Gilbert Molina, 83, of Merkel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was born May 12, 1938 in Karnes City, Texas to Sisto R Molina and Feliciana Segura Molina. Gilbert did not learn from a book, he was hands on and very life smart. Gilbert was never married, but was very happy with his life style. While growing up in Paint Creek he learned an incredible work ethic. He worked with his family hand picking cotton and hoeing cotton fields; he eventually began running and...

Wanda Joyce (Brewer) McAninch, “Mom”, 89, of Merkel, TX, passed into the arms of her Savior on January 23, 2022. A visitation will be held, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Starbuck Funeral Home from 5-7 PM.  A celebration of her life will be held, Thursday, January 27, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Merkel. Wanda was born on October 11, 1932 in Noodle, TX. She graduated from Noodle High School as Valedictorian. She married Ted McAninch on July 1, 1950. The couple...

Dr. David Taylor Scott, D.C., 47, of Corinth, TX, went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 22, 2022. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 29, 2022, at White Church Cemetery with Reverend Chris Pope officiating. Taylor was born March 26, 1974 in Abilene, TX to Jean (Woodard) and David C. Scott. He attended Merkel and graduated from Merkel High School in 1992. Taylor graduated from Abilene Christian University and graduated from Parker University Doctor of Chiropractic...

Georgia Lee (Dawes) Myers, age 54, passed from this life of Friday, January 21, 2022. She was born in Mountlake Terrace, WA to Rusty Dawes and Judy (Crawford) Dawes.  A visitation is scheduled from 6-8 PM, Friday, January 28, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Broadview Baptist in Abilene with Pastor Wes Terry officiating. Georgia worked at General Dynamics in the late 1980s and also worked for Blue Cross...

Billy Joe Martin Jr., was born on November 28, 1961 in San Angelo to Billy Joe Martin Sr. and Shirley Ann Barnett. He grew up in San Angelo and Abilene. He married Tina McCoy on May 9, 1981. On December 28, 2021, Billy Joe Martin Jr. of Merkel, TX, lost his battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 40 years; Tina Martin; four children: Terri Martin of Abilene, Bo and Tara Martin of Kyle, and Michael Martin of Merkel; four grandchildren: CJ and Gage Driffill and Ava and Luke Martin;...

Jose Jesus Moreno, age 42, passed from this life on December 28, 2021 at his residence in Merkel, TX. He was born on August 5, 1979 in Santa Rosa, CA to Jose Guadalupe Moreno Roman and Margaret Gowen. Jose was a jack-of-all-trades. He was a strong man and was also strong willed. Those that knew him, loved him. He was a devoted husband and dad and was very protective of his family. He was Krystal’s backbone. He enjoyed fixing things and would lend a helping hand to anyone that needed...

Rosalinda “Rosie” Guzman, age 63, went to spend Christmas with her Lord and Savior on December 25, 2021 in Abilene, TX. She was born in Rotan, TX to Bill Reyna Luna and Pauline (Trejo) Luna. Rosie was a loving and generous woman, who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed the holidays and cooking for family and friends. Her passion was music and Rosie loved to dance. She loved her family before all and cherished the time...

Dorothy Arnwine, 97, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021. She was born January 12, 1924, in Eastland, Texas, to Dee and Bennis Barr. She married Durward Arnwine August 27, 1942, in Carson City, Nevada. They were married 56 years. He preceded her in death. Dorothy is survived by her four children: Paula Dudley and husband Larry of Merkel, Allan Arnwine and wife Genia of Roby, Susan Holland and husband Sam of Rockwall, and Greg Arnwine of Abilene. She had six...

Hazel Pauline Byrom, 94, of Merkel passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Merkel Nursing Center. She was born March 14, 1927 in Hilsboro, Tennessee to Jesse and Bessie Howell. Hazel married the love of her life, Darwin Parker Byrom, August 27, 1955 and the two enjoyed many years of marriage until his death in 2019. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, gardening, sewing, shopping, and reading. Hazel is survived by her daughter Kimberly...

Hubert Eugene “Mean Gene” Martin Jr. passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 in Abilene, Texas. He was born January 11, 1956 in Albany, Texas to Hubert “Paw” Martin Sr. and Betty “Mimi” Martin. Gene proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1979. He graduated from Red Valley High School while stationed in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1977. After serving, he returned home and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Cisco Junior College. Gene married...