Obituaries

Aaron Glynn Kieffer, age 79 of Calvin, Louisiana passed from this life on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Aaron Kieffer was born on August 29, 1941 in Calvin, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denman Kieffer and Johnnie Bell Cloud; half-brothers, Roy Kelly and J.L. Kelly.

Mr. Kieffer spent his working career as a machinist of 40 years at Dresser in Pineville, Louisiana. He was a kind-hearted and devoted Christian husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to meet him. He is a member of the Bethel Church of Christ in Calvin, Louisiana. He enjoyed designing and building through carpentry work, gardening, eating MiMi’s good cooking and spending time making precious memories with his family and friends.

Graveside services celebrating the life of Ida Elizabeth “Beth” Crawford Swanson, age 81, of Morgan City, Louisiana, were held at 2 pm, Friday, October 16, 2020 in her hometown, Winnfield, Louisiana, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery with Brother Dick DeBusk officiating. Services were under direction of Southern Funeral Home. A memorial service followed in Morgan City on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Beth’s home for friends and family from 2:00 until 4:00 pm.

Mr. Dwight Alton Callender, age 81 of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

Born Friday, June 30, 1939, in Urania, Louisiana, he was a member of the Sanctuary Choir and a Deacon of First Baptist Church of Winnfield. Mr. Callender was retired from West Frazier with perfect attendance of 39 years and 3 months of service and a member of Eastern Star Lodge No. 151 F&AM, member of the Winnfield Lions Club, and was a firefighter with Tremont.

Mr. Callender was preceded in death by his parents, Alpherce Callender and Ethel Mae McNaughton Callender.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 61 years, Wadean Cruse Callender; son, Kevin Layne Callender; daughter, Gay Callender Mitchell; two grandchildren Peyton Mitchell and Fallon Mitchell; siblings, Katie Mills, Tim Callender, Don Callender, Roy Callender and Wanda McCartney. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Brenda Ann Pratt, age 68 of Atlanta, Louisiana stepped over into glory on Thursday October 1st, 2020. She was born February 20, 1952 in Liberty Texas and was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church in Wheeling. She loved sharing her faith with everyone she met. She loved teaching the word of God at Ladies Bible studies and meetings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Pratt, her father, John Hinckley, her mother Peggy Ann Grisham Guin and her husband Jim Guin, and her brother John Joseph Guin.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Amanda Jane Pratt, her sons Chad Prat (Jennifer), and Matthew Pratt; grandchildren, Caleb Zoe, Lanegan and Madeline, her sister Betsy McLaren and brother in law Jack McLaren; nephews Christopher McLaren and Jeremy Paul McLaren.

Tony Lamar White passed away on September 29, 2020, at the age of sixty-four years old. Tony graduated Winnfield Senior High School and served as a fireman and maintenance foreman, using his innovation and remarkable work ethic both in his professional career and personal life. He eventually retired from Proctor and Gamble and enjoyed working outdoors and raising various animals. With his long white beard, Tony often caught the attention of Santa enthusiasts, and a twinkle appeared in his eyes in the presence of children. He boldly supported breast cancer awareness month by dying his white beard pink for the month of October. He was eager in sharing his love of animals and the outdoors with his grandchildren. Tony lived a life of service and never shied away from a task. He changed babies’ diapers, cared for elderly, rendered aide to family, friends, and complete strangers. Car passengers were often surprised with unexpected stops due to his determination to help others.

Mrs. Betty Jean (Bagwell) Haynes, age 84 of Winnfield, crossed through the gates of heaven Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Mrs. Betty was proud to be a mother and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her yard and beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed league bowling as a social activity.

Mr. Jerry Joseph Thomisee, age 78 of Winnfield, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the Winn Parish Medical Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr. Thomisee operated a skidder for many different timber companies most of his life. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Opal Ballio Thomisee; two sons, Robert Thomisee (Sheila) of Saline, and Steven Thomisee of Winnfield; two brothers, John Wesley Thomisee (Carrie) and Darrell Glen Thomisee (Kathy) both of Bossier City; two sisters, Diane Lezy (Henry), Bossier City and Glinda Wilks (Rey), Arlington, TX; two granddaughters, Breeahna Perot of Saline and Emily Thomisee of Verda; two step-grandsons, Justin Carter of St. Johns, AZ and Blake Carter of Calvin; one great grandson, Isaac Brody Perot of Saline; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Willard Harry Kenneth Martin, age 85 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020.

Born Sunday, December 2, 1934 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of First Baptist Church of Calvin. He joined the US Army in 1955 where he completed airborne school and jumpmaster course becoming a senior parachutist. He was a member of the 187th Parachute Regiment and the 8th Infantry Division. He later became a Parachute Rigger and joined the Army Airborne Test Board where he participated in the development and establishment of the first military free fall for the US Army. He finished his military career with the Louisiana National Guard, retiring with 20 years of service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, James Cecil and Nillie Kitchenham Martin; siblings, Betty Nugent, James, Charles, John, Frank and Robert Martin.

Harry David Simmons, son of Kermit Carson “Pete” Simmons and Mamie Rose Mixon Simmons, was born July 25, 1940 in Winnfield, Louisiana. He married Grace Mercer of Houston, Texas August 29, 1964. Together, they had three children, Virginia “Ginger” Simmons Garfield, Laura Simmons Dean, and Harry “Chip” Simmons, Jr.

An alumnus of Dodson High School, Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, and Louisiana State University Law School, Mr. Simmons practiced law for more than 45 years. Most recently, he was the senior partner of the Shreveport law firm Simmons, Morris & Carroll.

Harry joined his Heavenly Father on August 27, 2020 at the age of 80. His wife of 56 years, children, their spouses (Macy Garfield, William Dean, and Becky Simmons), brother (Kermit Mixon “Mickey” Simmons), sister-in-law (Nina Underwood Simmons), eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends cherish his memory.

Mrs. Mamie Lucille Hooks Herring, age 92 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020.

Born Saturday, June 16, 1928 in Halley, Arkansas, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Winnfield where she was a member of the Lamplighters Sunday School Class and Women’s Missionary Union. She was retired as owner/operator of The Flower Box of Winnfield and was the first female member of the Chamber of Commerce and was presented the president’s award for the Outstanding Director of the Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce in 1980..

Mrs. Herring was preceded in death by her parents, Archie Phillip Hooks and Bessie Fox Hooks; husband, Cravon Herring; siblings, Thelma Mabray, Bessie Babb, Oleta Smith and Billy Hooks.