Shelby County Today

10/14/2021

Chesney Grace Adair, 7, of Shelbyville, entered into Heaven on September 21, 2021.

Born November 6, 2013, Chesney is the daughter of Mianna Halstead Adair and Casey Adair.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday. Bro. William D., Bro. Ronnie Wheeler, and Bro. Wes Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

She is survived by:

Parents, Mianna Halstead Adair and Casey Adair

Sisters:
Kylie Holcomb
Michaela Holcomb

Stepmother, Kelsi Sockwell

Grandparents:
John and Karen Halstead of Shelbyville
Chris Adair
Lori Riggs

Step-grandfather, Jerry Roth

Great-grandparents:
Rowena Tyler and Grady of Center
Betty Sue McSwain of Deadwood

Aunts and uncles:
John Halstead III and wife Samantha of Timpson
Christopher Halstead of Shelbyville
Colby Adair
Regina Marshall
Robert Bush

First cousins:
Devon LeBlanc and wife Makalyla
Logan Nix
Chloe Nix
Ryan Halstead
Maddison Halstead all of Timpson

Cousins:
Jennifer Soto
Ruben Soto
Crystal Hass
Dean Halford
Dylan Barbee
Crystal Barbee
Eli Barbee
Cody Foshee
Trenton Hass
Brandon Soto
Hayle Hass

Special sister-in-love, Dixie Lee

Numerous special aunts, uncles, and friends

Numerous great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

Preceded in death by great grandparents, Warren “Gene” McSwain and Aubrey L. Graves, Gwyn Cockrell, Joe Adair, and Nancy Adair.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Parks, Khris Mohr, Colton Bush, Seth Hailey, John Halstead, Patrick Hedrick, Jason Pyles, Joshua Dunlap, and Christopher Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Adair, Colby Adair, Dylan Barbee, Cody Foshee, Trenton Hass, Brandon Soto, Ruben Soto, and Ricky King.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

10/13/2021

Senior Master Sergeant Robert Earl Spurlock passed away on 14 September 2021.

He is survived by:
His wife of 34 years 10 months, Sandra K. Spurlock

Sons:
Robert Jr.
Timothy Eugene

Daughter, Cynthia Marie Spurlock.

Robert was born in Shelby County, TX on May 5, 1935, to Floyd Earl Spurlock and Mildred (Watts) Spurlock. He graduated from Joaquin Texas High School in May 1953 and completed a BA in Business Management from Park College in 1977.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in November 1953 and retired on October 1, 1976, at Military Airlift Command (now Air Mobility Command) Headquarters. He served as a jet bomber mechanic on B-47, B-57 and B-58 aircraft. He was a Flight Engineer/Crew Member for B-58, C-130, C-141 and C-5 aircraft accumulating over 5,200 flying hours. In February 1964, he was assigned to Edwards AFB, CA as Crew Chief for a B-58 being used to update performance information after addition of multi weapons pylons. Upon completion of this project, he was assigned Crew Chief of a B-58 (Snoopy) which was being used to test a prototype air to air missile system. He was then assigned to the test force as Crew Chief and Flight Mechanic for a B-58A being used for test and escort purposes and for Category 2 testing on the C-130H and C-141A.

After 23 years of service in the Air Force he began his civilian career with the Military air lift Command Aircrew Training Directorate, as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations representative to the command facility board. He served as the Command combat arms program Manager, Air operations security program manager, and command coordinator for the Air Force Academy, AFROTC, and Civil Air Patrol programs. Following a tour at the Air Force Military Personnel Center as Air Force combat arms program manager, he moved to the Air Force Office of Security Police (now AFSPA). He served as the Air Force combat arms program manager until October 1994 when he moved to his final position as Chief of Resources and Requirements Division, Headquarters Air Force Security Police Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base.

Bob loved the game of golf—as a player and as a student of the game—because of its enduring values of integrity and honor, its precepts of sportsmanship and camaraderie, its adherence to the lasting Rules of Golf, and its many analogies to life. After retiring from the Air Force and settling in Albuquerque, he became a long-time member of the Tijeras Arroyo Golf Association at Kirtland AFB, serving as an Association Officer on several occasions. Bob cared for the game greatly; so much that he enthusiastically provided his time and Rules expertise, over more than a decade, as Rules Official for numerous High School, College, Junior, and Sun Country Amateur Golf Association Championships, as well as United States Golf Association National Championship Qualifiers, throughout New Mexico and West Texas. Bob was dedicated and often first to volunteer, especially for Junior and High School events, which held a special place in his heart. The youngsters appreciated his wit and friendly personality. His friendship was sincere, honest and kind.

Please visit our online guestbook for Bob at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

10/12/2021

Patricia Gale Adams, 66, of Center, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday. Bro. Harold Demment, Sister Melba Rodgers, and Bro. Lamar Rash will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born August 29, 1955, in Center, Patricia is the daughter of Aaron Porter and Hersey Belrose Porter. Her hobbies included shopping, traveling, and eating at Saltgrass. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. She was a member of Folsom Chapel Church.

She is survived by:

Children:
Patti Redmon and husband Bobby
Chad Adams and wife Hollie

Grandchildren:
Cody Denby
Brent Denby
Haley and husband Shon Lout
Caren and husband Stone Rasbury
Callie Adams
Cierra Adams

Great-grandchildren:
Symber, Ava, Harper, and Carter Lout
Kambri, Kash, and Kaiden

Siblings:
Joe Porter
Pennie Porter Cassell

Preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Wayne Adams; parents, Aaron Porter and Hersey Belrose Porter; brothers, Larry and Danny Porter.

Pallbearers will be Jody Porter, Jacob Cassell, James Cassell, Kerry Emanis, Scott Helpenstell, Jason Helpenstell, Will Lawson, and Todd Clark. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Porter, Clifton Porter, Robert Eaden, and Jason Burch.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

10/11/2021

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas James Holman (94) of the Maryland and Washington D.C. area, passed away. Thomas James Holman was born September 25, 1926 to the late L.B Holman and Loubadia Matlock Holman in Center, Texas.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas James Holman will be buried with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 2:30 PM. Thomas’ services will be live streamed: USE THIS UPDATED LINK TO STREAM RE: LTC THOMAS J. HOLMAN BURIAL & REPAST. 
Due to a technical failure, please use this updated link.
https://youtu.be/qR¿k-GqMLR8

Thomas was a member of Mt. Zion CME in Center, during his childhood days. Thomas always shown love and support for the church.  Thomas attended C.H. Daniels High School until the ending of his junior year. He moved to Beaumont, Texas his senior year and graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont. He received an academic scholarship to Morris Brown College in Atlanta Georgia. Thomas was a pre-med biology major and pledge Lota Chapter of Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

While at Morris Brown, Thomas was drafted into the Army. After serving as an enlisted man, Thomas returned to Morris Brown and graduated in 1949. He joined the Army National Guard and moved from Atlanta to San Francisco, California. While there, he started graduate school at Stanford University to continue his pre-med studies. When the Korean Conflict escalated, he was again called for active duty. While showing great leadership in the Army, Thomas was nominated for Officer Candidate School. He graduated as Second Lieutenant. After Officer Candidate School, Thomas returned to San Francisco. Thomas retired from the army as a Lieutenant Colonel and settle with his family in Los Angeles to complete his master’s degree in Education at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1972. He taught school at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.

In 1973, the Holman’s moved to Maryland when Thomas was recruited to join the District of Columbia’s successful efforts to gain Home Rule. He ultimately started his third career in the DC Government and retired in the 1990s. In 1977, Thomas founded “Holman and Associates,” his fourth career, a very successful real estate and traveling enterprise. Thomas lived a most expansive life with gusto, fearlessness, honesty, and joy.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas James Holman is survived by:

Children: Linda, Michael, Keith, and Lisa Holman

Brother, Charles Ray

Local Family (1st Cousins):
Lucky Gardner (Wilda)
Betty Sanders (John)

Wife: Alice Holman, preceded in death

Hicks Mortuary, 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935.

10/08/2021

Walter Rease Allen Sr., 76, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021, in Center.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Born September 17, 1945, in Pike County, Georgia, Walter is the son of M.L. Allen and Annie Lou Myrtis Ward. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, watching westerns, and woodworking. He was of the Pentecostal faith.

He is survived by:

Wife of 55 years, Gail Allen of Joaquin

Sons:
Walter Allen Jr. (Angie) of Carthage
John Edwin Allen (Lisa) of Griffin, Georgia

Daughter, Maria Allen Trull of Henderson

Grandchildren:
Asa Leggett (Aubrey) of Bryan
Wade Trull of Henderson
Cheyenne Rose Allen of Louisiana
Jewel Marie Allen of Columbus, Ohio

Great-grandchildren:
Colton Lane Leggett
Hunter Wayne Leggett

Brothers:
Luther John Allen of Griffin, Georgia
Larry Mark Allen of Griffin, Georgia

Preceded in death by his parents, M.L. Allen and Annie Lou Myrtis Ward; and brother, James Edwin Allen.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

10/7/2021

Alan Bennett, 44, of Center, Texas, passed away October 2, 2021 in Nacogdoches, TX.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 10:00AM at Neuville Cemetery, Shelby County.

Known affectionately as “Uncle Good Buddy” by his nieces and nephews, Alan Glynn Bennett was born December 6, 1976, in Center, Texas to Ferrell and Glenda Beth Spann Bennett. He graduated from Center High School with the class of 1995. Alan loved the outdoors and fishing with his dad and brother. Whenever he was around, something hilarious was bound to happen.

He could always be counted on to show up and cheer on his nieces and nephews at their ballgames and was so proud of them. One of his passions was genealogical research on his family, a passion he shared with his mother. He also enjoyed cooking for his dad. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Alan is survived by:

Father, Ferrell Bennett

Siblings:
Stuart Bennett
Carmen Coker and husband Gary
Brandon Bennett and wife Cherry

Nieces and Nephews:
Lucas Coker
Alyssa Coker
Dustin Bennett
Emily Bennett
Autumn Bennett

Uncles:
Derrell Bennett and wife Sandy
Charles Spann

Aunt:
Connie Spann

Many cousins and friends

Preceded in death by his mother, Glenda Beth Bennett.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

10/06/2021

Lonnie Belrose, 72, of Shelbyville, began his first day in heaven October 4, 2021. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Sardis Pentecostal Church with funeral service 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2021 at the church. Bro. M.H. Schubert and Bro. Todd Jenkins will officiate. Interment will follow at Brandon Memorial Cemetery in the Sardis Community.

Born September 1, 1949, Lonnie is the son of Ray Belrose and Zannie Gay Belrose.

He is survived by:

Connie Belrose, wife of 53 years

Sons:
Donnie Belrose and wife Denise
Ronnie Belrose and wife Carmen

Grandchildren:
John and Alyssa Andrews
Gage and Katelyn Belrose
Nate and Bailey Belrose
Zack Belrose
Austin Williams
Marcie and fiancé, Bubba Loofboro
Macie Belrose

Great Grandchildren
Adeline and Evalee Andrews
Logan Belrose
Tuff and Khoen Belrose
Addie, Audri, Lucchese Moore

101 year old mother, Zannie Gay Belrose

Sisters:
Lanell Rash
Lillian Shofner
Martha Rash and husband Kenneth
Melba Rogers
Kathryn Schillings and husband Joe Tom

Brothers:
Lester Belrose and wife Teresa
Leo Belrose

As well as, a number of nieces, nephews, and friends

Special Helping Hands:
Ed and Lucia
Adrian and Angelica

Preceded in death by: Ray Belrose, father; Drew McGown, father-in-law; Dicie McGown, mother-in-law; Vicki Belrose, daughter-in-law; Bobby Rash, brother-in-law; Oliver Shofner, brother-in-law; and Mike Rogers, brother-in-law.

Pallbearers will be Zack Belrose, John Andrews, Gage Belrose, Nate Belrose, GB Eaves, and Billy Wise. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommie Cox, Glen Connors, Jerry Brigman, Buddy McGown, Billy Rodgers, Kenneth Rash, and Lamar Rash.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

10/06/2021

On September 27, 2021, Gerald “Jerry” Messer (AKA Granddaddy) of Porter, TX left this earth for his final fishing hole. Gerald was born August 28,1937, to Robert and Hazel Messer and grew up in Houston, TX.

He worked in the Engineering Service of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for 29 years and was extensively involved in the transition from the old VA Hospital to the current facility, as well as in the building of the initial VA Lufkin Community Outpatient Clinic. He retired to Timpson, TX in 1996.

In earlier years, Gerald was involved in community fundraising through the Lone Star CB Club. He also enjoyed his bowling leagues, fishing, hunting, and golf. He could often be found barbecuing for family events, the little league teams, or VA staff get togethers.

A 47-year member for the Masonic Lodge, he was the Newbern Lodge recipient of the Masters Award, as well as the Golden Trowel Award – the highest award a Lodge can bestow upon an individual member.

Gerald/Granddaddy was dedicated to his family and friends. After his retirement, his previous employees continued to reach out and express their respect, appreciation, and admiration for his leadership and support of them. Gerald displayed grace in the manner to which he adapted to his declining health in the latter years of his life. He will be remembered for the way he offered counsel, support, and love.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hazel Messer; his brother, Robert Messer; and his daughter, Sherry Kingsbery.

His is survived by:

Beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Henry Messer

Daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Lundin and Bill Johnson

Son and daughter-in-law, Denny Messer and Rose Messer

Sister, Rosa Messer

Grandchildren:
William “Bubba” Messer
Gerith Kingsbery
Dusty Teague-Scherf
Michael Lundin
Brandon Johnson
Brooke Long
Clark Cornelison
Christopher Cornelison

16 amazing great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 2 pm at the Cleveland Civic Center, 210 Peach Avenue, Cleveland, TX 77327.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcomed for the Masonic Newbern Lodge No.97, A.F. & A.M., P. O. Box 694, Center, TX 75935.

10/05/2021

Ms. Jennie Mae Greer, 78, passed away September 28, 2021. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Westview Cemetery, on Bolton Street, Center, TX at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Howard Cloudy, Eulogist.

Visitation will begin on: Friday, October 8, 2021 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 2pm.6pm, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Jennie Mae Greer was born March 22, 1943 in Center, Shelby County, TX. 

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: 
Sons:
Randy Greer
Rodney Greer
Johnny Ray Greer
Tony Latham Sr.

Brothers: 
James Nickerson of Beaumont
J.L. Nickerson, Beaumont
E.L. Nickerson, Houston

Sisters: 
Mary Booker, Beaumont
Clara Washington, Houston
Willie Chatlin, Beaumont
Ruthie Nickerson, Baytown
Ada Nickerson, of Houston

A host of nephews, nieces, grandchildren and one great-grandchild

Her father Kasey Nickerson and Mother Clara Tanner Nickerson and her husband J.B. Greer all precede her in death.

Services Entrusted to Her Family of Professionals at: Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75961 (936) 564-4351 “Where The Family Comes First”