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.)

Roger Chandler

Funeral services for Roger Chandler, 76, of LaRue, are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Turner officiating. Interment will follow at Poynor Cemetery in Poynor.

Mr. Chandler passed away on March 1, 2022, in the presence of his loving family in LaRue.

Roger Ebb Chandler was born Sept. 16, 1945, in Sentinel, Oklahoma, the son of Ebb Chandler and Mamie (Wilson) Chandler.

He joined the United States Army, the 2nd Battalion of the 41st Infantry Armed division and worked as a reconnaissance specialist, serving three tours in Vietnam, receiving a Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze stars and a Purple Heart.

Roger worked 17 years for Otis Engineering and then worked over 35 years for Bell Helicopter where he retired.

He enjoyed welding and teaching young men around the neighborhood to weld, working with his horses, and reading Louis L’Amour books. Pawpaw loved cookouts, rocking his grandbabies and spending time with his wife and five daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers, sisters and one son in law, Jim Atkins Jr.

Survivors include loving wife, Rhonda Chandler of LaRue; five children, Kim Walker and husband Harvey of Blackjack, Renee Smith and husband David of Sulphur Springs, Brandy Atkins of Sulphur Springs, Echo Chandler of LaRue, Chanci Chandler of LaRue; sister Mary McWhirter of Boyd; 20 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 9-10 a.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.

Lori Anne Baker Mays

A funeral service for Lori Anne Baker Mays of Ben Wheeler, is scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston. Bro. Jimmy Davis and Pastor Charles Turner will officiate.

Lori Anne Baker Mays was born on June 3, 1962, in Stephenville to Wilbert and Vivian Baker. She attended Duncanville High School, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Michael Mulkey. He precedes her in death. They have two daughters, Melanie Dunn and Jennifer Shirah.

Lori met Tim Mays of Ben Wheeler and they were married on Dec. 7, 2013. They enjoyed several great years together.

Not long after their marriage she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. During this time Lori relied heavily on her faith, her husband and her family. She never gave up or doubted her God. She knew he had a plan and that it was far better than ours.

Lori went home to be with her Jesus on March 3, 2022. Her legacy will live on through her children, her grandchildren and all the lives she touched along the way.

Left behind to grieve her passing are her husband Tim Mays of Ben Wheeler; her daughters Melanie Dunn and husband Douglas Dunn of Poynor and Jennifer Shirah and husband C.J. Shirah of LaRue; her two bonus children Timothy (Timo) Mays and fiancée Samantha of Ben Wheeler and Cassidy Mays of Ben Wheeler; her sister Gail Ortega and husband Carl of Arlington; eight grandchildren Marissa Casas and husband Raul, Zack Dunn, Jacob Parrott, Autumn Shirah, Kiera Shirah, Riley Parrott, Woya Mays and Elizabeth Mays; and four great-grandchildren.

John Ely Clay

Services for John Ely Clay, 92 of the Elmwood Community, were held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 in the Bailey & Foster Funeral Chapel in Palestine with Rev. Craig Harris officiating. Burial followed in the Olive Branch Cemetery.  Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mr. Clay passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Round Rock.  He was born Sept. 30, 1929 in Malakoff to Milton Columbus and Della Mae (Dotson) Clay.

He was a Carpenter and Carpenter Union Steward. He enjoyed farming and hunting. He loved to play 42 and raise beagles. John helped establish the Elmwood Volunteer Fire Department and donated the land for it. He served as both a volunteer firefighter and the fire chief. He was active in the Brushy Creek United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Michael Ray Clay; four sisters; and four brothers.

He was survived by his wife Pat Clay; his daughter Glena Rose Skinner; his son Johnny Russell Clay; 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy Rogers Henderson

Dorothy Rogers Henderson, age 101, of Pert, went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 7, 2022. She was born on Jan. 15, 1921, in Pert to Clint and Carrie Lade Rogers.

Dorothy attended Mt. Vernon Elementary School and graduated from Neches High School in 1939. She married Burtis Henderson in 1940, and they lived in Palestine for 35 years where they raised their three sons. They always welcomed kids into their lives, whether they were nieces, nephews or friends of their kids. They moved to the Rogers home place in Pert  after their retirement. They enjoyed their country lifestyle with friends and family, especially grandkids.

Dorothy lost the love of her life, Burtis, in 1991 and lived alone there until 2015, when her sister Mary joined her.

Dorothy loved cooking, quilting and taking care of her yard. She also loved her Lord, her church, Mt. Vernon Methodist Church and her family. Dorothy learned her mothering skills at an early age, after her mother passed away shortly after childbirth. She was 12 years old when she began helping raise her five siblings.  Dorothy was a Mother, Sis, GranGran and Aunt Dot to many people.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Carrie Lade Rogers; her husband Burtis Henderson; brothers Welborn, Prince, Billy Jack and Gene; son Steve Henderson; sister-in-laws Jean Rogers and Geraldine Rogers.

She is survived by sister Mary Rogers of Pert; sister-in law, Lynna Rogers of Killeen; sons Roger Henderson and wife Mary of Tyler, Gary Henderson and wife JoAnn of Sulphur Springs; and daughter-in-law Carolyn Henderson of Cameron; grandsons Rand Henderson and wife Christina of Willis, Jake Henderson and wife Kat of Missoula, Montana, Mitchell Henderson of Collège Station and Seth Henderson; granddaughters Jennifer Owens and husband Allen of Knoxville, Tennessee, Robin Kanetzky and husband Kevin of Pert and Ginger Bartley and husband Clay of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Dorothy is also survived by 15 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her sister Mary Rogers and nieces Kathy Newton and Carrie Button, have been special angels over the years. The family thanks Linda Scott for her friendship and help to Mother in recent times.

A memorial service to celebrate Dorothy Henderson’s life was conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Bailey-Foster Chapel in Palestine with Rev. Jacob Dunn officiating. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. Burial followed at Olive Branch Cemetery in Brushy Creek.

Pallbearers were Rand Henderson, Jake Henderson, Mitchell Henderson, Seth Henderson, Clay Bartley, Kevin Kanetzky and Allen Owens.  Honorary pallbearers were GranGran’s great great grandchildren: Lauren, Zane, Devin, Serge, Justin, Matthew, Lindsey, Ben, Rylie, Jarrett, Luke, Reid, Cooper, Mariah and Aerin.

Don Evans Williams

Don Evans Williams was born Aug. 12, 1947 in Jacksonville to Harry E. and Mary Helen Williams. He passed away March 18, 2022 at the age of 74.

Don grew up in Frankston where he graduated from high school in May 1965. He attended Henderson County Junior College in Athens and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Shelton. He was employed by Alcoa in Palestine as a welder and worked for 25 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in security and maintenance.

Don married Cheryl Peters on May 19, 1988, and their love for each other is a testament to true partnership. They spent many wonderful years of marriage together, building a home in the country that they shared with their children Jennifer, Christy, Greg, and Julie. This home provided an inviting gathering place for recurring family reunions and annual Fourth of July celebrations for his children, cousins, grandchildren, and many friends. Each time his children and grandchildren drove up to the house, he anticipated their arrival and greeted them outside with a welcoming hug.

Don and Cheryl attended Evangelistic Temple and developed close bonds with their small group. In his fashion, Don usually could be counted on to ask a spiritual question that seemed to come out of left field, but was always genuine. He could also be counted on to share Grandpa mints that he kept in his pocket.

Don’s grandfather, uncles, and father ran the Williams and Sons lumber company, and his mother’s brother owned and operated the Ellis Mercantile, both in Frankston. Don spent much of his time surrounded by these strong, skilled, family-oriented men, and he inherited and exuded these same traits. He was the dependable handyman who could fix anything, and he would often amaze his family with his one-of-a-kind gifts of craftsmanship.

Always the true outdoorsman, he spent his days hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and oftentimes looking for adventure or mischief. If he wasn’t at home, he was in a deer stand with a rifle or bow on the Link Ranch, on a boat or a bank with a fishing pole, or perhaps saving a lost dog or hand-feeding a squirrel. He promoted this love of the outdoors with his family, building treehouses, riding through wooded trails with dogs on four-wheelers, and shooting guns and homemade bows that he created in the Caddo style from local Bois d’arc trees.

Don’s loving mother, older sister, grandmothers, and aunts were fundamental to his upbringing. Their strong influence upon him could be seen in his attentiveness to his wife and children. When put in charge of his younger cousins, however, he was frequently the instigator of many exciting antics, sometimes better left secret.

He grew up poor, but rich in family, camping at the Red River and Galveston and spending countless Sunday meals and holidays with them. He was truly blessed to have a spirited older sister, Rose Lynn, who enjoyed keeping him in line and tugging on his ear to go faster on their walks to school. Their close bond endured through the years with Rose passing a few short weeks ago on Jan. 30. Perhaps she is now tugging on his ear in Heaven, showing him around.

Don Williams impacted countless lives. Although his physical presence was powerful, it was his personality and demeanor that left a greater impression. He made sure to make time for each person in his life, touching them in an intentional, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting mark. He was a great dance partner to Cheryl, regularly taking her out dancing with his sister and brother-in-law, and he made sure that anyone without a partner got a spin around the floor. During his time working in the prison system, where the environment can take its toll, he shared his stable nature and kindness with many men, improving their lives for the better. He had a smile like a spark that lit up his whole face.    

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Helen Williams; grandparents, Silas Harrison and Vivian Pearl Williams, and Charles Arthur and Rose Virginia Dabbs Ellis; his sister, Rose Lynn Boling, and son, Greg King.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl Williams of Palestine; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Neal French of Palestine, Julie and Dale Waldon of Palestine, and Christy Hoisington of Elkhart; his grandchildren, Victoria and and her husband Ryan Dunkerson, Randi Bernas, Levi Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Waldon, Bailee French, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, and Silas Waldon; his brother-in-law Darrell Boling of Frankston; his niece Kimberly and and her husband Andy Brazeal, and many special friends and cousins who loved him dearly.

Visitation will take place Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m. at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine with Don’s service to follow at 3 p.m.

His family requests donations to the Central American Outreach Mission at Evangelistic Temple. Don’s ashes, in keeping with his wishes, will be spread at the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains by his daughters.

2 Corinthians 4: 13-18

— More information available from  Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine

Patsy Branom Clay

Services for Patsy Branom Clay, 82, of the Elmwood Community, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022 in the Bailey & Foster Funeral Chapel in Palestine with Rev. Craig Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mrs. Clay passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022 in Round Rock.  She was born Nov. 30, 1939 in Commerce to William Shelby and Leta Loreno (Pennington) Branom.

She studied at Trinity Valley Community College where she obtained her associates degree, class of ‘93.

She worked as an assistant for Officers at Ellington Air Force Base and at Murray Corporation. She later worked her way up the ladder in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Employees where she retired as an HR supervisor for Region 2 in 2003.

She helped start the Elmwood Volunteer Fire Department and served as treasurer for many years and also worked in coordinating many fundraisers raising money for equipment.

She was a serving member of the Brushy Creek United Methodist Church working as worship committee chairwoman and within the Mission Women’s Group of the church, coordinating fundraisers and events to help meet the needs of the community within and outside the church.

She was also known as Granny Flash the extreme picture taker who loved puzzles of all kinds, Astros, the game 42, the color purple, beagles, raccoons, and hummingbirds along with her love of sweets.

She was well known within the community for her cooking ability, especially her desserts, and for this many tastebuds will mourn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, John Clay; and her son Michael Ray Clay; and her sister Doris Lynn Butts.

She is survived by her daughter Glena Rose Skinner; her son Johnny Russell Clay; 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer Gene Birdwell

Elmer Gene Birdwell, also known as “Elmo”, age 70, of Frankston, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Palestine. He was born Sept. 25, 1951, in Jacksonville to A.L. and Christine (Perry) Birdwell.

Elmer married the love of his life on Sept. 8, 1972. Mr. Birdwell was a Rancher, Deacon and member of First Baptist Church in Frankston and retired from Howe-Baker now Chicago-Bridge and Iron as a Pipe Superintendent/ Fabrication.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Jim and Vivian Folmar; aunts and uncles, Harper and Katrina Weesner and Thomas and Naomi Cook; brothers-in-law, Wayne Phillips and Robert Tidmore and nephew, Shannon Phillips.

Left to cherish Elmer’s memory are his loving wife of 49 years, Gail Folmar Birdwell; daughter, Brande Birdwell; daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Joe Wiggins; grandchildren, Lane Scarbrough, Aubrey Scarbrough, Jessica Wiggins, Julie Wiggins; and great-grandson, Hazen Conrad. He is survived by sisters-in-law, Diane Phillips and Linda Tidmore; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and James Tidmore. His cousins are Tommy Dale Cook and wife Lisa, Gena Cook- Stroke and husband Aaron. He is also survived by many special nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and great-great nephews and nieces. He has left behind many special friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 2, 2022, and friends are cordially invited to visit with Elmer Gene’s family from 6 to 8 o’clock in the evening at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

A funeral service is scheduled at 2 o’clock in the afternoon Sunday, April 3, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Frankston. Rev. Scott Wiley and Rev. Gerald Hall will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Pallbearers will be Rusty Phillips, Bryant Tidmore Jr., Michael Tidmore, Tanner Tidmore, Mason Ellis, J.R. Newman, Dustin Bird, Cody Bristow, Marc Scarbrough and Ryan Bizzell.

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