Upton County Obituaries

Upton County Obituaries

Thomas Stonehouse, San Angelo, Texas Dec 16, 1920, 95 years old, treasurer of Irion County, from the date of its organization in 1880 until he resigned two years ago, died Wednesday (Dec 15) at his home in Rankin, Upton County, it was learned here today. Stonehouse was a veteran of the Mexican War and the War between the States. A wife and several children survive.

RF McKay, San Angelo, Texas, Feb 5, 1928 R F McKay died at McCamey Saturday night (Feb 4) as a result of gunshot wounds sustained at his filling station near McCamey.

Charles C Henderson, Big Spring, May 7, 1929 Charles Henderson, 29, oilfield worker was instantly killed Monday night nine miles south of Big Spring, when his car ran into a load of pipe. The car was demolished. He is survived by his wife of McCamey.Funeral arrangements are pending.

C F FORTUNE, McCamey, Texas Nov 30, 1931 --McCamey city commissioner died on Monday Nov. 30..

R C Harlan, 2/16/1933 San Angelo, Texas -----R C Harlan, 56 one of the organizers of Upton County, for ten years it County Clerk , and owner of the Harlan Hotel there, died at Rankin Thursday of bronchial pneumonia. He was largely instrumental in the moving of Upton County seat from Upland twelve years ago. He will be buried here Friday afternoon.

LEE BURROW, July 15, 1934 Lee Burrow driver of a daily ice truck from McCamey to Texon, was killed Sunday on the highway nine miles east of McCamey, when his heavily loaded ice truck crashed into a concrete culvert at the side of the highway and burned .The impact telescoped the cab of the truck and crushed Burrow. Burrow's body was not found until several hours afterward. He lived here five years. Surviving is his father of El Campo.

G W WEAVER Sept 30,1936 George W Weaver 26, oil well tool dresser, was found fatally wounded in a hotel room here Sunday. A large caliber pistol lay beside him. Friends said he had been despondent for several days.

WILL MANNING, March 13, 1936 Funeral services were held here Friday for Will Manning, cofounder of the oil boom town of Crossett, Upton County, and former postmaster there. who died Thursday at his home here *(March 11, 1936) Surviving are his wife ;five daughters, Mrs Gloria McBride and Mrs Dorothy Roderick of Midland. Florence Ward and Mrs Billy Abel of McCamey, and Mrs Helen Smith of San Angelo.; one son Franklyn Manning of Randolph Field, seven grandchildren, four brothers and one sister.

Priest Tommy, 9, San Angelo, July 20, 1939 Tommy Priest Rankin youth stricken with infantile paralysis died early Thursday while in the iron lung in the hospital. here. He was stricken Thursday. The youth was the son of Mr and Mrs Roy Priest of Rankin. Priest is a former District Attorney.

Vickie Lee Bailey, 58, Topeka, died Friday, June 21, 2002, at a Topeka care facility.
She was born Oct. 20, 1943, in McCamey, Texas, the daughter of Ed and Charlsey Martin Taylor. She lived in Neosho Rapids in the 1960s before she moved to Topeka in 1979.
Mrs. Bailey was a member of the auxiliary to Capitol Post No. 1 of the American Legion.
She married Warren W. Bailey Jr. in October 1984. He died Aug. 27, 1999.Survivors include her mother, Charlsey Mae Adams, San Angelo, Texas; a brother, Michael Cottrill, Amarillo, Texas; three daughters, Mary Diane Minear, Tonganoxie, and Shirley Jean Johnson and Rebecca Lynn Jenkins, both of Topeka; three stepsons, Steven Bailey, San Diego, Calif., Mike Bailey, Frankfort, and Tim Bailey, Wamego; three stepdaughters, Robin Bailey, Topeka, Catrina McKinley, Cedarville, and Stacy Murphy, Topeka; 30 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia. Mrs. Bailey will lie in state after 1 p.m. Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, where visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m.

William Henry "Bill" Darby passed away June 28, 2004 in McCamey, TX. A long time resident of McCamey, Bill was born February 19, 1920 in Clinton, IN, to Thomas E. Darby and Effie Essie Julian Darby. After graduation from Lash High School in Zanesville, OH, Bill held a variety of jobs including the grocery business, sales, and auto mechanics. In 1941, right after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Bill enlisted in the US Army and was trained in Sherman Tanks. He was promoted to Captain and became a company commander in the 752nd Tank Battalion, serving in North Africa and Italy. Bill was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his combat duty, and his entire unit received a Presidential Unit Citation for spending 316 consecutive days in combat.
On January 9, 1943, Bill married Sally Oteka Campbell in Ft. Smith, AR. After the war, Bill returned to Zanesville, OH with his wife Oteka, and began his career as an auto mechanic. Bill and Oteka had two children while living in Zanesville, William Henry Darby II, and Deborah Ann Darby. In 1950, Bill and his family re-located to McCamey to be closer to his wife's family. Bill operated Hodges Automotive in McCamey until 1985. After "retiring" from the automotive business, Bill became active at McCamey Music Mart, which is owned by his niece, Joanne Darby. He enjoyed traveling with Joanne to music functions around the area as well as out of state. Bill loved life and took everything one day at a time. Bill was a member of the American Legion and DAV, and the First United Methodist Church of McCamey. For several years Bill was a Scout Master for the local Boy Scouts.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Oteka in 1984, and a brother Thomas Julian Darby also in 1984. Bill is survived by a son, William H. Darby II and his wife Patricia of Midland, daughter Deborah Ann Darby of Cottonwood, AZ, sisters Elizabeth Groce of Columbus, OH, Mary Jane Gosnell of Tampa, FL, Helen May Coulter of Zanesville, OH, grandchildren William H. Darby III of Decatur, TX, Holly Marie Ingmire of Midland, and Libra Joslyn Anulf of Sweden, and great-granddaughter Mikayla Jean Reeves of Midland. Bill is also survived by his niece and best friend Joanne Darby of McCamey, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in McCamey with Rev. Earl Richardson officiating and retired Rev. Jodie Windbigler will give the eulogy. Memorials may be made in memory of William H. Darby to the First United Methodist Church,

MCDADE, GERTRUDE, At 102 years of age. She was a legend in her own time. She passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family and friends on July 1, 2006 in Ennis, TX. She was born on November 9, 1903 to the parentage of the late Jim and Mattie Brackens in Rankin, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie McDade in 1967 and four of her thirteen children. She leaves as a legacy nine children, Annie Adger, Shirley Martin, Cleodist McDade (Lilian), Thelma Venters, Willie Mae Simpson all of Dallas, Jimmie Jordan, Joseph McDade, Billy McDade (Sarah) and Ollie McDade (Lillie M.) all of Ennis, 59 grandchildren, 157 great grandchildren, 57 great great grandchildren and 5 great great great grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends. Wake - Friday, July 7 from 7 - 9 pm at Ebenezer Baptist Church - 1405 Johnson St. - Ennis, TX - Funeral Service - Saturday, July 8 at 12 noon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church - 800 E. Freeman - Ennis, TX . John E. Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home 214-941-7332 OB6 Obituaries, Notices

Wanda Joyce Martin, 64, died Wednesday in a local hospi- tal. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Satur- day, May 21, 2005 at the Friendship Baptist Church with The Reverend Johnny Sheffield officiating under the direction of Girdner - Brown Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 4:30 p.m. in the Rankin Cemetery.

Mrs. Martin was born January 3, 1941 in Haskell County and lived in West Texas all her life. She worked as a waitress and was a Baptist.

She is survived by: daughter, Pamela McKenzie of Merkel; sons, Stewart Sparks and wife, Anita of Rankin, and Wendel Sparks and wife, Maria of San Antonio; brothers, David Melton and wife, Norma of Clyde and Glenn Melton and wife, Jan of Seymour; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Today at the funeral home. GIRDNER - BROWN FUNERAL HOME ABILENE, TEXAS

Oquilla Holmes, 90, of Austin, formerly of McCamey, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2003 in Austin. She was born in Sherwood, Texas on January 5, 1913. She graduated from McCamey High School in 1931, attended Business College in San Angelo, and worked for AAA in Upton County Court House in Rankin in the late 1930s. She moved back to McCamey in 1942 where her husband, Hal Holmes, started Holmes Well Service Company.

Oquilla was President of the McCamey Chapter of the Business and Professional Women's Club as well as the McCamey Study Club. She was employed at Humble Oil and Refinery Company (now known as Exxon) as an executive secretary to the superintendent. In the 1950s, she purchased and operated "The Fashion Nook" Ladies Clothing Store in McCamey. In 1974, after the death of her husband, she moved to Kingsland on Lake LBJ. There she was a member and Worthy Matron of the Kingsland Chaper of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1987, she moved to Temple until 1995 when she moved to Austin to be near her son and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends in West Texas, Kingsland, and Temple.

She had traveled extensively and loved seeing new and beautiful places. She loved nature and especially loved butterflies which she collected in many forms and shapes. She liked sunsets and stargazing. She was thrilled and excited when the Haile-Bopp Meteor was visible for several weeks. Her hobbies were painting, fishing, and collecting butterflies. She was a member of The First Christian Church in McCamey.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Hal Holmes; parents, Fayette and Lottie Haning; daughter-in-law, Doris Holmes; brother, Mabry J. Haning; sisters, Imalea Middlton and Emalea Poynor; sister-in-law, Jackie Pollard; brothers-in-law, Willie D. Poyner and Pete Pollard.

She will be sadly missed by her son, Tomie Holmes; grandson, John Holmes and wife, Martha; granddaughters, Jennifer Chandler and husband, Jim, Julie Hanson and husband, Doug; great-grandson, Austin Brown; great-granddaughter, Laura Hanson; numerous other relatives and a host of friends. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2003 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at First Christian Church in McCamey with the Reverend Jimmy Braswell officiating. Interment to follow services at Resthaven Cemetery where she will be laid to rest by her husband.

July 29, 1916 - August 9, 2007

Alvin Edward Bushong, 91, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went home to his Lord Thursday, August 9, 2007.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, August 13, at Belvue Baptist Church, 1101 S. Poplar, Kermit, Texas. Burial will follow in Kermit Cemetery, West Highway 302.

Alvin was born July 29, 1916, in Ballinger, Texas. After graduating from high school in Talpa, Texas, he met his lifelong partner and love, Lurlene Saverance. They married March 14, 1939, and moved west to McCamey, Texas, where they became part of the Upton County ranching community. After working for L. Porter Johnson Hardware in Rankin, Texas, he took a job with Slick Urshel Oil Company.

Slick became Sinclair which became Atlantic Richfield while Alvin continued his employment. After living in Forsan, Texas, and Loco Hills, New Mexico, they settled in Kermit in 1974. He retired after 42 years, in 1981, at Kermit, Texas.

They moved to Midland in 2003 to be closer to their son. Lurlene went home to her Lord in 2003, culminating a marriage lasting 64 years.

Alvin was saved at the age of twelve and was ordained a deacon in the Baptist church in 1961. He loved Gospel singing and served in the choir for many years. He loved children and was a Sunday School teacher. He served as Church Treasurer, Sunday School Director, Chairman of the Deacons and on many other church activities.

In addition to Lurlene, Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Hattie Roberts Bushong and William Reed Bushong, one granddaughter, Reecie Leach, one great-granddaughter, Tricia Moths, five brothers and one sister.

Survivors include his son, Robert Bushong and wife Betty, Midland; daughter, Barbara Park, Fort Worth; granddaughters, Lacey Camp and husband Scott, Arlington, Angie Cole, Rockford, Illinois, Kelly McDaniel, Coahoma, Annie Fincher and husband, Kevin, Midland; grandsons Douglas Park and wife Cynthia, Cedar Park, Kyle Park, Plano and Stephen Bushong and wife Amy, Midland; sister, Mary Kurc and husband Ray, Gladewater. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren in addition to loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and a wealth of friends.

Don (Bubba) McAdams, 51, of Odessa, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2007 in Port Aransas. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel in Midland with Dee Stewart, officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, November 9, 2007 at the funeral home.
Bubba was born June 26, 1956 in Rankin, Texas to Donald and Cecilia McAdams. He grew up in the Iraan, Sheffield and McCamey areas. He graduated from high school in Iraan. He was a mentor and father figure to the employees at his company, Stone Age. He helped many families prosper. Bubba was a true Texan to the core and very patriotic. He loved his grandchildren and being with his girls and family.
Survivors include daughter, Jessica Daune McAdams and her friend, Justin Aaron Martin of Odessa; daughter, Stephanie Shea and her husband, Daniel Keith Murphree of Midland; two grandchildren, David Alexander Murphree and Ireland Shea Murphree of Midland; brother, Wayne McAdams of Willow City; and his parents, Donald and Cecilia McAdams of Balmorhea.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Glenda McAdams and grandmother, Travis Cothrin.

McCAMEY -- Eddie Armendarez died Dec. 2, 2007. He was 71.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

Hattie Pauline Garner Loftin Mitchell of Rankin passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008, in a local hospital.

She was born on June 19, 1913, in Upton County, Texas, and lived in Rankin most of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. And Mrs. John W. Garner; her brothers, J.D. June, and Bud; her sisters, Nora Brown, Velma McLaughlin and Dollye Rankin. Her husbands, Marvin Foster "Joe" Loftin and Andrew J. "Andy" Mitchell. Her son, Joe Garner Loftin; and a daughter, Andra June Windham.

Hattie is survived by one brother, Jack Garner and his wife, Peggy of McCamey; one daughter, Connie Murry and her husband, Phil of Stephenville, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Loftin of Andrews; seven grandchildren, Paula Hill and her husband, Mike of Rankin, Sheryl Loftin of Andrews, Richard Loftin and his wife, Cynthia of Midkiff, Judy Williams and her husband, Larry of Odessa, Cathy Lapaglia and her husband, Mark of Spring, Texas, Zane Murry and his wife, Jenny of Fort Worth and Zachary Murry of Stephenville; sixteen great-grandchildren, Joseph Scudder and his wife, Meredith, Michael Rhodes, Heath Loftin, and his wife, Amy, Jason Rhodes and his wife, Samantha, Jay Scudder, Richele Boyd and her husband, Keesey, Bryan Hill, Amy Hill, Christine Loftin, Lauren Williams, Meagan Loftin, Sarah Williams, Chad Lapaglia, Emily Lapaglia, Megan Murry and Ivy Murry; four great-great-grandchildren, Hayden Loftin, Skylee Lofin, Tryston Boyd and Haylee Loftin. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Hattie was a fantastic athlete and was named to the All-Star Basketball team in high school. She loved watching the Rankin Red Devils play football and basketball and especially enjoying seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grand- children participate in any athletic activity.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Rankin with Reverend Randy Bush and Reverend Jennifer Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the Rankin Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul McLean and all the nursing staff at the hospital. They would also like to thank all the ladies that have taken such good care of Miss Hattie over the years, especially Anita Hernandez, Linda Rodriguez, J.J. Abalos, and Paula Armendarez.