Texas History and Genealogy - presented by Genealogy Trails

Tarrant County, Texas Obituaries

LONGVIEW NEWS JOURNAL--Longview Texas June 5 1984
LUCILLE MCJILTON
Services for Lucille McJilton of Longview will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church sanctuary with Dr. Charles L. Holland, Jr. Officiating. Burial will be in Memory Park Cemetery under the direction of Welch Funeral home. Mrs. McJilton died (leukemia) Monday morning in a Dallas hospital (Baylor Hospital). She was a longtime resident of Longview and a member of First Baptist Church, where she was superintendent of the Adult VII Sunday School class. She was involved in decorations of the church. Mrs. McJilton was also a member of Longview Chapter No. 610 of the Order of Eastern Star and served as an officer, was president of the Hydrangea Garden Club, and a member of the Longview Women's Forum and Longview Beautification Council. Survivors included her husband, Rable; daughter, Joyce Jordan of Tyler; brother Howard Barry of Warner Robins, Georgia; and sisters, Mrs. Tommy Gregg of Lake Dallas, Texas and Mrs. Winston Cooper of Corpus Christi, Texas. Submitted by Mary Lafferty Wilson

The Times-Herald, Dallas, Texas, Oct 12, 1975
Entered into Eternal Rest Friday, Oct 10, 1975.
Mrs Viola Barry, 90, of Mundine Mobile Park in Lake Dallas, a former Longview resident, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Welch Funeral Home Chapel in Longview. Pallbearers will be George Burris, Bert Miller, W.E. Cooper Jr., Jerry Greer, Joe Krejci, and Randy Frazier. Mrs. Barry died in a Carrollton Hospital Friday after a lengthy illness. She was a native of Malvern, Ark., and a resident of Dallas County since 1953. She was also a member of the Kilgore Chapter of the Eastern Star and the First Baptist Church of Lake Dallas. Survivors included four daughters, Mrs. Ruby Wisniewski of East St. Louis, Ill., Mrs Rable McJilton of Longview, Texas, Mrs. W.E. Cooper of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Mrs Thomas Gregg of Lake Dallas; two sons, Roy Barry of Electra, Texas, and Howard Barry of Warner Robins, Georgia; a sister, Mrs Lonnie Boyd of Lubbock, Texas; and a brother, Bryce Lewis of Malvern, Arkansas. The Twenty-Third Psalm was her favorite and was read at her grave side. Submitted by Mary Lafferty Wilson

Obituary of Beverly Louise Thompson
Frimmel Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas, September 29, 2002, Page: 9

Beverly Louise Thompson Frimmel
WILLOW PARK - Beverly Louise Thompson Frimmel, 70, died of complications of cancer Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2002, at a Fort Worth hospital. Memorial service: 7 p.m. Monday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, the Rev. Robert W. Wilson, assistant to the Bishop of Fort Worth, officiating. Visitation: 6 to 7 p.m. Monday before the service. Memorials: Donations may be made to VITAS Healthcare of Texas, 2501 Parkview Drive, Suite 600, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Beverly Thompson was born Nov. 10, 1931, in Fort Worth and was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy in 1950. She married James J. Frimmel, a U.S. Air Force sergeant stationed at Carswell Air Force Base, in 1954. As an Air Force wife, she traveled with her husband for 20 years - Japan in 1958-61, San Antonio in 1961-65, the Pentagon in 1965-69, Italy in 1969-74 and Washington, D.C. in 1974-75, when Jim retired. They remained in D.C. until 1982, when they moved back to the Fort Worth area. Beverly obtained Civil Service status while stationed in Japan and she had many important assignments during her career. Prominent among them were her positions as secretary to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and Secretary in the Office of Management and Budget, where she held a White House credential. She retired from Civil Service in 1982. After her return to Fort Worth, she worked for General Dynamics until her retirement in 1993. Survivors: Husband of 48 years, Jim Frimmel; son, James Frimmel Jr. and his wife, Susan of Red Bank, N. J. and Mark Frimmel and his wife, Jerilyn of Bedford; and granddaughters, Anna, Joy, Danielle and Gloria. Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 702 Eighth Ave., (817) 336-0345
Note: Beverly is a distant cousin. If you are related to her please contact me. Sara Hemp

Ernest Edward Ammons passed away Saturday, March 13, 2004, in Fort Worth. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ridglea United Methodist Church. Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Memorials: Contributions may be made to Ridglea United Methodist Church or the Janice C. Ammons Memorial Scholarship Fund (FWISD), c/o 1625 Old Course Dr., Plano 75093. Ernest Edward Ammons passed away after suffering a stroke Wednesday. A resident of Fort Worth since 1954, he retired from General Dynamics in 1988 after a 34-year career as a flight control engineer.
He farmed in Palo Pinto County until his death. A native of Fisher County, he was born in 1923, one of eight children of John Wesley and Ona Ammons. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a B-24 pilot in Europe during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1945. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Texas Tech and master's degree from Southern Methodist University.
Ernest and his wife of 57 years, Margaret Klingler Ammons, were the parents of five children and had been members of Ridglea United Methodist Church since 1954. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Claire. Survivors: Wife, Margaret; daughter, Lynn Surovik of Plano; sons, David of Chapel Hill, N.C., John of Dallas and Phillip of Benton, Ark.; their spouses, Mike, Cindy and Kay; sisters, Arlene Neeper of Snyder and Dorothy Hall of Sweetwater; and 10 grandchildren. Published in the Star-Telegram on 3/14/2004, submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Dixie Bennett graduated from Fort Worth North Side High School and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in music before transferring to Texas Wesleyan University from which she received a bachelor's degree in history. She retired in 1996 from that University after 36 years as administrative assistant to the provost. She was an extremely talented musician and for many years was a cellist in the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Opera Orchestra. Her interests in history and genealogy led to active involvement with the Fort Worth Genealogical Society as well as state offices with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Dixie was the "guiding light" in the Society's publication of the volumes of "Generations" and her enthusiasm in working to assemble these pedigree charts for publication (submitted by interested members) was an inspiration. As President of the Society, Dixie devoted much time and effort toward the betterment of the organization, and will be missed by all of us. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Robert Rae "Buzz" Borland, 84, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, in Bedford. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 745 W. Pipeline Road, Hurst. Burial: Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborourgh, Ontario, Canada. Memorials: St. Philip Presbyterian Church or Alzheimer's Association, Box 9709, Fort Worth, Texas 76147. Buzz was born May 16, 1922, and grew up in Canada. He attended Peterborough High School and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He served in World War II in Europe. He continued to served in the Canadian army, retiring in 1969 as a lieutenant colonel. In 1970, he joined the international sales staff at Bell Helicopter, retiring in 1986. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Canada, traveling and genealogy. Survivors: His wife of 59 years, Marie; son, Bob and wife, Janet; daughter, Susan Stein and husband, Rick; sister, Edna Snider; three granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter. Published in the Star-Telegram on 9/7/2006. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Frederick Paul Campbell, also known as Paul Campbell, 70, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at a local hospital, from anaphylactic shock, having been hospitalized for severe asthma twice in the last two months. Memorial service: was held at All Saint's Episcopal Church on Friday, Dec. 2, with inurnment of his cremated remains in the church columbarium. For several years he co-authored, along with Patricia Chadwell, a column in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, entitled "Texas Kin." For four years, Paul was president of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society. During his tenure, a history of this region of Texas entitled "Old Northwest Texas" was published as a two-volume set. For 20 years, Paul served on the Tarrant County Historical Commission and was employed by the Fort Worth Public Library, working in the areas of genealogy and Southwest history. Survivors: Paul is survived by his partner of 35 years, John S. Morgan; maternal cousin, Gerald Money, of El Paso; and by paternal cousin, Arch Campbell, of Chevy Chase, Md. Published in the Star-Telegram on 12/8/2005 submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Garld "Mickey" Dunivan Jr., 66, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at a local care center.
Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Monday in Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.
Garld was born July 24, 1940, in Fort Worth to Garld Sr. and Daisy Dunivan. He graduated from Carter Riverside High School. Garld retired from Bell Helicopter in 2001 and enjoyed traveling, genealogy research, stock market investing and spending time with family and friends. He loved to learn new things and help others and was a volunteer computer training aide for TCC Senior Education Program. He was affiliated with FWGS, UAW Local 281 Lodge, and Masonic Lodge #1387 AFAM.
Survivors: Wife, Sue Dunivan; children, Dianne, Ermine Dana, Garld "Sonny" Dunivan and Tracey Cunningham; stepdaughters, Wendy Purdy and Candy Davis; 10 grandchildren; stepfather, James Weston; aunt, Ermine Laurence; and cousin, Jack Roach. Published in the Star-Telegram from 12/9/2006 - 12/10/2006 submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Joe F. Grant, 81, a retired professional engineer, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at a local hospital.
Funeral: 3 p.m. Friday at Travis Avenue Baptist Church. Burial: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home. Joe was born July 21, 1924, in Plantersville, Miss., to Jacob A. and Elvira Augusta Grant. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired from Texas Electric Utilities. He served with faithfulness as a deacon and longtime member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church. Joe chaired and co-chaired Benevolence House Ministries and was active in teaching literacy at Travis Avenue. He was also a member of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Survivors: Wife of 56 years, Jerry; daughter, Marilyn Nowell and husband, Robert, of Ovilla; sons, James Grant and wife, Veronica, of Belize, Central America, Paul Grant and wife, Tina, of Houston; grandchildren, Timothy Nowell and wife, Kim, Tiffany Nowell, Demar, Jacob and Bella Grant. Obituary published in the Star-Telegram on 6/29/2006 submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Juanita Green, 78, a beloved mother, died unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004.
Funeral: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Connell Baptist Church. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Juanita Green was born Dec. 14, 1925, in Ruston, La. She moved frequently but found home when the family settled in Fort Worth. She graduated from Paschal High School. She was a LVN most of her life. Juanita and Jess retired together in 1995 to enjoy their home and family. She was an active member of Connell Baptist Church; she always did whatever she could. Juanita served her Lord well in life and leaves smiles and fond memories in the hearts of family and friends. She will be deeply missed. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jesse L. Green. Survivors: Son, Allen Griffith and wife, Cherie of Arlington; daughter, Gail Shelby and husband, Don of Fort Worth; sons, Jesse L. Green Jr. and wife, Melva of Crowley and Roger Green; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnn Leonel; brother, George Webb, both of Arlington; and nieces and nephews. Published in the Star-Telegram on 9/12/2004. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Weldon I. Hudson, 90, a retired U.S. Postal Service employee, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday in Richland Hills Baptist Church. Burial: Lower Green's Creek Cemetery in Dublin. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home. Weldon I. Hudson was born Sept. 3, 1916, in Dublin to John and Delphia Hudson. Weldon served in the Coast Guard from 1942-45 in the American and Asiatic theaters during World War II. He married Lillie Baugh in 1946 and resided in Richland Hills for all of their married life. Weldon was a deacon at Richland Hills Baptist Church for many years. He was a past president of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society, was a member of the Texas State Genealogical Society and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Survivors: Wife, Lillie Hudson; sister, Roena Whisenant; numerous nieces and nephews. Published in the Star-Telegram on 2/4/2007. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Turner Lee Hutson, 85, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, passed away Friday, April 7, 2006, in Fort Worth. Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Lt. Col. Turner L. Hutson was born June 29, 1920, in Apple Springs. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He also served two tours of duty during the occupation of Japan and retired as an assistant hospital adminstrator. Turner enjoyed gardening and hunting. Survivors: Wife, Bobbie Virginia Hutson; children, Gary Lee Hutson, Marilyn Ann Tanner and Diane Lynette Hutson; and grandchildren, Lisa and Lori Hutson, Garrett and James Tanner and Rachel Elizabeth Marley. Published in the Star-Telegram on 4/11/2006. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Dr. C. W. Irvine, prominent Mineral Wells citizen and well known Shriner, passed away suddenly September 28, 1974, after suffering a heart attack. Since retiring from active practice in 1968, he had devoted much time to the Shrine, Shrine oriented projects, church work. school board and many other worthwhile community activities too numerous to mention here. He was a member of the Historical Survey Committee of Palo Pinto County and the county Historical Association.. At the time of his death he was supervising the restoration of the old county jail in Palo Pinto, converting it into a museum. He was a loyal member of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society, to which he gave many hours of his time. He will be missed. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

John B. Kendrick, 87, who retired after 35 years with the Federal Aviation Administration, died Wednesday, May 25, 2005, at a Fort Worth hospital. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday at South Side Church of Christ. Burial: Cox Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells. Mr. Kendrick was born Oct. 17, 1917, in Douglas, Ariz., the son of Jesse H. and Edna L. Childs Kendrick. He moved to Mineral Wells in 1950 and was a member of South Side Church of Christ. He was past president of the Texas Lions Camp and past district governor of the Texas Lions Club, charter member of Society of Airway Pioneers, a holder of the Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay since 1996, charter member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association and past president of the Mineral Wells Noon Lions Club. Survivors: Daughter and son-in-law, Jo Ann and Richard Robinson; grandson, Sgt. Brian Robinson, U.S. Army Ranger medic; granddaughter, Dr. Kelli Henderickson and husband, Heath; great-grandchildren, Tristan Robinson, Annaleise Hendrickson and Geneva Hendrickson; and several nieces and nephews. Published in the Star-Telegram on 5/25/2005. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Frances Clements Lapp, 86, a realtor, died Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, in Fort Worth. Funeral: 10 a.m. Thursday in the Drawing Room of Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Interment: 4 p.m. Thursday in Garden of Memories Memorial Park, Lufkin. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Frances Clements Lapp was born April 1, 1918, in Fort Worth, the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. P.C. Clements. She spent the early part of her life in East Texas and moved to Fort Worth in 1952. She was a realtor with Robert L. Thomas Realtors, retiring after 30 years of service. She was a member of Westcliff United Methodist Church, Fort Worth Board of Realtors, Colonial Dames of America, DAR, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Hugenot Society. An interest in genealogy prompted many years of study and publishing of journals. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles M. Bickford and Charles L. Lapp; and a son, Peyton Charles Bickford. Survivors: Children, Sally Jackson and her husband, Leonard Lipsky, and Rusty Bickford and his wife, Patty; grandchildren, Tracy Jackson, Kathy Jackson, Andy Jackson and Amy Bickford; great-grandchildren, Hayden Hale and Skyler Jackson; sister, Patricia Schoen; nieces and nephews; and other extended family, including her constant companion, Tucker.
Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 702 Eighth Ave., (817) 336-0345 Published, Fort Worth Star Telegram, December 14, 2004 submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Paul E. Markgraf Jr., 77, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2005. Funeral: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Mount Olivet Chapel. Burial: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home. A Fort Worth native, Paul was born Jan. 18, 1928. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a 32nd-degree Mason.
Survivors: Wife of 53 years, Helen Markgraf; sons, Deryl Markgraf and wife, Gail and Bobby Markgraf and wife, Lydia; grandchildren, Joseph Don Markgraf and wife, Leslie and Jason Caughron; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Emily Markgraf; aunt, Dorothy Jackson and husband, Richard; and a host of family and friends. Published in the Star-Telegram on 7/26/2005. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Buster G. McDuff, 78, a retired electrical engineer for Bell Helicopter, died Wednesday, July 7, 2004, in Fort Worth. Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday at Western Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth. Don Davis will officiate. Burial: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Crosbyton Cemetery in Crosbyton under the direction of Adams Funeral Home in Crosbyton. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford. Mr. McDuff will be in state beginning 9 a.m. Monday at Western Hills Church of Christ. Mr. McDuff passed away following cardiac arrest at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004. He was born in Crosby County and on Aug. 22, 1954, married Noliah Evelyn Boone in Truth or Consequences, N.M. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1951 and always remained a loyal alumnus. He was an electrical engineer at Bell Helicopter for 29 years, until he retired in 1991. He was a founding member of Western Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, where he served as an elder working with the missions committee and benevolence until he retired in 2002. His favorite Bible verse was James 1:27. He served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps in the occupation of Japan during World War II. Buster G. McDuff was a wonderful husband to Noliah, loving her unto her death, July 7, 2000, and beyond. He treasured every moment of their life together. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 22, 2004. As a father, Buster was one-of-a-kind. He dedicated his life to raising children who would love their God, their families, their country and the Republican Party. His children are a legacy of the extraordinary life and wonderful Christian example he lived. No one could have asked for a better grandfather. He loved all his grandkids, instilling in them the pride of being a McDuff. He was a godly and loving husband, dad and grandpa and his presence in our lives will be missed.
Survivors: Children, John McDuff and wife, Sherry McDuff of Indianapolis, Ind., Richard McDuff and wife, Merry McDuff of Escondido, Calif., Evelyn Hartz and husband, Barry Hartz of Argyle; grandchildren, Sarah McDuff, Jeff McDuff, Sierra McDuff, Caitlin McDuff, Arron Hartz, Shannon McDuff, Lauren McDuff, Amanda Hartz, Clinton McDuff, Ryan Hartz and Benjamin McDuff; brother and his wife, Dick and Nancy McDuff of Houston; sisters, Dorothy Bowers and her husband, Bob Bowers of Houston and Sybil Smith of La Grange.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 7/11/2004. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Barbara McLane, 80, a resident of Fort Worth, died Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at a local health care center following a long illness. Memorial service: 10 a.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1000 Penn St., Fort Worth 76102; or to a charity of choice. Mrs. McLane was born in Dallas. She earned her B.A. from the University of Texas in Austin and her M.Ed. from Texas A&M University in Commerce. Barbara married the Rev. Rogers McLane in 1946 and they recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. From 1950 to 1955, Barbara and her husband served as missionaries to Brazil. In 1955, while on furlough, she resigned as a missionary in order to accompany her husband in serving a series of six churches across Texas where he had been called to be pastor over a lifetime of service: First Presbyterian Church of Wharton, Raymondville, Lancaster, Cuero, Mineral Wells and Polytechnic Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth. Mrs. McLane's life had been one of service to others as a pastor's wife, missionary, mother, teacher, church worker, grandmother, community volunteer, organist and certified genealogical researcher. For 20 years, Barbara taught elementary school as a reading specialist.
Survivors: Husband, the Rev. Rogers McLane, Fort Worth; son, the Rev. Don McLane and his wife, Glenna, Mesquite; daughters, Doreen Geiger and her husband, Robert of Fort Worth and Jan Rieger and her husband, Scott of San Diego, Calif.; and grandchildren, Elizabeth Geiger, Bryan McLane, Curren McLane, Grace Rieger and Barrett Rieger. Published in the Star-Telegram on 9/12/2004. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Marie Orrick, 92, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, in Fort Worth. Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Greenwood Chapel. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Mrs. Orrick was born in Monticello, Ark. She was the widow of Stanford Orrick and had resided in Fort Worth for many years. She graduated from SMU with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was an active member in the Art Department of the Fort Worth Women's Club. She was also a member of DAR and the author of a book, "Reaching Back," tracing her family history. Survivors: Nieces, Ann Hall and husband, Allan, and Barbara Kirkpatrick and husband, Wayne, and their families; and a host of other family members. Published in the Star-Telegram on 11/29/2006 submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Lillian Lesbia Word Roberts, a native of Clovis, N.M., and a resident of Fort Worth for most of her life, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday at Thompson's Harveson and Cole Funeral Home. Burial: A private interment service will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers: Dee J. Kelly, Quentin McGown IV, Dr. David Fucshuber, Scott Barker, Patrick H. Bopp, Gavin Garrett, James Bordelon, M.D., Stuart Tung and Alan R. Hecko. Honorary pallbearers: Members of the Paschal High School Class of '36 and '38. Visitation: Mrs. Roberts will lie in state at the funeral home after noon on Wednesday. Lesbia has been recognized during her lifetime of almost 95 years as a "teacher, executive secretary, executive assistant, oil and gas accountant, title analyst, genealogist, historical researcher and a some-sort of artist." However, when answering an inquiry for her acceptance in The First Families of North Carolina, she answered, "Here it is! I will not give you my age to be published. You can read it on my tombstone later! Jack of all trades and master of none might be the apt title for my life." Active in an exceptional list of organizations, she was especially noted for her writings of the preservation of Texas history, the Tarrant County Horse Foundation, The North Side Historical Society, TCU, TWU, local, statewide and national organizations of patriots and geneological societies. Lesbia will be fondly remembered by Broadway Baptist Church for her years of active membership and teaching in their Sunday school classes and by the Fort Worth Woman's Club for serving as their business manager and president of several groups. She enjoyed memberships in local social clubs, where she served as officer and board member, and will be remembered as the recipient of the 1994 Service Award of TCU, and the Texas Historical Preservation Award in 1995. A lifelong prolific writer, she co-authored "The Oil Legends of Texas" which won the 1965 Graphs Award for fine books. Some $75,000 from the profits of the book were given to Cook Children's Medical Center to benefit abused children. Survivors: Lesbia is held in happy memories by her husband of 48 years, William Edward Roberts Jr., about whom she delighted in saying "We met in a bar at the Fairmount Hotel in San Fransisco"; by his son-in-law, David Morrow Webb, M.D., and his sons, Scott and Nathan; numerous cousins; and extended family members and friends everywhere. Published in the Star-Telegram on 3/28/2007. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Nancy Louise Timmons Samuels, 83, a homemaker, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at a local hospital.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday in the Chapel of Chimes in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Burial: 2 p.m. Monday in Eastland Cemetery, Eastland. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mrs. Nancy Samuels was a lifetime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a very active member of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society. Survivors: Husband of 63 years, Neal Samuels; sons, Carl and Kirk Samuels and their wives, Terry and Dianna; grandsons, Mike and Scott Samuels and Scott's wife, Molli; great-grandson, Blake; and brother, Thorpe Timmons. Published in the Star-Telegram on 2/11/2007. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Betty June Bradford Shelvey, 80, a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, with her family at her side. Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday at Hemphill Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Robyn Byrd Michalove will officiate. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Memorials: Mrs. Shelvey's family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, friends may honor Betty June's memory by making a contribution to the Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76103, or a charity of choice. Betty June was born June 26, 1925. She graduated from Paschal High School in 1942 and Texas Christian University with a Spanish major and music minor in 1946. That same year, she married Stephen "Steve" Shelvey, the love of her life with whom she recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. During their years together, they reared three children and shared many wonderful trips to the beaches of South Texas.
She will be remembered by friends and family as a loving wife, mother and friend, a gifted pianist, lover of animals, den mother and community volunteer who tirelessly devoted her time to preserving the integrity of Fort Worth neighborhoods. Betty June was a member of Hemphill Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her mother, Berta Vinson Bradford, and her oldest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Shelvey Huebner. Survivors: Her husband, Stephen F. Shelvey Jr.; daughter, Stephanie Anne Shelvey Juddo and her husband, Edward, of Albuquerque, N.M.; son, Stephen F. Shelvey III of Irving; grandson, Paul Shelvey Huebner of New Orleans, La.; granddaughters, Anna Marie Huebner of Alexandria, La., and Rohana Juddo of Albuquerque, N.M.; and son-in-law, Lee Huebner of Alexandria, La. Published, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10/12/2005. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Gladys Zachary Skinner, 81, a retired social worker, passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at a Fort Worth hospital. Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel. Burial: Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home. Memorials: Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association in Gladys' name. Gladys was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hurst. She retired from the city of Grapevine in 1988, where she worked as the senior citizens director. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Milton O. Skinner, Feb. 5, 2002. Survivors: Sons, Robert Skinner and wife, Sherry, David Skinner and wife, Gina; grandchildren, Randal Williams, Joe Skinner, Amy Skinner, Michelle Skinner, Michael Skinner; great-grandchildren, Jolee Skinner and Austin Tyler Rippy; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Published in the Star-Telegram from 8/9/2004 - 8/10/2004. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

FORT WORTH - Mary D Fleming Walsh, one of Tarrant County's most generous benefactors, died at noon Tuesday at her home after a long illness. She was 91. A sociable woman with a distinctive silver-bell voice that sounded remarkably young, Mrs. Walsh had a keen sense of humor and was an active participant in Fort Worth's benefit circle. Even in a wheelchair, she attended charity events surrounded by an entourage of friends who often accompanied her in a chauffeur-driven car. In her later years, the car was replaced by a van. She called her wheelchair "Royce" and said it "lived" in her home's front hall with "Rolls," the wheelchair used by her husband, oilman F. Howard Walsh, who died in 1998. Over the years, the Walshes gave away millions of dollars to hospitals, churches, the arts and schools, but she once said the word "philanthropists" didn't apply to them.
A fine arts center and an athletic complex at Texas Christian University bear their name. They gave land that completed Loop 820 around the city and donated the land for Tarrant County College's Northwest Campus. The library there is named for them, as is a building at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and one at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts charter school on South Hulen Street. The Walshes enjoyed drama, and when the old Worth Theater was destroyed in 1972, they saved the theater's Wurlitzer organ and gave it to Casa Mañana.
They supported Stage West, the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, the Arts Council, Happy Hill Farm and Cook Children's Medical Center -- but that doesn't begin to catalog their gifts or their wide range of interests. Without the Walshes' patronage, there surely would be no Texas Boys Choir, no Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir -- and certainly no annual production of The Littlest Wiseman, a Christmas play that was their unique gift to the community. The Walshes paid for the production and invited people to attend at no charge. Until four years ago, The Littlest Wiseman, which began in 1961, was also the highlight of a four-day gathering of the Walshes' friends. They called the gathering the "winter pilgrimage." Typically, more than 80 "pilgrims" came each season to Fort Worth, where they were treated not only to hotel accommodations by their hosts but also to themed parties, each with an invitation and a party favor selected by Mrs. Walsh. Even when her husband became too ill to attend the festivities, Mrs. Walsh sprinkled glitter in her hair, put on her best party dress and entertained her guests. During the 1995 winter pilgrimage, she hosted a square dance. The travelers stopped coming about four years ago when Mrs. Walsh's health became more fragile, but Malcolm Louden, president of the Walsh Cos. and a longtime friend of the family's, says the Christmas play will continue. "Mr. and Mrs. Walsh's desire was for The Littlest Wiseman to continue, and we will see that their wishes are fulfilled," he said. The Walshes also paid all travel expenses annually for 32 members of the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir to visit places such as Brazil, England, Germany, Austria and Italy. The Walshes traveled with the choir and insisted that the young men wear ties and the young women wear dresses. Longtime friend Bill Garber, retired director of the Scott Theatre, often chaperoned the choir and said the trips were great fun. "My friends said, 'Why would you get on a bus with a bunch of teen-aged bell ringers and go to Florida?' Well, the next year, we went to Brazil and the next to Italy, and my friends wanted to hide in my luggage." The bell choir practiced in the Walsh home, even during Mrs. Walsh's long, final illness. "We thought about moving them somewhere else, but she seemed to enjoy hearing the bells," Louden said. The Walshes were also generous with each other. They wed on March 13, 1937, and for more than 50 years, they exchanged small gifts on the 13th of every month. Mary D Fleming was born Oct. 29, 1913, in Whitewright, the fourth and only surviving child of Anna Maud and William Fleming, an oilman who named his first well the Mary D 1 in honor of his spunky daughter. William Fleming became a devout churchman and was a president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was an active member of Broadway Baptist Church and donated the money for the church's Fleming Chapel, gave land at Eagle Mountain Lake for a church camp and paid for a pipe organ and large stained-glass window in the sanctuary. His daughter joined the church in 1931 when she was 18, and it was there that she met Howard Walsh. He was a Southwest Conference tennis champion. He was also determined to earn a college degree, and each day he walked to TCU from the family's south-side home near Our Lady of Victory.
During the Depression, he worked for 16.5 cents an hour at the Armour meat-packing plant, but his skill with numbers and his work ethic earned him a chance to go into the oil business, first as an accountant working for others, including his father-in-law, then for himself. The Walsh fortune began with the Fleming holdings, but Howard Walsh expanded and increased the businesses. Through the years, the Walshes continued Fleming's lavish contributions to Broadway Baptist Church. Among the visible gifts are three stained-glass windows in the sanctuary that depict the teachings of Jesus. Mrs. Walsh "was a model for a faithful steward of wealth," the late Gene Thompson, a longtime minister at Broadway, once said. For years, the Walshes were Sunday morning fixtures, always taking their place in the very back row on the north side of the sanctuary, he said. Mrs. Walsh once told a reporter that it was during the Great Depression that she realized that her family enjoyed a privileged financial position. "I suddenly saw that the word rich might apply to us. I felt guilty," she said. When her father gave her a Cadillac, Mrs. Walsh used it to taxi friends to and from jobs. When she wed Howard Walsh, her father gave them a two-story brick home near TCU as a wedding present. She would die in the house. The house sprouted rooms as each of the Walshes' five children was born. They added a party room large enough to accommodate the weekly square dances they hosted for decades each Monday evening. By 1995, Mrs. Walsh was always in a wheelchair, but she attended the square dances anyway. One friend would push the chair while another was her square dance partner. And every month, except December, they hosted birthday parties for their friends who arrived with canvas "loot bags" to carry away all the presents. But Mrs. Walsh always expected guests to lend a hand when they went to dinner or when they spent a few days at the Walsh's Colorado house or at the North Star Ranch west of Fort Worth. Because she believed that people were put at ease if they had work to do, she assigned chores. She asked some to vacuum, others to set the table or pour tea. In 1995 with the "pilgrims" crowded into the house at the North Star Ranch, she asked friend Bob Howell of Ohio to lead the singing. As they did each year, the group sang old standards such as Rock My Soul, rounds of Frere Jacques, the Noble Duke of York and This Little Light of Mine. Then Mrs. Walsh asked for one of her favorites: Cor meum dabo. All the friends sang the Latin words that mean "Oh, how poor am I! I have not a thing! I give you my heart." Survivors include sons Richard F. Walsh, F. Howard Walsh Jr. and William Lloyd Walsh; daughters D'Ann Walsh Bonnell and Maudi Walsh Roe; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday at Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W. Broadway. Entombment will be in Greenwood Mausoleum. The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Walsh Scholars program at Texas Christian University, Cook Children's Medical Center, Broadway Baptist Church or a charity of choice. Published, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. submitted by Jo Ann Scott

Dallas Morning News 1900-09-27
Burleson Texas
Sept 24 W.P. Armstrong, a prominent business man of this place, died at 5 o'clock this morning of consumption. [submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer]