Nowlin Anders Funeral Home, 340 S Austin Street, De Leon, TX (2025)

11/13/2025

Lorraine Mae O’Rourke, 72, of De Leon, passed from this life November 12, 2025, in Ft. Worth.

Lorraine’s family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 3-5:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home.

Full obituary to come. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

11/11/2025

Virginia Lanell Bailey, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong caregiver, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 1936, to Wiley Augustus Bownds and Grace Casey Bownds.

Lanell was the youngest of twelve children in a family of six boys and six girls. She grew up in Levelland and graduated from Levelland High School in 1954. She later moved to San Angelo to continue her education, attending San Angelo Junior College before entering Shannon School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1957. Nursing became not just her profession but her purpose. When someone recently asked her what she loved most about nursing, she didn’t hesitate. She simply said, “Taking care of others.”

Lanell married Tom Bailey in 1959. Lanell and Tom eventually settled in Granbury, where she lived for 47 years. During that time, she worked in long-term care facilities as an Assistant Director of Nursing, offering compassion, patience, and steady hands to those who needed it most. Lanell, Nell, Nellie were names she answered to, but Mom was her favorite. She devoted her life to caring for the people she loved. She tended to her aging parents, supported her many siblings, and poured her heart into raising her daughters, Karla Grace Marlow and Suzanne Kay Parker, son-in-law Kent Parker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Bailey, and her daughter, Karla Grace Marlow. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Marlow, wife Amanda. Russell Marlow, wife Diane. Shannon Thomas. Her great-grandchildren: Kellie Marlow, Brayton Marlow, Hayden Marlow, Kinley Marlow, Bailey Marlow, Colson Marlow, Cooper Thomas, and Kaselyn Thomas.

She loved music, especially gospel hymns, which brought her comfort and joy throughout her life. Lanell believed in treating others with kindness, and she lived that belief every single day. Her legacy is one of gentleness, dedication, and quiet strength. “Her love was steady and deep, and she never stopped believing in her family.”

Graveside services will be held at Acton Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸With grateful hearts, we thank you! 🇺🇸

11/03/2025

Gaylon D. Fleming, 75, passed peacefully from this life November 2, 2025, at his home. He was born December 14, 1949, in Comanche, Texas to Anson Dale Fleming and Lou Alvarene Nabors Fleming. Gaylon married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Berry, September 28, 1968. They were blessed with a special marriage of over fifty-seven years.

Gaylon’s priority in life was his relationship with his Lord and Savior. He loved studying his Bible and attending church. He served as Deacon at De Leon First Baptist Church and St. Joe Baptist Church for many years. His favorite scripture was “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). Gaylon knew that by servicing Christ first, he could lead his family who was his greatest joy in life. He was always his happiest while spending time with his family. He was a true De Leon Bearcat and Lady Cat fan. Whether he had grandkids participating or not, he was faithful to support all things De Leon. He was a proud graduate of De Leon Class of 1968. When he wasn’t cheering for De Leon, he was sure to be rooting for the LA Dodgers and TCU Horned Frogs. He also loved NASCAR and followed Jeff Gordon his entire career. He enjoyed “tinkering” with mechanics and other random items.

Gaylon was employed with TXU for over twenty-five years as a service technician until his retirement. He then worked part time for Nowlin Funeral Home and Nowlin Anders Funeral Home for many years. Gaylon was an attentive and loving husband to Debbie, a special dad to his daughters and sons-in-law; an involved and encouraging Pa, and a loyal friend to so many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. While his unexpected departure from this life has been so heartbreaking for his family, they all take comfort in knowing that Gaylon has heard “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). He is now healed and whole in the presence of his Lord.

He is survived by his loving family: wife, Debbie Fleming; daughters, Sharon Coan and husband, Ricci, Tina Jobe, and Sonja Heaslet and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Jordan Coan, Jodi Moore and husband, Duston, Andrew Coan, Randy Lee Heaslet, Jr., Ava Hicks, Paige Jobe and Byron Jobe; one great-grandchild on the way; numerous cousins; and other extended family. Gaylon has been reunited with parents and brother, Clyde Wilford Parker.

The Fleming family will receive friends Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home Chapel. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Jody Forbus officiating. Graveside committal will follow in Gentry’s Mill Cemetery, Hamilton. Serving as pallbearers are Randy Heaslet, Randy Heaslet, Jr., Loyd Rush, Ricci Coan, Andrew Coan, Troy Nabors, Benji Nabors, and Byron Jobe.

If desired, memorial contributions may be be to De Leon Senior Citizens Center (133 N. Ball Park Loop, De Leon) or to Shriner’s Children (www.donate.shrinerschildrens.org) in loving memory of Gaylon.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/26/2025

Benny J. Williams, 64, passed from this life October 22, 2025, at his home in Eastland surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 14, 1960, in Hobbs, NM to Arthur C. Williams and Claudine L. Clayton. He married his loving wife, Melissa Phillips, November 23, 1995, and they built a special life together.

Benny lived most all his life in the Eastland area. He was a long-time talented roofer and was employed with TXOL as a Network Administrator for many years. He loved to play World of Warcraft. Benny had a lifelong interest in history, especially church history. He was dedicated to studying the Bible and knew it well. Benny would do whatever was needed to provide and care for his family. His family was truly his greatest joy in life, and he loved them well. He was a devoted husband, a loving and involved father, and a doting grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa Williams; son, Shaun Black; daughter, Jennifer Humiston; grandchildren, Ryan, Alyx, and Ziegen; great-grandchildren, Elliot and Vaida; sisters, Dora Price, Kathy Stanley, Louann Little, and Sharon Hamilton; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Benny has been reunited with his parents.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/16/2025

Juanita Otwell, the golden age of 103, passed peacefully, with “an abundant entrance, into the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” October 15, 2025, at Legacy Estates. She was born December 12, 1921, in Comanche County, Texas, to Jack Otwell and Luvena Pierce Otwell.

Juanita was raised in the De Leon area and graduated from Comyn High School. She was employed for many years as a seamstress in Eastland, a kitchen cook at the De Leon Hospital, and a peanut inspector at the Peanut Mill in De Leon. Juanita was a wonderful sister and special aunt. Next to her ardent love for the Lord Jesus, her family was her greatest joy in life, and she loved them well.

Juanita was a long-time member of De Leon Assembly of God Church. She was a faithful servant to her church and to her Lord. She was disciplined in studying her Bible and reading Scripture was her favorite activity. Juanita kept a daily prayer list and even in her final days she was devoted to praying specific prayers for each person listed. She was diligent in encouraging others and building them up, a “Biblical Barnabas.” She enjoyed walking, listening to gospel singing and preaching, spending time outdoors, and growing beautiful flowers. Juanita was a precious soul and will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her brother, Corbett Otwell and wife, Beverly; nephews, Max, Dennis Lee, Ken and Edward; nieces, ReNeta, Cindy and Adonna; and other extended family. Juanita has been reunited with her parents, Jack and Luvena Otwell, brothers, Delbert and Finis; and sisters, LoRee and Odell.

Graveside service honoring Juanita’s life will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Rev. Adonna Otwell and Rev. Ken Otwell, Pastor, officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to her church’s Bible sending ministry at: De Leon Assembly of God Church, c/o Esther Otwell, Secretary, 750 Co. Rd. 450, De Leon, Texas 76444, in loving memory of Juanita.

Condolences maybe offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/12/2025

Nelda Jean Pittman, 86, passed from this life October 10, 2025. She was born February 2, 1939, in Gorman, Texas to Albert D. Daniels and Sonnie Setzler Daniels. Nelda married her devoted husband of sixty-nine years, Joe Pittman, on December 30, 1955.

Nelda was raised in De Leon an attended school with the class of 1957. After marrying Joe, their life took them to West Texas and Ft. Worth where they worked and raised their family. In 2006, they happily retired back home to De Leon to enjoy their family and many dear friends. Joe and Nelda are long time faithful members of St. Joe Baptist Church. Nelda served many years on the meal committee and in many other church capacities. She loved her church family dearly. Nelda enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, crafting, and camping. Her family was truly her greatest joy in life and wherever they were is where she wanted to be. She was a devoted homemaker and wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Nelda leaves behind a loving legacy in her family. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Joe Pittman; daughter, Connie Elliott and husband, Jim; son, James Pittman and wife, Michelle; daughter-in-law, Teri Pittman; grandchildren, Daniel Pittman (Megan); Kelvin Kolb (Kelley); Tricia Rakowska (Doug); Kori Fraley (Justin), Kolton Pittman, Konner Pittman; great-grandchildren, Olivia Pittman, Townes Pittman, Fern Pittman, Kadence Kolb, Dawson Kolb, Rylie Rakowska, Remie Rakowska, Kimber Rakowska, Kailyn Fraley, Jackson Fraley, Hadley Pittman and Harlow Pittman; special friend, Marie Nabors; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Nelda has been reunited with her sons, Randy Pittman and Scotty Pittman; parents, and A.D. and Sonnie Daniels.

The Pittman family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joe Baptist Church. Funeral services celebrating Nelda’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Matt Morton officiating. Interment will follow in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Daniel Pittman, Kolton Pittman, Konner Pittman, Justin Fraley, Tim Gilstrap, James Elliott and Doug Rakowska.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joe Baptist Church at PO Box 201, De Leon, Texas76444, in memory of Nelda.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/05/2025

Martha Jean Otwell, 83, of De Leon passed from this life October 1, 2025, at De Leon Nursing and Rehab. She was born January 5, 1942, in Gorman, Texas to Jack and Willadean Smith. Jean married Finas Otwell in 1964, and they enjoyed 39 years of marriage until his passing in 2003.

Jean lived most of her life in the De Leon community. She pursued her LVN degree and worked as a nurse for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Joe Baptist Church and the Comyn Baptist Church. Jean enjoyed sewing, square dancing and reading.

Jean is survived by her son, Edward Ray Otwell and his wife, Jamie; her daughter, Cindy Ann Burney and her husband, Robert; her sister, Anna Kay Wildes; her grandchildren, Jordyn Burney, Taylor Burney, Catherine Grindle, Trey Otwell, and Aiden Otwell; her great-grandchildren, Jane Winkler and Rhett Winkler; as well as other extended family members. Jean has been reunited with her husband, Finas, and her parents.

Jean will be laid to rest in De Leon Cemetery at Finas’ side in a private committal. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch at www.calfarley.org.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/03/2025

🇺🇸 A memorial service, with United States Army Honors, will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in De Leon Cemetery. All friends are invited to join the family in celebration of Jerry's life.

Jerry Wayne Mathews, 74, of De Leon, peacefully left this world Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home.

He was born August 29, 1951, in Lamesa, Texas to Garvin Mathews and Madel Teague Mathews Isbell. He married Carla D’sha Sadberry December 3, 1977 in De Leon, Texas.

Jerry grew up in Gorman, Texas and graduated from Gorman High School in 1969. Shortly after graduating high school, he served proudly and honorably in the United States Army, with the 2nd 11th Armored Cav Division in Vietnam. He loved the outdoors and was a true marksman with any riffle and especially impressive with open sights. He loved to go camping with his family and friends. He was a jack of all trades and could build just about anything with just about nothing, which he loved to do with his grandchildren. He was a strong and determined man, and a stage 4 lung cancer survivor. People that knew him knew that he was a hard, tough man due to the era he was raised in and his experiences at war. But when needed, Jerry could become a gentle and understanding man and someone that anyone could call upon to talk to or ask for help or advice and he would always be there. To be as ornery as he was you could truly count your blessings if you were able to call him friend or family.

He is survived by and leaves behind a very proud legacy in his family: Loving wife of 48 years, Carla; son, Josh Mathews (Whitney); daughters, Makenzie Mathews and Terra Mathews; grandchildren, Dawson Mathews, Maci (Cash Bowen), Collin Mathews, Connor Mathews, Karsyn Mathews; and great grandson, Walker Neal Bowen; sister, Alma Taylor; and other extended nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike; grandson, Cort Rainwater; brother, Benny Mathews; niece, Shenna; sister and her husband, Margaret and Tommy Nipp; step-father, T.L. Isbell; brother-in-law, Earl Taylor, and many friends. He will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jerry's honor may be made to your local Veteran organization of choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com

10/02/2025

Carol Sue Hall Willis, 81, passed from this life September 30, 2025. She was born October 17, 1943, in Stephenville, Texas to Ted Hall and Otilla Mayhar Hall. Carol Sue was raised in Desdemona and graduated from Desdemona High School in 1961.

Carol Sue was employed by 7-Eleven as a store manager for thirty years. After her retirement from 7-Eleven she came home to Desdemona to enjoy her golden years. Carol Sue was loved by so many! She was friendly to all and never met a stranger. She enjoyed many hobbies including photography, researching genealogy, and reading. She also loved spending her time outdoors working in her beautiful flower beds and tending to her yard. Carol Sue was a member of Desdemona First Baptist Church. Carol Sue’s family was the center of her life, and she loved them well. She will be missed beyond measure by her family and many friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Heinz, Pamela Horn, and Susan Mitchell and husband, Carl; sister, Linda Hall Hahn; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and other extended family. Carol Sue has been reunited with her husband, Wayman Willis; parents, Ted and Otilla Hall; sisters, Elsie Irvin and Jessie Wilcoxson; and brother, Ira Ray Hall.

Carol's family will receive friends Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services celebrating Carol's life will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Desdemona First Baptist Church with Brother Denver Rainey and Brother Johnny Hart officiating. Graveside committal will follow in Howard Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Jacob Shirley, Dyson Wright, Justin Po***ck, Rich Heinz, Gage Heinz and Gabriel Cavazos. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Mitchell, Ben Coan, and Abel Heinz.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA as Carol Sue loved all animals.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/02/2025

Linda Jean Jones, 67, passed from this life September 29, 2025, in Desdemona, Texas. She was born December 25, 1957, in La Mesa, California to James H. Schoeneweis and Millea Bingham Paige.

Linda is survived by her son, Ben Grothe and wife, Chrystal; daughter, Ashley A. Grothe; brother, John Schoeneweis; sisters, Patty Wasson, Brenda Wasson, and Tina Doering; granddaughters, Samantha Grothe and Madison Grothe; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Angelene Grothe and brother James Schoeneweis Jr.

Linda was a huge fan of Jesus and always had a great sense of humor. She loved her family and was a talented seamstress, cook, and enjoyed reading.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

10/01/2025

Eddie Lindley, 87, peacefully passed from this life September 30, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 16, 1938, in Comanche County to Raymond and Estelle Robins Lindley. Eddie married his devoted wife of sixty-four years, Linda Carr, on October 21, 1961.

Eddie was raised in the De Leon area and graduated with the class of 1956. He proudly served in the United States Army and returned home from the service to successfully farm peanuts for over twenty-five years and raise his family with Linda. Eddie went into business for himself in 1986 when he started Lindley Transport. He operated his trucking company until his hard-earned retirement in 2013. Eddie always enjoyed life to the fullest and had a witty sense of humor. His life revolved around his family, his greatest blessing. Eddie loved to hunt and fish. Wherever his grandsons were you can be sure he wasn’t far. He loved spending time with the three of them and their families. Most mornings you could find him at the local coffee shops talking shop with many of his dear friends. Eddie was a man of his word who quietly did for others without wanting any recognition. He was a loyal friend, a loving family man, a good neighbor, and a faithful servant of the Lord. While he will be missed beyond measure in this life, his family takes comfort in knowing he is healed in the presence of God and is reunited with his two boys.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Lindley; grandsons, Joey Lindley and wife, Kaitlin; Jeremy Lindley and wife, Tara, and Justin Lindley and wife, Kaitlyn; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Kenzlea, Tyson, Blair, Kamryn and Jackson; brother, Charles Lindley and wife, Anna Marie; sister, Ann Miears; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Eddie has been reunited with his sons, Dewayne Arvin Lindley and Jeffry Dale Lindley; parents, Raymond and Estelle Lindley; parents-in-law, Cecil and Carrie Carr; sister-in-law, Loveta (Carr) Sartain; and brother-in-law, James Miears.

The Lindley family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral services celebrating Eddie's life will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Desdemona First Baptist Church with Brother Johnny Hart officiating. Graveside committal will follow in Desdemona Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Joey Lindley, Jeremy Lindley, Justin Lindley, Jayden Lindley, Don Lindley, Jackson Jobe and Jeff Stark. Honorary pallbearers are David Gilder and Lannes Callison.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Desdemona Activity Center or to a charity of your choice in memory of Eddie.

Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

Nowlin Anders Funeral Home

11/13/2025

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

11/03/2025

10/26/2025

10/16/2025

10/12/2025

10/05/2025

10/03/2025

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

10/01/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category