Thomas Henry Lohr, 87, of Knollwood, Texas, passed from this life peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, due to complications from late stage Parkinsonism and advanced bile duct cancer. Thomas was born on Monday, November 30, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank William Lohr and Irma Frances Hessmann Lohr. He attended school in Grand Rapids, graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1955. In June of 1956, Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed at Perrin Air Force Base in Denison, Texas, he met the love of his life, Frances Ann Teeples. They were married by Blessed Fr. Stanley Rother on June 8, 1965, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. After Thomas was transferred to Keesler Air Force Base, the young couple settled in Biloxi, Mississippi, where they would soon welcome their two children, Tom Henry Lohr and Sonia Evalene Lohr. Thomas proudly served his country for 22 years and 4 days; at the time of his retirement from the Air Force in June 1978, the family relocated to Knollwood Village, where he would reside for 46 years. Following his passion for photography, Thomas furthered his education at Grayson College, graduating in 1980 and going on to serve as an assistant photography professor at the college for many years. Thomas also held several retail jobs in the area, having been most recently employed at Hobby Lobby prior to enjoying his full-time retirement. Thomas was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Sherman, Texas. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; parents, Frank and Irma; half-siblings, Margaret Lohr, Richard Lohr, Edward Lohr, and Mary Lohr Dolan; brother-in-law, Steve Teeples; and sisters-in-law, Maxine Teeples, Alvadene Queener, and Evalene Hagood. He is survived by his son, Tom Lohr, and wife, Angela; daughter, Sonia Powless, and husband, Steven; brother-in-law, Louis Hagood; grandchildren, Steven Powless, Jr. and wife, Lauren, Hunter Westmoreland and wife, Sarah, Brendan Powless and wife, Christina, Christofer Lohr and wife, Lily, and Nathan Lohr; and great-grandchildren, Abigail, Olivia, Lillian, Andrew, Gracelynn, Ellis, and Evalene Jo; nieces and nephews too numerous to count. Serving as active pallbearers are Steven Powless, Sr., Steven Powless, Jr., Hunter Westmoreland, Brendan Powless, Christofer Lohr, and Nathan Lohr. Honorary pallbearers are Tom Lohr and Andrew Powless. A rosary will be recited at Dannel Funeral Chapel on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM with family visitation to follow at 6:30 PM. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sherman, Texas. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas. Online condolences can be registered at www.dannelfuneralhome.com. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Home Instead Senior Care and Heart to Heart Hospice, both of Sherman, for their attentive care and invaluable support.
"A Strange Freedom" (H. Thurman) Brandon Jamal Rashada born 11/24/2004 - passed 09/02/2024. The precious moment of Life is truly held in the beginning and felt throughout one's journey, but only realized at one's end. For Brandon, God's purpose for him was held in his tenacious approach to Life. Brandon was always "running, jumping, playing, and fulfilling his purpose at a very early age. He captured the essence of God's Spirit for him and gracefully shared it with his siblings, friends, parents, and those that God brought near him on his journey. Brandon's "One Life to Life" was expressed in his exuberance and passionate compassion for others. Brandon was a joy to his parents (Fabian and Kelly Rashada; as well as, his grandfather Clarence Rashada), but an inspiration to those whose lives would intersect with his on the playground of Life. Brandon was always true to God's "call" and "purpose" for his life. Brandon simply exuded comfort, and passion for everything that he did, which gave those around him a joyously triumphant encounter with the Spirit of God in him. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11) Brandon's walk was upright; while some may not understand such a "blamelessness" in a youthful spirit that was inherently the gift in Brandon, God created him for such a purpose. Brandon "purposefully" showed empathy for other children; whether it was leading his siblings or being called out of class by his teachers to minister to other children ("special needs children / exceptional children); he did so with ease of mind while bringing out the "calm" in those children. Brandon's journey was filled "accounting"; as the eldest child, he led his siblings, he showed the ultimate patience and compassion to his siblings friends as a leader, as a student he comforted other children, as an athlete he was the eye of his 'coaches" hearts, as a child of his parents he soared to new heights of glory, and as a Child of god he exemplified a big heart of gold. He will always have the biggest heart on the playground for those he encounters on his journey home. This child of God "Brandon Jamal Rashada" cast an enormous smile upon those around him, he illuminated their light as he attracted many to "the tent of Life." Brandon "never met a stranger"; as life migrated to him, he continued his forward journey to God. With such "calm" and "patient" demeanor; one can only applaud Brandon for his resilience, courage, tenacity, and Love for God, his family, his fellow man, and especially his beloved 3 year old daughter Evelyn. As Life would shield Brandon from many toils, trials, tribulations, and dangers; however, he was not shielded from his "calling" to be a son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, grandson, or father. He was remarkable with his daughter, they shared an unbreakable bond, joy, and love. Father and daughter were pure joy. When the pure at heart come together God's Love is truly magnified within His purpose for His children. ( Brandon & Evelyn) She will forever remind us of the joy, love, and passionate compassion that Brandon brought to the world of men and God. Brandon was a remarkably "calm" young man, he was very astute with his "feelings" for Life: he always exhibited a breath of freshness for those who God placed in his journey-path to Glory. During his lifetime he easily ran his "race" as he was "blessed" to run it. Brandon's love for Life was also found in his love of music. Favorites can sometimes appear to be an anomaly, but Brandon's love for God was "life imitating life" in the song by "Lil Baby" "Catch the Sun". "The Lord God Almighty reminds us that He would only be here for a little while, and then be gone..."; although, Brandon was seemingly only here for a little while, he left an indelible spirit. "Draw me away!" "We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. we will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you. I am dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar. Like the curtains of Solomon. Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has turned me...." (Song of Solomon 1:4-6) Brandon kept his pace and purpose for his own race. "The race is not to the swift, but to those who endureth to the end." ("I returned and saw under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,... Ecclesiastes 9:11) It is a "strange freedom" to be adrift in the world of men, to act with no accounting, to go nameless up and down the streets of other minds where no salutation greets and no sign is given to mark the place one calls one's' own." (Howard Thurmon, from The Inward Journey") Brandon was our own and his race was his own with full accounting thereof. Now that Brandon Jamal Rashada is receiving his ultimate award, the gift of "Eternal Life", we must remember his earthly award was the "blessings" (spirit) he received and shared with others; joy and the prowess to emancipate others spirits in their time of despair. The space in time that Brandon filled was beautiful. As we reflect on Brandon's life, let us be reminded of our affectionate recall of his memory; he was a "sneakerhead". There was not a sneaker made that he did not like; especially NIKE. As a football and basketball athlete he always followed NIKE and their influence mantra "Just Do It!" Brandon's race as the "Influencer" of life "Just Did It", exhibiting his love and passion for others, L.S.U. and Texas Tech. He truly enjoyed the music of "Lil Baby", Brandon Jamal Rashada was also "Ready" for his race and ultimate journey. Although there was no particular lane for him to run his race in, "he ran a good race and fought the good fight", he transcended the norms of life early and now Brandon Jamal Rashada can "Catch the Sun"! Amen "For The Lord is my Shepherd; For I shall not want, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. he restoreth my soul. He leads me to the path of righteousness. For His namesake. Yea though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil. For He is with me. His rod and His staff comforted me. He preparest a table before me and anointed my head with oil and my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall not forsake me, For I shall dwell in the house of The Lord forever and ever. Amen!
Harold Wallace (Wally) Totten Jr., 88, lifelong resident of Sherman, Texas passed away August 30.2024 in his home with family. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 10th at Dannel Funeral Home Chapel. Leland Samuelson will lead the service. Wally was born September 9, 1935 in Sherman to Harold Wallace Totten Sr. and Thelma Fergeson Totten. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1954 and attended the University of Texas in Austin until he entered the United States Army in 1957. Wally was selected for the Honor Guard and was stationed in Washington DC. He worked at Arlington National Cemetery and was even invited to try out to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but due to a slight tilt of the head, he didn’t get chosen. In 1958, Wally was chosen for the 3rd Infantry regiment of the Army. Wally then discharged from the Army in 1959. While in the army he began dating long time friend from Sherman, Joan Barrett. Joan was a Stewardess on American Airlines and Wally would fly on her flights. In 1959 Wally and Joan married and began their lives together. Wally grew up working in the family business, Washington Iron Work Inc. and after he left the army, he began the business full-time. In 1969, Wally became President and Chairman of the board. Wally represented the fifth generation of his family to have owned and operated Washington Iron Works. The business was sold in 2015. He also owned and operated Washington Air and Day Packaging. Wally was active on many boards. He served as Senior Trustee on the Austin College Board for many years. Wally also served on the Wilson N Jones Board for 12 years as a Vice Chairman and then became Chairman in 1996. He was the Finance Chairman of the Southern Gas Compression Conference and served on the State National Bank of Denison Board. Wally had a love for so many things’ cars, swimming, traveling, history, working in the yard and spending time with his furry friends. Wally’s main passion was always spending time with his family. He loved being a husband, father, brother, uncle, Grandad and a Great Grandad. Wally is preceded in death by his father, Harold Wallace Totten Sr., mother , Thelma Ferguson Totten, wife, Joan Barrett Totten, son, Scott Wallace Totten, son Stephen Hughes Totten and nephew Joe Davin Rayl. Wally is survived by his daughter, Susanne Totten Hogue and husband Rance of Wichita Falls, Tx, Granddaughter’s, Heather Fulton and husband Zach of Weatherford, Tx., Hayley Turnquist and husband Cameron of Wichita Falls, His sister, Jane Rayl of Bolivar, Missouri, Niece Jane Ann Marray and husband Alan of Bolivar, Missouri, Great Grandsons Hayes Fulton, Slade Turnquist, Grant Fulton and Hutton Turnquist, great nephews Matthew Murray, Oliver Murray and families. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Humane Society of North Texas, Sherman Preservation League, Heart to Heart Hospice of Sherman or Camp Fire North Texas, Wichita Falls. Special thanks goes to Heavenscent Caregivers, especially Margene of 2 years, Robin, Dela, Heather and Kim, and another special Thank You to Heart to Heart Hospice of Sherman for taking such good care of Wally.
Oaklynn-Renee Alena Mcdowell was born on Demeber 18th, 2023 and sadly passed away on August 30th, 2024 in Sherman Tx. Visitation will be at 11am September 3rd 2024 at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman, TX. Funeral services will be held at 12pm September 3rd 2024 at Dannel Funeral Home with Larry Goodwin of the Refugee In Denison, officiating. Arrangements are by Dannel Funeral Home Oaklynn was born in McKinney Medical City Hospital in McKinney Tx to Damion McDowell and Aleia Renshaw on December 18th, 2023. Oaklynn is preceded in death by Nick Smith, Duane Hoover, Sharon Shores, Kenneth Shores, Makayla Alie, and Elizabeth Smith Oaklynn is survived by her mother Aleia and father Damion, her three older siblings Kalieah-Rose Elizabeth Ford, Zylan-james McDowell, Kailani-mae Nicole McDowell. She also survived by her three uncles Adrien Renshaw, Jaylyn McKee, and Tyler McKee. Her two aunts Joslin McKee and Caitlyn Huffman and her three grandmothers Mary Morris, Wanda Hoover, and Audra McDowell. Memorials may be given to Aleia or Damion. The family of The Renshaw’s and McDowell’s wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dannel’s Funeral Home, Our Minister Larry Goodwin and everyone who has helped during this tragic time.
Alexander(a.k.a Xander) Samuel Grandy age 14, Amara Leah Grandy age 13 and Alvin (a.k.a Vinny) Gary Grandy age 10 passed away on scene in a vehicle accident on August 30, 2024 in Grayson County, TX. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 14th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (location below) with Bishop Jake Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Weiland Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Dannel Funeral Home. Xander was born on October 9, 2009, to Hyrum and Sarah Grandy. He attended Rains High School ISD. He was a Freshman, who loved Cross Country and Track. He enjoyed reading and writing, wanting to grow up to be an author and physical therapist. Amara was born on July 5, 2011, to Hyrum and Sarah Grandy. She attended Rains Junior High School ISD. She was in eighth grade. She loved Cross Country, volleyball, music, theater and art, looking to be a doctor or lawyer when she grew up. Vinny was born May 4, 2014, to Hyrum and Sarah Grandy. He attended Rains Intermediate School ISD. He was in fifth grade. He loved doing parkour, jump roping, and superheroes. He wanted to be a superhero or a dentist when he grew up. Xander, Amara, and Vinny were active in their church, all seeking to one day serve as missionaries. These three angels are survived by their parents Hyrum Grandy and Sarah Grandy. The Grandy family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to family, friends and the extended community family that have shown us love and support during this difficult time. Funeral Services is at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 5309 Utah Street, Greenville, TX 75402