Obituaries

Memorial services for Milton Arthur Merritt, 52, of Many, were held on Monday, January 4 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Leach, Sr. officiating. Milton Arthur Merritt was born on Tuesday, September 24, 1963 in Many. He passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Sabine Medical Center in Many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pascal Melvin Merritt and Mary Elizabeth Merritt. He is survived by his daughter, Candace Knight and husband, Dale of Many; brothers,Kurt Merritt of Many, Dillon Merritt of Many, and Dustin Merritt and wife, Melanie, of Florien; granddaughter, Carleigh Knight of Many; nephews, Steele Merritt, Logan Merritt, Jordan Merritt and Mason Merritt and a host of friends. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows.com

Michael James Kanieski, 72, of Zwolle, died Saturday, December 19, 2015 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born February 12, 1943 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Michael and Frances Shega Kanieski. He completed his education in Hibbing, graduating in 1961. He enlisted in the Navy and spent that time in Beeville, Texas. He returned to Hibbing after his service and worked in the iron mines and in mining related businesses. In 1966, Mike married Patricia Deutsch of Hibbing. They have three children, Michele Kanieski Sutherland, Patrick Kanieski and Jennifer Kanieski DeJoy.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Tod Edwin Bishop, 42, of Mullin, Texas, was held December 22 at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home. Tod passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015 in Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Tod Edwin Bishop was born on September 11, 1973 in Anniston, Alabama to Dennis and Laurie Causey Bishop. He attended Zwolle High School in Zwolle, and graduated in 1993. In February of 1998, Tod moved to Brown County to live at the Aldersgate Enrichment Center group home. He was a member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. Tod loved being around people and if you met him, you were only a stranger once. He was a member of the 4-H and FFA while growing up. Tod loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and riding his Kubota. Tod adored his nieces and nephews and loved them beyond words.

Funeral Services for Gene Crabtree, 80, formerly of Many, was held on December 22 at Beulah Baptist Church in Many. Burial followed in the Beulah Cemetery. Gene Crabtree was born on February 11, 1935 in Slat, Kentucky. He passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 in Summerville, South Carolina. Mr.

Funeral services for Emmaleigh Faithe Hilburn, 10 months, of Zwolle were held on December 26 at the First Baptist Church of Noble in Noble.

Graveside Services for infant, Tucker Reese Rachal, of Zwolle were held December 19 at Cassell Cemetery in Converse with the Rev. Ken Price officiating. Tucker Reese Rachal was born on Thursday, December 17, 2015 in Natchitoches. He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Natchitoches Parish Hospital in Natchitoches. He is survived by his parents, DWayne and Amy Rachal of Zwolle; brother, Ryan Rachal of Zwolle; maternal grandparents, Pat and Carolyn Vines of Zwolle; paternal grandparents, Reuben and Christine Rachal of Many; maternal great grandfather, Jerry Vines of Converse; maternal great grandmother, Helen Lucas of Zwolle; aunt, Crystal Campbell and husband, Calvin, of Zwolle; uncles, James Rachal and wife, Lindsay, of Many and Corey Vines of Zwolle. Pallbearers were Reuben Rachal and Pat Vines. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows.com

Evelyn Murphy Bush, 92, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at her home after a lengthy illness. Funeral services were held December 16 at Rose Neath Marshall Street Chapel officiated by Bro. Glen Howard of First Baptist Church of Belmont. Burial was at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport. Mrs. Bush was born to Valrus and Ruby Murphy on February 20, 1923 in Mansfield. After her father’s passing in 1926, she was raised in Belmont by her mother and stepfather, Leo McFerrin. Mrs. Bush graduated from Belmont High School in 1939, then moved to Shreveport and found employment at the Garment Factory during World War II. Mrs. Bush married Leroy E. Bush of Many on March 17,1945, and raised their children in the Shreveport/Keithville area. She was a devout Christian and a member of Trinity Heights Baptist Church. She was a member of the North Highlands Women’s Club and the last surviving member of the Bee Club. Mrs. Bush is preceded in death by her parents, Valrus E.

Funeral services for Marvin Sepulvado, 75, of Zwolle were held December 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Marvin was born on August 1, 1940 in Zwolle. He entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Susan Sepulvado, son, Marlin Sepulvado, infant son, Robert Sepulvado and infant daughter, Darla Sepulvado. He is survived by wife, Barbara Sepulvado; sons, Marty Sepulvado and wife, Mira, and Justin Sepulvado and wife, Shari; daughters, Tina Sepulvado, Robbin Meshell and husband, Scott, and Suzette Laroux and husband, Bob; sisters, Mary Jane Permenter and husband, Randal and Reba Craig; brothers, Harvey Sepulvado and William Sepulvado; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Honoring him as pallbearers were Randy Sepulvado, Josh Sepulvado, Waylon LaRoux, Zachary Meshell, Ernie Sepulvado Jr., and James Meshell.

Funeral services for Marie Snell 85, of Anacoco were held December 26, 2015, at the East Leesville Baptist Church with the Reverends Jeff Smart and Jerry Key officiating. Burial followed in the Good Hope Cemetery in Anacoco under the direction of Labby Memorial Home of Leesville. Marie, the daughter of Edward Isaac French and Marie Butler- Robertson, was born February 12, 1930, in Houston, Texas.

Funeral Services for Jerry Wayne Alford, 73, of Many were held December 17 at Friendship Baptist Church in Many with Bros. Gary Allen and James Tidwell officiating. Burial followed in the Friendship Baptist Cemetery in Many. Jerry Wayne Alford was born on Thursday, November 26, 1942 in Sabine Parish.