James “Bud” Keenum was a wise, loving, kind man and a living example of what a servant of Christ should be. He shared the love of God with everyone and loved his family unconditionally with his whole heart. He was our foundation. Dad fought hard the last 14 months but lost the battle going on ahead of us to worship our heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

Bud was born in Lubbock on July 25, 1934 to Albert and Evelyn Turner Keenum. He was a long-time resident of Paris and Lamar County. Bud married Monita Moore in Paris on January 31, 1953 sharing 60 years of friendship and love.

Bud was a family man who enjoyed raising his children and grandchildren on the hills of Atlas in Southwest Lamar County. He was a deacon at Immanual Baptist Church and a member there for over 50 years. He spent countless hours devoted to the church and spreading the seeds of salvation to many. He enjoyed road trips across Texas and the United States with family and friends. A man of many talents, Bud enjoyed raising cows and riding horses, welding fences and constructing buildings, hunting with his birddogs, following the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, outings and frying fish with family and friends, and Christmas gatherings. Bud will be remembered as a little league coach, a Baptist youth leader, loyal friend and will be greatly missed by both his family and friends.

As a young man Bud was an award winning speed boat racer, winning three Modified and Run-About National Championships in 1951, 52 & 53 of the National Outboard Association. Bud served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was one of the first employees hired at Babcock & Wilcox in 1953 and retired from there 42 years later as manager of production in 1996.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-and-father-in-laws Gus and Opal Moore, his sisters Sue Wofford and Peggy Bear, and son Keith.

He is survived by his wife, children Sheryl Steely and husband David, Craig Keenum and wife Donna, grandchildren Justin Keenum and wife Rachel, Melissa Steely Wolter and husband Kevin, Aaron Steely and his wife Mayra, Stephen Keenum and Toby Keenum. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren; Pierce Keenum, Micah Steely, and Amelia Wolter. He is survived by brothers Larry Keenum and Ken Keenum.

Visitation will at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home on Wednesday September 12, 2012 from 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Immanual Baptist Church under the direction of Fry-Gibbs with Pastors Eric Moore and Charles Higgs officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery following the services. Pallbearers are Justin Keenum, Stephen Keenum, Toby Keenum, Aaron Steely, Kevin Wolter and Bronson Brown. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be sent to Immanuel Baptist designated to the new building fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Robert Dale Hewitt, 62 of Paris, passed away Monday, September 10, 2012.Graveside services are set for Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Evergreen cemetery with Rev. Stanley Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

He was born in Windom, Texas on May 15, 1950 to Carthel and Pearl Hewitt. He served in the United States Army and was a member of the Powderly Church of God.

He was a loving and understanding husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first. He was always there with a warm, understanding heart and level headed advice. He loved sports, working in his garden and being outdoors.

Dale was loved deeply by many friends in the church, community and anyone that knew him will always remember his loving nature and all of his good advice with a laugh that could lift any mood.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Hewitt; children, Leslie Dale Cannon and husband Stephen, Tina Eudy and husband Larry, Teresa Thornton; grandchildren, AFC Dusty Pruett, Jordan Pruett, Nathan, Tristan and Madelyn Thornton, AFSS Andy Eudy and wife Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Shelby, Ashleigh, Alyssia; brother, Jimmy Hewitt and wife LeeAnn; sister, Brenda Ramsey and husband Mark; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carthel and Pearl Beavers Hewitt; brother, Johnny Hewitt.

Online condolences may be sent to the Hewitt family at www.fry-gibbs.com.