Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes

03/07/2026

Someday, we may not have to reset our clocks, but until then, make sure to spring forward tonight!

03/06/2026

Did you know that mortuary cosmetology is an essential part of many funerals? This informative article provides helpful insight into the job, how it benefits grieving families, and the pathway to becoming a certified mortuary cosmetologist. Read to learn more about this crucial career!

What is a mortuary cosmetologist? What do they do? Read the article to learn more about the profession and how it can be a fulfilling career.

03/04/2026

Ofelia Castillo

Ofelia Castillo was born on September 8, 1940 in La Feria, Tx to Ricardo and Francisca Garcia. Ofelia passed away on February 27, 2026 at the age of 85.

She grew up in South Texas where she met her husband Leo Castillo. They were married on September 16,1956 . They were married for 69 years. In 1962 Leo and Ofelia moved to Happy Union Texas where they lived for many years raising their 8 amazing children and often times lending a hand with her grandchildren. Through out her time living in the panhandle she worked as a nurses aid and private sitter for the elderly. Ofelia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and part of the crucillistas. She was a radio host for the church and also devoted many hours cooking for the church Sunday’s gatherings and annual Jamiacas.

Ofelia is preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband Leo, her parents, and grandson Joseph Castillo, son in law Jesse Gamboa and her brother Juan Garcia.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children : Edubiges Castillo (Ismael Sr), Leo Jr (Gloria), Leonel (Elaina), Rosalinda (Romy), Leonard, Ofelia (Daniel) Miguel Angel (Esmeralda), Christy (Jesse), 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, Her brothers Danny Garcia, Ricardo Garcia Jr, and Sisters Leonila Saldana, and Adelaida Vento and her loyal fur baby, Pinto.

View Ofelia Castillo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Jerry Don Dugger

Jerry Dugger was born on March 3, 1941, in Killeen, Texas. He passed on February 27th at the age of 84 surrounded by his wife and children. His life was a legacy of quiet service honoring his faith and family.

Jerry Dugger was the son of Benjamin and Laura Motl Dugger. Jerry joined his 3 brothers, Charles, Benjamin Earl, James and sister Loe Nell. He was always known as Ben's baby boy. Jerry was raised at Killeen First Methodist because his mother had attended this church all her life. Ben Dugger made certain that each of his sons learned the family business of building and shared in this business.

Jerry married Carolyn, the love of his life in 1981. She was his best friend, and together they built a life and family centered around their faith and their love. Their home and backyard were always open to church and friends, and they enjoyed driving the backroads on their many travels. Jerry coached sports for his children, attended recitals, plays and more band concerts than could ever be counted. No matter the hour, he always answered the phone to talk to his children whenever they called- day or night. He always put his family first and showed his love through the acts of service. He loved the phone calls and time spent with his children and he loved to share a cup of coffee with his friends from church. He cherished his time working with his friends in Frisch Park. In addition to his gift of building, he loved to garden and spend time outdoors. He considered his time outdoors to be the times when he was closest to the Lord.

Jerry graduated from Killeen High School in 1959 where he was a proud football-playing Kangaroo. He then attended North Texas University. He returned home to first serve as a barber, then at the U.S. Post Office, but always a builder. When his father died, Jerry led the family business and cared for his mother. Jerry loved building and caring for family!

After selling the family business, Jerry continued to build. With Andy Coleman and Jim Butler, they built the fellowship hall at St. Andrew's Methodist Church. Jerry continued to pass on his love of building and helping others by leading youth on mission trips to build and repair homes for the poor and elderly. When the downtown church was sold, he stepped forward under the guidance of Rev. Skip Blancett. Skip, Chet Frisch and Jerry planned the park to reflect the foundation of our faith. The building of the park built such a foundation for many young children, young men and women, and our community. Frisch Park continues to reach out to our community to share the love of Christ. Jerry was so thankful that the dedication of service through the park brought him friendship with Willie and Gabrielle Singleton, Bill Haynes, and Glenn Morrison.

Jerry was honored as a Medicine Man for this lifelong dedication of service in 2016. Medicine Men is an organization started by Bill Alford to honor men who did good things in the community, making "good medicine." As John Odom said, "Jerry is a man of integrity, gentility, and quiet strength." This honor truly reflected Jerry's dedication to service. Jerry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Dugger and his 5 children. Jerry Glenn Dugger (Joann), Richard Dugger (Kimberly), Holly Dugger Babb (James), Hayley Dugger Hersey (Prescott) and Patrick McLean (Abigail). He is survived by 8 cherished grandchildren, Amber Stokes (Sean), Jerry Charles Dugger (Kritsana), Devin Wahrmund (Amanda), Duston Wahrmund, Taylor Mata (Mark), Paige Dugger, Avery Babb and Owen Turner Babb, and 6 great-grandchildren, Connor and Colin Stokes, Indy Mata, and Nolan, Lainey and Lucas Wahrmund. He is also survived by his sister, Loe Nell Wilson and sister in law, Dora Dugger, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Harper Talasek Funeral Home on Friday March 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Service will be at First United Methodist Church- Killeen on Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Killeen First United Methodist Church.

View Jerry Don Dugger's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Della Faye Harris

Della Faye Harris, 80, formerly of Tifton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, in hospice care at home in Belton, Texas, surrounded by her children.

Born on October 31, 1945, in Lenox, Georgia, to parents Robert Love Sr. and Verdie Elizabeth Cone.

Faye was a woman who spoke her mind and lived life on her own terms. Those who knew her best understood that beneath her straightforward exterior was a deep and unwavering love for her family. Faye found joy in collecting lighthouses, coins, and hummingbirds. These cherished collections reflected her appreciation for history, beauty, and the simple comforts that brought her happiness throughout the years. Though she could be firm in her ways, Faye loved fiercely and remained devoted to those she held close. She will be remembered for her honesty, her strength of character, and the lasting impression she made on all who knew her. Faye will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Eugene Harris, and her siblings Mary Elizabeth Phillips, Robert Love Cone Jr., Judy Jewel Cyr, and John Thomas Cone.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and April Harris of Belton, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Glenn Lasseter of Quitman, GA; and daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and John Sullivan of Sycamore, GA; stepdaughter and her husband, Debra and David Pearson of Cuthbert, GA; and stepson, Keith Harris of Albany, GA; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild on the way. Also survived by 2 sisters, Ann Stone and Gail Carden of Tifton, GA; 1 brother, Dale Cone of Tifton, GA; and 1 brother, Michael Cone of Stuart, FL.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 14, at 11:00. Pauline Baptist Church, 12950 Valdosta Hwy, Quitman, GA 31643.

View Della Faye Harris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Charlene Gayle Cook

Charlene Gayle (Stewart) Cook of Temple, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by family and friends in her final hours.

Charlene was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack Stewart, Ronald Stewart, and Elbert Stewart; her sisters, Joy Shatz and Mary Frederick; her husband, Curtis Cook Sr.; and her two sons, Craig and Wayne Cook.

She is survived by her sons, Curtis Cook of Salado, Texas, and Christopher Cook of Hamilton, Ohio, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlene was born on April 30, 1943, in Hamilton, Ohio. She married Curtis Cook Sr. in 1959, and they moved to Florida in 1961. She was a stay-at-home mother until her children were older. She then attended and graduated from cosmetology school in Florida and became a licensed cosmetologist. She was self-employed for many years.

She and her husband moved to Central Texas in 1995 to be closer to their grandchildren. Charlene worked at J.C. Penney’s Hair Salon in Hamilton and Killeen. She was a Master Designer and was selected five times as an All-Star.

Charlene enjoyed boating, fishing, and taking trips with her family, especially cruises. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 6 at 3C Cowboy Church, 16258 Gooseneck Road, Salado, Texas.

Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

View Charlene Gayle Cook's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

03/01/2026

Cheers to the trailblazing women who have transformed history - from fearless suffragists to groundbreaking scientists. Their courage and determination continue to inspire generations to dream big and break barriers.

03/01/2026

Velmon Jean Hundley

Velmon Jean Hundley, 88, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on February 21, 2026.

She was born July 3, 1937, in Cushing, Texas, to Eddie B. Walker and Alice M. Wallace-Walker. Velmon attended nursing school for one year and later retired as a bank loan officer. She was married to Albert L. Hundley for 56 years.

Velmon served her country as a clerk in the United States Army. She was a faithful believer in Christ and began each day reading her Bible and daily devotional. She attended services at the Iron Horse Chapel on Fort Hood. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing, fishing, and reading western novels. She liked playing bingo at Charity bingo hall and donating her winnings to various people and organizations. She especially loved attending sporting events for her children, nieces, and nephews. Velmon was known for helping others whenever she could and for being a steady, supportive presence to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert L. Hundley; her brothers Preston Wilkins, Eddie Lynne Walker, Orin Gene Walker, and George Ray Walker; and her sisters Violet Wilkins, Alene Smith, and Una Faye Collins-Terry.

She is survived by her sons, Rodney L. Hundley and Dwaun L. Hundley; her daughter, Hope N. Hundley; her brother, Robert Lee Walker; her grandchildren, Rianne M. Hundley, Rodney L. Hundley Jr., and Brandon L. Hundley; and her great-grandchildren, Damian L. Hundley, Mason P. Battle, Kaizen L. Battle, J. Jayden Reyes, and Jaxon C. Reyes.

View Velmon Jean Hundley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/27/2026

Grief support groups bring so much hope and healing to countless people, but how do you know which one to choose? As you consider your options, keep these 9 qualities of a good grief support group in mind!

Would you like to try a grief support group, but you're not sure what to look for? Read more to learn 9 qualities every group should have.

02/26/2026

Paul Lee Shipp

Paul Lee Shipp, beloved husband, devoted father, proud Papa, leader, and loyal friend passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the age of 81 at his home in Nolanville, Texas.

Born on August 18, 1944, in Brookneal, Virginia to the late Robert and Virginia Shipp, he grew into a man defined by integrity, strength, and unwavering love for his family. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Francis Burke, Mary Unrue, Ola Guthrie and his brother Clyde Shipp. He is survived by siblings, Richard Shipp, Anne Maddox, Faye Adams and Gene Shipp.

A true testament of his hard work was the career he built as an engineer with Pepsi Co for 50 years, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and leadership. Paul began his career in Virginia as a route salesman and through hard work he was promoted to various positions. In 1987, he accepted a job with Ted Floca at Temple Bottling Company which made Texas home for his family. Eventually, Paul was led back to Pepsi Co and worked internationally for 25 years. He took great pride in training and teaching others.

As a husband, he was a steady anchor and greatest supporter of his wife, Sheila Sink Shipp. Their marriage of 61 years was a partnership built on love, resilience, and deep devotion.

As a father, he led by example. He taught his children the value of honesty, responsibility, hard work, dedication and kindness, not just through words, but through the way he lived each day. He showed up. He listened. He believed in them.

But perhaps his favorite title was “Papa.” His grandchildren were the light of his life. Whether attending games, telling stories, fixing things that weren’t broken, or mending their broken hearts, he made them feel treasured.

To his friends, he was dependable and genuine. The kind of man you could call at any hour. He offered wisdom without judgement and laughter when it was needed most.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Sink Shipp; his 6 children, Clint (Kelli), Shari (Paul), Don (Carrie), Angie, Michele (Bennie), and Tori; his 14 cherished grandchildren, Britteney, Dallin, Sariah, Jo, Ashley-Kate, Cassie, Alexus, Allee, Deysia, Ty, Jordan, Kobe, Michael, Alexandria; and 16 great grandchildren, Zachary, Alayna, Kingslee, Damon, Eve, John, Jocelyn, Journey, Jaxon, Nastassia, Hazel, Xyrie, Xylen, Myles, Amari, one on the way; and many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm and service will follow at 3:00 pm.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to share. His legacy lives in the lessons he taught, the love he gave so freely, and the family he built with such pride.

He will forever be our home.

View Paul Lee Shipp's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Wilson "Boady" Johnson

Wilson “Boady” Johnson, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was 91 years old. Boady was born to Andy B Johnson and Maudie Johnson (Wilson), on September 12, 1934, in Holland, Texas. Boady grew up in Bell County and built his life around family and service. He was married to Jerry for 68 years. Boady was a faithful member and Deacon of First Baptist Church in Holland and also served his community by serving on the school board. Boady worked in oil milling, worked as a farmer raising cattle, and also flew planes as a Private Pilot. Boady is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jerry Jean Johnson (Whitley); children, Wilson Johnson Jr and wife Julie, Sally Decker, Terry Johnson and wife Kapa, Alan Johnson and wife Mary, and Roy Johnson and wife Sherri; grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, Andy and Cody Decker, Callie Millsap, Taylor Hanson, Shane Johnson, Maghan Stephens, and Kirk Johnson; and 18 great-grandchildren. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00AM, at First Baptist Church in Holland. Following the service, Boady will be laid to rest at Bell Plains Cemetery.

View Wilson "Boady" Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.