Obituaries

Brenda Marino
A memorial service for Brenda Ann Marino, 50, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at the Moorhead Epps Funeral Chapel in Gun Barrel City with the Rev. George Yeagar officiating.
Marino was born March 22, 1961, in Dallas to Melba Cooper and Leroy Starks and died Aug. 7, 2011, at her home with her family at her side.
She loved taking care of her children and grandchildren.
Marino also enjoyed NASCAR, playing on the lake, camping, fishing, motorcycling with “Reggie” and the great outdoors.
Survivors include her husband, Reginald Palmer Marino II; children Reginald III, William and wife Amanda, David and wife Jennifer, Lacey, James, Heather and husband Brandon, Christina and husband Brandon, and Shelby; brother Lee; sisters Glenda and Cheryl; nine grandchildren; special friends Edith and Richard; numerous other family members and many friends.

James Robertson
Services for James G. Robertson Jr., were held Aug. 15, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Mabank. Interment followed at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.
Robertson was born July 11, 1923, in Vernon to Clara and James Robertson and died Aug. 10, 2011, in a Plano hospital from overall failing health.
He was a skillful genealogist and past president of the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Robertson lived in Enchanted Oaks on Cedar Creek Lake for more than 20 years. He moved to Dallas in 2009 to be closer to family members.
While growing up, Robertson lived in Texas, New Mexico and Florida. He graduated from Orlando High School in 1941.
He attended the University of Florida for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in Sept. 1942.
On Dec. 20, 1942, he married Virginia Corinne Smith, his high school sweetheart.
During World War II, Robertson served as a combat aircraft radar technician, receiving training at several state-side locations before being deployed to the Pacific Theater.
Following the Pacific War, Robertson completed his college education at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
From 1949-84, he worked as a systems engineer for International Business Machines (IBM).
During his 35-year career with IBM, he served in various technical, sales and management positions in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas.
He worked on the Gemini and Apollo space programs while on assignment to Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral) during the 1960s.
He returned to Texas and settled in Dallas in 1969.
Along with his wife, Robertson traveled widely in the United States and Europe.
Upon his retirement from IBM in 1984, Robertson turned his energies to genealogy, tracing the family histories of his own line, plus that of his wife.
He joined the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in 1988 and over the years served in various chapter and state offices, including president of the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution and National Trustee from Texas.
A true patriot and tireless researcher, Robertson’s list of organizations illustrate his passion: the Sons of the Revolution, the General Society of the War of 1812, the Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, the Sons and Daughters of Pilgrims, the Jamestown Society, the Somerset Chapter of the Magna Charta Barons, the Order of Three Crusades and the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America.
Robertson was also active in his local community in East Texas. He served as treasurer of First Baptist Church of Mabank for 10 years, was the founding president of the Root Seekers Genealogical Society, treasurer of the town of Enchanted Oaks for six years and president of the Friends of the Tri-County Library.
After moving to Dallas, he worked in leadership for Highland Springs genealogical group and served on the Highland Springs finance committee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edward Robertson of Charlotte, N.C.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Virginia Corinne Robertson; son Wayne K. Robertson and wife Donna, Decatur, Ga.; daughters Nancy R. Kerstetter and husband Robert, Richardson; Marcia R. Dilly and husband Robert, Austin; Janice R. Hobbs and husband Ronald, McKinney; grandchildren Russell Kerstetter, Littleton, Colo., Christina McMillan, Austin; Emily Robertson, Decatur, Ga.; Matthew Dilly, Austin; Michelle McCarley, McKinney; Bradley Kerstetter, Colorado Springs, Colo., Katie Robertson, Decatur, Ga.; Scott Kerstetter, Plano; Glenn Kerstetter, Richardson, and Jessica Carver, McKinney; great-grandchildren Emma and Haley McMillan, both of Austin; and Claire McCarley of McKinney.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the genealogical library at Tri-County Library, PO Box 1770, Mabank, TX 75147; or to the Family Resource Center, 107 Spring Valley St., Mabank, TX 75156.

Frances Pyle
Services for Frances “Bootsy” Marie Pyle, 81, will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Kemp.
Pyle was born April 13, 1930, in Village Mills to Mollie and John Lee and died Aug. 13, 2011, in Athens.
She was a special mother, who always called everyone “baby.”
Pyle never met a stranger.
She enjoyed playing bingo, visiting with friends at the VFW and listening to Gospel music.
She also enjoyed eating candy and especially loved her dog, Son.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of more than 20 years, Robert Pyle.
Survivors include daughter Addie Parrack, Mabank; son John Kelly, Houston; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; very special adopted sister Lynn Barton; special friends Paula Curtis, Sherry Johnson and Charles Reeves.

Derwin Graham
Services for Derwin Ennis Graham, 94, were held Aug. 7, 2011, at the Eubank Memorial Chapel in Mabank with the Revs. Chuck Weber and Dana Coker officiating. Interment followed at Cottonwood Cemetery, under the direction of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank.
Graham was born Jan. 5, 1917, in Cottonwood Community to Lela Pearl Frazier and Arthur Garfield Graham and died Aug. 5, 2011, in Athens.
He was a graduate of Eustace High School.
Graham joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic during World War II.
He was a Boy Scout Leader with his son for a number of years.
Graham owned and operated the Red Barn Craft and Flea Market in Malakoff for more than 12 years.
He also had a booth at Big Daddy’s Flea Market in Seven Points.
Graham could never be kept away from a flea market or yard sale.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Scott Graham; brothers Aubrey, Arnold, Alton and Gerald Graham; and sister Lena Graham Campbell.
Survivors include wife, Lena Graham; daughter Phyllis Graham; grandchildren who called him “Dodo,” Kari Johnson, Matt Rogers, Stephanie Graham, Joseph Graham and Shaun Graham; great-grandchildren Riley Rogers, Rhett Rogers, Abigail Graham and Jospeh Scott Graham II; sisters Loette Schroeder and Margaret Snodgrass; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers were Matt Rogers, Joe Gomez, Jerry Johnson, Roy Rogers, Robert Connelly and Joe Neal Graham. Honorary pallbearers were Shaun Graham and Darryl Schroeder.

Claude Massey
Services for Claude “Bo” Massey, 70, were held Aug. 14, 2011, at the Eubank Memorial Chapel in Mabank with the Revs. Dewayne Mixon and Rick Wyatt officiating. Interment followed in the Payne Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank.
Massey was born Jan. 11, 1941, in Payne Springs to Winnie Virginia Hammer and A.C. Massey and died Aug. 10, 2011, in Kaufman.
His enjoyment came from his family – especially from his grandchildren.
Massey was well-known by his family and friends as “Bo,” “Uncle Bo” and “Papa Bo.”
He had many hobbies, which included riding motorcycles, guns and shooting, woodwork, reading Mickey Spillane and Sue Grafton novels.
As a truck driver by profession, Massey was awarded a ring for 25 years of service and a 35-year safe driving award.
He was involved with the Payne Springs Cemetery Association.
Massey was Pentecostal in faith. He was also involved with the youth group.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Hazel Massey and daughter Therressa Dowdle.
Survivors include daughter Kathy Shewmaker; son Mark Gaedke; sister Dorothy McLauchlin and husband Earl; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were B.J. Shewmaker, Dusty Shewmaker, Josh Shewmaker, Colton Dowdle, Rickie Gorum, Dustin Gilbert and Curtis Dowdle.

Alma Jones
Graveside services for Alma Netta Kent Jones, 89, were held Aug. 13, 2011, at Grove Hill Memorial Park, under the direction of Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Kemp.
Jones was born Oct. 31, 1921, to Lois and Clarence Kent and died Aug. 11, 2011, in Kaufman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 40 years, Harold M. Jones; daughter Martha Kaye Burkett; son Melvin Claye Jones; two brothers and a sister.
Survivors include children C.J. Jones and wife Betsy Jones; Ruby Faye Gerkey and husband Bill; Alma Gaye Ward and husband Bobby; grandchildren Cindy, Dewayne, Rodney, Bryan, Mike, David, Mark, Sandy and Anita; 31 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister Matte Hammel; sisters-in-law Patsy Rohr and Frances Richie; numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen Lee
Services for Helen Grey Ware Lee, 99, of Kemp, were held Aug. 16, 2011, at the Anderson-Clayton Bros. Chapel in Kemp with the Revs. Elizabeth Turner and Patsy Brundige officiating. Interment was held in the Ware Cemetery, under the direction of Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Kemp.
Lee was born June 20, 1912, in Tolosa to Mamie and Edwin Ware and died Aug. 13, 2011, at her home.
She was a lifelong resident of the Kemp area.
Lee attended Tolosa and Kemp schools and also pursued a higher education at OSU in Oklahoma.
She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church.
Lee enjoyed her family and friends.
She attended every state fair until she was 97 years old.
Lee was a well-known and well-loved figure in Kemp. She was involved in several civic organizations and clubs including the Book Club, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, El Progresso, Cedar Creek Women’s Club, Homemakers’ Club and a Meals on Wheels volunteer.
She showed her school spirit for Kemp High School by attending the homecoming parade each year.
Lee was a fabulous cook, who began cooking for field hands, her family and friends. She would cook exquisite desserts for local auctions and then donate the proceeds to her church along with handmade quilts and crocheted creations of her own design.
Her ability at gardening was renown with her fresh tomatoes, as well as her beautiful yard that she lovingly tended.
Lee was a gentle spirit and a truthful lady. She was loved by all who had the privilege to meet her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 60 years, George Lee; and sister Willie Kay Hiett.
Survivors include nieces Sally Watkins and husband Philip; Janice Lee Floyd and husband John; Sue Ellen Hains and husband John; nephew Jerry W. Lee and wife Lisa; nieces Donna and Dottie Peacock; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; cousins; treasured friends; and devoted caregiver Karen Perkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ware Cemetery Association, C/O the treasurer Jimmie Lou Smith at 1800 CR 2102, Kemp, TX 75143 or the First United Methodist Church of Kemp, 304 East Ninth St. in Kemp, TX 75143.