John F. "Finn" McLemore

Notes:

Finn's middle name could have been Fenton (based on a poll tax receipt from Jasper) or Finerel (based on the middle name of his son, Rufus) or Finn, as he was commonly called.

At the time of the 1880 census, he was widowed, and living in the home of his in-laws with his young daughter.

He was a farmer. On the 1900 Sabine County census, he is shown in household 22, next to the Henry S. White family, his wife's brother. Household 36 is that of Thomas E. McLemore, his half brother.

Finn died in at the home of his son, Vessie McLemore. Vessie and Nina had been caring for him. Granddaughter Evon remembers she and some cousins going out into the woods to gather wildflowers for him while her father built a coffin. Her father and his brothers took the coffin by cart to the Gravel Hill cemetery a few days later.

(Research):Census information:

1880 Census
Census Place:Precinct 3, Jasper, Texas
Source:FHL Film 1255313 National Archives Film T9-1313
Page 14 Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
J.F. MCLEMORE Self M W W 25 Texas Occ: Laborer Fa: AR Mo: GA
Vilona MCLEMORE Dau F S W 7 M Texas Fa: Texas Mo: MS
Frances WIGLEY Self M M W 69 GA Occ: FarmerFa: VA Mo: VA
Sarah WIGLEY Wife F M W 67 SC Occ: Keeping House Fa: SC Mo: SC
Martha WIGLEY Dau F S W 31 MS Occ: At HomeFa: GAMo: SC
Alexander WIGLEY Son M S W 25 Texas Occ: Printer Fa: GA Mo: SC

1900 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Pr 1
Enumerated 5 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 68 Sheet 2A Stamped 93
22-23
McLemore, John Head W M Dec 1853 46 M 17 Ga NC NC Farmer
McLemore, Ruth T Wf W F Dec 1859 40 M 17 7/6 Tx Miss Miss
McLemore, Vessie E Son W M Feb 1885 15 S Tx Ga Tx Farm Laborer
McLemore, Rufus F Son W M July 1886 13 S Tx Ga Tx Farm Laborer
McLemore, Earnest Son W M May 1887 13 S Tx Ga Tx Farm Laborer
McLemore, Mellie Dtr W F Feb 1891 9 S Tx Ga Tx
McLemore, Ira Son W M Jan 1896 4 S Tx Ga Tx

1910 Federal Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 1
Enumerated 16 Apr 1910
SD 2 ED 131 Sheet 1B
Milam Road
12-13
McLemore, John F. Head M W 51 M2 26 Ga Ga Ga Farmer
McLemore, Ruth T Wf F W 50 m1 26 8/7 Tx Ala Miss
McLemore, Ernest E Son M W 20 S Tx Ga Tx Farmer
McLemore, Mellie M Dtr F W 19 S Tx Ga Tx
McLemore, Elvie R Dtr F W 16 S Tx Ga Tx
McLemore, Ira W Son M W 14 S Tx Ga Tx Laborer Farm
McLemore, Emma L Dtr F W 9 S Tx Ga Tx

John married Lucinda Wigley on 20 Dec 1878 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas. Lucinda (daughter of Francis Wigley and Sarah Ann Felder) was born on 16 Oct 1852 in Amite County, Mississippi; died on 21 Oct 1879 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Annie Irene Boyett on 23 Dec 1880 in Sabine County, Texas. Annie (daughter of James Thomas Boyett and Mary Sallier) was born about 1865 in Arkansas; died about 1882. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Rutha Triphene White on 11 Dec 1883 in Sabine County, Texas. Rutha (daughter of Henry Strickland White, Sr and Mary Etta "Polly" Vardeman) was born on 27 Dec 1859 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 11 Jun 1939 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She died in childbirth, as had her mother. Middle name also shown by some as Valuna or Luna?

Sarah married Tobe L. Robbins on 10 Sep 1896 in Sabine County, Texas. Tobe was born on 25 May 1870 in Verdi, Winn Parish, Louisiana; died before 1930 in Louisiana; was buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Provencal, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Vessie McLemore grew up on his parent's farm in the first precinct of Sabine County. The adjoining farm was owned by his Uncle, Henry Strickland White, Jr. The 1900 census indicates that Vessie, who was 15, could read and write, and that he has attended three months of school that year, as had his brothers Rufus and Earnest. His daughter Evon has a class picture of Vessie from around this period. Evon said that Vessie didn't have much of a formal education, and probably stopped attending school altogether around this time. Vessie's wife, Nina, told her granddaughter Melinda that he even taught school for a time, however Evon doubts that this was so. The 1940 Federal Census indicates he had graduated from the Seventh Grade. His wife, Nina, had made it through only Six years of schooling.

When Vessie was 22, he married Nina Fuller,who was 16. On the 1910 Sabine County census they were shown living on a home farm in precinct six, near both Joe Fuller (Nina's father) and John and Jane Fullen (her mother's parents). Nina was shown as being the mother of two children, neither of them living. Nina's first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, and her next three babies died shortly after they were born. Her first child lived only 10 weeks. Evon said that Nina and Vessie's baby slept in their bed with them, as was the custom of the time. One morning when they woke up, the baby was dead. Tera Fuller, Nina's sister, reported that Nina always worried that she had somehow accidentally caused the babies death, maybe by rolling over it. Evon conjectured that the baby probably died of SIDS, which her mother had never heard of. The second baby lived only a day. In 1911, they had a third baby which also lived only one day. The three babies are buried side by side.

In 1913, Nina and Vessie's son Percy was born. Over the next six years, the McLemore's had three more children, daughter Evon and sons' Earl and Ray. Vessie owned a store in Steep Creek, a sawmill village eight miles south of San Augustine. He also raised cattle. He regularly published a small advertisement in the 1918 Sabine County newspaper, offering a reward for any stray cattle returned to him. His brand was VM on the hip. He later adopted the "Running M" as his brand. Evon remembers her father buying a Brahma Bull, in an effort to improve his herd. Most of the ranchers in Sabine County didn't fence in their cattle, they allowed them to freely roam about to forage for food. Evon remembers people being afraid of the "Brimmer." He wasn't a particularly mean bull, he was just so different from the east texas scrub cattle that everyone raised. Tom McLemore, Evon Tisdale and Melinda Strong had a conversation in November, 2002 with Vance Hargrove that came around to the subject of Vessie's missing cattle. Vance was a neighbor of the McLemore's when they lived in Bronson, and a good friend of Percy's. He said that Vessie asked he and Percy one day to go looking for several cattle that were missing. They found evidence that some of the laborers in the nearby saw mills had been poaching from Vessie's herd. They told Vessie they had found cattle bones in the yards of some of the workers, workers who looked to be half-starved. Vessie said they probably were half-starved, and told the boys not to report their findings to the sheriff.

A son of Enlow Birdwell relayed a similar story to Tom McLemore in September, 2007, at the funeral of Lynn McLemore. He recalled that Enlow had killed one of Vessie's cows and was taking it home to feed his family. He was caught in the act by Vessie. He confessed to what he had done, and said that he was only doing so because his family had done without for a long time, and were starving. Vessie told him to take the beef home and use it as he intended, but added, "let this be the last one of my cows that you steal." It was. When times became more prosperous, Enlow began raising a small herd of cattle of his own. He went to Vessie to borrow some money to get a start. Vessie gave him one of his checkbooks, and told him to simply use it as he needed, he trusted Enlow and knew together they could keep an accurate accounting of what he borrowed. Enlow often told his family that Vessie was the one who helped him get a start in life, and that he especially valued the trust he showed in him.

Vessie's older children attended their primary grades in Sabine County, but had to commute to San Augustine for High School. Evon says that during the winter, she and her brothers boarded with the family of Dr. Davis, who lived nearby the school. In the late 1920s, the family moved to San Augustine. Evon remembers that her mother suffered another devasting miscarriage, which nearly killed her. A few years later, Nina's youngest children were born, son Tommy in 1931 and son Lynn in 1933. They lived in a house Vessie renovated just off Main Street, and had a small home farm. Evon remembers her father first built a garage, and they slept and cooked in this until he had finished with the house. Their home was still standing in 1997. Even the roof is the same one Vessie laid. It is now the second house on the left, on present day Whitton street. It is a block away from the local elementary school. Tom remembers an indigent Civil War veteran, in his late eighties, who his father took into their home. Tom vividly recalls the stories he told about the war each night at dinner.

In the December 21, 1939 issue of the San Augustine Tribune, V.E. McLemore offered a $5.00 reward to anyone who found his dun muley cow branded "M" on the left loin. Around 1940, Vessie sold their house in the city, and bought some ranch land several miles outside of town.

Vessie's brothers and sisters used to say, admiringly, that "Vessie could stand on the corner and make money." He was an industrious man, with a strong enterpreneurial bent. His first job was working in the sawmills, with his brother, Rufus. But Vessie hated working for others, and saved up enough money to buy a general store in Steep Creek. This was around the time of World War I. It was a rough part of town, and he had both black and white laborers from the sawmills as customers.

The sheriff was a frequent visitor to the store. Evon remembers him always having a kind word and a piece of candy for her. He had a reputation for brutality however, and she recalls that he and a brother were eventually sent to jail after being convicted of murder. One day, the sheriff came to the store asking about a particular Negro laborer. Vessie said he hadn't seen him in days. The sheriff asked Vessie to call him the next time this man came in, telling Vessie he intended to kill him. Vessie went home and discussed the sheriff's threat with Nina, worrying about what he should do. In the middle of the night he got dressed, and tracked the man down in his home. He warned him of the sheriff's threat. The man pawned his pocket watch to Vessie, then and there, and used the money to flee town. He succesfully escaped the sheriff and was never heard of again. Vessie later gave the pocket watch to his son Earl. After Earl's death, his children gave this watch to their Uncle Tom, and Tom eventually passed this keepsake down to his eldest daughter, Melinda. It was a brass plated Studebaker watch from the South Bend Watch Company, and widely sold by mail order in the 1920's. These watches were sold on credit, and could be purchased with a down payment of $1. With the onset of the Depression, the company found itself with many delinquent accounts and was forced to close. (http://www.pocketwatchrepair.com/histories/southbend.html)

After the mill near Steep Creek closed, Vessie was also forced to close his store. His family feared that they'd soon be in the poorhouse. But Vessie continued to prosper. He worked as a rancher primarily, leasing and operating land in Pearsall, Garwood and in various sites throughout South and East Texas. He operated up to 20,000 acres at any given time. He also owned and operated a cotton gin and a meat processing plant. He involved his children in all these ventures. He was well known in the community for his willingness to extend credit or make loans to poor families, black or white. Tom McLemore recalls from looking at a lot of the notes he had drawn up that he charged from 6% to 10% compound interest. He was good fried to Will Wade, proprietor of the City Cafe, and W.J. (Wade) McClanahan, Deputy Sherriff of San Augustine.

Vessie felt a strong committment to provide for his family. Before he died, he built a home for each of his eldest four children, as well as giving them each 50 acres of land. He left his homestead and 400 acre ranch, jointly, to his two youngest sons.

When Vessie was in his forties, he was gored by a bull on the ranch. The wound was just under his left eye. He suffered from nearly incapacitating headaches for the rest of his life. In 1950, he had several massive strokes, and was unable to function normally after that. His wife nursed him at home until he died from a brain aneurysm in 1952.

Although Vessie didn't have much formal education, he was an extremely intelligent man. Tom and Evon remember that he read widely. Vessie's daughter, Evon, was the first of the family to graduate from college. She attended Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, where she received a degree in education. She remembers coming home one weekend from college, and her father asked her to check something he had prepared. He had calculated the compound interest that was due on a loan he had made. She told him she didn't know how to do this. "What am I sending you to college for" he grumbled, "if they can't even teach you to calculate compound interest."

His obituary was published in the local papers, as well as in the January 23, 1952 issue of the Houston Post.

Written by Melinda McLemore Strong, granddaughter, circa 1995 and revised periodically

(Research):
Census Listings:

1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Pr 6
Enumerated 11 May 1910
SD 2 ED 133 Sheet 32A
209-209
McLemore, Vessie Head M W 24 M1 2 Tx US US Farming Home Farm
McLemore, Nina Wf F W 18 M1 2 2/0 Tx Ga Tx

1920 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 6
Enumerated 2 Jan 1920
SD 326 ED 173 Sheet 1A
Bronson Road
2-2
McLemore, Vessie E Head M W 34 M Tx Ga Tx Farmer
McLemore, Nina O Wf F W 28 M Tx Ark Tx
McLemore, Percy L Son M W 6 S Tx Tx Tx
McLemore, Evaughan V Dtr F W 5 S Tx Tx Tx
McLemore, Earl Son M W 3 3/12 S Tx Tx Tx
McLemore, Ira Son M W 1 4/12 S Tx Tx Tx

(Medical):artherio sclerosis, hypertension

Vessie married Nina Ophelia Fuller on 7 Nov 1907 in Many, Sabine Parish, Louisiana. Nina (daughter of Joseph Thomas Fuller and Viola "Ola" Fullen) was born on 15 Sep 1891 in Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas; died on 8 Jul 1980 in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas; was buried in Rosevine Cemetery, Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rufus worked in the lumber yards, and in 1910, he was living in the Wilson Boarding house.

He was killed accidentally by a cousin of when he was 26. They and some friends had been drinking, and it was said that they were chasing each other on horseback with guns. Grover Eddings, a brother-in-law of Vessie McLemore, lived nearby the scene of the tragedy, and remembers tending to Rufus's body while the crowd waited for his parents to arrive.

Rufus's mother, Ruth White McLemore, was so overcome with bereavement that she kept her head bowed down for well over a year after his death. A picture of the unveiling of his tomb exists. The marker indicated he was a member of the Woodsmen of the World. His tombstone is inscribed "Asleep In Jesus - A loving son awaiting in Heaven for Mama to come."

Notes:

From the SABINE COUNTY REPORTER, HEMPHILL, TEXAS Thursday 17 October 1963 (Courtesy of Kay Parker McCary)

Services held for Ernest McLemore

Funeral services were held for Earnest E. McLemore, 74 of Hemphill at 4 pm Tuesday, Oct 8, at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. E. E. Adams, pastor of Bulah Baptist Church near Pendleton in Louisiana. Assisting was the Rev. A.E. Armstrong, pastor of Gravehill church.

Mr. McLemore, a native and lifelong resident of Sabine County, died at 8:20 am Oct. 7 in the East Texas Convalescent Home, San Augustine, where he had been for seven weeks. He was a retired farmer.

Burial was in Gravel Hill cemetery under direction of Starr Funeral Home of Hemphill. Pallbearers were nephews, Max Cammack, Gayle Wyatt, Rufus McLemore, Earl McLemore, Marton Conn and Elroy Boyd.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Florence Boyd McLemore of Hemphill; two sons Hugh McLemore of Beaumont and Paul McLemore of Houston; one brother Ira McLemore of Hemphill, three sisters Miss Mollie (sic) McLemore and Mrs. Jack Cammack of Hemphilll and Mrs. Elvie Speights of Beaumont; and five grandchildren.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Texas, San Augustine County, JP 4
Enumerated 18 Apr 1930
ED 203-7 SD 19 Sheet 5A Stamped 234
704-727
McLemore, Ernest E Head M W 30 M Tx Tx Tx Farmer
McLemore, Mary F Wf F W 26 M Tx Tx Tx
McLemore, Rufus H Son M W 1 3/12 S Tx Tx Tx

1940 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 1
Enumerated April 27, 1930
SD 43-2 ED 202-3 Sheet 18A
McLemore, Ernest E Head M W 50 Tx Same House Farmer
McLemore, Florence Wf F W 46 M Tx Sam House
McLemore, Hugh R Son M W 21 S Tx R Sabine Tx ?? Stewart Reforestation
McLemore, Paul B Son M W 8 S Tx Same House

Ernest married Mary Florence Boyd on 21 Dec 1913. Mary (daughter of William Henry Boyd, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth "Sallie" McGown) was born on 15 Sep 1893 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 7 Jan 1977 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following obituary was excerpted from the 24 September 1970 SABINE COUNTY REPORTER HEMPHILL, TEXAS

LOCAL WOMAN's FUNERAL HELD

Funeral services for Mrs. Mellie Mary McLemore of Hemphill were held Thursday in the Starr Funeral Home Chapel in Hemphill.

The Rev. Jim Turner, pastor of Hemphill First Baptist Church officiated. Burial will be in the Gravel Hill Cemetery in Sabine County.

Pallbearers included nephews Earl McLemore, Donald McLemore, Paul McLemore, Guy Hughes, Max Cammack and Jerry Van Valkenburg.

Mrs. McLemore died Wednesday at the ??? Manor Nursing Home of Hemphill.

Survivors are two sisters, Mrs. H.B. Cammack of Hemphill and Mrs. Elvie Speights.

(Courtesy of Kay Parker McCary)

Notes:

The following obituary appeared in the 27 March 1980 issue of the SABINE COUNTY REPORTER HEMPHILL, TEXAS (Courtesy of Kay Parker McCary)

Ruth Speights

Funeral services for Ruth Elvie Speights, 86, of Pineland were at 2 pm March 20 in the Starr Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Hemphill Cemetery.

Mrs. Speights died at 12:45 am March 19 in Hines Nursing Home in Pineland.

She was a lifelong resident of Sabine County.

Survivors include three daughters Mrs. Dorine Robinson of Pineland; Mrs. Laverne Gellatly of Beaumont and Mrs. Johnnie Hughes of Shreveport, La; one sister Mrs. Emma Cammack of Hemphill, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Rutha married Mermond Leon Speights on 22 Dec 1913. Mermond (son of John William "Doc" Speights, M. D. and Sallie Wilson) was born on 22 Dec 1891 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 3 Jul 1939 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Excerpted from an undated, unreferenced obituary:

Lifelong resident of Sabine County. Justice of the Peace, Precinct One, for eight years.

Services at First Baptist Church of Hemphill. Rev. Jim Turner, officiated. Buried at Gravel Hill. Graveside Masonic rites conducted by Littleton Fowler Lodge.

Ira married Alma Clara Bragg on 26 Nov 1922. Alma (daughter of Henry Malcom "Mack" Bragg and Lorena Lord) was born on 11 Mar 1906 in Time, Sabine County, Texas; died on 5 May 1985 in San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emma married Herman Bailey "Jack" Cammack on 29 Mar 1930. Herman (son of Thomas Forrest Cammack and Sarah Elizabeth Karcher) was born on 8 Jun 1903 in Paxton, Shelby County, Texas; died on 26 Jan 1969 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lou married R.Q. Horn on 21 Dec 1914. R.Q. was born about 1897. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lou married Tom F. Ivy on 4 Jun 1920. Tom was born on 10 Mar 1882; died on 17 Apr 1964. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nellie died in childbirth, as had her mother and grandmother before her. Her daughter, Virgie was born on 24 July 1917.

Nellie married Tom F. Ivy before 1916. Tom was born on 10 Mar 1882; died on 17 Apr 1964. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Vessie McLemore didn't see the importance of naming his children immediately after they were born. He was content to simply call them "baby" until a name seemed to fit. Percy remained Baby for several years, until his parents began to call him "Baby Percy" after a bottle of Patent Medicine popular at the time. His middle initial was shown as "C" on the 1920 census.

Percy started helping his father on the ranch at a very young age. Evon remembers him going on a freight train with cattle to Kansas City, by himself, when he was only 14. He also became a rancher, as well as operating a cotton gin that had been his fathers. He also kept bees as a hobby.

Percy married Elma Callie Smith on 19 Apr 1936 in San Augustine County, Texas. Elma (daughter of Henry Clayton Smith and Alice Hines) was born on 14 Mar 1914 in San Augustine County, Texas; died on 23 Oct 2001 in San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Liberty Hill Cemetery, Bland Lake, San Augustine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Evon was a tiny baby, weighing only 2 and 1/2 pounds a few days after birth. Considering she was born and cared for at home, and not in an incubator, it is a tribute both the Evon's spirit and her mother's loving care that she not only survived but flourished. In describing her infant daughter's size, Nina used to relate that "her face was smaller than a half dollar, and I could have put her in a coffee pot, and still closed the lid." Evon picked out her own name when she was old enough. She liked the sound of Yvonne, but wasn't sure of the spelling. She was listed as Eva V. on the 1920 census.

When Evon started school, she arrived everyday atop a pony led by her brother Percy. Evon's father also thought it important that his daughter be exposed to culture. When she was a young girl, she weekly took the train 10 miles from Steep Creek to Bronson in order to take piano lessons. Most weekends were spent "visiting." Evon has close relations with her many cousins still today.

She attended her primary years of school in rural Sabine County, but attended High School in San Augustine County. Her father paid for her to board at the home of Dr. Davis in the winter, so she could to this. Evon was active in school, perfoming in piano recitals and playing the lead character in the 1932 Senior Class play, "Oh, Kay!"

News clipping
(dated 3-28-1929, newspaper not referenced)

Steep Creek Club
The Steep Creek 4-H girls met on March 26. Seven girls were present.

The following officers were elected:

Evon McLemore, President; Rosa Henley, Vice President; Lois Powell, Sec'y; Bonnie Wilson, Reporter. An apron was cut out.

Bonnie Wilson, reporter.

San Augustine Tribune
Thursday, May 26, 1932, Vol. XXIV, Number 9

School Term Brought to Successful Close

Thursday night at the high school auditorium the commencement exercises were attended by a large crowd....A piano solo was skillfully rendered by Evon McLemore, class musician....diplomas were presented by R. V. Greer, superintendent of the local schools to the following candidates:
Randolph Hankla, Charles S. McMillan, Willys G. Blount, Sam Henry Williams, Lois Marie Thompson, A. C. Everett, Evon McLemore, Willie Mae Stevenphson, Geneva Stallings. Earl McEachern, Hoyt J. Alford, Sidney Westbrook, Allene Stewart, Ruby Mitchill, Mildred Whitton, Clifford Childers, Bonnie Partin, Zelma Soward, Alran Hays, James Bridges, Helen Alford and Early Needham.

After Evon graduated from San Augustine High School, she went on to Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. She became a teacher, majoring in Home Economics and minoring in English. The college classmate that was her best friend was Merlene McLemore, a cousin.

Vessie was able to help his daughter get a job teaching in Chinquapin through a friend of his who was school trustee. She later taught in nearby Broaddus.

Soon after Evon started teaching in Broaddus, Dale Tisdale's mother called her son, who was working in Lawrenceville, Indiana, to tell him that "there were some attractive new teachers in town, and he ought to come home soon for a visit." He did, and fell promptly in love with Evon.

Evon continued to teach after her marriage, while Dale managed his parents store. During World War II, Evon moved to Fort Worth while Dale was in the service. She taught a small school district just outside of the city. They also briefly lived in San Antonio. The Tisdale's returned to East Texas, and Dale opened a small general store in Zavalla.

She returned to Stephen F. Austin and received her Master's in Education in 1951. After the Tisdale's moved to Lufkin, Evon obtained a teaching position at Hudson High School. She remained there until she retired in 1972. Her daughter, Jan, began teaching Spanish at the Hudson in 1971, the year before her mother retired.

She loved music, art and the natural world. She had a beautiful soprano voice and was a member of the Angelina County Choir for a number of years. She was good at creative arts, and especially loved China painting. She participated in this after her retirement, as well as traveling with Dale and Bob with the AirStream Travel Trailer club. She was an active member of the Timberland Drive Church of Christ.

Both Evon and Dale were instrumental in the formation of the Angelina County Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) and supporters of the Lufkin Workshop and Opportunity Center.

Obituary

Evon McLemore Tisdale, 93, of Lufkin, was born November 6, 1914, in Bronson, Texas, the daughter of the late Nina (Fuller) and V.E. McLemore. She passed away Saturday, October 18, 2008, in a local nursing facility. Mrs. Tisdale graduated from San Augustine High School and Stephen F. Austin State University. She married Dale Tisdale, the love of her life, on January 8, 1938. She taught at Hudson Elementary School until 1972. She supported the Lufkin Workshop & Opportunity Center and the Burke Center. She was a member of Timberland Drive Church of Christ. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and A. E. "Pete" Peterson of Lufkin; son, Bob Tisdale of Lufkin; granddaughter, Sheryl Falk and her husband Richard Retz of Houston; grandson, Lee J. Rawcliffe of Houston; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Bonnie McLemore of Houston; sisters-in-law, Opal McLemore of Nacogdoches and Bobbie McLemore of San Augustine; and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Mrs. Tisdale was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Dale Tisdale; brothers, Percy McLemore, Earl McLemore and Lynn McLemore, all of San Augustine, and Ray McLemore of Nacogdoches. Expressions of sympathy in Mrs. Tisdale's memory may be made to the Burke Center, 4101 S. Medford, Lufkin, Texas 75904; or to Hospice in the Pines, 116 S. Raguet, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Services for Mrs. Tisdale will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Harold Hancock officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Broaddus Cemetery. Gipson Funeral Home; Duane Hills, director.

Source:
http://legacy.com/LufkinDailyNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=119099748

Nearly identical notices were published in the October 23, 2008 issue of the San Augustine Tribune, on Page 11, and in the October 29 issue of The Sabine County Reporter, page 15.

Viola married Memmon Dale Tisdale on 8 Jan 1938 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Memmon (son of Isaac Memmon Tisdale and Dora Beard) was born on 27 Jul 1911 in Manning, Angelina County, Texas; died on 30 Jul 1990 in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried in Broaddus Cemetery, San Augustine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

As a young man, Earl and his brother Ray helped manage their father's ranch in Pearsall. Evon recalls a terrible drought at that ranch one summer. Her brothers told her that they had to use a blowtorch on cactuses to get enough water for the cattle.

He has a military marker at his gravesite "PFC, US Army WW II"

When he was shipped oversees during the war, he and Evon worked out a code so his family would know where he was stationed, because all correspondence was heavily censored. The first letter he sent to Evon was addressed to Mrs. R.O. Tisdale. The next letter, to Mrs. M.E. Tisdale. She knew he must therefore be in Rome. He was later moved elsewhere in Italy, but Evon said she never was able to figure out where because some of the letters came out of sequence, and others never made it home at all.

The Sabine County Reporter
May 21, 1997, page 12

Earl McLemore

Earl McLemore, 80, of San Augustine County died Wednesday, April 30, 1997, at Memorial Medical Center of East Texas in Lufkin

McLemore was born Sept. 12, 1916, in Sabine County as a son of the late Nina (Fuller) and Vessie Eugene McLemore. He was a U. S. Air Force veteran of World War II, a farmer/rancher, and a member of the Rosevine Church of God.

Survivors: wife, Velta McLemore of San Augustine County, sons, Donald McLemore of Woodland and Bruce McLemore of Tarkington Prairie; a daughter, Nina Weimer of Spring; two brothers, Lynn McLemore of San Augustine and Tommy McLemore of Houston; a sister, Evon McLemore of Lufkin; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held May 2 at the Wyman Roberts Funeral Chapel in San Augustine. Interment followed at Thomas Cemetery, San Augustine.

Earl's oldest son Donald wrote the following article about his father for his company newsletter shortly after his father's funeral:

In Memory of My Dad

I remember the lessons well because they were taught without compromise, a deep sense of right and wrong and what was best for his family. Those lessons were sometimes harsh and hard for us kids to understand so we sometimes did the exact opposite from what Dad wanted. Now as I look back, I can see that may of those lessons took root regardless of what we did then.

Dad was born September 17, 1916 into a family of five boys and one girl. His mom and dad were farmers/ranchers, not poor but certainly not rich. I was born in 1940 just after the Great Depression and I know the defining effect that period of time had on everyone. People that endured the depression were so afraid of not having enough that they saved every penny and did without things that we would not think twice about buying today. Due to that experience and the intense drive to be successful, the McLemores developed the reputation of being extremely tight with money and that lesson was passed on to their kids as independence. "With money you can be independent and not have to depend on your family or the government for support." I always said money would not be important to me. However, I see that same independent driven trait in every one of the McLemores today to some extent.

MBM has been in existence for almost twenty seven years. In all those years, I have come in contact with thousands of people, both rich and poor who did not have parents like we were lucky enough to have. They taught us the values that made this country great. I remember Dad's mom (Nina Fuller) saying in front of me one day when Dad was perplexed and seeking advice on how to handle a difficult situation "Earl, regardless of what he does or says it doesn't give you the right to do what is wrong." That phrase along with many others gave our lives direction, focus and nutured the development of character. What is amazing to me now is that it took me until I was in my mid thirties to begin to realize how fortunate my siblings and I were for having learned those lessons.

Dad had four major heart attacks over a three and a half year period. Someone like myself would not have survived the first one. Less than ten percent of his heart still functioned when it finally quit working forever and yet he still did what he loved to do the most and that was to work. "An idle mind is the devils workshop" he used to tell mom when she thought he was working too hard.

When word got out that Dad had gone on to meet his Maker, people from everywhere responded with cards, flowers, phone calls, donations, food and words of comfort to the family. My goal will be to try to pass on those I come into contact with a little part of my Dad.

Vessie married Velta Alnettie Rawson on 27 Aug 1938 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas. Velta (daughter of Eugene Bryan Rawson, Sr. and Veva G. Garrett) was born on 20 Sep 1917 in Denning Community, San Augustine County, Texas; died on 20 Nov 2002 in Center, Shelby County, Texas; was buried on 22 Nov 2002 in Thomas Cemetery, San Augustine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

As with his older brother, Ray was simply called Baby after he was born. Eventually, his siblings began calling him "Baby Ray" after their primers, and the name stuck.


San Augustine Tribune
Thursday, May 26, 1932, Vol. XXIV, Number 9

School Term Brought to Successful Close

May, 1932: The San Augustine Grammar School had 36 students graduate: Johnny Alford, Jesse Gene Fussell, Carmen Fussell, Billy Partin, Kenneth Woods, Vernon Mills, Cade Downs, Ray McLEMORE, Clifton Mathews, Charles Allredge, R.E. Epps, J.B. Miler, Carl Fussell, Charles Haley, Thomas Ramsey, Herman Bates, Phil Greer, Raymond McEachern, Allen Coon, Nina Sheffield, Catherine Childers, Frances Stripling, Bernice Stevenson, Odelle Moore, Vera Helen Westbrook, Louise Miller, Dorothy Adams, Ruby Taylor, Maxine Cox, Virginia Greer, Fay Renfroe, Elouise Sossaman, Helen Harris, Alice Joy Ellington, Nell Greer and Maxine Hays (San Augustine Tribune, Thursday, April 27, 2006 "Decade of the Great Depression 1932" by Harry P. Noble)

Ray served in the Phillipines during World War II. His gravesite has a military marker, embossed with a cross and with the inscription Pvt US Army World War II

He made his living as a rancher, and he also owned and operated laundrymats in and around Sabine and San Augustine Counties. He retired to Nacogdoches.

His obituary, dated February 21, 1991 from an unreferenced newspaper reads as follows:

SERVICES FOR RAY McLEMORE

Ira Ray McLemore, 72, of Nacogdoches died Thursday at Memorial Medical Center in Lufkin.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at San Augustine Church of Christ with burial at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine under the direction of Wyman Robert Funeral Home in San Augustine.

Services were conducted by Bro. Don Skipper and Bro. Mark White.

A native of Sabine County, he lived in Nacogdoches a number of years. He lived in San Augustine until a few years ago. He was retired owner of McLemore Laundries in San Augustine and Nacogdoches and was a U.S. Army veteren.

Survivors include his wife, Opal McLemore of Nacogdoches; a son Vernon McLemore of Nacogdoches, as sister, Evon Tisdale of Lufkin, brothers Percy McLemore and Earl McLemore, both of San Augustine, Tommy McLemore of Houston and Lynn McLemore of San Augustine; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Dr. Henry McLemore, Dutch Murray, James Roland Fuller, Gilbert Garrett, Arley Hensarling, and Tom Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers were Charles Bryan, Travis Price, Dr. Sam Gandy and Jessie Millard.

Ira married Bernice Opal Hensarling on 9 May 1937 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. Bernice (daughter of Joseph Abram Hensarling and Vivian Garrett) was born on 10 Jan 1918 in Denning Community, San Augustine County, Texas; died on 23 Jan 2012 in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried on 27 Jan 2012 in Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

His original Texas Birth Certificate listed him as Dalton McLemore. He was not known by this name as he was growing up, and was dismayed to discover this years later. He told his niece, Melinda, that he legally changed his name to John Lynn. Perhaps he was initially named in honor of his mother's brother-in-law, Dalton Cousins.

The Texas Birth Certificate in the name Dalton showed that he was the sixth living of nine children in total born to his mother.

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K6GV-FHK
Name: Dalton Mclemore
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 26 Dec 1932
Event Place: San Augustine, San Augustine, Texas, United States
Gender: Male
Father's Name: Vessie Eugine Mclemore
Mother's Name: Nina Ophelia Fuller
Certificate Number: 98874
Digital Folder Number: 005035230
Image Number: 01691
Collection: Vessie Eugine Mclemore in entry for Dalton Mclemore, "Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1935"

Lynn served in the U.S. Army from January 24, 1955 to January 25, 1957, and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State.

He spent most of his working life as a welder in Texas and Oklahoma. He and his wife Bobbie retired to the family homestead in San Augustine in the mid 1980's, where he raised cattle, and was overseer of the timber and wildlife on McLemore farmstead.

Sabine County Reporter
September 19, 2007
Page 11

John Lynn McLemore

John Lynn McLemore, 74, of San Augustine died Sept. 13, 2007 in Lufkin.

He was born Dec. 26, 1932 in San Augustine to Vessie Eugene McLemore and Nina Ophelia Fuller McLemore. He was a rancher and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was also a member of the Rosevine Church of God.

Survivors: wife, Bobbie McLemore of San Augustine; daughters, Lynda Sue Michaelski and husband Patrick of Clear Lake, Debbie McAdams of Lufkin, Dayna Martin and husband Nathaniel of Nacogdoches; sons, Steven Nash, and wife, Lori of Marble Falls, David Nash and wife, Jerri of Texas City, Charles Henry McLemore of Broaddus, Kenneth Edward McLemore of San Augustine, Ray Lyn Frederick and wife, Alicia of Wells; brother, Tom McLemore and wife Bonnie of Houston; sister, Evon Tisdale of Lufkin; 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 16 at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine with Rev. Floyd Wright officiating. Interment followed at Rosevine Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007; note that the original obituary showed Lynn's daughter as Linda Sue McMichaelski, in error)

A similar obituary appeared in the September 20, 2007 issue of the San Augustine Tribune, page 10.

(Medical):Prostate Cancer

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Selma June Sparks before 1960. Selma (daughter of Henry Jewel Sparks and Ednie E. Murray) was born on 2 Jun 1929 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; died on 11 Sep 2002 in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Bobbie Joyce Denton on 2 Jan 1981 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas. Bobbie (daughter of George Washington Denton and George Ann Furra) was born on 17 Jul 1946 in Nacogdoches County, Texas; died on 13 Aug 2020 in Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried in Rosevine Cemetery, Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Per "Citizen Soldiers of Sabine County, Texas" by Robert Cecil McDaniel Texian Press (Waco), 1992: World War II veteran, serving from Oct 4, 1940 through September 10, 1945.


Sabine County Reporter
December 29, 1999, Page 14

"Hugh 'Mr. Mack' McLemore, 81, of Beaumont died Saturday, December 25, 1999, at a Beaumont hospital. McLemore, a native of Hemphill, had lived in Beaumont 54 years and was a retired postman. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Survivors: Bell McLemore of Beaumont; daughter Carolyn McCormick of Plano; three grandchildren; and one great granddaughter. Funeral services were held December 27 at Cathedral in the Pines, Beaumont. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Beaumont. Kelley & Watkins Funeral Home of Beaumont, directors.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

Hugh married Leva Isabelle "Belle" Russell on 3 Mar 1940. Leva (daughter of Creed Thomas Russell and Lora Lee Warner) was born on 29 Jul 1925 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas; died on 5 Sep 2008 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Dorothy Fay "Dot" Smith about 1960. Dorothy (daughter of Dalton "Shine" Smith and Lemmie Beulah Coussons) was born on 17 Oct 1936 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 14 May 2008; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sabine County Reporter
December 19, 2007

Dorine Speights Robinson

Ruth Dorine Speights Robinson, 93, of Spring died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 in Brenham.

Mrs. Robinson was born Nov. 26, 1914, in Hemphill as a daughter of the late Mermond Leon Speights and Ruth Elvie McLemore Speights. She devoted over 40 years to the nursing profession in the Texas City/Galveston area.

Survivors: a sister, Ruby Laverne GELLATLY, formerly of Beaumont; two nieces, Dorine GORDY and husband Craig of Spring, and Guyanne KEENE and husband, Gayle of Shreveport, LA; and a nephew, Mark HUGHES and wife Cindy of Ponchatoula, LA.

She was preceded in dehat by her husband, John Albert (J.A) Robinson, and a sister, Johnnie Mae HUGHES.

Graveside rites were held Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Hemphill City Cemetery in Hemphill.

Services were under the direction of Adams/E.E. Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, December 2007)

Ruth married John Albert "J.A." Robinson, Jr on 18 Apr 1936. John (son of John Albert Robinson and Willifred Griesenbeck) was born on 19 Apr 1913 in Galveston County, Texas; died on 12 Nov 1963 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sabine County Reporter 29 May 2002

Class of 1938

Hemphill High School's graduating class of 1938 held a reunion Saturday, April 27. Attending were, from left: Dalton Boyd, Harold Smith, LaVerne Speights Gellately, Edele Manual Arnold and Vernell Conner Thomas.

Obituary

Ruby Laverne Speights Gellatly was born May 3, 1919 in Hemphill, Texas and went to be with her heavenly Father on June 20, 2014, at the age of 95.

She is survived by her daughter, Dorine Gellatly Gordy of Houston; four grandchildren, Cheryl R. Gordy of Spring, Chrystie M. Gordy Vickery and husband, Jason of Richmond, Cheri E. Gordy Turney and husband, Justin of Spring, Bryan C. Gordy and wife, Heather of Porter; eleven great grandchildren; Caleb, Breanna, Andrew, Jacob, Bailey, Virginia, Griffin, Leslie Jo, Daniel, Robert and Julian; one nephew, Mark Hughes and wife, Cindy of Louisiana.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert Earl Gellatly; father, Mermond L. Speights; mother, Ruth Elvie Mclemore Speights; and two sisters, Ruth Dorine Speights Robinson and Johnnie Mae Speights Hughes.

Laverne lived and worked in Beaumont and Bevil Oaks for over 55 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bevil Oaks. She worked and retired from Jefferson County Health and Welfare in 1989 after 23 years.

Laverne always loved gardening and spending as much time with family and friends as she could. Her loving smile and open heart never met a stranger and she was always willing to help in any way she could.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hemphill Cemetery in Hemphill, Texas.

A gathering of friends and family will be held Monday, June 23, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.

Copied from www.claybarfuneralhome.com

Family/Spouse: Robert Earl Gellatly. Robert (son of Don Claude "D. C." Gellatly and Bena Norine Harris) was born on 27 Sep 1919; died in Jan 1987 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Sabine County Reporter
February 14, 2007, Page 9

Johnnie M. Speights Hughes

Johnnie M. Speights Hughes died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 in Bossier City. Mrs. Hughes was a beautician for 35 years and a graduate of Guy's Beauty School. Survivors: a daughter, Sharon "Guyann" and husband Wilbur Gayle KEENE; son Mark Mermond HUGHES and wife Cindy FERRAN; grandchildren, Robin KEENE and husband Chuck WILLIAMSON, Brady KEENE and wife Stacy, Benjamin Mark HUGHES, William Maxwell HUGHES, and Andrew Phillip HUGHES; five great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ruth Dorine ROBINSON and Ruby Laverne GELLATLY. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy M. HUGHES; and parents, Ruth Elvie McLEMORE and Mermond Leon SPEIGHTS. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home with Pastor Al Eden officiating. Interment followed at Forest Park West Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Boone Funeral Home Chapel in Shreveport.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, March 2007)

Johnnie married Guy Marcus Hughes on 5 Sep 1941. Guy was born on 16 Feb 1920 in Joaquin, Shelby County, Texas; died on 4 Nov 1995 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Per "Citizen Soldiers of Sabine County, Texas" by Robert Cecil McDaniel Texian Press (Waco), 1992 and Book Three "A Pictorial History of Sabine County, Texas" also by Robert Cecil McDaniel Texian Press (Waco), 1998:

Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant Sixth Marine Division December 14, 1941 through October 13, 1945 Served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Bouganville, Northern Solomons, Guam, Okinawa Offensive Seriously wounded at Okinawa and medically evacuated to the United States Purple Heart.

Obituary

Rufus Maxie McLemore, 87, died Wednesday in the VA Hospital, Houston, TX. Rufus was born in Hemphill to Ira and Alma Bragg McLemore and was a lifetime resident of Hemphill. Rufus left school at an early age to join the CC's. When old enough he joined the Marine Corps and served in WW II. When he returned home he owned and operated McLemore's Garage until retirement.

Rufus is survived by his son Maxie and wife Maryanne McLemore of Victoria, TX, his daughter Charlotte and husband Gene Peters of Cypress, TX, eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Clovis.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, in the Starr Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, in the Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Military Honors. Burial will follow in the Hemphill Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill Texas. The guest book can be signed or condolences expressed to the family at www.starrfuneralhome.com

(From www.toledochronicle.com)
Also published in the San Augustine Tribune, September 23, 2010, page 10

Rufus married Clovis Lavern Hogan on 25 May 1946. Clovis was born on 9 Apr 1927 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 12 Mar 2010 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Tom McLemore recalls that Roland served both in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and as a Marine. He died of Meningitis, most probably while serving as a Marine.

One internet tree, unsourced, shows that he died in Colorado.

Notes:

Per "Citizen Soldiers of Sabine County" by Robert Cecil McDaniel:

World War II veteren. Navy. April 23, 1945 through July 30, 1946,


THE SABINE COUNTY REPORTER, October 11, 2000, Page 13, Obituaries

E.D. "DeFord" McLemore

E.D. "DeFord" McLemore, 72, of Hemphill died Thursday, October 5, 2000, at Hemphill Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hemphill.

McLemore, born Jan. 17, 1928, in Bronson as a son of the late Ira and Alma (Bragg) McLemore, had lived in Hemphill several years and was the owner of an asphalt paving company. He was a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a World War II veteran.

Survivors: wife, Elouise McLemore of Hemphill; son and daughter-in-law Randy and Terre McLemore of Nacogdoches;a brother, Rufus McLemore of Hemphill; and two granchildren, Hillary McLemore and Sara McLemore of Nacogdoches.

Funeral services were held Oct. 8 at the chapel of Starr Funeral Home Inc in Hemphill with Bro. I.W. Ferguson, pastor of Johnson Missionary Baptish Church, officiating. Interment followed at Hemphill City Cemetery.

Ernest married Elouise Elizabeth Armstrong on 31 Dec 1947. Elouise (daughter of William Rudolph Armstrong and Lottie Lee Dickerson) was born on 25 Jan 1929 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 11 Jan 2012 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charlcye Barrett was born Charlcye Joy Cammack in Sabine County, Texas on October 8, 1932. Her parents were Herman and Emma Cammack. She was the eldest of 3 (Charlcye, Max, and Gay). Their family attended Gravel Hill Baptist church in Hemphill, Tx.

After graduating from Hemphill High School, Charlcye married the love of her life, Billy Barrett. They moved to El Paso where Billy was in the service, but eventually landed in Pasadena, Tx where they would start their family. They had two boys, Doug and Don. Charlcye was a faithful Christian mother who raised the boys in church at Thomas Avenue Baptist Church (later renamed Monument Baptist Church). She remained an active member of the church until her passing.

After retiring from State Farm Insurance, she and Billy traveled the country in their motorhome. They managed to see all of the states multiple times and they relished the thought of long trips together. When they were home, she devoted her time to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Charlcye will be remembered for her sweet nature, quiet strength, and a heart of gold.

Charlcye was proceeded in death by her husband, Billy Barrett; father and mother, Herman and Emma Cammack; and her sister, Gay Cammack VanValkenburg. She is survived by her sons Doug Barrett and wife, Donnis, and Don Barrett and wife, Debbie; her grandchildren, Jason Barrett, Charlsa Barrett, Brandon Barrett, and Brooke Barrett; two great grandchildren, Barrett Crow and Zoie Chesser. Charlcye also leaves behind her brother, Max Cammack; and many nieces and nephews.

The Sabine County Reporter, June 23, 2021, Page 4

Charlcye married Billy Henry Barrett on 6 Dec 1951. Billy (son of Willie Geneva Barrett and Ruby Beamus Williams) was born on 1 Mar 1932 in Homer, Angelina County, Texas; died on 7 Jun 2014 in Pasadena, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Grand View Memorial Park, Pasedena, Harris County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Sabine County Reporter
July 13, 2011, Page 12

Gay Nell Cammack Van Valkenburg

Gay Nell Cammack Van Valkenburg of Livingston, TX was born March 9, 1939 to Herman and Emma McLemore Cammack near Hemphill, TX. She passed away July 3, 2011 at Paramount Health Care in Pasadena.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Gerald "Jerry" Van Valkenburg, and daughter Teresa Chimene.

She is survived by her beloved son Bruce Van Valkenburge and wife Melissa of Houston; grandchildren Sara Van Valkenburg, Brian Van Valkenburg, Casey Copeland, and Cory Copeland. She is also survived by her brother Max Cammack and wife Bobbie of Pasadena, and sister Charlcye Barrett and husband Billy of Pasadena; brother ? in-laws Jimmy Van Valkenburg and wife Pat, and Ronnie Van Valkenburg; niece Retta Cammack Cook, and two nephews Doug Barrett and Don Barrett.

Funeral services were held Wednesday July 6, at Pasadena Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in Woodlawn cemetery in Houston, TX.

Gay married Gerald "Jerry" Arthur Van Valkenburg on 16 Jul 1960. Gerald was born on 2 Jul 1935 in Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; died on 25 Aug 2008 in Livingston, Polk County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Robert Tisdale was born with Down's Syndrome. This fact never prevented him from being a loving and much loved son. Evon continued to teach school while she and Dale cared for their son at home. Bob attended Hudson High School, while his mother taught there. He graduated from Lufkin High School. Bob participated in numerous Special Olympics.

While working at the sheltered workshop in Lufkin, Bob took the bus every weekday to work. Evon reported that he was an extremely conscientious worker. She could never convince him to miss a day of work, even if he was sick. He would always insist on reporting for work, and would return home only when his supervisor made him go back home to go to bed.

In September, 1997, Evon wrote to her niece Melinda Strong: "I have placed Bob on a waiting list to go into a group home. There is such a long waiting list it may be two years before they can take him. Don't know is I can live without him. He helps take care of me now." Jan helped her mother move Bob to a group home in Beaumont in the summer of 1998. In a phone conversation with her niece in August, 1998, Evon reported that Bob seemed very happy in this new home, and continued to go to work daily at another sheltered workshop. Bob is able to go home to visit his mother at least one weekend each month.

Obituary

Robert 'Bob' Dale Tisdale, 55, was born February 23, 1957 in Lufkin, Texas, the son of Dale and Evon (McLemore) Tisdale. He passed away August 24, 2012 in Castle Pines Retirement Home. Throughout his life, everyone recognized that Bob was very special. When you met him, he greeted you with a handshake, a big smile on his face and, more than likely, he was going to tell you about Jesus. Bob was a man of great faith and Jesus was number one in his life. His whole being reflected his faith and his joyful praise changed the whole atmosphere of any gathering. Throughout his life he touched so many lives and shared the love of Jesus with so many, that today as he has come face to face with his Jesus, he is no doubt hearing, 'Well done, my faithful son'. The family would like to express a special thank you to the Burke Center, Castle Pines Retirement Home, Heart-to-Heart Hospice, and all of the many healthcare professionals and caregivers that gave such tender loving care to Bob. The surviving family includes his sister and brother-in-law, Janet and A. E. 'Pete' Peterson of Lufkin; niece, Sheryl Falk and husband Richard Retz of Houston; nephew, Lee J. Rawcliffe and his daughter Emily of Houston; uncle, Thomas McLemore and wife, Bonnie, of Houston; and many cousins, other relatives and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Evon Tisdale. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel with Harold Hancock, Minister, officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 26, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gipson Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Broaddus Cemetery in Broaddus, Texas immediately following the services. Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Published in The Lufkin Daily News on August 26, 2012
Also published in The Sabine County Reporter on September 5, 2012, Page 9

Notes:

The following is excerpted from a cover story in "Services: The Magazine for the Building Service Contracting Industry" Volume XIV, Number 1, January 1999.

PROFILE: BSCAI's New President Donald McLemore, CBSE McLemore Building Maintenance, Inc.

Donald McLemore, CBSE, heads a major Southwest building service company. This year, he will lead the Building Service Contractors Association International. In this interview, McLemore describes his company, his philosophy, and his vision for BSCAI and the industry.

How did McLemore Building Maintenance get started? I first arrived in Houston in 1964 with $35 in my pocket and no automobile. After several types of jobs, sometimes three at the same time, I settled down to the pick up and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning for almost five years. However, I had been raised in an entrepreneurial family, and was continually looking around for something I could do on my own. We looked at a washeteria, a fast food restaurant, a bar, a laundry, and a fishing marina. I told Torah Lee---I got married in 1966--that I could be the fishing guide and she could run the store and take care of the bait. She didn't seem to like that idea or the one about owning a bar. She said I would drink up all the profits. Early one morning I was picking up Dr. Walker's office laundry, and he was complaining about his cleaning service. I told him that I could do what he needed done if he would let me try. He gave me the job and a week later I had bought several other small accounts from another contractor. That was September 1, 1970. The first month's total billing was $513.50 but we did all the work so it was a pretty good profit. Married, two very young children, a brand new home, and on July 3, 1971, I gave up the laundry business and went into the janitorial industry full time. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make but one that I have never regretted.

MBM is a family-owned and run business. What roles or positions do your family members fill? Torah Lea retired after 26 years in January 1997 but still comes in whenever we are short-handed. Keith, our oldest son, started sweeping floors in our warehouse 12 years ago, and has been the Houston Operations Manager for the past five years. Curtis, our youngest son, came on board five years ago in Special Services and is Director of Marketing and Sales today. Stephanie, Curtis's wife, is the MBM Office Manager. Evita, Keith's new wife, started as an assistant to the Human Resources Manager. Then there is Nina, my sister. She is the Executive Secretary and has been with us for 13 years. Of course, there are many others who are just like my kids whom have been here for years.....Last year's BOMA Building of the Year in Houston was cleaned by MBM for Trammel Crow. We clean and cut the yards on several hundred phone company buildings in three states. A chemical plant that is spread out over six thousand acres with 124 buildings...

Obituary

Graveside services for Donald McLemore, 76 of North Zulch, Texas, will be held at 10:45 A.M., Monday, September 12, 2016 at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas. A visitation will take place from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Friday, September 9th at the Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas. Immediately following the services on Monday, a reception will be held at 110 Fargo, Houston, Texas 77006.

Donald Earl McLemore was born on January 26, 1940 in San Augustine, Texas to Vessie Earl & Velta (Rawson) McLemore. He was the owner of McLemore Building Maintenance, Inc. from 1970 to 2003 and a past president of Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI). Although Donald was retired, he continued raising cattle and working on his ranch, the Lazy M Ranch, which looked very much like a state park because of its pristine condition. Donald loved nature and feeding the deer and squirrels that made their home on the ranch. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandson and granddaughter. They each had their very own lake to fish in when they came to visit. Donald had lived in North Zulch for the past fifteen years, coming from The Woodlands, and he was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Donald passed away on September 7, 2016 at his home in North Zulch, Texas. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Edward Bruce McLemore; sister, Wanda Kay McLemore and daughter-in-law, Elvira McLemore. Surviving family members include wife, Torah Lea McLemore of North Zulch; sons, Keith Alan McLemore of The Woodlands and Curtis Eugene (Stephanie) McLemore of The Woodlands; sister, Nina Weimmer of Spring and grandchildren, Jake Ryan McLemore and Sarah Corinne McLemore.

Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas is in charge of all arrangements.

Copied from www.waltersfuneralhome.com

Donald married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After graduating from High School in San Augustine, Wanda enrolled in a dental hygiene program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Galveston. She was killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver one weekend when she was traveling home.

Notes:

Known as Bruce. He was a welder, and also loved to hunt and fish. He killed feral hogs to supplement his income.

Obituary

Mr. Edward Bruce McLemore, 54, of San Augustine entered into rest Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at his residence in San Augustine County.
Edward Bruce was born to Velta (Rawson) McLemore and Earl McLemore on November 28, 1956, in San Augustine County, Texas. He was a welder for Brown and Root, and was a operator Advanced Aeronautics. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

He is survived by: Daughter: Brandy and her husband, Craig Hutchins of Baytown, Grandchildren: Kendall and Cooper Hutchins of Baytown; Brother: Donald Earl McLemore and his wife, Tora Lea of Madisonville; and Sister: Nina Weimer of Houston.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011, 10:00 A.M., Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. Randy Mills officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening, 5:00 til 8:00 P.M. in Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Burial will be in Thomas Cemetery, San Augustine County.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Velta McLemore; Sister: Wanda Kay McLemore

Pallbearers will be Brad Stewart, Tim Sowell, Ken Lee, William Whitton and Robert Cartwright

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home
San Augustine, Texas
www.timeformemory.com

A nearly identical obituary was in the March 23, 2011 issue of the Sabine County Reporter, Page 14.

Edward married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Served in the Armed Forces. Operated and expanded the laundry business started by his father. As is a McLemore tradition, he involved his children in the business with him.

Obituary

Vernon Earl McLemore, 79, went to be with the Lord on May 19, 2018, after a brief illness. This was exactly one month short of his 80th birthday. He was surrounded by family. Vernon was born on June 19, 1938, in San Augustine, Texas to the late Ira "Ray" McLemore and Opal Hensarling McLemore. Vernon was a staff sergeant on active duty in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1962. He was then in the US Air Force Reserves from 1961-1966. After his years of service, Vernon worked in the family Locker Plant alongside his father Ray. During this time they also opened the first McLemore Laundry in San Augustine. He treasured the community of San Augustine and wanted the people to have a nice laundry in town. McLemore Laundry has grown to four locations and continues to be a family business.

Mr. McLemore was married to his loving wife Brenda on June 19th, 1984. Vernon was a Christian man with deeply embedded Christian values and had a passion for studying the bible and sharing the word. In his younger years, Vernon enjoyed his only hunting love; that of quail hunting. He had a zeal for training and working his quail dogs. He was also an avid beekeeper. Vernon had a farm and cattle in the Chireno area where he spent much time up until his stroke in 2010. His years of working with cattle led him to enjoy attending the cattle auction each week even up until the past couple of weeks. He also had numerous friends in the community who he enjoyed playing dominoes with weekly. Most recently, Vernon also enjoyed spending time with his sweet little great-grandchildren Hailey, Caden, Kash, Hurley, Abby and Calvin.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Ann McLemore Jackson; and a great-grandson, Kase. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Brenda McLemore of Nacogdoches, Texas; his children, Varron McLemore and wife Rae Janette of Nacogdoches, Texas; Sarah McLemore Hudgins and husband Todd of Athens, Alabama; Angela Strong and husband Curtis of Bryan, Texas; Michelle Strong and husband Barry of Flower Mound, Texas; Melissa Crabtree of Bryan, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel officiated by Alton Shaw. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine, Texas. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00 '96 8:00 Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. [Song Leader was his son, Vincent Eric McLemore. The hymns chosen were "The Old Rugged Cross", "Trust and Obey" and "It is Well With My Soul."].

Pallbearers will be Vincent Eric McLemore, Elliott Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Christopher Strong, Garrett Hudgins, James Gaines, Bradley Lusk, and Ryan McAllister. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lenvelle Stanaland, Truman Hudgins, Larry Jackson, Jamie Santoyo Flores, Lud Davis, and Mike Fussell.

Please visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to leave your online condolences and memories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.

FAMILY
Brenda McLemore, Wife
Varron McLemore and wife Rae Janette, Son
Sarah McLemore Hudgins and husband Todd, Daughter
Angela Strong and husband Curtis, Daughter
Michelle Strong and husband Barry, Daughter
Melissa Crabtree, Daughter
1 2, Grandchildren
0 6, Great-Grandchildren
Ira "Ray" McLemore, Father
Opal Hensarling McLemore, Mother
Linda Ann McLemore Jackson, Sister
Kase ., Great Grandson
PALLBEARERS
Vincent Eric McLemore , Active Pallbearer
Elliott Jackson , Active Pallbearer
Nicholas Jackson , Active Pallbearer
Christopher Strong , Active Pallbearer
Garrett Hudgins, Active Pallbearer
James Gaines , Active Pallbearer
Bradley Lusk , Active Pallbearer
Ryan McAllister , Active Pallbearer
Lenvelle Stanaland , Honorary Pallbearer
Truman Hudgins , Honorary Pallbearer
Larry Jackson , Honorary Pallbearer
Jamie Santoyo Flores, Honorary Pallbearer
Mike Fussel, Honorary Pallbearer
Lud Davis , Honorary Pallbearer

Vernon married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Vernon married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lynda was a gracious and beautiful woman, and a caring mother. She loved antiques, and showcased them in her home. She also was interested in family and genealogy. She died after a valiant struggle with cancer.

Linda married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Linda married William Androus "Willie" Page, Jr on 16 Mar 1979 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas. William was born on 30 Oct 1935 in Huntington, Angelina County, Texas; died on 20 Dec 1983 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Woodville, Tyler County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Listed in her mother's obituary, and on the SSDI, as Teresa CHIMENE.

Teresa married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Teresa married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]