MEADOR FUNERAL - Key Persons

Yall are in our thoughts and prayers She was such a sweet Lady always had a smile on her face have many wonderful memory's of her. She has a beautiful lady.in Christian Love Doyle & Dean Westbrook

I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis. I was in his graduating class and always looked forward to seeing him at our class reunions. I'll always remember him for his kindness and smile. Praying for your family at this difficult time.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Robert Cook, born Dec. 14, 1949, who left this world on Sept. 25, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, whose presence brought joy to the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing him. Dennis was born to Lee and Lois Carrigan Cook in Tioga, TX. He grew up in Collinsville and was the middle of three siblings. His childhood was filled with hunting and fishing. Dennis grew up in Collinsville, TX, and graduated in 1967. At one point, Dennis considered playing shortstop for a minor league baseball team, but he decided he needed to start working. He worked for LaDue Sprinkler Systems for 33 years, until he suffered a back injury. He then started selling barbed wire plaques and buying and selling things to make ends meet, which eventually led to Cook's Main Street Mercantile in downtown Whitesboro. Dennis described himself as a simple man. In his young adult life, he had one job and one wife of 33 years. He had a happy marriage to Betty Davis before she passed away of a brain tumor. Betty told him to find a good Christian woman because he could not live alone. That was so right! Laura did not know Dennis, but she knew his kids. They married on April 6, 2003, and just celebrated twenty years. Together, they have a large family. Dennis' many names are dad, Papa, Pop or Pop pop, Papa D or Paw Paw. Outside of his work, Dennis had a passion for building and fixing things, fishing, golfing, and racing. He was known for being a walking miracle. After numerous heart attacks starting in his 50's, he was put on a heart transplant list. While waiting on a heart, he became sick and received a left ventricle assist device or a heart pump. Many never knew that he wore batteries in his pocket and recharged batteries every night. This past January, he has been on the LVAD for 5 years and tried to live life to the fullest. Dennis loved witnessing to everyone about his journey. He cherished moments spent with family and friends, and believed we all have an appointed time. He often asked people, "I am ready to go, are you?" Dennis is survived by his wife, Laura Cook; 5 Children: Gina and Tim Turner; Russell and Trina Cook; Stacy and Rob Alexander; Alan and Amanda Meek; and Amber and Brian Young. 14 Grandchildren: Tyler, Nicole, Rachael, Abby, Jesse, Kristin, Trey, Nathan, Ryan, Ashlyn, Katlyn, Jordyn, Bailey, and Weston; and 6 great-grandchildren: Jamison, Faith, Paul Robert, Marylee, Deacon, and Kaxton. He is also survived by his sister, Pam, and lots of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Whitesboro volunteer fire department, in memory of Dennis's dedication to their cause. Dennis will be deeply missed by all who know him. His legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance will continue to inspire us. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the remarkable life he lived. Funeral services honoring Dennis's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday. September 28 th at Meador funeral home of Whitesboro. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held for friends and family on Thursday beginning at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Glenn Paul Wells, 59, of Whitesboro, Tx passed away on Tuesday, September 5 th, 2023, at the North Texas Medical Center in Gainesville. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home in Gainesville. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Glenn was born on June 24, 1964, to Dan and Kathy Wells in Grayson County, TX. He was a mechanic by trade. He loved drag racing and riding motorcycles. Glenn loved the outdoors, and he could tell you all about airplanes. He was a bull rider at one time and friends and family often referred to him as a handy kind of guy. Glenn was the father of one to Maegan but was also a father to many others. He will be deeply missed by everyone. He is survived by his daughter Maegan Wells and husband Blake of McKinney; brothers Scooter and Butch Wells; stepchildren Amanda Bratch, Nathaniel Powell and James Travis; grandchildren Chloe Bratch, Connor Bratch and Ryker Travis. Glenn is preceded in death by his mother Kathy Wells; brother Bobby Wells.

Harold Andrew Almon, 95 years young, of Gainesville, Texas passed away on August 12, 2023, at his home. He was born September 17, 1927, in Gainesville to Burney Almon and Mary Lou (Turner) Almon. Harold married Wanda Lou Ramseyer in Morton, Texas on March 15, 1953. He grew up farming and helping his dad. Harold was an active member of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Texas. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy for his country. Harold made his career as a Geophysical Engineer and traveled all over the world, he was dedicated and meticulous in his work. He invented down directional boring equipment. He established his own company in West, Texas specializing in exploration. Harold was an avid gardener and created bird houses. Harold and his wife, Wanda, later moved back to Gainesville to take care of his mom for over 20 years until her passing. Harold is survived by his daughters; Janice Edmonson & husband, Chuck of Tyler, Texas, Jeanette Almon of Ft. Worth, Texas, Joanne Colson of Gainesville, Texas; son, Harold Almon II; 14 grandchildren, many great grandchildren; brother Turner Almon and multiple nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Burney & Mary Lou; wife, Wanda Lou Almon; 3 sisters and 1 brother. Pallbearers will be Travis Almon, Jac Call, Jon Hope, Quinten Colson, Jared Colson and Joseph Call.

Joey was born to her parents Robert and Vivian Crandall in Wichita, Kansas on January 10, 1934. She was also blessed in sharing her life with two husbands, Ray Linder, and Bruce Potter, who both filled her life with love, companionship, and full life experiences, which she truly cherished during her journey. Joey was a homemaker, piano teacher, and 1 st grade schoolteacher at the Auburn Elementary School in Kansas where she also served as president of the Teachers Union. She was instrumental in helping shape the lives of hundreds of children with her elementary and piano students. Joey served many organizations, including being a 50-year P.E.O. member, holding many local and state positions and serving her various Methodist churches in the same manner. One of the highlights was participating and performing in their Bell Choirs of the church. She was also an accomplished String Bass player, participating in the Community Band in Bella Vista, Arkansas, and other performances in the area. Joey is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Vivian Crandall, her husbands, Ray Linder and Bruce Potter. She is survived by her brother, Robert Crandall of South Odgen, Utah; daughter, Janice Burch and husband, Dick of Whitesboro, Texas; two grandchildren, Leslie Spaeny and husband, Ryan of Grapevine, Texas; Kim Woodell and husband, Brian of Noble, Oklahoma; and four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jackson, Gavin, and Charlotte (Charlie). She cherished and loved all her family members dearly as well as being cherished and loved by her family and friends.

Johnna Beth Dennis, 54, of Wimberley, Texas met her Lord and Savior on August 15, 2023. Johnna was at home when she crossed over. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly. After a courageous batle with cancer, she was ready to go home and be with her mother and father. Johnna Beth was born in Sherman, TX, on January 16, 1969. She was one of four children to John and Jo Dennis, the youngest and only girl of the family. Growing up with three older brothers molded her personality. Although she was the baby of the family, she was the glue that held them together. Johnna graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1987, from Texas A&M University "Gig Em" and went on to get her master's degree in education from Texas State University "Eat'Em Up Cats!" She followed in the footsteps of her parents and taught thirty years with Wimberley ISD. Little did she know how much of an extended family she would gain while teaching in Wimberley. Just like her mother, Johnna had a special way of connecting with all students and making them feel they could be successful no mater what. She had a special place in her heart for her students and strived to make an impact on each one of their lives. Johnna's involvement with the community knew no bounds. In thirty years of service at WISD she held many positions, led the PIPS/TOPS basketball program, and tutored and mentored countless students and future teachers. Johnna volunteered and participated in the Barnabas Back to School Fiesta for five years. She was a member of Wimberley Presbyterian Church, where she served many different roles, including session, youth leader, and finance chair. Johnna traveled to Mexico, Florida, Arkansas, and San Antonio with youth from the church, and sometimes her Dad would join her. John Knox Ranch Youth Camp was a spiritual place for Johnna. She spent many summers at JKR camp as a part of the leadership team, having spent a week this past summer as Chaplin. Johnna was a bright light to everyone she met. She was a jack of all trades. She was a brew master and a Lego master. She loved dancing, listening to great music, taking her miniature Australian shepherd Dolly on walks, hunting for rocks, building, drawing, taking pictures, traveling, drinking a cold beer, being at the farm, and watching Star Wars. One of her main motos in life was to CHOOSE JOY every day. She would always say "choose joy when you wake up in the morning, and it will serve you well", as well as "drink water; it's good for you." Johnna was preceded in death by her parents John and Jo Dennis. She is survived by her three siblings, Whit Dennis of Whitesboro, Texas, Jeffrey Dennis (Vicki) of Whitesboro, Texas, and Jason (Sundee) of Spring Branch, Texas, and her dear friend, the sister she never had, Sally Pool of Wimberley, Texas. She is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Kayla Beth Kainer (Trent), Chasta Pierce (Shawn), Jaxom Price, TJ Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Trevor Harris, Travis Dennis, Hayden Dennis, Korbin Dennis and Larklin Dennis; three grand nieces, Bella Pierce, Cambri Morales, Lyla Beth Kainer; and three grandnephews, Bryce Pierce, Brock Pierce, and Davis Kainer. She is also survived by two aunts, Janice Dennis Smart of Denison, Texas and Bety Hancock Watson of Glenwood, Arkansas. Along with many cousins and countless friends.

Lou Ann Hale, 94, of Whitesboro, Texas went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 6, 2023 after a brief illness. Lou Ann was the eldest daughter of Vernon and Elsie (Enoch) Cravens, born on June 30, 1929 in Drumright, Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Robert Randall Hale on December 27, 1949. Together they raised two sons and a daughter in a loving Christian home and remained dedicated to each other, the Lord, and their family for 72 years. Lou Ann was a church pianist at Nogles Avenue Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma for many years and she also taught Sunday school there for the special needs children's class. She enjoyed playing the piano for her Sunday school classes over the years. She worked for the Jenks Public School district for 24 years before she and Bob moved to Whitesboro in 2001 to be close to family. She then worked as a teaching assistant in Lillie White's classroom until Lillie retired from teaching. Her happiest years were spent in Arlington, Texas from 1967 to 1977 where she and Bob attended University Baptist Church with their family and lived on Hollywood Drive with the most wonderful neighbors and friends. Lou Ann had a wicked sense of humor which was passed along to not only her children, but to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. She was funny to the very end, and we adored her for it. She is survived by her sister, Marcia Jo Lumpkin; son, Mark Allen Hale and wife, Pam; son, Paul Brian Hale and wife, Sandy; daughter, Marcia Deann "Dee" Cooper and husband, Wayne; five grandsons, Dave Hale, Doug Hale, Jeffrey Hale, John Cooper, and Wyatt Cooper; five great-grandchildren, Vaughn, Banke, Wilder, Ike and Elliott. Graveside services honoring Lou Ann will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Mike Flanagan. No formal visitation is scheduled at this time. Lou Ann was a loved member of our family; the best Sister and Aunt. She will be missed. Until we meet again!

I loved Lou Ann Hale bc I also have a wicked sense of humor and we had so much fun!!!! I wish we could come for the service but are unable to come! Margaret and Myron Jones, Arlington, TX.

Shirley Ann Swindle, 86, of Collinsville, Texas was called home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 31, 2023. Shirley was born on March 11, 1937 in Hurley, New Mexico to Marvin and Opal (Sears) Lowe. She graduated from Ysleta High School in El Paso, TX. where she sang in the high school choir. Shirley married Don Swindle on June 30, 1957 in El Paso, Texas. She was an active member of the Collinsville Church of Christ and the Ladies Bible Class at her church. Shirley participated in the New Horizon Club in Collinsville, the League of Women Voters in Gainesville, TX., and she volunteered at the library in Collinsville. She loved antique cars and airplanes and enjoyed traveling to fly-ins all over the US. She is survived by her husband, Don Swindle of Collinsville; daughter, Donna Lee and husband, David of Dallas; son, Jim Swindle and life partner, Inkee Kim of Bulverde; dear friends, Fernando and Daniela Ferracini and their children, Olivia and Carolina, as well as many other loving family and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Opal Lowe, and her sister, Betty Scoby. Funeral services honoring Shirley will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Ricky Patterson. A private family interment will be held at 8:30 AM at Collinsville cemetery. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Funeral home.

Wanda Lee (Price) Hollandsworth, passed away on August 26, at the age of 87. She was born on July 25, 1936, in Cooke County, Texas to Ralph Iverson Price and Martha Ann Hall. Wanda worked as the Office Manager for Lonestar Gas during her career. She attended Callisburg High School. Wanda married James Mathew Hollandsworth on January 19, 1952, in Gainesville, Texas, he passed in January 2000. She later married Jerry Mac Stailey on July 2, 2001, he passed in December 2017. Wanda was a member of Custer City Baptist Church and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed going to SNAP to quilt. She loved to sew and was a homemaker raising 4 children. She loved vacationing, playing 42, card games, gardening, canning, cooking and baking. She loved her family. At the age of 15, just a newlywed, she worked at an orange factory in California where J.M. was stationed in the Marine Corp. Wanda is survived by her daughter, Karon Northington and husband, Novice of Denison, Texas; sons, Karl Hollandsworth and wife, Pam of Callisburg, Texas; Clint Hollandsworth and wife, Wendy of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Matthew Caleb Northington, Micah Lukenith Northington & Christopher Coy Northington, Travis Hollandsworth, Elijah Hollandsworth, Carson Hollandsworth, Blake Hollandsworth, Makenzie Hollandsworth-Flores, Katie Conder & Caleb Conder; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Hamilton and numerous nieces & nephews.