STARBUCK FUNERAL HOME

Bridget Elaine Rodriguez, 50, of Abilene, Texas, went to be with her Heavenly Father Monday, October 24, 2022. She was born January 7, 1972 in Merkel, Texas to parents Sesario Acu?a and Carlotta Castillo. Bridget graduated from Merkel High School in 1990 and went to cosmetology school afterwards. She became a licensed cosmetologist which allowed her to work in various salons in Abilene, Texas. She was married to Andrew Rodriguez for 23 years and they had 3 children: Jacob, Zachry and Miranda. She worked for several years as a licensed cosmetologist before switching careers into child care and early childhood education. She always longed to be a teacher and enjoyed serving her community that...

Malvin Dokey, 93, of Hawley passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022. He was born on February 23, 1929 to Malvin and Della (Green) Dokey in Gordon, Texas. Melvin spent much of his life in the oil field. He loved camping, music, dancing, going to flea markets, being around people, and could talk to anyone. Above everything his family mattered most. Melvin is survived by his children Jimmy and wife Jan of Hawley, Lisa Dokey and Partner Donna Knapp of Hawley, and Michael Dokey and partner Tina Wellmaker of Merkel; sisters Ida James and Ada Teubner; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, along with numerous other family members. He was preceded in...

John Charles Brady, 84, of Merkel, died peacefully at his home on October 2, 2022. John was born October 23, 1937 in Waterloo, Iowa to O.E. and Agnes Brady. After graduation from high school, John enlisted into the US Air Force. He was stationed at Dyess AFB where he met and married the love of his life, Jocille Thompson. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. John and Jocille raised their 4 children in Merkel, Texas, where he was the local mailman until his retirement after 31 years of service. After retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a prison minister. John was very active in all of the children's activates, and because of his dedication he was...

Sharon Dudley Conlin of Abilene, TX passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the age of 74. Sharon was born on November 7, 1947, to Quannah and Lillian "Boots" Dudley in Merkel, TX. Sharon was a Merkel Badger Head Cheerleader and graduate of Merkel High School in 1965. She married John F. Conlin Jr. of Odessa, TX on April 20th, 1974. They were married for 36 years until John passed away in 2011. Sharon worked nights at Permian Basin Community Center for many years, so she could be home during the day to care for her three sons. She also worked at American Lenders towards the end of her career. Sharon loved her family and her pets more than anything. She loved to get holiday cards and to...

Ethel M. (Ford) Putman, 77, passed away Sunday, September, 18, 2022 in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Ethel was born and raised in and around Merkel, TX, where she also went to school. On May 3, 1963, Ethel Marie Ford married Donald "Don" Putman from Abilene. They were married for 54 years until Don's death on September 8, 2017. During 54 years of marriage, she travelled the country and world as a Military Wife, was a homemaker, a Cub Scout Den Mother, a volunteer for military related organizations, worked a few jobs, and was a Grandmother. She also liked doing arts and crafts. Survivors include her son Hobbs Putman and wife Sherry and grandchildren Garrett and Kayleigh of Wesley Chapel, FL...

Earmer Asher "E.A." Chaney Jr, 88 years old, passed away September 11, 2022 in Abilene, Texas. He was born on July 15, 1934 in Reagan County to Earmer and Gladys Chaney. E.A. was drafted into the Army in 1957 and served his country until 1964. He owned the Chaney Arena in San Angelo, Texas. E.A. started riding horses in parades and rodeos when he was 8 years old and continued his rodeo career until the age of 55. He spent the majority of his life teaching cowboys and cowgirls how to ride steers, bulls and bareback horses. His favorite bull he owned was "Danny". He continued caring for his cows and dogs throughout his life and those interests kept him and Hazel occupied. E.A. served as a...

Bobby Wayne Barbee, 76, of Lake Worth passed away at his home August 24, 2022. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM Friday September 2, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home, 1022 North 2nd Street, Merkel, Texas 79536.

Roy Wetsel, died August 16, 2022 in Abilene, Texas. There will not be any visitation or funeral services per Roy Wetsel's wishes. All of this will be handled by Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas. Roy was born December 22, 1935, in Winters, Texas to Alver Roy Wetsel and Julia Amanda Hardgree, also known as Mom Judy. He was raised in Winters, Texas and graduated from high school in Colorado City, Texas. Roy served one term in the Marines. After the duty in the Marines, he graduated from barber school. Roy and his father had a barber shop together, later he was one of the owners of the River Oaks Barber Shop, then was in partnership with his half brother Andy Wetsel of the Family Hair...

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 grandchildren, Joshua and wife Lynzee Vercell of Willis, TX., Jamie Vercell of Montgomery, TX., Heather Stout-McMillan and husband Edwin, of Broomfield, Colorado., Dara Stout-Davis and husband Corey of Clyde TX....

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 Starbucks Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas. Services will be Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Starbucks 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. Jo Ann held several jobs through the years - Southern Gardens, Timex and Crown Cork & Seal. While at Crown she was named Employee of the Year. She retired from Crown in 2000 after 22 years. Jo Ann loved to do...

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: Harlan R. Jones Jr. of Fort Worth, TX, Mickey L. Jones and wife Linda of Sanger, TX and Stephen M. Jones of Weatherford, TX; one brother: Teddy Byrd and wife Merry of Buffalo Gap, TX ; one sister: Joan...

Joseph Real Fortin passed from this life on March 12, 2022. He was born on July 15, 1941 in Lewiston, ME to Albert and Imelda (Fontaine) Fortin. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Jaycee Barn, located at 307 W. 4th in Sweetwater, TX.

Wanda Hendricks, 81, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Songbird Lodge, Brownwood, Texas. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, Texas with Jackie Reynolds officiating, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home. Wanda Jane "Hester" Hendricks was born September 8, 1940 in Jones County, Texas to Jessie Vernon "J.V." and Tessie Vera Wade Hester. She attended Merkel High School. Wanda married David Camuel "D.C." Hendricks on May 25, 1957 in Merkel. She worked for the Merkel Drug Store before becoming a housewife. She enjoyed golfing and spending time with...

Viola "Coot" Saunders Harris, was born on May 2, 1932. She was born in a log cabin in the township of Silver Creek (now Morganton, NC). Viola was the third of nine children to James Russell and Ethel Clark Saunders. Viola attended Salem Schools and helped her grandmother in the school lunch room when needed. She had some interesting jobs throughout her life such as sewing up the seam in the back of stockings at the Hosiery Mill, putting the rope in soaps for Estee Lauder, working at Aileen Inc. in Abilene, TX and her favorite, working in the school lunch room at the school in Merkel and making it taste wonderful! Viola met her love Leon Berton Harris through his best friend and they were...

Viola "Coot" Saunders Harris, was born on May 2, 1932. She was born in a log cabin in the township of Silver Creek (now Morganton, NC). Viola was the third of nine children to James Russell and Ethel Clark Saunders. Viola attended Salem Schools and helped her grandmother in the school lunch room when needed. She had some interesting jobs throughout her life such as sewing up the seam in the back of stockings at the Hosiery Mill, putting the rope in soaps for Estee Lauder, working at Aileen Inc. in Abilene, TX and her favorite, working in the school lunch room at the school in Merkel and making it taste wonderful! Viola met her love Leon Berton Harris through his best friend and they were...

Mary Lonelle McElmurray Teaff (Nana), 90, peacefully left her earthly home into the arms of Jesus on February 1, 2022, with her loving family at her bedside. Lonelle was born on January 4, 1932, at White Flat to Alonzo and Elsie McElmurray. She graduated from Trent High School. She married Andy Merle Beasley on January 15, 1949. He passed away on June 25, 1954. After his death, she worked at West Texas Utility where she met the love of her life, Glenn Teaff. They were married on February 7, 1958. The center of Lonelle's life was God, her family, her friends and her community. With the heart of Jesus she touched countless lives throughout her community, serving others, and she was loved by...

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 Program in 2000. He practiced in Corinth, Lewisville and Denton for over 20 years. Taylor married Diana (Spencer) Scott on November 30, 2017 in Denton, TX. He has three daughters: Skylar, Leah and...

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 Program in 2000. He practiced in Corinth, Lewisville and Denton for over 20 years. Taylor married Diana (Spencer) Scott on November 30, 2017 in Denton, TX. He has three daughters: Skylar, Leah and...

Wanda 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. She married Ted McAninch on July 1, 1950. The couple farmed and ranched and worked in Taylor County until their retirement. Wanda was the hands and feet of Jesus as she served at her church and in her community. She loved her family and friends dearly and would do whatever she could for them. She is...

James Stuart Masonheimer, 78, of Pottsville, TX, former resident of Trent, TX, passed away on November 24, 2021 at his home. He was also known as "Jimmy" or "Jimbo" or "Pa" to many friends and family. At his request he will be cremated with arrangements by Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel, TX. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Jimmy was born in 1943 in Ross, CA to James Miller Masonheimer and Margaret Emma Schmidt. His family moved to Edinburg, TX where he had some of his fondest childhood memories. They moved to Willcox, AZ, where he graduated from high school and excelled in many sports. He married Nelda Boyd, his high school sweetheart, on September 1, 1962 in...

Steve Jenkins, 68, of Nugent, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at a local hospital. He was born January 3, 1953 in Abilene, Texas to M.C. "Heavy" and Juanita Jenkins. Steve graduated from Abilene High School in 1971 and went on to be an electrician for over 40 years. He retired from Hardin Simmons University in 2018. Steve enjoyed hunting with son in law Matt; golfing with grandson Mason; and spending time with friends. He also enjoyed cooking, grilling, and music. He was a GREAT cook. Survivors include his Wife, Linda Jenkins of Abilene; daughter Jennifer Brawley (her husband Matt) of Abilene; grandson Mason Brawley (his wife Yamilex) of Frisco; stepdaughters Abby Faulkner of...