Obituaries-Henderson County Now

Obituary: Dean Green

Funeral services for Dean Green, 78, of the Walton Community are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2013 at Zion Hill Assembly of God Church with Bro. Randy Fisher and Bro. Donald Herring officiating.

Burial will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery.

Earl Dean Green went home to be with the Lord Jan. 31, 2013 in Athens.

He was born Sept. 20,1934 in the Walton Community to the late James Andrew and Etta Bell Mixon Green. He lived all his life in the Walton Community. He was a farmer, electrician, construction worker and also a ranch hand. He was a loving and devoted husband. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to kid and joke around with everyone and you knew when he wasn’t feeling good. He will be missed by his family and everyone that knew him. He was a member of Zion Hill Assembly of God Church all of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Wilma Green, Walton; sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Charlotte Green, Walton, Robby and Deborah Green, Walton; brother, Vestal Buford Green and wife Ruthie, Mesquite; sisters; Cynthia Davis, Athens, Anna Faye Martin and husband Homer, Walton; grandchildren, Terry Green and wife Nora, Missouri, Dana Weatherford and husband Blake, Athens, Rocky Green and wife Larra, Athens, Candace Pierce and husband Snapper, Athens, Kane Crist and Kara Christ both of Athens, Diane Duke and husband Scott, Dallas, Dee Dee Gould and husband Brian, South Carolina, David Collins, Kentucky; 19 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Blake Weatherford, Rocky Green, Snapper Pierce, Terry Green, Scott Duke, Jimmy Christopher, John Kling and Dwain McCarley.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

You may leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family at www.carroll-lehr.com.

Obituary: William (Bill) Vernon Leist, Sr.

Services for William (Bill) Vernon Leist, Sr., 79, of Ben Wheeler, Texas are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at Eubank Chapel under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home, Canton.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Ben Wheeler, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2013.

He was born Sept. 17, 1933 in Vicksburg, Miss., to Albert Leist and Evelyn Leist Johns.

Bill lived most of his adult life in Euless, Texas. He was a quiet, gentle man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He worked as a chef and retired 11 years ago to East Texas. In his spare time he enjoyed reading his bible, gardening, cooking, traveling, playing board games and watching TV (especially cooking shows and westerns). Bill was extremely loving and proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and best friend, Shirley Leist of Ben Wheeler; three sons, Bill, Steve and Bobby Leist all of Ben Wheeler; and daughter, Janet (Leist) Young of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Pennington and her husband Don and their two daughters, Donna and Cathy of Dallas; his 10 grandchildren, Steven, Stephanie, Shawna, Melissa, Dana, Kenley, Paul, Nikki, Lauren and Andrew; his 13 great-grandchildren, Bryson, C.J., Cash, Madisyn, Mason, Kaydenz, Brooklynn, Braxton, Lexxa, Mackinzie, Leah, Madeline and Luke; the spouses and fiancee of his children and grandchildren, David Young, Cindy Boatman, Michael Kile, Eric Schofield and Mark Gibson; as well as his many loving nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and other friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Paul Harrup tribute by Fred Head

The following is submitted to HCT Now by Athens resident Fred Head

“See Ya Soon” proclaims the bold white letters which beam out from the black marble tomb stone marking the Athens City Cemetery grave of 40-year Athens’ patriotic business leader and Korean Conflict U.S. Army Soldier Paul Harrup, Jr. who was buried there Saturday, January 26th.

The January 21st death of Paul Harrup, after an unbelievably courageous, determined and upbeat 6-plus year battle with heart issues and an esophageal malignancy brought a close to a unique period of love, care, concern and active ministry to others by the Athens Real Estate, Insurance and Mini Warehouse business owner whose real work in life was helping others, creating good feelings and witnessing for Jesus.

Paul Harrup, who was widely known, well loved and eagerly sought out for his remarkable Christian wisdom, as well as his tremendous story telling and master of ceremonies abilities, leaves a sad and lonely feeling, especially in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him, but also in the hearts of the many he helped, advised or befriended in their times of need.

Paul’s “See Ya Soon” earthly tombstone goodbye clearly delivers, for the ages, his Christian message of faith in Jesus that he so often shared, one on one, with countless individuals and as he taught his Baptist men’s Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Mabank for many years.

Enjoying good friends, good food and the latest news with others – – – especially at his “Star Chamber” Rotary and Country Club tables in Athens – – – gave Paul an important forum to share his vast knowledge, his incomparable wit and his inspired wisdom. He was truly one of a kind!

Athens, Mabank and our entire area have lost a great human treasure from our presence, but he has left us with the certainly and assurance that if we have faith and if we follow the footsteps of Jesus and live Christian lives, we will see him soon.

Obituary: Marine Creech

Marine Creech, of Malakoff, passed away on Jan. 25, 2013 at the age of 99.

Marine was born in Houston on April 14, 1913 to William Franklin and Myrtle Rankins.

She is survived by her granddaughter Jatona Ramirez and niece Linda Kellam.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Chester Creech; son Buddy Woods; daughter Peggy Woods.

Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Feb. 2, 2013 at Faith Community Baptist Church with the Rev. Dale Norris officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Community Baptist Church, 6887 SH 198 S. Mabank, TX 75147. Condolences can be made online at www.tomlinsonfuneral.com.

Obituary: Mary Dixon

Services for Mary Dixon 69 of Tool, Texas are pending.

Mary was born in Salem, Mass. Nov. 21, 1943 to Daniel Connolly, Sr. and Jane Natalski Connolly. She died in Tool, Texas Jan. 26, 2013.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joey and Daniel Connolly.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Orsburn; son John Dixon and wife Mohonna; son Max Dixon and wife Lisa; brother Jimmy Connolly; three sisters, Ann Connolly and husband Lloyd, Jane Carlson, Patrice Connolly; grandchildren, Judd Orsburn, Rawling Dixon, Wyatt Dixon, Brenna Dixon, Logan, Dixon, Luke Dixon, Addison, Dixon.

Condolences may be posted at www.tomlinsonfuneral.com.