The Obituary Section

Michael Bates

, Texas

Born to Robert and Marilyn Bates in Illinois Mike grew up with his sister Mary and brothers Jim Dave and Tom. His family moved to the south end of Fort Wayne Indiana in 1972 where he met a browneyed girl named Elyce Rodewald in the halls of Fairfield Jr. High. He graduated from Southside High School in 1977 and went on to earn a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Houston in 1982. Mike and Elyce were married on April 2nd 1983 in Houston Texas. Their friendship and marriage have spanned 54 incredible years. Mikes love for Elyce was evident through a lifetime of action toward building a home and raising their children Seth and Emily. Mike was a proud father and instilled an impressive combination of work ethic and ingenuity in both of his children. Mr. Bates began his teaching career in Houston in 1983 and retired from…

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Johnnie Loupe

, Texas

John was born on January 1 1947 in Beaumont Texas to Jeff Willard and Amy Marie Borque Loupe. He was the youngest of three and raised with his brothers Doug and Gilbert in China Texas. In his adult life he met and married the mother of his two sons Henry and Dudley that they raised alongside his nieces and nephews especially Roger Beth and Melissa. John spent many years as a truck driver and after having his own business Johns Small Engine Repair for a time he decided to retire and begin the next chapter of his life. That chapter was defined by meeting the latter love of his life Cindy Lee Capuano and marrying her at the International Church of Nacogdoches in September of 2017. He was known as a loving jokester who enjoyed playing games and visiting family. He also spent much time fellowshipping with other active seniors…

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Melva Hines

, Texas

October 9, 2026

Funeral service for Melva Lee Christopher Hines 91 of Nacogdoches will be held at 200pm on Tuesday October 13 2026 at Laird Funeral Home with Bro. John Withem officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 100pm. Melva Lee Christopher Hines passed away on Saturday October 10 2026 leaving this earthly life to join with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Melva was the daughter of William T and Mae Parrott Christopher. She and James M. Hines were married on July 2 1953 sharing 46 years of life together and traveling the world. Melva settled back in Nacogdoches so the girls could finish high school. Diana Belinda and Jamie were each graduates of Stephen F. Austin State University and Becky was a graduate of Angelina College School of Nursing. Melva started college at the University of Georgia and completed her…

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