Shelby County Today

12/04/2023

Yvonne Harris Permenter (91) passed away at Pine Grove Nursing Center after a long illness on December 3.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior at the First Methodist Church of Center, officiated by Malcom Monroe and Mary Lynn Tinkle. The interment will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Yvonne was born May 17, 1932 in Center. Her father was Austin Harris, and her mother was Ruby Green Harris. She lived most of her life in very close proximity to her birthplace. After she graduated from Center High School at the age of 16, she went to Houston. There she married in 1949 Elvin Permenter, a Huxley boy. This marriage would last for 61 years.

Yvonne Permenter was preceded in death by her husband Elvin, by her parents, by a sister Maggie Harris Strebeck, and by three stepsiblings, Marguerite Harris Kiss, Robert Harris, and Monroe Harris. She is survived by one sister, Johnnye Kraemer of Center.

Much of Yvonne’s life was dedicated to the dairy/cattle farm that she and Elvin maintained. But she also spent many hours with her grandchildren, and later, with her great-grandchildren. That time included many horse shows and rodeos, many ball games, and lots of daisy-picking. But she also gave many years to the service of the First Methodist Church. Besides lots of church camps, lots of field trips, and many pans of chicken spaghetti, her service included her serving as a Sunday School teacher, MYF leader, Bereavement Committee chairperson, acolyte director, church secretary, diaconal minister and as a third and fourth grade director at Lakeview Camp. Yvonne spoke of all these times with fond remembrance. She also worked several years as the office manager at General Shelters of Texas before her “retirement.”

Yvonne was most proud of her two children:
James Permenter (Butch) and his wife Deb live in Granbury, TX
Belinda Loftice and her husband Matt live in Center

James’s family is Michelle Permenter and Julianne Horst of Center, April Miller and her husband Kevin of Melissa, TX, and Crystal Crews of Midland.

Belinda’s children are John Stirman and his wife Robin of Richmond, TX, and Megan Holt and her husband Wayne of Center.

Yvonne’s great-grandchildren are Campbell Beck, Austin Miller, Jake Miller, Madison Stirman, Luke Stirman, Lynleigh Holt, and Rhett Holt.

Pallbearers are Wayne Holt, Tim Kraemer, Tom Kraemer, Kevin Miller, John Stirman, and Rick Strebeck. 

Please consider any donations be made to the First Methodist Church of Center.

All of Yvonne’s friends and “church kids” are invited to this celebration of her life.

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

12/04/2023

Evelyn E. (Brandt) Neel, 93, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on May 6, 1930, in New Braunfels, Texas, to the late Albert E. and Alma (Taylor) Brandt.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Tennessee Presbyterian Church in Shelby County, Texas with Bro. Robert Adamson officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Tennessee Presbyterian Church, Shelby County, Texas. Interment will follow at Tennessee Cemetery, Shelby County, Texas.

Evelyn was born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas. She graduated from Solms School. Evelyn and David raised a beautiful family together. They had a chicken farm together in Timpson. Evelyn was an exceptional cook and has a recipe book that has been passed on from generation to generation. She enjoyed traveling with David always joking along the way. Evelyn had an amazing talent for embroidery. She was completing projects up until 6 months before her death. Evelyn loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. 

Evelyn is survived by:

Son, Dennis Conran

Grandchildren:
Dennise Braeutigam and husband, Jason
Stephen Conran and wife, Shelley

Great-grandchildren:
Jayden Braeutigam
Colton Braeutigam

Sister, Lillie Jonas

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Neel; parents, Albert and Alma Brandt; 4 sisters; and 2 brothers.

Serving as pallbearers are Stephen Conran, Jason Braeutigam, Colton Braeutigam, and Joe Friedenfeld.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

12/01/2023

Hugh L. Daw, 80, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Martin Ferguson officiating.  Interment will follow at Daw Cemetery in the Ashton Community of Joaquin.

Born February 20, 1943, in Joaquin, Hugh was the son of Waymon Daw and Euna Seago Daw. In 1961, Hugh graduated from Joaquin High School. Following high school, he went to work on off shore drilling rigs in South Louisiana. He later expanded his career in the oil field, where he worked in Bahrain, Dubai, and Indonesia. He lived and worked all over the United Arab Emirates, and traveled to several different countries, always saying he had been around the world twice. After five years of working overseas, he returned to South Louisiana. He eventually came home to Joaquin to raise his family. When the oil field went belly up in the eighties, he made a new career in the trucking business, owning his own fleet of trucks and becoming the VP of Fleetwood Trucking. Upon his retirement, he pursued his hobbies in the world of rodeo, which he loved, by raising bucking bulls and hauling them across country to PBR events. His other favorite pastimes were traveling once a year to Colorado to elk hunt with family and friends, which he did for over thirty years. He loved cattle, riding backroads with his beloved dogs, and spending time with his children and grandchildren and his Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church family.

He is survived by:

Daughters: 
Joel Bumback and husband Mike
Dawn Hutchins and husband Jacob

Grandchildren: 
Tyler McSwain and wife Peyton
Bailee Smith and husband Cole
Dawson Kay and wife Alex
Deakon Kay
Harlow Hutchins
Michael Bumback Jr. and wife Chelsea
Luke Bumback

Great-grandchildren:
Landry McSwain
John Tyler McSwain
Paxton McSwain
Brynn Bumback
Mikelyn Smith

Greats on the way, Dax Kay, and Stevie Kate Smith

Nieces and nephews: 
Barry Baker
Dale Baggett
Tracy Thorndyke
Rhonda Gregston
Susan Hughes
Carey Colotta
Mitzi Matthews
Barbara Richards

Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: 
Hazel Brittain
Ella Manshack
Pete Baggett

Beloved mother of his children, Joyce Noble

Preceded in death by parents, Waymon Daw and Euna Seago Daw; sisters and brother, Patty Kupnicki, Virginia Baker, and Maurice Westbrook; and son-in-law, John Paul McSwain.

Pallbearers will be Dawson Kay, Deakon Kay, Tyler McSwain, Mike Bumback, Jacob Hutchins, and Michael Kay. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Oates, Ricky Lawrence, John Paul Lawson, Darrell Alford, and Clifford Hamilton.

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

11/30/2023

Willie Barron Davis, 86, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on November 28, 2023. He was born on August 6, 1937, in Joaquin, Texas, to the late John Edward Davis and Irene (Jimmerson) Davis.

Graveside services will be held at 2PM on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Jackson Cemetery, with Bro. Micah McArthur officiating. 

Willie was raised in Shelby County. He graduated from Joaquin High School. He proudly served his great country in the United States Air Force. Willie married the love of his life, Thelma Florio, on June 19, 1976. The two have spent over 47 wonderful years together. Willie worked as a millwright most of his career. When he retired, he went to his woodworking shop and enjoyed what he loved. Willie also enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, or just sitting on the porch with family and friends visiting. He was a loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. His family was very important to him. Willie was a true friend. Genuine, compassionate, man. He loved the Lord and served him at Jackson Missionary Baptist Church. 

He is survived by:
Wife, Thelma Davis

Sons:
Tony Mattingly and wife Carla
David Davis and wife Tammie Luman
Edward Davis and wife Gayle Louis

Daughters:
Dawn Grimsley Carroll and husband Paul
Nikki Hardy
Tina Mattingly

Sister, Carolyn McGhee and husband Michael

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter, Gussie Kate Martin. 

He is also survived by his special shop helper, Easton Hardy.

Willie is preceded in death by his sons, Gordon Mattingly, Billy Mattingly; daughter, Urana Siedler; brother, Kenneth Davis; and sisters, Barbara Cook, and Betty Joan Davis.

Pallbearers serving will Paul Carroll, Haley Baker, Colby Baker, Jacob Carroll, David Davis Edward Davis.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

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

11/29/2023

V. K. Byndom, 85 of Center, departed this life on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Holiday Nursing Home in Center after a long illness. He was born December 17, 1937 to Charlie and Mildred Williams Byndom.

Funeral service is 11am Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Gates Chapel Baptist Church, CR 2310, Shelbyville, Texas with Reverend Arthur G. Cloudy, Eulogist. Visitation is 10am until 7pm Friday, December 1, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at St. John Cemetery in Center.

V.K. was united in Holy Matrimony to Esterlene (Amy) Goodwin on June 1, 1962. They were married 54 years and to this union one child was born.

He was employed at Hallmark Fixtures for over 40 years and also worked for Sears.

He is preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Mildred Byndom; spouse, Esterlene Byndom; sisters, Ovada White, Cassie Cartwright, and Frances Land; and brothers, Roy Byndom and Charlie Byndom, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Son, Keith (Cristy) Byndom of Center

Daughter, Gale Lister

Grandson, Christopher Keith Byndom

Sisters:
Minnie Stansberry
Girtha (Roosevelt) Swindle
Mildred Faye Gardner
Iva Dean (Joe) Boykins

Sister-in-law, Barbara (Clyde) Lister

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

11/27/2023

Betty “Louise” McCary, age 75, of Huntington, Texas entered into the arms of Jesus on November 18, 2023, at the Huntington Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Huntington, TX, She was born May 15,1948, in Zwolle, Louisiana, to the parents of Arthur Jackson Mosley and Annie Maurine Williamson. She lived in San Augustine County for many years. She worked at the San Augustine Inn and Jordan’s Health Care Services. "Granny" was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by:

Daughter, Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann McCary of Huntington, Texas

Son, Daniel Arthur Olson, Jr and wife Amanda of Nacogdoches, TX

Brother, Arthur James (AJ) Mosley of San Augustine, TX

Adopted brother, Donnie Durbin of Huachuca City, AZ

Longtime partner, Ronald Sullivan of Powder Springs, Georgia

Grandchildren:
Mike McCary and wife Angie of San Augustine, TX
Tiffany White of Tyler, TX
Tabatha McMillian and husband Loyce of Tyler, TX
Jacob Olson of Nacogdoches, TX
Jacob Johnson of Nacogdoches, TX
Brooke Cotton of Nacogdoches, TX
Kristen Frey and husband Judge of San Antonio, TX
Jessie Williams of San Augustine, TX
Josh Gray of Pineland, TX

Great-grandchildren:
Brandon McCary of Haslet, TX
Justin Brooks of Huntington, TX
TySydney and TyBella Grover of Huntington, TX
Raelyn McCary of Pineland, TX
Jaylen Whitaker of Pennington, TX
Ray McCary of Tyler, TX
Niya, Serenity, and Skylar McMillian of Tyler, TX
Charly and Caroline Frey of San Antonio, TX

Along with a host of other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Jackson Mosley; mother, Annie Maurine Williamson; brothers, Donald Ray Mosley and Robert Earl Mosley; and granddaughter, Star Danielle Olson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the employees of Huntington Healthcare and Rehabilitation and for their love and care for their Ms. Betty Lou, as well as Hospice in the Pines of Lufkin, TX.

A memorial service will be held at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, TX at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Services entrusted to McNutt Funeral Home of Lufkin, Texas. For online condolences visit https://www.mcnuttfuneralhomelufkin.com.

11/26/2023

Elzie Ray Raymond, 67, of Center, Texas, passed away on November 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on February 28, 1956, in Center, Texas, to the late Boyce Ray Raymond and Betty Lou (Parker) Raymond.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Pastor Keith Woolf officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery, San Augustine.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Elzie was born and raised in Shelby County. He graduated from Center High School. He met the love of his life, Margaret Yarbrough, through his sister. The two were married on September 3, 1974, and have spent over 49 years together. They have raised 5 children together. Some of the greatest moments for Elzie have been fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved spending time outdoors. Elzie enjoyed running trot lines as well. His kind, compassionate heart led others to him. “Country Boy” as most knew him was one of a kind, never met a stranger. His laughter and jokes made others smile. He was the best husband, dad, and papaw in the world. Elzie was a truck driver for most of his life. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Margaret Raymond

Children:
Elzie Ray Raymond Jr. and wife Jessica
Amy Raymond
Donald Raymond and wife Katherine
Coby Hughes

Bonus Sons:
Chris Gaddy 
Shane Steitler

Sister, Glenda Smith

Grandchildren:
Dustin Raymond
Kayla Donahoe
Jasmin McWorter
Morgan Allen
Jordan Allen
Nicholas Allen
Brayden Raymond
Collin Cooper
Marissa Cooper and wife Jaelyn
Mahalia Raymond

Great-Grandchildren:
Aidan Davis
Jaylen Lloyd
Emmitt Allen
Kason Hogg
Mason Alvarez
Grayson Cooper

Special Niece, Mary Kay Williams

Pallbearers serving will be Tyler Davis, Randall Davis, Shane Steitler, Kevin Link, Stevie Wilson, Jerry Wayne Welch, Lee Craig, Jessie “Boogie” Anderson, Rick Chaddick, Chris Gaddy.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Raymond, James Raymond, Donnie Adams, and Michael Adams.

Elzie is preceded in death by his son, Christopher Lynn Raymond; parents, Boyce Ray and Betty Lou Raymond; brother, Donald Raymond; and sisters, Cathie Raymond and Bobbie Gene Golden. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

11/26/2023

Elmer Roy Broadus, 91, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10am, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Sherry Harding and Bro. Jason Broadus officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Broadus was born July 29, 1932, in Joaquin, Texas, to Emmett Ramsey Broadus and Flossie Aquila Wiggins Broadus. He attended New London school until the natural gas explosion took place and closed. He then continued school in Overton, Texas. Being the eldest of 9, he felt the need to help support his family by joining the United States Army at 17. After years of serving his country and traveling abroad the world, he relocated to Shelby County. While eating lunch at the local Red Dot Café in Joaquin, he met the love of his life, Linda. After 6 months of dating, he knew she was the one that he could not live without so together they tied the knot on June 6, 1970, and made their home in Joaquin. At that time, he had a job as a pipe fitter offshore where he worked for J Ray McDermott for 20 plus years and retired. He then was introduced to the timber business. If he was driving in a car, you can bet he was checking out all the trees on both sides of the road.

Roy spent most of his time in his later years volunteering and helping others. Through local churches, he traveled several states on missions trips helping rebuild homes, transporting donations and serving others as needed. Roy was the true definition of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Due to his health decline, his travel slowed but his heart for missions never stopped. In 2010, he began to partner with Shelby County Outreach Ministries, where he assisted many people in the area. After years of dedication and service, he felt like a “big chief” when he was appointed his very own office in 2016. If he wasn’t serving at the outreach, you could find him reminiscing with his friends over breakfast or trying to find the next big deal on a junk car. His famous saying was, “Everything is for sale except the wife and kids.”

He loved people. Doesn’t matter if he knew you or not, he would have something to say. His greatest love was his family. He looked forward to all of the family get togethers and would be sure to know what was on the menu. Although he loved the main course, dessert was his favorite. You could always catch him in his recliner watching sports enjoying his bowl of Blue Bell ice cream.

Even until his last breath, he still was the most selfless man who loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His favorite Bible verses were John 3:16 and Romans 12:1-3. Roy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by:

Wife of 53 years, Linda Cummings Broadus

Children:
Kim Williams and husband Ralph of Benton, Louisiana
Jason Broadus and wife Wendy of Joaquin
Randy Broadus of Nacogdoches, Texas
Toby Broadus of Joaquin, Texas
Bonnie Yount and husband James of Clinton, Arkansas
Amy Clouse and husband Zac of Joaquin
Monica Lawson and husband Matt of Joaquin

Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Jerry Broadus and wife Olene of Carthage; sister Barbara Woodcox and husband Randy of Joaquin; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Emmett and Flossie Broadus; sisters, Velta Bordner, Gail Broadus, and Margaret Walker; brothers, James Broadus, Bobby Broadus, and Elton Broadus.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons of Mr. Roy.

Our family would like to recognize and give our thanks to Torrie Gipson and Affinity Hospice for their care of our husband and father. We are so grateful for you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shelby County Outreach Ministries.

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

11/24/2023

Linda Vaughn, 79, of Center, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Longview.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Visitation will be held prior, beginning at Noon. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Born December 26, 1943, in Port Arthur, Linda is the daughter of Luther Berwick and Violet Dyson Berwick. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Husband, Gordon Vaughn of Center

Sons:
Gordon A. Vaughn and wife Shelli of Joaquin
Ronnie Vaughn and wife Sheila of Danbury
Gilbert Vaughn and wife Connie of Huxley
Brian Vaughn and wife Nova of Shelbyville

Daughter, Sonya Parker and husband Kevin of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Will and Kenzie Vaughn
Whitney and Luke Murray
Annabeth and Reed Westbrook
Nathan and Jennifer Vaughn
Eric and Megan Vaughn
Britney Lorraine-Vaughn
Karissa Vaughn
Bree and Colton Bearden
Kimberly and Porter Hagler
Chris and Elizabeth Vaughn
Kent and Blaire Vaughn
Kalie and Clay Quigley
Kennedey Parker
Kolby Parker
Kason Parker

Great-grandchildren: Annistyn, Ivy, Slayde, Hayes, Kruz, Bryton, Ben, Blakeleigh, Brinlee, Harper, Charlee, Grant, Jameson, Sage, and Vallyn

Sisters:
Velma Theriot
Thelma Wheelis
Dotty Caraway

Brother-in-law, Thurman Vaughn

Sisters-in-law:
Madge Lambardina
Rick and Rhonda Scheuletur
Barbara and Jeff Wilburn
Loretta Vaughn Dean

Also, numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Will Vaughn, Nathan Vaughn, Eric Vaughn, Chris Vaughn, Kent Vaughn, Kolby Parker, Kason Parker, and Colton Bearden. Honorary pallbearers will be Luke Murray, Reed Westbrook, Porter Hagler, and Clay Quigley.

Preceded in death by parents, Luther Berwick and Violet Dyson Berwick; and brothers, Claude “Sonny Boy” Weeks and James “Bubba” Berwick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Strong Cemetery, PO Box 1383, Center, Texas, 75935.

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