Rev. Cullen Devon (C.D.) Thornton found a peaceful shallow place to cross the river surrounded by his loving family in his home in Lake Charles, Wednesday morning, July 5, 2017, at 3:30 am. He was born on July 10, 1936 to Rev. J. E. and Agatha Haymon Thornton, in Provencal, Louisiana. His grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, two sisters and three brothers were all oldtime preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His mother and father raised their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The children learned early the words of the scriptures and the music of old-fashioned gospel revival songs - and they grew up loving both. D. Thornton’s entrance into ministry began at age eight, when he accompanied his sister, Marie Erickson, in evangelistic work, playing guitar and singing before she preached. In his teenage years, you could find him in downtown Goshen, Indiana on various street corners - with his brothers - playing instruments, singing, and taking turns preaching. The year was 1955 when he met Grace Yates. He readily admitted to love at first sight. She was singing in a trio at Youth Rally in Shreveport the first time he saw her. He leaned over to his brother and said, “I’m going to marry that girl singing lead.” He stole her heart and she took his name and his hand and married life began on June 19, 1956. It was a romance that would span six and a half decades, a love that would not die even beyond “till death do us part.” C. D. and Grace Thornton took their own place in ministry - and in family. Born to their union were three daughters: Carol, Becky, and Teci and one son, Curtis. Their ministry would take them across the south, pastoring churches, preaching The Gospel, building church buildings and reaching the lost. Their pastorates included five Louisiana locations: Bethel, Jordan Hill, Colfax, Jena, and Anacoco. For a couple of years they crossed the Sabine and pastored in Groves, Texas only to return to accept the pastorate at First UPC of Lake Charles in 1970, where they served tirelessly and unselfishly for 32 years. After almost two years of retirement - traveling and preaching, Brother Thornton was called out of retirement by then District Superintendent, T. F. Tenney, to serve as “interim pastor” at Shady Grove/Jena. At the end of three months there, the church board approached him to become Pastor, which he did with the unheard of election result of 100% of the voters in favor. He served there for over two years before promoting to Bishop, after his son, Curtis, was elected pastor there in 2004. Later C.D. and Gracie relocated back to Lake Charles and again began to enjoy a well-deserved retirement - still preaching, still singing, still praying - loving God, and loving people. D. Thornton is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace Thornton. Cherishing the memories of their beloved father are four children and their spouses: Carol (Carl) Wheatly, Becky (Randy) Andrus, Teci (Donald) Culpepper, and Curtis (Marilyn) Thornton. He will never be forgotten by his nine grandchildren, and fifteen great-grands. They were the light of life. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and one brother. Left to remember him with love and fondness are his brothers, Don and LaVan Thornton. A final homegoing service was held at noon, Saturday, July 8, at the First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles officiated by Rev. Jeffery Ralston, Rev. Randy Stanton, Rev. Jerry Dillion, Rev. Kevin Cox, and Rev. Brian Kinsey. Interment followed at Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles under direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Linda Gentry Lery, 74, of D’Hanis, Texas, and a native of LaSalle Parish, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 13, 2017. She was born December 5, 1942, in Good Pine, to Dalton and Louise Gentry. Linda, a 1960 graduate of Jena High School, was a loving, unique individual who touched the lives of all who knew her. She married Dennis Frank Lery on June 25, 1960 ... on his 21st birthday so he’d never forget their anniversary. Although she worked inside and outside of the home, she was completely dedicated to her family and rearing their three children, John, Paul, and Denise. She will be remembered most for being a committed wife and an unconditionally loving mother and grandmother. Her family was her biggest accomplishment. Her daughter was her partner in crime -- they called and texted daily. Denise wishes to express condolences to everyone who didn’t have a mom as amazingly awesome as she and her brothers did. They weren’t all easy, but Linda’s 74 years were filled with happiness and laughter. Lots of laughter! She refused to wait ‘til the last minute for anything; despised cold weather; always griped that restaurant portions were too big; lacked patience; thought watching TV was a waste of time; had a black thumb instead of a green one; and hated bad grammar, fixing her hair, dust bunnies, and spicy food. She researched her family’s lineage for years and was proud to become a Daughter of the American Revolution. She was a Southern Girl to the core. She always had a cup of coffee in her hand, read books constantly, always told it like it was, loved sitting in the sunshine and watching hummingbirds, made an outstanding strudel and mouthwatering kolaches, loved sitting under the tin roof to listen to the rain, and knew there was nothing better than a glass of Texas Sweet Red wine at the end of the day. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Mary Nell Smith, Laverne Blue, Frank Gentry, and Ruby Dotson. Left to cherish her memory and tell wonderful stories are Dennis Lery, her loving husband of 57 years; son, John Lery, daughter-in-law Patricia Lery, and granddaughters Brittany and Kristin Lery and great grandson Kamel; son, Paul Lery; daughter, Denise Lery Torres, son-in-law Ross Torres, and grandchildren Ryan and Natalie Torres; sisters, Christine Francis of Mt. Sinai Community and Carolyn Devillier of Woodworth; lifelong friend Elaine Wray; and countless extended family and friends. A memorial and rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, at E.P. Compean Funeral Home in Rosenberg, TX. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 21, at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Richmond, TX, with Father Manuel la Rosa-Lopez officiating, followed immediately by interment at Morton Cemetery in Richmond. Her family request memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/help). Her last months were filled with lots of love and laughter. Let’s celebrate a wonderful, happy life. She will be sorely missed and remembered fondly. Raise a glass of red wine to a great wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her soul is free from her cancer-wracked body; may she be surrounded by sunshine and her sisters in Heaven.

Janice Sharon Slay, 67, of Jena, passed from this life on Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Palestine, Texas. She was born August 24, 1949 in Alexandria to the union of her parents, Lavious Berthard and Myrtis Lee Chevallier Masters. Sharon was employed as a secretary for LaSalle Testers. Services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 12, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Oliver Dean and Tommy Sanson officiating. Interment followed in the Woodland Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Otto Slay; and her parents. Those left to cherish in her memory include her son, Michael Lance Slay of Fairfield, TX; brother, Shelby Masters of Walters, and grandchild, Michael Lance Slay, II. Pallbearers were Mark Krause, Sean Masters, Jason Evans, Kurt Ainsworth, Andrew Masters, and Trey Thomley.

Rita Thadean Mayo Floyd, 76, of Jena passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 in her residence.

She was born on October 31, 1940 in Lake Providence to the union of Thad and Cora Graham Mayo.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Monday, July 24, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Jimmie Keene and Patrick Willis officiating.

Interment followed in the Graham Cemetery in Nebo under direction of Kinner and Stevens, Inc. of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hershel Floyd, Sr.; a brother-in-law, Joe McAdams; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Mayo.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Joan Floyd Paul of Haughton; step-son, Hershel Floyd, Jr. of Ruston; a sister Sue Mayo McAdams of Poplarville, MS; two brothers, Jerry Mayo of Gary, TX and Chris Mayo and wife Connie of Jena; two step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; friends, Carolyn Wise and family, Ethel and Jim Free and family, Rick and Tasca Windham and family, and Michelle and Randy Carson and family.

Pallbearers were Jerry Stevens, Mike Goodwin, Bobby Shaubhut, and Mitchell Goodwin.

Keith Patrick Ganey, 60, of Greenwood, and a native of LaSalle Parish, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born September 27, 1956 in Columbia to the union of his parents, Owen and June Ganey.

Keith was an avid car enthusiast, a long time drag racer and Mopar muscle car collector. Keith was a drag racer from the time he was 15 years old, until the time of his death. He had a wealth of information that he enjoyed sharing with other car enthusiasts.

Keith was a true entrepreneur, having many businesses. He founded his first business, A-1 Metal Building Products, in 1992, which stayed in business for 24 years. Later, he also began developing commercial real estate, and held a dealer’s license, Muscle Motors.

Keith believed in working hard and finding better opportunities for his family. He had a fighting spirit, and always found a way to accomplish his goals.

Services celebrating his life were held at 3 p.m., Friday, July 21, at the Hill Crest Memorial Chapel in Haughton with Brothers Howard Hall and Darrell Cooper officiating.

Interment followed in Hill Crest Memorial Park in Haughton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Keith is survived by wife, Gay Sheffield Ganey; daughter, Jennifer Ganey Whitaker and husband Abraham; son, Russell Bryan Slawson; and grandsons, Colton Keith Whitaker and Maximous Caine Slawson.

Pallbearers were Lyle Ganey, Rick Ganey, Chris Ganey, Jack Pace, Larry Allen and Chris Purkey.

Yesenia De Los Angeles Malagon, 20, of Olla, passed from this life on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at her residence in Olla.

She was born November 19, 1996 in Apaseo el Alto, Mexico.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 20, at Standard Baptist Church near Olla with the Revs. Shad Tibbs and Denver McBroom officiating.

Interment followed in the Chickasaw Cemetery near Olla under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Those left to cherish her memory include her parents, Johnny and Ofelia Ruiz Ruddell of Olla; brothers, Alfonso Malagon Ruiz, Fabian Malagon Ruiz, Johnny Ruddell, III, and Josh Ruddell; sisters, Amalia Malagon Ruiz, Maricela Malagon Ruiz, Maria Antoria Malagon Ruiz, and Juna Ruddell; paternal grandparent, Carole Snody; maternal grandparents, Jesus Ruiz Figueroa and Maria Valdez.

Pallbearers were Simon Lachance, Michael Taylor, Micheal Valentine, Aubrey Anding, Phil Crawford, and Thomas Tibbs.

Honorary pallbearers were James “Scooter” Ruddell, Tommy Bergeron, Justin Valentine, Wayne Clark, Dale McCartney and Wayne Gilliam.

Kenneth A. Redd, 69, of Jena, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in Winnsboro.

He was born June 4, 1948 to the family of C. A. and Pauline Redd.

Kenneth retired after working many years as a directional driller. During his retirement he enjoyed what he referred to as “piddling”, broadening his knowledge as an avid gardener, and drinking coffee twice daily with his friends at a small store in town.

He will be remembered by many people for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and willingness to always lend a helping hand. Ken will always be missed, never forgotten, and forever loved.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, in Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, with Rev. Don Privett officiating.

Interment followed under the direction of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Dawn Redd of Pollock, Marissa Redd of Pineville, and Chelsea Redd of Jena; three sisters, Brenda Finch and husband Clyde, Mary Redd, and Pat Dobbs and husband Roger; his caregiver and dear friend, Sandra Parker; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were Kyle Dobbs, Roger Dobbs, Jerry Freeman, Louis Freeman, Buck Poole, and Tom Redd.

Honorary pallbearers were all of his coffee drinking buddies at the store.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Cliff Williams Memorial Foundation, P O Box 2990, Jena, LA 71342.

Curtis Clarence Richardson, 88, of Grayson, and a former resident of Olla, entered the gates of Heaven on July 21, 2017 while at his home in Pistol Thicket in Caldwell Parish with his family by his side.

He was born April 13, 1929 in Pistol Thicket to Clarence and Ethel Richardson.

Curtis attended Grayson High School and graduated in 1946. He went on to earn a degree in Agriculture from LSU. After graduation, he joined the military serving in the Air Force, stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi from 1951-1954. During his service, he married Lois Steely in 1952.

After his service in the military, he took his first job teaching at Mangham High School. After one year, he accepted a position at Kelly High School, then after one year accepted a position at LaSalle High School in 1956.

During his tenure at LaSalle, he taught Chemistry, Biology, Physics, General Science and Agriculture. After 22 years, he accepted the position of Principal at Urania Elementary School, where he served from 1978-1986. He retired in 1986 after serving LaSalle Parish Schools for 30 years.

Curtis and Lois resided in Olla for 54 years before moving back to his boyhood stomping grounds in Pistol Thicket in 2011. He was a member of Olla First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Olla Kiwanis and served on the board of the Olla Housing Authority.

He was an avid fan of LSU Football and Baseball, seldom missing a game on T.V. He was also an avid golfer playing several times a week. His love for the outdoors led to several years of hunting and fishing. He also loved education and was very proud of his students and their accomplishments. Most of all, he dearly loved his wife, children and entire family.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, July 24, at Old Bethel Baptist Church, west of Clarks, with Rev. Benton Moore and Pastor Amanda Carpenter officiating. Don Burns delivered the eulogy.

Interment followed in the Old Bethel Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Francis Childers; brother-in-law, William T. Childers; father and mother-in law, Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Steely; brother-in-law, J.E. Steely; brother-in-law, James M. Smith; and grandson, Jarred Taylor.

Curtis is survived by the love of his life for 65 years, Lois Steely Richardson; his son and wife, Steven Curtis and Sheryl Richardson, son Mark and wife Lori Richardson, daughter Lori and husband Herman McCarty; granddaughter Erin and husband Clint Masters, grandson Ryan Richardson, granddaughter Hailey and husband Chad McDaniel, granddaughter Lacey and husband John Paul Randall, grandson Sean and wife Sarah Richardson, granddaughter Mallory and husband Lynn Smith, granddaughter Blair and husband Jacob Boles, granddaughter Chelsea and husband Haven Higgs; 13 great grandkids; his sister-in-law, Wanda Smith and niece Sue Huth and husband Richard, niece Dana Harveston, nephew Steely Smith, and great nephew Nathan Huth, great nieces Neely and Maurly Smith.

Pallbearers were Ryan Richardson, Sean Richardson, Nathan Huth, Clint Masters, John Paul Randall, Lynn Smith, Jacob Boles and Chad McDaniel.

Honorary pallbearers were Steely Smith, Richard Huth, Howard Strebeck, Don Burns, Bobby Hinton.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cliff Williams Memorial Foundation, P. O. Box 2990, Jena, LA 71342.

Betty Faye Spence, 78, of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at her residence.

She was born January 25, 1939 in Red Level, Alabama, to the family of William Grady and Ethel Addie Webb DuBose.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 20, at Trinity Baptist Church near Jena with the Revs. Michael Russell and Johnnie Phillips officiating.

Interment followed in the Woodland Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ruth Whatley and Rudeen Shannon; brothers, Coston, Burl, Earl, Roy, Billy, Harmon, Hoyt and Alfred DuBose.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Spence; daughters, Cindy Fitzgerald and husband Eugene and Janice Nolker and husband Stephen; sons, Robert Spence and wife Linda, Terry Spence and wife Cathy and Bruce Spence and wife Amy; sister, Lessie Mae Chapman; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Robert Lee Spence, Robert “Bud” Spence, Lynn Spence, C. J. Hall, Dustin Spence, Matthew Spence, Joseph Spence and Jacob Spence.

Honorary pallbearers were Garrett Walston, Ryan Franklin, Brock Migues and Cody Pritchard.

Ed Yule, 95, of Nebo, passed from this life on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Riverside Hospital in Alexandria.

He was a noted duck call maker and had been honored around the world for his unique calls. Ed was a native of LaSalle Parish.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time on Monday, but will be announced and handled by Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

Mildred Chambers Vickers, 83, of Urania, passed from this life surrounded by family and friends at her home in Urania on Saturday, July 22, 2017.

She was born October 30, 1933, in Madisonville, Texas to the union of her parents, Bob and Pauline Chambers.

Mrs. Vickers was a very involved member of her community, having served as a member of the Olla Pinewood Garden Club and the Order of the Eastern Star, Aldine Chapter #1088.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, at Pinehill Baptist Church near Olla with the Revs. Cory Fowler and Ed Smith officiating.

Interment followed in the Beech Creek Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia/Olla.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl L. Vickers; her parents; and her brother, Bud Chambers.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Karla Westling and husband Rick; her sister, Ruby Riggs; grandchildren, Nicci Byrd and husband Kevin and John Mahaffey and wife Jessica; great-grandchildren, Bailee and Shelby Byrd and Grace and Hunter Mahaffey and numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Cabrini Cancer Center at 318-448-6917.

Joseph “Sonny” Davis, 83, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at his residence surrounded by family.

He was born June 9, 1934 in Jonesville to the union of his parents, Joseph G. Davis and Margery Richard Davis.

Mr. Davis was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jonesville, and served his country in the United States Army as a medic for two years. He was a graduate of Loyola University with a degree in Pharmacy, and owned and operated Davis Drugs in Jonesville for 35 years.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 30, at the First United Methodist Church in Jonesville with the Revs. Lloyd Trisler and Stewart Sherman officiating.

Interment followed in the Jena Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Nellie Edwards Davis; and his son, Joseph Mark Davis.

He is survived by his son, Tim Davis and his wife Melissa; daughter-in-law, Joni F. Davis; five grandchildren, Scott Davis, Joseph Davis, Heather Davis Smith and husband Scott, John Davis and Jordan Davis, all of Jonesville; three great grandchildren, Hunter Blake Hamilton, Koltyn Hayes Smith, and Evelyn Claire Dubose; and a special cousin, Kent P. Richard.

Pallbearers were Scott Davis, Joseph Davis, John Davis, Kent Richard, John Morgan, and Scott Smith.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W.C. Coney, Paul Riggs, Sr., and Bill Atkins.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Jonesville, P.O. Box 635, Jonesville, LA 71343.

Debra Lynn Parker Evans, 59, of Summerville, passed from this life on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the Medical Center in Plano, Texas, from complications following surgery.

Debra retired in June of 2007 after serving 30 years in various positions at the LaSalle Library in Jena.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete as of press time late Monday but will be announced by Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Russell Frederick Metchette, 87, of Carencro, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at his residence.

He was born April 4,1930.

Russell was of the non-denominational faith. He retired as a Captain of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and afterwards, he moved to Louisiana where he went to work for Justiss Oil Company as a computer programmer. During this time, he lived in Ball and commuted to Jena to work. He retired after 20 years with Justiss.

He was married to the late Minnie Yule Metchette, the second to youngest daughter of James Wilson and Nancy Leonie Yule, lifetime residents of Nebo.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 27, at Rush Funeral Home in Pineville with the Revs. Michael Fluitt and Jack Fluitt, Jr. officiating.

Interment followed in the Nebo Cemetery at Nebo under direction of Rush Funeral Home of Pineville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Yule Metchette.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Deborah Doris Metchette of Montreal, Canada, Dwana Dunn and husband Jack of Carencro, and Susie Melvin and husband Jim of Morgan City; his sons, Mike Fluitt and wife Janice of Tioga, and Jack Fluitt, Jr. and wife Kellie of Dodson; and 70 grandchildren.

Roger Dale Reeves, 67, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at The Columns in Jonesville.

He was born Thursday, December 1, 1949 in Jena.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 2 at the Pine Grove Cemetery of Rhinehart with Tyler Pritchard, Bro. Joel Ford and Rev. Joey Paul officiating.

Interment will follow under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Felicia Nicole Reeves; son, Kenneth Roger Reeves; and father, Huey Long Reeves.

Survivors include his wife, Lynette Reeves; mother-,Verda McMillin Reeves; four daughters, Tabatha Mott and husband Bruce, Crystal Pritchard and husband Jamie, Lorie Wright, and Charlotte Bridges and husband Ricky; 11 grandchidren, Greg Mott, Brent Mott and fiancé Lorin Coldiron, Courtney Delhoste and husband Josh, Hannah Pritchard, Tyler Pritchard, Claira Pritchard, Walker Bailey, Alicia Bailey, Brandon Coleman, Lauren Coleman, and Harley Bridges; three great-granchildren, Harper, Brogan, and Cooper Delhoste; a brother, Larry Reeves; five sisters, Eileen Doughty, Carolyn Barnhill, Reba McClure, Sharon Wright, and Nora Dee Bradford; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Brent Mott, Greg Mott, Brandon Coleman, Walker Bailey, DeWayne Bailey, Jason Meyers, and Dobber Bailey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gordan Wright, Josh Delhoste, Harper Delhoste, Brogan Delhoste, Cooper Delhoste, Justin Reeves, Mark Borden, and Jason Wright.

Eva Kathrin “Kathy” Whitehead Stamper, 74, of Columbia, passed from this life on Friday, July 28, 2017, at the home of her daughter in Shreveport, with her husband, daughter and son-in-law by her side.

She was born February 26, 1943 in Columbia to the union of her parents, Eber Shelf and Naomi Poole Whitehead of Rosefield.

Kathrin graduated from Enterprise High School in 1961. She and her husband, CL, traveled the entire country, east to west and north to south, lived in the mountains and down on the bayou, fished, hunted, camped and lived life large. Together they enjoyed God’s splendid nature and gardening. She was organic before people knew what it was.

Kathrin was full of life. She was a person that loved and thanked God every day for her many blessings. She loved her family and lived life with a fun, to the point attitude. She was softhearted and always caring toward all animals.

She especially loved cooking for her family and others who will attest to some of the best soul/southern home cooking that could be found. Always teaching someone how to cook (her) way.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 30, in the chapel of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia. Nathan Ray Roark ministered in song while Savannah Kathrin Perot Rupert shared memories of Kathrin’s life.

Interment followed in the Cross Roads Cemetery, west of Grayson, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eber Shelf and Naomi Poole Whitehead; brother, Glen Roark; and sister, Georgia Phillips, She is survived by her loving husband, Caroll Lynn Stamper, of Columbia; sister, Gwen Roark, of Olla; her devoted caring daughter, Yulonda DeMoss Mayo and husband Ray Cody Mayo, Jr. of Shreveport; her loving sons, Ronald Glenn DeMoss of Shreveport, and Shannon Jay DeMoss, of Minden; ten grand children and eleven great grand children; along with a host of loved ones, including Gary Stamper from Atlanta, GA, Terry Stamper from Grayson, Ashlee Phelps, Stacy Washburn and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Chase Perot, Colby Perot, Dustin DeMoss, Daniel DeMoss, Shaye DeMoss, Hunter DeMoss, and Corey DeMoss.

Honorary pallbearers were Dallas DeMoss and Samual DeMoss.

Bobby Wayne Stevens, 67, of Columbia, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the Citizens Medical Center in Columbia Heights following a sudden illness.

He was born October 22, 1950 in Olla to the union of his parents, John Lafette Stevens and Betty Sue Cruse Stevens.

Bobby Wayne was a master mechanic and it was something that he loved to do. Bobby was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 29, from the sanctuary of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, west of Columbia, with the Revs. Jerry Wayne Hendrixson and Norman Bryan officiating.

Interment followed in the Lowe Cemetery of Kelly under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Marvin Stevens, Sr. and Richard Stevens, Sr.

Left to cherish a lifetime of memories is his beloved wife, Wanda Baum Stevens of Columbia; his daughter, Betty Stevens Strange and husband Daniel of Columbia; his last remaining brother, Jackie Stevens of Olla; two grandchildren, Austin Strange and Kristin Strange and a special grandson, Branson Ingram; a step granddaughter, Haley McMahan; his nephews, Marvin L. Stevens, Jr., Richard Stevens, Jr.; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Bradley Stevens, Samuel Jones, Clint Roy Carter, Reggie Harris, Mark Ingram, Sid Harris and Richard Stevens, Jr.

Honorary palllbearer was Marvin Stevens, Jr.

John M. Taylor, 90, of Jena, went to his Heavenly home on Monday, July 24, 2017.

He was born December 26, 1926 in the Belah Community to the union of his parents, Marion and Lola Beck Taylor.

John was reared and schooled in LaSalle Parish and entered the United States Army just before the end of World War II. He was 18 when he joined and was in the Airborne II Division in WWII. He advanced to Sgt. First Class as a paratrooper and a paraglider, and made a total of 57 jumps.

During WWII, he was assigned to Wake Island in preparation of invading Japan. He spent 13 months in Japan, but actually saw no action as the war ended 17 days prior to their jump. After the war ended, John came home and was honorably discharged.

When the Korean War broke out, John rejoined the Army and served for 27 months and was again honorably discharged.

Once again, during the Vietnam War, he rejoined the Army and took a two week refresher course, then was sent to Vietnam with the 1st Armored Army Unit in Communications. He received a Bronze Star medal (which he was particularly proud of) for his service in Vietnam in communications. He was flown to various locations by helicopter to repair communications and/or give special info to the commanders of the Brigades. After his tour in Vietnam, he once again was honorably discharged.

After retiring from the military, John returned to his home parish and became a deputy sheriff, serving over the next many years for several sheriffs, finally retiring about four years ago after serving as deputy under Sheriff Scott Franklin.

John was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and spent his last few years as a resident at LaSalle Nursing Home in Jena.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 28, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Jena with the Revs. Mike Devillier and Randy Ray officiating.

Interment followed in the Belah Cemetery in the Belah-Fellowship Community under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ima Richardson Taylor; son, Glenn Taylor; sister, Elaine Taylor; his parents; and uncle, Ezell Taylor.

Those left to cherish in his memory include step-children, Wayne Richardson, Wanda Paulk and Sue Willis and a host of grandchildren and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a sister, Annie Ruth Bird.

Pallbearers were Ronnie Kendrick, Zach Kendrick, Allen Craig, Terry Knapp, Terry Keene, and Jason Parker.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Willis, Cliff Smith, Dustin Keene, John T. Taylor, and Scott Franklin.

Barney Purvis Tullis, 62, of Tioga, passed from this life on Friday, July 21, 2017.

He was a janitor custodian at Tioga Junior High School for 31 years.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 24, at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria.

Interment followed in Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery at Summerville under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Lavelle Tullis and Iris Ineta Taylor Tullis.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Betty Mae Greene; brothers, Dalton Greene, Lavelle Tullis and wife Linda Saunders Tullis, Larry Tullis and Kennie Tullis; step-son, B.J. Mills; granddaughter, Arielle; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Lavelle Tullis, Jr., Terrance “Terry” Marler, David Jarratt, Steven Jarratt, Matthew Bell and Taylor Tullis.

James Edward Yule, of Nebo, passed from this life on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Riverside Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 95 years, 2 months and 11 days.

He was born May 12, 1922 at Nebo to the family of James Wilson and Leonie Nancy Bignar Yule.

Mr. Yule was a veteran having served during World War II, had a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts, and was famously known as a woodcarver. His famous duck calls was a favorite of hunters worldwide.

Born and reared along the shores of central Louisiana’s waterfowl-rich Catahoula Lake, Ed learned woodworking at a very early age.

His family tree had a woodsy character for decades. His grandfather, Thomas Yule, was originally from Scotland, where he became adept as a blacksmith and woodworker. His father, James Wilson Yule, was a carpenter who owned two hunting camps on Catahoula Lake. Ed said in a feature story in 1999 that he could still recall the smell of fresh cypress as his dad hand-planed the gunwales of a skiff destined for service on the lake.

Ed drew inspiration from his past experiences living and working with native Americans in Canada. In addition, as a Christian, he liked the idea of encouraging peace and understanding among cultures in the midst of so much turmoil in the world.

After traveling worldwide, teaching and serving, Ed returned to the banks of Catahoula Lake to continue his woodworking.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 29, in the Jena First Baptist Church with the Revs. Harvey Blasingame and Dominick DiCarlo officiating.

Interment followed in the Nebo Cemetery under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; other loved ones, Virginia Ruth Yule, Robert Daniel Yule, and Geoffrey Kyle Yule.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Remedios Yule of Nebo; daughters, Lisa Reimer and husband Erwin of Saskatchewan, Canada and Salli Yule of Glasgow, Scotland; sons, Len Yule and wife Barbara of Nebo, James Yule of Smith Grove, KY, Channon Yule and wife Pearl of Alvaton, KY, and Stuart Yule and wife Charmion of Bowling Green, KY; sister, Edith Marie Yule Meredith; 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, along with a host of friends.

Pallbearers were Brent Farley, Sam Yule, Stephen Paul, Mark Yule, Dan Blasingame, Wylie Yule, and Joshua Yule.