Obituaries

Charles Frederick Burgess Jr., aged 73, passed away on August 10, 2025, in Ennis, Texas. Born on November 3, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, Chuck was cherished and loved by all. Chuck worked hard to provide for his family; the most important thing in his life. He had a love of entertaining whether it be golfing, magic tricks and showing funny videos to his grandkids. Together he and his late wife Sheila made every holiday special for their loved ones. Above all else, his late wife Sheila was the love of his life followed by his three girls and eight grandkids.

DeLoryes Luetta Probst, 85, of Ennis, TX, passed away peacefully in her home on July 17, 2025. For almost 63 years, she shared a life with her husband Tommy, traveling the country, enjoying new adventures. DeLoryes was a wonderful mother. Mentoring Luetta and Scott patiently through their younger years, being an active member of the PTA, attending countless band concerts, softball, basketball, and volleyball games. As the kids grew up, DeLoryes began volunteering in the community, helping others by becoming active with the Crisis Center, the Golden Circle, Helping Hands, and the American Legion.

Ronald Roy “Ronnie” Knotts, 61, of Ennis, Texas, passed away on July 31, 2025. Ronnie was born on October 18, 1963, in Ennis, Texas, to Gladis Elizabeth Laza and James Roy Knotts. He grew up in Ennis and the Alma area, where he spent his childhood riding bikes and enjoying crawfish with his brother. Ronnie graduated from Ennis High School and went on to become a true jack-of-all-trades. He worked across a variety of fields, including fencing, mowing, renovation, and automotive repair. No matter the job, Ronnie was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Mark Wayne Sullivan was born July 11, 1954 to Wayne and Chestal Sullivan of Bardwell, Texas. Being the prized only son amongst five girls, he would forever be affectionately known by the family as “The Boy.” Growing up on the farm in Ellis County was formative in who Mark became. He always knew he wanted to be a cowboy.

Barbara Kuchar Doughty passed away May 28, 2025, after a short illness. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James I. Doughty. She also leaves four children, Ann L. Breeswine of Quincy WA, Dr. Paul E. Doughty of Perth, Australia, John R. Doughty of Shoreline, WA, and James P. Doughty of Mountlake Terrace, WA.

Gina Marie Rokas (Gistinger) passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on June 5, 2025. She fought with incredible strength and unwavering faith, inspiring everyone who knew her. She was an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Gina was born on November 13, 1962 to Jesse and Jeanette Gistinger in Marlin, TX. She was a fun-loving kid who unicycled, beat all the boys in every sport she played, teased her brother Craig, and was a friend to all. It was no surprise to anyone she was Homecoming Queen her senior year. After graduating from Marlin High School in 1980, she went to McLennan Community College to play collegiate tennis and then transferred to Southwest Texas State where she finished her tennis career and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreational administration.

Larry Wayne Isom, of San Angelo passed away on May 25th, 2025. Born in Ennis, TX on September 18, 1950, Larry graduated from Ennis High School in 1969. He enjoyed many adventures with lifelong friends Jerry Yarbrough, Tommy Slama, James Woody, Chuck Kubala and others. In 1972, he met Donna Lynn Trojacek, the love of his life. They married on May 19th, 1973 when he was farming over 5,000 acres near Ennis. In 1981, they moved to Big Lake, TX where Larry ran an oilfield service company. They shared 52 years together, traveling by boat, cowboy camper, and motorcycle, especially enjoying trips on his Goldwing Trike.

James Warren Hunter, 90, passed away in Red Oak, Texas, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

On May 1, 2025 Roger stepped into a saddle on a big beautiful bay horse and rode off into that big pasture in the sky to meet his forever trail boss, Jesus, and on to his final ranch spread. Roger was eagerly greeted by those that had entered before him; his mother - Thelma Attebury Corbin, father - Weldon Bailey Corbin, daughter - Sheri Corbin Fearis, wife - Rebecca Simmons Corbin, brother Wylie Corbin Lewis, and grandson - Taylor Corbin.

Elizabeth Mary (Patak) Dixon was born on March 17th, 1932, to Adolph and Louise (Horak) Patak. She was one of 10 children born and raised on Creechville Road. She attended the Creechville School for a time before attending and graduating from St. John’s High School. She was a life-long member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church KJZT.