Community mourning several area deaths

Funeral services for Harold Gene Dudley, 88, were held Friday, Feb. 3, at Evergreen Baptist Church.The service was conducted by Rev. Jeff Morgan. Dudley was born Jan. 23, 1935 and died Jan. 29, at his home. He was the son of Chester E. and Lizzie Fitzgibbons Dudley and was married to Linda Dunlap who preceded him in death. She died in 2020. They were both members of Evergreen Baptist Church. He will be buried beside her at a later date. Do remember their children and other family members in your prayers.

Another death in the community is Brady A. Hand Sr., 93, who passed away Jan. 26, at his home on FM 244 between Keith and Iola. He was born Nov. 13, 1929, the son of Elgin and Hazel Hand of Waller. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Deborah. His funeral service was held Thursday, Feb 2, at Madisonville Funeral Home. Chaplain Rick Bell was in charge of the service.Aprivate interment will follow at a later time. Do remember his wife Patsy and other family members in your prayers.

Iola Food Pantry will be open Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 9 – 11 a.m. Anyone needing a helping hand are invited to come. Workers will be there the day before to set up for the pantry. Workers are always welcome and appreciated. Last month six new families came.All are welcome.

Welcome to the newest resident of Keith. Presley Joy Johnson, the daughter of Cole and Jordan Johnson was born Jan. 25. She was 5 pounds 11 ounces and 19-inches long. Baby Presley is also the first granddaughter of Mike and Robin Trant Johnson. She, her parents, grandparents and herAuntAllie Johnson live in the old Trant place with her which dates back to their ancestors, John and Elizabeth Trant, who settled there in 1850.

Christopher Roy Garcia, the son of Amando and Gloria Padron Garcia, died Jan. 25. He was born Sept. 12, 1978. His ashes were buried in the Lake Grove Cemetery. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, where he received Jesus Christ at age five. He was also the grandson of Julian and Sandra Padron, buried in the same cemetery. Other family members are buried in the cemetery as well. Do remember his parents and loved ones in your prayers.

Andrew Bush, the impact director of Varsity Brands from Edwards, Mississippi was a guest speaker at Evergreen Baptist Church Sunday, Feb. 5. He has spoken at various churches around the country and is a strong supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Bush was accompanied by his wife Shannon. It was certainly good to hear him.

There was a Love Always Marriage Conference held at Evergreen Baptist Church Sunday, Feb. 5. A good time was enjoyed by all. The conference included a meal. Forty people attended.

Orphans Friend Masonic Lodge No 17 held their monthly meeting Feb. 6, at their Lodge Hall in Anderson with a good number of members present. A variety of business was discussed and acted upon. Donald W. Lemon, one of the members, was presented with a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Texas. This will enable him to instruct and teach all Masonic teachings. This is well deserved.

Area residents were sorry to learn of the death of former Iola resident, Roger Allen Manuel, who passed away Jan. 31. He was a 1958 graduate of Iola High School and married Linda Mc-Dougald who survives him. His burial was in Concord Cemetery. Do remember his wife, his children and other family members in your prayers.

The monthly meeting of Bedias Masonic Lodge No 651 was held Feb. 7, at their lodge hall with a good number attending. The covered dish meal was enjoyed by all. Ladies were given candy for Valentine’s Day. During the meeting, the following Masons were presented awards: James A. Bracewell, Kenneth Kelso and Larry Lynch. This will enable them to instruct and teach all Masonic teachings. This is well deserved.

Happy birthday this week to: Feb. 13 – Carlton Wheeler Trant, Jeffrey Randall Trant, Ella Nora Flynt, D.D. Davis, Gracie Topping Dedretti, Debbie Barney; Feb. 14 – Diana Compian Morgan, Mary Jane Williams Scroggins; Feb. 15 – Mary Jo Limas, Anthony Robbins; Feb. 16 – Dianne Simmons; Feb. 17 – Jeremy Delgado, David Crenshaw; Feb. 18 – Marissa Black, Kellie Montoya. Do hope your special day was a happy one.

Happy anniversary this week to the following. Jesse and Gigi Delgado, married Feb. 14; Jimmy F. and Tammy R. Larue Louther, married Feb. 17, 2007; Don and Susan Whelchel Binch, married Feb. 18, 1978. Do join me in wishing them many more years of happiness together.

If you have any Keith news, call either my cell phone at 936870-6094 or my house number at 936-394-8273.