Fannie "Dodie" Eudora Burt

Fannie Eudora “Dodie” Burt, age 88, of Merkel, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 3, 2026.

Dodie was born on November 2, 1937, in Altas, Oklahoma, to Otis Gray Jones and Fannie Eudora Hasley. From an early age, she carried a strong spirit that stayed with her throughout her life.

On April 28, 1956, she married Jimmy Donald “Sonny” Riggan, and together they were blessed with three sons: Derrell, Donnie, and Danny Riggan. Later in life, she married her best friend, Donald Dean Burt, on December 23, 1985. The two shared 40 wonderful years together, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Dodie was a woman of deep, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, and she lived that faith boldly. She was known for her fiery personality, quick wit, and strong opinions—and she never hesitated to speak her mind. Those who knew her best also knew her heart was just as strong as her spirit.

For more than 20 years, Dodie worked as a hairdresser, a profession she truly loved. Her chair was more than just a place for haircuts—it was a place for stories, laughter, advice, prayer, and connection. She formed lifelong friendships with many of her clients and took pride in helping others feel confident and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Donald “Sonny” Riggan; her parents, Otis Gray Jones and Fannie Eudora Hasley; her stepchild, Kaye Donn Burt; her step great-grandchild, Slade Michael Burns; and her siblings: Tom Jones; Faye Clark and her husband Bill Clark; Mary Massey and her husband A.J.; and Lucille Wright and her husband Pete Wright.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Burt, and her children: Derrell Riggan (wife Melissa Riggan), Donnie Riggan (wife Tammy Riggan), and Danny Riggan (wife Donna Riggan). She is also survived by her stepchildren: Connie Harshaw, Russell Burt (wife Kathlyn Burt), and Donnie Burt.

She is further survived by her siblings John Jones (wife Wilma Jones) of Sugar Land, Texas, and Opal Marsh (husband John Marsh) of Buchanan, West Virginia, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

Dodie loved her family fiercely and without condition. She also cherished her many lifelong friends, holding those relationships close to her heart. She cared deeply for them, prayed for them often, and remained loyal through every season of life. She never missed a chance to celebrate the people she loved, offer encouragement, or remind them exactly how things should be done. She loved finding a good bargain and could turn any shopping trip into an adventure. Her faith guided her daily, her laughter filled rooms, and her presence was unforgettable.

Though she will be missed deeply here on earth, her family finds comfort knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven—healed, whole, and finally home.

Pallbearers will be Cole Riggan, Nathan Riggan, Matthew Riggan, Steven Broussard, Lance Moore, Adam Whitmire, Aaron Whitmire, Logan Burt, Levi Hester, Jake Hester, and Justin Burt.

Visitation will be held at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with burial at White Church Cemetery in Mulberry Canyon.

In lieu of flowers that donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, White Church Cemetery or Hendrick Hospice of Abilene.

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