Obituaries

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.

Jimmy Waynfild Childress, 76, of Hemphill, passed away Wednesday, November 30, in Sabine County Hospital. He was born September 30, 1946 in Texon, to Clinton Haskell Childress and Vlasta Rose Jurcik Childress.

Derrell Gene Tinsley, 84, of Zavalla, passed away Friday, November 25, at his residence. Derrell was born November 6, 1938 in Ashland, IL to William Risco Tinsley and Ramonia Elaine Curry Tinsley. A long time resident of IL, he had lived in Zavalla for 25 years and was a member of Shady Chapel United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Christine Tinsley of Zavalla; sons, Kevin D. Garner and wife, Angel, of North Carolina and William 'Billy' J. Tinsley and wife, Melanie, of Springfield, IL; daughters, Susan Shelabarger and husband, Tim, of Springfield and Margaret Snow and husband, Curt, also of Springfield, and LaDonna McClarahan and husband, Tod, of Rockdale; stepson, Martin Rumsey of Delavan, IL; stepdaughter, Tamra Bokal and husband, A. J., of Medford, OR; sisters, Delores Klein and Vonnie Bailey, both of Prentice, IL; 17 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Jimmie Glenn Wilson of Broaddus passed away Friday, Dec. 2, at his residence at the age of 76 years, 11 months, 2 days. He was born December 31, 1945, in Canton, NC. He leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend of 41 years, Debbie Wilson of Broaddus; a son, Kelley Wilson and wife Julie of Pasadena; son, Chase Ferris and wife Brittany of Onalaska; daughter, Wendy Barton and Beau of Deer Park; daughter, Becky Sessums of Onalaska; grandchildren, Cory Wilson, Haley Seal, Courtney Cooper and husband Ryan, Anthony White and wife Samantha, Casey Barton and Marshall, Cody Barton, Colby Ferris and Memfis, and Chloe Sessums; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Wilson and wife Diane of Huffman and Bryan Wilson and wife Tina of Lomax; sister, Norma Parrish and husband Kenneth of Deer Park; special sister-in-law, Evelyn Runnels and husband Calvin of San Augustine; sister-in-law, Brenda Cox of Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Krystie Kay Luetkemeyer, 47, of Hemphill, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin. Krystie was born on April 24, 1975 in Jasper, to parents, James Coleman and Sydney Lynn Cotten.

Alvin V. Newton, 98, of the Bland Lake Community passed away Saturday, Nov. 19. He was born Sept. 30, 1924, in Bland Lake. After high school, he joined the United States Army, and he was assigned to the 36th Infantry Division Company G 142nd Infantry. He served on the front lines in WW II as a First Scout, Rifleman and a Bazooka Rocket Launcher operator. He obtained the rank of Corporal and saw action in Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rineland, and Central Europe. While serving in World War II, he received several decorations and citations which included the WW II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the EAME Theater Ribbon and 4 Bronze Service Stars.

Lawrence “Larry” Lowery Dreher, a proud man, passed away at 88 years old on Sunday Nov 20. He was proud of his family, service, and his God. He leaves behind a wonderful wife of almost 30 years Mary Beth. After meeting and married in Los Angeles, CA they moved to Centreville, MS, then to Hemphill TX where they enjoyed a peaceful retirement on the Sabine Reservoir. He leaves behind three sons Karl (Rosemary), William and Jonathan Dreher. He has nine grandkids Kayla and Ben; Kristen, Stephanie and Scott; Jessica, Trista, Samantha and Nikolas in addition to four great grand kids. He is survived by his sister Janice Caston and preceded in death by his parents Lee and Fay Dreher and sister Helen Nichols.

Michael Roy Castaneda, 44, of Hemphill, passed away on Thursday, November 24, at the Sabine County Hospital. He was born on June 22, 1978 in Port Arthur, to Roy Castaneda and Louise Barnhart Castaneda.