Obituaries

Body 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.

Body 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. 

Body 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.

Body 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.

Body  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.

Body 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.

Body  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.

Body Celebration of Life services for Patsy Ruth Rogers, 87, of Mabank were held Nov. 1, 2024, at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank, with Pastor Matt Faircloth officiating. Patsy passed from this life Oct. 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Feb.

Body Kenneth Royce Penland, 83, of Mabank, passed away peacefully at his home Oct. 16, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. He was the devoted husband of Karen Jane Penland for 57 wonderful years.Born in Altus, Okla.

Body Ethan Ray Eshbach, 24, of Kemp went to be with the Lord Oct. 11, 2024.  Ethan was born at home Nov. 9, 1999, to Ernest and Maryann Eshbach in Kemp.  Ethan has worked with his dad since a child, but officially joined the family woodworking business when he was 18.