Obituaries

Services for Rev. Carl Francois, Sr. “Pops” were held at 11 AM, Friday, May 22, 2015 at Greater Pentecostal Church, Winnfield, LA with Rev. Darian Hosch,Rev. Robert Franks and Rev. Larry Reed officiating. Interment was in the Bolton Teagle Cemetery, Winnfield under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria. Rev. Carl Francois, Sr. “Pops”, 69, of Winnfield, LA passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at his home. Mr. Francois served his Lord faithfully from 1972 until he took his last breath. The last 20 years of his ministry, he served as minister of Ball Apostolic Church. He was known and loved by many as “Pops”. Although he was small in stature, he was a giant in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by daughter, Carolyn Francois; parents, J.B. and Vergie Francois. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Carolyn Elaine Francois; children, Carl Francois, Jr.

Mrs. Lessie Mae Martin, age 87 of Winnfield, Louisiana,  assed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Born Saturday, October 01, 1927, in Winnfield, Louisiana,she was preceded in death by her Father, Sam Durbin, Mother, Phoebe Brewton Durbin, Husband, Jim D. Martin, and Son, Jimmy Ralph Martin. Mrs. Martin was a member of Antioch Community Church, who loved being outside, and was an avid gardener. She was the world’s best caregiver and cook. Mrs. Martin loved to care for her children, grandchildren and family.

I will never say goodbye to you because I know this is not the endfor us to see each other. You will only be going to a place where there’s no pain nor suffering. I am happy for you, for you will be with God. For now we need to go in separate ways. I remember how your arms hold me and give me strength. You were always there to listen, love, and defend me in everything. You were the best Daddy in the world. In my triumphs you were always proud. I’m very grateful and proud to call you my daddy. Here deep inside my heart you’ll always be. I would give up everything I have just to hug you one more time. I remember the last time I held your hand and how you looked at me in the eyes. If only I could turn back the time I would have never let you go. I felt the world stop and my heart stop beating when they told me you were gone....... How I wish I was only dreaming. Just like the rain; tears fell down from my eyes, I couldn’t speak for awhile. Thank you Daddy....

IWayne, I Love You. Of all the special joys in live, the big ones and the small, amother’s love and tenderness is the greatest of them all. It’s been twenty-one years. It seems as if it was only yesterday. I miss you. I look at your old pictures and the sweet memories linger on. I look at Shun and K.T. and see you in them. Wayne, the grandbabies are precious. Your classmates and friends are still remembering you. Some stay in touch with me. I hope to be with you again. Verily, Verily I say unto you, if a man keep my sayings, he shall never see death. John 8:51. We love and miss you Wayne, Mom and Dad Shun and K.T. All your classmates and friends   

It’s been two long years. You did not want to leave us, but you did not go alone. For a part of us went with you, the day God  alled you home. Love your wife Ivory Sons (daughters-in-law) Grandchildren

On May 10, 2015 John MarkCastagna, 65, of Kingwood, agreat soul, passed away after ayear-and-a-half long battle withbrain cancer. He was in hishome, surrounded by his family.Fittingly, it was Mother’s Day,as he played the role of bothmother and father to his fourgirls for many years as a wid-ower and had enough love andgrace for both. Then he enlargedhis family Brady-Bunch stylewhen he married Vicki andembraced her two daughtersand son. He chose the perfect moment to slip away that day—in the midst of sharing stories of his full and rich life, deep love,and contagious laughter. John was the beloved son-in-law of Charles and JoyTomlinson of Winnfield.John was born in New York City and a 1972 graduate of theUS Merchant Marine Academy, serving in the Navy Reservefor 11 years. As a Vice President for Chevron for over adecade—and having worked for them for almost fourdecades—John extensively traveled the globe to oversee CSAT(Crude Oil Supply and Trading).

Daelan Jackson Lee of Winnfield died Apri127, 2015in Alexandria, LA. Graveside Services were held on WednesdayMay 6, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Winnfield Cemetery. Pastor OtisCorley officiated. Final Arrangements Entrusted to WinnfieldMemorial Funeral Home - Winnfield, LA.

DaKarion Shamar Harrell of Winnfield died May 3,2015 in Alexandria, LA. Graveside Services were held onSaturday, May 16, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Oak Ridge B. C.Cemetery in Winnfield, LA. Pastor Russell Jones officiated.Final Arrangements Entrusted to Winnfield Memorial FuneralHome Winnfield, LA.

DaKyrion Shakar Harrell of Winnfield died May 6,2015 in Alexandria, LA. Graveside Services were held onSaturday, May 16, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Oak Ridge B. C.Cemetery in Winnfield, LA. Pastor Russell Jones officiated.Final Arrangements entrusted to Winnfield Memorial FuneralHome Winnfield, LA.

Cremation arrangements for Mr.Jerry Jones, 81, of Kilgore; for-merly a longtime resident of Black Lake Creston, Louisianaare under the direction of RaderFuneral Home of Kilgore Mr.Jones passed away Sunday, May10, 2015 in Shreveport,Louisiana. Mr. Jones was born February25, 1934 in Winnfield,Louisiana to the late ClydeJones and Mae Buchanan. He served in the US Navy andworked as bookkeeper for Texaco for 45 years. Mr. Jonesenjoyed fishing for crappie and oppaloosa catfish at Black Lakein North Louisiana. Jerry was a loving and devoted father,grandfather and great grandfatherand he will be truly missed by allwho knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Dowell and husbandMike of Kilgore; son, Sam Jones and wife Renée of Winnfield,Louisiana; grandchildren, Cynthia Alsup and great grand-daughter, Abigail Kate Alsup as well as many other loving fam-ily and friends.Mr.