Merle Dean Griffin

      A Memorial Service for Merle Dean Griffin, age 79 of Lindsay, was held 2:00 PM, Monday, May 5, 2014 at Scott Funeral Chapel of Muenster, with Rev. Ken Robinson officiating under the direction of Scott Funeral Home of Muenster. The family held a private burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Mr. Griffin died Monday, April 28, 2014 in Ardmore, OK.
      The oldest of the three children of Elzia Alonzo (E.A) and Eugenia (Hobbs) Griffin, Merle was born December 24, 1934 in Graham, OK. After serving two years in the National Guard, he joined the Air Force where he served his country for almost ten years. During his military service, Merle met and married the love of his life, Kondilo “Lilly” Yeasemi. The two were married in a military service on November 19, 1957 in Athens, Greece and again in Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church on May 4, 1958 in Santa Barbara, Greece. After being discharged from the service as Staff Sergeant, he and Lilly owned and operated a Dairy Queen in Marietta, OK for four years. Merle later built F-111 swingwing bombers for General Dynamics. Merle went to work for BNSF Railroad in 1971 in motorcar maintenance and retired in 2001 after 30 years. He was a member of the Era Masonic Lodge 796 where he was a Master Mason and 32 degree Scottish Rite.
      Merle was a volunteer fireman, an avid gun collector, a hunter and a lover of the outdoors. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and was once quoted as saying “As long as I can hold a motorcycle up, I’m going to ride it. The day I can’t hold it up on my own is the day I get a third wheel.” He never did get that third wheel.
     Merle will be remembered as a man who dearly loved his wife of fifty-six years, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
     Merle is survived by his: wife of 56 years, Kondilo (Yeasemi) Griffin of Lindsay; daughters: Karla and husband, Glenn Kyle of Lindsay, Katrinka and husband, Mike Bartush of Muenster, and Rebecca Parmeley of Ventura, CA; son: Aric and wife, Jodi Griffin of Lindsay; fifteen grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, E.A. Griffin and Eugenia Hobbs Griffin Wagstaff, sister, Judith Griffin, Mitchell, brother, Ronald R. Griffin, and grandson, Andrew W. Redel.

Farris Martini

       Funeral Services for Farris Martini, age 83 of Dallas, are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 26, 2014 at the Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Saint Jo. Burial will follow in Dye Mound Cemetery under the direction of Scott Funeral Home of Saint Jo. Mr. Martini died Friday, April 25, 2014 in Dallas.
     Farris was born on July 9, 1930 in Jordan, West Virginia to Angelo and Louise (Toschi) Martini. He married Joan Siebold in 1975 in Wichita Falls.
     Farris is survived by his: daughters: Jan Tigert of Collinsville and Jorie and husband, Dr. Kevin Klein of Dallas; son, Jerry Don and wife, Debbie Hester of Gainesville; nephew, Randy Martini of Pennsylvania; grandchildren: Krystal and husband Robert Krebs, Tony and wife Theresa Tigert, John Jacob Klein, Alexandra Kristen “Allie” Klein, Victoria Danielle “Tori” Klein; great-grandchildren: Evan Marshall Krebs and Gavin Tigert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Siebold Martini, his parents, and his brother, Luis Martini. Pallbearers were: John Klein, Kevin Klein, Curtis Bowman, Robert Krebs, Bill Bowman, and Jerry Hester.

William Lloyd Hamilton

      Services for William Lloyd Hamilton, age 96 of Capps Corner, are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Shepherd of the Hills with Rev. Charles Wylie officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Creek Cemetery under the direction of Scott Funeral Home of Saint Jo. Visitation will be from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the funeral home in Saint Jo. Mr. Hamilton died April 24, 2014 in Nocona.

     Lloyd Hamilton was born September 2, 1917 in Hagerman, Texas to William Nathaniel and Venie (Buckhannan) Hamilton. During Lloyd’s life span of 9½ decades he was witness to many historical events, including the stock market crash, WWII, and the invention of radio and TV. He grew up in a church environment where his mother sang and some of his aunts played the organ.
     Lloyd was always a farmer but at times he also worked on oil rigs all over Texas. He raised large gardens and he often shared the produce with his family and friends. At one time he had his own hay bailing business. Lloyd was an avid “wolf hunter” and spent many hours following and listening to his thoroughbred “Walkers” and “Julys” and attended many shows where he sometimes entered one of his dogs. Lloyd was a family man and will be missed by all those who knew him.
     Lloyd is survived by his: wife, Mary Ann Wolfenberger Hamilton of Capps Corner; sons: Jim Hamilton of Colorado Springs, CO; Dale and Margaret Hamilton of Callisburg, TX; Charles and Katie Hamilton of Myra, TX; Randy and Pinky Hamilton of Hennepin, OK; and Gary Hamilton of Saint Jo, TX; fifteen grandchildren; sisters: Lois Hamilton Groce of Sherman, TX and Halma Ruth Hamilton Morgan of Sherman, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hannah Celest Stanley; his sister, Faye Hamilton Martin; his brothers: Thomas Hamilton and W.N. “Man” Hamilton. Pallbearers were: Mark Hamilton, Bobby Hamilton, Jimmy Hamilton, Jerry Hamilton, Brandon Hamilton, Steve Hamilton, Nathan Hamilton, and Jamie Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers were: Billy Ray Hamilton and Justin Hamilton.

Ann Susanna Arendt Herr

       Mass of Christian Burial for Ann Susanna (Arendt) Herr, age 90 of Muenster, was held at 10:00 AM Friday, April 25, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster with Rev. Ken Robinson officiating. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Scott Funeral Home Muenster. A Rosary/Vigil was held at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the funeral home in Muenster. Mrs. Herr died Friday, April 18, 2014 in Muenster.
    Ann was born September 10, 1923 to Paul and Susie (Neu) Arendt in Lindsay, TX. She attended school at Lindsay. She attended school through the 8th grade. It was at this time, when Ann was 14, that her mother a suffered a stroke. Ann stayed at home to help take care of her 7 younger brothers and sisters, never being able to finish high school as it took years for her mother to regain use of her affected side.
    In her late teens, Ann worked as a nanny and housekeeper for several different families, often when the mother was recuperating from the birth of a child. In her early twenties, she worked as a salesclerk at JC Penney in downtown Gainesville and even modeled hosiery in the store window as this was a very popular item for the ladies of the day.
    Ann married the love of her life, Albert Otto Herr, better known to most as Buster. They moved into the home at 206 West 7th Street in Muenster after their honeymoon and remained there, never living in another house.
    She was a very devoted and loving mother to her children, volunteering as a Blue Bird leader, almost yearly room mother, was active in 4-H, Catholic Daughters and the Saint Anne Society. She enjoyed letting neighborhood children and cousins visit. She always fixed treats for them, but some of the favorites were homemade lemonade and homemade cookies or popcorn balls. At Christmas, she made her famous divinity and shared it with neighbors, friends and relatives.
    Ann and Buster loved the outdoors; they took the family camping, pecan picking, fishing, and on numerous outdoor picnics. Ann was a great seamstress and made almost all of the girls’ clothes until they were in high school. She was an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers. She loved iris and would exchange with neighbors and friends, cultivating a rainbow of colors, some of which are still alive and thriving today. Ann and Buster raised laying hens and always had plenty of fresh eggs on hand. She allowed her children numerous pets over the years including the typical cats and dogs, but also birds, turtles, rabbits, pigeons, and fish.
    Family was always her top priority. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were older and could stay by themselves, but still only worked Saturdays at Tony Luke’s Ben Franklin Store so that she could be available for her children during the week. She took a job at the Muenster Independent School as a study hall monitor only because it allowed her days and hours that her children were in school and did not take away from family time.
    Ann will be missed dearly but she is now reunited with Buster in heaven.
    She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Gary Fisher of Muenster; her sisters: Lou Voth of Muenster, LuElla Zimmerer of Lindsay, Marie Metzler of Gainesville, and Joanie Bauer of La Ferria; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert "Buster" Herr, her daughters: Anna Marie Herr and Paula Reiter; her parents, Paul and Susie (Neu) Arendt, her brothers: Ernest, Ulrich, Andrew "Nick," Aloys, Paul, Arthur "Artie," Johnny, Patrick Arendt; and her sisters: Liss Hoberer and Flo Walterscheid. Pallbearers were: Danny Voth, Pat Walterscheid, Rudy Zimmerer, David Arendt, John Hoberer, and Mark Klement.

Paula Fleitman

       Mass of Christian Burial for Paula Cheryl Richardson Fleitman, age 65 of Muenster are scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday, April 21, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster with Rev. Ken Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Scott Funeral Home of Muenster. A Rosary/Vigil will be held at 6:00 PM, Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Scott Funeral Home of Muenster. Mrs. Fleitman died Tuesday, April 15, 2014 in Corinth, TX.
     Paula was born December 31, 1948 to Elmer Homer and Pearl Edna (Jigout) Richardson in Gainesville. Paula married August Andrew Fleitman on June 29, 1968 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Upon marriage, they resided in the Muenster area. As a wife, Mom, & Grandmother she cared and loved her husband, children and grandchildren deeply. In the early 90s, Paula graduated with high recognition when she earned her GED. She enjoyed playing board and card games and playing electronic video games with her children and grandchildren. She also loved her favorite television shows and movies. Family and Friends was very important to her and she loved spending time with them. Paula was diagnosed with leukemia about ten years ago, and suffered several medical complications, and was limited on mobility. The last few weeks, her body was very weak and had multi-organ failure and died of a massive heart attack. She was surrounded by her family when she went to Heaven.
     Paula is survived by her: husband, August Fleitman of Muenster; her son, Randy Fleitman of Muenster; her daughters: Jan and Brett Marion of Lindsay, Melinda and Mark Cameron of Roanoke, Kerry Fleitman of Muenster, and Kristen and Rocky Roberts of Saint Jo; her brothers: Lesley Richardson of Lubbock and Mark Richardson of McKinney; her sisters: Camilla Young of Callisburg, Linda Kay Zachary of Ennis, Delores Bush of Roswell, NM; her grandchildren: Darrin Springs, Stephen Marion, Ashley Fleitman, Hayley Marion, Marissa Cameron, Makenna Cameron, Nevaeh Fleitman, Maleina Cameron, and Macayla Cameron. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Homer and Pearl Edna (Jigout) Richardson and her sister Laverna Snodgrass. Pallbearers were: Stephen Marion, Darrin Springs, Russell Fleitman, Aaron Fleitman, Scott Crum, Kyle Graham, Matthew Fleitman, Mark Fleitman, Bart Prescher, and Jay Prescher.

Marvin Eugene (Cowboy) Sewell

     Funeral Services for Marvin Eugene (Cowboy) Sewell, age 87 of Muenster, formerly from Saint Jo, TX are set for 2:00 PM Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Saint Jo with Rev. Edwin Brooks and Rev. Larry Coleman officiating with burial to follow in the Illinois Bend Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Scott Funeral Home of Saint Jo. Marvin (Cowboy) died Saturday, April 5, 2014 in Muenster Health and Rehab.
     Marvin (Cowboy) was born to Lonnie H. Sewell and Lillie B. Hoover Sewell on December 30, 1926 in Illinois Bend. He dropped out of school to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. He got his High School diploma graduating with his grandson, Rocky Roberts on May 7, 2003 at Saint Jo High School.
     Marvin (Cowboy) served his church as superintendent and as a Royal Ranger leader. He was a member of First Assembly of God. He loved his Lord as his Savior. Marvin (Cowboy) was a farmer and rancher. He served as a board member on the Illinois Bend Cemetery Association.
     Marvin (Cowboy) married Matt Elizabeth Barns on November 8, 1948 in Gainesville, TX. They enjoyed their church and their family. His friends and family who knew him, knew him as “Cowboy.”
     Marvin (Cowboy) is survived by his wife Matt Elizabeth Sewell of Muenster; daughters: Lillie W. Sewell of Saint Jo, TX, Martha E. and husband, Andrew Roy of Prattsville, AL; sons: Lonnie C. and wife, Gail Sewell of Argyle, TX; Roy J. and Lennie Sewell of Gainesville, TX; Johnny L. Sewell of Saint Jo; Harold D. and Sharon Sewell of Saint Jo; son-in-law: Bob Roberts of Saint Jo; sister-in-law: Jeanette Hayden of Waxahachie, TX and Naomi R. Sewell of La Place, LA; sisters: Marcia L. Groves or Petrolia, TX; Norene Anderson of Las Cruces, NM; brothers: John Sewell of Longview, TX and Donald Sewell of Jacksboro, TX; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death his daughter, Sharon R. Roberts, son, Rev. Raymond (Ray) D. Sewell, grandson, William E. Sewell, his sister, Zelma Moore, and his brother Rev. James R. Sewell. Pallbearers were: Dalton Lyons, Craig McCrary, Randy Dunbar, Roy Brawner, Leslie Greenwood, and Rod Hoover. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the First Assembly of God Church of Nocona, TX. The family requests memorials be made to Saint Jo Fire Department or Illinois Bend Cemetery Association.