Arthur George Stout was born on October 7, 1927, in Merkel Texas to parents Raymond George Stout and Essie Mae Bond-Stout. He passed from this life into the arms of Jesus Christ on May 15, 2022, at the age of ninety-four. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bettye Arlene Fortune-Stout, his son Darrell (Buddy) Stout, and sister Laverl Stout-Dokey. Arthur is survived by his two daughters, Sharron Stout-Butler of Abilene, and Shallan Stout-Vercell of Montgomery TX. Four...

Jo Ann Smith, loving mom and Granny, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the age of 86. Visitation will be Monday, May 16, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas.  Services will be Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, Texas. Jo Ann was born on May 2, 1936 in Sylvester, Texas to Tom and Marguerite Watson.  She was the 4th of eight children. ...

Mark “Ian” Sanchez, age 7, passed from his parents arms in to the arms of his Heavenly Savior on May 7, 2022. His parents were blessed when Ian was born on May 20, 2014 in Jackson, TN. He was born to Homero Sanchez and Vidalia Flores. Ian was an amazing young boy who loved life. He had a love for swimming, playing video games, as long as he was winning, and enjoyed wrestling and fighting with his teddies. He was the happiest with his friends, loved jumping and cuddles,...

Dorma Shirlene Evans, age 81, passed from this life on May 3, 2022 at her residence in Pierre Part, LA, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 12, 1941 in Merkel, TX to Newel Lucas and Tressie (Marshall) Lucas. Shirlene married Jimmy Evans on February 23, 1976 and they spent 41 beautiful years together. She had a love for crafting and quilting. She will be missed by many. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter: Melinda Mabile and husband Carroll of Pierre Part, LA;...

Rebecca “Becky” Herrera, formerly of Merkel, Leander and San Marcos, passed away at the age of 88 in New Braunfels, after a brief battle with cancer.  She was a cherished sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, treasured friend, and a special person to everyone she encountered.  Becky has fulfilled her goal of being reunited with her “Honey” Art, her son David, and the eternal embrace of her Lord Jesus Christ.  Becky was born in Raymondsville, TX to...

Dr. Bobye Riney was born in Merkel, Texas, daughter of Lena Jo Garrett Riney and Robert E. Riney. She was a graduate of Merkel High School and attended Texas Women’s University, Abilene Christian College, Southern Methodist University, and Purdue University where she obtained her Ph.D. in consumer economics. For most of her career, she was a professor at the University of North Texas in what is now known as the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism. Her earlier work life...

Jerry Wayne Goode, age 80, passed from this life on April 5, 2022 in Merkel, TX. He was born in Noodle, TX on May 13, 1941 to Morris Goode and Lorene (Reece) Goode. Jerry was a hard worker, a good hearted, kind man and always put others first. He proudly served our country in the United States Army. He worked as a foreman on a ranch for many years. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Gregory) Goode on February 14, 1986. Jerry was a family man and cherished his kids, grandkids and...

Shirley Sue (Byrd) Jones, age 86, passed from this life on April 4, 2022 in Weatherford, TX. She was born on January 16, 1936 in Merkel, TX to Alvin Judson (Shorty) Byrd and Sarah Rena (Hassey) Byrd. Shirley was amazing wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She was married to Harlan R. Jones for 52 years until his death in 2005. She was a beauty operator and a homemaker. Shirley loved bluebonnets and roses. She will be missed dearly. Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons:...

Virginia Sue (Sipe) Stoker Virginia Sue (Sipe) Stoker, age 78, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 24, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 3, 1944 in Noodle, TX to Fay Emmitt “Sandy” Sipe and Sarah Elizabeth Lawlis.  Virginia was a woman of great faith and loved her Lord and Savior. She enjoyed Gospel music, sitting at home relaxing and above all, spending time with her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by many.  Those left to...

Jim Howard Shugart “Shug” age 75 passed from this life on March 24, 2022.  He was born in Merkel TX on May 30, 1946 to Henry Howard Shugart and Flossie Odessa (Stout) Shugart. Jim had many jobs over his lifetime, but he was most proud of the 18 years he spent as a dispatcher and firefighter for the city of Merkel.  In his younger days he sang in honky-tonks with the Pack boys. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. In his later years he enjoyed walking the hills...