Shelby County Today

09/22/2021

Rhonda Lee Soto, 62, of Timpson, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Travis Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in the Arcadia Community of Shelby County.

Born March 23, 1959, in Elkhart, Indiana, Rhonda is the daughter of Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith. She enjoyed painting and gardening. Rhonda was a member of First Baptist Church in Timpson.

She is survived by:

Husband, Ralph Soto of Timpson

Children:
Christina Curtis of Anchorage, Alaska
Karla Jean Bright of Timpson
Rafael Soto of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Deserae Bright
Dylan Bright
Timothy Adams
Kayla Bright
Alyssa Bright
Madisyn Bright
Dakota Bright
Hunter Bright
Eliana Soto
Aubrie Soto
Kinsley Soto

Sister, Diane Ladd of Battle Creek, Michigan

Preceded in death by parents, Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith.

Pallbearers will be Rafael Soto, Frankie Bright, Raul Soto, Israel Flores, J.R. Curtis, and Ruben. Honorary pallbearers will be Dakota Bright, Rudy Soto, and Timothy Adams.

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

09/19/2021

Bruce Howard Denby born Aug 21 1951, left his earthly home Friday, September 17, 2021, in Gary Texas surrounded by his loving wife and family. After becoming ill in January Bruce was no longer able to fight the mystery illness that was plaguing his body. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 20, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Brother Lamar Denby and Brother Rob Merriman officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with final prayer by Queenie Brinson.

Bruce, the youngest of five children grew up in Denby Town, Texas. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1969 where he was involved in many clubs and sports but loved football the most.

At a very young age Bruce learned to use his hands and skills in carpentry and anything mechanical. If he attempted to build it or fix it it was done with precision and beauty! His love for all things Ford was never called into question. Older trucks and mustangs were his passion projects. When he was not using his skills building something you would find him tinkering on an old vehicle or 10 in his shop. If you knew Bruce for 5 minutes you would surely hear all about the15 vintage vehicles he had and his vision for every one of them. 

Although a back condition kept Bruce from serving his country in the military he was so proud to spend 2 years in Iraq helping to rebuild that country. He loved working where he felt like he was making a difference in the lives of those around him at home or on foreign soil. Bruce `made so many faithful friends during his time overseas that have remained close right up to the end. Bruce worked as a saltwater pumper for Nuverra Environmental Solutions the past 10 years. He loved to work and was only recently sidelined from doing what he loved due to his illness.

Bruce loved Jesus, his family and friends and his Country. 

One of the greatest singer/songwriters that never made it, Bruce Denby! When he decided to enjoy a little down time you could find him in his man cave lightly strumming his guitar to some Gary Stewart, #3 on his jukebox, or any old school country music song. Karaoke was for sure his favorite way to wind down from a week of hard work. If you were looking for some belly laughs and a great night he was your guy!

Bruce loved to garden and no matter what he planted or where he planted it, IT GREW! It was said by Carolyn, his wife of 19 years, “ I do believe Bruce Denby could plant a tire and grow a car”! His friends and neighbors would agree!

The heart that beat inside Bruce’s chest was as big as the State of Texas. He was quick to smile, generous with all he had, never judging and always ready to give a little grace. Bruce may have been smaller in stature but he was a Giant in kindness. 

Left to cherish his memory is wife and best friend Carolyn. 

Children:
Brian Denby and wife Brandi
Chris Denby
Brad Denby and wife Shannon.
April Campbell and husband Justin
Keni Jo Biggar

Grandchildren:
Dylan, Zachary and Brannon Denby
Cody and Brent Denby
Haley Lout and husband Shon
Presley, Kross, Kwade and Kroix Campbell

Great-Grandchildren:
Symber, Ava, Harper and Carter 
Kylin, Kambri

Brother-in-laws: 
Tommy Ishee and wife Vickie
Garry Ishee and wife Karen

Mother in law and friend for many years, Annie Jean Barbe. 

Preceded in death by his grandparents Francis Elizabeth (Fannie) and Cull Denby and parents Clifford Reeves and Versie Denby. Brothers, Weldon, Jack and Cliff Jr. Sister, Beatrice.

Lifelong best-friend, Leroy Wilburn.

Pallbearers will be Justin Campbell, JJ Ebarb, Dillon Ebarb, William Dutton, James Allen Ebarb, Tommy Ishee, Brandon Ishee, Moon Dog Johnny Brinson, and Robbey Dutton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Harrell, Rickie Mayo, and Charlie Moore.

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

09/16/2021

Leona Lawson, age 96, passed away September 7, 2021, at RollingBrook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Baytown, Texas. She was born on February 21, 1925, in Runge, Texas to parents Emil and Mary Prasek Krauskopf. Leona moved to Crosby, Texas in 1941. Some years later, while working at Baker’s Grocery Store, she met the love of her life, Happy Lawson who was a RC Cola delivery man. Leona and Happy were married on August 4, 1952, in Crosby and were married for 52 years. She remained a resident of Crosby until Happy’s passing in 2005, then relocated to Baytown.

Leona’s greatest joys in life came from being with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being outdoors, cooking and baking, especially kolaches, sugar cookies, sand tarts at Christmas time and Rice Krispies Treats for the grandkids.

Leona was reunited with her parents, husband, three brothers, son-in-law, Johnny Parker, and other family members that have gone before her. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory:
Her daughters: 
Mary Jane Parker
Carol Emanis and husband Dwayne

Grandchildren: 
Heath Parker and wife Lindsey
Cody Emanis and wife Carmen
Kyleigh Halldorson and husband Brian
Audra Hinnant

Great-grandchildren: 
Zane Parker
Flint Parker
Branch Parker
Preslee Halldorson
Vaden Hinnant
Dash Hinnant 

Her sister, Lily Mae Harrison

Sisters-in-law: 
Georgia Krauskopf
Ruby Hughes
Wynell Lawson
Nadine Lawson
Clydie Lawson

As well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members

Leona’s family would like to thank all those who helped care for her over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. 

In honoring Leona’s requests, a private family graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Antioch Cemetery in Center, Texas 

Services are under the direction of Sterline White Funeral Home.

09/15/2021

Howard Leon Sandifer (Peanut), 63, born October 17, 1957, entered into into eternal rest on September 11, 2021 and went to be with loved ones who went home before him.                  
 
He loved hunting and he loved fishing and he loved his family and friends,  and his animals.  

Left to cherish his memory are: 
His children: 
Jennifer Patterson and Jeff
Chris England and Crystal
Aaren Wages and Allen
Logan Sandifer

Brothers: 
James Billy Sandifer
Michael Sandifer and Rhonda

Sisters: 
Sissy Norwood and Jimmy
Dovie Stahl
Rhonda Moore
Patricia Windham

Many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends and his constant companion dog Ruby.              

He is preceeded in death by his parents, Howard M Sandifer and Patsy Hilton Sandifer Still. 

The family will have a memorial day at Lovicks Saturday from 12 till ? 
Everyone that loved Peanut is welcome.

09/13/2021

Ernest Terrand Watts, 65, died on September 9, 2021. Ernest was born on August 30, 1956, to Cartelyou Brinson and Pearlie Mae Watts in Center, Texas. 

Visitation will be held Friday September 17, 2021, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas. Funeral Service will be Saturday September 18, 2021, at 11:00AM at Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas. Interment to follow at Mt. Gillion Cemetery.

Ernest grew up in Center, Texas, and graduated from Center High School, he played football, basketball and ran track. Ernest found the love of his life Shirley and married on July 4, 1975, and had 46 wonderful years together. He was a successful small business owner of Watts Transportation. He enjoyed church and was the treasurer, custodian, usher, and deacon. Ernest loved going to sporting event and spending time with family and friends. He was loving and caring and helped anyone that needed it. He was loving husband, father and PaPa and worked hard to provide and take care of his family. He could always make you laugh no matter what the situation was.

Survived by: 
Wife, Shirley Watts

Sons: 
Adric Watts and wife, Kelly Watts
Justin Watts and wife, Jessica Watts

Sister, Vanita Singleton

Grandchildren: 
Adrian Johnson
Jakadric Watts
Jakedric Watts
Miata Riley and husband, Jesse Riley

Great-Grandchildren:
Kaynen Johnson
Kai Riley

Preceded in death by: Parents, Cartelyou Brinson and Pearlie Mae Watts, Great Grandchild, Elijah Riley. 

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

09/13/2021

Timothy (Tim) Krantz, 80 of Nacogdoches and formerly of Tenaha, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2021. He was born on January 23, 1941 in Fresno, California to Ralph and Callie Krantz.  

Memorial services will be held on September 19, 2021 at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. Pastor Noel Dear will be officiating.

Tim worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years, retiring as Postmaster from the Hemphill, Texas Post Office.  He went on to work the floor for the Jasper, Texas auction house for several years.  After marring Ruth Sumler they moved to Nacogdoches, Texas and went to work for Chick-fil-A.  He was known as Mr. Chick-fil-A of Nacogdoches, Texas. He enjoyed preforming magic tricks, visiting and praying for anyone who came into Chick-fil-A.  His heart was so big and full of love for everyone.  One of his passions was the Shoebox Ministry through Operation Christmas Child.  

He is survived by:

Wife, Ruth Krantz

Children:
Tim Krantz, Jr. of Lasara, TX 
Adam Krantz of Navasota, TX
Amber Walker and husband John of Corsicana, TX
Eric Krantz and wife Michelle of Rockwall, TX
Daniel Williamson of Nacogdoches, TX
Amanda Jones of Nacogdoches, TX
Anita Corning and husband Joe of Midland, TX 

Grandchildren:
Justin Krantz
Hanna Krantz
Matthew Krantz
Brazos Krantz
Brooke Krantz
Brynn Krantz
Jennafer White
Cheyenne Jock
Dakota Divin
MaCayla Keele
Eryka Krantz
JT Jones
Joey Corning
Jett Corning

Sister:
Edna Reeves of Gainesville

Proceeded in death by:
Mother, Callie Krantz
Father, Ralph Krantz
Brother, Bill Krantz

Special thank you to Harbor Hospice of Lufkin Texas and the staff of Nacogdoches Treatment Center.

09/10/2021

Donna Maureen Schoenewolf, 55, passed away September 6, 2021 in Bullard, Texas.

Memorial services will be held at 2pm Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with Eugene Bowden officiating.

Born July 15, 1967 in Center, Texas, Donna is the daughter of Donice Livingston and Barbara Watson Livingston. She was employed with Factory Connection.

She is survived by:

Mother, Barbara Livingston

Husband, Reggie Schoenewolf

Daughter, Steely Dawn Lucas

Aunts:
Beverly Hendricks
Pat Hilliard McDonald and husband David
Linda Bridges
Doris Martin

Uncles:
Richard Livingston
Douglas Watson

Daughter-in-law, Regan Jackson

Son-in-law, Gary Jackson

Grandkids, Saylor and Tripp Jackson

Numerous cousins, relatives and a host of friends and of course her little man, Bo the dog.

Preceeded in death by her father, Donice Livingston; and her brother, Mark Twain Livingston

Honorary attendees will be coworkers of the Factory Connection.

Services are under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

09/08/2021

Sherron Clark King, 65 of Center, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Houston.

Funeral service is at 1pm Saturday, September 11 at Center Triumph Church in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. officiating.

She is survived by:

Mother, Eldrid (Molly) Clark of Center

Sister, Shelia ((Larry) Clark of Houston

Niece, Brittany Clark of Houston

Aunts:
Pat Mathews of Lufkin
Ruby Wilson of Center
Lola B. Phillips of Center

Uncles:
Charles Phillips of El Paso, Texas
Richard Phillips of Center

Service are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

09/08/2021

Wayne Terrell "Goatroper" Evans, of Logansport, Louisiana rode off into the sunset and sat at the feet of his Heavenly Father at the age of 79 on August 25, 2021, surrounded by his family after a short illness.

He worked in dairies, pipe yards, roofing, plumbing and as a “Big Rig” driver from his early teenage years until he retired 5 years ago. His son, Jimmy Evans took him for his last ride on the “Big Rig” from Mansfield, Louisiana to Logansport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 26th, 2021. His long-time driving partner, John “Lumberjack” Mathis and grandsons, J.R. Brown and Brandon Childress joined the last ride in their “Big Rigs” along with the rest of the family. 

Celebration of life service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Logansport, Louisiana with visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 27, 2021. Rev. Dean Register and Bro. Frankie Mathis officiated the service. His grandson, Tommy Amox drove Wayne’s team pulling his covered wagon for Wayne last covered wagon ride to his final resting place next to the love of his life, Helen Evans at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. All of Wayne’s grandsons, great-grandson’s and great-great grandsons served as the Pallbearers. The walked behind the covered wagon as they made their way to the final destination.

Born October 31, 1941, in Stanley, Louisiana, he is the son of Floyd Johnston Evans and Berta Estelle Thurman. His children always joked with him that the witches brought him. Wayne, better known as Pop or Goatroper, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Wayne never met a stranger and had many lifelong friends. His smile was contagious, and those baby blue eyes were so beautiful and heartwarming. Wayne had a passion for horses since his childhood. He continued with his for horses, spending numerous hours caring, riding and even teaching his children and grandchildren to ride. He is the proud owner of three horses, two of which pull his covered wagon.

In addition, Wayne loved working with cedar wood , building cedar chest, rocking chairs, double rockers, gun cabinets, swings, coolers, trash cans, etc. After a lifelong truck driving career, he retired about 5 years ago. Deciding he needed something to fill his time, he took up building things out of cedar wood. 

He also took lengthy rides on his covered wagon. He would load his grandchildren into the wagon and take them for a ride.

Predeceased by his father, Floyd Johnston Evans of Longstreet, Louisiana; his mother, Berta Estelle Thurman of Modesto, California; Sister, Charlotte Wash of Longstreet, Louisiana; brother, Robert “Bob” Evans of Mansfield, Louisiana; brother-in-law, James Albert Curry; two nephews, Scott Lynch of Grand Cane, Louisiana and Shane Evans of Modesto, California; and niece, Ginger Evans Cordova of Logansport, Louisiana.

He is survived by:

Son, Jimmy Evans and wife, Brenda of Grand Cane, Louisiana

Daughters:
Debbie Amox and husband, Michael of Logansport, Louisiana
Mary Brown and husband, Butch of Joaquin, Texas

11 grandchildren:
Jimmy R. Evans of Deadwood, Texas
Johnathon Amox, Sr. and wife, Tracie of Tenaha, Texas
Michael Amox II and wife, Stephanie of Logansport, Louisiana
Thomas Amox and wife, Melinda of Joaquin, Texas
Ashley Loftin and husband, Allen of Joaquin, Texas
Dustin Clark of Joaquin, Texas
Kristine Gulotta and husband, Dave of Springfield, Louisiana
Patricia “Nikki” Diaz of Carthage, Texas
April Childress and husband, Brandon of Joaquin, TX
Johnny “J.R.” Brown and wife, Katie of Joaquin, Texas
Steven Huskey and wife Linsey of Huxley, Texas

He is also survived by:

36 great-grandchildren:
Nina Stevenson and husband, LaDarius of Mansfield, Louisiana
Emily Hubier and husband, Cole of Mansfield, Louisiana
Johnathon Amox, Jr. and wife Cayla of Logansport, Louisiana
Trent Amox of Marshall, Texas
Zachary Amox of Teneha, Texas
Jason Urbina of Joaquin, Texas
Dakotah Carroll of Center, Texas
Gabriella and Lilly Amox of Logansport, Louisiana
Daniel Stillwell of Coushatta, Louisiana
Bradley and Destany Amox of Jonesboro, Louisiana
Levi, Emma and Henry Hatcher of Joaquin, Texas
Layla, Allayna, Isabella and Nelly Loftin of Joaquin, Texas
Dustyn Brown and wife, Haley of Joaquin, Texas
Charles Carroll of Joaquin, Texas
Hunter Carroll of Center, Texas
Lane and Emerald Glaze of Joaquin, Texas
Levi Childress of Joaquin, Texas
Jaycee, Kylie and Macie Metcalf of Joaquin, Texas
Justyn, Jaylyn, Jaydyn, Sadie and Benson Brown of Joaquin, Texas
Dawson, Annie and Buster Gulotta of Springfield, Louisiana

3 great-great-grandchildren:
LaDarius and Mia Stevenson of Mansfield, Louisiana
Johnathon Amox III of Logansport, Louisiana

Wayne is also survived by:

Sister, Maxine Lynch and husband, Steve of Grand Cane, Louisiana

Brother, Curtis Evans and wife, Beverly of Keatchi, Louisiana

Sister-in-law, Sarah Alford and husband, Johnny Alford of Logansport, Louisiana

Brother-in-law, Blanchard “B.L.” Curry and wife, Susie of Boerne, Texas

Along with a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

Wayne was a lifelong member of the Longstreet Baptist Church.  He used to joke with his kids and tell them “unless they kicked me out and didn’t tell me.” Donations may be made in memory of Wayne to the Bethel Cemetery fund.

Services entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Logansport, Louisisana.