Walters Funeral Home, Madisonville Funeral Home, Buffalo Funeral Home

04/24/2026

Visiting a grief support group can help you in your grief journey, but what should you expect when you go? Read the article below to learn what your experience at a grief support group might look like.

Visiting a grief support group for the first time can be intimidating. Learn what to expect by reading this article!

04/23/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the hospice workers in our community! The difference you make to families is above and beyond simple words. Your compassionate commitment, tireless service, and quiet understanding are qualities for which we are truly grateful.

04/23/2026

Nanette Bennett Collum

Nanette Bennett Collum, 88, was born on April 12, 1938, in Madisonville, Texas to proud parents Mac L. Bennett Jr. and Rachael (Griffin) Bennett and passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, in Madisonville, Texas.

Nanette, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, lived a full life that involved a career as a court reporter, a love for volleyball and keeping up with classmates. She adored her family, especially her siblings, and as she got older, embraced every opportunity to stay in touch. Nanette also enjoyed her cats. They were dear to her and very much a part of the family.

Nanette is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Collum and her younger sister, Martha Jane “Janie” Kopetsky.

Those left to cherish Nanette’s memory are her brothers, Mac L. “Butchie” Bennett III (Sandra), Robert B. Bennett (Bobbye Sue) and William C. “Bunkin” Bennett (Candy); sister, Rachael “Rachie” Robinson; special friend, Audee Reed as well as numerous other extended family and loving friends.

A graveside service honoring Nanette, officiated by Larry Grimes, will be held in the Hopewell Cemetery in Normangee, Texas on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 A.M.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nanette's name be made to your local church or charity of your choice.

Final arrangements for Nanette Bennett Collum are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville Texas.

View Nanette Bennett Collum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Welton "Hugo" Ellison

Welton Hugo Ellison, age 83, born January 14, 1943, in Bryan, Texas, was the youngest of five children and remained cherished as the “baby” of his family throughout his life. He grew up in several Texas towns, graduated from Rockdale High School, and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism. He began his career teaching before spending twenty-seven years at IBM, where he worked in early satellite technology and traveled extensively around the world.

After retiring from IBM in the early 1990s, he returned to Franklin, Texas, and became a successful small business owner of Franklin Auto Supply. Beyond his professional life, he was a skilled woodworker who built and restored much of his family home, incorporating reclaimed materials with pride.

A devoted father and grandfather, Hugo was deeply involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives—supporting their activities in 4-H, FFA, sports, and school events. He was especially committed to local football, even writing game coverage for a community newspaper. He loved hunting, traveling with his wife, and spending time outdoors with family.

Remembered as hardworking, adventurous, and deeply loyal, Hugo Ellison leaves behind lasting memories of dedication to family, craftsmanship, and a life fully lived.

Hugo was preceded in death by both of his parents, Henry Bailey & Annie (Bell) Ellison; his sisters, Irene Ellison Speer, Hartense Ellison Rodgers, and Billie Ellison Speer; and his brother, Henry Dean Ellison. Surviving family members include devoted wife, Pansy (Rodgers) Ellison; sons, Shane & Todd Ellison and their children, as well as a multitude of extended family and special friends.

A funeral service honoring Hugo's remarkable life will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Will Odom will officiate the service, and interment will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery. A time of visitation and fellowship will take place Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., also at the funeral home.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.

View Welton "Hugo" Ellison's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Betty Jo Ward

Betty Jo Ward, 97, of North Zulch, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026. Born on January 2, 1929, she was the daughter of Emory “Bernice” Lewis and Verna Harrelson Lewis. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, Texas, in 1946, and later graduated from McKenzie-Baldwin Business College in Bryan in 1947.

Betty is survived by her children, Gordon Lewis Wells (Becky), David Jay Wells (Kimberly), Emory Bruce Wells, and Kathy Sanders (Larry); grandchildren, Ashley Robertson, Rhoni Lockridge (Beau), Lyn Shaw (Royce), Kendra Gilbert (Jess), Dillon Brock (Dana), Jarrod Sanders, and Peyton Sanders (Alexandra); numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; her sister, Barbara Cox; her adopted brother, Jordan Earle Lewis; and her half-brother, Emory C. “Clifford” Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward E. Ward; her parents; her sister, Bernice Ward; her daughter, Karen Jo Roberts; her step-son, Larry Ward; her grandchildren, Dustin Lewis Wells and Aubrey Anne Wells; and her great-grandchild, Cooper David Lockridge.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held privately with her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.

View Betty Jo Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Earth is an incredible place, filled with majestic mountains, stunning landscapes, and awe-inspiring coastlines. As we celebrate this Earth Day, which part of Earth's natural beauty inspires you?

04/20/2026

Henry Carl Churchwell Jr.

Henry Carl Churchwell, Jr, 87 years, 8 months and 3 days old, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026.

Born on August 17, 1938, in Navasota, Texas, he was the son of Henry Churchwell, Sr. and Henrietta Salter. He grew up in Carlos, Texas, and graduated from Navasota High School. He also attended Sam Houston State University before settling in Midway, Texas.

Henry excelled in a few careers over his lifetime. He built a successful local business (HLC Oilfield Services) with his wife Lynda. Later in life, he had an established career with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance, but his favorite career was ranching.

Beyond his professional life, Henry had a deep love for his community, his country and his savior. He was a founder and leader of the Madison County Tea Party movement, on the board of the Midway Cemetery, a respected leader, singer, teacher and occasional preacher at the Midway Church of Christ and keen to spread the gospel wherever he went. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger.

Henry is survived by his spouse, Lynda Churchwell; children, Sheila Patterson, Shanda Bryan-Williams, Becky Whiten (Gordon Wells), and Kristin McDonald; grandchildren, Kayme (Scott) Black, Quinton (Erika) McVey, Cheyenne (Matthew) Mikulec, Gunnar (Alexandria) Patterson, Canyon (Mario) Rodriguez, Dillon (Dana) Brock and Alex McDonald; ten great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and his siblings, Molly Fuller and Sue Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William "Bill" Churchwell.

Henry will be forever remembered for his faith, honesty, integrity and generosity. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10 A.M., at the Midway Church of Christ to be immediately followed by the funeral service at 11 A.M. Pastor of the church, Joel Douget, will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Midway Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Quinton McVey, Dillon Brock, Alex McDonald, Gunnar Patterson, Scott Black, Matthew Mikulec, Mario Rodriguez

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.

View Henry Carl Churchwell Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

If you have a loved one entering hospice care, there are likely many questions on your mind about their care. One of those concerns may pertain to medical supplies and equipment. Where do they come from? Does hospice provide them? Click the link to learn more as you prepare to care for your loved one in their final days.

Not sure whether hospice care provides medical equipment and supplies? Check out this article to get your questions answered!

04/14/2026

With any funeral, there are always small expenses that you really can’t purchase in advance – like flowers, death certificates, musician honorariums. While you can’t purchase these cash advance items early, you CAN set aside money to pay for them!

As you put together your advance funeral plans, ask your funeral guide how to prepare for cash advance items, so your family won’t have to pay for them in the future. Go to www.funeralbasics.org/9-funeral-costs-often-overlooked to learn more!

04/14/2026

Patricia Lee "Pat" Boykin

Patricia Lee Boykin of Spring Branch, Texas, went to be with the Lord on April 8, 2026, surrounded by family at the age of 84 years young.

Patricia L. Boykin was born on April 21, 1941, to Gertrude and Henry Jones in Washington D.C.

She retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after twenty years of service.

She was a devoted wife to Tony Boykin for forty-seven years and raised three children, Deborah Lemons, Denise Clepper and David Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen Gilardi; brother-in-law, Bill Gilardi; son, David Austin; grandson, Jamie Austin; and son-in-law, Marcus Lemons.

Patricia was a seeker of adventure, dreamt of days on the beach, and was an avid collector of knick-knacks. Her favorite role however, was being a grandma, and she was lovingly referred to as “Packy” by all of her grandchildren.

Surviving Pat are her devoted husband, Tony Boykin and daughters, Deborah Lemons and Denise Clepper. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jeromy and Kim Dailey, Duane and Christina Dailey, Amanda and Cody Harrison, and Chanda and Corey Boling. Great-grandchildren include Jaiden, Gavin, Caressa, Raymond, Talio, Serenity, Maxine, Alis, Teagan, Emmalee, Hunter, Braelynn, Berklee, as well as great-great-grandchild, Aruna.

Visitation with friends and family will be held from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, 610 South Commerce Street, Centerville, Texas 75833. A funeral service will be held at Walters Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10 A.M., followed by a graveside service at Beaver Dam Cemetery. A celebration of life with a light lunch will follow at the Centerville First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

The family encourages you to wear spring colors in celebration of a beautiful life lived.

Pallbearers: Barry Gilardi, Bob Gilardi, Jeromy Dailey, Duane Dailey, Corey Boling, Cody Harrison

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.

View Patricia Lee "Pat" Boykin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

It's National Gardening Day! If you maintain a garden, when did you first start and what is your favorite part of gardening?