Ray Benton Sutton

Ray Sutton 1947 - 2025 Ray was born at home on October 21, 1947 to R.B. (Robert Benton) and Janie Odell Sutton in Mayflower, TX where he remained anchored for his entire life. Being the younger brother of Hugh, his mother naturally called him “Ray Baby” and in doing so attached the nickname that followed him for the rest of his life. His parents were both school teachers who made sure to keep the children with them even as post-war upheaval called them to various area schools, ranging from nearby Burkeville to the more distant China and finally Hardin Jefferson where Ray graduated in 1965. But it was always to Mayflower that the family returned. It was during those years that Ray’s interest in cattle and farming truly became apparent. He applied himself to the study of livestock and crop farming as well as soil and water management, earning himself the 1963 - 1964 FFA Lone Star Farmers Degree. After high school, Ray spent a lifetime building upon that knowledge. He loved nature and never missed an opportunity to be in it. It is rumored that Ray was not above creating his own opportunities if necessary. In fact, his brother Hugh says that Ray developed faking a belly ache into an art form, preferring to receive his education from hunting and fishing rather than a school room. Ray’s roots were by this time deeply planted in Mayflower, living and working in the place he loved. Ironically, it was living there that brought him under the influence of I.B. Dickerson and Gordon Woods who became mentors for his welding career. Ray attended Lamar State College of Technology, got his first job with Holly Farms and never looked back. Holly Farms was swallowed up by Tyson Foods, but Ray Sutton stayed put. His work ethic eventually led him into a long term business relationship with Tyson Foods, building and maintaining poultry processing plants across the southern states. He retired in May 2014 but not before he had helped to launch the careers of a string of local young welders. Ray was a man solidly grounded on the land he loved. He believed in being frugal, refusing to be drawn into the extravagant world that was growing around him. He was happiest with his family - or hunting and fishing - or just talking to Hugh on the phone. Ray’s personality was magnetic. His ever-present smile combined with the mischievous twinkle of his eyes made even perfect strangers comfortable in his presence. He was known to be an excellent story-teller, regaling people with tales of his colorful life or even every day events for no other purpose than to draw laughter and smiles from them. His greatest joy was in bringing joy to others. Ray was preceded in death by his parents R.B. and Odell Sutton He is survived by his brother Hugh and Sue Sutton of Clear Lake. Ray Sutton’s Legacy is one of Hard Work and Kindness to Others It is this legacy he leaves to future generations: • His daughter - Misty and Clark Winslow of Woodville • His son - Buster Sutton and his partner Samantha McCoy of Hudson • Daughter - Ashley Morrow of Burkeville • Honorary Son and nephew - Bud Sutton of Newton • Grandchildren including Wyatt and Lola Morrow, and Jackson and Kate Winslow THEY DON’T MAKE MEN LIKE THIS ANYMORE

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Survey Cemetery Committee Fund  P.O. Box 271 Burkeville, Texas 75932

A graveside service will be 10:30 am Saturday December 27, 2025 at Mitchell Cemetery in Wiergate, Texas. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Texas.

  Visitation for Gary Lee Gooch will be  5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday December 12, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Texas. Funeral services will be 6:00pm Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be 10:00 am Sunday December 14, 2025 at Gooch Cemetery in Newton, Texas. 

Gary was born June 02, 1967 in Buna, Texas to Patrick and Peggy Richmond Gooch. 

He was a member of the IBEW local 479. He was also a member of the Masons. Gary loved going to the hunting club to ride his 4-wheeler in the woods. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Corey Allen Gooch.

Gary is survived by his parents, wife, Nelly Gooch of Hitchcock, Texas; daughters, Kasey Jeanes of Votaw, Texas, Ruby Galvan of Hitchcock, Texas, Diana Arizmendi and husband Julian of Hitchcock, Texas, Nelly Gonzalez of Hitchcock, Texas and Valerie Lopez of Hitchcock, Texas; sister Debbie Linaweaver and husband Tracy of Evans, Louisiana; grandchildren, Kaley Pickering, Amiya Rambo, Roy Martinez and Layla Martinez. 

Gary will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. 

Kathryn Hamous McKinney, 67, of Jasper, Texas passed away December 06, 2025. 

She was born June 20, 1958 in Port Arthur, Texas to Bobby and Martha Lanier Hamous. 

Kathryn was a  resident of Jasper.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Grandchildren, Wayne McKinney; Angel George and  Thomas George.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Pamela George and husband James J. T. of Jasper; sisters, Bobbie Stott of jasper, Becky Inman of Jasper, and Theresa Murray of Kirbyville; grandchildren,  Lyzzy Beth George and Jasmine George. 

Ms. McKinney will be remembered and missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. 

Graveside services will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Newton City Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. 

  Nicole Allison Stephens passed away Wednesday December 10, 2025 at her residence in Burkeville, Texas. 

She was born November 08, 1968 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Robert and Barbara Salata Francisco. 

Nicole was preceded in death by her parents, and a step-daughter, Sabrina Stephens.

She is survived by husband, Wade Stephens of Burkeville; son, Michael Stephens and wife Geneva of Alabama; two daughters, Ashley Degluliam of High Springs, Florida, and Allison James of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Dean Degluliam, Jamie- dax Kraus, Chloe Degluliam, and Michelle Degluliam.

Nicole will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved her. 

No service has been scheduled at this time.

Lee Ann Goodson, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and lifelong champion of others, passed away peacefully on November 25.  In her final hours she was surrounded by close friends and family.  She was 62.

For the last twenty years, Lee Ann dedicated herself to the students and staff of Newton Elementary School in Newton, Texas, serving as a paraprofessional whose calm presence, patience, and unwavering support touched countless young lives. 

Prior to her time in Texas, she worked with individuals of all ages with special needs at the Ability Building Centre (now Ability Building Community) in Rochester, Minnesota, and spent seasons at Camp Confidence (now Confidence Learning Centre) in Brainerd, where she helped campers discover confidence and joy in their own abilities. Helping others wasn’t just her work; it was a thread that ran through her whole life.

Away from the classroom, she found peace and purpose in the natural world. An avid woodworker specializing in scrollwork and wood turning, she created pieces that reflected her meticulous craft and her eye for beauty. She loved being in the outdoors —  fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and being among animals of all kinds. Whether on a quiet trail or a lake at dawn, nature was her refuge.

She is survived by her sister, Debra Barnicle of Massachusetts; her brother, Louis Goodson; and her father, Joe Goodson of Tyler, Texas. She was predeceased by her mother, Leah Hatch Goodson.

Lee Ann leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and gentle strength that will continue living in the hearts of all who knew her.  She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, students, and all whose lives were brightened by her presence.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor her memory consider a donation to Heart to Heart Hospice of the Lakes Area. Contributions may be made at www.htohh.com/donation.

Visitation hours will be held at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, TX from 2-4 pm on Sunday, December 14.

Kavin Lee Simmons Jr., 22, of Burkeville, Texas passed away December 05, 2025 in Leesville, Louisiana. Kavin was born June 19, 2003 in Jasper, Texas to Kavin Lee Simmons Sr. of Leesville, Louisiana and Brandy Riley of Burkeville, Texas. 

Kavin is survived by his parents, grandparents, Sandra Jones of Leesville, and Roy and Bronda Lee of Burkeville; brother, Erik Simmons of Burkeville; sister, Alaina Simmons of Burkeville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Kavin will be greatly missed and the memories of him will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. 

A Memorial service will be Tuesday, December 09, 2025 at Smith Funeral home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.