Obituaries

Body Melva D. Smith, 73, passed away on May 2, 2026, in Milam. Born on December 15, 1952, in Roseville, California to T. C. Nix and Maudie Hess, Melva spent her early years in Eureka, California before moving to Milam 18 years ago.

Body Paul Edwin 'Eddie' Toole passed away on April 29, 2026, in Lufkin, at the age of 90. Born in Sabine County, on October 6, 1935, to Paul Edwin Toole, Sr. and Inez Cook Toole, Eddie was a lifelong resident of Hemphill and an esteemed member of the local community.

Body Larry Dean Bevans, aged 75, passed away on April 22, 2026, in Milam. Born on January 23, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas, to John Bevans and Eva Lee Tiffee, Larry lived a life marked by dedication to his family, love for outdoor activities, and a notable military and professional career.

Body Penny Carolyn Bolyard, aged 86, passed away on April 25, 2026, in Hemphill. Born on February 1, 1940, in Port Arthur, to Duward Moss and Pauline Hollis Moss, Penny was a cherished member of her community and a devoted family figure.

Body Jason Phillip Dickerson, of Pineland, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 46 in Hemphill. Born on October 10, 1979, in Jasper, Jason was a cherished member of his community and a lifelong resident of Pineland.

Body Maria Rosario Ortiz passed away on April 14, 2026, in Milam, at the age of 86. Born on August 11, 1939, in Uvalde, to Joaquin Pena and Carolina Flores, Maria spent her early years there and had lived in Leesville, Louisiana before moving to Milam a year ago.

Body Melba Elaine Rich, aged 97, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Hemphill. Born on July 28, 1928, in Beaumont, to Ferold Paul Dever and Velma Christine Jetton Dever, Melba spent many years in Beaumont before becoming a cherished member of the Hemphill community.

Body Deborah Lou Aftab, aged 63, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Silsbee. Born on May 12, 1962, in Hemphill, to Charles P. Shaw and Bobbie Lou Fuller Shaw, Deborah spent her earlier years in Orange, before moving to Silsbee.

Body Harold “Dean” Horne Jr., 62, of San Augustine passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Nacogdoches Medical Center following a brief illness. Dean was born February 7, 1964, in Hemphill to Barbara Jean (Kloecker) Horne and Harold Dean Horne, Sr.

Body John Lee Mathis, age 52, of Shelbyville, departed this physical life on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at UT Health Center in Tyler. Mr. John Lee Mathis was born February 20, 1974. Survived by his children: Desmond Mathis (Raven) of San Augustine, Don’Karvian Dickson of California.