Recent Obituaries

Garland Clinton Miller, of Euless, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010.  He was born December 11, 1928 in Ector, Texas.  Survivors include his wife Pat Miller of Euless; children Clint Miller and wife Anita of Allen, Lee Ann Perry and husband Hal of Mansfield, Rusty Miller and wife Melinda of Euless, and Lisa Jan Crane and husband Charles of Euless, grandchildren Alicia Williamson and husband Lt. Tim, USN, Mark Miller and wife Meghan, Justin Perry, Tyler Perry, Jeff Miller and wife Courtney, Cliff Miller, Harley Crane, Chloe Crane, and great grandchildren Mark Garrett Williamson, and Luke Williamson.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel with Mr. Mark Roberts officiating.  Graveside services will be held at 9:30 AM Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. in Dallas.  

Helen Marie Kennedy Gehan passed away peacefully at home on March 8 surrounded by her loving family. She fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 17, 1933 in Glens Falls, NY to the late Starr Hamelin Kennedy and C. Edward Kennedy. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, John C. Gehan; children Timothy Gehan, Maureen Gehan Frieze and husband Ed Frieze, Glenn Gehan and wife Caroline, Peter Gehan and wife Kara. She is also survived by grandchildren Gage Gehan and his mother Miriam Chaney Gehan; Connor and Natalie Frieze; Ann, Patrick and John Gehan; Lindsay, Adrienne and Gordon Gehan; sister Mary Starr Settelmayer and husband J. Richard Settlemayer; brother Edward Kennedy and wife Linda. Helen graduated from St. Peter's Hospital School of Nursing class of 1954. She continued nursing and moved to California in 1957 where she met her husband and they married on May 28, 1960. Helen was an active homemaker and community volunteer. She was a member of Las Colinas Country Club, Las Colinas Women's Association, Dallas Women's Foundation, Planned Parenthood of North Texas, and Friends of the Irving Public Library, Helen was loved by everyone who had the opportunity to know her. She was a very kind and generous person with a great sense of humor. Helen preferred to work behind the scenes to make others shine. She was passionate about many things including her grandchildren, women's rights, politics, cooking and literature.  A Rosary service will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church on Thursday evening March 11th  at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church at 11 AM on Friday, March 12th.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dallas Women's Foundation, Dallas Arboretum, Planned Parenthood of North Texas or Irving Public Library.

Earl Edward West, of Irving, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010.  He was born January 29, 1925 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.  He is survived by his wife Dorothy Edith Parker West; daughter Carol Reed and husband Ricky of Bynum, Texas and their children Dwight, Suzanne and husband, Debbie, Glenn and wife, and Cindy and husband; son Dwayne West and wife Jeanna of Irving and their children Virginia, Tim, Matt and wife, Jared and wife, Katie, and Jacob; son Scott West and wife Nancy of Irving and their children Starr and husband, and Micah and wife; daughter Vicky Sterling of Josephine, Texas and her children Nancy, Teresa and husband, and Becky and husband; son John Atterbury and wife Kim of Lexington, Kentucky and their children Sydney and Lukas; son Robert Atterbury of Richmond, Kentucky and his children Tonya, Tiffany, Jennifer, Jessica, Julie, and Teresa; daughter Terri Chesser and husband Jaye of Caddo Mills, Texas and their children Shane and wife, and Courtney and husband and 37 great grandchildren.  Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 12, 2010 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. in Dallas.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Lorenzo Salazar, of Irving, passed away Friday, March 5, 2010.  He was born September 5, 1924 in Alma, Michigan.  He is survived by his daughter Mary Ann Dorsey; sons Michael Salazar, and Neil Salazar; 4 brothers; 3 sisters; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.  The family will receive friends 6-7 PM Friday, March 12, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Anthony “Tony” Biondini, of Fort Worth, passed away March 1, 2010.  He was born in Irving on March 31, 1971.  He is survived by his mother Pamela Grayson of Fort Worth; daughter Heather Ann Biondini of Hurst; aunt Anne Pass of Dallas; uncles James Sneed of Mesquite and John Sneed of Whitesboro.  The family will receive friends on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the funeral home from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

Frank “Dee” Brown, of Irving, passed away Friday, February 26, 2010.  He was born November 28, 1929 in Deport, Texas.  He is survived by his wife Jean Brown of Irving; son Michael Brown of Arlington; sister Mildred Gehrman of Baltimore, Maryland; and 4 grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Peggy Harris, of Irving, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010.  She was born September 7, 1945 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  She retired in 2009 after 28 years of employment with Hertz Rent A Car.  Peggy was also a scorekeeper for the Adult Softball Assoc. of Irving for 15 years.  Survivors include her daughters Stefanie Vandiver and husband David of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, and Beverly Gamboa and husband Darryl of Ft. Worth; son Robert Harris and wife Sara of Haslet; sister Anne Turner of Surprise, Arizona; niece Shannon Clark of Surprise; granddaughters Jordan Gamboa and Mikaela Gamboa of Ft. Worth, and Elizabeth Vandiver of Palmyra; and grandsons Joshua Gamboa of Ft. Worth and Christopher Vandiver of Palmyra.  Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 1413 E. Irving Blvd. in Irving.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Monday, March 1^st at the funeral home.

George William Cook, of Irving, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010.  He was born February 4, 1936 in Dallas.  Preceded in death by his father Marshall Pie Cook, Sr., survivors include his wife Carolyn Jan Brumble Cook; mother Georgia Ruth Rutledge Cook, sons Ronald George Cook, Tom Chambers, and Robert Chambers; daughter Sherry Gail Alexander; brother Marshall Cook, Jr., 5 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. T.C. McIntire officiating.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home.  Graveside services will be held at 1 PM Monday, March 1, 2010 at Ft. Towson Cemetery in Choctaw County, Oklahoma.

Helen Minchew, 77, of Irving, passed away February 20, 2010.  She was born to Gus Rogas, Jr. and Edith Markum Rogas on August 16, 1932 in Cottonwood, Texas.   Ms. Minchew retired from the accounting department of Lone Star Container after 17 years of employment.  She is survived by children Sandie Johnson, Rick Minchew, and Judy Minchew; grandchildren Gary Johnson and wife Christy, and Sarah  Callovi and husband Roger; six great grandchildren; brother Melvin Rogas and wife Mary Lou; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 8585 Stemmons Frwy. Ste. 700, Dallas, TX 75247 www.vitascharityfund.org  or the Alzheimer's Assoc., 4144 N. Central Expy, Ste. 750, Dallas, TX 75204 www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp   

Joe Bob Tucker, of Irving, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2010.  He was born September 20, 1931 in Waskom, Texas.  He retired from Placid Oil Company after 20 years of service.  Joe was a veteran of the US Army.  Survivors include his wife Joyce Golson Tucker; son John Fell Tucker; and grandson Daniel Elliot Tucker.  Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. in Dallas. 

Ethel “Auntie” Harman, of Irving, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010.  She was born August 4, 1920 in Letot, Texas.  She was a member of Faith Temple Baptist Church in Irving.  Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Albert F. “Pete” Harman.  Survivors include her nieces and nephews Tommie Tucker, Jr., Lee Ann Nelson and husband Stephen, Charlie Mills and wife Glenda, James Riley and wife Elka, Lena Mosley, James Nixon, Sr.; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Faith Temple Baptist Church, 525 N. Sowers Rd. in Irving with Pastor Jody Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow at Laurel Oaks Memorial Park in Mesquite.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.  

Mary H. Ratcliff, of Irving, passed away Friday, February 12, 2010.  She was born November 17, 1913.  She worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. and retired from Southland Corporation.  Mary was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church and was a former member of Ross Ave. Baptist Church where her husband O.T. was a deacon.  They were in church whenever the doors were open.  Preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, O.T. Ratcliff, survivors include her son Larry Ratcliff; cousins Pauline Stiles, Jeri Hadley, Bud Hill, and Rachel Spears, all of Oklahoma, and Susan Ratcliff.  Graveside services will be held at 1 PM Monday, February 15, 2010 at Restland Memorial Park, Greenville Ave. at Restland Rd. in Dallas.  The family will receive friends 3-5 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Elliott EJ “Ken” Kinsworthy, of Irving, passed away Friday, February 12, 2010.  He was born November 16, 1917 in Chicota, Texas.  He was an Army Staff Sgt. and served from 1939-1948 during WWII and was awarded 8 Medals of Honor, including a Bronze Star.  Ken loved to play 42 at the Irving Heritage Center.  Preceded in death by his wife Ruth Bernice Kinsworthy, survivors include his grandchildren Melinda Sandor of Plano and Troy Swift of Lewisville; and siblings Mary  Etta Taylor, Myrble  Brown, Wayne Kinsworthy, Helen Billingsley, and Vignon Ford.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, February 15, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving.  The family will receive friends 2-4 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Erika M. Pence, of Irving, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2010.  She was born August 29, 1930 in Munich Germany.  Survivors include her son Michael Mitchell; daughter-in-law Renee Callicott; and grandson Nathan Mitchell.  Graveside services will be held at 11:30 Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. in Dallas.

Alice Annette Moore, of Irving, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010.  She was born August 24, 1939 in Iraan, Texas.  She loved playing with her grandchildren and also with her puppies.  Survivors include her husband Don Moore of Irving; children Tom E. Moore and wife Beth of Highland Village, Pamila Annette Gantt and husband Floyd of Flower Mound, and Christopher A. Moore and wife Julie of Seguin; sister Bonnie Marie Gosney; grandchildren Jennifer Upchurch, Stephanie Christoffers, Boston Moore, Kate Moore, Tess Moore, Samantha Moore, and Gillian Gantt; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Graveside services will be held at 3 PM Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Blanco Cemetery in Blanco.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Friday at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home and also 12-2 PM Saturday at Croft’s Funeral Home in Blanco.

E. F. “Bear” Brown, of Irving, passed away February 9, 2010.  He was born March 1, 1916 in Dallas.  He is survived by daughters Patricia Mitchell and Avis Brown, both of Royse City; and Judy Mitchell and husband Jack of Mabank; sisters Catherine Abbott of Princeton, and Hazel Shockley of Irving; grandchildren Robby Mitchell, Tucker Mitchell, John Mitchell, and L.J. Brown, all of Royse City, Clint Richardson of Mesquite, Regina Fox of Rockwall, Chris Richardson of Mesquite, Denise Breitkreutz of Mesquite, Jason Mitchell of Mabank, and Stacy McGowan of Red Oak; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 4118 Samuel Blvd. in Dallas.  The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Friday at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Clarence “Lee”  Longhofer, Sr., 82, of Allen, Texas, previously of Irving and Point Texas, died February 8, 2010.  He was born December 24, 1927 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Frederick Longhofer and Lydia Schwab.  He married Wilma Jean Blehm  on February 13, 1952.  He retired from the Navy in 1968, and was an aircraft mechanic with Texas Instruments.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma and sons Clarence, Jr. and Frederick Longhofer.  Survivors include a son, Lawrence Lee Longhofer of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Janette R. Neal and husband Henry W. of Allen; and granddaughters, Christina Lisa Longhofer of Athens, Greece and Jessica Anne Neal of Allen.  A Graveside  service will be held on  Friday, February 12, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.  The family will receive friends Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 6:00 PM to  8:00 PM at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home. The family requests memorials to the USO.

Beatrice “Bea” Kelly, of Decatur for the last two years and a former Irving resident of 57 years, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010.  She was born December 12, 1919 in Teague, Texas to parents James Franklin Keaton and Beulah Moore.  She graduated from Teague High School in 1937 and continued her schooling and earned her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1943.  She married her husband Thomas Michael “Tom” Kelly on November 7, 1943 in Boulder City, Nevada.  Preceded in death by her husband Tom, survivors include her sister-in-law Mary Duggay of New England; nephew Mike Kelly; and friends Margaret and Dr. David Lowe.  A Rosary will be held at 5 PM Monday, February 8, 2010 at Brown's Memorial Chapel with visitation continuing until 7 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 202 S. MacArthur Blvd. in Irving.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

Donald Lee Botts passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010.  He grew up in Yale, graduated from High School in 1948 and served in the military.  In 1951, he married Margie Shumaker and they had three children; Susan Dawn, Michael Andrew and Thomas Garvin.  Don retired from the Federal Aviation Agency at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Irving, Texas.  He is survived by his three children, all living in the Dallas Fort Worth area and seven grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.  Graveside services were held at 2 PM Friday, February 5, 2010 at Lawson (Quay) Cemetery in Yale, Oklahoma.  The family received friends on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Brown' Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Barbara Lee “Barb” Brantley, of Irving for over 50 years, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2010.  She was born May 6, 1931 in Harrold, Texas.  She was a legal secretary for Rockwell International and Martin Kohn Law Firm.  She is survived by her husband Bill Brantley; daughter Sharon McGee and husband Ben and their children Melissa McGee, Megen and Kirk Gildon and their sons Dylan and Kirk, and Kristen and Erick Rossner and their daughters McKayla and Emma; daughter Rosemary Christian and husband Peter; son Bill Brantley, III and wife Dyan and their children Kate Hooper and husband Justin and their sons Brantley and Braden, Kelly Little and husband Mitch, William Brantley, IV, and Vincent Jaramillo; and daughter Sandra Paxton and husband Arthur and their daughters Jaime Paxton, Julie Hoffman and husband Matt and their son Nathaniel, and Jenna Paxton.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.       

Jay “Preacher” Marcom, of Irving, passed away Friday, January 29, 2010.  He was born October 16, 1928 in Farmers Branch.  He served as an Air Operation Specialist with the USAF from 1946-1949.  He retired in 1991 as owner and partner of Marcom Mowing and J&R Service.  He was also involved with the Bus Ministry at Meadowbrook Baptist Church for years.  Survivors include his wife Rose Marcom of Irving; sons Jay Marcom, II and wife Kathy of Ranger, Terry Garret and wife Gloria of Winnoa, Joey Marcom of Royce City, and Chuck Mooney and wife Vel of Grand Prairie; daughters Mary Tyer of Euless, and Vickie Hendry and husband Larry of Tatum; brothers Bill Marcom of Farmers Branch, and Sonny Marcom of Carrollton; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren and one on the way.  Graveside services will be held at 11AM Monday, February 1, 2010 at Farmers Branch Keenan Cemetery in Farmers Branch with Dr. Jim Gerlach officiating.  The family will receive friends 2-4 PM Sunday at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be made to a Ministry Work of your choice.   

James Edward Langerlaan, age 66, took the hand of Jesus on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 after a hard fought battle with cancer.  He was born on July 27, 1943 in Passaic, New Jersey to John and Cenie Langerlaan.  Jim has been a resident of Irving for the last 25 years.  After retiring from Colt Industries and a successful venture with Kwik Kar, Jim enjoyed working as a parts delivery driver for O’Reilly’s Auto Parts for the last 4 years.  He had many friends throughout the Metroplex.  Jim loved his family and family gatherings and was affectionately known as “The Mighty Oz”, because everyone respected his knowledge and opinion.  All his friends and family will miss Jim very much.  He was greatly loved.  He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; daughters Corinthia Runge and Cara Griffith; grandchildren Carson, Jade, and Jordan Runge, and Chase Griffith.   Also surviving are his brother Lawrence Langerlaan of New Jersey, sister Jean Vander Weide of Florida, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Navy Veteran, inurnment with Military Honors will be held at 9 AM Monday, February 1, 2010 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75211.

Carl Lee Green, of Irving passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2010.  He was born March 11, 1980 in Irving.  He is survived by his mother Linda Green; grandfather W.C. Phillips; sister Laura Willwerth; brother Darin Green; niece Kayla Green; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, January 25, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  The family will receive friends 3-5 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Robert “Bob” Jay Robinson, of Keller, passed away Monday, January 18, 2010 following a short illness.  He was born April 17, 1951 in DeKalb, Illinois.  Bob loved his family and friends and had a true passion for scuba diving and photography.  Preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents, Raymond F. Robinson and Clare E. Troope, survivors include his wife Paula Jean Sutton Robinson of Keller; brother Steven Ray Robinson and wife Sally of Almo, Kentucky; and cousin Fred Cedarholm of Creston Illinois.  Memorial services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 29, 2010 at Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  If desired, memorial donations may be made at www.diversalertnetwork.org.    

Raegan Ariel Davis, born on August 13, 1991 in Dallas, TX; passed away suddenly on January 18, 2010.  A 2009 graduate of Highland Park High School where she was a manager of the Girls’ Softball Team, Raegan was a freshman at the University of North Texas in Denton with plans to major in elementary education. A beautiful, young, Christian woman with gorgeous eyes, long curly hair and an infectious smile, Raegan was mature beyond her years, setting high standards for herself and ambitious goals to attain.  After traveling to Romania for mission work and studying Spanish in Spain, she planned to incorporate teaching and missionary outreach, even talking about heading a school of her own in a Third World country. In her community, Raegan put words into action as an active babysitter and a member of the HPPC Child Care staff. A loving and affectionate daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, caregiver, and friend, Raegan is survived by her devoted and loving parents J. Charles Davis II and Sally Ashley Davis, brother Blake A. Davis, sister Rylie A. Davis; grandparents: Scottie H. and Janie Fogleman Ashley, and Joe C. and Johnetta Coker Davis; aunts: Amy Ashley Mings and her husband Johnny, Sheri Ashley, Alice Ashley and her daughter Kennedy ‘Kiki’ Bower, Sarah Ashley Mesler and her husband Quin and their young son Cash, and Stephanie Davis Kilgore and her husband Richard Kilgore II and her son Andrew Collins; her special cousin Rebecca D. Rice; as well as many extended family and friends.  Raegan, her siblings, and cousins all lived in close proximity to each other, attended the HPISD schools and the same church HPPC, and shared many wonderful memories of Scots football games, trips to the family’s East Texas farm and numerous holiday gatherings.  A memorial service celebrating Raegan’s life will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 11:00 AM in the Main Sanctuary of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, with The Reverend Dr. Ron Scates and The Reverend Dr. Marshall Zieman officiating.  A reception will follow the service in The B. Clayton Bell Center at HPPC. Family requests memorials to the Child Care Ministry at HPPC in loving memory of Raegan.

Glenn Martin, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, January 18, 2010.  Mr. Martin played competitive tennis.  He played in tournaments across the state and had several on his calendar for the upcoming weeks.  He played and enjoyed tennis until the day he died.  He was born Ferman Glenn Martin July 21, 1928, to Ferman G. Martin and Theo Deskin Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas.  He soon was followed by his sister, Juliana or “Judy”.  He graduated from Grand Prairie High School and went on to graduate from the University of Texas.  After college, Mr. Martin served as an army officer in England during the Korean War.  Mr. Martin married Dorothy Ann West in 1955. They were married more than 50 years, until her death in 2007. As a family man, he was a kind and loving father.  He passed along his important life lesson, “you can figure that out” to his children, grandchildren, family, friends and even his pet cat Lizzie.  His work as a petroleum engineer for ARCO won him international recognition, including honors from the World Petroleum Congress in Bucharest, Romania.  He retired in 1985.  Known as a good neighbor and for his wry sense of humor, he lived in Irving for 55 years.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Irving.  He is survived by children - Paul Blair Martin and wife Paula of Coppell, David West Martin and wife Lory of Dallas, and Anna Jane Martin, of Houston; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Martin of Coppell, Kimber Leigh Martin of Coppell, Emily Kathryn Martin of Coppell, Alexander West Martin of Dallas, and Jonathan David Martin of Dallas; and sister, Juliana “Judy” Crews of Gun Barrel City.  Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 23, at First United Methodist Church of Irving, 211 West Third St. in Irving.  Inurnment will be held at a later date at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.  Memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics of Texas and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Betty Sue Miller, 66, of Irving, Texas went to be with her Lord & Savior on January 13, 2010.  She was born on May 17, 1943 in Corpus Christi, Texas, the daughter of George and Sue Metz.  A wife of 47 years, she married Calvin Miller on July 13, 1963.  A loving wife, mother and grandmother, her legacy is her devotion to her faith in Jesus Christ, love of her family and loyalty to her host of friends.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son Bret Miller of Arlington, Texas, daughter Connie Hewett and husband Ben of Coppell, Texas.  Grandchildren are Sean Hewett, Samantha Miller, Cody Miller and Jarred Miller.  Visitation will be at Ben F. Brown’s Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on January 22nd and funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on January 23rd at Lakewood Baptist Church in Irving, Texas with Pastor Todd Dunn officiating.  A private family burial will follow.

Bonnie Schillinger Willet passed away on Saturday, January 16th.  She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.  Bonnie was born May 1, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois and is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Richard Stephen Willet, of Irving, TX.  She is also survived by her mother, LaVerne Schillinger and brother Ronald Schillinger, his wife Bev and nephews Kurt and Mark, all from the Chicago area.  Bonnie was blessed with other loving family members. Deborah and Burt Ginsburg and their son Max ; Steve and Lisa Willet and their son Zachary, all from Houston;  Bradley Willet, USAF, London, England and Kim Willet of Denver, CO.   Bonnie enjoyed spending time in her garden, tending to her roses, bird watching and loving her three dogs.    She enjoyed cooking and caring for the people she loved the most.   Bonnie will be forever missed by all of us who loved her.   We find comfort and peace in knowing she has moved on to God’s place for her in eternal life.  Visitation will be at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home, on Wednesday, January, 20^th from 6-8 PM.   A Funeral service will then be held at the same facility on Thursday, January 21^st at 11:00 AM.  Memorial donations may be made to American Lung Assoc.

Donald A. Keahey, 86, died January 15, 2010.  He lived in  Irving, Texas for over 50 years.   Mr. Keahey was a loving father, grandfather and brother, and always took great pride in caring for his family.  He was a carpenter and belonged to the Carpenter/Millwork Union.  He served in the Merchant Marines. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Lee Keahey.  Survivors include his son Gary Don Keahey of Grapevine; brother Lloyd W. Keahey and wife Joyce of Carrollton; grandchildren Samantha Keahey, Adam Keahey and Sharlene Keahey all of Irving, and Garrett Keahey of Keller; nephews and nieces Tony Dale Keahey of Texoma, Sharon Alane Sugg of Arkansas, Eddie Wayne Keahey of Wylie and James V. Keahey of Dallas.  A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 10 AM in Brown’s Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, Irving.  The family will receive friends on Monday, January 18, 2010 from 6 PM to 8PM at the funeral home.  Arrangements by Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Juanita Mae Britain, of Irving passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the age of 96.  She was born September 10, 1913 in Ft. Worth.  After graduating from Sunset High School, she came to Irving in 1934 as the bride of Dave W. Britain, of the Irving pioneering family.  She adopted Irving as her new home where she interacted and thrived in the community for 75 years.  She was preceded in death by Dave, her husband of 60 years, her two sons Marvin and Danny, her mother and father Allia Lee and Mittie Jones, two brothers Walter and Arga Lee Jones and her granddaughter Brandy Burns.  Juanita, “Memomma” to her family and friends, has left behind to celebrate her life her four grandchildren Eileen Hanson, Scott Britain, Brian Britain and wife Kimberly, and Lynne Roberts and husband Marty, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, her two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jones and Dorothy Stafford and husband Bill, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, along with her extended family of friends.  She also leaves behind her oldest and dearest friend of over 65 years, Mrs. Lucille Sublett of Irving.  Memomma was happiest when she was with her grandchildren, visiting with her many friends, and volunteering at her beloved Heritage Senior Center where she began her volunteering career following her retirement from Sanger Harris Department Store in Irving.  In her 75 years as a citizen of Irving, Juanita donated countless hours of service to numerous organizations in devotion to Irving, and was the historian of the Britain heritage and legacy to the city.  As an integral part of the Irving Centennial Celebration Committee, she served on the Historical Marker and Designation Task Force.  She was proud to share her family’s legacy with all.  The Britain family first settled in the area in 1859 and sold the original land to start the City of Irving in 1903. Juanita really loved helping others and accumulated over 20,000 hours of volunteer service over a 20 year period.  She was recognized numerous times with various volunteer awards, including the Super Star Award, Community Service Award, Governor’s Volunteer Award, and the Irving High Spirited Citizen Award.  She volunteered an average of 20 hours per week at the Irving Heritage Senior Center and had many, many friends there. On December 30, 2009, Juanita was recognized by the City of Irving in a ceremony that included the awarding of a pin and plaque in recognition of her 20 years of Volunteer Service, the first 20 year award in Irving history.  Linda Spencer, who worked with Juanita at the Heritage Senior Center described her as the ‘oldest, but youngest at heart and most adored volunteer.  She is our Little Momma, our Historical Scholar and she makes us laugh and smile too! Our lives are enriched knowing and working with her.  Juanita is loved by all!’  Our Memomma will be so terribly missed by us, her grandchildren, by her many, many friends and the Irving Heritage Senior Center.  Her life was full and blessed, her sweet smile, little chuckle and wonderful laugh have at one time or another blessed every one of us.  It is with heavy hearts we send her home to God, her Lord, but we are all comforted with the vast memories she leaves behind.  The family would like to acknowledge our thanks to all her many, many friends who were with her and then with us when we needed them.  To the City of Irving and the Heritage Senior Center, we thank you for your continuing recognition of this special lady. Without the incredible help of VITAS Hospice, our challenges would have been daunting. Our deepest thanks go out to their incredible staff.  With their help, Memomma was able to spend her last days with quality and dignity.  We would like to extend our unending appreciation to Pastor John Durham of the First Baptist Church of Irving who kept us on God’s path with tender and nurturing care.  Our very special thanks to Shirley Sublett Bass.  Visitation with the family will be held at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 3-7 PM and Mrs. Britain will lie in repose at the funeral home on Monday, January 18, 2010 from 9-11 AM.  Funeral Services will follow at 1 PM at First Baptist Church of Irving, 403 S. Main St.  Interment will follow immediately at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, Irving Blvd, Irving.  Memorial donations may be made to VITAS Hospice, or the Irving Heritage Senior Center.  The Lord was her Shepherd she never forgot.

Frances Adell (Nunnelley) Seidmeyer quietly slipped away from the cares and struggles of this life Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the age of 83 years.  She fought valiantly against the ravages of Alzheimers for a number of years and yet never lost her sweetness and love for the Lord, for truth, for the church and for the lost.  She was a member of the Beltline Road Church of Christ in Irving, Texas.  Lovingly known by her family as Oma, she was surrounded by the family at her death and while they grieved at her passing, they were consoled knowing she was prepared to enter into the care and keeping of the Lord.  Frances is survived by her husband of 65 years, Henry E. Seidmeyer, Sr.  She is also survived by her two sons, Henry E. Seidmeyer, Jr. of Fort Worth, Texas and Robert E. Seidmeyer of Dallas and one daughter, Cindi Renee (Seidmeyer) Cody of Grand Prairie, Texas along with five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.  She served as a preacher’s and elder’s wife and is best known by her family as being like the wonderful woman of Proverbs 31, whose worth was far above rubies.  A memorial service was held Thursday, Jan 14, 2010  at the Beltline Road church, 1202 N. Beltline Road, Irving followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers Frances wished for contributions to be made to the White Rock Fund, P. O. Box 180274, Dallas, Texas 75218 or to Mission Printing, 2707 Medlin Dr., Arlington, Texas, 76015 since both of these good works support the preaching of the gospel which was the passion of her life.  The family wishes to highly praise and warmly thank the wonderful care givers of the Community Hospice Care at Arlington Memorial Hospital.  Their care of the family was as supportive and helpful as the splendid care received by our loved one.  Their kindness will never be forgotten.  Arrangements by Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home, Irving.