Upton County Texas Obituaries W

UPTON COUNTY TEXAS

" W" OBITUARIES

RANKIN Charles A."Charlie" Wheeler, age 74, a lifetime resident of Rankin passed away peacefully from this life surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, after a courageous fight following an aortic aneurysm at Midland Memorial Hospital's West Campus. Charles was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1935, in Rankin to parents Ross and Claudia "Dink" Wheeler. Charles was one of six siblings and the only one to be born in Rankin. He became a livestock truck driver at the age of 14 and worked to support his family after his father's heart attack. Charlie met the love of his life, Barbara Sue Odom in 1955 and their love and devotion to each other have served as a model for family and friends alike for over 54 years. Charlie and Barbara raised two sons in Rankin while they owned and operated several businesses, including Johnson's Department Store, where their family made friends with many people in the surrounding area. In the last few years, Charlie and Barbara have traveled extensively in their RV fifth wheel, and have taken two trips to Alaska, as well as Nova Scotia and practically everywhere in the continental United States. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Rankin; as well as by two sons and their wives, C. Mark and J'Lynn Newman Wheeler of Midland and Rodd and Joan Brazil Wheeler of Sweetwater. He is also survived by his two precious granddaughters, Melissa C. Wheeler of St. Louis and Laura Wheeler Wright and her husband, Jimmy Wright, of Midland. Paw Paw, as Charlie was known, is also survived by his two sweet great-granddaughters, Anna Grace Wright and Megan Elise Wright of Midland. Charlie is survived also by brothers Billy Ross Wheeler and wife Juanita of Rankin, Bob Wheeler and wife Julie of Ada, Okla., Mike Wheeler and wife Candy of Pflugerville, Texas; a sister, Elsie Sharon Coffee of Truth or Consequences, N.M,; and by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a brother, Cox N. Wheeler of Rankin. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in Rankin Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Nichols Funeral Home of Crane. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to favorite charities.

Jim Don Williams

On September 7, 2009, Jim Don Williams, of Midland and Rankin, passed from this earthly plane. to rest in the arms of God. Jim was born June 10th, 1941 at the Cowper Hospital in Big Spring, Texas to A. C. "Shorty" Williams and Vela Elms Williams. He was the fourth child of that union. Jim went to school in Big Spring's East Ward and attended high school both in Big Spring, Texas and Farmington, New Mexico. Over the years Jim worked in a variety of locations and occupations. He loved kids, baseball, football, fishing and raising animals. In 1991, he met the love of his life at Midland College while studying respiratory therapy. On January 2, 1995 he married Elizabeth "Kay" Rankin. They made their home in Rankin, Texas while finishing college and taking care of her parents. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, step-father John Cate, sisters Toka (Williams) MacArthur, Joyce (Williams) Sly and brother Billy Coleman Williams. He is survived by his wife of the home. He leaves sons, John Williams and wife Debbie of New Braunfels, William Williams and wife Jamie, and Michael Rankin and Suzanne Farrer of San Antonio. He loved his four grandchildren Barret, Shelby, Samantha, and Erin Williams and his four godchildren Sarah, Andrew, Hanna, and Rebeka Potter. The family wishes to express gratitude for the love and support extended by the Potter family and to the nursing staffs of the Eldergarden of Manor Park and Hospice of Midland for the gentle and respectful care during his illness. We also wish thank doctors Richard Reese, Douglas Park, Joseph Abijay, Bart Mayron, Russell Sawyer, Sirisha Yarlagadda and Family Nurse Practitioner Bryan Allen for their diligent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Hospice Midland, John F Younger Special Care Unit of Midland, Texas or any children's charity. Services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, September 11, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Rankin with the Rev. Randy Bush officiating with interment at Rankin Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home of Crane.

Tommy Workman

Thomas David (Tommy) Workman, Jr. of Rankin, Texas, departed this life for his heavenly reward on November 13, 2005 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Tommy was born in Ashland, Ohio, on September 14, 1920, to Thomas David Workman, Sr. and Lelia Knapp Workman. He moved with his family to the Texas oilfields at the tender age of one year. He attended school in Texon, Campwood, and Rankin and graduated from Rankin High School in 1937.

Tommy married his one true love, Alene Owens, on December 13, 1941 in Rocksprings, Texas. They were blessed with two daughters and enjoyed over 63 years of love and devotion to one another.

During World War II, Tommy achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps while serving as a bombardier on a B-24 in the 7th Bomb Group in the China, Burma, India Theater. His primary occupation for sixty years was ranching, but he also owned and operated Ranchers Supply Store in Rankin for a number of years. At the age of 32, Tommy was first elected as the Upton County Commissioner for Precinct 2. Forty-two years later, he retired from the position, and was recognized by the State of Texas for the longest consecutive service for a county commissioner in the state.

Tommy was devoted to his family, his community, and his church. His pride and joy were his five grandsons. He was an avid supporter of each of them in all their activities, spending countless hours enjoying their football games and other sports and school events throughout the years.

As a proud supporter of his community, Tommy was very active in civic organizations. He contributed innumerable hours for the benefit of his friends and neighbors and in making Rankin and Upton County a better place to live. He served on the Rankin ISD Board of Trustees, and was a member and leader in the Rankin Lions Club, Rankin Chamber of Commerce, and Hand Up for Rankin Food Bank. For years, he worked faithfully to support the Upton County 4-H Club and the Upton County 4-H Junior Livestock Show. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Rankin and later in McCamey. Tommy was honored when, in respect of his community service, the Rankin Park, Pool, and Pavilion were renamed the Tommy Workman Park.

As a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Rankin, Tommy gave unselfishly of his time and resources in support of his church, serving faithfully on the Administrative Council, committees, and Board of Trustees for many, many years until failing health prohibited his participation.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, David Knapp Workman and Ann Workman, a sister, Mary Ann Workman, and a daughter, Darlene Workman McAden. He is survived by his wife, Alene, his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Judye Workman of Englewood, Colorado, his daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Mike Ratliff of Rankin, son-in-law, Bobby McAden of Odessa, five grandsons, Tommy McAden and wife Lisa, Jim Bob McAden and wife Rachael, Clayton Ratliff, Dustin Ratliff, and Jay Tom Ratliff, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services for Tommy will be conducted on Thursday, November 17, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Rankin by the Reverend Jennifer Kelley. Arrangements are under the direction of the Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home in Crane. Pallbearers will include Garland Dupriest, Pete Golson, Tommy Owens, and the five grandsons. Honorary pallbearers include Bud Poage, Lewis Smith, J. T. Weaver, Les McFadden, Juan Armendarez, Charles Wheeler, DeWayne Lindsey, Billy Ross Wheeler, Tom Bloxom, and Boob Kelton.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. McLean, Dr. Franks, Juanita Wheeler and all the staff of the Rankin County Hospital District for their excellent care, kindness, and compassion during Tommy's hospital stay.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Rankin or the West Texas Boys Ranch.

Silas Hodges Wood

Mr. Silas Hodges Wood of Rankin, Texas, born October 29, 1875 In Abilene, Texas, passed away In a Rankin hospital Friday, April 21, 1961 at the age of 85 years. Survived by his daughters Mrs. H. C. (Ophelia) Dishman of Rankin, Texas and Mrs. E. L. (Lela) Hollman of Godley, Texas; sons A. T. (Tommy) Wood of San Antonio, Ernest Wood of Fort Worth and and D Wood of Los Angeles, California; 3 sisters and 3 brothers; 10 grandchildren end 13 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 23 In the First Baptist Church In Rankin, Texas with Interment services to be held In the De Leon Cemetery In De Leon Texas at 4 pm with the De Leon Masonic lodge officiating Mr. Wood was a member of The Cresson Baptist Church of De Leon, a member of the Rebecah Lodge, an Odd Fellow and a 32nd degree Scottlsh Rite Mason. Local arrangements by the ALAMO FUNERAL HOME San Antonio Express and News | San Antonio, Texas | Sunday, April 23, 1961 | Page 39

Silas Obera Wood

Mr. Silas Obera Wood, 227 W. Drexel, born in DeLeon, Texas, Aug. 31, 1911, passed away Friday, Dec.16, 1960. at sea, at the age .of 49 years. Survivprs: Father. Mr. S. H. Wood, Rankin, Texas; sisters, Mrs ' H. C. Dishman. Rankin, Texas- Mrs. Loren Hoffman, Godley Texas; brothers. Mr. Ernest Wood, Ft Worth, Texas; Mr A. T. "Tommy" Wood, city" Mr. Dee Wood, Los -Angeles'' Calif.; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held in 'DeLeon, Texas, cemetery Monday, Dec. 26, at 1 p. m., with Ret'. Davis Ray officiating. Mr. Wood -was a members of the Sailors Union of The Pacific. Arrangements by ALAMO FUNERAL HOME ХХ T . CA5-5731 DeLeon and Rankin, Texas, papers please copy.San Antonio Light | San Antonio, Texas | Wednesday, December 21, 1960 | Page 36

Bill Wrinkle, 65, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 5, 2003, in Midland Memorial Hospital, Midland, Texas, following an illness diagnosed as mesothelioma lung cancer. Bill was born March 29, 1938, in Bronte, Texas, the son of Arthur Lee Wrinkle and Leotha Best Wrinkle. He married Patricia Brock on May 18, 1958, in Midland, and to this union one child was born, Kerry Brent Wrinkle. Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia, son, Kerry Brent and wife, Phyllis, and grandchildren, Kylie and Caleb Wrinkle, all of Rankin. Also surviving is one sister, Juanita White of Mansfield, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Following graduation from Bronte High School in 1957, he signed a letter of intent to play guard for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Being a much sought-after ballplayer, he was offered a scholarship to every Southwest Conference college with the exception of one. Bill attended Odessa Junior College Trade School while employed by Neill's Plumbing and Heating in Midland. From there, his career began with Texas Natural, later known as Union Texas Petroleum, Benedum Field, Midkiff, Texas, that spanned some 31 years, with the exception of a two- year stint with Uncle Sam in the United States Army, Artillery Division during the Berlin and Cuban Crises - January 1961, honorable discharge as a specialist E5 Feb. 1, 1963. Following retirement from Union Texas Petroleum when the company sold to Western Gas Resources Inc. on Nov. 1, 1991, Bill continued to work for the new owners as an IRD mechanalysis technician until retirement on Jan. 31, 1998. Work became his ballgame early in life and he always enjoyed his job and the people he worked with. Another part of his career included agent for Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association for the past 25 years. Sports continued to be a part of his life as a coach in Little League and Pony League Baseball; coaching the renowned "RANKIN GO TEAM" was one of the joys of his life. He was an avid fan of the Rankin Red Devils, always supporting the home team, win or lose. His church life was foremost in every way, as was his family. Bill had been a member of First Baptist Church, Rankin, Texas, since 1967, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and brotherhood president, and on numerous committees of the local church. Bill presently was serving as a director of the Rankin Chamber of Commerce. Bill's grandchildren always will remember him as Grandpa, the guy that could almost always "FIX IT" if it was broken, a wonderful husband and friend to his wife, and the greatest Dad and father-in-law anyone could hope for. Funeral service for Bill C. Wrinkle will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at First Baptist Church, Rankin, Texas, with the Rev. Jim Medley and the Rev. J.C. Tankersley officiating. Special music will be provided by the Rev. Morris Johnson and Mrs. Lana Medley. Burial will follow in Rankin Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the 1964 Rankin Go Team, Terry Gray, Jim Vick, Johnny Smith, Johnny Kidd, Lester Titsworth, Dean Titsworth and Billy Bearden. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Latham, Phillip West, Leslie McFadden, Mel Longwell, Wally Johnson, Wylie Grant and Bob Welch. Our expressions of appreciation go out to the many of you that have faithfully prayed for Bill's health recovery and for the team of doctors and nurses that gave their best during Bill's medical treatment during the past six months.

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