Lorraine Josephine Bates, age 82, passed from this life Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at Medical Center Hospital of Odessa. She was born July 10, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Henry and Catherine (Methe) LaPlante.  Before living in Kermit, she had resided in Pecos for 25 years.

Mrs. Bates was a very devout Catholic woman who was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church.  After the Lord, her family was her first priority.  She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved collecting and sharing pictures of her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed music and cooking.

Those left behind to mourn her loss include two sons: Earl Bates (Phyllis) of Midland and M.H. Bates Jr. (Reta) of Odessa; eight daughters:  Mary Shuler (Jake) and Grace Harrison (Jerry) of  Wink, Regina Armstrong (Scott) and Cecilia Ward (Clyde) of Pecos, Therese Sternadel of Big Spring, Christine Bishop (Harold) of  Douglasville, GA, Kathleen Jones (Jimmy) of El Dorado, KS, and Michelle Johnson (Lonny) of  Huntsville, TX; one brother:  Oscar LaPlante of  Tennessee; one sister:  Betty Gallegos of Illinois; twenty-three grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband: M.H. “Red” Bates Sr., a son:   Michael Bates, and a son-in-law:  Edward Sternadel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, December 1, 2007at St Thomas Catholic Church in Kermit with Fr. Rudy Lacerna officiating. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Bates’ grandsons:  Shain Shuler, Trey Armstrong, Clint Wills, Lee Ward, Jacob Harrison and Jeremy Harrison.  Honorary pallbearers will be Vonzel Shuler and Eddie Brewer.  Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Pecos at noon.  Services were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

On Thursday, November 29, 2007, a precious angel was called back to the Lord to be with him in Heaven.  Alejandro Arcadio Armendariz passed away at Winkler County Memorial Hospital after being with us for 22 precious days.  He was born Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at Odessa Regional Hospital to Johnny Armendariz and Belle Lopez-Armendariz.

In addition to his loving parents, Alejandro is survived by his paternal grandmother:  Antonia Armendariz of Kermit; maternal grandmother:  Eusebia Lopez of Barstow; paternal great-grandmother:  Francisca Ochoa of Odessa; maternal great-grandmother:  Alejandra Garcia of Barstow; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather:  Arcadio Armendariz and his maternal grandfather:  E.G. Lopez. 

Rosary will be said 8:00 pm Sunday, December 2, 2007 at Family Services Funeral Parlor.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 pm Monday, December 3, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father John Lucido as celebrant.  Pallbearers are Jose Armendariz and Mike Gonzales.  Honorary pallbearers are J.J. Stanley and Adolfo Pando.  Ushers are Jacob Gonzales and Ryan “LeeRoy” Stanley.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit.

Our Precious Son

 We can’t tell you, Alejandro,  how many tears we’ve cried

Since the day we were told that our precious son had died.

 It seems impossible, although we know it’s true,

Because everything we touch and see, will remind us both of you.

 We can still feel your heart beat and see a grin on your face,

We would have lost our sanity, if not for God ‘ s  saving grace.

 We have to close this chapter now, but this is not goodbye,

For you will live forever in our hearts, and in our minds.

 Love,  Mom and Dad

Alicia Perez Martinez

Alicia Perez Martinez, age 79, passed away Friday, November 30, 2007 at Lovelace Westside Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.  She was born Sunday, November 11, 1928 in Marlin, Falls County, TX. She was a member of the Iglesia Pentecostes La Hermosa.

Those left behind to mourn her loss include three sons:  Ramon Martinez, Hector Hernandez, and Basilio Augero, all of Dallas, TX; two daughters:  Hope Martinez of Albuquerque, NM and Dalia Hernandez of Abilene, TX; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Francisco and Estella Perez; her husband:  Erasmo P. Martinez, who passed away in 1988; one daughter:  Katie; two grandchildren:  Basilio Jr. and Reyna; and several brothers and sisters:  Manuel, Juanita, Joe, Victor, and Beatrice.

Funeral services are set for  2:00 pm Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at Iglesia Pentecostes La Hermosa, officiated by Neomi Donato and Pastor Garzes. Visitation prior to the service will be held at the church as well.  Pallbearers are all family members:  Ramon Martinez, Hector Hernandez, Basilio Augero, Robert DeLuna, Rocky Hernandez, and Adam DeLuna.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor. 

Allen Gene “AG” Plunkett, a long time resident of Kermit, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at his residence at the age of 85. He was born on Tuesday, July 27, 1922 to William and Lola Plunkett in Bryceland, Louisiana.  A.G. was a self-employed welder and 30-year owner of Plunkett Welding. He was a member of the Kermit Lodge #1258 A.F. and A.M.  

He is survived by his wife of 35 years: Merline Givens Plunkett; three sons: Jerry Plunkett of Oklahoma City, OK, Douglas Plunkett and wife Pat of Kermit, Texas, and David Plunkett and wife Linda of Wink; two sisters: Irene Hamm of Bienville Parish, LA, and Shirley Kemp and husband Milton of Minden, LA.  

He was preceded in death by this parents: William and Lola Plunkett; two brothers: Owen and Harvey Plunkett; three sisters: Betty, Odell, and Marie; and one great grandson: J.D. Holcomb.  

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Family Services Funeral Parlor with Brother Richard Ray officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be: Donald Plunkett, Billy Plunkett, Mat Martin, Ronnie Plunkett, Willie Ray Plunkett, Clint Plunkett, Kristopher Plunkett, Tony Romine.  Honorary pallbearers will be James Burns, Charlie Wright, Bill Mitchell, J.D. Abel, Buck Kilgore, Larry Leck, Johnny Garcia, Johnny Walker, Kerry Jones, and Jimmy Parker. Services were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit, Texas.

Cecelia Annette Clark 

Cecelia Annette Clark passed away Tuesday December 3, 2007 at her residence in Kermit.  Cecelia was born September 14, 1960 to in Kermit, TX.  She worked as a manager at a convenience store. She was a member of the Church of Christ.  

She was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Nelms. 

She is survived by her mother: Joyce Ogden; one son, Marlin Brandon Clark of Fort Hood, TX; one daughter: Amber Kundmueller of Wylie, TX; three sisters: Lawana Becker of Plano, TX; Karen Ruddick of Colorado City; and Larae Ogden of Colorado City: and three grandchildren.  

Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Kermit Cemetery with Kerry Cain officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor. 

James Artis Butler, age 80 of Kermit passed from this life on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Midland Memorial Hospital.  He was born October 23, 1927 in Longview, TX to Willie and Estelle (Barrett) Butler.  

James was a member of Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ in Midland, TX.  James was also a hardworking man.  He retired after 30 years for Dowell, he then worked and retired from X-L Transport in Jal, and then worked and retired from the Slaughter Ranch.  Most recently James was working part time as a crossing guard.  During his life he also served as a softball coach, and a cub scout leader.  Most importantly he was a devoted family man.  He loved traveling with his family, being with his children and grandchildren. 

He is survived by his loving wife:  Christel Butler  of Midland; 2 sons:  James Edward Butler of Kermit, and Quincy Earl Butler of Iowa Park, TX; three daughters:  Alice Marie Butler, Phyllis Butler Royal, and Jacqueline Butler all of Midland; five step-daughters:  Patricia Brown of Midland, Latrese Kendricks of Midland, Mary Robinson of Odessa, Dorethea Deboskie of Midland, and Alma Nealy of Odessa; two brothers:  Austin Butler of Lubbock and Grant Butler of Phoenix, AZ; four sisters:  Bertha Bowens of Lamesa, Johnnie Mae Williams of Kermit, Lola Vinson of Amarillo, and Deloris Thirlkill of Amarillo; eighteen grandchildren, and thirty one great-grandchildren;  he is also survived by his trusted companion, his dog Kojak.  

James was preceded in death by his first wife Ida Mae Butler on June 8, 2005; his parents Willie and Estelle, one brother: Joe, two sisters: Mae Johnson and Vassie Heller.  

Funeral services are 2:00 pm Saturday, December 8, 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Kermit with Rev. A. L. Jackson officiating.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit.

Jose R. Cardona passed away December 10, 2007 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.  He was born in Eldorado, Texas on March 19, 1940 to Pablo and Maria (Robledo) Cardona. 

He married Leonora Alvarez October 19, 1969.  She preceded him in death.  He found happiness once again and married Socorro Viezcas March 25, 2004.  He was a loving husband, father, and brother.  Jose loved life.  He worked as a welder and oilfield hand, and in recent years, as an appliance repairman.  His hobbies included fishing, hunting, building things and working on cars.  He was a member of the Pentecostal Church. 

He is survived by his wife:  Socorro of Kermit; two sons:  Jesse of Kermit and Joseph and wife Josie of Odessa; two step-sons:  Mario Alberto and Pablo; three daughters:  Cynthia Ellaway and husband Mike of Hobbs, NM, Melissa Cardona of Greeley, CO, and Melinda Chaves and husband Oscar of Westminster, CO; step-daughter:  Alma Adilia Viezcas; two sisters:  Lupe Alvarez of Odessa and Gloria of Florida; fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  

He is preceded in death by his parents:  Pablo and Maria Cardona; his first wife: Leonora Cardona; and his oldest son:  David Cardona.  

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, December 13, 2007 at Family Services Funeral Chapel with Neomi Donato officiating.  Pallbearers will be Oscar Chavez, Ramon Valenzuela, Robert Galindo, Reyes Lozano, John Alvarez, and Arturo Mendoza.  Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Rodriguez and Gary Ferguson.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Joe Paul Ethridge of Kermit died Sunday, December 16, 2007 at United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls. He was born April 15, 1928 in Conway, Texas to Pat and Weeta Ethridge.

Joe graduated from Kermit High School 1945 and entered Southern Methodist University where he received a degree in business administration. He was a proud member of the SMU Southwest Champion football teams of 1948 and 1949.

After graduation he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers where he played one season. His career was interrupted to serve in the Army for two years. After his discharge from the Army, he earned a Masters Degree in Education. He served 33 years in the Kermit Independent School District as coach, teacher, and principal.

He married Velma Schlegel on July 17, 1954. He and Velma were charter members of Zion Lutheran Church. He was also a 50 year member of the Downtown Lions Club, life member of the Texas State Teachers Association, member of the Retired Teachers Association, member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the SMU Letterman’s Association, and a member of the Winkler County Country Club.

After retiring from the Kermit schools, Joe served four years as Winkler County Commissioner and also enjoyed farming and raising cattle with his brother-in-law in Young County.

Joe is survived by his wife Velma, his children:  Joni Person, Todd Ethridge and wife Joan all of Kermit, Ann Sullenger and husband Sid of Mertzon, Texas, and Mark Ethridge and wife Liz of Monahans; seven grandsons: Patrick Hawthorne and wife Ludy, John and Joseph Pearson, Jacob and Joseph Ethridge, Gunnar and Reb Sullenger; three granddaughters, Jamie Pearson, Emily, and Mary Allison Ethridge. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Marie Ethridge of Coahoma, aunt:   Frances Honeycutt of Austin, brother in law: Melvin Schlegel and wife Tamsey of Archer City and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rob Ethridge.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, December 20, 2007 in the First United Methodist Church of Kermit. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Beard, Gary DeShazo, Alvin Matak, Ken Mays, Bill Mitchell, Bill Mizell, Sam Owen, Roy Peden and Richard Thomas.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to your favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Ann K. Waddell Countryman was born on April 12, (Easter Sunday) 1908, to Burton and Ola Karsteter in Bellvue, Texas.   She died December 16, 2007 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, TX.

She graduated from Bellvue High School, attended Texas Women’s College, North Texas University, the University of Colorado, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA degree.  She married James (Jim) Millican Waddell, Sr. in 1933.  After their marriage, they lived on the Waddell ranch in Winkler County, TX.  They moved into Kermit, TX in 1942, and later moved to Odessa, TX in 1963.  Jim died in 1965.  She married James Henry Countryman in 1967.  Henry Countryman died in 1981.

Before her marriage to Jim Waddell, she taught school in Kermit, TX.  After their marriage, she was very active in the community, participating in the Garden Club, First Baptist Church, Study Club, Girl Scout Board, and many other organizations.   She, at one time, owned and operated a flower shop, and was on the board for finding families to host foreign exchange students.  The Waddell family hosted exchange students over the years.

After moving to Odessa, TX in 1963, she served on the boards of the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center, Midland-Odessa Symphony, High Sky Girls Ranch, Permian Basin Art Museum (now the Ellen Noel Art Museum ), the Odessa Art Association, the Permian Basin Porcelain Art Club, the Odessa Cultural Council, the Western Hemisphere Girl Scout House located in Nuestra Cabana, Mexico, the Nathaniel Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Odessa Bridge Club, and the Daughter’s of the American Revolution honorary Mother’s Club.  She taught the Young Married Women’s Sunday School Class at Belmont Baptist Church in Odessa.  She was selected as Odessa’s First Lady in 1971.  She served as president of the Odessa Symphony Guild, Women’s Forum of the Globe of the Great Southwest, and the Thursday Study Club, the Honorary Mother’s Club, and Women’s Society of the First Baptist Church.  Ann was also a world traveler and was well known among her acquaintances for her travels abroad.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Burton and Ola Karsteter; her first husband:  Jim Waddell; her second husband:  Henry Countryman; brother: Burton Karsteter; sister-in-law: Opal Karsteter; step-sons Thomas Waddell and Jim Countryman; and her granddaughter:  Gena Moores.

She is survived by her daughter: Lolisa Waddell Laenger and husband Chuck; her son Bill Waddell and wife Barbara; step-son: James M. Waddell and wife Dorothy; step-daughters-in-law:  LouAnn Waddell and Helen Countryman; grandchildren:  Greg Moores and wife Margrit, James Waddell and wife Vickie, Shannon Waddell Lambert and husband Mark, Jim Waddell and wife Amy, Leanne Waddell South and husband Dave, JoAnn Humphries and husband Gary, Carol Countryman Rose and husband Howard, David Countryman and wife Gail, and Melinda Countryman Holland and husband Roger; great-grandchildren:  Gwen Moores, Silas Moores, Shelby Waddell, Jared Bennett, Jake Waddell, Justin Waddell, Brenna Waddell, Melissa Waddell Burrows and husband Mark, Thomas Waddell, Shari Waddell, Jake Durham, Rebbekah Lambert, Brittney Lambert, Deric Lambert, and Cade Gregory; fifteen additional step-great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews throughout the country.  Other special family members are Dick Waddell and his wife Nell of Odessa and their daughters: Mary Edith Waddell of Odessa and Jeanell Waddell Spearman of Carrolton and their children Evelyn and Stewart Meisell, and Frazier and Melanie Spearman and Manuela Rivas, her longtime caregiver and companion.

She was anxiously anticipating her 100^th birthday which would have been on April 12, 2008.  She had been telling everyone who came to visit over the past few years to be sure and set aside that date and plans were underway for a gala celebration.  So, be sure to set April 12, 2008 aside because the family is going ahead with plans for a Memorial Gala Celebration in her memory.

There will be a private burial at the Waddell Homestead Ranch on December 21 at 2:00 pm.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you give a memorial in her name to your favorite charity.

Delfina was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church.  She loved to crochet scarves and hats.  Her greatest joy was being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

She leaves behind three sons:  Juan D. Franco and wife Maria of Jal, Luzaro S. Franco of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Mario Navarette and wife Manuela of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico; five daughters:  Silveria Romero and husband Marcos of El Paso, TX, Angela F. Juarez of Carlsbad, NM, Martha F. Juarez of Jal, NM, Delfina Barraza and husband Salvador of Round Rock, TX, and Piedad Bean and husband Madison of Albuquerque, NM; one sister, Demetria Franco of Coyame, Chihuahua, Mexico; and thirty-four grandchildren and  thirty-three great-grandchildren.

Rosary was said 6 pm Friday, December 28, 2007 at Family Services Funeral Parlor in Kermit.  Mass of Christian Burial was 3 pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Jal.  Pallbearers were Juan Franco, Marco A. Romero, Gabriel Romero, Lionel Juarez, Ricardo Franco, Raul Barreza, and Felipe Juarez, Jr.  Honorary pallbearers were Dulce Juarez, Madison Bean, Salvador Barraza, and Galacion de la Hoya. Interment followed at Jal Cemetery

Thomas Lee Fason, age 44, passed from this life Thursday, December 27, 2007 at his residence in Kermit.  He was born, February 12, 1963 in Kermit to Carthal “Arkie” Fason and Wanda (England) Fason.  He worked as a roustabout and pusher in the oilfield.   

Tommy had been a Kermit resident all of his life.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends, writing poetry, and working with his hands.  His favorite thing was being a grandfather; his grandchildren were the light of his life.     

Those left to mourn his loss include his father: Carthel “Arkie” Fason of Kermit, his grandmother:  Mildred Fason of Blytheville, AR;  two daughters: Ashley Pritchard and husband Jesse of Monahans and Wendi Fason of Big Springs ; one brother: Junior Fason and wife Joan of Odessa; two sisters: Carla Ward and husband Michael of Heber Springs, AR and Melinda Hunt of Greersferry, AR; and five grandchildren:  Serenity, Rylee, Angel, Jesse, and Sasha.  

Tommy was preceded in death by his mother: Wanda Lee Fason and one brother:  Carl William Fason. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel, officiated by Brother Dudley Mullins.  Pallbearers will include John Depp, Eldon Appelt, Jimmy Eastep, Billy Johnson, Lee Partain and Buddy Broom. Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

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