Michal Nicole Thrasher, 31, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 under the direction of Alexander’s Midway Funeral Home, with burial at Jaybird Cemetery.
Nicole was born on Oct. 3, 1983 in Weatherford. She was a licensed cosmetologist and was full of life. She will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, David Thrasher and grandmother, Frances Dunson.
Surviors include her children, Ezekuel, Malachi and Noah; mother, Lesellie Gonzalez; father, David Allen; brothers, Aaron Thrasher, Jacob, Hank and Riley Allen; sisters, Roxanne Sanchez and Tonya Allen; grandparents, Shirley and Lester Burgess, and David and Dorothy Allen; great grandmother, Ruby Geneva; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Azle News,
Oct. 22, 2014 Edition

Pearl Blackmon, age 91, of Springtown, died Thursday morning, Oct. 16, 2014, at her residence.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, 2014 in the Galbreaith Pickard Chapel with interment in the Greenwood Community Cemetery. Visitation was from 6-8 on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home.  Galbreaith Pickard in charge of arrangements.
Pearl was born Sept., 13, 1923 in Springtown, where she had lived all her life. She was a farmer, homemaker and member of the Baptist Church. Pearl loved raising farm animals, gardening and riding around.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Liddy Green, Audrey Collins, Opal Sikes, John Henry Green, Mary Maxine Casey and Terry Wayne Poulter.
Surviors include daughters, Shirley Green and husband, Mancel of Springtown, DeDe Brown of Azle, Billie Pell of Azle, Kay Hoffman and husband, Charles of Peaster, Darlene Ray and husband, Rusty of Springtown; sons, Henry Poulter of Springtown and Don Poulter and wife, Diane of Azle; a grandson she helped raise, Lonnie Jolly, II.
Pearl was proud of her large family; she dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren. She will be missed by all 121 of them.

The Azle News,
Oct. 22, 2014 Edition

Ray Sessums passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Dallas VA Community Center where he had resided for the last two years.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Lake Worth Baptist Church, 4447 Hodgkins Road, Lake Worth, 76135. Interment will follow  at Azleland Memorial Park. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at White’s Azle Funeral Home, 105 Denver Trail, Azle, 76020.

Ray was Poppie or Pop to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they each one held a very special place in his heart. He loved life and loved to laugh. Most important he loved Jesus and we are going to all miss him terribly but we are comforted to know that he loved Jesus Christ.
Ray was born Nov. 2, 1926 in Lovelady to Beulah Ivy and Grover C. Sessums. The family moved to Whitney in a covered wagon in 1936 and a few years later settled in Fort Worth.
Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in November 1943 and proudly served until July 1945.  He was a PFC in Co. C 1st Batallion 7th Marines 1st Marine Division. He was involved in combat at Pelelieu, Palau Islands, Okinawa, Shima and Ryueyu Islands. Ray was wounded in action at Pelelieu and Rykyu Islands.
He was issued an honorable discharge and two purple hearts for his heroic service.
After his military service he enjoyed serving the community of Sansom Park. Ray served on the City Council and was one of the first police officers and volunteer firemen. He also served the City of Westover Hills as a police officer before he completed an apprenticeship in the trade of bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers Local #6 in 1953. He served as president of that local for several years and was also a 33rd degree Scottish Rites Mason.
After retirement he became co-owner, with his son, of Crooked Creek Limousin. He also enjoyed round dancing and loved teaching others how to round dance. Ray has been a member of Lake Worth Baptist Church for over 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Beulah Ivy and Grover Sessums; son, Dennis Ray Sessums; sisters, Josie Nell Anderson and Louise Keppler; brothers, Troy Sessums, Aubrey L. (Red) Sessums; Doug Sessums (D.I.) and John “Short” Sessums.
Survivors include daughter, Derese Cecil of Scurry; sisters, Lorene Johnson of Keller and May Gomer of Herriman, Utah; grandchildren, Chad Sessums, Ryan Sessums, Kara Sessums, Bryn Sessums, Kristi Holt and Jeremy Cecil; great-grandchildren, Rylee, Jack, Aubrey, Lane, Scarlett, Megan, Mackenzie, Micah, Hannan, Isaiah and Bellah.

The Azle News,
Oct. 22, 2014 Edition

Gary Grant Clark, 74, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday Oct. 15, 2014.
Service with military honors was held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Biggers Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Gary Clark to H.I.S. Bridgebuilders, attn: Crossover Athletics, 2075 Commerce St., Dallas, TX. 75208.
Gary was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1940 to Jess Willard and Ruth Elizabeth Clark. He served 22 years and retired from the United States Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. He received numerous medals, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. Gary was the founder of Z-Scan/Airscan Technologies, established in 1984, and is now one of the leading testing and certification companies in Texas and Oklahoma.

Gary was a very strong and loving husband of 53 years, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Cristina Marie Hope.
Survivors include wife, Glenda Clark; daughters, Carol (Gary) Brinkman, Janet (Billy) Cross, Karen (Mike) Patterson; son, Lance (Shannon) Clark; grandchildren, Ryan (Melissa) Petschel, Candice Webster, Ashley (Brandon) McCain, Samantha Hope, Ryanne (Chase) Clark, Grant and Bailey Clark; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Sydney, Nicole, Macie, Claire, Collin, and Baby McCain; extended family, Sonny and Patty Hamm, Tab, Coy, Julie, Samantha and Parker; and his beloved dog, Rookie. “Go Cowboys.”

The Azle News,
Oct. 22, 2014 Edition

Do you know what the most expensive moving violation is? I don’t know about everywhere, but I know the answer in at least one Texas panhandle county. You may not know the answer to the question, but I’ll bet you know how I know the answer!
I was motoring down 287 last week coming home from spending a week with my perfect and beautiful granddaughter (you knew I’d get that in somehow) when I saw the flashing lights coming up behind me. I had seen him beside the road a mile or so back and now he was coming after me. So, I began the check: speedometer…OK…registration and inspection stickers…OK. I pulled over and began digging out my driver’s license and insurance card, totally clueless about the reason for the stop. He did not look happy as he walked up to my window. My infraction? I did not move to the left lane as I passed him by the side of the road while his lights were flashing.

“Passing an authorized emergency vehicle” carries a $300 price tag. Ouch!
Did you know that, when passing an emergency vehicle with lights flashing, you must either yield the lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit? I somehow missed that memo. However, ignorance is not an acceptable excuse.
You should also know that I am the guy that ALWAYS pulls over to the right side and stops for an emergency vehicle in motion or for a funeral procession. However, past history of exceptional behavior is no excuse.
I get it. There have been too many emergency personnel and good Samaritans who have been injured or killed by careless drivers. So, here’s the truth: I did it. I was wrong. I deserve the consequences. All $300 worth.
This morning, in my daily Bible reading time, I read 1 Peter 2:20-21. The Message translation says it this way: “There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God. This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.”
Don’t congratulate me, or anyone else, for accepting the consequences when we do something wrong. That is only noteworthy because we have so lowered our expectations of behavior. Virtue is shown when we suffer for doing right AND do so with patience, grace, and continued service. Our lives matter so much to God that He wants to reveal His character through us in how we respond when we are treated unfairly. Jesus did not deserve the consequences of our sin, but He took them anyway.
How will His character be revealed in us today?

Azle resident Dr. Gerry Lewis is director of missions for the Harvest Baptist Association, which is headquartered in Decatur. He writes a blog at
 www.drgerrylewis.com.

Betty Louise Barbee Perry, 77, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Azle.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday in Alexander’s Midway Chapel, Springtown and burial of cremated remains at a later date in Merkel Cemetery.
Betty was born June 29, 1937 in Merkel to A.J. and Sue Barbee. They both preceded her in death.
Survivors include children, Kenny Barbee and Deborah Perry; siblings, Darla Moore, Beverly Martin and husband, Gene and Bobby Barbee and wife, Birdie; grandchildren, William, Angela, Brandy and Kenny Jr.; great-grandchildren, Andy, Jordan, Bea, Spencer and Gabe; and 10 great-great-grandchildren all of whom will miss her dearly.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

J L Robertson passed away on Oct. 22, 2014 in Azle.
Visitation was held Oct. 28, 2014 from 6 to 8 pm at Affordable Burial Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Oct. 29, 2014 at 10 am at Affordable Burial Funeral Home located at 5025 Jacksboro Hwy. Interment to follow at Shannon Rose Hills Cemetery.
J L was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp. during Vietnam.

Preceded in death by his father, Roy Robertson, and his son, Richie Robertson.
Survivors include his mother, Geraldine Robertson, of Azle, wife, Vicky Robertson, of Azle; daughter, Angela McNiel, of Azle; son, Brian Robertson, of White Settlement; stepson, Robert Phelps, of Fort Worth; two brothers, two sisters and 18 grandchildren.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

Joseph “Joe” Alan Berry, 30, passed away Oct. 21, 2014.
Visitation was held Monday, Oct. 27 at 9 am at Affordable Burial Funeral Home. Funeral service followed at 10:30 am at Affordable Burial Funeral Home located at 5025 Jacksboro Hwy., Ft. Worth, Texas.
Joe was a volunteer firefighter at Pelican Bay Fire Dept.
Survivors include his fiancé, Terri Horton of Saginaw; mother, Sherri Cardenas of Saginaw; father, James Berry of Saginaw; step-father, Eloy Cardenas of Red Oak; his brothers, Shawn Berry of Rusk, and Nathan Berry of Azle; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Hogan-Berry of Azle.… Read the rest

Pamela Kay Whorton, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 26 at Harris Methodist Hospital surrounded by family and friends. A memorial celebration/ fundraiser will be set at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Neurosurgical and Vascular Intensive Care Units at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth for their week of dedication and care.
Survivors include her father, Delmer Whorton; brother, Robert and wife Gayla; newphews, Shane, Jason and Anthony; nieces, Shannon and Sarah.… Read the rest

Ethel Mae Ethridge, 88, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014.
A service was held Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 at the Fundamental Baptist Church in Springtown under the direction of White’s Azle Funeral Home.
Interment was at Ash Creek Cemetery in Azle.
Ethel was born to John Wesley and Nancy Elizabeth Goodnight Moree May 4, 1926 in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She was a member of the Fundamental Baptist Church for many years. Ethel dearly loved her family and spending time with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 58 years, J.R. Ethridge; son, Ricky Ethridge; two grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother.
Survivors include daughters, Lucy Patterson and husband, Mike, Judy Sullivan and husband, Chuck, Dena Jackson and husband, Charles, Patricia Herring and husband, Richard, and Lanette Holmes and husband, Wayne; son, Jerry Ethridge and wife, Debbie; 24 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

Gary Wayne Bunn, 58, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, surrounded by family at a Dallas hospital.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Midway Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gary’s name to Disabled Veterans Fund at dva.gov.
Gary Wayne Bunn was born May 25, 1956, in Big Spring, son of Wyndell Ray Bunn Sr. and Thelma Reese Davis.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1976. Gary was a graduate of Amon Carter-Riverside High School and made his career as a chef with Riscky’s Steakhouse. Due to ill health, Gary was forced to retire in the mid-1990s and fought a very valiant battle with his health for many years.
Gary loved watching movies and football, especially the Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame, and TCU. Gary was a member of American Legion Post 626 and Midway Baptist Church.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Wyndell Bunn Sr.; and a brother, Kenneth Bunn.
Survivors include mother, Thelma Davis of Azle; brother, Wyndell Bunn Jr. and wife, Brenda, of Paradise; sister, Linda Allen and husband, Michael T, of Azle; nephews, Hil, Wil, and Sean Allen, and Eric Bunn; sister-in-law, Marcia Bunn, of Watauga; and best friend, Roger Yarborough of Florida.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

Carol Sue Mitchell, 74, went to be with the Lord on Thursday evening, Oct. 16, 2014, in Fort Worth.
A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ash Creek Baptist Church. Interment at Ash Creek Cemetery. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Biggers Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Ash Creek Baptist Church, Vitas Hospice, or a charity of choice.

Carol Sue McWilliams was born Feb. 1, 1940, in Denison to Odessa Hay and Bennie Coleman McWilliams. She grew up in Lubbock and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1957 and attended Texas Tech and later taking many classes at Tarrant County College.
Carol married Kelly W. Mitchell on April 10, 1960, in Lubbock and they have lived in several cities across Texas. Carol was a secretary and worked for different businesses, including Boy Scouts National Headquarters in Irving. Her last position was secretary for Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Carol was a great inspiration to Kelly. She loved and respected everyone. Jesus was her inspiration for all of their married years. We believe that Paul would have said that her race was well run to the end.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Kelly; sons, Casey Mitchell and wife, LaChandra, of Fort Worth, Kirby Mitchell and wife, Cristina, of Coppell; sister, Janice Bartley and husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Kentuky; brother, Dr. Bennie McWilliams and wife, Polly, of Austin; grandchildren, Robin Mitchell, Austin and Keely Mitchell, Enrique, Heidy and Daniel De Los Santos; and many nieces and nephews.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

Aubrey Nicole Madden, was tragically killed Oct. 17, 2014 on her 20th birthday.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Friday at North Fort Worth Gateway Church, 4209 Basswood Blvd., Fort Worth, 76137.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted by her family.
Aubrey was born Oct. 17, 1994 in Fort Worth. She graduated from Lake Worth High School in 2013 and was planning on becoming a special needs teacher.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clarice Noel and Joseph and Karen Madden.
Survivors include her parents, Brian and Lucy Madden; brother Kyle Madden; sister, Cydni Kelly and husband, Derrick; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends all of whom will miss her smile.

The Azle News,
Oct. 29, 2014 Edition

Ryan Keith Trent, 41, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, in Azle.
Funeral service was held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 at Ash Creek Baptist Church. Interment followed at Jaybird Cemetery.
Survivors include wife, Emma; children, Aspen, Ashley, Alexa, Julian, Dakota and Austin.

The Azle News,
Nov. 5, 2014 Edition… Read the rest

Pamela Kay Whorton, died peacefully at Harris Methodist Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, Nov. 9 from 3:30 to 6;30 p.m. at the Emanuel Building in Azle.
The family would especially  like to thank the Neurosurgical and Vascular Intensive Care Units at Texas Health  Methodist Hospital Fort Worth for their week of dedication and care for Pam.

Pam was born Jan. 12, 1970.
She is proceeded in death by her mother, Sharon Kay Whorton
Survivors include her father, Delmer Whorton; brothers, Robert and wife Linda, Randy  and wife Gayla; nephews, Shane, Jason and Anthony; nieces, Shannon and Sarah.

The Azle News,
Nov. 5, 2014 Edition

Travis Cockerham, 88, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014.
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 4  in White’s Azle Chapel. Interment was in Waurika Cemetery, Waurika, Oklahoma.
Travis was born Feb. 6, 1926 in Fort Worth to Butler Monroe and Mary Welch Cockerham. Travis honorably served his country in the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Valerie; and grandchild, Conner.

Survivors include sons, Terry Cockerham and wife, Janet and Jerry Cockerham and wife Diann; daughter, Sherri Coffee and husband, Larry;  eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Sterling and Bill and sister, Peggy.

The Azle News,
Nov. 5, 2014 Edition

Betty Louise Barbee Perry, 77, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Azle.
Memorial services are scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 at 11 a.m., in Alexander’s Midway Chapel, Springtown and burial of cremated remains at a later date in Merkel Cemetery.
Betty was born June 29, 1937 in Merkel to A.J. and Sue Barbee. They both preceded her in death.

Survivors include children, Kenny Perry and Deborah Perry; siblings, Darla Moore, Beverly Martin and husband, Gene and Bobby Barbee and wife, Birdie; grandchildren, William, Angela, Brandy, Kenny Jr., Andy, Jordan, Luke, Bea, Spencer and Gabe; and 10 great-grandchildren all of whom will miss her dearly.

The Azle News,
Nov. 5, 2014 Edition

Linda J. Thom, a devoted and loving mother, sister and friend, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2014.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Linda was born April 29, 1935, in Fort Worth, to Rosie and Stanley Krenek Sr. She was a biochemist and retired from Johnson and Johnson. In her earlier years she was a gymnastic instructor at the Fort Worth Sokol Hall.

Linda lived her life to the fullest and loved spending time with family, friends and her beloved dogs, Elmo and Cleo. She also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing with her family.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents; and son, Kenneth Thom.
Survivors include son, Phillip Thom; daughter, Patricia Lynn Cummings and husband, Robert; granddaughter, Christena Pearson; sister, Rose Ann Spann and husband, Jimmy; brother, Stanley Krenek Jr. and wife, Betty; numerous extended family, friends; and Elmo and Cleo.

The Azle News,
Nov. 12, 2014 Edition

Olivia Bodiford Thompson, a longtime resident of Azle, went to be with our Lord, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at a community hospice.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Castle Hills. Interment at Azleland Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Biggers Funeral Home.
Olivia was born May 21, 1940, in Fort Worth. She worked for Kaiser Permanente for 14 years before enjoying her retirement. She loved traveling, shopping, and socializing with her friends. Olivia loved spending time with her family and considered her daughter, Kim, her best friend. Olivia loved our Lord and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Castle Hills in Azle.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Thompson; daughters, Kim Sullivan and husband, Ricky, Joni Latham and husband, Steve, and Patty Thompson; grandsons, Shawn Jackson and wife, Shawna, and Justin Thompson and wife, Dorothea; great-grandson, Gavin Jackson; sister, Beverly Pollard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

The Azle News,
Nov. 19, 2014 Edition

John Harold Payne passed away Nov. 16, 2014. A memorial service will be held on Saturday Nov. 22, 2014 at the home of Ken and Terry Thomas. Contact the family for the address.
John was born Aug. 5, 1954 in Galena Park, Texas to John Clark Payne and Gladys Martin Payne.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Payne; two sons, Thomas F. Ward II and wife Joaquina and John H. Payne Jr.; two daughters, Sandrea Crisp and Teresa Dempsey and husband Mike; sister, Claudia Pruitt; uncle, Billy Martin and wife Bonnie; cousins, Terry Thomas and husband Kenny and Mike Maichetti and wife Darlene; seven grandchildren and a host of nieces and  nephews.

The Azle News,
Nov. 19, 2014 Edition