Category: Howe News Bulletin

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

A Howe resident reported to police Tuesday that they had received a phone call that appeared to have originated from the Howe Police Department. The caller told the resident they were the subject of a bank fraud investigation and that they needed to call a different phone number the following day or they would be arrested. Even though the caller knew the resident’s name, the resident believed it was a scam, and promptly met with police to make them aware of the call and to let them know that it appeared to come from a valid police department phone number.

The Howe Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious phone calls such as this. Neither the Howe Police Department nor any other law enforcement agency will call residents and threaten to arrest them if they fail to call some other phone number about an investigation.

This particular type of fraud, or scam, is known as Spoofing. Scam artists disguise their communication to reflect it as being from a known, trusted source. Spoofing is not limited to phone calls. Scammers apply the same techniques through emails, websites, computer IP addresses, and more.

Spoofing is used to gain access to a target’s personal information, spread malware through infected links or attachments, bypass network access controls, or redistribute traffic.

Tips to help avoid becoming a victim to this scam include:

* Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller or email.

* Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.

* Stay private. Regularly update privacy settings for social media sites. Scammers often make their stories more believable by trolling for personal information on Facebook, Twitter and similar sites.

* Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers to a stranger.

* If someone believes they are being scammed regarding an alleged unpaid traffic citation or other court-imposed financial obligation they should ask the caller for information specific to the alleged warrant or unpaid traffic citation. The caller should have the court case number, date of ticket and vehicle license number.

Most importantly, if you are suspicious of a caller, trust your instincts. You are likely correct. Many fraud victims report later that they were suspicious of the caller, but they continued to give out personal information anyway. 

Charles Ralph Williams, 69 years old, of Tom Bean, beloved husband, father and Papaw went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a courageous and hard-fought battle against COVID-19.

Ralph was born in Sherman, TX to Joe and Lucy (Franklin) Williams on September 20, 1951. He attended all twelve years of school at Tom Bean ISD and graduated from Tom Bean High School, Class of ’70. While attending high school, he excelled in basketball and was voted Most Athletic his junior year and Mr. TBHS his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Marion Copley, on February 12, 1971 in Sherman, Texas.

For many years, Ralph enjoyed playing softball. He made many memories traveling with the team, his wife, daughter and nieces.

Ralph had a lifelong love of cars. He loved to collect and restore them and was often known to race a few. His most recent and possibly his favorite project was restoring a white Ford Bronco with his grandson, Will.

Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. He enjoyed attending and supporting his grandchildren in their school and athletic activities.

Ralph began his career in construction for many years with his father-in-law, Bill Copley, and his brothers-in-law, Bill Copley, Jr. and Albert Rodgers. Ralph worked at Tom Bean ISD for many years. During this time, he made many longtime friends and was a trusted and favorite bus driver of many.

His love for buses led him to his next career as Director of Operations for All Aboard School Transportation, where he developed relationships with school administrators across the state of Texas, as well as owners of charter bus companies across the nation. Ralph was always a bus driver at heart and never felt or acted superior to others, this quality allowed him to be a leader and boss that was respected and approachable.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Marion Williams, their daughter Kiley Fleming and her husband, Alan of Tom Bean; grandchildren, Karsyn, Will and Bella Fleming. Brother, Joe Williams (Kathy) of Sherman, Sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Tom Bean, Donna Rodgers (Albert) of Luella, Brother-in-law, Billy Copley, Jr. of Sherman, and dear cousin, Pat Stephens (Joyce) of Tom Bean. Nieces and nephews, Kerri England (Mark) of Sherman, Lisa Courtney (Steven) of Howe, Eric Rodgers (Laura) of Melissa, BJ Rodgers (Kelly) of Savoy, Carol Ann Downing (Jason) of Bells, Joe Williams, III (Terria) of Frisco, Rhonda Malone of S&S, and Patricia Williams of Tyler. Ralph leaves behind many cousins, great nieces and nephews and an abundance of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Jackie Copley, Brother-in-law, Jerry Smith and niece, Janice Williams.

To allow for social distancing, there will be a graveside service, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 11:00 am at Holloway Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, Texas. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.

Elmer Ray Bledsoe was born July 23, 1932 to Marion Elmer Bledsoe and Belle Corine Hunter Bledsoe. He had nine half brothers and sisters of which he was the youngest.

Ray enjoyed volunteering in the community. Several years ago he was the Howe Youth Baseball Commissioner and volunteered his time and energy to get Ferguson Field ready for kids to play on. He later became Mayor of Howe for several years. Ray also served on the Holiday Lights Committee of Grayson County and was a part of bringing the Holiday Lights to Loy Lake Park. Ray also enjoyed baking his cookies and sweets and sharing them with his friends.

Ray is survived by his daughter Sherry Allison (Steve), his daughter-in-law Sharon Bledsoe, his grandson Eric Allison (Samantha) all of Howe, his Grandson Troy Allison of Richardson, and Granddaughter Michaela Bledsoe of South Korea. He is also survived by Great Grandchildren Truitt, Bennett, and Ellyn all of Howe, and Haylee, Kenzie, and Levi all of Richardson. Ray is also survived by Lucille Tate a sister from Sherman.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Georgia, and his son Mike. Ray will be missed but especially missed by his Schnauzer and best friend Mikey.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a favorite charity. There will not be a visitation or a public service. With the Covid 19 so bad there will only be a graveside service for immediate family only. At a later date, we will try to honor Ray with a memorial service.

Steve Simmons will be delivering the family graveside service and will honor Ray with a public service at a later date when it becomes safe.

Richard Dale Barrett was born on August 14, 1948 in Denison, TX to H.B. and Maggie Hunt Barrett. He entered his heavenly home on January 7, 2021, and we know he is breathing easy with his Savior. Richard graduated from Sherman High School in 1967. He was a well-known paint contractor and insurance agent in the North Texas area. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gina Barrett, and brothers Alton Barrett and Jerry Barrett. 

Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years Lanettie Barrett of Howe, TX. Richard and Lanettie met on a blind date and were married 3 months later. Dad always said he loved Mom as much as meat loves salt. He is also survived by daughter Amy Hampton and husband D.M. of Sherman; son Kevin Barrett and wife Nici of McKinney; granddaughter Ally Hampton of Denton, TX, and grandson Luke Barrett Hampton of Sherman, TX. He is also survived by his brother Glen Barrett of Van Alstyne, TX,  sister Sheri Mroz of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

If you knew Richard you know that he was competitive. Over the years Richard enjoyed entering and winning multiple chili cook-offs with his son and son-in-law. Richard was an exceptional 42 player, and he passed this trait on to both of his children. He played in and won several online and in-person tournaments. Not to mention the many championships he won at the Gentry Family Reunions. Many memories were made with family and friends playing 42. Richard loved his church and Sunday School class. He loved to study and discuss the Word of God. Two of the greatest joys in his life were his grandchildren. He always made every effort to attend their basketball, volleyball, baseball games, swim meets, and band concerts.

The family would like to express gratitude to the nurses at WNJ. Thank you for being with him when we couldn’t. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Deacon’s Benevolent Fund at First Baptist Church Howe, TX.

Denison- Funeral services for Carl David Englutt, Sr., age 80, will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, January 8 at Waldo Funeral Home. Burial will follow at White Mound Cemetery. His death occurred unexpectedly while visiting his daughter in Van Alstyne, Sunday morning, January 3, 2021.

Mr. Englutt was born in Achille, Oklahoma on February 16, 1940, the son of Roxie Mae Chumbley and John Forrest Englutt. He graduated from Colbert High School in 1958. He served in the US Army, primarily in Germany. He was an active member of the Masons for 53 years with membership in the Constantine Lodge #13 of Bonham, Texas.

Mr. Englutt was a fireman for the Sherman Fire Department where he was the first fireman to drive an ambulance for the department when it took over ambulance service. He retired after 25 years of service. He was a hard-working man who often was found working two or three jobs. He was a member of Kemp Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman; loved all animals, especially horses, and trail rides.

Mr. Englutt was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anne Frances Gurley; brother John Forrest Englutt II; and brother James Hoyatt Englutt.

Mr. Englutt is survived by wife Nina Lela Carter Englutt of Denison; son David Englutt of Howe; and daughter Leasa Ramsey and husband Freddy of Van Alstyne; grandson, Jared Hunter Ramsey and wife Whitney of Howe; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Gracie Wall all of Howe; sisters: Dorothy Anderson and husband David of Denison; Lauretha Collins and husband Mike of Denison; and Jan Grantland and husband Billy of Denison. He is also survived by niece Dymetra Cline and husband Bobby and great-niece Micha Wadley, all of Denison; niece Roxie Wilson and husband Ricky of Bells and great-nephew John F. Englutt III and wife Teresa of Sherman.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 7 at Waldo Funeral Home. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Robert Lee Trotter, 67, of Howe, Texas, died unexpectedly on December 19, 2020 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident nine days earlier. and passed later at the hospital due to surgery complications. His loss was completely unexpected, and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.

Mr. Trotter was born in Sherman, TX to Paul E. and Virginia Trotter. He briefly lived in Sherman until his family moved to Howe, TX. There he grew up spending most days outdoors playing with his brothers and sisters, picking on each other, which they all continue to do. Mr. Trotter graduated from Howe High School and began working at Magni- Fab. He ended his career as a Supervisor at Western Canwell. In his spare time, he loved being outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Trotter never met a stranger. No matter how long or short he’d known you, you could count on him to help you with anything. He was such a great hugger that numerous friends and family referred to him as a “big ol’ teddy bear”. If he wasn’t at his home in his comfy recliner watching football or Nascar, he could be found outdoors riding around on his motorcycle, fishing, or hanging out at the river.

Anyone that knew Mr. Trotter, knew he was a kind, caring, and adoring father. He was a very loving dad to his daughters, Leslie and Randi, and an outstanding stepfather to Johnna and Kelley Money. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his children and never did a visit or phone call does not end with an “I love you”.

Mr. Trotter was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia, his father, Paul E., and his sister Paula Wornhor. He is survived by daughters Leslie (Tom) DeFrange and Randi (Brandon) Trotter, grandchildren Taylor (Dustin) Powell, Hailey DeFrange, Zoie DeFrange, Zak DeFrange, Khalid Trotter, Raegan McKinney, and Rilyn McKinney as well as great-grandchildren Cooper Geer and Coulson Powell. He is also survived by sisters Debby (Jerry) Copeland and Nyala (Bruce) Williams and brothers Wayne Trotter and Paul David Trotter as well as Aunt Juanita (Bill) Jennings and several nieces and nephews.

When the family is ready, there will be a memorial ride in his honor followed by a celebration of his life.