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Marvin Lester Jones
SPEARMAN - Marvin Lester Jones, 89, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.
Services were at 2 p.m. Sunday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Medley officiating. Burial was in Holt Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.
Marvin was born July 11, 1920, in Daisetta. After graduating from high school, he began a unique life journey, first working at the state unemployment office in Austin. He joined the Navy at the outbreak of World War II and was then transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps for training as a dive bomber. After an injury, he was honorably discharged in 1943, then joined the Army Air Forces Reserve as a flight instructor. He received a second honorable discharge in 1944, then attended Baylor University on the GI Bill. While pursuing his degree at Baylor, he served as the night sports editor for the Waco newspaper and still found time to court the woman he described as the prettiest girl on campus. He married Ruth Ann on April 12, 1945, then graduated with a journalism degree in 1947.
After both graduated, they moved to their current home south of Spearman and began a long career in farming. Always aware of his civic obligations, Marvin served as a Boy Scout leader and served on a variety of boards, including the Spearman Independent School District board of trustees and the Equity Cooperative Advisory board. Gov. Bill Clements appointed him twice to serve on the State Property Tax Board, the second time as its chairman. In that capacity, he helped draft many of the manuals and guidelines in use for appraisal districts statewide. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Spearman, he taught men's Sunday school classes for 35 years and served as a deacon of that church for 48 years.
Although a successful farmer until his "retirement," Marvin had a love for history and used his journalism degree and wide-ranging knowledge on many subjects to research and write books on the Panhandle drift fence and homesteads in the Holt and surrounding communities, as well as doing humorous writings. After retiring from active farming, he and Ruth Ann continued to be active in the community and on the farm, operating machinery and equipment until and on the day of his death. He is described by his children and grandchildren as being too big in life to describe or contain in this obituary.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ruth Ann Urban Jones; three children, Terry Jones and Marty Jones and wife Jane, all of Amarillo, and Jan Jones Neal and husband Terry of Lake Kiowa; and four grandchildren, Andrew Neal of Gainesville, Shari Neal of New York City, Courtney Jones of Austin and Brantley Jones of Waco.
The family suggests memorials be to Marvin L. and Ruth Ann Urban Jones Endowed Academic Scholarship at Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX 76798-7028.
The family will be at funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. today.
DICK RICHIE, 77
Died: March 1, 2009, in Bowie, Texas
Memorial services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Canyon with Rev. Terry Meyer, pastor, officiating. The family will be receiving friends at Jean Richie's residence.
Dick Richie was born December 13, 1931in Tyler, Texas to Lester and Mary Garrison Richie. Dick was an Electrician in Amarillo for 35 years. He was a member of the IBEW Local Union 602 and a US Marines Veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Richie and Joy Richie.
Survivors include his son, Tom Richie and wife, Joan, of Amarillo; three daughters, Melinda Blea and husband, Martin, of Canyon, Karen McAlpine, of Amarillo, Teresa Wilde and husband, Kevin, of Amarillo; nine grandchildren, Michael and Jake Simmons, Stephanie Richie, C.J. Hernandez, Morgan Bunn, Alyssia Boen, Brandon McAlpine, Trey Faver, Elizabeth Wilde; and a great grandson, Matthew Bunn.
MYRTLE CHRISTEEN SALMON, 94
Died: January 11, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas
Services will be at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Brooks Chapel with Rev. Gene Jones, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Brooks Chapel. Burial will be at Dreamland Cemetery.
Myrtle Christeen Salmon was born on December 2, 1917 to Arthor and Audrey Seaton in Elmore City, Oklahoma. Christeen married Marvin Salmon on June 5, 1937. He preceded her in death on July 11, 1996. She worked at Panhandle Laundry, had a children's day care in her home for over 23 years and was a homemaker. She was baptized into the Methodist Church at an early age and was again baptized into the Baptist Church in 1960. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Canyon. Christeen will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was also preceded in death by her mother, her dad, her step-mother, Rosa Seaton, a sister, Lora Mae Moffett, two brothers, Rob and Farris Seaton, a step-sister, Roy Pyeatt, a half brother, Chester Seaton, and a son-in-law, Rex E. Taylor.
Survivors include children, Patricia McCarter and husband, Sherman, of Amarillo, Lynn Salmon and wife, Viki, of Wichita Falls, TX, and Linda Taylor, of Henrietta, TX; grandchildren, Rex Taylor and wife, Martha, of Wichita Falls, TX, Elizabeth Quick and husband, Roy, of Plummer, MN, Shane McCarter and wife, Lenise, of Gilmer, TX, Monique Galmor and husband, Brandon, of Elk City, OK, Christi Cameron and husband, Matthew, of Sante Fe, TX, and Sharon Salmon, of Enid, OK; and great grandchildren, Brittany, Mikayla, and Heather Taylor, Sarah, Daniel, and Abby Quick, Jaeden and Kaelan McCarter, Kylar and Keagan Galmor, and Nathan and Malachi Cameron.
The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, PO Box 950, Amarillo, Texas 79176.
ELIZABETH JANE CRITES, 79
Died: January 10, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Bell Avenue Church of Christ with Mr. Glen Walton officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:30 P.M. on Friday at Groom Cemetery in Groom, TX. Mrs. Crites will be available for viewing at Brooks Funeral Directors in Canyon on Thursday until 8:00 P.M. and at Bell Avenue Church of Christ in Amarillo on Friday from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Groom Cemetery, Groom, TX.
Elizabeth 'Janie' Crites was born on May 25, 1932 in Groom to Berry and Gracie Posey James. She graduated from Groom High School and then moved to Amarillo where she worked at Plains Creamery while attending Amarillo College for a business degree. She married Hubert Moffett on January 21, 1951 and they had two children, Odell and Sharon. She later married Grant Crites on February 28, 1974. She worked at St. Anthony's Hospital for her nursing training and received her OR Technician Certificate in 1968. She then worked in nursing and the OR for many years. Janie also worked in motel and apartment managing. Before retiring, she worked in Home Health in Canyon. She was also a member of the Business and Professional Women's Association and Bell Avenue Church of Christ. She loved sitting outside enjoying nature, especially watching birds. The most important things to her were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Grant, in 1992, four sisters, Lyndall Poindexter, Rosa Lee Lehnick, Cora Littlefield, and Nelta Meissner, and two brothers, Eldred and Ike James.
Survivors include two sisters, Floretta Neal, of Missouri, formerly of Amarillo, and Verda Lee Littlefield, of Groom; a son, Odell Moffett and wife, Denette, of Amarillo; a daughter, Sharon Thompson and husband, Joe Bob, of Tulia; five grandchildren, Jedediah and Becky Moffett, Julie and Sean Chambers, Jacklyn and Chris Roy, Jacob and Angela Thompson, and Jennifer and Jeff Smith; eleven great grandchildren; six step children; 21 step grandchildren; 38 step great grandchildren; and 5 step great, great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be to Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice, PO Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176; High Plains Children's Home, PO Box 7448, Amarillo, TX 79106; or a favorite charity.
LOYCE EVELYN SULLIVAN, 83
Died: January 8, 2012, in Bedford, Texas
Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 13, 2012 at Brooks Chapel, with Debra Huffman, First Christian Church, officiating.
Loyce Evelyn Sullivan was born December 15, 1928 in Loveland, Oklahoma to Alvin and Dorothy Mefford Avant. She married Pat Sullivan in Hereford on July 31, 1954. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Homemaking at Oklahoma City College for Women at Chickasha in 1952. She began her teaching career in Carter Public Schools in Carter Oklahoma. She moved to Hereford, Texas in 1953 to join Texas Extension Service as an Assistant Home Demonstration Agent. She taught Vocational Education for Girls at Canyon Public Schools until her retirement in 1986. Loyce was a member of the First Christian Church and Texas State Teachers Association. She was a resident of Canyon since 1959, until moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex in June 2007. She was preceded in death by her husband Pat Sullivan; brother James Avant, of Eldorado, OK; and sister Shirley Hamilton of Oklahoma City.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan Sullivan, of Bedford; a son, Mark Sullivan and wife, Christie, of Houston; two grandchildren, Patrick Thomas Sullivan and Gray David Sullivan, both of Houston; a sister, Pauline Mitchell of Tucson, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be to First Christian Church, 2011 4th Ave. Canyon, TX 79015, or to the West Texas A&M Pat Sullivan Scholarship Fund, Box 60766 Canyon, TX 79016, or online at wtamu.edu.
Joyce Sparkman Lovelace
July 16, 1923 - September 2, 2010
Joyce Sparkman Lovelace of Waco joined her heavenly father and family Thursday, September 2, 2010 at Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, Texas. A Memorial Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, Waco, Texas with Reverend Chris Mesa officiating. Burial will proceed at Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2010 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, Waco, Texas.
Joyce was born July 16, 1923 in Waco, Texas to Helen and William Wornick.
To everyone that knew and loved her, she was known as Joycie. One was always aware when she entered the room. Her girls and their families were the light of her life. Golf later became her passion, having three hole in ones to boast! She was a faithful, loving mother, homemaker wife, grandmother and great grandmother.
Joyce was a member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church in Waco, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Wornick; her husbands, Clarence Marvin Sparkman DVM and John Henry Lovelace.
She is survived by daughters Betty Williamson, Dallas, Texas; Ann Cox and husband Ken, Richardson, Texas; Kay Watson and husband Robert, Richardson, Texas. Grandchildren, Ernie and Michelle Williamson of Houston, Texas; Michelle and Bo Ward of Plano, Texas; Kristyn and Michael Ramsey of Dallas, Texas; Allison and Bryan Williams of Dallas, Texas; Melissa and Todd Mehall of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ryan and Hillary Watson of Houston, Texas; as well as great grandchildren Travis, Mary Margaret and John Williamson; Tessa and Ella Ward; Max and Audrey Ramsey; Madeline and Henry Mehall. They all celebrate the wonderful life of their beloved Grandmother "Joycie".
Pallbearers are Ernie Williamson, Ryan Watson, Bo Ward, Michael Ramsey, Bryan Williams, and Todd Mehall.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" Romans 5:1-2
Memorials may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church or charity of your choice.
KATY TIMMENS, 57
Died: January 4, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Canyon, with Rev. Rick Enns, pastor, and Curtis House, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Amarillo, officiating. Private burial will be at Dreamland Cemetery.
Mary Catherine (Katy) Timmens, 57, passed from this life January 4, 2012 at BSA Hospice in Amarillo after an extended illness. Katy was born in Hereford, Texas, May 4, 1954 to John L. and Rosemary Thomas. She attended Dimmitt schools and graduated in 1973. She married Talley Timmens on April 5, 1980 and had two sons, Paul and Seth. They lived in Hereford until 1983, when they moved to Canyon. She worked as the school secretary at Oscar Hinger Elementary, Randall High School, and then at Crestview Elementary School. She had a marvelous sense of humor and a great love of her fellow men. Katy's husband, the love of her life, died October 24, 2006. They were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Canyon.
Survivors include her sons, Paul Timmens of Canyon, and Seth Timmens, and wife, Chelsea, of Littlefield; a grandson, Mikah Blackshear; a sister, Bonita Jones and husband, Cont, of Highland, Utah; brother John Thomas and wife, Lillian, of Tallahasee, Florida; a sister-in-law, Timara Timmens, of Heber Springs, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Terry Timmens and wife, Becky, of Fritch; and many nieces and nephews of Utah, Florida, and Missouri.
The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church of Canyon, 1818 4th Ave. Canyon, TX 79015.
NATHAN WATSON, 88
Died: December 29, 2011, in Amarillo, Texas
Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Canyon First Assembly of God Church With Rev. David Morgan, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Dreamland Cemetery
Nathan Watson was born on July 29, 1923 in Wellington to Audie and Vesta Daffron Watson. He married Glennis Watson in Amarillo on July 20, 1946. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WWII. Nathan was a member of the Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and was Assistant Chief of the Fire and Rescue Unit. He was also a special deputy for Randall County Sheriff's Department and was nicknamed 'Charlie Brown'. He began working for the railroad and later worked for Pantex. When he retired from Pantex he then worked as a security guard at Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, retiring after many years. He was a member of Canyon First Assembly of God Church where he served as a Trustee for thirty years and was a member of many organizations. Nathan was a very giving and thoughtful man. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glennis, in 2002, a daughter, Nathan Ann Payne, and a brother, Clinton Earl Watson.
Survivors include two daughters, Lynn Andrews, of Canyon and Terri Heaster, of Amarillo; a son-in-law, Henry Payne, of Amarillo; a brother, Bobby Jack Watson, of Clarendon; and four grandchildren, Janet Anthony, Natalie Sanderson, Shanna Heaster Carver, and Courtney Heaster Farris; and seven great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 3915 Bell St., Amarillo, Texas 79109.
LAWRENCE WARD, 68
Died: March 31, 2009, in Canyon, Texas
Services will be 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Dr. David Lowrie, Jr., pastor, officiating. Interment to follow at Dreamland Cemetery.
Lawrence Ward was born on March 8, 1941 in McAlister, Oklahoma to Jack and Cora Ward. He married Fay Davis on January 7, 1958 in Canyon. She preceded him in death on August 12, 2003. He owned Lawrence Ward Trucking in Hereford for over thirty years. Lawrence was a member of Palisades Baptist Church, Canyon Masonic Lodge #730, and Lubbock Scottish Rites. He was a devoted Dad and Pops and enjoyed fishing and gambling. He was also preceded in death by his father, Jack Ward, two brothers, Buck Ward and J. N. Ward, and one sister, Joyce Green.
Survivors include his two daughters, Rita Ward, of Canyon, Debbie Finch and husband, Keith, of Canyon; grandson, Dean Finch and wife, Kaysee, of Canyon; great grandson, Bentley Dean Finch, of Canyon; mother, Cora Ward, of Amarillo; two sisters, Doris Ward, of Amarillo,
Louise Williams and husband, Sonny, of Amarillo; and several nieces and nephews.
ALICE M. KOCH, 79
Died: April 5, 2009, in Panhandle, Texas
Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Monday, April 6 at Brooks Chapel with Deacon Bill Dorsey, Deacon of St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating.
Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Umbarger with Father Scott L. Raef, pastor of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dalhart, officiating.
Alice M. Koch was born on July 30, 1929 in Amarillo to Ted and Marie Skypala Irlbeck. She was a graduate of Umbarger High School. Alice was very active with the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a great granddaughter, Madison Kelley.
Survivors include her two daughters, Marilyn Humphrey and husband, Richard, of Amarillo,
Arlene Paschel and husband, Richard, of Levelland; two sons, Howard Koch and wife, Cathy, of Hinton, OK, Floyd Koch and wife, Tanya, of Pampa; a sister, Evelyn Leven, of Amarillo; eight grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren plus two on the way.
The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Ann's Nursing Home, 125 Saint Ann's Drive, Panhandle, TX 79068.
EDITH MORROW REYNOLDS, 79
Died: March 26, 2009, in Richmond Hill, Georgia
Services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 30 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. David L. Lowrie, Jr., pastor, and Mike Kuhlman, officiating. Burial will be at Dreamland Cemetery.
Mrs. Reynolds was born in Springfield, Missouri on April 27, 1929. She graduated from Pampa High School and received her bachelors and masters degrees from West Texas State College. She taught in the Happy and Canyon School Districts for 35 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Canyon.
Survivors include her husband, Earl Reynolds, of Canyon; five children, Greg Livesay, of Lewisville, Ellen Livesay, of Edmond, OK, Eva Dee Priddy Lewis and husband, Gerry, of Azle, Terry Reynolds Geer and husband, Perry, of Granbury, Gary Reynolds and wife, Tammy, of Dennis; and six grandchildren.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Hidden Falls Ranch, PO Box 136, Wayside, TX 79094, or to the First Baptist Church India Mission Trip, 1717 4th Avenue, Canyon, TX 79015.
RUTH ROSE, 80
Died: March 14, 2009, in Amarillo, Texas
Services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 18 at Bell Avenue Church of Christ in Amarillo with Glen Walton, minister, officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, March 18 at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Brooks Chapel.
Fay Ruth Parker was born September 15, 1928 in Ralls, Texas to Ernest and Alma Bolton Parker. On April 10, 1946, she married Ernest Edwin Rose at Brownfield, Texas. From 1964 to 1975 Ruth was employed by J.C. Penney in Lubbock as a stock clerk and personnel assistant. She was also employed by Lubbock County in the Deed Records Department from 1978 to 1982. Ruth was a member of the Merry Mixer Square Dance Club in Lubbock, HOOT (Harmonica Organization of Texas), Panhandle Old Time Music Association, and Bell Avenue Church of Christ in Amarillo. She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Edwin Rose; a grandson, Eric Wayne Rose; and a brother, Edward Floyd Parker.
Survivors include her husband, Ernest Rose, of the home; two daughters, Shirley Best and husband, Charlie, of Albuquerque, NM, Norma McDonald, of Azle, TX; a son, Jerry Rose and wife, Tricia, of Canyon; two granddaughters, Cecilia McDonald, of Weatherford, Andi Rose, of Canyon; a grandson, Jason McDonald and wife, Yvonne, of White Settlement, TX; a great granddaughter, Amber Theiss, of Weatherford; a sister, May Joy Jones and husband, E.B., of Hahira, GA; two brothers, Charles Ray Parker and wife, Thalia, of Houston, Larry Dale Parker and wife, Donna, of Camino, CA; and a sister-in-law, Mary Parker, of Odessa.
As a survivor of breast cancer, Ruth was excited that her granddaughter, Cecilia, will participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for breast cancer this November. Ruth would be honored if you care to donate to Cecilia's effort in lieu of sending flowers. Call 1-800-996-3DAY or go to www.The3Day.org and specify "Cecilia McDonald" to designate funds.
Bonnie Jo Ball
SPEARMAN - Bonnie Jo Ball, age, 84, died November 6, 2009. Services will be in the First Baptist Church of Spearman, Wednesday, November 11, at 1 PM with Reverend Jim Medley officiating. Burial will be in Hansford Cemetery under arrangement of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.
Bonnie was born in Maud, Oklahoma on February 4, 1925. She married Billy Eugene Ball on September 20, 1958 in Plainview. He preceded her in death in 1984.
She was a Baptist, a former member of the Gladiola Flower Club, loved to collect Fenton Glassware, go dancing and Square dancing.
Two sons, Gary Shawn and wife Jenny of Austin, Chuck Ball and wife Jolaine of Spearman, one daughter, Shirley Digby of Perryton, four sisters, Bobbie Ruth and husband Bill Walker of Joshua, Texas, Delores Rutherford of San Angelo, Texas, Helen Maddox of Houston, Gloria Hughley of Olton, Texas, one grandson, and two great-grandsons survive her. Two brothers precede her in death.
Jolaine was a special caregiver to Bonnie as well as being her daughter-in-law.
The family request memorials be to Hansford Hospice or Hansford Manor, 707 Roland, Spearman, Texas, 79081.
Adelaide "Dolly" McWhirter
SPEARMAN - Adelaide "Dolly" McWhirter, 85, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.
Services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Neely Landrum officiating. Burial was in Hansford Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.
Dolly was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Yukon, Okla. She married Jack McWhirter on Aug. 20, 1943, in Spearman. He preceded her in death in 2002.
Dolly was the first 4-H Gold Star Girl in Hansford County. She was a member of the Jonquil Flower Club, Hansford County Home Demonstration Club, Eastern Star, Hansford Hospice, Methodist Women's Group and PTA. She chaired several Red Cross blood drives in Spearman, and was the children's Sunday school superintendent, and worked in Lay Witness Mission.
Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia Copp of Spearman and Marla Jo Booth of Riverside, Calif.; a son, Lloyd McWhirter of Idaho Springs, Colo.; three granddaughters, Kelly Francis of Montgomery, Meli Burgess and husband Wade of Spearman and Dana Johnston of Riverside; two grandsons, Terrill Booth and Cheston Booth and wife Shari, all of Riverside; and five great-grandchildren, Channing and Blake Burgess, both of Spearman, Scott and Delaney Johnston, both of Riverside, and Lauren Frances of Montgomery.
The family suggests memorials be to Hansford Manor and Hansford Hospice, 707 Roland St., Spearman, TX 79081; or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 547, Spearman, TX 79081.
Ted Collier
Ted Collier, 70, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2009 in Amarillo. Memorial services were held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at First Christian Church with Rev. Dan Elliott, pastor of the church officiating. Arrangements were by Morrison Funeral Directors.
Ted Collier was born June 24, 1939 in Spearman, Texas to Harold Jacob and Jimmie Lee Collier. He graduated from Spearman High School. He was a rancher and cowboy and loved to fly airplanes. He was a resident of Spearman before moving to Stratford seven years ago.
Survivors include; his significant other, Belinda Wensil of the home; daughter, Crystal Wensil of Amarillo and grandson, Anthony Jacob Wensil.
The family will be at 601 N. 5th in Stratford.
James Paul Linn
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - James Paul Linn began life in Spearman, Texas on April 21, 1926. His proud parents were James Frederick and Ruthie Mae Beeson Linn.
At 17, he enlisted in the US Army. He participated in several campaigns in the European Theater of Operations with the Fighting 69th in World War II, and was honorably discharged in June, 1946. He put himself through college at Texas A&M and law school at the University of Texas.
During college, he met Darlene Deere and they were married on June 1, 1950. To this union were born three children, Rhonda, James Paul II and Rex.
He began his 56-year practice of law in his hometown of Spearman, Texas. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1969. He attained fame and fortune through his long legal career and business interests.
Through it all, he was the same steadfast father, advisor, trusted friend and counselor to many important people. Dad was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman, and taught his boys how to hunt and handle firearms. He loved all music from classical and opera to Led Zeppelin and U2, was a voracious reader of strictly non-fiction books, and loved people and animals. He traveled throughout the world, but loved his native Texas and Oklahoma the most. He instilled a sense of honor and forthrightness in his children; his word was his bond.
He never wavered from the requirement to be honest and hard-working. Although not an avid church-goer, his belief in Christian ideals and spiritual faith ran deep in him.
Dad was preceded in death by both parents, his sister, Louise, his treasured son-in-law, Randy Bayless, and the mother of his children and best friend, Darlene Deere Linn.
He passed on to his great reward on October 24, 2009. He leaves behind his daughter Rhonda Linn Bayless, son James Paul II and wife Lee, and son Rex. He was "Daaaad" to grandchildren Meredith and husband Drew Smith, Clay Simmons and Jessica Linn, and great-grandchild Madeline Smith. He will be missed by his longtime companion Carol Beard, and a huge host of other relatives and friends who, like us, will miss his wit, charm, grace and humor. We'll miss you Dad, but know that you've made a huge impact on everyone you knew and you had a great run at this life. One of Dad's best friends described his passing as "leaving a hole in the world."
The family is eternally grateful to the loving, caring people who brought joy and comfort into Dad's life for the past three years: Margie, Patricia, Sherry, LaTonya, Mmelika, and all the staff at Quality Life Hospice, especially Cody, Teresa and Juana. The love shown to Dad in his time of need by these angels will always be remembered.
Services were held Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Church of the Servant, 14343 N. MacArthur, Oklahoma City, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Children's Hospital Foundation, 800 Research Parkway, Suite 150, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, or Special Care, Inc., 12201 N. Western, Oklahoma City, OK 73114.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7
