Joan McStay Bonneau

 

Joan McStay Bonneau

August 9, 1938 – December 1, 2021

Joan McStay Bonneau passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on December 1, 2021, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 83. Joan was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 9, 1938, to Jack and Anne McStay.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Anne, and survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Robert (Bob) Bonneau, her daughter Laura Bonneau, her brother Jim (Ann) McStay, and her brother John McStay.

Joan graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1960 with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Bob, who she met at St. Anne's Catholic Young Adult's Club (Houston, Texas) on February 17, 1968. Joan taught second and third grade at Windsor Village Elementary in Houston, Texas, for seventeen years until giving birth to her only daughter, Laura Anne, and then became a stay-at-home mom, school and scout volunteer, carpool driver, and a beloved second mom to many of Laura's friends. Joan loved to garden and spend time loving and laughing with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church (Houston). Words of condolences or memories can be left at www.earthmansouthwest.com

James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr

 

James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr

1937-2024

 

James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr, a pillar of the legal communities in Houston and Palestine, Texas, and a family man known for his jokes, jitterbugging and love of animals, died June 4, 2024, at home in Austin with his children by his side. He was 86.
Jim lived a life of dedication to his family, his community and his country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before returning home, marrying the love of his life, Chauncey, and raising four children — rarely missing a Sunday at church, a school concert, or sporting event with them.
Jim was born on December 19, 1937, in Houston to James Carter Sr, and Frances Gieseke Boone. He grew up in Houston's Museum District with his brother, Fred, and attended Lamar High School. Jim was known as smart and fun-loving. He learned to jitterbug and had a natural flair for dancing, a talent that made him popular in the dance clubs he joined, in high school and beyond.
After graduating in December 1956, Jim headed to the University of Texas in Austin, where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Ultimately, he earned his Bachelor of Business at the University of Houston. Influenced by his father, a well-respected Houston attorney, Jim graduated from law school at the University of Houston. Jim was active in ROTC in high school and college and served in Germany at the Karlsruhe military base from 1963 until his honorable discharge as a Captain in 1965. Jim returned home
to Houston and began to prepare for the bar exam.
When mutual friends introduced him to Emily Chauncey Barrett, known as Chauncey, he was instantly smitten. They had only known each other for a couple of months when he asked her on a date to a drive-in movie. He brought with him a six-pack of beer, a bag of popcorn and much to her surprise — an engagement ring!
The couple married on February 5, 1966, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston.
Jim joined his father's law practice, Boone & Boone Attorneys at Law.
Jim and Chauncey welcomed four children in quick succession, two boys and two girls. He was an amazing and engaged father who cheered his children on in all they did. The family moved to Palestine in 1979, where he started a solo law practice. His children recall spending happy weekends and summers boating and water skiing at Crystal Lake Hunting and Fishing Club.
Jim was a big animal-lover and the family home always had rescue cats and dogs and even a Welsh pony named Dusty.
Both Jim and Chauncey loved to be social and were members of the Allegro Social Club in
Houston and the Houston Racquet Club. He counted down the days each year until Mardi Gras when he celebrated with the Mystic Krewe of Revelry in Palestine. They were named king and queen of the Mardi Gras in 1984.
Jim was also a member of the Masons, the Shriners Royal Order of Jesters - both the Houston Court #136, Arabia Temple, and Tyler Court #168, the Rose Court.
Jim was very involved at his church, St. Philip's Episcopal in Palestine, where he served as an
elder and served on the Vestry.
Jim was dedicated to his legal practice and continued to work until his early 80s. Chauncey died in 2020 after more than 54 cherished years of marriage. Jim then moved to Austin to be closer to his children, who adored him.
He set a strong example of love, hard work and commitment for his children, who find great comfort in their memories of the long and meaningful life Jim lived.
He is survived by his daughters, Emily Chauncey Boone and her fiancé Ronald Shane Adamek of Dime Box, Texas and Sara Hartley and her husband David G. Hartley of Austin; sons, James Carter Boone, III of Boerne, Texas and John Barrett Boone and his wife, Traci Bannert of Cedar Park, Texas; three grandchildren, Emma Lea Boone, James Carter Boone, IV and John Barrett Boone, Jr.
Jim is also survived by three nieces and a nephew and their children: Brittany Boone McDowell, Frederick Joseph Boone, Jr, Alicia Boone Avila, and Andrea Boone Chapman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frederick Joseph Boone.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Palestine. The Reverend Ted Welty will be officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The family will hold a private graveside interment.
Instead of flowers, Jim's family asks for those wishing to make a donation in his honor to do so through BARC - The Humane Society of Palestine, Texas, or the Shriners Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.
To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.

 

Jan Hill Gemmer-Hallett

1938-2024

Jan Gemmer-Hallette, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Jan was born in Houston on October 21, 1938. She was proud to be a lifelong Houstonian. She graduated from Lamar High School and attended the University of Houston. Her passion early in life was ballet. She was heavily involved with and briefly taught ballet at the Margo Marshall School of Ballet. Jan never met a stranger, and was fortunate to have had many loving friends throughout her life.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents John Hill and Lynette Jordan, her son Dale Gibson Gemmer, step-son Robert "Chip" Hallette and daughter-in-law Gwen Barber Gemmer. She is survived by, the love of her life, husband Robert "Bob" Hallette, son Donald Gemmer Jr. and step-son Richard "Mac" Hallette. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Hannah Jans, Shannon Hurst and Cassie Hurst-Moxley, and great grandchildren Thomas, Bennet and Sally Mae Jans.

We will be announcing a celebration of life memorial gathering soon. It will be scheduled for a date in April.

Joan Motheral Parker 1938-2021

Joan Motheral Parker October 27, 1938-November 20, 2021

 

Joan Motheral Parker passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the age of 83.  She was born on October 27, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and adopted by Roger Preston and Lois Musette (Herndon) Motheral. 

Joan was a member of the Larchmont Garden Club; as well as the Treasure of the Hills Senior Center of Cedar Park, Texas. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and is survived by her daughter Katherine Hauge, sisters Bethel Sage and Florence Paesano, granddaughter, Andrea Hauge, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021, 2:00 PM at San Marcos City Cemetery.

Arrangements in care of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

Charles (Chuck) Keeth

 

Chuck Keeth Obituary

Chuck Keeth passed away June 7, 2016 after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Chuck was born on September 17, 1937 to William Dale and Winnie Harris Keeth in McAlister, Oklahoma.
He graduated from Lamar High in Houston, TX and served in the United States Air Force. He started his college education at Harding College where he met the love of his life, Judi Baker. He completed his Business Administration degree at Northeast Louisiana State College.
He was a supervisor and pilot for Baker Piggly Wiggly Corporation for 22 years and later a chemical salesman for NCH Corporation.
He was a member of the Robinson and Center Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife Judi Baker Keeth of 54 years, Three children, Charles Wayne Keeth (Julie), Karen Keeth Sanders (Clark), Gregory Alan Keeth; five grandchildren, Jennifer Martin, Sonia Ricks, Tyler Keeth, Anna Sanders, Grant Sanders; three great grandchildren, Gavin Martin, Maddox Martin, Dalton Woods; Uncle Melvin Harris; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jean Keeth, Anne Keeth; cousins, Bill Keeth (Virginia), Jerry Keeth (Norma), Pat McLaughlin (Mac); Jan Gotcher (Rick), Gail Jackson (Mark).
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bob and Jim Keeth.
Memorial service will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association or Southern Christian Children's Home.
Online guestbook can be found at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

Published by Log Cabin Democrat from Jun. 10 to Jun. 17, 2016.

HUGH M. HERNDON 1938-2023

 

Hugh Herndon

1938-2023 

Hugh Milner Herndon, born on September 18th, 1938, died peacefully on November 30th, 2023, with his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Read Herndon, by his side. He dedicated his life to sharing the Good News of the Gospel and now has eternal life in Jesus Christ. He believed firmly in the words of Romans 10:10 which proclaims, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." He lived his life for Christ and shared the love of Jesus with everyone he encountered, even if only for a few seconds in passing. If you ever asked Hugh how he was doing, his response was always, "I am blessed and highly favored!" And he wanted the same for everyone he met. He waited his whole life for this glorious moment when he would finally be in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are so happy for him. There is no doubt he is now hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Published by Dallas Morning News on Dec. 10, 2023.

 

Nancy Ferguson Drushel 1938-2023

 

Nancy Ferguson Drushel
04/27/1938 - 11/30/2023
Nancy Ferguson Drushel went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the age of 85. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Nancy was born on April 27, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to Charlotte Barkley Ferguson and William Murray Ferguson. She grew up in Houston where she made lifelong friends at River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School, The Hockaday School in Dallas, and Lamar High School. She attended The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. While in Austin, Nancy met the love of her life, Bill Drushel. Nancy and Bill married in 1959 and moved to Houston after Bill finished law school. They were completely devoted to one another for 64 years of marriage.

Nancy's greatest joy in life was being a wife to Bill, a mother to Haley and Ellen, a grandmother to John, and mother-in-law to Glen. Nancy was known for her bright smile and her love of the Lord. People were drawn to her gentle grace, encouraged by her kind words, and inspired by the joy she drew from her faith. Nancy was passionate about reading the Bible and praying for others. She led Bible studies and prayer groups, including her beloved prayer group at Glorious Way Church. She passed on her love of Jesus to her daughters, a gift for which they are eternally grateful. Nancy also loved cooking wonderful meals, traveling with friends and family, needlepointing, and her pets. Additionally, Nancy enjoyed supporting her girls' activities throughout their lives and was always the best cheerleader for her entire family.
Nancy was a member of Houston Alumnae of Kappa Alpha Theta; The Junior League of Houston, where she held a variety of offices; The Garden Club of Houston; Houston Country Club; and Glorious Way Church, where she worshipped for 23 years. Additionally, she loved her years delivering for Meals on Wheels.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, John Loch Cook; and sister-in-law, Margaret Elizabeth Drushel Irsfeld. She is survived by her husband, William Haley Drushel, Jr. (Bill); daughter, Haley Drushel Eichelberger and her husband, Glen Thomas Eichelberger; grandson, John Christian Eichelberger; and daughter, Ellen Barkley Drushel. Nancy is also survived by her sisters, Susan Ferguson Cook and Carolyn Ferguson Means (Hal, Jr.), as well as nieces, nephews and their families which include Loch and Lisa Cook, Robert and Kimberly Cook, Martha Means, Hal and Aline Means and Hannah and Larry Goldstein. Nancy is also survived by numerous godchildren.

Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at One Potomac Drive, Houston, Texas 77057. The family will have a private family celebration of Nancy's life at Glenwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Glorious Way Church, 11611 Champion Forest Dr., Houston, Texas, 77066 (www.gwc.cc/give) or the charity of your choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 10, 2023.