May 2023

Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Associate Judge Grace Wallace (left) administers the oath of office May 22 to Jennifer Jacobs as council member place 3 representing the west side of the city. 

Lynn Byron Brantley, 80, of Kemp went to be with the Lord May 22, 2023. Lynn was born Oct. 21, 1942, to Cecil Joel and Laura Ethel Brantley in Dallas.  
He grew up in Dallas and graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1961. 
Lynn married Jacqueline Brantley Aug. 15, 1960 and they have spent a loving 62 years together.  
As a teenager, he worked as a barber with his dad and brothers. When he was 20, he decided to join the Dallas Fire Department enjoying a career span of 36 years as a fire and rescue officer from Aug. 1, 1963 to his retirement Aug. 1, 1999.  

Courtesy Photo
Eustace’s Emma Bell signs with ETBU to play softball May 24.

Courtesy Photo
Nate Travi signs with Huntington College for esports May 24.
 

Courtesy Photo
Kerens High School’s golf team is recognized for their State qualification by the ISD Board of Trustees May 16. Pictured are Superintendent Martin Brumit (from left), Kannon Ritchie, Danny Conklin, Krayton Ritchie and Alex Cobbs.

MABANK–Judge Johnny Adams has announced that the 68th Annual Rodeo and Western Week will take place June 19-24 this year. The event is sponsored by the Mabank Volunteer Fire Department and is the biggest fundraiser for the department held yearly.
Visitors and residents alike look forward to the fun every year as Mabank and surrounding areas harken back to our roots as Western themed activities abound.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Planner Brooke Atkinson (left) and Street Superintendent Ernest Willis hold up a graphic representation of new software the city has purchased to track requests and facilitate communication on city projects. SeeClickFix is downloadable for Android and Apple products.

Carson Wayne Machen, 31, passed away May 19, 2023, in Gun Barrel City. Carson was born Oct. 10, 1991, in San Diego, Calif., to parents Samuel and Gina (Jasik) Machen.
Carson was very quiet and reserved but that did not stop him from being the type of person to help others if they needed it. He did not like conflict but if you wronged him, he was quick to forgive you before you even thought to ask for forgiveness. 
Carson was a cook at Molly’s Catfish Corner for 14 years and had recently started working at Texas Clean Professionals. 

Funeral services for Jaylin Nathaniel McFadden, 17, of Mabank, will be held at 5 p.m., May 25, 2023 at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home with a visitation following from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
Jaylin was a Junior at Mabank High School where he played the saxophone in the band.  He loved his music.  
Jaylin was a loving and kind person and impacted those he met, even just for a moment.  He helped other people in life when they were struggling.  
Jaylin was a role model student, brother, son, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Olivia Huffhines Pearson was born to Oliver and Mildred (Prewitt) Huffhines Feb. 13, 1944 in Richardson. Olivia passed away April 26, 2023 in Athens. 
Olivia was a devoted mother, wife and grandmother.  She previously had a successful career as a bookkeeper which spanned many years before retiring to the lake.  
In retirement, Olivia could be found with her husband Bob out on the golf course or relaxing on the boat. Though she didn't initially enjoy golfing, it grew to be one of her favorite pastimes and brought her immense joy.