Paula (Orman) Ellis

Paula (Orman) Ellis was born in Tulsa, Okla. on June 12, 1936 and passed away in Mont Belvieu, Texas on Dec. 7, 2020.

Paula moved to Tyler as a child and graduated in 1954 from Tyler High School. The following year, she attended Tyler Junior College where she was a member of the famous Apache Belles drill team.

In 1956, Paula married Ralph Ellis. They resided in Frankston, raising their family of five children and operating Ellis Mercantile for many years. Paula was a homemaker and a huge sports fan, whether it was cheering on her children or coaching the Dallas Cowboys from her living room.

As Paula’s health began to decline, she moved to Mont Belvieu in 2012 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She continued to enjoy family time and traveling to San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Nashville. Also, she was transformed from a Texas Rangers fan to a Houston Astros supporter.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Ralph Ellis; parents Paul and Sybil Orman; brothers Bill Orman and Dennis Orman; in-laws Clyde and Elizabeth Ellis; sister-in-law Elizabeth Ellis Dunklin, and brother-in-law James Dunklin.

She is survived by daughter Pam Murphy and husband Joe, son Mike Ellis and wife Robin, daughter Leslie Green and husband Darryl, son Kevin Ellis and wife Johanna, and son Keith Ellis and wife Suzan, sister Charlotte Spurlock and sister-in-law Glynda Orman. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren – Sarah, Stephen, Scott, Brandon, Courtney, Stephen B., Allie, Brett, Seth, Brittany, Mackenzie, Peyton, Shanna, and Austin; seven great-grandchildren – Kayla, Dallas, Layken, Ryan, Jessa, Kason, Konlan, and Preston as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in trusting that she is with our Lord and Savior and has reunited with those who passed before her.

Visitation is Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Pallbearers will be Mike Ellis, Kevin Ellis, Keith Ellis, Darryle Green, Joe Murphy, Seth Green, Brandon Ellis, Peyton Ellis, Austin Ellis, Scott Murphy and Stephen Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Lade, David Dunklin, Sarah Dezern, Brett Green, Courtney Ellis, Brittany Ellis, Kayla Dezern, Dallas Dezern and Shanna Ellis.

Nelda Jane Dietz

Nelda Jane Dietz, 70, formerly of Frankston, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020.

Please join the family in honoring her life on Jan. 2, 2021 at 1 p.m. Services will be at Eastern Star facility in Long Beach, MS. Family and friends are invited to her home immediately following.

Nelda was a loving mother and grandmother. Her family was always her pride and joy. She also had many extended and step family members that she loved deeply. She always treated her family and friends as one.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don Anthony; parents, Loy and OlaMae Dietz; and nephew, Jacob Dietz.

She leaves behind her son, Scott Longman and wife Dainita Longman of Jacksonville, FL and their sons Alyster and Christian; her daughter, Brandi Longman and husband Greg Robertson of Pass Christian, MS and their children Cooper, Sydney, Bryce and Nathaniel; 10 step children and 27 step grandchildren; her sister, Mary Elizabeth Dietz Chovanec and her husband Johnnie Chovanec and their children Wanda, Julie, John Michael, and Elizabeth (Libby); her sister, Colleen Dietz and her daughter Brittany and her brother Raymond Dietz and his wife Diana Dietz and their children Nicholas, Patrick, and Zachary; six great nieces; a great nephew and a great-great niece.

Nelda strived to lead a full and interesting life. Her passion for learning was never diminished and she continued to take courses at universities until the time of death. She lived overseas numerous times and was not afraid to explore other cultures, even alone if necessary. She lived life, confident in her ability to make friends wherever she traveled.

Nelda was a louvetine, as her grandfather and father were both Freemasons. She continued in the family’s tradition and became a member of Eastern Star in Frankston, Tx. She served as Worthy Matron during her more than 20 years of service.

Nelda’s passions shined when it came to her grandchildren. She always made them a priority, and attended every sports, award, play, concert or meeting possible. She passed on her candle and soap making, coloring and craft making skills to them.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, MS is serving the family.  www.riemannfamily.com

Pattye Jane (Perry) Bacon

Pattye Jane (Perry) Bacon was born Oct. 15, 1929 and entered eternal life on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. She was 91 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Frankston. Rev. Scott Wiley and Rev. Jeff Godwin will officiate. Mrs. Bacon will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 from noon until 6 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Bacon was a member of First Baptist Church in Frankston and was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Billy Bacon; mother, Annis Perry and father, Sant Perry.

She is survived by sons, Billy “Dude” Bacon, and Britt Bacon and wife Julie of Frankston; and brother Sonny Perry and wife Wendy of Frankston. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Bryson Bacon, Becca Bacon, Bayne Bacon, and Brenson Bacon; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bryson Bacon, Bayne Bacon, David Westbrook, Doyle Smith, Brenson Bacon, Stan Perry, Kyle Riley and Eddie Jowell. Honorary pallbearers are Becca Bacon and Pattye’s caregivers.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 38, Frankston TX 75763, or Frankston, Frankston City Cemetery or Edna Gladney Home in Fort Worth at https://adoptionsbygladney.com/ .

Seabern Tindel

Funeral services for Seabern Tindel 86, of the New York Community were held at 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 20, 2020 at New York Baptist Church with Bro. Ted Gross officiating. Private family burial will follow at New York Cemetery.

Seabern was born Feb. 25, 1934, in Overton to the late Seabern Calvin and Laura Lynda Garrett Tindel. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of New York Baptist Church. He retired from Bell Helicopter after 30 plus years of service.

Seabern loved to garden, raising tomatoes and Bell Peppers and always loved a good meal. He was very active in the New York Community, always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, and served on the New York Cemetery Assn. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and was often at the community center playing “42”.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by several cousins and many friends.

Pallbearers were Paul Boyd, Ty Edwards, Elton Gracey, Dewey Reynolds, John Reynolds and Lanny Reynolds.

Visitation for family and friends was held Sunday from 1-2 p.m.. prior to the service.

Arrangements were under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens.

Eddie Fincher

Funeral services for Eddie Fincher, 80 of New York, TX have been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Doug McLemore officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens.

Eddie passed away Dec. 17, 2020 in Athens after a long illness.

He was born Sept. 21, 1940 in Athens to the late Noel Lee and Lola Day Fincher. He was a resident of Henderson County most of his life. He married the love of his life, Ann Nell Boman, on Sept. 20, 1958, one day before his 19th birthday. Eddie was a car enthusiast; he loved to race them and restore them. During his life he had owned more than 90 cars and at one time or the other had 35 different Mustangs. Eddie loved to ride his motorcycle and did so up until he couldn’t hold it up anymore. During his long career Eddie made many lifelong friends and he lived his life with no regrets.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son Kevan Fincher, sister Yvonne Bass and step-father; Lester Goodwin.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Ann Nell Fincher of New York, TX, sons; Scott Fincher and wife Teresa of Easley, SC, Clark Fincher and wife Cathy of Athens, Vance Fincher and wife Kristy of Athens, daughter-in-law Gelenda Fincher of Thorndale, TX, grandchildren: Lauren Oliver, Taylor Fincher, Bethany Fincher, Austin Fincher, Nic Fincher, Grant Fincher, Wesley Fincher, Jordan Paul, Leslie Ann Fincher, Chandler Rowan and Parker Fincher; nine great-grandchildren; brother; David Fincher and wife Judy of Mesquite; sister Linda Caldwell of Dallas and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Kelly Ireland, Nathan Paul, Grant Fincher, Nic Fincher, Austin Fincher and Wesley Fincher.

Honorary pallbearers are Hugh Wesson, John McMakin, Tommy Thompson and Jesse James.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Henderson County Food Pantry, 715 E. Corsicana , Athens, Texas 75751.

Ruth Anne Fisher Homan

Ruth Anne Fisher Homan, 58, went to be with her Lord on Dec. 17, 2020 in Alvarado, TX. Ruth was born in Athens on Oct. 17, 1962 to Bill and Dorothy Fisher.

Ruth graduated from Frankston High School in 1981. She lived in Frankston most of her life. She worked at various jobs. She loved her kids and grandkids so much. They were her whole life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorothy Fisher and a niece, Tracy Renee Wheeler.

She is survived by daughter Amy Homan of Frankston; Robert Homan Jr. and wife Rebecca of Alvarado, TX; four grandkids, Colten Motes, Braden Fields, Kala Homan and Blayne Homan and her fiancé, Joseph Mosley. She is also survived by her four brothers, Billy Fisher and wife Norma of Jacksonville, Johnny Fisher and wife Barbara of Frankston, Rayford Fisher and wife Peggy of Frankston, Steve Fisher and wife Kay of Frankston; sister, Brenda Wheeler and husband Walter of Berryville; also several nieces and nephews.

Ruth will be truly missed by her family and friends. She was loved so much by all who knew her.

Pallbearers are James Fisher, Donny Wheeler, Brian Fisher, Chris Fisher, Lee Fisher, Colten Motes and Braden Fields.

A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Funeral services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. George Folmar officiating.

Jean Weesner Bearden

Jean Weesner Bearden of Jacksonville was born June 29, 1928 and entered eternal life on Dec. 20, 2020. She was 92 years old.

She was a daughter of early Frankston residents, Grady and Susie (Bristow) Weesner, her father the owner of a grocery store in downtown Frankston, friends remember.

A private graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in Jacksonville. Rev. Barbara Hugghins will officiate. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Friends are welcome to come by the funeral home on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 to view and sign the register book.

Jean was named 2010 Business Woman of the Year in Jacksonville. Jean was a beautiful soul inside and out. She was happiest when she was working, cooking, creating things beautiful and being surrounded by family and friends. She was inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, J.D. Bearden; and two sisters, Inez Starkey and Jo Trantham.

Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her daughters, Paula Jones of Jacksonville and Patti Blakely of Plano; grandchildren, Raleigh Blakely III, and Carrie and Nick Daugherty; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Kylie Daugherty; and nieces, Suzanne Starkey Townsend and husband David and Kay Starkey.

Ruth Bell

Ruth Bell was born June 17, 1930 and entered eternal life on Dec. 21, 2020. She was 90 years old.

A funeral service is scheduled at Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston. Bro. George Folmar will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Ruth will be laid to rest at Liberty Hill Cemetery.

Ruth was a great supporter of International Fellowship of Christian Jews and she was a member of the Frankston Assembly of God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Martha (Holsomback) Walker; daughter, Joann Smith; sisters, Lola Mae Saxon and Bobbie Inez Smith; and brothers, Ragon Alton Walker and Rayford Walker.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Rhonda Tunstill and husband Fred of Canton, Kathy Morris and husband Don of Frankston and Carolyn Evans and husband Ken of Hurst. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Steve McKinney, Angel Shaw, Stacy Rash, Matthew McKinney, Nathan Evans, Christine Wilson, Ben McKinney and Evan Morris; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; first great-great grandchild is on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Matthew McKinney, Nathan Evans, Ben McKinney, Evan Morris, Cooper Shaw and Cade Shaw.

Ara Jane Henderson

Graveside service for Ara Jane Henderson, 80, Frankston, will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Pastor Alice Cumby officiating. Mrs. Henderson transitioned Dec. 28, 2020 at a Tyler hospital.

She was born in LaRue on Sept. 22, 1940 to Annie Cumby Hambrick and Oy McKenzie. She grew up in the LaRue area. She married Willie V. Henderson and they made their home in Frankston. She had three children: Willie Earl Henderson, Shirley Faye Wagoner, both of Frankston; and Anthony Lee Henderson of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Ara Jane took great pride in her cooking and hospitality toward others. She worked for many of years, cooking for the community at Lake Trail Restaurant, Brenda’s Country Kitchen, and several other restaurants in the area. Those who experienced Ara Jane’s cooking and her sharp wit were friends for life.

Ara Jane was a faithful member and church mother at Faith Temple House of Deliverance Church in Frankston. She lived her faith in Jesus Christ through her actions and the way she lived her life. Ara Jane was not afraid to speak truth into a situation and did so out of a deep love and care for the church, her family, and her friends.

Ara Jane was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Linda Kay Simmons and Bobbie Nell Ray; and brothers, Charles McKenzie and Ozell Hambrick.

She is survived by her children; sisters Jessie Nell Moore of Tyler, Ouida McGee of Michigan, Jerry Miller of Palestine, Willie Nell Breedlove of Grand Prairie, Sarah Ray and Annie Ray, both of Athens; brothers Henry McKenzie of Tyler, Larry McKenzie and Lenard McKenzie, both of Arizona, Ronald McKenzie of Allen, Bobby McKenzie of California, John Earl Hambrick, and Russell Kent Hambrick, both of Athens; grandchildren Carlos Henderson of Brownsboro, Patrick Henderson of Pittsburg, Dedrick Henderson of Tyler, Seanna Henderson of Athens, Timothy Wagoner of Jacksonville; several great-grandchildren, and a host of cherished family and friends.

(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)

Paula (Orman) Ellis

1936 - 2020

Nelda Jane Dietz

1950 - 2020

Pattye Jane (Perry) Bacon

1929 - 2020

Seabern Tindel

1934 - 2020

Eddie Fincher

1940 - 2020

Ruth Anne Fisher Homan

1962-2020

Jean Weesner Bearden

1928 - 2020

Ruth Bell

1930 - 2020