Obituary of Gerald Lynn Walles

 Gerald “Jerry” Walles, 78, passed away at his home on January 11, 2025. Jerry was born in Michigan on December 15th. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and early in life surrendered his life to ministry and completed seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His career in ministry brought him to Texas, where he served in many pastoral roles throughout his lifetime. He served his country in the United States Air Force, something he was proud of and truly changed his life.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Alma Britt Walles, his mother and step-father Helen and Larry Colby, his father and step-mother Percy and Lydia Walles, and a sister Carolyn Rose Walles. He is survived by his sisters Bev (John) Lisee, Debbie Walles and Pat Gilbert. He is also survived by his son Phillip (Jill) and his children Gannon (McKayla), Davon, Ella (fiancée Jackson), and Evan. He is also survived by his daughter Melissa (Brock) George and their children BJ, Rebecca (Austin), and Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

For those of you who knew him, his relationship with the Lord was first and foremost in his life. He genuinely cared for those in his community and spent his life serving others. In his later years when his body was not as cooperative as his spirit, he would spend hours in prayer and Bible reading. If you’re reading his obituary, it is likely that he prayed for you. We are forever grateful for the time he spent lifting our family up in prayer.

Arrangements will include a private burial for just the immediate family and two memorial services for family and friends. A service will take place at Reklaw Baptist Church at 6:00pm on Wednesday, January15th; a place near and dear to Jerry’s heart where he spent the majority of his ministry. A second service will be held on Sunday, January 26th at 3 pm at First Baptist Church in Smithville, Jerry’s current church.

Jerry would want first and foremost his obituary to be about the Lord. Second, he would want you to not send flowers. Two of the ministries near to his heart were Feed the Need (https://feedtheneed.org/donate-now/) that supports hungry people in Smithville and Mission Dignity: a ministry of Guidestone (https://www.guidestone.org/Mission-Dignity) that supports retired ministers.

Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Funeral Program - January 26, 2025

Christmas Favorites - Northeast Orchestra

 Gail and I attended the concert.

Program

Jeff Lynne's ELO at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Date

October 18, 2024

Location

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX 

Parking

AAC BLUE PARKING

Tickets

Opening Act

Rooney, fronted by  Robert Schwartzman, brother of Jason Schwartzman

Concert Pics

Review

While I didn't know any of their songs, the opening act was good.  I will have to go back and listen to their albums.  They are described as a 'power pop revival' band with elements of ELO, The Cars, Huey Lewis, and more.

We saw Jeff Lynne's ELO the last time they came through Dallas, and we had high expectations, and they did not disappoint.   At 75, Jeff Lynne seemed a bit tentative walking out, but he still sounded great and delivered about 90 minutes straight of all his hits.  The production was amazing, and the big band sound was incredible.  I couldn't believe how they could pick up all the sounds and have them balanced in the mix.  I could hear all the guitars, the strings, keyboards, and even the hand-held pieces like the maracas, tamborine, and hand claps.  

Setlist

Fort Worth Stockyards Ghost Tour

Event

Fort Worth Stockyards Ghost Tour

Date

October 17, 2024

Location

Cowtown Winery

128 E Exchange Ave Suite 610

Fort Worth, TX 76164

Host

Casey Carlisle Mullins, Edward Jones

Caitlyn West, Edward Jones

Guide

Rose

Attendees

Craig and Gail Backus

Casey and Jonathan Mullins

Micheale and James Pless

Amanda Bell

Description

The ghost tour was very interesting and seemed well-researched.  I have no idea how much of it was true, but Rose did an excellent job in outlining the research she claimed to have completed and how it related to the different locations in the Stockyards.  We were able to see different parts of the Stockyards we didn't even know existed, and it made us interested to know more about the history of the different buildings in the Stockyards.

Lynn E. Backus, Sr Obituary

 

With his family by his side, and in the comfort of his own home, Lynn E. Backus, Sr., age 85, entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on October 31, 2022.

Lynn was born December 21, 1936, in Ilion, NY, the son of Charles and Reba (Brewer) Backus. Raised and educated in Mohawk, Lynn graduated from Mohawk Central School in 1954. After graduating, he took over and worked the family dairy farm for many years. Lynn's number one priority was providing for his family. He was a lifelong Harley Davidson owner, and loved riding any chance he could get.
Lynn leaves behind his wife, Susan (married for 34 years, together for 37), 3 sons, Edward James (Lori) of Mohawk, Thomas Henry (Noreen) of Ilion, Timothy Noel (Lynnette) of Tupper Lake, and one daughter, Deborah Lynn, of Cookson, OK, one step-son, Christopher Bouck of Beebe, AR, as well as 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Lynn spent over 40 with DuPont; at the Remington Arms plant in Ilion, and as plant manager of Hazen Tec, in Hazen, AR.
Lynn was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Reba, his brother Ronald, sister Sandra, and first born son, Lynn Jr.
A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 90 Morgan Street, Ilion, on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of calling hours, please come early and share your stories and pictures of Lynn with his family and friends. He will be missed by all that knew him.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by Fenner Funeral Home - Herkimer on Nov. 2, 2022.

Robert Owen Pelletier Obituary

NAUGATUCK - Robert Owen Pelletier, 64, passed away on September 28, 2020. He was the husband, best friend and love of Mary (Roberts) Pelletier. They had grown up together in that friendship and love from the time they were young teens and it was the bedrock of the life they built together.

Bob was born on April 23,1956, and grew up in Ilion, NY, the son of the late Alton and Inita (Sexton) Pelletier and youngest brother of William Pelletier (wife Kathryn) and Elizabeth (Pelletier) Backus who predeceased him.

He was a proud Navy veteran, having served as an ET-1st class on the U.S.S. Fulton out of New London, CT for the majority of his assigned military service. He honored his fellow veterans working with them as a member of the Naugatuck American Legion Post #17 and proudly marched with his brothers in service at every opportunity.

Bob was a dedicated member of the Congregational Church of Naugatuck and served as Treasurer and all around fix-it person. His church was truly an extension of his family. He loved them dearly and showed God’s love in service to them.

His career in engineering started in the Navy and later focused on Process Controls at Arnold’s Bakery in Greenwich, CT. He later joined Nutmeg Electric in Naugatuck and then Avanceon from which he retired to support and care for his youngest child, Zelda, through health issues and later her transition.

Besides his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Bob is survived by his three children: Kristin (and her partners Jaime and Kris) of Salem, MA, Lauryn (and her husband Jonathan) of Middletown, CT, and Zelda of Naugatuck, CT. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Owen, Elena, and Gabriel. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Barbara (Williams) Roberts, and predeceased by his father-in-law Tegid Roberts. He will be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, siblings-in-law, and his adopted UWP family.

The family is so very grateful for the love, prayers, and support of friends, Mary’s co-workers at Key Human Services and especially Mary’s sister Liz Laura and her sons Adam, Ryan and Jonathan for walking with them through this devastating time.

Arrangements - A COVID-conscious Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 1pm at the Congregation Church of Naugatuck, Division St. with additional outdoor streaming and seating available across the street on the green. Everyone is asked to wear a mask and respect CDC physical distancing guidelines. A time of sharing will be held following the service on the green in lieu of calling hours. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Congregational Church of Naugatuck, 9 Division St., Naugatuck, CT 06770 or UWPIAA- Up With People International Alumni Association, 6800 Broadway, Ste. 106, Denver, CO 80221.

Obituary for Douglas Wilcox

May 21 1945,  February 19 2020

Douglas L. Wilcox, 73, of The Villages, passed away on February 19, 2020. Douglas was born on May 21, 1946 in Pontiac, Michigan to Arthur and Gurnith (Shippey) Wilcox. Douglas married Loretta Britt and she preceded him death in 2002. He married Mary Wyka on August 31, 2006 and she survives. Douglas was a member of the Village of Faith Church in The Villages. Douglas was teacher for many years in Michigan and retired in 2003. Douglas and his wife founded the Michigan Club South, ran a Euchre Club, and a Table Shuffleboard Club. He was a volunteer in Florida Red Cross bell ringer, the Wildwood Booster Club, and Gleaners Food Bank in Michigan. Douglas is survived by his wife Mary; son Marcus (Stacey) of Michigan, daughter Gail (Craig) Backus of Texas, step-daughters Michele (Dennis) Anscombe of Texas, Laurie Wyka of Arizona, Nisha Wyka of Arizona, grandchildren Jason, Etta, Nate, Curt, step-grandchildren Cody and Nick, and sister Darlene (Jim) Garver of Michigan. There will be a Memorial Service at Village of Faith Church in The Villages on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 AM with a Visitation 1 hour prior to service. A Memorial Service will be held on March 8th at 2:00 with a Visitation 1 hour prior to service at the Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dexter, Michigan. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Howell, Michigan. Memorials may be made to Village of Faith Church, 8653 County Road 127, Wildwood, Florida 34785. 

All About Nate Backus

During the first week of school, Nate's English teacher gave the parents' homework to tell her a little about our child in a million words or less. Gail wrote the following essay:

Nate or Nathaniel is one of our miracle boys (Nate via fertility medicine).  He was born in Michigan in metro Detroit the summer of 2004.  He lived there with his family until we moved to Fort Worth for mom’s job in the summer of 2013.  From his birth till 2013 he lived in Redford, MI but attended a Lutheran School in Royal Oak, MI from 4 years old through 3rd grade.  He struggled with reading/writing until we all agreed there was a problem and found an amazing tutor in 2nd grade.  It is our belief that she worked miracles and had some great techniques that clicked with Nate.  Now he enjoys reading and we believe a little ahead of the game.  We are just so proud of all the hard work he’s done to get where he’s at today.  One of his “fun” activities is attending Explore Horizons where he gets enhanced lessons in reading and math.  He chose this over the summer instead of various other activities.  

Nate has a younger brother, Curt/Curtis who is 4 that is a miracle via adoption.  Curt’s from Ethiopia and Nate was able to travel there when we finally became a family of four.  He may not think much of Ethiopia as he didn’t care too much for the food, but did get to see how others live in a third world country.  While we stayed in the capital, Addis Ababa, he did get to travel outside into the country a bit to see the mud and stick huts compared to city living.  While there, he toured museums, saw the replica of Lucy’s bones, visited old churches and went shopping in one of the markets.  

Nate as a person is an emotional, sensitive, smart, obedient, funny and sarcastic kid.  His first day of middle school he described as anarchy as kids were not walking on the right paths and not following the instructions given.  I believe he’s seen this change but it shows his humor and rule following mindset.

Nate’s passion and dream job is video games and architectural design.  He’s already looking into the top universities in the country that offer various gaming and design degrees.  During the summer, he asked if we could visit UT Austin as they have one of the top programs in the US.  Last year he and his buddies started a club, S.W.A.N. (secretly we are nerds) and he worked to promote it online (sites approved and overseen by dad) during the summer.    Art may not be his strong area, but he is very creative and enjoys various crafts and painting secretly with mom.  With dad its movies and comics.      

Nate only has one living grandparent, his papa who lives in Florida with his wife (Grandma Mary) who he sees maybe once or twice a year now.  They are extremely close since Nate was the first grandchild and born into the world during a crazy time bringing much needed joy.  He has an uncle (and family) in Michigan and an aunt (and cousins) in upstate New York.  However there is extended family living here in Texas he’s starting to get to know.  

We were told some of his goals for 6th grade are to be in the top 50 so he can attend a special camp later in the year.  He also was interested in the Whiz Kids group that was discussed at the orientation in early August.  

Ron the Mine Inspector?

Today was my Dad's birthday, and I always like to remember him today than the day he died..... 

One of my favorite stories he told was about going to a mine in New England. We used to go to New Hampshire every summer for a week, and my dad was a rockhound.... He would often wear a work shirt, and dickies to dig through dirt, rocks, etc. He rolled up to a mine with his working gear on, and pulled a hard-hat out of the trunk. (of course he had a hard hat!)

He walked up to the mine and asked a guy for a tour. The guy grabbed the foreman and gave my dad the five-star tour of the operation. It became evident that the foreman thought my dad was some sort of inspector and not just a curious rockhound. My dad never told him a story, but just went along with it and got a tour that no other rockhound got that summer! My dad said thanks for the tour at the end, and the foreman probably breathed a sigh of relief thinking he passed some kind of safety inspection. In the end, everyone was happy.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Fruit Pie Surprise

I was able to enjoy some great cooking on my way from Michigan to Texas this past weekend, and it reminded me of another story......   I was able to enjoy some peach cobbler courtesy of Gail's Aunt Mary.  It, along with the dry-rub ribs that had purchased especially for our visit, were AWESOME!

My father had a blueberry story of his own.  His mother, my grandmother, Reba loved baking.  One time she made a blueberry pie, and my father decided to have a piece as soon as it came out of the oven.  He cut himself a piece, and realized that the area he removed filled in with more blueberries!  He decided that must be part of his piece, so he scooped those up too!  And voila, MORE blueberries filled in afterward, and he filled up his plate and enjoyed them all.

A little while later, his brother Lynn came along and thought he would have a piece of pie.  However, when he cut his, there was little filling left and my Dad was off in another room having a good laugh.  

Bug-Zapper - Ron style.............

I was watching Jimmy Fallon last night, and it reminded me of a story my father told me.........  His stories always had two themes........ One is that people generally underestimated him, and he was always able to get the upper hand.  (I'm guessing the stories that don't fit these categories were edited out.)

My father was quite an outdoorsman.  In his teens, he traveled all over his parents property and would trap various animals and sell the pelts for money.  He also liked to go hunting, and he reloaded his own ammunition to save money.  He would reload shotgun shells and bullets for various types of weapons.

One day a friend came over and they were in the small shed covering the spring that fed water to the house and farm.  He used this as his "reloading shack" and he and his friend were having a friendly conversation when a big horsefly kept flying around bothering them.  Without missing a beat, my father picked up his six-shooter and plastered the fly against the roof of the shed.  His friend yelled out a yelp and didn't know what to think!  Evidently my father used his bullet molds to make wax bullets!  He loaded the shells with gunpowder and had himself quite a bug-zapper!  

Sandra M. Herron - Obituary

Richfield Springs - Columbia

Sandra M. Herron, age 66, of Hayner Rd., Town of Columbia, Richfield Springs, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 13, 2013. 

She was born on August 31, 1946, the daughter of Charles and Reba Backus, and graduated from Mohawk High School in 1965. On June 19, 1971, she was married to Richard T. Herron at St. James Church, Ft. Plain. Sandra was employed at Duofold Co. for many years. Survivors include her husband, Richard T. Herron; her mother-in-law, Genevieve Herron; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard T. Herron, II, and Charissa; three grandchildren, Laina and Richard T. Herron, III, and Kylah Hisert; her brother, Lynn Backus; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Ronald Backus. 

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, E. Main St., Mohawk, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mark Cunningham, Sacramental Minister, assisted by Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 15, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion. 

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Sandra, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Cedarville Ambulance Corps. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Herron family has entrusted all funeral arrangements to their family Funeral Director, Don Applegate.

Published in The Observer-Dispatch on May 14, 2013

Lynn E. Backus, Jr. - Obituary

Mohawk

Lynn E. Backus, Jr., 53, of Mohawk, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 9, 2013, in the Little Falls Hospital, with his loving family by his side. He was born on May 11, 1959, in Ilion, the son of Lynn E. and Elizabeth Robothom Backus, Sr. Lynn was a graduate of Mohawk High School, Class of '78, and SUNY Morrisville with a degree in Agriculture. He continued training and received his CDL. On March 20, 1996, Lynn married the former Majorie Martin in Schuyler. Lynn was currently employed as a truck driver and mechanic with Ron Allen Trucking, Canajoharie. He loved his career and had a great knowledge as a mechanic. Lynn was a true family man, who took pleasure in spending time and having fun with all of his family and friends. During his spare time, he would be in his garage always working on some project. Lynn is surviving by his loving and devoted wife, Marjorie; his father, Lynn E. Backus, Sr., and his wife, Susan (Step-Monster); his mother, Elizabeth Backus; his sons and daughter-in-law, Joe Martin and his wife, Rebecca, of W. Winfield, Derek Martin, of Mohawk, and Lynn E. Backus, III, of Mohawk; his granddaughter, Emily Morgan Martin, of W. Winfield; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed Backus and his wife, Lori, of Mohawk, Tom Backus and his wife, Norreen, of Ilion, and Tim Backus and his wife, Chris, of Watertown; his sister, Deb Ellison, of OK; his special friends, Jason and Michele Brewer, of Mohawk; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, Town of Frankfort, from 4-7 p.m. Lynn's funeral service will commence at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013, with Rev. Robert Wollaber officiating, immediately following the visitation at the funeral home. Online condolences may be given by visiting www.eneafamily.com. The family is being cared for by Scott J. Pizer, funeral director for the Enea Family Funeral Homes.

Published in The Observer-Dispatch on February 12, 2013

Curt's Dedication

"first Christmas"

Wow - it is amazing we have been dreaming and wondering what today would be like officially for 2 years and it finally arrived. In reality I've been dreaming and wondering about today for probably 5 or 6 years! The first Christmas as a family of 4! Well today FINALLY arrived and I have to say - it was perfect. Yeah - we missed our angels in heaven - life will never be the same without our grandparents, however my dad, step mom and step sister were here. And it has been 2 years since I saw my sister Nisha! I was so happy to finally have her back and to also for her to meet and hold Curt. So having Curt FINALLY here - at last was wonderful! Last year we had just gotten back a few weeks before from holding Curt - so this year he was HOME! Wow that boy is full of energy - he's amazing And Sunday we were also blessed to have him dedicated in our church - it was a great weekend. So last night was Christmas eve - and we had a jam packed day - to get home with lots of snow. The first REAL snow fall Curt's seen. wow that little spit fire got out of the van and ran around the whole front yard (it isn't big) but touching and kicking and running through the snow! It was wonderful to watch. Then this morning after Santa arrived - and with Nate! I am truly blessed with these two boys! Nate got his Skylander's Giants (not working as we'd hoped) and a Red Rider BB Gun! Yikes - hope he doesn't shoot his eye out - and Curt well - bath time toys and anything Thomas the train! And other cars! All perfect for him. It was just a perfect day. I'm hoping we can post the video of the dedication here as well. Our day was fun. II hope everyone was able to spend time thinking about the miracle of today's main Birthday - the birth of Jesus! I feel like he's been doing a LOT through our lives. Thanks for following. Merry Christmas, Love Gail