OBITUARIES
Samuel Eugene Underwood


1952 – 2020
CARROLLTON – Samuel Eugene Underwood, 68, died on April 24, 2020 in Carrollton, TX.
A small family service took place on April 27. A celebration of his life will take place at 10 a.m. on June 13 at First Baptist Church, Farmers Branch in the sanctuary.
Following a long struggle with cancer, Sam was briefly under the care of hospice. Sam was born in San Angelo to Homer Garth and Jessie Simonton Underwood.
After attending San Angelo public schools and graduating from San Angelo Central High School in 1970, he and a treasured group of friends from First Baptist Church, San Angelo, went down to Austin to attend the University of Texas together – friendships that remain to this day. Licensed to the ministry in 1972, Sam graduated with a BA in Psychology, UT in 1974. He completed his M. Div at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY in 1978; he completed his M. Biblical Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ in 1980. Sam did doctoral work at the University of Dallas concerning the early church and early church fathers.
Sam married Ellen Evans of Bowie in 1986 after they met at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, TX. Sam was ordained to the ministry that same year by Carter Lake Baptist Church, Bowie and served as their pastor until January 1991 when he was called to pastor First Baptist Church, Farmers Branch, where he served until his death.
Sam may have lost his battle with cancer, but he won the final victory with Jesus. He was proud to have survived “well past” his “expiration date” so that he saw all three of his children graduate from college, two of them marry, and one have a child. He loved his family dearly and served his congregation at FBC-FB well for more than 29 years. Sam was known for his ability to teach and preach the Bible, his kind heart, his wonderful stories, his wise counsel, his encyclopedic biblical knowledge, his thoughtful weddings and funerals, his unbelievable work ethic, his beautiful writing, his delightful sense of humor, his eclectic musical taste, his love of barbecue, his dapper bow ties, and for being a loyal Longhorn fan through thick and thin. He will be sorely missed.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Felix.
Sam is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Ellen; son, Will Underwood and his wife Veronica, Orlando, FL; daughter Pamela Underwood, Seattle, WA; daughter Molly Mitchell and her husband Elijah, Waxahachie; daughter Esther, Sam’s first grandchild, who was born on April 17. Sam was thrilled to meet little Esther and was looking forward to the arrival of Will and Veronica’s baby girl, Adalyn, in Sept. He is also survived by his brother Doug and his wife Nancy; brother Jesse and his wife Earma; and his beloved only sister Pam and her husband Jim; many dear “in-laws and outlaws,” nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Sam donated his body to the willed body program at UT Southwestern Medical School. He managed to live for more than five years with a cancer that few survive for one. Since he has a new body in heaven, he chose to share his old one with some folks who could use it. His hope was that he could help someone else. This choice was not a surprise to anyone who knew Sam.
Those who wish to make donations honoring Sam may make them to Brother Bill’s Helping Hand at bbhh.org/donate or to Metrocrest Services at metrocrestservices.org/idonate.php.
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OBITUARIES
Robert Edward Adams Jr.

August 14, 1952 – May 5, 2025
RICHARDSON – Robert Edward Adams, Jr., 73,
died on May 5, 2025 in Richardson, TX.
A memorial service was at 2 p.m. on May 10 at
Trinity Christian Academy in Addison.
He born on Aug. 14, 1952 in Ashtabula, OH to
Robert Edward Adams, Sr. and Janet Morehouse
Adams. At the age of 10, his mother sent him to a
Christian boy’s camp, Deerfoot Lodge, in the Adirondack
mountains just north of Speculator, NY.
Adams graduated from Colorado State University
in 1976 with a bachelor of science in natural resources.
He remained in Colorado for several years
teaching before moving to Dallas.
In 1984, he received his master of science in
education and biology from North Texas State University.
After receiving his master’s, he began a 35-
year career teaching at Trinity Christian Academy
in Addison. He taught biology I and II, and taught
the marine and field ecology curriculums in both the
middle and high school. In his early TCA years, he
coached football and wrestling. In March of 1988,
he married Rhonda Ice Adams. Subsequently, they
were blessed with three daughters, Aubrey, Brianna
and Autumn.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rhonda;
children, Aubrey Fults, Brianna Hein and Autumn
Adams; three grandchildren; and sister, Ruthie
Shook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations
be made to Trinity Christian Academy’s
Student Tuition Aid program or Deerfoot Lodge.
OBITUARIES
Robert “Mark” McCall

June 16, 1954 – May 6, 2025
DENTON – Robert “Mark” McCall, 70, died on
May 6, 2025 at his home in Denton, TX.
There was a visitation on from noon until service
time on May 10 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship
Hall in Nocona. A funeral service followed
at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nocona
with Father Albert Frances officiating. Interment
followed in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers were
W.R. Yarbrough, Brent Burke, Robbie Storey, David
Paine, John Grigsby and Larry Gee.
He was born June 16, 1954 in Nocona to C.S. Mc-
Call and Elizabeth “Betty” Terrell McCall. He grew
up and went to school in Nocona. While in school
he was a drummer in the school band. He later
went on to play for a country music band for many
years. McCall had his bachelor of arts in banking
and worked as a banker for his career. He married
Jayne Vickery on Nov. 10, 1979 in Las Vegas, NV.
He is survived by his wife, Jayne McCall, Denton;
daughters, Rachel McCall, Melissa and Mary Catherine
McCall, Keller; son, Robert “Mark” McCall Jr.,
Grand Prairie; sister, Holly McCall, Nocona; brother,
John T. McCall, Dallas and three grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Autism
Speaks, autismspeaks.org. or Lucky Paws Animal
Shelter, 653 Airport Rd., Nocona, TX 76255.
OBITUARIES
Lila Beth Deweber

July 14, 1942 – May 9, 2025
BOWIE – Lila Beth Deweber, 83, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,
and friend, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 12 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A funeral service took place at 10 a.m. on May 13 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, with Sam Campbell officiating. Burial followed at Prairie Branch Cemetery in Bowie.
Lila was born July 14, 1942, in Hawley, TX to Odis Ray King and Ruby Elizabeth Davis, and spent her childhood in Bowie where she made lifelong memories and friendships.
From a young age, Lila possessed a strong, independent spirit and a heart full of love. At just 15, she married Billy Ray Beasley, and together they raised three wonderful children: Billy Don, Bobby Dale and Kathryn Dawn. Lila was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide a loving home filled with warmth, laughter and resilience. Throughout her life, Lila was known in Bowie as a hardworking and resourceful entrepreneur.
She successfully ran several small businesses and was admired for her determination, kindness and strong work ethic.
In 1984, Lila married Arcue Deweber, and the two enjoyed peaceful days together on their acreage just outside of town. Her home became a cherished gathering place for family, where grandchildren and great-grandchildren would visit to play, ride four-wheelers, and spend precious time with their Grandma. She adored those moments and found deep joy in being surrounded by her growing family.
Lila’s faith was a guiding force in her life. She found strength and comfort in her walk with the Lord and was an active member of her church community. She also treasured her friendships and loved spending time in fellowship, sharing laughter, wisdom, and compassion with those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Odis Ray King and Ruby Elizabeth Davis; husband, Arcue Deweber; beloved daughter, Kathryn Gullage; and brothers, Billy King and Odis King Jr.
Lila is survived by her sons, Billy Beasley and wife Janice, and Bobby Beasley and wife Kala; grandchildren, Jessica Corbett and husband Mike, William Beasley, Dustyn Beasley, Josh Gullage and wife Becky, Dani Blackburn and husband John, Ty Gullage and wife Ashley, Kelli Briseno and husband Brian, Samuel Beasley, Sarah Beasley and Benny Redlin; great-grandchildren children, Caitlin, Cortney, Owen, Mackenzie, Tobias, Peyton, Hunter, Nathan, Emma, Kinley, Ollie, Rian, Ava, Jameson, Ben, Blaire, Luna, and Shiloh; brother, Don King; sister, Clara (Sis) Miller; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Lila Beth Deweber will be remembered for her fierce devotion to family, her entrepreneurial spirit, her steadfast faith, and the love she poured into every life she touched. Her memory will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved her.
Arrangement entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.
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