Obituaries

Mr. Arthur D. “Sonny” Warner, age 86 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Born Friday, July 12, 1929 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was a member of Laurel Heights Baptist Church and the American Legion. He was also an election poll worker for many years, enjoyed gardening and was retired from Placid Oil Company as well as the US Army National Guard as Captain. Mr. Warner was preceded in death by his Parents, Ocie Olion Warner, Sr. and Audie Waller Warner; Wife, Elizabeth Garrard Warner; Brothers, Olian Warner and Morgan Warner; Sisters, Elaine DeBusk and Nelda Stephens; Grandson, Joshua Warner. Those left to cherish his memory include his Sons, Robby D. Warner, Alexandria and Terry R. Warner, Winnfield; Daughters, Theresa Maloy, Winnfield and Melissa W.

Mr. Joseph Richard “Joe” Creel, age 74 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Born Saturday, January 17, 1942 in Joyce, Louisiana, he was a retired electrician, active member of Welcome Home Baptist Church and a 32nd Degree Master Mason. Mr. Creel was preceded in death by his Parents, Silas and Lelwyn Porter Creel; Brother, John Creel; Sister, Jenna Gates. Those left to cherish his memory include his Wife, Patsy White Creel of Dodson; Daughters, Thalia Jordan and husband Tim, Candace Heard, Daina Frederick and husband Tony and Deana Barber and husband Ricky all of Winnfield; 9 Grandchildren and 5 Great-grandchildren; Sisters, Sara Sanders of Winnfield and Ruth Gard of Baytown, TX; Brother, Porter Creel of Winnfield. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Welcome Home Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Moore and Rev. Lavell Spillers officiating.

Betty Jo McCarty-Roberts, 72, became a guardian angel on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in Panama City, Florida, surrounded by her family. She was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on December 29, 1943, and grew up in both Sikes and Winnfield. She played basketball for Winnfield High School where she was known for her right-hook shot, and valued the friendships she gained there throughout her lifetime. Jo, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, earned her Bachelors of Science at Angelo State University, her Masters of Education at McNeese State University, and then her Doctor of Education at Oklahoma State University. She valued education stating if she could, she would make a career of being a full-time student. She was a resident of Panama City, Florida for over 25 years, having retired from Florida State University in 2004, where she was a professor of Elementary Education. She loved to teach and genuinely cared about her colleagues and students.

Mr. James Murry Sanders, age 81 of Tullos, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Born Monday, February 4, 1935 in Tullos, Louisiana, he was retired from Dresser Industries after 32 years as a machinist and inspector. He was an active member of Crossroads Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School director, teacher and a member of the choir. He also served as a deacon of the church. Mr. Sanders was preceded in death by his Parents, Dennis C. and Donie Mercer Sanders; Sisters, Alma Rea Jordan, Ethel Lea Varret and Virgie Newchurch.

Tommy Lee Barnes, age 79 of Winnfield, La passed away April 23. Services were held May 7.

Ronald King, age 62 of Winnfield, La passed away April 29. Services were held May 7.

Willie Hall, Jr., age 41 of Winnfield, La passed away April 17. Services were held April 22.

Services for Floyd Fredieu were held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 29, 2016, in the chapel of Kramer of Colfax with Rev. Blake Deshautelle officiating. Interment followed in Shady Grove Cemetery, Montgomery, under the direction of Kramer of Colfax. Floyd Fredieu, 88, of Montgomery, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in his residence. Floyd is preceded in death by his parents, Gus “Duck” Fredieu and Jesse Perkins Fredieu; daughter, Monica Fredieu Wardlow; sisters, Dee Thompson, Juanita Avant, Alberta Bennett; brothers, Felton and J.D. Fredieu and stepson, Hugh McManus. Floyd was born on March 18, 1928 in Montgomery, LA. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend. Floyd enjoyed music, and driving his tractor. Floyd especially loved his family and friends.

A memorial service for John Benjamin (Benny) Gilcrease, Jr. of Wasilla, AK will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home, with interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Winnfield. Visitation will be Friday, May 6 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. and until time for service on Saturday. Benny passed out of this life on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Mat-Su Regional Hospital, Palmer, AK following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents John B. Gilcrease, Sr and Lillian Chambers Gilcrease, brothers: James W., Charles, R.B., Donnie and Fred Gilcrease.

Mrs. Glenda Gayle Boyett Gunter, age 67 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Born Wednesday, April 27, 1949 in Winnfield, she was preceded in death by her Parents, Amo James and Annie Cunningham Boyett; Brothers, Alton, Lynwood and James Boyett. Those left to cherish her memory include her Husband of 47 years, Rev. Elton Gunter; Daughters, Gayla Gunter and Dana Moore and husband Andrew; Grandchildren, Andrew Watts, Hannah Gunter and Madison Moore; Brother, Donald Boyett; as well as a host of special nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 1,  2016 at Antioch Bible Way Church with Rev. Arthur Robinson, Rev. Gene Cumpton and Rev. Ford Pickering officiating. Interment followed in Cypress Creek Cemetery, in Dodson under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.