Phyllis Ray Brooks, age 79, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away at 4:30 pm on May 23, 2021. After a long struggle with several ailments in recent years, she went to be with the Lord Jesus and is now without pain or illness.

Miss Brooks was born in Waco, Texas on March 3, 1942 to Pauline Ray and William Ira Brooks. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Madelynn Brooks. She is survived by her nephews, nieces, and several grandnephews and grandnieces: Chris and Stephanie Brooks, Josh and Alicia Choat (children Aria and Leo), Hunter and Lindsey Brooks, Alex and Brii Kellum, Tanner Brooks, Keith and Sally Riddle (children, Addis and Heidi), Roy and Rebecca Harsila (children: Brooks and Bodee), Ben Brooks (child: Alix), as well as by cousins in the Brooks family.

Phyllis Ray Brooks was admitted to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) on November 8, 1969 in the Sterling C Robertson Chapter in Waco. Her current chapter was Cedar Mountains, District II. She had been a member for almost 52 years.

Phyllis enjoyed holidays with family, genealogy research, volunteering, working as a substitute teacher, and serving in the DRT. She loved the people of Ovilla Road Baptist Church and her work at the Veteran’s Administration. Phyllis had a knack for making jalapeno jelly that she gave as gifts at Christmas time.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Ovilla Road Baptist Church … 3251 Ovilla Road, Red Oak, TX

Obit

Leland Howard, 79, of Houston, Texas, passed away April 18, 2021 in his home with family after a prolonged illness.

He grew up in Waco, his fondest memory was riding his bike in Cameron Park. Mr. Howard was involved in upstream oil and gas as senior management in oilfield operations, marine and domestic as well as International.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Jeanne Motley, and parents Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Howard of Waco, Texas.

He is survived by his daughter Debra Armstrong and granddaughter LeAnn Armstrong of Humble, Texas.

Mr. Howard attended the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas and was a patron of the arts.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the arts of your choice.

Sandi Overholser, age 79, went to heaven on March 27, 2021, due to Covid related complications.

Sandi was born, March 26, 1942 in Hillsboro, TX and graduated from Waco High School in 1960. She moved to Albuquerque soon after, where she met the love of her life, Donald Overholser, they married March 9, 1962 and recently celebrated 59 years together. She loved and is loved by so many.

As the undisputed matriarch, her loss will be vast. Deeply rooted in Albuquerque, she enjoyed friendships that lasted more than 60 years. Sandi will be greatly missed by all who came to know her. What great times were had!

She is surely singing and leading a celebration on the other side with those that went before her. She was preceded in death by her children, Mark and Krystene. Sandi is survived by her husband Donald; brother, Don Wooten; son, Chris and wife Keni; daughter, Lana and fiance Rod; three grandchildren Shelby, Mallory, Jasah and fiance Dominic and 2 great grandchildren, Khloe and Cassius. She found her joy in spending time with family and friends at her favorite places, her church (Del Norte Baptist Church), Disney, her family cabin, car shows, choir, and numerous social groups.

A gathering commemorating Sandi’s life will be held this summer as soon as the Covid restrictions permit.

Patrick Pierce Malone, 79 of Arlington, TX died April 3, 2021 in Arlington, TX. He was born at Providence Hospital in Waco, TX on March 12, 1942 to A.H. and Beatrice Pierce Malone. Pat grew up in Waco, with his younger brother Clem, and he attended Sanger Elementary, West Junior High and Waco High School, graduating in 1960.

Pat met Carol Ann Moore while in the 4th grade. They later became high school sweethearts and were married on August 24, 1962. They were married for over 58 years raising a daughter, Shara, and son, Lance.

Pat went on to study Accounting at Baylor University, and graduated with a BBA in 1964. While studying at Baylor, Pat worked at the Columbus Avenue Church of Christ in Waco, which began of his lifelong love for Christian ministry. Pat moved to work at the Glen Garden Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX, which transitioned into the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington, TX, where he served as a minister for 54 years. His many roles at the church included serving in education, administration, and most recently in Senior Adult Ministry. Pat also served as an elder of the church and as a counselor to many.

Pat had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, gardening, singing and working on the family farm in East Texas. Pat enjoyed many trips to Colorado and the deer lease. His passion was exhibition poultry, raising various breeds of chickens and showing them all over the country. Pat became a licensed APA and ABA Poultry judge, and later served two terms as the president of the American Poultry Association.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Gerrod Malone.

Pat is survived by his wife, Carol Malone, of 58 years. One brother, Clem Malone and wife Tina of Waco. One daughter, Shara Lane and husband Bryan of Temple. One son, Lance Malone of Arlington. Grandchildren: Gavin Lane and wife Lindzie of Waco, Mallory, Garrison and Graham Lane of Temple. Grant, Hannah and Trent Malone of
Arlington, TX. One great granddaughter, Zoey Lane, of Waco.

Memorials: Donations may be made to Cityofchildren.com.

Beth was born on January 8, 1943, in Waco, TX, to Oscar Grady Freeman and Ola Lee Smith. She grew up in Waco, Texas, and graduated from Waco High School in 1960. She earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1963 and taught the following year.

She married Dale Vance “Van” Holliday on June 1, 1962. Their loving marriage lasted for over 47 years. Beth and Van welcomed their first daughter, Kathryn Anne in November 1964. Shortly after, the family moved to San Diego, CA, where they remained until Van passed away in 2010. Beth loved Southern California, and especially loved being near the ocean.

They welcomed their second daughter, Karen Elizabeth in August 1968, and their third daughter, Mary Christine, in December 1974.

The family joined First Baptist Church of Pacific Beach where they formed lifelong friendships and were active members for over 46 years. Beth felt blessed to be able to serve God in various ways; including as an accomplished musician and as an educator. Beth played both the piano and organ for church services for nearly 45 years. She also served in various roles at the church’s affiliated Soledad Christian School. Over the course of 13 years she was a bookkeeper, office administrator, and principal. She officially retired in 1997.

In 2011, a year following the death of her spouse, Beth returned to her native Texas and settled in Waxahachie, in order to be closer to family. She soon joined Park Meadows Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending services and spending time with her new church family. Beth frequently commented on how happy she felt in her new home. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her three children and their families, Kathryn Bento of Waxahachie, TX, Karen and Jim Lindquist of Glen Mills, PA, and Christy and Corey Carroll of Corona, CA.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, and Joseph Bento, and Caleb and Corbin Carroll. On March 27, 2021, she found herself rejoicing in Heaven with her husband; two sisters; brother; and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Lindquist. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the music funds of either First Baptist Church of Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA , or Park Meadows Baptist Church in Waxahachie, TX. Donations may also be made to support NOAA through Ocean Conservancy.

Perry Head, 79, of Gatesville, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, in Waco.

Perry was born on April 24, 1941, in Waco, to the late William Perry and Willie Stelle Head. He grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1960. He worked at Hercules in McGregor for many years, until he opened Unique Machine Shop in 1977, in Oglesby. He was married to Dolores Saffle Head for 25 years, until she preceded him in death. He later married Phyllis Caldwell Gellasch on June 18, 1994. For many years, he coached girls’ softball and was instrumental in bringing the softball program to Gatesville High School. He loved fishing, especially in south Texas and Mexico, hunting and the outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time on his ranch with his cattle and watching his grandchildren’s sporting activities. Perry supported his community and in 2009 was honored with having the Coryell County Youth Fair dedicated to him. He was very generous, patriotic, loving and “loved life” in general. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Perry had his “own sense of humor” and always wanted a large family to love. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Head; children, Deanna Lueckenotte and husband, Bryan, Trina Chamberlain and husband, Phil, Lisa Carothers and husband, Larry, Tara Jordan and husband, Todd, Richard Gellasch and wife, Jenny; sister, Carolyn Kline and husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Taylor Lueckenotte, Brad Carothers and wife, Amber, Justin Carothers and wife, Whitney, Christopher Erwin and wife, Ashley, Crockett Carothers, Justin Jaynes and wife, Sami, Lacy Gellasch, Taite Gellasch and wife, Kristina, Kipp Gellasch, Ty Jordan, Brookelyn Jordan; great-grandchildren, Curry, Darcy, Brady, Grace, Presley and Bailey Rae; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorials be made to the Coryell County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 133, Gatesville, TX 76528.

Aubrey Stringer knew Perry quite well and had used Perry’s machine shop, which Aubrey reports is a very good shop. Aubrey and Perry had taken Industrial Arts in high school from Pop Werner and Fritz Linnstaedter when the shop room was located in the basement of Waco High School.

Aubrey also had another story about Perry. Aubrey told a friend who was needing some metal work done about Perry’s shop. One day, out of the blue, Aubrey opened a letter from Perry that also contained a nice-sized check. It was a “thank you” for the referral which had turned out to be good job for Perry.

It seems I always have more bad news than good. I have learned of the death of another graduate. I have no details other than the fact that Glenn Hurta informed me of David’s death this morning (February 12). I am aware that only in the past 10 years, David moved back to Waco. I think he was really enjoying living here.
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David Louis Daniel, of Waco, TX, died on February 5, 2021, at the age of 78.

David, born on August 6, 1942, in Waco, to Reverend Tom and Fay Daniel, was a lifelong educator who dedicated his life to improving public schools and the lives of people with disabilities. From driving a school boat on the Grand Bayou, to sharing his love of flowers as a Master Gardener, even schooling his friends in dominoes, David was a teacher at heart. He was an avid traveler, a tireless volunteer helping with everything from soup kitchens to plant sales, and a passionate Baylor Men’s Basketball and Lady Bears fan. Most importantly, he let friends and family know how very much he loved them.

David is survived by his wife and best friend since college, Fran Daniel; son, James Daniel and wife, Kristy; daughter, Francine Daniel Galko and husband, Joseph; stepchildren, Matt Carter and wife, Amie, Missy James and husband, Steve, Brad Carter and wife, Nancy; sisters, Ann Talley, and Mary McCauley and husband, Don; and diligently-walked shorkie, CJ. He was blessed with 12 beloved grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment) organization 595 S Ragsdale St., Jacksonville, TX 75766. Many thanks to loving neighbors. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Picture from 55th Class Reunion in 2015

Robert “Little Red” Wilson informed me that Cynthia Kirkland Mazza passed away peacefully at 2:49 a.m. on January 3, 2021. As he stated, “She fought the good fight.” Robert said while living in Waco, he and Cynthia had gone to the same church together since the 3rd grade.

As Cynthia lost her battle, her daughter was holding her hand while other family members were surrounding her. Cynthia’s faith was remarkable and her family was remarkably loving and attentive. Cynthia met Frank during her freshman year at Baylor, they married, and remained sweethearts all these years.

The 50th reunion in 2010 was the last one that Cynthia attended due to different issues.  Here are several pictures of Cynthia enjoying her time with graduates. A pretty smile was always on her face.