Graveside service honoring the life of Crystal Diane Pirtle-Singletary were held on Friday, July 26, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Old Pisgah Cemetery in Belmont, Louisiana with Reverend Tommy Lewis officiating. Family received friends for visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Crystal was born on April 19, 1970 in Pasadena, Texas to Jerry David Pirtle and Francis Kay Nisbet-Pirtle. She entered into rest on July 22, 2019 in Frierson, Louisiana with her husband and her “mom” Donna Windham Patterson by her side who she loved dearly.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Brad Singletary; son, Justin Dwain Mitchell; sister, Ronda Kay Jacobs and brother, David Pirtle.

Pallbearers will be Hayden McKenzie, Ricky McKenzie, B.J. Coker, Steve Turney, Rod Singletary, Cody Lewis.

Converse, LA – Funeral services honoring the life of Butch Ryan, were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Union Springs Baptist Church with Rev Jimmy Price & Rev. Chucky Clark officiating. Burial followed at Union Springs Cemetery in Converse. The family received friends at the Church for visitation on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday until service time at 2:00 p.m.

Butch was born June 22, 1941 in Florence MS to Bree Ryan Sr. & Clinton Webb Ryan and entered into rest on July 31, 2019. Butch spent most of his time outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and was a retired tugboat captain. Butch was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. To know Butch was to love Butch.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bree & Clinton Ryan Sr., brother Bree Ryan Jr., sister Jeanette Ryan Pritchard and a son Bubba Ryan. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years Mary Ann Ryan, daughters, Angie Ryan Pyles & Liz Ryan Jett & husband Chris, sons, Bill Ryan & wife Sonya, Chad Mouser & wife Fran;, brother, Richard Ryan & wife Ann; grandchildren, Nicole Melton & husband Brandon, Cory Mouser, Josh Pyles, Chelsey Meshell & husband Herman, Blake Ryan and wife Randilyn, Dalton Ryan and Megan Ryan, Greatgrandchildren Baylor & Emmalee Melton, Case & Tinley Mouser, Skylar & Rylee Meshell and Seth Ryan along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers for Butch will be Chase Fisher, Noel Hicks, Blake Ryan, Danny Raborn, Stacey Sneed, Herman Meshell, Josh Pyles & Casey Lum.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Cory Mouser, Dalton Ryan, Danny West, Rand Cassell, Noonie Hicks, Perry Cochran & Christopher Cochran.

A Funeral service for Theo “Ted” DeSoto, Jr. was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mansfield, Louisiana on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Rothell Price officiating. Burial was held at Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Carmel, Louisiana. Family received friends for visitation at Rose-Neath Mansfield Chapel on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

Theo was born on May 29, 1945 in Mansfield, Louisiana to Theodore DeSoto, Sr. and Estella Lacobee. He entered into rest on July 31, 2019 in Coushatta, Louisiana.

Mr. DeSoto was an active member of both St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mansfield and Zwolle. For years, he was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus -4th degree and served as an usher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches.

Theo was preceded in death by his parents. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Kitty Bell DeSoto of Pleasant Hill, LA; daughter, Abigail DeSoto of Ruston, LA; sisters, Marth DeSoto of Bossier City, LA and Jane Law of Shreveport, LA; brother, James Glenn DeSoto and wife, Kathy of Stonewall, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Pallbearers for Mr. DeSoto will be Joseph Bell, Jimmy McCormack, Jason Reynolds, Jared DeSoto, Jeff Wellborn, and Lonnie DeSoto. Honorary pallbearer will be Benny Bell.

Funeral services for Burnis Eli Wilburn, 92, of Pelican, La., were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield with Rev. Sam Wheeless officiating. A graveside service with military honors immediately followed the service at the Pelican Cemetery.

Burnis, who was also known to many as B.E., Junior, or Pac, was born on March 3, 1927 in Pelican to Burnis Sr. and Jimmie Paxton Wilburn. His mother passed away when he was just eighteen months old, so Burnis was raised by his grandparents, Garland and Lizzie Paxton. Burnis passed away peacefully on August 7, 2019.

Burnis was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. After returning from the war, Burnis met and married the love of his life, Charlotte Webb Wilburn. After working off-shore for Texaco, Burnis became self-employed and owned his own dairy barn. He and Charlotte settled in Pelican where Burnis worked as a farmer, baling hay, planting trees, and raising beef and dairy cattle. Burnis was extremely intelligent and had a work ethic second to none. While working as a farmer, he also became involved in the oil business and drove the school bus for Pelican Elementary and High School for 31 years. He was a long-time member of Pelican United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge #318.

Burnis was fun-loving and tender-hearted. He never met a stranger. He loved horseback riding and was always in search of the perfect horse. He also enjoyed watching high school basketball games and boxing matches. He delighted in his family, often proudly stating, “I sure do love my family. I have a good family.” Burnis was a generous person who consistently operated with integrity and exemplified what it means to be a Christ-follower.

Left to cherish the beautiful memories of Burnis are his wife of 71 years; son Glen and wife Betty; daughter Linda Wilburn Davidson and husband Robbo; five grandchildren: Allison Carpenter, Willis Wilburn, Ann Vidrine, Becki Hudson, and Ashley Sonnier; and 12 great-grandchildren: Emma and Max Hudson; Eli Wilburn; Reece, Bryce and Juliana Carpenter; Sadie, Aaron and Sophie Vidrine; Olivia and Camille Sonnier; and Kristina Cole.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his Aunt Minnie Paxton Heman who was like a sister to him; Uncle Kearney Paxton; and cousin Ray Paxton.

Pallbearers for Mr. Wilburn were Eli Wilburn, Dustin Vidrine, Colby Sonnier, Marshall Carpenter, Reece Carpenter and Bryce Carpenter.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at DeSoto Retirement and Rehabilitation Center for the care shown to “Mr. B,” particularly nurses Sharonda Gant, Salena Weaver, Denise Sloan, Cary Raborn, Olivia Lewis, and Linda Brown; as well as Burnis’ kindhearted hospice nurses at Superior Hospice. The family also extends loving gratitude to Mr. B’s home caregivers who are like family: Lisa Radford, Jimmie Monroe, Eliza Buckley, and LaShara Johnson. Burnis’ last year of life was also made brighter by the loyal companionship of fellow residents Willie Lee Wells and Beverly Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pelican Methodist Church, P.O. Box 103, Pelican, La., 71063.

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the LORD be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)

Charles Earl Turner was born on February 14, 1939 in Grand Cane, Louisiana to Peggy Davis and George White. He was later adopted by Jeffery and Vercie Turner.

He accepted Christ at a very early age under the leadership of Pastor S.L. Johnson. He was a faithful member until death. He served as past President of the male chorus, secretary of the church, and custodian for many years.

Charles attended the DeSoto Parish Schools where he acquired the nickname “Grand Cane Slim” for his basketball skills. Charles graduated from DeSoto Parish Training School.

He united in holy matrimony to Nan Esther Murray on September 2, 1957. To this union five children were born.

He transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 4,2019, at 7 :20 a.m. One son, Robert Turner, preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 62 years, Nan; children, Christolyn Joy Milligan (Terry), Kenneth Turner, Belinda Puckstock (Kevan), and Frances Turner; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Johnny Moore (Janice); two sisters, Spring Marie and Susan Moore; a sister in law, Betty Turner; a special cousin, Charles Etta Milford; a special friend, Shirley Wingo, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Our family wishes to convey our sincerest appreciation for your phone calls, flowers, text, visits but most importantly your prayers during our loss. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude for this has been by far one of the most difficult times. We pray God’s continued blessings to flow in each of your lives.

Grand Cane, LA- August 10, 1957 was the beginning of a wonderful life with husband Bob. August 10, 2019 marked a continuation of that story.

Born November 26, 1934, in DeSoto parish, Doris received her nursing degree from Northwestern and her CRNA from Harris Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Her accomplishments were numerous, including one of the first female hospital administrators in the state of Louisiana. She lovingly used her gift as a caregiver each and every day. Her love of God and compassion for people were truly an inspiration to all who knew her. She shared that love as a long time Sunday School teacher and member at First Baptist Church, Mansfield.

Preceding Doris in death were husband, Bob Meredith, infant daughter Laurie, parents James M Morton, Sr., Pauline Norris Morton, and Madge Worsham Morton. Sisters, Raye Gamble, Kathryn Lain, Helen Elliott, and brother, James M. Morton, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Seth Meredith and wife Jennifer of Monroe, daughter, Suzanne Brossette and husband John of Grand Cane, sisters, Johnnie Stennett, Fran Norwood and husband Bo, Martha Sayers and husband Joe, brother, William H. Morton, grandchildren, Michael Brossette and wife Dana, Dustin Brossette and fiancé Libby Ebarb, Caleb Brossette, Seth Thomas Meredith, and James Meredith and great grandson, Grayson John Brossette. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 5 until 8 pm at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield. Memorial service was at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 15 at First Baptist Church, Mansfield with Dr. Thumper Miller and Dr. Calvin Phelps officiating. Interment at Mansfield Cemetery.

Honoring Mrs. Meredith as pallbearers will be Bill Bunyard, Dana Deas, Bubba English, Huel Jones, David Delouche, Greg Dyess, Bryan Norwood, and Steve Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be Baba Pearah, Butch Pockrandt, Michael Brossette, Dustin Brossette, Caleb Brossette, Seth Thomas Meredith, and James Meredith.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to LA Baptist Children’s Home 7200 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203, or FBC Mansfield 1710 McArthur Drive, Mansfield, LA 71052.

Mary “Cooter” O’Dell Lum Jordan, 77, of Converse, LA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11, 2019. She was born in Benson on September 3, 1941. After graduating from Stanley High School, she attended Norton Business School in Shreveport.

Cooter spent her professional career working as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including: SoftDisk and Everett’s Bindery. After retiring she and Lloyd moved back to her family’s home place in the country.

She loved the gospel and served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed spending time in fellowship, especially playing softball at the Baptist Ball Park.

Cooter was passionate about her family; whether she was making chicken and dumplings, walking on 5th Avenue in NYC, fishing in the pond or playing with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie Dee and Fannie Lou Lum; and sisters Johnnie Ruth Rascoe and Linda Nell Boyd; and granddaughter, Summer DeAnne Rushing.

Cooter is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lloyd Jordan of Converse; daughters, Sherri Durham and husband Marvin of Shreveport, and Karla Rushing and husband Jerry of Dunn, NC; grandchildren, Ryan Durham and wife Mandy, Kyle Durham, JeriAnne Rushing, and Kassidy Rushing along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation was held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA on Wednesday, August 14th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services were Thursday, August 15th, at Beulah Baptist Church, 3417 Hwy 481, Mansfield, LA at 2:00 p.m. An interment will follow at the Union Springs Cemetery in Converse.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund.

Hazel Brown, 96, of Mansfield, Louisiana, passed on Monday, July 29, 2019 at Heritage Manor Stratmore of Shreveport, Louisiana. Pursuant to the wishes of the deceased, there will be no visitation or memorial service at this time. Hazel and Dan chose instead to a share a celebration of their lives together with their family and friends. Plans for this “Life Celebration” will be at a later date.

Hazel was born on July 5, 1923 to Robert E. Brown and Minnie Pearl Brown. Hazel and Dan Brown spent 74 glorious years in a beautiful friendship and marriage. Dan and Hazel moved to Mansfield in 1949. At that time they established and co-owned Brown Cleaners & Laundry that was in operation for over 30 years. Hazel was a faithful member of her cherished First Baptist Church of Mansfield, Louisiana for 70 years. There she served in the children’ department and many other areas of the church. One of her greatest joys was entertaining her sons and their friends. Both her sons were in “bands” and throughout the school days the Brown’s house was the place to come for great fun.

Hazel is survived by her son, Daniel Scott Brown and wife Jodie Langston Brown, granddaughter, Jennifer L. Brown, granddaughter, Danielle Brown Gosslee and husband Robbie Gosslee, grandson Rick B. Brown and wife Susanne Brown, great grandchildren Christopher Bolton, Caroline Berlin, Hank Brown, Audrey Brown and Phoebe Brown. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy Menefee of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hazel was preceded in death by beloved husband, Dan C. Brown, son, Rickie Bob Brown, and her siblings, Louetta Brown, Maggie Mae Prothro, Daliah Sanders, Mack Brown, and Jake Brown.

The family would like to offer our immense appreciation to Dr. Ben Leggio, Dr. Jeffery Evans, Dr. Douglas Sawyer, Dr. Dennis Kamberov and the entire nursing staff of DeSoto Regional Hospital for the exceptional care given to Hazel during her latter days. In addition the family is grateful to the staff of The Oaks Independent Assisted Living and Savannah at the Oaks, the staff of The Mansfield Nursing Center and a special recognition to Director Ms. Catherine Day along with the tireless staff of Heritage Manor Stratmore for the professional and loving care given to her as well as the kindhearted nurses and staff at Lifepath Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations honoring her name to First Baptist Church, Mansfield, LA

First Baptist Church, 1710 McArthur Drive, Mansfield, LA 71052

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not parish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Memorial services celebrating the life of Louis Clifton “Gus” Hall, III were held at 10 am Tuesday, August 27 at First Baptist Church Mansfield. Officiating will be Thumper Miller and Joe Waggoner. The family received friends for visitation on Monday, August 26 at Rose-Neath Mansfield Chapel from 5-7 pm.

Gus was born October 1, 1946 in Mansfield, La and entered into rest on Saturday, August 24, 2019 in Mansfield from complications of ALS. He is preceded in death by his parents Calvin Wesley Hall and Joyce Jean Chesnut Hall, his brother C.W. “Butch” Hall and nephew Kyle Hall.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years Jean Phelps Hall, sons; Matthew Hall & wife Sissy of Shreveport, LA; Chad Terra of Frisco, TX; and Bryan Terra & wife Tiffany of Monroe, LA, his brother Robert “Kirk” Hall & wife Cathy of Lakeland, FL and sister-in-law Brenda Hall of Mansfield. Gus has seven grandchildren; Joseph, Mattie & Hendrix Hall, Landry and Evan Terra and Brayden and Briley Terra; and nephews: Scott, Eric, Christopher, and Corey Hall.

Gus graduated with a MBA from Centenary College and was retired from an occupation he loved as a licensed Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and many years on the Board of Directors for DeSoto Regional Health System. Gus was a self-proclaimed comedian and always radiated positivity. His love of God, family and friends was evident in the life he lived. Some of his greatest joys in life included spending time with his beloved family and friends, traveling, and watching LSU football.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe Craig Fleniken, Sonny Hall, David Platt, Roy Lee Barron, Sonny Stone and Bill Lowrey. A special thanks to his loving caregivers, Michael Simpson and Glenda Ford.

Donations can be made to the ALS Foundation, First Baptist Church in Mansfield, DeSoto Regional Health System or any charity of choice.

Patsy Houston Evans Russell, 63, of Mansfield passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born in Mansfield, LA on September 5, 1955 to Benjamin Joseph Houston and Mary Demetrius Woods Houston.

Visitation and funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rambin, LA on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m. with Father Matthew Long officiating and guest speaker Reverend Mike McConnaughey. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Mary Houston; husband, Gregory Lee Russell; son, Jason Vincent Evans; and brothers, Joseph Houston and William Houston.

Patsy is survived by the father of her children, Gary V. Evans; sons, Jeremy Evans and wife Christina of Stanley, LA and Dr. Tyler Evans MD of Mansfield, LA; daughter, Emily Evans Litton and husband Beau of Converse, LA; sisters, Rosie Coffey and husband Dale of Minden, LA, Martha Yarbrough and husband Alan of Mansfield, LA, and Barbara Houston of Mansfield, LA; brother, Louis Houston and wife Jeanette of Mansfield, LA; grandchildren, Mason and Amelia Evans, Thomas (Toby) Litton IV; step-children, Seth and Tyson Russell along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Russell will be Dr. Tyler Evans MD, Beau Litton, Louis Houston, Albert Houston, Bobby Miller, and Floyd Roblow.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron Coffey, Brian Coffey, Timothy Gauntt & Gerald Laffite.

Funeral services honoring the life of Rev. Jimmy L. Reynolds was held at Rose-Neath Mansfield Chapel in Mansfield, LA on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Alan Brown officiating. Family received friends for visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Interment was held at Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Carmel, LA.

Jimmy was born on May 18, 1955 in Mansfield, Louisiana to Jimmy Lee Reynolds, Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Reid Reynolds. He entered into rest on August 28, 2019 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Rev. Reynolds was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Steven Reynolds.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are the mother of his children, Diane Reynolds of Mansfield, LA; son, Blake Reynolds of Fort Worth, TX; daughter, Morgan Reynolds Hesser and husband David of Pelican, LA ; brother, Mark Reynolds and wife Lesle of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, Bryson and Harper Hesser.

Pallbearers for Rev. Reynolds will be Keith Durr, Matt Duty, Donnie Smith, Ron Crager, Bob Maynor and Tommy Hall. Honorary pallbearer will be Bryson Hesser.

The family wishes to sincerely thank St. Joseph Hospice for the wonderful care and support given, especially thanking Charlotte Farley and Eileen Lewis. Additional thanks to the nurses and staff at Mansfield Nursing Center for their support.

Clarence “Sonny” Raymon Pyle, 81, of Fannett, Texas, went to be with his Lord on September 6, 2019, in Beaumont, Texas.

Sonny was born December 14, 1937, in Logansport, Louisiana, to parents, Clarence and Ethyl (Brown) Pyle. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. Sonny served four years in the United States Navy to come home and marry his soulmate, Betty Westbrook, in 1960 where they moved to Galveston, Texas. He spent the first twenty-five years of his married life as a mechanic and teacher working at several locations throughout southeast Texas. Sonny and Betty’s love for children led them to adopt three children and foster over forty throughout their marriage. They spent the last ten years up to retirement working for Buckner Children’s Village in Beaumont and Boy’s Village in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as Houseparent’s.

After retiring, his love for cooking led him to opening a small café in Beaumont and then moving to Fannett to help his son operate his family’s restaurant there. In 2002, Sonny hung up the spatula when Betty went to be with the Lord. He would spend the next seventeen years camping, hunting, mowing, and watching all the grandchildren play and grow.

Sonny is survived by sister, Martha Jean Guillotte and husband, Doug, of Logansport, Louisiana; daughter, Cheryl Bridgwater (Pyle) and husband, Fred, of Fannett; oldest son, Robert “Bob” Allen Pyle of Lake Charles, Louisiana; youngest son, Michael Pyle and wife, Kailli, of Fannett; five grandchildren, Sharla Lulue and her husband, Lee, of Beaumont; Lexi Pyle and Daryenne Pyle, of Fannett; Raymon Bridgwater of Fannett; and Robert Pyle, Jr. of Lake Charles, Louisiana (deceased); and three greatgrandchildren, Gracelynn Lulue, Sonny Lulue, and Kye Lulue, of Beaumont. Daddy, thank you for painting this family a perfect portrait of a father’s love!

A graveside service for Mr. Pyle was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Bethel Cemetery, 325 Bethel Road, Logansport, Louisiana, with Reverend Dean Register, officiating, under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com .

Funeral services honoring the life of Terry Leman Jones were held at First Baptist Church Logansport in Logansport, LA on Friday, September 13, 2019 with Bro. Dean Register and Bro. Timothy Roberson officiating. Family received friends for visitation at the church on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Interment was held at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport.

Terry was born on July 15, 1954 in Mansfield, Louisiana to Jack Terrell Jones and Sarah Ruth Creech Jones. He entered into rest on September 10, 2019 in Logansport, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Leman and Mabel Creech and Henry and Dixie Jones.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna Courtney Jones; daughters, Karlie Cox & husband David, Kim Lamb & husband Jody, Mandy Williams Baldwin, Christy Brandt & husband Danny; sisters, Leslie Arbuckle & husband Dale, Sydney Jones & special friend Kem Bossier; special granddaughter, Courtney Moore; special grandson, Justin Ballard; grandchildren, Addyson Ballard, DaniKay & Anna Brandt, Tucker Williams, Tanner & Morgan Williams, Savannah & Ethan Urda, Susie Cox and Tyler Cox, Kayla, Callye, Kacee, Kristen, & Kensi Shaw; 17 great-grandchildren & one on the way.

Pallbearers will be Casey Bagley, Miguel Onate, Coby Barbee, Blake Deal, Shane Murphy, Josh Deutsch, Trevor Lawrence and Jed Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Harris, Charlie Leflett, Roy Cheatwood, Bob Hogg, Jimmy Dale Metcalf, Rodney Johniken and Steve Walker.

The family would like to give a special thanks to DeSoto Fire District #1 and to Bagley Well Service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Boo’s Battle of Joaquin, Texas.

A celebration of the life of William John (Billy) Franklin, 87, was held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 28 at Grand Cane Baptist Church in Grand Cane, LA with Reverend Mike Scott and Reverend David Permenter officiating. Burial will follow at the Grand Cane Cemetery. Visitation was held at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, September 27. Pallbearers were Roy Burr, Jeff Cole, Leo Deslatte, Ken Dillard, Terry Hammett, Ronnie Kaiser, Robert Waites, and Danny Wells. Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Girlinghouse, Todd Kennedy, and Matt May.

Billy was born December 16, 1931 in Grand Cane, LA and passed away on September 24, 2019 at his home in Grand Cane, following a brief illness. He was a fixture of the Grand Cane community in retirement and was well-known and loved by a multitude of friends and family.

A graduate of Louisiana Tech University and LSU, Billy’s work experiences spanned from county extension agent to agricultural marketing director, sales manager to product development agronomist for Louisiana Seed Company, Funk Seeds International, and Alexandria Seed Company. He also served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957. However, his truest calling was that of a cattle and timber farmer. He was at his happiest watching over his herd, walking his forests, and giving of himself to his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Arvil Franklin and Corrie Lee Abington; his wife of 49 years, Sue Lynne Cole Franklin; and one daughter, Katherine Sue Franklin. He is survived by his wife of 14 years Ottie Mercer Franklin; two sons: John Bernard Franklin and his wife Jann and William Cole Franklin and his wife Lottie, all of Grand Cane; and three grandchildren: Andrew Cole Franklin of Jackson Mississippi, John Paul Franklin of Austin, Texas, and Sarah Lynne Franklin of Grand Cane. He is also survived by the scores of others that he accepted, mentored, taught, and loved throughout his life. He made everyone feel special and gave himself fully to all he encountered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Grand Cane Baptist Church at P.O. Box 264, Grand Cane, LA 71032 or to the Grand Cane Cemetery Association at P.O. Box 472, Grand Cane, LA 71032.

On September 27, 2019 a great life of service came to an end at the Spring Lake Rehab Center in Shreveport, LA. He was born to the parentage of the late Deacon Horace Dinkins, Sr. and Mrs. Myrtis Blow Dinkins in Grand Cane, LA. on May 31, 1941. His parents, Horace Dinkins Sr., precede him in death and Myrtis Blow Dinkins and brother Horace Dinkins Jr. and his son.

Deacon Charlie Dinkins was a member of the St. Elizabeth B.C. in Grand Cane, La. Where the Rev. Donzell Hughes is the Pastor. He received his formal education at Grand Cane Community Rosendwald School. He graduated from DeSoto High School in Mansfield and later received his B.S. Degree from Grambling State University in General Science and Social Studies. For twenty seventy

(27) years he taught in DeSoto Parish and fourteen years (14) years in Caddo Parish.

On August 25, 1986 he married the lovely Glenda Allums and to this union there were two beautiful daughters. Their love and their family were always cherished.

His life and legacy will be remembered b his wife, Glenda Allums Dinkins, his daughters – Shinquita S. Dinkins and Charlita LaShundra Dinkins. Eight grandchildren, four brothers Ned Dinkins, Eddie Dinkins, Dr. Preston Dinkins and Gregory Prescott and three aunts, several nieces, nephews, many friends and relatives at the St. Elizabeth Baptist Church and the New Elizabeth Baptist Church.

Mr. Charlie Dinkins touched many lives both academically and spiritually. He will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart.

Family hour will be Friday night, October 4, 2019 at the St. Elizabeth Baptist Church, Hwy 3015 from 6-8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Saturday October 5, 2 019 at the St. Elizabeth Church at 11:00 am.

Funeral services for Maud Rae Smith will be held at First Baptist Church in Mansfield, LA on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Thumper Miller and Rev. Joe Wagner officiating. Family will receive friends for visitation at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Quitman, LA at 4:00 p.m.

Maud was born on January 18, 1927 in Quitman, Louisiana to James Robert “Rob” Deese and Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Stewart Deese. Mrs. Smith entered into rest on September 21, 2019 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband James Nelton “Butch” Smith; brothers Aubrey Deese, J.L. Deese, and Gordon Deese; daughter-in-law Melanie Smith; granddaughter Kimberly Boyd Savoy and great-granddaughter Kimberly Breann Bartch.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son Donny Smith of Mansfield, LA; daughter Rita Boyd & husband Ed of Lafayette, LA; grandchildren Kyle Edward Boyd of Lafayette, LA and Shannon Smith Bartch & husband Jeffrey of Zwolle, LA; great-grandchildren Grant, Myla & Walker Bartch.

Honoring Mrs. Smith as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Bartch, Ed Boyd, Chuck Dowden, J. C. Ward, Carroll Smith and Steven Spurlock.

Funeral services for Joseph H. Hamon, 89, of Logansport, Louisiana were at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 3, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana with Reverend Rev. Charles Hall & Rev. Shawn Thrapp officiating. The burial followed in the Cool Springs Cemetery in Logansport, La. The family received friends for visitation on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 12 PM until service time at the First Baptist Church in Logansport.

Joseph, the son of Glenn & Anna Mae Hamon, was born December 4, 1929 in Advent, West Virginia. He passed away on September 29, 2019 in Hemphill, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Bobbye Jean Hamon, parents, brother Curtis Hammond, and sisters Jewell Shamblin & Kathryn Frisby.

Joseph was a corporal in the Unites States Marine Corps.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, John Paul Hamon and wife Terri, David Ray Hamon and wife Debbie, daughter Pamela Fleming & husband Robert along with his sister Donna Sanford and husband Ronnie, brother-in-law Jerry White and wife Judy. His pride and joys were his grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great granddaughter. Grandchildren, Melissa Landry & husband Richie, Brian Fleming, Jenny Lord & husband Drew, Leah Neal & husband Jonathan, Megan Hanks & husband Brandon, Paula Rabon & husband Mat, Derrick Hamon & wife Casey, and Nicole Hamon, 18 great grandchildren and 1 greatgreat granddaughter Cecilia Sylvester. He also has a host of other nieces, nephews and family members.

Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers will be Brian Fleming, Derrick Hamon, Mat Rabon, Brayden Tyler, Jonathan Neal, Brandon Hanks, Richie Landry and Forrest Landry. Honorary pallbearers will be Drew Lord, Ty Neal, Case Rabon, Rowan Hanks, Weston Rabon, Daxton Hamon, Cylas Hamon, Gage Hamon and Blake Sylvester.

Funeral services for Nell Fox Platt were held at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Mansfield, LA on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. with The Right Reverend Charles E. Jenkins, D.D. officiating. Family received friends for visitation at the parish hall on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Interment was held at Grand Cane Cemetery in Grand Cane, LA.

Nell was born on August 27, 1926 in Ruston, Louisiana to Lawrence J. Fox and Ina Shepherd Fox. She entered into rest on September 29, 2019 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Walter C. Platt D.D.S., parents, brother, Larry Fox and grandson, Scott Radford.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Dr. Walter S. Platt D.D.S. & wife Kay of Baton Rouge, LA, daughters, Allyson E. Menefee & husband Tandy of ElDorado, AR, Ninette P. Russell & husband John of Grand Cane, LA, Mary Margaret Radford of Mansfield, LA, sisters, Lucille Fox Jones of Baton Rouge, LA, Kathryn Fox Allen of Colorado Springs, CO, grandchildren, Chuck Menefee, Courtney Menefee, Jodie Legendre & husband Steve, Rodney Cobb & wife Mary Vay, Joshua Platt, Jaimee Platt, Katie Hebert & husband John, Brad Radford and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Nell was active in the hospital auxiliary and the Episcopal community of women at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. In her younger years she was an avid tennis player. She also enjoyed playing bridge and dancing. Nell was probably best known as always having a positive attitude and being able to laugh no matter what the situation.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Platt will be her grandsons, Chuck Menefee, Courtney Menefee, Rodney F. Cobb, Joshua Platt, Brad Radford and Steve Legendre. Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Russell and Jordan Russell.

A special thanks to our mother’s caregivers Lora Duncan, Carrie Page, Doris Fant and Superior Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, 401 Washington Avenue Mansfield, LA. 71052.

Graveside services for Ruben Wayne Melton were held at Belmont Cemetery in Belmont, LA on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Larry Pridmore officiating. Family received friends for visitation at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Ruben was born April 24, 1956 in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana to Ruben Jackson Melton and Etta Gertrude Constable Melton. He entered into rest on October 5, 2019 in Mansfield, LA.

Mr. Melton was preceded in death by his parents. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his sisters, Dorothy Cloud and Kathy Melton; nephews, Julian Cloud & wife Stacey and Kenneth Cloud & wife Leah and numerous great-nieces.

Honoring Ruben as pallbearers will be Julian Cloud, Kenneth Cloud, Brandon Kent, Randy Gallaspy, Jacob Childress and David Welborn.

John B. Robbins died peacefully at home in the arms of his sisters on October 8, 2019. He was born on May 11, 1958 in Mansfield, Louisiana to James Marvin Robbins and Marcella “Chena” Virginia Rambin Robbins. A memorial visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA on Saturday, October 19, 2019 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 3:30 p.m. Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. He was a loving son, brother and uncle. Johnny is preceded in death by his father, nephews: John Moore and Dylan Roy, and niece Amy Deramus. He is survived by his mother, sisters: Cecilia Deramus, Gay Blackmon, Roseanne Robbins, Theresa Robbins, Cathy Roy, Laura Simmons, and Belinda Moore; brothers: Andrew Robbins and Daymon Robbins, 9 nieces, 8 nephews, 9 great nieces, and 10 great nephews. He retired from General Motors in Shreveport, LA. In his early years he was a talented athlete; playing basketball, running track, playing softball and pasture golf. He enjoyed music and there was nothing he liked better than jamming out with family and friends, playing guitar and drums. After retirement he lovingly tended his family home place in Oxford, or as he liked to call it, "Roxford". Johnny was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing, and he will be greatly missed around campfires at the cabin and the hunting lease where stories will continue to be told about him from generation to generation. In lieu of flowers, and because he was “Uncle Johnny” to every child he met, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital at www.giftfunds.stjude.org/johnrobbins.

Rock On Johnny B, Rock On.