Russell Lee Keeling was born to Edna and Willard Keeling in Albuquerque NM on February 5, 1942 while Willard (Bill) was stationed in the Army Air Corps during WW II. The family moved to Waco TX at the end of the war. 

Russ attended Texas A&M and became a Group Commander in the Corps of Cadets during his last year of school. 

From A&M he went directly into the United States Air Force and completed pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock Texas, graduating first in his class. 

As a veteran of the SE Asian Conflict, and during his twenty-two-year career he earned four Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, the Airman’s Medal (for life-saving), two Meritorious Service Medals, Seventeen Combat Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and other notable recognitions. 

After retiring from Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA in 1986, Russ returned to Redlands. He was a devoted member of Redlands First United Methodist Church and sang in the Sanctuary Choir for over 30 years and served on many different committees. Russ joined the Inland Master Chorale in 1987 and continued to sing with the Chorale until recently. 

Russ was an avid racquetball player, enjoyed gardening, traveling, and especially loved playing with his grandchildren. Russ is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lloy Keeling, children Kathleen Keeling of Portland OR, Gregory Lee (Susan) and granddaughters Christina and Annalisa of Newport Beach, Michelle Reynolds of Portland OR, and brother Bob Keeling of San Angelo TX, and several cousins living in Texas. 

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 at the First United Methodist Church of Redlands (One E Olive Ave). 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Redlands First United Methodist Church Foundation (One East Olive Avenue, Redlands CA 923733) or the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: 23101 S Tamiami Trl., Ste. 320, PMB 226, Estero FL 33928. 

Read about Russell’s life as featured in the February 2020 issue of The Town Crier

And see more pictures of Russ Keeling.

Ann Hayes, 78, of Waco, passed away on September 2, 2021, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  The visitation will be Friday, September 10, 2021, from 10-11 am, with services beginning at 11 am at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mingo Balderas & Minister Bert Mercer officiating.

On September 25, 1942, Ann Pierce was born in Waco, Texas, to Cazzie and Marie Pierce.  She was a lifelong resident of Waco and was an avid piano player and singer.  Ann loved singing in her church and school choirs until she graduated from Waco High School in 1960.

Ann married the love of her life, Grant Hayes, in May 1959. She filled her life with service to her natural family and her church family, continuing to lend her beautiful voice to both.  While raising her family, Ann worked for Wm. Cameron and Steakley Bros. Chevrolet. She also spent several years on the cafeteria staff at Speegleville Elementary School.  Ann would finally work for their family business, Southwest Telecom, until her retirement in 2005 due to her initial bout with cancer.  Above all, she dedicated her entire adult life to the love and support of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she was a faithful member of Brookview Church of Christ until her death.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her son Scott Hayes, son-in-law Sam Marsh, and her great-grandson Christian Robinson.  Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Grant Hayes, her children David Hayes and his wife Christie, Shirley Hayes Marsh, Eric Hayes and his wife Inez, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest hospice staff for their incredibly loving care and compassion.

Carole Ann (Fisher) Clingman, born February 10, 1942 in Waco, Texas was called home August 11, 2021, in Billings, MT. As the third child to Hugh Homer and Grace Lee Fisher, Carole left this world much like she entered – small in stature, but mighty in spirit.

Carole met and married her husband of eighteen years, Rodger Clingman, while Rodger was attending Baylor University. They soon took up permanent residency in Montana, Rodger’s native home where they raised their two children, John and Cindy. Carole was a southern girl at heart who hated the Montana winters, but chose to stay for the love of her family.

For over thirty years, Carole worked in the oil and gas industry. She was a dedicated, hard worker who loved the industry, her job and her co-workers. She will likely be remembered for her professionalism, her sense of style and sense of humor.

Carole fiercely loved her family, especially her grandsons, James, Niklas and Karson. She was proud to be present at each of their births and is now in Heaven singing and dancing with her granddaughter Callie Ann.

Carole was deeply compassionate, dearly loved the Lord and her family. Her family will remember her for her great cooking, her ability to make even the simplest things special, her style, her ability to laugh at herself, and her loudly cheering her grandsons on from the sidelines of their music and sporting events.

Carole is preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; and her beloved brothers Jimmy and Mike; and granddaughter Callie Ann. Carol is survived by son John; and ex-husband, Rodger Clingman, both of Bozeman; daughter Cindy (Kris) Nordstog of Billings; her sister Barbara Wilks of Waco, Texas; sister-in-law, Sharon Fisher of Mansfield, Texas; grandsons James Clingman of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Niklas and Karson Nordstog of Billings, MT; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Heights Family Funeral Home. Her urn will be interred at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Carole’s name to the Moss Mansion where Carole volunteered her time and Toys for Tots.

Here’s a picture from October 6, 2000 (left to right: Ralph Hill, Susan Harkness Hill, Carole Fisher Clingman)

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, J. Crozier Brown, loving husband, father and grandfather, was called home by the Lord at the age of 78.

Crozier was born on July 14, 1942 in Waco, TX to Benjamin F. Brown III and Mary Hunt Brown. He grew up and graduated high school in Waco, TX before moving to Austin, TX to further his education. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering now known as the Cockrell School of Engineering. Upon completing his graduate degree, Crozier served as a leader and early adopter in the use of information technology to find civil and petroleum engineering solutions.

When Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery were new technologies, he was an early adapter who learned how to apply these tools to the engineering discipline, demonstrating their value and guiding users. He also co-authored the computer software used to design the drainage system for the 18,000-acre Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. For his contributions in the field of engineering, Crozier was inducted into the University of Texas Civil, Architectural and Environmental Academy of Distinguished Alumni in September 2016.

After his successful career as an engineer, Crozier, a man of strong faith and a friend to anyone who met him continued serving the community as an active participant in many civic and philanthropic endeavors. He served on the board of the Twelfth Step Ministry dedicated to the support of individuals in North Texas, and he also served as a member of the Shelton School Board in Dallas, TX, always working to help individuals empower themselves and reach their full personal and academic potential.

The patriarch of the family, Crozier was a great family man and friend to all who knew him. Along with his sweet temperament and big heart, Crozier enjoyed the company of others and loved spending time partaking in hobbies such as hunting, golfing, going out for nice dinners and watching and rooting for his beloved UT Longhorns.

Crozier is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rita Taylor Brown of Dallas, Texas, daughters April (Robbie) Munoz of San Antonio, and Sherri (Trey) Henry of Celina, and son Larry Southworth of McKinney, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and his sister in law.

He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin F. Brown III, his mother, Mary Hunt Brown, aunt, Louise Hunt, uncle, James Hunt and brother, Benjamin Franklin Brown IV.

Obit and Memories

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.