Cornelius Oats

Cornelius Oats age 76 of Kermit departed this life on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at the Monahans Managed Care Center.  He was born August 18, 1931 to Jessie and Gracie Oats in Paris, TX.    

He is survived by two sisters:  Helen Glover and husband Vaughn of Kermit and Williadean Parker and husband Jimmy of Kermit. 

Preceding Cornelius in death were his parents:  Jessie and Gracie Oats; four brothers:  Coatis Oats, McKinley Oats, R.C. Jackson, and Albert Jackson; and one sister:  Earnestine Washington. 

Graveside Services will be 10:00 am, Friday, July 25, 2008 at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Chapel.

C. B. Smith of Kermit departed this life on Monday, July 21, 2008 at Hospice House in Odessa.  Claude Brown smith (“C.B.”) was born on Saturday, December 4, 1915, in Coleman, Texas.  His parents were Claude B. and Judiene Smith.  Mr. Smith was married to Opal Smith in 1960, in Wink, Texas.  They enjoyed many years together and especially enjoyed their annual deep-water fishing trips to the Pacific Ocean.  Mrs. Smith preceded Mr. Smith in departing from this life in 2004.  Mr. Smith grew up on farms in Tulia and Electra, Texas.  He graduated from Electra High School and graduated from Tyler College.  Mr. Smith enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1040 in Lubbock.  He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and remained in his country’s service until the end of World War II, being discharged in 1945.  He was stationed for many of his service years at Ponce Air Force Base in Puerto Rico.  He also founded the Armed Forces Radio in Puerto Rico.  After World War II, Mr. Smith was employed by the Federal Aeronautics Administration for twenty-five years as an air-traffic controller.  He retired from the FAA in the early 1970’s.  One of Mr. Smith's fondest enjoyments was his “ham-rig” radio, a hobby he enjoyed from the age of 12.  He is known world-wide by his call letters W5FLA.  Mr. Smith was a Baptist and a member of the American Legion.   

He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Smith; his parents, Judiene and Claude Smith, and a brother, Thomas J. Smith. 

He is survived by a son: David A. Smith of Hot Springs, Arkansas and two step daughters: LaRue Moore and husband Jim Moore of Odessa, and Lois Coleman of Jarrett, TX. 

Graveside services for will be 10:00 am, Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Kermit Cemetery, officiated by Brother Dudley Mullins.  Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

David Jay Eaton, age 24, of Kermit passed away on Monday, August 4, 2008 in Mentone, TX. He was born September 18, 1983, in Alice, Jim Wells Co., Texas to Darrell Eaton and Cheryl (Dobbs) Eaton. He was a derrick hand for American Drilling. 

He is survived by his fiancée:  Lisa Williams, his mother:  Cheryl (Dobbs) Eaton of Yulee, FL, grandparents: Truett and May Lou Eaton of Ft. Stockton, TX, one brother: Scott Eaton of Kermit, three sisters: Deanna Eaton of Yulee, FL, Dama Chopelas of Shipley, FL and Joleen Miller of Missouri Valley, IA; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.   

He was preceded in death by his father:  Darrell Eaton, and grandparents: Leon and Betty Dobbs. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, August 8, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel in Kermit, TX. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm at Easthill Cemetery in Ft. Stockton, TX.   Brother Rick Derrick will officiate.  Pallbearers are: Scott Eaton, Robert Jamison Sr., Randy Keen, Travis Robinson, Brandon Sage and Wesley Lee.  Honorary Pallbearers are Eddie Howard, Kevin Chopelas and Charlie Brown. Special thanks to Keith Atwood and employees of American Drilling. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Service Funeral Parlor.

Mary Ellen Farmer, age 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 from Hospice House in Odessa.  She was born Wednesday, March 24, 1926 in Sanderson, TX to George William Geaslin and Ruth L. (Holmes) Geaslin.  She married Dean Howard Farmer on September 20, 1947 in Sheffield, TX.  She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. 

She worked as a clerk for El Paso Natural Gas for three years, but Mary’s love was her Lord and she shared this love through teaching the Bible to children.  She served as a Sunday school teacher, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and a teacher at Pecos River Encampment near Sheffield.  She was a member of Eastside Church of Christ.   

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband:  Dean Howard Farmer of Kermit; two sons:  Howard Dean Farmer and wife Jamie of Amarillo, TX and Richard William Farmer and wife Patricia of Grand Lake, CO; seven grandchildren:  David Farmer and wife Pam, Jowana Morris, Darrell Farmer, Jonathan Farmer and wife Jessica, Nathan Farmer and wife Taryn, and Tye Farmer; and eleven great-grandchildren:  Tyson, Brittany, Heather, Morgan, Kalin, Bailey, Call, Guy, Trey, Emilee, and Gage. 

She was preceded to heaven by her parents:  George and Ruth Geaslin and her brother:  George Holmes Geaslin. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel officiated by Bro. Brian McGonagill.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Julio B. Pena Sr.

Julio B. Pena Sr., age 84 of Kermit, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2008 in Monahans, Texas. Julio was born Thursday, December 20, 1923 in Redford, TX to the late Toribio and Gregoria (Bustillos) Pena. 

He married Josefina Pando October 31, 1945 in Redford and they settled in Kermit in 1957. Together they were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mr. Pena loved gardening and taking care of his farm animals. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two sons: Julio Pena, Jr. and Oscar Pena both of Kermit;one daughter: Lourdes Luisa Ramirez of Hobbs, NM; two brothers: Oscar Pena and Francisco Pena both of El Paso, TX; three sisters: Lourdes Martinez of El Paso, Juana Medrano of Otis, NM and Nina Kehl of Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren; Rebecca Pena, Jacob Pena, Brianna Pena, Alejandra Pena and Yesenia Pena Ramirez and one great-grand daughter: Victoria Ann Pena. 

Preceding him in death was his wife of 60 years, Josefina (Pando) Pena, three brothers: Trine Pena, Nolberto Pena and Antonio Pena; and one sister: Elfidia Morales. 

Rosary was said 7 pm Sunday August 17, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10 am Monday August 18, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kermit with Father Rudy Lacerna as celebrant. Interment followed at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit.

Robert Leon Brooks age 69, of Kermit, Texas passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2008 in Odessa, Texas. Bobby was born Tuesday, January 17, 1939 to Jay Joel and Lola (Sherman) Brooks in Dawson County, Texas.

Bobby enjoyed driving trucks and picking up pecans. One of his favorite things in life was being a grandfather. Bobby served his country in the military and was a Baptist.

Those left behind to cherish his memory were his wife Charlene Brooks of Kilbourne, LA; two sons: Bobby J. Brooks and Toby Brooks of Kermit, TX; one brother: Carl (Bill) Brooks and wife Lela of Mineral Wells, TX; five sisters: Ruth Smith and husband Sam of Megargle, TX; Faye Roach and husband Tommy of Dennison, TX; Alice Kirkland of Odessa, TX; Bertha Ray and husband Oran of Fountain, FL and Jaynell Nash of Odessa, TX; nine grandchildren: Dystiney, Josh, Jacob, Shonda, Robert Daniel, Tiffany, Skyler, Brianna and Jaden; two great-grandchildren: Kahdijah Johnson and Audrey Johnson. He was preceded in death by parents: Jay J. and Lola (Sherman) Brooks; one son: Curtis Brooks; and one sister: Fanny Lee Emfinger.

Services were Friday, September 5, 2008, 2:00pm at the Community Church in Kermit, TX; with The Rev. Henry Freund presiding. Interment was at Kermit Cemetery. Pallbearers included:  Raul Marquez, Steve Brooks, Phillip Nash, Manual Valenzuela, William Weaver, Lawrence Smith, Bradley Crawford, and Melvin Gibby.  Honorary Pallbearers included:  Welden Gibby, Yancy Birch and Jory Birch.  Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Anita Lakey of Newton, TX passed away Thursday, September 4, 2008 in Houston, TX. Mrs. Lakey was born on Thursday, June 13, 1929 in Crane, TX to James and Grace (Roundtree) Tidwell. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband: G.V. Lakey of Kermit, TX; one son: Jerry Mac Turner and wife Heather of Dayton, TX; one daughter: Debra Kay Greak and husband J.W. of Liberty, TX; three brothers: Teddy Tidwell of Odessa; Kenneth Tidwell of Andrews, TX and Don Tidwell and wife Jan of Bedford, TX; one sister: Linda Kay Wells Tidwell of Bedford, TX; eight grandchildren: Richard Hornberger, Jay Hornberger, Jenie Walker, Christopher Olson, James Greak, Jerry Greak, Kayla and Hailey; fourteen great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: James and Grace (Roundtree) Tidwell; one daughter: Cathy Stewart; two brothers: Billy Ray Tidwell and Bobby James Tidwell; one sister: Doris Thompson. 

Services were 2:00 pm, September 6, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel in Kermit, TX. officiated by Rev. Teddy Short. Interment followed at Kermit Cemetery in Kermit, TX.  Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Tollie Delano “Jay” Lovell of Wink passed away Thursday, September 4, 2008 in Odessa, TX. Mr. Lovell was born Wednesday, August 22, 1957 in Gainesville, Cooke County, TX to Delano Wayne and Helen Joyce (Lovell) King.  Mr. Lovell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wink and was a Wink City Councilman for 7 years. He also served on the Loan Committee at WCCU for 7 years. Jay enjoyed going to church and golfing. 

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife: Kathy Lovell of Wink, TX; his mother: Helen Coachman of Gainesville, TX; one son: Brian Scott Lovell and wife Misty of Kermit, TX; one daughter: Misty Dawn Soltero and husband Andy of Wink, TX; three brothers: Chuck Coachman of Gainesville, TX, Frank Coachman of Ardmore, OK and Joey King of Eunice, LA; six sisters: Wanda Reiter of Gainesville, TX, Barbara Wofford of Gainesville, TX, Kay Chew and husband Roy of Marietta, OK, Karen Seay and husband John of Glen Rose, TX, Lola Coachman of Gainesville, TX and Tracey King of Eunice, LA; four grandchildren: Bree Montoya, Dylan Soltero, Alexander Soltero and Michael Lovell; sister-in-law: Shannon Walterscheid and fiancé Derrick; ten nieces and nephews: Megan Price, Greg Price, Hunter Santana, Jimmy Morgan, Jr. Chew, Fawn Lester, Lakota Seay, Mary Seay, Marcus White and Ricca Allen.

He was preceded in death by his father: Delano Wayne King; grandfather: Tollie Lovell; grandmother: Georgina Lovell; and niece:  June Price. 

Services were 1:00 pm, Monday, September 8, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Wink, TX; with Brother Richard Ray presiding. Interment was at Kermit Cemetery in Kermit, TX.  Pallbearers were: Sherrill Glenn, Raymond Dodd, Gerry Hamm, Billy Voyles, Terry Don Snyder, D.J. Bryan, Troy Ratliff, David Smith and Wayland Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers were: Mike Warren, Glenn Donehoo, Larry McCallister, Shane Youngblood, Glen Jenkins, Raleigh Morton, Dale Carmen, Bill Beckham and Steve Barthold.  Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Josefa Lopez Martinez

Josefa greatly enjoyed working with plants and flowers. She was a wonderful caregiver. Some of her fondest memories were spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved goats and her many dogs, Shakira, Brownie and Squishie.  

Those left to cherish her memories include her mother: Presiliana Lopez of Jal, NM; two sons: Gilberto Martinez of Jal, NM and Xavier Martinez of Jal, NM; two daughters: Irma Martinez of Odessa, TX and Sylvia Navarrete of Odessa, TX; four brothers: Jose Lopez of Jal, NM; Pedro Lopez of Midland, TX; Epifanio Lopez of Jal, NM and Juan Lopez of Midland, TX; two sisters: Maria Fierro of Odessa, TX and Juliana Barrera of Andrews, TX; six grandchildren: Gilberto Martinez Jr., Filimon Navarrete Jr., Yeseña Navarrete, Xavier Martinez Jr., Miranda Martinez, and Fabian Martinez.  

She was preceded in death by her husband: Carlos C. Martinez, her father: Ramon Lopez and her two brothers: Ramon Lopez Jr. and Fidel Lopez. 

Rosary will be said Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 7:00 pm (MST) at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Jal, NM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am (MST) Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Jal, NM.  Interment will follow at Jal Cemetery. Services were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Patricia Gene Phillips, age 76, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Hospice House in Odessa.  She was born February 21, 1932 in Alpine, TX. She attended Sul Ross State University.  She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Church. 

Those left to cherish her love and memory include three sons:  Mike Phillips of Pecos, TX, Howard Phillips of Odessa, and James Phillips of Kermit; one brother:  Odis Word of Roswell, NM; two sisters:  Sue Mosher of Oklahoma City, OK and Donna Storm of Carlsbad, NM; six grandchildren:  Michael, Mary, Teresa, Jesse, Betty and Jody; six great-grandchildren: Tiara, Tanner, Taylor, Megan, Brittany, and Dakota; two nieces: Ida and Iris and one nephew: Ira. 

She was preceded in death by her husband:  Howard Wesley Phillips in 1962; her sisters:  Judy and Katherine; and a brother-in-law:  Monty. 

Funeral services will be 3:00 pm Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Family Services Funeral Chapel officiated by Brother Dudley Mullins. Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Chris Haley, Michael Phillips, Yancy Burch, William Weaver, Jory Burch and Steve Mason. Honorary pallbearer was Don Hartsock.   Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Vernon Franklin Purcell, age 87, of Kermit passed from this life on Monday, September 22, 2008 in Midland, Texas.  He was born Thursday, March 24, 1921 to James Homer and Missouri Tennessee (Brown) Purcell in Brown County, Texas.

Mr. Purcell became a Christian on February 14, 1945 and had been a member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Kermit since 1966.  He was also a member of the NRA and Texas Rifle Association.  Mr. Purcell enjoyed all sports where he cheered for his Texas teams.  Frank also enjoyed watching the Kermit Yellow Jackets especially when his 2 grandsons and granddaughter played.  Frank also had a special love for baseball.  In his free time, he enjoyed singing and listening to music.  He retired in 1982 from El Paso Natural Gas after 33 years of service. Frank served his county in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1945 and attained the rank of Corporal.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife: Lois (Tate) Purcell of Kermit, TX; three sons: Eddie F. Purcell and wife Marla of Roswell, NM, Jerry D. Purcell and wife Julie of Kermit, TX, and Larry D. Purcell and wife Ruth Ann of Snyder, TX; two daughters: Elaine Parks and husband Phil of Kermit, TX, and Glenda Warren and husband Eddie of Gardendale, TX; two sisters: Dorthie Hill of Abilene, TX and Juanita Sheppard of Archer City, TX; twelve grandchildren: DeEtta, Justin, Cory, Bradly, Coby, Michael, Marc, Marci, Shawn, Darcee,  Leslie, and Callie; three step-grandchildren:  Tim, Will, and T.J. and twenty-eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: James Homer and Missouri Tennessee (Brown) Purcell; one brother: James Homer Purcell Jr.

Services will be Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 11:00 am, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, with Brothers Jess Little and Philip Loveday officiating. Pallbearers are his grandsons: Michael Parks, Marcus Parks, Cory Purcell, Coby Purcell, Bradly Purcell and Justin Purcell. Honorary Pallbearers are his granddaughters: DeEtta Beasley, Marci Schwartz, Shawn Miller, Darcee Jones, Leslie Barnard and Callie Warren.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery. Services were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

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