Martha Knox Christman

Martha Knox Christman went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 4, 2012. Martha was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1926 to parents Ruth Mitchell and John Erwin Knox. She was raised in Washington and attended college, studying music. She married the love of her life, Edwin Charles on June 18, 1947. They were happily married for 51 years. In 1964, they moved to Houston and Martha moved to Katy, Texas in 2004. Martha was a devout member of First Baptist Church and the “Son Light” Sunday school class. She attended BSF Bible Studies for many years. She spent many enjoyable hours volunteering for Project Linus.

Martha is survived by her daughters Ruth Haiduk, Sheila Hulme and husband Ron, Joyce Goldsmith and husband Russell, grandchildren Nathan and Travis Haiduk, Michelle Hulme-Lippert and husband Bobby, Jennifer and Melissa Hulme, and Kyle and Alyse Goldsmith.

Martha was devoted to the Lord, her family, and her friends. Her sweet spirit will be missed by those that knew her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10:00 am in the chapel at First Baptist Church, Katy. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project or to First Baptist Katy.

James Hamberlin

James Edward Hamberlin, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, of Katy, TX, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on April 20, 2012.

James was born December 15, 1969 in Oklahoma City to James and Frances Hamberlin. A graduate of Chickasha High School, James proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1991-1995. While enlisted, the talented runner was selected to the All-Marine Track & Field Team. After serving in the Corps, James joined Vance Security Co. in Detroit, MI where he met the love of his life, Kimberly Brewer. James and Kim eventually settled in Katy, TX where Kim began a career with Shell Oil Co. while James devoted himself to a labor of love helping to raise their two daughters Angelina and McKenna.

James was a gifted athlete who excelled at any sport. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially his beloved Oklahoma Sooners. James was a friend to many, but above all, a man whose passion was his family.

James is survived by his loving wife Kim; daughters, Angelina and McKenna, mother Frances Hamberlin of Edmond OK; sister, Donna Jean Hamberlin Bogle of Norman, OK; brother, Billy Jack Hamberlin of Weatherford, OK; as well as numerous other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Hamberlin.

A viewing will be held on Monday April 23rd, from 6-8 pm CST at Schmidt Funeral Home, 1508 East Avenue, Katy TX 77493, 281-391-2424.

The Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday April 24th at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak, Katy TX 77494. 281-391-1100.

James asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his daughter’s college fund at: College Invest Direct Portfolio; College Savings Plan (FBO Angelina & McKenna Hamberlin); PO Box 55355; Boston, MA 02205-5355.

Robert Edwin Kingsley

Robert Edwin Kingsley was born on November 26, 1924 in South Lyon, Michigan to Victor Edwin Kingsley and Laura Smith Kingsley.  On July 6, 1946, he married Evelyn Joy Wiseman in San Antonio, Texas.  Robert served his country as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Katy and was also a member of the Masons and Shriners. 

Robert Edwin Kingsley passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, in Katy, at the age of 86 years.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy Kingsley; children, Charles Kingsley and his wife Twyla of Katy, and Gregory Kingsley and his wife Kay of Katy; grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer, Melissa, and Allison; and great grandchildren, Savannah and Garrett.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Dr. Randy White officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Restever Memorial Park, in Bryan, with Dr. Randy White officiating. 

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Texas Chapter, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd.,Houston, TX 77030.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Alma Mathis

Alma Irene Mathis was born on October 27, 1921, in Waller, Texas, to James and Edith Schmidt.  She married Elvy Judge Mathis on April 25, 1941, in Katy.  Alma has resided in Katy since 1941, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Alma passed away in Katy on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at the age of 89 years.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Elaine Spencer and her husband Ross; and James R. Mathis and his wife Mary; daughter-in-law, Pat Mathis; grandchildren, Michael Mathis, Michelle Hudson and husband Mark, Marc Mathis and wife April, Steven Spencer and wife Xochitl Perales, Timothy Spencer and wife Michelle, Lauren Ditchman, and Jonathan Ditchman; great grandchildren, Kelly Hudson, Michael James Hudson, Britany Spencer, Benjamin Spencer, Nicolas Sheppard, Evan Spencer, Maddison Mathis, Michaela Mathis, and Brennen Mathis; great-great grandchildren, Jason Mathis, Joshua Mathis, Landon Mathis, and Logan Mathis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvy Judge Mathis; and sons, Gary Lynn Mathis and Frank Joseph Ditchman.

Family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011, at the Bolin Chapel at First Baptist Church, in Katy, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Tom Bolin officiating.  Interment in Memorial OaksCemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Pastoral Care Ministry at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Road,Katy, TX 77494 or to Life Solutions Hospice, 20923 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Garber Leroy Short

Garber Leroy Short passed away on September 6, 2011, at the age of 96 years, 7 months, and 7 days.  Garber was born on January 31, 1915 to Viola Grier Short and Arthur Leroy Short on the family farm between Katy and Brookshire.  Garber attended Katy school and graduated in 1933.

After high school graduation, he was employed by several of the rice farms in the area.  Some of his duties included performing levee surveying, plowing, planting, and harvesting tasks.  Soon he was able to find employment with the Avera Feed Store in Katy.

In 1940 he entered the Army for the then required one year tour of duty.  This tour was extended after the Pearl Harbor attack and Garber was attached to the Texas 36^th Division.  His tour took him through north Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and ultimately Germany.  He was discharged as Tech Sgt. in 1945.  He returned to Katy and in March of 1946, he married Avadele Peck.  They bought a home in Katy and remained married and active there for some 66 years.  Garber began working for the American Rice Growers Co-op Association, and retired after 40 years in 1980; 27 years were spent as General Manager.

In addition to his career, he was active in community development of Katy.  Among his many activities included Charter Member of the Katy Volunteer Fire Department, past President of the Katy Rotary, honorary member of the Katy FFA, as well as a Katy ISD Board Member.  He was an ordained Deacon of First Baptist Church on September 17, 1939, and served for 50 years.

Garber always enjoyed people and conversation.  Among some of his other personal time activities he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tinkering with old motors and working in his shop.

He is survived by his wife, Avadele; son, Stanley and wife Roberta; daughter, Elsie and husband Chip; four grandchildren, Andy, Brian, Kate, and Daniel; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors whose company he always enjoyed.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Rev. Tom Bolin officiating.  Interment in Katy Magnolia Cemetery.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Tommy Nichols

Thomas Lerie Nichols, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13, 2011. Born in Trout, La., Tommy spent his last years on earth in Houston, Texas.

Tommy's first chapter in his professional life was in Oilfield Services at McEvoy. His second chapter was as a manufacturer's representative for R.H. Peterson.

Working till the day he died, he was a big man in all ways. A strong, committed Christian, he strived to live his faith in all aspects of his life. In living his beliefs, he impressed the importance of Christian committedness and honesty on his family, wanting the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to own Christ as their personal Savior. Those who spent any time around him also know of his enjoyment of life and his sense of humor. Many of us learned some of our best behaviors from him and want to honor that today and every day hereafter.

Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Regenia Nichols Cunningham; his nephew, Clifton Nichols; and his granddaughter, Angie Ann Duhon.

Tommy is survived and sorely missed by his brother, James Nichols; his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Nanette Browning Nichols; and his three children and their spouses, Susan and Montie Grimes, Sheryl and Eric Duhon and Lloyd and Tresa Huff Nichols. His legacy includes seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, a service of celebration will be at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, Texas 77494 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Randy White and Pastor Jeff Rees co-officiating. Following the services, Tommy will be laid to rest at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Mission Program of First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pine Oak Road, Katy, Texas 77494, 281-391-1100.

John Clifton

Mr. John Franklin Clifton passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his home in Katy, Texas.  

Mr. Clifton was born March 19, 1921 in Dickson, TN.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mrs. Jo Ann Davis Clifton; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Albert Clifton of Shaw, MS; and one brother, Homer Dalton Clifton of Shaw, MS.

He is survived by two sons, John Franklin Clifton, Jr. and wife Cindy of Katy, Texas, and Joe Bruce Clifton and wife Jenny of Larchmont, New York; two grandchildren, Michael and Emily Clifton of Larchmont, NY; one brother, James Robert Clifton and wife Claudia of Benoit, MS, one sister Mrs. Barbara Jean Whittington and husband Dick of Bartlett, TN, and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Ann Clifton of Shaw, MS; three nephews, James Whittington, Jay Clifton, Bobby Clifton; one niece, Sherry Swales, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Clifton graduated from Benoit High School in 1941.   He earned a B. A. Degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS in 1948. He served overseas in the US Army from 1942 – 1946 during WWII as part of the 533^rd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment.   He worked more than 40 years in the Mississippi Delta engaged in various agricultural/horticultural enterprises, specifically, Delta Brokerage and Pearson’s Nursery in Indianola, MS and Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he retired from the Campus Beautification Department.  Mr. Clifton has been an ordained Baptist Deacon since 1956.

A memorial service will be held at the Bolin Chapel of First Baptist Church in Katy, Texas on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 10 AM.    A visitation will be held at the Madisonville Funeral Home, located at 1511 E. Main (Hwy 21), Madisonville, TX on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2:30 PM with graveside services to follow at 3:30 PM in the Madisonville City Cemetery.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Katy First Baptist Church, 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, TX 77494.