January 2023

John Phillip (Phil) Willson, 70, of Clyde died Tuesday, January 3, 2023, in an Abilene hospital. No services are scheduled at this time.

Ira M. “Milt” Smith, age 74, of La Vernia passed from this life on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio with his wife by his side. Funeral Services for Milt will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Slaymaker officiating; burial with Military Honors will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood. Milt was born to Ira H. Smith and Lela Mae (Collier) Smith, on February 2, 1948, in Brownwood. Milt attended Brownwood High School and served in the United States Army upon graduation. He served our country in the Vietnam War, earning many medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his service to our country, Milt continued to serve others working in Law Enforcement for many years, and retired later in life as a Truck Driver. On June 9th of 1990, Milt married Celeste Saldivar. Milt and Celeste lived in the San Antonio/LaVernia area the last 23 years, and enjoyed a slow-paced life together, with their pets. Milt was known as a jokester, with a contagious laugh that warmed the hearts of many. He loved his family deeply and showed his love through teasing and affection. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but his laughter will forever ring in our hearts. Milt is survived by his wife, Celeste Smith; two sons, Robby Smith and wife Eugenia, David Smith and wife Jamie; three daughters, Tammy Gillam, Shannon Soto and husband Ernest, and Heather Walter; stepson, Shawn Hohertz; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; sister, Debra Brown and husband Tony; and brother, Glen Smith and wife Tina. Milt is also survived by his loving wife’s family, father and mother-in-law, Oscar and Margie Saldivar, sisters-in-law, V

Wayland Doyle Hood, 63 passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 7th at Heartland Funeral Home in Early, with interment to follow at Blanket Cemetery. Wayland was born on Wednesday, January 28, 1959 in Comanche, TX to Douglas and Betty Hood. Wayland married Kelly Stratford on November 13, 2013. He enjoyed fishing, boating, woodworking, dominos, horseshoes and washers. Wayland loved Nascar, the Dallas Cowboys and having a BBQ with family and friends. His pride and joy, was spending time with his grandbabies and being very proud of his grandson Trent, for serving in the U. S. Navy. Nothing meant more to him than his family and friends. Wayland was always there and never hesitated to help anyone in need. The main person in his life was his wife Kelly Hood, his love and devotion for her was unimaginable and never ending. Wayland is survived by his wife Kelly Sue Hood of Baytown, TX; daughter Brandy Hood-Hudson of Hattiesburg, MS; son Derek Hood and wife Kristen of Blanket, TX; stepson Bryce Stratford and wife Racheal of Baytown, TX; stepdaughter Hayley Fort and husband Ronny of Baytown, TX; mother-in-law Susan Popham of Crosby, TX; brother Wendell Hood and wife Lauren of Dayton, TX, sister Wanda Sarhan and husband Saeed of Austin, TX; sister Angela Brunini and husband Johnny of Mississippi; sister Tammy Mackey of Brooksmith, TX Sterling Hill of Blanket, TX; sister Rhonda Hill of Brownwood, TX; brothers, Lenny, David and Robbie Dauzat of Mississippi; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins to count along with uncles. He is preceded in death by sets of grandparents; father Douglas Aldean Hood; mother Betty Delores Hill; brothers, Douglas Wayne Hood and Darrell Hood; and sister Donna Hood. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Houston Chow