Snead Linton Funeral Home

02/20/2026

Graveside services for Mittie Marie (Jones) Small also known as “Mimi” and “Gigi” of Zavalla will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 in the Concord cemetery Zavalla, TX with Brother Jackson Colwell officiating. Mittie was born in Lufkin, TX on November 30, 1978 to Molee and the late Ruby (Parker) Jones and passed from this life in Houston, TX on February 18, 2026.

She was a homemaker, wonderful mom, caregiver, and an Aunt and Friend to everyone. “To know her was to love her.” She loved everyone.

She is survived by her husband, Dan Small; daughter, Braelyn Mere Small; father, Molee Jones; sister and husband, Molina (Jones) & Joey Courtney; nephew, Ethan Courtney; mother-in-law and father-in-law, James & Linda Small; sister-in-law and husband, Susan & Mathew Faul; nieces, Anna Belle and Mattie Faul; nephew, Kannon Faul; numerous cousins, friends, and family that loved her so much.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Jewel (Parker) Jones, grandparents, Brady & Bernice Jones, IV & Ruth Morris; 2 uncles and 4 aunts.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Courtney, Logan Keely, Jacob Keely, Dillon Keely, Rayford Sowell, Jason Havard, Bokey Reppond, Bud Emerson, Clint Greer, Shawn Havard, Bo Bailey, Tom Bailey, Mark Bailey, and Jacob Bailey.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at the cemetery Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m.

Snead Linton Funeral Home, Lufkin, Directors

12/20/2025

Paul Snead 08 09 1956 to 12 10 2025
Family pictures.

Paul Snead 08 09 1956 to 12 10 2025

12/13/2025

Funeral services for Paul Thomas Snead, 69, of Lufkin will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in the Bald Hill church of Christ, 9187 FM 326, Lufkin with Ed Rutland and Philip Snead officiating. Interment will follow in the Fielder Memorial cemetery. Paul was born August 9, 1956 in Poteet to the late Patricia (Johnson) and Thomas Snead, Jr. and died December 10, 2025 in a Tyler hospital.
Paul briefly served in the US Air Force and was an active member of the Bald Hill church of Christ. After finishing his Bachelor degree, he worked several years as a licensed Social Worker for Hospice in the Pines. In September 2013, Paul obtained his funeral director’s license and worked in the family owned Snead Linton Funeral Home where he assisted and helped many families. His first love was for the true and living God, then his wife, Terrie and the kids. However, the grandkids brought a great joy to his life.
He is survived by his son and wife, Nathan (Destiny); daughter and husband, Amanda (Boris); other children, Elizabeth (Rafael); Ramona (Robbie), Chris (Christina), Frankie (Anna); brothers and wives, John (Julie) and Philip (Vicky); sisters and husbands, Linda (Ed) and Jeanie (Derrick), and numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren; other relatives; his church family; a host of friends; and special fur and feather babies, Pickles and Rocky.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Terrie and several other relatives.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Bald Hill church of Christ building fund.
The family will receive loved ones and friends from 11am till service time at the church.
Snead Linton Funeral Home; directors.
https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-s/paul-thomas-snead/

12/13/2025

Debra Lynn Andersen, of Etoile, TX passed peacefully in her sleep at home on December 10, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1963 to Dub and Martha Crowson in Houston, TX. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, John V. Andersen, Sr.; her sons, John Andersen, Jr. (Erika) and Brian; sisters, Teresa Crowson of Etoile, TX, Carrie Meier (Thomas) of West Columbia, TX; her two beautiful grandchildren, Chloe and Creed Andersen. She will be sorely missed by her nephews, Ricky Cunningham (Amber) and William Singletary; nieces, Samantha Wilson, Carriedee and Amy Meier, Rachel Smith (Bricelyn). Great nieces and nephews, “Triple B” Riley Vasquez, Gracelee, Madison, Emilee, Matthew, Addison, Hunter, Jace, Breann, Katelyn, Helena, Olivia and Thomas; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Debra did not want a funeral service and wanted to be cremated.
She grew up in Pasadena, TX and moved to East Texas 20 years ago. She worked for many years at HEB as a receiver and in her final years at Sam’s. Her favorite things were her grandchildren, her kids, and her husband. She loved with her whole heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Heart to Heart Hospice.
Snead Linton Funeral Home; directors.
https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-a/debra-lynn-andersen/

09/03/2025

Robyn Ann Craig Hight Slide Show Video.

Robyn Ann (Craig) Hight Dec 23,1939 to Aug 24, 2025

08/27/2025

Robyn Ann Craig Hight was born December 23, 1939 to Curtis Raymond Craig and Myra Corrine Arney Craig in Carthage, Missouri and departed for her eternal home on August 24, 2025.

A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 6, 2025 at Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Bob Craig and Kevin Hight officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be held at the church prior to the service.

Born in Carthage Missouri, Robyn moved with her family to Baytown, Texas where she met the love of her life, a small town boy from Mississippi, Larry Hight, while he was visiting family. They eloped after a brief relationship and were married nearly 67 years before his passing in 2024. Their union produced three boys, Curtis, Cary, and Kevin.

Robyn was a servant. She served and loved others with a passion that only comes from a true calling. She served her family, friends, neighbors, and the boys’ friends with a loving kindness that made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She served and loved the citizens of Angelina County at the Angelina County Senior Center and Meals on Wheels for over three decades, the last 25 years as Director. She retired in 2017 after impacting countless lives in her community.

Robyn will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and incredibly kind eyes. It was said recently that “she was the sweetest and kindest lady that ever lived.”

Robyn is survived by her sons Curtis Hight, Kevin (Tonya) Hight, Grandchildren Lauren Hight, James Hight, & Sarah Johnson. Daughters-in-law Carla Hight, and Marie Hight, Brothers Bob Craig, Rodney Craig, and Reggie Craig, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and cherished loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Larry Hight, parents Curtis and Corrine Craig, and son Cary Hight, as well as brothers Richard Arney Craig, Randall Gorden Craig, and Russell William Craig.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Snead Linton Funeral Home.

Snead Linton Funeral Home, directors. www.sneadlintonfh.com

https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-h/276-2/

06/10/2025

Memorial services for Yuriko Wakasaki Vestal, 88 of Lufkin will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bald Hill Church of Christ, 9187 FM 326, Lufkin, TX 75901, with Philip Snead officiating.

Yuriko Wakasaki Vestal, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Lufkin,Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Hiroshima-ken, Japan, on January 4, 1937, Yuriko journeyed to the United States over 60 years ago, bringing with her a quiet strength and a heart full of love. She made Texas her home, where she built a life rooted in hard work, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Her commitment to her family was unmatched—her love was fierce, enduring, and filled with grace. She poured her heart into everything she did, whether it was preparing meals, offering a warm hug, or sharing words of wisdom with her loved ones.

Yuriko dedicated 15 years of her life as a cafeteria worker for Lufkin ISD, where she took pride in serving students each day. After retiring, she remained devoted to her community by volunteering as a foster grandparent in the same school district, embracing the opportunity to help guide young children as they began their educational journey, an honor she considered a true privilege. She deeply cherished her time with the children and found great joy in giving back to the community she proudly called home.

Yuriko’s legacy is one of quiet strength, deep compassion, and boundless love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Yoko Wakasaki and Tada (Shintano) Wakasaki; her daughter, Penny Vestal; and her dearest lifelong friends, J.A. and Winnie Bryan.

She is survived by her loving children, Bobby Vestal of Lufkin, TX, and Pamela Romer of California; her grandchildren, Jennifer Ogden of Lufkin, TX, James (Jimmy) and Laura Romer, Dustin Romer, and Brian and Crystal Edgar, all of California, Jeremiah Gavette of Lufkin, TX, and Miranda Saucedo of Brooklyn, New York; and her great-grandchildren, Colton Ogden, Lillian Romer, James Romer, and Amelia Edgar.

Snead Linton Funeral Home, directors

https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-v/yuriko-wakasaki-vestal/

04/23/2025

A memorial service for Thomas Theodore “Tommy” Snead, Jr. of Lufkin will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday April 26, 2025, in the Bald Hill church of Christ, 9187 FM 326, Lufkin with Paul Snead and Philip Snead officiating. Tommy was born October 25, 1931, in Lawrence County Arkansas to the late Ruth (Tyree) and Thomas Theodore “Ted” Snead, Sr. and died surrounded by his children April 19, 2025, at his residence after obtaining the age of 93 years, 5 months, and 25 days.

He graduated from high school in Newkirk, OK in 1950 and went on to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree from Central Christian College in 1952 with a major in Bible and minor in Greek. While a student, the Department of Bible of Central Christian College presented Tommy with Informal Ordination, a document required to perform marriage ceremonies in Oklahoma.

While still in high school, Tommy was the regular song leader for the Lord’s church in Newkirk and occasionally preached. While a student in Central Christian College, he often went on Sunday afternoons to lead singing for evening services at small area towns and later began preaching on Sundays. Tommy worked a two-week “Camp La Quinta” to introduce area high school students to the college and what it offered. In the summer between colleges, he preached at Caldwell, Kansas. Tommy was a student at Abilene Christian College in 1953 -1954 and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Practical Bible (Bible application) and minor in Biblical Bible (study of the text).

While at Abilene Christian, he met Patricia “Pat” Johnson and were married in 1953. For seven years, he preached full time in Texas and Oklahoma. Because he was moving more than was good for his family, he went to Lippert’s Court Reporting school in Plainview, TX from 1962-1964 driving to preaching appointments on Sundays. Upon graduation, he moved to Nacogdoches then to Lufkin where he completed 32 years as Official Court Reporter with 5 years in Nacogdoches 145th Judicial District Court and 27 years in Lufkin 159th Judicial District Court. Tommy has preached almost continuously with small congregations since 1951 as opportunity presented itself. He has been preaching or teaching at the Bald Hill church of Christ for 41 years. He was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Theological University of America on August 1, 2002.

He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He always had a joke and loved to make people laugh, but most importantly, he was a faithful member of the Bald Hill church of Christ.

Tommy is survived by his children, Paul Snead, John & Julie Snead, Philip & Vicky Snead, all of Lufkin, Linda & Edward Rutland of Willis, and Jeanie & Derrick Shoffitt of Lufkin; grandchildren, Nathan & Destiny Snead, Amanda & Boris Gavilanez, Melissa Snead Christian, John Snead, Jr., Madison Snead, Jared & Yudith Snead, Aaron & Alyssa Snead, LeeAnn & Pete Molloy, Jessica & Jonathan Roberts, Rebecca Smith Cox, Zach Smith, and Wesley Shoffitt; great grandchildren, Kaydance, Keira, Landon, Abby, Brandon, Noah, Maddie, Makayla, Emily, Damien, Matthew, Bentley, Grayson, Everleigh, Charlee Jane, Wyatt, Jayden, Alec, Jade, and Zoey; sister, Freda Mullin; nieces, nephews, other relatives, a host of church family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Patricia “Pat” Snead; daughter-in-law, Terrie Snead; son-in-law, Raymond Smith; and grandson, Timothy “Tim” Snead.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Snead Linton Funeral Home.

Snead Linton Funeral Home; directors.

https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-s/thomas-theodore-tommy-snead-jr/

04/02/2025

Harvey Anton Tapper was born May 21st 1966 in Eastern Chicago, Indiana. He lived in Colorado for 22 years where he worked building houses and maintenance for a Hotel. He enjoyed watching football and hockey especially if the 49ers and Avalanche were playing. When the weather permitted, he loved to be on his boat on the lake fishing.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Teresa Tapper and father-in-law, Jerry Raines.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Sherry Tapper; son, Jacob Tapper; mother, Chris Tapper; brother, John Ellison; mother-in-law, Patsy Raines; father, Anton Tapper, Sr. and wife, Sharon; brother, Anton Tapper, II and wife, Amy; and many friends he considered family.

You will be forever loved and missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Snead Linton Funeral Home.

Snead Linton Funeral Home, directors.

https://sneadlintonfh.com/snead-linton-funeral-home/obituaries/obituaries-past/obituaries-t/harvey-anton-tapper/

03/27/2025

Graveside services for Rudy R. Engelke of Lufkin will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 in the Fielder Memorial Cemetery with Philip Snead officiating. He was born June 28, 1941 in Tea, South Dakota and died March 27, 2025 in a local hospital after attaining the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 29 days.

Rudy was raised by his grandmother, Sophie Westerman, who taught him many things in life. He loved gardening, keeping his yard clean and free of sticks. When it came to “old remedies” or “life hacks”, Rudy always had one to fix every thing. Rudy served his country in the United States Air Force and attended the Bald Hill church of Christ. He was formerly employed with Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth as an inspector.

He is survived by 2 sons, John and Jeff Engelke; 2 daughters, Melenda Cole and Debbie Darville; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; other relatives; many church friends; and other friends. Rudy is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Engelke in 2020.

Snead Linton Funeral Directors