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.)

Ella Jaggers

Ella Jaggers, beloved daughter of Todd and Kali Jaggers and sister of Emma, was born and passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016, in Tyler.

A graveside service was held Saturday, Feb. 27, at Frankston City Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Survivors include parents and grandparents Troy and Rhonda Johnson of Tyler and Tommy and Brenda Jaggers of Frankston.

Pallbearers were Todd Jaggers, Stephen Johnson and Jerry Jones.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials in honor of Ella, may be made at Austin Bank in Frankston.

James Howard Horn, Jr.

James Howard Horn, Jr. departed for his heavenly home on Feb. 4, 2016, at the age of 73. His service was held on Feb. 13, 2016, at Webb Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas with interment at the DFW National Cemetery.

James was born in Corsicana, Texas, on July 10, 1942. He served in both the Army and the Navy where he received his GED and went on to graduate with a bachelor of science degree from Texas Wesleyan College in 1977.

His careers included being an air-traffic controller, serving as Texas Department of Corrections prison guard, 15 years as a deputy sheriff with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department, and a FAA administrator.

In 2012, at his final retirement, he was recognized for his 50 years and 9 months of service to the United States of America.

He is survived by his wife Donna; sons Steven and James III; daughter Dee Jay King; sisters Dorothy Brown, Billie Bacon and Mary Huffman

In addition, he is survived by 9 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Howard Horn and Gertie Davis.

Tim Milliken

A memorial service for Tim Milliken, 65, of Neches, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Neches.

Mr. Milliken passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, in Frankston.

He was born June 16, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana.

Tim was a member of First Baptist Church in Neches. For 40 years, he was a volunteer firefighter and was county commissioner for Anderson County Precinct 3 from 2000 to 2004.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Leslie Milliken and son, Mark Milliken.

Survivors include his mother Dixie Milliken of Malakoff; daughter Shawn Roach and husband Jon of Neches; sister Sue Lathrop of Malakoff; grandchildren Preston Roach, Austin Willingham, Katilyn Cartwright, Sarah Roach and Ashilyn Cartwright; and great-grandchildren Payton Roach, Wyatt Willingham and Paxton Roach.

Merry Ward

Merry “Christmas” Ward, 66, of Frankston, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016, at her home in Frankston.

She was born December 24, 1949, in Rochester, Minnesota to Howard and Patricia (Scott) Rions.

Merry was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Lloyd Rions.

Survivors include her husband Johnnie Ward of Frankston; son Jason Ward of Athens; daughter Gail Thomas and Kelly Wilkinson of Rusk; sister Sue Mills of Florida; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Mary Janowski

A graveside service for Mary Janowski, 90, of Jacksonville, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Cade Cemetery in Streetman, Texas. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Janowski passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, in Jefferson.

She was born October 19, 1925, in Freestone County to Robert and Bertha (Conn) Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leo Janowski; son Jerry Hosea; and two brothers.

Survivors include her daughters Bonna Wood of Pasadena and Debbie Berry of Shreveport; sisters Betty Dyer of Oklahoma and Virgina Myska of McAllen; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to Church of Christ North of Shreveport, 3401 N. Market, Shreveport, LA 71107.

Jeffrey Akins

A memorial service for Jeffrey Akins, 45, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, in Frankston with the Rev. Ron Ivey officiating.

Mr. Akins passed away Friday, March 11, 2016, in Tyler, Texas.

He was born August 15, 1970, in Dallas to William Madison and Juanite Ann (Hardaway) Akins.

Jeffrey worked as a salesman in the auto industry.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne Akins and a son, Madison Akins.

Survivors include his parents and daughter, Brianna Akins of Tyler.

Curtin Allan Herrington

Curtis Allan Herrington, 77, of Quinlan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 6, 2016 in Greenville. A funeral service celebrating Herrington’s life was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Ingram Funeral Home in Quinlan with Bro. James Ralson officiating. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quinlan.

Herrington was born December 24, 1938, in Brushy Creek, Texas. He is the son of the late Bruce and Correan Cleveland Herrington. He was also preceded in death by his son Jason Lee Herrington on November 25, 2008.

He attended school in Frankston. He entered the U.S. Army and honorably served his country in the Seventh Army. Curtis married the former Ms. Mildred Woodell on June 7, 1958 and they made their home in Garland before moving to Quinlan in 1975.

He owned and operated Curtis’s “Poor Boy” Bait Shop for 20 years before retiring in 2003.

He loved fishing and being outside. He also enjoyed hog hunting, gardening, growing roses, picking corn and taking his kids riding four wheelers.

He is loved and will be missed by his wife Mildred Herrington of Quinlan; son Curtis W. Herrington and wife Ruby of Quinlan; daughter Denese Webb and fiancé Roy Turner of Quinlan; grandchildren Amber Webb and husband Richard Lawhorn and Nikki Webb of Quinlan; great-grandchildren Jordyn Webb and Jesse Herrington of Quinlan; brother Charles Herrington of Palestine and sister Shirley McLane of Frankston.

Robert Marlin Hocutt

On March 17, 2016, at 1:28 a.m., Robert Marlin Hocutt, Sr. “Bobwire” died in the hospital after a short battle with late stage T-cell Lymphoma.

He was 45 years old.

He was born April 7, 1970, in Athens, Texas.

He was the son of Marlin and Joyce Massey Hocutt of Athens, brother to Tawnya Sewalt of Athens and the late James Hocutt.

He was the father of Colby Humphries of Athens, Brittany Jones of Whitehouse, Derrick James (DJ) Hocutt and Robert (Robby) Marlin Hocutt, Jr. both of Eustace.

He was a beloved husband of Sheryl Pareti Hocutt and the step father of Nathan and Aidan Dsouza of Frankston.

He was the beloved grandson of the late Rosa Massey in Oklahoma.

He is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He attended Athens High School and was in the class of 1987.

He worked in various welding and construction jobs in and around the Athens area. Recently he worked for Smith Fab.

He enjoyed fishing, archery, chess, wood carving and sketching legacy portraits in tribute of lost loved ones. He recently started a non-profit project with his wife to raise contributions to children’s charities and veterans.

He cherished spending time with his wife, step-son Nathan “Catfish” and Aidan “Brainiac.”

He will be forever remembered for his artwork, caring heart, big smile and abundant laughter.

His wife and step sons said they will love and miss him today, tomorrow and forever more. He was their super ninja.

A celebration of his life will be set for later this month and details may be found on Sheryl Hocutt’s Facebook page. Donations can be made to the family at Gofundme.com to help cover funeral costs.

Kenneth Don Ratliff

Kenneth Don Ratliff, 74, of Flint, formerly of Frankston and Jacksonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, March 25, 2016.

He was born in Hopkins County and attended Jacksonville High School. He was married to Shirley Ann Willis Ratliff on March 29, 1973. Kenneth was a retired insulator and former owner of Lake Palestine Appliance in Dogwood City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Bertie Ratliff; daughter Lisa Ratliff and siblings Wanda Ratliff Shingler and Doyle Ratliff.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley Ratliff, of Flint; his sister Vennie Duncan, of Tyler; his son, Randall Terry and wife Jolene, of Early, Texas; his daughters, Trisha Young and her fiancé Doug Sexton, of Loveland, Colorado, Dena Beard and her fiancé James Cryer, of Frankston and Sabrina Reynolds and her husband Emanuel, of Chandler.

Kenneth leaves the legacy of being a great husband, a wonderful father, uncle and friend, but his favorite role was being “Papa” to his nine grandchildren and four great-grand children.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Hilltop Baptist Church in Frankston.

Dorothy Smith

A funeral service for Dorothy Smith, 84, of Frankston, was held Saturday, March 26, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Frankston with the Rev. Scott Wiley officiating.

She was laid to rest at Garden Oaks Memorial Park in Berryville. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Smith passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016, in Tyler.

She was born Sept. 9, 1931, in Frederick, Oklahoma to George and Nellie (Prescott) Horne.

She moved to Frankston in 1993 after she retired from the Department of Human Services where she worked as an administrative secretary in the audit division.

Dorothy was a member of First Baptist Church of Frankston and of Campers on Mission with Southern Baptist Convention. She loved children and taught 2 and 3 year olds as well as 4 and 5 year olds in her church nursery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Terry Risvold; brother and sister-in-law Johnny and Dorthea Horne.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Lawrence “L.J.” Smith of Frankston; daughters Kathy Daughety and husband Steven of Jacksonville, Vicky Risvold of Frankston; sister Janis Sterling and husband Virgil of Huntsville; brother Ralph Horne and wife Karol of Houston; grandchildren Justin Daughety, Katelyn Daughety, Larry James Risvold, Teresa Risvold, Kimberly Risvold and Amy Risvold; great-grandchildren, Kelly Brown, Brendon Brown, Abriel Martin and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Justin Daughety, Larry Risvold, Buddy Reynolds, Don Garner, Johnny Burks and Ralph Horne, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Hooten, Bert Smith, and members of the Lydia Ladies Sunday school class of the First Baptist Church, Frankston.

Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church Building Fund at 408 Garner St. Frankston, Texas 75763.

Howard Gilbert Inman

Howard Gilbert Inman, 89, of Frankston, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Howard was born in Sheffield, Alabama, to William Clinton Inman and his wife Edith Belew Inman.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille Reynolds Inman.

Howard and Lucille moved to Frankston in 2002, the year they married.

Howard and Cille (Lucille) were members of First Baptist Church of Frankston.

He is also survived by two sons, Bob Inman of Mexico and Jerry Inman and his wife Terry of Carrizo Springs; and his daughter Cynthia Inman of Morgan Mill.

Howard had 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

Lori Blanton Burchett

Lori Blanton Burchett, 57, of Frankston, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016, at her home in Frankston.

She was born October 8, 1958, in Beeville, Texas, to Travis and Josephine (Owens) Blanton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joyce Corley.

Survivors include her husband Randy Burchett of Frankston; daughter Melanie Burchett of KY; sons Scott Burchett of Houston, Tyler Burchett of Frankston, Jordan Burchett of Longview; brothers Randy Scott of Houston, Travis Blanton, Jr.; sisters Donna Huggins, Kelli Blanton both of Tyler; and nine grandchildren.

A visitation will begin on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 6 to 8 o’clock in the evening at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Wesley Truitt Murphey

Wesley Truitt Murphey, 93, of Woodway, Texas, and formerly of Frankston, passed away to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 2, 2016, between 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Connally-Compton Funeral Home, 4400 W Waco Dr., Waco, Texas.

Graveside services and burial will be on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at Liberty Hill Cemetery (FM 1305) near Frankston.

Wesley Truitt was born Oct. 5, 1922, as the fourth child to John Wesley and Leca Pearl (Westbrook) Murphey in the Liberty Hill community, approximately three miles northwest of Frankston.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lillian Gillespie Murphey, his daughter Barbara Murphey and his sister Marie Stringfield and many nieces and nephews.

Those who have passed on before were their daughter, Rita Starpattern, his parents, John Wesley and Pearl Murphey, and his three brothers, Dalton, Ray and Dudley Murphey.

The Murphey family lived and farmed several years in communities around Frankston but eventually returned to Liberty Hill.

At Frankston High School, Wesley Truitt became interested in athletics, but found football the most interesting, lettering his last two years.

He declined a football scholarship at Trinity University to pursue his high school sweetheart, Lillian They were married November 3, 1942, in Dallas. They spent a wonderful seventy-three years together, only separated by WWII and his annual obligations to the Navy Reserve.

Wesley Truitt entered the U.S. Naval Reserve on Nov. 23, 1942. He entered active duty, based in New York, as a Radioman Third Class and spent 27 months on board the Wyffels (DE-6). He made 6 round trips across the Atlantic to Europe and Africa.

Wesley Truitt, (WT or Water Tight as they called him on board) was discharged September 1945 as Radioman First Class in Miami, Florida where he and Lillian boarded a train to return to Texas.

Soon after Wesley’s return to Texas in 1945, he accepted employment at the Veterans Hospital in Waco. With many changes in duty stations from Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Lincoln, Nebraska, Phoenix Arizona and in1972 Waco, he retired in 1978 with 36 1⁄2 years of civil service as Senior Chief Medical Officer from the same Veterans Hospital where he began his civil service career as a GS-2 Clerk.

In March 1947 Wesley Truitt re-entered the US Naval Reserve and participated in Naval training two days each month and two weeks training duty annually. Not long after his re-enlistment in the Navy he was appointed to “Sailor of the Year”. He worked Naval Training concurrently with his full time job with the Veterans Administration.

He was credited for promotion, so he retired from the Navy with 31 years of service as Senior Chief Personnel Man.

Wesley finally made it back to higher education in attending Southern Methodist University from 1949 to 1953 and returning to school after retirement and graduating from Tarleton State University.

Wesley Truitt and Lillian loved to travel. As an avid rock hound he hunted rocks in parts of all 50 states while traveling in their travel trailer, sometimes with the Good Sams RV Club. They also visited 54 foreign countries on all 5 major continents and several islands in the Atlantic and Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.

Wesley spent many years volunteering his time. As a member of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, he was very proud of his 25 years of volunteered time to the World Bible School focusing in Nigeria, Central Africa, studying with one hundred and ten thousand students.

During the 25 years he helped start 229 new congregations. He also volunteered for the county and city as the Precinct Election Judge for 16 years and as Special Representative for AARP to meet with various government officials.

Wesley was the former President of the Northwest Waco Rotary Club with 45 years of perfect attendance, the former President of the Waco Gem and Mineral Club, a member of the American Legion Post 121, VFW Post 2148, NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), FRA (Fleet Reserve Association), former board member of the Woodway Senior Citizens Club, and former board member of the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association in Frankston.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.

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