Robert Collins (“Bob”) Easter, Sr. passed from this realm on August 11, 2023 while surrounded by his family. They know that he is now free of all pain and worry as he has been welcomed into Heaven as a good and faithful servant. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and intentional action that will continue to inspire all who loved him.

Bob was born November 18, 1941 in Waco, Texas and was the youngest of eight children born to his parents Christopher Columbus Easter and Essie Marie (Smith) Easter. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carolyn (Castille) Easter, with whom he proudly shared a blended family. Surviving children are: son Robert C. Easter, Jr. and wife Lea (Anthony) Easter; son Christopher Easter and wife Lori (Elam) Easter; son Patrick Easter and wife Jennifer (Fowler) Easter; daughter Catherine (Bowyer) Dant; son John Bowyer and wife Irene Bowyer.

The grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him so much joy! All will remember their BeBe with love: Jordan (Easter) Taylor and husband Steele along with their children Samuel and Margaret; Will Easter and wife Ann Banks (Blackwell) Easter; Alden (Easter) Lopez and husband Max; Chloe Easter; Rylee Elam; Christopher Easter; David Easter; Amanda Easter; Madison Dant and fiance Kabryn Hodgson; William Dant and fiance Paige Bartok along with their infant son Alexander; and Christopherous Bowyer.

Bob worked continuously on genealogical research and he learned his family’s American story began with indentured servitude in 1664 in Virginia. Members of the family have served in every aspect of military and farming life since the beginning of our country, which Bob recognized as honorable work to form and support a great nation. He had high hopes for the United States to continue growth with integrity. The call of his ancestors led to amazing work restoring a family cemetery in Alabama and he has collaborated in publishing the stories as well. “May your thirst and understanding of this history fill your soul with a renewed hope for the future” was his inscription. The numerous family members whom he has connected over the years were all very special to him.

Work ethic was strong with Bob, and it is a value which he encouraged in his children. He worked from very early in his youth (picking cotton, delivering newspapers on a bicycle, helping on the family farm) and learned valuable lessons from each experience. His career in the newspaper business included his position as Director of Circulation at the Austin American-Statesman. He went on to the real estate business, where he owned and operated Easter and Easter, Realtors for many years and became known as “Mr. Sold Mine” during the 1980’s. He was always a consumer advocate and sought out creative ways to improve the industry.

With all of his professional accolades and accomplishments, he would most like to be remembered for his family and for his gardening. A proud certified Texas Organic Gardener, he was at his happiest when digging in the dirt. And what perfect dirt it is! (Texas A&M said so; yes his soil was tested.) His tomatoes and leafy greens are legendary, and he was proud to grow nutritious and heirloom food year-round for his family and for the local food pantries. While he thought no one was listening, those around him have absorbed countless insights into what makes a garden grow, what plants are best companions, and what foods our ancestors ate for best health. Friends and family will always remember him when using seaweed or planting garlic in their own gardens. Bob recently reminded us that the garden was the first gift from God to Man and Woman. He found spiritual connection in the garden and especially among his friends at Sunshine Community Gardens and the Grow Together Community Garden at Gateway. Bob also donated food to and lived the mission of the Micah 6 organization, which is based on Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Bob Easter was most definitely a humble man, and he constantly gave thanks to God and to all the people whom he encountered. No matter how he met each person, he was truly interested in their stories and he fostered connection at every opportunity. Hopefully his example can help others spread a bit more kindness throughout the world. With gratitude, the family would like to thank all those who have blessed his life with friendship and support.

In lieu of flowers, kindly contribute to Sunshine Community Gardens or Gateway Church in memory of Bob Easter.

Additional information and pictures

Nancy Kay (Lehman) Kehl passed away in the early morning hours of June 25, 2023 at her home in Valley Mills.

Nancy was born on January 7, 1942 in Waco, Texas to Ruby Pearl (Garrett) and Elmer Schrader Lehman. She was born one month after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Nancy graduated from Waco High School and later attended 4C Business College in Waco. She met her future husband, Jon Chapman Kehl, on a blind date. They were married on October 6, 1962 and celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing on December 15, 2015.

Nancy worked for several years at Lone Star Gas before going to work at Lake Shore United Methodist Church where she worked for over 20 years. She was an active member of Praisewind Church on the Rock in Bellmead for many years and later also at the Church of Christ Valley Mills. Nancy loved being a part of the church and was a true “prayer warrior”. She never met a stranger and cherished her many friendships.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Jon Kehl; parents, Ruby and Elmer Lehman; brother, James E. Lehman and nephew, James E. Lehman, Jr.  Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Stephen Paul Kehl and wife Samantha Najvar Kehl, and their sons, William and Harrison all of Hurst, Texas; son, Mark Chapman Kehl and wife Jennifer Starks Kehl, and their children, Kobe and Tanner Alba, Ethan Kruger and Brianna Kehl all of Valley Mills, Texas; and a host of other family and friends.

In happier days when Nancy’s beloved husband was alive:

This is the “official” Obit for Kay.

Lynnette Kay Wells (known as Kay by family and friends) entered eternal joy, peace, and perfect love on June 9, 2023, after fighting the good fight, keeping the faith, and finishing her race. Born during World War II on December 27, 1941, in Waco, TX to Harry Ullrich and Lydia Grohowski Ullrich, Kay grew up with a tangible love of all people and embraced diversity. Coming into the world fresh on the heels of the Great Depression also shaped her formative years. She had a green thumb and started working at a florist shop as a teenager to help her family pay the bills, with gardening (flowers, plants, vegetables, and fruit) remaining a passion throughout her life. Kay continued mastering the art of frugality in adulthood by clipping coupons, sewing clothing items from scraps of material, adding to the family’s dime jar to save money for household items, and finding innovative ways to repurpose various objects most others would have tossed. Down-to-earth Kay knew what really mattered to her, and earthly possessions did not make her values-based list.

In 1958, Kay was at a friend’s house, with her tiny dog peeking out of her purse, and in walked a dashing young man, Doyle Wells, who was heading off to college to study preaching. He was immediately smitten, but she wasn’t convinced. They exchanged handwritten letters for a couple of years until Doyle stopped replying. In response, spitfire Kay mailed a one-sentence note announcing that if that’s how he was going to be, she was done…that is, until Doyle unexpectedly appeared at her door, walked her to his 1956 Chevy, and proposed. Thus began a 62-year story of ministry, triumphs, and heartbreaks, enveloped in dedication and unconditional love that included the meaningful relationships she shared with her many in-laws, friends, and future family.

Inventive, creative, and passionate are three words to describe Kay’s Sunday School teaching. She spent countless hours designing visual aids with an overhead projector, and little ones’ eyes were glued to her as she captivated them with her storytelling. Kay (a history buff) and Doyle also went on mission trips to Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Czechia, returning with many insights about the historical changes between their visits.

Kay embraced her role as a minister’s wife and served from the kitchen using her excellent culinary skills. She delivered made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread to loved ones and those who were sick or otherwise suffering. She hosted parties for congregation members, including an annual Stone Soup gathering. Kay and Doyle provided the melt-in-your-mouth cornbread and soup base, to which each attendee added a can of vegetables. There was a lesson in virtually everything she did, with this one exemplifying the benefits of sharing, collaborating, and supporting one another. No party was complete without games; two of her favorites were Bridge and Dominoes. Rarely could anyone be in a room without hearing Kay’s spirited, infectious laugh (or legendary sneezes). She could “have a conversation with a fence post,” having never met a stranger and knowing how to make newcomers feel welcome. She loved, remembered, and served people wholeheartedly.

The boundless love Kay exuded extended to her children. She never missed one of their events unless they occurred simultaneously, in which case she and Doyle alternated which activities they attended. She understood the power of being present and that modeling how to live was more profound than telling her kids how to live.

Kay was the bookkeeper for a nonprofit in Austin, TX during her senior years until a stroke altered her course. Healthcare workers raved about her positivity, perseverance, sweetness, and gratitude throughout her physical struggles, and several loved ones surrounded her on the day she went to her reward.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Vernelle Richter. Left to relish her legacy of love, faith, service, laughter, and cinnamon rolls are her beloved husband, Doyle; her two children, Evin “The Kid” (Michaella) and Heather “Punkin” Wells; and her adored grandkids, Brooke, Riley, Hayden, and Addison Wells, along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

If you wish to honor the life of Kay Wells, nothing would have made her happier than knowing someone did so by engaging in an act of service for another person.

 
 

Kay’s daughter, Heather Wells, posted this loving tribute to her mother on Facebook.

Mom is no longer in pain, and she now enjoys perfect love, peace, and joy. Her body left this world Friday night, but her spirit lives on.

My mom lovingly served people from the kitchen. We delivered made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread to families in need, and not a week went by during her healthy years when people didn’t rave about her culinary skills, to go along with her numerous other strengths.

Mom was a devoted preacher’s wife and created the curriculum and staffing for Sunday school classes. She and I spent countless hours in the garage with an overhead projector designing visual aids (before the days of Google Slides or PowerPoint), and she knew how to make them come to life. Little ones’ wide eyes were glued on her as she captivated them with her storytelling.

People regularly share testimonials about how she transformed their lives with her teachings, and, more importantly, by the example she set. My dad liked to say that Mom could converse with a fence post because she had never met a stranger and knew how to make newcomers feel welcome. Who wouldn’t want to talk to a person with that gorgeous smile of hers? And she knew how to laugh with her whole body.

I am grateful to my core for her genuine heart, the example of service to others she personified, and the life lessons that helped mold me into who I am.

Because of my mom and various experiences with her, I learned:

• People are multi-faceted. Mistakes or struggles do not indicate the quality of one’s character. Forgiveness, grace, and perspective are paramount.
• Find what’s good. Instead of judging a book by its cover, take the time to read the pages.
• The most profound personal growth often comes through trials, not on the mountaintops.
• Adversity equips us to serve others on a more profound, empathetic level.
• Providing unconditional love does not require us to lose our self-respect. Boundaries are essential.
• No one “makes me feel” a certain way. I am in charge of how I handle situations.
• Self-compassion makes it possible to love others more fully.
• Everyone deserves to have a voice.
• Authenticity is much more meaningful than a shiny persona.
• Sweeping legitimate issues under the carpet instead of addressing them does not create enduring peace.
• Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t worth it. A values-driven life is one worth living.
• Tasks one person can accomplish easily might be a challenge for someone else, and vice versa. Even if we’ve traveled on a journey similar to another person, everyone’s story and responses are valid and unique.
• Quality of life matters and can change in the blink of an eye. Relish the small moments.
• Contemplating loss enhances gratitude.
• Love and presence trump “perfect” parenting. Kids learn by watching their caregivers, including what they model beautifully and their inevitable missteps.

I request continued prayers for my precious dad and all those who are grieving the loss of Mom. I have had many heart-to-heart talks with Dad to prepare him as much as humanly possible for what was to come, and he is a man of devout faith, but he still lost the love of his life. We sang, prayed, hugged, held hands, and reminisced all day. Uncle Ray and Aunt Sharon drove for several hours so they could support Dad and me tonight. They love and serve well and are two of the most phenomenal people I have ever known.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the time you all have taken to encourage and pray for us. You have brought us so much comfort, and I believe you also helped Mom’s body let go peacefully. Saying thank you isn’t adequate to express what I wish I could convey right now. I’m sending you all love.

 
 
Will “Billy” Edward Markum, 80, of Waco, TX passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Providence Hospice Place. .

Billy was born on August 21, 1942 in Waco to Bill and Juanita Markum, the first of 3 boys. He married Rae Jeanette Marion on January 27, 1962. He was a long-time member of Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher and lastly was a member of Crestview Church of Christ.

He worked for Caldwell Electric Shop, Central Freight Lines and Ram Aircraft. After retirement, he worked at Baylor Scott & White, Hillcrest Hospital, Home Depot and Jeff Hunter Toyota.

He worked hard his whole life and could fix just about anything. Billy was not one to sit
Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved to laugh and his smile was contagious.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Juanita, and one brother.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Rae Jeanette Markum, son Troy, daughter Leslie and husband Randy, brother Mike and wife Marilyn, grandchildren Candice and husband Med, Melody and husband Ryan, Nicholas “Nick”, Shawn and wife Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren Adelynn, Katelynn, Maisy, Calvin, Eliana, Wyatt and Layla; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Extended family: Julie, Albert, Tabitha, Mike, Kaylee, Madison, Michael, Kayla, Jacob, Sadie and Hudson.

Special thanks to: Hospice-Community Healthcare of Texas, Gary Fulbright, Abiram Gonzales, Larry Williams, and Mark Henry.

Pictures of Billy Markum enjoying WHS60 activities

Dolores (Dee) Clifton Behringer Purcell Huggins passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Waco Memorial Park with Pastor Tom Wagner officiating.

Dee was born on June 23, 1942, in Waco, Texas to Evelyn and Willard Clifton, Sr. at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital.  Dee graduated from Waco High School in 1960 and attended Baylor University for 2 years. In 1971 she became a Licensed Realtor and worked for Jim Stewart Realtors in Waco, Texas for 12 years. 

In 1985 in Waco, Texas she met the love of her life Dick Huggins, their love of traveling took them on wonderful cruises to England, London, and Paris, France during their 12 years of marriage. In 1990 they moved to April Sound on Lake Conroe. where she continued her Real Estate career with Pat Anderson Properties for 15 years and then Coldwell Banker United for 15 years.

On September 16, 1996, her life suddenly changed, Dick passed unexpectedly in his sleep. Her decision to remain at Lake Conroe was not an easy one but she had established her Real Estate career with many clients who became her friends and had a strong supporting group to help her through such a difficult time.

Health issues made her decision to hang up her realtor sign “Call Dee to See” In 2018, she moved back home to Waco to be closer to family and special friends. She resided at The Blake at Waco for many years before she passed.

Dee loved dancing, traveling, card games of any kind, and of course; Elvis Presley, she had a room in her home dedicated to Elvis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willard Clifton, Jr.; husbands Tony Purcell, and Dick Huggins.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Clifton and wife, Denise of Leroy, Texas; their children, Crystal Rumer and husband, Rick of Richland Hills, Texas, Candyce Perry and Marshal of Richland Hills, Texas, Kamille Beims and husband, Josh of Hillsboro, Texas; sister-in-law, Cindy Clifton of Salado, Texas, her son, Ryon Clifton and wife, Lacey of Salado, Texas; nephew; Mark Clifton and wife, Linda of Dallas, Texas; niece, Stacy Miller and husband, Mark of Dallas, Texas as well and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.