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.)

Katherine Squyres Williams

Services for Katherine Squyres Williams were held Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Bailey & Foster Chapel with the Rev. Scott Wylie officiating.

Burial followed in Roselawn Park.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey & Foster.

Mrs. Williams passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Palestine Regional Medical Center.

She was born April 7, 1934, in Buffalo, Texas, to Charlie and Alma Bain Squyres.

Mrs. Williams was a co-owner of Williams Tile & Marble.

She loved to make homemade fried pies and pies which she shared with everyone.

She loved her family, the railroad, politics and enjoyed volunteering for the Texas State Railroad, Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Guild, and Hwy. 84 East Volunteer Fire Department.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Joe Maxwell, Sr, and her second husband Franklin D. Williams, great grandchild Shawn Underhill and a brother Charlie Allen Squyres.

She is survived by her children Joey and Ann Maxwell of Frankston, Debbie Maxwell Teat and Floyd Teat of Waco, Kelly and Cheryl Maxwell of Frankston, Donnie and Kay Maxwell of Bowie and Vicki White and James Westley of Palestine, eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and special friend Louis Webb.

Pallbearers were Dustin Maxwell, Clark Bridges, Mark Savarino, Jeremy Wansley, James Westley, David Dotson and Neal Shah.

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

Clarence Gerald Barrens

Clarence Gerald Barrens was born to Grady Edward Barrens and Velma Rosalie Jackson Barrens in Nacogdoches, Texas, on Sept. 14, 1929.

He received his early Christian education at Zion Hill Baptist Church.

As a young child he moved with his family to Tulsa, Okla., and ultimately graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

Colonel Barrens graduated from Prairie View A & M University, on May 26, 1951.

Having completed the Advanced Army ROTC Program, he was concurrently commissioned a Second Lieutenant Infantry in the United States Army Reserves.

On Dec. 23, 1951, he married Jenelle Ann Ewell of Frankston, Texas.

During the Korean conflict, Colonel Barrens served with the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, followed by a long tour in Stuttgart, Germany.

He served in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) during the Vietnam War.

Other notable assignments include those of associate professor of military science at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri; chief, Force Structure Branch, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.; Commander 3rd Battalion, 3rd Basic Combat Training Brigade and Executive Officer and Commander, 2nd BCT Brigade, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; Member Suitability Evaluation Board, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.; Commander, 5th Advanced Individual Training Brigade, Fort Dix, New Jersey; Commander, New York Area Command and Ft. Hamilton, New York, New York; and Commander, Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C.

Colonel Barrens, subsequent to earning his baccalaureate degree, earned the master of education degree from Lincoln University, during his tour as associate professor of military science at Lincoln University.

He is also a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Ft. Benning, Georgia; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Clarence and Jenelle were active members in their local churches during their many duty assignments.

They were the first African American members of First Baptist in Hart, Michigan, where their only child, Angela, was born.

Subsequent churches were Ninth Street Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In 1981 they joined Fort Washington Baptist Church.

During their time at Fort Washington Baptist Church, Clarence was involved in many church activities, ultimately serving as Chairman of the Diaconate and Trustee Boards.

Colonel Barrens is survived by his loving wife Jenelle Ann Ewell Barrens. They were happily married for more than 65 years; his beloved daughter Dr. Angela Renee Barrens-Alexander; his beloved granddaughter, Marjorie Rose Alexander; nieces Alethea Barrens Hamilton, Janet Barrens Daniels, Sharon Ewell Foster and Allison Barrens; nephews Grady E. Barrens III, Valcris Ewell III, Melvin Gerald Barrens, Newton Ewell, Ernest Barrens, Alan Barrens, Anthony Barrens, Elliot Barrens, Robert Barrens, Rodney Barrens, and Jason Barrens.

Elaine ‘Laney’ McMillan

Laney passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

She was born in Jacksonville, Texas, on Jan. 31, 1947, to Roy and Nixie McMillan.

Her hobbies were cooking, sharing her recipes and decorating.

She graduated from Robert E. Lee and Tyler Junior College.

Miss McMillan spent her career in telecommunications. While working for AT&T, she received many awards for outstanding achievements and was the top salesperson there for many years before retiring in 2011 due to poor health.

Laney was preceded in death by her father, Roy McMillan and her nephew, Rob McMahan.

Survivors include her mother Nixie McMillan of Flint; brother Robert McMillan of Holly Lake Ranch; sister Dana Barlow of Flint. Other family members include her nephews Zach McMahan of Flint; Alex McMillan and his wife Kate of Spring Branch; Christopher McMillan of Holly Lake Ranch; nieces Laura Rogers and husband Billy of Frankston and Kelsey McMillan of Holly Lake Ranch; and great niece Madison Rogers of Frankston who was the shining star in her life. She leaves behind special uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

Special thanks go out to Beverly Lott for the wonderful care she gave Laney and her family and to Heart to Heart Hospice for all of their help and support.

A graveside service was held Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Andy Gauntt, Jamie Gauntt, Zach McMahan, Alex McMillan, Christopher McMillan and Billy Rogers.

“God made sisters to shine his love in our lives in a special way. Laney is loved and will be missed.”

George F. Simmons, Sr.

Services for George F. Simmons, Sr., 93, of Palestine were held Sunday, June 11, 2017, at First Baptist Church, Neches with Bro. David Dixon and Bro. Kevin Lynn Simmons officiating.

Burial followed in Neches Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey & Foster.

Mr. Simmons passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017, at his residence.

He was born June 9, 1923, in Pert, Texas, to Robert Simmons and Ruth Fletcher Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was retired and worked for the Texas Highway Department in maintenance.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Neches.

He was an outdoorsman and loved cutting timber.

Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Freida Bell Simmons.

He is survived by his daughter Janie Grimes and husband Bill of Hondo; sons, Bob Simmons and wife Patricia and George Simmons, Jr. and wife Louella all of Neches; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

Pallbearers were Marco Velasquez, Chase Johnson, Mark Johnson, Stephen Drinkard, Byron Smith, and Rodney Furnish. Honorary pallbearers were Scott Furnish, Van Brown and his group of domino players.

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

Jerrie Ann Walters Conrad

Jerrie Ann Walters Conrad, 70, passed from this life to her eternity with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at her residence in Bradford, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 29, 1946, in Searcy, Arkansas to Oscar Floyd Walters and Vie Della Reedy Walters.

Jerrie was a faithful Christian lady who loved her Lord and her family very much.

She married her husband, Carl Conrad, Dec. 13, 1962, and was a loving and devoted wife. She loved working with children and gave her time to special needs children, the 4-H Club, Little Dribblers, other activities which involved children, and missionary work in Guatemala. She loved shopping, fishing, canning and supporting her husband and boys in their ranching and roping. Jerrie loved the Christmas holiday and always made sure that Christmas was at her house on Christmas Eve. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Floyd Walters and Vie Della Walters; and 9 siblings.

Jerrie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Carl Conrad of Bradford; sons, Carl Dwayne Conrad and wife Tammi of Palestine, Timothy Paul Conrad and wife Tessa of Frankston, Ricky Dee Ward and wife Gail of Muskogee, Oklahoma; brother, Thomas Alair Walters; seven grandchildren, Laura Ann Herrington, Carl Denver Conrad, Cody Cheyenne Conrad, Taylor James Conrad, Timothy Casey Conrad, Clayton Perry Conrad, and Gracie Suezanne Conrad; three great-grandchildren, Casen Conrad, Harlie Conrad, and Caden Conrad as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o’clock on the evening of Wednesday, the 21st of June in the parlor and reflection room of Rhone Funeral Home.

The funeral service is to be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, at Friendship Baptist Church, 7220 FM 860 in Montalba, Texas, with Bro. Lynn Stroud officiating.

Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery in Bradford.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Gresham, Kelly Gresham, Michael Mascorro, Mark Justice, Allen Patton and Mark Pyron. Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry Killingsworth and Carl Wiles.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Hwy 19, Palestine.

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

Beverly Coats

A celebration of life for Beverly Coats, 63, of Poynor, was held Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with Bro. Roy Thone and Pastor Scott Wylie officiating.

She was laid to rest at Poynor Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Coats passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, in Tyler.

She was born Sept. 11, 1953, in Tyler to James and Wanell Freeman Flanagan.

Beverly enjoyed a career as cafeteria manager for Bullard ISD where she was employed for 28 years.

She was affectionately called “Grandma Suzie” by the kids at school (her babies).

Always joyful, Beverly never met a stranger and loved playing Bingo.

Mrs. Coats was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Chelby White.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 46 years, Joe Coats; sons, Jody Coats and wife Stephanie of Poynor and Joshua Coats and wife Christina of Frankston; daughter Amelia White of OR; sister Debbie Donahue and husband Jimmy of Noonday; brothers, Wendell Flanagan and wife Teresa and Dennis Flanagan and wife JoNell, both of Bullard; brother David Flanagan of Noonday; 10 grandchildren who called her “Me-Me”, Nathan, Jacob, Courtney, Layla, Dakota, Autumn, Elizabeth, Trinity, Matthew and Brooke; and many, many nieces and nephews.

John H. Manken

John H. Manken, Jr. passed away June 20, 2017, in Athens, Texas, at the age of 65 years due to a long illness.

John was born in Murphysboro, Illinois on May 15, 1952, to mother Ruby Werner and father John H. Manken.

He is proceeded in death by his mother Ruby Werner and father John H. Manken and a son, Chad Covington.

John was a welder for Missouri Pacific Railroad in his younger days.

He moved to Texas in 1983 and resided in Caney City where he managed Caney Cove Park for 15 years as park manager and then later moved to LaRue, Texas.

John enjoyed riding his John Deer tractor and could bee seen on it up to three weeks before his passing.

He loved his family, and was always a great host to many get togethers in his home.

He loved carpentry and was always building new items. He was also known for his great gardens and sharing his produce with others.

He was a Christian and attended Country Chapel Church of LaRue.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Charlene Manken of LaRue; his daughter, Angela Swanson and son-in-law Erik Swanson of Arlington; son John H. Manken III and daughter-in-law Krystal Manken of Corsicana; and son Wesley Covington of LaRue.

John had many grandchildren including: grandsons Daniel Ater, Jayden Manken, Garrett Shurman, Dylan Ravenstahl, Rusty Rogers and Landon Copas.

Granddaughters include: Hegan Manken, Riley Covington, McKenzie Rogers, Katie and Ashley Swanson and Rylee Gazaway.

John is also survived by two sisters; Marcy Baker and brother-in-law Ken Baker of LaConner, Washington and Linda Jobe of Sikeston, Missouri; two brothers, Jim Manken and sister-in-law Donna Manken and Joe Manken and sister-in-law Mari Manken, all of Fernadina Beach, Florida.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 8, at 1 p.m. at Country Chapel Church in LaRue. Officiating will be Pastors Michael Foster and Jimmy Davis.

Tanya Louise Drake

A funeral service for Tanya Louise Drake, 42, of Frankston, was held Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.

Tanya was born Dec. 15, 1974, in Orange, Texas, to Richard and Pamela Mann Bignell. She passed away Monday, June 19, 2017, in Frankston.

She was a member of The Kingdom Hall in Tyler. Tanya worked as a CNA. She was loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Pamela Bignell and sister in-law Sharon Boldt.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Wesley Drake of Frankston; daughters, Chyann Drake and Richard Mosley and Tiffany Drake and fiancé James Mosley all of Frankston; son, Ian Michael Drake of Washington; her father, Richard Bignell and wife Kathy of AZ; brother, Jerick Bignell and wife Christina of Tyler; grandsons, Bentley Mosely and Joshua Drake. She is also survived by brothers in-law, Mike Kimmons Drake and wife Tina of Belton, Billy Cole Drake of Winona; sisters in-law, Nancy Lee Capobianco and husband Nick of Winona and Debbie Teasley and husband Mac of Flint; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Glenda Sparkman Clark

A funeral service for Glenda Sparkman Clark, 75, of Berryville, was held Monday, June 26, 2017, at Hilltop Baptist Church in Berryville with the Rev. George Folmar officiating.

Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston. She was laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk.

Mrs. Clark passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, in Dallas.

She was born in Jacksonville, Texas, Dec. 2, 1941, to Gordon and Mildred Cook Sparkman.

Glenda was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church. She worked for over 25 years for Eiche, Mapes & Comp. of Tyler as a landperson. She was known to always help others and enjoyed quilting.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dick Clark; brother, Thomas Sparkman; and a daughter Christina White.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Vanessa Nunnelly and husband Scott of Horseshoe Bay; son, Robert White and wife Angela of Cypress; 9 grandchildren Stacy, Amanda, Christopher, Dylan, Taylor, Abigail, Zachary, Madison and Bobbie Suzanne; and three nieces.

Memorials in Glenda’s honor may be made to Hilltop Baptist Church at 11269 CR 4117, Frankston Texas, 75763.

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