Clarence
O. Sharp, Sr. , 69, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to be
with the Lord Thursday, April 28, 2011.
Arthur
Schiel, age 84 of Manvel, Texas passed away Sunday, March 27, 2011 at
Regent Care Center of League City, League City, Texas. Arthur was born on
April 20, 1926 in Cypress, Texas and was a resident of Manvel and raised
in Alvin, Texas. He was a
Keith
Joe Schoenberg , 51, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and
friends on Monday November 12, 2012. Keith was a proud 30 year veteran of
the Houston Fire Department; he also served the community of Pearland as
an EMT. 
Richard
"Dickie" Schoettle, age 65, of Little Flock, died September 2, 2010. He
was born at Sugarland, Texas, on September 19, 1944, to the late Morris
and Mildred (Herder) Schoettle.Dickie worked for the Houston Fire
Department in Houston, Texas, and retired from there in 1983, after which
he moved with his family to Little Flock. He was Little Flock's Mayor for
a number of years. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Marsha (Whiteley)
Schoettle; son, John Douglas Schoettle of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter,
Sheri Lynn O'Hearn and husband Joel of Rogers; siblings, Jack Schoettle
and Carolyn Hardin of Texas; and grandsons, David Douglas O'Hearn and
Michael Evan O'Hearn.
Funeral
Services for
M. F. Seureau,
43-year-old city fireman of 4108 Wayne, was shot to death following an argument
with his 36-year old wife in their two-room home in Kashmere Gardens at 11:25
p.m. Saturday. The couple was alone
at the time of the shooting. A 13-year-old daughter, Virginia, was visiting a
friend near by. Mrs. Seureau,
according to Deputy Sheriffs Frank Alfano and J. A. Rex said her husband had
struck her twice and then kicked her. "I told him that if
he did that again I would shoot him.' The deputies quoted her as saying. "He hit me again and
then I got a pistol and shot him," the deputies said she added. The deputies said
they found a 32-caliber automatic pistol in the house. Seureau was shot in the
abdomen. The wound was powder burned, the deputies said, indicating that the
gun was fired from close range. The daughter,
Virginia, arrived at the home about 30 minutes after the shooting and went to
the rear door and asked the deputies, "How is my father?" she had been informed
of the shooting by neighbors. Virginia said she
saw her mother and father arguing on the front porch of the house earlier in the
evening. She added that she saw her father 'yank' her mother into the house.
Gay V. Simmons, born on December 14, 1934 in Hope, Arkansas and passed away with his family by his side on September 26, 2003. Gay will be reunited in the afterlife by his best friend and twin brother, Ray Simmons; his mother and father, Hattie and Archie Simmons, and his siblings, Cora Simmons, Opal Martin, Dulcie Jones-Martin, Vera Huffman, Bonnie Pittman, Montez Moore-Grammer, Homer Simmons, Otha Simmons, and Roy Simmons. Gay's beautiful sister, Berlene Ingram, is Gay's sole surviving sibling. Gay also leaves his son, Roy Simmons, and his daughters, Kelly Simmons and Stephanie Simmons. He will be missed by numerous friends, including his longtime friend, Margaret Simmons, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and of course, his grand-dogs, Sam and Tucker-Bear. Gay loved being with his family, and raised three children, who loved him very much. He was an accomplished guitar player, with a love for music that carried through to his children. At least one evening a week, he played his guitar while his family listened and sang along to the music of the Ozarks--the music he deeply loved. He loved to walk and ride his bike. He was an amazing woodworker, who made beautiful, intricate birdhouses that he gave to friends, family, and generously donated to charities, raising hundreds of dollars for those charities. He painstakingly built three beautiful homes, from the ground up, for his family. He loved to communicate back and forth with his friends and family over the internet. He spent many hours researching his family's geneology. He kept every greeting card ever given to him. He loved to read old western novels. He liked watching football--especially when the University of Arkansas was playing. He loved fishing and camping. In 1958, Gay joined the Houston Fire Department, where he served over 30 years, until 1989. Through hard work and determination, Gay rose through the ranks of the Fire Department, ultimately retiring with the title of "District Chief"--the highest ranking, non-appointed position in the fire department. He was highly respected by the firefighters that worked with him. A great point of pride in his life was when his son, Roy, followed in his footsteps, retiring himself after 27 years of service. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Gay's life on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at 2:00pm, at Rosewood Funeral Home, 2602 Old Humble Road in Humble. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Midway-Boyd Hill Volunteer Fire Department, 211 Highway 29, Lewisville, Arkansas 71845.
Retired Houston Fire Department
Deputy Chief C. C. "Bud" Simonton
(86) passed away quietly on February 9th following a courageous battle with cancer. Bud was born in the community of Conner near Madisonville, TX on April 11, 1917. He was the fifth child of six born to Minnie and Chesley Simonton. He moved to Houston with is family in the 1920's and was a graduate of Milby High School. He met and married Cathaleen Lindley Simonton while working for Reed Roller Bit and soon after he joined his two brothers as a Houston firefighter. He served in the Navy during WWII and after completing his service, he returned to Houston and the fire department. He proudly served the City of Houston for 40 years and was the last surviving Houston firefighter to have battled the Texas City explosion and disaster in 1947. Bud was an avid golfer and a member of Stephen F. Austin Country Club. He loved the University of Texas and was in attendance at almost every home football game since 1961. He loved to read and in his later years he enjoyed walking at Memorial City Mall. He was a man of great integrity and was admired and respected by all. One friend commented "they never heard Bud say a bad word or a negative thing about anyone." A Houston Fire Chief stated, "if my house were on fire, Chief Simonton is who I would want to tap it out." Bud is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Cathaleen, his parents, Minnie and Chesley Simonton, brothers Harry Simonton and Willon (Sammy) Simonton, sisters Gladys Tinsley, Alene Avey and Maxine Riedel. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Sondra Simonton; his daughters Janis Simonton and Jeannene Simonton, his grandson, Christopher Simonton; his granddaughter; Meredith Simonton; his brother-in-law, Ernie Riedel; sisters-in-law Lois Simonton, LaVelle Lindley and Mary Bell Lindley and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Houston Firfefighters" Relief and Retirement Fund-The Conference Center at 4225 Interwood N. Parkway. Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 13th at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church. Graveside service will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard. The family would like to thank Drs. Skelton, Abramowitz and Kaesler for their care during his illness and Heartland Hospice for their support in his last days. Special appreciation goes to Tom Batey for his years of friendship and care. There could be no better neighbor and friend. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to "Maudie" and Fernando for the dignity they afforded Dad during his brief stay at home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Last Alarm Club, 1907 Freeman St. Houston, TX 77009 or to Second Baptist School Foundation, 6410 Woodway, Houston, TX 77057. All Faiths Funeral Services 9034 Long Point Houston, TX 77055 713-464-2299 
Chester William "CW" Smith,
age 71, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on October 20, 2003 after a courageous battle with lupus. Chester was born on August 15, 1932 in Jacksonville, Texas. He was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Alice Smith; brother, Louis, Arthur, Henry and sisters Arminda, Ruby and Eva. In 1946, meeting at the ages of 14 and 12, he began a lifelong love affair with Zona Gail Campbell that culminated in 52 years of marriage at the time of his death. He is survived by his loving wife Zona; daughter LaJuana Rodriguez; son Keith Smith and wife Tracy; granddaughters Shannon Rodriguez and Kasey Smith; brother Oscar Smith and wife Christine of Jacksonville; sisters, Mary Alice Hedgecough and husband James of Tyler, and Vesta Kridler of Tyler, and numerous other relatives and friends. Chester proudly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. On November 1, 1956, he began a long and distinguished career with the Houston Fire Department, achieving the rank of District Chief. Following his retirement from HFD, he joined the Harris County Constable's Office, Precinct 5, where he served for 10 years. Chief Smith will long be remembered for his sense of humor. There are many Houston firefighters today that were recipients of countless pranks and practical jokes. The impact that Chief Smith had on firefighters of yesterday resonates today throughout the Houston Fire Department. Many individuals in the fire department owe a debt of gratitude to the Chief, who helped mold and shape them into the fine people they are today. His lifelong passion for his family - his loving wife Zona, his daughter and son, and especially granddaughters Shannon and Kasey - are accolades to the words family and love. Chester was known by many names - Chester, C.W., Smitty and Chief; but the words he loved most to hear was "PaPa" from his two "Little Darlins" - granddaughters Shannon and Kasey. The family wishes to thank the many, many family members and friends who have called and visited with Chester over the recent months when his health began to decline. We would also like to thank Dr. Anil Sheth for his compassion and special care for the past 11 years. Many thanks also to the staff of Memorial Dialysis Center for the special concerns shown to Chester. Visitation will be held 6:00 - 8:00pm, Thursday, October 23, 2003 at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive. Funeral Services, Friday, October 24, 2003, 10:30am in the chapel, Klein Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Kellond officiating. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery. Even Though You fought the fight It's time to go We all will miss you Even though. We know you're in a better place We'll miss the smile upon your face. You gave us joy all thru the years We're letting you go thru many tears. We know we'll meet again someday As you are there to pave the way. You are with us always, that we know But we will miss you Even though. 
James
Lyndel Smith, 71 of Kempner, Texas moved from this life to his eternal one
on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at his home and surrounded by his family.
He died after a long, brave battle with carcinoid cancer. James, known as Lyndel to his family, was born on February 27, 1941
in a log cabin in Yellowpine, Texas to Robert Everett Smith, a Texas
Ranger and Ellie Marie Edgar Smith. He had two older sisters, one older
brother, one younger sister and two younger brothers. He attended Hemphill
High School, where he met and fell in love with Sudie LaNell Wilson. After
graduating high school in 1959, he joined the U.S. Army. At Christmastime
the following year, he came home on leave and married his sweetheart on
December 23, 1960. The two made their home in Houston, Texas where he joined the
Houston Fire Department. Rising to the rank of Captain, he studied and
received his arson certification, and thus became certified as a Houston
Police Officer as well. Through the years, he also worked part time jobs
in order to make ends meet; he installed windows, directed traffic, and
built patio additions, among other jobs. The most important job he held was that of father, to one son and
one daughter. Though James worked many long, hard hours, he always made
time to attend his children’s ball games and choir concerts. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he loved Mexican food. Most of
all, he loved studying the Bible and sharing the treasures he found there.
He was happiest when he could combine fishing, hunting, Mexican food and
Bible study. In 1987, James retired from the fire department after twenty-five
years and went to work full time as a police officer for the Houston
Independent School District. In 1997, he retired from H.I.S.D. and moved
to Kempner, Texas. During his retirement years, he enjoyed his five
grandchildren, who were the light of his life, and he became involved with
prison ministry and Mexico Missions. He made several trips to Mexico to
deliver food and supplies to the Arbor of Hope Orphanage and to minister
to Mexican prisoners. James enjoyed being a sharp dresser, lved Stetson cologne, and was
known to spend excessive amounts of time styling his thick, wavy hair. James is survived by Sue, his wife of nearly fifty-two years, his
son Shelby Smith, his daughter Renae Brumbaugh, daughter-in-law Debbie
Smith, son-in-law Mark Brumbaugh, and five beautiful grandchildren,
Caitlyn Smith, Charis Brumbaugh, Rachel Smith, Joshua Smith, and Foster
James Brumbaugh. He also leaves behind two brothers, Glyn Smith and Weldon
Smith, and two sisters, Joyce Smith and Eyvone Reece, as well as many
beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by
his parents, Robert Everett Smith and Ellie Marie Edgar Smith, his younger
brother Robert Everett Smith, Jr. (Bobby) and his older sister Betty Sue
Heisler. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 24 at New
Covenant Church in Lampasas, Texas. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Central
Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. Donations can be made to the
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation or the Arbor of Hope Orphanage, care of
New Covenant Church. James lived well, he loved well, and he finished
well. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only
to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Dennis
Wayne Snider is survived by his wife, Ruby Snider of Houston, Texas. Daughters,
Dorothy Gilbert, Onalaska, Texas; Teresa Fitzsimmons, Cypress, Texas;
Brenda Hair, North Zulch, Texas; Kay Strickland, Trinity, Texas; Carolyn
McWalters, Singleton, Texas. 14 grandchildren. 4 great-grandchildren.
Sister, Brenda Bell, Trinity, Texas. And other family members and friends.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2011 at
Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held 2:30 p.m.,
Monday, December 19, 2011 at Earthman Resthaven Chapel. Interment to
follow, Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.
Carlton
Michael Stansel was born in Houston, Texas on February 15, 1954. Mike
passed away at his home on June 18, 2010 at the age of 56. Mike attended
and graduated from Conroe High School in 1972. He entered the Houston Fire
Department in 1978, serving the citizens of Houston for 17 years. He
worked most of his career at Station 54 at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Conroe Masonic Lodge # 748.
Anne
McCormick Sullivan, age 24, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away
Friday, May 31, 2013. She was born December 4, 1988, in Houston, to Jack
and Mary Moore Sullivan. Anne was a truly exceptional young woman. She
graduated from Dulles High School where she was honored as athlete of the
year. At age 17 she decided to become a firefighter and nothing was going
to stop her. Her determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles to
achieve that goal was remarkable. She bravely died in the line of duty
doing what she was meant to do. Anne was fiercely loyal, loving,
compassionate, courageous, trustworthy, funny, stubborn, tenacious, kind,
spiritual, athletic, and a true friend. She will be deeply and forever
missed by the many people whose lives she so positively impacted. She was
the beloved and cherished daughter of Mary Moore Sullivan and Jack
Sullivan. She is also survived by her brothers, William and Thomas; a
sister, Kate; and grandmother, Shirley Moore Perry. Anne's family believes
her memory is best served by establishing a living legacy honoring Anne
and all firefighters by working with the Houston Fire Department to create
the Anne McCormick Sullivan Memorial Scholarship to encourage young women
to enter the noble profession of firefighting. This fund will be
established in the near future.
Randy
Bill Surratt, 35, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at
home with his family and friends by his side after a courageous battle
with cancer. Randy was a 10 year veteran of the Houston Fire Department
Station #19. Randy was a loving father, brother, and son. He was preceded
in death by his parents, Patsy and George Surratt; sister, Andrea Adele
Achilles. He is survived by his children, Merranda Adele and Caleb Griffin
Surratt; sisters, Angela Gober, Allison Yancy and husband Jamie; nieces
and nephews, Mallory Achilles, Austin Vien, Colton Vien and Hailey Yancy;
brothers and sisters of the Houston Fire Department and a host of loving
friends. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Monday, May 3, 2010 at
Rosewood Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m.,
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Grace Church in Humble, Texas. Interment will
follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. In lieu of usual remembrances donations
may be made to Randy Surratt Benefit at the Houston Firefighters Credit
Union 
Leon Selph was born in 1914, in Houston. As a child, he learnt classical pieces on the violin and after graduation, he played with the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 1931, when he was 17, he joined Bob Wills and the Light Crust Doughboys, who were sponsored by a flour mill. As with most country bands of the day, the fiddle was a dominant instrument. The other musicians were impressed with Selph's musical knowledge, which he imparted to them.When Bob Wills moved to Tulsa in 1934 and found national fame, Selph stayed behind and formed the Blue Ridge Playboys. Like Wills's band, they featured western swing, which was country music with jazz overtones.
The Blue Ridge Playboys was Selph's band but it included the steel guitarist Ted Daffan and the singer and pianist Moon Mullican, both of whom went on to carve out substantial careers in country music. Even more significantly, Selph recruited the singer and electric guitarist Floyd Tillman from Mack Clark's dance band. Clark had refused to play Tillman's new composition, "It Makes No Difference Now", and so Selph, who liked the song, invited him to join the Blue Ridge Playboys. Unfortunately, the Playboys' record label, Vocalion, thought the song too slow and would not allow them to record it. "It Makes No Difference Now" became an international success for Bing Crosby in 1941.
The Blue Ridge Playboys' radio programmes were syndicated to many Texas stations. Selph's best-known song, "Give Me My Dime Back", was a regional hit and he also featured the new fiddling classic, "Orange Blossom Special", which remained in his repertoire.
Selph married in 1937 and became a father in 1939, which led to his nickname, "Pappy". He joined the fire service during the Second World War, although he still played music whenever possible. After the war, he stayed a fireman, becoming a captain in 1955 and the vice- president of his local union. He retired from firefighting in 1972 and concentrated on music.
In his sixties, Selph decided to travel. He was invited by the US State Department to perform as a cultural ambassador in the Soviet Union and played before European heads of state.
Back in Houston, he was the leader of the rodeo parade for over 30 years. From the mid-1980s onwards, Selph battled with cancer and heart disease. In 1991, the city of Houston declared a Pappy Selph Appreciation Day and, four years later, he was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame.
Spencer Leigh
Leon "Pappy" Selph, musician: born Houston, Texas 7 April 1914; married (two daughters, one son, and one son deceased); died Houston 8 January 1999.
RICHARD
FRANK SMITH, 53, passed away April 28, 2007. Richard served the community
as a Houston Firefighter for 30 years. He also served his country in the
U.S. Army as a medic. Richard had many jobs, including his own business,
Bay Breeze Carpet Cleaning, but the jobs he loved the most were husband
and father. Richard always put his family at the center of his life and
even in death he will watch over them. Richard was also a member of the
HLSR safety committee. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Smith,
his mother, Felipa Smith, and his beloved Aunt Esperanza Garcia. Richard
is survived by this wife, Elsa, his only daughter, Adrienne, her husband,
Adam, and his two sons, Richard II, and Daniel. Richard also leaves behind
his sister, Carol, and her husband, Pete, along with their children, Lisa,
and her husband, Johnny, their children, Malaina, and Bryan, son, Pete
Jr., and his wife Erika, and son, David. Richard also has many other
family and friends that will greatly miss him. The viewing will be at
Forest Park Lawndale, Tuesday, May 1, 2007 from 5pm to 9pm with a rosary
at 7:30pm. The service will be in the Main Chapel on Wednesday, May 2,
2007. Interment will follow in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to Richard's sons
college fund at The Houston's Firefighters Federal Credit Union. 
Robert
Douglas "Doug" Smith, age 54, of Goodrich, Texas, passed away Tuesday,
January 13, 2015. He was born December 20, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to
parents, Alton and Nell Smith, who preceded him in death. Robert was a
fireman for the City of Houston for 33 years, and a Senior Captain in
rank for Station #38. Survivors include his brothers, Johnny Smith and
wife, Wanda and Brad Smith and wife, Jeanne; nephews, Brent Smith and
Brody Smith; nieces Leslie Emerson and Kimberly Yeager; great nephew,
Aaron Cody Emerson Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.,
Monday, January 19, 2015, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland,
Texas. Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at
Calvary Baptist Church, Cleveland, Texas. Interment will follow at Pace
Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens with Pastor Carl Williamson presiding. -