Obituaries

Linda Deanne Cracknell Rau, 83, of Eustace, passed away April 25, 2024. Linda was born June 30, 1940, to Cyril and Anne Cracknell of Buffalo, N.Y.  
After Linda graduated from Kenmore Senior High School (1958) she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State University. 
After graduating in 1962, she worked for 30+ years as a kindergarten and Pre-1st grade teacher in Medina, N.Y. After retiring in 1996, Russ and Linda moved to Texas to be with their family.

Edwin David Slaydon, Jr., passed from this life April 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 15, 1943, in Dallas to Edwin David, Sr. and Mary Alice (Wall) Slaydon. 
He grew up in Dallas for 10 years before moving to California and graduating from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. While living in California he would meet a neighbor, Sandra Williams, at the age of 12, and they would walk to school together for years. 
After high school, Sandra and Ed would marry August 6, 1961, being blessed with 63 wonderful years together. 

Marvin Lee Bolt was born in Blackfoot to Oel Lee and Alois Bolt Nov. 27, 1938. He entered Glory April 24, 2024, where his wife of 65 years was waiting for him.
Marvin graduated from Cayuga High School in 1956 and married the love of his life, Betty Sue Mosely, in July of 1959.  
He worked for Verson All Steel Press Company over 25 years where they flew him all over the country to keep their presses running. He was well known for his skills. Marvin later worked for Madix Store Fixtures over 30 years until his retirement at the age of 80.  

Nancy Joyce Story McCormick, 69, of Eustace left our world to go be with our Lord April 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 
She loved life to the fullest, always laughing and having a smile on her face.
Nancy was born Oct. 13, 1954 to Robert (Bob) Sidney and Frieda Kaye Story in Dallas. After graduating from Carter High School in 1972 she began working as a secretary for her parents at Story Electric and on July 21 of that same year she married the love of her life Tommy McCormick for which they have remained married for the next 51 plus years.

Arthur Mondragon from Kemp passed away April 16, 2024, in Athens, at the age of 72. He was surrounded by his loved ones. 
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents Asuncion Mondragon and Betty Flanary and sisters Maria Elena Rodriguez, Brenda Case and Sherry Chance.

Sammy Lloyd Daniels passed away Oct. 8, 2023, in Dallas. He was born Feb. 23, 1970, in Kileen to parents John and Judy Daniels.
Sammy had a career as a self-employed electrician and carpenter. He was known for his exceptional skills in the construction trade and dedication to his craft, Sammy inherited this wonderful trait from his grandfather Darrell Daniels. Sammy was a warm soul who touched the hearts of many with his personable personality and friendly demeanor.

Douglas Lloyd Gray, 63, of Henderson County passed away April 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and son. He was born June 27, 1960, in Des Plaines, Ill., to Jack Walter and Phyllis Arlene (Euhus) Gray. 
Doug and his family moved to Farmers Branch when he was nine. He attended R. L. Turner High School followed by Texas Tech University and Brookhaven College. 
Doug met the love of his life, Carla McKinney and they were married Dec. 3, 1983. They were blessed with 40 wonderful years together. 

Bethaney Raé Thomas, 26, of Grand Saline, went to be with the Lord April 4, 2024. Bethaney was born Jan. 21, 1998, to Gary and Deana Thomas in Dallas.  
Bethaney grew up in Mabank, graduating from Mabank High School in 2016. Bethaney spent her spare time reading and bargain shopping.  
Her most precious time was spent with Zachary and her two children and the rest of her family.  Bethaney was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, mother and sister.  

Iva Mae Busby, 80, of Mabank, went to be with the Lord April 7, 2024.  Mae was born Dec. 10, 1943, to Arthur Reid and Mary Maude Bow in Kaufman.  
On June 19, 1959, she married Richard Busby, and they spent a loving 49 years together before he passed away in 2008.  
Mae worked at Bow Trucking and Ready Mix for 40 plus years before she retired.  She enjoyed doing anything crafty; sewing, crocheting and scrapbooking is what she did the most.  
Mae’s most precious time was spent with her grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister.