Thursday, November 28, 2002

Helen A. (Robinson) Thurop
Charles Terry Robinson
Barbara J. Robinson

STERLING, IL -- Helen A. (Robinson), 87, Charles Terry Robinson, 66, and Barbara J. Robinson, 64, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2002 in a tragic automobile accident.

Survivors include Gloria Anderson of Sterling; Marge Rogers of Cherokee Village, AR; Lance and wife, Gina Robinson of Sterling; Gail and husband, Kyle Lawrence of Sweetwater, TX; Michelle Benish; Paulette Heney; Tamara Boyd; Marilyn and husband, Joseph Stepon of LeClaire, IA; Ryan Robinson, Nickolas Robinson, Kaitlin Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, Elise Lawrence, Mark Lawrence and Michael Lawrence; and numerous other family and friends.

Funeral services for all three will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2002 at the Schilling Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Snider officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, IL. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Schilling Funeral Home.

A memorial has been established.

Condolences can be made at www.schillingfuneralhome.com.

W.J. Stone

EASTLAND - W.J. Stone, of Eastland, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, the 26th of November, in an Abilene hospital. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Shawn Brewer officiating. Interment will be in the Eastland City Cemetery, directed by Edwards Funeral Home.

Mr. Stone was born on November 5, 1930, in Benjamin, in Knox County, Texas to Walter Gaines and Sue Marshall (Shook) Stone. He graduated from Throckmorton High School, then attended Cisco Jr. College and Draughan's Business College. He married Jean Riley on August 26, 1950 in Throckmorton, County. He served as a Air Policeman, stationed at Carswell Air Force Base, for four years during the Korean War. He retired from TU Electric Company after 30 years of service. He was a charter member in the founding of the Eastland Quarterback Club. He was a statistician for the Eastland Mavericks for over 30 years. His love to work with children was shown in his coaching Pony League baseball, as well as working with the R.A.'s at the Bethel Baptist Church. He served as Eastland County Precinct Chairman for many years. In 1974 he was the recipient of the Eastland Chamber of Commerce's highest honor, the "Golden Deed Award". He was a longtime member of the Eastland Masonic Lodge #467, and a former member of the Kiwanis Club. He worked with James Wright doing auctions, sold "Walt's Advertising", and from 1981 until 1996 he designed caps for the Eastland Quarterback Club to sell. He was a faithful member of the "Roundtable".

Survivors include his wife, Jean Stone of Eastland; two daughters, Joanna Maynard and husband Rocky and Kelly Noles and husband Brent, both of Eastland; four grandchildren, Mandy Maynard of Abilene, Rusty Maynard of Lubbock, Johnathan Stone of Santo and Kendell Noles of Eastland.

Reverend Robert F. Kamrath Nov.27,1926 - Nov.24,2002

Robert Ferdnand Kamrath, 75, died Sunday, November 24, 2002, at an Abilene, Texas medical center.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene with Rev. Clyde Kieschnick officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Walburg, Texas following a 4:00 p.m. graveside service officiated by Rev. John Davenport.

He was born and raised in Madison, Nebraska, where he graduated from Madison High School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1944. After the war he attended the University of Nebraska for one semester and then the University of California, Berkley, CA.

While pursuing his degree in Engineering he received his calling from the Lord and started his pre-seminary schooling at St. John's Lutheran College in Winfield, KS where he met Doris Richter. In 1951, they were married in Alice, Texas and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he continued his training for the ministry at Concordia Seminary. He graduated from the seminary and was ordained into the ministry in 1954.

From 1954 to 1957, he served Zion Lutheran in Fortuna, North Dakota, Redeemer Lutheran in Crosby, North Dakota, St. Matthew in Wildrose, North Dakota (1957-61), Mt. Olive Lutheran in Corpus Christi, Texas (1961-67), St. Paul Lutheran in Wilson, Texas, Faith Lutheran in Post, Texas (1967-1971), St. Paul Lutheran in Sumner, Iowa, and St. John Lutheran in Spring Fountain, Iowa.

In 1971, the family moved to Houston for training in Clinical Pastoral Education at MD Anderson Hospital. During that time he also served at Trinity Lutheran in Klein, TX, Bethany Lutheran in Houston, TX, and various vacancies in the area. From 1976 to 1984, he served as Chaplain at Diagnostic and MD Anderson Hospitals in Houston. From 1984 to 1996, he and Doris lived in Gatesville, TX where he served and touched many lives as Chaplain to inmates in the Texas State Prison System and also served First Lutheran Church. In 1997, the couple moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to enjoy their retirement, and continue to serve the Lord at Our Savior Lutheran and in the community.

In October of 2002, they moved to Abilene, TX to be closer to family members. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, dear friend, and Pastor to many. He was a very compassionate, caring, and loving man to everyone he met. He loved his work for the Lord, especially in the last years with the prison ministry. He will always be remembered for his big smile and bear hugs.

Rev. Kamrath was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Clara Kamrath, and a sister, Donna Kamrath.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Kamrath of Abilene; four sons, Stephen Kamrath and wife, Paulette, of Georgetown, TX, Timothy Kamrath and wife, Kathy, of Cypress, TX, Mark Kamrath and wife, Mary, of Newburgh, Indiana, and John Kamrath of Georgetown; and three daughters, Sheri Riggert and husband, Richard, of Lancaster, California, Susanne Kamrath of Abilene, and Ruthann Stroud and husband, Lynn, of Bryan, TX. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Rebalyn and Jena Riggert of Lancaster, CA; Megan and Caitlin Kamrath of Cypress, TX; Nate, Luke, and Daniel Kamrath of Newburgh, IN; and Joshua, Robert, and Katie Stroud of Bryan, TX; and special extended family members including Bud and Carolyn Rice of Deming, New Mexico, Bjorn and Janice Johansen of Houston, Bobby and Lynn Suggs of Leander, TX, and Jerry and Kathy Jackson of Pagosa Springs, CO.

Memorials may be made to Kairos Prison Ministry, The Lutheran Hour, and Zion Lutheran, Abilene Building Fund.

Jerry D. Hodges

KNOX CITY -- Jerry D. Hodges, 62, of Graham, formerly of O'Brien died Tuesday afternoon at a Graham hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Church of Christ, Haskell with Gene McCarty and Taylor Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the Knox City Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.

Mr. Hodges was born on May 13, 1940 in Knox City, Texas. He graduated from Carney Schools, O'Brien. He married Mary Lou Underwood on September 19, 1959 in O'Brien, Texas. They moved to Graham in 1968. Mr. Hodges was a self-employed chemical engineer; he owned 3-J Well Service. His hobbies were farming and horse ranching.

His parents were the late George "Buster" Hodges and Mrs. Clara Hodges Hanson.

He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Lou Hodges of the home; mother, Clara Hanson of O'Brien; one daughter, Amanda and husband, Larry Chesnut of Graham; two sons, Jay Hodges and wife, LeAnne of Graham and George and wife, Milessa Hodges of Jacksboro; one brother, Taylor Hodges of Brownfield; two sisters, JoAnn Searcy of Montgomery, Alabama and Teresa Denson of Stamford; four grandchildren, Trevor Hodges, Audrey Hodges, Jennifer Chesnut and J.B. Chestnut.

He was preceded in death by his father, two brothers, Ronnie Hodges and Billy Jack Lusk.

Pallbearers will be Mitch Mullins, Billy Atwood, Richard Schariger, Ron Ranger, Morris Burt and Robert Blay.

Honorary pallbearers will be G.A. Hawkins, Jerry Marchman, Wayne Kester, Jake Miller, Charlie Luksich and Jay Corley.

The family asks that memorials be made to Meals on Wheels.

Donnas Fern Like

Donnas Fern Like, 71, died Monday, November 25, 2002, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory, with Pastor Mark Hewitt and Chad Mitchell officiating.  Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Donnas was born on June 24, 1931, in Keensburg, Illinois, and moved to Abilene in the early 1950's.  She was a homemaker and owned Donnas Day Care for many years, and was a missionary for Love and Care Ministries where she was a member.

Donnas was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Like, whom she married on December 1, 1972, in Abilene, Texas; her parents, Grace and Theodore McDonald; and two brothers, Gerald and Harold McDonald.

Survivors include three sons, Larry Wayne Sutton of Merkel, and Michael Jeffery McGrew and Billy Don McGrew both of Abilene; three adopted children, Michael Edward Like, Larry Joseph Like, and Rosalie Jean Like all of Fort Worth; two sisters, Vera Conover and Marcia Carroll both of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Love and Care Ministries, 233 Fannin St., Abilene, TX   79603.

Teresa Kay Mahler Cornelius

RULE -- Teresa Kay Mahler Cornelius, 53, died November 26, 2002 in an Abilene hospital after a courageous battle with breast cancer. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2002 at First United Methodist Church in Rule, with Dr. Weldon H. McCormick and Reverend Tommy Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Elbert Cemetery under the direction of McCauley-Robison Funeral Home.

Teresa was born on May 14, 1949 in Onley, Texas, the daughter of Vernon and Reba Mahler. She received her bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has been a teacher at Rochester ISD for 16 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Texas State Teacher's Association.

She is survived by two children, daughter, Melissa Kay Cornelius of San Angelo; son, Jeffrey Cornelius and wife, Susan of Abilene; grandson, Jeffrey Callan Connally and parents, Vernon and Reba Mahler of Rule.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Manuel and Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan Mahler.

The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church in Rule or American Cancer Society at 209 South Danville Drive, Bldg. B, Suite 107 Abilene, Texas 79605, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org.

Masue Conway

Masue Conway, 75, died Thursday, November 21, 2002 at an Abilene Care Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2002 at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Yu Takarada officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South. Mrs. Conway's body will be in state at the funeral home on Friday and prior to the service on Saturday.

Mrs. Conway was born on March 1, 1927 in Japan the daughter of Masukichi and Kiyono Sasaki. She married Willie Conway on May 16, 1958. Also known and "Mamason" to countless airmen and officers, she has been commended for her hard work, maternal guidance, and effort she had displayed throughout her more than 18 years of service at the Mesquite Inn, Longhorn Inn, and the Dyess AFB Fire Department dining facilities. She was recognized on numerous occasions for her outstanding contributions rendered toward the overall success of these dining facilities. Mrs. Conway was very devoted to the success of the 7th Services Squadron.

Survivors include her husband, Willie Conway of Abilene; one son, Willie Conway Jr.; two daughters, Shirley Ann Conway and Susan Conway; two sisters, Fukue Sasaki and Kuniko-Kondwe- Sasaki; two brothers, Nitusgi Sasaki and Utake Sasaki.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Dennis Elbert Qualls

STEPHENVILLE -- Dennis Elbert Qualls, 92, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at his residence in Stephenville.

Dennis was born September 23, 1910 in O'Brien, Texas. He married Ophelia Donaldson in June, 1934. She preceded him in death in 1985. Mr. Qualls lived in O'Brien his entire life. He was a Baptist and a farmer.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2002 at Rochester Cemetery in Rochester with Brother Bill Trice officiating under the direction of Stephenville Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Stephenville Funeral Home.

Survivors daughter, Joan Wright and husband, Wayland of Stephenville; son, Wayne Qualls of O'Brien; grandchildren, Richard and Anita Wright of Richardson, Randy and Lori Wright of Odessa, Dana and Kenneth Dowell of Stephenville, Rod and Richelle Wright of Andrews, Tanya and Dwain LaBombard of Stephenville, and Russell and Michelle Wright of Stephenville; 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dane Qualls; sisters, Bennis Key and Blondell Walker; and by a great-great grandson, Buchanan "Buck" Wright.

W.B. "Buck" Kelly

ABILENE -- W.B. "Buck" Kelly, 75, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at a local hospital.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2002 at Community Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rickie Rister officiating. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. in the Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 North 2nd Street.

Mr. Kelly was born February 16, 1927 in Okra, Texas to the late Billie Adrian and Johnnie May (Culwell) Kelly. He had been in Abilene since 1948, and lived in Baird during some of that time. He retired as a heavy equipment operator in the oilfield and construction industry. He was a member of the D.A.V. in Abilene and Corpus Christi, and had served as Chaplain of the Corpus Christi chapter. He served for a short time in the U.S. Army. He had been a deacon and was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Abilene. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruby Rice Kelly; his second wife, Ruby Barron Kelly; a son, Michael Edward Kelly; and a daughter, Sandra Charlotte Kelly.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Kelly of Abilene; five sons, Billy Kelly and wife, Michon, Gary Kelly and wife, Beth, Wesley Kelly, Charles Kelly and wife, Marie, and Michael Kelly all of Corpus Christi, Texas; a daughter, Sharon Kelly of Corpus Christi, Texas; a brother, Wade Kelly of Ingleside, Texas; three sisters, Linda Wickens of San Antonio, Texas, Viola Bryant of Sunrise Beach, Texas and Elizabeth Fazio of San Augustine, FL; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 1443 North 2nd Street.

If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Texas 79605.

Bill E. Mayes, Sr.

ABILENE -- Bill E. Mayes, Sr., 81, of Abilene passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at a local hospital. Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2002 in the Masonic Section of the City Cemetery with Leroy Mason officiating under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 North 2nd Street.

Mr. Mayes was born April 21, 1921 in Nolan County, Texas to the late John and Ethel (Dennis) Mayes. He had lived in Abilene since 1939. He married Betty Ramsey in Abilene on June 13, 1946. He had been an independent paint contractor for about fifty years. He loved to play dominoes with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruby Wright and Louise Matthews; and four brothers, Sharkey, John, Jack and Claude Mayes.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Mayes of Abilene; a son, Bill Mayes, Jr. and wife, Kathryn of Whitney; four daughters, Cynthia Mayes of California, Brenda Peters and husband, Thomas of Merkel, Becky Burns and husband, Bobby of Shreveport, LA and Beverly Harrison of Abilene; two brothers, Howard Mayes of Duncan, OK and Dempsey Mayes and wife, Pansy of Abilene; an aunt and longtime family friend, Linda Dennis of Odessa; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Shelia Elaine Baber

Shelia Elaine Baber of Austin, Texas went to the Lord on November 24, 2002. Memorial services are pending with Harrell's Funeral Home in Austin. Shelia was born on August 18, 1961, in Wolfe City, Texas, and moved to Abilene in 1963

A 1979 graduate of Abilene Cooper High School, Shelia earned a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos in 1984. She was employed by NetSolve of Austin, Texas for many years.

Ms. Baber was preceded in death by her father, James Edward Baber, and her grandparents, Mr, and Mrs. Barney Hudgens.

Survivors include her mother, Barbara Baber of Abilene, a brother Stephen Douglas Baber of Rosenberg, Texas, a daughter Kylie Rose Baber-Gonzalez and a long-time companion Laura Gonzalez, both of Austin, and numerous dear friends and cousins.

Stephanie Ann Lahti

Stephanie Ann Lahti, 25, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away November 10, 2002. Stephanie was born September 20, 1977 in Southfield, Michigan. She attended school in Union Lake, Michigan and Abilene, Texas. She attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cimarron High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. She attended UNLV for two years then graduated from ASU with a degree in Chemical Engineering in May 2000. She was employed by Onedo Nalco where she excelled as a sales consultant.

Her love of travel brought her to experience Europe, Mexico, and all over the U.S. Stephanie loved the outdoors. Three of her favorite pastimes included skiing, golfing and hiking. Stephanie enjoyed spending time at the ocean where dolphins had a special place in her heart. Stephanie never turned down an opportunity for adventure. Her adventurous spirit took her parasailing and scuba diving in Mexico. Her friends knew her best for her stamina for shopping and appreciation for fine dining. She had the ability to adapt to any situation.

She is survived by her parents, Robert Lahti of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kimberly and Ray Homeyer of Abilene, Texas; two sisters, Samantha Meissner and Stacey and husband, A.J. Magnuson; and one stepbrother, Richard Homeyer, all of Abilene, Texas; maternal grandparents, Walter and Judith Kater of Ontonagon, Michigan; paternal grandparents, Jane Lahti of Zephyrhills, Florida, and Dr. C.R. and Karen Lahti of Ontonagon, Michigan. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephew, and friends, including her very special friend, Chris Hixson. Stephanie is dearly missed by all and will be remembered forever in our hearts with love.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 15, 2002 from 5-8 p.m. at Whitney and Murphey Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018. A service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2002 from 3-5 p.m. at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1202 S. Pioneer Drive.

Memorials may be made to the Stephanie Lahti Memorial Scholarship, ASU Foundation, Attn: Margot Richards, Scholarship Development, P.O. Box 873208, Tempe, AZ 85287-3208.

Thelma Lorene Henson

HASKELL -- Thelma Lorene Henson, 85, a longtime resident of Haskell, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002 in a local care home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2002 at Hopewell Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Holden-McCauley Funeral Home.

Lorene was born February 20, 1917 in Rockdale, Texas. Her parents McKinley Wilson and Janie Sullivan Wilson moved to Haskell when she was eight years old.

She was a lifetime member of Hopewell Baptist Church where she served as the Secretary/treasurer for many years. Lorene was a vibrant woman, a loving mother, devoted grandmother and caring friend.

Survivors include two daughters, Pat Franklin of Frisco, Texas and Janie Wheatley of Chicago, IL; one son, Charles Franklin of Houston, Texas; one step son, Ronnie Franklin of Minneapolis, MN. She also has nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

ABILENE -- Kata Blanchard, 76, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Arrangements are pending with Davis-Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood.

Wilma Bourbon

Wilma Bourbon, 82, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

Jewell Stanley Cummins

GOLDTHWAITE -- Jewell Stanley Cummins died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Arrangements are pending with Davis-Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood.

Stephen Allen Gilman

Stephen Allen Gilman, 54, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002. Arrangements are pending with North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange.

Oscar Pierce "Red" Givens

LORAINE -- Oscar Pierce "Red" Givens, 75, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Loraine First United Methodist Church, with burial in Loraine Cemetery, directed by Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.

Guillermo "Willie" Hernandez

BIG SPRING -- Guillermo "Willie" Hernandez, 76, died Monday, November 25, 2002. Services will be10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with burial in Coahoma Cemetery, directed by Myers & Smith Funeral Home.

Fredrick John Heydle

ABILENE -- Fredrick John Heydle, 82, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Desdemona Cemetery, directed by Nowlin Funeral Home, De Leon.

C.H. Hyden, Jr.

BIG SPRING -- C.H. Hyden, Jr., 78, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Myers & Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Zachary Taylor Johnson

EASTLAND -- Zachary Taylor Johnson, infant, son of Victor and Dana Johnson, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Services will be 6 p.m. Friday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Niagra Falls, New York.

Glen Campbell McAskill

CISCO -- Glen Ccampbell McAskill, 48, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Monday at Kimbrough Funeral Home Chapel.

Lou F. Mallory

STRAWN -- Lou F. Mallory, 101, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cedar Springs Methodist Church, Brad, with burial in Brad Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home.

Tammy Miller

BIG SPRING -- Tammy Miller, 36, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Arrangements are pending with Myers & Smith Funeral Home.

Oralia Narvaez

BROWNWOOD -- Oralia Narvaez, 45, died Wednesday, November 27, 2002. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with burial in Greenleaf Cemetery, directed by Heartland Funeral Home.

Dee Wayne Rodgers

RANGER- Dee Wayne Rodgers, 94, died Monday, November 25, 2002. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Mesquite and Rusk Street Church of Christ, with burial in Alameda Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at Edwards Funeral Home.

Blanche "Jackie" Wright

CROSS PLAINS -- Blanche "Jackie" Wright died Tuesday, November 26, 2002. Arrangements are pending with Higginbotham Funeral Home.

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from the Reporter-News