Obituaries

Pamela Bess Havron, of Hemphill, passed into eternity on June 3, 2026, at the age of 75. Pamela was born in Oklahoma City, OK on June 28, 1950, to Orvel Lee and Betty June Clevenger. She lived a life devoted to her family, her community, and her faith. Known for her strong will and devoted heart, Pamela was full of love, patience, and honesty. A faithful member of the Hemphill Church of Christ, Pamela found strength and purpose in worship, fellowship, and the study of God’s Word. Her faith was quiet but steadfast, and she was an example of Christian living to those who knew her.

Denise Carolyn Edgley, aged 62, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Hemphill. Born on July 29, 1963, in Liberty, she was the daughter of James Ray Hudnall and Nancy Carolyn Tyler Hudnall.

Thomas Raymond Philips, born on Nov 2, 1944, in Beaumont, departed this Earthly Life on June 4, 2026, at Parkview on Hollybrook in Longview. He graduated Silsbee High School in 1962 and enlisted into the United States Army in December of 1962. He completed Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Advanced Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was an Armored Intelligence Specialist assigned to the 40th Armored Division, 1st Cavalry. He was deployed in South Korea for thirteen months. After Korea, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas as a Range Sergeant. While serving in the military, he proposed to his High School Sweetheart, Lynette Witte and they were married in September of 1964. On December 18, 1965, he received an Honorable Discharge He was then employed with Beaumont PD from March 1966-March 1977. He served as a Dispatcher, Jailer, Patrolman, and Desk Sergeant. From 1972-1977, he served as a Detective Sergeant. While employed at Beaumont PD, he also attended Lamar University, and pursued studies in Law Enforcement, NCIC Policies, Formats, and Criminal Histories.

Roy Wayne Erwin, aged 84, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Huntington. Born on August 2, 1941, in Hemphill, to Cecil Erwin and Bertie Grace McDaniel Erwin, Roy spent many years in Shreveport, Louisiana, before settling in Huntington, where he lived for 46 years.

Betty Ann Hanson, age 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Legacies Care Center in Hemphill. She was born November 10, 1955, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Gilbert Houston Phillips, 64, of Vidor, passed away on May 20, 2026. Born on October 24, 1961, in Hemphill, Gilbert was a cherished member of his community and a proud veteran of the United States Navy.

Mary Louise Garrett Polk, age 63, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Ochsner LSU Health Center in Shreveport, LA. Ms. Mary Louise Garrett Polk was born March 04, 1963. Survived by her two daughters; Allegra Williams of Shreveport, LA and Falbert Garrett of Shreveport, LA, two grandchildren; Joseph Diggles of Shreveport, LA and A’Destanee Diggles of San Augustine, three Sisters; Gloria “Doll” Garrett of San Augustine, Ella Louise Ludd of San Augustine and Debra Mosby of Lufkin, sister-in-law; Falbert L. McCoy Garrett of San Augustine, two brothers; James Garrett of Rusk and Marvin Garrett of Lufkin. As well as a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Della Sue Reid, aged 67, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Milam. Born on October 23, 1958, in Houston, to Lynndal and Thelma Byrd. Della spent her formative years in Crosby, before settling in Sabine County, where she lived for 30 years. Known for her love of the outdoors, Della found joy and peace in tending to her garden. She embraced her role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to creating a nurturing environment for her family. A devoted grandmother, Della's grandchildren were the light of her life. Her family will remember her as a loving and caring presence who supported them unconditionally.

James Thomas Blackburn, affectionately known as Uncle Thomas, passed away on May 23, 2026, in Hemphill, at the age of 86. Born on December 13, 1939, in Haskell, to Joe and Alma (Pitman) Blackburn, he lived a life marked by devotion to his family and his passions. Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dena; his parents, Joe and Alma; his brothers, Reggie and Wayne; and his nieces, Sarah and Pam. He leaves behind a loving family, including his sister-in-law, Janice Blackburn; nieces and nephews, Susie and Mike Zanolin of Aquilar, Colorado, Patsy and Charles Dickerson of Milam, Little Wayne and Stacey of Center, Regina and Mike Suniga of Terrell, Robbie Blackburn of Mesquite, Roy Spears of Hemphill, and Timmy Davis of Milam; and numerous greatnieces and great-nephews.