Eva Pate Scogin

Funeral services for Eva Pate Scogin, 80, of Social Springs Community, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Nathan Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Social Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 P.M. until service time on Sunday.

Eva Pate Scogin was born November 30, 1938. In the early morning hours of November 28, 2019 she climbed the stairway to heaven. She was greeted by her parents Claude Nelson and Eloyce Davis Pate, her husband “Richard” of 51 years, infant son, and brother Lewis Pate.

In 1953, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, she married Harold Richard Scogin. She was a loving wife and homemaker and soon became known as a caregiver in the community. She never failed to help anyone who came or called. She received her nursing degree in 1979, the same year her son graduated high school. She began her nursing career at Hanna Clinic and Hospital, during this time she also serve as Deputy Coroner for Red River Parish and nurse at the parish jail. She also cared for the elderly at Ringgold Nurse Care Center and Green Meadow Haven Nursing Home with love and compassion always putting the needs of others first.

She is survived by her children Karen Womack and husband Greg of Womack, LA, son Travis Scogin of Coushatta, LA, and daughter Peggy Hayes and husband Thomas of Elm Grove, LA. Grandchildren include Rachel Scogin Hatcher and husband Daniel, Charles Womack II and wife Marsha, Kelli Womack Ramos and husband Martin, and Jessica Scogin Hatcher and husband Rusty. Also great grandchildren Nolan, Peyton, Connor Joe, Olivia, Cooper, and Hadley. She never failed to have a gleam in her eyes when she heard the call of “Granny” and she especially liked to hear “Great Granny”.

Serving as pallbearers are Greg Womack, Thomas Hayes, Charles Womack II, Daniel Hatcher, Rusty Hatcher and Paxton Mosley.


398 Years Ago

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, an occasion established years ago by the early settlers of this land. The occasion was to give thanks to God for seeing them safely through the first trying days of life on the American shores.  How did you celebrate yesterday?  Did you remember to give thanks?

We have all heard the story, but it might be good to go over it again.  So The Journal did a search and came up with this from lessonplanet.com:

“The first Thanksgiving was held in early autumn of 1621 at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. The 53 colonists who had survived harsh conditions celebrated with what they called a harvest festival. Over 90 Indians were invited to join the feast of turkey, duck, fish, venison and cornbread.

“The feast lasted for several days, and the tradition was repeated at harvest time in the following years. The event was not originally called Thanksgiving because to the Pilgrims, thanksgiving was purely religious. The first recorded day of thanksgiving was held in 1623 in response to a much-needed rainfall. It was much later that the two events were combined to what is now known as Thanksgiving Day, which President Abraham Lincoln made an official holiday in 1863.

“The Plymouth colonists built successful relationships with the neighboring Indians who taught them farming techniques. This success was due in part to Squanto, a local Indian who had been kidnapped and taken to England a decade before. Squanto was able to act as an interpreter between the colonists and the local Indians.

“Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, signed a treaty of alliance with the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims would provide assistance with defense against a neighboring tribe, and the Wampanoags would provide food and teach the Pilgrims how to farm. It was this successful partnership, along with the leadership of colony governor William Bradford, that led to the first harvest festival, or thanksgiving.”

Those colonists came to the New World aboard the Mayflower, which arrived in Plymouth harbor in 1620. The 400thanniversary of their arrival will be commemorated by the United States Postal Service with a stamp next fall.

So back to the original question, “How did you celebrate yesterday?”


Community Thanksgiving Service

Members of Coushatta area churches came together Tuesday evening to give thanks and worship.  The event was hosted by First United Methodist Church.  The speaker was Pastor Richard Logan of Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church. There was special music provided by the choirs from First Baptist Church and Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church.

Bro. Nathan Davis of First Baptist opened with prayer for unity.  Davis said, “We can’t have community without unity.  Being together.  I pray for unity in Jesus Christ.”

The sermon was presented by Bro. Logan.  He opened with, “Touch someone tonight.  Say to them God has a blessing for you tonight.”

Logan’s message was based upon Luke 17, the cleansing of the ten lepers.  Logan said, “Imagine being an outcast, unable to see friends and family, unable to be among people, because you have a disease with no cure, and it is contagious.”  Logan added, “He cured ten when they followed Jesus instructions to ‘go show yourselves to the priest.’  Then why did only one come back to thank and worship Jesus?”

Logan’s message was one of God being the same yesterday, today and forever.  He noted the healings performed by Jesus, the healings by the disciples, and then Logan asked, “Why don’t you thank Him, he’s cleansed you too!” Logan gave an opportunity for several people in attendance to come forward for healing.  And he closed with the proclamation, “He still heals!”

For the second year, the service was hosted by First Methodist Church.  Rev. Curtis Carroll proclaimed, “We are going to take an offering.  And this year the offering is going to go to the Red River Council on Aging, so be extra generous.”  Later Carroll told The Journal the 107 people in attendance were very generous, contributing over $700 to the Council on Aging.

Five or more area churches were represented at this year’s Community Thanksgiving Service.  Carroll said he hopes even more can take part next year.


“They Needed Pie!”

Residents of Green Meadow Haven were treated to fresh home baked pies with their afternoon coffee on Tuesday.  Ladies from two local churches pitched in to bring a thanksgiving treat to the residents.

The serving of sweet potato and pumpkin pies is an annual tradition.  It was begun by Sharon Adkins 9 or 10 years ago.  Asked why she did it, Adkins said, “They didn’t have homemade pie. It is a reminder of home and family. They deserve good homemade pies at Thanksgiving.”

Adkins called upon friends and members of Wesley Chapel and First Methodist churches.  They baked many pies.  As a special treat, Paige Bell made a huge container of fresh whipped cream.  No artificial whip this year.  The Journal was treated to a sample and it was beyond delicious.

Rev. Curtis Carroll reminded residents of the many things they have to be thankful for.  Carroll commented that, “We are thankful for you too!” He gave the invocation thanking God for the blessings He showers upon us every day.

Residents who were able to come to the dining hall again this year enjoyed homemade pies with homemade whipped cream with their coffee.  And Adkins and her helpers carried pie and coffee to many who had to stay in their rooms.  It was just in time for Thanksgiving.  Adkins said, “They needed pie!”


A Turkey Shoot

In the wild, turkeys usually don’t sit still for you to shoot them.  So this was an unorthodox style of Turkey Shoot conducted Wednesday afternoon at the nursing home.

The recreation staff of Green Meadow Haven decided to offer their residents a challenge to shoot a turkey. The event was held indoors, so they could not bring in live turkeys.  Instead boxes decorated as “lively turkeys” would suffice.  And since hunting rifles might leave holes in the ceiling, walls and doors, nerf bullets would have to do.

Now you have the scene.

Residents took turns on the “firing line” aiming their nerf guns at the “turkeys” and blasting away. And “fire when ready” was the cry of the afternoon.

It was hilarious.  And the residents had a great time just before Thanksgiving Day taking aim and firing at the turkeys!  Oh! No turkeys were harmed in the carrying out of this competition.


All Aboard!

Next week will be an exciting week in Red River parish.  There will be the Christmas parade.  There will be a huge fireworks show.  And everything begins with a visit from the Christmas Train.

Kansas City Southern’s Christmas Express will roll into Coushatta on Tuesday afternoon, December 3rd.  Children of all ages are invited to visit the train.  Spectators can tour several of the holiday cars and meet and greet jolly old St. Nick.

The Christmas Express makes several stops each year in cities served by Kansas City Southern. The train was created by KCS workers a number of years ago from surplus rail cars.  It is decorated in holiday colors.  There is even a car for Santa’s reindeer.

The train opens to the public at 4:00 pm on Tuesday.  Tours usually last a couple of hours.  This is a free event and the public from Red River and surrounding parishes is invited to visit.


Parade Goes Hollywood

The theme for the annual Christmas Parade put on by the Coushatta Red River Chamber of Commerce is “Silver Bells Meets Silver Screens.”  Floats entered in the parade will depict favorite holiday movies.

The chamber promises a number of floats sponsored by local churches, schools, merchants and individuals. Parade line-up is at 3:30 pm and the Parade rolls through the streets of Coushatta beginning at 4:30.  The parade will pass by the reviewing stand on Front Street.

Following the parade, the sky will light up.  A spectacular fireworks display will be presented beginning about 6:00 pm.  Get there early to get a great seat.


One Red River Student Makes TECH President’s List

Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Fall 2019 quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.  One Red River parish student earned a spot on the President’s Honor List.

Alyssa Woodard of Coushatta earned recognition as a member of the President’s Honor List. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.


4-H Cookie Contest

Members of local school 4-H clubs are invited to participate in holiday cookie baking contests.  They will be held at club meetings next week. 

The parish 4-H office posted that the Riverdale contest is Dec. 3rd and Red River Elementary is Dec.  4th.  Bring 1 dozen (12) cookies to your December club meeting.  

Young bakers are invited to use their imaginations.  Cookies must be your creations, but parental help is okay.  Please, NO store bought or slice-n-bake cookies.  Place in Ziploc bag or on a plate and cover with foil or plastic wrap.  And kids, be sure to attach your name.


ETC… for Friday, November 29th

Social media is buzzing on Thanksgiving morning.  Many people are wishing their family and friends a happy Thanksgiving Day.  The Journal is thankful for all of our readers and followers on social media. This is a great time to suggest that folks who enjoy The Journal on social media might like to get all stories together in one spot every Wednesday and Friday mornings.  Just go to “Subscribe” on the menu bar and sign up. All stories will be sent to your email. It is free and you’ll get all the local news together in one place.

A reminder that students return to classes on Monday. They will have a half day break on Thursday.  Schools are dismiss at noon so that students may participate in the Christmas Parade. Check with local businesses before going Thursday afternoon.  Many close early for the parade.

Wednesday is the first of the Advent Lunch series at First Methodist Church on Front Street.  A delicious lunch will be served followed by a brief devotional service. It is free and all in the community are welcome.

Checking the local basketball schedule, the Red River Lady Bulldogs will host Logansport on Monday night.  Tip-off is 6:00 pm.  Tuesday Riverdale travels to El Dorado, Arkansas for boys and girls games with West Side Christian School.  On Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs play at Evangel at 6:00 pm and the Bulldogs play at Lincoln Prep, also at 6:00 pm.

Did you realize that the NSU Lady Demon Basketball program was on a roll? 

Despite a 32-point fourth quarter effort, Northwestern State saw its 24-game winning streak against non-Division I opponents end on Wednesday with a 68-63 loss to the Lady Pilots of LSU-Shreveport.

Congratulations to freshmen athletes at Riverdale Academy.  Recently they received their letter jackets.


October Students of Month at Riverdale

The Commander of Coushatta’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7287 joined Riverdale Academy’s Principal in saluting the school’s Students of the Month for October.  Certificates were presented to the three students last Thursday.

These are the Student of the Month for October:

Riverdale Elementary School – 1st grader Maggie Nettles, the daughter of Josh and Heather Nettles and Ashley George.  Her teacher said that Maggie is a very hard worker and has made great progress in 1st grade.  She is sweet and kind to everyone, and she is never a behavior problem.

Riverdale Middle School – 7th Grader Jadyn King – Jadyn is the daughter of Johnny and Tabitha King.  She is an excellent student as well as being kind to all of the students at Riverdale.  She is a very hard worker that is always willing to lend a hand.  Jaydn is also very active in her community at the Red River Cowboy Church and in softball and basketball.

And Riverdale High School – 11th Grader Parker Almond  –  Parker is the son of Will and Heather Almond and is a model student.  He is kind and caring and is always willing to help out in any way possible.  Parker maintains the straight A honor roll while also being involved in many extracurricular activities including basketball, which is his favorite.

Each month VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 present students at Riverdale Academy a certificate and gift card for Dairy Queen.  The students are nominated for the honor by their teachers.


Bulldogs Loose to Kinder

By Hayley Loe

Last Friday the Red River Bulldogs played against the Kinder Yellow Jackets in the 2nd round of playoffs  The final score was Kinder 28-Red River 14 causing the Bulldogs road to the dome to end.

Red River’s touchdowns were scored by Camron Keith #3 and Markell Washington #5. All extra points were kicked by Ryder Hogan #36. However the Bulldogs have proven that even with this loss they refuse to lose hope for next year’s season.

The Red River Bulldogs team has had some setbacks this season, but they have also had their high points. As this season comes to a close, the class of 2020 Bulldogs say goodbye to their high school football careers.  They also say goodbye to Coach Martin who is leaving the Red River Highschool staff for a long and happy retirement. The Red River Bulldogs hope for next year’s season to be even better than this years.

Editor’s Note:  Thank you to Hayley Loe for covering Red River Football this season.  Great writing and super pictures, Hayley.  Your best photo of the year is the one at the top of this article.


Remembering a Friend

Many people remember Deputy Sheriff Roger Longino from his recent work as the School Resource Officer at Red River Elementary.  He also was their DARE instructor.

Longino is being remembered by many in our community for the positive way he touched their lives, or their children’s lives, and even the lives of their grandchildren.

On Sunday, Roger Longino passed away.  His passing shocked the community and resulted in a tremendous outpouring on social media.  Full details of his life and work are included in his obituary elsewhere in this issue of The Journal.

Thanks to Tori Bamburg for the photo.


Let No Little One Be Forgotten

The Methodist Men’s Group from First Methodist and Wesley Chapel churches gathered toys to make sure some children in our community are not forgotten this Christmas.  This is the third year the project has been carried out.

There are many men incarcerated in the Red River Parish Jail this Christmas season.  The Methodist Men want to assure that their children have presents even though their fathers may not be able to shop and wrap them.  That was the inspiration for the gift collection. Many ladies from the churches pitched in so that every child got at least two gifts.

The presents were brought to the Last Monday Men’s Breakfast held on Monday November 25that First Methodist Church.  There was two tables full of brightly wrapped gifts.  Later on Monday the Parish Jail Warden, Joey Wiggins arranged to have the gifts picked up and transported to the jail.

Wiggins thanked the church members, “Thank you again to the church for your generosity for my offenders. I will get the guys together for a group photo.”  The gifts will be presented to the children by their fathers during visitations during the holiday season.  Wiggins said, “I appreciate everyone’s generosity.  And I hope you have a good holiday.”


Martin Send-Off Into Retirement

Longtime educator and coach at Red River High, Earl Martin, has retired.  He was given a big send-off last week with a reception in the school library.

Afterward Missy Antilley, girls basketball coach and PE instructor posted, “Today was a tough one. I watched my partner in crime for the last 20 years walk out the door to retirement.  It hasn’t really set in yet but I know when we get back to school after break it will.”

Antilley said, “Thanks for everything Coach but most of all thanks for always being there for me!!!  Like we talked about no tears. Love ‘ya Coach.  Kill a big one.”


Kindergarten Science Study

To study leaves, you have to find some trees.  So the Kindergarten class at Riverdale Academy went out of the classroom in search of leaves.  Here is the school’s post:

 Science Fun: Kindergarten is learning all about leaves this week in Science. Today they read “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” a Scholastic Book by Steve Metzger. Then each student had to collect, observe, and sort leaves. They talked about how leaves are similar and different. They also looked at patterns and shapes of leaves. Students did a great job on their leaf projects!


Great Items in Elementary School Raffle

Students at Red River Elementary are selling raffle tickets for some great prizes.  They are pictured with this article. 

The Elementary PAW parents posted that students are selling the tickets during the Thanksgiving break. The students are told to fill out the purchaser’s information on one half and give the other end to them. Ticket buyers are reminded to circle the item they wish to get if they win the raffle.

If you sell out and want more, please send a note back with your student to give their Teacher and I will send more with them.

There is a little incentive to the class that sells the most raffle tickets.  They get to choose between a donut party or a pizza party.  What student doesn’t like pizza?

The Elementary School fundraiser runs through December 16th.  The prize drawing will be on December 18th.


Next Stop:  Kentucky

Participating in 4-H in the parish can be very rewarding.  Just ask Madison Chamberlin.  Her work with livestock is paying off.

4-H said, “We are so proud of Madison Chamberlin for winning a 4-H education trip to Louisville, Kentucky for the North American International Livestock Expedition! These trips are for 13-18 year old 4-Hers who excel in their Livestock projects.”


Riverdale Physics Projects

Challenges are fun. And challenges can also teach a lesson. At Riverdale recently two challenges proved from Dr. Hunter Brown the point.

First there was the Spaghetti Bridge challenge.

Spaghetti Bridge Challenge criteria:  50 cm gap, aesthetics, strength to weight ratio, cost effectiveness.  Haven’t calculated all the results yet.

Friday night Riverdale posted, “Just another reason we love Riverdale! This week was the spaghetti bridge challenge in physical science and physics. Molly, Luke, and Emma won overall by one point-their bridge had lights! The results aren’t calculated for Matthew’s class, but I do know that he, Jake, Brennan, and Ronda did well!”

Another challenge was the Tug of War.  What is the physical science challenge there?  Consider this:

Riverdale physics:  Newton’s laws of motion.  There were boys vs. girls tug-o-war and trust falls. The girls were able to exert more force against the ground and friction worked in their favor.  They beat the boys.


Riverdale Academy DARE Graduation

By: Lt. Troy Murray (DARE Officer)

On November 13, 2019, after successfully completing the requirements of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, eleven fifth grade students from Riverdale Academy received their graduation certificates.

After students opened the ceremony with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, those in attendance learned a brief history of the DARE program, heard the reading of the winning DARE report and watched the students perform five skits. Sheriff Glen Edwards also spoke briefly and reinforced the importance of making good decisions.

Students recognized for exceptional DARE reports were Destiney Bohannon (1stplace), Ally Kate Hillman (2ndplace) and Abbie Jowers (3rdplace). Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the lunchroom for the graduates and their guests.

While there is no way to truly measure the impact of the DARE program, there should be no question that it equips our children with tools that can be helpful throughout their lifetimes. In addition to educating students on the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol, the DARE program covers much more. This includes responsible decision making, resistance strategies, peer pressure, stress, effective communication, bullying, being a good citizen and establishing a help network.

Sheriff Edwards would like to extend his appreciation to the Riverdale Academy school board and administration for allowing the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office the opportunity to present the program. Thanks also go to fifth grade teacher Nick Williamson, Kelly Azlin for organizing the skits, Tye and Amanda Adams for hosting the reception and many others who helped make this year and graduation ceremony special for the students.

Great job Riverdale DARE Class of 2019! Always remember to be SAFE and RESPONSIBLE!


Cowboy Church Riding Lessons

Posted by Jerry Salley

“We had a wonderful riding lesson today (Sunday, November 24th). We had the prettiest girls you can imagine and the rankest boys. We grew to 14 riders today with about half new riders. We had a couple of new volunteers and again God gave us just enough to get it done.

“We learned about a fishing trip where the fish won. Jonah wouldn’t  listen so he was swallowed by a big fish and then vomited out on the bank. God got his attention and then he did what God told him too.

“Who loves you? JESUS. 


“Thanks all riders, parents and volunteers. We had a blast. If you want to be rewarded with a worthy ministry, join us next Sunday. If you don’t you are missing a blessing.”


Roger Longino and Billy Rogers

Roger Longino

Lt. Roger Longino, 50, of Coushatta passed away suddenly at his home in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019.  He was born Dec. 30, 1968, in Natchitoches to Gene and Evelyn Blanchard Longino of Coushatta.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 29 from 5-10 p.m. at Union Hall Baptist Church on Hwy 71 south of Coushatta where Roger was a lifelong member. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, Nov. 30 at Red River Elementary School. Bro. Jeff Shows will officiate the service assisted by Bro. Weylon Gauntt and Bro. Matt Endris. Burial will follow in the Union Hall Cemetery.

Roger is survived by his parents; brothers, Michael Longino and wife Karen and Brad Longino and wife Katie; significant other, Sonya Marie Cole and her children; nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own children, Dillon “Bubba” Longino, Kelsey Arredondo and husband Dainey and their children Amelia, Alise and Arthur Lane, Katie Marie Longino and son Walker, Tristan Niette, Tori Niette Morgan and husband Austin and son Steele, and Sophie, Izzy, Gabby and Lauralye Longino; aunts and uncles, Len and Billie Sue Blanchard, Wayne and Carrie Longino, Elaine and Bobby Cloud, Marie and James “Jimmy” Elliott, Robie and Glynda Longino and Tonie and Vickie Longino; his law enforcement family at Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office; his school family at Red River Elementary School; and numerous cousins, coworkers, school children and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Manboy and Dorothy Blanchard and Ruffin and Opal Longino; and aunt, Jackie Longino.

Roger devoted his life to helping others and was the epitome of the public servant. He loved his job as a deputy with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for 27 and one half years where he earned the rank of lieutenant. He worked in many capacities at the sheriff’s office; dispatcher, patrol deputy and shift supervisor. He received the Dean’s Award and the sharpshooter award at the at BPCC 51st police academy and was honored as Officer of the Year in 2000-01 by the local VFW.

Roger touched thousands of lives, most importantly, the youth. For over a decade, he protected the children of the parish as a school resource officer and D.A.R.E. officer at Red River Elementary where he also pitched in to coach football. He worked tirelessly at the Fairview Ballpark for many years helping mold children’s lives by coaching and mentoring them. He was a counselor at times and an advocate often. Roger always enjoyed volunteering as a fireman, rescue operations or just helping when in need. 

Roger was a 1986 graduate of Red River High School, taught hunter education courses, was an avid sportsman and had a special passion for fishing.  He was director of the Red River High School B.A.S.S. team and captained boats at numerous tournaments.

Roger never had a bad word for anyone, was always there for his family, worried over every family member and friend and was selfless in all his endeavors. He was the person who would give up his vacation to captain a boat in a high school tournament in Mississippi for boys he’d never met, the one who checked on family members regularly and the one who got hugs or high fives from every RRES student, every year.

He shared with Sonya Cole some of the happiest times of his life. He lived life to the fullest and set a great Christian example to all.

Pallbearers will be Ben Wood, Lenn Wood, Scott Phillips, Melvin Massey, Brad Longino and Evan Morgan. Honorary pallbearers include Shane G. Hubbard, Brandon Foster, Jacob Rodgers, Tracy Scott, the RRHS fishing team and the RRPSO deputies.

Flowers may be sent to or donations made to Union Hall Baptist Church.

 

Billy Rogers

Funeral services for William “Billy” Antoine Rogers, 69, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 3 P.M. Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. George Rogers officiating and Rev. Harry Bamburg and Rev. James Hester assisting. Interment will follow in Thomas-Wren Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. Friday, November 29, 2019 at Liberty Baptist Church. Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Billy was born September 29, 1950 in Jeanerette, LA and passed away November 22, 2019 in Houston, TX. He spent his childhood in Shreveport, LA, graduating from Woodlawn High School. After college, he joined his father at Northwest Louisiana Insurance Agency. He found his happy place moving to Coushatta in 1994, and becoming a part of Quality Ford for the remainder of his life. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he enjoyed singing with Martin Gospel Band, Liberty Baptist Praise Team, and various other gospel venues. Other than his family and friends, his passion was LSU football…GO TIGERS!

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Thelma Rogers; and infant brother, George Rogers, Jr.

Billy is survived by his wife, Donna Thomas Rogers; daughter Amanda Rogers Loftin, husband Jeff and their children Grace, Railey and Beaux Loftin; daughter Melissa Rogers and her daughter Josie Kay; daughter Stacia Armer, husband Wayne and their children Devin, Trip, Garrett and Cash Armer; daughter Susan Holstead, husband Steve; sister Sharon Welch; extra special nieces Debbie Gardner and Dr. Jessica Thomas; nephew Nicholas Thomas; brother-in-law Kenneth Thomas; and special family member Cade Farmer.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Armer, Steve Holstead, Jeff Loftin, Parker Perot, Kenneth Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Cade Farmer, Trip Armer, and Jerry Hester. Honorary pallbearers will be Stacy Reese and Mo Brown.