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.)

Charlean Magee

Funeral services for Charlean Magee, 86, of Poynor, were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 at LaPoynor Church of Christ with Steve Handley officiating.

Burial was in Rock Church Cemetery near Cayuga under direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mrs. Magee died Friday, Aug. 27, in a Tyler hospital.

She was born April 6, 1913 in Ellis County, and lived in LaRue since 1953.

Mrs. Magee was a seamstress and owned an upholstery business.

She was a member of Eastern Star and LaPoynor Church of Christ.

Survivors are son, Robert L. Magee, Poynor; daughters, Peggy Smith, Buffalo, Glenda Bednorz, North Zulch, and Rebecca Glenn, Bullard; step-daughter, Florene Mason, Palestine; sister, Loraine Webb, Lufkin; 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Grandsons served as pallbearers.

Maurine H. Thompson

Mass for Maurine H. Thompson, 79, of Frankston, was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept 1 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Mission in Frankston with Father Zacharias Kunnakkattuthara officiating.

Rosary was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, in the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston.

Burial was in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas under direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mrs. Thompson died Sunday, Aug. 29, in Frankston.

She was born Nov. 25, 1919 in Dallas.

She was a designer and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Mission, Frankston.

Survivors include one son, Lynn H. Thompson of Frankston; one daughter, Sue Smith of Frankston; two grandchildren, Tammy Dougan, Sulphur Springs and Jennifer Thompson, Frankston; two great-grandchildren, Katie and Jake Dougan of Sulphur Springs.

Pallbearers were Lymon Morelan, Don Cumm, Jim Hoffman, Sig Johnson, Dennis Skarda and Charles Hoffman.

Velma Henderson

Funeral services for Velma Henderson, 90, of Frankston, were held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Faith Temple Full Gospel Pentecostal Church with Bishop Harold Smith officiating.

Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co., Tyler.

Mrs. Henderson died Saturday, Aug. 28, in a Tyler hospital.

She was born May 10, 1909, in Bullard. She attended schools in Smith County, and was member of Full Gospel Pentecostal Church.

Mrs. Henderson was Most Ancient Matron of Beautiful Zion Court 215 and a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son and granddaughter.

Survivors are daughter, Jessie Fields, Frankston; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Donnell, William Jefferson, Floyd Marshall, Johnnie Hatton, Rev. Don Browning, Lester Dennis and Deon Fields.

Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Fields, Thomas Fields Jr., Curtis Fields, Norris Robertson, Oree Thomas, Lewis Fields and Forrest Fields.

Frances Loflin Todd

Funeral services for Frances Loflin Todd, 84, of Cleburne were held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at Martin's Chapel in Cleburne, with David Berryman officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.

She died Tuesday, Aug. 24 in Cleburne.

She was born May 22, 1915 in Poynor, daughter of William R. and George Alice Ferguson Loflin. She married Bynum B. Todd in Texarkana, Ark. on Jan. 23, 1932.

Mrs. Todd was a sales clerk for Lintz Department Store and was a member of Westside Church of Christ, Cleburne.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bynum B. Todd on June 1980; a grandson; and a granddaughter.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Frances Todd of Frankston; a daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Ronny McBroom of Cleburne, a sister, Eula Mae Spoonts of Garland; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a cousin, Wilma Jo Burgamy, of Poynor; and nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Frank Ferguson, Steve Ferguson, Steve Bullard, Kent Williams, Don Turner and Kent George.

Earl Carlisle

Funeral services for Earl Carlisle, 81, of Frankston, formerly of Kingsville, were held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at First Baptist Church in Frankston with the Rev. Randy Wallace and the Rev. Jerry Towles officiating.

Burial was in Jacksonville City Cemetery.

Mr. Carlisle died Thursday, Aug. 26, at his residence.

He was born July 19, 1918 in Troup. He resided with his sister, Cecile I. Gill in Frankston.

Mr. Carlisle was a retired instrument technician for Exxon. He had 37 years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Frankston and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include sons, Lloyd Carlisle of Weatherford and David Carlisle of Fishersburgh, Ind.; daughter, Linda Kaye Johnson of Falfurrias; sister, Cecile Irene Gill of Frankston; eight grandchildren, Amber Carlisle, Natasha Carlisle, Tabitha Carlisle Skrobarcek, Brandon Carlisle, Carla Clark, Lisa Adams, Dana Crow and Keith Carlisle; six great-grandchildren, Kyle and Kayla Clark, Bryson, Grant, and Kassi Adams, and Shalee Crow.

Pallbearers were family and close friends.

Emma Viola DeGroat

Funeral services for Emma Viola DeGroat, 82, of Frankston, were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Thompson Funeral Home chapel, Frankston, with the Rev. Kevin King officiating.

Mrs. DeGroat died Wednesday, Aug. 25 in a Tyler hospital.

She was born March 5, 1917, in Sioux City, Iowa. She lived in Frankston for the last four years.

Mrs. DeGroat was a retired assembler of salt and pepper mills in Oceanside, Ca. She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Oceanside, Ca.

Survivors include sons, Larry DeGroat, Lumberton, and Richard Lynn, Reddick, Fla.; daughters, Carolyn K. Berry, Heber Springs, Ark., Christina Geller, Frankston, and Cleo Webber, Bullhead City, Ariz.; sisters, Patty Warren and Bedola Gorham, both of Nebraska, Vera Cleveland and Ina Martin, both of Iowa; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Vona Smart

Funeral services for Vona Smart, 75, of Brierwood Bay, Frankston, were held at 12 noon Saturday, Sept. 4 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston, with the Rev. Kevin King officiating.

Burial was in Prairie Grove Cemetery near Mexia under direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mrs. Smart died Thursday, Sept. 2 at her residence.

She was born June 3, 1924 in Dallas.

Mrs. Smart was a retired insurance clerk with Teamsters Union Local 745 in Dallas. She was a member of Frankston United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 5073.

Survivors include her husband, John L. Smart, Brierwood Bay; two sons and daughters-in-law, John L. Jr. and Suzanne Smart and Stan and Teri Smart, all of Garland; two daughters and a son-in-law, Cathey Smart of Trophy Club and Cynthia and Greg Strickland of Rock Springs, Wy.; two sisters, Jane Kessler of Coppell, and Myrtle May Genter of Garland; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were retired Local 745 Teamsters.

Rena Faye Olson

Graveside services for Rena Faye Olson, 87, of Gun Barrel City were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3 at Poynor Cemetery in Poynor with Ken Maddox officiating.

Burial was at Poynor Cemetery under the direction of Tomlinson Funeral Home in Seven Points.

Mrs. Olson died Wednesday, Sept. 1 in Athens.

She was born Nov. 22, 1911, in Hopkins County to William and Annie Bruton. She moved to the Cedar Creek Lake area seven years ago from Killeen. She was a member of the Poynor Church of Christ.

Mrs. Olson was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

She is survived by sisters, Martha Rattan of Gun Barrel City and Stella Mae Robnett of Commerce; sister-in-law, Helen Bruton of Poynor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie E. Kirkpatrick

Funeral services for Bonnie E. Kirkpatrick, 96, of Tyler were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at Lloyd James Funeral Chapel in Tyler with the Rev. Paul Quiggins officiating.

Burial was in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick died Thursday, Sept. 2, in Tyler.

She was born Jan. 19, 1903, in Brownsboro. She had lived in Tyler since 1950, and attended Pleasant Retreat Methodist Church in Tyler. She was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Henry Kirkpatrick, in 1984.

She is survived by sons, Roger E. Kirkpatrick of Mobile, Ala., Alfred H. Kirkpatrick Jr. of Tyler and Tyler K. Kirkpatrick of Houston; daughters, Norma E. Fitts of Rodessa, La., Helen W. Michaels of Irving and Kathleen F. Kyles of Tyler; sister, Vinnie Crossley of LaRue; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were grandsons and family members.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Assn., 3800 Paluxy, Suite 430, Tyler, TX 75703.

Cindy Louise Dingler

Funeral services for Cindy Louise Dingler, 41, of Poynor, were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston with Rev. Jeff Godwin officiating.

Burial was in the Liberty Hill Cemetery under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Frankston.

Born Oct. 18, 1957 in Jacksonville, she died Monday, Sept. 6 in Tyler.

She was a homemaker and a Baptist.

Survivors include mother and step-father, Lynda and Bill Hanna, of Poynor; father and step-mother, Louie and Gerri Dingler of Tyler; one son, Michael Dingler of Poynor; grandmother, Lavada Sweat of Frankston; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Anita Dingler of Frankston and Brian and Chrissy Dingler of Denton; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Jimmy Taylor of Frankston, Kay and Tim Browne of Whitehouse, and Leah Hanna of Poynor; step-brother and wife, Bill and Misty Hanna of Poynor; step-sister, Wendy Hanna of Frankston; a special friend, Sydney Lee III of Jacksonville; nine nephews, eight nieces, one great nephew and three great nieces.

Pallbearers were John Houston, Mike Browne, Jerry Howell, Bill Hanna Jr. Mike Deckert, Chris Horton and David Howell Jr.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Home Place, 4101 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.

L.V. Barnett

LARUE - Funeral services for L.V. Barnett, 80, of LaRue, were held Wednesday, Sept. 15, in the New York Baptist Church with the Rev. Lynnette Soloman and the Rev. Ray Baker officiating.

Burial was in the LaRue Cemetery under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home of Athens.

Mr. Barnett died Monday, Sept 13 in an Athens hospital.

He was born July 12, 1919 in Blue Ridge, Texas to Vernon and Laura Barnett and he had been a resident of LaRue for 27 years.

Mr. Barnett attended a business college in Fort Worth and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a high school graduate from Blue Ridge High School, Collin County.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Barnett.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Lillian Costlow Barnett, LaRue; sons and daughters-in-law, Kyle and Tonya Barnett, Poynor and Larry and Donna Barnett, Longview; brothers, Tony Barnett, Plano and Ruel Barnett, Chandler; four grandchildren, Larry Barnett Jr., Timothy Jaynes, Kyle Barnett II and Kayla Barnett.

Pallbearers included Larry Barnett Jr., Al Mann, Square Walker, Bob Walker, Gary Costlow and Curtis Gauntt.

If desired, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Henderson County Unit, 703 Mulberry, Athens, Texas 75751.

Lynn Cofer

LARUE - Funeral services for Lynn Cofer, 49, of LaRue, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Heritage Building with the Rev. G.L. Haggerty officiating.

Burial was in Bethel Cemetery in LaRue, under direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co., Tyler.

Mr. Cofer died Sunday, Sept. 5, in a Tyler hospital.

He was born March 14, 1950 in LaRue and attended LaPoynor High School.

Mr. Cofer was a lifelong resident of Smith and Henderson counties. He worked in lead maintenance at Tyler Pipe Industries for more than 20 years, and was a Baptist and member of a riding club.

Survivors include his wife, Bettie Stewart Cofer, LaRue; sons, Calvin Cofer and Patrick Cofer, both of Tyler; stepson, Arthur Lee Williams Jr., Tyler; daughters, Ronda Cofer and LaShonda Cofer, both of Tyler, and Aquecin Cofer, Rowlett; step daughters, Juliette Williams, Dallas, Katherine Battee, Cassendra Williams and Sh'Angela Williams, all of Tyler; brother, Dunn Ray Cofer; sisters, Cressie Ann Williams, Tyler, and Aza Lee Street, Dallas; 14 grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Carl Young, Home Earl, Lee Johnson, Terry Phillips, Jessie Duncan, Otis Bagley, Tom Beasley, Roger Ervin, Lynn Sowell, William Sowell, Debra Ray Bagley, Jay Roy Stewart and Chester Vaughn.

Honorary pallbearers were James Stewart, Calvin Cofer, Dunn Ray Cofer, Eugene Stewart, Charles Street, Patrick Cofer, Mack Williams, Bobby Rhinehart, Timothy Ward, Herbert Campbell Reginal Battle, DeArtis Frater and Vertis Bowman

Sara Elizabeth 'Littlebit' Wheeler

Funeral services for Sara Elizabeth 'Littlebit' Wheeler, 21 months, of Frankston were held Friday, Sept. 24, at 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Frankston with the Rev. Randy Wallace and the Rev. J.A. Griffin officiating.

Burial was in Frankston City Cemetery under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Frankston.

Miss Wheeler died Monday, Sept. 20, in a Palestine hospital.

She was born Dec. 8, 1997 in Palestine.

She was preceded in death by a great-grandfather, Buddy Glaze; a great-grandmother, Della Nichols; and a grandfather, John Earl Kitchens.

Survivors are her parents, Johnny and Brenda Wheeler of Frankston; three sisters, Alicia Wheeler, Courtney Wheeler and Kayla Wheeler, all of Frankston; grandparents, Bernice and E.L. Decou of Texas City, and Ilene and John Wheeler of Frankston; and great-grandmother, Mae Glaze of Frankston; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers were Jim Trout, Scott Jones, Ronny Smith, Robert Gillespie, Steve Fisher, John McGuffey, Harry Smith and Carl House.

Jamie 'Smitter' Smith

Funeral services for Jamie "Smitter" Smith, 43, of Frankston were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Poynor Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Godwin, the Rev. Randy Wallace, G.L. Campbell and M. Blaser officiating.

Burial was in Poynor Cemetery under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home of Palestine.

Mr. Smith died Thursday, Sept. 16 in Henderson County.

He was born Aug. 23, 1956 in Palestine, to H.V. Smith and Pat Favor Henry.

Mr. Smith was a truck driver for D&D Trucking and was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kala Leigh Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Tracie Smith of Frankston; his father and stepmother, H.V. and Lena Smith of Palestine; his mother and stepfather, Pat and Glen Henry of Palestine; daughters, Kace Machelle Smith of Frankston and Terran Leigh Smith of Palestine; sons, Eli Daniel Smith and Skyler Free Smith, both of Frankston; sisters, Kathy D. Brandenberger of Melvin, and Hilda Ostby of City Falls, Iowa; and brothers, Darrell Henry of Blackfoot and H.W. "Pete" Smith Jr. of Round Rock.

Pallbearers were Dale Fox, Larry Genes, Mike Allen, Terry Fletcher, Danny Fletcher, Tim Theiland, Bobby Campbell Jr. and Allen Nicholas.

Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Campbell Sr., Lee Green, Troy Hagar, Mike "Yank" Burns, Raymond Fletcher and Jason Miller.

Mrs. Billye Beard

Funeral services for Mrs. Billye Beard, 70, of Frankston were held at 1:30 p.m Saturday, Sept. 25, in Thompson Funeral Home chapel in Frankston with the Rev. Grover Talbert and the Rev. Randy Wallace officiating.

Burial was in Frankston City Cemetery under direction of Thompson Funeral Home.

Mrs. Beard died Thursday, Sept. 23, in a Tyler hospital.

She was born in Frankston on Oct. 6, 1928, and was a homemaker.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Frankston.

Survivors include her husband, T.L. Beard of Frankston; a daughter and son-in-law, Suzetta and David Smith of Frankston; sister, Jenita Johnson of Frankston; granddaughters, Melissa Ward and husband, Lee, of Plano, Nicci Cook and husband, Trent, of Jacksonville; great-granddaughter, Kelsey Ward; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Bo Ousley, Troy House, Thomas Cook, Spencer Beard, Jerry Boles and Jerry Beard.

Bobby L. Campbell Sr.

Funeral services for Bobby L. Campbell Sr., 65, of Frankston, were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at First Baptist Church, Frankston, with the Revs. Randy Wallace and Louie Barron officiating. Gary L. Campbell gave a special praise to his father.

Burial was in Poynor Cemetery, Poynor, under direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mr. Campbell died Thursday, Sept. 23, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 19, 1934 in Frankston to the late Oscar and Myrtis Campbell.

Mr. Campbell was retired from Glass Container Corp., Palestine, and retired owner of Campbell Monuments, Frankston.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Frankston, served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter No. 63.

He was a graduate of LaPoynor High School and attended TSTI in Waco.

Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmy Dan Campbell; a granddaughter, Kala Leigh Smith; and a son-in-law, James "Smitter" Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Billie Chevala Campbell, Frankston; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary L. and Marlene Campbell of Keller, and Bobby L. Jr. and Susan Campbell of Frankston; two daughters, Karen Lynn Osburn and husband, Bob, of Marble Falls and Tracie Gail Smith of Frankston; one brother, Billy G. Campbell and wife, Lou, of Athens; 17 grandchildren: Lori Campbell, Krissi and Terry Mills, Kaci, Eli and Skylar Smith, Jaye Lynn and Tina James, Bobby III, Eric and Daniel Campbell, Josiah, Justin, Stephanie, Samuel, Micah and Gideon Campbell.

Pallbearers were Milton Robison, Johnie M. Robison, Bill Owens, Thomas Ray Pagitt, Tony Tillman and Gene Dickerson.

Honorary pallbearers were former employees of Glass Container Corp., Palestine.

Claude Corder

LARUE — Funeral services for retired M-Sgt. Claude Corder, 84, of LaRue, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at LaPoynor Church of Christ with Steve Handley officiating.

Burial was in Myrtle Springs Cemetery near LaRue under direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens.

Mr. Corder died Monday, Sept. 27 in Tyler.

He was born July 25, 1915, in Henderson County to the late Lewis Amanuel and Claudia Beatrice Lanier Corder.

Mr. Corder served 21 years in the Air Force, retiring in 1961 and later worked for Alford's Refrigerated Warehouse in Dallas as a refrigeration engineer.

He was a member of LaPoynor Church of Christ.

Mr. Corder was preceded in death by a sister, Christene Ford; and a grandson, Michael Simpson.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Estelle Dixon Corder, LaRue; son, Stephen Corder, Oak Point; daughters, Sandra Barnhill, Lubbock and Janice Simpson, Cedar Hill; sisters, Billie Liles, Tyler, and Virginia Stone, Lufkin; and four grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Phillip Brinson, Curtis Gauntt, Hubert Tindel, W.L. Bonds, Joe H. Miller and Ralph Sholars.

Honorary pallbearers were Pratt Lowrance, J.R. Tharpe, Ernest Cook, George Howard, Robert Drew and David Handley.

Memorials may be made to Boles Children's Home, 7065 Love, Quinlan, 75474.

Emily Jane Semar

LARUE - Funeral services for Emily Jane Semar, 16, of LaRue were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Dogwood Baptist Church, with Rev. Phil Greenwalt, officiating.

Burial was in Lone Oak Cemetery, Lone Oak, Texas, under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens.

Miss Semar died Monday, Sept. 27.

She was born April 16, 1983 in Lufkin, daughter of Dale Lee Semar and Julia M. Mahand Semar.

Miss Semar was a resident of LaRue since 1991. She was a junior at LaPoynor High School and a Christian. She was an avid reader, loved sports and was a fan of films.

Survivors include her mother, Julia Semar of LaRue; her father, Dale Semar of Palestine; brothers, Matthew Semar of Austin, Joshua Semar and Joel Semar, both of LaRue; grandmothers, Mary Mahand of Lufkin and Rosalie Semar of Tuleta; uncles, Mark Mahand of Dallas, Cary Semar of Dickinson, Roy Semar of Gladewater, Clyde Semar of Tuleta; aunts, Malinda Bowman of Lufkin, Jenny King of Conroe; and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers were Matthew Semar, Joshua Semar, Joel Semar, Jammie Maze, Joel Adams and Lonnie Mitchell.a

Honorary pallbearers were Della Hurst, Kim Williford, Carolyn Williford, April Miller, Amber Wheat, Junior Class of LaPoynor High School, and her uncles.

If desired memorials may be made to Dogwood Baptist Church, 3105 Valle Vista, Athens, TX 75751.

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