March 2025

February 9, 1953- March 25, 2025 John ‘Ellis’ Robertson, 72, of Wills Point passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Born on February 9, 1953, Ellis was the son of Mickey Blake Robertson, Sr., and Charlotte Campbell Robertson.

St Justin’s Episcopal Church of Canton is having a Lenten Rummage Sale. The congregation of St.

Elwood Baptist Church in Wills Point will be having their Homecoming to mark 127 years since its organization in 1898, on Sunday, April 6. “We will be having a former Pastor of Elwood Baptist Church, Brother Billy Smith, to come and bring the morning message,” said a church spokesperson.

On March 17, a member of the Criminal Interdiction Team from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office performed a vehicle stop resulting in an arrest for illegal drugs, according to VZC Sheriff’s Department Captain Pete O’Reilly.

January 28, 1941- March 7, 2025 Melvin Blount Joyner, 84, along with his twin, Marlin, was born to Ray and Leola Joyner at their home in Wills Point on January 28, 1941, but grew up and attended school in nearby Edgewood where he remained in close touch with classmates of his high school Class of ‘59. After graduation from East Texas State University, Mel served at Fort Knox with the Army National Guard, and ultimately enjoyed a 36-year career in industrial and broadcast video sales with ECI Video in Dallas.

December 31, 1973 - March 20, 2025 Douglas Michael Hatchel, 51, of Myrtle Springs, passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2025. Born on December 31, 1973, in Dallas, Douglas was the beloved son of Paul Douglas Hatchel and Barbara Jean Stafford Hatchel.

On Thursday, March 13, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12219 in Canton held a swearing in ceremony for three new members, Matthew Hernandez, Frank Duyka (WWII) and Tommy Forgue during the regular meeting.

Learning and laughs were on the program at the Spring Genealogy Workshop of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, which was held March 22 VZC/Sarah Norman Library in Canton. Lee Dickson, genealogist and author of three family research books, gave the workshop presentation, ‘Genealogy in a Nutshell.’ The program focused on the basics of family research, interspersed with many examples and fun facts as well as audience participation.

September 7, 1935 - March 21, 2025 A graveside service for Shirley Ann Baker was held Monday, March 24, 2025, at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton with Max Callahan officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior at Eubank Funeral Home.

October 3, 1964 - March 15, 2025 Jequita ‘Carrol’ Plummer passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Richardson at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on October 3, 1964, in Dallas, Carrol was known for her boundless kindness and generosity.