Obituaries

Herman M. Millican, age 75, of Alexandria, Louisiana, entered into eternal rest on October 11, 2016 at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, Louisiana. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, where he proudly served in the Korean Conflict. Mr. Millican retired from a career in the Automobile Industry as a Service Advisor. He was a native of Houston Texas until relocating to Alexandria, La to be near his step-children. Herman was a loving and devoted husband and father to his step-children. He was a sports enthusiast who loved following his favorite football and basketball teams. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Juanita Millican; one brother, James Millican; one sister, Ruth Fergerson and step-son, Robert Smith.

Mrs. Dorasteen Smith Steele, age 83 of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016. Born Thursday, August 17, 1933 in Winnfield, Louisiana, she was preceded in death by her parents, Grady W. Smith and Thelma Welch Smith; husbands, David Wessley Steele, Sr. and James Nigreville; twin sister, Pauline Steele and brother- in-law, Dannie R. Steele; sister, Lula Belle Barton; brother-in-law, J. H. Steele and sisterin- law, Caroline B. Steele. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, David W. Steele, Jr. and wife Patricia Steele; daughters, Delores S. Wynn and husband John Paul, and Linda S. Frasier and husband William; grandchildren, Chad Steele, Cheryl S. Faulk and husband Chester, Codie Steele and wife Meagan, John Troyce Wynn and wife Aimee, Laura W. Smola and husband Mike, Sarah Wynn, and Jennifer F. Pearce and husband Mark; brothers, Aubrey Smith and wife Ivy and Glenn Smith and wife Earline; and 15 great grandchildren.

Mr. James Richard Murphy, age 32 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016. Born Saturday, June 30, 1984 in Ruston, Louisiana, he was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church where he was an honorary deacon and was a 2004 graduate of Winnfield Sr. High School. James was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louie and Johnnie Maxey Murphy; maternal grandparents, Charles and Helen Hill Polk; uncle, Ray Polk. Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, John and Patricia Polk Murphy; brother, Ben Murphy and wife Elizabeth; niece, Emma Grace Murphy as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Big Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Bartley and Rev. Willie Beaubouef officiating. Interment followed in Jordan Hill Cemetery, in Winnfield under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Sarah Moore Smart, 92, were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2016, at Forest Park East Cemetery, St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA. Officiating was Dr. David Farmer. Mrs. Smart was born on February 2, 1924 in Pacton, LA to Sally Elizabeth Oliver and George W. Moore and passed away September 26, 2016. Mrs. Smart was in sales at Kalmback Burkett in Shreveport until she retired. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Louis A. Smart, her brothers and sisters. Survivors include Nephews, John E. Moore, Bobby Moore, Tommie Moore, T. Willie Moore, Jerry Moore, Vernard Moore, and Thermon Moore; nieces, Mary E. Latsos, Ama S. Moore, Rita Moore, and Patti Todd.  

Private Graveside Services were held at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery for Gloria Jane Donohoe, 86, who passed away on September 25, 2016. Reverend Luther Burney conducted the funeral services. Music performed by Ramona Carmichael. Mrs. Donohoe, a resident of Lafayette, was the daughter of the late Houston Gates and the former Zelma Mills. Mrs. Donohoe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, LA in August of 1959 and a Master of Education in Music at The University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1968. She taught public school music from 1950 until June of 1981. She taught piano in her home until her retirement in 1997. Memberships in Academic Organizations include Sigma Alpha Iota, Delta Kappa Gamma Society and Phi Kappa Phi, American College of Musicians, Louisiana Teachers Music Association, and Music Teacher National Association. Mrs.

Mr. Richard Rand Porter, born in Winnfield LA on December 4, 1926, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at his residence in Bogalusa, LA at the age of 89. Mr. Porter was self-employed as a civil engineer for several years, and was a very active member of ESM Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Stewards, and serving as usher. He served in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers where he was in the battalion of the first wave of men to enter the Korean War. His affections and charm among young people and children was a decided trail of humanity, such as few have ever known. Richard Rand Porter mentored young men in various positions on local, regional and on State levels for scouting. He resigned long past retirement age and was to modest to say how proud he was of the many men he had the opportunity to lead and the success they have achieved. He was preceded in death by his first wife Jacqueline Perrin Porter; his parents Hezikiah Porter Sr.

Fannie B. Jones, age 81 of Winnfield, LA, passed away September 26, 2016. Services were held October 1, 2016. 

Mr. Charles William Ballard, age 76 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Born Thursday, February 15, 1940 in Pinetop, Tennessee, he was a US Navy veteran and was retired from L.L. Brewton Lumber Company. Mr. Ballard was preceded in death by his Parents, Otis and Estell Ballard. Those left to cherish his memory include his Wife of 42 years, Sadie Cox Ballard and Sister, Shelby Jean Ballard. Graveside funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Garden of Memories of Winnfield. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Willie Daniel Hagan, age 65 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Friday, September 23, 2016. Born Thursday, July 26, 1951 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Davison Hagan and Floyce Arzelle Tatum Hagen; spouse, Brenda Mason Hagan; and infant brother, Charles Hagen. Mr. Hagan was a member of Gloryway Church, retired from millwright, and an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of seven years, Maurice Hillman Hagan; sons, David Hagan (Jennifer) and Mason Hagan (Tammy); grandchildren, Amanda Hagan, Branden Griffis, and Logan Griffis, great grandchild, Donminick Griffis; brothers, Johnny Hagan (Louise) and Wayne Hagan (Cathy). Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Glory Way Church with Rev. Ronny Taylor officiating. Interment followed in Gloryway Cemetery, in Dodson.

Mildred Lewis King, age 70 of Winnfield, LA, passed away September 20. Services were held September 24.