Funeral services for Mrs. Viola C. Smith, 79 were held March 4 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church, Spur. Rev. Norris Taylor officiating, assisted by Rev. Bill Sanders, Bethel Baptist Church.

Mrs. Smith died March 2 in the Crosbyton Hospital. She came to Dickens County in 1900 and had resided in Spur since 1942. She was a member of the Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1970.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Louise Wright and Mrs. Alvis Bilberry, Spur; Mrs. G.W. Rogers, Rotan; one son, Lewis Ray Smith, Dumas; one sister, Mrs. Homer Hill, Spur and a brother, Luther Henderson, Lubbock; 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Burial was in Spur Cemetery.

The Texas Spur, March 11, 1976

Couple Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Spur Reception

SPUR (Spl)- On Monday, December 8, 1952, Alonzo and Ada Belle celebrated fifty years of marriage. The family honored them on this golden anniversary with a Sunday afternoon reception in the American Legion Hall at Spur. A newspaper clipping listed the 11 children present as: Mrs. J. C. Morin of Fort Worth; A. V. Hoover, Travis Hoover, Mrs. Elmer Cross, Mrs. Louis Arnold, Mrs. John Dunaway and Mrs. Pat Fletcher, all of Spur; Mrs. K. P. Brantner of Jayton, Mrs. W. V. McKay of Whiteface, Doyal Hoover of Portales, N. M., and Ray Hoover of Ireland, Texas. The clipping said, “The couple have 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They were married Dec. 8, 1902, at Dublin and came to Dickens County in 1915. Approximately 200 guests called.

Unidentified newspaper clipping, presumably either the Lubbock Avalanche Journal or the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 17 . The article says "recently," probably Sunday December 14.

Alonzo Marion Hoover, 9 April 1881 - 15 February 1968

Lon quit the laundry business about 1943, but he continued to work — at the Palace Theater - until his retirement. Later, as a widower, he moved into an apartment. In 1968 he developed an aneurism in his groin and had a successful operation in Lubbock, but died from other complications on February 15. Lon, 86, was buried alongside Ada Belle in the Spur Cemetery.

"I was born in Wise County, April 17, 1911 to A. M. and Ada Hoover. My dad was a farmer. We left Comanche County in a covered wagon and arrived in Dickens County in 1915 at the M. A. Young farm in the Red Hill Community. We picked cotton that fall and lived in a half dugout (two rooms above ground). My first year in school was at Red Hill. The next two years I walked four miles to a one-room school house ("Burro College") which was built on the J. B. Morrison Ranch. In 1925 I went to Wilson Draw and Neta Berry was the teacher. The next year I went to Twin Wells School and we had two teachers, Mrs. Cates and Mrs. Coy. I finished school in 1930.

"My oldest brother, "Doc," was killed in 1926 when a horse fell on him while working on the Swenson Ranch. In 1927 we moved to Steel Hill.

"In 1932 I married Robbie Jo McCormick. I borrowed $10 from my dad and a T Model from my brother-in-law Elmer Cross, and we went to Dickens and were married in the Court House. We moved into one room of The Ranch house and bought all our goods from Hill Perry Furniture for $28.75.

"We pulled bolls that fall for 35 cents per hundred. We moved back to Red Hill Community the next year and our oldest son, Billy, was born October 22, 1933 and our youngest son, Wayne was born January 5, 1937.

"In 1941 we moved to Spur and I went in the grocery business and built the Super Market in 1949 which is still there. In 1951 David McAteer and I bought the Ford Tractor-Mercury Car Dealership. I sold the grocery store in 1954 and bought Mr. McAteer out and also his home at 723 North Miller, which I still own.

"In 1955, my wife's sister, "Boots" Johnson, died and left three girls. Her brother, Neal, took the oldest. Sue, and we took the two youngest, Patsy 6 and Judy 4. We reared them and put them through school and college.

"I sold the car-tractor business in 1960 and managed a tractor business for Bill Bell and Robbie Jo was bookkeeper. The business closed in 1963 and Robbie Jo worked as City Secretary until she passed away in February 1977. I farmed and worked for a grocery store, and in 1970 went to work for Campbell Funeral Home and retired in 1980.

"I served as Mayor of Spur for four years and while in that capacity I helped get White River Lake, natural gas and paved and widened streets, I served 13 years for Chamber of Commerce, 22 years on Spur Fire Department, 6 years on school board and 3 years with the Rodeo Association.

"On October 2,1982 I married Johnnie Ernzen from Coleman and we moved to Abilene and bought a house in South Lytle Shores. I worked for Holsum Bakery Thrift Store 2 years and retired again. Johnnie and I spend our time taking care of our garden and doing some fishing."

By: Buddy Hoover. Written for, and published in "Dickens County, Its Land and People," Dickens County Historical Committee, Dickens, Texas. Copyright 1986. Pages 187-188.

A.V. (Buddy) Hoover: Services were held Thursday, October 8, 1992 at 2 p.m. in the Highway 70 Church of Christ with Hollis Talley, Abilene, officiating. Burial was in Spur Memorial Cemetery with Campbell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Hoover died about 2:05 p.m. October 6, 1992 in Humana Hospital, Abilene, following a lengthy illness. Born in Wise County, he lived most of his life in Spur before moving to Abilene in 1982. He married Robbie Jo McCormick on May 14, 1932 in Dickens. She preceded him in death in February of 1979. He later married Johnnie Brightwell Ernzen on October 2, 1982 in Coleman.

Hoover served as Mayor of Spur for four years; was a member of the Spur volunteer Fire Department for 22 years; Chamber of Commerce, 13 years; Spur School board 6 years and the Rodeo Association for 3 years. He was a car dealer in Spur for several years and was also a farmer and grocer. He also worked about 10 years for Campbell Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie Hoover, Abilene; two sons, Wayne Hoover, Seneca, South Carolina and Bill Hoover, Spur; two daughters, Judy Morgan, Sugarland and Patsy Karr, Idalou; two brothers, Doyle [Doyal] Hoover, Lovington, NM and Travis Hoover, Spur; six sisters, Marie Brantner, Jayton, Lee Oma Cross, Ilene Dunaway and Norma Arnold, all of Spur; Robbie Briscoe, Levelland; Eurena Morin, Lubbock; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Source: The Texas Spur, October 15, 1992.

SPUR (Special) - Services for Ilene Dunaway, 77, of Spur will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Highway 70 Church of Christ with Bob Martin and Eric Swenson officiating. Burial will be in Spur Memorial Cemetery under direction of Campbell Funeral Home.

She died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1999, in Spur Care Center. She was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Spur. She married John Dunaway on Nov. 21, 1936, in Jayton. He died May 26, 1987. She and her husband owned Southside Grocery in Jayton, and they moved to Spur in 1941 [1945]. They farmed and were part owners of Spur Supermarket in Spur. She owned Lulene's Dress Shop in Spur from 1959 until 1964. They moved to Spur from Mineral Wells in 1981.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry of Spring and Bobby of Coppell; a brother, Travis Hoover of Spur; five sisters, Marie Brantner of Jayton, LeeOma Cross and Norma Arnold, both of Spur, Robbie Brisco of Levelland and Eurena Morin of Lubbock; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Wednesday, February 17, 1999.

Funeral services for Eura Mae Howell, age 93 of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999, in West Oaks Funeral Chapel with Barney Thompson and PHil Tipton officiating. Burial will follow in New Pickton Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rob Sparks, Stephen Sparks, Kreg Sparks, Greg Walker, Bob Mebane, Robert Blain, Johnny Blain, and Billy Blain.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Monday at West Oaks Funeral Home.

Mrs. Howell was born November 30, 1905 in Erath County, the daughter of John Larkin Hoover and Lurana Jane Ivey.

She graduated high school in Dublin, Texas and received her teaching certificate from John Tarleton College in Stephenville, Texas in 1929. She taught in Fabens, Texas until her marriage to Ireland M. "Pete" Howell on May 26th, 1933. He worked for Humble Oil Company and they lived in Gladewater, Katy, and Pickton, Texas where she substitute taught. She was active in bridge clubs and in Kilgore was a member of the East Texas China Painting Club. She had lived in Sulphur Springs since 1994 with her daughter and son-in-law and was a member of the Shannon Oaks Church of Christ.

Survivors include: a daughter and her husband, Patricia Howell Sparks and Kenneth Sparks; grandchildren, Kris Walker and husband Greg of Sulphur Springs, Rob Sparks and wife Carman of Mt. Vernon, Stephen Sparks and wife Jane of Quitman, and Kreg Sparks of Dallas; and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, I. M. Howell; two sisters, Roxie Blain and Gracie Hoover; and three brothers, Kay Hoover, Louis Hoover, and Herbert C. Hoover.

West Oaks Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Unidentified newspaper clipping provided by Pat Howell Sparks, transcribed by Ron Brantner.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, April 23, 1981 for Herbert Clark Hoover, who died in Stephenville, Tx. on April 21, 1981.

Bro. B. F. Jones officiated the services, which were conducted at graveside.

Interment was at the Hanson Cemetery under direction of Harrell Funeral Home.

Pallbearers at the services were Lewis (Bud) McCarty, Cleo LaBaune, Kenneth Sears, Larry Sears, Wayne Sears, and E. G. McKinnon.

He was born November 24, 1917 in Erath Co. Texas, to John Larkin Hoover and Lurana Jane Ivey. Hoover was married to Dorothy Jean Taylor on May 15, 1975 in Laughlin, Nevada.

He was a W W II Veteran, having served in the Air Force.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy of Proctor; two brothers W. K. of El Paso and Lewis of Dublin; two sisters Eura Mae Howell of Kilgore and Roxye Blain of Point Blank.

Source: Unidentified newspaper clipping provided by Pat Howell Sparks.

J. L. Hoover Dies After Long Illness

J. L. Hoover died at his home in Dublin at two thirty o'clock Monday morning, March 1, [1948] after having been bedfast for the past three years and nine months. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Grafton Street Church of Christ with Rev. J. T. Overby of Gatesville, a former pastor and close friend, officiating. Burial was made in the Hansen cemetery in the Roch community. Harrell Funeral directors were in charge of the funeral arrangements.

J. L. Hoover was born in Bentonville, Arkansas on May 12, 1872. In August 1902 he was united in marriage to Miss Lurana Jane Ivey at Thurber, Texas. to this union six children were born, one having died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have lived in and near Dublin all their married life where he engaged in farming and livestock raising until he suffered a stroke in 1944 from which he never recovered. He was an active member of the Church of Christ and was always interested in the civic and development of the community.

He bore his affliction without complaining and was an inspiration to those many friends who visited him during his long illness. He became seriously ill Friday afternoon and passed away after all had been done that was humanly possible.

Besides his devoted wife he leaves three sons, W. K. Hoover of El Paso, Louis and Herbert Hoover of Dublin and two daughters, Mrs. I. M. Howell of Refugio, Texas and Mrs. Roxie Blain of Dickinson. there are two sisters and six brothers and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who survive.

Pallbearers were his nephews; Bob Russell, George Willis Hughes, Lester Faglie, Vasco Hoover, Ray Hoover and Herman Hoover. The flower girls were his nieces.

Music was under the direction of Hobart Cox who directed some of Mr. Hoover's favorite songs, "God Will Take Care Of You," "Beautiful Life," "Never Grow Old," "Whispering Hope" and at the graveside "As The Life of a Flower."

Relatives and friends from out of town attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. George Hoover of Sweetwater; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cross, and Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Hoover of Spur; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Russell and family, Mrs. Etta Faglie, Mr. and Mrs Mike Faglie and family of Clyde; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hoover and family, Artesia, New Mexico; Mrs. Marie Brantner, Jayton, Vera [Era] McKay of Whiteface; Mr. and Mrs. George Gabbert of Brownwood, Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Masset and children of Hobbs, New Mexico; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Roberson, Mingus; Mrs. W. L. Wharton and daughter, San Angelo; Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Massey, Morgan Mill; Mrs. Mose Miller, Stephenville.

Unidentified newspaper clipping provided by Pat Howell Sparks.

Funeral services for Joy Clayton Hoover, 80, Clyde, and formerly of Spur, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday [October 1, 1983] in the Highway 70 Church of Christ. Hollis Talley, Abilene and Van McCormick, Clovis, New Mexico, officiated.

Hoover died at the Clyde Nursing Home September 29 [1983] following a lengthy illness. Born in Comanche County on June 27, 1903, he was a farmer. He lived in Dickens county from 1916 to 1941 and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Gladys Offield, Plainview; Mrs. Loretta Leavelle, Houston; and Mrs. Roxie Thomason, Clyde; one brother, Thurman Hoover, Lubbock; and three sisters, Mrs. Iris Blevins, Matador; Mrs. Mattie Talley, Shep; and Mrs. Ruth Thomason, Spur; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers included Joy Offield, Joe Offield, Jim Leavelle, David Scott, Mike Akens, Mark Stallings, Jerry Offield, Donnie Offield, and Bradley Offield.

Burial was in Spur Memorial Cemetery with Campbell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Source: The Texas Spur, October 1983

Spur -- Joy Clayton Hoover, 80, of Clyde, formerly of Spur, died at 2:15 a.m. Thursday in Clyde Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was the father of Gladys Offield of Plainview.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Highway 70 Church of Christ in Spur. Officiating will be Hollis Talley of Abilene and Van McCormick of Clovis, N.M.

Mr. Hoover was born in Comanche County, Texas June 27, 1903. He lived in Dickens County from 1916 to 1944. Mr. Hoover was a resident of Lubbock seven years and Abilene three years before moving to Clyde. He was a retired farmer and member of the Church of Christ.

Also surviving are two other daughters, Loretta Leavelle of Houston and Roxie Thomason of Clyde; one brother, Thurman Hoover of Lubbock; three sisters, Iris Blevins of Matador, Mattie Talley of Shep, and Ruth Thomason of Spur; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Plainview Daily Herald, Friday, September 30, 1983. Transcribed by Ron Brantner.

Mr. Louis Hoover was born on May 11, 1910 in Dublin, Texas. He passed to his reward on Oct. 29, 1990 in Stephenville, Texas at the age of 80.

He was the son of John Larkin Hoover and Lurana Jane (Ivey) Hoover. He was united in marriage to Lois Noel on June 10, 1971 in Eastland, Texas.

He is survived by:
His Wife; Mrs. Lois Hoover, Dublin, Texas
His Son: Don Louis Hoover, Proctor, Texas
His Step-son: Larry Noel, Arlington, Tex.
His Step-daughter: Judy Lunsford, Georgetown, Tex.
(5) Grandchildren
(5) Step-grandchildren

His Sister: Eura Mae Howell, Tyler, Texas and a host of other relatives and many friends mourn his passing.

He was a veteran of W.W.II, serving in the U. S. Army Airforce.
He will be laid to rest in the Hanson Cemetery following this memorial service.
Services - Harrell Memorial Chapel, 2:00 p.m. Oct. 30, 1990.
Officiating: Bro. William Simmons, Rev. Ben Disney.
Organist: Nina Rae Schrader.
Soloist: Fannie Chambers.
Interment: Hanson Cemetery, Comanche Co., Texas
Arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home, Dublin, Texas.

Source: Memorial Service Program provided by Pat Howell Sparks.
Note re Lois Noel: Noel was previous marriage name.

Birth date: Grave marker has 16 Feb 1907 but family data support 16 Feb 1906.

Dock Hoover was born February 16, 1906, in Erath County, Texas. He was the third of fourteen children born to Alonzo Marion and Ada Belle Embry Hoover. The Hoover family moved to Dickens County in 1914, settling first in the Red Hill community, next in Red Mud, and finally in Spur. Dock, like many young men in Dickens at the time, was a cowboy for the Swenson's Spur Ranch. Dock died at age 20 from injuries sustained when his horse fell on him during a July cattle roundup in the Spur's West Pasture. He is buried in the Red Mud Cemetery.

By Ron Brantner, nephew

NOTE: The following are from unidentified newspaper clippings presumed from The Dickens County [Texas] Times, 1926.

Doc Hoover Dies

Doc Hoover, 20, who was seriously injured on the Swenson ranch Tuesday by a horse falling on him, died Thursday afternoon at 4:30 at the Nichols Sanitarium.

He was the son of Mr.and Mrs. A. M. Hoover. A full report of this sad accident will be published in the Times next week.

Doc Hoover Died Thursday From Injuries Sustained by Horse Falling

Doc Hoover, son of A. M. Hoover of near Spur, and one of the Spur Ranch employees, died Thursday afternoon as a result of injuries sustained Wednesday about noon when the horse which he was riding fell on him.

Doc Hoover was assisting in the "round-up" of cattle near the West Pasture ranch headquarters when the accident occurred. He was riding alone at the time and it is not known just how the accident happened, but it is supposed that his horse ran over a yearling. He was discovered unconscious and brought immediately to the Nichols Sanitarium, but nothing could be done to save his life, he never having regained consciousness before death.

In addition to the medical and surgical skill here offered, Drs. Standifer of Lamesa and Hutchinson of Lubbock were sent for in consultation.

Doc Hoover was about twenty years of age. He numbered his friends by his acquaintances, and numbers of them were here to be with him during the short time he was in the sanitarium.

Graveside services for Pearl Marie Hoover Brantner, 98, of Jayton were held at 2:00 p.m. February 26, 2002 at Spur Cemetery with her son, Ron Brantner, and grandson Gary Lemley officiating. Services were under the direction of Weathersbee Funeral Home of Rotan.

She died Saturday, February 23, 2002 in Jayton, Texas.

Mrs. Brantner was born September 18, 1903 in Comanche County, the oldest of 14 children born to Alonzo and Ada Belle Hoover. She moved with her parents to Dickens County in 1914. She married Kay Parrak Brantner May 4, 1921 in Dickens.

After several years farming in the Red Mud community, Kay and Marie purchased a tract of land in a newly-developed farming area in Lamb County and moved to the farm in early 1929. They farmed in the Beck community south of Sudan until 1945, when they moved to Jayton.

During their years at Jayton, Marie and Kay operated grocery stores at several locations, and also owned a stock farm in Stonewall County. Following retirement, they moved to Spur in 1971 to enjoy the proximity of relatives and longstanding friendships. Marie continued to live in Spur following Kay's death July 3, 1973. She had been a resident in the Kent County Nursing Home at Jayton since December 5, 1991.

In August 1924, during a summer meeting at a brush arbor at Red Mud, Kay and Marie were baptized in Tom McArthur's stock tank by Robert C. Jones. They were members of the Church of Christ all their remaining years.

Marie was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Camille (Maness), in 1976; her oldest son, Ralph, in 1997; and her youngest daughter, Joyce (Wooten), in 2001. Survivors include three children: Irene Lemley of Houston; Doris Maness of Conway, Arkansas; and Ron Brantner of Ruidoso, New Mexico. She is also survived by sisters Lee Oma Cross and Norma Arnold of Spur, and Robbie Briscoe of Levelland.

At the time of her death, Marie had 47 descendants, including 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to The Lubbock Children's Home, 4510 Idalou Road, Lubbock, TX 79403.

The Texas Spur, Thursday, February 28, 2002. Transcribed by Ron Brantner.

Memorial Service Program: In memory of Roxye Alyce Blain

Born: April 15, 1923 Dublin, Texas
Passed away: January 8, 1985 Point Blank, TX.
Services: 2:00 P.M. Thursday January 10, 1985, Metcalf Guardian Chapel

Survivors:

Husband: William Blain of Point Blank, Texas.

Sons and Daughters-in-law: Robert Louis and Paula Blain of Montgomery, Johnny Carl and Pat Blain of Anchorage, Alaska, and Billy Don Blain of Point Blank, Texas.

Sister and Brother-in-law: Eura Mae and I. M. Howell of Kilgore.

Brothers: Kay Hoover of Temple, Louis and Lois Hoover of Dublin, Texas.

Niece and Husband: Pat and Kenneth Sparks of Winnsboro, Texas.

Seven grandchildren also survive.

Officiating: Mr. John Stewart, Mr. T. J. Wallace.

Final Resting Place: Garden Park Cemetery [Conroe, Montgomery, Texas].

Pallbearers: Bill Parks, N. K. Polk, Art Meyers, Dale Fox, George Roberson, Aubrey Lovett, C. E. Reed, and Fred Sellars.

Honorary Pallbearers will be loving friends at Onalaska Church of Christ and Point Blank Estates.

Program provided by Pat Howell Sparks.

Services Conducted For Infant Son

Steven Ross Hoover, five-weeks-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Travis Hoover, died Nov. 30, 1954.

Funeral services were conducted at the Church of Christ in Spur Dec. 1, with C.V. Allen officiating, assisted by Harry E. Johnson. Interment was in the Spur Cemetery under the direction of Chandler's Funeral home.

The baby was born Oct. 28, 1954 at the Spur Memorial Hospital, and died in a Lubbock hospital.

He is survived by his parents, a brother, Linsey Ray, and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Earnest, and Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Hoover.

Source: The Texas Spur, December 2, 1954.

SPUR; Services for Travis B. Hoover, 82, of Spur will be at 3 p.m. today at Highway 70 Church of Christ with Eric Swenson and the Rev. Larry Burton officiating.

Burial will be in Spur Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home of Spur.

He died Friday, Aug. 31, 2001.

He was born March 5, 1919, in Dickens County and married Robbie Earnest on Nov. 28, 1946, in Spur.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army, and was a retired rural mail carrier.

He was a lifetime member of the Spur Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he served as past local commander and past district commander, and also was a former member of the Spur Independent School District Board of Directors. He lived in the Spur area most of his life and was a member of Highway 70 Church of Christ.

A son, Stephen, died in 1954.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Linsey of Pensacola, Fla.; a daughter, Stacy Campbell of Spur; four sisters, Marie Brantner of Jayton, LeeOma Cross and Norma Arnold, both of Spur, and Robbie Briscoe of Levelland; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family suggests memorials to South Dickens County Senior Citizens, Spur-Dickens County Public Library or a favorite charity.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, September 2, 2001.

ODESSA — Jimmie N. Hoover, 80 of Odessa, died Saturday, January 25, 2003, at Hospice House. He was born December 27, 1922, in Dublin.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Curtis Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Hoover was a deacon in the Baptist Church for 45 years, he was a U.S. Navy WWII veteran having served in the South Pacific. He worked for ITT Snyder Industries for 30 years before his retirement.

Mr. Hoover is survived by his wife; Betty Keys Hoover of Odessa, sons; Danny Hoover and wife, Eileen of Houston, Randall Hoover and wife, Pinkie of Carrolton, Jeryl Hoover and wife, Ruthann of Fredericks-burg, David Keys and wife, Debbie of Waco, sisters; Pansy Waldrip of Ruidoso, NM, Frieda Taylor of Sacramento, CA, brother; Boyd Hoover of Springfield, Oregon, granddaughters; Dayma Gilleland of Nocona, Darla Bettencourt of Arlington, grandsons; Ryan Hoover, U.S. Navy, Italy, John and Thomas Hoover of Fredericksburg, Kris Hoover of Denton, David Hoover of Houston, Ian Mooney of Houston, great granddaughters; Jordan and Molly Gilleland of Nocona, step-grandchildren; D'Leesa and Justin Keys of Waco.

Arrangements entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

Source: Odessa American, January 28, 2003. Via the Internet by Ron Brantner.

Kenneth E. Hoover went home to be with our Lord on August 13, 2003 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Services will be conducted at the Chapel of Hampton Vaughan Crestview on Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 2 p.m. with Brother Bill Floyd (of N. 4th & Broad St. Church of Christ) officiating. Interment will follow at Burkburnett Cemetery, under the direction of Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home.

He was born in Erath County, Texas, on November 8, 1921 to Nancy Catherine [Zada Nancy Ringener] and George Hoover. After completing some college at ACU, he was stationed at SAFB and married Nora Lillian Cooksey on April 5, 1942. He served in WW II as a flight instructor at SAFB and then made his home in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He retired in 1978 as a letter carrier for the Wichita Falls Post Office. He kept active and the job he most enjoyed after retiring was working on the James Carpenter farm in the Nocona area for several years. He was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the NALC associations. When his health, time and weather conditions permitted, he loved being on the golf course (especially with his grandsons, brothers and good friends Charlie and Harold).

Kenneth's God-given helpmate and beloved sweetheart, Lillian, preceded him in death on January 5, 2002; also preceding him in death were his parents, George and Nancy Catherine [Zada Nancy] Hoover, and sisters - Coda, Lois, Edna, Katherine and Clista - and a brother - Merle.

Survivors are: a daughter, Sandra Daniells of Bethany, Okla.; two grandsons - Lee Daniells and wife Kim of Edmond, Okla., and Kenny Daniells of Choctaw, Okla.; and four great-grandchildren - Heather, Jennifer, Cody and Kristen; four brothers - Herman Hoover of Colorado City, Texas, Donald and wife Bertha Hoover of Ft. Worth, Texas, George and wife Juanita Hoover of Odessa, Texas, and Wendell and wife Dell Hoover of Midland, Texas; a sister-in-law Agnes (Bledsoe) Jenkins; and many "special nieces and nephews". Also surviving are some much loved children that shared Lillian and Kenneth's home over the years and considered "family" as well, especially Celia and Jimmie Jay.

He was baptized early in life, and was a member of North Fourth & Broad Street Church of Christ congregation in Wichita Falls since 1942. He led their congregational singing for over 60 years; and although he lacked formal music training there was no doubt that he loved to praise God in psalms and singing, and usually to the top of his lungs. He will be most remembered for his devotion and love of God, family, serving others and helping where help was needed.

The family will be at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 16th.

Source: Times Record News (Online), Wichita Falls, Texas, Friday, August 15, 2003. [Edited by Ron Brantner]

June 26, 1937 — August 24, 2003

BREMOND — Services for Joanna Marie Hackel Mitchell, 66, of Galveston are set for 2 p.m. Wednesday [August 27, 2003] at the First Baptist Church in Bremond.

The Rev. Stan Ortner of the First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Petteway/Herds Prairie Cemetery near Bremond.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bremond Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mitchell died Sunday [August 24, 2003] in the U.T.M.B. Hospital in Galveston.

She was born in Marlin and lived in Galveston five years. She graduated from Marlin High School where she received the DAR award and attended Sam Houston State University. She was an insurance agent and worked for Brazos Insurance in Marlin for many years.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Mitchell of Galveston; two sons and daughters-in-law, Keith Wayne and Maiya Mitchell of Fort Worth and Mark Richard and Kimberly Ann Mitchell of Mason; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank Richard and Linda Hackel of Fort Worth; a sister, Kathie Hackel Fortenberry of Fort Worth; her mother-in-law, Syble Mitchell of Bremond; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Source: The Bryan-College Station Eagle. Submitted by Sally Pinkos Brantner. Program picture via Gerrie Jones Yates.

Graveside services for Ruthie J. Hoover Thomason, 93, of Levelland were held Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, at the Spur Cemetery with Nig Wyatt of Spur officiating. Burial followed under the direction of George C. Price Funeral Directors of Levelland. Mrs. Thomason died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at the Levelland Nursing Home, after an illness.

She was born Jan. 6, 1911 in Lingleville to the late William and Mary Frances Caffey Hoover. She married Elmer Thomason, Jan. 3 1932 in Clovis, N.M. He preceded her in death Oct. 15, 1995.

She was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Chris Thomason and Lanny Kyzer; a son-in-law, H.P. Hagins; two sisters; and two brothers.

She is survived by a son, Rayburn and his wife Latricia of Lovington, N.M.; three daughters, Nell Kyzer and her husband, Clifford, of San Angelo, Kathaleen Hagins Wimberley and her husband, Ed, of Levelland and Elaine Faircloth and her husband, Bill, of Sanford, N.C.; a sister, Iris Blevins of Matador; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Source: The Texas Spur, October 14, 2004, page B7.

Ray Hoover

Services for Ray C. Hoover, 81, of Ruidoso, NM, were at 10 a.m. MDT August 9, 1991 in LaGrone Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jim Carroll officiating.

Burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Hoover died August 8 in Lincoln County Medical Center after an illness.

He was born in Comanche County and moved to Ruidoso in 1970. He married Jean Wade on June 13, 1933. She died in 1985. He married Laura J. Mitchell on December 7, 1985 in Ruidoso. He farmed near Hamilton in Texas and later worked for Ruidoso Downs.

Survivors include his wife, Laura Hoover; a step-daughter, Madeline Shackelford of Alto; a step-son Jim Mitchell of Woodward, OK; three brothers, Doyle Hoover, Lovington, NM; A.V. (Bud) Hoover, Abilene and Travis Hoover, Spur; six sisters, Marie Brantner of Stratford; Lee Oma Cross, Norma Arnold and Ilene Dunaway, all of Spur; Robbie Briscoe, Levelland and Lorena [Eurena] Morin, Lubbock; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Source: The Texas Spur, August, 1991 via Texas-Dickens County GenWeb.

Note: Ray was reinterred in Spur Memorial Cemetery, Spur, Dickens, Texas, beside his first wife.

Obituary

Era McKay

Services for Era Vay McKay, 83 were held January 8, at 2 p.m. in the Highway 70 Church of Christ with Richard Trull, minister, officiating.

Mrs. McKay died, January 6, in the Crobyton Clinic Hospital following lengthy illness.

She was born October 3, 1904, in Dublin [Texas]. She has been a resident of Dickens County since 1971, coming here from Whiteface. She was a homemaker and lived the early part of her life in Dickens County.

She married W.V. McKay on December 4, 1922, in Dickens. He died May 8, 1979. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include six sons, Billy McKay, Channing; Don McKay, Odessa; Joe McKay, San Pablo, CA; Jack McKay, Spur; Merele [Merle] McKay, Lewisville and Bele [Berle] McKay, Lake Dallas; four brothers, Ray Hoover, Ruidoso, NM; A.V. (Buddy Hoover, Abilene; Doyle Hoover, Lovington, NM; Travis Hoover, Spur; six sisters, Marie Brantner, Boise City, OK; Lee Oma Cross, Ilene Dnaway [Dunaway] and Norma Arnold, all of Spur; Robbie Briscoe, Levelland and Eurena Morin, Lubbock, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers included Randy Arnold, Greg Arnold, Richard Stewart, Bill Hoover, Les McKay and Jeff Lee.

Burial was in Spur Memorial Cemetery under direction of Campbell Funeral Home, Spur.

Source: The Texas Spur, January 14, 1988, via the Dickens County, Texas GenWeb.

Family Biography

Walter Vernon "Son" McKay was born at Red Mud August 23, 1900, to W. A. and Alice McKay, pioneers to Red Mud. His father was a farmer-rancher. Son grew up fast. He learned to ride horses and work cattle at a very young age. When the town of Spur was being built, he would ride his horse to Spur to see how the builders were progressing.

When Son was eleven years old, his father died and Son went to work that year on a ranch at Clairemont. In 1914 Son left Clairemont, and drifted into New Mexico and Arizona. In 1919 he came back to Texas, got back in time for the Dickens County Fair, which was held at Spur every year. He went to work on the Pitchfork Ranch, later worked on the Swenson and 6666 Ranches. He rode wild broncos to entertain guests at the 6666's. He was a model cowboy, who was never seen in anything but western clothes, which he wore with a great deal of pride. Young cowboys patterned his way of dressing and envied his rough, tough life style.

Son was an athletic young man, besides wild bronc riding, he loved to wrestle, played horse polo with a mallet made from mesquite limbs, and he also loved music and played a guitar, fiddle, French harp and loved to dance.

Son met and married Era Vay Hoover in Dickens County. Era was born October 3, 1904 in Dublin, Texas, the daughter of A. M. and Ada Belle Hoover.

Era started to school at Red Mud and finished high school at Spur. She attended Arlington State College where she received a teaching certificate in 1922, but chose to be a housewife and raise six boys. Their first boy was born September 17, 1925. Billy Vernon, Donald Ray, Joe Dell and Jack Alton were born about two years apart. These four oldest boys were born at the W. A. Smith place at Red Mud, south of Spur.

Son and Era moved to Belen, New Mexico in 1938. In 1941 they moved to the Sheratt Ranch, 25 miles from Sudan, Texas and on January 26, 1942, they had twin boys, Berle B. and Merle M. In 1944, they moved to Whiteface, Texas in Cochran County where they leased several sections of land and bought cattle.

In 1945 son became Deputy Sheriff of Cochran County where he served until his retirement in 1968. In 1971 Son suffered a stroke and he and Era moved back to Spur and he was in the Spur Care Center until his death on May 8, 1979.

Era bought her home at 415 West Harris and lived there until 1981 when she entered the Spur Care Center. Era passed from this life January 6, 1988.

Written by: Jack McKay, son.

Submitted by Ron Brantner to the Dickens County, Texas GenWeb

HASKELL -- Wanda Doylene Strickland, 65, of Haskell, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2004, at Hendrick Medical Hospice Care after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Troy Culpepper officiating. Services are directed by Holden-McCauley Funeral Home.

Mrs. Strickland was born on May 20, 1939 in Jayton, Texas. She was the daughter of Doyal and Christal Hoover. She married David Jim Strickland on September 16, 1988 in Reno, Nevada. She went to school in Chicago and worked for Braniff airlines and was a travel agent. Wanda was an avid bridge player, loved traveling and being with friends.

Survivors include her husband, David of Haskell; stepson, Wesley David Strickland of Sherman, Texas; mother Christal Brandon of Abilene; one half brother and several half sisters. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother Craig Correll.

Family requests memorials be made to Hendrick Cancer Treatment Center, c/o Hospice, 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.

Source: Abilene Reporter News, December 13, 2004.

Mr. Hairgrove Buried Here Tuesday

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon [8 Jun 1965] at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church for Estle Eugene Hairgrove, 65. Rev. Chester Sassman Perrin, officiated, assisted by Rev. Dick Horn, Bethel Baptist Church, Spur.

Mr. Hairgrove died in his sleep Monday night. [7 Jun 1965]

Born in Walker Co. in 1900, he came to Dickens County in 1924. He ran a feed store here for a number of years, but was semi-retired at the time of his death.

He was employed part time by the City of Spur.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Eula Hairgrove, five sons: Claude and Lorell, both of Lubbock; Wilburn, San Luis Obispo, CA; and Doyle, Spur. One sister also survives, Mrs. Myrtle Martin, Hereford; nine grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren also survive.

Pallbearers were Charles Suitt, S.C. Reynolds, John Adams, T.C. Ensey. Babe Berry, Earl Thomason, Arner Watson, R.J. Bell, Flavious Alexander, Darrell Thomason and R.D. Stewart.

Burial was in Spur cemetery. Campbell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangement.

Source: The Texas Spur, June 10, 1965. Submitted by Lillian Grace Nay.

Norma Arnold

Services for Norma Arnold, 82, of Spur will be at 2 p.m. today at Hwy. 70 Church of Christ in Spur with Eric Swenson and Bob Martin officiating. Burial will be in Spur Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home.

Mrs. Arnold passed away Friday, June 10, 2005 in Spur.

She was born Jan. 22, 1923 in Red Mud [Community, Dickens County, TX] to Alonzo and Ada Belle Embry Hoover. She graduated from Spur High School in 1941 and attended Draughon's Business College in Lubbock. On July 22, 1944, she married Louis Arnold in Spur. He preceded her in death in 1988.

She was also preceded in death by eleven [twelve] brothers and sisters and one grandson.

Through the years, Norma was very active in many organizations including P.T.A., study club, scouting, room mother and her church.

Survivors include: two sons, Randy Arnold of Crosbyton and Greg Arnold of Spur; two daughters, Judy Clay of Spur and Kristi Bass of Breckenridge; two sisters, Leeoma Cross of Spur and Robbie Briscoe of Levelland; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to Dickens County EMS, P.O. Box 277, Spur, TX 79370 or Spur Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 111, Spur, TX 79370.

Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Sunday, June 12, 2005.

Bill Hemphill

Funeral services for Bill Hemphill, 78, of Roaring Springs were held Saturday June 4,2005 at the Roaring Springs Full Gospel Church with Rickey Lawrence officiating. Interment was in the Roaring Springs Cemetery under the direction of Seigler Funeral Home of Matador.

Mr. Hemphill passed away Tuesday May 31,2005 at his residence near Roaring Springs.

Bill was born June 5, 1926 in Dickens, Texas to James Hartford Hemphill and Edna Davis Hemphill. He had worked for the 6666 ranch for 20 years retiring as Wagon Boss. Bill was married to Anna Florine Thornton on December 22, 1947 at Matador, Texas. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2000. Mr. Hemphill was a resident of Roaring Springs since August of 1991. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include two sons, Billy 'Boo' Hempbill of Roaring Springs, Texas, and Bobby Hemphill of Magnolia, TX, one daughter, Becky Marley of Carlsbad, N.M., sisters, Ila Daniels of Fort Worth, TX Glen Smith of Monahans, TX, and, Elva Clay of Dickens, TX, two brothers. Tommy Hemphill of Blossom, TX, J.E. Hemphill of Peacock, TX, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Source: The Texas Spur, page 8, June 9, 2005. Scanned by Ron Brantner.

Obituary: -- LeeOma Cross

LeeOma Cross, 98, of Spur died Sunday, January 14, 2007. Services were 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at Highway 70 Church of Christ with Eric Swenson officiating. Burial was in Spur memorial Cemetery under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cross was born February 11, 1908 in Dublin to Alonzo Marion and Ada Belle Hoover. She moved with her family to Dickens County by covered wagon in 1915. She married Elmer Cross December 17, 1927 in Dickens. She enjoyed helping Elmer on the farm until his death in 1973. LeeOma was a good cook, an avid gardner (sic) and belonged to the Church of Christ.

She is survived by one sister, Robbie Briscoe of Levelland and many nieces and nephews.

She Was also preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and six sisters.

The family suggests memorials to Spur Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 111, Spur, TX 79370.

Source: The Texas Spur, January 18, 2007, page 6a.

Note: She used "Lee Oma" in her biography and put that on her grave marker.

Biography:

I am Lee Oma Hoover Cross, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Hoover. My family came to Dickens County from Wise County in 1915. I was only seven years old, but I remember the trip in a covered wagon and camping at night along the way. Traveling with us were our neighbors and one driver for the extra wagon. Our parents had heard of this land of opportunity without boll weevils in the cotton. We saw our first black people on the way here. They were out in the fields picking cotton. At that time, they were not allowed in Erath or Comanche Counties. We also saw our first rattlesnake. The adults stopped the wagons, called all the children to see and listen to the rattle of the snake, warning all of us to run away fast if we ever saw or heard this again.

Our first home in Dickens County was in the Red Hill Community, 10 miles east of Spur. We lived there several years and attended school and church at the Red Hill Schoolhouse. Later, in 1919, we moved to Red Mud, 15 miles southwest of Spur. Here we attended school at Red Gap, Red Mud, and a very small school called Morrison School. Believe me, it was small. It was mostly the Morrison children (Luther, Addie Jo and Florine), the Hoovers and the Martins. But, ah, what fun! While living at Red Mud, I met Elmer Cross, son of one of the first families, Mr, and Mrs. Elzy Cross. We were married December 17, 1927 at Dickens. We lived in Spur for two years working at various jobs. Then, each of us being born and reared on the farm, decided to farm again. We moved about three miles northeast of Spur on the Uncle Harry Patton Place, staying there for 12 years. Being a lover of good horses, Elmer trained and rode race horses for Leo Speer in Dickens and the Bateman Ranch near Guthrie and then later for himself.

The year of 1942, we bought land in the Steele Hill Community, four miles southeast of Spur. The hill that the community was originally named for was in our pasture. In the early days, Mr. Steele, a buffalo hunter, was killed and buried there. A spring of water flowed from this place for many years until gravel and rock were taken from the area to build the highway from Spur to Jayton. Our land lay in the Duck Creek Valley. We raised cattle, cotton and coastal Bermuda grass. Some years were good, some were very hard until we got irrigation. I had my own little pony and often helped with the cattle and other chores. I can truly say we lived from covered wagon days to airplanes and from dry land to irrigation.

Although we had no children of our own, our place was never empty. All the nieces and nephews dearly loved to come visit and play on the creek, fish, hunt, and ride the tractor and horses. After Elmer died in 1973, I stayed on the place for some time. Now I live at 1019 West 3rd in Spur. Now to my dear family and especially to my nieces and nephews - When things were not so good or I felt a little lonely, I would ride my horse to the highest point of the mountain, look at the valley all below, and think of the words of the writer, "How green was my valley."

By Lee Oma Hoover Cross

Source: Dickens County, Its Land and People, Dickens County Historical Commission, Copyright 1986.

Faulkner Rites Held Wednesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Naomi Missiouri Faulkner, 81, were held Wednesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church. Rev. Riley Fugitt officiating. He was assisted by Rev. Gene McCann, McAdoo.

Mrs. Faulkner died at the Spur Memorial Hospital Monday about 12:20 p.m. [13 April 1959]. Mrs. Faulkner came to Dickens County in 1930 and resided in Spur. She was a member of the Baptist Church.

She is survived by 3 sons, Edd, Nolan and Hubert; 2 daughters Mrs. D.E. Allen, Lillian Wade, NM; one brother, J.H. Hall, and 2 sisters, Mattie Cooper, Houston and Ruth Enlowe, Splendora, TX. 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Interment was in Spur Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bailey Kimmel, Flavious Alexander, M.H. Bragg, Royal Battles and Melvin Adams. Campbell´s [Funeral Home] in charge.

Source: The Texas Spur, April 16, 1959. From the records of Lillian Grace Nay.

[Note: Wife of Joseph William Faulkner. Daughter of James Henry Hall & Mary Jane Wester.]

Services for Eurena "Renie" Morin, 72, of Midland were at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2000, at the Golf Course Church of Christ. Graveside services were held in Spur Cemetery at 5:00 p.m. under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.

She died on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000. She was born January 20, 1928 in Spur to A.M. Hoover and Ada Belle (Embry) Hoover. She moved to Ft. Worth and married Jim Morin. They then moved to Brownfield. Then she and Jim performed missionary work in Canada and Germany. She resided in Lubbock for 27 years, where she worked as a secretary for Lubbock Christian University and the Lubbock public schools administrative offices. She was a member of the Sunset Church of Christ. She moved to Midland in January 2000, where she lived in Saddleridge Lodge.

Morin was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; per parents, A.M. Hoover and Ada Belle Hoover; five brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Rotha Cloyd and husband, Warren of Midland and Carol Smith and husband, Steve of Redlands, Calif.; a brother, Travis Hoover of Spur; four sisters, Marie Brantner of Jayton, Leooma Cross of Spur, Norma Arnold of Spur, and Robbie Briscoe of Levelland; three grandchildren, Jamie Cloyd and wife, Shanna, and Randy Cloyd and wife, Misty and Tiffany Smith; four great-grandchildren, Josh, Abigail, Cody and Kaleigh.

Source: The Texas Spur, Thursday, October 19, 2000, page 8.

Billy E. Hoover

Billy E. [Gene] Hoover, longtime Spur resident, passed away Friday, May 23, 2008, at the Heart Hospital in Lubbock.

Mr. Hoover was born Oct. 22, 1933, in the Red Mud Community, the son of Buddy and Robbie McCormick Hoover. He graduated from Spur High School in 1951 and attended Texas Tech and Eastern New Mexico University.

Mr. Hoover was a veteran serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Bill married Ruth I. (Jean) Dover Sept. 6, 1956, in Aragon, Ga.

Bill worked as a partner in Hoover Motor Company, Spur Super Market, Dickens Electric and bought the Spur Insurance Agency in 1981 and added an Income Tax Service.

Bill worked with Little Dribblers Basketball, Little League Football, Baseball and Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Jaycees, Spur Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the Duckwall Store to Spur. He served as a Councilman and Mayor of Spur. Bill was an avid golfer and spent many hours improving the golf course. He lived life to the fullest and after retiring in 1995, he loved to travel, play golf, pool, dominoes, bridge and go dancing.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean of Spur; two sons, Terry and wife Ofelia and their children, Meagan and Samantha of Post, and Jerry and wife LuAnna and their children, Davis, Leah and Laura of Amarillo; one daughter, Rhonda and husband Mike O'Neill and their Children, Shawn and wife Jennifer, Ryan and his son Liam, and Jason of Plano; one brother, Wayne and wife Sandra of Seneca, S.C.; and sisters, Patsy Karr of Idalou and Judy and husband Tom Morgan of Bay City.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's Life will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 26, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Spur, under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home. The family suggest in lieu of flowers, donations to Spur Senior Citizens, 210 Burlington Spur, Texas 79370.

Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Sunday, May 25, 2008. Transcribed by Ron Brantner.

[Note: Sisters Patsy Karr and Judy Morgan were the daughters of Blanche McCormick and George Johnson. Blanche died in 1952 and Buddy and Robbie raised the nieces.]