Rev. Howard Wayne Dill, age 85, of Kermit, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Regency Hospital in Odessa.  He was born in Zincville, Oklahoma on March 27, 1924 to Tony and Ethel (Smith) Dill.  He married the love of his life, Barbara, on September 25, 1979 in Coeur-de’Alene, Idaho.  Rev. Howard was a Minister for the Church of God.  He had a great love for spreading the Gospel and he loved preaching.

He is survived by his wife:  Barbara (Huggins) Dill of Kermit.

Funeral Services are 2:00 pm, Monday, June 22, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev Michael May and Rev. Syble Stone.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Lenin, Martha and Gladisela Polanco

Kermit mourns the death of three precious family members. Lenin Polanco, age 42, and his wife Martha Polanco, age 40 and their daughter Gladisela Polanco, age 19, all left this earth together on Sunday, June 21, 2009 in Odessa, TX. Lenin Polanco was born on Wednesday, January 11, 1967 in Ojinaga, Mexico to Jose G. Polanco and Gerardema (Juarez) Polanco. Martha Isela (Caballero) Polanco was born on Wednesday, October 02, 1968 in Ojinaga, Mexico to Patricio and Rosa (Marquez) Caballero. Their daughter Gladisela was born on Saturday, July 15, 1989 in Monahans, TX. 

Left behind to cherish Lenin’s memories are: his son: Alex Polanco of Kermit, TX and his daughter: Magaly Polanco of Kermit, TX; his mother: Gerardema Polanco of Kermit, TX;  one brother: Rodrigo Polanco of Kermit,TX; three sisters: Carmen Valenzuela of Kermit, TX; Sandra Brown of Alamogordo, NM and Maria Urias of Kermit, TX; Nieces and Nephews:  Neah Brown, Crista and Juan Jr. Valenzuela, Alyssa Urias, Rosanna Polanco, Rene Polanco, Tiffany Polanco, America Polanco, and Celvin Polanco. 

Left behind to cherish Martha’s memories are: her son: Alex Polanco of Kermit, TX and her daughter: Magaly Polanco of Kermit, TX; her parents: Patricio and Rosa Caballero of Kermit, TX; one brother: Orion Caballero of Midland, TX and one sister: Lorena Armendariz of Monahans, TX; Nieces and Nephews:  Oriol Caballero, German Caballero, Yuricel Caballero, Abel Caballero, Dalay Caballero, Adriana Armendariz, Flor Armendariz, Jose Armendariz, Anahi Armendariz. 

Left behind to cherish Gladisela’s memories are her brother: Alex Polanco of Kermit, TX, her sister Magaly Polanco of Kermit, and many extended family members and loving friends.

Rosary will be said 7:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 pm, Friday, June 26, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiated by Father John Lucido. Pallbearers for Lenin will include: Ramon Gardea, Abraham Gonzales, Ruben Saucido, Hector Polanco, Abraham Gonzales Jr., Scotty Morris. Pallbearers for Martha will include: Jesus Marquez, Uber Valdez, Raul Valdez, Jamie Valdez, Orion Caballero Jr., German Caballero. Pallbearers for Gladisela will include:  Gabriel Mendoza, Albert Gonzales, Eddy Morales, Geovanni Valdez, Rene Polanco, and Jose Armendariz.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Betty Jean Fitzgerald McGilbra, 77, a resident of Kermit for nearly fifty years, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, June 22, 2009 in Austin after a brief illness.  She and her late husband, Cullen “Mac” McGilbra, Sr. were faithful servants of the West Side Church of Christ in Kermit where Mr. McGilbra served as pulpit minister until the time of his death in September, 1984.  Mrs. McGilbra continued to be a pillar of spiritual strength and constancy of the congregation for the remaining quarter-century of her life. 

Betty Jean Fitzgerald was born in Unadilla, Georgia on November 8, 1931.  She was the 14^th of 15 children born to Daniel and Fannie Mae (Johnson) Fitzgerald.  The Fitzgerald clan was a lively, large and tightly knit family.  The siblings were devoted and loyal to each other.  So great was their bond that upon the deaths of Fannie Mae and Daniel, elder siblings took in younger ones and raised them as their own.  Betty Jean moved to Midland, Texas to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Rosa Lee ‘Tutta’ and Ernest ‘Papa’ Butler.  Years later, at a New Year’s Eve service, Betty spoke of how grateful she was for her sister’s and brother-in-law’s raising and how the Butlers were more like a mother and father to her.  Betty Jean finished high school and upon graduation enrolled at Southwestern Christian College where she met a handsome and charismatic young son of a preacher from Dallas named Cullen McGilbra.  She and Cullen married on July 30, 1955 on the front steps of the Butler residence in Midland.  Cullen, who had been in a car accident shortly before the wedding, exchanged vows with his Betty Jean on crutches. 

The couple moved to Snyder where Cullen worked full-time and preached.  While in Snyder, the McGilbras welcomed three sons, Cullen, Jr., Thomas and Alfred.  In 1961, the McGilbras moved to Kermit where Betty continued to be a wonderful mother, homemaker and helpmeet for Cullen who worked full-time and preached the Gospel at the West Side congregation.  It was in Kermit that the McGilbras added three beautiful daughters, La Nea, DeSharon and Susan, to their family.  Needless to say the elder McGilbras kept a busy schedule of supporting their children as they participated in school activities such as special children’s programs, school choir concerts and weekly sporting events. 

Sis. McGilbra’s career as the wife of a preacher was quite distinguished.  She was known and revered throughout the Brotherhood.  Her hands were always busy with the work of her Lord.  Whether it was preparing and overseeing countless fellowship meals, hosting guests in their home, teaching ladies’ Bible classes or discussing fine points of Scripture with a stranger, she always radiated a Christ-like spirit that made everyone around her feel warm and welcomed.  She was indeed a ‘wife of noble character’ spoken of in Proverbs 31. 

Betty Jean McGilbra was known by many endearing names.  She was Mama, Miss Betty, Aunt Betty, Gran, Gran-Gran and even Betty Jean.  Her influence was felt community wide.  She babysat numerous children, blessing them with her unique influence and special care.  No matter how one knew her or what one called her, Betty McGilbra’s characteristics of love, warmth, patience, wisdom and understanding remained the same.  Even in the midst of personal tragedy, the Fruits of the Spirit were always evident in Betty McGilbra’s life. 

Along with Mrs. McGilbra’s parents and her husband, three of her children, Cullen, Jr., Alfred and La Nea have preceded her in death.  She has also been preceded in death by 12 of her siblings.   She leaves a large family to cherish her memory including her son Thomas of Oklahoma, and daughters, DeSharon Malunga and Susan Whiteside of Austin; her grandchildren, Cullen III (Trey), Kourtney, Tiffane, Ashanti, Olivia and Garrett; great grandchildren, Daelan, Trevian and Jesielah; and her sisters, Geraldine Howard of Virginia, Pearlie Morris of Midland, and Ida Mitchell of Florida.  She leaves scores of nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and loving friends. 

Funeral Services will be held 9:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the West Side Church of Christ in Kermit with Brother Jodi Garrett officiating.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.   Funeral Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Nick Lara, age 56, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at his home in Kermit.  He was born in Lamesa, TX on September 10, 1952 to Joe and Maria Lara.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife:  Sally Lara of Kermit; one son:  Herbie Lara of Midland; three daughters: Angela Preza and husband Duke of Miliani, HI, Melissa Crowe and husband Kerry of San Angelo, and Cassie Lara of Kermit; three grandchildren:  Tristin Crowe, Lakeanne Crowe, and Emerson Crowe of San Angelo; one baby Lara on the way and numerous foster brothers and sisters.

Memorial Services will be held 4:00 pm Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Agape Ministries Dream Center 1618 E. Murphy Street in Odessa. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit and Acres West Funeral Chapel of Odessa.

Frances L. (Parkins) Ketchum passed from this life Sunday morning, July 12, 2009 at her home in Kermit.  She was born in Henryetta, OK on Saturday, April 15, 1916 to Robert and Lena Viola (Tate) Parkins.  She married Jack Ketchum on December 8, 1941 in Burbank, CA.  She was a homemaker, beloved wife and mother. 

Frances previously lived in Sapulpa, OK, where she was a member of the Neoma Chapter # 295 of the Order of the Eastern Star and attended the First Christian Church. She requested that any memorials in her name be sent to these two organizations.  

Her husband, Jack Ketchum, preceded her in death in 1992.  Her parents and two brothers, Jack and Robert W. Parkins, also preceded her in death. 

She is survived by her daughter:  Donna Canales of Clovis, NM. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Parlor, officiated by Brother Bill Campbell.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Christine Rose Collum, age 70, passed away at her home in Kermit on Saturday, July 18, 2009.  She was born August 24, 1938 in Eastland, TX to Clarence and Evelyn (Smith) Whitling.  Christine married the love of her life, Glen “Buddy” Collum, on June 24, 1955 in Kermit.  He preceded her in death in 1984.  Christine loved doing crafts, fishing, being outdoors, camping and gardening.  She also loved being with her family. 

Christine is survived by three sons:  Charles Eugene Collum of Kermit, James Dawson Collum and wife Beverly of Kerrville, Larry Dewayne Smith and wife Sandra of Dallas; three daughters:  Patricia Kiser and husband Joe of Kermit, Evelyn Tiegs and husband Lucky of Kermit, Melinda Compton and husband Rodney of Kermit; two brothers:  Clarence Eugene Whitling Jr. and William Walter both of Odessa; two sisters: Barbara Adams of Odessa and Nita Green of Bronte; twenty grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by husband: Glen “Buddy” Collum; parents: Clarence and Evelyn Whitling; Step-Mother: Hallie Christine (Holland) Whitling; daughter:  Glenda Faye Smith; brother:  Shannon Weaver; and grand-daughters:  Michelle Nichole Smith and Connie Kiser. 

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel.  Services will be officiated by Rev. Syble Stone   Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Pallbearers will include Clifford Milligan, Glen Milligan, Chuck Collum, Timothy Milligan, Curtis Collum and Casey Collum.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Chapel.

Lillie Faye McKay of Kermit, TX was born on the glorious day of our Lord, November 22, 1929, to the loving parents, Alice and Edward Simpkins.  She had three brothers, George Simpkins, Grover Simpkins, and Roy Simpkins of Odessa; four sisters, Annabell Hopper, Winnie Jackson, Bea Peavey of Marble Falls, and Nell Bely of Monahans.  She was raised and attended school in Burnet, TX. 

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, brothers – George and Grover, and sisters – Annabell and Winnie.  

Faye married the love of her life, Howard McKay, in 1953, and they enjoyed a marriage and true friendship that could have only been made in Heaven for 55 years.  Faye and Howard lovingly raised two children:  Diane Sutton and husband Roger of Kermit and David McKay and wife Angie of Midland.  Faye and Howard have enjoyed four grandchildren, Forest Henson (16), Alexus McKay (11), Alyssa McKay (11), and Addison McKay (7).  Faye was a member of the Church of Christ and always lived her life as close to the Lord as anyone possibly could.  She was always a very competitive person and thoroughly enjoyed fishing and golf.  To be sure, there are a few of you out there that have been skunked by her in fishing or beaten by more than a few strokes on the course.  Above all else, she was the best possible wife, mother, grandmother, Mimi, family member, and friend that anyone could ever have asked for and will be missed by all, more than anyone could imagine. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 pm Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Funeral services to honor her memory will be 2:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Parlor, officiated by Brother Brian McGonagill.  Pallbearers will be Larry Don Farley, Terry Woods, Danny Zumwalt, Boyd Lynn McKay, Alan White, and Kevin Simpkins.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery. 

Memorials in Faye’s name may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.  Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494.

Alfredo Valenzuela Calderon, age 60, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009 at his home in Odessa.  He was born April 14, 1949 in Ojinaga, Mexico to Manuel Calderon and Viviana (Valenzuela) Calderon.  He worked for Holloman Construction.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his two sisters:  Maria Ramos of Kermit and Adelaida Alvarado of Artesia, NM; brother: Victor Calderon of Tularosa, NM: and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Pilar Calderon, Manuel Calderon, and Francisco Calderon; four sisters: Acrisina Brito, Eva Bonilla, Juana Perez, and Viviana Gomez.

Pallbearers were Javier Ramos, Manuel Alvarado, Gabriel Brito, Ernesto Bonilla, Pilar Calderon, and Elise Gomez.

Rosary was said 7:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel in Kermit.  Mass of Christian Burial was 2:00 pm Saturday, July 25, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiated by Father Richard Waiwood.  Interment followed at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Lura Adair Gower, age 61, passed from this life after a long, courageous battle with cancer, early Sunday morning, July 26, 2009 at her home in Kermit.  She was born in Big Spring, TX to Frank Adair Nickens, Jr. and Lura Katherine (Lee) Nickens on May 31, 1948.  Her parents preceded her in death. 

She loved to play with her grandkids.  Her life revolved around her family and friends.  She loved playing cards, singing, and dancing.  She was a homemaker, a loving wife, mother, and Henny.

She leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Arther E. Gower of Kermit; one son:  Michael Henderson of Midland; two daughters:  Karen Richardson and husband Roy and Katie Spangler and husband Eric, all of Kermit; one brother: Kenneth Nickens; seven beloved grandchildren:  Brittany Martinez, Sheyenne Henderson, Meagen Marshall, Heather Marshall, Jacob Richardson, Ryan Gower, and Rylee Spangler; and one precious great-grandson:  Wade Alexander Martinez. 

Memorial services where family and friends can share memories and celebrate her life will be held 4:44 pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at First United Methodist Church; officiated by Rev. Gale Wilson. 

Memorials may be made in her memory to American Cancer Society, PO Box 102454, Atlanta, Georgia 30368, and Home Hospice, 516 N Texas Ave, Odessa, TX 79761.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Terry Douglas Henderson, age 65, passed from this life on Monday, August 10, 2009 at Medical Center Hospital of Odessa.  He was born in Kermit on June 22, 1944 to Evans D. and Joyce B. (Arnold) Henderson and was a lifetime Kermit resident.   

Terry worked as a heavy equipment operator and a jack of all trades.  He was an assistant Boy Scout leader.  He never met a stranger and was quick to make friends.  He was a loving father and grandfather, who will be greatly missed. 

Those left to cherish his memory include three sons:  Todd Henderson and wife Michelle of Conroe, TX, Tracy Henderson and wife Gina of Montgomery, TX, and John Henderson and wife Mindy of Saginaw, TX; one daughter:  Amanda Henderson of Wink; two brothers:  Kenneth Henderson of Wilmington, S.C. and Larry Henderson of Canada; two sisters:  Wanda Cooper of Muskogee, OK and Peggy Baker of Pampa, TX; six grandchildren:  Thomas, Bradly, Heather, Hillary, Bryce, and Kolton; and one great-granddaughter:  Lilly Marie. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother:  Riley Henderson, formerly of Kermit, and one sister:  Patsy Henderson. 

Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel in Kermit, officiated by Bro. Dudley Mullins.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor and Acres West Funeral Chapel.

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