2009 Obituaries Archives

2008 Obituaries

2007 Obituaries

2006 Obituaries

2009 Current Obituaries

Private John Curtis DeSilva

Spc. Christopher Milton Kurth

N J "Jay" Goodman

Pvt. Thomas Edward Lee

Spc. Caleb Allen Bezanson

Spc. Crystal Joy Carney

Richard Phillips

Howard Drake Austin

Mary Lou (Honey) Beesley

Monroe Taylor “Shep” Shepperd

Spc.Shawn Dante Sykes

Michele Jordan Woods

Douglas Marsh

Spc. Ryan Charles King

Spc. Jeremiah Paul McCleery

Sgt. James Dewel Pirtle

Lt. Col. Emmitt Weems Rogers

Spc. Jake Robert Velloza

Private First Class Brittany Nicole Morris

Private John Curtis DeSilva
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a soldier after next-of-kin had been notified, who died Friday, June 5, in a motorcycle accident in Ottawa County, Oklahoma.
Private John Curtis DeSilva, 21, of Commerce, Oklahoma, an Infantryman, entered the military in May 2008. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since September 2008.
DeSilva, during the time of the incident, was the driver of a privately owned motorcycle. He was killed as a result of injuries sustained during the accident.
Private DeSilva was currently deployed to Iraq and home on leave.
Pvt. DeSilva’s decorations and awards include the National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
The accident is under investigation.

Spc. Christopher Milton Kurth
Fort Hood officials announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Christopher Milton Kurth, 23, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, died June 4 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade.
Kurth entered the Army in June 2005 as a Food Service Specialist. He was
assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since December 2005.
Specialist Kurth deployed to Iraq January 2009.
Specialist Christopher Kurth’s awards and decorations include the Purple
Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

N J "Jay" Goodman

N J “Jay” Goodman, 88, of Stamford passed away May 30, 2009. Funeral services were held June 2 at the First Baptist Church in Stamford with the Rev. James Brigham presiding. Burial followed in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
Jay was born February 16, 1921 to Bennie and Mattie Reeves Goodman in Frost, Texas. He served his country in the Army during WWII. In 1945, when Jay was discharged from the Army, he rode the bus to this area, put down roots and began his farming career. He married Imogene Putnam January 11, 1942. She preceded him in death in December 1969. On February 19, 1971 he married Frances “Susie” Holladay Leggott. Jay was a member of the First Baptist Church in Stamford, Stamford VFW and the Sons of Hermann. He served as a director on the Farmers Coop Gin Board. After retiring Jay and Susie spent 14 summers in Gunnison, CO where he enjoyed fishing as much as he did farming.
Goodman is survived by his wife, Frances of Stamford, one daughter; LaJuan Shelton and husband Garlyn of Salado; one grandson, Jay Shelton of Temple; one stepson, William Leggott of Snyder; one brother, Olan Goodman of Stamford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Larry Jay Goodman; a granddaughter, Melissa Layne Goodman; his first wife Imogene Putnam Goodman; two sisters: Willie Ruth Thompson and Louise Freeze; two brothers: Chester Goodman and A. R. Goodman, and his parents
Online condolences may be made at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com

Pvt. Thomas Edward Lee

Fort Hood announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Thomas Edward Lee, 20, of Dalton, Georgia, died May 29 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an explosive device struck his vehicle.
Lee joined the military in February 2008 as an Infantryman and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since July 2008.
Private Lee deployed to Iraq in December 2008.
Lee’s military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Spc.
Caleb Allen Bezanson
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died May 18, 2009 from cause unknown at this time.
Spc. Caleb Allen Bezanson, 28, of Ridgecrest, California, was found unresponsive in his barracks room by fellow Soldiers. Fort Hood Emergency Services responded and Bezanson was transported to Darnall Army Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Specialist Bezanson entered the military May 2003 as a Satellite Communications Systems Operator and was assigned to 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since August 2008.
Bezanson’s decorations and awards include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
The incident is under investigation.

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Spc. Crystal Joy Carney
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died May 17, 2009 from cause unknown at this time.
Spc. Crystal Joy Carney, 21, of Houston was discovered unresponsive in a house on post by another Soldier. Emergency Medical Services responded and Carney was pronounced dead at the scene of an undetermined cause.
Carney entered the military May 2007 as an Automated Logistical Specialist and was assigned to the 289th Quartermaster, 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command since July 2008.
Specialist Carney’s decorations and awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
The incident is under investigation.

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Richard Phillips
Richard Phillips, 83, of Salado, and formerly of Austin, died May 23, 2009 in a Temple hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. May 28 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Burial will be in Salado Cemetery.
Phillips was born to Joseph Walker and Bessie Grace Daughter Phillips in Ft. Worth on Sept. 25, 1925. He had been a resident of Austin for several years; moving to Salado in 2003. Prior to his retire-ment, he was a longtime employee of Austin Engineering Company.
Survivors include a son, Marvin Phillips of Austin; three brothers, Henry Phillips of Ft. Worth, and Charlie Phillips and Billy Phillips, both of Fresno, California; three sisters, Janie Williams of Ft. Worth, and Dorothy Bassett and Ollie Keith, both of Fresno, California; and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Jack Phillips and Dick Phillips.
Visitation will be May 27 from 6-8 p.m.. at the funeral home.

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Howard Drake Austin

Howard Drake Austin, 79 of Salado, passed away on May 24, 2009.
Visitation will be held on May 26, 2009 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown, Texas. A celebration of Howard’s life will be at 10 a.m. on May 27, 2009 at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel.
Howard was born on April 15, 1930 in Smithville, Tennessee to the late Albert and Patsy Austin. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Owen Austin and sister, Geneva Bissinger. Howard had a true entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating several very successful real estate ventures over the years. Most recently H&D Enterprises in Salado, Texas. Howard served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Howard lived in Warren, Michigan for over 35 years and continued to serve his community as a City Councilman for the City of Warren for over 18 years. Howard moved to Texas in 1985.
Austin is survived by his wife of 23 years, Dee Austin of Salado, and children, Randy Austin and wife Mary of Belmont, NC., Denise Ettle and husband Jerry of New Baltimore, MI., Lorie Austin of New Baltimore, MI., Cindy Rodrigo and husband Jay of Spartanburg, SC., Brian Austin and wife Cindy of Rochester Hills, MI., Chad Austin and wife Dawn of San Antonio, TX., and Fernando Austin of Austin, TX.; 12 grandchildren, Angela Recinella and husband Tony, Ricky Frantz, Nicholas Austin, Luke Danielewicz, Jessie Danielewicz, Bradley Austin, Brianne Turzynski and husband Brian, Jonathan Austin, Marissa Austin, Wyatt Austin, and Carson Austin; one great grandchild, Paul Turzynski ; along with many other loving family members and friends.
Those wishing to send the family private personal condolences may do so at www.gabrielsfuneral.com.

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Mary Lou (Honey) Beesley

Funeral services for Mary Lou (Honey) Beesley of Hillsboro were held May 11, at Church on the Hill in Hillsboro. Pastor Mike McReynolds officiated. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard.
Beesley passed away May 7 in a Fort Worth hospital at the age of 72.
Beesley was born in Salado on June 2, 1936 to James Bunn and Ruth (Stroud) Gidley. She was reared in Salado.
On June 14, 1975 she married James Beesley.
For 15 years she worked as office manager for an insurance company.
She was a member of Church On The Hill in Hillsboro.
Preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers, and a sister.
She is survived by her husband James Beesley of Hillsboro, four daughters -- Sherry Jacks and husband Jason of Bluff Dale, Cindy Lackey of Cleburne, Jennifer Beesley of Moody and Jamie Collier and husband Casey of Waco, three brothers -- Tom Ed Gidley of Salado, Wayne Gidley of Mesquite and Johnny Gidley of Salado; five sisters -- Velma Griffin of Brookshire, Jo Ann Moon of Ocean City, NJ, Frances Roth of Wimberly, Doris Burt of Temple and Linda Sue Gaslo of Kansas; and 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Marshal & Marshall Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Monroe Taylor “Shep” Shepperd
Monroe Taylor “Shep” Shepperd, 79, of Belton passed away May 9 in a local care center. Memorial services were held May 12 at Heartfield Funeral Home Chapel in Belton.
Descended from Bell County pioneers, M.T. “Shep” was born on Oct. 28, 1929 to Guy Monroe Shepperd and Lila Mae Allanmon Shepperd. Shep grew up in the ranch country of Salado. He graduated from Salado High School in 1946, where he was an all-district football player. He entered Texas A&M College as a 16 year old freshman and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Animal Husbandry and Management.
On April 20, 1951 he married his life-long love and companion, Joan Darden in Belton. The couple moved to Buda, Texas where he was manager to the Negley Ranch. Soon after duty called and Shep entered the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Upon his discharge he, Joan and Joe made their home in Bell County Shep’s career as civil servant working at Killeen Base began at this time but shortly thereafter, he accepted a position at Fort Hood where he worked for 20 years as a budget analyst, completing a 35 year career. He volunteer thousands of hours and was a dedicated servant of his community.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Joan Darden Shepperd, three sons; Joe T. Shepperd; David C. Shepperd, John M. Shepperd; sister, Mayelee Carlisle and brother Guy Shepperd.
Memorial donations may be made to: Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation 400 N. Wall St. Belton, Texas 76513 or to the Belton FFA-4-H Booster Club Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 1912 Belton, Texas 76513.
Funeral arrangements by Heartfield Funeral Home.

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Spc.Shawn Dante Sykes

Spc. Shawn Dante Sykes, 28, of Portsmouth, Virginia, died May 7, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany of wounds suffered from an accident that occurred May 5 at Combat Outpost Crazy Horse, Iraq.
Sykes joined the military in August 2001 as a Food Services Specialist and was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since April 2007.
Spc. Sykes deployed to Iraq December 2008. Specialist Sykes’ decorations and awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

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Michele Jordan Woods
Michele Jordan Woods, wife of Dr. Bryan Woods, and a Salado resident since 2003, died on April 25, 2009 after a long illness. Michele was born in Sept. 1936 in the small village of Dornestetten in the Black Forest of Germany. She lived in Germany until age 19, when she came to the United States on a one-year college scholarship. She decided to complete her education in the U.S., and moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1958, where she first attended St. Mary’s night school (in what later became La Mansion del Rio), and then Our Lady of the Lake College. While in San Antonio she met her future husband, Bryan, who was in Air Force OCS at Lackland AFB. She stayed in San Antonio to finish college while he was reassigned to Clovis, New Mexico and then Washington, D.C. They reconnected after her graduation, and married in Nov. 1961. At that time they were both working in Washington, and he was also attending night school to take pre-med courses. Their first child, Michele, was born in Oct. 1962, and Bryan started medical school in Charlottesville, Virginia in Sept. 1963.
During medical school two more daughters, Monika and Suzanne, were born. In 1967 the family moved to Brookline, Massachusetts for Bryan’s internship and residency training. They relocated to Wellesley, Massachusetts a year later, and lived there until 1993. Michele became a naturalized citizen in 1974, and a year later was the first immigrant ever elected to the town school board, which she eventually chaired. While in Massachusetts she and Bryan had two more children, sons Michael and Jordan.
In 1993 Bryan accepted a position as VA Neurologist in Temple and Professor of Medicine (and later also of Psychiatry) at Texas A&M. During the ensuing years Michele continued with her lifelong interest in antiques and collectibles, as well as remaining a close observer of politics from the local to the international level. In 2003, after Bryan retired from clinical work at the VA, they moved to Salado for more space, a beautiful view, and a home with no stairs.
In 2006 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She responded well to active treatment for two years, but then found she couldn’t tolerate any more chemotherapy.
A memorial service, attended by her husband and children and many local friends, was held for her at the VA chapel in Temple on May 11, and her ashes were interred at Bellwood Cemetery on May 12.

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Douglas Marsh

A private service for Douglas Marsh, 69, of Salado will be held May, 17. Marsh died May 8, 2009 in a local hospital.
Marsh was born to John S. Marsh and Flavia Seith in Cleveland, Ohio on December 2, 1939.
He attended Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, VA and then went to Lybia with his father to explore for oil for the Lybian government.
He served his country in two service branches, the Army and subsequently the Navy. He had two tours of duty with the Navy in Viet Nam on board the USS Boston. An electronics specialist he received two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal and Marksman award. After serving over 7 years, he left the Navy to return to Vermont and began his career in law enforcement.
He was a county sheriff, volunteer firefighter and EMT before retiring.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Paula Marsh and two daughters, Dawn Marie and Lori Anne of Denver, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He loved bluegrass music and was known for his barbecue recipes.
Burial will be with military honors at a later date in Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Randolph Center, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Broecker Funeral Home of Salado is in charge of arrangements.

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Spc. Ryan Charles King

Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom near the village of Nishagam, in Konar Province, Afghanistan on May 1.
Spc. Ryan Charles King, 22, of Dallas, Georgia, a Common Ground Station Operator, entered the military in November 2005. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division since July 2007.
The Soldier died from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using direct fire.
Spc. King deployed to Afghanistan June 2008.
Specialist King’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.

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Spc. Jeremiah Paul McCleery
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He died from wounds sustained after being shot by enemy forces in Mosul, Iraq on May 2.
Spc. Jeremiah Paul McCleery, 24, of Portola, California, a Fire Support Specialist, entered the military in June 2007. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since December 2007.
McCleery deployed to Iraq December 2008.
Specialist McCleery’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Pvt. James Baxter McCoy
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a 1st Cavalry Division Soldier who died April 21 in Minnetonka, Minnesota from noncombat injuries.
Pvt. James Baxter McCoy, 21, of Haynesville, Louisiana joined the military in May 2008 as an Armor Crewman and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since October 2008.
McCoy was found unresponsive by a relative. Emergency Medical Service was called to the residence where Private McCoy was pronounced deceased at the scene. Cause of death is still pending.
Private McCoy deployed to Iraq January 2009.
Private McCoy’s military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

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Sgt. James Dewel Pirtle

Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom near the village of Nishagam, in Konar Province, Afghanistan on May 1.
Sgt. James Dewel Pirtle, 21, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a Signals Intelligence Analyst, entered the military in July 2006. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division since June 2007.
The Soldier died from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using direct fire.
Pirtle deployed to Afghanistan June 2008.
Sergeant Pirtle’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.

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Lt. Col. Emmitt Weems Rogers
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Warrior Transition Brigade Soldier who died April 26 at Darnall Army Medical Center from medical complications.
Lt. Col. Emmitt Weems Rogers, 47, of Texas, was admitted to Darnall Army Medical Center Intensive Care Unit on April 21 and on April 26 he passed away.
Lt. Col. Rogers joined the military in September 1988 as an Ordnance Officer and was assigned to the Warrior Transition Brigade since December 2007.
Rogers deployed to Iraq 03-04.
Lt. Col. Rogers’ military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait Medal.

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Spc. Jake Robert Velloza
Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He died from wounds sustained after being shot by enemy forces in Mosul, Iraq on May 2.
Spc. Jake Robert Velloza, 22, of Inverness, California, a Fire Support Specialist, entered the military in February 2006. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since July 2006.
Velloza deployed to Iraq December 2008.
Specialist Velloza’s awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

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Private First Class Brittany Nicole Morris

Fort Hood officials have released the name of a 13th Sustainment Command Soldier who died April 29 at Scott & White hospital,
Temple, from medical complications.
Private First Class Brittany Nicole Morris, 20, of Auburn, Alabama, wasbrought to Darnall Army Medical Center on April 28 after complaining ofheadaches. Upon evaluation she was transported to Scott and White Hospital in Temple for treatment. Morris died April 29.
Private First Class Morris joined the military in March 2008 as a Unit Supply Specialist and was assigned to the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command since August 2008.
Pfc. Morris’ military awards and decorations include the National
Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

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