Lange Funeral Home

12/15/2025

12/13/2025

Today is the National Guard's birthday! The very first muster and drill occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, on December 13, 1636. Now more than 400,000 strong, the National Guard responds to natural disasters, deploys overseas, and plays a pivotal role in our Armed Forces. Thank a National Guard member today for their commitment to our nation and our state!

12/12/2025

Is the holiday season making your grief feel even worse? In this insightful article, grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt shares tips and suggestions for how you can harness the power of ritual and beloved traditions to help yourself heal this holiday season.

Not sure how you're going to emotionally survive the holidays? Learn how grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt recommends you process holiday grief.

12/12/2025

If you are grieving, the Christmas holiday adds its own challenges. You may feel stretched to your limit, but have hope! Grief ebbs and flows, strong one moment, quiet the next. In the quiet moments, allow yourself to find peace in the traditions and sweet moments. And when those strong moments of grief come, allow yourself to feel them and remember that hope and peace will come again.

12/11/2025

Frances Catherine Bryan

Frances Catherine (Burks) Bryan, 87, life-long and well-known resident of Norton, Texas, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Big Spring with family by her side.

Frances was born April 21, 1938, in the Norton community to Roy Oscar and Mary (McQueen) Burks. She married the love of her life, Roger Bryan July 5, 1958 at Valley View Baptist Church, and the couple raised their family and farmed in and around the Norton area. She was a faithful member of Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger and was employed with First National Bank in Ballinger for over 20 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger and her parents Roy and Mary Burks; 3 brothers, Sanford, Chester, and Bill Burks, and 2 sisters, Mildred Burris and Mary Loyce Ray.

Frances is survived by her children, Pam Thomason and husband, Dwight, of Stanton, Tabitha Rachel of Abilene, and Sanford Bryan of San Angelo. Also surviving are grandchildren, Bryan Helm, Brady Helm and wife Jamie, Tanner and Brandy Thomason, Cody, Jason, and Brandon Rachel; and great-grandchildren, Brody, Catherine and R***r Helm and Judge and Ellis Thomason.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 18, at Norton Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Norton Lions Club, Norton Cemetery, or a favorite charity.

From our family we would like to thank Central Texas Nursing in Ballinger and Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Big Spring for their kindness, time and loving care.

View Frances Catherine Bryan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Marcella Antonia Carpenter

Marcella Antonia Holik Carpenter, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Ballinger, Texas.

She was the last of eight children born to Frank and Albina (Ripple) Holik on December 19, 1930, at the family farm in Gruenwall. Marcella attended schools in Gruenwall, Ballinger, and Wall before graduating from Eola as valedictorian.

Marcella married Aaron Hard Carpenter, Jr., on December 16, 1950, at the Lutheran church in San Angelo, Texas and were partners for 51 plus years. They farmed near Mereta and reared five children.

Marcella was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener. Many friends and family were gifted beautiful works of art, including crocheted afghans, caps, shawls, and family-name banners. Music was also a very important part of her life; she played the saxophone, accordion, piano, and organ.

Jr. and Marcella encouraged their children in all areas of 4-H, FFA, and FHA and the Baptist Churches they attended. They served as leaders in 4-H. After her children were grown, Marcella began another adventure in Paint Rock schools. She was a librarian, computer monitor, and classroom aide. Many students benefited from “Mrs. Carpenter’s” love and instruction. Education was very important in her home.

Marcella and Gladys Sturgill were the original members of the Foster Grandparent program in Veribest schools. Marcella even convinced Jr. to join the program. They were proud of every child’s successes. Nanny (Marcella) and PawPaw (Jr.) loved spoiling their grandchildren. Each grandchild knew he/she was special to these energetic grandparents.

Marcella and Jr. were fond of dances in Rowena, fishing trips to Brady and O.H. Ivie Lake. They also loved dominoes, cards, and Wahoo with family and friends.

After Jr. passed on June 8, 2002, Marcella moved to Rio Concho Manor (in 2004) where she made many new friends. She continued sharing her baked goods with neighbors and attended church at Business Men’s Bible Class. Marcella was well-loved by all who knew her and cherished her for her giving spirit and bright personality.

Marcella is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Aaron (Jr.) Carpenter, her parents, Frank and Albina Holik. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Frank Holik, Jr., Georgia Riemenschneider, Stanley Holik, Walter Holik, Libby Dusek, Albina Plagens, and Eddie Holik. Also preceding her are her son-in-law Steven Killam, her granddaughter Melissa Midwell, and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her beloved children, Martha Killam, Aaron Carpenter III, Cynthia French (Glyn), Charlotte Dusek (Darwin), and Timothy Carpenter (Cindy). Marcella will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren J.J. Killam (Teri), Jessica Killam (Abel), Duane Killam (Brianne), Stefanie Martinez (Drew), LaCretia Caye Carpenter, Cody Don Carpenter, Justin Jones, Elizabeth Carpenter, Cole Carpenter (Stephanie), Brooke Botts (Troy Jr.), Kevin Dusek (Carly), Tracey Hoag (Zackery), Casey Steeves (Paul), Ashley Carpenter, and Kinsey Taylor (Alonzo). Great-grandchildren include Addisyn Killam, Karter Killam, Lexi Killam, Sierra Killam, Teela Killam, Dalton Fischer, Marley Martinez, Jameson Martinez, Carli Ann Carpenter, Cayci Jo Carpenter, Cody Ty Carpenter, Jackson McClesky, Karson Villanueva (Jake), Troy Botts III, Zachary Dusek, Lex Dusek, Morgan Dusek, Mitchell Hoag, Logan Hoag, Lauran Steeves (Nathan Ferguson), Mattias Steeves (Taylor), Waylon Carpenter, Slayton Carpenter, Adalynn Taylor, and Karter Taylor, and great-great grandchildren William Villanueva, Aurora Steeves, and Asher Steeves

A visitation for Marcella will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. Her funeral service will be held the following day, Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, also at Lange Funeral Home, with Dr. Cameron Strange officiating. Internment will follow at Rowena Evergreen Cemetery. Marcella’s family appreciates all the prayers and condolences from everyone.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice in Marcella’s honor.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Central Texas Nursing Home and Hospice of Ballinger for their tender love and care of Marcella.

Guests may register online at www.ballingerfuneralhome.com

View Marcella Antonia Carpenter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/10/2025

Kenneth "Bubba" Michael Wade Clanton

Kenneth Michael Wade Clanton, 33, of Georgetown, Texas passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born in Austin Texas, on January 28, 1992, to Henry Wade Clanton and Rosemarie Emmett.

Kenny was the most loving boy as a child. He loved his mother, father and sisters with a fierceness not seen in a lot of people. He loved to do his sister’s hair and bake. Kenny was the sensitive, shy boy of the trio made up of him and his sisters they never let anyone mess with the other and their love was infinite. Nothing not even death will break their bond. He grew up to be strong and independent as well as loving and protective towards those he loved. He loved to paint and create stuff. Kenny was a blunt and honest person who loved to smack talk his family and friends. Kenny didn’t have children of his own, but he loved his nieces and nephews as his own; he brought joy to his life and chaos to his nerves, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Kenny struggled in life, but he kept fighting. He was on his way to becoming a truck driver turning his life around, but his life was cut short and now he is on the big open road in the sky.

Kenny and his little sister were thick as thieves always stirring up trouble with his older sister frequently, cleaning up their messes. Kenny’s mother was his double mint twin and loved dressing up like one another to fool everyone around them. Kenny was in awe of his father who was the hardest working man he had ever known in his eyes, Kenny’s stepfather was also a role model who taught him about cars and inspired him to be a truck driver while being on the road with him. Kenny lived freely and loved deeply, he was weeks away from having the life he always wanted, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t happy in the life he had.

He was adored by his family, and he will be cherished, loved, and missed every second of everyday for the rest of their lives until they are reunited again.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his father Henry Wade Clanton, his stepfather Gary Lynn Morgan and his sister Jeany Crews.

He is survived by his mother Rosemarie Morgan, his sisters Lydia Collins, Emily Clanton, Ashley Partain and Christina Greene, his brother in laws Brandon Lee Farvin and Jason Lee Thurmond and nephews James Greene and his wife Alicia Greene, Frank Morgan, Jeffery Wagner and William Henry Thurmond, nieces Piper Collins, Dakota Bruton, Shyla Collins, Isabella Deraps, Laine Salazar, Peyton Thurmond and Harley Thurmond. Kenny also leaves behind his aunt Margo, cousin Barbara, Charles, Diana, Ronnie and many other aunts, cousins and friends.

The family kindly requests donations made to https://gofund.me/c5beb97c4 or money sent to Rose Morgan’s cashapp ($RoseMorgan58) to help cover funeral expenses for Kenneth. Donations may also be made directly to Lange Funeral Home, 1910 Hutchings Ave., Ballinger, TX 76821.

A visitation will take place Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the chapel at Lange Funeral Home, Ballinger, TX.

Kenneth will be remembered for his loving but true bossiness, his extra loud explanations, his love for all those he encountered and his love for his family and friends. Kenny’s going to paint the heavens on his way in! Get Ready Dad, Here He Comes!

A service will take place, but it is to be determined.

View Kenneth "Bubba" Michael Wade Clanton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/10/2025

Uh-oh, lost your phone? Acting quickly can help keep your information safe. Here are 10 easy steps to protect yourself from personal and financial theft after your device goes missing.

Losing your phone or having it stolen can feel like a nightmare, especially when you consider the treasure trove of personal information stored on your

12/10/2025

Michael Wayne King

Michael Wayne King, 76, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

He was born on August 14, 1949, in Ballinger to Clyde Emerson Jack King and Anna Katherine Louise (Dahmann) King. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Billie Dawn Evans, at a ceremony in Talpa, Texas. A lifelong resident of Ballinger, Mike was well-known and deeply respected within the community he loved.

Many will remember him as the steady, friendly face at the local grocery store—first Super Duper and later the Shoppin Baskit—where he served as manager for many years. His strong work ethic carried him through additional roles with the City of Ballinger and at the local liquor store. Mike was truly a hardworking man, often beginning his day at 3 a.m. and finishing late into the evening, all to provide for those he loved.

Though devoted to his work, Mike’s heart belonged to his family. He cherished time spent with his children and especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He was a proud member of the Lions Club and was known for having a special fondness for good fried chicken.

Mike’s legacy is one of dedication, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and his hometown. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Louise King, his Uncle Fred Dahmann, and his brother-in-law, Timmy Franke.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Billie, his son Jason King and wife Tamara, his sisters Jackie Franke and Sherri Chapman and husband Randy, and his beloved grandchildren Jamison Billie King, Aryele Ephriam, Brooklynn Ephriam, Savannah Ephriam, Joshua Ephriam, Quincy Urioste, Kylee Rodriguez, and Reyna Rodriguez.

A memorial service for Michael will be held at a later date.

The family asks that no flowers or plants be sent; instead, donations can be made to Meals for the Elderly or a charity of choice in Michael’s name.

The family would like to thank Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation for their care and kindness to Mike these last few years.

View Michael Wayne King's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/07/2025

Commemorating Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: a time to reflect, respect, and remember the heroes of our past. We are so grateful for your courage and sacrifice.

12/05/2025

When giving sympathy flowers to a grieving family, how do you know which flowers to choose? Learn about 7 of the most popular sympathy flowers and the meanings behind them by reading the article below.

When picking sympathy flowers to give to a grieving family, what message are you sending? Learn about the meaning behind sympathy flowers!