Obituaries

Ronald Mayes, 69, of Beaumont Texas, passed away on June 5, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, after a lingering illness.

Ron was born in Beaumont, January 19, 1950, to Ovay H. Mayes and Mildred Taylor Mayes of Winn Parish, Louisiana, and attended Beaumont Schools. In Junior High School he discovered earning money when he landed his first paper route and by high school had become expert in saving every penny with a second job in a gas station. He still managed to play baseball and was a pitcher to be feared. Graduating from French High School, he enrolled in Lamar College and earned his bachelor’s degree in Geology, all the while teaching guitar and banjo lessons to pay for his schooling.

Emery L. “Billy” Henderson, age 71 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

Born Thursday, September 11, 1947 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Tennie Irene Garr Henderson and James E. Henderson; and sister, Bonnie Henderson.

Billy was a Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War with numerous medals, including the Purple Heart. He had a great love for his family and his friends - especially his childhood friends, Kenneth Spangler and John Ray Barber.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Jackie Henderson; sons, Kenneth, Wayne, and Thomas Henderson; step-son, Chris Hayes; step-daughter, Susie St. Andrie; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brothers, Thomas Henderson and James Paul Glenn; and sister, Delores Gay.

Richard “Dick” Davis, loving husband and father of four, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the age of 83. He was born on February 15, 1936 in Kalispell, Montana.

He married his lifetime love, Sue Davis on April 5, 1958. He served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1964, then was a member of the Air Force Reserves and the National Guard. He worked in the oil and gas industry for over 60 years in the U.S. and abroad.

He was greatly loved by his family and always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He lived a full life with many adventures and loved to travel, camp and be outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Mr. James Glenn Stroud, age 73 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

Born Thursday, December 13, 1945 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Effie Mae Sandidge Stroud and G.H. Stroud; wife, Melba Tarver Stroud; son, James Scott Stroud; brothers, Basil and Charles Stroud; and sister, Ruth Stroud,

Mr. Stroud loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Brian Scott Stroud (Tammy); daughter, Teresa Stroud McGee (Darcy); daughter, Jami Stroud; son, Chuck Stroud (Charlotte); sister, Judy Harlan (Wayne); brother, George Stroud (Mary); 10 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Southern Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Thursday, June 20, 2019, from 9:00 AM until time of services.

Gerald D. Prather, 70 of Montgomery, LA was born to Lela and Paul Prather on Friday, September 24, 1948. He passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 in Lancaster, California.

Gerald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He served his country from 1967 to 1971 in the U.S.A.F. serving one tour in Vietnam.

His passion was restoring antique cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Lela Prather.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years Linda L. Prather; one son, Greg Prather (Danica); brother, Wayne Prather; three grandchildren, Chase Prather, Casey Scharfenberg (Sam) and Kristen Martin; Three great grandchildren Hallie, AdLynn and Sophie; two adopted grandchildren Karleigh and Lindsey Davidson; his close friend and adopted son Cheyenne Welch.

Mrs. Connie (Temple) Leach received her healing and was escorted through the portals of heaven Friday, June 7, 2019. Born in Jonesboro, Louisiana January 31, 1953. Mrs. Leach was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family and spending time with them. She had many friends and as a former school teacher at Saline High School, there are many of her former students that she still loved and cared about. Mrs. Leach loved her Lord and Savior and her church, Friendship Baptist Church, where she was active in many different areas.

Funeral services were held at the funeral home 3:00 PM Tuesday, June 11, 2019 with Dr. Don Crosswhite and Reverend Stuart Toms officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship Cemetery in Friendship under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home.