MYERS COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM

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February 2011
Helen Fouche' Ellis
December 28, 1909 - February 21, 2011


Helen Fouche' Ellis, of West melbourne, Florida
(formerly of DeRidder) passed away
on February 21, 2011 at the age of 101.

Helen was born on December 28, 1909 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
to Fannie Schleigh and Charles Fouche'.
She was the youngest of 10 children.
Helen attended Carlisle schools and graduated from Charlisle High School in 1930.
 She met her future husband, James Wendell Ellis,
at a church roller skating party.
They married on December 23, 1933.
 
In 1945 the family moved to the Cooper Community where they had a farm
 and became members of the First Presbyterian Church.
Helen was an active member of the
Cooper Commuunity Home Demonstration Club, better known as the 2-C Club,
until it disbandeed in the mid 1950's.
After moving into town the family joined the DeRidder Presbyterian Church
where Helen kept the nursery.
 She also worked for 6 years as a secretary for Herrin Transport
then at the DeRidder Livestock Auction Barn and later Hixson Funeral Home.
Helen loved to travel and stayed active throughout her life.

Helen is survived by her daughters,
Dorothy Knox & husband Oliver of Lafayette, LA
 and Joan Hornbuckle of West Melbourne, FL.
She is also survived by, 4 Grandchildren:
Michael Knox of Pueblo, CO; Sharon Knox of Lafayette;
 Jeffery Knox of Broken Arrow, OK and Russell Knox of Owasso, OK
and 6 Great Grandchildren

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at
Myers Colonial Funeral Home
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Funeral Services will be held
Friday, March 4, 2011
at 10:00 A.M. at
First Presbyterian Church of DeRidder.
Interment will follow at Cooper Cemetery in DeRidder.
The Rev. Kelly Harper & Elder Jamie White will officiate.

Anthony Leonard Clemons
July 22, 1958 - February 21, 2011

Anthony Clemons, 52, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on Monday, February 21, 2011
in DeRidder, Louisiana.


Melba J. Puryear

Melba J. Puryear, 72, of Singer,  Louisiana
passed from this life on
Saturday, February 26, 2011 in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Visitation will be held on
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on
Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 1:00 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Rev. Donnis Ashworth and Rev. Jordan Doyle will officiate.
Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery in Singer.

Melba is survived by

Sons:
Marty Puryear & wife Sarah of Merryville, LA
Ronnie Puryear of Florien, LA
Lonnie Puryear of Singer, LA

Daughters:
Penny Puryear of Singer, LA
Hope Dyson & Husband Scott of DeQuincy, LA

Brothers:
Dorman Doyle of DeQuincy, LA
Rodney Doyle of DeQuincy, LA
Wibert Doyle of Corrigan, TX
Gilbert Doyle of  Singer, LA
Dale Doyle of DeQuincy, LA

Sisters:
Norma Lee Droddy of Singer, LA
Linda McCuuel of Jasper, TX

11 Grandchildren
5 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by
Husband - Leon M. Puryear, Sr.
Grandson - Michael Richards


Judge Herman I.  "Buddy" Stewart, Jr.
November 23, 1939 - February 27, 2011

 

Herman I. “Buddy” Stewart Jr., 71 of DeRidder, La., passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, February 27, 2011 after a 14 month battle with cancer.

 He was born in DeRidder on November 23, 1939.  He is survived by loving wife, Shirley H.  Stewart, daughter Karla H. Tucker, son Herman I. “Ike” Stewart III and one grandson, Ryan C. Stewart.  He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara S. Jones (Griff), of Rockwall, TX, and Lavelle S. Arnold (Warren), of Morrison, Co.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and their children, plus three special honorary grandchildren, Collin and Cade Kibler, and Lee Glass.
 
He is preceded in death by his father, Herman I. Stewart, Sr., his mother, Lucille Foster Stewart of DeRidder, La., and his beloved dog, Waldo.
 
Buddy was a lifelong resident of Beauregard Parish.  His family was pioneers of the area.  He was a graduate of DeRidder High School in 1957, where he was named an Outstanding Senior.  He attended Louisiana State University from 1957 to 1961, at which time he received his B.S. degree in business and graduated from LSU Law School with a juris doctor degree in 1964. 
Because of his stellar performance in law school, Buddy was named to the Louisiana State Law Review, where he wrote a number of articles over the years.  His law career began as a Law Clerk of the 3rd Circuit Court in Lake Charles under Judge Fruge.  He entered practice in the firm of Kay, Kay & Stewart in 1965.  Under Mayor Frank Delia, he served DeRidder as city attorney/ city prosecutor from 1970 until 1974.  He was attorney for the Industrial Development Board of the City of DeRidder from 1972 until 1978 and was attorney for the Louisiana Real Estate Commission during 1973 and 1974.  Buddy was an active member of the Rotary Club, the Beauregard Cattlemen’s Association, and served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank in DeRidder since 1984.  He remained in his private practice until he was elected to the bench as Judge of the 36th Judicial District Court, Beauregard Parish, La., in 1996.  He served as Judge until 2009, at which time he retired and spent full time with his wife.  Buddy and Shirley loved to travel to New Mexico, Arkansas and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama.  Fishing was one of his passions that he enjoyed until shortly before his passing.
 
Visitation will be held 4-8 pm, Tuesday, March 1st, at Grace Church in DeRidder, La, where Buddy and Shirley were members.  Funeral services under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home will be at the church Wednesday, March 2nd, at 10:00 am with Pastor George Lee Glass officiating.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.


Robert Joe Shirley

Robert Joe Shirley, 75, of DeRidder, Louisiana
Passed from this life on Saturday, February 26, 2011 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011
at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in DeRidder.
Bro. Lyndsey Burns and Bro. Lynn Clayton will officiate.
Interment will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.

Mr. Shirley is survived by

Wife of 55 years:
Rita S. Shirley of DeRidder, LA

Son:
Brian Shirley of Merryville, LA

Daughters:
Melanie & husband John Marcello of DeRidder, LA
Melinda & husband Greg Pekol of Denver, CO

Brother:
Jerry Shirley of DeRidder, LA

Grandchildren:
Reid Hanchey, Brittany Shirley & Brooke Shirley of DeRidder, LA

    Samantha Pekol & Jacob Pekol of Denver, CO

     Monica Marcello of Houston, TX

Great Grandchildren:
Myah Jackson of DeRidder, LA

Sister-in-Law:
Paula Shirley of DeRidder, LA

Preceded in death by
Parents - Selene & Mavis Shirley
Brother - Jimmy Shirley

The family wishes to thank Dr. Henry Goolsby and his special nurses Lacy, Heather, Jamie & Tiffany.



Lucille Johnson
January 15, 1930 - February 19, 2011

Lucille Johnson, 81, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on Saturday, February 19, 2011
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011
from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at
Mt. Zion Baptist Church in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 12:00 P.M.
at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in DeRidder.
Bro. George Harris will officiate.
Interment will follow at
Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.

Lucille is survived by

Son:
Johnny Bradford of Dallas, TX

Daughter:
Diana Bradford of Dallas, TX

Sisters:
Tannie Faye McClendon of DeRidder, LA
Ethel Mae Jackson of DeRidder, LA

3 Grandchildren
1 Great Grandchild


Simon Andrew McKee, Sr.
April 19, 1916 - February 22, 2011

Simon Andrew McKee, Sr., 94, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
and again on Friday, February 25, 2011
from 9:00 A.M. until time of service
at Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 2:00 P.M.
at Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse in DeRidder.
Rev. Ed Tilley & Rev. Gary Bankson will officiate.
Interment will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.

Mr. McKee is survived by

Sons:
Titus McKee, Sr. & wife Ruth of Bridge City, TX
Simon A. McKee, Jr. & wife Mary Jo of DeRidder, LA

Daughter-in-Law:
Connie McKee of Port Neches, TX

Sister:
Oma Davis of Baker, LA

10 Grandchildren
24 Great Grandchildren
4 Great Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by

Wife - Marie McKee
Son - Freemon McKee
Granddaughter - Pamela McKee


Norman Elliot "Tommy" Loftin
February 1, 1917 - February 15, 2011

Norman Loftin, 94, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on Tuesday, February 15, 2011
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
and again on Friday, February 18, 2011
from 9:00 A.M. until time of service
at Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 11:00 A.M.
at Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse in DeRidder.
Rev. Josh Stoneburner, Rev. James Herrington,
Rev. Jeff Phillip & Rev. Ed Tilley will officiate.
Interment will follow at Merryville Cemetery
in Merryville, Louisiana.

Tommy was born in Evans and lived in the area all his life. He served in the U.S. Army
 during WWII and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and Phillipine Liberation.
He was a Carpenter and built lovely cabinets.
He was of the Pentecostal faith and served as an usher at Shady Grove United Pentecostal Church.
At the time of his death, Tommy was a member of Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse of DeRidder.

He is survived by

Step Sons:
Morris Pate of Mittie, LA
Edward Wileman of Rosepine, LA

Step Daughters:
Betty Spikes of DeRidder, LA
Melva Beasley of Cleveland, TX
Beverly Tilley & husband Rev. Ed Tilley of DeRidder, LA

A host of nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.


John Paul Simmons
March 20, 1950 - February 13, 2011

John Simmons, 60, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on Sunday, February 13, 2011
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011
at 11:00 A.M. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home.
Rev. George Lee Glass & Rev. Ed Tilley will officiate.
Cremation will follow.

Mrs. Simmons is survived by

Wife:
Pamela Simmons of DeRidder, LA

Former Wife:
Helen Beahrness Soileau of DeRidder, LA

Sons:
Chris Simmons & wife Niki of DeRidder, LA
Sean (Boo) Simmons of DeRidder, LA
Cory John Simmons of DeRidder, LA

Daughter:
Ashlee Simmons of DeRidder, LA

Brother:
Walter Simmons, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA

Sisters:
Sonja Hickman of DeRidder, LA
Pam Piacenza of DeRidder, LA

Grandchildren:
Lakyn Simmons, Kynedi Simmons & Jayce Paul Simmons

Preceded in death by
Father - Walter Simmons
Mother - Dorothy Simmons



Shirley Faye Helton James
January 7, 1937 - February 13, 2011


Shirley James, 74, of DeRidder, Louisiana
passed from this life on
Sunday, February 13, 2011 in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home
in DeRidder.
Funeral services will be held on
Thursday, February 17, 2011
at 2:00 P.M.
at Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse
in DeRidder.
Rev. Ed Tilley will officiate.
Interment will follow at Beauregard Cemetery
in DeRidder.

Ms. Shirley is survived by

Sons:
Francis (Frankie) Earl James & wife Kathy of Hagerstown, MD
John R. James & wife Pam of Charlotte, NC
Richard (Ricky) Daniel James & wife Belinda of DeRidder, LA

Sisters:
Margie Pruitt & husband Merlin of DeRidder, LA
Johnnie Nolan & husband Ernie of DeRidder, LA

Grandchildren:
Rachel James
Christopher James
Shirley James
Frankie James, Jr.
Josh James

Nieces:
Cala Crocker & husband Larry of DeRidder, LA
Candis Turner & husband Nick of Gulfport, MS
Tammie Gibson of DeRidder, LA
Kelle Pruitt of DeRidder, LA

Nephews:
Eddie Davis of Rosepine, LA
Tommy Pruitt of DeRidder, LA
Jackie Pruitt of DeRidder, LA
John Richard Fraiser of Jacksonville, FL
William P. Fraiser of Jacksonville, FL

Preceded in death by:
Husband - John R. James
Father - Richard Helton
Mother - Dessie Helton
Brother - William Boyd Helton
Sister - Melba Helton

Clyde Vaughn
January 16, 1928 - February 11, 2011


Clyde Vaughn, 83, of Moss Bluff, Louisiana
passed from this on Friday, February 11, 2011
at his home in Moss Bluff.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011
from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Funeral services will be held on
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
at 2:00 P.M. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home.
Bro. Luke Lichety will officiate.
Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery
in Ragley, Louisiana.

Mr. Vaughn is survived by

Wife of 65 years:
Mary Patricia Vaughn of Moss Bluff, LA

Son:
Gregory Vaughn & wife Eva of Honduras

Daughters:
Sherry Dickerson of Moss Bluff, LA
Ann McDonald & husband Lamar of Baton Rouge, LA
Karen Darden & husband Hank of Livingston, TX

Brother:
Glenn Vaughn of Alabama

Sister:
Merry Ruth Hubbard of Alabama

18 Grandchildren
25 Great Grandchildren
6 Great-Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by

Father - William Vaughn
Mother - Annie Vaughn
Brothers - Harrison Vaughn, Herschel Vaughn,
Evans Vaughn, J.D. Vaughn & Frank Vaughn
Sisters - Mildred Campbell & Nettie Lockney

Nellie G. Mayes
June 30, 1951 - February 5, 2011

Thessalonians 4:17

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

 

NELLIE PASSED PEACEFULLY FROM THIS LIFE ON FEBUARY  5TH AFTER GRADUAL DECLINE IN HEALTH.  SHE WAS SURROUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY LOVING FAMILY, FRIENDS,AND CAREGIVERS DURING THE LAST DAYS OF HER LIFE.  NELLIE WAS BORN IN DERIDDER,LA ON JUNE 30,1951 TO THE LATE MR ROBERT LEE AND WILLIE D GRINDS.  GRADUATED FROM CARVER HIGH SCHOOL  IN 1972.  NELLIE BEGAN WORKING AT THE OAKS RESTAURANT FOR YEARS AS A COOK.  AFTERWARDS, SHE BEGAN WORKING AT THE SERVICE CLEANERS UNTIL SHE RETIRED TO DUE TO HER HEALTH ISSUES.

SHE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER PARENTS AND GRANDMOTHER, ZEFFER JONES.

NELLIE LEAVES BEHIND TO CHERISH HER MEMORY  HUSBAND, ELTON MAYES III AND STEPDAUGHTER, ISHEKA MICHELLE HAYNES LYNCH OF DERIDDER; ONE SISTER, SANDRA JAMES OF DERIDDER; THREE BROTHERS, DON LYNN GRINDS, ALFRED DREW GRINDS, AND ROBERT GRINDS III OF SEATTLE WASHINGTON;  TWO NEICES, TONYA JAMES OF BATON ROUGE  AND TY’RYTA GRINDS OF SEATTLE WASHINGTON;  ONE NEPHEW, TONY JAMES (KIMBERLY) OF CARROLLTON, VA. ONE GREAT NIECE, MCKENZIE JAMES OF CARROLLTON, VA; ONE AUNT, NELLIE MAE HANDY (ELLEN) OF DERIDDER.  FIVE BROTHER IN LAWS CLEVELAND MAYES (EMILY) OF ALEXANDRIA, LA; ANDREW MAYES(SHEILA) OF DERIDDER,LA;WALTER

MAYES(ADRIENNE) OF BATON ROUGE;ROBERT MAYES OF BATON ROUGE;TIMOTHY MAYES (MARGURITE) OF DERIDDER;FIVE SISTER INLAWS, MARGARET SILAS (REGINALD) OF DERIDDER;DORETHEA PALMER (LEATHAL) OF NEW LLANO; SHEILA LAVANT, DORIS FAYE PETERS, AND BERNADINE MAYES ALL OF DERIDDER. THREE STEP GRANDCHILDREN; AND A HOST OF COUSINS, OTHER RELATIVES  AND FRIENDS.




Epsie Ann Strawther Bean
July 28, 1915 - February 9, 2011


Epsie Ann Strawther Bean was born
 in Buna, Texas on July 28, 1915
to Thomas Isaac Strawther and Mary Etta Franklin Strawther. 
She was reared in the Trout Creek area
with her seven brothers and sisters. 
Watt, Gene, James and Jess Strawther, all deceased
 and sister Emily Holmes, deceased. 
She is survived by  two sisters, Agnes Long of Kentucky
and Bernice Berry of Trout Creek.

Epsie married Robert Floyd Bean in 1933. 
They reared their three children in the Trout Creek Community
 where they owned a small grocery store/ gas station. 
Many hours were spent sitting in the swing on the front porch
 of that store waiting for a customer and watching
all their friends and neighbors pass by.

Epsie loved to garden, whether it was vegetables or flowers.   
She always kept a cow so she could have that good fresh milk.
 

Epsie is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years;
daughter, Juanita Rodisch; son, Robert Floyd Bean, Jr.;
three grandsons, Bobby Bean, Darrel Sellers and Barkley Sellers. 

She is survived by her son,
Thomas Lamar (Tommy) Bean and wife Sadie of Vidor, Texas;
three grandchildren, Darren Sellers and wife Tanga of Merryville, Louisiana,
Cory Lamar Bean and wife Debbie of Montgomery, Texas
and Julie Bean Lightfoot and husband Jerry of Vidor, Texas. 
She is also survived by 21 Great Grandchildren
 and 30 Great Great Grandchildren. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
 Friday, February 11, 2011
at Trout Creek Pentecostal Church in Trout Creek Community, Texas. 
Funeral services for Epsie will be held at 2:00 PM,
 Friday, February 11, 2011 at the church. 
Burial will immediately follow at Trout Creek Cemetery. 
Ministers will be Bro. Larry Mancil, Sr. and Bro. Loyd Jeane.

The family wishes to thank
the nursing staff at Merryville Nursing Home
 for their loving and professional care
 of their mother during her time there.


Bobby J. "Bob" Gandy
September 24, 1931 - February 8, 2011


Bob Gandy, 79, of Evans, Louisiana
passed from this life on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on
Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
at Myers Colonial Funeral Home
in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Funeral services will be held on
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 2 P.M.
at Calvary Baptist Church at the Junction.
Bro. Jim Miers will officiate.
Interment will follow at Evans Cemetery.

Mr. Gandy is survived by

Wife:
Joyce Gandy of Evans, LA

Son:
Barry Gene Gandy & wife Renee' of DeRidder, LA

Daughter:
Debra Rowland & husband Larry of Pensacola, FL

Sister:
Carolyn Williams of Lake Charles, LA

Grandchildren:
Stacey Duncan of Pensacola, FL
Skyler Rowland of Pensacola, FL
Dillan Gandy of DeRidder, LA
Bayleigh Gandy of DeRidder, LA

Great Grandchildren:
Cali Duncan & Cruz Duncan of Pensacola, FL