Obituaries

Bobby Keith Sapp passed away Jan. 12, 2024, at home with his family.
He was born March 31, 1937 in Prairieville to Ira Clinton and Elsie Mae Wininger Sapp.  
He attended Mabank High School, served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from North Texas State University with a master’s degree.  
Bob and Mary Ellen Killian were married Sept. 2, 1961 and had 62 happy years together.
Though Bob was a pastor, teacher, coach and school counselor, he loved God and shared the gospel with many as he enjoyed many other activities.

We regret to announce the passing of Anson Charles Lockwood at the age of 79, who passed away peacefully Dec. 23, 2023 in Crosby. 
Anson C. Lockwood was the CEO of Dynamic Machine Service Inc. for 34 years. He was a respected member of his profession and known for his master welding skills. 
Beyond his professional accomplishments Anson C. Lockwood was a devoted family man, who loved his grandkids and great-grandkids above all else. 

In Loving Memory of Donald Eugene Recknagel “Pops”
Donald Eugene Recknagel, fondly known as “Pops,” was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Fairmont, W.Va. He peacefully departed this life Dec. 23, 2023, in Tyler
A proud veteran of the Air Force and member of the VFW in Payne Springs, Donald was a dedicated and loving husband to Vivian Jean Recknagel. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories. 
Donald found immense joy in the simplicity of life, especially in spending time outdoors, where he delighted in feeding the animals, particularly the squirrels.

Gerald Gene McCreary was at home when he left this world Dec. 20, 2023.  
Gerald was born Dec. 27, 1936 to Si and Lilliam Naomi Parr in the family home in McKinney. He lived a full life loving his ‘ranch,’ tractors, Labor of Love, the Henderson Theater and playing cards with his Wednesday group. His humor will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. We love you Dad.

Jonathan Isaac Monroe, 25, Alexis Morgan Monroe, 23 and Jaxson Isaac Monroe, three, passed away Dec. 15, 2023.
 Jonathan was born at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler April 28, 1998. His wife Alexis, 23, was born in Mesquite Jan. 24, 2000. Together, they celebrated the birth of their son Jaxson, three, at UT Health East Texas in Athens Oct. 9, 2020. 
The one thing that comes to mind when describing the Monroe family is “sunshine.” No matter where they were, they were always surrounded by warmth and light. 

Clayton Lynn Sawyers, 75, of Kemp passed away Dec. 12, 2023, after a year-long battle with bile-duct cancer.
Clayton was born Nov. 3, 1948, to Ralph and Daisy Sawyers in Dallas. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1967, he went to college at Tyler Junior College and Dallas Baptist University.
Clayton went on to work at Texas Body Shop with his father. Clayton later owned Texas Body Shop and had the privilege of working on many cars for friends and clients.

Barbara Womble Hill, 86, passed away Dec. 10, 2023 in Eustace.
Barbara Womble Hill was born July 13, 1937 in Eustace and grew up on the family homestead.  
She settled in Mabank where she spent the last 59 years of her life. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She spent her working years as a Drafting Specialist for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. During her time there she helped draft the telephone line blueprint for Dallas and surrounding areas. 

Mary Lucille “Lucy” (Montgomery) Gray was born June 26, 1956 in Kirksville, Mo., to Edgar and Rosemary Montgomery. 
Lucy was involved in band, basketball and 4H while in high school. She graduated at the top of her class from Schuyler County R1, Queen City, Mo., in 1974. She was a member of the Christian Church in Greentop, Mo. and participated in the youth group until she graduated.  

Gary Dempsey Oliver passed peacefully Dec. 9, 2023, in Tyler. He was born Dec. 18, 1950, in Dallas to Dempsey A. and Hortense Hazel (Williams) Oliver.
Following school Gary proudly joined the United States Navy and upon returning from Vietnam began his interests in storm chasing. 

Randall Keith Weidner was born in Runnels County April 23, 1951 to Betty and Lyod Weidner. He entered eternal peace Dec. 5, 2023 in Burlington, Vt. 
Along with his wife Paula, he owned and operated S&W Automotive in Mabank for over 20 years. He was honored with the prestigious Golden Wrench award for his outstanding service to the community.