June 2022

Charlie Richard “Dick” Derden, Jr., 83, of Irving, left this world for his eternal home with his Lord Jesus June 22, 2022.  
Dick was born to Richard and Beatrice (Barton) Derden Oct. 2, 1938, in Malakoff.  
He graduated from Malakoff High School in 1956 where he lettered in football for three years and served as captain his senior year while earning All-district and All-county honors. 
Dick was a life-long Texas Longhorn fan and received a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Willard Thomas St. Ama, 89, passed away June 13, 2022 in Arlington. Willard was born March 19, 1933 in Kerens to Rowlan St. Ama and Mary Pauline Collins “Mott” St. Ama. 
He became a Christian at the age of 12 in 1942. Willard married the love of his life, Joyce Loree Rose Nov. 2, 1951. 
He was ordained a Deacon in 1967 at First Baptist Church in Trinidad. Willard became a member of Fielder Church in 1971 when he moved to Arlington. 

MABANK–Firing a blistering 7-under 29 on the back nine, the team of Troy Scott (TVCC), Harold Jones (TVCC), Daniel Pierce (Cross Roads) and Brett Zamzow (Cross Roads) went on to win the 35th Annual Coaches Playday played at The Pinnacle Club June 14 in Mabank.
The winning team finished with a 10-under 62 to claim a one-stroke win. It was the third win for Scott, who also won in 2005 and 2015. It was the second win for Jones, Pierce and Zamzow. Jones had previously won in 2014 and both Pierce and Zamzow in 2020.

Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce members gather to welcome Sunrise Point at Cedar Creek Lake in Malakoff to the chamber with a June 14 ribbon-cutting. Cutting the ribbon is Sunrise Point co-owner Sue Fry-Wigodsky, with co-owner Dr. Ann Wigodsky and General Manager Casey Lee. Sunrise Point is an event venue with private cottages located at 3199 County Road 1708 and can be reached at (903) 904-7500.

GUN BARREL CITY–Voter turnout for the Gun Barrel City Mayor runoff election is beginning with a crawl. 
Early voting began June 16 and has only garnered 109 votes between the first two days of early voting, as of June 20. Voters are asked to cast their vote between candidates Linda Rankin and incumbent Mayor David Skains. 
Early voting ends Friday, June 24 with election day set for Tuesday, June 28.