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.)

Murphy Lee Derossett

A funeral service for Murphy Lee Derossett, 63, of Frankston, was held Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at Lakeside Baptist Church in Frankston with Bro. George Folmar officiating.

He was laid to rest at Derossett Family Cemetery.

Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mr. Derossett passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, in Tyler. Murphy was born March 2, 1954, in Dallas.

He was a volunteer with the Berryville Volunteer Fire Department, and he made signs for the Texas State Highway Department.

He was preceded in death by his father, Murphy Derossett; wife, Mary Ann Derossett; brother, Rodger Allis and an uncle, Roy Derossett.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved mother, Evelyn Derossett of Frankston; daughter, Jesseca McDonald and husband Gary; stepson, Tracy Nolen and wife Cindy, all of Frankston. He is also survived by his sisters, Nelda McDonald, Tonya Harrison and husband Cooie and Diane Burgamy, all of Frankston; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Doug Boykin, Tracy Nolen, Jay Boykin, Cooie Harrison, Justin Nolen and Jason Burgamy.

Glenda Sue Lake Kindle

A funeral service for Glenda Sue Lake Kindle, 81, of Mixon,was held Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with Gary Murray offi ciating. She will be laid to rest at Tecula Cemetery.

Mrs. Kindle passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, in Mixon.

Glenda was born Nov. 26, 1936, in Tecula, Texas, to J.D. and Josephine Lake.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Glenda owned and operated Glenda Kindle Insurance and Best Realty in both Frankston and Tyler. She was a member of the Angelina and Neches River Authority Board.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 54 years, Bobby Lee Kindle.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Robert Glenn Kindle of Rusk; daughters and sons-in-law, Lea Anne and Mark Ousley of Tecula, Kristina Kaye and David Dickerson of Frankston.

She is also survived by six grandsons, Bill Whiteley, Andrew Kindle, Mackie Wiggins, Cy Dickerson, Cole Dickerson, Cash Dickerson; and six great-grandchildren.

Grandsons served as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Ray Lake, David Lake, Rick Kindle, Richard Pattillo and Johnny Patrick.

Obituaries for Feb. 8, 2018

Clifton Leonard Brown

Clifton Leonard Brown was born in Jacksboro, Texas on October 15, 1928, to Flossie and Leonard Brown. He passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Palestine Regional Hospital.

Clifton grew up in Carrizo Springs, Texas and after high school joined the US Navy. He served during the Korean War as a diesel mechanic in the noisy hull of an LST. Afterward, he became, and remained an ironworker in Dallas until his retirement in 1988.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Juanita and Deola and his wife Joy Ray Logan Brown. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Parks of Frankston; stepdaughter Cindy Epps and husband Mac of Fairfield; sons Barry Brown and wife Susan of Mabank and Curtis Brown and wife Lisa of Mt. Pleasant; stepson Mack Mandell and wife Cat of San Antonio; grandchildren Travis Parks and wife Jeni, Melissa Parks, Natalie Brown, Nathan Brown and William Brown and numerous great-grandchildren.

Clifton, known as ‘Papa’ to his family, will be remembered for his dead-on sense of humor, his strength in adversity and his will to live. Diagnosed at the age of 60 with Type 1 ‘Brittle’ diabetes, his prognosis was not good. In typical fashion, however, he proved that diagnosis so very wrong, moving to the coast, marrying the love of his live, buying an RV and a bossy Yorkshire Terrier and living another 30 years.

He loved watching the birds that came to his feeder, even crows and vultures. He also loved aggravating his daughters and granddaughters, reading western novels and both the food and the waitresses at 7B restaurant, who spoiled him immeasurably.

Jack Thompson

Jackson ‘Jack’ Thompson, 2, passed away on January 15, 2018, to be with Jesus.

He was a loving, beautiful boy who never met a stranger. Jack was caring and shared everything with everyone. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him in his short life.

Jack is survived by his mother, Kenna Thompson; his grandparents Dave and Kelly Groom of Frankston; aunts Kelsey Thompson and fiancé Jeremy Sonnentag of Anchorage, Alaska and Kristen Groome of Denton; great grandparents Jerry and Mary Hooper of LaRue and Lucy Groom of Franklin, Massachusetts; aunt and uncle JR and Tara Hooper of LaRue; uncle Greg Kehlhem of Frankston and Shanna Hooper of LaRue.

We all love you Jack and are comforted knowing you are in heaven with Jesus. You were the light of our live and always will be. He is going to be missed by so many.

Glenda Sue Sutton

A funeral service for Glenda Sue Bradley Sutton, 82, of Flint, was held Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with Chaplain Connie Ramos officiating.

She was laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Mrs. Sutton passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in Whitehouse.

Glenda was born Feb. 1, 1936, in Hallsville to George and Ivy Bradley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband James H. Sutton and niece Mary Moore.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Russell Dougherty of Santa Anna, Randy Dougherty of Bullard, Frank Dougherty of Flint, daughters

Tammy Magnes of Webster, and Debbie Earley of Marshall. She is also survived by ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Justin Dougherty, Travis Dougherty, Randy Dougherty, Russell Dougherty, Delmar Moore and Frank Dougherty.

Louise Kliebert

A graveside service for Louise Kliebert, 62, of Trinidad formerly of Frankston, is scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at Frankston City Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Ivey officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Kliebert passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Tyler.

Louise was born April 29, 1955, in Franklin Parrish, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Canady; and a sister, Suzie Chenier.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Hilda St. Pierre of Shreveport, Louisiana; sons, Henry Canady and wife Lynn Steller of Trinidad, Charles Kliebert and wife Jennifer of Frankston, Randy Kliebert and wife Samantha Sackett of Frankston. She is also survived by three brothers and one sister, Randy Clevenger and Ronnie Canady, both of Shreveport; David Canady of Flint and Dora Busey of Bayou Blue, Louisiana; 12 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

  Alan K. Johnson

A graveside service for Alan K. Johnson, 61, of Frankston, is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Frankston City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mr. Johnson passed away Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, in Frankston.

Alan was born Feb. 20, 1956, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the late Harold and Jenita Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penelope Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Cherie Johnson of College Station; and son, Zach Johnson and wife Samantha of Frankston.

He is also survived by three grandchildren, Blaine, Wade and Jase.

Donnie Frank Kitchens

A graveside service for Donnie Frank Kitchens, 67, of Frankston, was held Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at Garden Oaks Memorial Park in Berryville. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Donnie was born on Sept. 8, 1950. He spent his younger years in Frankston. His family moved to Houston, where he received his education. He worked as a welder and a carpenter. He died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, John Earl Kitchens and Bernice Kitchens Decou as well as siblings, David Kitchens, Brenda Wheeler and Linda Staggs.

He leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donnie spent the last years of his life in Gardendale Nursing Home in Jacksonville.

Ben Bitz

A funeral service for Ben Bitz, 95, of Frankston, is scheduled at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Frankston.

Bro. George Folmar will officiate.

Mr. Bitz will be laid to rest at Garden Oaks Memorial Park in Berryville.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mr. Bitz passed away Sunday night, Feb. 18, 2018, in Wichita Falls, a few hours from his 96th birthday.

He was born Feb. 19, 1922, in Bessie, OK to Manuel and Katie (Schaffner) Bitz and grew up in Petrolia and Dean, Texas.

Ben was a member of the United States Armed Forces, proudly serving his country in the United States Army, Second Division. He served as a gunner’s mate during the Normandy invasion and was wounded near Brest, France.

After recovering, he chose not to go home but to continue serving; he was assigned as the chauffeur for a high-ranking Army Chaplin, and was in Potsdam, Germany, for the signing of the Treaty.

For his service in the Army, Ben was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal and EAME Campaign with 4 Bronze Stars and 4 overseas bars. He served as a municipal judge for Berryville, Texas; president of the Petrolia ISD school board; and deacon with the Dean Baptist and Frankston Baptist Churches. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, coach, teacher and friend. Many will remember his smile, generosity and kind words. He loved sharing his stories, wisdom and advice.

In 1980 Ben and Bettye, retired and relocated from Dean to Berryville where they quickly became involved in their church and community. They generously supported youth education and many youth activities.

Mr. Bitz was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bettye S. Bitz; brothers, Victor A. Bitz and Jimmy G. Bitz.

Left to cherish his memory are sons, Stephen L. Bitz and wife June of Wichita Falls, Kenneth W. Bitz and wife Sherry of LaRue; daughter, Becky Shrode and husband Jim of Dallas; brothers, Edwin J. Bitz and wife Shirley of Wichita Falls, Joe E. Bitz and wife Sandra of Hurst; and sister-in-law, Rita Bitz of Georgetown. He is also survived by four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews and many

close friends.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are G.V. Ousley, Charles Garner, Tommy Johns, Franchat Thomas, Roy Starr and David Coker.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, February 22, 2018, and friends are cordially invited to visit with Ben’s family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Alma Faye Brown

On February 10, 2018, Alma Faye Brown, age 87, of Frankston, passed away in Jacksonville.

Faye was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to Horace and Lavada (Worthy) Cox.

Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Brown; daughter, Charlene Walker; son, Bruce Brown; and three brothers.

Left to cherish Faye’s memory are her grandsons, Shane Crumpton and wife Kim, and Ryan Crumpton and wife Jennifer; and three great-grandchildren, Bridgette, Cory, and Jackson.

She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Floyd and Vickie Cox, James and Beverly Cox, Buddy and Olivia Cox, Billy and Brenda Cox, Reece and Karen Cox, and Brenda Jammer, Nelda Faye Walter and Patsy North; numerous great-nieces and nephews and second cousin Becky Crump.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to the National Association for Down Syndrome, Wounded Warrior Project, and the National Right to Life Committee.

Ruby Nell Drake

Ruby Nell Drake passed into the arms of Our Lord on Feb. 8, 2018, in Langley, WA, where she had been living for the past five years.

Ruby was born to her parents, Robert Louis Boles and Dealva Champion Boles, in Tatum, Texas, on May 6, 1944.

She spent the majority of her life in Lufkin, Texas, where she married and raised her family.

Ruby loved spending time with her family and friends and especially enjoyed planning celebrations and family gatherings.

She was very creative and enjoyed oil painting and displaying her work with family. She always had a welcoming smile and generous hugs, and a strong faith which she shared with everyone.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, and husbands Jimmy L. Drake of Lufkin and Kendall A. Skinner of Florida.

She is survived by her two sons, Jaime L. Drake and wife Brittany, of Austin, and Kendall A. Skinner II, of Langley, WA; her brother, Rondal (Ronnie) Boles and wife, Maureen, of Lebanon, OR; her sisters, Robbie Jean Melim and husband, Roy, of Lufkin, and Donna Fisher of Lufkin; nephews Roy Melim and his wife, Karen, and daughters Paige and Natalie; Steven Melim and his wife Tracy, and sons Aiden, Reece and Seth; Robert Melim and his wife Crystal, and daughters Ava and Kennedy; Jeff Boles and his wife Debra, and children, Taylor, Robert and great-grandson Hudson; Jason Jones and daughters Jana and Micheala; nieces, Traci Pruitt and children Victoria and Alex; and Jennifer Boles and children, Garett, Kirsten and Ethan. She will be missed deeply by all those who knew her and loved her.

No services are planned at this time.

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