Obituary: Thomas George Semikoski

Services for Thomas George Semikoski, 86, of Athens, Texas are scheduled for Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11:15 AM at the DFW National Cemetery.

Mr. Semikoski passed away January 8, 2019 in Athens. He was born May 13, 1932 in Capron, Virginia. He devoted his life to his country by serving in both the United States Air Force and Army, at home and abroad. Tom always loved planes, when he enlisted in the Army, he was selected to go to flight school. There he was trained to fly as a recon pilot in the Korean War. While flying on mission his plane was shot down behind enemy lines. He was rescued by the British Army and spent 3 months in a military hospital. After recovery he reenlisted and served 10 years more in active duty with the Army and Air Force. At this time he met Wilma Gross. They were married for 63 years. Tom never lost his love for flying and owned several planes some of which he built himself. Some of his adventures included living in Alaska where he was a bush pilot and flying hunters into remote areas. He enjoyed playing golf and was still playing with friends into his 80’s. For 20 years Tom was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxillary at Cedar Creek Lake. He was as much at home on the water as in the air. Tom and Julie met and began “whirlwind” courtship. After 2 months Tom Proposed and in 4 months they were married. They sold their homes and bought a house together. It was love at first sight. God blessed them both with a new life together. Soon though, Tom’s health rapidly began failing. He is gone now but will never be forgotten.

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Obituary: Louise Aline Rhoden

Graveside services for Louise Aline Rhoden, 97, of Larue, are scheduled for Monday, January 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., at Larue Cemetery with Dr. Gary Bowman officiating.

Mrs. Rhoden passed away January 17, 2019 in Athens. She was born August 21, 1921 in Bono, Texas. She graduated from Athens High School in 1940. She was a member of the Larue United Methodist Church and also of the React CB Club in Larue. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, embroidery and loved gardening and working in her nursery.

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Obituary: Leona Virgina Fox Gipson

Leona Virginia Fox Gipson woke up in heaven January 18th, 2019. The transition from this life to the next took place at home in Athens, Tx. where she had lived for the past 8 years with her daughter. She was born in Breckenridge, Tx. on May 24, 1923, the third of five children to Seth Joseph Fox and Mary Emma Hardaway Fox. She grew up in East Texas where her Dad was a pastor, farmer and oil field worker. She came to know the Lord at an early age, and he would always shine through her life through her loving servanthood for others. It could be said of her, in the words of Paul, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 Today our loss is her gain as she is in His presence.

Leona graduated from Gaston high school and attended East Oklahoma College in Ada where she was roommates with her sister, Thelma. She subsequently married George Ralph Gipson, on March 7, 1942, who then joined the Army and served during WWII. They were blest with two children Virginia Ann (Jeany) Gipson Teague and Randall Dell Gipson, whom she always recounted was supposed to be named “Johnny”.

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Obituary: Linda Fay Arthus Rainwater

Funeral services for Linda Fay Arthus Rainwater, 65, of Cross Roads are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Cross Roads with Bro. Frank Upchurch officiating. Visitation will be held prior to services from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Beck’s Chapel Cemetery.

Linda was born June 22, 1953 in Athens, Texas; the daughter of James Laroy Arthus and Eddie Laquieta Stephens. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Roads. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed.

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Obituary: Fonda Penney

Graveside services for Fonda Penney, 87, of Montalba, Texas are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Liberty Cemetery in Anderson County, Texas with Bro. Paul Diepenbruck officiating.

Mrs. Penney passed on January 17, 2019 in Montalba, Texas.

Fonda Joy Penney was born October 9, 1931 in Springfield, Texas the daughter of Jennings Bryan Sutherlin and Norma Minerva Johnson Sutherlin. In her younger days she loved playing golf with her husband and her ladies’ group. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and baking. Grandma cherished spending time with her family and will be missed by all she knew and loved.

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