Obituaries

Maxine Rae Pantalion Jennings, 94, of Hemphill, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022 at her residence. She was born November 22, 1928 in Chireno, as the oldest of seven children to Zeno Pantalion and Irene Shaw Pantalion. She was a resident of San Antonio before moving to Sabine County 30 years ago. She was a loving Mother, Nana, aunt and friend. She enjoyed many hobbies, among them included gardening, canning, quilting and antiquing. She loved her family and always looked forward to having her children around her. She was the matriarch of an extended list of nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bryan William Blue of San Augustine passed away Monday, Dec. 5, at the age of 33 years, 8 months, and 28 days. He was born March 8, 1989, in Center to parents Venita (Horne) and William 'Bill' Blue. A 2007 graduate of San Augustine High School, he was a lifelong area resident and was working as a truck driver with Cur Dog Trucking in San Augustine. He also owned Pik 'N Stix Tattoos and B&G Construction. His survivors include his mother and step-father, Venita and David Horton of Tenaha; children, Joshua Blue, Jaycob Blue, and Ryan Mutters; brother, Josh Blue and wife Maranda of Silsbee; step-sister, Candace Hendrick and husband Patrick of Timpson; grandfather, Willie R. Horne of San Augustine; nieces and nephews; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and family and friends.

Billy Bob Bailey, 69, of Brookeland, passed away at his residence December 9, 2022. B. B., as he was called by his friends and family, was born in San Augustine, on February 24, 1953 to Doc Bailey and Blanche Lou Dickerson. He was a lifetime resident of Brookeland and worked in the area for many years as a roofing contractor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and drinking cold beer. He is survived by his son, Billy Zach Bailey and wife, Alicia, of Bronson; brother, Roger Dale (Bailey) Wester and wife, Mary, of San Antonio; sister, Alpha Bailey Hill of Whitney; and grandchildren, Brayden Bailey and Emory Bailey.

Robert Lee Barker, 85, of Wichita Falls, passed away Thursday, December 1st, in Sabine County Hospital. He was born August 30, 1937, in Wichita Falls, to Frederick William Barker and Lou Ella Morgan Barker. He served his country as a member of the United States Army serving three tours in Vietnam, including the battle of the Ia Drang which is featured in the book We Were Soldiers. After retiring from the military as a Lt. Colonel in May 1980, he worked for many years as a plant manager at Graham Packaging. He resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before retiring and moving to the Toledo Bend Lake area 24 years ago.

Rosie Lee Wells, 95, of Pineland, passed away Sunday, December 4, at Legacies Nursing and Rehab in Hemphill. She was born January 18, 1927 and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She had been a resident of Sabine County for 67 years, having previously lived in Livingston. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pineland and also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Over the years, she volunteered as a Pink Lady at Sabine County Hospital.

Kevin Lynn Garrett, 58, of Hemphill, passed away Sunday, December 4, at Sabine County Hospital. He was born on March 22, 1964 in Dallas, to Jerry Lynn Garrett and Sandra Roberta Waugh McLeland. He moved to Sabine County in 1975 where attended and graduated from aHemphill ISD and also attended First Baptist Church. He was a former member of the United States Navy and later worked for many years in the floor covering industry.

Nolan Ferguson, 91, of Hemphill, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022 at his residence. Nolan was born September 20, 1931 in Sabinetown, as the oldest of four children to William Augustus Ferguson and Ollie Burleson Ferguson. He was a lifetime resident of Sabine County, a place he dearly loved, and a graduate of Hemphill High School. He served his country as a United States Army Sergeant in the Korean War and later worked as a engineering technician for the U. S Forest Service for many years before retiring.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, Lois Jean Mangrum Steptoe, passed away at the age of 76. Most people called her Jeannie; we called her Giggy. She was born July 25, 1946, in Panola County. Her parents were Oddie Ree and Letha Mangrum. Jeannie graduated from San Augustine High School, where she was a twirler and played the clarinet. She married her high school sweetheart, and they had one daughter. She was a wonderful mother and the best grandmother! She was always at every performance and celebration, and we made many precious memories.

Jon Cleaves Ehman, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 21. He was the third child born to the late George and Portia Cleaves Ehman on September 28, 1937. Known as 'Pops' by those who loved him dearly, he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement and spent his time watching all college sports, hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family. Survivors: sons, Keith Ehman of Lafayette, LA, and Rickey Bryan and wife Mary of Broaddus; grandson, Stoney Bryan and wife Melissa of Broaddus; and a brother, James Ehman of Houston.