Latest News

With five Mondays in the month of July, we have decided (after not missing a Monday publication in 10 1/2 years) that a much-needed few days off is due. We will not have a publication on Monday, July 29. Our next publication will be Monday, August 5.

Click on photo below for PDF version

Click on photo below for PDF version

Marsha Gail Key passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 3, 2024. A Howe native, Marsha was born to Bob and Eva Lois Smith on March 6, 1951, in Sherman, Texas. Marsha graduated in 1968 from Howe High School and enjoyed doing clerical work at Howe State Bank and Austin College before retiring from Fisher Controls after over thirty years of service. Marsha loved having fun with her friends, playing the piano, reading, shopping, eating out, and spending time with her grandchildren, Levi and Holly Cavender, which she considered the “lights of her life.” Marsha was a wonderful mom and “maw-maw” to her kin and like a mother to many. She also leaves behind many devoted friends. Marsha was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Lois Smith, her sister Linda Smith White, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Survivors include her younger sister Ellen Pearce (Tim) of Azle, Texas, her only daughter Sandra Cavender (Matt) of Howe, TX, her grandchildren Holly and Levi Cavender of Howe, Texas, one nephew Brad Pearce (Carissa), and two great nieces Mackenzie and Robin of San Antonio, TX. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Denison Animal Welfare Group, Wounded Warrior Project, and to Home Hospice of Grayson County. Special thanks to Donya Davis, RN and staff of Home Hospice of Grayson County, and all the amazing staff at Silver Leaf Assisted Living in Denison, TX

Raymond was born on September 5th, 1937 in Van Alstyne to parents N.R. and Irene Langford. He met the love of his life, Vala Hopper, and was married in 1970. He accepted Jesus at the age of nine and was baptized at the Forest Avenue Baptist Church in Sherman. He moved his letter to FBC Howe in the 1970s.

Raymond grew up in Sherman and graduated from Sherman High School in 1955. He attended College at Texas Tech, proudly joined the army, and was part of the Geodetic Survey Det. 32nd Engineer BN 2nd US Army Msl Cmd M. From his training in the US Army, he secured a job surveying the construction of NORAD. He passed peacefully to his heavenly home. He later worked for Langford Construction Co. and Owned and Operated Howe Concrete until retiring in 1995. He enjoyed Family, Classic Cars, Sports, and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vala; son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Candy; and Two grandchildren Valerie and Nowlin. Brother-in-law and wife Robert and Essie Hopper; Richard and Donna Hopper; Sister-in-law and husband Vickie and Kimm Castro. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside Service will be Friday, July 5th at 10 am at Cedarlawn Memorial Park Sherman, TX. Following the graveside services the family will receive friends at the fellowship hall at the First Baptist Church of Howe, for lunch and visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FBC Howe or “Feed My Sheep”