TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the United … served Shady Chapel United Methodist from 6/99 ... While...

TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCEof the United Methodist Church

2009 Journal

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MEMOIRS K-1

MEMOIRS

DECEASED 2008 – 2009

Ministers

Box, Donald R. (RE), died July 8, 2008Boyles, Lois June (FE), died July 12, 2008

Clements, Clinton Huey (RE), died January 12, 2009Cunningham Jr., William Roy (RE), died January 17, 2008

Crowder, William Durwood (FM), died March 16, 2008Daviss, Isaiah (RE), died June 20, 2008

Dunnam, Spurgeon Murray (RE), died January 6, 2009Espie, Saul (RE), died March 22, 2008

Fort St., Joseph Winn (RE), died October 12, 2008Gray, Ulysses S. (RE), died May 29, 2009

Haskell, William A., (RE), died August 4, 2008Johnson, Robert E. (RL), died October 25, 2008Kelley, Larry Reynolds (RE), died May 26, 2009

Kellow, Keith (RE), died October 23, 2008Latta, Thomas (FL), died November 20, 2008Modd, Thomas R. (RE), died May 28, 2009

Morgret, David N. (FE), died August 3, 2008Nelson, Bradley (FL), died December 17, 2008

Prickett, Joseph Randall (FM), died March 26, 2008Riley, Doyle (RE), died November 12, 2008Scott, Leslie David (RE), died May 3, 2008

Smith, D. Richard (FL), died October 7, 2008Snell, Simon (RE), died April 27, 2008

Stanton, LeRoy (RE), died January 5, 2009Watkins, Russell J. (FE), died April 12, 2009

Zenor, Hughes Earl (AM), died February 16, 2008

Minister’s Spouses

Mr. John Bess, died June 13, 2008Mrs. Christine Garroutte, died July 25, 2008

Mrs. T. Mac (Ginger) Hood, died March 3, 2008Mrs. Dorothy Iwig, died December 31, 2008Mrs. June Landrum, died October 28, 2008

Mrs. Allen (LaVerne Hadnot) Mayes, died January 15, 2008Mrs. Merle A. Jones, died August 8, 2008

Mr. Larry Mobley, died July 25, 2008Mrs. Richard (Shirley June) Phillips, died March 21, 2008

Mrs. Foy May Reagan, died July 25, 2008Mrs. David (Alice Sherlyne) Russell, died March 05, 2008

Mrs. Linda Scott, died January 26, 2009Mrs. Ruth Jonte Smith, died March 15, 2009Mrs. Joyce Whiddon, died October 14, 2008

K-2 MEMOIRS

Rev. Donald Box

Rev. Donald Box a graduate of Luther Burbank High School in San Antonio, earnedthe Eagle Scout Badge and attended Trinity University before receiving his B.S.degree from Southwestern University in 1944. He attended the Perkins School ofTheology at Southern Methodist University from 1944-1947. He also did some grad-uate work at Texas A&M University in 1951-1952.

Rev. Donald Box served in the Texas Conference from 1943-1987. He served theBuckholts and Tracey circuits while still a student at Southeastern University. These

appointments included: Normangee-Flynn, Wells, Rosebud, St. Paul’s-Bryan, Lindale, San Augustine,Gladewater, Mineola, Nederland, First, Parkcrest-Houston, Canton, Alameda-Houston, Anahuac,Rockdale-St. John’s, Lott and Chilton, Stonehouse, England. Following his retirement , he served Lottand Chilton and spent his last two years in ministry from 1988-1990 at Stonehouse Methodist Church,Gloucestershire and England.

Rev. Donald Box married Rudy Edith Waters of Willis Ville, Arkansas on August 6,1946. Two sons PaulWaters Box of Idabel, Oklahoma, Stephen Preston Box and wife Linda of Canton, TX. GrandchildrenStephen Paul Douglas Box, Houston, TX, Sarah Ashley Box of Denton, TX Brian Preston Box, JohnRichard Henry Box of Canton, TX and Christopher Rose of San Diego, California.

Reverend Clinton Huey Clements

Rev. Clinton Huey Clements attended Wharton Junior College where he graduatedwith an Associate of Arts Degree and received a physics award while there. Rev.Clements then went to Southern University of Georgetown and received his B.A. inReligion in 1963. After completing one semester at Perkins School of Theology, Rev.Clements decided to finish taking courses of studies by correspondence so he wouldbe available to work on plans to build a new church, which caught on fire while liv-ing in Milano.

Rev. Clements served churches in Chappell Hill, Milano, Huntsville, Groveton, Overton, Malakof,Parker Memorial in Houston and Teague before retiring in 1989.

Rev. Clinton Clements married his wife of 64 years Norma Jean Clements of Lake Jackson, Texas.They were married August 6, 1944. One son Clint, wife Rebecca Ann, two grandchildren, Sara Beth andMadison Nicole Clements, all of Pearland, Texas.

Reverend Isaiah Thompson Daviss, Sr.

Reverend Isaiah Thompson Daviss Sr. attended Piedmont public school and NavasotaHigh School. Isaiah proceeded to obtain his Bachelor of Science degrees from BishopCollege and Texas Southern University. He furthered his education at GammonTheology Seminary. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 where he served his country with

MEMOIRS K-3

honor and distinction during World War II.

The Lord called Reverend Daviss to proclaim His gospel as he served in the Baptist Church for sevenyears. He then entered the ministry as an ordained elder in the Texas Gulf Coast Methodist Church in1956. His first appointment was at Houston Mallalieu United Methodist Church. He also served as thepastor at Houston Shaw Tabernacle (1958), Lovelady Circuit (1960), Liberty Circuit (1963), AnahuacCircuit (1967), Houston Salem (1971), Houston St. Andrews (1973), Brenham Circuit (1975),Bryan/College Station Circuit (1976), Galveston St. Paul (1977), Dickinson Faith (1978), HoustonUnion Memorial (1979), Conroe Metropolitan (1981), and Cleveland Circuit (1985). He retired frompastoral leadership in 1983.

Reverend Isaiah Daviss married his wife of 61 years, Jenera Larry Daviss on May 10, 1947. Five chil-dren Isaiah T. Daviss Sr. and wife Maria Daviss, Arthur Leon Daviss, David Larry Daviss Sr. and wifeElza M. Daviss, daughter’s Anna Maria Daviss and Tina Elaine Daviss. Six grandchildren and fivegreat-grandchildren.

Reverend Claude S. Decelle

Reverend Claude S. Decelle attended Panola Junior College in September 1968. He then attendedStephen F. Austin University, where he received his B.S. degree in 1975. He went on to Perkins Schoolof Theology, where he earned his Masters Degree.

Rev. Decelle served First Methodist-Deweyville; First Methodist-Spurger; Shelbyville; Carroll Chapel,Joaquin & Paxton; Falvey Memorial-Wells, Texas; Pineland & Lake Rayburn; Fairfield First Methodist& Dew United Methodist; Center First; Hardy Memorial-Texarkana, TX; Giddings First UMC andPage UMC after retiring in June of 1993. Claude served Shady Chapel United Methodist from 6/99 –6/02.

Reverend Decelle married Jane Kimball on July 28, 1962. They were not blessed with children but theyshared 46 years of marriage together and worked as a team in every appointment of their ministry.

Reverend Joe W. Fort, Sr.

Rev. Joe W. Fort Sr. served his entire ministry within the bounds of the Texas AnnualConference. He began with student appointments in Mineola and Murchison. Aftergraduation he went on to found the Memorial UMC in Beaumont. He followed thisappointment at Christ UMC, Houston, Canton 1st, and Sugar Land 1st. He thenserved Deer Park UMC and followed this appointment at Robert’s Avenue UMC inBeaumont. He also served Groves, Glenbrook (Houston), Gladewater, JacksonvilleFirst, Crosby, and Wills Point.

He graduated from Beaumont High School, and went on to attend Lamar Tech. He completed his grad-uate studies at Southern Methodist University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. Hewent on to pursue a seminary education at the Perkins School of Theology, graduating in 1955.

Rev. Joe W. Fort Sr. was married to Dorothea Davis for almost fifty years until her death. There arefour children, Mary, Joe Jr., Tom, Marguerite and ten grandchildren. Following Dorothea’s passing Joe

K-4 MEMOIRS

married Frankie Latham. They enjoyed a brief, happy marriage until her death a few years ago.

Reverend William Allen Haskell

Rev. William Allen Haskell attended Texas A & M University, where he received his Bachelor ofScience and Southern Methodist University securing a Masters of Theology.

Rev. Haskell served Ministers Chapel UMC in Grapevine, Texas; Delhi UMC-Delhi, Louisiana;Gentilly UMC – New Orleans, Louisiana; Wesley UMC – Sulphur, Louisiana; Terrace UMC –Houston, Texas; St. Paul’s UMC – Bay City, Texas and First UMC – Markham, Texas.

Rev. Haskell is survived by his daughter Lynda Begnaud and husband Jerome of Houston; son MarkHaskell and wife Debbie of Bartlesville; grandchildren Will Haskell of Bartlesville; Chris and wifeMichiko Haskell of Austin; Dallas Begnaud and wife Carrie and their children Elias, Deacon andForest of Lafayette, Louisiana; Cameron McBride and husband Scott and their children Cameron andAvery of Waxahachie, Texas.

Reverend Robert E. Johnson

Rev. Robert E. Johnson attended Kemp High School in Bryan, Texas, graduating asan honor student. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy, where he served four yearsas a United States Coast Guard.

Once discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard, he attended Texas State College whichis now known as Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He furthered hiseducation by completing Dental assistance school and became a medical equipment

repairman. While also becoming a business owner Rev. Johnson became a member of CrestmontUMC, its lay leader and later, became a Methodist minister.

Rev. Johnson also attended South Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, completing therequirements to become a local pastor. He was an outstanding pastor, serving in the Leon, Walker andHarris counties. He retired from ministry in 1996.

Rev. Robert E Johnson was married to Mabel Johnson for over 40 years and had one son named RalphJohnson.

Dr. David Morgret

Reverend David Morgret graduated High School in Sebewing, Michigan in 1962. Heattended Olivet Nazarene College before joining the U.S., Army in 1966 and retireda Master Sergeant with 24 years of service.

In 1997 he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Warner Southern University inLake Wales, Florida. He accepted his Student Pastorate appointment to First UMCWinona, Texas in June of 1997, where he served for four years while attendingPerkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

MEMOIRS K-5

Rev. David Morgret served St. Marks UMC in Marshall, Texas for three and a half years after hereceived his Masters Degree in Theology. He was ordained as an Elder in 2003. He served theMauriceville/Deweyville charge from 2004-2008. At the 2008 Annual Conference he was the recipientof the Copeland Award for the Mauriceville church. While serving at both churches, he was pursuinghis Doctorate Degree at Houston Graduate School of Theology and was awarded his Doctorate ofDivinity degree on May 9, 2009.

Reverend David Morgret was married to his wife of 43 years Nance Morgret of San Antonio, Texas.Three daughters Tammie Morgret of Cocoas, Florida; daughter Kandi McCann and husband Tim of SanAntonio, TX; daughter Connie Purvis and husband Steve of El Paso, Texas. He had six grandchildrenCassandra Morgret, Sara Singletary, Nikki and Justin McCann, Aaron and Noah Purvis.

Dr. Doyle Riley

Dr. Riley began his ministry in the New Mexico Conference. He was licensed topreach in 1950, ordained Deacon in 1961, and ordained Elder in 1963. He servedchurches in The New Mexico Conference from 1950 to 1978, and The TexasConference of The United Methodist Church from 1978 until his retirement in 1991.Upon retirement he continued to serve where needed in churches in Florida as pastorand minister of Evangelism. In 2006, he returned to Texas to make his home inConroe.

Dr. Doyle Riley education included a BA degree from Sul Ross State University, a Master of BiblePhilosophy Degree and a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the American Bible Institute in Kansas City.He also completed studies at Perkins School of Theology. In 1977 he earned a Master of Arts inEvangelism from Scarritt College in Nashville, and became a certified Minister of Evangelism with theUnited Methodist Church.

Dr. Riley was married to his wife of 31 years Judith Crigger Riley of Conroe; three sons, Jonathan andwife Angela, Charles and wife Lacey and also son Bill and his wife Lacey. He has two grandchildren,,Jennifer Riley of New York and Seann Riley of Austin, Texas.

Reverend Leslie David Scott

Leslie Scott was born in Speegleville, Texas on February 28, 1913 to Ida Mae andDavid Rush Scott, and died in Dallas, Texas on May 3, 2008. He graduated WacoHigh School, attended Weatherford Jr. College, Texas Wesleyan College and receivedhis B.A. from Southern Methodist University. Leslie received his Bachelor of Divinitydegree from Perkins School of Theology at SMU.

After graduation in 1940, Leslie married Onita Greenhaw and received his firstappointment. Leslie served many churches throughout the Texas Conference: Crocket Place inGalveston, Howell Memorial in Dickinson, Clark Memorial, Reid Memorial and St. Stevens inHouston, First Church in Groves, First Church in Atlanta, First Church in Bay City, First Church inBrenham, Pollard Memorial in Tyler, First Church in Wills Point and First Church in Bryan.

K-6 MEMOIRS

In 1966, Leslie attended the General Conference in London as an elected delegate. Leslie and Onitaretired to Tyler in 1978. Still in excellent health, Leslie was asked to serve Swan-WoodspringsMethodist where he enjoyed his pastorate for 10 years. In 1989, Leslie and Onita moved to Mesquitewhere he continued to serve others in various capacities. Leslie and Onita began volunteering at theregional hospital. Leslie was asked to become the chaplain for a hospice organization where he servedfor five years.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Onita, who lives at The Waterford Retirement Communityin Mesquite, Texas; his son, Philip Scott and wife Joyce of Tyler, Texas; his daughter, Jeannie Netheryand husband David of Dallas, Texas.

Reverend LeRoy Stanton

LeRoy married Frances Fowler on September 28, 1957. Two children Cindy and Kenny Harris of SanAntonio, grandson Emmanuel Carter of Madisonville; Marvin and Bubba Stanton of Madisonville andtheir children Anna and Brett; and Stacey and Cliff of College Station.

Reverend LeRoy Stanton enrolled at University of South Carolina, after being honorably dischargedfrom the U.S. Marines. LeRoy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he then brieflyattended Emory in pursuit of a law degree before receiving the call to preach. He entered DukeDivinity School in Durham, NC., and served four small country churches, where the locals adoptedhim as their own and paid him for his work in the tobacco fields.

LeRoy followed fellow Duke graduates to work in the Texas Conference, where he briefly served theMethodist congregation on Joaquin. LeRoy and Frances were assigned to start a new church inBaytown. They did just that, founding St. Paul’s Methodist Church. In addition to Baytown, the twoalso lived and worked in Pasadena, Madisonville, Bay City, Palestine and Bridge City.

Rev. Billie M. Thomas

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, pastor, coach and friend passedfrom this world to a life with Christ on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Dedo, asRev. Thomas was affectionately known to all who loved him, was born March 4, 1924 inLilbert ,Texas to Walter & Annie Vera Bobo Thomas. He lived in Sacul for 31 years and was a faithfulmember of the Lanes Chapel United Methodist Church in Tyler. He served as an ordained Methodistminister for over 50 years, preaching his first sermon on December 1, 1950 at the Bethany BaptistChurch near Cushing. He served in United Methodist churches in Burkeville, Hudson- Bethlehem,Wells Falvey Memorial, Huntington, Cushing, Lilbert, Trawick, Simpson’s Campground, Texarkana-Eylau,/Buchanan, Brownsboro/New Hope, Central Heights Bonita, New Summerfield & Atoy.

Dedo was instrumental in helping many come to know the saving grace of Christ and mentored 26men and 1 woman to become pastors over the years. Coach Thomas also loved young people and wasinfluential in shaping the lives of youth through coaching and teaching for over 30 years. He workedat Wells, Huntington, Burkeville, Cushing, Brownsboro, Troup and Central Heights schools andhelped lead many young people to Christ through his example. He was always quick with an encour-

MEMOIRS K-7

aging word or to lend a hand of support. He genuinely cared about people and was a mighty man ofGod who lived what he preached.

Rev. Thomas loved his country and proudly served in the United States Navy from June, 1944 toFebruary, 1946. He was stationed on the U. S. S. Effingham during World War II. He told stories ofhis life in the Navy and shared on many occasions that he prayed his first prayer while on patrol as thelookout in the crow’s nest of the ship. As a Japanese suicide plane sped toward him, he prayed, “OLord, somebody better do something!” The plane was shot down by shipmates and Dedo’s life dra-matically changed that day. He came home and accepted Christ at a revival in his home church inLilbert. Dedo spent the rest of his life trying to serve God through preaching and coaching.

Dedo believed you could succeed in life if you worked hard and made opportunities. He graduatedfrom Stephen F. Austin State University in 1958 with a Bachelors degree in Science and a Masters ofEducation in 1958. He attended Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology andbecame an ordained deacon in1962 and an elder in 1964.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 65 years, Emma Joe Thomas, Sacul, son- Bro. Lou Thomasand wife Brenda of Tyler, daughters, Gayla Sitton and husband Danny of Cushing, and MelodyHughes and husband Richard of Tyler.

He leaves a lasting legacy as all of his children, grand children and great grandchildren are a servingin ministry throughout the state of Texas.“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free…… My God my Savior has ransomed me….. And like a flood,His mercy reigns, unending love, Amazing Grace.”

Submitted by Melody Thomas Hughes, daughter

Reverend Russell James Watkins

Reverend Russell James (Rusty) Watkins graduated from Wharton County J. College.He received his bachelors degree from Houston Baptist University. Rev. Watkins wasan honors graduate from each school. He earned his Master’s of Divinity from theSchool of Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Rev. Watkins was ordained a deacon in the Texas Annual Conference in 1983. Hebegan his pastoral work as youth pastor at First United Methodist Church in Bryan

and two years later he was ordained as an Elder received into full connection as member of theConference. Subsequent pastoral duty included associate and lead positions at Friendswood UMC,Noonday UMC, Clear Lake UMC, holy Trinity UMC, and Lakewood UMC where he was preparing togive the early service on Easter Sunday when the Lord called him home. He was 53 years old.

Rev. Watkins is survived by parents Billy & Peggy Watkins of Wharton, TX , twin brother Randy andwife Roxanne of Hockley, brother Kenny and wife Denise Watkins of Austin, and their children; sev-eral cousins and a host of friends, colleagues, and co-workers in the Kingdom.

K-8 MEMOIRS

John Bess

John Arnold Bess was born on April 2, 1949 in a small hospital in Sugarland,Texas. John's childhood education started in a subdivision of Houston calledAcres Homes. He completed his high school education at Carver High School.John was baptized at an early age. He was very active as a child in Sunday schooland the church choir.

John met, fell in love and married Wanda Jean Taylor Bess on February 27, 1970in Goliad, Texas. To this union was born, Temeka Neshia and Crystal Marie Bess.

John devoted his life to Jesus Christ and dearly supported the ministry and call of his wife Wanda.Together they served the Jasper Circuit in Jasper, Texas, Covenant Glen United Methodist Church inMissouri City, Texas, Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas and McCabeRoberts Avenue United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas. Beyond the church, John had manyhobbies including building model airplanes and race cars.

John transitioned from this life to eternity on Friday, June 6, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital after a threemonth stay. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Covenant Glen UnitedMethodist Church in Missouri City, Texas with Dr. Robert Childress officiating. John leaves to mournhis wife, Wanda, two daughters, Temeka and Crystal Bess, three granddaughters, Eranisha TesheaBess, Amoni Rayon Foley and Evania Merce' Warner.

June King Landrum

June King Landrum attended Texas Wesleyan University & Sam Houston SateUniversity. She taught Sunday school, served as UMYF counselor, and was for nineyears director of District children’s camps. She served on both Districts andConference Boards of Missions. She also served as President of the Texas ConferenceClergy Spouses.

June Landrum along with her husband Dr. Faulk Landrum served Bryan-St. Luke’s,Oakwood, Edom, Pt. Arthur-Temple, Lake Jackson-Chapelwood, Athens, Jacksonville and Lon MorrisCollege. June was very active in United Methodist Women, serving as local and district president &on Conference Committees. She helped organize and fund the Women’s Shelter in Jacksonville andwas foster mother to ten children.

June attended Texas Wesleyan University & Sam Houston Sate University. She taught Sunday school,served as UMYF counselor, and was for nine years director of the District children’s camps. Sheserved on both Districts and Conference Boards of Missions. She also served as President of theTexas Conference Clergy Spouses

MEMOIRS K-9

Larry E. Mobley

Larry E. Mobley married the love of his life, Rev. Ann Oliver Mobley on June 10,1961. Four children resulted from their union: David Mobley, Nancy Leveson andhusband Peter, Kathryn Mobley and John Mobley.

Lawrence E. Mobley (Larry) attended the University of Texas in San Antonio wherehe grew up. He completed his degree in Physics at the University of Houston. Afterserving in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958, he came to Houston to work at TexasInstruments.

Lawrence Mobley was an active member of Chapelwood UMC, where he taught youth and adults formore than thirty years and was a lifetime member of the Board of Stewards.

Nancy Brooke Oliphint

Nancy Brooke Oliphint was a graduate of Bolton High School, she attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville. She graduated from Louisiana State University,where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

As a life-long United Methodist and member of the United Methodist Women,Nancy served alongside her husband of 55 years, Ben Oliphint, at UnitedMethodist churches in Monroe, Alexandria, Baton Rouge and at the First UnitedMethodist Church, Dallas. Upon his being elected bishop in 1980, they togetherserved the Kansas and Houston areas.

Nancy was honored by the Texas Annual Conference Ministers’ Spouses Association with the dedica-tion of “Amazing Graces” cookbook, whose proceeds were used to create the Nancy OliphintPlayground at Lakeview Conference Center.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Mary Brooke Casad and husband Victor of Carrollton; son StuartOliphint and wife Cassandra of Fort Worth; son Clayton Oliphint and wife Lori of Dallas; daughter-n-law Priscilla Oliphint of La Grange, and grandchildren McCrae and wife, Melissa, and Carter Casad;Alex Coats and Irene and Lillian Oliphint; Erin, Katy and Grant Oliphint; Ben Oliphint, and great-grandsons Revol and Patrick Casad.

Foy Mae Reagan

Foy Mae Reagan was married to Rev. Leffel D. Reagan from 1948 until his deathin 1987. They had one son, Charles W. Crow, of American Canyon, California;eight grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 12 greatstep-children; six great-great grandchildren; and seven great- great step-grandchil-dren.

Foy Mae Reagan graduated High School in Winnsboro, TX. She was supportive to

K-10 MEMOIRS

her husband Rev. Leffel D Reagan who served a large area of East Texas. She contributed her timeand talents to work in each church he served. She loved and was loved by members of each churchand remained lifelong friends with many of them.

Allene Hardt Riley

Allene was born in northeast Texas. At an early age, she and her sister Virginiawere adopted into the parsonage family of Rev. Wesley W. Hardt and Ida WilsonHardt. Her new older brother was John Wesley Hardt.

Allene graduated from Woodville high school. She finished Lon Morris College,and received a B.S. in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Verysoon after her graduation in July 1947 she married James Lee Riley, whom she hadmet at Lon Morris, and they began their life together as a parsonage family.

Allene and James Lee served congregations from Gilmer to Houston. Her happiest times seemed tobe when James Lee was District Superintendent of the Longview District. She enjoyed the relation-ships she developed with other Cabinet spouses. But she especially enjoyed welcoming and nurturingnew clergy spouses as they came into the district. In this way, she felt she truly shared in the ministryof the District.

James Lee died in July 1996. In the intervening years, Allene lived in assisted living and later in anursing home, both in Houston. As soon as she moved back to Houston, she re-joined GethsemaneUMC, which she and James Lee had served earlier in their ministry. Surviving her are her three chil-dren, John Riley, Beth Riley Thames and Allen Riley. Also surviving her are her six grandchildrenand four great-grandchildren. We give God thanks for her faithfulness as a daughter, as a mother andgrandmother, as a spouse, as a servant of God.

Submitted by John W. Riley

Novelle Cheek Steele

Novelle Cheek Steele was the widow of Reverend Chester Steele. She supported him in ministrythroughout his various appointments: Lake Jackson; Liberty, Parker Memorial UMC; Houston, GraceBaytown; Temple, Port Arthur; Trinity Beaumont, and Moody Memorial in Galveston.

Novelle Steele received her BA, attended Meredith College, Raleigh NC. She served in HoustonNorth District and served in retirement as Administrative Minister at First UMC Houston. She was alife member of UMW and the children’s Sunday school teacher/pianist.

She is survived by her son Jack Steel (wife Pam) of Houston and granddaughter Annie Steele ofManhattan.

MEMOIRS K-11

Roll of Deceased Ministerial Members

In the Conference Journal of 1941 will be found the list of deceased from 1938 to the UnitingConference of 1838 (Pages 99-106). In the Texas Conference Journal of 1970 will be found the list of

members of the Texas Conference (Pages 291-293) and the Gulf Coast Conference (Pages 444-448)

Name Where Buried Died Age Relationship EffectiveYears

Adams, Jess A. Sr. Woodville, TX 11/29/1996 94 Superannuate

Albudy, Elmer Terry Houston, TX 10/31/1997 86 Superannuate

Allen, Charles L. Houston, TX 8/31/2005 92 Superannuate 50

Anderson, Judy Cremated 6/29/2007 51 Active 8

Andrus, William D. Houston, TX 10/23/2006 96 Superannuate 40

Ballard, James Cremated 5/10/2008 67 Superannuate 21

Barksdale, Maxine Lakeview 4/14/2003 66 Without Appt. 1.5

Bates, Robert Burtis Madisonville 10/27/1997 98 Superannuate

Bayer, Karl, Sr. Austin, TX 9/17/2000 92 Superannuate 40

Bell, Jenny Lee Houston, TX 1/30/2000 79 Superannuate 6

Bisby, Joseph B. Houston, TX 12/4/2002 73 42

Black, Jakie Bernard Pearland, TX 1/24/2004 79 Superannuate 35

Blankenship, Vester O. Jacksonville, TX 9/24/2002 72 Superannuate 47

Bonner, Paul Wayne Jarrett Cemetery 9/14/2004 63 Superannuate 23

Bonner, Terry Gene Walton Cemetery 5/18/2003 66 Hon. Location 4

Box, Donald Cremated 7/8/2008 84 Superannuate 41.5

Breaux, Clarence Bridge City, TX 10/21/2002 77 Superannuate 34

Brock, Reginald C. Red Lick 10/30/998 78 Superannuate 36

Brown, John Paul Houston, TX 3/15/2001 83 Superannuate 38

Brown, Stanley W. Austin, TX 8/20/1999 59 Superannuate 5

Brunson, Billy Houston, TX 8/7/2005 71 Superannuate 40

Burnett, Ralph Troy Texarkana, TX 12/28/1998 77 Superannuate 12

Cahal, Ross, Jr. Buna 9/28/1999 75 Superannuate 5

K-12 MEMOIRS


Campbell, Jefferson Wichita Falls, TX 6/30/2006 75 Superannuate 46

Cannon, Wayne O. Malakoff 4/2/2002 74 Superannuate 33

Carey, Phyllis L. Palestine, TX 8/5/2005 49 Active 10

Carley, Addison Boyde Waxahachie 12/31/2001 93 Superannuate 10

Carlin, James Albert Lakeview 6/25/2002 93 Superannuate 56

Case, Carolyn Brown Parkersburg, WV 4/19/2004 68 Active 11.75

Cebrun, Mary Juliette Houston, TX 12/2/1997 53 Effective

Chambers, Matt D. San Augustine 3/1/2001 74 Superannuate 31

Cheney, John M. Henderson, TX 11/3/2006 75 Superannuate 39

Childress, Gordon Ricketts, Houston 5/1/1999 76 Superannuate 40

Christensen, Morley W. Cremated 7/18/2004 83 Superannuate 25

Cleaver, Odis Leon Flint 11/4/2002 78 Superannuate 41

Clements, Clinton Huey 1/12/2008 85 Superannuate 26

Coleman, Alvis M. Cremated 5/11/2004 76 Superannuate 41

Commer, William J. Lakeview 3/29/1998 71 Superannuate

Couvillion, William S. Cremated 1/17/2005 65 Superannuate 29

Coyner, Robert P. Marshall, TX 3/14/2001 66 Superannuate 17

Crawford, Arthur S. Idabel, OK 5/24/2002 81 Superannuate 7

Crosson, Richard F. Houston, TX 11/17/2006 78 Superannuate 12

Crowder, William D. Albuquerque, NM 3/16/2008 89 Superannuate 27.5

Cunningham, William Longview, TX 1/17/2008 77 Superannuate 44

Darby, Travis Lee 12/29/1996 89 Superannuate

Davis, Ernest J., Jr. Tyler, TX 2/7/2002 83 Superannuate 40

Davis, Grady Ray Cremated 5/20/2003 64 Active 25

Davis, Thomas C. Mt. Vernon, TX 7/5/2006 85 Superannuate 41

MEMOIRS K-13


Daviss, Isaiah T., Sr. Houston, TX 6/20/2008 90 Superannuate 27

Dawson, Mervin H. Jacksonville, TX 2/7/2005 70 Superannuate 11.75

Decelle, Claude S. 5/4/2009 79 Superannuate 19

Dent, George Frank Henderson 10/21/2000 84 Superannuate 25

Dubberly, Emmett O. Nacogdoches, TX 10/30/1997 88 Superannuate

Dugger, William E. Navasota, TX 6/30/2002 78 Superannuate 43

Dukes, Andre Detroit 41 Effective 1

Duran, Donaghey W. Jacksonville, TX 4/3/2005 96 Superannuate 40.25

Earley, David A. Corrigan, TX 9/23/1996 Superannuate

Earls, Grady William Lakeview 1/24/1998 86 Superannuate

Eckols, Glen E. Palestine, TX 3/18/2000 74 Superannuate 36

Edwards, Preston Marshall, TX 5/21/2002 92 Superannuate 24

Eguia, Lawrence E., Jr. Cremated 2/2/2002 74 Superannuate 8

Elmore, Gene Wayland Houston, TX 7/25/2002 91 Superannuate 36

Espie, Saul Ore City, TX 3/22/2008 91 Superannuate 32.75

Fagan, James Harold Pasadena, TX 5/4/1998 80 Superannuate

Faulk, Clayborne W., Sr. Ebenezer, LA 9/5/2003 96 Superannuate 38.5

Felder, Robert E. Houston, TX 6/13/2006 68 Superannuate 44

Felder, Roy Lee Huntsville, TX 11/4/1997 78 Superannuate

Fellers, John E. 7/13/2007 71 Superannuate 39

Finley, Cronin Colorado 2/20/1995 79 Superannuate

Fleming, L. Durwood Dallas, TX 1/22/2007 92 Superannuate 42

Fort, Joe W., Sr. 10/12/2008 78 Superannuate 41

Freed, George Henry Long Island, NY 10/1/1996 74 Superannuate

Garner, Carl Edward 8/11/1999 64 Superannuate 26

K-14 MEMOIRS


Garrett, Norman 12/29/1999 88 Superannuate 10

Gilpin, L. Clayton Lakeview 4/7/2003 71 Superannuate 27

Gorzycki, Paul M. Bryan, TX 9/22/1999 91 Superannuate 39

Greer, Louis James Webster, TX 3/26/1998 65 Effective

Groom, Obie 8/24/2007 59 Active 21

Hall, Leroy Houston, TX 11/14/1997 63 Effective

Hallonquist, Allen G. Houston, TX 1/22/1998 94 Superannuate

Hampton, Jed Mayo Emory 12/24/2003 84 Superannuate 22

Harberson, J. Wayne Pinehurst, TX 11/2/2006 69 Superannuate 15

Hardin, O. B. Colfax Cemetery 10/25/2004 80 Superannuate 25

Harper, Cecil D., Jr. Cremated 8/31/2006 77 Superannuate 33

Haskell, William Allen 8/4/2008 82 Superannuate 19

Hassler, John W. Cremated 6/7/2005 78 Superannuate 43

Hayes, James D. Cuney 3/29/1999 94 Superannuate 11

Heflin, James, Jr. McDonald Houston 6/17/1997 77 Superannuate

Helton, George LakeviewCemetery 9/30/2004 70 Superannuate 20.25

Hinson, William H. Huntsville, TX 12/26/2004 68 Superannuate 43

Holcomb, Woodrow W. Avery 3/31/1997 84 Superannuate

Holmes, Freddie Lee Richards, TX 9/28/2004 67 Superannuate 3.25

Houston, David W. Lodi 7/12/1998 84 Superannuate 35

Jackson, John Allen Shiloah, TX 12/18/2004 62 Active 9

Johnson, Carl 8/30/2007 66 Discontinued 17.75

Johnson, Erwin Dee Upshur County 6/30/1997 79 Superannuate

Johnson, Franklin E. Karnack, TX 4/11/1999 77 Superannuate 33

Johnson, James Ray Jacksonville, TX 6/30/2006 73 Superannuate 14

MEMOIRS K-15


Johnson, Jesse L. Sr. Little Rock, AR 3/5/2005 90 Superannuate 32.5

Johnson, Robert E. 10/25/2008 82 Superannuate 8

Johnson, W. Van Virginia 5/11/2000 74 Superannuate 34

Johnson-Grice, Sarah Houston, TX 1/5/2006 75 Superannuate 18

Jones, Eugene Houston, TX 3/17/2007 79 Superannuate 6

Jones, H. Daniel Houston, TX 11/9/2003 76 Superannuate 29

Jones, Harold 5/25/2007 84 Superannuate 3.25

Jones, Sam F. 9/23/1996 Superannuate

Jones, Susan Cremated 2/20/2006 59 Active 5.75

Jonson, William M. Houston, TX 2/13/2002 77 Superannuate 22

Kelly, Cal Hugh 10/18/2007 71 Superannuate 21

Kerr, Walter K. Tyler, TX 4/17/2005 90 Superannuate 33.5

King, John Thomas Houston, TX 4/19/2007 61 Active 27

King, Lee Donald Tomball, TX 8/9/1999 69 Superannuate 34

Kirby, James Philip McMahan's Chapel 12/22/1998 77 Superannuate 36

Klentzman, E. L. Houston, TX 5/5/1997 Superannuate

Klingle, Walter E. Kerrville, TX 2/20/2003 73 Superannuate 40

Koch, Robert W. Little River, TX 8/22/2004 89 Superannuate 32

Lamb, Clifton Martel Leona 5/23/2004 72 Superannuate 42

Lamb, Matthew Dogan Longview, TX 3/22/1999 72 Superannuate 44

Ledbetter, Robert L. Austin, TX 6/11/1996 80 Superannuate

Lee, Clifford M. Holly Tree Cemetery 12/2/2004 56 Active 34.5

LeGrand, Leslie P. Palestine, TX 5/20/2004 91 Superannuate 42.5

Liedy, Hubert B. Jr. 7/29/2007 79 Superannuate 34

Lindloff, Kay Y. Kennedale 10/23/1999 53 Superannuate 5

Little, Don B. Cremated 7/18/2005 68 Superannuate 42

K-16 MEMOIRS


Lloyd, Glenn Ray Macedonia, TX 10/26/2004 77 Superannuate 21.25

Lockett, Willie Fred Jefferson, TX 2/2/1998 86 Superannuate

Loden, Gaston R. Palestine, TX 2/24/2000 94 Superannuate 42

Martin, William Warren La Feria 1/1/1999 55 Effective 15

Mayes, Allen M. Beaumont, TX 6/26/1999 78 Superannuate 46

Mayes, Roscoe Fairfield 5/28/1999 64 Effective 12

McCasland, Deorsay W. 7/22/2007 81 Superannuate 27

McCleskey, Wayne H. Tyler, TX 6/11/1998 87 Superannuate 62

McCullar, James E. College Station, TX 9/1/2006 72 Superannuate 41

McKee, Cecil F. Huntsville, TX 1/11/2006 86 Superannuate 35

McNeely, Harold Gladewater, TX 5/17/1998 53 Effective 3

McQueen Marshall Waco, TX 12/17/2002 68 Superannuate 43

McQueen, William Franklin, Latexo 5/1/1999 91 Superannuate 13

Meyers, Jack 6/20/2007 50 Active

Millikan, Herman C. Decatur 7/2/1999 87 Superannuate 40

Mitchell, William E. Houston, TX 2/8/2005 90 Superannuate 19.5

Moore, Thomas Walter Jacksonville, TX 12/19/1997 93 Superannuate

Morgret, David 8/3/2008 63 Active 11.25

Morris, Charles Thomas Percilla 11/17/1998 59 Effective 16

Morton, Weldon B. Throckmorton Cem. 10/21/2004 90 Superannuate 42.5

Mosley, Donald W. Port Arthur, TX 6/16/2005 47 Hon. Location 16

Murphy, Earl W. Gainesville, TX 12/31/2002 81 Superannuate 21

Murray, Richard T. Dallas, TX 1/7/2002 70 Superannuate 46

Nelson, Robert J. St. Charles, IL 7/6/2004 83 Superannuate 46.5

Nichols, "Mimi" Beaumont, TX 8/25/2007 88 Superannuate 19

MEMOIRS K-17


Oglesby, Albert S. 11/20/2007 51 Active 4.5

Orrick, L. C. Longview, TX 2/15/2002 68 Superannuate 49

Parker, David B. Atlanta 11/6/1999 63 Effective 29

Parker, Leo B. Newton, TX 6/17/2004 83 Superannuate 31

Peacock, Robert Leon Wimberly 8/11/2002 81 Superannuate 33

Pearson, Paul W. 10/5/1999 69 Superannuate 37

Perkins, Charles H. Orange, TX 1/2/2001 79 Superannuate 30

Polk, Rozell Elijah Dallas, TX 10/9/1999 87 Superannuate 12

Pollard, Marcy Carthage, TX 2/16/2006 71 Superannuate 4

Poore, James W. Texarkana, TX 4/7/2007 91 Superannuate 25

Pradia, Michael Houston, TX 3/29/1999 58 Effective 17

Price, Thomas Miles Lakeview Cemetery 7/3/2000 93 Superannuate 47

Prickett, Joseph R. 3/26/2008 70 Superannuate 14

Raiines, William Sr. 12/1/2007 76 Superannuate 42

Ramsey, Bradley J. Humble/Spring 10/20/2001 46 Effective 18

Ramsey, Daniel H. Shady Grove 7/20/2004 85 Superannuate 7.5

Randolph, Willie B. 11/24/2007 78 Superannuate 40

Ratcliee, John Wesley Onalaska 7/17/1998 89 Superannuate 16

Reynolds, James L. Lakeview Cemetery 6/24/2004 79 Superannuate 18

Riley, Doyle 11/12/2008 80 Superannuate 35.25

Riley, James Lee Huntsville, TX 7/12/1996 71 Superannuate

Risinger, Lewis Houston, TX 7/5/2007 92 Superannuate 36.25

Riveire, Erskine W. Palestine, TX 10/1/2005 72 Superannuate 19

Roberson, Jesse W. Vega 11/18/1997 86 Superannuate

Robertson, James H. Douglassville, TX 3/12/2002 78 Superannuate 47

K-18 MEMOIRS


Robinson, William, Jr. Dallas, TX 1/3/2007 78 Superannuate 9

Rodonaia, George T. Cremated 10/12/2004 48 Leave of Absence 12

Ross, George Wayne Pasadena, TX 3/20/1998 70 Superannuate

Russell, William W. Childress 7/30/2002 71 Superannuate 13

Sayers, Carey Binion Cremated 2/25/2004 71 Superannuate 51

Scott, Donald W. Carthage, TX 7/24/2006 67 Superannuate 15

Scott, Leslie Dallas, TX 5/3/2008 95 Superannuate 37.5

Scott, Leslie David 5/5/2008 95 Superannuate 37.5

Seymour, Neal A. Cremated 12/14/2006 66 Superannuate 6

Shaw-Short, Freddie L. Iola, TX 3/29/2005 74 Superannuate 24

Shelton, James R. LaGrange, TX 8/15/2004 89 Superannuate 27

Shepherd, Cleveland Camilla, TX 5/15/2005 62 Active 25.25

Shine, Charles E. 9/17/1999 65 Superannuate 6

Shuemate, Roger L. Lakeview 7/3/2003 66 Superannuate 40

Smith, Donald Magnolia 7/25/2003 72 Superannuate 42

Smith, J. Aldous Nacogdoches, TX 7/2/2001 77 Superannuate 48

Smith, Sidney Burton College Station, TX 6/19/1996 82 Superannuate

Sneed, Robert Cravens Cremated 1/15/2007 82 Superannuate 36

Snell, Simon 4/27/2008 96 Superannuate 35.5

Sonneman, William II Ft. Smith, AR 9/28/2001 72 Superannuate 15

Sparling, Jack P. Tyler, TX 10/7/2001 98 Superannuate 36

Stafford, Omer L. "Sam" Jefferson, TX 4/23/1999 81 Superannuate 4

Starcke, Tommy C. High Island 3/3/2004 72 Discontinued 9

Steele, Chester R. Houston, TX 1/30/2003 86 Superannuate 49

Stephenson, Elton L. Houston, TX 9/5/2003 82 Superannuate 36

MEMOIRS K-19


Stevens, Charles S. Dallas, TX 1/14/2006 81 Superannuate 8.5

Stewart, Robert B., Jr. Marietta, GA 11/27/2006 85 Superannuate 18

Stokes, Lawrence Morrison Wharton 1/27/1998 74 Superannuate

Stonum, Nolza T. Caldwell, TX 1/31/1997 70 Superannuate

Strother, Joseph S. Dallas, TX 1/4/2000 95 Superannuate 42

Summy, Kenneth D. Dallas, TX 3/24/2005 80 Superannuate 23

Thomas, Billie M. 3/15/2009 85 Superannuate 27

Townley, George Walter Chattanooga, TN 5/29/2003 78 Superannuate 20

Tucker, Lewis Edwin Llano 3/13/1999 83 Superannuate 43

Turnage, James C. Houston, TX 8/25/2003 60 Hon. Location 7.5

Verheyden, Clyde Jack Houston, TX 2/6/1998 90 Superannuate

Waddleton, Joe Wood County 1/28/2001 81 Superannuate 19

Walker, Robert M. DeSoto, TX 11/29/1996 72 Superannuate

Walter, Harvey Alonzo Houston, TX 2/19/2000 77 Superannuate 38

Watkins, Russell James 4/12/2009 53 Active 25.25

Webb, Donald L. Cremated 3/7/2004 80 Superannuate 33

Webb, William C., Jr. Lakeview 1/19/2007 83 Superannuate 40

Webster, T. Anthony Houston, TX 12/23/2005 86 Superannuate 41.5

Weeks, William E. 12/22/2001 64 Discontinued 2

Weston, Henry Morgan Cremated 2/11/2003 76 Superannuate 16

White, Jester Downs Edgewood, TX 3/24/1997 91 Superannuate

White, Jethro Sr. Houston, TX 5/25/2002 87 Superannuate 12

Wilkerson, James E. Baylor College ofMedicine 12/5/2004 92 Superannuate 27

Williams, William Texarkana, TX 8/13/2005 76 Superannuate 40

Williamson, Roy Houston, TX 9/28/1999 81 Superannuate 29

K-20 MEMOIRS


Williamson, William J. Center, TX 9/25/1998 86 Superannuate 29

Windham, John B. Lakeview Cemetery 3/8/1999 76 Superannuate 30

Wood, James P. Trinity 6/6/2002 83 Superannuate 6

Zenor, Hughes Earl 2/16/2008 69 Superannuate 31.25

TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the United … served Shady Chapel United Methodist from 6/99 ... While...

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Transcript of TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the United … served Shady Chapel United Methodist from 6/99 ... While...