A visitation for Linda Jones Davis will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at Winnfield Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Linda, 65, was born April 24, 1950 and passed from this life March 11, 2016. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Joseph T. Davis, daughter, Tomanika T. Davis, sons Therrell D. Davis and Trebian R. Davis all of Decatur, Ga.; brother Nolan J. Jones, Jr. (Yvonne) of Melrose. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, a great-nephew and a special granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her parents, Nolan J. Jones Sr. and Florence Long Jones. She was retired from Delta Air Lines after 30 years and was later employed part-time by Delta Global Staffing Services. She enjoyed shopping, cheering on the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and Morehouse College teams, and traveling. She was able to tour Ireland, Italy and cruise to several countries in Central and South America as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. She loved her family, friends and “adopted” children dearly and was loved by all who knew her

Funeral services for Bobbie Balzrette Cedars Garner was held Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches with Rev. Richard Kaufman and Rev. T.J. Boyd officiating. Interment followed at Zion Cemetery in Fairview Alpha. Bobbie Garner, 83, passed away March 12. She was born June 14, 1932 in Coushatta. She was a loving and compassionate wife, mother and grandmother. She had a passion for sewing and reading. She loved mysteries, and always enjoyed a good story. Listening to country music was a favorite pastime, as well as working with flowers and raising a garden. She was a longtime member of Lakeside Baptist Church; she loved the Lord, and always enjoyed listening to a good sermon. She worked at Natchitoches Manor for about 15 years, starting out as a dietary manager, and later becoming an LPN. She had a sweet tooth, and always enjoyed eating Skittles and drinking peach tea. She was a hard worker, on the job and at home, and always strived to raise her family the best she could. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Bobby Cedars and wife Peggy of Madison, Miss., Brock Cedars of Dallas, Texas, Ricky Cedars of Jasper, Texas, Edwina Hayward and husband Donald of Natchitoches, Marianne Morrison of Pineville, and Catherine “CJ” Cedars of Natchitoches; 16 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat grandchild; the father of her children, Raymond Cedars Sr.; two brothers, James Balzrette and wife Gwinn of Shreveport, and Carson Gene Balzrette and wife Sue of San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Mary “Pete” Waddle of Gloster; a very special sister-in-law, Katherine Thompson of Winnfield; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Garner; her son, Raymond Butch Cedars Jr.; her granddaughter, Kimberly Thompson; her parents, Brock Balzrette and Annie Able Balzrette; a daughter- in-law, Rhenda Cedars; a son-in-law, J.W. Morrison; three sisters; and three brothers. Pallbearers were Stacy Cedars, Kerry  edars, Douglas Thompson, Wilson Cedars Jr., Jeff Amos, Gene Waddle and Joshua Cedars. The family would like to express their thanks to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center’s second floor and I.C.U. nursing and staff, the LA Extended Care Hospital, and Dr.’s William Luster, Bryan Picou, and Dennis Britten for all of their loving care and support during Mrs. Bobbie’s illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Chris Ingram for diagnosing her with Long Q.T. Syndrome many years ago. In her on way of giving, she was able to donate her retinas after her passing to help someone else in need.  

A service to honor the life of Mr. Thomas Elbert Lee will be at 2 p.m. .Friday, March 18 in the chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Grace officiating. Burial with military honors, will follow at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Robeline. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Thomas Elbert Lee went to be with his Lord and Savior March 12, 2016. He was born Dec. 22, 1928 in Vowells Mill to Thomas and Jennie Lee. He proudly served in the U. S. Army and retired after 20 years of service to his country. He was a World War II and the Korean War veteran. God, family and country was the order of importance in his life. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Powell) Lee; daughter, Christina Tismer and her husband Carl Heinz Tismer of Berlin, Germany; son, Gerald Lee of Vowells Mill; grandchildren, Jacob and Kaleb Mitchell; brother, Roland Lee of Shreveport; sisters, Annie Mae Higgins of Pineville, Evon Broadway of Robeline, and Loretta Davis of Provencal; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Jennie Lee; brothers, Lynn Lee, Doyle Lee, and Kenneth Lee; and a sister, Marie Colston. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Jacob Mitchell, Kaleb Mitchell, Gerald Mitchell, Glen Luttrell, Joey Lashney and Leroy Maxie.  

A service to celebrate the life of Harold Worsham will be Thursday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis .Funeral Home with Bro. David Matlock and Bro. Truman Leach officiating. Interment will follow at Hurricane Grove Cemetery in Sikes. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time on March 17 in the funeral home chapel. Harold Worsham, 77, of the Trichel Community, passed away March 12, 2016. He was born June 21, 1938 in Atlanta, La. Harold’s two greatest loves were his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his family. He was a hardworking man who always provided for his family. His kindness and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him. We find comfort in knowing he is in heaven, re-united with family that has gone on before, and he is awaiting us with open arms. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Deanie Worsham; two sons, Kenneth and Paul Worsham; two sisters, Jo Ann Bond and Phyliss Fant. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Murphy Worsham and Lucille Inez (Boyd) Worsham; and his first wife, Dollie (Spangler) Worsham. Pallbearers will be Philip Worsham, Kolton Worsham, Steve Gregory, Mike Powers, Tray Eakin and Craig Bond.  

Marian Lynette Salley Ammons, 63, went to be with her Lord and Savior Feb. 16, 2016, surrounded by a loving family at her home in Natchitoches. She was born Feb. 17, 1952 in Natchitoches. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Trinity Baptist Church in Natchitoches. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vonnie and Elsie Salley, and brother, Harold Lee Salley. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, John M. Ammons of Natchitoches; daughter, Joy Ammons, of Natchitoches; sister, Janice Jones of Many; nephews, Jody Robbins and wife, Mariesa, of San Antonio, Texas, Don Jones and wife, Annabel, of Natchitoches and Daniel Jones of Many; niece, Lydia Salley of Many; greatnephews, Jansen Jones and Cade Robbins; great-niece, BellaDonna Jones; and a host of friends and relatives.  

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ann Lee Alford will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18 at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches with the Rev. Ryan Humphries officiating. Interment will follow at Catholic Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will at 7 p.m. Mrs. Alford, 70, and a resident of Benton, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016. She was born Nov.15, 1945 to Edmond Anderson Lee and Eleanor Hughes Lee in Natchitoches. Her family was the primary importance in her life. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, step-mother, and sister. Her second passion was being an educator. She spent many years instructing and shaping the young minds of Northwest Louisiana. She was a wellrespected teacher and administrator and her ability to reach goals as well as designing curriculum made her a success. She retired in 2005 as the Assistant Superintendent of the Bossier Parish School System. She was a long-time member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Dempsey Alford of Benton; step-daughter, Dr. Emily Alford of Brooklyn, N.Y.; brothers, Edmond Lee (Henri Ellen) of Shreveport, Lester Lee (Marietta) of Natchitoches and Randy Lee (Lydia) of Baton Rouge; Aunt and Uncle, Patsy and Eddie Blanchard of Shreveport; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond Anderson Lee and Eleanor Hughes Lee. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include:. Lester Lee,. Jr., Michael Lee, Stephen Lee, John Randall Lee, Eric Lee, Ted Alford and Jeremy Alford.

Our beautiful boy, Joseph Ray Moak, was born on Feb. 23, 2016 at just 25 weeks gestation. He weighed 1 pound 2 ounces and was 12 inches long at birth, yet he was a fighter. He continuously amazed everyone that met him with his tiny yet fierce personality. He quickly became not only the light in our life, but also that of our family, friends and community. Our hearts are broken, yet we know with time and prayers, we will see our little man again one sweet day. A memorial service was at Blanchard St Denis Funeral Home Tuesday, March 15. Visitation was from 9-10 a.m. with services immediately following. Graveside service was at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Robeline. He joined his three other siblings (early miscarriages) and his paternal grandfather, Joseph Rowen Moak, Sr. in heaven on March 12, 2016. Joseph, also known as “JoeJoe” or “Bubba” to his sisters, is survived by his parents Josh and Patty Moak and his two sisters, Caitlin and Kimee; is paternal grandparents, Judy and Lynn Sibley of Flora and Noel Moak of Jefferson, Texas; maternal grandparents, Cindy and Kim Veillon of Robeline and Rocky and Linda Clary of Kirbyville, Mo.’ great grandparents, Sally Moak of Tallulah and Elouise and Ray Hebert of Robeline; his aunts and uncles, Joseph R. Moa, Jr. and Caroline of Baton Rouge; Conan and Yetta Elkins of Marthaville, Joey and Lisa Clary of Kirbyville, Mo., Michelle Fraternali of Lonetree, Co., Wendy and Matt Wells of Vicksburg, Miss., Michael and Roxanne Gerald of Dry Prong, Casey and Seth Venezia of Eunice, Brandon and Natalie Veillon of Eunice and Mylie Clary of Kirbyville, Mo. Pall bearers were Alan French and Jared Bennett. Honorary Pallbearers were District 7 volunteer firefighters Doug Birdwell, Greg Goings, Toby Carnline, Steve Jordan, Mike Marbut and Richard Bruce. We’d like to thank everyone for the continued prayers and support for our family.We’d also like to thank the staff and nurses of the Christus Highland NICU department for their loving attention to our sweet boy while we here and their compassion after he gained his wings. He will be truly missed by so many.

A memorial visitation for Judy Elizabeth Carnahan will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Judy, 66, was born April 29, 1949 and passed from this life March 12, 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Regina Salard Brossett of Natchitoches; grandchildren, Mason Salard, Meagan Brossett, Haidyn Brossett and Sophia Brossett, all of Natchitoches; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Smith and Nathanial Brossett of Cloutierville and Natily Smith of Natchitoches; son-in-law, Curtis Brossett of Cloutierville; sister-in-law, Bettye Carnahan of Huntsville, Ala.; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff Carnahan and Ebbie Nichols Carnahan; brothers, Cliff “Sony” Carnahan Jr., and Ben David Carnahan; and son, Mark Anthony Salard.

Funeral services for Billy Ray Scroggins will be held Monday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, with Rev. Matthew Pagels officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 9-11 a.m. March 21 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home. Billy Scroggins, 76, passed away March 16, 2016. Billy was born July 23, 1939 in Natchitoches. He was a lifelong resident of Natchitoches  and barbered in town for almost 60 years. He loved music; cutting hair all week and playing the drums on the weekends was his specialty. He enjoyed watching all the old T.V. shows, such as Andy Griffith and Petticoat Junction, and enjoyed listening to the Doo Wop music of his era. He inspired those around him to be better than they were, and lived a primarily worry free life. He loved reading his Bible and talking to the Lord often, and always wore a smile. He leaves behind many friends at the Courtyard of Natchitoches who loved him and treated him as family. He will be missed. He is survived by his daughter, Jill Strickland and her fiance David Brown of Many; his brother, Allen Prudhomme and wife Norma of Evergreen, Colo.; his sister, Jean Scroggins of Natchitoches; his grandchildren, Dennis Janice, Brittney Gray Durr, Heather Moore, Gavin Scroggins, Colby Strickland and fiance Lacy Chirrenos, Aaron Strickland, Chastin Strickland and fiancé Keith Cotton, and Chelsie Strickland and fiance Alex Fowler; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaddy Scroggins and Lucille McMills Scroggins Prudhomme; his son, Thomas Scroggins; his daughter, Elise Scroggins Janice; and his brother, Tommy Prudhomme. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Allen Prudhomme, David Brown, Keith Cotton, Alex Fowler, and Colby Strickland. Honorary pallbearers will be Dayton Brown and Aaron Strickland. 

Sept. 20, 1939-March 17, 2016

Services will be held March 26, 2016 at Greater St. Matthew 633 Hwy. 6, Hickcock, Texas. The Service will begin at 10 a.m. Ruther attended Central High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1961. She was the daughter of the late Cleveland and Virginia Phillip. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We love you! The Family. 

LUCY CARPENTER CORNWELL Evangelist Lucy Carpenter Cornwell of Grambling, died Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at her home. She leaves to cherish her memory husband Elder James Milton Cornwell, daughter Charlotte Cornwell Winfield, son-in-law William Douglas Winfield Sr.; seven siblings, and four grandchildren. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grambling. Arrangements: Kings Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue, Ruston, La. 71270, Phone: 318-255-0525 

ANNIE JOHNSON Life Celebration Services will be Saturday, March 26 at 11 a. m. at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches. The remains will lie in state at the funeral home for public visitation from 9 a. m. to service time. Burial will follow in the Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. Mrs. Johnson passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016. 

WINSTON DUDLEY CEDARS SR. Services to celebrate the life of Winston Dudley Cedars Sr. were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Mark Noel officiating. Internment followed at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. Visitation was Tuesday evening at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary was at 6 p.m. Winston passed way March 20, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side. He left no doubt that he was prepared to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. He was at peace with himself and with God and looked forward to seeing those loved ones who had gone before him. Winston was born Aug. 18, 1954 to the late Wilson and Amarylis Stacy Cedars. He was a life-long resident of Natchitoches and a graduate of Natchitoches Central High School. His childhood was wonderful and memorable being one of 10 very close children. He married his teenage love, Terri Steadman Cedars, in January 1976 and they were blessed with three wonderful children. Winston began working for Atmos Energy in February 1976 and recently retired with 40 years of service. He loved his job and the people he worked with. Winston was a family man and enjoyed coaching and/or watching his children play school and community sports including football, softball, baseball, rodeo, and dance. He never missed a single event they participated in and was always their biggest cheerleader. He bled silver and navy, never wavering his support for his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, despite the good-natured “ribbing” family and friends dished out about his favorite team. Also, he rarely missed a New York Yankees baseball game. In his spare time, Winston was on the committee of the local chapter (Kisatchie Strutters) of National Wild Turkey Federation and enjoyed hunting with his wife and close friends, David and Belinda Prudhome and Ricky and Patti Salley. His greatest joy was spending time with his six grandchildren. Whether it was taking them for a ride on the 4- Wheeler, taking them hunting, wrestling on the floor, reading them a story, or simply rocking them to sleep, he valued every minute he spent with them, and they loved “Papa” dearly. Winston was known for his kind and giving heart, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand for anyone with whom he crossed paths. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Terri Steadman Cedars; son, Winston Dudley Cedars Jr. and wife Erika of Natchitoches; daughter Tana Elisabeth Cedars Clark and husband Scott of Baton Rouge; son Thomas Andrew Cedars and wife Kellie of Natchitoches; six grandchildren, Winn Cedars, Holt Cedars, Beau Clark,Brooklyn Clark, Grant Cedars and Brinley Cedars; nine siblings: Wilson (Jiggs) Cedars (Diane), Lou Cedars, Meme Cedars McManus, Joy Cedars Knotts, Roy Cedars (Mickey), Sonia Cedars Greer (Mark), Stacy Cedars (Carolyn), Camille Cedars Lacaze, Kerry Gene Cedars (Mary); very special cousin, Donna Sue Wirt and her daughters Dana and Dina; a very special brother-inlaw, Dwane Steadman; very special friends including David and Belinda Prudhome, Vilifred Metoyer, Ricky and Patti Salley, and Barry Howard, and all of his fellow workers at Atmos Energy over the years. He also had numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Dwane Steadman, Ryan Steadman, David Prudhome, Ricky Salley, Vilifred Metoyer, Barry Howard, Jason McManus and Pete Jordan. Honorary pallbearers are his four grandsons, Winn, Beau, Grant and Holt as well as fellow employees of Atmos Energy. Charitable donations may be sent in his honor to the American Cancer Society.

RONALD K. OXLEY Funeral services for Ronald K. Oxley were at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24 in the chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Interment followed at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery near Toledo Town. The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Ronald Oxley, affectionately known as Moose to his friends, passed away at the age of 63 on Saturday, March 19, 2016. He was born Aug. 16, 1952 in Shreveport to Truman Luther Oxley and Bessie Shaw Oxley. Ronnie was a 1970 graduate of Woodlawn High School and attended LSU for a short period. He joined the United States Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War. His working career consisted of being an over-the-road truck driver. He always had a free spirit and enjoyed traveling either by semis or his motorcycle. He also enjoyed being outdoors and hiking. A truly happy person, he always had a cheerful attitude in life which made him a pleasure to be around. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Mary Dambrino Oxley; daughter, Nikki Adams Bull and her husband John; mother, Bessie Oxley; grandchildren, Alayna Emmett, and Hanna Bull; sister, Barbara Oxley Grady and her husband Jim and their children, Michael, Kim and Michelle; Truman Dewayne Oxley and his children Robin and Mack; and Billy Ray Oxley and his wife Anita and their children, Brandon and Graeme; as well as numerous friends. The family would like to thank his physicians, Dr. Fair, Dr. Britten and Dr. Botnick as well as the staff at the Courtyard of Natchitoches for the treatment and care they provided during such a difficult time.

NORMA BLANCHE DeLACERDA Funeral Services for Norma Blanche DeLacerda will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 28 in the chapel of John Kramer Funeral Home in Alexandria with the Rev. Kurian Zachariah officiating. Interment will follow in Emmanuel Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday, from 4- 9 p.m. and will resume on Monday from 8:30 a.m. until time of service. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held in the Kramer Chapel at 6 p.m. Sunday. Norma Blanche DeLacerda, 89, of Chopin, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Grace Home of Alexandria. She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Frank DeLacerda; her parents, John and Anna Vercher Salard; six sisters and one brother. Norma loved to raise her garden and help people in need. She was very active doing charity work for needy people. Norma was a parishioner of Emmanuel Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be dearly missed. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Herbie W. DeLacerda and his wife Laverne of Natchitoches, and Judy DeLacerda of Chopin; three grandchildren, Michael DeLacerda and his wife Jennifer of Watha, N.C., Karen Prothro and her husband Terry of Marco and Amy Walker of Natchitoches; five great grandchildren, Candace Welborn, Ashley Perkins, Blake DeLacerda, William Prothro and Harleigh Walker; and five great- great- grandchildren, Tanaleigh Smith, Jayden Norris, Lillyanna DeLacerda, Paislyn Ramsey and Taryn Perkins; siblings, Joseph W. Salard of Zachary, Herbert P. Salard and his wife Janet of Natchitoches and Wynona Hammond of Shreveport. Pallbearers honored to serve will be Tracey Edwards, Doug Glenn, Richard Dubois, Harold Salard, William Prothro and Terry Prothro. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Edwards, Kenneth Garsee, Harold Vercher. 

DAVID C. TOWNSEND David Caldow Townsend, 88, died March 23, 2016, at home in the Elkins Lake community of Huntsville, Texas, where he has lived for over 30 years. He was born April 5, 1927 in Atlantic, Iowa to Jessie Caldow (1897-1999) and Bruce Townsend (1897-1997). He graduated from Clinton (Iowa) High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy for service during the last year of World War II. This duty involved participation in the Navy’s ROTC programs at Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Virginia. After his military discharge in 1946, he earned three collegiate degrees: B.A. in economics from Cornell College (Mt. Vernon, Iowa) in 1948; M.A. in economics from the University of Michigan in 1949; and Ph.D. in economics from Louisiana State University in 1953. His 50 years of collegiate teaching began with three years as an instructor at LSU, where he met his wife, Dorothy Louise Trichel. He spent two years as assistant professor at the University of Houston and three and onehalf years as economics department head at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Dr. Townsend was an associate professor of finance at The University of Texas in Austin for four and a half years. He was recognized there for starting the Honors Business Program in the College of Business. From 1963 through 1982, he served as professor and Dean of the College of Business at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Dean Townsend was awarded the honorary title of dean emeritus in 1983, upon his retirement from Northwestern. He finished his academic teaching career by spending the next 18 years as professor of economics and international business at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Within this half century academic career were two annual sabbaticals. During John Kennedy’s short presidency, Dr. Townsend spent a year in Washington D.C. as a visiting economist with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1961-62). Then, in 1978-79, a second sabbatical year involved teaching graduate courses in economics on U.S. Air Force bases in Germany, England and Spain. Civic service assignments included years in the mid- 1960s with the Rotary Club of Natchitoches, as president, vice president, program chairman, and as secretary-treasurer. He served two three-year terms in the mid-1970s as an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana. And after teaching his last classes at Sam Houston State University in 2002, Townsend served five years as a volunteer income tax preparer for the Huntsville chapter of AARP. David’s interests were diverse. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, a great dancer, enjoyed bridge and listening to classical music, traveled extensively, and loved socializing with friends. He was a long-time patron of symphony and opera. And he was especially pleased to have finally gained four grandsons late in life, who gave him great joy. After retirement, Dr. Townsend continued to read the Wall Street Journal daily and stayed current with the day’s economic, political and financial news and events. He was an excellent correspondent throughout his life, and since retiring from SHSU, he had a wide circulation of devotees to his “snail mail blogs”, where he wrote about financial and economic topics and where he expounded on answers to the many questions his friends had for him, while sipping a cold one after a round of golf. In addition to his parents, Dr. Townsend is predeceased by his sister Margaret Townsend Tesch, and his son David Bruce (1954-1956). He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Dorothy Trichel, who he married on June 4, 1951, two days after her graduation from LSU. He is also survived by three children—Teresa Wright of Memphis (Peter), Mary Ross of Houston (Mike), and James Townsend of Bend, Oregon (Julie)—and four grandchildren—Brian, Benjamin and Christopher Ross, and Oliver Townsend, who all knew him affectionately as “Papa.” The family would especially like to thank David’s loving caregivers—Marie Williams, Janice Waldrip and Ada Larry, as well as his wonderful neighbors and friends. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 from 5- 7 p.m. at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, and a funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be sent to St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1323 16th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340, or a charity of your choice. 

A service to celebrate the life of Jerry Bryan Sanders will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. Truman Leach and Bro. Harrell Shelton officiating. Interment will follow at L. C. Weaver Cemetery in Campti. The family received friends from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Bryan, 46, and a resident of Goldonna, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016. He was born Oct. 21, 1969 in Shreveport. Bryan was a 1987 graduate of Calvin High. For over 20 years he worked at the Red River Mill in Campti as an operator. He was a kind hearted person and will be missed by all who knew him and never forgotten. His family was the most important part of his life. He was a great father and would do anything to take care of the needs of his daughters first. Although he left us way too soon, we take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior in Heaven and is reunited with McKenna, Papaw Carson and Mamaw Dorothy Sanders. He is survived by Kendria, Karsyn, and Taryn Sanders; his father, Jerry Sanders and his wife Christy; his mother Betty Sanders as well as numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his daughter, McKenna Bryanne Sanders. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Chris Laguna, Ricky Lowring, Michael McNaughton, Terry Bedgood, Sam Bedgood and Brent Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be Dakota Scallion and Calvin Mundy He is now at peace.

A Mass will be celebrated in memory of the late Mrs. Patricia Vasquez who passed away in her Natchitoches residence March 14, 2016. The service will be held at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church on Second Street Saturday, April 2 at 7 p.m. She will be remembered as a nurturing and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt as well as a great friend to many. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Josephine Cahill of Bloomfield, Conn., and her loving husband, Orlando Vasquez of Hartford, Conn., as well as one brother. Those who will forever cherish her memory are her daughter, Regina, her son, Fernando (Stephanie Procell), both of Natchitoches, one brother and one sister of Conn., along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She and her daughter, Regina, owned and operated the P & G Barber and Beauty Salon in the Grand Ecore area for 22 years. Regina will honor her mother’s memory in continuing this venture, mindful that her mom always enjoyed serving others for over 46 years of her life.

Memorial services for John Marshall Harris, 60, of Many, were held Tuesday, March 29 at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation was also Tuesday at the church. John was preceded in death by his parents, David Page Harris Jr. and Margaret Spencer (Gravett) Harris. He served as director of beautification for the City of Natchitoches from 2000-2016 and was a horticulturist for Longue Vue House & Gardens, New Orleans from 1989-1998. John was a graduate of Louisiana State University and an alum of Christ School in Asheville, N.C. He was a lover of all things green, public radio and The Grateful Dead. He was a loving son and devoted father to his four boys and wife of 26 years. He is survived by his wife, Jodi Harris of Many; sons: David Harris of Arkansas, and Marshall Harris, Bradley Harris and John Harris, all of Louisiana; sisters Spencer Wright and Jane Ringley, both of North Carolina; brothers: David Page Harris III of Alaska and Jim Harris of North Carolina; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Donations can be made to Project Celebration in Many in remembrance of John Marshall Harris.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Ann Grayson Jones will be held at Friday, April 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. Scott Chemino serving as celebrant. Interment will be in Memory Lawn Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends at the Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home chapel from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 31 with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. Mrs. Jones, 89, died at her residence at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living in Conroe, Texas. A native and lifelong resident of Natchitoches, Mrs. Jones committed a lifetime of service to her community. Known by family and friends as Midge, in later years she enjoyed being called “Mrs. Betty” by old and young. With only a high school diploma from St. Mary’s Academic in 1943 she become a self-taught business woman and excelled in executive positions through her life. She and her husband, Walter C “Dub” Jones, raised four children and spent 50 years as partners in everything they each became involved with prior to his death in 1998. After 14 major surgeries early in her married years, Betty Jones was blessed with boundless energy and devoted her life to her family, friends, church and community. She became a true preservationist and worked tirelessly for any worthwhile project. At various stages of her life she worked for Peoples Bank & Trust Co, P & C Drug, Southern Cotton Oil Company, in executive positions at KNOC radio (Natchitoches Broadcasting Co.) and Peoples Motor Company. In 1976, she became executive director of Louisiana Drama Association and in 1979 took the joint position as executive director of both the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Commission until her retirement in 1997. While employed, she also hosted a 5-day TV program “Sharing with Betty” on a non-pay basis. During that time she also served as president of Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Louisiana Association of Convention and Visitors bureaus, elected as president and then chairman of the Board of Louisiana Travel Promotions Association, president of Louisiana Colonial Trails, member of Board of Directors of Association for Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, Cane River Heritage Area Commission, executive secretary of Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and president of Friends of the Museum along with being a member of Natchitoches Historic Foundation and Charter member of Business & Professional Women’s Club. She received Woman of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 1969, again in 2001 from the Business & Professional Women’s Club, and awarded the Nth Degree by Northwestern State University. She served as lector at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, on the steering committee for Spring Fling at St. Mary’s School, member of Natchitoches Kiwanis Club, serving as chair on 2003 Relay for Life, serviced numerous times as an officer in Alpha Chi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and was a member for over 50 years. After the death of her beloved husband, Dub, she opened a successful home office business as “Buzzin’ With Betty Tours” as a receptive operator and step-on tour guide. She was a long-time member of East Texas Tourism Association, serving as guest speaker and panelist on numerous occasions. She was named Outstanding Professional Step On Guide by Tour Operators on two occasions. Her greatest joy was watching the Christmas Festival grow to worldwide fame. In the year 2001, she was honored as a celebrity in the 75th Christmas Festival Parade since they were the same age. Her family was her lifeblood and enjoyed the pleasure of wonderful children and grandchildren. She leaves behind two sons, Walter Coleman Jones J. and wife, Wilma of Spring, Texas; Michael Lane Jones and wife Kathryn of Lacombe; two daughters Angela Sue Gaubert and husband James of Gretna, and Melanie Irby and husband Barry of Conroe, Texas; seven grandchildren, Theresa Louise Jones of Spring, Texas, Robert Somprayrac Jones and wife Kelley of Florence, Ala., Tammy Lynn Jones Heumann, Tricia DeA’un Hrapmann of Houston, Texas, Shannon Loren McBride and husband Shay of Nashville, Tenn., Kristyn Nicole Dugas and husband Ricky of Youngsville, Kristopher Mikael Guillory and wife Kryston of Rowlett, Texas, Tiffany Lynn Walker and husband Josh of Conroe, Texas; 17 great-grandchildren, Emma, Elliot and Isaac Jones of Florence, Ala.; Braiden, Braxton and Bryson Dugas of Youngsville, Texas; Payton, Madison, Morgan, Aidyn and Taylor Guillory of Rowlett, Texas; McKenzi Hickman, Koen and Grayson Walker of Montgomery, Texas; Kaitlin and Colton McBride of Friendswood, Texas, and Cooper Adams of Covington; two brothers, George Grayson and wife Merry Jo, and John O Grayson, two sisters Billie Rae Vercher and Judith Broadwater and husband Larry, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter C. “Dub” Jones, grandson Eric Kyle Knecht, and her parents, Ollie O. Grayson and Angela Gillen Grayson. Pall bearers will be Karl S. Bailey, Bill Cross, Henry C. Gahagan Jr., Louie Bernard, Robert Somprayrac Jones and Kristopher Mikael Guillory. The family requests memorials be made to St. Mary’s School Foundation (Endowment Fund) 1101 E Fifth St. Natchitoches, LA 71457