Obituaries

Richard Allen Bean, II, known affectionately as 'Butch,' passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 79 in Hemphill. Born on November 19, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard Allen Bean I and Pearl Marie Bertrand Bean, Butch spent his early years in his birth city before moving to Seattle, Washington, and eventually settling in Sabine County for the last decade of his life. Butch proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his country. Following his military service, he embarked on a successful career as a salesman for a flooring company.

Our beloved Mom and Grandma, Audrey Jean Groff, age 96, of Hemphill, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Her heart beat strong until she took her final breath, a tribute to the powerful love she gave to everyone. Audrey has lived a life of service to her community, her church, and her family. She received her child development degree while raising her five children (and husband) and went on to teach Sunday School at her church. She was also a founder of United Christian Services in Hemphill and devoted endless time helping families and seniors in urgent need.

Rickie Allen Lindsey, 64, of Longview, passed away on February 17, 2026 in his home. Rick was born on April 20th,1961 to John “Tommy” Lindsey and Gladys Woods Lindsey.

Daphne Rene' Rash, aged 69, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Kirbyville. Born on October 1, 1956, in Houston, to Harry Polk Rash, Jr. and Norma Grace Fort Rash, Daphne grew up to be a cherished member of her community. She graduated from West Sabine High School and spent many years in Kirbyville since 2007, having previously lived in Belton and Silsbee. Daphne worked diligently as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), dedicating many years to the health and well-being of others. Her passion for helping people was paralleled by her love for crafting, which included sewing, painting, making jewelry, and quilting. She also had a profound love for cooking, often sharing her culinary creations with family and friends.

Linda Sue McSwain, 67, passed away on February 11, 2026, in her hometown of Hemphill. Born on August 17, 1958, in Hemphill, she was the daughter of Gay McDaniel and Evelyn Brooks McDaniel.

Lainey Nicole Conn, infant daughter of Jacob Aidan Conn and Wendy Nicole Hicks, passed into the arms of angels on her birthday, February 11, 2026 Lainey is survived by her parents, Jake and Wendy; grandparents, Kyle and Jessica Conn, Johnny Paul and Shannon Boyett, and Amber and John Green; aunts, Allison Hicks and Kiley Elizabeth Conn; along with many more family and friends who had joyfully anticipated her arrival. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at King's Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Bro. Floyd Wright and is under the direction of Starr Funeral Home, located in Hemphill, Texas. Lainey's brief life will be cherished and remembered by her loving family and their community.

Jane Denise Hicks, 69, of Yellowpine passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026. Jane was bom August 7, 1956, in Marksville, La., to parents Mary Catherine (Robertson) and Harvey Hicks. She was a longtime resident of the Pineville, La., area prior to relocation to Sabine County a few years ago. A faithful believer, she was affiliated with the Baptist church. She loved her family and was always appreciative of any family time with her loved ones. Jane had a great love of the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing. Many great hours were spent shopping, which always brought so much pleasure to her heart. Pets held a very fond place in her life.

Garrick Keith Newell, born on August 20,1996, in Nacogdoches, to Gary Dean Newell and Karen Amanda Wilson Newell, sadly passed away at the age of 29 on February 7, 2026, in Houston. A lifetime resident of Sabine County, Garrick made his home in Rosevine, where he embraced life as a devoted husband to Candice Newell and a loving father to his daughters, Dallee Newell and Hadley Jones. Garrick had attended Hemphill High School and built a respected career as a general foreman supervisor with PMC, specializing in refinery shutdowns. His dedication to his work was profound, as he lived to work, ensuring the safety and efficiency of his team and projects.

Born in the deep east Texas town of Pineland on February 9, 1938. Parents were William Bradford Eicke, Sr. and Lura Mae Strickland Eicke. Emily was named after her favorite great aunt Augusta (Gussie) Runge. Emily died, January 23, 2026. Emily was preceded in death by four siblings: Margaret Louise Eicke Childs, William Bradford Eicke, Jr. (Bud), Cecil Emil Eicke and Colonel George Douglas Eicke. The family moved to Beaumont where Emily graduated from Beaumont High School. She then attended Lamar College. During her studies at Lamar, Emily met the love of her life, Herman David McClinton, Sr.. Herman was the manager of Pig Junior diner, a local hang out for college students.

Mattie Ruth Goodwin Davis, age 87, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on January 31, 2026, at Colonial Pines Nursing Center in San Augustine. Mrs. Mattie Ruth Goodwin Davis was born June 07, 1938. Mattie leaves to cherish her memory a very special daughter-in-law, Patricia Davis; grandchildren, Reva Davis, Raven Davis and Ronald Davis, Jr. of San Augustine, and Yvenske Rushing of Henderson, ; great-grandchildren Reagan Davis, Maliah Chatman, Raelynn Guidry, Rayla Davis and Malik Chatman of San Augustine, ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, former students and friends.