Obituaries

Roger Franklin Hatton, of Kemp passed away Dec. 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born Dec. 25, 1933, in Trinidad to parents Clifton and Lela (Baucom) Hatton. Roger led a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and country.
Roger had a distinguished career at Proctor and Gamble, where he dedicated 38 years of loyal service before retiring in 1990. His work ethic was a hallmark of his character, a virtue he instilled in his grandson, ensuring that the values of hard work and integrity would be passed down through generations. 

Elizabeth Frances Wagner, 76, of Mabank passed away surrounded by family Dec. 15, 2024. 
Born Sept. 16, 1948, in Dallas, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Alois Joseph Gallia and Eleanor Marie Baca Gallia. 
Elizabeth, or Mom, attended elementary school at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Dallas, middle school at Bishop Dunne and graduated from Samuel High School in 1966. 
She earned her bachelor's in English and Secondary Education from the University of North Texas. Mom and Dad married in 1970. 

Gary Lee Parkhurst met his Lord and Savior Dec. 1, 2024. He passed away at his home in Mabank with his loving and devoted family by his side. He was born Feb. 22, 1940 in Wichita, Kan., to Lester Wayne and Janie Moss Parkhurst.  
Gary joined the Army in 1960 and was stationed in Schwabisch Hall, Germany after boot camp.  According to Gary, he was “sick as a dog” on the boat both to and from Germany.  

Ted Harlan Bayless, 80, of Gun Barrel City passed peacefully Dec. 2, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loving family. 
Ted was a devoted family man, a true patriarch and provider.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and then worked without tire as a dedicated loan officer for many years. After retirement, he steadfastly dedicated his time to his local community serving on the water board.
Ted was an avid golfer, a voracious reader and above all cherished quality time with his family.

Joe Charles Walenta, Jr. of Gun Barrel City, passed away Nov. 17, 2024. He was 91 years old.
Joe was born to Joe Charles Walenta and Mary Albina Michalic Walenta March 1, 1933, in Richmond.  
Loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. 

Larry Jon Wilburn, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Nov. 24, 2024.
Larry had a fulfilling career at Southwestern Bell from 1967 until his retirement in 2001. He spent the next 13 years serving in the transportation departments of Duncanville ISD and Mabank ISD.
Larry was a dedicated Christian and member of First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City. 
He had a love for life, particularly for traveling, boating, and golf and cherished spending time on the water. 

Melba Nell Baker Fultz, 92, of Kemp passed away Nov. 6, 2024. Born July 8, 1932 in Waxahachie to Clara L Mae Zachary Baker and William Thomas Baker. She married Charles B Fultz June 17, 1950 in Rockwall.
Melba was active and vibrant from the moment she was born and throughout her entire life. She enjoyed many things, such as traveling, dancing, painting, crafts, fashion and meeting new people. Spending time with family and friends is what she most enjoyed. The love and pride she had for her family was immeasurable.

 Joe Dan Perkins passed away after a long hospital stay Nov. 14, 2024. He was born Jan. 18, 1958, in Athens, to parents Marlin Perkins and Georgina Thompson Perkins. He was the fifth of seven children, including six brothers and one sister.
He attended school in Athens and graduated in 1977. In high school he participated in sports, excelling in football and baseball. One of his favorite high school memories was him kicking a game winning field goal against rival team Ennis. The ending score was Athens 3, Ennis 0, which upset Ennis’s unbeaten record for the season.

Celebration of life services for Russell Tillman Bruno, 76, of Tool was held Nov. 13, 2024, at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church in Tool, with Pastor Kristin Rockwell officiating. 
Russell passed from this life Nov. 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born June 19, 1948, in Franklin, La., to Russell Joseph and Iris Joy (Tillman) Bruno. 

 Kenneth Koch Zimmer was born Aug. 27, 1937 in Beeville to Alice and Henry Zimmer. He passed away Oct. 29, 2024 in Star Harbor.
He grew up in Beeville and attended Texas A&M University in Kingsville. Ken obtained a degree in Physics. After college he was employed by Exxon Exploration Company as a Research Geophysicist for 30 years. 
After many years moving and traveling he and Eva chose to retire next to Cedar Creek Lake in Star Harbor. 
In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with kids and grandkids.