Shelby County Today

01/17/2021

Walter Harold Baty was born in Anderson County on September 6, 1933. He passed away on January 16, 2021 in Shelbyville, Texas.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

Harold is survived by: 

Wife of 61 years, Mary Jo Enmon

Sons: 
Walt and wife Kellie of Shelbyville
Will and wife Jill, of Shelbyville

Grandchildren: 
Wade Baty
Ali Baty
Stephanie Zipperer

Brother, Sam Baty and wife Jenni of Houston

Sisters: 
Ida Baty of Tyler
Mary McKelvey of Palestine

Sisters-in-law: 
Billie Bailey
Bettye Baty  

Numerous neices and nephews

Special friend of 65 years, Monty Moore

He is preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Eva Jennings Baty; two brothers, Charles Baty and LeeRoy Baty; two sisters, Leona Wearden and Mickey Johnson; and brother-in-law Sherman Bailey.

Harold was the 5th child in a family of 8. He grew up on the Neches River and attended Neches Public School as a youth.

In 1953 he graduated from Milby High School in Houston and started his college work at the University of Houston.

In 1954, he was drafted into the Army and joined the 82nd Air Borne as a paratrooper and a member of the All-American 504 Red Devils. He spoke fondly of his time in the Military. After serving his country he resumed his college career. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, working his way through college with no monetary assistance from anyone.

It was at SFA that he met his beautiful wife Mary Jo. They married in 1959 and he began his teaching career in Galveston County at Bay Cliff Elementary School.

In 1962, he joined the faculty at Shelbyville School District as a Math Teacher, later becoming Jr. High Coach, High School Counselor, Jr. High Principal, High School Principal, and later Elementary Principal where he remained until his retirement in 1990 with 30 years in education.
After retiring from school business, he became a full time Farmer/Rancher on his farm in Shelbyville.

Mr. Baty also had religious, civic and professional involvement. Having made a profession of faith at an early age, he has served at various churches throughout his life, and was currently a church member, deacon, and Sunday School Teacher at Ephesus Baptist Church.

He was a 50+ year member of Sam Houston Masonic Lodge #32, a member of Gideons International, a Farm Bureau Member, a past Director of the Heritage Land Bank Board, and a past member of Shriner and Scottish Rites. He was a Lifetime Member of Texas State Teachers Association and served as President of the Shelby County Unit when it was active.

During his time as an educator, he was also a farmer/rancher. He started the day by checking at least 4 houses of chickens, driving a school bus route, teaching all day, driving the return bus route, coaching during ball season at night, and to add to that, feeding 3 to 4 herds of cattle plus checking those chickens again every evening. 

He was all of this and a dedicated, loving husband and father to 2 growing boys. Having grown-up without a father that was a good role model, he worked extremely hard to be a good father to his children and always be there for them. He was a man who knew how to work, who taught his boys how to work, and was happiest when he was working the hardest.

No stranger to tragedy, in 1973, his son Walt was almost killed by a hit and run driver. Had it not been for the quick response of him, his son may not have survived. Later Will totaled a brand new pick-up truck and walked away without a scratch. In 1995, Mr. Baty was diagnosed with cancer. He refused to be defeated. In 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. Again he refused to be defeated.

There were triumphs along the way. In 1987, both Will and Walt were married. They brought wonderful daughters into the family, but in 1997 the adoption of Ali, a beautiful little girl, put the icing on the cake. In 1998, the birth of Wade, a handsome young man and the fourth one to carry the initials of “WHB”, gave him “a joy unspeakable.” He was a happy man!

You may have heard him speak of his love for Shelby County. He often said “many are born here, but I chose to live here because of the people.” Harold Baty loved the people, and he especially loved Mr. Enmon, Mary Jo’s father. He loved him as if he were his own father, and Mrs. Enmon was one of his most avid supporters. He loved her dearly.

Harold Baty was not a man of many words. He was a quiet, gentle man who loved greatly. He was an endearing husband, a proud father, adoring grandfather, and a dependable, loving brother and trusted, giving friend. His place is one that will never be filled. He will be greatly missed… but he lived by faith that we will all be together again. 

Pallbearers serving will be Kenneth Hardy, Patrick Nethery, Chuck Bailey, Bradley Lovell, Lamar Rash, and Kevin Greathouse.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Men of the Men’s Sunday School Class at Ephesus Baptist Church, and Men of Ephesus Baptist Church, Jimmy Strong, James “Tator” Cox, Gerald Corbell, Lane Chambers, and Clint Chambers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37214.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

01/14/2021

Mikel Wayne Sanford, 55, of Center, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. David Sanford and Chris Dockens will officiate.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mikel was born November 15, 1965, in Center, Texas, to Robert and Nell Newberry Sanford.

He is survived by:

Son, Dustin Sanford of Center

Daughters:
Montanna Sanford of Channelview
Lexie Sanford of Spring

Grandchildren:
Gracie Sanford
Paisley Windham

Stepson, Bradley Richards of Center

Step-granddaughter, Kiersten Richards of Center

Brothers:
Robert Sanford of Shelbyville, Tennessee
David Sanford and wife Shauna of Center

Sisters:
Linda Adams (O’Neal McCauley) of Nacogdoches
Betty Byrd and husband Bill of Channelview
Oveta Pyburn and husband James of Nashville, Tennessee
Vada Skelton and husband Jimmy of Garrison
Jeannie Moore of Groveton

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nell Newberry Sanford; brother, W.C. Sanford; sister, Ada Rasberry; and brother-in-law, Granville Rasberry; grandparents, William and Annie Sanford, and Cara and Beatrice Newberry.

Pallbearers will be Chris Dockens, Devin Sanford, Dakota Sanford, Troy Keele, Robert Sneed, Julian Windham, Keith Shields, and Christopher Dockens.

A special thanks to Gwen Grumbles and Tristin Nelams of Affinity Hospice. Also, special thanks to very special friend, Chris Dockens and his mother, Ruth Ann Dockens.

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

01/13/2021

Barbara Jean Brown Kirsch, 72, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021, at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville with visitation held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Edward Newman will officiate.

Born January 1, 1949, in Houston, Barbara is the daughter of the late Alvin Brown and Allie Rea Sample Brown. She was a singer, songwriter, and a pianist.  Barbara was a member of Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church in Shelbyville.

She is survived by:

Husband, Thomas M. Kirsch of Shelbyville

Sons:
James Gazaway and wife Stephanie of Fort Worth
Danny Gazaway of Goober Hill
Benjamin Gazaway of Denver

Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Caleb, Katherine, Joshua, and Harold Gazaway

Sisters:
Donna and Ted Nordin of Fort Worth
Paula and Nikos Psihudakis of Houston

Nephew, Mike Smith

Niece, Sherry Howard

Preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Brown and Allie Rea Sample Brown; and sister, Sandra Brown.

Pallbearers will be James Gazaway, Danny Gazaway, Benjamin Gazaway, Caleb Gazaway, and Joshua Gazaway.

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

01/12/2021

Linda Merle Christian Bomar was born on December 29, 1947 in Center, Texas to Clarence Whitfield and Bernadine Leetch Christian. She attended Shelbyville Schools from grades 1-12. She continued her education at Panola College and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She was an excellent student and received many academic awards.

She married Irvin Bomar in 1979 and they lived in Montana for a few years. They returned to Texas and remained. She taught elementary school at Shelbyville, then began working in the banking industry. She has been employed by Farmers State Bank for 20 years, working as an Executive Assistant in the Loan Department, for Terry Allen. She was a dedicated employee and cared deeply for her fellow employees.

Linda was a member of The Jackson Missionary Baptist Church and loved her Sunday School Class where she occasionally taught the lesson. She enjoyed traveling and recently made a trip to Ireland where one of the stops was home to her Mother’s ancestors. She loved sharing news about her Family, Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren.

Linda is survived by:

Beloved husband, Irvin, of Joaquin

Daughter:
Teresa Lemoine and husband, Joey
Mylinda Barter and husband, Alan
Tana Miller and husband, Austin

Grandchildren:
Crystal Kennon and husband, William
Alexander Barter
Jeremiah Lemoine and wife, Alex
Whitney Lemoine McLemore and husband, Patrick
Kiara Guzman
Skylar Barter
Alana McKenney
Elisha McKenney

Great-Grandchildren:
Aaliyah Lemoine
Jenaveve Lemoine
Alivia McLemore
Isabella McLemore
Emma Kennon
Christian Kennon

Sisters:
Millie Alford and husband Rick
Laura Christian

Brother, Wayne Christian and wife Ava

Many nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

Linda was truly a beautiful Soul and always had words of encouragement for everyone. When learning of her death, her nephew, Brian, had these words to share, “A better place indeed! In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye… is exactly how fast our Lord took hold of your Mom this morning… I won’t pretend there won’t be sadness or pain because we miss her. But we haven’t lost her - we know EXACTLY where she is. She is in Heaven with Our Lord and Her Savior!” Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (I Cor.15:55) “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (John Donne) Jesus has overcome the grave. Now, we look forward to a glorious reunion.” Rest in Peace, Our Beautiful Linda.

Funeral service will be held at Noon, Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 11:00 a.m. Bro. David Long will officiate.  Interment will be held at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin.

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

01/09/2021

Maria Santos Martinez, 82, of Center, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Pastor Enrique Perez officiating.

Maria was born November 1, 1938, in Jalpilla, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Isaac Martinez and Elvira Gamez.  She loved cooking and gardening.

She is survived by:

Children:
Catalina de Perales
Faustino Ruiz
Cesareo Ruiz
Anjel Ruiz
Maria de Santana
Silvia de Morales
Lauro Ruiz

She is preceded in death by her husband, Catarino Ruiz; and her children, Antonio Sanchez and Avel Ruiz.

Pallbearers will be Faustino Ruiz, Anjel Ruiz, Lauro Ruiz, and Rafael Morales.

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

María Santos Martínez, 82, del Center, falleció el Sábado 9 de Enero de 2021, en Center.

El servicio se llevará a cabo a 3:00 p.m., el Lunes 11 de Enero de 2021, en el Oaklawn Memorial Park en Center con el Pastor Enrique Pérez oficiando.

María nació el 1 de Noviembre de 1938 en Jalpilla, Guanajuato, México, hija de Isaac Martínez y Elvira Gamez. Le encantaba cocinar y jardinería.

Le sobreviven sus hijos, Catalina de Perales, Faustino Ruiz, Cesareo Ruiz, Anjel Ruiz, María de Santana, Silvia de Morales y Lauro Ruiz.

Ella es precedida en la muerte por su marido, Catarino Ruiz; y sus hijos, Antonio Sánchez y Avel Ruiz.

Los portadores del féretro serán Faustino Ruiz, Anjel Ruiz, Lauro Ruiz y Rafael Morales.

Las condolencias y homenajes en línea se pueden enviar en www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

01/09/2021

Karen Denise Wilkinson, 56, of Tenaha, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with service held at 1:00 p.m.

Born December 17, 1964, in Gonzalez, Karen is the daughter of the late Raymond Mikesh Sr. and Betty Rhodes Mikesh.

She is survived by: 

Her daughter, Christy Lynn Dutton and husband William

Stepson, Tommy Joe Wilkinson

10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren

Sisters: 
Angel Rogers
Betsy Byrd

Brother, Raymond “Bubba” Mikesh Jr.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Frank Wilkinson; son, Joseph Windham; parents, Raymond Mikesh Sr. and Betty Rhodes Mikesh; brother, Marty Mikesh; and sister, Janice Mikesh.

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

01/08/2021

Robert Joe Giddens, 83, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, peacefully passed away, in his sleep, on December 27, 2020. He was born in Ringgold, Louisiana, on October 15, 1937, the first born son of Mary Elizabeth Giddens and Robbie Luel Giddens.

After graduating from Ringgold High School with the class of 1955, Bob went on to work full-time in the oil fields in Venice, Louisiana, while attending Louisiana State University. On May 16, 1958, he married the love of his life, Gladys Marie Walker, in Mississippi, after her graduation ceremony from Ferriday High School. Shortly thereafter, Bob transferred to the Northeast Louisiana State College Pharmacy School in Monroe, Louisiana. In 1960, Bob then spent six months in the Army Reserves Active Duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before returning to college and graduating with a Bachelor of Pharmacy in June of 1963. After spending seven blissful years together, Bob and Gladys welcomed their only son, Robert Kirk Giddens, into their lives on November 15, 1963. Kirk went on to attain his Bachelor in Pharmacy at Northeast Louisiana University, in Monroe, Louisiana. Kirk has spent the last 31 years working for Walmart Pharmacy and is now happily married to his one true love. 

Over the 50 years as a practicing pharmacist, Bob held pharmacy licenses in four states, owned his own pharmacy, and became an employee of his son before retiring.

In 1967, Bob secured his Master Mason Degree in the Masonic Lodge going on to receive his 32nd Degree in Shriners. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Lion’s Club. 

Over the last 63 years, Bob and Gladys spent almost every day together. When not working, they loved traveling. Together they have been to all 50 states, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and France, but most of all, Bob enjoyed Colorado. He loved to hunt, loved Christmas time, loved his country, adored his wife, and most of all gave his heart to Jesus. He was active in the church choir in every church he attended and always served faithfully as a deacon. Besides traveling with his bride, Bob spent hours watching his two beautiful granddaughters play sports, get married and have families of their own. 

Bob’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family: his precious wife, Gladys Giddens of Mount Pleasant, Texas; his son, Robert “Kirk” Giddens and his wife Christy Giddens of McKinney, Texas. He is survived by all of his loving siblings, Doyce Lanelle Boyet of Azle, Texas; Gloria Faye Fowler of Ringgold, Louisiana; Jerry Lance Giddens of New Orleans, Louisiana; Garry Vance Giddens of Natchitoches, Louisiana; two beautiful granddaughters, Alyssa Nicole Giddens of Dallas, Texas, and McCall Kalyn Nelson of Daingerfield, Texas; multiple great-granchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bob was preceeded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Giddens and his father, Robbie Luel Giddens.

Bob left his footprint on every life he touched. His precense on this earth will be terribly missed; his sweet smile, his sense of humor, and his love for Jesus. He is in a much better place now, painfree, happy, and at peace. 

A private family ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 29, in Mount Pleasant followed by the burial at Springfield Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana.

Jerry Giddens, Garry Giddens, Greg Boyet, Shane Boyet, Keith Boyet, and VIc Fowler will all serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made, in the name of Robert Joe Giddens, to the First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant.

Funeral services are under the direction of Bates Cooper Sloan Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant, Texas.

01/07/2021

Mrs. Orstella Netherly, 82, of Shelbyville, Texas. Mrs. Netherly was born July 16, 1938 to Ira Jennings and Beatrice Gardner, Jennings in Shelbyville, Texas. Mrs. Netherly died on January 5, 2021 at the local emergency room.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Gates Chapel Cemetery at 12:30 PM. 

Mrs. Netherly is survived by:
Son: Cedric Netherly 

Sister: Reba Faye Spartling 

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net 

01/06/2021

Josie Marie Singleton, 79 of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at her residence in Shelbyville.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, January 9th at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery with Elder Faye Dell Allen officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Angel Singleton of Center

Son, Leroy Singleton of Louisiana

2 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren

A special friend, Jimmy Earl Hewitt of Shelbyville

Sisters:
Margueite Dorsey of Louisiana
Olivia Washing of Louisiana
Brenda L. Cooks of Louisiana
Mary Ann Cooks of Louisiana

Brothers:
Ulusses Cooks of Louisiana
Sterling Cooks of Louisiana

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.