Reynaldo Garza Jr, 78, changed his address from here to heaven on January 14, 2025. He was born in Raymondville, Texas on February 19, 1946.  As a young man he picked cotton in south Texas to help support his family with his mom and siblings.  He was the oldest of 4. In school he told me all the girls would copy his math.  He could always solve math with an ability God gave him.  At 18, he joined the US Air Force.  He wanted to be a fighter pilot, but they lied so he trained in special intelligence.  He served our country proudly for nearly 4 years with an honorable discharge.  Rey completed 2 years of college.  He enjoyed playing his electric guitar and often used secular music-free styling-with praise words to our Lord.  He enjoyed blues music, Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King.  We often listened to Phil Driscoll and Paul Wilbur’s worship.  He attended Lakewood church in Houston then he came to International Christian Network Church with Pastor, Kerry Lucas. There is where he learned a lot of God’s word and how to trust the Lord. “
 
Rey was a godly man, full of love, grace, and mercy. He never spoke ill or gossiped about people. He always had an encouraging word from the Bible to share with everyone he met. Rey studied his Bible daily and listened to various preachers and evangelists. He prayed daily for all his family and many friends and people that needed prayer. Every day he would pray in the spirit to build up his most holy faith and it worked!  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the Washington Commanders and played ball as a younger man.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reynaldo and Raquel Perez Garza.  He is survived by his sons, Shane Garza and James Kent Garza.  Although my girls Sarah and Todd Wadlington with Christina and Michael Belleau were not blood related, he was a loving father to them.  Through his last days Sarah and Todd drove me daily to the hospital and helped me reassure Rey we would obey his wishes.  We did just that!  Christina living in Long Island, New York text Rey with scriptures that encouraged him to believe and walk this in faith which he did.  Most beloved LuAnn Morgan (Life Partner) was with him as he peacefully entered heaven.  With praise and love he took his last breath with ease.  There was no fear or discomfort, just love surrounded him.  Sister, Mary Jane Garza, brothers, Robert and (Wanda) and Daniel Garza. Rey was a grandfather to Ashley Garza, Kaitlyn Morris, Kaylee Garza, Cali Rey Garza his (name sake) and Savannah Johnson. He was a great grandfather to Anderson Say-and Lavaughn Morris.  He had numerous nieces and nephews with cousins and friends. 
 
We will all miss his presence in this earth, therefore, encourage each other with these words: the dead in Christ shall rise first then those alive in Jesus shall be caught up in the air and be with our lord forever more Amen.
 
A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:00am at International Christian Network Church, 121 Wood Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77498 with Pastor, Kerry Lucas officiating.  Burial to follow at 1:45pm at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
 
 

 
 

​Dwight Blaine Cox, 76, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He was born April 17, 1948, and served in the United States Army and proudly volunteered for the Vietnam War. 
 
Dwight suffered a stroke in 2005 which left him disabled. He became the "Mr. Mom" for his grandkids and you could always find him at the baseball, soccer fields or hockey rink cheering on his grandkids & great grandkids. He was affectionately known as the team "Papaw". Dwight was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. 
 
He is survived by his loving children, daughter, Tammy Foster and son, Robert Cox; sisters, Diane Brooks and Denise Simmons; 6 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Graveside service will take place Monday, January 20, 2025 at 1:15 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. 
 

John Matthew Smith, known to all as Matt aged 34, passed away on January 5, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX. Born on April 4, 1990, to parents John Smith and LeAnn Stickland.

Funeral Service to honor Matt’s life will take place at 11:00am Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church, located at 8901 US 67, Alvarado, TX 76009. The family invites all who knew Matt to join in celebrating his memory.  Burial will take place following service at Rose Hill Cemetery, Cleburne, Texas.

Matt faced profound struggles with mental illness and addiction, which made his journey incredibly challenging. But to those who truly knew him, these hardships never overshadowed the beautiful person he was.  Deep down, in the midst of all his struggles, was the most beautiful heart filled with radiant love. Matt was a gentle soul who always saw the good in people. He believed everyone deserved love and grace. His kindness and compassion left an indelible mark.  Matt’s life was anchored by his deep love for the Lord and his unwavering faith. Even in his most difficult moments, his faith never wavered, and he found strength in his connection to God. Matt was always deeply concerned about the happiness and safety of his loved ones. With his radiant smile, sharp wit, and warm heart, he brought light and joy to those around him.

Though his path was difficult, we find comfort in knowing that Matt is now healed. There is no more pain, no more struggle—he is finally at peace and reunited with his mom in heaven, surrounded by love and the presence of the Lord. 

Rest in peace, Matthew. You are deeply loved and will forever be missed, but we take solace in knowing you are free at last.

He is survived by his father, John Albert Smith; sister, Mary Smith Reinford; brothers, Travis Lee Wright and Nathaniel Allen Wright; his children, Candance O'Brien, Gavin Smith, and Genesis Smith; and his nieces and nephew, Paisley LeAnn Smith, Amari Janelle Young, and Owen Grey Reinford. Matt was preceded in death by his mother, LeAnn Stickland.

Duane W. Fessler, 88, of Hurst, Texas passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024. He was born on January 21, 1936, in Sutton, Nebraska to Dewey and Lola (Churchill) Fessler. Duane dedicated 35 years of his life to farming a profession that reflected his hard-working and resilient spirit. Beyond the fields, he pursued his passion for classic cars, spending countless hours restoring a 1934 two-door Ford sedan with his two sons, a testament to his skill and love for craftsmanship. Duane was a skilled welder and a Shriner and Free Mason, which he enjoyed very much. During his lifetime he built two homes, one in Hastings, Nebraska and one in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

Duane is survived by his son, Paul (Sandy) Fessler of Fort Worth, Texas and daughter, Julie (Bill) Oldfather of Kearney, Nebraska. He was a grandfather to Aubrey, Nicole and Peter and a great grandfather to Sterling and Wesley, several nieces, nephews and other extended family members and good friends, Donna and Paula. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Dewey and Lola; son, Patrick; brother, Darrell and sister’s, Marian Helton and Mildred Hammond.

​Duane will be remembered for his love for his family, his dedication to his faith, his love of classic cars and his steadfast work ethic. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. A private memorial service will be held by his family at a future time.

Rafael "Ralph" Gallardo, 59, passed away December 8, 2024, at Harris Methodist Hospital of Fort Worth, Tx. He was born April 21, 1965, in New Braunfels, Texas, the son of Luis and Dominga Gallardo. After high school Ralph entered the workforce as a professional mover and then as a landscaper. He was a avid sports fan watching the NFL Miami Dolphins as well as playing cards, domino’s, listening to rock music and walking his dog Ringo.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Leonel. Rafael is survived by his siblings, Louis, Ruben and Cynthia. A celebration of life is to be determined at this time.

​In Loving Memory of Jerry Ray Creech
Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Jerry Ray Creech, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with health complications from an ischemic stroke.

Born into a legacy of service, Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force as a teletype technician during the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1968, he was stationed at Cam Ranh Air Force Base, Vietnam, where he served both on base and in the field during combat operations. He retired from active duty in 1970 as a sergeant teletype and electronics instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Continuing his dedication to service, Jerry later joined the Texas Air National Guard as part of the 254th Combat Communications Group in Garland, Texas, which later moved to Hensley Field (now the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex). He retired in 2003 with the rank of Master Sergeant and over 20 years of distinguished service, serving as the group's Safety NCO.

​After his active military career, Jerry furthered his education by attending Midwestern State University and earning an associate’s degree in electronics from Dallas Community College. He enjoyed a long, successful career as a technician, engineer, and manager at companies such as E-Systems, Raytheon, and L-3, where he worked for over 30 years.
Jerry was also a private pilot who loved flying small aircraft and working on his lake property during his retirement.

Jerry is survived by his two children, Wylie Scott Creech and his spouse, Scherry Elizabeth Schwend-Creech, and Mitzi Danlene Creech-Stephens. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Meyers Creech, as well as his parents, Lesser Cormon Creech and Sherl Dean Cain-Creech.

A service to honor Jerry's life and his service to our country will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on December 17, 2024, at 1:30 PM, with full military honors.

There is beautiful music in heaven playing today for our beloved, Naomi Jean Kincer, 86, went home to be with the Lord December 1, 2024. Naomi was born August 9, 1938, and raised in Plumerville, Arkansas by parents Jack “Red” and LaVelle Walker. She was the oldest of eight children and attended Plumerville High School where she played basketball, but her first love is the Lord and the Lord‘s music. She was the first of her family to leave home at an early age and work in the big city for a big airline. When she would return home, it was as if a celebrity was coming home with a suitcase full of gifts for everyone. They were so proud of her, and she looked like a movie star 
 
She met and married Billy D. Sandlin as they both worked for Braniff, they were blessed with four children and settled down in suburban Irving to be close to DFW. She was a wife, homemaker, mother and the heart of every church she attended. She played the organ and piano, sang specials and accompanied many others. She also played a mean game of volleyball and loved playing dominoes or scrabble with her mother, sisters and friends. She was an avid thrifter and loved looking for hidden treasures, especially with her sisters and friends, she could spend all day laughing and looking.  She was also a professional luncher and knew all the good spots in and around Irving.  After raising her 4 children and the loss of her first husband Bill Sandlin, she entered the work force again. This was her first “paying job” since becoming a “Clipped B “, Retired Braniff hostess, in 1961.  She ended her working career retiring from Baylor Irving hospital at 78, after several years of service and beating breast cancer. She is fondly remembered by many in the hospital.  To fill her time, she volunteered weekly at The Heritage Center in Irving playing piano and singing gospel music with homebound residents with new husband Mack Kincer.   She often picked up those who were otherwise unable to attend on the way.  She has always held a vital position in every church she attended. Mack and Naomi also were members of the “Silver Tones” senior gospel singers, and they performed in many churches and venues around DFW.  She unselfishly and faithfully showed up every week, every service, every funeral, every wedding and for any who needed her without question. 
 
She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husbands, Bill Sandlin and Mack Kincer; son, Michael Sandlin; daughter, Michele Sandlin; brothers, Kevin Walker, Harold Walker, and CB Walker. 
 
Naomi is survived by her loving children, Lisa Sandlin and Anthony Sandlin (Tracie); grandchildren, Adrian Sandlin, Braedyn Inmon, Victoria Sandlin, Alexandria Sandlin, Samantha McWhorter, Jacob Sandlin, Robert and Emma Sandlin, Andrea Sandlin and Makayla Sandlin; great grandchildren, Paisley, Holland, Gunner and Jaxon Holland, Brooklyn, Sandlin and Waylon Sandlin; sisters, Gwyned (Don) Hill of Overcup, Lucretia Flowers of Plumerville and Arlianne (Butch) Martin of Solgohachia, Arkansas; brother, Anthony “Poss” Walker of Plumerville, Arkansas and many loving family and friends.
 
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2:00pm at New Hope Church (Nueva Esperanza) 4043 W Pioneer Dr., Irving, Texas 75061. The former, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, where she attended and was a member for many years and played the piano and was part of the church choir.
 
In lieu of flowers, Naomi’s family requests a love offering to be donated in her name to New Hope Church.

​Billy Ray Rymer, 67, a beloved husband, father, poppa, brother, uncle, son, and friend passed away at his home on November 26, 2024. He was born in Dallas, Texas on August 23, 1957, and was the second-born son of Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Rymer. After high school, Billy proudly enlisted in the United States Army serving 3 years. After returning home, he worked for Frito-Lay until his retirement in 2018. Billy was greatly loved and adored by all who knew him and a legend to everyone in his large family. He loved spending time with his family, loved music deeply, he enjoyed singing, making people laugh, reading, writing, all things history, and the Dallas Cowboys. 
 
Billy is survived by his loving wife, Linda Rymer; son, Matthew Rymer; daughter, and son-in-law, Lashanda and Levi Besaw; grandchildren, Haley Gomez, Samuel Clark, and Luke Besaw. Also left to mourn his passing are two brothers and their spouses: Lloyd Rymer (Brenda), and Michael Rymer, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and so many friends. 
 
Even though Billy is no longer with us, we can find comfort in the fact that he has been reunited with his beloved mother, father, brother, and so many relatives that he loved dearly. He brought joy & encouragement to all who knew him, and he was utterly unforgettable.  
 
A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 5:00pm at Grace Community Fellowship, 7650 Precinct Line Rd., Hurst, Tx 76054 with Pastor, Brandon Heckler officiating.
 

​TIMOTHEUS ALLEN ANDERSON, 53, of North Richland Hills, TX. passed away on October 20, 2024 at home. Tim as he was known was born in Oakland, California, December 9, 1971, to Louvell Allen Anderson and Dorthea Brown Anderson.

Tim was the first born along with his two brothers, Robert and David. HE finished his schooling in Oakland, California and attended the Int’l Air Academy (1991) apart of United Airlines.  He was gifted in music and played a variety of music instruments, especially the organ, piano and drums.  He was the minister of music for United Sanctuary of Holiness Choir, Oakland, CA, his dad’s church during his early years.  One of the highlights of his life was playing the piano for his father in South Korea in 1983 in the prayer mountains of Seoul Korea.  He gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and rededicated his life in the hospital, October 13, 2024. 

He leaves to mourn his passing his seven children, Timotheus Allen Anderson II, Jacob, James, Demetria, Janeesa, Eugena And Er/Anna K. Wright, along with his two brothers, Robert (Staci) and David (Alina) and his father, Louvell and mother, Doethea, and grandmother, Estella Felton.

​Tim was a faithful member of pure fountain MB Church, under the leadership of pastor, Byron L. Sims in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was the organist and music director.  Tim's favorite hobbies were music and cooking.  Tim was a great thinker an avid reader of good books and especially the holy bible. After much sickness and pain he slipped away in death. “and GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (revelation 21:4) He leaves to cherish his memories his parents, seven children, two brothers and their families and a host of relatives and friends.

Donald Gene Wharton, age 77, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, October 8, 2024.  He was born February 12, 1947, in Abilene Texas to the parentage of George Mendal Wharton and Ruby Lee Wharton. He lived his early years in California and later moved to Itasca until 1993 when he moved to Waco. Donald spent his adult life studying the Bible and Law. His faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. He managed a law office from 1980 to 2018. His hobbies included cooking, games, and keeping up with the current news. He cherished family get togethers and often played 42. He loved his desserts, especially pecan pie and ice cream. Donald loved his dog sparky aka “Stinks”. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Jeanette White Wharton; brother, Arthur Leroy Wharton and son, Donald Criston Wharton.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, children, Derrik Clinton Wharton, Carleé Marie Wilson and stepdaughter, Laura Pittman; sister, Janet Lea Wharton Fennell; nephews, Gabriel and Brian Fennell; niece, Stephanie Grant; 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandson on the way…

​Graveside service will take place 11:00am Friday, October 11, 2024, at Itasca Cemetery in Itasca Texas.