The following obits are from Limestone Co. papers. Most are probably from the Groesbeck Journal. Unfortunately Grandma Hudson did not include dates but all of these obits seem to be from the 1930s unless otherwise noted. It was the custom in those days to not only include an obituary, but also a memorium of some type, usually a poem. Funeral announcements and family aknowledgements were also often included. Please return to this page as I will add more obits.
Obits on this page in order of appearance:
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Tom Jackson, aged 60, passed away at his residence in Groesbeck early Friday morning, March 4th. Deceased was born near Groesbeck and spent his entire life in and around Groesbeck. He was a member of one of Limestone County's oldest families. He was never married. He is survived by Oscar Jackson of Groesbeck, Ben Jackson of Dallas, Mrs. Rufe Usry of Groesbeck, Mrs. Jess Anglin of Mexia, Mrs. Tom Franklin of Groesbeck, all brothers and sisters, and the following half-brothers and half-sisters: Emmett Jackson of Ballinger, Edwin Jackson of Sweetwater, Elmore Shepherd of Groesbeck and Mrs. J.H. Browder, Sr. of Groesbeck.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning at the E.L. Connally Funeral Chapel under the direction of Rev. Peter De Young, pastor of the Groesbeck Baptist Church. Interment was at the Glenwood Memorial Park with the E.L. Connally Funeral Chapel in charge. Pall bearers were: Ernest Browder, W.A. Browder, Jim Thompson, Will Bond, Gentry Bigg, F.J. Schultz, Franklin Jackson and Alvor Grimes.
He leaves many friends and relatives to mourn his passing.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon for Mrs. Dorothy Elizabeth Biggs. The services were held at the Methodist Church of which she had been a most faithful member for many, many years, rarely missing a service up to the time of her death. The services, which were attended by a full church, were officiated by her pastor, who was assisted by Rev. P. De Young of the Baptist church. Internment was a Faulkenberry cemetery with Wilford Sanders in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Biggs was born in Springdale, Arkansas, Jan.28, 1859. She came with her parents to Texas at the age of 14, settling at Prairie Point. On May 21, 1876, she was married to Joseph Knox Biggs at Prairie Point. This happy union was separated by the death of Mr. Biggs, August 9, 1893, and she was left a widow with 9 children.
All the children survive with the exception of Etta, wife of A.R. Henderson, who preceded her mother in death a number of years ago. The surviving children are: Frank Biggs, Pecos; Knox Biggs, Dallas; Mrs. Maud Smith, Austin; Mrs. Stella Browder, Mrs. Lena Smith, Mrs. Minnie Clay and Mrs. Lula Butler, all of this city; and Mrs. leta Cox of New Orleans.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, September 1938:
Laid to Rest Thurs. At The Hogan Cemetery Mrs. Annie Phillips was born in the Box Church community February 10, 1872, and died last Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1938, at the age of 66 years, 7 months and 11 days.
In 1895 she was married to Mr. D.H. Phillips. To this union were born three sons, the first of which were twins. One of these died in infancy and the other about 7 months later. The one remaining is Henry LePoe Phillips of San Antonio.
When Mrs. Phillips was about 20 years of age, she made a public profession of faith during a brush arbor meeting held at the time in the Box Church section, by a Methodist preacher. To this profession she was ever true.
She leaves to mourn her passing her aged mother, Mrs. Sallie McLelland of Wortham, and a sister, also of Wortham, Mrs. Zena Hackney, and two other sisters, Mrs. Mattie Duncan of Houston and Mrs. A.F. Wright of Littlefield, her son Henry LaPoe and wife of San Antonio, and their daughter, the only grandchild, Pozelle.
The funeral was in charge of E.L. Connally, local undertaker. The service was conducted in the Connally Funeral Home here in Groesbeck by P. De Young, local Baptist Pastor. Internment of the body was made in the Hogan Cemetery in the presence of many friends of the deceased.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Beloved Physician Laid to Rest at Glenwood Wed. Hundreds attend the Services for Dr. Holton Funeral services for Dr. T.J. Holton who died suddenly at noon Tuesday, November 1, were held Wednesday afternoon at the family residence. Although Dr. Holton had not been in his usual good health for the past few months, his sudden death came as a distinct surprise to his countless friends all over this section. Hundreds attended the services to pay last respects to one who had been of such beneficial service to his fellow man.
Dr. Holton had practiced medicine in Limestone County for 44 years, first practicing at Ben Hur, later at Horn Hill, and for the past 30 years in Groesbeck. He answered calls for miles around and among the hundreds in attendance at the services were many whom Dr. Holton had brought into the world.
Many families in this section called him "our family doctor", and back in the days of the horse and buggy, Dr. Holton bore a record for the miraculous speed with which he made calls into the country. He always had fresh horses on hand and was ready to go to the next call. He was one of the first to modernize and put the automobile into service in making calls.
Deceased was born at Heads Prairie, Robertson County, the son of Rev. J.D. Holton, a Pioneer Baptist Preacher, who migrated to Texas from Mississippi. Dr. Holton had been a member of the Baptist Church since the age of 3, joining the Heads Prairie church at that time.
Dr. Holton is survived by his widow and T.J. Holton, Jr., and Allen Welch Holton, and the following sons and daughters from his first union which was broken by death a number of years ago: Mrs. Wolf of Hico and Roscoe Holton of Lamesa, Mrs. Robert Welch of Groesbeck and Mrs. Chas Collins of Waco.
He is survived by 7 grandchildren and the following brothers: A.W. Holton of Wortham, his twin brother; W.F. Holton of Jonesboro; R.W. Holton of Terrell; and G.N. Holton of Austin. Another brother, Dr. J.D. Holton, passed away Sunday at Dalhart and was buried there November 1.
Funeral services were officiated by Dr. W.P. Merony of Baylor U.; Dr. K.H. Aynsworth of Waco; and Rev. Peter De Young of Groesbeck. Internment was made at Glenwood Memorial park under the direction of the Masonic lodge. E.L. Connally was in charge of the funeral direction.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Funeral services were held last Friday morning at the family residence for Joseph P. Morris, a leading Limestone banker and landowner for many years.
Mr. Morris was a native of this county, having been born at Old Springfield 79 years ago. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Tom Morris, came to Limestone county from Morrristown, Ala., in 1849, settling at Springfield and later moving with the county seat to Groesbeck.
Joe Morris was the only surviving child of six children, four of whom died in childhood and are buried at Old Springfield cemetery by the side of their mother and father. The other son died of the measels while serving in the Confederate army.
The parents of Mr. Morris were charter members of the Groesbeck methodist church, being leaders in the organization of it.
Joe Morris was educated in the private anf public schools of Groesbeck. He attended colled at Central Institute military academy and Trinity University at Tehuacana.
After completing his schooling Mr. Morris entered the drug business in Groesbeck. In this business he formed the policy that was characteristic of him for the remainder of his career --- of being a careful, conciensious dealer with the public. It was not long before Mr. Morris became known as a leading business man, banker and landowner, a prominence which grew until his death.
Mr. Morris had been twice married. He was past middle age when on Oct. 31, 1916, he married Elizabeth Stroud Jackson, who lacked three days living two years after their marriage, being buried upon their second wedding anniversary.
On Dec. 3, 1925, he married Miss Mable Ward, whose love and devotion made this union a happy one. He is survived by her and his stepson, Stroud Jackson, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were officiated by Rev. J.C. Oglesby of Belton, and two local pastors, P. De Young and F. O. Waddill. "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Abide With Me" were sung by a quartet composed of Harry Humble, Harry Holcomb, Willie B. Lenamon and A. E. Havekost.
Internment was in Glenwood Memorial Park with Wilford Sanders in charge. The pall bearers were: Harry Humble, Guy Bond, C.D. Kelly, E.L. Connally, Bunn Cayton, Gaynor Easterling, Colbert Gregory and Bobby Roberts of Thornton.
Those from out-of-town who attended the service were: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Easterling, Harold and Mary Frances, of Hillsboro; Mrs. Ora Hunt, Mr. H.H. Cunyus, Houston; Stroud Jackson, Mrs. Edith Scroggins, Mrs. W.H. Morgan, Sylvan Marks, Mosie Marks, Dan Parker, Dallas; Mrs. Helen Foster, George Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Weldert, Waco; C.C. Anglin, Menard; Mrs. J.E. Cooper, Jr., Waxahatchie; Mrs. Ben Ward, Jr., Italy; W.P. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Medley, Mrs. J.S. Osborn, Coolidge; Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Boone, W.L. Odell, Hubbard; Robt. L. Riley, John Riley, Teague; Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Gallemore, Calvert; Jimmie Eller, Frank Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. S.C. McCord, Horace McCord, Mr. and Mrs. A.R. McKenzie, Weaver Barnette, Mrs. Cecil White, Dave Murphy, Mexia; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Black, Mrs. N.B. North, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Wilson, Mrs. J.C. Cook, Noble Cook, Mrs. Ben Barron, Mrs. J.E. Barnette, Mrs. V.T. Williams, Mrs. Christine Barron, Douglas Richardson, E.K. Seale, Thornton.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Services were quietly held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Wilford Sanders Funeral Home for Joe David Oliver, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. James Oliver of this city. Joe David was born September 2nd and lived only 24 hours.
Rev. Horace Poteet, pastor of the Thornton Methodidt Church officiated and was assisted by Rev. Neville of Waco. Internment was held at the Faulkenberry Cemetery.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Last rites were held Saturday afternoon at the Methodist church for Thomas H. Thompson, age 70, who passed away at the family residence here Friday afternoon. Rev. J.C. Oglesby and Rev. Peter De Young officiated.
The deceased, who had lived in Groesbeck for sixty years, served for fifteen years as City marshall, retiring two years ago due to ill health. He was a member of the Methodist church.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Vince Unfried of Thornton and Miss Annie Mary Thompson of Groesbeck; three sisters, Mrs. Fannie Faulkner of Arlington, Mrs. Mattie Black of Dallas, and Mrs. Howard Wright of Tejuacana; and two brothers, A.L. and Jim Thompson of Groesbeck.
Internment was at the Faulkenberry Cemetery with the Travis lodge No. 20 of the Knights of Pythias in charge. E.L. Connally was in charge of funeral arrangements.
Pall bearers were fellow officers, with who Mr. Thompson had served: Sam Walters, Whit Popejoy, Will Adams, Luther Simmons, A.B. McKenzie and Charlie Shreves.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
GROSBECK, Oct. 24 (Spl) ---
Dr. Thomas J. Geren, one of the leading dentists of this part of thestate, died in a local hospital here last night at 9:30 o'clock where he had been confined since August 1. Dr. Geren was a native of Louisiana where he was born Sept.16, 1881. He had resided in Groesbeck since 1910.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist church here Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock by the Rev. Peter De Young, pastor, with internment in Faulkenberry cemetery, with E.L. Connally in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Geren was a Baptist a 22nd degree Mason and a Pythian. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Clara B. Geren, a daughter Miss Eleanor Geren a student at Baylor, and a son, L.L. Geren, County attourney-elect of this county. He is also survived by one brother, John Geren who lives in Louisiana.
The Masons will be in charge of the funeral.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
J.B. Stroud, age 72, passed away at the family residence in Groesbeck early Wednesday morning. Mr. Stroud was a native of Limestone County and the son of Logan Stroud who settled in Limestone County in 1845. Mr. Stroud attended Baylor University in 1885 and was a classmate of Prof. Poole.
He was active in farming and oil and gas circles and when gas was discovered in Groesbeck in 1913, he furnished the first gas to Waco. Mr. Stroud is president of the Settlers Association and was always active in the annual picnic held each year on May 19, the anniversary of the fall of Ft. Parker.
He is survived by his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Arthur McKenzie and Mrs. Mary Wilson both of Groesbeck and four grandchildren, one sister and one brother.
Funeral services were held at the family residence Thursday afternoon with Bishop Quinn of Houston officiating. Internment at Faulkenberry Cemetery with the E.L. Connally Funeral Home of Groesbeck in charge.
Pall bearers were Wm. Priddy, G.N. Groves, J.H. Browder, Jr., Homer Wolverton, Troy Jackson and Ralph Strother.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Stroud Cookerly, 48 year old city surveyor of Dallas, died Friday afternoon in an ambulance on the way to Parkland Hospital, the first Dallas victim of a state-wide heat wave.
Stroud was born and reared in Groesbeck. Quite a number of years ago he moved to Dallas and was employed by the Magnolia Petroleum Company as a surveyor. He joined the city force of Dallas ten years ago.
Services were held here Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, with Rev. J.C. Oglesby officiating and Wilford Sanders in charge of arrangements. Internment was at Faulkenberry Cemetery.
Survivors are a brother, Dr. Van Cookerly, two sisters, Mrs. Glen Carson of the Hope Cottage staff, Miss Beulah Cookerly, all of Dallas, and a niece, Mrs. Jas. Edwards of Ft. Worth.
Pall bearers were Rufus Oliver, Jess Kimbell, Reuben Scharff, Frank Walter, James K. Stroud and Lud Whitcomb.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Funeral services were held Saturday at the Baptist church for W. Claud Basden, age 58, who passed away at 4:30 p.m. Friday after a lengthy illness. The auditorium was overflowing with friends and loved ones. There were many beautiful floral offerings.
Mr. Basden had lived practically all of his life in Groesbeck, coming here with his family as a boy of eight. Be it said of him that those who were his boyhood friends have remained his life-long friends, and they in turn have found an ever-willing, ever-thoughtful friend.
As the years spanned, Mr. Basden, like the good citizen he was, always added to his list of friends and acquaintances the newcomers that moved into Groesbeck, doing his part toward making Groesbeck known as a town of hospitality and friendliness.
Mr. Basden was honored by the voters of Limestone county from 1916 to 1920 with the office of District Clerk, where he served with distinction. After rertiring from the office he engaged in the wholesale gasoline business until 1934, after which he more or less retired from active business.
Mr. Basden was a member of the City Commission for a number of years. He had been a Steward in the Methodist church for many years and was known to every pastor of that church as one of the most faithful and dependable Stewards.
Deceased is survived by Mrs. Basden and two children, Billy Basden of Brownville; and Mary Claudia, 13 year old daughter, and three sisters: Mrs. M.E. Sullivan, Mrs. John Martin and Mrs. Tom Black.
Internment was made at Faulkenberry, with the E.L. Connally Co. in charge. Rev. J.C. Oglesby and Rev. P. De Young officiated at the services. The following were pall bearers: Clofus Priddy, Will Priddy, Claud Priddy, Dr. H.R. Martin of Mexia, Frank Walter and Drayton Boyd.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Friends in Groesbeck were saddened late Saturday to hear of the tragic death of Mr. Bennett Browder at Uvalde, Texas. Mr. Browder, of Dallas, who with his wife and daughter, Shirley, were spending the holidays with his wife's sister and family Mr. and Mrs. Huey Butler, were returning from a hunt when his gun accidently fired.
Funeral services were held at Uvalde Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Browder, the former Nona Mae Wimbish, has the deepest sympathy of the entire community in her bereavement.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Hiram C. Carter, aged 70 years, and a citizen of Groesbeck for 50 years, died suddenly at his home Wednesday evening from a heart attack. Mr. Carter had only been ill two days and his death came as a shock to his many friends. He had followed the blacksmith trade during his residence here and served as a member of the City Council. He served the Groesbeck Fire Dept. as a chief for 25 years, rwesigning about 10 years ago. He was a Woodman and Knight of Pythias.
He is survived by his wife who has been an invalid for several years, two sons, Henry Carter of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Claeborn Carter of Groesbeck; a daughter, Mrs. S.R. Haynes of Corpus Christie; and several grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. B.W. Milkiff of Louisa, Ky., Mrs. Jane Thompson and Mrs. Elizabeth Day; one brother, J.W. Carter of Huntington, W.Va.
Funeral services were held Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the Sanders Funeral Home with the Rev. B.F. Browning, pastor of the Methodist Church, of which Mr. Carter was a member, officiating assisted by Rev. P. De Young of the Baptist Church.
Interment was in the Glenwood Memorial Park with the pall bearers as follows: Ralph Strother, Sidney Strother, T.A. Taylor, Ben Rawls, Wm. Barnette, Sam Walters, Sam Adkins, Joe Thomas Henderson, Marcus Hanna, Steve Unfried and Wiley York.
From Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown:
Mrs. W.N. Odum, grandmother of Homer Bennett and Miss Arlene Bennett, was buried in the city cemetery at Mexia Wednesday, following her death Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Algie Groves, in Matador, Texas. Deceased had been visiting in West Texas the past several months.
Funeral services were held from a Mexia funeral chapel with the Rev. E.D. Dunlap, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Mexia, officiating.
Mrs. Odum is survived by three daughters, two sister, three brothers and a large number of grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Phil Karner, W.E. Iley, Hugh Everett, E.T. Measles, A.B. McKenzie, Joe Phillips, Geo. W. Perkins, all of Mexia, and H.J. Bennett of this city.