Akers Cemetery Obits
Grayson Co., Texas

Barbara Akers
1950-2007

Barbara Ann Akers, 56, of Dana, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2007.
She was born June 24, 1950, the daughter of Rubin Stephens of Prestonsburg and the late Mary Caudill Stephens.
In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, Bobby Curtis Akers; two sons, Bobby Curtis Akers II of Dwale and Ronald Brent Akers of Paintsville; three brothers, Danny C. Stephens of Martin, Teddy Tom Stephens of Prestonsburg, Bobby Caudill of Cynthiana; one sister, Nancy Meade of Dwale; and one grandson.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 25, at Hall Funeral Home.
Burial followed in Akers Cemetery. - - - Medical Leader, Jan 27, 2007 

BENNETT, Mae Belle (CHESLEY), 75, passed away 2 Oct 2003 at her home in Dorchester. Burial in the Akers Cemetery. Mae Belle was b. 12 Jan 1928 in
Dorchester to the late John and Viola (COLE) CHESLEY. She m. Ernest BENNETT on 17 Oct 1948. She and Ernest worked their farm and she was a
member of the Dorchester Baptist Church. - - - Herald Democrat, 2003

Bonnie Chesnut

SHERMAN - Bonnie Chesnut, 95-year-old Sherman resident, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2008 in Whitesboro. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Akers Cemetery, with Rev. Paul Ryan officiating. Bonnie was born Aug. 25, 1913, in the Celtic community in Grayson County to Walter and Gertrude Phares Sollis. She was educated in the Sherman Public Schools and attended Grayson County College. She worked as a realtor, a bookkeeper for Harper Oil Company and a cashier for GTE. She married Cecil R. Chesnut on Feb. 9, 1941, in Durant Okla. After more than 63 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on June 12, 2004. She is survived by cousins and caretakers, Charles and Lois Sims. You may sign the online guestbook at www.dannelfuneralhome.com.

 Dana A. Blocker

Former editor Blocker dies
By Kathy Williams
Herald Democrat
In the nearly 25 years since he retired as editor of the Sherman Democrat, Dana A. Blocker never ceased to be the essence of a newsman. He kept his news sources close and his writing skills sharp. He regularly visited the newsroom of the Herald Democrat, welcoming new reporters and keeping an eye on our work.Mr. Blocker died Tuesday at 89, leaving a legacy of concern about the community in which he lived, particularly the education of its young people. Throughout his life, he championed the causes dear to journalists: Free
speech, quality reporting and satisfying the public's right to know."Dana
Blocker was a remarkable man and a talented journalist," said Perry Flippin, who followed Mr. Blocker as editor of the Sherman Democrat. "He inspired dozens of us reporters, photographers and editors to pursue newspaper careers and to serve the public. I never met anyone more curious, more devoted to his craft or more honest in his dealings than Dana. He stayed hitched to his principles and to his hometown. He was virtuous in his insistence on accuracy and fairness."Dana was the embodiment of the hometown editor. He loved sports, politics, education, law enforcement, religion - in short, he loved people. I admired his energy, his compassion and his integrity. He was one of the wisest and most caring men I've ever known. He was my mentor and friend for the 16 years I lived in Sherman."When Mr. Blocker retired in April of 1980, Flippin quoted him, "I like newspaper work because it offers a way to make a contribution to our system, our way of life ... Newspapers ought to make people think. Good people who are well informed usually find the right answer."He contributed in many ways to his community and his country. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at Perrin Field, where he served as a reporter and began a newspaper on the base called the Perrin Pilot. However, his newspaper career began in his high school days when he worked at the school newspaper and the Texarkana Gazette. When he received his discharge from the service, he went straight to work at the Sherman Democrat. His newspaper career spanned 50 years. Although his primary professional focus throughout life was journalism, he was deeply involved in his church, with congregations of the Walnut Street Church of Christ, the Wood Street Church of Christ, the Travis Street Church of Christ, and later at Western Heights Church of Christ. He was committed to excellence in education and expressed that commitment in many forms. He worked with the Texas Press Association to pioneer the concept of hiring summer college interns to learn the newspaper business. He served as a challenging mentor to many young writers and
celebrated their successes, even as his own career wound down. He served on the boards of development for what was then Oklahoma Christian College and Abilene Christian College. He taught journalism at ACC as an adjunct professor for a short time. Mr. Blocker also worked through the Sherman Jaycees, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club to discharge his civic esponsibilities. He was one of the Jaycees' founders and served as its president. His broad interests also drew him to the Grayson County 4-H in which he held honorary membership. He and his first wife, Mary Ellen Pate Blocker who died in 1983, reared two daughters, Ellen and Martha. He gained two stepsons, Phillip and Jerry, and a stepdaughter, Pat, when he married Mary Chisholm Smith in 1987.Asked to comment on the passing of his friend and colleague, Wilburn Grisham, who served as wire editor and city editor of the Sherman Democrat, said, "First, my heart goes out to his wife Mary and the rest of his family. I share in their grief and loss. As for me, I feel I've lost more than someone I worked with for 30 years. I've lost a good friend." Dana was a tough boss, but to me he was always fair. He demanded the best his reporters could give him. Simply, he was a good newspaper man." I found Dana to be also a very compassionate man. I know on numerous occasions, he shared in both the joys and the difficulties of the folks around him. He will be missed. "Mr. Blocker worked to improve the world by honing his own reporting and writing skills, by encouraging journalists to better themselves and by lobbying for open government laws. He was active in both the Associated Press and
United Press International, serving a term as president of UPI Managing Editors. However, he effected change in his profession primarily through daily activities as a reporter and editor. In a career that extended from the days molten lead "hot type" to the computer age, he followed but one professional path. "Dana was pure newsman," said Herald Democrat Editor Don Eldredge. "He lived and breathed newspapers. And that didn't change with retirement. He kept in touch; knew all the reporters who came to work in the 25 years since he retired. He always took an active interest in what was in the newspaper. He came in to give us tips. He never let that fire die. He was the consummate newspaper man. "Services for Mr. Blocker will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Western Heights Church of Christ with burial at Akers Cemetery.

 Eva Gladys Holmes Brinkley

Graveside services for Eva Gladys Holmes Brinkley 79, who passed away Tuesday, July 30, 1996 in San Antonio, Texas will be held at Akers Cemetery, Mon­day, August 5, 1996 at 11 a. m. Dannel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Brinkley was born April 1, 1917 in Sherman, Texas, the daughter of John and Bertha Hammond Holmes. She was a Sherman High School graduate, Class of 1935. She married Shel­ley R. Brinkley of Sherman, Sep­tember 5, 1937. She was pianist and assistant clerical worker for several years at the East Sher­man Baptist Church. She was active in church work while residing in Dallas, Waco and San Antonio. She served several years as librarian for the San Antonio Genealogical and His­torical Societies. Her sister, Mary Elizabeth Holmes Pryor, former­ly of Sherman, recently preceded her in death. She is survived by her hus­band, of San Antonio, Texas; sons William Ralph Brinkley of San Antonio, Texas, and Stanley Joe Brinkley of Tucson, Arizona; aunt, Georgia Holmes of Sherman; six grandchildren; two great-grand­children; nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 735, Sherman, Texas 75091 or to the donor`s favorite charity. The family will be at Dannel Funeral Home Sunday afternoon from 5 to 7 p. m. - - - Sherman Herald Democrat, 1996

 

DORCHESTER - Manuel Duran Sr., 71, of Dorchester passed away Nov. 26, 2008 at his home. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Fr. Jeremy Myers will officiate and Deacon Thomas Avila will assist. Burial will follow at Akers Cemetery. Manuel was born Sept. 12, 1937 in Lubbock to Marcus Duran and Margret Martinez Duran. He grew up in Ida Lou. Manuel was preceded in death by his son Michael Jerome Duran, Feb. 2, 1973,-Aug 11, 2007. He is survived by wife Jane Vasquez Duran and his children: Teresa Duran Lopez and husband Noe, Dorothy Duran Gallegos and husband Concepcion, Manuel Duran Jr., Rebecca Duran Denison and husband Doyle, James Duran and wife Colleen, Donna Duran Waide, Gilbert Duran, Gabriel Duran and wife Crystal and Laura Huff Duran, daughter in law. Manuel is survived by 20 grandchildren as well as his brothers Ronnie and Johnny Duran, sisters Mary Ramos, and Annie Alvarado. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 at the Waldo Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon John LeBlanc officiating. A visitation will follow from 6:30 -8 p.m. The online register may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness and prayers during their difficult time. - - - Texas Obituaries, Nov 28, 2008

Mildred Galyon

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Services will be held for Mildred Galyon on Thursday, August 13 at 10:00AM at Dannel Funeral Home. Joe Ed Furr of Western Heights Church of Christ will officiate. Interment will follow at Akers Cemetery. Mrs. Galyon passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2009.
Mildred was born on July 24, 1919 in Bells, Texas to Dee and Modena Kidd Rubarts.
She was a graduate of Savoy High School. On June 17, 1939 she married Floyd Galyon in Sherman, Texas. He preceded her in death on February 8, 1987. She was a longtime member of Western Heights Church of Christ.
Mildred was a longtime secretary for Dannel Funeral Home and beloved friend to all who entered.
During her retirement she filled her life by being “Mimi” to her family and host of friends.
She is survived by her children Bill Galyon and Judith Galyon of Sherman, step-daughter Delores Weatherman of Ector; grandchildren Sara Galyon and Matthew Lee both of Sherman and Lisa Lee Jones of Alliance, Ohio.
Pallbearers for Mrs. Galyon will be Matthew Lee, Tommy Rubarts, Don “Red” Rubarts, Joe Rubarts, Ken Mullens; honorary pallbearers Joseph LaRocca, Richard Oglesby and Roy Lee Galyon.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dannel Funeral Home.
If desired memorials may be made to Western Heights Church of Christ 800 Baker Park Drive, Sherman, TX 75092 or Sherman Public Library 421 N. Travis, Sherman, TX 75090. - - - Dannel Funeral Home, Aug 9, 2009

 

Hood, Oliver Perry Hazard , 9-27-1821/8-8-1895 , buried Akers Cemetery  (pension # 26147)

Mary E. Johnson
1927-2006
Mary E. Johnson, 79, of Prestonsburg, Ky., died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006. 
She was born Jan. 11, 1927, the daughter of the late Ivory A. and Elsie Collins Smiley.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Abe Smiley; and two sisters, Helen Smiley Holbrook and Waleda Smiley.
She is survived by one son, Kenneth Smiley of Prestonsburg; one daughter, Carlene Muncy of Prestonsburg; one sister, Phyllis A. Boyd of Plaino, Texas; four grandchildren, Lisa, Angie, Kenneth and Kevin; and one great-grandson, Cameron.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 31, at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home. Burial followed in Akers Cemetery. - - - Medical Leader, Jan 27, 2007

 

Johnson, Phillip

 HOWE - Funeral services for Phillip Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 in the Howe Church of Christ. Toby Soechting of the church will officiate. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps will be held at Akers Cemetery. Phillip went to be with his Father in Heaven and left his earthly shell with its pain and heartache on Sept. 21, 2009.
Phillip began his earthly life on July 22, 1922 in Albany, Okla., born to Lydia Adelia and Alonzo Henry Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Minnie Jewel (Johnnie) Thomas, Mildred Boone, and Ruth Johnson.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 62 years and 8 months, Fern L. Johnson of the home; daughter, Phyllis Thornton; grandchildren, Justin G. Thornton and Jennifer D. Thornton; and two great-grandchildren, Katrina and Alyssa, all of Edmond, Okla.
Phillip served his country as a Marine during World War II. His duty carried him through most of the Pacific Theater, including the battle of Okinawa. After the war, Phillip returned to Sherman and married his longtime sweetheart, Fern Smith on Jan. 26, 1947. After the wedding, Fern and Phillip attended North Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Austin College. Phillip graduated from Austin College in 1952. During this time, Fern and Phillip's daughter was born.
Phillip worked for Sherman Manufacturing Co. as well as many other places to support his family while attending Austin College. Upon graduation, he was hired by Texas Seismograph Co. and subsequently Rayflex Oil Exploration Co. where he worked as their chief computer. The family lived in six states and many towns in those states during the five years he was so employed.
In 1957, Phillip and Fern began teaching school. They taught 2 1/2 years in Texas and then 16 years in Yuma, Ariz. In the summers and also during a sabbatical from Arizona, they attended East Texas State University (now TAMU at Commerce). Phillip earned a master's degree and completed all the course work for a doctorate in biology. He worked on his doctorate while holding a teaching fellowship.
While living in Arizona, Phillip raised quarter horses as a hobby and enjoyed riding horses with his daughter. Fern and Phillip gave Phyllis this support in enjoying something she had always dreamed of doing.
Phillip and Fern retired from teaching in 1977 to work a farm they had purchased near Howe. They raised cattle and grew wheat, corn, and milo. In 1987, Phillip and Fern moved to the Florida Keys and lived there off and on for seven years. Phil was fond of fishing, swimming, and boating and the Keys made a perfect playground. He really enjoyed catching dolphin, sailfish, yellowtail, etc.
Phillip and Fern returned to their home in Howe in 2001 and remained there until he succumbed to the ravages of time and peripheral artery disease.
While Phillip was attending Austin College in the 1950s, he declared his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the remission of his sins. He continued to walk in the light of his faith in God, Jesus, and the Spirit through out his life. His family looks forward with the hope that is ours through our Lord, Jesus Christ, to the day we will be reunited to live together forever with God, our Father.
The family will receive friends from 5 -7 p.m. Wednesday at Waldo Funeral Home. The online register book can be signed at waldofuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Boles Children's Home at 7065 Love, Quinlan, TX 75474. Published in The Herald Democrat on 9/23/2009

RICHARD ARLEN “MONK” MORRELL

Services for Richard Arlen “Monk” Morrell, 64, of Pottsboro, will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 at the Waldo Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Akers Cemetery in Sherman. Services are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.
Richard Arlen “Monk” Morrell passed away on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at the Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman.
He was born on Dec. 5, 1944 in Los Angeles, Calif. the son of John Estell and Katheryn Rachel Clifton Morrell. Monk was drafted into the Marines and served in the Vietnam War. He loved to cook, compete in chili cookoffs, drag boat races, fishing and most of all, spending time with his family and reading to his grandkids. Monk was loved and was very proud of his son. He never met a stranger and loved his friends. Monk played football at OSU before being drafted into the Marines.
He is survived by his wife, Toni Morrell of Pottsboro; son, Richard Arlen “Rick” Morrell II and his wife Patsy of Whitesboro; mother, Katheryn Rachel Morrell; two grandchildren, Richard Arlen “River” Morrell III and Madison Morrell; two brothers, Claude Morrell and wife Pat of Bells and Ronnie Joe Morrell and wife Linda of Gainesville and their son Brad and his wife Nicole. Monk is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Pallbearers will be Bob Carter, Bob Bruegemann, Scott McKinney, Marc Thompson, Mark Akin, Buddy Gray, Joe Mac Williams, Vince West and Wayne McCarley.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the donors charity of choice.
The online register book may be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com. - - - Gainesville Daily Register, Sept 6, 2009

Robert “Bob” Lyle Norrell

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 Robert Lyle Norrell

Graveside services for Robert “Bob” Lyle Norrell, 65, of Sherman will be held on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Akers Cemetery. Reverend Kenneth Dacus of Victory Missionary Baptist Church will officiate assisted by Chaplain Carol Hobson of Home Hospice of Grayson County. Bob passed away on Tuesday, July 21 at his residence. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home.
Bob was born on July 11, 1944 at Perrin Air Force Base the son of Alvie L. and Hazel Claunch Norrell.
He was a 1963 graduate of Sherman High School and after graduation he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.
On May 17, 1972 he married Judy Coffman at Kerr Chapel Baptist Church in Sherman.
Preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Andrew Coffman.
Bob is survived by his wife Judy, aunts, Lota Lee Norrell of Sherman, Willie Claunch of Gainesville, mother – in- law Peggy Coffman of Sherman and brother- in-law David Coffman of Sherman and several cousins.
If desired, memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County, 505 W. Center, Sherman, TX 75090. - - - Dannel Funeral Home, July 21, 2009

 

BERTHA PELLEY - Howe - Services for Bertha Pelley, 93-year-old Howe Texas resident, were at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct 10 at the Howe Church of Christ. She died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002. Toby Soechting officiated with burial following in Akers Cemetery. Mrs. Pelley was born on Feb. 29, 1909, in Turkey, Texas, daughter of David and Katherine Matthews Gunn. She married Elmer Lee Pelley on Oct. 7, 1933. He preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 1956. She was a member of the Howe Church of Christ. She was also preceded in death by one son, Wayne Pelley, and one daughter, Thelma Timpson. Surviving is her daughter, Sue Vance of Howe. She was also a loving grandmother to her five grandchildren, Debbie Pelley, Marietta Youngblood, Barbara Smitherman, Terry Hooper and Susie Cooley, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Flesher Funeral Home in Howe had charge of arrangements. 

Rahamy Arden Mitchell

     Funeral services for Rahamy Arden Mitchell, 38, of Bonham will be held on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Key Memorial United Methodist Church in Sherman. Rev. Albert Fisher of the church will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Akers Cemetery with Military Honors and Law Enforcement Color Guard Honors accorded at graveside. The family and friends will return to the church after the service to fellowship. Arrangements are under direction of Dannel Funeral Home of Sherman.
Deputy Mitchell died in the line of duty early Sunday morning, Jan. 7, 2007 in Fannin County. Mr. Mitchell was born Jan. 14, 1968 in Sherman, Tex., the son of John Mitchell and Judith Little Mitchell Morris. He was a graduate of Sherman High School where he excelled at football and always had time to mentor to younger players.

Upon graduation, Rahamy served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was employed with Presco for 10 years before becoming a member of law enforcement as a jailer. In 2002 he became a field patrol deputy for Fannin County. He was to be promoted to Investigator in the near future. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Morris in 2002 and his grandfather, Woodrow Little. He is survived by his son, Kiefer Woodrow Mitchell of Sherman; his father, John Mitchell of Beaumont, CA.; grandmother, Billie Little of Bonham; sisters, Jamie Morris of Denison, Krista Howes of California, Amanda Holcomb and husband, Kevin, Kelli Elmore, Sondra Arnold, Amber Horton, Gracie; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Dannel Funeral Home. Pallbearers for Deputy Mitchell will be Kevin Verner, Rick Landeros, George Robinson, Greg Garrison, Tracy Foster and Terry Clark. If desired, memorials may be made to the Kiefer Mitchell Benefit Fund c/o American Bank of Texas, 2011 Texoma Parkway, Sherman, Tex. 75090 or any branch, or Bonham State Bank.
You may sign the online registry at DannelFuneralHome.com.