Obituaries

Ruth Kathleen McVay, 82, of Enchanted Oaks, was born July 8, 1940 in Bakersfield, Calif., to parents Herbert Victor McNinch and Ethel Blanche Florence. Kathleen passed away Jan. 20, 2023.  
Kathleen had many hobbies and talents, she liked to ride horses, play tennis, fishing and enjoyed her community. 
Kathleen volunteered in Colorado for the Sheriffs dept. in the Sheriff Posse, working in dispatch, special events, traffic accidents and search and rescue. 

It is with heartfelt sadness that we have to say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, brother and friend who passed away Dec. 28, 2022, after a brief illness. 
Alfred Leon “Al” Harrell was 89 years old. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Those privileged to know him were treated to lots of love and laughter from his quipster sense of humor.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at the Beacon Church of Christ, 146 Harbor Point Rd., Gun Barrel City, Texas.

Louis was born July 17, 1931 and passed away Jan. 1, 2023 at his home in Mabank.
He served in the USAF and also fought in the Korean War. He was a Glazier for over 60 years and had his own business in Gun Barrel City.
Louis was preceded in death by parents Hubert Louis Merriman and Alma May and sisters Maxine Newcomb and Debra Smith.
He is survived by his sister Francine Merriman of Alba, wife Dora Merriman, children Leonard Merriman and wife Robbie, Randy Merriman, Karen Chambers, stepson David Fortner, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shalon Rene Robertson, 41, passed away Dec. 30, 2022, in Gun Barrel City. She was born Oct. 29, 1981, in Corsicana to parents Randall and Janice Rene (Hukill) Robertson.
Shalon was beautiful both inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and could brighten the day of anyone lucky enough to spend time with her. 

Memorial services for Bryan L. Stovall, 35, of Malakoff were held January 14, 2023 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Allen and Bro. Ken Jones officiating. 
Bryan was born June 29, 1987 in Corsicana to Leonard Maurice Stovall and Melanie Darlene Lowry Stovall. 
He was a graduate of Cross Roads High School Class of 2006 where he was Valedictorian. Bryan then graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in 2010. 

Born Dec. 18, 1933 in Austin Norma passed away in her sleep Jan. 2, 2023 after an extended illness.  
Noma was a graduate of Forest Avenue High School in Dallas and Dallas Baptist University. She retired from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service in 1993 then moved to Cedar Creek Lake where she became an active member of Cedar Creek Lake UMC, Women’s Club, Literary Guild and a founding member of Cedar Creek Civic League.

Jerry “Buddy” Starek, 90, passed away Dec. 15, 2022 at his home in Kemp, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Aley to parents Frank and Annie (Balajka) Starek.
Jerry served honorably in the United States Marine Corp for a total of 12 years in both active and reserve forces. During his time in the military he served in combat, during the Korean War.
Jerry married Betty, the love of his life for 68 years and they settled in Kemp, where they raised their beloved children Dennis, Larry, Jerry, Jamie and Linda.  

Funeral services for Willie Wheeler, 77 were held Dec. 27, 2022, at the Eubank Memorial Chapel Rev. Gordon Hudson officiating. Burial followed at Goshen Cemetery under direction of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home of Mabank. 
Willie was born Oct. 14, 1945, in Athens and passed away Dec. 20, 2022 in Dallas. 
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie J. Wheeler and Ara Staines and brothers Larry Wheeler, Johnny Wheeler and Royce Wheeler. 

Karla Linebaugh, 70 of Kemp, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Dec. 21, 2022. Karla was born Aug. 7, 1952, in Dallas, to Harold Penny and Alive Berniece Wright.
Karla was employed by Wal-Mart for 27 years, she held various different positions while at Wal-Mart but, was always known for her good work ethic.
Karla was proceeded in death by her parents and her brothers Harold Duane Penny and Roy Penny.

Kendelyn Jane (Walker) Prokop, born June 15, 1940 passed away Dec. 19, 2022. 
She was both an hourly worker and a business-owning, entrepreneur. In her lifetime, she was most proud of her upholstery shop where she employed her gift for interior design with flare and confidence.