Obituaries

Don Truitt Forse

Don Truitt Forse

Don Truitt Forse, 76, of Woodville passed away peacefully at his residence on November 21, 2007. Services were held at Woodville's First Baptist Church on Monday, November 26, 2007. Officiating was Rev. Arless R. Glass. Serving as pallbearers were the members of the Woodville Police Department and Charles Russell. Honorary pallbearers were Don Rhodes, Mel Stephen, Johnny Swafford, Leo Wright, Raymond Earl "Bronk" Dixon and Pat Hardy.

He was preceded in death by his sister Elmarine Forse Mitchell, his father Truitt Burton Forse, his mother Delena Ann Birdwell and an infant son. Survivors include his wife, Bennie Forse of Woodville, children Donna Frances Forse of Woodville, Janice Delena Forse of Beaumont, Oleta Marie Dement and fiance Ed Haley of Houston, Phillis Kimberly Tubb and husband Gil of Woodville, Donald Forse and wife Becky of Round Rock; grandchildren Laura Kimberly Hebert and husband Clint of Kingwood, Emily Frances Dement of Houston, Rachelle Renee ZenZen and husband Scott of Houston, Britton Elizabeth Forse of Round Rock; and great-grandchildren Ethan ZenZen, and Maryissa ZenZen.

Don T. Forse was born June 10, 1931 in rural Shelby County, Texas. In his time here with us, he achieved things which would have seemed impossible for a man coming from such humble beginnings.

Especially as a young man, Don traveled all over the country. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, and took various jobs in places as far away as Canada. Wherever he was, he always called East Texas his home.

Eventually he made his way back to Texas where he took a job in Houston for Hughes Tool Company. Following that, he went into business for himself, founding Force Incorporated and Force Road Oil. With these companies, he achieved great success as an independent businessman.

He loved music. As a young man he had some success as a country music singer, performing with artists all over the country. In his later years, he converted the carport in his home to a recording studio. It was his refuge in his last days, and it gave him a place to share his love of music with his friends and family.

He loved politics, and became heavily involved in the Republican Party. Through his service, he met many powerful leaders of the state and nation. He called many of them his friends, including President George H.W. Bush.

Don traveled with Bush during his presidential campaigns, but always came back home to Texas, where he was appointed to boards and commissions by Governor Bill Clements.

He loved his country and was a true patriot, knowing he was fortunate to have been born in the greatest country in the history of man.

He loved to fly airplanes, he loved nature and the outdoors, and he loved to joke and laugh. In the end, it was the simple things in life that brought him the most enjoyment, whether it was a cold slice of watermelon or a quick hug from one of his grandchildren.

More than anything, he loved his family. He dedicated his life to providing for them, and they loved and respected him more than anything.

He was an extraordinary man who lived a remarkable life, and he will be missed.

Sybil Marie Summerlin

Funeral services for Sybil Marie Summerlin, 87, of Jasper were Nov. 23, 2007 at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper wtih burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

Sybil died Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Shady Acres Nursing Home in Newton. A native of Mt. Enterprise, TX and a former resident of Marshall, TX, she was a longtime Jasper resident. A graduate of Mt. Enterprise High School, she attended The College of Marshall and Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College until her marriage to Frank M. Summerlin. They co-owned and operated The Fabric Shop in Jasper, Center, and Marshall until their retirement in 1979. She was a member of The First Baptist Church in Jasper where she was a former Sunday School Teacher. She enjoyed oil painting, china painting, knitting and sewing. An excellent homemaker, she loved her family and was an accomplished cook. She valued family traditions and this legacy lives on.

Survivors include her two daughters Donna Sue Jones and Brenda Brown & husband Phil all of Jasper, one grandchild Christi Jones, 2 great grandchildren, Madeline Jones and Victoria Jones. She is also survived by several nieces & nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband of 59 years, Frank M. Summerlin, her father and mother Lovis and Effie Anderson, brothers Joe Bill Anderson & Roy Talmadge Anderson and sister Mary Alice Howes.

Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Associaton, 440 N. 18th Street, Suite 7, Beaumnot, Tx 77707 or the local Gideon's Camp.