Pamela Widener Wilson

Pam Wilson

Pam met Jesus face-to-face on January 13th, 2026, after a life of faithful service to her LORD. “A long obedience in the same direction” is an appropriate phrase that describes her commitment to loving God and loving others, especially her huge family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, January 19th at 2:00pm at the Pam and Steve Wilson Gymnasium at Live Oak Classical School in downtown Waco. A reception will follow immediately after the service.

She met her husband, Steve, at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas in 1968. It didn’t take long for them to figure out that they were created for each other. They married in 1974 while students at Baylor University and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Choosing to sink their roots in Waco with their many friends, they were soon blessed with children, and their legacy began to grow.

Her quiver is full and abundant: Brad (son), Kendra, Colton, Kenley and Alana Wilson; Brent (son), Nicki, Tristan, Reese, and Woods Wilson; and Brittany (daughter), Christen, Lainey Derrick, Livi Derrick, Caroline, Jude, Hallelujah, Aubrey and Evi LeBlanc. These children and grandchildren were her primary mission in life, and they know it.

She is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Norris and family, her brother, Derek Robinson and family, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pam taught special education students for many years in Waco and Midway schools. There she forged deep relationships with her colleagues and students. She loved those kids passionately, and they loved her in return.

As newlyweds, Pam and Steve connected with a group of like-minded friends at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, where they served together as teachers and mentors for over 45 years. In recent years, they broadened their church bond to include Harris Creek Baptist Church in order to unite them with more of their family. Their Christian fellowship and ministry was foundational to Pam.

Other important areas of ministry and service to Pam included Bible Study Fellowship, Legacy Family Ministries and CareNet. Christian education and discipleship was a primary focus, so she supported both Woodway Christian and Live Oak Classical Schools, as her grandchildren attended both.

Pam’s personality was one of love, joy and encouragement, always welcoming others with hospitality and warm embraces. Her home was always a haven for others, including many who accepted her invitation to live there for a while. Parties and dinners were grand!

She and Steve were blessed to travel the world, visiting every place imaginable. Quiet times and long walks at her beloved Crazy 8 Ranch, with magnificent sunrises, sunsets and star-filled skies fed her soul with the glory of God. But her home was always first.

Thank you to all those who so generously served Pam in recent months. In particular, we appreciate the kindness from our friends at Texas Oncology, Visiting Angels and Bluebonnet Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the endowed scholarship: Live Oak Classical Foundation, Attn: Pam Wilson Christian Education Fund, PO Box 647, Waco, TX 76703 

Russell Townsend

Russell Townsend Obituary

Russell G. Townsend, 73, former Dallas, Texas resident, passed from this life on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant.
Russell was born on Friday, October 12th, 1951, in Paddington, England to George Luther Townsend and Margaret Eveline (Newsome) Townsend. Russell was ranked as a Sergeant who served in the United States Air Force from 1973 until 1977 as a Veteran of Peacetime and the Vietnam era. Russell is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. His degree in Chemistry led to his role in the USAF as a medical laboratory specialist where he worked state side and in Vietnam to sample and characterize Agent Orange herbicide for disposal.

Russell married Carol Marie McNally on April 22, 2006, in Dallas. He worked as an EHS Specialist for many years until his retirement in 2015, where he continued to focus on his recovery from a brain injury. As a part of Russell's recovery he became a member of BIN (Brain Injury Network) of Plano, Texas, whose mission is to provide tools and a bridge of support to adult survivors of brain injury (such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, anoxia, and brain cancer) to reconnect into life, the community, and the workplace. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations to: www.theBIND.org in order to support other brain injury survivors.

Russell was an avid golfer and a master BBQ chef, but above all, he was a loving father devoted husband, and cherished friend. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his stepsister Pam, as well as his infant son, Jamie.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Durant; a sister, Ginny Townsend; a son, Ian Townsend and his wife Emily of Dallas, their children Madelyn Jane Townsend and Margaret Louisa Townsend; daughter Christel Stuart and her husband Austin, their child Riley Paige Stuart; step-son Benjamin Vines of Plano, Texas, his daughter Olivia Jewel Vines; step-daughter Barbra Vines and her daughter Ava Marie Vines, and Charlie and Murphy, Russell's loyal canine companions.

Memorial Services will take place at Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery at a later date

Robin Dutton

Robert "Robin" Edward Dutton, 73, passed peacefully into Jesus’ Arms on May 24, 2025. He was born to parents Granville Orr Dutton and Carol Augusta Sullivan Dutton on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952 in Beaumont, Texas and grew up in Dallas, Texas.

A lifelong passion for Robin was being a pilot. He learned to fly when he was 13. Robin built his own gyrocopter at age 16. Flying was in his blood. Before graduating from Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Robin built a twin-engine experimental airplane, designed and built very fast go carts and studied advanced physics and math.

Robin graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Texas, in Austin in 1977. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He was very proud to be a licensed Professional Engineer. Robin was fascinated with being a biomedical engineer and inventor. He later became an international measurement expert in the oil-and-gas industry with Micro Motion Inc. in Boulder, Colorado.

In 1990, Robin swept Nancy off of her feet and they married in 1991, planning a wedding in 4 days’ time. They had both waited years to find their other half. Colorado became their home shortly thereafter. Though Nancy dreaded moving, she knew Robin was worth it. They lived in Colorado for 34 years. Together they lived the dream! Not only did Robin enjoy flying many airplanes, he treasured the ocean, sailing, SCUBA diving and traveling the world for work and pleasure. He savored music, dancing, hiking, camping, and the outdoors.

Robin was a prolific inventor, with over 22 patents to his name, and loved inventing aftermarket accessories for Harley motorcycles and selling those products worldwide. Known for his curiosity, inventive mind, and fearless spirit, Robin was a spellbinding storyteller who easily commanded the attention of people of all ages, even sultans and kings from multiple countries. He enjoyed mentoring others professionally, spiritually, and inspiring younger generations.

Robin deeply loved his large family, many friends around the world and, of course, loved their furry cat friends. He was a devout Christian who talked about Jesus and the hope of eternal life. He was preceded in death by his parents Carol and Granville, and his brother Charles Granville Dutton.

Robin is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; brother, Richard "Rick" Dutton and wife Toni; niece, Denise Dutton Brown and husband Doug; nephew, Aaron Dutton; niece, Rachel Candea; great nephews, Jacob Dutton, Mason Dutton and Joseph Lopez; and many other relatives.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder CO 80303. Donations may be made in his memory to Boulder Valley Christian Church; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; East/West Ministries, Dallas area; ChildFund; Tru Hospice; or Samaritan’s Purse.

Barbara (Bobbi) Elaine Fletcher

Barbara (Bobbi) Elaine Fletcher of Yukon, OK, was born December 23, 1950, in Dallas, TX to Gene and Mina Hahnel. After a 10-year battle with cancer she passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, snuggled by her dog Rosie and surrounded by family and friends. She loved animals of all kinds, especially cats and dogs and worked at City Animal Hospital for over 20 years. Bobbi was preceded in death by her husband, Merrell Fletcher, and her parents. She is survived by her children, Erin and husband Art, Nathan and wife Ellen, Kelly and husband Danny, her grandchildren, Sammy, Benny and Logan, Oakley, Gryphon, Odessa and Elliot, her sister Jan and husband Mike, and many beloved nieces and nephews. A fun and casual Celebration of Life was held on April 5th, 5:30-8:00pm at Melrose on May Event Center, 11205 N May Ave. Suite B, OKC, 73120.

John David Atwood

David and Cheryl are the couple in the middle!

”I am posting these family pictures in honor of my beloved brother, John David Atwood, who died on March 5, 2025. He will always be remembered as a fun & free spirit, protective brother, honorable son, hard working, and loving & faithful husband to his beloved wife- Cheryl DeShong Atwood. If you ever met David the first thing he would tell you was how beautiful and wonderful his wife was & how lucky he was to be married to her. She was a wonderful nurse in his last days. We had several talks in the last few weeks about Jesus and God's Word and the family he would be reunited with in heaven. David was a wonderful big brother and I will miss him dearly....until we meet again! “ Penny Atwood Watkins

Mark G Toulouse

Mark G. Toulouse

February 1, 1952 — March 2, 2025

Mark Gene Toulouse was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 1, 1952. In life he was a distinguished historian, theologian, and a professional poker player, and he spent his life devoted to family as a loving husband, father, and PaPa. In the last decade of his life, he demonstrated his commitment as a loving husband through his daily, steadfast, and meticulous care of his wife, Jeffica, who is living with acute, end-stage Alzheimer's, diagnosed in 2013.

Mark died on March 2, 2025, at the age of 73 in Dallas, Texas, following a cardiac event during a hand of poker.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Orville Jack Toulouse and Joan Van-Deventer Toulouse; his brother, Stephen "Steve" Toulouse; and his nephew, Stephen "Jamie" Toulouse. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Jeffica Lynn Toulouse; his eldest Joshua Toulouse; his daughter Marcie Hunt, her husband Kevin, and their children Kylee and Gavin; his daughter Cara Wallace, her husband William, and their children Liam, Topher, Xander, and Calen. He is also survived by his late-in-life partner, Ann McDonald; his siblings, Rand Toulouse and his wife Charlene, and Joni Cleveland and her husband Dick; his sister-in-law Pam Toulouse; and an extended network of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Mark's academic journey was one of great accomplishment. He earned his PhD in the History of Christianity from the University of Chicago in 1984, studying under his life-long mentor Martin E. Marty, who preceded him in death by five days. An ordained minister for over 50 years, the majority of which was spent in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). An expert on Religion and Public Life, he was honored as the Alumnus of the Year by the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2018. He was widely regarded as a leading historian and theologian in the Disciples denomination. His career included teaching at Illinois Benedictine College from 1980-84 and Phillips Theological Seminary from 1984-86. Mark was named Emeritus Professor of American Religious History at Brite Divinity School, where he taught from 1986 to 2008 and served as Dean and Executive Vice-President from 1999-2002. He finished his career serving as Professor of History of Christianity and Principal at Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto until his retirement in 2017. While Principal at Emmanual, Mark introduced new academic programs, including the PhD degree, the MA degree, and the Certificate of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, all offered alongside the University of Toronto. He also led the creation of Muslim and Buddhist Studies programs. Mark was especially proud to be a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

A prolific scholar, Mark authored or edited ten books, including Joined in Discipleship: The Shaping of Contemporary Disciples Identity, Makers of Christian Theology in America, and The Altars Where We Worship: The Religious Significance of Popular Culture. Even in his final days, he was actively engaged in theological discussions and ecumenical work, participating in the Disciples-ELCA Bilateral Dialogue in Chicago just days before his passing.

Not only was he a historian in his professional life, but he also served as the family historian tracing our ancestry back centuries. He also maintained thorough, dated files of the life of his parents, his and his sibling's childhood, his own family life, and the lives of his children and grandchildren, spending countless hours scanning those earliest photographs and films to digital files.

Mark also had a deep love for sports, which he enthusiastically passed on to his family. He loved getting to as many (MANY) of the sporting events of Josh, Marcie, and Cara when they were younger-some of which he coached-and more recently, going to as many of his grandchildren's sporting events as he could. He loved to attend and talk about TCU and professional sporting events with his family. His influence reached beyond a love of sports, considering that Cara and Josh followed in his professional footsteps-Josh as an Ordained Disciples Minister and Cara as a PhD and academic.

Mark had a competitive spirit. He showed it particularly in games with the grandchildren where he always played to win and in the daily Wordle posts, where he would make sure everyone recognized when he got the word faster than anyone else. His competitive spirit really got a chance to shine in his passion for poker. After retiring in 2017, he devoted more time to the game and achieved a lifelong dream by winning a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring in November 2023. Said best by Mark himself, "Poker gave me a way to discover who I was again...With poker, and the community around it, I was working full time again, enjoying the playfulness, the competition, the community of newfound friends from a vast array of professions, backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities."

A visitation will be held at the W. Oliver and Nell A. Harrison Building at Brite Divinity School (2925 Princeton St., Fort Worth) on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at South Hills Christian Church (3200 Bilglade Rd., Fort Worth) on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a small reception. A recording of the service will be available for streaming by 7:00 p.m. that evening on South Hills Christian Church's YouTube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/@southhillschristianchurchf9022)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's honor to the following organizations:

• Alzheimer's Association- https://www.alz.org/northcentraltexas

• University of Toronto, Emmanuel College, Mark G. Toulouse Fund for Global and Scholarly Engagement- https://my.alumni.utoronto.ca/s/731/start.aspx?sid=731&gid=50&pgid=12069&cid=20549&ecid=20549

• University of Toronto, Emmanuel College, Mark G. and Jeffica L. Toulouse Award in Interreligious Studies

• Disciples of Christ Historical Society- https://discipleshistory.org/

Mark's legacy of scholarship, faith, and love for his family and friends will be cherished for generations to come. His wisdom, humor, and competitive spirit will be dearly missed.

Paula Paul Blanton

Paula Paul Blanton

April 2, 1952 – December 22, 2024

Paula Lynn Paul Blanton was born to Robert Clyde Paul and Jan Mary Adams on April 2, 1952 in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in Dallas where she attended Lake Highlands High School. She was a member of the Lake Highlandettes drill team. After high school, Paula attended Abilene Christian University where she was a member of GATA sorority and pursued a degree in Physical Education. As divine fate would have it, she met a redhead from Amarillo, TX by the name of Pat Blanton. Patrick was the love of her life. They married on February 24, 1973 and shared over 52 years of undying devotion and marriage together which continues to leave a great impact on all.

Upon college graduation at West Texas A&M University, Paula founded a successful interior plantscaping business by the name of Plantspan Incorporated. For over 46 years, she was the CEO and President of the family-owned business, which grew under her talents with all things horticulture and creating beauty. Paula had a diligent work ethic which led to the many meaningful relationships that she formed with long-standing clients who knew just how special she was. Paula also worked for Delta Airlines for a time where she formed many lifelong friendships as well.

Patrick and Paula are the parents to their daughters Sara Brooke Blanton, Rebecca Lynn Burton and her husband Taylor, Haley Beth Blanton, and their son Stetson Patrick Blanton; grandchildren include Stella, Graham, Gray, Tatiana, Paul, and Costner.

To know Paula was to love her. It is rare that this can truthfully be said about anyone, but in her case it was the absolute truth. She cherished her family, valued her friends, and was unwavering in her faith at all times. She loved to laugh, spend time with her dogs, enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, being a part of her book club, and enjoyed all sporting events.

Paula is survived by her husband, Patrick, their three daughters and one son, and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her father, Robert Paul and her brother, Chris Paul, as well as a host of many special friends and family. Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Jan Lacey. Her legacy will be treasured by her family, friends, and loved ones. Her faith, kindness, and love will be carried on as a testament to how she lived her life.

On December 22, 2024, Paula was victorious in her 9 year battle with cancer and was given complete healing. She was a fierce warrior. This is the day the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it… for He has claimed what it His and taken His daughter home. Praise our Holy One.

A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held on January 4, 2025 at 11 am at The Hills Church, located at 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. There will be a visitation an hour prior to service at 10am. A private family burial will be held afterwards. Never forget!

Frederick James Moss III

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Frederick James Moss III of Carrollton, Texas, born in Dallas, Texas, who passed away on April 13, 2024 at the age of 72. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his mother Annette Moss. He is survived by: his father Fred Moss; his wife Debbie Trimble Moss; his children, Eric James Moss (Robin Casella Moss) of The Colony and Shelley Moss Russell (Ryan Louis Russell); his grandson Maxwell James Casella Moss of The Colony; his sister Dr. Michele Moss of Little Rock, Arkansas.; his cousin Sara Lorraine Willbern of Denton; his brother-in-law Fredrick H. Trimble (Debbie Trimble) of Plano, Texas.; his pet Muffy; and his friends, Jim and Ellen Deppe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frederick's memory may be made to The Church of the Apostles Episcopal 322 S MacArthur Blvd, Coppell, Texas 75019 US, https://churchoftheapostles.net or to your favorite charity of your choice.