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.)

Dr. Grady R. Ellis

Funeral services for Dr. Grady R. Ellis, 52, of Jacksonville were held on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville with Rev. G.C. Folmar and Rev. Eddie Hilburn officiating.

Burial will be in Still Waters Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

Dr. Ellis died on Aug. 31 in Jacksonville.

He was born on Sept. 9, 1951 in Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Frankston High School, Henderson County Junior College and Texas A&M. Dr. Ellis owned and operated Jacksonville Animal Hospital and Bullard Veterinary Medical Center.

Dr. Ellis was a member of the American Veterinary Assn., Texas Veterinary Assn, American Assn. of Bovine Practitioners, International Braford Assn., American Quarter Horse Assn., President of Three Rivers Veterinary Assn., President of Texas A&M Veterinary Class of 1975, member of the Cherokee County Hay Show Committee, President of the HCJC Student Body of 1972, President of Lake Eastex Investment Group, and a 20-year member of the Best Little Supper Club in Texas. Dr. Ellis was an avid supporter of youth activities in this area.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ellis of Jacksonville; a son and daughter-in-law, John Marshall and Brandy D. Ellis of Jacksonville; a daughter, Alicia Ellis of Chandler; parents, Marshall and Johnnie Lou Ellis of Frankston; father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Mary Ann Dickerson of Frankston; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Linda Ellis of Frankston; a sister and brother-in-law, Jennie and John Sheehan of Frankston; one granddaughter, Taylor Elizabeth Ellis of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Bryan Norvall, Justin Matejka, Dominick Bruno, Robert Caveness, Mike Stanley, Michael Joe Parsley, Elmer Gene Birdwell and Mike Bird.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Texas A&M Veterinary Class of 1975.

Donations may be made to the Dr. Grady R. Ellis Memorial Scholarship Fund at Austin Bank, 200 East Commerce, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

Evelyn 'Bunch' Naron

Funeral services for Evelyn “Bunch” Naron, 98, of Frankston were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with Rev. J.A. Griffin officiating.

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

Mrs. Naron died Sunday, Aug. 29, in a Frankston nursing home.

She was born Sept. 5, 1905 in Poynor and attended Liberty Hill School. Mrs. Naron was a Methodist. She traveled to the “Valley” for 30 years to pack tomatoes during peak season. She worked for 20 years at the Frankston Pharmacy as a clerk, making her special fountain drinks. Mrs. Naron was a 30-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 5073 in Frankston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David Ather Evans and Dora Ellen Price Evans; her husband of 57 years, Jim Buck Naron; three brothers, Giant, Snub and Jack Evans; and one sister, Corine Evans Fisher.

Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Minnie Lou Evans Scott and James Melvin Scott of Frankston; nephews, James H. Scott of Hurst, David Evans of Salado, Edward Evans of Fort Worth and Jerry Houston of Chandler; nieces, Melva Jean Fisher Mitchell of Slidell, La., Eunice Irene Evans Benson and June Evans Daily, both of Fort Worth, Lynda Evans Taylor of Salado; great and great-great nieces and nephews, including Jim and Georgi Scott of Frankston; sisters-in-law, Eva Jewel Cobb Evans of Salado and Alma Powell Evans of Frankston.

Pallbearers were James H. Scott, James H. Scott Jr., David Evans, Jerry Houston, Herbert Riley and James Gouger.

Juanelda Gouger Quick

Graveside services for Juanelda Gouger Quick, 80, of Palestine were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Frankston City Cemetery with Pastor Jay Abernathy officiating. Services were under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mrs. Quick died Monday, Aug. 23 at her residence.

She was born Sept. 12, 1923 in Frankston and was a homemaker. Mrs. Quick was a member of First Baptist Church in Palestine and a member of Eastern Star for 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester A. Quick.

Survivors include sons, Gerald Quick and Jerry Quick, both of Palestine; a brother-in-law, Pete Westbrook of Frankston; a sister, Mary Coker of Frankston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kirby B. ‘KB’ Smith

Funeral services for Kirby B. “KB” Smith of Frankston, formerly of Dallas, were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at First Baptist Church of Frankston.

Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston with Brother Eddie Hilburn and Brother Bob Whitten officiating.

He died at his farm shortly after midnight on the morning of Sept. 6.

He was born on Jan. 23, 1927 in the Goff Community in Delta County to the late Kirby and Minnie Smith. He was the youngest of five children. He moved to Dallas in 1945, where he ultimately worked for Dallas Transit as a bus driver for 38 years. After their retirement, he and Mrs. Smith moved to their farm in Frankston.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Mrs. Ferrellea Smith; his son, Kirby Smith and wife Sandi; his sister Velma Hollon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Arthur James Waldrum

Graveside services for Arthur James Waldrum, 55, of Kansas City, Kan., formerly of Frankston, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1l, at the Wofford Cemetery in Frankston, with Rev. George Folmar officiating.

Services were under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mr. Waldrum died Saturday, Sept. 4 in Salida, Colo.

He was born July 30, 1949 in Sulphur, La. Mr. Waldrum was a truck driver.

He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Waldrum; aunt, Rachel Lindsey; and cousin, Betty Eggen.

He is survived by his step mother, Laura Waldrum of Baytown; aunts, Ruth Cowger and Helen Jo Guillott; uncles, Everett Waldrum and wife Ruby of Frankston, John Waldrum and wife Joan of Pearsall.

Several cousins also survive, including Gene Hawkins and wife Helen Jean, Elizabeth Benjamin and husband Duane, Sharon Cowger, Sheila Green and Lee Green, all of Frankston.

Memorials may be made to the Wofford Cemetery Foundation, P.O. Box 64, Frankston, TX 75763.

Brient Lookabaugh

ATHENS — Funeral services for Brient Lookabaugh, 89, of Athens were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Eastern Hills Church of Christ with Lavelle Layfield and David Mahan officiating.

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

Mr. Lookabaugh died Sunday, Sept. 12, at his residence.

He was born Nov. 21, 1914 in Neches to the late Peter Raymond and Gladys Maud Brient Lookabaugh. Mr. Lookabaugh served in the Army Air Corps during World War II at Normandy. He lived in Athens for 68 years, owned and operated O.K. Auto Parts and Repair Service for 20 years, then worked for Pool Brothers Construction for 20 years, and was also a farmer and stockman. Mr. Lookabaugh was a member of Eastern Hills Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon and an elder.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Bell.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Vera Wood Lookabaugh of Athens; sons and daughters in law, Kenneth and Judy Lookabaugh, and Homer and Pat Lookabaugh, all of LaRue; daughters and sons in law, LaDona and Dennis Hensley of Forney, Mary Sargent of Irving, Lana Anderson of Pittsboro, N.C., Teri and George Garvey of Frankston; a brother, John “Bo” Lookabaugh of Frankston; sisters, Ruth Rawlings of Lampasas, Louise Brown of Frankston, and Jane Dimambro of Flint; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Ruby Overton

Funeral services for Ruby J. Overton, 97, of Justin, formerly of Frankston, were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at Thompson Funeral Home chapel in Frankston with the Rev. J.A. Griffin officiating.

Burial was in the Cedar Hill Cemetery of Rusk.

Mrs. Overton died Friday, Sept. 10, in a Justin (Denton County) nursing home.

She was born Feb. 2, 1907 in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Overton was a homemaker and a Baptist.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Overton.

Survivors include a son and daughter in law, Bill and Gladys Overton of Bullard; one grandson and spouse and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Kenneth Dunklin, John Houston, Marcellus Parrish, Luther McPherson, Steve Beard and Spencer Beard.

Helen Weeks

Funeral services for Helen Weeks, 90, of Frankston were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, in the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with John Thompson and Harry “Butch” Jones officiating.

Burial was held at a Lone Oak Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Weeks died Thursday, Sept. 14 in a Jacksonville hospital.

She was born March 26, 1914 in Fort Worth and was a retired self employed beautician.

Mrs. Weeks was preceded in death by her husband, T.F. “Tinker” Weeks.

Survivors include daughters, Helen “Babe” Kalar of Duncanville, and Jean Johnson of Frankston; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were David Sivils, Chad Jones, Donny Chase, Josh Owens, Ken Richter and Tim McMeans.

Fred Etter

Memorial services for Fred Etter, 69, of Frankston were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 22, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with Pastor Elwood Stetson officiating.

Mr. Etter died Friday, Sept. 17.

He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the USDA after 25 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Etter of Frankston; sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Melanie Etter of Thrall, Jered and Karen Brown of Apex, N. C.; daughters, Caroline Estes of Austin and Crista Harrison and husband Michael of Flint; and grandchildren, Lauren Harrison and David Harrison of Flint.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, Corgis and Critters and Texas Wildlife Conservation.

John R. (Buster) Hicks

Funeral services for John R. (Buster) Hicks, 80, of Frankston were held Thursday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.

Burial was in Poynor Community Cemetery.

Mr. Hicks died Sunday Sept. 26.

He was born Feb. 19, 1924 in Sanger. His major occupation was farming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Clettis Hicks; a brother, Wilson Hicks; a nephew, John Frank Hicks.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Martha McLane Hicks of Frankston; a daughter, Cindy Lee Clark of Euless; a son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Sam, Brenda and Katy Hicks of Frankston; a sister and her husband, Anne and Bill Ennis of Denton; a brother and his wife, Bill and Kay Hicks of Corsicana; a brother, Charles Hicks of Justin.

Other family members include June and Travis Brown, Dorris and Sambo Houston, Mary Phillips, and Jimmie and Joyce McLane, all of Frankston; Jackie and PeeWee Forester of LaRue, and Morris and Emma McLane of Vidor; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers were Travis Brown, James Brown, Seth Brown, Billy Joe Edwards, Dan Hunter, Johnny Hardman, Jesse Smith and Jerry Boles.

Evelyn Lorraine Newell Whitehurst

Funeral services for Evelyn Lorraine Newell Whitehurst, 79, of Brushy Creek were held at the United Methodist Church of Frankston at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1 with Rev. Doug Howell and Rev. Kevin King officiating.

Burial followed in Olive Branch Cemetery at Brushy Creek. Arrangements were under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mrs. Whitehurst died Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.

She was born Sept. 10, 1925 in Crawford, Okla. Mrs. Whitehurst was a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Home Economics. She went on to be a Home Demonstration Agent for Texas Power and Light in Terrell. It was there that she met and soon married Harry Weldon Whitehurst on Aug. 27, 1950.

They moved to Brushy Creek in 1953. She became a Home Economics instructor at LaPoynor, where she taught for several years. She and her husband were in the dairy business for more than 22 years.

After retiring, the Whitehursts continued to be active in cattle production. Mrs. Whitehurst was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Frankston. There she served as church secretary, member of the Board of Trustees, president of the UMW, and member of the weekly quilters group.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, earlier this year.

Mrs. Whitehurst is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Diane Whitehurst of Frankston, Bill and Kathie Whitehurst of Tyler; her daughter, Becky McDonald of Benbrook; and eight grandsons.

Pallbearers were her eight grandsons, Travis Whitehurst, James McDonald, Preston Whitehurst, Matthew McDonald, Jacob Whitehurst, Benjamin Whitehurst, Zachary McDonald and Caleb Whitehurst.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the United Methodist Women.

The family suggested that donations be made in the name of Evelyn Whitehurst to the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

Tracy ‘Dinky’ McKenzie

Funeral services for Tracy “Dinky” McKenzie, 30, of Frankston were to be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Frankston High School Auditorium with Rev. Ray Baker officiating.

Burial was to be in Pine Springs Cemetery, Frankston under direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co. of Tyler.

Mr. McKenzie died Friday, Sept. 24, in a Tyler Hospital.

He was born Oct. 28, 1973 in Anderson County and attended Frankston High School.

Mr. McKenzie was a lifetime resident of Anderson County and a member of Pine Springs Baptist Church. He was an automotive detailer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and uncle and a niece.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel McKenzie of Frankston; one son, Demtric McKenzie of Jacksonville; two daughters, Justice McKenzie of Jacksonville and Alyssa McKenzie of Frankston; four brothers, Johnny Miller of Houston, Samuel McKenzie Jr. of LaRue, Rodney McKenzie and Ronald McKenzie, both of Frankston; five sisters, Ethel McKenzie Washington of Fort Worth, Angela McKenzie, Natalie McKenzie and Lisa McKenzie Traylor, all of Frankston, and Diane McKenzie of LaRue.

Pallbearers were to be Stacy Whitehead, James Daniel, Stacy Townsend, Donald Campbell, Richard VanZandt, Alfonzo Lang and Ray Guthrie.

Honorary pallbearers were to be Ronald McKenzie, Rodney McKenzie, Samuel McKenzie Jr., Johnny Miller, Kennedy Traylor Jr., Derrick Claxton and Marshall Guthrie.

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