Obituaries

Local obituaries for Meridian, Texas


Franklyn Henry Smith

Franklyn Henry Smith

Jul 5, 2026

Franklyn Henry Smith passed away suddenly on July 5, 2026, in Lakeside Village, Texas, leaving behind a deep legacy of faith, love, and a zest for life that touched all who knew him. Born December 28, 1948, in Harlingen, Texas, Franklyn’s journey was woven with care, devotion, and joyful involvement—a life lived in vibrant color and unwavering faith.

Franklyn’s path led...

Roy Eugene Martindale

Roy Eugene Martindale

Jul 2, 2026

Roy Eugene Martindale, beloved husband, devoted father, treasured brother, and cherished friend, passed away suddenly on July 2, 2026, at the river in Blum, Texas, while doing what he loved most. Born on November 14, 1977, in Cleburne, Texas, Roy brought warmth, laughter, and an unmistakable presence to all who knew him.

From an early age, Roy embodied spirit and ambition...

Kenneth Wayne Roark

Kenneth Wayne Roark

Jun 27, 2026

Kenneth Wayne Roark, born on January 26, 1931, in Walnut Springs, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, in Athens, Texas. Kenneth’s life was one marked by steadfast dedication to his family, his work, and his country.

Raised in the small community of Walnut Springs, Texas, Kenneth formed early foundations of strength and perseverance that would sustain him through the...

Jay Mack O'Donald

Jay Mack O'Donald

Jun 26, 2026

Jay Mack O’Donald, 59, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026. He was born on August 25, 1966, to Bobby and Charlotte O’Donald in Abilene, Texas, and grew up just down the road in Hamby.

Jay Mack went to Hamby Elementary, Eula Middle School, and Clyde High School, where he graduated in 1984. He stayed busy playing basketball and tennis, running...

William Warren MacKenzie

William Warren MacKenzie

Jun 26, 2026

William Warren MacKenzie, age 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Clifton, Texas, on June 26, 2026. Born on September 10, 1971, in Clifton, Texas, William—known to many as Will—touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his unwavering kindness, unrelenting spirit, and a smile that never faded, even in the toughest of times.

Will's journey through life began...

Jerry C. Johnson

Jerry C. Johnson

Jun 22, 2026

Jerry Cecil Johnson was born on September 28, 1950 to Laura “Bea” Anderson-Johnson and Cecil “CA” Johnson in Cleburne, TX and departed this life on June 22, 2026 at the age of 75. Jerry was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and loyal friend. His greatest joy came from his family, followed closely by his antique cars (and talking...

Lorene Gosdin Gilleland

Lorene Gosdin Gilleland

Jun 21, 2026

Lorene Gosdin Gilleland, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026 in Granbury, Texas at the age of 99. Born on December 8, 1926, in Somervell County, Texas, Lorene lived a lifetime rooted in love for her family, quiet strength, and simple joys.

Lorene’s early life blossomed in the countryside, where she developed a lifelong appreciation...

John Henry Heath

John Henry Heath

Jun 17, 2026

John Henry Heath, born on March 28, 1942, in Rhodell, West Virginia, passed away loved by all who knew him on June 17, 2026, in Clifton, Texas. A man whose presence was as vibrant as his voice was loud, John was truly the heart of his family and all who had the privilege to know him.

John’s life was a tapestry...

Bonifacio Eugene "Boni Gene" Vara

Bonifacio Eugene "Boni Gene" Vara

Jun 6, 2026

Bonifacio Eugene "Boni Gene" Vara, age 52, of Walnut Springs, passed away on June 6, 2026 leaving behind his family and numerous friends that will forever miss his presence and unmistakable spirit. 

Boni Gene was the kind of man who never met a stranger whether you had known him for years or just met him. He had a way of making...

Jose Huerta V.

Jose Huerta V.

May 28, 2026

Jose Huerta V., born on August 8, 1972, in Mexico, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. 

Jose was a deeply cherished individual known for his kindness, hard work, and infectious sense of humor. For 30 years, he diligently worked as a cook at Montana's Restaurant in Stephenville, a career marked by dedication...

Tony Gomez, Sr.

Tony Gomez, Sr.

May 27, 2026

Tony Gomez, Sr., born November 21, 1967, in Dublin, Texas, passed away on May 27, 2026, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Tony’s journey through life was a testament to the power of hard work, love, and laughter, touching countless lives along the way. From his earliest days, Tony’s hands were tools of both skill and care. Learning mechanic...

David Splawn

David Splawn

May 19, 2026

David Splawn, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Meridian, Texas. Born on January 17, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, David lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and community.

David graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During his time...

Rhonda LaNell Stegall

Rhonda LaNell Stegall

May 18, 2026

Rhonda LaNell Stegall, a beloved soul known affectionately as Aunt Nell to so many, peacefully passed away in her sleep on May 18, 2026, in Clifton, Texas. Born on December 11, 1955, in Waco, Texas, LaNell’s life was a gentle testament to kindness, dedication, and warmth—qualities that touched all who knew her.

LaNell’s journey was marked by her earnest commitment to...

Marty Dan Golightly

Marty Dan Golightly

May 14, 2026

Marty Dan Golightly, born November 19, 1971, in Meridian, Texas, passed away on May 14, 2026, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. Marty’s life was marked by dedication, warmth, and an enduring commitment to his family and community.

A graduate of Huckaby High School in 1990, Marty pursued higher education at Tarleton State University before entering the Police Academy,...

Sara Lou McCombs

Sara Lou McCombs

May 12, 2026

Sara Lou McCombs, a beloved mother and friend, cherished educator, and vibrant soul, peacefully passed away at her home in Walnut Springs, Texas on May 12, 2026. Born on November 20, 1940, in Jacksboro, Texas, Sara lived a life marked by unwavering loyalty, an endless generosity, and an extraordinary ability to touch the hearts of everyone she encountered.

A graduate of...

John Paul Jones Jr.

John Paul Jones Jr.

May 11, 2026

John Paul Jones Jr., affectionately known as Johnny, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, in Clifton, Texas, surrounded by those who cherished him deeply. Born on June 5, 1937, in Waco, Texas, Johnny’s life was a testament to devotion, hard work, and a profound love for his country and community. Johnny was a proud son of John Paul Jones,...

Clayton Carl Appleby

Clayton Carl Appleby

May 10, 2026

Clayton Carl Appleby, age 39, of Alvord, Texas passed away May 10, 2026.

He was born on May 22,1986 in Dallas, Texas. Clay was known for his very quick, dry wit and loud laughter. He was a devoted and loving dad to his children. Loved animals of all kinds and was not afraid of hard work or to lend a helping...

Lloyd James "Sunshine" Kuykendall

Lloyd James "Sunshine" Kuykendall

May 9, 2026

Lloyd James "Sunshine" Kuykendall, a beloved member of the Kopperl community, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Born on June 30, 1928, in Hill County, Texas, Lloyd lived a life deeply rooted in family, hard work, and community service, earning the affectionate nickname "Sunshine" for his radiant personality and infectious laughter.

A graduate...

Darel Joseph Campbell

Darel Joseph Campbell

Apr 24, 2026

Darel Joseph Campbell, age 53, was born on July 25, 1972, in Meridian, Texas, and went to be with his Lord on April 24, 2026, in Cleburne, Texas. 

Darel was a proud graduate of Meridian High School, where he made many lifelong friends. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army for six years. After his military service,...

Jean Kibler

Jean Kibler

Apr 23, 2026

Maxine Jean (Coopwood) Kibler, 99, passed away on April 23, 2026, in North Richland Hills, Texas.

Jean was born on December 21, 1926, in Memphis, Tennessee. She married Wayne Kibler on March 19, 1954, in Texarkana, Texas, and together they built a life centered on family.

She is survived by her son, Keith Kibler of North Richland Hills, Texas; her daughter-in-law, Debbie...