Condolences
Drue Sims “Red” Rogers was born February 14, 1919 in Buckholts, Texas. He passed away March 17, 2012 in McKinney, Texas and went to be with the Lord and with his wife Joyce. They were married 73 years on earth and will be together for eternity in heaven. Born on Valentines Day with a full head of orange-red hair, he spent his life as a salesman. After raising their three children in Liberty, Texas, D.S. and Joyce took to the road selling products in all 50 states. They finally settled down in Fresno, Texas in 1999 and joined the First Baptist Church of Fresno where Drue served as a deacon until 2011 when he moved to McKinney Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in McKinney, Texas.
Preceded in death by his wife Joyce Rogers and his son Gerald Drue Rogers, he is survived by son Delmar Joe Rogers, Sr. and wife Judy, and daughter Janet McClain and her husband Donald. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren who loved him dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Fresno, 4501 FM 521, Fresno, Texas 77545 on Saturday March 31, 2012 at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made
JOE HOWARD”CURLY” EVERETT born August 26, 1923 in Richardson, TX. passed away January 2, 2012. During WWII Curly served as a machine operator and sharpshooter in the Army. He helped build a Bailey bridge across the Rhine River and was recognized by General Patton. He received three Overseas Service Bars, a Good conduct Medal, and was discharged as a Staff Sgt. Curly worked for Shell Oil and was in an accident that doctors said he would not survive. “I’ll walk out of this hospital,’ he said. He did walk and even broke horses: one for Gene Autry. Later he would chauffeur celebrities such as Tennessee Ernie Ford and Eddie Arnold in a covered wagon pulled by his team of white mules at the Livestock show and rodeo. After retirement he raised cattle with friends Keno Vice and Mickey Frazier. He supported the NRA and was a Life Member of VFW Post 7109 in Pearland. Preceded in August 2011 by his wife, Katie, he is survived by friends and relatives who will still tell his life stories.
DANNY RAY CURTNER , a resident of Juliff, TX south of Arcola was born October 14, 1949 and passed away February 11, 2012. Danny served in the USMC. An equipment operator and mechanic, Danny was a hard worker, but his passion was guns. If he wasn’t hunting or reloading shells, or in target practice, he was reading about guns. Preceded in death by his sister, Nancy, he is survived by three children: Michael, Danna, and Kenneth Kurtner; grandchildren, Mason, Lacey and Michael; siblings: Bill, John, Dennis and Charlotte.
VERNON DALE WELLBORN, 76, passed away January 28, 2012. Dale was born April 27, 1935 in Stonewall, OK. He was raised on a dairy farm. He and his wife Mary Jo lived in Mayfair Park where they raised their children. Dale was a faithful worker at Almeda Baptist Church where he worked with children and teens. Later, he was one of a group who started the First Fresno Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his son, Joe Dale Wellborn, a daughter, Patricia Lee Wellborn, his wife, Mary Jo, and four brothers, Dale is survived by daughter, Barbara Ann Wellborn, grandchildren Alicia Leann and Astrik Janice. Services were at South Park Funeral.
JIMMY CLARK SCHOFIELD was born August 15, 1932 in Louisville, Ky and died January 20, 2012. As a teenager, he was newsworthy in Orange, TX for his work with the March of Dimes. He joined a special service branch of the US Airforce from 1951-55 during which time he entertain trooops and managed a base theater. He was the Elvis Presley of the Airforce. In 1957, he graduated from Georgetown U. in Washington D. C. Years later, he worked as an Harris County Appraisal when he brought his family to reside in Almeda Manor where the family attended St. Benedicts Church. Besides being the father of eight, Jimmy and his wife were foster parents to 238 children over a period of 30 years. Preceded in death by two sons, Patrick and Danny, he is survived by his wife, Betty Joanne, Children: Debbie, Kay, Alan, Angela, Tim, and Paul; 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
EDWIN LEE BROWN 90, born October 11, 1921 passed away January 1, 2012. Ed’s great grandfather ... Henry Pretty, built the first house in Almeda, TX in 1893. His grandparents, M/M John Harris, bought the Almeda hotel. All five of their children raised their families on a dairy farm. Ed’s parents had their farm on Furman Road, east of Almeda. He joined the Navy in 1940 and sailed out on the USS Lexington two days before Pearl Harbor was bombed. The following May, the Lex was sunk. He survived and returned to the family farm where he and his wife raised their children. For 60 years Ed was a member of the Almeda Methodist Church. He is remembered as one who taught and led by example and for his kind smile. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alberta, brother, James Brown, Jr. Ed is survived by his son Edwin Lee Jr.; daughter, Janet, five grandsons, seven greats. Donations may be made to the Methodist Church.
SGT. JASON C. LEAL , age 43, passed away January 6, 2012. Born September 6, 1968, Jason grew up in the Almeda area. Jason was a Houston Police Officer for over twenty years. He joined Police Academy Class #141 on August 20, 1990. During his career, he was assigned to the Southeast Division, Management Services Administration, Southeast Division, Narcotics Division, Central Division, Jail Division, and South Gessner Division. Jason was an active member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Tours Committee for ten years. He loved spending time at the Frio River with his wife, kids, and family. Jason also loved hunting and golfing and was an avid Texans and Astros fan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Monica; twin children, Jordan and Jade Leal; parents Fernando and Dalia Leal; brother, Michael Leal; sister, Laura/Charlie Rodriguez. Contributions may be made to the Houston Police Bicycle Relay team at http://www.hpdrelay.com/.
EDDIE EUGENE PULLIN ,50, was born October 3, 1961 and passed away December 22, 2011. He lived most of his life in South Texas. He enjoyed fishing, darts and shooting pool. He played on several leagues in the Almeda area. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, his mother Edna Snow and three children- Mindy Jean Newberg, Eddie Eugene Pullin Jr. (Lil Eddie), and Dustin Pullin. Eddie also is survived by three wonderful grandsons-Shane, Mason, and Chase; sister, Denise Bush; brothers, Jerry Lynn Pullin Jr. and Tommy Pullin; three step-brothers and three step-sisters. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Pullin and his sister, Pamela Pullin.
MARY ELIZABETH DOWNEY 70, born April 11, 1941 in OK. She passed away November 5, 2011. A longtime employee at Two Sisters, she also worked at Save and Save on South Post Oak. Her children and her grandchildren were her life. She is survived by six children: Thomas/DeAnn Downey, Susan/Allen Moore, Wesley/Rebecca Downey, Rebecca/Mickey Bobbitt, Elizabeth/Roger Hellman, and Martin Downey; 14 grandchildren, 3 greats and 4 siblings.
GLADYS E. DAGG 96, born October 10, 1915 passed 11, 11, 2011. She married Lewis Dagg in 1940 and lived on the old Dagg homestead. She loved quilting, gardening, playing cards, traveling and even taking an Alaska cruise when she was 92. A strong Christian she passed her faith to her children and grandchildren. A member of Minnetex Community Church in 1950 then Southway Community Church which she last attended Oct. 30th. Preceded in death by her parents, Theodore/Marie Horn; husband, Lewis Dagg; son, Arthur L. Dagg; and five siblings, she is survived by Mary Miller, Evelyn Hall, and Suzan Dagg; seven grandchildren and five greats.
PATRICIA MARIE CURTIS ,82 was born in New Orleans, LA on March 20, 1929 and passed away November 12, 2011. Pat’s exuberant joyous spirit lit up the lobby at the Bank of Almeda. She wrote a history of Windsor Village and was an Avon district manager. Her first love was singing in the church choir, first at Almeda United Methodist and then Westbury where she also played the hand bells. Preceded in death by her husband James Curtis, Pat is survived by three daughters: Susan Gaston, Carol/Daniel Burnham and Margaret “Peggy” Miller, six grandchildren and two greats. The family requests humorous stories of her to be sent to caburnham04@sbcglobal.net
ANTHONY R. PARKER, 73, was born December 29, 1937 and died November 15, 2011. He lived his entire life on his parent’s farm in Almeda, Texas making a living as an automobile mechanic and later as a diesel mechanic. He married his childhood friend Patti Sue Roco on July 7, 1956. They loved traveling around the United States. He also enjoyed restoring antiques and feeding people from his garden and the barbecue he cooked every Sunday. He is survived by his wife, Patti sue, four children, eight grandchildren and four greats.
EVERETT LYNN POTTS, 46,
Born August 26, 1965, Everett passed away November 17, 2011. Preceded in death by his father Kenneth Potts and mother Nelta Bratton, Everett is survived by his loving family; daughters, Marissa and Shannon Potts; grandsons, Bradyn and Kadyn Holbert; father, Dwight Bratton; sisters, Andrea/Kevin LeCompte, Tiffany/Scott Hamilton; brothers, Jimmy/Angie Potts and Robert Bratton. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends. Everett loved his family. He was a fun son, dad, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and paw-paw. He had a kind soul, great smile and will be greatly missed.
ALICE WHITELOCK, 96, joined her Lord Jesus Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011. She was a helpmeet to her husband, Gordan Whitelock when they established a small church in the oil field town of Pierce Junction and the Lifeboat, a place for teens to gather and have fun in a Christian atmosphere. When Pierce Junction ceased to be a community, their church bought the original Almeda Methodist building, where Alice served beside Gordan until they established Camp Peniel in Marble Falls. At camp, over the years, thousands of youth have been brought to an understanding of the Christian faith while having the most fun in their lives. Alice is preceded in death by Gordan and one grandchild, Whitney Whitelock. She is survived by three children: David/Rosie, Paul/Donna, Mary Edith/Don Barber, 15 grandkids, 10 greats and 1 great, great.
Maureen Francis Watson 63Born October 5, 1947 died July 17, 2011 in Houston, TX. Maureen became a licensed hairdresser and master barber. She chose that profession because she loved people and would give you the shirt off her back. She gave up a chance to enter modeling school with a classmate, Farrah Faucet. Both girls graduated from Mary Carrol High School in Corpus Christi, TX. For the last several years, Maureen lived in Almeda. She leaves behind: her mother, Evelyn Cheroff, of MA; daughter, Evelyn Rojcewiez of MA; brothers, Everett Cheroff of TX and Richard Cheroff of FL; sisters, Elizabeth Sheehan of TX and Eileen Johnston of MA; two grandchildren Jennifer and Nicole Rojcewica of MA; Fiancé, James Massingale and long time friend Richard Segura of TX. We will miss her dearly. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
RELLIE B. TYLER, 88, born May 29, 1923 in dorway, Kentucky passed away June 2, 2011. Rellie was a faithful member of the Almeda Methodist Church. Rellie developed a strong work ethic which helped her when several years ago she was left with the responsibility of a dairy farm which was the last operating dairy in Almeda. Preceded in dath by her daughter, Carolyn DiBello, Rellie is survived by her sons, Larry/Karen Tyler and Wayne/Patty Tyler, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Services were held at Forest Park Westheimer.
BONNIE JEAN MYERS born February 9, 1930 passed away May 28, 2011. Her services were held at Southview Baptist Church. Bonnie loved horses and cattle which she raised. Even more she loved her Lord, family and friends. Preceded in death by her husband Bill Myers, she is survived by her daughter, Brendaa Petticrew; grandchildren Jason and Amy; great grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Ashley, Dylan and Nicholas. You may leave words of comfort at http://www.southparkfunerals.com/
JOHNNIE B. WHITELEY JR. passed from this life June 19, 2011. Born and raised in Batson, Texas, J. B. Whiteley’s life was one of dedication. He served in WWII in Army Air Corp. From 1965-1974 he served as Assistant Superintendent of Occupational and Continuing Education in Houston ISD; President of Houston Community College (1975-1990), President Emeritus San Jacinto Junior College (1995) and Interim President of Lee Junior College (1992). J. B. was an active member of the Albert J. DeLange Masonic Lodge 1403, and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Preceded in death by his loving wife Paula and two sisters, J. B. is survived by three brothers, three children, eight grandchildren, and eight greats.
DAVID GLEN UPCHURCH, 56 passed away Saturday May 7, 2011. Born December 18, 1954, David grew up in Almeda. He spent his adult life in construction work in Katy and was currently working for Excel Interior Construction. A few hours before David unexpectedly died he called his mom to wish her happy mother’s day. David is preceded in death by his father, Jack Upchurch and brother, Larry. He is survived by his partner Rita Lopez, daughters Suzanne Pena, and Michelle Upchurch; mother, Phyllis Upchurch; brother, Kenny; sister, Debbie/Ronnie Dills; grandchildren, Michael, Steven, Chance and Brittany Pena, and step-mother Joyce Upchurch.
His services were held from 6 to 8 pm at the Scott Funeral Home in Alvin. You may post your notes on the web site of Scott Funeral Home.
Dollie Scott, passed away on April 21 at the retirement home where she was living in Coleman, Texas
Dollie was an Almeda resident and member of Almeda Methodist Church.
Preceded in death by her husband was Gordon W. Scott, she is survived by their four children: Doug, Sloan (Wallie), Joyce, and Suellen. Funeral arrangements are not complete yet but there will be a service in Coleman and burial in Forest Park Lawndale early next week.
Linda Barnes Martin 67, died April 3, 2011. Linda had a very strong faith and enjoyed sharing it with others through the studying and teaching of His Word, as well as through song to Christians of all ages (four year-olds through adult ministries). Linda was a very positive influence on many people throughout her life and she will be deeply missed. The Spiritual seeds she planted will continue to bloom and spread in the many lives she touched.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Lillie Mae Barnes. She leaves to cherish her many memories her husband John H. Martin; two daughters, Suzanne Olmon and husband Eric and Stephanie Burns and husband Edward; sister, Janet Smith and husband Charles; grandchildren, Jonathan and Reed Olmon and Brady, Brock and Emmy Burns. These five grandchildren were definitely the joy of her life. Her life will be celebrated by friends and family on Wednesday April 6, 2011 at South Park.
Jean Ann Wilkins born Aug 8, 1937 in Refugio TX died April 4, 2011. Her services were at Forest Park Lawndale April 9th.
Henrietta Wright McLelland of Fresno, Texas passed away on January 17, 2011. Born 5-9-1927 in Palestine, Texas, of early Houston Co. pioneers, she married John Early McLelland Sr. in Houston. They moved to Fresno in approximately 1970. Graveside services were held at the Manvel, TX cemetery on Jan. 19, 2011 with Pastor Ken Wieser officiating. Henrietta is survived by son John E. McLelland Jr. of Alvin, TX., and daughter Earline Rager Brown of Fresno, TX, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
