Branon Funeral Home

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Funeral services for Veneda Brown, 90, of Brownfield will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Welch Church of Christ with Kalith Brown officiating and Nick Shock and Daniel Reese assisting. Interment will follow to Dawson County Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home.

Veneda Fern Young was born in the home of her grandparents in Quail, Texas on April 11, 1936. Her parents, Clovis Young and Ethel Ogletree Young both grew up in Quail, Texas and they moved to Dawson County in 1938. Clovis worked on the farm in the Klondike community for B.F. Painter and later for Jack Pelham. Veneda attended school at Klondike through grade school and Jr. High. During her high school years, Clovis and Ethel ran a small grocery store on the South edge of Lamesa and Veneda attended and graduated High School in Lamesa. She loved playing basketball in Jr. High at Klondike and evidently was quite the player! She regretted having to move to Lamesa for High School because at the time Lamesa did not have a girls’ basketball team.

Veneda graduated from Lamesa High School in May of 1954 in the top 10 of her class. Her best friend was Joan Addison. They met two Welch boys on the square in Lamesa and decided they would start going to the Welch basketball games. The Welch boys were Bill Gray and Otha Brown. Veneda was 16 and Otha was 17 when they first met. Veneda graduated in May and they were married June 18th of 1954. Otha and Veneda lived South of Welch and worked for Alvin Riley on the farm in 1955. From 1956-1960 Otha worked as a sheet metal specialist and they traveled from job to job building gas plants and construction in refineries all over Texas and New Mexico.

In 1961 they bought a house in Lamesa and Otha went in partnership with his brother Wayne Brown in Brown Roofing and Sheet Metal. In 1965 Otha and Veneda moved to the farm in the Wellman community when Arnold Baldwin gave them the opportunity to do what they had dreamed of. In 1971 they bought land and built the house they lived in for the rest of their lives. Otha passed away on July 21st of 2018. Veneda passed away on May 21st of 2026. They were married 64 years 1month and 3 days! Veneda was a master seamstress in her younger years. She could whip out fabulous dresses for her granddaughters and those she considered like granddaughters. She worked on the farm with Otha and knew the business as well as he did! She would let you know if the rows were not straight or if there were weeds that needed hoed! She was a bookkeeping wizard and handled all the loan applications and tax preparation.

Veneda loved Jesus first and foremost and she loved people well. Her selfless service to her family, church and community will not be forgotten. She was a member of Welch Church of Christ for 60 plus years, where she also worked for 21 years.

Veneda is survived by her sister, Lavonda Cave of Lamesa, children, Rhnea Brown, Kalith Brown and wife Vaughn, Jalene and husband Larry Young, and Ed Martin, grandchildren Nick Jolley and wife Misty, DeAun and husband Kyle Hipsher, Jada and husband Nick Shock, Kyla and husband Alan Muns, Sena and husband Daniel Reese, Kanyon Brown and wife Erika, Landon Brown and wife Bailey, Daresa and husband David Melton, Derek Young and wife Lyndi, C**t Martin, Jordan and husband Cutter Glover, 37 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Veneda was preceded in death by her parents Clovis and Ethel Young, husband Otha Brown, grandson Colby Jolley, great grandson Colson Glover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kenya Children’s Home c/o Welch Church of Christ.

To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

05/22/2026

Congratulations to all the Classes of 2026🎉🎉🎉

05/07/2026

Billie Fern Foster, 87, of Flower Grove, Texas, passed away peacefully in Lamesa, Texas May 7, 2026.

She was born on September 13, 1938, in Lamesa, Texas, to Murray and Augustus Cook.

On April 25, 1957, she married Bennie Lee Foster, the love of her life, in Flower Grove, Texas. They shared a devoted marriage of 61 years, until his passing in 2018. Together, they farmed and ranched in the Flower Grove community throughout their entire marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Billie will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She had a special passion for quilting, all kinds of handwork, and ceramics—talents she used to create lasting pieces that will be treasured by her family for generations.

Billie and Bennie truly loved the life they built together, making daily trips to the pasture to check on their cattle. Billie especially enjoyed trying to outguess him on what the cattle would weigh—one of the many simple joys they shared. She took pride in her role as a homemaker and loved working alongside Bennie in the fields.

Billie was always willing to lend a helping hand, faithfully volunteering wherever she was needed at church and school, often serving as a teacher and supporter in her community. She found great joy in watching her grandchildren play sports and spent countless cherished hours with her family gathered around pasture campfires, making s’mores and memories that will last a lifetime. She was affectionately known as “BB” to her grandchildren, a name spoken with love and admiration.

In her younger years, she enjoyed camping with her family and made many treasured trips to the Devils River and the Rio Grande, where they fished and walked the riverbeds—simple moments that became lifelong memories for those who shared them with her.

Billie was a longtime member of the Ackerly Church of Christ, where she faithfully attended and served until her health no longer permitted.

Billie is survived by her children, Montie Foster and wife Alison of Ackerly, and Chris Ann Foster of Lamesa; grandchildren, Chad Kennemer and wife Meagan of Lubbock, Aubrey Thixton and husband Clay of Ackerly, April Smith and husband Ty of Lamesa, and Audra Leonard and husband Ben of Greenwood; her great-grandchildren, Foster, Steel and Slate Kennemer; Tucker, Truett, and Trenton Thixton; Jace and Jackson DeLong; Charlee and Will Leonard; and her sister, Joy Barkowsky of Lamesa.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; an infant brother, Gedon Cook; and her brother-in-law, Eugene Barkowsky.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at Branon Funeral Home from 6-7:30 pm.

Burial will be in Ackerly Cemetery following a private family graveside service officiated by Randy Mathis. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com

Family suggests memorials to a charity of your choice.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

05/05/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Susan Marie Wilson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. She went to be with the Lord on May 3, 2026 in Lamesa, Texas. Born in San Angelo,Texas on May 23, 1954, Susan was the daughter of James Wheeler and June Helwig Wheeler. Susan is survived by her son Joshua Wilson and his family of Marathon, Texas and her daughter Melanie Wilson of Brady, Texas; her sisters, Julia Paske of Lamesa, Texas and Peggy Gifford of La Grange, Texas; an aunt, Imogene Jackson of Big Lake, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Susan made a profession of faith at twelve years old and was baptized in Belmore Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Lamesa, Texas.

Susan graduated from San Angelo Central High School and Angelo State University. She married Gary Wilson on June 14, 1981 and their marriage was blessed with two children.

Susan was employed by the Lamesa ISD for thirty years before her retirement in 2021, first as a kindergarten teacher and then a dyslexia therapist. Her professional affiliations included holding local and regional offices in Delta Kappa Gamma and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. Her fellow teachers remember her as a great baker, cook, and contributor to many faculty luncheons.

Susan supported her children’s activities in Boy Scouts, the Lamesa Little League, Band Boosters, and later in following Melanie’s dedication to women’s soccer. Within her community and church, Susan enjoyed participating in Lamesa Community Players, volunteering at Movieland and with the First Baptist Church Food Bank, and was an alumnus of the Lamesa De Dios Walk to Emmaus Community.

Susan was a fiercely dedicated mother, grandmother, and aunt who loved to celebrate Christmas and Family Reunions. She had a special talent for finding meaningful gifts for those she loved.

The family would like to thank Penny Borland, the staff of Medical Arts Hospital, Lynn County Hospital, Focused Care of Lamesa, Hospice of the South Plains, and particularly Lynnwood Assisted Living in Tahoka, Texas who provided Susan with such loving care for the past six months.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

04/20/2026

Funeral services for Joe Webb, 83, of Ackerly will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ackerly with Dr. Stan Blevins officiating and John Bill Hedrick assisting. Burial will follow in Ackerly Cemetery, under care and direction of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa.

Joe passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Lamesa surrounded by his family. He was born on April 28, 1942, in Lamesa, to John Benton and Mary Idella (Oaks) Webb. He married Lafern Foster on December 31, 1965, in Lamesa. They were married 45 years at the time of her death in 2011.

Joe was a lifelong farmer in the Ackerly–Flower Grove area. Farming was his childhood dream, and he loved working alongside his brothers, Wayne and Jerry. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and, over the years, visited all of the lower 48 states.

One of Joe’s greatest joys was his grandchildren. He loved watching them participate in sports and other activities. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and, along with his brother Jack, rode thousands of miles to attend their grandchildren’s games.

Joe was a self-taught fiddle player and shared that love with his daughter, Becky. They treasured every opportunity to play music together and, along with friends, performed monthly for the residents of the Beehive for more than ten years.

Joe was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Ackerly, where he and his brother Robert could often be found sharing a pew on Sundays.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Becky Nix and husband, Daniel, of Gail; brothers, Robert Webb and Jerry Webb and wife, Lawana all of Ackerly; four grandchildren, Thomas Nix and wife Mary of Garden City, J.W. Nix of Austin, Erin Daniell and husband Chase of Abilene and Ben Nix of Abilene; one great-granddaughter expected any day and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lafern Webb; son Mike Webb; brothers and sister-in-law’s, John and Melba Webb, Wayne and Peggy Webb, and Jack and Brenda Webb.

The family suggests memorials to the Ackerly Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 145 Ackerly, TX 79713, the Ackerly Cemetery PO Box 44 Ackerly, TX 79713 or a charity of your choice. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

04/18/2026

Graveside service for Jerry Bennett, 73, of Lamesa will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Dawson County Cemetery with Pastor Curtis Lloyd officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home.

Jerry Loveless Bennett, known to family and friends simply as Jerry, passed away on April 17, 2026, in Lamesa, Texas, at the age of 73.

Born on August 10, 1952, in Lamesa, Jerry lived his life with steadfast devotion to his family, his work, and his community. He was the son of the late Loveless and Flora Grace Bennett, and he carried the values of his parents with him throughout his life. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Benton and Ruth Bennett, his maternal grandparents, Charles and Lannie Mathis, and his in-laws, Marvin and Bernice Welborn. Those who knew Jerry best remember a man who was loving, courageous, and kind in every season of life.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Lamesa, where he graduated with the Lamesa High School Class of 1970. He later attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. He married Sue Welborn on January 8, 1972 in Lamesa. Texas.

A defining chapter of Jerry’s life was his long career with Lyntegar Electric Co., where he worked from March 31, 1975, until October 6, 2015. Over the course of four decades, he became a familiar and respected presence through his dependable service and commitment to doing his job well. His work ethic spoke volumes, and he earned the confidence and respect of those who worked with him.

Family was at the center of Jerry’s life. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue Bennett of Lamesa, and his son, Stephen Bennett of Odessa. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Bennett of Lamesa, and numerous extended family members and close friends. Jerry treasured those close relationships and found great joy in being with the people he loved. Time with family was never taken for granted, and his presence brought comfort, strength, and warmth to those around him.

Outside of work and family, Jerry enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life meaningful to him. He loved Texas Rangers baseball, followed the Dallas Cowboys, and found peace in fishing. These interests reflected a man who appreciated both the excitement of the game and the quiet patience of the outdoors. Yet above all, Jerry valued the time he spent with family, and those moments remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Jerry Loveless Bennett will be remembered as a man of devotion, resilience, and heart. His life in Lamesa was marked by years of service, deep family ties, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew him. Though he is gone, the memory of his loving nature, courageous example, and kind spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of your choice. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

04/12/2026

It’s that time of year again!!! Come out this TODAY and join us for the celebration of life and remembrance. This is a special event so close to my heart if you haven’t been to a butterfly release yet, you are missing out please come out and experience it yourself. If you should have any questions please feel free to call or text me Rachel Gonzales at 806-200-1427. Don’t miss it!!!

04/07/2026

It’s that time of year again!!! Come out this Sunday and join us for the celebration of life and remembrance. This is a special event so close to my heart if you haven’t been to a butterfly release yet, you are missing out please come out and experience it yourself. If you should have any questions please feel free to call or text me Rachel Gonzales at 806-200-1427. Don’t miss it!!!

04/06/2026

Curtis Edward Walton, known to many simply as Curtis, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Lamesa, Texas, at the age of 70. Born on September 29, 1955, in Lamesa, Texas.

Curtis lived a life marked by service, hard work, and devotion to those he loved. He served in the U.S. Army as a motorpool sergeant, where he was stationed in Germany, Alaska, and Oklahoma. His military service reflected the steady discipline and sense of responsibility that would remain with him throughout his life. After his time in the Army, he worked as a truck driver for most of his life, a career that suited his dependable nature and strong work ethic. In time, he retired in Lamesa so he could be near his children and grandchildren, a decision that spoke to what mattered most to him.

Curtis was a Christian man whose faith was woven quietly and faithfully into the way he lived. He was an outdoorsman to his core and found his greatest peace in the quiet of a deer stand or with a line in the water. He appreciated the simple, honest moments that came from being outside, and those who knew him best understood how deeply he valued the calm and beauty of nature. He also showed his love through action, often spending nearly every weekend manicuring the lawns of friends and family or helping out when things needed to be fixed or worked on to make sure they were taken care of. In this way, he cared for others not only with words, but with steady hands and a willing heart.

For all of his hard work and devotion, Curtis never missed an opportunity for a little mischief. He was the family’s notorious prankster, and no one was ever completely safe when he was nearby, especially if there were ice cubes or a water hose involved. He had a gift for laughter and enjoyed the startled reactions that followed one of his playful tricks. Whether it was a cold cube slipped down a shirt or an unexpected soak from the hose, he delighted in the joy and surprise he brought to others. His humor was part of his charm, and it left behind countless memories that his family will treasure for years to come.

Above all else, Curtis was a man defined by his devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Ellen Walton; his sisters, Gladys and Nell; and his wife, Susan. He is survived by his brother, Johnny; his sisters, Lendy, Gina, Misti, and Amanda; his sons, Curt Walton, Jeff Skurdall, and Justin Flores; and his daughter, Angelica Campos. He also leaves behind many grandchildren who brought him immense joy and pride. Curtis was a constant and loving presence in the lives of those closest to him, and he took great happiness in spoiling his grandchildren and being part of their lives.

Those who knew Curtis will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with a spirit that was both strong and playful. He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know him, and his life will be remembered with gratitude, love, and respect.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026, at 2pm at Faith Temple Dayspring Church 805 N Bryan. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.