​With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved, James “Muskrat” Carpenter, on July 13, 2024 at the age of 48.  He brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart, infectious smile, boundless imagination and artistic talent.  Although a very private person, at times to a fault, James was endlessly entertaining. He delighted in grossing people out, or in making them laugh their butts off.  He was loyal and true, compassionate, and sensitive to others’ pain.  Often going to great lengths to help his friends in any way they needed, from the sublime to the seemingly ridiculous.  He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.  His loss is truly and deeply felt.


James was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Carpenter.  He is survived by his mother, Sharon; his siblings Shelly, Ariana, and Erin; his nieces and nephew, Isabella, Darcy, and Zane; his Aunt Caroline; cousins Katherine and David; and many other cousins, aunts and uncles.  Former husband of Rachele; best friend to Amber, Miguel, and Jaeden; a loyal Brother-Friend and friend to so many that it’s not possible to list all, but you know who you are - and so does he;  people from Texas, across the country, and beyond.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, James grew up in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, with relatives from Virginia to California.  He graduated from Trinity High School in Euless, TX in 1993; and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2018. He worked his little tush off for that!

James was always an artist.  From the time he was 2 & 1/2 through all his school years, he continued to create a fury of incredible works of art.  He left behind an abundance of drawings, paintings, and sculptures, into which he poured his singular personality, heart, and passion.  Always courageous creatively, James pushed himself constantly as an artist.  He was, is, and ever shall be, an inspiration to so many.   

A Celebration of Life of our unforgettable James “Muskrat”, will be held on August 10 at 2:00pm, at the home of Amber and Miguel Valdez in Hurst, TX, where friends and family are invited to remember a life that was truly a gift to us all. 

In lieu of flowers, if you are able to, please donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://supporting.afsp.org/

Richard Alex Irwin was born on August 29, 1967 in Fort Worth, Texas to Richard Ray and Betty Joyce Irwin. He entered into his eternal rest on August 1, 2024 at the age of 56. Richard known to many as “Rick” or “Big Rick” started life early on as a patriotic outdoorsman by being a Boy Scout and Honoring his late father who was a Korean War veteran. Rick was a truck driver for many years and loved seeing the world through the front window of his big rig. He enjoyed life outdoors and spent many days in a deer stand or fishing a lake with his sons. He loved listening to classic rock and classic country music.

Richard is survived by his wife Michelle, sons Alexander and wife Bree Irwin of Burleson; Richard Irwin of Blue Mound, Kenny Adair of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother Roger Irwin of Blue Mound; sister Janet Henson of Vernon; Granddaughter Paizlee of Burleson, nephews Heath Ditforth of Fort Worth, Hans Ditforth of Saginaw and a host of other family and friends.

​Richard is preceded in death by his father Richard Ray, and mother Betty Joyce.

A memorial will be held at a later date

Red Oak -- Ann La Jean Boehringer, 74, a wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother passed away August 2, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Ann had a zest for life and enjoyed being outdoors, camping, riding her motorcycle several hundred miles at a time. She took part in doing the "Ellis County Toy Run" every year raising thousands of dollars as well as toys to serve the less fortunate. Ann and Johnny have been members of the Gryphons MC, a motorcycle club, and were involved in doing a toy run for Ellis County Christmas for children. They would go to Sturgis every year. She was a wild one from the start and was free-spirited and charming. She was always successful in everything she did. Ann was the youngest of four children born March 1, 1950, grew up in Haltom City and graduated from Haltom High School. When she was in her mid-twenties she would be confused for Barbara Mandrell the country music star, she had fun with that.

She had a dazzling smile with a charismatic free spirit. A laugh that filled the room was so contagious. Making everyone laugh, loved to play music and dance. She enjoyed going to the movies with her children and cooking for her husband Johnny's family for the holidays and having pool parties for everyone to come as you are. These were some of her greatest pleasures.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents: Christopher J. Weldon and Maxine Gotcher, Grandmother: Ida Dot Lomax.

Left to honor her memory: Husband, Johnny Boehringer; Children, John C. Murrah, Jennifer Aljaser, Ashley Turf and Shasta Dorough; 26 Grandchildren and one Great-grandchild; Siblings, Linda Bryant, Charles Gotcher and Gary Gotcher, along with a host of other family and friends.

Celebration of life services will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Rockette Baptist Church located at 2870 FM Road 983, Red Oak, Texas 75154 with Pastor, Cory Mullins to be officiating.

Flowers may be delivered on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 207 Jeffrey Rd., Palmer Tx 75152 for the service on Sunday.