Ronald Scott King

  January 23, 1943 – December 19, 2025 

Ronald Scott King, Ph. D., age 82, who resided in China Spring, Texas, passed away on December 19, 2025.A graveside/ memorial service will be 3pm Saturday May 30, 2026 at Griggs Cemetery in Stringtown, Texas in Newton Co.  

Ron was born January 23, 1943, to Dr. Byron Bishop King and Margaret Scott King in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1961. Ron received his Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Lamar University in 1966, his Masters Degree in Mathematics in 1968 from the University of North Texas, and his Doctorate in Research and Statistical Methodology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1973. Later in life, 2007, he received his Masters in Ministry Leadership from Rockbridge Seminary. 

Ron married the love of his life, LaJuan Newby, on May 29, 1965 in Newton, Texas. He and his wife made a life together for over 60 years travelling and living life to the fullest. The treasures of his life were his daughter’s families: his oldest daughter, Alison & her husband Joel Douglas Froneberger and their two sons, Michael and Alex; his youngest daughter Shannon and husband Wesley Field and their three sons: Steven, Jacob and Gabriel. Dr. King said many times that he had been blessed by God to be even a small part of a loving family. 

His career spanned four decades of teaching and administration at multiple universities including: Baylor University, Texas Lutheran University, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, the University of Texas at Tyler, Lamar University, Augusta State University and Western Illinois University. Dr. King brought a unique perspective to the fields of statistics, computer science, and information systems. His lifetime career publications made numerous contributions to these fields. He has been President of the Texas Academy of Sciences and the author of 4 published academic books. 

Ron was also an avid runner, competing most of his life in marathons & triathlons. Ron competed for Lamar University’s track team while he was an undergraduate student and also competed in the Scottish Highland Games in the summer of 1964. He was often found running or riding a bike training for the next amazing fun run. He transferred that love of sports to his grandsons and in his younger years would often challenge them to races to the joy and delight of the boys. 

Ron was a loving husband, father, Papa and friend. He will be missed tremendously by us all. His grandmother, Mary Cody Anthony, dedicated her life to God before he was born and her influence was in place as he certainly didn’t disappoint, always being a true Christian and man of God, always willing to help anyone in any way he could. He went on mission trips to Jamaica and Romania and also served the Lord all his life. His favorite bible verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” 

He is survived by his wife, Sandra LaJuan King; daughter, Shannon Field and husband Wesley Field; grandsons: Steven Field, Gabriel Field, Michael Froneberger and Alex Froneberger. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Byron B. King and mother, Margaret Scott King, his daughter Alison and her husband Joel Douglas Froneberger and his beloved grandson, Jacob Field.

Tony Douglas Lott, 66, passed away on May 20, 2026, at his residence in Bon Wier, Texas. He was born October 26, 1959, in Kirbyville, Texas to Carlton Douglas and Lois Laverne Gill Lott.

He married Christina Mary Kaiser on June 15, 1979. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. 

Tony was a heavy equipment operator in the logging industry for many years. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Douglas Lott; Mother, Lois Lott; and sister Shirley Marchie.

Tony is survived by his wife of 46 years Christina Lott of Bon Wier, Tx; daughter, Courtney Lott of Bon Wier, Tx; sons, Jeremy Lott of Bon Wier, and Tony Lott and Rebecca of Fawil. TX; grandchildren, Olivia Boutin and Trenton, Cole Lott and Kylie, Emma Lott, Taylor Lott, Ethan Lott and Sierra, Cailey Watson and Radley, Caiden Watson, Curstin Boyd, Curtis Boyd, and Missy May Boyd; great grandchildren, Willow Boutin, Ataliah “ Butt”  McMillian, Wrenly Boyd, Maverick Lott; sisters, Rachel Goines and Donald of DeRidder, Amanda Phelps and Mike of Merryville, Kathy Bennett and Byron of Merryville; brothers, Kenneth Lott and Jena of Merryville, Lynn Lott and Charlotte of Merryville, David Lott of DeRidder. 

A visitation will be Saturday May 23, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Texas from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday May 24, 2026 at the funeral home with burial to follow at Ford Cemetery in Newton, Texas. 

Richard Michael Wood, 72, passed away Friday May 15, 2026 in Newton, Texas. He was born June 17, 1953 in Newton, Texas to Billy Gray and Sylvia Jane Jordan Wood. 

Mike was retired from the county where he had worked for many years. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Samantha Wood; brothers, James Eric Wood and Billy Alvin Wood; sister, Nelda Rountree; and a grandchild, Samuel Knighton.

Mike is survived by daughters, Marianne Hawthorne and husband Cody of Newton, Texas; Gerreaca Knighton and husband Greg of Livingston, Texas, Sember Wood of International Falls, Minnesota, Dae’ Lynn Wood of Newton, Texas, Billy Jean Cole of Kirbyville, Texas; brother, Joe Wood of Village Mills, Texas; sister, Tricia Wood of Lake Hyatt, Texas; and eighteen grandchildren. 

Mike will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A visitation will be Monday May 18, 2026 from 5:00pm until 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Texas. 

  Mary Susie Perdue, lovingly known as Sister Perdue or “Nannie,” was born on November 18, 1933, in Bon Wier, Texas, and passed into her heavenly reward on April 21, 2026, where she is now reunited with the love of her life, Rev. Sidney “Hal” Perdue. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddice and Captolia Davis, as well as her siblings Joseph Davis, Eddice Davis, Elton Davis, and Norma Nelson.

Sister Perdue is survived by her three children, Mary Helayne Tabrah and husband, Thomas; Curtis Perdue; and Michael Perdue and wife, Carolyn. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan Tabrah, Laura Chiavacci, Christopher Perdue, Kelly Perdue, Krystal Perdue, Nicholas Perdue, Bruce Perdue, Michelle Ellis, and Matthew Perdue, along with a loving family of 24 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, extended relatives, and dear friends.

Sister Perdue’s life was defined by her deep faith and her unwavering commitment to serving God, but her story was forever shaped by a remarkable love. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost in Bon Wier, Texas in a revival in February of 1960 and has served the Lord faithfully and diligently from that day forward. After graduating from Newton High School and attending business school in Beaumont, she moved to San Diego in 1952. It was there that she met Sidney “Hal” Perdue on New Year’s Eve, a moment that would change the course of her life. Their connection was immediate and certain. Just three months later, they were married, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 68 years until his passing in 2021. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, and a shared sense of purpose.

In December of 1964 she and Bro Perdue were asked to be pastors of the Fawil United Pentecostal Church of Fawil, Texas. They would serve here until December of 1972. From this time, they felt a calling to go to the country of Colombia, South America and served there until 1994. With no formal training and not even knowing the language, Sister Perdue stepped forward with courage and conviction. She was a true trailblazer, embracing the unknown and fully committing herself to the work she believed in. Alongside Bro Perdue, she helped build and support a bible school that impacted countless lives, strengthening communities and carrying the Truth across generations. Her service was not limited to one place or season. It showed up in how she lived every day, with steady faith, resilience, and a willingness to go wherever she was needed. She was the kind of person who could survive anything, not because life was easy, but because she met it with grit, faith, and an unshakable spirit.

She was also known for her quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor. She had a way of delivering a line at just the right moment, often leaving a room laughing. That humor, paired with her strength, made her a steady and uplifting presence to everyone around her. Sister Perdue brought people together in ways that felt effortless. She was an extraordinary cook, known as the best dumpling maker around, and somehow able to make even liver and onions something to look forward to. Her shrimp and rice became a signature, and her homemade German chocolate cake was legendary. These meals were more than food, they were how she showed love.

She also had a deep love for travel and adventure, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries throughout her life. No matter where she went, her heart remained grounded in her faith, her family, and the people she served. 

She was a woman of remarkable faith, enduring love, sharp humor, and quiet strength. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, missionary, mentor, and friend, but to those who knew her best, she was simply Nannie. In every role, she lived with compassion, conviction, and a spirit that could not be shaken.

Her life stands as a testament to faith in action, agape love, and resilience through every season, and a love that endures beyond this life.

The Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 am Friday, April 24, 2026  at Bon Wier United Pentecostal Church. Visitation will be Thursday April 23, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Church. 

Sam Kelly McMahon, 86, passed away April 13, 2026, in Burkeville, Texas. He was born November 13, 1939 in Wiergate, Texas.

Sam loved music and was a Band Director for many years.

He is preceded in death by his father and step mother, Sam w. and Juanita McMahon; mother and step father, Mary Ruth and Gordon Eckman; sister-in-law, Jaydean Tullos; and sister Kerry Lawrence. 

Survivors include his wife, Janice McMahon of Burkeville; son, David Kohler; daughter, Kathleen Jones of Nuevo, California; brother, Pat Eckman of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Joellen Grooms of Orange, Texas; sisters, Ginger and Cheri; grandchildren, Brett Kohler, Bailey Jones, David Kohler III, and Jaye Jones; great grandchildren, Mason Kohler, Selah Jones, Saint Kohler, David Kohler IV; and a host of Cousins. 

A memorial service will be 11:00am Saturday April 25, 2026 at First Methodist Church in Newton, Texas under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. 

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

Memorial service for Lela Faye Ross will be 10 am Monday April 20, 2026 at Fawil United Pentecostal Church in Newton, Texas.