Born in Center, TX on November 17, 1944, to William Robert Wyatt and Blanche Cooper Wyatt.

Don received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. It was at SFA where he met the love of his life, Jane Wyatt. They were married on June 3, 1967 in First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

His entire professional career was with Nacogdoches ISD, the majority at Fredonia Elementary where he was principal. Don led his schools with grace and integrity, supporting his teachers and ensuring the students had a learning environment that was both safe and nurturing. In both his professional life and personal life, Don lived out his belief that family comes first.

Don’s life was characterized by service. He volunteered to coach baseball for his sons’ teams, served faithfully as a deacon in First Baptist Church, and connected the surrounding communities to his schools through outreach, memorable events, and his welcoming presence.

He loved spending time in the woods or on the water hunting and fishing, sharing the experience with friends and family.

Don left a lasting legacy to those who knew him. His sons never had to wonder if he was proud of them, if he loved them, or if he supported them. He and Jane showed what true love and devotion looks like in a marriage. Their life together was rich in faith, hope, and love.

Don is survived by his sons Robert Wyatt and his wife Kelly, Stephen Wyatt and his wife Anna, and John Wyatt and his wife Erin; as well as his precious grandchildren Madison, Jackson, Lillian, Paxton, Ruby, Hattie Madge, John Thatcher, Maude, Paul, and James Wyatt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Hal Wyatt, and his treasured wife, Jane.

A visitation for Don will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Nacogdoches, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Nacogdoches Mission Fund, 411 N St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, or to First Baptist Church Nacogdoches Music Ministry, 411 N St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

The passing of Mark Birkelbach of Nacogdoches, Texas leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on April 16, 2026 at the age of 64. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Mark Birkelbach to show support.

Though his name may fade from the lips of time, the imprint Mark leaves upon the hearts of his loved ones remains eternally vivid — a testament to the depth of his spirit and the richness of his legacy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21st 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Laird Funeral Home (2116 South St, Nacogdoches, TX 75964). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches (411 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961).

He was born on November 11, 1935 in Humble to Lester D. and Della Marie Chambers Fatheree. In January of 1955, Ray married Alice Louise Floyd, the love of his life. Their union was marked by deep affection, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family values.

Ray was a man of profound faith who trusted God completely. His dedication to his family, commitment to his faith, and service to his community were the hallmarks of his life. He embodied the spirit of service in every aspect of his existence, bringing warmth, kindness, and generosity to all who knew him.

A lifelong resident of Texas, Ray graduated from New Caney High School and pursued a diverse career path that included roles as a carpenter, lineman, systems analyst and pastor, touching many lives along the way. He served with Texas Baptist Men for 12 years. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, where he worshipped and served the community.

Ray was a man of many passions. He loved fishing, hiking, traveling to the mountains, reading and sudoku. He loved nature and constantly pursued knowledge and personal growth.

He is survived by Alice Fatheree, his beloved wife of 71 years, and their children: Lester Ray Fatheree Jr. and his wife Kay, Ralinda Fenton and her husband Kevin, Jeff Fatheree and his wife Darlene. He was the beloved brother to Lois Purser, Robert Fatheree, Penny Smith and Peggy Byers. Ray was a cherished grandfather to Jonathan, Angela, Erin, Rachael, David, Elise, and Ethan, and a proud great-grandfather to Joey, Kassidy, Ryan, Ashton, Analeigh, Dylan, Axel, Sebastian, Corbin, Aiden, Caleb, Asher, Alexander, Nicholas, Gray and Adelaide. He was dearly loved by many extended family and friends too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester D. Fatheree and Della Marie Chambers Fatheree, and his grandson, Robert Michael Wagner.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church chapel, 411 North St, Nacogdoches, Tx, at 2 pm on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, with a visitation one hour prior. His life was a testament to his deep faith and commitment to helping others, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy endures through the lives he touched, the values he lived by, and the love he shared with his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Texans on Mission, 5351 Catron, Dallas, Texas 75227 or at https://www.texansonmission.org/donate.

Roger Max Walton was born in Broaddus, TX on February 25, 1937, the son of Roger Hillman Walton and Hazel Holland Walton. He departed this life on March 22, 2026 in Nacogdoches, TX. He was 89 years of age.

Max earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a schoolteacher, department store clerk, and door-to-door candy salesman before beginning a long career as a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Agency for International Development. He lived and worked in many countries, including Vietnam, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mauritania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Eritrea, Haiti, Pakistan, Montenegro, and Kosovo. While on assignment in Africa, he met his wife, Merilyn, who was working as a missionary; they would go on to share 48 years of marriage and a lifetime of global travel.

His hobbies included tennis, cycling, bridge, and reciting poetry.

Max is survived by his sons, Roger Walton and wife Ruzanna of Chevy Chase, MD and Stanley Walton of Nacogdoches, TX; grandchildren Lia Walton and Alex Walton; sister, Hazel Sanders of Fairfield, TX; along with many friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Merilyn Pinson Walton; parents Roger Hillman Walton and Hazel Holland Walton; sisters Mamie Gay Davenport and Bonnie Ruth Windsor; and an infant son.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday April 1st at 2PM at First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches with Pastor Dr. Noel Dear officiating. Visitation will be immediately before, starting at 1PM at the church. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

James Clifford Hurst, age 94, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on March 14, 2026.

He was born on April 6, 1931, in Swift, Texas, Nacogdoches County, to Guy and Rena Hurst. James graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1948 and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin University, where he earned his degree in 1952. Following his education, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years.

James began his professional career teaching business classes before transitioning into the private sector. He later retired from Sherwin-Williams Paint Company. In addition, he was the owner and operator of Hurst Properties, a real estate business he managed for many years.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. James is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Taylor Hurst; his son, James Dean Hurst; his grandson, James Hurst II; his granddaughters, Jennifer Beecroft and Nicole Hurst; his great-granddaughter, Brynlee Beecroft; and his great-grandsons, Breck Beecroft and Bryer Beecroft.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Rena Hurst; his brothers, Truitt Hurst and Evan Hurst; and his sister, Joy Ward.

James was a man of strong faith and community involvement. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches. He was also a lifetime member of the Grand Lodge of Texas and was actively involved in the Scottish Rite, where he attained the 33rd degree. He served on the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite for many years.

In his leisure time, James enjoyed snow skiing, a hobby that brought him great joy throughout his life.

On behalf of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas; Swift Lodge, P.O. Box 632121, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963; or Love Inc., 917 Ruby Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his commitment to his community and faith.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

Ana Lue Hargrave peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 4, 2026.

Ana Lue Hargrave was born on November 27, 1930, in Simms, Texas to John Webster and Louie Mae Barrett. She lived life to the fullest on their family farm with her three siblings, Martha, J.W. (Dick) and Kathryn Jane.

Ana Lue married her best friend and the love of her life, and together they celebrated sixty beautiful years of marriage. Side by side they built a life together and raised four beautiful children.

Ana Lue loved being a wife and mother. In 1955 she attended beauty school, discovered a joy for doing hair and opened her own beauty shop, Lue’s Beauty Box.

She and J.A. started H & H Steel in Kilgore, Texas. The company was later sold to Armco Steel, a change that took them to Houston. In 1981, Ana Lue and J.A. founded Steel Masters Inc., where she served faithfully as the office manager. After J.A. eventually sold Steel Masters to his partners and employees, he and Lue moved to Nacogdoches, Texas, where they enjoyed their retirement together.

Their move to Houston allowed her to fulfill her dream job as a full-time wife and mother, a role she cherished deeply. She loved serving her family well, and hospitality came naturally to her. You never walked into her home without being offered a cup of coffee and something sweet to eat—often freshly pulled from the oven.

She had a true love for cooking and baking and knew the joy it brought to those around her. She also loved working in her garden and tending her flower beds; if it could be planted, she could grow it.

Ana Lue was a beautiful seamstress and especially loved quilting. She often reminisced about her childhood, recalling how the ladies in the community would gather for quilting bees, working together to help one another finish quilts. From a young age, she developed a love for fabric and thread. She also found great joy in painting, expressing her creativity and the beauty she saw in the world around her. Her creativity touched every corner of her life and blessed all who knew her.

J.A. and Lue enjoyed traveling the world together, taking memorable trips to Europe, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Holy Land, as well as many adventures across the United States in their motorhome. They especially treasured their annual trips to Colorado, where they would often stay for several months, making cherished memories with lifelong friends.

Active in their faith, J.A. and Lue were members of Houston’s First Baptist Church, where she served as a greeter, and later members of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches. She also served faithfully as a hospital volunteer at Nacogdoches Medical Center for nearly twenty years.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Ana Lue was preceded in death by her loving husband J.A. Hargrave, their daughter Vicki Gail Hargrave Wood and their son, Paul Wayne Hargrave.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, J’Nell Hargrave Comparin of Houston, and Adana Ann Hargrave Hagel and husband Rafe of Nacogdoches; her daughter-in-law, Mary Hargrave Bell of Piedmont, South Dakota; her grandchildren, Brandon and Derek Wood, Michael Dahlby, Rachelle Hargrave Swaim and husband Jess, Jacob Hargrave and wife Janell, Matthew Hargrave and wife Haley, Joseph Hargrave and wife Kim, Rebekah Hargrave Mains and husband Nathan, Sarah Hargrave Weirich and husband Josh, Jordan Comparin, Jacqueline Comparin Rose and husband Brett, Miles Comparin, Alisha Hagel Ferrell and husband Austin, Abigail Hagel Jones, and Alizabeth Hagel Gedeon and husband Austin; and her great-grandchildren, Barrett, Marshall, and Walker Swaim; Madison, Emma, Kendall and Carson Hargrave; Bennett, Patton, Kennedy, and Callahan Hargrave; Pepper, Quinn, and Clayton Hargrave; Connor and Henry Mains; Kenley, Corbin, and Eli Weirich; Annie, Lucy, Maverick, and Sophie Ferrell; Audrey and Weston Jones; and Margot Gedeon.

Visitation will be held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors on Sunday, February 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Monday, February 16, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Nacogdoches.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the children’s building fund at First Baptist Church Nacogdoches 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

Ana Lue’s family wishes to express their deepest love and gratitude to their precious family and friends. They extend a special thank you to Drs. Cengiz and Vicki Satir, Enhabit Home Health and to the nurses and doctors at Nacogdoches Medical Center ICU for supporting them during this time with such sincere love and care.

“We love you and will miss you, Grandmommie.”

Funeral services for Gene Graves, 84, of Nacogdoches will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Noel Dear officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am - 11:00am prior to the service. 

Mr. Graves passed away on Monday, February 2,2026. He was born on June 13, 1941, to Mr. Parker Graves and Mrs. Eugenia Shepherd Graves. 

Celebrating the Life of Gene Parker Graves

June 13, 1941 – February 2, 2026

Gene was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 13, 1941. He attended Central Ward Elementary School in Lufkin, Texas, where his dad managed Land of Pines.  When he was in sixth grade, his family moved to Nacogdoches. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1959 and attended Texas A&M University, serving in the Corps of Cadets. He was a member of the Class of 1963. After completing his junior year, his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he returned home to take over the family dairy and to help his parents through a very difficult time.

During his time at A&M, he went on a blind date with a University of Texas junior, and it was love at first sight. He married his sweetheart, Sharron Marlow, on July 18, 1964. They settled in Nacogdoches where he continued running the family business. In 1965, he was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer by Texas Farm Bureau. Throughout his working years, he partnered with Jerry Evans in a John Deere Tractor Dealership (which resulted in a lifelong friendship), owned and operated a convenience store, and raised cattle.  

As a boy, Gene heard the Gospel message of salvation and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He faithfully attended church his entire life, serving in many capacities. He was ordained as a deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church in 1987. He and Sharron have been members of First Baptist Church Nacogdoches for over thirty years. He cherished his relationship with Christ and worked with The Gideon Ministry to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the distribution of Bibles at home and abroad.

Gene enjoyed serving others and supporting his community through organizations such as Nacogdoches HOPE, Salvation Army, Love INC, and Heartbeat Pregnancy Center.  In 2019, the Nacogdoches County Republican Party awarded Gene and Sharron Citizen of the Year for their dedicated long-term service to the party.

             Everyone who knew Gene knew how much he loved watching and supporting Texas A&M sports. He was a football season ticket holder for over sixty years. It was a special pastime the entire family enjoyed. After retirement, he also liked attending other sporting events at A&M, with family often joining him.

Gene, called PawPaw by his family, loved his wife, children, grands and greats immensely. PawPaw was a giant of a man in both stature and character. He was hard working, selfless, and generous beyond measure. His humor and quick wit kept those around him entertained. He enjoyed time spent with friends, filled with good conversation and laughter. More than anything else, he treasured his relationship with Jesus Christ, awaiting the day he would see Him face to face. On February 2, he took his last breath and walked into eternity, surrounded by his family with his wife of almost 62 years holding his hand.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sharron; daughters Ellen Graves of Houston, Leigh Ann and husband, David Whitman of Houston; two grandchildren, Abigail and husband, Cade Rampy, and Jenna Whitman; two great-grandchildren, Emmett Rampy and Riley Rampy, all of Houston; brothers-in-law Roy Marlow and wife, Bonnie of San Antonio, and Scott Marlow of Oklahoma City.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Parker and Eugenia Shepherd Graves.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s honor to First Baptist Church Nacogdoches, Love INC, or The Gideons International.  

Memorial service officiants are Dr. Noel Dear of First Baptist Church and Pastor Rupert Purifoy of Hall Springs Baptist Church, Trawick, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are Floyd Dobbs, Jim Horton, Milton Moorer, Tim Quarles, Lester Quinney, and Tim Warkington. Honorary pallbearers include Clarence Geldmeier, Dr. James Garrett, Dr. Byron VanDover, James Robert Shepherd, Victor Shepherd, Wayne Shepherd, members of Nacogdoches Gideon Camp, the men of FBC Fireside Sunday School Class, and his many coffee club buddies.

John Michael (Mike) Johnson began his new life on January 28th 2026. He entered this old life on December 9th 1944. Mike attended Nacogdoches high school where he excelled in football and track earning a football scholarship to Texas Christian University. While at TCU, Mike suffered a leg injury that ended his football career. He subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country for four years. After an honorable discharge, Mike enrolled, and thereafter graduated, from Stephen F. Austin State University. He owned a polygraph business in the 1980s, worked for the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department, and ultimately completed his career as a probation officer for Nacogdoches County. He retired from probation and spent his final years in Nacogdoches enjoying family and friends. Mike was a member of First Baptist Church, an avid golfer, a tremendous reader, especially of mystery novels, and a lover of all things associated with TCU. He was a loving father and grandfather and never missed an opportunity to tell others what his children and grandchildren were involved in. He was a lifelong friend to many and kept in contact with people from all phases of his life (college, military service, career) until he passed away, but the community of Nacogdoches was his ethos. Mike is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rachael and Aaron Smith of Kingwood, Texas, their two sons, Sumner and Asher, and his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jennifer Johnson of Boerne, Texas and their two daughters, Cate and Grace. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joe Johnson, his brother Joe Pat Johnson, and a childhood best friend, Bob Bass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. The Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to service time.

Memorial visitation for Harold Lewallen, 94, of Nacogdoches will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home.

For his family and dear friends in West Texas, there will be a Memorial Service held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 9:00am.

Mr. Lewallen passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Nacogdoches. He was born on January 5, 1932 in DeLeon, Texas to Clifford and Nannie Craddick Lewallen.

Harold lived in many communities throughout Texas, including Stephenville, Marshall, Midland, and Odessa, and also spent time in Shreveport, Louisiana. On November 25, 1964, he married the love of his life, LaRue, in Marshall, Texas. They shared 53 years of marriage before her passing.

Harold had a deep love for music, learning and creativity. One of his greatest joys was designing and printing custom birthday cards for family and friends, a small but meaningful way he stayed connected to those he loved. He also enjoyed traveling to New Mexico, visiting Cloudcroft for leisure and Glorieta for music conferences.

Known affectionately as "Papa Lew," Harold touched many lives, especially among his church family and the children of First Baptist Church in Odessa. While living there, he and LaRue were active members of the church for many years, serving God's people and sharing the love of Jesus in the community. Harold sang in the choir and men's quartet and faithfully served as a greeter in the children's department alongside his wife. He was music minister for numerous churches for over 10 years, including Colorado City, Mineral Wells, Corsicana and Midland. His great experience in sales came from working for Word Records and Commercial Ice Machine Company during the years of 1963 to 1993, when he decided to "semi" retire, giving him and LaRue the opportunity to open and operate Accelerando Music Service in Odessa. The last 8 years of his life were spent in Nacogdoches with his son, Tim and family. During this time, Papa Lew was able to make beautiful memories that will forever be cherished by Tim and Jenny and his 4 beloved grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his son Tim Lewallen & wife Jenny; grandchildren Chris, Sydney, Joseph and Margie; nephew David Lewallen & wife Cheryl and niece Sherry Lewallen Fox & husband Gerald and great niece and great nephew James Lewallen and Staci Walker and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaRue Lewallen; brothers, Valton Lewallen and Curtis Lewallen and his sister-in-law, Kathryn Lewallen.

Harold will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to family and church, his love of music and the quiet, thoughtful ways he made others feel seen and loved. However, his complete commitment to spreading the love of his Lord and Savior will be the great legacy left in the lives of his family and those around him.

The family would like to give thanks to Harbor Hospice, with special recognition going to Tracy and Ti for their kindness and compassion shown to Harold during his time in their care.

Diana L. Sandul died peacefully at her home in Nacogdoches, Texas, on January 20, 2026. She was 78.

Diana was born March 7, 1947, in Norrköping, Sweden, where her father was temporarily assigned with a U.S. tire company. In the fall of 1949, she moved with her family to Massillon, Ohio, where she was raised. She attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland for two years, studying art history and art.

In 1969, Diana moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. On December 20, 1970, she married Duane Sandul. The marriage later ended in divorce. She was the mother of two sons, Glenn Sandul of Antioch, Tennessee, and Paul Sandul of Nacogdoches. She is also survived by her grandson, Max Sandul.

While living in California, Diana worked for the American Red Cross in Menlo Park and later held administrative positions in San Jose and Sacramento throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Diana was preceded in death by her father, Frank Holmes Jr. (d. 1975); her mother, Etha Holmes (d. 1983); and her sister, Karen MacIntyre (d. 2023).

For more than fifty years, Diana remained active in churches in the communities where she lived, a commitment that stayed central to her life.

Ashley Marie Davenport was born on February 18, 2003 to Trozy and Melissa Davenport. At 22 years of age, she had already touched the hearts of so many. Being an active part and believer in sharing the Gospel, Ashley spent her holidays in college going to Colorado and Nevada on Mission trips. After graduating college with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, she had dreams of going to seminary to become a Biblical Counselor. She continued her passion by working as a campus missionary at SFA where she was able to go on one last mission trip to New York.

Ashley was an avid reader, coffee connoisseur, writer, grammar police, and crafter. She held many titles, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend. However, the one she was most proud of was "She She". Ashley was the aunt to five beautiful children who all loved her so. She would often joke about how she had five children. She treated them with more love than an aunt could offer. She was truly a nurturer.

Ashley went to be with her Heavenly Father on the Day of our Lord December 30, 2025. She proceeded in death by her cousin James Isaac, grandfather Will Reddoch, uncle Stephen Davenport, grandfather Henry Davenport, and beloved grandmother Aretise Davenport.

She is survived by her Father and Mother Trozy and Melissa Davenport, brother Stephen Davenport, wife Kristen, sister Rebecca Powell, husband James, her nieces and nephews Evelynne Powell, Jesse Powell, Deacon Davenport, Penelope Powell, and Gracen Davenport, her uncle Judson Davenport, grandmother Allene Davenport, grandmother Brenda Reddoch, uncle John Reddoch wife Linda and their children.

Ashley faced a great deal of trials with her health throughout her life, but she never let it define her. She always pushed through, keeping Isaiah 41:10 on her mind. If she was here right now she would tell you "PTL, the Lord is good". She would tell you the best decision she ever made was Christ, and would urge you to pick up the inerrant word of God.

Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Eighth Avenue Baptist Church in Teague with Brother Shawn Sifford officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Stephen Davenport, James Powell, Trozy Davenport, Judson Davenport, Mitchell Buck, Michael Crockett will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Powell and Deacon Davenport.

Memorials are to be made to the Baptist Student Ministries at SFA: https://give.txb.org/give/596654/#!/donation/checkout.  Please make notation of Ashley Davenport in comments/instructions.

Merilyn Sue (Pinson) Walton was born in Huntington, West Virginia on November 16, 1946, the daughter of the late Willa (Rathbun) and Mart Pinson. She passed from this life on December 29, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was 79 years of age.

Merilyn graduated in 1964 from Ashland Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, KY, and then went on to graduate from Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY with a master’s degree in religious education and social work. She also studied language in Pueblo, Mexico and Tours, France.

Merilyn lived in many places including Mexico, Liberia, France, Upper Volta (Burkina Faso), Cameroon, Zaire (Congo), Mauritania, Swaziland, Eritrea and Montenegro. She accepted her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was baptized at Wildwood Baptist Church (SBC) in Ashland, KY. Later as a young teenager, she felt called to be a Missionary in full time Christian work. Merilyn served as a Missionary Journeyman with SBC in Greenville, Libera, was a Case Worker for Kentucky Public Assistance, and a Missionary with SBC in Ouagadougou, Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) where she met the love of her life—Max Walton. She also ran the U.S. Commissary in Kinshasa, Zaire (Congo), worked in Brazzaville, Congo and served as School Principal in Nouakchott, Mauritania. “WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”

Her hobbies and main interests included flowers, entertaining, and her friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, the Floria Garden Club, Old University Building, The Nacogdoches Branch of the American Association of University Women (where she was named 2024 Woman of the Year), member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Nacogdoches Retired Teachers, Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce, the Republican Women’s Club, Bridge Groups, and Nacogdoches Newcomers and Friends. She loved to entertain, organize and be in charge, and her motto was, “Always Wear Your Apron!”

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, R. Max Walton; sons, Roger Walton and wife Ruzanna of Chevy Chase, MD and Stanley Walton of Nacogdoches, TX; grandchildren, Lia Walton and Alex Walton; brother, Stan Pinson of Ashland, KY; along with many friends and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willa (Rathbun) Pinson and Mart Pinson; and an infant son.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, with Pastor Dr. Noel Dear officiating. Visitation will be immediately before services, starting at 10:00 A.M. at the church. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park following services.

Serving as pallbearers will be Roger Walton, Stanley Walton, Milton Moorer, Tom Atchison, John Fleming, Tim Warkington, and Gene Graves.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. For online donations please visit donate.cancer.org.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

Delores “Losie” Sutton Anderson Jenkins of Nacogdoches passed away December 16, 2025. Losie was born on October 13, 1937, to Clara Pool Sutton and Mason Oliver (Bill) Sutton in Woodville, Texas. Her early years were spent in Chester, Texas, until the family moved to Nacogdoches. She attended the Demonstration School and was a graduate of Nacogdoches High School in 1955, where she was Senior Class Favorite. She graduated from Baylor University. One of the highlights of her college years was attending summer school at the University of Hawaii with her special cousins.

Losie was an avid watercolorist and a member of the Nacogdoches Art League and the Arbor Artists. She illustrated two books and was both writer and illustrator of another.

Active in her community, she was a volunteer for numerous organizations. She conducted Gateway to Texas Tours on the history of Nacogdoches for the Visitor’s Bureau and served on the Friends of Music Board and the Board of the Sterne-Hoya House. She enjoyed her bridge club and was a member of the Literati Club for over 50 years. She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, as well as a member of the Berean Sunday School Class. Traveling was a big part of her life, especially with friends and family. She also organized many group tours to Great Britain.

Losie loved her family and was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Kalin and Marcie, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was also a loving grandmother to her grandsons, Will, Luke, Ben, and Andrew. Her great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. Her gracious gentle spirit, warm smile, and sense of humor were contagious. A loyal friend who was truly loved, she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Clara Sutton; her brother, John Sutton; her husband, Jim Jenkins; and sons-in-law, Jeff Kendrick and Shannon Smith.

Losie is survived by her daughters, Kalin Kendrick and Marcie Smith, both of Nacogdoches; grandsons, Will Kendrick and wife Anna of Nacogdoches, Luke Kendrick and wife Kate of Tyler, Ben Smith and Andrew Smith, both of Dallas; great-grandchildren, Gus and Georgi Kendrick and Caleb and Jonah Kendrick; sister-in-law, Beverly Sutton of Tyler; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

The family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 or to a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Losie's life at a graveside service on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches with Pastor Dr. Noel Dear officiating.

A Celebration of Life honoring Barbara Jo Driver, 82, of Nacogdoches will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home with Bro. Skipper Eberlan officiating. 

Mrs. Driver passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Nacogdoches.  She was born on December 3, 1942, in Jacksonville, Texas, the daughter of Morris Shepherd and Annell Jenkins Fling.

Barbara Jo was born in Jacksonville, Texas, the daughter of Morris and Annell Jenkins Fling.  Her daddy nicknamed her “Butch” and she answered to it proudly.  Her childhood was spent as a typical young girl, playing basketball and cheerleading the teams at her school.  She then attended Jacksonville Baptist College and East Texas Baptist University.  It was during her time at JBC that she met Gayle Driver.  She soon gave in to the fact that he was the love of her life!  They married on June 30, 1962, and she proudly spent the next 63 years as a loving and devoted wife.  Barbara and Gayle added to their family with the birth of their children and the happiness they brought was immeasurable.  She was so very proud of the adults they became and relished the time she was able to spend raising them.  She passed on her strong values and her love of God.  And then, grandchildren came along.  Being a grandmother proved to bring some of the most joyous times in her life.

Barbara always enjoyed her work in the banking industry.  She spent 10 years at Stone Fort Bank and then an additional 20 years with Angelina Savings before retiring.  Along the way, she made many friends that she forever cherished.  Barbara also, thanks to her husband and children, came to love the game of golf.  She spent many hours watching them all play and she treasured every bit of it.  And as everyone knew, she absolutely made time to play BINGO!! She was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Garland Gayle Driver; children, Stephanie Bass & husband Vic, Gregg Driver and Scayne Driver & wife Tanya; grandchildren, Garrett Driver, Payton Bass, Jared Bass, Tanner Bass, Zach Driver and Jayce Driver and great grandchildren, Cohyn, Cooper, Casyn, Luke, Hailie, Halden and Layton. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Morris & Annell Fling and her mother-in-law, Fannie Ruth Seale.