Obituaries

William “Dick” Letney, 66, of Brookeland passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Shultz Funeral Home in Jasper at 1:00 p.m. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Townsend Cemetery in SanAugustine.

Dwana Lynn Wilson Babin, passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 66 at her residence in the Parkway II Community. She was born on February 27, 1958, in Batesville, Arkansas, the cherished daughter of Clarence Mathis Wilson and Wanda Lucille Lively Wilson. Dwana spent many years in Deer Park, before becoming a full-time resident of the Parkway II Community on Sam Rayburn Lake.A devoted educator, she dedicated many years to teaching at Deer Park ISD before her retirement. Dwana held an associate's degree, underscoring her commitment to education and personal growth. She leaves behind a loving family, including her mother, Lucille Wilson of Bossier City, Louisiana; her husband of 46 years, Craig Babin; her daughter, Amy LaRue and her husband, Aaron, of Huntington; her brothers, Matt Wilson and his wife, Glenda, of Ohio, and Mike Wilson and his partner, Brenda, of Missouri; and her grandchildren, Jacquelyn and Jaxson. Dwana was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Mathis Wilson, and her son, Heath Allen Babin.

Lester Lewis Little Jr., “Sug”, 71, of Hemphill, passed away, Friday, October 25, 2024, at Sabine County Hospital. Lester was born December 14, 1952, in Vidor, to Lester Lewis Little, Sr. and Geraldine Poole Little.

Tommy Lee Blanchard, 67, of Milam, passed away on October 22, 2024. He was born on November 5, 1956, in Liberty, to James Charles Blanchard and Doris Thompson Blanchard.

Verl Marie McGough (née Ellison), aged 95, passed away on October 21, 2024, in Hemphill. Born on January 20, 1929, in Bronson, to Lonnie Ellison and Martha Dickerson Ellison, Verl was a cherished lifetime resident of Sabine County.

Yvonne Marie Ross, mother to Shirley, Velma and Jessie, passed away on October 18th, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her final moments were spent peacefully at the Freedom House, Blue Skies of Texa s, in San Antonio , surr ounded by family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing. Yvonne was born on 20 February 1938, in Washington, D.C. to Sponcella and Preston Carpenter. She was the oldest of sixteen children. Ten boys and 6 girls; in order, Yvonne, Lois, Preston Jr, Jackie, Doris, Lee, Jimmy, Charlie, Tommy, Jeffrey, Patsy, Carolannn, Donnie, Michael, Ricky and Dwayne.

Alice Ann (Goodman) Swenson, 65, of Hemphill passed away October 5, 2024, at Harbor Hospice House in Jasper. She was born January 23, 1959, in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, to parents Sudie Opal (Powell) and Thomas Wayne Goodman.

Raymond Lofton Jr., 59, of Buna passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Born April 17, 1965, in San Augustine County, to parents Lillian (Von Heuvel) and Raymond Lofton Sr., he grew up in Broaddus. Following his graduation from Broaddus High School in 1983, he served his country in the U.S. Army and received an associate’s degree from Angelina College.