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.)

Jim Paul

Services for Jimmy L Paul, 84, of Frankston were held, Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler with Robert Burns officiating.

Burial was in Meador Cemetery in Jacksonville.

He passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, in Palestine Regional Hospital.

Mr. Paul was born on April 2, 1932, in Trinidad, Texas to the late J.C. Paul Sr. and Ruby Shugart Paul.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Faye Rodges and a brother, J.C. Paul Jr. He was employed as a retail manager for Sears for 35 years, Thompson Funeral Home for 15 years and Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Jim was active in the community, Lake Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, Jim Bob Tours and served as voting election judge.

Jim was an active member of the Church of Christ.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bobbie of Frankston; daughter, Kalyn Horn and husband Randy of Royse City; son Kelton L Paul and Vickey Arp of Frankston; daughter, Janell Wickens of Streetman; brother, W.L. Paul of Lawton, OK; grandchildren, Sara Dalton and husband Lucas of Arlington, Jennifer Gardella and husband Jim of Fate, Samantha Paul of Dallas, Jessica Detmer and husband Eric of Houston, Kelton Paul and wife Nicole of Arlington, Shelby Wickens and Garrett Wickens of Streetman; seven great grand children and many nieces, nephews and friends.Pallbearers were James Colvin, Eric Detmer, Jim Gardella, Don Storm, Jay Lynn Paul, Bobby Harris, Lucas Dalton, Kelton Paul.

Tillie Campbell

A funeral service for Tillie Campbell, 92, of Frankston, was held Saturday, October 1, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Frankston with the Rev. J.A. Griffin officiating.

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

Mrs. Campbell passed away Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

Tillie was born March 14, 1924, in Buckholtz, TX to Thomas and Clara Childs.

Mrs. Campbell was a member of First Baptist Church Frankston where she served as a Sunday School teacher.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 62 years, Wilburn Campbell of Frankston; daughter Patricia Kay Wallace; sons Wilburn Campbell, Jr., John William Campbell, Donald Campbell, Ronald Campbell; sister Catherine Pipes, and grandson Johnathan Campbell.

Pallbearers were Johnathan Campbell, Britt Bacon, Scott Welch, John W. McGuffey and David Socia.

Rev. Benny Walker

A funeral service for the Rev. Benny Walker, 94, of Taylor’s Chapel, was held Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with Bro. James Batton officiating.

He was laid to rest at Tecula Cemetery.

He passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, in Jacksonville.

Benny was born Jan. 29, 1922, in Crossroads, Texas to Willie and Henryetta (Floyd) Walker.

He served in the US Army for 3 years and during that time was in combat for 32 months.

He had a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Southwest Bible Institute. Benny taught at LaPoynor ISD for 37 years and New Hope ISD for 3 years. Since 1948, he was the pastor of Taylor’s Chapel Community Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Stilwell Walker; parents; brothers, Charles Walker and Willie J. Walker; sisters, Frances Chambers, Opal Lavoie, Mae Cecilia Walker, and Florence Carroll.

Left to cherish his memory is his brother, Loyd R. Walker of Benton, KS; sisters, Ruby Crossley of New York, TX, Lois Sims of Palestine, and Florene Lafon of Keene, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Curtis Corley, Kenny Dyess, Danny Rozell, Eric Rozell, Michael Traylor, Lee Traylor, Jacob Traylor and Rick Traylor.

Honorary pallbearers were Mike Traylor, Square Walker, Joe Traylor, Darles Waites and Kennith Ross.

Peggy Fraser

A funeral service for Margaret “Peggy” Fraser, 85, of Frankston, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at United Methodist Church in Frankston with the Rev. Mike Fraley officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Chataignier, LA. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Fraser passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Tyler.

Peggy was born June 11, 1931, in East Cleveland, Ohio, to William and Lillian (Sprout) Lumley.

Peggy had been a part of the Frankston community since the 1990s. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Frankston for many years and very active in the church choir. She served many positions on the board of directors of the Lollypop Community including the president. Peggy was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was a friend to all and loved by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John James Fraser; grandson, James Anthony Rozas; and brother, Robert Lumley.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Hugh Fraser and wife Joie of MN, Bruce Fraser and wife Cindy; daughter, Lauren Rozas and husband Tony of Louisiana. She is also survived by grandchildren, Ryan Fraser and wife Emily, Terry Fraser, Matthew Fraser, William Rozas, Sara Rozas, Nichole Fieder and husband Eddie, Nathan Fraser; great-grandson, Jack Fraser and two nieces and one nephew.

Visitation will begin on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, and friends are cordially invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 o’clock in the evening at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Louise Landry

Louise Elaine Landry, 73, passed away at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville on October 3, 2016. Services were held at Hilltop Baptist Church in Berryville on October 8, 2016 officiated by Pastors George Folmar and Gary Dollarhide.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward Landry, Sr., and grandchild Brandi Coleman.

Louise is survived by sister Virginia Flaherty and husband Robert, and sister Sally Benton; son Edward Landry and wife Kimberly M., daughter

Denise Brown, daughter Kimberly J. Landry, son Charles Coleman; 19 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Louise was born on December 29, 1942 to Eleanor and Harold Craft. She graduated from Westbrook High School in Maine and worked as a manager in a shoe factory for many years. Louise and her husband Edward moved to Texas in 1994 where she became active in her Christian ministry.

Her “cross in the pocket” ministry, a work of love for her Lord, has touched so many lives and will continue to do so. She was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church and helped with the Good News Club at Frankston Elementary School.

Louise is now in the presence of her loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bennie Willbanks

A funeral service for Bennie Darrell Willbanks, 86, of Frankston, was held Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. James Fleet officiating.

He will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Mr. Willbanks passed away Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Tyler.

Bennie was born Nov. 1, 1929, in Louann, Arkansas to Benjamin and Velma (Sherrill) Willbanks.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army and as a Tyler Police Officer.

Bennie enjoyed traveling many states as a truck driver for many years. After retirement, he was a security officer for a short time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lee Ray; sister, Daisy Sledge; and a brother, Dannon Willbanks.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Doris Willbanks of Frankston; sons, Alvin Willbanks and wife Jacquelyn of Flint, Calvin Willbanks of Frankston, Tommy Ray of Dallas; daughters, Elaine Willbanks Fleet and husband James of Harleton, Jackie Welsh and husband Jay of Neches, Linda Sevy and husband Frank of Plano and Liz Ray of Bryan.

He is also survived by brothers, Ottis Willbanks of Grapevine, Floyd Willbanks of San Antonio, Wiley Willbanks of Longview; sister, Dorothy Elsie of Grapevine; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Harold Smith

Funeral services for Mr. Harold Smith, 89, of Frankston, were held Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at the Boren-Conner Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with the Rev. Larry Smith and Davy Carter officiating.

Burial followed at the Griffin Cemetery.

Herbert Harold Smith was born Sept. 27, 1927, to Herbert Hoke Smith and Lela Maris Smith. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Frankston and was retired from the Texas State Highway Department. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 12, 2016, in Tyler, Texas.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Brenda Smith York and a sister, Virginia Steffler.

Harold is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nelcine Hall Smith of Frankston; one son, Dennis Smith of Chandler; one daughter and son-in-law, Sonja and Davy Carter of Frankston; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Nicholas York, Jeremy York, Austin York, Brice Carter, Barrett Carter, Jake Smith and Logan Merritt.

Honorary pallbearers were State Highway Department employees.

Audrey Robison

A funeral service for Audrey Robison, 93, of Frankston, was held Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston with the Rev. Leslie Bartley and the Rev. J.A. Griffin officiating. He was laid to rest at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Frankston.

Mr. Robison passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Palestine.

Audrey was born July 18, 1923, in Frankston to William and Frances (Clakley) Robison.

He was a member of the Texas State Coon Hunters Association and a past president of the Board of Directors of Liberty Hill Cemetery Association. Audrey was a heavy machine operator, road construction and ranch manager.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlene Robison; brothers, Riley, Johnny, A.J., Bill and sister, Wanda Fay.

Left to cherish his memory is his son, Greg Robison and wife Paula of Gilmer; daughters, Wanda Erekson and husband Robbie of Palestine, Carol Perry of Frankston, Pamela Whittenburg and husband Tommy of Elkhart. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were be Daniel Lindsey, Bradley Lindsey, Miles Montgomery, Steve Perry, Nick Perry, Robbie Erekson and Tommy Whittenburg.

Mary Helen Pritchett

A funeral service for Mary Helen Pritchett, 70, of Poynor, was held Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at Dogwood Hills Baptist Church in Palestine with Bro. Kevin Willmott officiating. She was laid to rest at Poynor Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Pritchett passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2016.

Mary was born Aug. 10, 1946, to Robert and Elouise Allen. She married William Cecil Pritchett (W.C.) on Jan. 13, 1963, and moved to Poynor, Texas November 1976 where her and W.C. raised four children, Michael, Marlene, Darlene and Shelia.

Mary enjoyed cooking and cooked for different places in and around the Poynor area. A stranger never would she meet.

She always had a hello and a kind word. Later in life, she got the chance to go work and travel with her husband, W.C. She was a very special lady who was member of Dogwood Hills Baptist Church and gave her life to Christ two years ago.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.C. Pritchett; granddaughter, Emily K. Pritchett; father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Willie May Pritchett; father and mother, Robert and Elouise Allen; brother, Robert (Bobby) Allen Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Albert Lynn Pritchett.

Survivors are her children, Michael Wayne Pritchett and wife Tracey of Tyler, Marlene Gay Pritchett of Poynor, Darlene Kay Dempsey and husband Craig of Poynor, Shelia Ray Willmott and husband Bro. Kevin Willmott of Palestine.

She has eight surviving grandchildren, Dustin Willmott, Brittany Willmott, William Dempsey, Stephanie Dempsey, Stormy Sawyer, Wyatt Pritchett, Brandon Pritchett and Christian Pritchett; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three siblings, Margaret Stringer, William (Bill) Allen and Mark Allen; sister-in-law, Linda Williams; brother-in-law, Roger Pritchett; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Nelda Ruth Gardner

Nelda Ruth Gardner, 88, of Baytown, was born Feb. 9, 1928, in Morrilton, AR, and went home to be with Jesus on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.

She loved her Sunday school class and friends at Old River Baptist Church where she was a member. She was known for her loving ways and sweet songs to everyone, and she loved all of God’s beauty, especially clouds, flowers, birds, and rocks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, E. L. and Floy Dell Finch and brother, Dean Finch. She is survived by her husband, whom she would have been married to for 69 years on Nov. 9, 2016, the Rev. Dan F. Gardner of Baytown; daughters and sons-in-law, Cherry and Doug Barfoot of Austin, and Dana and Danny Biddy of Mont Belvieu; sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Cynthia Gardner of Mont Belvieu, and Jack and Barbara Gardner of Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Gene Ann Finch of Pleasanton, CA; and 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Her family received friends at Old River Baptist Church in Dayton, Texas, on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, with the Rev. Danny Biddy officiating.

Graveside services were Monday at the Wofford Cemetery in Frankston.

Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the World Missions Offering c/o Old River Baptist Church.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements were under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.

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