Obituaries

James Warren Horrell was born November 26, 1928, in Ennis, Texas, and passed from this life to his eternal home on December 11th, 2025, at the age of 97. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mable M. Horrell, brother, John Edgar Horrell, and sister, Jeanette White. Along life’s journey, James admits that his most important achievement was marrying Mazie (Jane) O’Rear. Together, they owned numerous dry-cleaning businesses in Dallas, Garland, Houston, and San Antonio. James was also named Executive Director of the Texas and Laundry and Dry-cleaning Association.

Wallace Max Duren of Benton, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. He was born Jan. 26, 1930, to Luther and Paralee Duren. He grew up in the Malta, TX community and graduated from New Boston High School in 1948. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he married the love of his life, Lena Catherine Reed.

Dr. James Wayne Novak, DDS, 73, passed away December 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and grew up in a close-knit and supportive Czech community. Those roots remained an important part of his identity throughout his life, even as he later made Dallas his home with his cherished wife Lynda.

Gretchen June (Wendt) Dunkerley passed away peacefully at home, December 4, 2025 after a 12-year battle with cancer. She spent her final days at home, surrounded by her beloved family and dogs. She was a devoted wife, former elementary school teacher, and mother of four children. Gretchen June (Wendt) Dunkerley was born August 25, 1964 at Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California to Michael Eric and Carol Jean Wendt. Gretchen grew up in many places including Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Missouri where she attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and studied to become a nurse. It was there she met her future husband, G. Patrick Dunkerley.

Dr. James Wayne Novak, DDS, 73, passed away December 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and grew up in a close-knit and supportive Czech community.

Coary Lynn Bruton, born September 18, 1960, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 65. He was the son of Bobbie “Jo” Beets and Billy Ray Bruton, and the brother of Ray Alan Bruton, all of whom he now joins in heaven. Coary grew up in Palmer, TX, and graduated from Palmer High School, where he made lifelong friends and great memories. One of his proudest moments was playing on the Palmer All Tournament Baseball Team that won the 1979 state championship — a story he never minded telling again.

Samuel “Sambo” Reyes May 27, 1976 – November 30, 2025, Samuel “Sambo” Reyes, age 49, of Rosser Texas, passed away on November 30, 2025. Sam was a devoted family man whose love for others knew no bounds. He placed everyone before himself, living a life defined by kindness, laughter, and an unwavering work ethic. Known for his goofy personality and generous heart, Sam was the person everyone could count on, especially when something needed fixing. If it was broken, Sam could fix it.

Coary Lynn Bruton, born September 18, 1960, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 65.

The Honorable Gene Knize, 83, of Ennis, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025. A lifelong resident of Ellis County, Gene was born in Ennis in 1942 to Wesley F. Knize and Ethelina Haskovec Knize. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved aunt, Carolyn Haskovec. Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Evelyn Patak Knize; his daughter Sheryl Miears and her husband Steve Miears of Southlake; his son Michael Knize and his wife Michelle Knize of Dallas, and his son Dr. Mark Knize of Dallas. He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren — Jake, Drew, Kate, Caroline, and Abbey — who affectionately knew him as “Grandjudge.”