Obituaries

Mary Merritt,

1946–2026 Mary Merritt of Woodwar, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Woodward. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church (Woodward, OK), Lincoln campus, with Reverend Jason Dirks officiating.

Wilbur Lee

Yarborough, 1943–2026 Wilbur Lee Yarborough, better known as Lee, 83, of Hobbs, N.M., passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2026. Born in Lamesa Texas, on May 11,1943, Lee grew up in Spur, Texas, and lived a life full of love that was spent with family and friends.

Janice Dement-Kearney 1946–2026

ABILENE, TEXAS— Janice Marie Dement-Kearney, beloved mother of sons David, Mark and Philip and grandmother of Joshua, Sarah, Hope, Matthew and Audrey, departed from this life on June 28, 2026.

Charles Harvey Cannon, Sr.,

Charles Harvey Cannon, Sr., 1937–2026 We are heartbroken to share the news that passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026 with his family and friends gathered around him. Our sorrow today is greatly outweighed by the full and wonderful life he lived for over 88 years.

Walton Dale (“Walt”) Wesley, 1942–2026

Walton Dale (“Walt”) Wesley, 83, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on July 15, 2026. He was born on October 16, 1942, in Canyon, Texas, to Gus Harold and Agnes Marie Wesley. Walt was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

Robert “Bobby” Kautz, 1960–2026

Robert “Bobby” Kautz was born to Richard and Valentina Kautz on July 30, 1960. He passed away on the morning of July 1, 2026, at the age of 65, in Lubbock, Texas, with his beloved wife, Yolanda, by his side. Bobby grew up in Dickens County and graduated from Patton Springs High School in 1980.

Virginia Lee Moore, 1941–2026

Virginia Lee Moore, 85, of Spur, Texas, passed away on July 17, 2026. Virginia was born on June 30, 1941, in Throckmorton, Texas, to Lloyd and Emma Jones.

Jimmie Lee Sims, 1940–2026

Jimmie Lee Sims of Jayton, Texas, passed away on June 13, 2026, after a short illness. Jimmie was born November 19, 1940 in Stamford, Texas, the son of Carl Sims and Louise Powell Sims. He grew up on a farm in the Sagerton community, and attended Sagerton Grade School and Rule High School.

Laura Marie Shaw, 1937–2026

Laura Marie Shaw, 88, of Slaton, Texas, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Englunds Chapel, followed by visitation, 6–7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Slaton Methodist Church.

Lula Marlene Posey McMeans,1934–2026

Lula Marlene Posey McMeans was born September 29, 1934 near the Double Mountains to Fant Leroy Posey and Pearl Etta Counts Posey. Lula closed her eyes and peacefully passed away on July 3, 2026.