Obituaries 2008
Bartlett Texas Online News
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Daniel H Kallus
Funeral services for Daniel H Kallus, 72, of Holland were held Saturday Dec 20, 2008 at Dossman Funeral Home with Father Tom Chamberlain and Pastor Mike Swink officiating. Burial followed in Lawler Cemetery near Florence. Mr Kallus died Dec 18 in a Temple nursing home. A rosary was recited Dec 19 at Dossman Funeral Home. Mr Kallus was born August 10, 1936 in Holland, the son of I J Kallus and Mary (Huff) Kallus. He married Tempie Stiles on June 19, 1960 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger. Mr Kallus worked for 25 years at Griggs Equipment Company, later retiring from Artco-Bell. He served as the Assistant Fire Chief and the Fire Marshall in Holland. He served as a city councilman in Holland as well. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Tempie Kallus of Holland; two sons, Dan Kallus and wife Kim of Zabcikville, and Johnny Kallus and wife Sherry of Holland; one daughter, Tempie Labaj and husband John of Granger; one brother, Ted Kallus of Georgetown; one sister, Mary Jacobson of Round Rock; 6 grandchildren, Kirby Dawson, Krystal Dawson, Ryan Kallus, Tyler Kallus, Dylan Kallus and Amy Labaj; and 1 great-grandson, Ty Dawson.
Georgia K Pacha Grossman
Services for Georgia K. Pacha Grossman, 80, of Holland will be Monday, December 1, 2008 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple with Father Don Loftin officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, November 30, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m., with rosary recited at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Georgia Grossman was born in Granger to Joseph F. and Julia Tomacek Kaderka on March 13, 1928. She was a member of the Holland SPJST, KJZT and was the first lady elected to the Holland City Council, where she served as mayor pro tem. Mrs. Grossman was recognized in Who's Who Among American Women. She was preceded in death by her spouses, Bill I. Pacha and Daniel Grossman; and one great-granddaughter. Survivors include a son, Bill Pacha of Holland; daughters, Georganna Gommert and Keisha Moore, both of Holland; a sister, Betty Stojanik of Granger; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Leona S Hester
Mrs. Leona Shiplett Hester, 92, of Holland died Wednesday, November 12, 2008 in a Temple nursing home. Services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Academy First Baptist Church with the Rev. Brent Boatwright and Rev. Laine Teel officiating. Burial followed in Reeds Lake Cemetery. Leona Hester was born July 2, 1916 to William Blane and Ada Mink Shiplet in Kentucky. She was a Temple High School graduate and was a retired homemaker. Mrs. Hester was a member of the Academy First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, E. J. Hester, on January 6, 1988. Survivors include her son, James W. Hester of Sebring, Florida; a daughter, Dolores Underwood of Holland; two brothers, Delona Shiplett of Waco and Frances Shiplett of Holland; a sister, Ann Caviness of Navasota; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple was in charge of arrangements.
Cecil F Montgomery
Cecil Fowler Montgomery, 87, longtime resident of Bartlett, Tx passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in Will-O-Bell Nursing Home. Services were held Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Bartlett with the Rev. Leanne Turner officiating. Burial followed in the Bartlett City Cemetery. Cecil Montgomery was born January 31, 1921 to Walter Lee and Mary Ola (Speegle) Montgomery in Bartlett, Texas. On August 20, 1946 he married Minnie Calhoun, who preceded him in death in April 1983. Cecil worked as an instrument technician for Mobil Oil Co. for more than 32 years. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Cecil was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the American Legion, a Life member of the 36th Infantry Association and the Bartlett Activity Center (BAC). He was also preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers. Cecil is survived by his son, Wayne Montgomery and wife Rosmira of Richmond; daughter, Mary Shoemaker of San Antonio; two grandchildren, Laura Cross and Matthew Montgomery; brother, Wallace D. Montgomery of Dallas; and several nieces and nephews.
Irene Belle Pope Clement
Funeral services for Irene Belle Pope Clement, 93, of Bartlett were held Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Bartlett. Burial followed at the Bartlett Cemetery. She died Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Will-O-Bell Nursing Home. Irene Belle Pope Clement was born December 16, 1914 in Granger to Hattie “Blue Eyes” Tegge and Grover Cleveland Pope. After attending Circleville School, she graduated from Taylor High School in 1931. Working her way through college by teaching school and piano, Irene attended Mary Hardin Baylor College and graduated from Southwestern University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Piano and Voice in 1941. She was a member of the honor society Delta Kappa Gamma and Easter Star. Mary began teaching in Lawrence Chapel School in 1937 and then taught at Circleville School for two years before starting her career at Granger in 1941, teaching high school music and English and, finally, fourth grade in the elementary school. At Granger ISD she met and later married the Ag teacher, Everett D. Clement, on July 31, 1943. Irene and Everett taught at Granger for about 40 years. Irene was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and served as the organist for both First Methodist Church of Granger and First Methodist Church of Bartlett for over 40 years. After moving to their farm in Bartlett, she also became the choir director of the Bartlett church, serving there for about 17 years. She was preceded in death by her older brother, G. C. “Buck” Pope. Survivors include her husbasnd of 65 years, Everett D. Clement; three daughters, Beverly Clement of College Station, Marilyn Clement and husband Charles McLemore of College Station and Katherine Clement and husband Mac Puckett of Lake Jackson; two brothers, Jim Pope and wife Mary Ann of Holland and Ft. Worth and Dick Pope and wife Betty of Granger; and three granddaughters, Kelly McLemore of Austin and Lauren Puckett and Regan Puckett, both of Lake Jackson. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Ernest A Fischer
Ernest A. Fischer, 71, of Bartlett, Texas passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2008 in Temple. Ernest Fischer was born October 12, 1936 in Buckholts to Alma (Fuchs) Fischer and Adolph A. Fischer. He married Rita (Hill) Fischer on October 26, 1957. After living in Austin to attend business school, Rita and Ernie returned to Bartlett in 1961, where he operated 6-10 Drive-In Grocery and they started their family. In 1974 Ernie became the manager of C.F. Hill Grain Company until his retirement in 1996. Despite the long hours he devoted as manager, he continued to pursue his passion for farming and ranching, which he continued until the end. Ernie was a devout Lutheran and a dedicated member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bartlett, where he served the congregation in many capacities. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and one sister, Darlene Stolle. Ernie is survived by his three sons, James Fischer and wife Rosalind of Holland, Gary Fischer and wife Karen of Round Rock and Jon Fischer and wife, Dawn of Coupland; a daughter, Gina Laughlin and husband David of Louisville, Kentucky; 14 grandchildren; and a brother, Glen Fischer and wife Sandy of Buckholts. Ernie was laid to rest on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett.
Oldrich F Krejci
Oldrich Frank Krejci of Holland was carried on angel’s wings to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at the age of 81. Rosary was at Goodnight Funeral Home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Corn Hill. Interment was in Holy Trinity Cemetery. He died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Krejci was born September 30, 1926 in Granger to Frank and Julie Zrubek Krejci. At the age of three he moved to Corn Hill and lived there until 1954. He married Bettie Louise Thomas of Sparks. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Survivors include his wife, Bettie Krejci, of Holland; one son, James Oldrich Krejci of Holland; two daughters, Patricia Hatten of Holland and Martha Raley of Salado; three granddaughters and two grandsons; one brother, Emil Krejci of Schwertner; and a sister, Dorothy Skrhak of Thrall. Pallbearers were Billy Beyer, Louis Danek, Paul Kreinheder, Raymond Danek and Billy Meissner. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Karen P Roasa
A Mass of Christian burial for Karen Pekar Roasa, 56, of Sparks was held Saturday Aug 30 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger with Rev. Bryan Eilers and Rev. Joseph Nisari officiating. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery in Granger. Mrs. Roasa died Wed Aug 27, at her home. She was born Feb 15, 1952 to Ted & Lydia Jezisek Pekar in Taylor. She was a longtime resident of the Sparks Community. She married Mike Roasa on Nov 25, 1976. She was a high school guidance counselor with more than 32 years off service with Holland ISD and the Bartlett ISD. She was a member of SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church; "Aggie's Mom", Kappa Delta Gamma Honor Society, Catholic Youth, CCD for SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Holland and Bartlett, and a 4-H exchange sponsor. Survivors include her husband of 31 years of Sparks; a son, Dr. Lance Roasa of Gilbert, Arizona; a daughter, Lane Roasa of College Station; three brothers, Terry Pekar, James Pekar and Leonard Pekar, all of Granger; a sister, Gladys Pekar of Mason; and her parents of Granger.
Wilferd Kurtz
Services for Wilferd, “W. L.” Kurtz, 90, of Holland were at 11 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett with the Rev. Michael Swink officiating. Burial followed in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Mr. Kurtz died Friday, August 8, 2008 in a Temple hospital. Wilferd Kurtz was born June 12, 1918 to William and Adale Friedrich Kurtz in Holland. He married Gladys H. Chollett on June 1, 1941 in Burlington. Mr. Kurtz was a life-long resident of Holland, where he managed his farming and ranching operation. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Gladys Chollett Kurtz; five sons, Weldon Kurtz and wife Cedalia, Harold Kurtz and wife Joan and Lloyd Kurtz and wife Peggy, all of Holland, Elton Ramthun and wife Pat of Gatesville and Darrell Kurtz and wife Sheila of Pearsall; a daughter, Patsy Cross and husband Randy of Temple; a brother, Melvin Kurtz of Bryan; 15 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Kevin Kurtz, Michael Kurtz, Russell Kurtz, Cody Kurtz, Kris Kurtz and Justin Cross. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Florene Rohde
Services for Florene Annie Rohde, 88, of Holland were at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor with the Rev. Michael Swink officiating. Burial followed a CookWalden Capital Memorial Park Cemetery in Pflugerville. She died Wednesday, July 23, 2008 in a Bartlett nursing home. Florene Annie Rohde was born November 2, 1919 to Willie Fred Kaatz and Friedarike Sophie Limmer in Clarendon. She worked as custodian at the University of Texas for many years. In 1982, she married Harold Rohde. Mrs. Rohde was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett, SPJST Lodge, Women’s Auxiliary and Senior Citizens of Holland. Mrs. Rohde worked at the Holland School lunch cafeteria for several years. She really loved being around all the children. Mrs. Rohde was a loving grandmother and loved to work in her garden and flower beds, as well as just being outside. she loved going camping, no matter where the camp was. She worked hard all her life. In addition, the worked at the Holland SPJST, making hamburgers and visiting with the people who came to play bingo. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Monroe Rohlack Sr.; her second husband, Harold Rohde; a son, Monroe Rohlack Jr.; a daughter, Patricia Rohlack Fuller; and a granddaughter, Heather Rohlack. Survivors include three granddaughters, Daffney Pajestka, Deanna Mickelson and Jessica Rohlack; and three great-grandchildren, Derek Mickelson, Samantha Pajestka and Timothy Pajestka.
Darrell Gommert
Services for Darrell L. Gommert, 63, of Holland was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple with the Rev. Wayne Spinn officiating. Burial followed in Holland Cemetery. He died Saturday, July 12, 2008 in a local hospital. Darrell Gommert was born November 11, 1944 to Walter Frank and Lorene Folschinsky Gommert in Holland. He owned and operated Gommert’s Cafe in Holland for more than 30 years, retiring in 2001. Survivors include three brothers, Jimmy Gommert, Jay Don Gommert and Ronnie Gommert, all of Holland; and two sisters, Dr. Billye Weaver of Temple and Donna Mihatsch of Kerrville.
E A Limmer
Services for E. A. Limmer, 88, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Christ Episcopal Church in Temple with the Rev. David Alwine officiating. Burial was in Bellwood Memorial Park. He died Thursday, July 10, 2008. E. A. Limmer was born February 6, 1920 in Alligator, five miles east of Bartlett, to Early Alva and Annie Mae Messer Limmer Sr. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1937 and from Texas State University in San Marcos in 1941. Mr. Limmer married Theresa Del Cont in Welch, West Virginia on June 9, 1954. After working for Shell Oil for 38 years, as a financial assistant in Houston for 30 years and for eight years in the oilfields of West Texas and New Mexico, he retired to his home in Bell County in 1983. Mr. Limmer was important in the renovation of the 1904 Belton Carnegie Library building, helping to raise $300,000 to restore the building, now home to the Bell County Museum. He served on the boards of Tablerock, the Salado Historical Society, Bartlett Activity Center Ince., the Central Texas Orchestral Society and the Bell County Museum. He restored the 1895 Messer-Limmer farmhouse, a record Texas Historial Landmark, which he donated to the Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association. In addition, Mr. Limmer was president of the Heart of Texas Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, the Edward Kellum Chapter of the Society of the War of 1912 and of the George W. Tyler Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He was also a member in the Jamestown Society, Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, Magna Carta Barons, Plantangenet Society, Texas Society of Colonial Wars, Knights of the Garter and Friends of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, England. Mr. Limmer is especially remembered as editor-in-chief of the seminal two-volume, 1,110-page “The Story of Bell County,” published by the Bell County Historical Commission in 1988. He wrote a lot about the history of the Bartlett area, as well as historical markers in the county, especially the southeastern part. He collected many Texana artifacts, and later donated many items from his collection to the Bell County Museum. In 1991, the Texas House of Representatives recognized his preservation efforts, designating him “ a living cultural and historical resource because of his time and talents to advance the cultural and historical enrichment of Bell County and his contribution to the heritage of Texas.” Mr. Limmer received awards, including the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution Silver Service Medal and Betty Martin Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. Survivors include his wife and numerous nieces and nephews. Scanio-Harper Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Frank L Parmer
Funeral services for Frank L. Parmer, 67, of Holland were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2009 at Dossman Funeral Home Chapel in Belton with the Rev. Victor Pena officiating. Burial followed at the Holland Cemetery. He died Saturday, July 5, 2008 at his home. Frank Parmer was born October 12, 1940 in Florence, the son of Herbert and Frances Parmer. He attended Salado High School and married Patsy Cooper December 18, 1965 in Holland. Mr. Parmer served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He retired from Bell County Road and Bridge in 2003. Mr. Parmer was a member of the American Legion and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holland. Survivors include his wife, Patsy Parmer of Holland; two sons, Brad Parmer of Holland and Chad Parmer of Belton; one daughter, Melay Cearley of Holland; one brother, Lynn Parmer of Alabama; and six grandchildren.
John Henry Sumbera
John Henry Sumbera, long-time resident of Roberts Road in Holland, died peacefully June 5, 2008 in Will-O-Bell nursing home at the age of 92. He was the dearly loved father of Frances (Michael Kulchisky) of Austin, Fred of Chappell Hill, and Jane (Patrick Martin) of Montreal, Canada, and grandfather of Jennifer and Nicholas Martin. Survivors include his sisters Alice Lee of Temple, Mary Parkhill of Holland and Celestine Haschke of Cleburne, and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine and brothers, William and Joe. “Johnny” Sumbera was born in Holland in 1916 to Czech pioneers Annie and John Sumbera, Sr. and raised on a small farm on the street that now bears the family name. He graduated from Holland High School, spent the War years in the Army Signal Corps and returned to establish with partner Benny Muelhause a local plant that manufactured wooden stepladders and later wood veneer. He later moved with his young family to the Gulf Coast, where he had a long career with Union Carbide, returning to Holland in 1991. John had a lifelong interest in radio and electronics and was among the state’s earliest licensed amateur radio operators. He was a remarkable man of integrity and quiet strength, with a playful sense of humor, who will forever be missed by his family and friends. John Sumbera was buried with military honors at a graveside service scheduled Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Holland City Cemetary.
Nathaniel Lemons
Nathaniel Lemons, 57, of Davilla died April 15, 2008 in California. No services are planned. Mr. Lemons was born April 4, 1951 in Davilla to Wadie Lemons and Katherine Roberts Lemons. He graduated from Davilla High School and was a laborer. Survivors include his mother; three sisters, Hallie Johnson of San Antonio, Nanette Abgor of Brownwood and Linda Larue, both of Temple; and four brothers, Wadie Lemons Jr. of Gatesville, James Lemons and Thomas Lemons, both of Davilla, and Daryl Ray Lemons of Killeen.
N.A. "Bud" Whitlow
Graveside services for N. A. “Bud” Whitlow, 98, of Belton were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2008 in Bartlett City Cemetery with the Rev. Bobby Ellis officiating. He died Thursday, April 24, 2008 in a Bartlett nursing home. N. A. Whitlow was born May 20, 1909 to Alonzo and Annie Norman hitlow in Bartlett. He lived in Bell County all his life, where he farmed and ranched. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include a daughter, Joan Wendler of Bryan; a sister, Dorothy Whitlow Walters of Littleton, Colorado; two grandsons; and six great-grandchildren. Heartfield Funeral Home in Belton was in charge of arrangements.
Daniel Lee Grossman
Funeral services for Daniel Lee Grossman, age 65 of Holland, were held on Monday, April 21, 2008 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Salado at 10:00 a.m., Father Charles Davis officiating. Rosary services were held at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2008. Daniel passed away in his home on Friday, April 18, 2008 after suffering a long battle with osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cancers. Daniel was born on July 10, 1942 in Taylor to Rudolph and Julia Kasparek Grossman of Granger. He married Georgia Kaderka Pacha on September 19, 1967. He worked in maintenance at Stagecoach Inn in Salado until his illness caused him to retire in 2007. Mr. Grossman was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Salado, the Holland SPJST and the Holland Volunteer Fire Department. He is preceded in death by his parents and one great grand-daughter, Courtney Denise Gommert. Survivors are his wife, Georgia Pacha Grossman; two daughters, Keisha Grossman Moore and husband James of Richland Springs and Georgana Pacha Gommert and husband Ronnie of Holland; one son, Bill J. Pacha of Holland; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one brother, Rudy Grossman and wife Estelle of Temple; numerous nieces and nephews; and many beloved friends. Harper-Talasek Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Edmund Adolph Barabas
Services for Edmund Adolph Barabas, 91, of Bartlett were held Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 10 a.m. at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger with Monsignor John Frizelle officiating. Rosary was recited Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 6 p.m. Intombment was in Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum in Granger. Edmund Barabas was born April 16, 1916 in Bell County, Texas to Joseph Barabas and Augusta Kunz Barabas. He married Tillie E. Jarolik on October 14, 1940. Mr. Barabas was a retired farmer and had lived his entire life in Bartlett. He was a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger and SPJST Lodge #80 in Holland. He was preceded in death by six brothers and four sisters. Survivors include his wife, Tillie Barabas of Bartlett; one daughter, Barbara Voight and husband John of Bartlett; two grandchildren, Mandi Newby and and husband Paul of Bartlett and Ryan Voight; and three great-grandchildren, Chance Newby, Dillon Newby and Trenton Newby. Pallbearers for the service were Ryan Voight, Paul Newby, Johnny Pospisil, Charles Sirney, Alfred Machala, Louis Machala and Ricky Ramirez. Honorary pallbearers were Chance, Dillon and Trenton Newby. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Wilma Saage
Services for Wilma Inez Saage, 91, of Bartlett were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett with the Rev. Nanette Wyatt officiating. Burial was in Bartlett City Cemetery. She died Tuesdsay, April 1, 2008. Wilma Inez Saage was born August 25, 1916 to Walter G. and Julia Izard Holt in Holland. She married Elmer Saage on February 14, 1948. Mrs. Saage was a clerk at a grocery and drug store. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Lorenz of Bartlett. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Esteban R Solis Sr
A Mass of Christian Burial for Esteban Reyes Solis Sr, 84, of Bartlett was held at 10 AM Saturday April 12 at SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Granger with Rev John Frizelle officiating. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger. Mr Solis died April 8 in a Temple nursing home. He was born Dec 26, 1923, to Porfirio & Otilia Reyes Solis in Granger. He retired as a machine operator for Mobil Chemical. He married Teresa Maldonado May 23, 1954. He was preceded in death by his wife. Survivors include two sons, Rick Solis of Temple and Esteban Solis Jr of Austin; two brothers, Jenaro Solis and Joe Solis; five sisters, Isabel Medina, Janie Luna, Vicki Garcia, Patsy Tovar, and Mary Guzman; 4 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Rosary was at 7 PM April 11 at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett.
Dessie Mae Loving
Services for Dessie Mae Loving, 81, of Temple were held at 1 PM Saturday March 8 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Temple with Rev Willie E Robertson officiating. Burial was in Bartlett City Cemetery. She died Sunday March 2 at her home. Dessie Mae Loving was born March 19, 1926 in Bartlett to Sam Allen Ward & Ceceal Mosley. She attended Bartlett schools and was a member of St Stephen Methodist Church in Bartlett. She married Sherman Loving on Nov 25, 1949 in Quanah and joined Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Temple. Mrs Loving later joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Temple, serving with Mission II, senior choir, pastor's aid, and the food committee. She retired from Quarter Master Laundry on Fort Hood after more than 15 years. She was preceded in death by her husband and son. Survivors include 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Branford/Dawson Funeral Home in Temple was in charge.
Clifton E. "Gene" Kelley
Funeral services for Clifton "Gene" E. Kelley, 75, of Holland were held at 10 PM Saturday March 1 at the Dossman Funeral Home Chapel in Belton with Rev Al Newby officiating. Burial followed in Holland Cemetery. Mr Kelley died Wednesday Feb 27 at his home. Mr Kelley was born Jan 24, 1034 in Clifton, the son of Garrett & Rosa Karl Kelley. He was retired from American Desk after more than 20 years of service. Later he was a contractor for the State of Texas. He was a member of Holland Zerne Masonic Lodge No. 615 and was a strong supporter of Holland baseball and softball. Mr Kelley was a member of First Baptist Church of Holland. He was preceded in deathy by one son, Ronnie Kelley, in 2003, and a grandson, Brandon Kelley, in 1994. Survivors include four daughters, Sharon Janosek of Holland, Sandra Haisler of Rogers, Kimberly Youmana of San Antonio, and Kathy Wagner of Belton; two sisters, Jimmie Pettit of Dallas and Corrine Wooley of Belton; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Dossman Funeral Home was in charge.
Erwin E Spinn
Services for Erwin E Spinn, 95, of Bartlett were held Friday Feb 22 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger with Rev Joseph Nasari officiating. Mr Spinn was born on July 27, 1912 in Bartlett to Charles W and Lena Gerke Spinn. He married Angeline Driska on October 8, 1935. He was preceded in death by his wife. Survivors include his son, Patrick Spinn of Holland; his daughter, Dr Rita Spinn of Temple; a brother, Monroe Spinn of Rogers; a sister, Mildred Spinn of Temple; 3 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Rosary was 7 PM Thursday Feb 21 at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett.
Vernie C Marshall
Services for Vernie Chester Marshall, 86, of Bartlett were held at 10 AM Monday at First Baptist Church in Bartlett. Burial followed in Bartlett Cemetery. He was born Jan 11 1922 to Vernie Caldwell Marshall and Mary Hickerson Marshall in Little River. He graduated from Academy High School in 1940. He enrolled in Texas A&M, joining the Corp Cavalry. He served stateside and in teh Asiatic Pacific Theater 1943-46, then returned to Texas A&M to graduate in 1946. He earned his master's degree in education in 1957. He was an agriculture teacher at Bartlett High School for 38 years. Early in his career, he coached the girls' basketball team to a state championship in 1950. In 1961, he married Kathleen Johnson Wacker. After retiring from education, he served as a Bartlett school board trustee and was the excutive director of the Bartlett Housing Authority from 1986-1997. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1998, and a step-grandson. Survivors include three daughters, Shelley Aiken, Kim Belk, and Nancy Jackson; and 6 grandchildren. Goodnight Funeral Home was in charge.
J W "Mutt" Hill
Funeral services for J W "Mutt" Hill, 87, of Holland were held at 2 PM Monday Feb 11 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home Chapel in Temple with Rev Linda Mitchell of Little River United Methodist Church officiating. He died Thursday Feb 7 in a local assisted living center. J W Hill was born in Rogers to Henry & Eva Moore Hill on July 31, 1920. He was a member of the Little River United Methodist Church, as well as being a farmer and lifelong resident of the area. He married Ruby Jeschke on Nov 27, 1940. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Ruby Jeschke Hill of Holland; a daughter, Patsy Muse of Holland; brothers R C Hill of Holland and Virgil Hill of Holland; a sister, Dean Wallace of Temple; 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Temple was in charge.
Edwin Walter Kordes
Services for Edwin Walter Kordes, 92, of Bartlett were held Friday, Feb 1 at St John Lutheran Church in Bartlett with Rev Michael Swink officiating. Burial was in Holland Cemetery. He died Tuesday January 29 in Bartlett. Edwin Kordes was born Jan 18, 1916 in Holland to Rudolph & Elsa Zenkner Kordes. A lifelong resident of Bell County and member of St John Lutheran Church, he married his sweetheart, Lula Mae Johnson on Oct 2, 1935. He was a farmer by trade, farming several hundred acres in Holland. After that, he worked as a school bus driver for Holland and Bartlett school districts. In addition, Mr Kordes worked at American Desk and Superior Chair Craft in Belton for many years, as well as the local grocery store in Holland. Mr Kordes was a caretaker for his grandmother, Alma Zenkner, his mother, Elsa Kordes, and aunt, Louise Zenkner, for many years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65years, Lula; and his first son, Edwin Kordes Jr. Survivors include his son, Johnny Kordes & wife Deborah of Holland; daughers, Doris Kordes of San Antonio, Betty Schaefer & husband Walter of Temple, Edwina Goll & husband Frank of San Antonio, Peggy Pavelka & husband Joe of Bartlett, Alice McDonald & husband Jim of Bartlett, and Carol Kordes Light of Holland; and grandchildren, Stephen and Lori Schaefer of Temple, Michael and Stacy Schaefer of Temple, Tonni and Robert Beck of New Braunfels, J R and Yvette Goll of San Antonio, Wesley Kordes of Holland, Valerie and Ivar Owens of Holland, Michelle and Don Sheffield of Arlington, Kenneth and Amanda McDonnel of Granger and Larry Light of Temple. Goodnight Funeral Home was in charge.
Leola Nora Friedrich Muehlhause
Leola Nora Friedrich Muehlhause, 100 years 3 months and 15 days old, was taken home by her Lord and Savior on January 26, 2008. She was born to Will & Nora (Stein) Friedrich on October 11, 1907 on their farm west of Bartlett in Bell County. Leola had two older brothers, Leslie Friedrich and Alvin Friedrich, and three younger siblings Herbert, Esabell and Willie, all of whom preceded her in death. Leola was baptized on December 8, 1907 by Rev F Grueber in Bartlett and confirmed in the same church on March 25, 1923 by Rev Theo Bogisch. Benjamin Muehlhause and Leola Friedrich were married on November 18, 1926 by Rev Bogisch at St John Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 75th anniversary before Ben's death on December 26, 2001. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and was very active in school, church and community activities. Leola worked for Goebel Mfg Co in Smithville for two years while living there. Upon returning to Bartlett, she worked in the Bartlett Food Locker from August 1948 to 1953, when her brother Alvin sold it. She also worked at the Winchester Co in Holland. Before retiring, Ben & Leola manufactured stepladders for a number of years. Survivors include two daughters, LaVerne Haschke & husband Chester of Dallas, and Delora Dusek & husband James of Temple; 7 grandchildren, Glen Haschke, Gary Haschke & wife Becky of Dallas, Elaine Oertel & husband Russ of Austin, Greg Haschke & wife Barbara of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Danny Dusek & wife Sandy of Moody, Charmayne Lawson & husband Gene of Moffat, and Kathy Lanfer & husband Bill of Austin; 13 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Goodnight Funeral Home of Bartlett was in charge of arrangements.
Eugenia Williams
Services for Eugenia Williams, 91, of Davilla were held Jan 28 at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Church in Bartlett with the Rev Carl Nealy officating. Burial was in Davilla Cemetery. She died Wed Jan 23 at her home. Eugenia Williams was born Dec 18, 1916 in Milam County to James Nealy and Carrie Nealy. She was educated in Milam County and worked in the area for many years as a nurse's aide. She was a member of Friendship Christian Church in Davilla, where she served as Sunday School teacher and board member until her health failed. She married K T Williams on June 14, 1936. She was preceded in death by her husband and grandchild. Survivors include three sons, Johnnie Williams of Bartlett, Booker T Williams of Bartlett, and K T Williams of Granger; two daughters, Arline Gadison of Davilla and Margaret Starling of Bartlett; three brothers, B F Nealy of Temple, Chester Nealy of Temple, and Carl Nealy of Fort Worth; a sister, Florene Evans of Rosebud; 23 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren. W H Littles & Sons Mortuary of Temple was in charge of arrangements.
Ben Parnell
Ben Parnell of Holland, former banker in Bartlett, died Jan 14, 2008. He was born Jan 23, 1928 in Canadian, Texas. His parents were small ranchers in Lipscomb County where he lived for the first 26 years of his life. In 1962 he moved his family to Bartlett where he and an associate bought the First National Bank. Control of the bank was later sold; however, he remained as CEO until 1988. Ben love his home in the country where he spent many years farming and ranching. Ben was a Mason, an Elder of Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple, treasurer of the Salvation Army in Bartlett, Chairman of 3rd District Texas Bankers Association; and Chairman of the Bartlett Housing Authority. He was the author of one book, "The Carpetbaggers, America's Secret War in Europe" which grew from his interest and research surrounding the death of his brother in the crash of a Carpetbagger B-24. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Polly; one daughter, Jeanne Douglas and husband Gary of San Antonio; one son, Rob Parnell and wife Sara of Coppell; 4 grandchildren, Grant Parnell Douglas, Bradley Benson Parnell, Samuel Quinn Parnell, and Polly Anne Parnell; one sister, Louise King; and one brother, Sidney A Parnell, both of Canadian; and several nieces and nephews. He appreciated the many years of service by Pedro Aguayo and Emma Franco. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother who was killed in the 8th Air Force in World War II. Ben was greatly loved and admired by many for his wisdom, kindness and courage. Memorial services were held at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple Jan 17. Obituary and guest book at scaniohaperfuneralhome.com
Christopher Lee Ortiz
Funeral Mass for Christopher Lee Ortiz, 21, of Bartlett was held Jan 7 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger with the Rev. Joseph Nisari officiating. Rosary was recited at 6:30 PM on January 6 at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery. He died Jan 1 at his home. Christopher Lee Ortiz was born May 7, 1986 in Temple to Armando & Rosalinda (Martinez) Ortiz. He lived in Bartlett all his life, graduating from Bartlett High School. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Albert Martinez. Suvivors include his parents of Bartlett; his grandparents, Anita & Lee Ortiz Sr, and Esther Martinez; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends. Condra Funeral Home of Taylor was in charge of arrangements.
Rita Hill Fischer
Rita Hill Fischer, 68, of Bartlett came to receive into Glory, Jan 8 at home. She was born Oct 8, 1939 in Bartlett to C F & Bertie (Hargrove) Hill. She lived in Bartlett all her life. She graduated from business school in 1956 and married Ernie Fischer on Oct 26, 1957. Rita was devoted to her family and church. She worked at Need Music Co , several years at the City of Bartlett, served on the Bartlett School Board for 21 years and was president for 17 years. Rita had been selling real estate since 1985. She is survived by her loving husband, Ernie, of Bartlett; daughter Gina Laughlin & husband David of Louisville, KY; sons, James Fischer & wife Rosalind of Holland; Gary Fischer & wife Karen of Round Rock, Jon Fischer & wife Dawn of Coupland; 14 grandchildren; sister Marjorie Hayes of Conroe; brothers, Tommy Hill of Bartlett and Bobby Hill of Round Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Hill and sister-in-law Barbara Rozacky. Funeral service was held at St John Lutheran Church, Bartlett on Friday, Jan 11 at 10:00 AM. Burial followed at St John Cemetery with Rev Mike Swink officiating. Goodnight Funeral Home was in charge.