Obituaries Page 1

Johnny Ray Caswell, 71, of Newton, Texas passed away July 12, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 23, 1952 in Orange, Texas to Cecil and Mary Lou Touchet Caswell.

Johnny was a supervisor for West Orange Water Department for many years. He proudly served our country in the United States Army.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents

Johnny Ray Caswell, 71, of Newton, Texas passed away July 12, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 23, 1952 in Orange, Texas to Cecil and Mary Lou Touchet Caswell.

Johnny was a supervisor for West Orange Water Department for many years. He proudly served our country in the United States Army.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Shirley Caswell and Nathan Caswell, and two sisters; Betty Bradshaw and Ethel Hampton.

He is survived by his wife; Norma Caswell of Newton, son; Darrell Caswell and wife Shelley Deason Caswell of Mauriceville, daughters; Michelle and husband Eddie, and Shylon McCarver both of Newton, brothers Jimmy Caswell of orange, Frankie Caswell of Tyler, Alex Caswell of Orange, and Tracey Caswell of Orange, sisters; Amanda Berry of Vinton, La, Linda Shipman of Dayton, and Verna LeBlau of Orange, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be Friday July 14, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm Saturday July 15th at Smith Funeral Home with burial at Ford Cemetery.

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

Walter M. Fortenberry, Sr., 97, went to his Lord and Savior on July 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and friends in the home they occupied for 70 plus years. He was born to Reverend John P. Fortenberry and Bessie Waldrop Fortenberry on May 9, 1926 in Algiers, Louisiana. He went to various schools throughout Mississippi and Loui

Walter M. Fortenberry, Sr., 97, went to his Lord and Savior on July 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and friends in the home they occupied for 70 plus years. He was born to Reverend John P. Fortenberry and Bessie Waldrop Fortenberry on May 9, 1926 in Algiers, Louisiana. He went to various schools throughout Mississippi and Louisiana, graduating from Fisher High School in Fisher, Louisiana. There were five students in his graduating class—two boys and three girls. (He got most handsome every other year.) 

Walter served in the United States Navy at the end of World War II. After serving his country, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Gray on June 30, 1950 at First Baptist Church in Newton, Texas. He went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University. He taught school in the Newton school district for 34 years, teaching science, coaching boys and girls basketball, and eventually serving as school counselor in his later years. His basketball teams in the 1950’s customarily won district and advanced in the playoffs. Most often they were beaten by Buna who would eventually win the state championship at the time. 

For sixteen years, Walter served as Justice of the Peace for Newton County. He was active in all areas of First Baptist Church Newton, serving as a deacon for over 63 years. He was also engaged in the cattle, hay, and right-a-way mowing business throughout his life. 

He is preceded in death by his dad and mom, Reverend John and Bessie Fortenberry; his son, Walter M. Fortenberry, Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Reverend Bob Gordan and Charles Gray. 

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Elizabeth Fortenberry; sisters, Mildred Gordan and Bessie Fortenberry; son, John Fortenberry and wife Sybil; daughter-in-law, Jeri Fortenberry; grandsons, William Fortenberry and wife Teri, Jason Fortenberry and wife Stormy, Chris Fortenberry and wife Erin; granddaughters, Ali Stewart and Cherish Shamblin and husband Kaleb; great-grandchildren, Kaegan, Kiera, Kole, William, David, Anastasia, Ashlin, Avalon, Erik, Aurora, Justin, Zanica, Grayson, Karis, Kyra, Maddox, and Gunnar.