Ben W. Harris Herman, born March 12, 1936, passed away on March 15, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hooper Herman and Sara Frances Ashford Herman. Survived by his sons: Ronnie and wife Marsha Herman, and Mike and wife Joanna Herman. Grandchildren, Jacob and Katie Herman. Brother, Leonard Herman and special friend Helen Groce.
After graduating from MTSU he started teaching in the Jefferson Community in DeKalb County in 1958 where he spent most of his 35 year career. He pursued further education and received his Master’s degree later in life. During his extensive career, he held various posts including principal, history and social studies teacher, and even taught hundreds of DeKalb County teenagers how to drive. His last position was teaching 5th grade social studies at DeKalb Middle School.
Ben was always an entertainer–he always had a story to tell or a song to sing. For years, he had various musical adventures around middle Tennessee. He was a local personality on WJLE and wrote stories for the local paper. His love for his family and former students was always expressed through his recordings and writings.
He will be missed by his family, friends, students, and community.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Honored American Veterans Afield, PO Box 60727, Longmeadow MA 01116 or local donations can be made to the DeKalb Animal Coalition.
Visitation will be at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 17 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Leonard Herman will officiate.
Author Archive: Dwayne Page
Lewis Wesley Conklin
Lewis Wesley Conklin age 72 of Smithville and a native of Logansport, Indiana passed away Friday, March 13, 2015 at NHC HealthCare Center in Smithville. He was born May 25, 1942 to his parents, the late Harold, Sr. and Allie Mae Howell Conklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Demila Fuller. Lewis worked for A.O. Smith and also as a security guard in Indiana, after moving to Smithville, he worked at Federal Mogul and also worked at the laundry mat in maintenance. He was a member of the Riverview Church of God in Logansport and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Esther Conklin of Smithville; 5 children, Marvin Conklin, Nena Trexler, Buck Conklin, Brenda Rose and Joe Conklin all of Logansport; 3 step-children, Coreliss Graves, Ashley Guess and John D. Marler; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Harold Conklin, Jr. of Logansport; 2 sisters, Carolyn Oehlert and Sandy Oehlert both of Logansport; Mr. Conklin’s request was to be cremated and no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to Dr. William Sherwood, Dr. Jack Rhody, DeKalb Community Hospital and Staff, Centennial Medical Center and Staff, NHC and Staff, Suncrest Home Health Staff and Wal-Mart in Smithville for all the love, care and prayers. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements
DeKalb GOP Elects New Officers
Members of the DeKalb County Republican Party met Saturday morning at the courthouse to elect officers to serve for the next two years.
Local attorney Mingy Colwell Bryant was elected Chairman of the Party.
Other officers are Vice Chairman Clint Hall, Secretary Sharon Rhoten, Treasurer Tom Chandler, and Assistant Treasurer Dustin Estes. The new officers were nominated as a group and elected by acclamation with no other names placed in nomination.
Bryant thanked the party faithful for the confidence and trust they have placed in her to lead the local GOP. “I greatly appreciate this opportunity. I consider it a great honor. We have a lot of new and innovative ideas. We have a great board. We have new members as well as members who have been on for a while which is going to guide us and keep us on the right track. A lot of people, and I’ve seen the Democratic Party do this, they will say our goal and job is to grow our party. Well our party is big. Our party, I think is a really good size, we just need more involvement from our party. We need more structure to where we all stand together not only at the state level but also at the local level. We need more people to stand up. One person by their self will just drift away but if we can get together as a group, we can make a change. We can get the bills passed that we want passed. We just have to stand together and have our voices heard and not just wait and hope somebody else takes that torch. Thank you for all your support,” she said.
Last year Bryant ran for General Sessions Judge.
State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody attended the meeting and spoke briefly on issues before the general assembly. Jennifer Winfree, State Committee Woman and former DeKalb Party Chairman was also recognized along with local elected Republican officials Sheriff Patrick Ray, Trustee Sean Driver, Road Supervisor Butch Agee, and Fifth District County Commissioner Jerry Adcock.
Katrena Driver Moore
Katrena Driver Moore peacefully entered into heaven on Sunday March 15, 2015 at the age of 53.
Katrena is survived by her husband, Mark S. Moore, children, Corey and MacKenzie, sisters, Judy (Bratten) Cook of Smithville, TN, Lesa (Mike) Givens of Murfreesboro, TN, sister-in-law, Carol (Buddy) Cutsinger of Franklin, TN, mother–in-law, June Moore, and a host of devoted relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ravanell Driver, brothers, Steve and Eddy Driver, and father-in-law Eugene Moore.
Katrena was born in Smithville, TN and later moved to Murfreesboro where she became a bank loan officer, and worked for Procter & Gamble as a marketing representative.
She was a dedicated wife and loving mother. Her life revolved around her children, and she was actively involved in supporting and participating in all of their activities.
Katrena was devoted to aiding others, and had an incredible heart for community service. Those who knew Katrena, cherished her giving, playful spirit. She always put the needs of others before her own. She continually found joy in everyday life, despite the tribulation she endured. She truly brightened the day of everyone she met.
Katrena was an avid runner and often said that those moments were spent communicating with God.
Throughout her life, especially during her journey with cancer, she was a witness to numerous people about her deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. After her diagnosis, she proclaimed that God had chosen her to be a voice for his Kingdom. She lived everyday as a true servant of Christ. She was a member and faithful attender of Belle Aire Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held at Belle Aire Baptist Church from 2pm to 8pm on Monday March 16, 2015, also from 12pm to 3pm on Tuesday March 17, 2015. Funeral services will be held at Belle Aire Baptist Church at 3pm followed by graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro.
Pallbearers will be Eddy Glen Driver, Mike Givens, Buddy Cutsinger, Barry Fly, Brad Fly, and Mitch Robinson. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Crossroads Sunday School Class of Belle Aire Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Special Kids Inc. or CaringBridge.org.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Christopher Lee Bain
38 year old Christopher Lee Bain of Woodbury died Saturday at his residence. He was a logger and a member of the Short Mountain Church of God. The funeral will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Charles Stanton will officiate and burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Bain was preceded in death by his father, Buddy Bain, Jr. and a niece, Kayla Michelle Brandon. Survivors include his mother, Mary Edna Bain. A brother, Dale and wife Lisa Bain. Three sisters, Mildred and husband Miles Herlong, Margaret Bain-Hines, and Misty and husband John Haugh. Partner, Julia Burlingame. Nephews, Josh Bain, Steven Bain, and Jimmy Murphy. Nieces, Leah Murphy, Melissa and husband Justin Kruegar, Samantha, Isabella, and Alexis Haugh, and Kaileigh Brandon. Great nieces, Emma Nash, Avery Bain, Estrella Lazoya, and Anabelle Krueger. Several uncles and cousins survive. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.
Katrena Driver Moore
Katrena Driver Moore peacefully entered into heaven on Sunday March 15, 2015 at the age of 53.
Katrena is survived by her husband, Mark S. Moore, children, Corey and MacKenzie, sisters, Judy (Bratten) Cook of Smithville, TN, Lesa (Mike) Givens of Murfreesboro, TN, sister-in-law, Carol (Buddy) Cutsinger of Franklin, TN, mother–in-law, June Moore, and a host of devoted relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ravanell Driver, brothers, Steve and Eddy Driver, and father-in-law Eugene Moore.
Katrena was born in Smithville, TN and later moved to Murfreesboro where she became a bank loan officer, and worked for Procter & Gamble as a marketing representative.
She was a dedicated wife and loving mother. Her life revolved around her children, and she was actively involved in supporting and participating in all of their activities.
Katrena was devoted to aiding others, and had an incredible heart for community service. Those who knew Katrena, cherished her giving, playful spirit. She always put the needs of others before her own. She continually found joy in everyday life, despite the tribulation she endured. She truly brightened the day of everyone she met.
Katrena was an avid runner and often said that those moments were spent communicating with God.
Throughout her life, especially during her journey with cancer, she was a witness to numerous people about her deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. After her diagnosis, she proclaimed that God had chosen her to be a voice for his Kingdom. She lived everyday as a true servant of Christ. She was a member and faithful attender of Belle Aire Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held at Belle Aire Baptist Church from 2pm to 8pm on Monday March 16, 2015, also from 12pm to 3pm on Tuesday March 17, 2015. Funeral services will be held at Belle Aire Baptist Church at 3pm followed by graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro.
Pallbearers will be Eddy Glen Driver, Mike Givens, Buddy Cutsinger, Barry Fly, Brad Fly, and Mitch Robinson. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Crossroads Sunday School Class of Belle Aire Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Special Kids Inc. or CaringBridge.org.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Christopher Lee Bain
38 year old Christopher Lee Bain of Woodbury died Saturday at his residence. He was a logger and a member of the Short Mountain Church of God. The funeral will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Charles Stanton will officiate and burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Bain was preceded in death by his father, Buddy Bain, Jr. and a niece, Kayla Michelle Brandon. Survivors include his mother, Mary Edna Bain. A brother, Dale and wife Lisa Bain. Three sisters, Mildred and husband Miles Herlong, Margaret Bain-Hines, and Misty and husband John Haugh. Partner, Julia Burlingame. Nephews, Josh Bain, Steven Bain, and Jimmy Murphy. Nieces, Leah Murphy, Melissa and husband Justin Kruegar, Samantha, Isabella, and Alexis Haugh, and Kaileigh Brandon. Great nieces, Emma Nash, Avery Bain, Estrella Lazoya, and Anabelle Krueger. Several uncles and cousins survive. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.
Tyra Graham is First Ever Miss Spring Blossom
Tyra Grace Graham is the first ever Miss Spring Blossom.
Graham, the 16 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville, won the inaugural pageant held Saturday at DCHS sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club. She was also named Miss Photogenic.
First runner-up went to Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 15 year old daughter of Jennifer Ware of Smithville.
Victoria Vincent was second runner-up. She is the 18 year old daughter of Darrin and Julie Vincent of Smithville. Vincent was also selected Miss Personality.
The pageant featured three contestants ages 15-18.
Speaks Takes Little Mister Title
Five year old Jaxsen Theryn Speaks is the 2015 Little Mister.
Speaks, the son of Justin and Donna Speaks of Smithville, succeeds last year’s Little Mister,
Skyler Chase Sullivan, the seven year old son of Charity Sullivan of Smithville and the late Jamie Sullivan.
The contest, featuring three boys, was held Saturday at DCHS sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club.
In addition to being named Little Mister, Speaks also received the Mister Photogenic honor.
Abram James Koegler was first runner-up in the pageant. He is the five year old son of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Eli Lackey, the six year old son of Retta Lackey and Jason Lackey of Smithville. He was also named Mister Personality.
James Smith Webb
James Smith Webb, age 86, a McMinnville, TN resident and DeKalb County, TN native died March 14, 2015 following an extended illness.
He was self employed in rental properties, member of the First Baptist Church and son of the late Herbert and Sarah Jane Bain Webb.
He was married to Betty Ruth Davenport Webb who preceded him in death February 3, 1996 and was later married to Mary Evelyn Gann Webb who survives.
He was also preceded in death by son, Kent Webb; three brothers, Edwin, Glynn and Gene Webb and four sisters, Christine Magness, Prudell Judkins, Irene Webb and Betty Jo Little.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Mike (Jimmie) Webb and Nancy (Don) McBee of McMinnville; three granddaughters, Lauren McBee of Chattanooga, TN; Dara Webb (Kenny) Johnson of McMinnville and Ashley McBee of Murfreesboro, TN; two great-grandchildren, Hunter James and Kerrigan Hope Johnson and brother-in-law, Wayne “Buster” Davenport of McMinnville.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015 in High’s Chapel with Doug Webb to officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. View Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015 and 11:00 a.m. Monday until time of service at High’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Music Department.