Obituaries

Body Roald Theo “Skip” Gustafson from Mabank passed away Aug. 26, 2024 at 84. Born Feb. 23, 1940 in Chicago, Skip took an early interest in aviation.  After a brief stint in the Army, he flew at Ozark Airlines before beginning a career at American Airlines in 1967 and retired in 2000.

Body Gary Lynn Whitley, a cherished father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at home Sept. 5, 2024. Born April 30, 1949, in Dallas, to Paul Reid Whitley and Bernice Ethel McCoy, Gary lived a life marked by dedication, compassion and humor.

Body Michael James Langford born Aug. 26, 1942 in Jefferson, Iowa passed away peacefully Aug. 23, 2024 at Legend Oaks Nursing Home in Ennis.

Body Bernard Andrew “Cotton” Meyer passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 12, 2024 at the age of 89. Cotton was born June 1, 1935, on a dairy farm in Booker. From a young age, Cotton began working on his parents’ farm which began his lifelong love of gardening and plants.

Body Truman “Greg” Cooley, Jr., 81, of Cedar Creek Lake was born Aug. 16, 1942  to Truman and Sidnah Cooley of Shreveport, La. and passed away Aug. 6, 2024.  He attended Byrd High School in Shreveport and graduated from LSU with a business degree in 1966.

Body Thomas Taaffe, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend was called home to heaven Aug. 3, 2024. He was born Dec. 28, 1937 in Trinidad to Robert and Ruby Taaffe.

Body William "Cooter" Wyatt Davis, 88, of Mabank, passed away Aug. 1, 2024, in Athens. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 at Roselawn Funeral Home concluding outside in the cemetery with military honors and a short committal service.  

Body Cody Strickland, 34, passed away peacefully July 28, 2024 at his home in Forestburg. Cody was born July 5, 1990 in Dallas and was raised in Malakoff.  He attended Malakoff High School and graduated in 2009.

Body Cathy Noble, 73, of Eustace, passed away Aug. 1, 2024. Born June 4, 1951, in Athens, Cathy was the daughter of I.L. (Dude) Powers and Catharine (Bebe) Powers.

Body Jackie, 89, was born Oct. 29, 1934, in Dallas to James and Leona Prince and passed peaceably in her sleep in Dallas, July 31, 2024.  Jackie’s career spanned many years in the jewelry sales business in Dallas.