Obits

Charles Evan "Chuck" Peterson PARIS, TEXAS Charles "Chuck" Evan Peterson passed away on August 25, 2026, surrounded by his sons and beloved wife at his home in Paris, Texas. He was 70 years old. Born on September 1, 1955, in Virginia, Minnesota, Chuck was the youngest of three children of Gerald and Sivia Peterson and was raised in Tower, Minnesota. Chuck had a deep passion for music, particularly for playing the bass guitar. In his twenties, he traveled across the country performing with his band. After settling in Odessa, Texas, to raise his children, he continued to share his musical talent by playing with Jerry Dugan and West Wind. Together, they opened for many of country music's biggest legends, including George Strait and Garth Brooks. Once his children were grown, Chuck and his wife, Wanda, relocated to Rockwall, Texas, where he played in the house band at Billy Bob's, opening for major acts such as Willie Nelson. A proud Grandpa, Chuck cherished his time with his grandchildren, Kate and Taylor Peterson, Dustin Pruett - Almquist and Landrie Almquist. He cherished watching them grow and loved cheering them on in all their endeavors. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Sivia Peterson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Peterson; his sons, Zach (Alyssa) Peterson and Jeremy Peterson; stepdaughters Jamie (Joe) McKenzie, Jill (Brett) Tunnel, Brandy (Dwight) Mitchell, Heather (Almquist) Pruett, and Robin (Preston) Robinson; treasured grandchildren, Kate, Taylor Peterson, Dustin Pruett - Almquist, and Landrie Almquist; siblings John (Carol) Peterson and Gail Peterson; brother - and sister - in - law Steve and Cathy Young; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Chuck will be laid to rest in his hometown of Tower, Minnesota. A graveside service will be held on September 25th at 11 AM. He will be remembered for his love of music, his devotion to family, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tower Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 874, Tower, MN 55790, in Chuck Peterson's memory.

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Richard Norman "Dickie" Putnam MENTONE, TEXAS Richard Norman "Dickie" Putnam was born November 29, 1941, in Hamilton, Texas, to Donald Dean Putnam and Edith Pauline Atchley Putnam. He grew up in the Gatesville area and cherished memories of his childhood at Fort Hood. Dickie graduated from high school in Flat, Texas, with the Class of 1961. He participated in basketball, football, track, FFA and 4 - H, serving as football captain and FFA vice president. He was also a first - prize winner in 4 - H and was voted a class favorite. During his younger years, Dickie also rode bulls for several years, something he remained proud of throughout his life. In 1964, Dickie moved to Orla, Texas, where he lived for 17 years and began working for Phillips. He later moved to Mentone, Texas, which remained his home. He worked for Phillips for more than 30 years before retiring. A lifelong rancher, Dickie spent more than 25 years running the Boyd Johnson Ranch in Orla, TX. He had a lifetime of knowledge about cattle, horses and ranching. Whether breaking colts, caring for cattle or figuring out how to fix whatever needed fixing, there was very little he couldn't find a way to do. Beginning in 1992, Dickie served as sheriff of Loving County for 12 years. Dickie raised two sons and lived by the strong work ethic that defined much of his life. He had a tough exterior, but those who knew him best knew the soft heart beneath. He was willing to help when he could and had a special love for animals, especially his dogs. He was also extremely particular?about just about everything. Those who knew him well understood that there was usually a right way, a wrong way and Dickie's way. Dickie loved making people laugh and nearly always had a funny saying, joke or story to share. He enjoyed his dogs, Westerns, Fox News, good company and a glass of Crown and Coke. He could play the spoons, too. And although he loved a good Western, he had absolutely no use for John Wayne, whom he usually referred to simply as "that counterfeit SOB." Dickie is survived by his sons, Jesse Vernon Jones and wife Linda, and Donald Paul Putnam and wife Lynell; grandchildren Jessica Williamson and husband Steve, Donna Jo Tompkins and husband Curt, John Paul Jones and wife Morgan, Will Putnam and wife Julia, Tracy Putnam and husband Landon Fryar, and Jesse Putnam; 16 great - grandchildren; his special niece Barbara; and his longtime best friend Joe of Gatesville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy Putnam; his parents, Donald Dean Putnam and Edith Pauline Atchley Putnam; his sister, Margaret D. Putnam Stevens and her husband, Bryan Stevens; and many other family members and friends dear to him. Dickie passed away September 2, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, after a fight with cirrhosis of the liver. Dickie was a cowboy, rancher, sheriff, father, grandfather, great - grandfather and friend. He worked hard, spoke his mind, helped when he could and always seemed to have a joke or saying ready. It is difficult for our family to comprehend just how much knowledge went with him. We often talked about how he could have filled a book with everything he knew and the stories he had to tell. We only wish now that we had gotten the chance to hear and preserve more of it. We will miss his humor, his stories and all the little things that made him who he was to us?Daddy and Grandpa. He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly and a lifetime of memories we will always hold close. Viewing will be held Wednesday, September 9, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Pecos Funeral Home in Pecos, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial to follow.

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Thomas Abner Thompson BRECKENRIDGE, TEXAS Thomas Abner Thompson May 12, 1948 to August 30, 2026 When you hear the phrase "God broke the mold after he made THAT one.", rest assured it applied to Thomas Abner Thompson. He was a man that inspired others around him to be better. He wasn't an educated man, but Lord those hands of his. There wasn't anything he touched that he couldn't build, repair, grow, or provide with those hands. And for 78 years of his life he did exactly that. He was selfless and kind beyond measure. He'd fix your car, help you move, loan you money if you were in a bad spot. It was just who he was. Always present. If you needed him, you could count on one thing. He'd be the first one there. I assure you, if he didn't outlive you, and you're reading this, chances are he has helped you as well. He loved family. He was infectious, and funny. And he loved to be a jokester. But most of all, he loved his wife Rhonda. And for 48 years, they loved each other with the kind of love they write songs and movie scripts about. It wasn't always perfect, but they remained faithfully dedicated to each other to the very end. His hand was in hers the moment he left this world. If you knew him, he left a lasting impression you'll carry the rest of your life. That was Thomas. The kindest, strongest, hardest working, most loyal and dedicated human being that those who met him have ever known. And the world is a lesser place without him, and he will forever be missed and remembered. Reunited in rest with his parents, Thomas Abner Thompson Sr. and Mary Janosik, his siblings Terry Thompson and Diana Quilodran, and his beloved mother - in - law, Dorothy Rose Cobb. Thomas leaves behind a rich legacy of family and love. His memory will be cherished by the love of his life, Rhonda Thompson, and his children: Christopher Jones, Jason Jones and his wife Lynnette, Paul Thompson, Thomas Brown, and April Thompson. He is also remembered by his siblings, Lovella Fisher, Patricia Janosik, Kathleen Janosik, and Robert Thompson, alongside his sister - in - law Vicki Harris (Sissy)?his favorite target for playful teasing. Above all, Thomas was a deeply proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 3 great - grandchildren. As per Thomas' request, there will not be a public funeral service following his cremation. He wanted to be remembered as he was through the memories shared during his life.

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