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.)

Raul Nava

A mass of Christian burial for Raul Nava, 63, of Frankston, was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Frankston.

Father Gary Rotman officiated.

Mr. Nava was laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Mr. Nava passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Tyler.

He was born March 3, 1954, in Yurira, Guanajuato, Mexico to Fidel Nava and Maria Zavala Vieira Ramos.

Mr. Nava was a processing employee for Sanderson’s Farms in the poultry industry.

For many years, he worked as a dairyman in numerous dairies across the state.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Manuel Nava and a sister, Maria DeJesus.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Paula Nava of Frankston; sons, Jose Nava and wife Marisela, Basilio Nava, Raul Nava, Jr. and Raquel, all of Frankston, and Edwardo Nava and wife Clarissa of Lufkin; daughters, Cecilia Nava and husband Brad of Austin, Yamez Nava and husband Paul Christopher of Huntington, and Guadalupe Nava of Frankston; brothers, Estaban Nava, Fidel Nava, Jose Nava; and sisters, Maria Nava, Guadalupe Nava, Elena Nava, and Isidra Nava. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zoe, Delila, Christian, Scarlett, Tristian, Ethan, Zayda, Devan, Joseph, Alayna, David, and Maranda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Cronin Fairbank Cain

Mary Cronin Fairbank Cain, 71, long-time resident of Frankston and most recently of Kerrville, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Jan. 5, 2018, after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Mary passed at the Sugar Land Methodist Hospital in the presence of her loving family.

Born on Jan. 31, 1946, in Ft. Stockton, Texas, to Virginia Lea McKenzie and Arnold Northup Fairbank, Mary’s time spent on the family ranch in Ft. Stockton and Bakersfield were some of her fondest memories.

Her grandmother, Mary Lea McKenzie’s work ethic, business mind and guiding love were a source of lifelong inspiration for Mary.

So much so, she named her three children after her grandmother.

Mary graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler and Tyler Junior College where she was an Apache Belle.

She retired from the Texas Public Education System after working at Frankston ISD and Jacksonville ISD. Mary was a founding leader for the Frontier 4-H Club and spent many years guiding youth through the Henderson County 4-H program.

She was active in her church and most recently served as a weekly mentor to elementary school students at Ingram Elementary School.

She loved to read and cook for her grandchildren. Anyone who spent a few minutes with Mary knew that her self-proclaimed “greatest asset” was her family. She instilled a belief system and self-confidence in her children through unwavering love and support.

She believed her children could accomplish anything and she created a close-knit family with many grandchildren who are now reaping the rewards of this inspirational love.

In 1967, Mary married Victor Cain.

They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. They had three children, Kyle McKenzie, Mary Kathleen and Jennifer Lea.

They spent most of their life raising their children in Frankston. Most recently, Victor and Mary moved to Kerrville, Texas.

Mary is survived by her husband, Victor Cain of Kerrville; son Kyle Cain and wife Stacey, grandson Tyler McKenzie, granddaughters Alexa Madyson and Janssen Elyse of Needville, Texas; daughter Kathleen Mires and husband Chris, grandsons Weston Aubrey, Wyatt Owen, Cooper Jackson and granddaughter Kennedy McKenzie of Needville, Texas; and daughter Jennifer Hyde and husband Trevor, grandsons Treves McKenzie and Talan Fairbank of Kerrville; brother Robert (Mike) Fairbank; brother Gregg Fairbank and wife Donna; sister Becky Griffith and husband Johnny; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Fairbank and step-mother Rosemarie Fairbank; Virginia McKenzie Chapman and step-father Bill Chapman and her beloved grandchildren Aubrey Clayton and McKenzie Christina Mires.

There will be a memorial service to honor the life of Mary at Frankston United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.

The family will receive guests in the Family Life Center after the service.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at East Hill Cemetery in Ft. Stockton, Texas.

The family asks that you give your time and support to a local organization that supports the development of young people.

Marvin Dunklin

A funeral service for Marvin Dunklin, 58, of Frankston was held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Frankston. The Rev. Scott Wiley officiated.

Dunklin was laid to rest at Poynor Cemetery. Services were under direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mr. Dunklin passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, in Tyler.

He was born June 15, 1959, in Jacksonville to Kenneth and Lillian (Martin) Dunklin.

Marvin was a Baptist and was employed as a maintenance supervisor for an apartment complex. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Marvin was a pitch counter for Little League Baseball, enjoyed playing games with friends and family, and was a former ranch hand at Neches River Ranch.

Marvin was employed by Bacon Auto in Frankston.

Mr. Dunklin was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Dunklin; and grandparents, Reed and Lucille Martin and Hillie and Lillie Dunklin.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Lillian Dunklin, and a sister, Debbie Dunklin both of Frankston, and numerous cousins and friends.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Britt Bacon, Bryson Bacon, Jonathan Dingler, Brandon Crawley, Dylan Hokit, Doyle Nelle, Bill Cole and John Hendrix.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to William Foster Masonic Lodge No. 312 AF & AM of Frankston, P.O. Box 312, Frankston, TX 75763.

Kenneth Eugene Daily

Kenneth Eugene Daily was born Oct. 22, 1929, to Raymond and Jessie Daily in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at the Hospice of East Texas facility.

Ken graduated from Ponca City High in 1947.

He went on to marry his wife of 66 years, Wanda Ross, also of Ponca City, in 1951.

He served 2 years in the US Army and 2 years in the US Naval Reserve.

He went on to attend college at OSU on the GI bill. He started his long 40-year financial career with Beneficial Finance in Ponca City, OK and finally ending up in Dallas.

In his spare time, he enjoyed bird hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He enjoyed going offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and fresh water fishing in the White River and local lakes.

After retirement in 1992, he and Wanda enjoyed their weekend home on Lake Palestine, until they built their ranch home in Frankston to raise Brangus cattle.

Ken was so fortunate to have a long-time career and then retire and go back to his roots and raise cattle.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda, his two children Matt Daily his wife Lori, and children Alexis Marie and Luke Hansen, daughter Lisa Marie Phillips, her daughter Mikayla Marie, boyfriend John Voerding and his daughters Stephanie and Elizabeth.

He was a member of United Methodist Church and services will be held at the church on Monday, Jan. 15, 2017, at 1 pm, followed by a light meal serviced by the members of the church.

We would like to thank the employees of the East Texas Hospice who have been incredibly kind and caring. We sincerely appreciate the kindness and care that you have given to the family in this trying time.

The family would like to request that donations be made to: East Texas Hospice, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler or The United Methodist of Frankston.

Novalene Beard Burris

Novalene Beard Burris went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 93.

Funeral services and burial were held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas.

She was born Dec. 15, 1924, in Frankston, to Alex Thurman Beard and Winnie Mae Welch Beard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters: T.L. Beard, Troy E. (Pete) Beard, Doyle (Doodle) Beard, Billy Jack (Blue) Beard, Betty Reese, Mary Randall and Gladys Overton and husbands: Andrew B. Couch Jr. and Homer F. Burris.

She is survived by her daughters Connie Couch and Kitty McComas and husband Ed; stepson Denny Burris and wife Nancy; stepdaughter Carole Russell; grandchildren Carrie McComas, Todd McComas, Jimmy Russell, Ronnie Russell, Terry Russell, Kirk Burris, Kristi Courtney, Keith Burris, and a host of great and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Robin Thad Miller

Services for Robin Thad Miller, 51, of Frankston will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Lakeside Baptist Church in Frankston.

Brother George Folmar will officiate.

Miller passed away on Friday, Jan. 12, in Tyler.

He was born May 2, 1966, in Athens.

Miller was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years Suzanne Adams Miller of Frankston; his parents David P. and Patty Miller of LaRue; son Jake Miller of Frankston; daughter Krissey Miller of Berryville; three brothers Mitchelle and Lyn Miller of LaRue, Joe Miller of LaRue and Steven and Tina of Poynor. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many good friends.

Frances Balentine

Services for Frances Balentine, 95, of Frankston were held Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at Balentine Family Cemetery with Bro. Mike Fraley officiating.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

Mrs. Balentine passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at Cartmell Home for Aged.

She was born April 19, 1922, in Commerce, Texas, to John Thomas Roberts and Lula Pearl Hilliard Roberts.

Mrs. Balentine was a homemaker and a member of The United Methodist Church, Frankston.

Mrs. Balentine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard E. Balentine; a daughter Sandra Baxter; sons, Mike Smith and Tommy Smith; two sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Mascorro and husband Steve of Frankston; nine grandchildren, Bree, Shannon, Jeffery, Robert, Mitzi, Bubba, Tomi Deann, David and Chris; 18 great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren; a sonin- law Allan Baxter of Jacksonville and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the staff at Cartmell Home for Aged and to Heart to HeartHospice for the loving care and compassion shown to our loved one.

Donations may be made to a charity of choice.

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com

Bobbie Inez Smith

Bobbie Inez Smith passed away Jan. 10, at the age of 91.

She was born June 23, 1926, to Robert and Martha Walker of Frankston. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 13 at Frankston Assembly of God.

The Reverend Michael Townsend and Reverend J. A. Griffin officiated.

Bobbie had many friends, and they were influenced by her strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As a loving and devoted wife and mother, she raised six children.

Very meek, Bobbie consistently lived her life for others. She taught Sunday School throughout her life at Frankston Assembly of God.

She tenderly cared for nursing home patients at Frankston Nursing Center and was a teacher’s assistant for a period of time.

All who knew her were blessed by her touch and words of wisdom. She loved painting, music, reading, gardening, and canning-- often breaking out in song as she worked.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack Edward Smith; and son, Jack Edward Smith, Jr.; her sister, Lola Saxon; and brothers, Reagan Walker and Rayford Walker.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Bell of Frankston; one son, Reggie Smith and wife, Luan of Bullard; three daughters, Gloria Barnes and husband, Billy of Frankston, Rebecca Brown and husband, David of Frankston; Dr. Donna Townsend and husband, the Rev. Michael of Jacksonville; and Martha Lange and husband, Robert (Bobby) of Frankston.

Bobbie is survived by nine grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Britt Bacon, Bryson Bacon, Ryan Barnes, Rhett Lange, Cameron Townsend and Kendall Voyles.

Willard Galloway

A funeral service for Willard Galloway, 88, of Frankston, was held Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. Dale Jamerson officiating.

He was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton, Okla.

Mr. Galloway passed away Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in Tyler.

Willard was born Sept. 1, 1929, in Brownsville, Texas, to Bryan and Edith Galloway.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Donald Ray Galloway and daughters, Kathy and Paulette Galloway.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Betty Galloway of Frankston; sons, Bryan Galloway and wife Peggy of Greenville and Clyde Galloway and wife Laura of Lubbock. He is also survived by a sister, Jean Young of California; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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