Cortney Brookes Fortenberry
Cortney Brookes Fortenberry, age 22, of Wharton, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 1999, in Wharton County from injuries sustained in a two-car motor vehicle accident. She was born October 2, 1977 in Wharton, the daughter of Melissa Wessels and Joe Allen Fortenberry.
Cortney was a lifelong resident of Wharton and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She was a 1995 graduate of Wharton High School. Cortney was employed as a car salesperson for Von-Wil Ford and most recently Don Elliott Autoworld in Wharton.
Funeral mass services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 1999, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Joe Vrana officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Deacon Alvin Matthys lead a rosary service on Friday evening from the chapel of the Wharton Funeral Home.
Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Melissa and Jim Maser of Wharton; father and stepmother, Joe and Vicki Fortenberry of Bastrop; maternal grandparents, George and Frances Wessels of Wharton; paternal grandparents, Lena Falks of Sweeny and Dan Fortenberry of Conroe; paternal great-grandmothers, Julia Hubbard of Sweeny and Faye Brown of Bay City; brother, Joseph “Joey” Allen Fortenberry of Wharton; stepbrother, Kole Ray of Denton; and stepsister, Kristyn Ray of Denton.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Fortenberry, Ralph Fortenberry, Donnie Wessels, Donnie Scott Wessels, Eric Kucera and Steve Wendtland.
Honorary pallbearers are Joey Fortenberry, Kole Ray and Jake Wendtland.
Arrangements by Wharton Funeral Home, 515 Boling Highway, Wharton, Texas, 409-532-3410.

Terry L. Cooney
Terry Lynne Cooney, 53, passed away Friday, October 8, 1999.
Survivors include her children, Chris, Charles, Bill and Anna Marie (Mimi); her parents, Vivian and Leon Virts; sister, Cathy; former husband, James Cooney; and many other loving friends and relatives.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 1999, at the First Baptist Church of Freeport with Rev. Joe Jones officiating.

Trevor Luke Brittain
Our little angel, Trevor Luke Brittain, born January 12, 1999, went back to heaven on October 7, 1999.
His loving parents, Mark and Theresa Brittain of Austin, formerly of Lake Jackson, said goodbye to him at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
Trevor is also survived by grandparents, John and Dimple Haakman of Lake Jackson and Jesse and Katherine Brittain of LaPorte; great-grandmother, Ethel Lowry-Davis of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; aunt, uncle and cousin, Terry, Jerry and Jacob Hundl of Brazoria; and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 10, 1999, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 11, 1999, at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas.
Interment will follow at Forest Oaks Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Hans Haakman of Austin and Jacob Hundl. Honorary pallbearer will be David Brittain of Galveston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the March of Dimes or American Heart Association.
Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 512-892-1172.

Eugene A. Maier, Jr.
Eugene A. Maier, Jr., 78, of Biloxi, Mississippi, formerly of Freeport, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2000 in Biloxi.
Services are pending with Lakewood Funeral Chapel.

Mable Brown
Funeral services for Mable Brown, 77, of Brazoria are pending with Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria.
She died Friday, June 9, 2000 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

Mary Knoxon
Funeral services for Mary Knoxon, 96, of Freeport are pending with Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria.
She died Thursday, June 8, 2000 at her residence.

Barbara Faye Crosby
Barbara Faye Crosby, 53, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on January 10, 2001. Barbara was born April 19, 1947 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and moved to Nederland, Texas in 1960. Married Douglas Crosby in 1967, traveled with the Navy and moved to Freeport in 1971.
Barbara Crosby was President of Jane Long PTA in 1980-1981. (A member of Jane Long PTA from 1981-1982 and received an award of recognition in 1982.) Barbara was very active in the Freeport-Jones Creek 4H; First Christian Church and United Way. She was employed as the Senior Executive Accountant for Winway/Miken for 30 years.
Barbara Crosby was devoted to Girl Scouts of America. Girl Scouts of South Texas Council announced the election of Barbara Crosby as the First Vice-President of the Board of Directors. She was a Girl Scout growing up. Barbara began her tenure as an adult Girl Scout in 1977 as Troop Leader. She has held nearly every position open to adult Girl Scouts since then. Recently she served as Treasurer for the Board of Directors, Chair of the Strategic Plan Task Group, a delegate to the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. National Convention and a member of the finance committee. The Council has honored Barbara with the Thanks Badge and the Key Award for her continued services to the Girl Scouts.
Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Douglas Crosby of Jones Creek; son, John Edward Crosby and his wife, Nancy of Clute; daughter, Karen Mejia and her husband, Frank of Jones Creek; parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Noblitt of Kirbyville; two brothers, Wayne Noblitt of Beaumont, Larry Noblitt and wife, Donna of Beaumont; five grandchildren, Jared Carrasco, Brittanie Mejia, Jacob Mejia, Christian Mejia, Matthew Crosby and expecting her sixth grandchild in March; sister-in-law, Diane Crosby of Freeport; brother-in-law, Don Crosby and his wife, Sydney Jo of Lake Jackson; one niece, Michelle Noblitt; four nephews, Alan Noblitt, Robyn Crosby, Josh Crosby, Jacob Crosby; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Family to receive friends 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2001 at the Family Life Church of Lake Jackson with Rev. Craig Taylor officiating and assisted by Rev. Gary McCormick.
Pallbearers will be Don Crosby, Jack Taylor, Derwood Eudaley, Don Tracy, Jr., Joe Paul Bullard and Les Fortenberry.
Honorary pallbearers will be Girl Scouts of America.
Memorials may be made to The Program Center, Girl Scouts of South Texas Council, 231 W Hwy 332, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566.
Arrangements by Lakewood Funeral Chapel, Clute, Texas.

Brian “B.K.” Keith Thomas
Funeral services for Brian “B.K.” Keith Thomas, 30, of Houston, formerly of West Columbia, Texas are pending with Dixon Funeral Home.
He died Thursday, January 11, 2001 in West Columbia.

George Pendleton Jackson
George Pendleton Jackson, 80, of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away Friday, January 12, 2001 at his residence.
Funeral services are pending with Lakewood Funeral Home.

Lilla Whaley 
Heidrich
Funeral services for Lilla Whaley Heidrich, 85, of Tyler will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2001 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Tyler, with Rev. John Bingham officiating.
She died Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at Hospice Home Place.
Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, Texas at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, January 14, 2001.
Mrs. Heidrich was born July 7, 1915 in Tyler, Texas. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and had lived in Tyler since 1977. She was a retired executive secretary for Skelly Oil Company. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Hartsfield “Hart” Whaley and Herman “Buddy” Heidrich.
Survivors include her son, Paul W. Whaley of Crowley; brother, Joe Barbee of Tyler; sister, Nettie Ruth Holden of Tyler; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701
Arrangements by Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, (903)597-6611.

Lois E. Holley
Graveside services for Lois E. Holley, age 89, of Sweeny (formerly of Axtell, Texas) will be held on Monday, January 15, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. at the Axtell Cemetery.
Lois passed away on January 12, 2001 at her home. 
She is survived by daughter, Katie Sanderson; grandchildren, Mike Sanderson and Sally, Glenn Sanderson and Gina and Brian Sanderson, all of Sweeny, Debbie Liles and Darryl of Longview, David Sanderson and Gloria of Freeport, Liane Pena and Raymond of Lake Jackson, George Holley and Denise of Angleton, Charlena Ferguson of Alvin, Ronnie Krupa and Helen of China Springs, Texas; 24 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Baker Funeral Home, West Columbia, Texas.

Sammie Lee “Ted” Shelton
Sammie Lee “Ted” Shelton, 51, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of McBeth Community, Angleton, Texas, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2001. Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2001, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, McBeth Community, Angleton.
Sammie was born in McBeth, Texas, on October 17, 1949 to Louise and Emanuel Shelton. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. A graduate of Arizona State University, Sammie was an elementary school teacher in the Roosevelt School District for over 20 years. His last teaching assignment was at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary in South Phoenix. Sammie's caring and generosity has touched many lives. He was dedicated to helping and uplifting others. Sammie loved fishing and golfing with his friends and cooking complicated dishes for his family and friends.
Sammie is survived by his high school sweetheart, Gloria Jean Shelton; three loving daughters, LaJeanna Louise Shelton of Gary, Indiana, Samantha Leigh Shelton, and Karla Nikol Shelton, of Phoenix, Arizona; two precious grandsons, Sammie Lee Shelton of Phoenix, Arizona and Cedric DeShaun Shelton of Gary, Indiana; two beloved brothers, Barney Shelton and Diane of Clinton, Iowa and Regineld Shelton and Julie of McBeth; and a host of relatives and friends.
Donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation, Cancer Research, or the Hospice of the Valley in memory of Sammie Lee Shelton.

Evelyn M. Stump
Funeral services for Evelyn M. Stump, 84, of West Columbia will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 2001 at Gulf Coast Christian Center in West Columbia with B.B. Hankins officiating.
She died Thursday, April 26, 2001 in Angleton, Texas.
Burial will be in Cedar Lawn Haven of Rest, West Columbia, Texas.
Visitation will be at Baker Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 28, 2001 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in West Columbia.
Mrs. Stump was born July 4, 1916 in Carney, Oklahoma, was a 45 year resident of West Columbia and attended Gulf Coast Christian Center. She was a faithful prayer warrior and servant of the Lord. She walked and talked with God daily.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James A. and Roxie Howerton; husband, Herman Stump; two brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Leon and Darlene Stump of Joplin, Missouri, David and Glenia Stump of Lake Jackson; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Stephen Leacock of Lewisville; brother, James Luther Howerton of Taylor; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Donald Fowler, Phillip Lord, Chuck Sherrill, Andrew Stump, Nathan Stump and Carl Waggoner.
Memorials may be made to the Gulf Coast Christian Center.
Arrangements by Baker Funeral Home, West Columbia, Texas.

Valerie Jeanene (Bam Bam) McCarthy
Valerie Jeanene McCarthy of Casper, Wyoming, formerly of Brazoria, Texas died Wednesday, April 25, 2001 in Casper, Wyoming at the age of 25. She was born October 21, 1975 in Bay City, Texas.
Survivors include her daughter, Shaina Marie McCarthy of Casper, Wyoming; father, Mike McCarthy of Brazoria, Texas; mother and step-father, Cheryl and Bill McFarland of Mills, Wyoming; sisters, Trisha McCarthy of Brazoria, Texas and Cortne McFarland of Mills, Wyoming; nieces, Jeanene and Desmone McCarthy; nephew, Taybor McCarthy, all of Brazoria, Texas; grandparents, Dean and Evelyn Greenfield of Mills, Wyoming; many family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Lillian McCarthy of Brazoria, Texas.
Services are being conducted at Memorial Chapel, Casper Wyoming, (307) 234-0234.

Adrian Dwight “Duke” Lee
Funeral services for Adrian Dwight “Duke” Lee, 30, of Sweeny will be Monday, June 4, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Angleton with Rev. G.R. Holland officiating. Burial will be in Morris Cemetery in Old Ocean, Texas.
He died Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.
He was a member of Rocking AT Riding Club and Mighty Fine Riding Club.
He is survived by his father, Herman Bell, Sr., and Johnnie Mae of Brazoria; mother, Albertha Lee of Old Ocean; one daughter, Michaela Lee of Bay City; three brothers, Howard Edwards and Herman Bell, Jr. of Brazoria, Marc Edwards of Clute; one sister, Katina Brown of Cedar Lake; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Active pallbearers will be Marshall Woodard, Freddie Bonner, Cunnie Woodard, Jr., Floyd Ray Bess, Chedverick Tims, J.D. Green, Kenneth Spears and Rickey Washington.
Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Horak, Lance Green, Rex Hopkins, Kevin Loftis, Daryl Lee and John Lee.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 3, 2001 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dixon Funeral Home Chapel and a wake Sunday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. only. No viewing afterwards.
Arrangements by Dixon Funeral Home, Brazoria, Texas.

Bill D. Manuel
Bill D. Manuel, 39, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2001 in Bastrop, Texas. He was a local resident of Angleton for the past 13 years until September when he moved to the Austin area. Bill was a loving father who graduated from Coffee High School, Marion Military Institute, and the University of North Alabama. He was a Captain in the Army 3/6th Artillery at Fort Riley, Kansas. After leaving the army he moved near his son’s family in Brazoria County where he worked at BASF for 12 years.
There was a private graveside service in Jena, Louisiana on May 27, 2001 where he chose to be buried with his uncle, Robert Manuel II, his grandparents and his great-grandparents Manuel.
Bill is survived by his son, Robert “Bobby” Vest Manuel III if Angleton; parents, Edmond and Carolyn Manuel of Florence, Alabama; brother, Eddie Manuel and wife, Tina Manuel; and niece, Carolyn Manuel of Rogerville, Alabama.
Memorials may be made to Community Service Credit Union in care of Robert Vest Manuel III, P.O. Box 1540, Angleton, TX 77515 to pay for funeral expenses.

Harvey Emmitt Whitehead
Harvey Emmitt Whitehead, born May 30, 1924, in Galveston, Texas, died June 1, 2001, in Angleton, Texas. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2001 at Palms Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Palms Funeral Home.
Harvey graduated from Ball High, Galveston, 1940. Harvey served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, was a Sergeant in the 517th Combat Unit Company F attached to the 82nd Airborne. He participated in such campaigns as the Invasion of Normandy (D-Day), and the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in action twice and received two Purple Hearts. He was highly decorated for his bravery and leadership in combat. Harvey played baseball and fastpitch softball in the Galveston City League, and won batting titles in both leagues. Harvey played minor league baseball for the Galveston Whitecaps in The Texas League. He played fastpitch softball for Bosticks of LaMarque from 1950-1952. He joined the Lake Jackson Gators Softball Team in 1953. He played and coached with the Gators until 1961. He was an ASA Softball Commissioner from 1962-1966. In 1962 he formed the Lake Jackson Kats, this was the area’s first women’s fastpitch softball team. The Kats won several state titles over the next few years. In 1969 Harvey coached to Lake Jackson Lakers Women’s Softball Team. That year they won state, regional and played in the Worlds Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Harvey was an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors. He had a special passion for hunting and fishing. He worked as a comptroller for Monical and Powell, Betco and Win-Way. He owned Clute Automotive at the time of his illness in 1995.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Whitehead of Angleton; sister and brother-in-law, Willie Mae and Julian Nance of Galveston; daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Severo Garcia of Clute, Gay and Kenny Backus of Houston, Saundra and Rakesh Jain of Clute; son and daughter-in-law, Willie and Vicki Whitehead of Lake Jackson; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; and honorary family members, the Lake Jackson Gator Softball Team past and present. “Once a Gator always a Gator”.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to your local girls softball association. 
Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home, Angleton, Texas.

Justo Rodriguez Ramirez
Funeral services for Justo Rodriguez Ramirez, age 58, of Freeport will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2001 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Enquiro Bravo, celebrant. Burial will follow at Angleton Cemetery. 
Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday at Palms Funeral Home and Christian Wake service at 7:00 p.m.
Justo was born on March 11, 1943 to Juses and Appolina Rodriguez Ramirez in Bay City, Texas. He died Friday, June 1, 2001 at Angleton- Danbury Medical Center.
Surviving are father, Jesse Ramirez of Angleton; wife, Mary Jane Ramirez of Freeport; daughter, Vanessa Ramirez of Angleton; brothers, Jesse Ramirez, Jr. of Freeport, Domingo Ramirez of Angleton; sisters, Mary Ramirez of Houston, Guadalupe Ramirez of Angleton, Carmen Gero of New York; and grandchild, Ariel White Ramirez of Angleton.
Pallbearers will be Isidoro Sisneros, Jr., Joe Sisneros, Jesse Cisneroz, Frank Cisneroz, Robert Lopez and Onofre Ruiz.
Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home, Angleton, Texas.

Thelma R. Gill
Thelma R. Gill, 86, of Van Vleck died at her residence May 31, 2001. She was born June 2, 1914 in Handley, Texas to the late Alfred Payne and Nannie Velma Hobbs Williams. Mrs. Gill was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bay City, a resident of the Bay City/Van Vleck area the past 40 years, and a member of the Eastern Star.
Although Mrs. Gill had no children of her own she is survived by her sister, Esther McDaniels of Aransas Pass, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and loving in-laws. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Gill and 8 brothers and 1 sister.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2001, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Klimpel officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. 
Pallbearers will be Leon Nunley, Jerry Gill, Stuart Nunley, Willie Knighton, Phillip Gill and Christopher Jones.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Support, Inc., P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1909 Peach St., Bay City, TX 77414. 
Arrangements by Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas, 979-245-4613.

GLYNN OLAND "STEVE" STEVENS
Glynn Oland “Steve” Stevens, 64, of Freeport, Texas went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 9, 2001, at his home.
Steve came to the area in 1956. He worked for Dow Chemical Company for over 35 years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Virginia Alloy Stevens of Freeport; two daughters, Vicky Stevens Walker & husband John of Baytown and Mitzi Stevens Anderson & husband Ricky of San Marcos; seven grandchildren; one sister, Mae Stevens Brittain of Many, Louisiana; step-mother, Katie Stevens of San Augustine; and step-brother, Ronald Poindexter of Sulphur, Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecil Stevens; and his father, James Stevens.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at the Freeport Funeral Home in Freeport.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at the Velasco Baptist Church in Freeport with Rev. Terry Backen officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Mangum Funeral Home with interment at the Old Union Cemetery with Rev. Terry Backen officiating.
The family requests donations to the Hospice Care Team or the American Heart Association.
Local arrangements by Freeport Funeral Home in Freeport, Texas.

MERLIN EUGENE (GENE) LEPPER
Merlin Eugene (Gene) Lepper departed this life on Saturday, September 8, 2001 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, following a stroke. Gene was 74 years old.
Gene was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 14, 1926. He attended Butler University until enlisting in the army. He served in World War II where he was stationed in the Philippines and served in the military police for 2 years. After serving in the army, he attended Mexico City College where he enjoyed a decorated football career. He was known as “Mexico City College’s fiery 22-year old guard”. Gene was a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal in the Brazosport school district for 30 years, most of it spent at Lake Jackson Intermediate School.
After his professional career, Gene remained in the Brazosport area, spending most of his time helping others. His compassion and understanding of others was huge, and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
His mother and father, Alma and Merlin Lepper and brothers, Wally and Eddie preceded Gene in death.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, Patsy L. Lepper of Brazoria; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Debbie Lepper of Michigan; daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Armondo Garcia of Houston; step-daughter, Jenice Fernandez and husband, Troy of Lake Jackson; step-son, Wesley Slaughter of Brazoria; brothers, Tom Lepper and Larry Lepper and wife, Judy of Indiana; grandchildren, Steven, Phillip and Travis Lepper of Michigan, Lauren Garcia of Houston and Drake and Max Fernandez of Lake Jackson.
A memorial ceremony to celebrate Gene’s life and share our memories, will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the memorial ceremony at St. Michael’s.
Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Votaw, Joe Roldan, Bill Wakely, Jay Caperton, Johnny Redden, Flash Walker, Leo Neuerburg, Russel Lidberg and Richard Kramer.

RHONDA HENDERSON
Rhonda Henderson, 31, of Lake Jackson, Texas went to be with the Lord, Saturday, September 8, 2001.
Rhonda graduated from Brazosport High School in 1992.
She is survived by her father and step-mother, Clyde & Vivian Henderson of Lake Jackson; two brothers, Daniel E. Henderson & wife Gaye of Carrollton, Texas and Roger C. Henderson & wife Sharon of Leander, Texas; three step-brothers, Tommy Fletcher & wife Gracie of Brazoria, Ray Fletcher of Lake Jackson and Dale Fletcher & wife Theresa of Brazoria.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Henderson; and her mother, Maudine Henderson.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2001, at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2001 at Temple Baptist Church in Clute, Texas with Brother Greg Caldwell officiating.
Interment will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2001 at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe, Louisiana.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brazosport Sams R.V. Club and the Christian Motorcyc-lists Association.
Arrangements by Lake-wood Funeral Chapel in Clute, Texas.

ROBERT DALE FARRIS
Graveside services for Robert Dale Farris, 63, of Clute, formerly of Coldwater, Michigan, will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 13, 2001 at Colonial Cemetery in Brazoria with Rev. Mike Davis officiating.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 from 12:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home.
Robert died on Sunday, September 9, 2001 at a Houston hospital.
Robert was born to Dale and Nellie VanBlarcom Farris on July 25, 1938 in Coldwater, Michigan. Brother, James J. Farris and sisters, Marjorie Burk and Beverly Farris precede him in death.
Survivors include son, Scott E. Farris of Clute; daughters, Elisha Farris of Gatesville, Texas, Josie Parent of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bonnie JaWard of Dearborn, Michigan, Deanna Farris of Ecouse, Michigan; brother, William Farris; sister, Jennie Southcott of Coldwater, Michigan; and 9 grandchildren.
Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home, Angleton, Texas.

Doris Evelyn Stricklin
Funeral services for Doris Evelyn Stricklin, 65, of Angleton, Texas, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2002, in the Chapel of Family Funeral Care of Lufkin, 412 E. Shepherd.
Interment will follow in Bennett Cemetery, Trinity County.
Mrs. Stricklin was born April 24, 1936, in Kaufman County, Texas, and she passed away Monday, January 7, 2002, in Angleton, Texas.
She was a homemaker and had lived in the Angleton/ Richwood area for the past two years, having previously lived in Lufkin.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry S. and Dwana Jansky, Garry L. and Sara Jansky, Terry G. and Janet Jansky, Michael Kelly and Carol Jansky; daughter and son-in-law, Paula J. and R.C. Smith; daughter, Dana M. Jansky; brother and sister-in-law, James “Buddy” and Mary Ann Stricklin; sister, “Betsy” Lillie A. Lewis; sister and brother-in-law, Gwanda “Teet” and Thomas Minshew; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her father, James H. Stricklin; mother, Mattie J. Stricklin Cooper; stepfather, Douglas Cooper; sister, Jerry Faye Honeycutt; brother, Thomas H. Stricklin; and great-grandson, Mykeal Hedgepath.
The children will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements by Family Funeral Care Directors in Lufkin, Texas. 936-639-4219

Mary Ann Svetlik
Funeral services for Mary Ann Svetlik, 90, of Lake Jackson, Texas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 10, 2002, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Leo Wleczyk officiating.
Interment will follow at Restwood Memorial Park in Clute, Texas.
She passed away Sunday, January 6, 2002, at Brazosport Memorial Hospital in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2002, at Stroud Funeral Home Chapel in Clute, Texas.
Mrs. Svetlik was an area resident for 60 years and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ladislav Svetlik.
Survivors include her daughter, Delores Green of Lake Jackson; sons, Robert Svetlik and wife, Sylvia, of Sugar Land and Daniel Svetlik and wife, Cece, of San Antonio; sisters, Lydia Allen of Lima, Ohio, and Bea Dubois of Hot Springs, Arkansas; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Stroud Funeral Home in Clute, Texas. 979-265-1188.

Mary Novotny Peltier
Mary Novotny Peltier, 89, of Danbury, Texas, departed from this life and went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 8, 2002.
Born in Czechoslovakia on March 5, 1912, she came to Galveston, Texas, with her parents in 1913. After living in Houston and Freeport, she and her parents moved to Danbury in 1921. She married William “Bill” Leon Peltier in 1930, and together they had nine children.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1983. Mary was the last of the original Peltier clan that set up homesteads in Brazoria County.
She is survived by five sons, Alton and wife Dora Jean of Anacocoa, Louisiana, Bill Jr. and wife Mary Ann of Alvin, Ralph and wife Audrey of Danbury, Michael and wife Margaret of Danbury and David and wife Pam of Danbury; four daughters, Joyce Dixon and husband Charles of Danbury, Kathleen Manuel and husband Calvin of Houston, Dianne Oswald and husband Ken of Danbury and Denise Gotcher and husband Bruce of West Columbia. She also leaves 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ed Novotny and his wife Clara of Pearland; also a very special niece and godchild, Mary Helen Knape of Alvin; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary will be remembered for her dedication to raising her family and helping others. She cooked many a delicious meal for her large family and the many guests that passed through her home over the years. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and a woman who loved her Lord and his Blessed Mother and inspired others with her dedicated prayer life and church service.
Pallbearers will be her five sons and her brother.
Mass Readers will be Robert “Nuck” Peltier and Laura Davenport.
Visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2002, at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas, and a wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2002, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Danbury.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2002, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Danbury with Father Bill Kelly, Deacon Gerald Peltier and Deacon Jimmy Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School, 1600 Hwy. 2004, Richwood, Texas, 77531 or VITAS Hospice, 211 E. Parkwood, Suite 108, Friendswood, Texas, 77546.
Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas.

Mike Hammond
Beloved Husband, Father, Friend and Colleague
Mike Hammond, former resident of Columbia Lakes, Texas, died January 5, 2002, en route to his Dallas home.
Mike was born to Cyril and Gwen Hammond on October 8, 1943. An avid athlete, Mike excelled in both soccer and cricket and played until just a few years ago.
Mike has one brother, Tony Hammond; and a sister, Lynn Robinson, both reside in England.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother.
Mike’s career in process instrumentation spanned 30 years. He was a well-respected leader, engineer and executive. He belonged to the Instrumentation Society of America and Institute of Clean Air Companies. This institute recognized him in 2001 for Leadership in Instrument Measurementation by Developing Industry Wide Technical Standards for Emissions Monitoring Systems.
Mike was married to Jane Ryman Brandon on January 20, 1996. Their extended family includes three daughters, Julia Hammond, Jackie Hammond Bingley and husband Mark and Claire Brandon Chesser and husband Blaine. Julia and Jackie reside in England with their families. Claire and family live in Angleton, Texas.
Grandchildren include six granddaughters, Roseanna and Cara Sinclair, Lucy Sweeny, Alice and Emily Bingley and Peyton Chesser. Cade Chesser is the one grandson. All were enthralled with their Granddad.
Friends, family and colleagues will dearly miss Mike’s zest for life and his sense of humor. His fairness and kindness to all were unequaled. Among his professional peers, he was deeply respected for his talent, industry knowledge and leadership. He empowered all he met to achieve limitless growth.
There will be a Rosary recited for Mike at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2002, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.
A Funeral Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2002, at St. John the Apostle Church in West Columbia with Rev. Lee Flores officiating. Mike considered this church to be his spiritual home.
Burial will follow the Mass at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
Arrangements are by Taylor Brother Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas.
Mike will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched, but, especially by his wife and best friend, Jane. His passing will leave a void that will not be filled except by memories of this remarkable life.

Sandi Gardner
Sandi Gardner, 41, of Hemphill, Texas, died Saturday, December 15, 2001, at her residence.
Mrs. Gardner, born March 4, 1960, in Munich, Germany, was a former resident of Lake Jackson. She was a homemaker and had lived in Sabine County for the past six and a half years.
Survivors include her husband, Randy Gardner of Hemphill; and three sons, Lenny Neil Gardner of Houston, Hunter Joshua Gardner of Monterey, California, and Cassidy Caley Gardner of Hemphill.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2001, at the Chapel of Starr Funeral Home, Inc., in Hemphill, Texas.
Interment followed at Harper’s Chapel Cemetery in Sabine County.