, Jayden Perkins, Javier and Aaliyah Leija; Lorena Gonzales and husband, Rudy and son, Elijah of Fort Worth; brothers, José Martinez and Tomás Martinez; and several other family members.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

On Nov. 14, 2016, Bill G. Armstrong moved on to join the many loved ones who have passed before him into Heaven.
Services were held for Bill at the First Baptist Church in his hometown of Bryson, and officiated by their pastor, Rev. Billy Rhone, followed by his burial at Winn Hill Cemetery in Jack County, under the direction of McMillan-Satterwhite.
Bill was born in Graham on May 25, 1942, to Obie and Fannie Armstrong.
Bill grew up in Bryson, where he met his wife, Nancy. They lived and worked in several places before coming back to Graham, where he worked in the oil field. He was justice of the peace before going to work for the Hexcel Corp. for 30 years.  After moving back to Bryson in 1983, Bill worked for GMI Corp. for six years. He then pumped for DL Operating for several years before retiring in 2009.
Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Scottish Rite and First Baptist Church of Bryson. In addition, Bill was also a very dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star along with his wife, Nancy, for more than 40 years. Bill and Nancy were married for 54 years, had three children and became great parents, teachers and role models to their children and to many other people who have come into their lives throughout the years as well.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Armstrong; son, Kelvin Armstrong; along with many other friends and family who had come to know and love Bill over the years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Armstrong of Bryson; daughter, Kristie Lewis and husband, Danny, and their children, Shane Lewis, Nicole Nevarez, Michael Lewis, Jacie Lewis and Josh Rhone, and great-grandchildren, Ryder and Ryann Lewis and Sawyer Nevarez; son, Kacy Armstrong and wife, Mallory, and their children, Corbin and Charli Armstrong; granddaughter, Kelsey Armstrong, daughter of Kelvin Armstrong; and a sister, Bobbie Thompson and husband, Johnny, of Perrin.

Lawrence W. Hardin, 92, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 in Wichita Falls. 
His funeral will be Thursday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Newcastle Cemetery.
Lawrence was born Nov. 7, 1924 in Belknap, to the late Claude Belton and Nellie Beatrice (Cutts) Hardin. He married Mary Kathryn Atwood in 1950 in Breckenridge. She preceded him in death on Sept. 22, 1978. 
Lawrence was a veteran of World War II, serving the Army. He was a former employee of Young County ASCS and a lifetime resident of Young County, where he farmed and ranched.
Survivors include is companion, Juanita Villereal; nephews, Chuck Gibbs and wife Mona, Bruce Gibbs and wife Jeane, and Ricky Clayborn and wife Nancy; great-nephew and great-nieces, Chance Gibbs, Courtney Gibbs, Katy Landoll, Jennifer Atkins and Amy Clayborn; and great-great niece and nephew, Emmalyn and Weston Atkins.
Lawrence was preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Gibbs and Arvilla Clayborn.

LaDonna Ann Gathings, 63, passed away at her home in Graham on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. A private burial will be held at a later date in Gooseneck Cemetery.
LaDonna was born Nov. 17, 1952 in Abilene, to Bennie Lee Gathings and Rita Ann (Medisia) Gathings. She graduated from Wylie High School in Abilene, and attended Angelo State College and Eastfield College in Mesquite. She was a market research consultant in Dallas for 20 years. She moved to Graham in 1998 from the Metroplex. LaDonna was a member of Young County Cowboy Church
Survivors include her daughter, Pamela Holloway of Dallas; son, Christopher Holloway of Abilene: father, Bennie L. Gathings of Abilene; mother, Rita Ann Williams of Graham; brother, Jack Gathings of Phoenix; and grandson, Nathan Young.
LaDonna was preceded in death by a son, Bengy Holloway.

William Frank “Bill” Hoffman, Sr., 90, of Windthorst, passed away Friday morning, Nov. 18, 2016, at his residence.
A vigil service and rosary was held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst, with Rev. Michael Moloney, O.F.S. parochial administrator of St. Mary’s and St. Boniface Catholic Church, and Deacon Don Brown officiating. Mass was concelebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Poirot of Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth, and Rev. Michael Moloney officiating. Interment followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.
Bill was born April 4, 1926 to the late Frank John Hoffman and Elizabeth Ann Baumhardt Hoffman, in Scotland, Texas, where he graduated high school. During World War II, Bill honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy until Aug. 5, 1946. After his tour of duty, he returned home where he was a buyer and seller of cattle. In 1953, Bill was employed by Murphy Brothers Chevrolet and worked there for 40 years until his retirement. While there, he sold many cars and made life-long friends.
Bill married the love of his life, Stella Berend, on Oct. 27, 1956 in Windthorst.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved fishing with his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Windthorst Scotland VFW. Bill was very civic minded and served his community on the Windthorst ISD school board, the church board, and the Windthorst Credit Union board.
Survivors include his wife, Stella of Windthorst; his children, Bill Hoffman Jr. of Holliday, Cindy Thomas and husband, Jackie of Graham, Ronald Hoffman of Windthorst, Amy Brammer of Argyle, and Bryan Hoffman and wife, Shana of Bowie; one sister, Margie Berend and husband, James of Windthorst; grandchildren, Dustin Hoffman and wife, Meagan, Craig Hoffman and wife, Cameron, Scott and Shane Thomas, Nicole and Caitlin Brammer, Justin Hoffman and wife, Jessica, Brandon Hoffman, Colby Hoffman and wife, Madalyn, Jonathan Pastusek and wife, Colby, Meradith Brammer, Morgan Rhine and husband, Lance, Megan Widner and husband, Chris, Sam Warren and Mitch Caldwell; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six brothers, Ray, Ed, Bernard, Charles, Richard and Jim; and two sisters, Roberta and Loretta.
Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Dustin Hoffman, Craig Hoffman, Scott Thomas, Shane Thomas, Justin Hoffman, Brandon Hoffman, Colby Hoffman, and Jonathan Pastusek.
The family suggests memorials to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 230, Windthorst, TX 76389, the Windthorst Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, Windthorst, TX 76389 or Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Windthorst, TX 76389.

Oran B. "B-Boy” Chestnut, 81 of Graham, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 at his home. A graveside funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m. at Finis Cemetery in Jack County. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Oran was born Dec. 11, 1934 in Clayton, Okla., to the late Lee and Emma Mildred (Roquemore) Chestnut. He married Dorothy Fowler on Dec. 31, 1980 in Graham. Oran was retired from Young County Precinct 1 as a foreman. He was a member of Country Road Fellowship.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Chestnut, of Graham; sons, Ronnie Mac Chestnut, Larry Everette Chestnut and Oran B. "Obie" Chestnut Jr., all of Graham, stepdaughter, Sandra Cowley of Mineral Wells; stepsons, Charles Ray Moss of Sonora, and Roy Gene Moss and Ronald Wayne Moss, both of Mineral Wells; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a few great- great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sisters, Emma Joyce Rehberg of Haslet and Kay Wall of Roanoke.
Oran was preceded in death by a daughter, Delmarie Chestnut; brother, Joe Chestnut; sisters, Martha Jane Holland and Ora Lee Montgomery; stepdaughter, Mary Newsom and brother-in-law, John B. Holland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Country Road Fellowship, P.O. Box 997, Graham, TX 76450.

Robert E. Davis, 85, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Graham. His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Morrison Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Robert was born April 12, 1931 in Port Gibson, Miss., to the late Percy William and Dora Elizabeth (Kuykendall) Davis. He was a corporal in the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War.
Robert married Katherin (Kay) Senkel on June 4, 1955 in Graham. He was a former employee of Texas Electric and a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife Katherin, of Graham; sons, Michael Davis and wife, Kathy, of Fort Worth, Kenny Davis of Graham, and Edward Davis and wife, Tracy, of Fort Worth; daughter, Martha Kay Davis of Wichita Falls; grandchildren, Phillip, Linda, Emily, Hailey and Katherine Davis; brothers, James Davis of Springtown and Wayne Davis of Fort Worth; and several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Gordon Davis.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 620 First Street, Graham, TX 76450 or your favorite charity.

Flora Eve Marascola died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Graham, at the age of 93.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra O’Neal and husband Billy, of Olney.

Leasha Kay Hardy passed away Nov. 26, 2016 at her home near Graham. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home with graveside services following at 2 p.m. in Bethel Cemetery near Funston.
Leasha was born Aug. 14, 1975 in Albany, and moved to Graham in 2006 from Valley View. She was a member of the Baptist Church. She was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and professional wrestling and enjoyed playing with her grandson.
Survivors include her father, Rick Hardy; son, Zamion Hardy and wife Kelsey; daughter, Marisa Hardy; grandson, Carter Hardy; brother, Richard Hardy and wife Elizabeth, all of Graham; sister, Lisa Reese of Weatherford; grandmother, Dorothy Wilson of Hawley; two nieces, a nephew, uncle and cousins.

Frances Ann Hutson, 77, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Graham. Her funeral service was scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Oak Street Baptist Church. Burial followed in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home. 
Ann was born Feb. 17, 1939 in Tulsa, Okla., to the late John Ross and Catherine Eleanor (McKenna) Dixon. She graduated from McGinnis High School in Oklahoma City and attended Draughon's Business School. She married Gerald Hutson on July 27, 1957 in Oklahoma City.
Ann was a member Graham Regional Hospital Auxiliary and Oak Street Baptist Church where she was a member of the Agape Team for 12 years. Ann was retired from Crawford and Company Insurance as an adjuster. Ann loved her family and loved to sew. Everyone loved her because of her joy. 
Survivors include her husband, Gerald Hutson of Graham; sons, Tracy Hutson of Graham, and Jeff Hutson and wife, Geri, of Graham; brother, Ross John Dixon of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 
Ann was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Hutson, and a granddaughter, Madi Grace Hutson.
 Memorials may be made to Oak Street Baptist Church Agape Ministry or Humane Society of Young County.

Donald "Don" Jobe, 82, passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016. His funeral was scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Medlan Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Don was born Oct. 29, 1934 in Young County, to the late Johnnie Franklin and Lena Mae Frazier Jobe. He married Patricia Lee Walker on Jan. 15, 1955 in Graham. She preceded him in death on June 30, 2015.
Don was a lifetime resident of Young County and a member of Medlan Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. He was self employed in the oil and gas business for more than 40 years.
Survivors include his daughter, Kathy Oakes and husband, Ricky, of Graham; sons, Jerry Don Jobe and wife, Chawn, of Graham, and Brent Jobe and wife, Tammy, of Graham; grandchildren, Shane Doss and wife, Rashael, Luke Doss and wife, Crystal, Aaron Jobe, Matt Jobe and wife, Allison, and Jessica Bowers and husband, Jeff; seven great-granddaughters; and a sister, Mildred Cunningham and husband, Jerry, of Sapula, Oklahoma.
Don was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mike Doss, and a granddaughter, Darcey Renee Jobe.

C.L. Lowe passed away Nov. 19, 2016 in Wichita Falls. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Grace Baptist Church in Graham. McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He was born Oct. 13, 1941 in Graham and was a lifetime resident of the Graham area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Goldie Lowe, and by Amber Dawn Lowe.
Survivors include his son, Jimmy Lowe and wife Carolyn; daughter, Karen Lowe and Josh Busch; brother, Wade Lowe and sister, Glenda Gray; grandchildren, C.L. Huffman, Jennifer Huffman, Sydney Lowe, Travis Lowe, Mary Lowe and D.C. Sedberry; and six great-grandchildren.

Joshua "Josh" McCracken, 44, passed away after a battle with cancer on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 in McKinney. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home. A celebration of life was held at SoulThirst Church in The Colony at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Josh was born May 25, 1972 in Texarkana to J.B. and Nancy McCracken. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1990, attended Texas Tech University and received his associate’s degree from Midwestern State University in 2002.
Josh married Kyra Ann Koester on June 7, 1997 in Olney and was a radiologic technologist at Medical Center of McKinney. Josh loved movies, playing his guitar, rock music, Star Wars, telling jokes, and spending time with his nieces.
Survivors include his wife, Kyra McCracken of McKinney; parents, J.B. and Nancy McCracken of Graham; sister, Megan McCracken of San Angelo; brother-in-law, Ernie Koester and wife, Karrie of Grapevine; nieces, Kalli and Emma Koester of Grapevine; and numerous other family members.
Ironman dedicated to Josh at http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/yourway16/EKoester
Memorials may be made to Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, North Texas Chapter, 8111 LBJ Freeway Ste. 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Teddy Ralph Smith, 77, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 in Graham. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Teddy was born Aug. 25, 1939 in Graham, to the late Carl Wayne and Mary Kathleen (Martin) Smith. He married Charlene Warren on Nov. 28, 1964 in Graham. Teddy was a veteran of the Army and worked at Hexcel Corporation.  He loved deer hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Charlene Smith of Graham; daughter, Susan Coker and husband, Kyle of Abilene; son, Brian Smith and wife, Christi of Graham; sister, Jolene Price and husband, Wayne of McLoud, Okla.; brothers, Gerald Smith and wife, Linda of Mineral Wells and Dean Smith of Graham; grandchildren, Travis and Jennifer Smith and Cassidy and Case Coker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
 

Mary Jane Wages, 78, passed away Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 at her home in Graham.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Mary was born March 1, 1938 in Graham, to the late Roy Lee and Pearl Rascoe Casteel.
She married Harold L. Wages on May 15, 1958 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on Dec. 26, 2014. Mary was a lifetime resident of Graham and a homemaker.
Survivors include her sons, Bobby Wages, and Jeff Wages and wife, Angel, all of Graham; and grandchildren, E.J. Wages, William Wages, Lee Wages and Sadie Wages.

Judge John Bradshaw, 82, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Wichita Falls.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, in the Chapel of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home in Wichita Falls with Rev. Paul Goodrich officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service. A private burial followed at Graceland Cemetery in Jermyn. Arrangements were under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.
John was born Nov. 1, 1934, in Wichita Falls to Edward and Mary (Wolf) Bradshaw. He graduated from Graham High School in 1952 and from Texas Tech University in 1956.
He served in the Army from 1956 through 1958 and in the Army Reserve until August 1964, when he was honorably discharged as a captain in the Corps of Engineers. During this time, John attended the University of Texas Law School and graduated in May 1964.
John began his legal career with Douthitt, Lindsey and Clayton in Wichita Falls. After a stint with the district attorney’s office as a felony prosecutor, John opened his own law practice in Graham. In 1972, he was elected to the first of two terms as state district judge of the 90th Judicial District. From 1986 until his retirement, John served as a senior district judge, primarily in Tarrant and Dallas counties. In addition, he was assigned as a visiting judge to cover in more than 40 Texas counties presiding over civil, criminal, family and juvenile courts. He was also a credentialed mediator.
Another very important part of John’s life was ranching in Young and Archer counties, where his family settled in the early 1870s. He also enjoyed his life-long involvement in the oil business.
In 1987, John married Elaine Pettie Hinson in Graham. They were devoted to each other and enjoyed a very full, happy life together. John was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Alicia Bradshaw. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Wichita Falls; step-daughter, Holly Hinson M.D., of Portland, Ore.; mother-in-law, Lucile Cooper Pettie, of Wichita Falls; and daughters, Carol Bradshaw and Gail Krieger.
A very special thanks goes to the staff of House of Hope and especially to the Azalea Wing “Angels” who loved and cared for John so beautifully, and for the loving care they provided the family. Additionally, John’s family is grateful to the Palliative Care Program of Hospice of Wichita Falls and Dr. Robert Parkey.
For those desiring, the family suggests memorials honoring John go to First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls, 909 10th St. (at Travis St.), Wichita Falls, TX 76301; The Alzheimer’s Association, 901 Indiana, Ste. 350, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 or The House of Hope Building Fund, 5100 Stone Lake Dr., Wichita Falls, TX 76310.
Condolences may be sent to the family at lunnscolonial.com.

Sarah Anne Brashears passed away Nov. 29, 2016 in Wichita Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at McMillian-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham.
Sarah was born May 3, 1980 in Dallas, and was a longtime resident of Graham. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her father, Mike Brashears and wife, Ann, of Arkansas; step-sister, Kim Chambers, of Arkansas; step-brother, Kevin Davis, of Arkansas; and several cousins.

James F. "Jim" George, 85, of Wichita Falls, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Graham with Tom Wisdom officiating. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Jim was born in Graham on March 4, 1931, to Vernon and Ethel York George. He grew up in Graham, attending and graduating high school there in 1949. He served with the Strategic Air Command, 15th Air Force, 22nd, 92nd and 93rd Bomb Wings during the Korean War. He founded J&M Oil Field Service & Equipment in 1971. He was active in that business until his death. He was a Presbyterian and member of ELKS Lodge #1105. He served at his church as deacon and elder. He married Ethel Lewis on July 19, 1980.
George was preceded in death by his father, Vernon George; mother, Ethel York George; son, Johnny V. George; and his brother, Robert Austin George. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Cassie Owens; daughter, LaDona Lewis; and grandson, Jason Rivas.
George is survived by his wife, Ethel Lewis George; daughters, Melodie Watkins and husband, John, Sandra L. George and Ronda Hall; son, Michael Lewis and wife, Tammie Lewis, all of Wichita Falls; two brothers, Bill George of Graham and Kenneth George of El Paso; three grandchildren, Christopher Rivas, Amanda Taylor and husband, Brian of Wichita Falls, and Donald Lewis and wife, Amber, of Del Rio; and three great-grandsons, Jackson Taylor, Kase Taylor and Walter Lewis. 
The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at United Regional Health Care Center and Hospice of Wichita Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to Trinity Presbyterian 4403 Phillips, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 or Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

John Granville Parker passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Wichita Falls.
John was born in Jack County on May 27, 1938, to Sam and Olive Hardesty Parker. He was the youngest of eight children and the only boy. He had always intended to go to college, major in music and become a high school band director, but was convinced by friends who wanted to travel to join the Navy. John had always loved traveling. He always said he did not think there was a country he had not visited although he admitted Vietnam was not very enjoyable.
After 18 years in the Navy, he went back to Graham and convinced an old friend, Mary Ann Beck Odom, to marry him. He became the father of the Mary Ann’s four children and two nephews, all teenagers, who lived in the house. He was a very brave man to take on such a job. He spent the last two years of his career in the Navy getting used to that many children when he could see his new family about every third week. John and Mary Ann later welcomed Terry and Mariko into the family.
SCPO Parker retired after 20 years in the Navy and came back to Graham where he joined his wife in her vending and catering business. He also worked for the Graham Country Club and Whataburger before retiring to his workshop to build playhouses, cedar chests and other wood projects for all his granddaughters.
John was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Circuit Riders Sunday school class, where he occasionally taught the lesson, which he enjoyed very much. John was an avid reader and enjoyed concerts and shows in which his children and grandchildren participated.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters, Berdene Green, Cleo Stonecipher, Viannna Reichert, Rena Isham, Florence Van Hoose, Ila May Parker and Alice Green; son-in-law, Bob Berru; grandson, Joe Brannon; and Terry Wenninger.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann Parker; daughters, Kay Berru, and Mariko Clark and Joe of Graham; sons, James Odom of New York City and Chicago, David Odom and Denise of Bonham, and Mike Odom of Dallas; nephew, Shawn Escue of Graham; 10 granddaughters; three grandsons; 11 and 2/3 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Rev. Albert Van Hoose of Lubbock; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John chose to donate his body to the willed body program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 700 3rd Street, Graham, TX 76450; American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018; Graham Regional Theatre, PO Box 431, Graham, TX 76450; or the charity of your choice.

LaVerne Bilderback Monroe passed to her eternal reward Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 in Graham. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church in Graham. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
LaVerne was born Jan. 29, 1929, to Buena and Andrew Bilderback. She grew up in Munday, Holliday, Chillicothe and Goree. LaVerne became the beautiful bride of Rex Monroe on Aug. 31, 1950.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Jack I. E. Bilderback and Willam A. Bilderback.
She is survived by her children, Roxane Skipworth, Thad, Ray, and Bob Monroe of Jacksboro, and Melisa Thorne and husband of Flower Mound. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Nicholas and Crystal Skipworth, and Arden and Blaire Thorne. She also leaves extended family and her loving church family at First Presbyterian Church.
LaVerne graduated from Chillicothe High School, then earned her nursing degree at Hardin College in Wichita Falls in 1949. She was a surgical nurse at Wichita General and St. David's in Austin.
LaVerne faced multiple hardships with a moving-van fire in 1964 and two tornadoes that destroyed much of two homes. They trusted in God and he comforted them. After all five children graduated from high school and college, Rex and LaVerne relocated to "the farm" outside Bryson. It was here she made two great friends and became a quilter. LaVerne made hundreds of quilts for the C.P.S., Fort Richardson State Park, returning veterans, and her church family.
LaVerne persevered each day, "one stitch at a time." She loved quilting but her greatest love was serving her Lord and raising her children. She chose to concentrate on her family and was blessed by her decision. She loved the country life and spectacularly clear starry skies. They raised and rescued a menagerie of animals just for the joy of watching them wander around the farm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Friends of Fort Richardson to continue their educational programs.