Doris Faye Phillips, 66, passed away on July 4, 2026. Doris was born March 25, 1960 to Don Murphy Lang and Jennye Huffman in Clovis, New Mexico. She went to school at Merkel and Coronado High School. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She worked as a warehouse employee for M.B. McKee in Lubbock, she distributed Lance snack products to warehouses throughout the Lubbock area. She was a proud member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, ...

Paula De La Cruz Larkins, 85, of Merkel, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026 in Abilene, Texas. Paula was born on March 20, 1941, in Lampasas, Texas, to Esequiel and Isabel De La Cruz. She dedicated 14 years of service to Merkel ISD as a custodian before retiring. She also proudly served as President of the Merkel VFW for many years and was a proud and active member of the Ladies Auxiliary, where she devoted countless hours to her community. Above all else, Paula was the beloved ...

Julia Loucks, 87, of Merkel, passed away on June 18,2026 in Merkel, Texas. Julia was born in Steubenville, Ohio to G.H & Louise McDermitt on July 28, 1938. She was married to Thomas Stiffler (deceased) and later married Leonard Loucks. Julia was preceded in death by her parent’s G.H. & Louis McDermitt, Husband’s Thomas Stiffler and Leondard Loucks, Daughter Kathleen (Candy) Stiffler, Son Mark Loucks, Son Norman Loucks, Sister Pat Mineau, Sister Mary Kish, Nephew Kelly ...

Karen Sharpe Koen, 56, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on June 14, 2026. Karen was born on November 10, 1969, to Bob and Janie Sharpe. She attended Merkel High School, where she graduated and formed many lifelong friendships. Throughout her life, Karen was known for her kindness, unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and deep love for her family and friends. For 34 years, Karen faithfully served at Lawrence Hall Chevrolet, where she became known for her dedication, ...

Jerry Wayne Ware, 73, of Merkel, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. Jerry was born on August 31, 1952, in Spur, Texas, to Ira Freddie Ware and Billie Ware. He attended Plains High School, where he graduated before proudly joining the United States Navy. Jerry dedicated 20 years of service to his country, serving during both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. He loved his life in the military and took great pride in ...

Nelda Faye Masonheimer, 82, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. Nelda was born on May 12, 1944, at the Sadler Clinic in Merkel, Texas, to John and Mary Boyd. One of nine children, she grew up surrounded by the love, hard work, and close family ties that would remain central to her life. Nelda attended high school in Willcox, Arizona, where she met her high school sweetheart, James Stuart "Jimmy" Masonheimer. They were married on September 1, 1962, beginning ...

Victor Lee Casper, 81, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on June 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 12, 1944, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Victor was the son of the late Monsour and Sadie George Casper. Throughout his life, he was known for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, generous heart, and deep love for his family and friends. Victor proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he met the love of his life, Donna Peterson Casper. ...

Stephen Ray Peachey left this mortal plane on June 1, 2026, after a long battle with chronic lung disease and congestive heart failure. Stephen was born in Presque Isle, Maine, but he “got to Texas as fast as he could” - he spent most of his life in Texas, first in Merkel and later in Bryan/College Station and Burleson. He was preceded in death by his father, George Peachey; mother, Olga Griggs Peachey; brother, George Michael Peachey; and several dear friends. Among his living ...

David Seymore, 76, of Merkel, Texas, passed away on May 25th, 2026. David was the seventh of eight children born to Joe and Dolly Seymore and was raised in Mulberry Canyon, south of Merkel. He graduated from Merkel High School in 1969. On June 19th, 1970, David married the love of his life, Dian (White) Seymore. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Philip, Richard, and Alison Cne’. David was blessed with six grandchildren and eight ...

Billy Charles Gouge, 86, passed away on May 15, 2026 in Hawley, Texas. Billy was born in Weatherford, Texas to Charlie C. and Nancy Elizabeth Gouge on August 31, 1939. He went to school in Merkel where he graduated from Merkel High School. He worked as a lineman with Cable TV, afterwards he worked at Walmart as a maintenance supervisor. He was a veteran in the Marine Corp and the Navy. Billy is preceded by his great-grandfather Reverend W.J. Gouge, parents Charlie C. and Nancy Elizabeth ...