Frankston Area Obituaries — 1999-Present

Here are the obituaries posted for the current month from information provided courtesy of local and area funeral homes and published on their websites or those submitted by families. If an obituary is overlooked and it is desired that it be posted, please inform us at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Families may request changes or additions, if required. If you have an obituary for a person who has connections with someone or some family in the Frankston-Poynor-LaRue or Lake Palestine area that you want posted to this month or to the archives, and is not currently posted, please let us know at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Obituaries selected or submitted should follow a format which is essentially consistent with other obituaries posted here or by funeral homes and follow standard grammatical style. Through arrangements with funeral homes and/or the families, we will publish pictures with current obituaries. We will add pictures to archived obituaries from the print version of The Citizen newspaper prior to September 2019 when available. Pictures with archived obituaries posted after that will be added in cooperation with funeral homes or on requests from families.  As was the tradition of the Citizen newspaper, obituaries are published at no charge.

(Obituaries listed chronologically by date of death or funeral service.)

Daniel Robert Zeilman

A Remembrance of Life Ceremony for Daniel Robert Zeilman, 77, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Grady Johnson officiating. The United States Air Force will be conducting military honors.

Daniel was born on Aug. 4, 1946, in Cleburne to Robert Ray Zeilman and Frances Dee (Byrd) Zeilman and passed away on June 6, 2024, in LaRue.

Daniel proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era and was a true patriot. During his free time, he could be found tinkering in his shop on his many woodworking projects. His favorite place, though, was in his recliner with his dogs on either side of him.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Steven Zeilman and Joel Zeilman.

Left to cherish Daniel’s memories are his loving wife of 50 years, Lin Zeilman of LaRue; daughter, Stephanie Barton and husband Craig of LaRue; brothers, Terry Zeilman and wife Barbara of Albuquerque, NM, William Zeilman and wife Karen of Long Point, IL, Michael Zeilman and wife Cindy of Springfield, IL; and sisters, Kathy Pillash and husband Mark of Prospect, TN, and Karen Berta and husband David of Varna, IL. Daniel is also survived by his cherished extended family, Elaine Baker and husband Carl of Dwight, IL, Lou Williams of Paducah, KY, and Sue Talley of Marquette Heights, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and two fur-babies, Dallas and Sarge.

Daniel’s greatest blessings were his precious grandchildren. He cherished each and every moment he had with them. Honored to carry on his legacy of love are his grandchildren, Ciera Barton and fiancée Eric Wood, Lewis Barton and wife Kacie, Brianna Dorsey and husband Steven, Collin Barton and fiancée Haylie Dixon, and great grandchildren, McKenslie Dorsey and Hudson Dorsey.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263 or www.rmhc.org/donate .

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

Sandra “Sandy” Dickerson

Sandra “Sandy” Dickerson, 68, passed away peacefully at her childhood home in Frankston, with her loving daughter by her side.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at Frankston City Cemetery in Frankston. Bro. Jerry Payne and Bro. George Folmar will officiate. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Visitation will begin Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Frankston and family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sandy was born on Dec. 14, 1955 in Palestine to Billy Jack Dickerson and Vilois (Reed) Dickerson and passed away on June 7, 2024 in Frankston.

Sandy was a lifelong resident of Frankston and graduated from Frankston High School. She was a member of the Frankston Riding Club on her beloved mare Dory. She enjoyed all of God’s creations and many knew her as an avid animal lover. This included birds, fish, dogs and a special love for horses. She enjoyed shooting skeet and trap and was very good at it. She even beat several men at many competitions and ultimately won a brand new 12-gauge shotgun. She was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and never missed watching them play. She was also a big WWE wrestling fan and faithfully watched it every Friday night.

Sandy was a little bit spunky but had such a gentle soul. She loved Jesus and would sing along with Bonny to old traditional hymns and the new Christian music that Bonny introduced her to. She also loved the old country, especially Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard.

Preceding Sandy in passing are many dear, and loving family members that will be greeting her at Heaven’s Door.

Left to cherish Sandy’s memory are her daughter, Bonny Cook of Frankston; biological sons, Luke Trim and Elisha Trim, both of Nacogdoches and James Scott of Pismo Beach, California. She is also survived by her siblings Donna Dickerson, Jan Dickerson, Kathy Dickerson, and Steven Dickerson and wife Melissa of Lindale, and her four grandchildren.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Eli Trim, Dale Davis, Larry Costlow, Ken Cook, Keith White, and Curtis Cotton.

The family respectfully asks for houseplants instead of flowers or that memorials be made to a charity of your choice.

Billy Wayne Holder

Billy Wayne Holder, age 87, passed away to his heavenly home on June 10, 2024, in Athens. He was born on Feb. 6, 1937, to William Clyde Holder and Eunice Holmes Holder in Athens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Wanda Gauntt Holder; brothers, Jim Holder, Joe Holder, Dale Holder; and son-in-law Darrell Allen.

Bill was a hard working man with a gentle nature. As the oldest of six, he worked diligently from a young age to support his family, doing everything from farming, carpentry, roofing, landscaping, and even guiding hunting and fishing trips. Bill was a long haul truck driver for over 30 years. He often recounted adventures on his cross country drives with his friend, “Little” Raymond Coker. Bill co-owned and operated A&H Concrete for many years. He would often proudly point out the numerous buildings around town that he had a part in constructing.

Bill was an avid weather watcher. His family often turned to him for the forecast rather than the local weatherman.

He also loved horses. In his spare time, he would head to the river on horseback and camp with his best friend. He also shared his love of horses with his grandchildren, who have fond memories of trail rides, wagon trips, and being pulled on a sled behind his draft horse.

Most of all, he loved and adored his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved going to the beach and watching the kids play in the water. There will always be fond memories of trips to the ocean with family.

Bill and his family were longtime members of LaRue Church of Christ and later attended Eastern Hills Church of Christ.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters, Lisa Allen, Lana Miller and husband Marvin; grandchildren, Blaine Allen and wife Candice, Marissa Hamilton and husband Jim, Jordan Miller and wife Paige, Macey Mathews and husband Tyler, Shelby Babinec and husband Todd; 10 great grandchildren; brother, Ron Holder and wife Julie; sister, Mary Gorski and husband Buzz; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

The family would also like to send heartfelt thanks to Sissy Moss for her love and care for Bill.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be on Friday, June 14,  2024, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial to follow at Myrtle Springs Cemetery at LaRue.

Philip Davis Welch Sr.

A graveside service for Philip Davis Welch Sr., 85, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Frankston City Cemetery.

Visitation will begin Friday, June 14, 2024, and family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Philip was born on Aug. 6, 1938, in Frankston to Joe Welch and Nina (Beard) Welch. He was a graduate of Frankston High School. During his time at SFA, he met the love of his life, Sherry, and they were soon married.

Philip enjoyed playing moon dominos and had a passion for basketball. In his younger years, he played with a traveling basketball league. Throughout his working career, he traveled all over the world pipelining, and was a member of the 798 Pipeline Union. Philip pipelined his entire life, holding positions from a pipefitter up to an inspector. After 55 years, he retired from working the job he loved.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 61 years, Sherry Watkins Welch; sisters and brothers-in-law, Charlene and James Wilson and Mildred and Taylor Dickerson.

Left to cherish Philip’s memory are his daughter, Amy Porter and husband, Ron; sons, Phil Welch and Scott Welch; and his only living sister, Genova Christian. His eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren will miss the “RaRa Candy” that he always had ready for them during their visits. He will also be missed by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends as well as his fur-baby, Cash, who was his saving grace when Sherry passed away.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. They are Trey Welch, Tate Welch, Tanner Welch, Zane Porter, Connor Welch and Hunter Welch.

Honorary pallbearers will be granddaughters, Piper Bartlett and Sutton Vera.

John “Johnny” Hugh McVey

A funeral service for John “Johnny” Hugh McVey, 71, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Frankston. Rev. Scott Wiley will officiate.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield, TX where a graveside service with Masonic rites will be held.

Johnny was the oldest of three children born to Jodie Viven (Lummus) and Bruce McVey. The family moved to Newton, Kansas in 1957 where Johnny graduated from Newton High School in 1971.

Johnny would continue his education and graduated from Butler County Community Junior College, Wichita State University, Crowley Community College, and Central Kansas Vo-Tech. From 1976 to 1979, he served in the United States Army and during that time he obtained rank as Sergeant.

Being a Mason and a member of several Masonic Lodges was very dear to Johnny. The lodges are as follows:  Lothrop Lodge #21, in Crockett; Harmony #6 and Tucker #297, both of Galveston; Palestine #31, in Palestine; Tyler #1233, and St John’s #53, both of Tyler; Bullard #785, in Bullard; William Foster #312, in Frankston; Tyre #198, in Tennessee Colony; Waco Scottish Rite, in Waco; Lel Mina Shrine, also of Galveston; Sharon Shrine, also of Tyler; San Felipe de Austin #1, Austin County; York Rite, also of Galveston; and Zerubbabel Chapter & Council, in Normangee, all of Texas. He was very active in the Masonic Masons AF and AM and had belonged to York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Sojourners and Royal Order of Scotland.

Johnny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and workshops. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Frankston. He worked in the oil industr.

His parents preceded in death.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Jeraldine “Jeri” Lea (Ross) McVey, whom he married on March 6, 2020. He is also survived by a plethora of Masonic brothers.

Primary pallbearers will be the William Foster Lodge #312 of Frankston and Masons of Texas will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hostess Committee of the First Baptist Church in Frankston. 408 Garner St, Frankston, TX 75763.

Jason Henderson

Jason Daniel Henderson, age 40, known affectionately to all as Jason, departed this life peacefully at his beloved home in Frankston on Thursday, the 20th day of June 2024, born on the 31st day of August 1983, in Dallas to parents Jimmy Don Henderson, Sr. and Patricia Ann Sosebee Henderson.

Jason's life was a testament to the values of courage, friendship, and adventure that he held dear. It was one marked by dedication and service. His unwavering commitment to his country was evident through his proud service in the United States Army, where he had the opportunity to live and be stationed in Germany and Italy. He served two tours in Iraq-Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in Afghanistan-Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following his military career, Jason continued to protect and serve as a member of law enforcement, a testament to his courageous nature and desire to make a positive impact in the world.

A man of many interests, Jason was initiated as an intern apprentice of Palestine Mason Lodge #31, where he formed lasting bonds and contributed to the mission. His adventurous spirit shone through his love for travel, exploring new destinations, and immersing himself in different cultures. Back at home Jason could often be found indulging in his passion for Ford Mustangs, a hobby that brought him immense joy and a sense of freedom.

Jason's love for the outdoors was undeniable. Fishing and dove hunting were more than pastimes; they were activities that allowed him to connect with nature and create cherished memories with his family and friends. Those who know Jason will remember his outgoing demeanor and the genuine connections he made throughout his life.

Above all, Jason was a family man. His love for his family was his guiding light and greatest source of pride. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his parents, Jimmy Don and Patty Henderson; his loving wife, Emily Endsley; his daughters, Avery Henderson, Lilly Levassar, Chloe Levassar, and Paisley Levassar; his sons, Hayden Henderson, Tyler Henderson, and River Levassar; and his brother, Jimmy Don Henderson, Jr.

Jason's role as a husband, father, and brother was filled with unwavering support, boundless love, and a touch of mischief that brought laughter and joy to everyday moments.

Friends were invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 25th day of June 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home.

\Funeral services for Jason Henderson with military honors was scheduled to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, on Wednesday, the 26th day of June 2024 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Pastor Preston Burton officiating the service. Interment followed in Grove Hill Memorial Park, 4118 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX.

Jeanne C. Harris

Jeanne Coggins Harris passed away to her heavenly home on June 23, 2024, in Weatherford. She was born on Jan. 13, 1936, to Arthur Lee Coggins and Gertrude Amason Coggins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Doyle Ray Harris Sr.

Jeanne was a bright light to everyone around her. Her huge smile and warm hugs were a delight to all that knew her. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and that was noticed through her dedication and love for her church family at LaRue Baptist Church.

In her spare time, Jeanne had a green thumb and enjoyed taking care of her flowers and making her yard pretty. Jeanne did a lot of things through her 88 years on the earth, but loving Jesus, her family, and others, is what made her so special.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Doyle Ray Harris Jr. and wife Kelly and Ivan Lynn Harris and wife Leann; grandchildren, Nikki Sweeney and husband Mark, Jason Harris, Aaron Harris and wife Crystal, Tyler Harris and Wesley Duncan; eight great grandchildren; sister, Tommie Bradshaw; numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Aaron Harris, Tyler Harris, Wesley Duncan, Jason Harris, C.J. Sweeney, Dillon Sweeney and Markie Sweeney.

Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., one hour prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at LaRue Baptist Church. Burial to follow at LaRue Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be given to LaRue Baptist Church in Jeanne’s memory.

Lon "LC" Johnson

Lon “LC” Johnson, 77, of Frankston, passed away on June 28, 2024. He was the son of Harley and Elizabeth Johnson born in Hayfield, Minnesota.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston. Kent Harry will officiate.

Lon was most proud of his family. In 1968 he met the love of his life, Linda, in Rochester, Minnesota. The two of them celebrated 55 years of marriage on March 22 of this year. Together they were a model of what a Christian marriage is meant to be, sacrificing themselves for the needs and wants of the other. Together they raised two sons who both graduated from Baylor and went on to raise their own families and have had successful careers. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and each touched his life in their own unique way.

Known by his army buddies as “LC”, Lon was also extremely proud of his military service. He served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Rangers in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam. LC was a green beret, and a member of a unit of the Rangers known as Lerps (Long Range Recon Platoon). He is a purple heart recipient and received recognition as a rifleman before returning to the U.S. as a Sergeant E5. LC remained close to his Ranger buddies and looked forward to their reunions.

Mr. Johnson’s work career is an example of the American Dream. Starting in the mailroom at IBM in Rochester, Lon was a quick learner and hard worker. He was promoted numerous times and eventually became a senior computer engineer. He worked at IBM for 30 years and later did independent contracting as a microchip designer.

Linda refers to Lon as, “the best man this side of heaven”, and his life certainly earned that praise. Heaven has received a wonderful angel, and those on Earth who knew him will certainly miss him.

L.C. was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Elizabeth (Kosky) Johnson; his sister, Andrea Marie Johnson and brothers-in-law, Rich Bauer and Jim Roehler.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda Johnson of Frankston; sons, Chris Johnson and wife Monica of Waco, Nick Johnson and wife Joann of Argyle; and his sisters, Lana Roehler and Nona Bauer of Austin, Minnesota, and Marcy Lickteig and husband Tim of Flagstaff, Arizona.