Brown, Gordon W.

Gordon Wonnacott Brown, age 92 of Manhattan, died Monday, January 15, 2007 at his residence.

He was born on May 20, 1914 in Coffeyville, KS, the son of Thomas and Elva (Mark) Brown.

On February 12, 1942 in Manhattan, KS, he was united in marriage to Ollie Frances Fuller. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2004.

Gordon graduated from Kansas State University with three engineering degrees that were essential during his time in the military. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon was called to active duty as a commissioned officer in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army. Because of his academic achievements and employment with Halliburton, he was given the command of a unique radar company. Radar technology was then new and extreme revolutionary concept which required personnel with a high degree of electronic skills and training. In 1942 the unit was moved to Australia and placed under the command of General MacArthur in preparation for his push through the South Pacific, New Guinea, Phillippines and to Japan. Gordon continued to command through WWII, having attained the rank of Major. His service was of singular credit to himself, his command and the U.S. Army.

After WWII, he was a highway contractor and owned and operated Brown Brothers Construction with his brothers, Sealy and Thomas Brown until 1957. They then reformed the company to be only Gordon and Thomas. Brown Brothers Construction worked on the Kansas Turnpike, Tuttle Creek Dam and most state lakes around Kansas.

He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Elks Lodge, Sertoma International, Kansas State University Alumni Association, Kansas Contractor's Association, Manhattan Country Club and Stagg Hill Golf Course. He loved golf in retirement and even landed a hole in one at Del Rio, TX.

He is survived by one daughter, Nancy McNerney and her husband, Charles of Midland, TX; one son, Thomas G. Brown of Columbia, SC; one brother, Thomas Brown of Manhattan; one sister, Elizabeth Scott of Urbana, IL; two grandchildren, Robyn Winslett of Mobile, AL and Robert White of New York, NY and one great-granddaughter, Callie Farris of Lubbock, TX.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Sealy Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday January 22, 2007 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Rev. R.C. McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen.

Online condolences may be left for the family through our website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

A memorial has been established Meals on Wheels. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on 1/21/2007.
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Crawford, Sarah

Sarah Crawford, of Midland, went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, January 18, 2007.

She was born December 10, 1933 to Clarence Pete Lemay and Nona Grace Whitlow Lemay in Rusk, Texas. Sarah was raised and educated primarily in Big Spring, Texas. On October 8, 1951, she married Carl E. Crawford in Terrell, Texas. Prior to her retirement, Sarah was an independent insurance agent. She was a member of Cotton Flat Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Carl E. Crawford of Midland, TX; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Sally Crawford of Midland, TX; and Jerry and Sonya Crawford of Coahoma, TX; brothers, George and Claude Lemay; grandsons, Chris Crawford, Mike Crawford and his wife, Denise, all of Midland, TX; Rusty Crawford and Ricky Crawford, both of Coahoma, TX; granddaughter, Traci Crawford of Midland, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Skylar and Shelby.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Cotton Flat Baptist Church with Reverend Rick Holeman officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be James Norton, Dallas Brewer, Chris Crawford, Mike Crawford, Rusty Crawford and Ricky Crawford. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place on-line condolences visit www.mem.com.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on 1/21/2007.
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Daves, Lee

BIG SPRING -- Lee Daves, 74, of Big Spring died Friday, Jan. 19, at his residence. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Myers & Smith Chapel with the Rev. Jess Colgrove officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at Myers & Smith Funeral Home.

He was born May 28, 1932, in Kansas City, Kan. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Air Force. He was a Christian. He married Sue Hodnett, March 14, 2006, in Big Spring.

He is survived by his wife, Sue of Big Spring; one daughter, Roni Price of Ellenton, Florida; one son, Gregory Borland of Miami, Fla.; two step-daughters, Anita McNelly of Moore, Okla. and Kathy Tolle of Euless, and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Weldon Hall.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on 1/21/2007.


Glass, Helen Lucille

Helen Lucille Glass, 84, of Midland, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2007 in Midland. Her viewing will be Sunday, January 21, 2007 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM Monday, January 22, 2007 at Manor Park Chapel in Midland with Rev. Jay Mayo, officiating, and private graveside services will also be held at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Helen was born on October 23, 1922 to Glen and Forest Evans. She married Robert Glass in 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. Robert preceded her in death.

Helen worked in the Accounting Department at Marietta Memorial Hospital until she retired. She was a devoted employee and admired by everyone who knew her. Helen came to Midland three years ago to be near her family. She loved her Lord. Helen was a member of the Baptist Church and attended services at Manor Park.

One of the things that Helen loved the most was entertaining people in nursing homes with her singing and piano playing as well as singing and playing in church. She would take little gifts to pass out which gave much joy to the residents. She was an avid campaigner for the Republican Party in Marietta, Ohio and a member of the Republican Women of Midland. Helen was very active in the Eastern Star organization her entire life. Her hobby was breeding, training and showing American Saddlebred Horses in Ohio.

Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Mark Wilson of Midland; a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Walter Lyon of Lucasville, Ohio; a niece, Heather and her husband, John Echols of Midland, and their children, Tarabeth, John-Mark, and Wilson; a niece, Holly and her husband, Roger Elliott of Midland, and their children, Carson, Forest Wallace and Cody; a nephew, Todd Wilson and his wife, Carol of Midland, and their son, Colton; a nephew, Scott Wilson and his wife, Cindy of Austin, and their children, Ryan, Shelby and Garrett; a niece, Lexie Lyon, and nephews, Shawn and Christopher Lyon. She was also survived by a great, great niece, Lynnley Wallace, daughter of Forest and Mike Wallace.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram from 1/20/2007 - 1/21/2007.
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Gordon III, William D. "Bill"

William "Bill" D. Gordon III, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2007.

He was born July 1, 1937 to W. D. Gordon, Jr. and Marjorie Merritt Gordon in Lamar County, Texas. Bill graduated from Aledo High School in 1956. On April 19, 1958, he married Martha Spann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dale Gordon, and father-in-law, O. L. Spann.

Bill is survived by his wife, Martha Gordon of Midland, TX; sons, Kirk Gordon and his wife, Terri, of Luling, LA; Wade Gordon and his wife, Kris, of Midland, TX; daughters, Mary Johnson and her husband, Alan, of Holland, TX; and Carrie Simpson and her husband, Jack, of Arlington, TX; eight grandchildren, Stacie and Kyle Gordon, Brittney and Courtney Gordon, Taylor Hanson, Shane Johnson, and Matthew and Alex Simpson; sister, Judy Thouvenel of Aledo, TX; aunt, Adell Merritt of Midland, TX; mother-in-law, Mary Spann of Lipan, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Sunday, January 21, 2007 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 22, 2007 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place on-line condolences visit www.mem.com.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702 or Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, Texas 79701.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram from 1/20/2007 - 1/21/2007.
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Hannon, Charles Edward

Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart Audacious longing, burning songs, daring thoughts, an impulse overwhelming the heart - these are all a drive toward [loving the One] who rings our heart like a bell.

--Abraham Heschel

Charles Edward Hannon went Home January 17, 2007, surrounded by his family. The great-grandson and grandson of pioneer oil and gas producers, he was born June 25, 1928, to Paul and Mary Barry Hannon in the oil boom town of Bradford, Pennsylvania

World War II was over when Charles at 17, the high school graduate, joined the U.S. Army to qualify for the G.I. Bill of Rights. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss in EI Paso, arriving there by train. During this trip from Pennsylvania, he took note of the warm weather and miles of derricks as he passed through the Permian Basin. Arriving in Trieste, Italy, he was assigned to the 88th Infantry Division/Cannon Company. When the 10th Mountain Division planned to reinstate the ski troops, Charles was selected as a member, training in Cortina, Italy and Switzerland. The last six months of his tour of duty were served stateside at Ft. Tauten in Bayside, Long Island.

After attending Bryant Stratton Business School in Buffalo, New York, he left to pursue the interest he had for life, the oil business. Field superintendent for Marathon Oil Company in Nebraska two winters, Charles was in charge of two drilling rigs and well service units in the D-J Basin. But he remembered Texas, the derricks and the weather and arrived in Midland in 1952. He continued to work for Marathon and graduated from Odessa College, where he met his wife of 53 years, Betty Sue McDougle. A field engineer for Lion Oil Company (Monsanto) in Snyder for two years, he left with wife and two small children to complete his education in 1960 at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, obtaining degrees in math and chemistry.

Working as a production engineer for Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company in Odessa until 1963, Charles established his own business, as a consulting engineer for several years before becoming an independent. At the time of his death, he worked with his two sons Ted and Terry, both oil and gas operators, acquiring production in Midland and Ector Counties. He was filled with pride knowing his four oldest grandsons are engineering students.

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles is survived by his wife, Betty; his oldest son Ted, wife Susan of Midland, and their two sons Sean and Trevor, engineering students attending the University of Salzburg, Austria; his daughter, Brenna McCurry, husband Brian and their son Cody, engineering student at OC and daughter Kelcie, all of Odessa, and son, Cole, engineering student at UT Arlington; and his youngest son, Terence, wife Rene' and children Alex, Morgan, and Brady, all of Midland. He is also survived by two brothers, Tom of Punta Gorda, Florida; Bill of Atlanta, Texas; two sisters, Christine Cowan of Tulia, Texas and Mary Jo Hellman of Lufkin, Texas, and numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland. The family wishes to thank the care and generosity of Hospice of Midland, Inc., and requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to this wonderful organization. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place on-line condolences visit www.mem.com.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram from 1/19/2007 - 1/21/2007.
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Hernandez, Maria

Maria Florencia "Flora" Hernandez, 84, went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, January 19, 2007.

She was born on November 2, 1922 in Marfa, Texas where she was raised and educated.

Flora met and married the late Alfonso M. Hernandez in September 29, 1945.

Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez moved to Midland in 1950 where they resided for the rest of their lives. They raised four wonderful children.

Flora was a homemaker but most of all she was devoted to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other loved ones.

She enjoyed cooking and mainly being a caregiver to her family and friends.

Flora was a devout Catholic. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Flora was preceded in death by her husband, Alfonso M. Hernandez; her parents, Cesario and Maria B. Hernandez and one brother, Teofilo Hernandez Sr.

She is survived by two sons, Alfonso Jr. and wife Virginia Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas and Cesario and wife Amelia Hernandez of Midland; two daughters, Evangelina and husband Manuel Catano of Midland and Cynthia and husband Arthur Morales also of Midland; one brother, Miguel and wife Lila Hernandez of Midland; two sisters, Consuelo Lujan of Las Cruces, NM and Maria and husband Jesus Reyes of Midland ; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces and a host of friends.

Pallbearers are Gilbert Hernandez, Richard Rodriguez Jr., Stephen Rodriguez, Christopher Morales, Alfonso M. Hernandez III, Carlos Hernandez, David Rodriguez and Michael Morales.

Honorary pallbearer is Joey Kingery.

Rosary in English will be held Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Pipkin Chapel. Rosary in Spanish will be held Monday, January 22, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Pipkin Chapel. Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Memorials may be directed to: Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1405 Garden Lane, Midland, TX. 79701 or to: Dr. Gregory Bartha Health Sciences Scholarship Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield, Midland, TX. 79705

Services are under the direction of Pipkin Funeral Home. Family messages and condolences may be emailed to: pipkin@nts-online.net.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on 1/21/2007.
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Lovell, Lillian LaRue Belyeu

Lillian LaRue Belyeu Lovell, of Midland, died Wednesday, Jan. 17.

She was born to Ruben B. Belyeu and Vera L. Jones Belyeu in Cross Plains, Aug. 27, 1925. She met Lionel Doyle Lovell and were married March 7, 1944 in Cross Plains.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Doyle, brother, Bill Belyeu, and son, Ron Lovell. She is survived by three grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

Services have been scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. at Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place online condolences visit www.mem.com.
Published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram on 1/21/2007.


Oxford, Shelia Ozelma

Shelia Ozelma Oxford, 82, of Midland, Texas died Wednesday, January 17, 2007.

Shelia was born April 6, 1924 in Emory, Texas. She married Percival Marvin "PM" Oxford on June 10, 1939. They had three children, Dixie, Charles and Shirley. She worked as a beautician for 4 years and with the Midland Independent School District as a food-service worker for 27 years. Shelia had resided in Midland since 1958.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Percival Marvin "PM" Oxford, daughter, Dixie Oxford, three brothers, R.V. Perkins, Jimmy Marrow, and Dale Mitchell Marrow, and one sister, Dorothy Short.

Shelia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Betty Oxford of Midland, TX; her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Bill Rains of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Quanah of Georgetown, TX; four grandchildren, Shelia and Marty Kaiser, and Clifton and Kim Rains, all of Phoenix, AZ; Brandey and Chris Ackerman of Austin, TX; Jamie and Bradley Dickinson of Midland, TX; seven great-grandchildren, Tatum, Josiah, Justis, Hailey, Braxten, Lauren, and Braden.

The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Sunday, January 21, 2007 between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Monday, January 22, 2007 at the Church of God, 5300 Thomason Drive, with Reverend Milford R. Thomason officiating. Interment will follow at Re