Obituaries

Deborah Lynn Crnkovic, 66, of Bridge City, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Beaumont. Born on August 23, 1958, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Deborah was the daughter of Loran Frederick Crnkovic and Jacquelyn Helton Crnkovic. She spent her early years in Hemphill, where she graduated from high school before settling in Bridge City, where she lived for many years. Deborah worked as an appraiser for Property Damage Appraisers. Her professional dedication was matched by a vibrant personal life filled with music and joy. She had a deep love for singing and music, often sharing her passion with those around her. Deborah also enjoyed traveling, spending time at the beach, and reading. Her warmth and kindness were especially evident in her affection for children, who were naturally drawn to her.

Dixie E Watts Barnes, age 77, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on, April 11, 2025, at Memorial Hermann Medical Center in Houston. Mrs. Barnes was born November 17, 1947. She is suvived by her husband, Rayford Barnes of San Augustine; son Andre Barnes (Precious) of Wylie; daughter M a r gret Barnes of Lufkin; God son Yarslee Clark of Kileen; four grandchildren; one great grandchildren; brother Addie Watts (JoAnn) of San Augustine,and sister Helen Barnes of Houston. As well as a host niece, nephews, of other relatives and Friends.

William Vance Vickers, 79, of Montgomery, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Vance was born on November 8, 1945, in Center, to Ross and Paunee Lord Vickers. Vance grew up in Sabine County and attended school in Hemphill where his mother was a teacher. He was a great athlete and loved playing all sports. After graduating Hemphill High School in 1964, he attended college for one year before joining the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska for much of his service where he served as an air traffic control radio operator during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he first worked for his father, as a butcher at the Vickers Grocery Store. Later, he worked for Vickers, Young, and McCoury Chevrolet dealerships in Hemphill and Roper Motor Company in San Augustine and Hemphill.

Loran Frederick 'Fred' Crnkovic, 88, of Bridge City, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Beaumont. Born on November 30, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alphonse Crnkovic and Rena Mae Sepulvado Crnkovic, Fred served his country with honor as a member of the United States Air Force.

Dianne Simmons, age 82, of Katy, departed this physical life on, March 27, 2025, at Heart To Heart Hospice Inpatient Center in Houston. Miss. Simmons Born on April 15, 1942. to the late Duvern Simmons Thomas and James Simmons.

Carol Ann was born In Galveston, Texas on February 28, 1956 to William and Gladys Stanton. She enjoyed playing online games, watching Star Trek, reading, crocheting and working on puzzles.

Charlene Cothron, 77, of Hemphill, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Lufkin. Born on November 28, 1947, in Metairie, Louisiana, Charlene was the daughter of Charles Louis Antonini and Mary Frances Young Antonini. She spent many years in Crosby, before making her home in Sabine County for the past 42 years. A dedicated entrepreneur, Charlene worked in real estate and other business ventures. She had a deep love for animals—especially horses and dogs—and found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren.

Jimmy Roland Huffman, Sr., 80, of Hemphill, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Legacies Nursing Home in Hemphill. Born on March 10, 1945, in Hemphill to John Riley Huffman and Viola McGee Huffman, Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Sabine County. He dedicated more than six decades to his work as the owner-operator of Jimmy Huffman Logging, a business he built and sustained through tireless effort and commitment. Known for his strong work ethic, Jimmy was rarely idle and took great pride in his profession.

Kenneth Ney Walton, 79, of Bronson, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Kenneth was born on November 6, 1945, in Center, to Leon Walton and Estelle Griffin Walton. A lifelong resident of Sabine County, he graduated from West Sabine High School before serving in the United States Navy. After the Navy, he worked for Texaco in Beaumont. Later he became the manager of Leslo's Lumber Yard, where he worked for many years. After retiring from Leslo's, he worked as a jailer/dispatcher for the Sabine County Sheriff's office for 10 years.